The following two articles on Wisconsin regiments that include local companies are from the
February 13, 1864, issue of The Prescott Journal. We know, from Edwin Levings’ January 26, 1864, letter that the 12th Infantry was not coming home on furlough, but the people of the St. Croix Valley did not yet know that.
The 12th Regiment.
The 12th Regiment has mainly re-enlisted, and Co. A. was expected home on furlough, but it appears they have joined an expedition down the Mississippi under Gen. Sherman [William T. Sherman].
The State Journal says: “The 12th expected to return as a veteran regiment re-enlisted, for a thirty days furlough, but by some mistake their re-enlistment papers were not completed until after the order to join this expedition was received. They will therefore not return until the expedition has been completed.”
The Thirtieth Regiment.
We have recently seen a letter from our Member of Congress, stating that this fine regiment should be collected together, and immediately ordered into active service. Capt. Fulton’s company [David C. Fulton] and another, are in Dacotah Territory, and would have to march through deep snow and intense cold, several hundred miles before they would reach a railroad. It would be a matter of great difficulty, and extreme hazard to the lives of the soldiers, to undertake to march for their regiment before next May or June, as the spring floods will make the sloughs and small streams quite impassable.
We see no reasonable prospect, therefore, of the Regiment being collected together before the middle of next summer.
It has always appeared to us, that this regiment, nearly 1100 strong, has been kept idle through an influence at Madison that is not creditable to the executive powers that be. We notice that Gov. Lewis [Lewis] has inaugurated several new reforms, and we hope that he will take this matter in hand, and send this regiment, or at least what there is left of it in the State, to the front. Officers and privates are all desirous of going where they can be of some service. It is a pity and a shame that so fine a body of men, so well drilled, and offcered [sic], should not have an opportunity to earn for the government even the rations they consume.—Hudson North Star
— The Star, we thing [sic: think] is unjust in its criticism on the State authorities, as the 30th has done much useful service, and the Governor had little or nothing to do in retaining the Regiment in the State.
At the same time, we hope the 30th may be ordered into active service, which we know they generally desire.
From the March 4, 1863, issue of The Prescott Journal come the following news items.
Indian Raids.
There seems to be simultaneous, if nor [sic: not] a systematic movement among certain persons, contractors, speculators and jobbers, on our western fronteer [sic] in Minnesota, Nebraska, Dakota and Iowa, to create a panic in relation to apprehended Indian raids on the opening of spring. The object of these mercenary men is to induce military movement in this direction, involving a great outlay, whereby they hope to secure a large reward. Even in this state an effort has been made to induce the Legislature to make a large appropriation as a “Contingent” Indian War fund, to be really an electioneering fund. From all the reliable knowledge we can gather on this subject, we do not behave [sic: believe] there is the least prospect of any disturbance with the Indians. The stories of Indian purposes and savage preparations for a general border warfare next season, are trumped up for mercenary purposes. Hudson North Star.
(From the Louisville Journal Feb 16)
We desire peace as ardently as the most orthodox follower of the humane Penn,¹ but the country can accept no offer of peace from the rebels until it is able to dictate and enforce the terms and we can listen to no propositions for truce unless coupled with a promise of reconstruction. Until then our armies must be maintained in the field, and all the resources of the nation must be put forward to crush out the rebellion. The adoption of the policy of Mr. Vallandigham [Clement L. Vallandigham] at the outset of the struggle, would have been fatal to our national honor, a confession that the theory of our Government had been a lamentable failure, and an admission that the people were unable or unfit to govern themselves under republican institutions. How much more degrading and subversive of the great principles which underlie Constitution, would a craven peace be now, when we have so lavishly expended blood and treasure to maintain the integrity of the Union, and to show to the world that our popular institutions are self-sustaining, and that the great problem of our Government has not reduced its demonstration to an absurdity.
EXPENSES OF SUPPORTING CONTRABANDS AT HILTON HEAD.—Frequent charges of enormous expenditures by the Government for the support of the Contraband negroes at Hilton Head and vicinity, during its occupancy by the national troops have been made. Congress has called on the Secretary of the Treasury [Salmon P. Chase] to inform it respecting the expenses for maintaining the slaves, &c, in that district from the commencement of the rebellion. The Secretary replies that there has been expended for agricultural implements, in round numbers, $77,018 ; for the purchase of the schooner Flora, $31,350 ; for white labor, $85,748 ; for colored labor, $34,527 total expenses, $255,705.
From this expenditure has been realized $726,984, Deducting the above expenses there remains on hand from this fund $501,279. This was up to June last, at which time the business was transferred to the War Department. The schooner Flora was used for transporting property to New York, and for military operations, and can now be sold at an advance above her cost.
The Secretary says that no expenditure whatever has been made from the Treasury on account of the cultivation of the plantations, or the collection of cotton, or the educational or benevolent care of the laborers. The rations furnished by the War Department were paid for by the use of the Flora. More than half a million of dollars was saved by these operations, and is in the hands of the assistant Treasurer at New York.—State Journal.
1. William Penn (1644-1718), founder of Pennsylvania and a Quaker.
Following are the smaller articles from The Hudson North Star and The Prescott Journal of September 24, 1862. You will notice in the first article that this is the last issue of the North Star that either editor—Sidney Star or Joe Elwell—is involved with until after the War. Unfortunately for us, it is also the last issue of the North Star that we have until 1866.
From The Hudson North Star:
TO OUR PATRONS.
With this issue of the STAR, Dr. I. N. VAN SLYKE assumes the editorial charge of the paper. During the absence of both the proprietors at the seat of war, we ask for Dr. VAN SLYKE the same encouragement which we have always received at your hands, and which his talents and integrity so justly entitle him.
We have reason to expect that the policy which the STAR has advocated, since the war commenced, will be pursued by our successor, for with us he has been an honorable and active member of the grand union party since its formation, and believes, in common with the masses, that, while our brothers and fathers are bleeding and dying on the tented field, it is no time for wrangling over party politics at home.
While at home, we shall act as corresponding editors to the paper, and we trust, that with Dr. VAN SLYKE at the helm, we shall be able to make the STAR a welcome visitor to the homes of our friends in the St. Croix Valley.
J. S. ELWELL.
S. S. STARR.
— The 30th Regiment will go into camp in a few days, at Madison.
DEAD.—The sad intelligence has been received here, that CHARLES WADE and Wm. W. HATCH, members of the Hudson City Guards, have recently died in the hospital of New Orleans. We have no particulars of their death, and can only say that, two praiseworthy and noble young men have laid their lives upon their country’s alter [sic], while in its service for the defence of the precious inheritage bequeathed us by our fathers.
“SKEDADDLED.”—From the following advertisement, which has been handed us for publication, we judge one man of Capt. HARRIMAN’S [Samuel Harriman] company is better adapted for retreating than fighting. God have mercy on a coward :
FIVE CENTS REWARD.
The above reward will be given for the arrest and return of CHARLES COLBETH, a private in the 30th Regiment, Wis. Vol. Said COLBETH is 22 years and 10 months old, is five feet eight and a half inches high, has blue eyes, light hair, fair complexion, and white liver.
The above reward must include all expenses, as the government cannot afford to expend more on that class of beings.
SAM HARRIMAN, Captain.
Hudson, Sept. 16th, 1862.
PERSONAL.—Capt. A. D. GRAY [Almon D. Gray], who has been with the gallant 16th Wisconsin Volunteers, since their organization, in consequence of ill health resigned his commission, and arrived at his home in this place, on Monday last. Capt. GRAY has seen and performed hard service, as only a faithful soldier can.
Lieut. OTIS MARSHALL who enlisted in the St. Croix Rifles, one of the companies of the 1st Wisconsin Regiment, has also arrived here.—Lieut. Marshall has been commissioned for meritorious conduct while in service, and assigned to one of the companies in the St. Croix Valley. We congratulate Lieut. MARSHALL on his promotion and the position assigned him among his friends, also the boys for being so fortunate in having the services of an experienced officer.
COUNTIES TO BE CREDITED.—Governor Salomon has issued the following proclamation :
MADISON, August 8.
I am notified by the War Department that I will have the power to credit the several counties with the number of men already sent from the several counties into the United States service, and I shall certainly do so in making the arrangements for drafting.
E. SALOMON, Governor.
The following appeared in both newspapers:
— Captain M. M. Samuels [Maurice M. Samuel] writes us from Superior City that he arrived at that place safe and well on the 6th inst. On his route he visited many Indians, all of whom were peacefully inclined. He says he thinks there will be no trouble with the Chippewas. He will remain at Superior until the Indian payments come off, and will see many chiefs and hold a council with them.—Polk Co. Press.
From The Prescott Journal:
Soldiers’ Dinner.
A dinner was given by the citizens of Pierce county, to the Salomon Tigers, on the 23d. The entertainment was inferior to none heretofore given to the different companies which have been organized in this county. Immediately after dinner, a fine flag, made by some of the young ladies of Prescott, was presented to the company. The presentation was made by A. H. Young, on the part of the ladies, and was received by Col. D. J. Dill for the company.
The whole proceeding was a “big thing,” and passed off to the entire satisfaction of all present.
— The 25th Regiment passed up the river last Sunday on the McClellan. They are going into Pope’s division of Indian Warriors.1
1. The 25th Wisconsin Infantry was organized at Camp Salomon in La Crosse and mustered into service on September 14, 1862. The regiment was then ordered to Saint Paul, Minnesota, on September 19, and briefly assigned to duty on the Northwestern frontier during the Dakota Indian War. It then moved to Camp Randall in Madison, where it remained until February, 1863.
The following report on the Battle of Iuka is from The Hudson North Star of September 24, 1862. For such a small article, we meet a lot more new generals.
Rosecrans [William S. Rosecrans], with general Ord1 and Hamilton’s2 divisions and Miner’s [sic]3 cavalry, attacked Price [Sterling Price], south of this village, two hours before dark yesterday, and had a sharp fight until night closed in.
Ord was to the north with 5,000 men. He had some sharp skirmishing with the enemy.
This morning the fight was renewed by Rosecrans, who was nearest the town, but it was found that the enemy had been evacuating during the night. Hailton [sic] and Stanley’s4 cavalry went in pursuit.
The loss on either side is from 400 to 500. The enemy’s loss in tents, arms, &c., will be large. We have 250 prisoners.
I have reliable intelligence that it was Price’s intention to move over into East Tennessee. In this he has failed.
Among the enemy’s loss are General Little,5 killed and General Whitford [sic]6 wounded.
1. Edward Otho Cresap Ord (1818-1883) graduated from West Point, where his roommate was William Tecumseh Sherman. As a career military officer, he served in the Seminole War, the Indian Wars, and surveyed Sacramento and Los Angeles, California. In the Civil War, Ord commanded the 2nd Division of the Army of the Tennessee. General Ulysses S. Grant sent Ord with two divisions along with General Rosecrans’s forces to intercept Sterling Price at Iuka, but Ord’s forces were never engaged. Ord likewise missed the fighting at Corinth but engaged the Confederate forces in their retreat at the Battle of Hatchie’s Bridge. There he was seriously wounded and had to leave the field.
Charles Smith Hamilton, from the Library of Congress
2. Charles Smith Hamilton (1822-1891) graduated from West Point and was a career military officer, serving with distinction in the Mexican War. In 1853 he resigned and moved to Fond dulLac, Wisconsin, where he became a farmer and miller. With the Civil War, Hamilton became colonel of the 3rd Wisconsin Infantry, but was soon promoted to brigadier general and given a brigade in Nathaniel P. Banks’ division in the Army of the Potomac. In 1862 Hamilton was transferred to the Western Theater where he commanded the 3rd Division in the Army of the Mississippi at the battles of Iuka and Corinth. Following Corinth (October 3-4, 1862), he was promoted to major general. In 1863, when Grant ordered him to Vicksburg to serve under General John Alexander McClernand, Hamilton resigned. He returned to Wisconsin, became a U.S. marshal and paper manufacturer, and died in Milwaukee. Photo: “Gen. Charles Smith Hamilton, Col. 3rd Wisc.,” from the Library of Congress.
3. John Kemp Mizner (1743- ) graduated from West Point and was a career military officer, serving primarily on the frontier, including the Border Wars in Kansas. He was commissioned colonel of the 3rd Michigan Cavalry in 1862, and participated in the Battle of Island Number 10, the Siege of Corinth (May 10-3, 1862), and Grant’s Campaign in Mississippi, serving under the command of General Rosecrans. By the Battle of Iuka, Colonel Mizner was Chief of Cavalry.
4. David Sloane Stanley (1828-1902) graduated from West Point, surveyed railroad routes in the West, and fought Indians. In the Civil War, he fought at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, was promoted to brigadier general, fought at New Madrid and Island Number Ten, and was involved in the Second Battle of Corinth (October 3-4, 1862), and the Battle of Stones River. For leading a brigade in a successful counterattack during a critical moment in the fighting at the Battle of Franklin (November 30, 1864), Stanley will receive the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1893.
5. Lewis Henry Little (1817-1862) served in the Mexican War and in the regular army. He resigned his commission in May 1861 to join the Confederate army and served with Sterling Price in the Missouri State Guard and at the battles of Pea Ridge and Corinth. He was shot in the head and killed at the Battle of Iuka, while sitting on his horse next to Sterling Price.
6. Thomas L. Snead’s report to Major General Earl Van Dorn on September 22, 1862, says that “General Little was killed; Colonels Whitfield, Mabry, and Gilmore wounded.” John Wilkins Whitfield (1818-1879) was the colonel of the 27th Texas Cavalry, will be promoted to major, and will reach the rank of brigadier general in 1863. Before the Civil War he served in the Mexican War, was an Indian agent, and was a territorial delegate to the U.S. Congress from Kansas Territory. After the War he moved to Texas and served in the Texas House of Representatives.
While battles raged in Maryland, something was happening in Kentucky, too. The Battle of Munfordville, also known as the Battle of Green River Bridge, took place on September 14-17, 1862, in Hart County, Kentucky. It was part of the Confederate Heartland Offensive. Confederate General Braxton Bragg had marched into Kentucky in late August. A portion of Bragg’s troops, under General Simon B. Buckner, headed to Munfordville, which was an important transportation center. Union Colonel John T. Wilder was in charge of the garrison at Munfordville and at first refused the Confederate’s requests for him to surrender. But after two days of siege Wilder did surrender to Buckner. Confederate control of Munfordville will hamper the movement of Union supplies and men. We recently posted a letter of Edwin Levings, who was stationed in Tennessee with the 12th Wisconsin Infantry, briefly describing the battle.
Bragg’s drive into Kentucky also included the second Battle of Cumberland Gap. The Cumberland Gap is a mountain pass through the Cumberland Mountains region of the Appalachian Mountains, where the borders of Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky meet. In June 1862, the Union had taken possession of the Gap in the first Battle of Cumberland Gap. In September, Confederate General (E.) Kirby Smith occupied the Gap after forcing Union General George Morgan1 and his troops out by cutting their supply lines. Morgan and his troops then endured an arduous 200-mile march back to the Ohio River in 16 days, being constantly harassed by John Hunt Morgan’s guerrillas.
The following articles are from the September 24, 1862, issue of The Hudson North Star.
SURRENDER OF MUNFORDSVILLE [sic].
4,0002UNION PRISONERS TAKEN.
SAFETY OF LOUISVILLE.
NASHVILLE, Sept. 19.
At the surrender of Munfordsville [sic] on Wednesday morning, the rebels took about 4,000 prisoners, who are reported to have been subsequently paroled comprising the 6th, and 67th and 80th Indiana, 400 men of the 5th Indiana, two companies of the 17th and 74th Indiana, one company of the 1st Wisconsin, one of the company of the Louisville Provost Guard and seventy recruits of the 33d Kentucky, the 4th Ohio Battery of six guns, and four other guns in position.3 The loss at Munfordsville [sic] previously stated was in Sunday’s fight. There were two or three hours of skirmishing on Wednesday, between the sharpshooters of both parties. The rebels did not attack us in force on Sunday. Gen. Palmer4 made an attack on our forces with eleven regiments. On Tuesday night Buckley’s division was added to this force. The firing on Tuesday night was a rebel feint to enable them to secure the north bank of the river. In that we lost two killed and four or five wounded. Eleven of the enemy were killed.
Very many reports are circulating from down the road, the transmission whereof is forbidden by the millitary [sic] authorities who, however, entertain the hope and belief that preparations now consumating will not only insure the safety of Louisville, but speedily clear Kentucky of her rebel invaders.
FROM CUMBERLAND GAP.
Map of Cumberland Gap operations in 1862, from the “Atlas to Accompany the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies,” plate 118, map 2 (see footnote 5)
From the Louisville Democrat.
By information received in this city from a reliable gentlemen at the Gap, we learn that a force left the Gap on the 28th ult., and made an attack on the Georgia brigade, who had been within four miles of our forces for several weeks when our forces under the indomitable General George W. Morgan,1 completely dispersed the whole brigade, killing several and taking a good many prisoners and capturing their entire camp equipage and rations, &c., sufficient to last our entire division for two months. This is a fortunate occurrence for our troops stationed at the Gap, as they have been on short rations for some time past. This will place them in a position to hold out double the length of time they have so far.
1. George Washington Morgan (1820-1893) went to West Point but left after two years due to poor grades. Instead he went to law school in Ohio and practiced law there. He served in the Texas Army under Sam Houston, commanding the post at Galveston, and in the Mexican War. In 1856 Morgan was appointed U.S. Consul to Marseilles, France. Two years later, he became the Minister to Portugal, which post he held until 1861, when he returned to the United States following the outbreak of the Civil War. Due to his previous military experience, Morgan was appointed as a brigadier general in the Union Army and served in the Western Theater. In June 1862 he was ordered to drive the Confederates from the strategic Cumberland Gap, which he did and then then successfully manned the Gap until Bragg invaded Kentucky and cut off his supply lines.
2. Estimated casualties were 4,148 Union and 714 Confederate.
3. While the 1st Wisconsin Infantry was involved in “the general movement against Bragg,” it was not at the Battle of Munfordville. The actual regiments/companies involved were:
Union
Indiana: 17th, 50th companies A, B, D, F, G, H; 60th, 67th, 68th, 74th companies C and K, 78th company K, 89th, 13th Battery Light Artillery
Kentucky: 28th company I, 33rd, 34th company G
Ohio: Battery D Light Artillery
4. Probably Joseph Benjamin Palmer (1825-1890), who was from Tennessee.
5. Atlas to Accompany the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, published under the direction of Redfield Proctor, Stephen B. Elkins, and Daniel S. Lamont, Secretaries of War, by George B. Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph W. Kirkley, Board of Publication ; compiled by Calvin D. Cowles (Washington: Government Printing Office, 1891-1895). Available in Special Collections, UWRF University Archives & Area Research Center (E 464 .U6), or digitally at Ohio State University’s eHistory.
The Battle of Shepherdstown, also known as the Battle of Boteler’s Ford, took place September 19-20, 1862, not far from Sharpsburg, where the Battle of Antietam had taken place two days before. It was fought by Confederate General Robert E. Lee‘s rear guard under General William N. Pendleton and Union General Charles Griffin from General Fitz John Porter‘s Fifth Corps. Boteler’s Ford was a mile and a half downstream from Shepherdstown, and was also called Blackford’s Ford, which name you will see in the reports. A chain of mistakes plagued the Federal force and the Confederates won the day. Meanwhile, General J.E.B. Stuart‘s cavalry was miles upriver causing trouble at Williamsport, Maryland, which you will also see briefly mentioned in the reports.
The minor disaster at Shepherdstown convinced Union General George B. McClellan that he needed to be cautious in pursuing Lee’s army in case the Confederates attempted another invasion of Maryland. Union forces reoccupied Harpers Ferry but went no farther. But the battle at Shepherdstown was the end of Lee’s Maryland Campaign. McClellan’s paralysis allowed Lee’s troops time to safely regroup in Virginia. It also contributed to President Abraham Lincoln‘s decision to remove McClellan from command of the Army of the Potomac, which will happen on November 5, 1862.
The following is from The Hudson North Star of September 24, 1862.
THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
ATTEMPTS TO CROSS THE RIVER.
Fighting on the Virgina Side.
THE REBELS ALL OVER.
REBEL ARMY DEMORALIZED
THEY LOSE 5000 MEN BY DESERTION.
FREDERICK, Sept. 21.
The 4th Michigan with a few men from Sykes’ brigade,1 crossed the river at Shepardstown [sic] ford late yesterday afternoon, to reconnoitre. They met with stout resistance from the enemy, but succeeded in reaching this side with but a slight loss and bringing with them four pieces of artillery, captured from the rebels.
The occupation of the Virgina shore was again attempted by his wing, but with less success. Acting Brig. General Barnes,2 with his own and a portion of Lyke’s [sic] brigade some cavalry and two batteries crossed and took possession of the Virgina shore.
Shortly after our troops had been placed in position, the enemy emerged with a line of infantry a mile long. Our troops soon became engaged, when an order was given to retire, which was done in good order. The enemy followed closely. When they came with in range fire was opened from twenty pieces of artillery posted on the bank, with such effect that they were obliged to retire. —Their loss must have been heavy, as the explosion of our shells was seen to make large gaps in their lines.
Our loss in killed, wounded and missing, is about 150.3
WASHINGTON. Sept. 22.
The Tribune’s correspondent write as follows:
Heavy firing was going on all day yesterday, he says, with both cannon and musketry, and many wounded men were being brought in.
Our troops had crossed the Potomac in large force, and were fighting on the other side. In the fighting so far we had decidedly the advantage over the rebels.
Yesterday we captured a whole brigade of them, 2,000 in number. This your correspondent asserts upon the testimony of his own eyes.
When he left the field at midnight on Saturday, the firing had not ceased.
On Saturday the enemy crossed at Williamsport, but were driven back by the advance of our army, assisted by the Pennsylvania militia. The attack at Blacksford disturbing their movements.
The rebel army seems to be completely demoralized and in process of dispersion.
It is believed by citizens that the rebels lost at least 5,000 men by desertion during the raid into Maryland; scarcely sufficient troops were obtained to form a company.
WASHINGTON. Sept. 21.
[Special to the Herald]—A number of wounded officers arrived here during the day; among them is Hooker [Joseph Hooker].4 His wound is slight only so far as is likely to superinduce the lockjaw. The General is attended by his staff. As Mr. Chase [Salmon P. Chase] and the other members of the Cabinet manifest apprehensions touching the conditions of Hooker, it is inferred that it is intended to give him an important command in the Western Department.
The President, today, appointed Hooker a Brigadier General in the regular army, in recognition of his valuable services.
HEAD QUARTERS, ARMY OF THE
POTOMAC, Sept. 20.
The firing heard last evening in the direction of Williamsport, turns out to be a raid of Stuart’s [J.E.B. Stuart] rebel cavalry. He crossed the Potomac on Friday night into Maryland, at that point with his cavalry. The force sent up to drive him back, arrived near the town in the afternoon.—The firing was principally from the rebel guards during the night. They recrossed into Virginia, and this morning they had disappeared from the opposite shore. No one was hurt.
The work of burying the dead still continues. They average about 1,000 per day. Tomorrow will probably finish. Maryland Heights are just occupied by a Federal Force. —The indications are that the rebels are continuing their retreat into Virginia, leaving the line of the Potomac.
1. George Sykes (1822-1880) graduated from West Point and was a career military officer, serving in the Mexican War and the Seminole War. At the First Battle of Bull Run, he commanded a collection of regular army companies, the only regulars at the battle. He continued as a division commander of regulars in the Peninsula Campaign (2nd Division, V Corps)—his men often referred to themselves as “Sykes’ Regulars”—fighting at Gaines’ Mill, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. In late June 1863, just before Gettysburg, he is given command of the V Corps and parts of his 1st and 3rd Divisions were instrumental in the defense of and attack from Little Round Top. When the Army of the Potomac was reorganized in the spring of 1864 Sykes lost his corps and was sent to the Department of Kansas.
2. James Barnes (1801-1869) graduated from West Point in the same class as Robert E. Lee. He spent most of his army service as an instructor of tactics and French at the Military Academy until he resigned to become a civil engineer for a railroad. With the Civil War Barnes became colonel of the 18th Massachusetts Infantry, which became part of the Army of the Potomac. Prior to the battle described in this post, Barnes had not seen any action. During the Confederate retreat back to Virginia, Barnes saw his first combat when his brigade was attacked by Lee’s rear guard, resulting in over 200 men shot or drowned in the Potomac River and over 100 more captured.
3. Final Union losses were 366 (73 killed, 163 wounded, 132 captured/missing) and Confederates 307 (36 killed, 267 wounded, 6 captured/missing). Figures are from the Battle of Shepherdstown entry in Encyclopedia virginia.
4. Hooker was wounded in the foot early in the morning at the Battle of Antietam and was forced to leave the field.
The following are from the September 17, 1862, issue of The Hudson North Star.
Thirtieth Regiment.
The following are the Regimental officers of the 30th regiment:
D. J. DILL, of Pierce, Colonel.
E. M. Bartlett, of Pepin, Lient [sic], Col.
____ CLOWSKY,1 of Iowa, Major.
S. S. STARR,2 of St. Croix, Quar. Mas.
OTIS HOYT, of St. Croix, Surgeon.
T. S. SPENCER, of Eau Claire, Adj’t.
The regiment contains six North western companies, two from Waushara County, and two from Iowa County.—They will go into quarters at La Crosse.
HOME AFFAIRS.
The war fund committee have given notice that they will pay no more bounties after the 13th inst.
There will be a dance to-night, at Rickord’s Hall, the proceeds of which are for the benefit of the Soldiers Aid Society. Let there be a good turn out. Tickets 50 cents.
JOE ELWELL, long and favorably known as one of the “institutions” of this county, returned on Sunday from Port Royal, whither he went, as his friends, the readers of the STAR are aware, some time in June last. South Carolina life seems to agree with him, for he is looking firstrate.
It was feared about harvest time that owing to the withdrawal of so many men from the field of labor, a good deal of grain would suffer. This fear seems not to have been realized and so far as we have heard from all parts of Pierce and St. Croix, the crops are well stacked and secured. Long strings of teams laden with the staple are coming in now daily. A man with a thoughtful mind who rides over the county occasionally, indulges in sanguine hopes of the future of the St. Croix Valley, and ceases to wonder that men in the flush times of ’56-’7, went crazy over it.
GOOD APPOINTMENTS.—We learn that Dr. OTIS HOYT has been appointed surgeon, and S. S. STARR quarter master, of the 30th Regiment. These are excellent appointments.
Dr. HOYT is one of the best surgeons in the West. He has had extensive experience in the Mexican war, and his appointment will be a great pleasure to all the members of the regiment who are acquainted with him.
Mr. STARR is also admirably qualified to make an efficient and popular officer. Ever since the war broke out, he has done all in his power to promote enlistments, and arouse the North-West to a sense of its duty.—Times.
The first actual engagement of the Brigade of the Northwest, occured [sic] on Saturday, between a scouting party, and a small force consisting of one man, a little woman, and a big knife about three feet long. (the knife, not the woman) The gallant scouting party led on by 1st Lieutenant Darling attacked the man in his castle for disciplinary purposes, and the “little woman” thereupon commenced a dangerous charge on the Lieutenant’s legs, (we believe he calls ’em legs) with the knife aforesaid.—The Lieutenant closely pursued defended himself valorously with a barrel-stave, and finally disarmed the foe by her throwing the knife at his head, while the scouts carried off the “man” by the head and heels. Go in Charley ! you showed a gallant forbearance. “None but the brave deserve the fair.”
From the Prairie du Chien Courier. To the Girls.
Girls, what are you going to do for your country, in this, its great need ?—Fold your arms and let the men do all the work and make all the sacrifices ? Fie upon me for harboring such a thought for a moment. Up, girls, and work, work with a mill. There is work enough for all — work for our hands, work for our hearts. Clothing is needed for the soldiers besides that furnished by the government. How many fair fingers will lay aside the facinating crochet and worsted work, wear garments of a little plainer fashion, and give the time formerly occupied in these pursuits, to make the more homely clothing for the hospitals ? Who among us are willing to make greater sacrifices ? You know that it is by sacrifice that precious things are rescued from danger, and what is more precious than our country ? Is she not in danger from traitors, who would tear the stars from her banner, and leave her only the stripes of the tyrant ? Shall we stand by and see what was a little cloud but which, when Sumter fell, grew black, and has since been increasing in volume and darkness, spread till it wraps our fair land in gloom, and yet make no effort to arrest its progress?
Our soldiers want comforts—comforts which can be purchased only with money, and money is not easily obtained. Can we not spare a little by spending a little less on dress and ornaments ? Believe me, girls, we shall be all the more attractive in our plain attire, when it is known that we have sacrificed our tastes in order to procure something for those who are sacrificing so much for us and for our country. Have we such dainty appetites that we must indulge them every day with sweetmeats, cakes, and other articles which require sugar, an expensive southern product, or is our health so delicate that frequent journeys are necessary for our comfort and usefulness ? Do not accuse me of dictating. I am only suggesting and asking who will sacrifice a little for a great cause.
I have spoken of little sacrifices. I now come to those of another kind.—Girls, men are needed ! Our country calls for our fathers, brothers, friends ! Let us not shrink even at this sacrifice. Let us help and strengthen them by our courage to do their duty. Let us rouse them by bold and stirring words to offer themselves a living sacrifice to the cause of Liberty and Right. Be brave, falter not, even when imagination shows what may indeed prove but too true a vision—those near and dear to us dying on the battle field or in the hospital, or returning to their homes mutilated and crippled. Many must suffer. Let us nerve them to endurance by bearing our share of suffering, and it is no light one, patiently, meekly, hopefully, looking forward to the time when we shall be rewarded by the knowledge that our land is once more free from the horrors of war, when the glorious star-spangled banner shall again float over a united nation, and in the proud consciousness that we have done what we could—and that no little part—in promoting this glorious result.
KITTIE.
1. John Clowney, from Mineral Point in Iowa County, Wisconsin.
2. Sidney S. Starr, the remaining editor of the North Star.
From The Hudson North Star of September 17, 1862, comes this lengthy report on the Battle of South Mountain, sometimes known as the Battle of Boonsboro Gap, which was fought September 14, 1862. It was part of Robert E. Lee’s Maryland Campaign.
Once again, we are meeting a lot of generals for the first time in this article.
This image is at the head of the column that the following article appeared in:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY POTOMAC. }
Three Miles beyond Meddertown.1 }
Sept. 14, 9:40 P.M. }
After a severe engagement, the corps of Gen. Hooker [Joseph Hooker] and Gen. Reno2 have carried the right, commanding the Hagerstown Road, by storm. The troops behaved magnificently ; they never fought better.
Gen. Franklin [William B. Franklin] has been hotly engaged on the extreme left. I do not know the result, except that firing indicates progress on his part.
The action continued till after dark and terminated, leaving us in possession of the entire west. It has been a glorious victory.
I cannot tell whether the enemy will retreat during the night, or appear in increased force in the morning.
I regret to add that the gallant and able Gen. Reno is killed.2
The Star says, at 9 A.M. to-day, the engagement at Burnside’s [Ambrose E. Burnside] position had not been renewed. He was then in in [sic] disputed possession of an advantageous crest of the mountain, from which he drove the enemy the night before. The firing that commenced at day break to-day was an attack of the enemy on Franklin’s corps on the road to Harper’s Ferry. No direct communication was had with that corps at 9 o’clock this morning.
The telegraph operator at Point of Rocks reports that Franklin was heavily engaged this morning, some miles in front of him. The operator says the division or an army corps that yesterday morning occupied Hagerstown was not in yesterday’s action, though it hastily retreated its steps in order to be in the fight to-day.
Neither Sumner’s [Edwin V. Sumner] army corps nor Couch’s3 division was in action yesterday, though both are doubtless supporting Franklin to-day, as they were in position to do so yesterday.
The army corps of Fitz-John Porter passed through Frederick to-day at 8 o’clock A. M., and were to have arrived on the battle field at noon.
Rebels, who were in the fight say that Beauregard [P.G.T. Beauregard] expected to join them to-day with an army corps of 40,000 strong. We have no idea that any such expectation can be realized.
Burnside’s position, won from the enemy in the battle of yesterday, commands the only road leading from Hagerstown to the position where Franklin is, we believe, fighting to-day hence its great importance. Its loss will prove most damaging to the enemy.
GREEN CASTLE, Pa., Sept. 15.
The cavalry force which left Harper’s Ferry at 8 o’clock, arrived here to-day at one o’clock, numbering about 1,600. White,4 it seems, was completely surrounded at Harper’s Ferry. The cavalry obtained permission to cut their way out. After obtaining a guide, they started and succeeded in making their way around the enemy without being discovered. On reaching Williamsport Road, they discovered a train of empty wagons, which they captured. It belonged to Longstreet’s ammunition train which had just left Hagerstown. After supplying that division with ammunition, the wagons being still about half full. Most of them appeared to be wagons taken from Pope’s [John Pope] army at Centreville.
BALTIMORE, Sept. 16
The following dispatch is from the American:
FREDERICK, Sept. 15
News that reaches here from the front coming throughout a variety of sources, is all of a gloriously encouraging character. Our troops have been driving the enemy ever since they left Frederick, and yesterday fought them for four hours in a general engagement, defeated them, and sent them flying in rapid retreat to get out of Maryland.
About seventy-five prisoners were captured at the same time, some of them having formerly lived in this vicinity. Col. McClure, with other officers, had considerable trouble to keep the crowd from hanging these double dyed traitors on their way to prison. Capt. Palmer, to-day, proceeded to Hagerstown and found the rebels had gone and I learn is now in pursuit of them with a large body of cavalry and infantry joined him to-day. The cavalry that came through with the state troops at Harper’s Ferry could hold out till to-day, and that if reinforcements came up before noon they would be safe. A dispatch reached here that McClellan defeated and routed Longstreet and Hill yesterday with great slaughter and that the rebels were flying in every direction to get out of Maryland.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13.—An officer slightly wounded in battle yesterday, who arrived here late to-night, represents that the fight took place 3 or 4 miles west of Middletown, Frederick Co., at the foot of the first mountain. The enemy was strongly posted, but out men with the most determined courage, drove them up the mountain through a strip of woods, cornfield, etc. On the open ground the rebels made occasional stands behind walls and fences, but were driven thence to the top of the mountain and over into the valley, when, it being night, our troops were called from further pursuit.
Not one of our men faltered. This point of contest was maintained by our troops of the centre.
Two Colonels were among the rebel slain found on the field this morning.
The battle was fought principally with infantry on our part, it being impracticable to bring artillery into full play.—Gibbons,5 however, with much toil succeeded in getting a battery upon the mountain to the right of the infantry, and did execution.
A captured rebel Lieutenant said it was their intention to mass all their forces to-day.
Hatch5 is represented as having been wounded in the leg.
HARRISBURG, Sept. 15.—Governor Curtin [Andrew C. Curtin] has postponed the draft until the 25th inst.
Stragglers from the rebel army are scattered all along the road to Williamsport, where the enemy is no doubt crossing the Potomac.
Citizens who left Chambersburg and other places in the Cumberland Valley, are returning to their respective homes.
NEW YORK, Sept. 15.—The citizens of Brooklyn to-night presented Admiral Foote [Andrew H. Foote] with a beautiful sword.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15.—Five refugees from Richmond were examined by the Provost Marshal yesterday. They left Richmond last Friday, and state that the southerners are jubilant over the idea that they would take Washington. Lee was to have taken Washington before Monday. There were few troops in Richmond save those in hospitals and convalescent. They understood there were but three regiments on the Jame River.
The rebels claim to have a large force at Chattanooga, Tennessee.
All business except that connected with army movements was being vigorously conducted.
Refugees from Frederickburg say there was a very small force there.
SIR: I am happy to inform you that General Franklin’s success on the left was as complete as that on the centre [sic] and right and resulted in getting possession of the Gap, after a severe engagement on all points of the line.
The troops, old and new, behaved with the most steadiness and gallantry, carrying with but very little assistance from our own artillery, very strong positions deemed by artillery and infantry. I do not think our loss was very heavy.
The corps of Generals D. H. Hill and Longstreet [James Longstreet] were engaged with our right. We have taken a considerable number of prisoners. The enemy disappointed during the night. Our troops are now advancing in pursuits. I do not know where he will next be found.
(Signed) Geo. B. McClellan,
Major General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF POTOMAC
September 15. 1862
To H. W. Halleck, Commander-in-Chief—,
I have just learned from Gen. Hooker in the advance who states that the information is perfectly reliable that the enemy is making for the river in a perfect panic, and General Lee stated last evening that he much admit that he had been shockingly whipped.
I am hurrying forward to endeavor to press their retreat to the uttermost.
Signed, Geo. B. McClellan.
September 15, 10 A. M.
Information this moment received completely confirms the rout and demoralization of the Rebel army. Gen. Lee is reported wounded and Garland7 killed.
Gen. Hooker alone has over 1,000 more prisoners—700 being sent to Frederick.
It is stated that Lee gives his loss at 15,000.
We are following up as rapidly as the men can move.
Signed, Geo. B. McClellan.
Major General.
1. This should probably be Middletown, which is in Frederick County, Maryland.
2. Jesse Lee Reno (1823-1862) graduated from West Point and was a career military officer. He served in the Mexican War and then served at several arsenals and with ordnance. In the fall of 1861 he took command of the 2nd Brigade in the Burnside Expedition. In July 1862 he took command of a division in the Army of the Potomac and he fought his friend, Stonewall Jackson, in the Second Battle of Bull Run. He was killed in battle on September 14, 1862, during the Battle of South Mountain.
3. Darius Nash Couch (1822-1897) graduated from West Point and was a career military officer, serving in the Mexican War, garrison duty at both Fort Monroe and Fort Pickens, in the Seminole Wars, and from 1853 to 1854 he conducted a scientific mission for the Smithsonian Institution in Mexico. He resigned his commission in 1855 and worked as a merchant and then copper fabricator. At the beginning of the Civil War, he was appointed colonel of the 7th Massachusetts Infantry, and in August 1861 was promoted to brigadier general. Couch served in the Peninsula and Fredericksburg campaigns of 1862, and the Chancellorsville and Gettysburg campaigns of 1863.
4. Julius White (1816-1890) was a A lawyer before the war. He received a commission as colonel of the 37th Illinois Infantry in September 1861. At the Battle of Pea Ridge (March 7, 1862), he led a brigade of two Illinois regiments. In June 1862 he was promoted to brigadier general and during the Second Battle of Bull Run his “Railroad” brigade was posted in West Virginia, on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. When Robert E. Lee invaded Maryland, White retreated to Harper’s Ferry and joined Colonel Dixon S. Miles’ garrison there. White outranked Miles, but he followed military protocol and let Miles retain command. Miles, however, proved to be incapable of mounting an effective defense and ran up the white flag. Miles was mortally wounded and White had to carry out the formal surrender. For surrendering, White was brought before a court of inquiry, but acquitted.
5. John Porter Hatch (1822-1901) graduated from West Point and was a career military officer, serving in the Mexican War, in Oregon Territory, and on the frontier. When the Civil War broke out, Hatch was ordered back East and assigned to George B. McClellan’s cavalry. In September 1861 he was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers. Hatch’s brigade made a series of daring raids on enemy positions near the Rapidan and Rappahannock rivers, which earned his brigade the nickname “Iron Brigade.” After incurring the wrath of General John Pope for two failed cavalry raids, he was reassigned to the infantry. He commanded a brigade, and assumed division command after General Rufus King fell ill the evening before the Second Battle of Bull Run. Hatch led the division there and at the Battle of South Mountain, where he was shot in the leg. Hatch received the Medal of Honor in 1893 for his gallantry under severe enemy fire at the Battle of South Mountain.
6. John Gibbon (1827-1896) was a career United States Army officer who served in the Mexican War (without seeing combat) and in the Indian Wars. In 1862, he was appointed brigadier general of volunteers and commanded (Rufus) “King’s Wisconsin Brigade.” Gibbon ordered them to wear white leggings and distinctive black Hardee hats. The hats earned them the nickname the “Black Hat Brigade.” He commanded the brigade during their strong uphill charge at the Battle of South Mountain, where General Joseph Hooker exclaimed that the men “fought like iron.” From then on, they were known as the “Iron Brigade.” (Yes, there were two Iron Brigades.) Gibbon led the brigade for the last time at the Battle of Antietam (September 17, 1862), where he personally manned an artillery piece in the bloody fighting at the Cornfield. Gibbon was promoted to command a division at the Battle of Fredericksburg (December 1862), where he was wounded.
7. Samuel Garland, Jr. (1830-1862) graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and then law school at the University of Virginia. When the Civil War began, he was commissioned colonel of the 11th Virginia Infantry and saw action at the First Battle of Bull Run, and Williamsburg before being promoted to brigadier general. He also fought in the Seven Days Battles and the Second Battle of Bull Run. Garland was killed in battle while defending Fox’s Gapdied at during the Battle of South Mountain on September 14, 1862. He was a brother-in-law of James Longstreet.
The September 17, 1862, Hudson North Star contained this obituary for a soldier with the Hudson City Guards (Company G, 4th Wisconsin Infantry). It is much longer than we have seen for other soldiers who died.
Obituary.
We have just received the sad news of the death of WILLIAM E. DEXTER, of this city. Mr. DEXTER formerly lived in Massachusetts, came to this country in the spring of ’57, where he resided until the government called for troops. He was among the first to respond to the President’s proclamation of April 14th,1 enlisting in the Hudson City Guards, soon after assigned to the 4th Regiment, Wis. Vols. In organizing the company he was appointed 2d Corporal, was made 1st Corporal to fill a vacancy, and was connected as such with the company when he died. He was taken sick July 20th with dysentery and fever, the prevailing diseases of the climate, and died August 13th,2 in the hospital at New Orleans, attended by many friends of the company. In civil life, all who knew him were his friends. As a soldier, his conduct was exemplary—would that the government had more like him. For any duty assigned him he was always ready and willing, two most excellent qualifications of a good soldier. Much of his time was employed in acquainting himself with his duties, and but few knew them better than he. Under the most trying circumstances he was at all times cheerful and active, in a word, was a true and faithful soldier. He was a favorite in his company with both officers and men, who will long and deeply mourn the loss of a true and honorable comrade and patriot. During his illness, he received from all the members of his company that watchful care and tender kindness with which he was ever ready to attend on them. It is not improbable that, from his thorough acquaintance with his duties and fitness for the position, he would have been commissioned to fill the vacancy occasioned recently by the resignation of one of the commissioned officers of his company.3 His relatives must share with many the privilege of cherishing his memory.
1. April 15, 1861.
2. According to the official roster, Dexter died August 15, 1862.
3. First Lieutenant Isaac H. Wing, from Hudson, resigned as of August 20, 1862.
Cincinnati, Ohio, and areas across the Ohio River in Kentucky and what will become West Virginia were threatened by Confederate forces from September 1 through 13, 1862. Union General Lew Wallace declared martial law, seized and armed steamboats, and organized the citizens. This article comes from the September 10, 1862, issue of The Hudson North Star.
NEWS FROM CINCINNATI.
TROOPS POURING INTO THE CITY.
Outbreak in Western Virginia.
INVASION OF OHIO.
INDIANA MILITIA CALLED OUT.
CINCINNATI, Sept. 5.
The order suppressing the Cincinnati Evening Times was revoked this morning and the paper appears as usual.
A bridge of boats is being built across the river from the foot of Walnut street.
An order was issued this morning compelling citizens to be in their houses at 9 o’clock P.M.
Troops continue to pour into the city. Among the arrivals this afternoon, was the 18th
Regulars.
CINCINNATI, Sept. 6.
Conductor Woodall made a reconnoissance [sic] with an engine on the Kentucky Central Railroad. He proceeded to a point ten miles north of Cynthia [sic],1 where they discovered three men, who, upon being hailed, said they belonged to a Georgia regiment.
He afterwards discovered their camp, but it was so hidden by the bushes that he could not make out their numbers.
A dispatch from Falmoth [sic],2 at 1 o’clock this morning, says the scouts report the rebels within four miles of that place, with artillery. A dispatch from Pomeroy, Ohio,3 says that Spencer, Roane county Va.,4 surrendered to Jenkins.5 Colonel Rathbone’s command was taken prisoners.6
On Wednesday Jenkins entered Ravenwood [sic], Virginia,7 and on Thursday crossed the Ohio at Buffington Island, and came down to Racine, Ohio.8
They killed one man and wounded two, stealing twelve houses, and then recrossed the river at Wolf’s Bar and encamped for the night. People were raising to resist further attempts.
A later report says a force is crossing at Racine and coming down on both sides.
A dispatch from Point Pleasant to the military committe [sic] at Gallipolis,9 says the contending forces are now in sight of each other. The enemy is 900 strong and a battle is imminent.
Governor Morton10 has ordered out all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 45, residing in the border counties, to organize themselves into military companies to repel invasion.
1. Cynthiana is the county seat of Harrison County, Kentucky. It is located about halfway between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Lexington, Kentucky. A battle had been fought in Cynthiana on July 17, 1862, as part of a raid by Confederate General John Hunt Morgan.
2. Falmouth is located in Pendleton County, Kentucky.
3. Pomeroy is the county seat of Meigs County, Ohio. U.S. Congressman Valentine B. Horton, who had been a member of the 1861 Peace Conference, lived in Pomeroy.
4. Spencer is the county seat of Roane County in what is now West Virginia.
5. Albert Gallatin Jenkins (1830-1864) graduated from Harvard Law School and was an attorney and planter in what is now West Virginia. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives (1857-1861), resigning to raise a company of company of mounted rangers that became part of the Confederate 8th Virginia Cavalry with Jenkins as its colonel. In early 1862 he became a delegate to the First Confederate Congress, which he left in August 1862 when he was appointed a brigadier general. In September, Jenkins’s cavalry raided northern Kentucky and West Virginia, and briefly entered extreme southern Ohio near Buffington Island, becoming one of the first organized Confederate units to enter a Northern state. In May 1864, Jenkins will be severely wounded and captured during the Battle of Cloyd’s Mountain. A Union surgeon will amputate his arm, but he will die twelve days later.
6. John C. Rathbone was the colonel of the 11th West Virginia Infantry from 1861 to 1863. The regiment was recruited from Elizabeth, Wheeling, Burning Springs, Ravenswood, Kanawha Station, and Point Pleasant in western Virginia.
The Blue & Gray Trail for West Virginia, Roane County, “The Civil War in Spencer,” has the following information about this incident at Spencer:
In September 1862 Confederate Gen. Jenkins arrived in Spencer during the early morning hours and deployed his men along the ridge northeast of town, near present day Prospect Street on Alvord Hill, in such a manner to give the appearance of a force two or three times its actual size. Messengers entered town under a flag of truce and demanded that the Federals surrender unconditionally within 30 minutes. Rathbone surrendered without attempting any defense. Jenkins and his men rode into town and claimed it “in the name of Jefferson Davis and the southern Confederacy.” The men stayed only long enough to gather the militia guns and burn them on the courthouse square. The Union troops were paroled after taking an oath not to bear arms against the Rebels for a period of 30 days. Jenkins and his men left the morning following the surrender in the direction of Ripley.
7. Ravenswood is in Jackson County, West Virginia.
8. Buffington Island is an island in the Ohio River in Jackson County, West Virginia. Racine is located in Meigs County, Ohio, along the Ohio River. It is Ohio’s closest incorporated village to Buffington Island, the site of Ohio’s only battle in the Civil War, which will take place on July 10, 1863.
9. Point Pleasant is located in Mason County, West Virginia. Gallipolis is the county seat of Gallia County, Ohio.
10. Oliver Hazard Perry Throck Morton (1823-1877), usually known simply as Oliver P. Morton, was the 14th governor of Indiana, serving from 1861 to 1867. After the War, he will be a U.S. senator from Indiana (1867-1877), where as a Radical Republican will support numerous bills designed to punish the former Confederate states.
The Civil War and Northwest Wisconsin 