1865 January 21: General Hancock Raising a Corps of Veterans

Near the war’s end, re-enlistments of veteran soldiers dwindled.  The U.S. government tried to entice discharged veterans—who were not subject to the draft—to re-enlist by creating a special all-volunteer corps.  This First Veteran Corps was to be commanded by war hero Winfield Scott Hancock.  The attempt was somewhat successful at first, but was ultimately a failure.  The following article appeared in the January 21, 1865, issue of The Prescott Journal.

The Veteran First Corps.

By the accompanying communication from Provost Marshal General FRY [James B. Fry] to Lt. Col. LOVELL [Charles S. Lovell], and by him communicated to the Governor, that the principal obstacle in the way of procuring recruits for the Corps of Veterans organizing under Gen. HANCOCK [Winfield S. Hancock], has been removed.  Men can now be enlisted, credited and organized into companies within this State, and we hope enlistments of veterans will progress rapidly, so that Wisconsin may be worthily represent in this Corps which will be “First” in character, as well as in name, and will rank in the United States army as the “Old Guard” did in NAPOLEON’S, and will be under the lead of one of the most gallant officers in the United States.

The inducements to veterans to enter the ranks of this corps are now so superior, both as respects honor and bounty to those held out elsewhere, that we should suppose its ranks would be immediately filled up.

Any Veteran, who has served two years, has been honorably discharged, and is physically qualified, can enlist in the Corps for one, two, or three years.

Those enlisting will receive from the Government a bounty of $300 as soon as they are mustered in, and, in addition, the regular instalments [sic] from the Government, in proposition to the period of enlistment, as follows :  $100 for one year’s service, one-third paid on enlistment ;  $200 for two years’ service, one-third on enlistment ;  $300 for three years’ service, one-third on enlistment.  In addition to this the men are entitled to whatever local bounties they can obtain.

The following is the letter from Gen. FRY :

WAR DEPARTMENT, }
PROVOST MARSHAL GENERAL’S OFFICE, }
WASHINGTON, D. C., Jan. 6, 1865. }

Lieut. Col. Chas. S. Lovell, Acting Assistant Provost Marshal General, Madison, Wisconsin :

COLONEL :  Instead of forwarding recruits for General Hancock’s Corps individually and before enlistment to Washington, you are directed to authorize your Provost Marshals to receive and enlist such recruits and forward them to the general rendezvous.  After they arrive there and enough men have been enlisted to form a company of legal strength, you will organize them into companies, muster them into the United States service, and send each company, as soon as mustered to Washington.  They will not receive the Government bounty until they arrive here ;  but local bounties may be paid them before they leave the State.

The officers of the 1st Corps detailed on recruiting service in your State will report to you, and conduct themselves in the procuration of recruits under your direction.

The time for organising the “First Corps” has been extended to a time not yet fixed.

Very respectfully, &c.,
.       (Signed)            .JAMES B. FRY,
.                             .Provost Marshal General.

1864 August 20: Recruiting, Volunteers, Bounties, Quotas, and the Draft

Following are all articles concerning new recruits, quotas, and the draft, from the August 20, 1864, issues of The Polk County Press and The Prescott Journal.

From The Prescott Journal:

— Prescott has filled her quota—20 men—which is doing exceedingly well for so short a time.  Great credit is due to E. S. Falkinburg and C. P Barnard, recruiting officers, for their untiring exertions in raising the requisite number of men.  Prescott is once more “in out of the wet.”  Diamond Bluff filled her quota on Tuesday last.  They paid a bounty of $300 per man.

  Clifton’s quota is thirteen men.  A bounty of $200 is paid in Greenbacks to each volunteer, cash down and no grumbling.  This is a good opportunity to secure a large bounty and steady employment for one year.

  There has been a report in circulation that Father Abraham [Abraham Lincoln] had called for 300,000 more men.  This is untrue.  He will probably dispose of the one on hand before ordering another draft.—Many were considerably exercised over the news, and probably would have enlisted had a “good” opportunity offered itself.

From The Polk County Press:

GONE TO WASHINGTON.—The Madison “Journal” says Adjutant General Gaylord [Augustus Gaylord] has gone to Washington.  His business is to induce the War Department to order a correction of the enrollment lists in the States where justice seems to require it.

ENLISTED FOR OSCEOLA.—John Brawn, David Orne, Wm. Moody, and Benj. Bergen,¹ have enlisted to the credit of Osceola.  They are all good men, and will make splendid soldiers.  Osceola wants one more man, and offers superior inducements.  Who is the lucky individual ?  Apply soon.

— Volunteering is brisk in this Co. [Pierce] as most of the towns are making efforts to fill their quotas.— Prescott

— The people of Chippewa Falls, we are told, are moving to engage the Chippewa Indians to relieve them of the coming draft.  In this valley we have sent nearly every man that can well be spared ;  and if this proposition is satisfactory to our red brethren, let us and them go ahead.  This Indian proposition reminds us of what parson Brownlow [William G. Brownlow] says ;  a matter we endorse fully :

“And if I had the power, sir, I would uniform in the Federal hibillments² [sic] every wolf and panther and catamount and tiger and bear in the mountains of America ;  every crocodile and every negro in the Southern Confederacy, and every devil in hell and pendemonium [sic].”—Eau Claire Free Press.

A FEW WORDS ABOUT IT.—It is rumored that the Draft Commissioners of the Sixth District contemplate holding a session at Hudson after the draft, at which place drafted men of the northern portion of the district will be allowed to report.  Such an arrangement ought, without fail to be made and carried out.  There is no good reason why the convenience and interest of the people—of individuals—should not be consulted, when the public interests will not thereby suffer.  At least one half of the drafted it is understood will not be held to service.  It is certainly much easier and would seem to be more economical on the part of the Government, for the three men comprising the board of draft commissioners to come to some central place in this region for all the purposes of their business with the people of the region, than for multitudes to repair to La Crosse from the upper counties, in this season of difficult and expensive travel.  It is easier to Mahomet³ to come to the mountain, than for the mountain to come to Mahomet.

RECRUITING.—We learn that several citizens of Polk county contemplate enlisting in Minnesota.  We would call their attention to an order from the Secretary of War forbiding [sic] such doings, whereby it would seem, that any officer recruiting men from this State for Minnesota, is liable to arrest.  The order will be found on first page.

The Secretary of War forbids
the Recruiting of Men in one
State to be Credited TO ANOTHER.

The following telegram from Pro. Marshal Gen. Fry [James B. Fry] to Col. Averill, at St. Paul, fully explains itself :

WAR DEPARTMENT, }
PRO. MAR. GEN’S DEPARTMENT, }
WASHINGTON, Aug. 12, 1864. }

Col. J. T. Averill, A. A. Pro. Marshal, St. Paul, Minnesota :

The Secretary of War has forbidden the recruiting of men in one State to be credited to another, except as provided by act of July 4th, 1864, foo [sic] recruiting in States in rebellion.  He directions that you see to the execution of this order in your State, and if necessary arrest recruiting officers or agents who may be found violating it.

Make this known to the Governor.
.                     .JAMES B. FRY,
.                 .Provost Marshal Gen.

Josh. Billings on the Draft.

Josh. Billings is out with an official on the draft question.  Says he :

Widder wimmen and their only son, is exempt, provided the widder’s husband has already served 2 years in the war, and is willing to go in agin ;  bleve the Supreme Corte has decided this thing forever.

Once more ;  if a man should run away with his draft, he probably wouldn’t ever be allow to stand the draft agin ;  this luks severe at first site, but the moar yu ink at it the more yu can see the wisdom into it.

Once moarly ;  Xmpts are those who have been drafted into the Stait prizzen for trying to get an honnist livin by supportin 2 wives tu onct ;  also, all of them peepil who are erazee, and unsound on the goose ;  also, all nuspaper correspondents and fools in general.

Once morely agin ;  No substitue will be ackceptid who is less than 3 or moar than ten feet high ;  he know how to chaw tobacker and drink poor whiskee, and musn’t be afeerd of the itch or the rebels.  Moral character ain’t required, as the government furnishes that and rashuns.

Conclusively ;  a person cannot be drafted more than twice in two places without his consent ;  but all men has a right to be drafted at least onct.  I don’t think even a writ of habeas corpus can deprive a man this last blessid privilege.

1.  Jonathan H. Brawn, David Orne, William Moody, and Benjamin Bergeron all ended up in Company D of the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry. All four are listed in the roster as being from La Crosse and enlisting on September 2, 1864.
2.  Hibillement, a French word meaning an “outfit.”
3.  Muhammad, in Medieval Latin, Polish, or French.

1864 August 13: Recruits Wanted for the 42nd Wisconsin Infantry, and Other Local News

Following are the smaller news items from the August 13, 1864, issues of The Polk County Press and The Prescott Journal newspapers.

From The Polk County Press:

RECRUITS WANTED FOR THE 42D REGIMENT.—It is expected that Pierce, St. Croix, and Polk counties, will raise a company for the 42d regiment.  To this end recruiting commissions have been issued by the Governor to OSCAR BROWN¹ of Hudson, and others, and work commenced.  This is the best opportunity yet offered for men in this county intending to go into the service.  If there are any men who wish to go into this new organization we should like to enlist them.  For further particulars call at this office.

PERSONAL.—H. A. TAYLOR, Capt. OSCAR BROWN, D. C. KETCHUM and H. C. LEE, of Hudson, gave us a call on Wednesday last.  These gentlemen, we understand, came among us for the purpose of “Firing the Northern heart,” and obtaining recruits for the company now being raised at Hudson, by Capt. BROWN, for the 42d regiment.  They did not meet with any immediate success in raising men.

THE DIFFERENCE.—Gov. BROWN [Joseph E. “Joe” Brown], of Georgia, has issued orders to make a levy en masse, calling all hands to the field—all men under sixty and all boys over sixteen !  Exempts are not recognized, and invalids are taken if they can possibly march and hold a musket.  This is the difference :  in the South they drive all the people into the army ;  they do not permit any criticism on the war ;  if a citizen rebels or expresses a lack of sympathy, they shoot him.  In the North we allow three-tenths of the people to curse the war, cheer on the armies of LEE [Robert E. Lee] and HOOD [John Bell Hood], denounce the Government, and discourage enlistments—then we are satisfied one-tenth of fighting men—if we can get them.  What wonder that our victory is postponed ?

THE WAR MEETING.—The war meeting which was announced to come off last Saturday, and at the Court House at 3 o’clock, and organized by electing DANIEL MEARS Chairman, and W. J. VINCENT Secretary.

A committee consisting of V. M. BABCOCK, W. J. VINCENT, AMOS GRAY and WM. KENT, was appointed to take into consideration some proper course to be taken to raise bounties for volunteers &c.  The committee reported back a resolution, which was adopted by the meeting, asking the County Board to raise a bounty of $150 per man, for volunteers, to fill the county’s quota, and in case of draft to give the same amount to the family of the drafted man.  The meeting then adjourned.

DAVID CANADAY [sic: David A. Caneday]—From the editorial correspondence of the St. Paul Press, we learn that our old friend, DAVE CANADAY [sic], of Co. C., 7th Minnesota Volunteers, was left at Tupelo in charge of seven of his wounded comrades, when his regiment returned to Memphis.  He was not missing as was first reported, but volunteered to remain with the wounded heroes of his company.  This act is characteristic of his noble warm heart, and is one of the many good traits which endears him to his friends.  At last accounts he and his wounded comrades were prisoners of war.

ENLIST AND AVOID THE DRAFT.—An enlisted man gets the following bounties :

From the Government, for one year, $100 ;  two years, $200 ;  three years, $300 ;  16 dollars per month, and board and clothes.

From the State, sixty dollars a year, if a married man, which is paid monthly to the volunteer’s family.

From Polk county, the same.  Besides these bounties he gets a large local bounty which will bring his pay up to a respectable figure.

As an exchange paper says, this is better pay than most laboring men can get in any other business—so much better as to compensate for some of the risks and deprivations, in addition to the satisfaction of serving the country in its need and assisting in striking the final blow at the rebellion.  These motives ought to bring the men wanted, without a draft, and they will if properly urged, and accompanied with energetic effort.

From The Prescott Journal:

  The people of Eau Claire and Chippewa counties are making an effort to fill their quota with Indians living in Chippewa county, if possible.  They have also appointed Col. Thorpe, of Eau Claire, to co-operate with Lt. Col. Charley Whipple, now Provost Marshal at Norfolk Va., in enlisting negroes to their credit.

  “Brick” Pomeroy [M. M. “Brick” Pomeroy] is one of the bricks who were spoiled in the baking.  He was overdone, and has a tendency to “slop over” and scatter into “brick-dust.”

  Volunteering is brisk in this Co. as most of the towns are making efforts to fill their quota.

The Attack on Petersburg.

FROM THE 37TH WISCONSIN.

We have received a letter from P. V. WISE, giving a graphic account of the recent explosion of a mine and attack on Petersburg, in which charge the 37th Reg., Col. SAM. HARRIMAN led the way.  Their loss was heavy, especially in Co. F.  We have not room at this late hour, for Mr. Wise’s excellent letter, but can only give the list of casualties in Capt. [Ellsworth] BURNETT’S Co. F :

     .KILLED—Sergt. M. W. Bliss, Corp. J. Little, G. Cawes, E. H. Wadlen.

     .WOUNDED—Corporal C. Lapham, in writs, corp. J. Rollin, in groin, G. Smith, in shoulder, A. Hizer, in left thing, P. McMahop, in hand, J. C. Hampton, in foot, J. Coddington, in hip, Ole Peterson, in side, W. Mund, in foot, B. Rantz, in leg, S. Graham, leg and arm, severely, corp. W. Hill, in spine, and a prisoner.

     .MISSING—G. Hay, Lars Oleson, J. J. Douglas, supposed killed.

Roster of the 42d Regiment.

We have received from the Executive office the following list of officers appointed for the newly organized 42d Regiment.  All the Second Lieutenants are appointed from veterans for meritorious services :

Colonel—EZRA T. SPRAGUE, 1st Lieut and Adjutant of 5th reg, of Green Bay.
Lt. Colonel—WALLACE W. BOTKIN, Capt. of 12th reg., of Grand Rapids.
Major—JOHN W. BLAKE, Capt. of 29th reg., of Jefferson.
Adjutant—WM. H. HOWES, 2d Lt. 30th reg., of Prescott.
Quartermaster—JOHN C. BLACKMAN, of Stoughton.
Surgeon—GEORGE D. WINCH, Ass;’t Surgeon 36th reg.
Ass’t Surgeon—GEORGE E. TALBERT, M. D., of Fall River. [actually John P. Clement]
2nd Ass’t Surgeon—L. D. GAGE, M. D., of Richland Centre. [actually Oliver P. Stevens]
Charles E. Redfield, Co. A, 8th reg., 2d Lieut., Co. A. [from Waupaca]
Harvey E. Coleman, K, 29th, 2d Lieut, B. [from Oak Grove]
Cassius M. Bush, A, 19th, 2d Lieut., C. [from Racine]
Andrew Jackson, 21st, 2d Lieut., D. [from Menasha]
Joseph S. Curtis, H, 12th, 2d Lieut., E. [from Green Bay]
James E. Hayden, B, 20th, 2d Lieut., F. [from Sun Prairie ]
Wm. Favill[e], [E,] 16th, 2d Lieut., G. [actually Charles A. Keyes from Co. E, he was from Lake Mills]
Robert H. Henry, [B,] 11th, 2d Lieut., H. [Henry actually became 1st Lieut. of Co. H, he was from Verona]
Charles E. Bowles, — reg. [E, 22d], 2d Lieut., I. [from Rock]
Charles Hubbell, — reg. [A, 1st], 2d Lieut., K. [from Wauwatosa]

SECRETARY FESSENDEN [William P. Fessenden] has issued regulations for the collection of a special war tax of five per cent on incomes of 1863.  The assessment is made on the basis of the returns for that year and in cases where deductions have been made on account of dividends or interests received from corporations, or on account of Government salaries, such deductions will be added to the returns, and the assessment made upon the whole amount.  Ten days’ notice is to be given by the Assessors to person whose old returns were not made out in detail, requesting them to be so made by October first.  The distinction heretofore made between moneys of resident and non-resident citizens is abolished.  One hundred per cent is to be added by the assessor to all returns in cases where they are proved fraudulent.  Immediately after November 1st, all lists made in accordance with these regulations will be returned to the collector, and the subsequent proceedings for the collection of the duty, will be similar to those for collection of other taxes.

TREASURY MATTERS.—It is stated in Secretary FESSENDEN’S appeal to the people, that the Treasury not unfrequently receives a million a day.  As tax on incomes now rises 2 per cent, and bank tax and license fees begin to come in, there is every prospect that, as the Secretary says, one million per day in a short time will be the rule rather than the exception.  The revenue act will, however, yield an average of a million per day for a year.  It is not, however, expected that even three hundred millions is a higher estimate than the authorities have made for the yearly receipts.

EXEMPTION OF HUNDRED DAY MEN.—A Washington dispatch to the New York Tribune says, the important question as to the exemption of militia of one hundred days service from the draft, has been decided at last, so that an intelligent understanding is had of the whole matter.  Contrary to all advices received from official sources heretofore, i now appears that militia in actual service at the time a draft is made, are declared by a decision by Solicitor WHITING [Whiting] to be exempt from that draft only.  If their time of service expires before the draft is made, they are liable to be drafted, even if but one day elapses between the expiration of their term of enlistment and the time of the draft.

1.  Oscar F. Brown did not raise a company in time for the 42nd regiment. He was captain of Company A of the 44th Wisconsin Infantry, with his commission dating from September 24, 1864. He served until mustered out August 28, 1865.

 

1864 June 11: Death of George W. Barrett, Promotion of Joseph Bailey, Osceola Militia to Muster In, and More News Items

Following are the smaller items from our two newspapers, The Polk County Press and The Prescott Journal, for June 11, 1864.

The last item makes mention of several battles.  The Battle of Mansura took place on May 16, 1864.  The battle was primarily an artillery battle for four hours, when the Union forces massed for a flank attack, which made the Confederate forces retreat, handing Union General Nathaniel P. Banks a small victory.  The Battle of Yellow Bayou took place two days later on May 18th.  This battle was a strategic victory of the Union, even though it ended when the battleground caught fire and both sides had to retire.  Yellow Bayou was the last battle of Banks’ Red River Expedition.

From The Polk County Press:

COL. BAILEY PROMOTED.—Colonel BAILEY [Joseph Bailey], of the 4th Wisconsin, famous for his ingenious method of getting Admiral PORTER’S gunboats out of Red River [David D. Porter], has been appointed Brevet-Brigader General by the President.  The Senate confirmed the appointment.

THE 37TH REGIMENT.— The ninth company of the 37th Regiment has been raised, and Col. HARRIMAN [Samuel Harriman] is now getting the tenth ready for muster.  As soon as he finished the organization he will take his departure for the front.  Col. H. has shown commendable enterprise in his endeavors to fill his regiment.

MUSTER— We understand that two companies of the 1st Batalion [sic], 5th regiment, Wisconsin State Militia, Maj. A. S. GRAY, commanding, are to muster at Osceola, July Fourth.

RECRUITS— Lieut. G. W. DAVIS [George W. Davis], Co. G. 7th regiment, brought eight half-breeds on Monday, recruits for his regiment.  They are all perfect devils, and will make wicked soldiers.  They will do to stop a bullet just as well as a white man.

From The Prescott Journal:

DEATH OF GEO. W. BARRETT.—A letter from Lt. HUTCHINS [William W. Hutchins], now in command of Co. B, 6th Reg., brings the sad news of the death of Geo. W. Barrett, who was killed in action on the 23d of May.  His body was recovered the next day and honorably interred.  While his body lay on the field, it was robbed by some vandal of his money, watch, and other valuables.  GEORGE had a large circle of friends here, by whom his death is deeply lamented.

  General Sherman [William T. Sherman], who is very brusque to the rebels, does not hesitate to let out a little brusquerie against the Christian Commission.  He won’t have those philanthropic civilians in his army.  He says he has chaplains to take care of the spiritual welfare of his men, and that if the people want to do his army any good they must send oats and gunpowder.”

— Gen. Hunter [David Hunter] has defeated and killed the rebel Gen. W. E. Jones [William E. “Grumble” Jones] twelve miles beyond Staunton, Virginia.  This news comes through Richmond papers.

— There is nothing important from Grant [Ulysses S. Grant] or Sherman.  John Morgan‘s long threatened raid has at last burst upon Kentucky.

  A Northern mechanic, who has escaped from Richmond, says Lee [Robert E. Lee] is sick, and confined to his bed in Richmond.—Grant has kept him so busy for the past month, that even his iron frame had to succomb [sic] to the great fatigue.

  The New York Herald reports that Fremont [John C. Frémont] has resigned his Major Generalship, and his resignation has been accepted by the President.

  WM. COLVILL Jr., late Colonel of the 1st Min. Reg., has assumed the editorial charge of the Redwing [sic] Republican.  Severely wounded in his country’s service, it is fitting that he exchange the sword for the pen.

THE FEELING IN RICHMOND.—We extract the following from a paper called the Southern Churchman, published in Richmond, and which is the organ of “the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Confederate States.”—The date of publication is April 22d, and we call particular attention to the sentence printed in italic :

The present time, in the history of the war, we do not think can well be over-estimated.  It seems consent, both among us and our enemies, to be regarded as a crisis.  Of course all may be mistaken ;  but it does appear as if we had reached that point in the struggle when a great victory, one side or the other, will do much towards ending the war.  If General Lee [Robert E. Lee] meets with disaster, and Johnston [Joseph E. Johnston] is overcome, we may reach the conclusion that longer strife on our part is useless and vain.  The battles may be virtually drawn battles—no such success granted to either side as that either will be able to accomplish anything great.  This will only prolong the war ;  and, with the resources of the United States, must prove disadvantageous to us.

BANKS’ ARMY.—A dispatch from Secretary STANTON [Edwin M. Stanton], not received here by telegraph, says that Gen. BANKS’ army, in going from Alexandria to the Mississippi, had two engagements with the enemy one at Manazora [sic] and one at Yellow Bayou.  In both the rebels were beaten.  Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH had a spirited engagement with POLIGNAC’S [Prince Polignac] rebel division on the 18th instant, defeating it, driving it several miles, and capturing three hundred prisoners.  Gen. BANKS states that no prisoners, wagons, or other material of the army have been captured by the enemy, except that abandoned to him in the unexpected engagement at Sabine Cross Roads, on the morning of April 8th.  With the exception of the losses sustained there, the material of the army is complete.

1864 May 28: Some of “Our” Chippewa Indians Among the Wounded, Recruits Wanted for 37th and 38th Wisconsin, Deaths of JEB Stuart and James Rice, and Other News Items

Following are the smaller items from the May 28, 1864, issues of The Polk County Press and The Prescott Journal.

From The Polk County Press:

The News.

What there is of it is glorious.—During the first part of the present week, but little was received, and that mostly relating to the battles which we have already announce.  GRANT [Ulysses S. Grant] IS MARCHING ON !  Sherman [William T. Sherman] is marching on !  The armies are in full motion, marching, we trust, their last campaign,—marching on to victory.  The horizon looks clear once more.—In the light of victory, we can read with glad hearts “The Union is saved!  God grant it!”

WISCONSIN TROOPS IN BATTLE.—The 2d, 5th, 6th, and 7th Wisconsin regiments were engaged, and lost heavily, the battles near Chancellorsville, under GRANT.

SOME OF OUR CHIPPEWAS WOUNDED.—We see by a list published in the Madison “Journal,” that three names—very similar to those of our soldiers—marked Indians, and wounded.

THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.—We have carefully looked through the lists of the killed and wounded of this regiment, but fail to discover that any of the boys from this county are hurt.  The official list, however, has not yet been published.

HUNDRED DAY MEN.—Two regiments have been organized in this State and by this time are on their way to the front.  Recruiting for the other three regiments goes on briskly, and it is confidently expected they will be raised within the next week.  The regiments organized are called the 40th and 41st.

Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa have nearly filled their quotas, which in the aggregate number 80,000 men.  The work goes bravely on.

RECRUITS WANTED FOR THE 38TH REGIMENT.—JOHN THORNTON, of Cedar Valley, has received a commission from the Governor to recruit for the 38th regiment, Col. BENTLIP, now organizing at Madison.

There has probably been another call made for 300,000 men by the President, and Polk county will have to furnish its quota.  It is stated that a draft will be made sometime in June for this number, and the deficiencies due from towns on former calls.  Persons wishing to enlist cannot do better than join one of the new regiments now being raised in this State.  Mr. THORNTON wishes to raise thirty men immediately.  Mr. WALDEN¹ also wishes to obtain men for the 37th.  Both chances are good ones for men wishing to enlist.  If active measures are taken a draft can be avoided in this county.  This is stated will be the last call.  If GRANT and SHERMAN are successful the army will soon throttle the rebellion.  If defeated the whole country will be called to arms and the struggle renewed.  Better enlist than be drafted.

J.E.B. Stuart, from the Library of Congress²

REBEL GEN. STUART KILLED SURE.—Though our papers have contradicted the reported death of Gen. Stuart [J.E.B. Stuart] the rebel cavalry officer, Richmond papers confirm it.  He was mortally wounded at the head of a charge in the battle of Yellow Tavern, between his men and Sheridan’s [Philip H. Sheridan].  His funeral took place recently, at St. James’s Church, Richmond.  Jeff. DAVIS [Jefferson Davis] was present, “with a look of grief upon his care worn face,” and Gen. Bragg [Braxton Bragg] and ex-Secretary of War Randolph were among the pall-bearers.  No military escort accompanied the procession—a striking proof that all the soldiers were needed elsewhere.  In the same fight Lt. Col. Henry Clay Pate, formerly of Kansas, and notorious for not capturing old John Brown, was also killed.

THE NEGRO TROOPS AND THE REBEL PRISONERS.—A correspondent in GRANT’S army says that about 2,000 rebel prisoners were marched past a portion of the negro troops of BURNSIDE’S corps [Ambrose E. Burnside].  It was amusing to hear the negroes inquire, jestingly, “How is you boss ?  Mighty good ting we didn’t catch you ;  we would never tuck ye prisoners.”  The prisoners became infuriated, and begged to have their will of the negroes five minutes.  “Remember Fort Pillow,” the negroes would urge.  “We’ll cut your black throats,” was the threat of the others.  Thus the two races reviled each other.  The master was prisoner ;  the bondman free, and a soldier.

From Sherman’s Army.

New York, May 25.—Extended details of Sherman’s operations in the “Tribune” show, after several days’ fighting, on the morning of the 16th, that the rebels were found to be in full retreat, their supply and ammunition trains burnt and but little artillery carried off.  We have captured 4,000 prisoners, and hundreds more are coming in.

Hooker [Joseph Hooker] has crossed the river near Resaca, and Schofield [John M. Schofield] near Pelton.—Stoneman [George Stoneman], with cavalry, was pursuing Johnston [Joseph E. Johnston], engaging them with artillery that morning.

— General Crook’s command [George R. Crook] is falling back slowly, after working an immense amount of damage to the Virginia and East Tennessee Railroad.  The rebel, General Jenkins [Albert G. Jenkins], who was wounded and taken prisoner in the fight near Newbern [Battle of Cloyd’s Mountain], has died of his injuries.

— Gen. HUNTER [David Hunter] has superseeded [sic] Gen. SIGEL [Franz Sigel] in the Department of West Virginia.

From The Prescott Journal:

Paroled Prisoners.

The following is an extract from a letter of W. Y. Selleck to the Governor relative to the transfer of paroled prisoners to hospitals at the North :

“In regard to the case of Silas Streeter of Co. B, 7th regiment Wis. Vols., I have to state that he being a paroled prisoner, under a rule or order issued by the Commissary General of paroled prisoners, cannot be transferred to the hospital in Wisconsin.—The case of James Waynes, of Co. I, 3d regiment Wis. Vols. comes under the same head.

“The government desires to keep the paroled men or soldiers together as much as possible, and in order to give satisfaction to the soldiers and their friends, a system of furloughs has been established for paroled prisoners.”

CREDIT FOR RE-ENLISTED VETERANS.—Official notice has been received that the full number of re-enlisted veterans claimed by the State authorities, 5,193, has been allowed by the War Department, and instructions have been given to Assistant Provost Marshal General to given credit to different localities, according to the books of the Adjutant General’s office.

THE RECENT BATTLE GROUND.—The Po river, which is mentioned so frequently in connection with fighting in Spottsylvania county, is one of four branches of the Mattapony³ river, which itself is a branch of the York river.  These four branches are named after the main stream, in order, commencing with the south branch and running to the north branch—thus, Mat-Ta-Po-Ny.

Spottsylvania Court House is 44 miles from Richmond, and is located between Ny and Po rivers, the latter flowing below it from the northwest.

THE WEST VIRGINIA MOVEMENT.—The Philadelphia North American gives quite a different account of the force in Western Virginia, under Gen. CROOKS [sic], from that published by a Pittsburg [sic] paper, which we copied a few days since.  It says his force is about 23,000 strong.  It concentrated at Parkersburg, Va., on the Ohio river, marching thence up the valley of the Kanahawa [sic] river.  Gen. AVERILL [sic: William W. Averell] was in command of the cavalry, going considerably in advance.  Its destination was supposed to be Lynchburg, the junction of two important lines of railway communicating with Richmond.

From Gen. Butler’s Department—Operations in the Rear of Richmond.

We have been permitted to publish the following extract from a letter by an officer on Gen. Brooks’ staff [William T. H. Brooks], received by a gentleman in this city :

HEADQUARTERS 1ST DIV. 15TH CORPS, }
PORT WALTHAL, VA., MAY 8, 1864. }

By a well conceived and skillfully executed strategic movement, the main features of which are already familiar to you, the Army of the Peninsula under Gen. Smith [William F. Smith] has been transferred from its position at Yorktown to the south side of the James river, at the point where the Appomattox flows into that stream.  Here within ten miles of Petersburg and twenty of Richmond, as the roads run, we are now encamped, to the complete surprise of the Confederate leaders and the terror of the inhabitants of all this section of country, which has heretofore been free from the despoiling influences of an army.  An important result of this movement was developed on yesterday in an expedition under command of Gen. Brooks, who with a considerable force advanced toward the Petersburg and Richmond railroad, in from of which the enemy were prepared to defend this important line of communications.  When within a mile and a half of the railroad the skirmish line of the enemy was discovered, and almost immediately a brisk fire ensued.  Pushing forward our lines of battle through a dense woods, we drove the rebels back from one position to another until we succeeded in gaining a point on the railroad.  At once the work of tearing up the ties and bending the rails was commenced, until half a mile or more of railroad was destroyed, and an extensive saw mill near at hand with a large quantity of lumber set on fire and burned to the ground.  The object of the expedition having been successfully accomplished, we returned to camp.

Our advance lines are now within a mile and a half of the railroad and the nature of our position is such that we can repeat the operation of yesterday in spite of all opposition.  Thus one of the main channels of connection with the rebel Capitol is virtually destroyed and the rear of Lee’s army [Robert E. Lee] seriously threatened by cutting off his source of supplies.  Prisoners and deserters report the force in our front at something over 6,000, under command of Gen. Beauregard [P.G.T. Beauregard].

During the engagement yesterday reinforcements were arriving by cars until we obtained possession of the railroad.  Our loss was between two and three hundred in killed and wounded.  The 8th Connecticut lost more than any other single regiment.—The rebel loss is reported by deserters as being greater than our own.

What are to be our future movements time can alone develope [sic].  Should success attend the Army of the Potomac, the line of Federal forces will almost envelope Richmond, and then is a fair prospect we shall compel its evacuation.

With the able commanders with the forces here in the country need have no apprehensions for out gallant army.  The names of Smith, Gilmore [sic: Quincy A. Gillmore], and Brooks, among others, are a guarantee that neither ability or energy will be wanting to insure success in all its operations.

This item appeared in both newspapers:

GEN. RICE.—Brigadier General JAMES C. RICE, who was killed in the battle of Tuesday, was a native of Massachusetts.  He enlisted from the city of New York, at the commencement of the war, as a private, was promoted to a Lieutenancy, then made Captain, then Lieut. Colonel, Colonel and finally Brigadier General.  He had taken part in almost all the great battles to which the army of the Potomac has been engaged.  He was about thirty-five years of age.—His last words will be immortal “Turn me over,” said the dying hero to an attendant, “and let me die with my face toward the enemy.”

1.  Elisha H. Walden, from Hudson, had enlisted March 30, 1864, in Company F of the 37th Wisconsin Infantry.
2.  “J.E.B. Stuart,” from the Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (cwpb-07546).
3.  Today the river is spelled “Mattaponi,” but in the 19th century the spelling seems to have been with the “y.”

1864 May 21: Battle of Resaca, Deaths of Swain Lund and Colonel Boardman, Prescott Ladies Loyal League Formed

Following are the smaller items from our two newspapers for the week ending May 21, 1864.

The Battle of Resaca took place May 13-15, 1864, in Georgia, between the forces of Union General William T. Sherman’s Division of the Mississippi and Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston’s Army of Tennessee.  Johnston’s troops were in camps around Dalton, Georgia, and the Union troops were moving toward Rome, Georgia (remember Edward Levings’ recent letter?), on roads that led through Resaca.  The battle ended inconclusively with the Confederate Army retreating.

From The Prescott Journal:

  The dwelling of JAMES A. TOZER, of River Falls, volunteer in Co. A, 12th, was burned a few days since.  It was unoccupied at the time.

  Mrs. M. A. MITCHEL spoke here on Tuesday evening.  The ladies of this city have organized a society auxiliary to the U. S. Sanitary Commission.

— A movement has been inaugurated at Washington by many of the most influential ladies of the country, pledging themselves to abstain from purchasing any imported dress material during  the war.  They also strongly urge the gentlemen to abstain from the use of foreign wines, cigars, etc., but we suppose they have no objection to the use of GEORGE NICHOLS’ Wine and Cigars.

— The massacre at Fort Hillow [sic] is said to have greatly stimulated colored enlistments.

The Ladies Loyal League.

The ladies of Prescott and vicinity, having organized a society under the above name, would announce that their next meeting will be held in the basement of the Congregational Church, on Friday, May 27, at 6 o’clock P. M.

As bandages and lint are in urgent demand for the wounded soldiers, the ladies are requested to contribute the same at our next meeting.

Mrs. C. H. GRANT, Secretary.

From The Polk County Press:

D I E D,

At the General Hospital, Chattanooga Tenn., April 18, 1864, SEVEN [sic: Swain] LUND,¹ Private 10th Wisconsin Battery.

The deceased was one of our patriotic German [sic: Swedish] citizens, who enlisted with Lieut. OSCAR CLARK in 1862, to defend his adopted country’s flag.  He was a brave and true soldier, a good citizen, and leaves a wife and family to mourn his loss.  May he rest in peace.

DEATH OF COL. BOARDMAN [Frederick A. Boardman].—A dispatch from Madison brings the painful intelligence of the death of Col. BOARDMAN, of the 4th Cavalry, on the 4th inst., occasioned by a ball through the head, while scouting.— Col. BOARDMAN has near relatives here, whose sorrow will be great at this announcement, and vary many friends who will sincerely lament his loss.— Milwaukee Sentinel.

GONE.— The members of the Hudson City Guards [Company G, 4th Wisconsin Cavalry], who have been spending the past month here at their homes on veteran furlough, left to rejoin their command on Wednesday last.  The boys have enjoyed their visit home hugely, and we trust ere many days to take take them one and all by the hand, and welcome them again.

THE 1ST WISCONSIN.— A letter from Sergt. E. H. Hoover, states that the boys in company F are all well.  They are still running the steamer Chattanooga, on the Tennessee river.  Capt. SAMUEL [Maurice M. Samuel] is in command.  The regiment is in the front.

DESERTERS ARRESTED.— Provost Marshals MEAD, WHITING and VINCENT [William J. Vincent] arrested two deserters at St. Croix Falls on the night of the 18th.  They were both drafted men, one belonging to the State of Maine and the other to New York.  They have been at work in the pineries during the past winter for W. M. DOHNEY of Taylors Falls.  They had just come down off the drive when they were called upon to exchange the “cant-dog” and “handspike” for a pair of handcuffs.  They were taken to St. Paul on Thursday.

300, 000 More.

Dispatches received at St. Paul on the 19th, contain strong intimations that a call for “300,000 more” will be made immediately.  GRANT [Ulysses S. Grant] calls for reinforcements and must have them.  The government is bound to put the thing through.

DRAFT IN MINNESOTA.— A draft for 2,500 men is ordered in Minnesota, to take place next Monday.

RECRUITS WANTED.— E. H. WALDEN has arrived and opened a recruiting office in Osceola.  He is desirous of obtaining a few men to fill up a company in the 37th Regt., Col. SAM HARRIMAN.  This is an excellent chance for any person desirous of going into a new organization to enlist. A local bounty of $200, will be given, if the recruit applies immediately.  For further particulars call on SAM. FIFIELD. JR.  Recruiting station at the PRESS office.

Another draft is coming, hurry up and enlist.

LOUISIANA.— The news from Banks [Nathaniel P. Banks] grows worse and worse.  Gen. Smith [A. J. Smith] is penned up in Alexandria, the Red River being thoroughly blockaded by the rebels, and it is now said will have to fight his way out.  We trust that Gen. Canby [Edward Canby] will find  a solution of the difficulties in which Banks’ folly has involved his noble army.

GOOD FOR NEW YORK.— The noble women of New York have earned the blessings of the country, as well as the eternal gratitude of the army.  A dispatch dated the 17th says that the sum of one million dollars was handed over to the Sanitary Commission by the Chairman of the Metropolitan Finance Committee, as the 1st installment of the results of the great Fair.

The War in Georgia.

NASHVILLE, May 15.

[Special to “Herald.”]—We learn from reliable authority that McPherson [James B. McPherson] captured on the 13th nine railroad trains below Reseca [sic], laden with various military stores for Dalton.  The enemy seems to be making preparations to evacuate.  Advantages have been gained and hopes are entertained that speedy success there will keep pace with the operations in Virginia.  Kilpatrick [Judson Kilpatrick] was wounded several days since though not dangerously.  Willich [August Willich] and Marston [Gilman Marston] were also slightly wounded.

WASHINGTON, May 17.

A dispatch received by Halleck [William H. Halleck] from Sherman says he had a fight on Wednesday at Reseca, in which we were successful. No details given.

Gen. Sherman says he has not time to find out, but as near as he can judge, our loss is about 3,000 killed, wounded and missing.  Everything was progressing very favorably.—The railroad has been repaired to within seven miles of the army.

WASHINGTON, May 14.

Dispatches received at headquarters here dated yesterday morning from Gen. Sherman, states he had entered Reseca [sic] and established his Headquarters there. he captured 8 guns and a thousand prisoners.—  Troops are in hot pursuit of Johnston. The rebels burned the railroad bridges to Reseca, but the road to there was in running order.

1.  Swain Lund was from Osceola. He enlisted August 11, 1862, and died on April 18, 1864, in Chattanooga from chronic diarrhea. Lund is buried in the Chattanooga National Cemetery.

1864 May 14: A Supper for the Hudson Guards, Battle of Poison Springs, 100-Day Men in the Saint Croix Valley, and Other News

Following are the smaller items from the May 14, 1864, issues of The Polk County Press and The Prescott Journal.

One item refers to the Battle of Poison Springs, which was fought April 18, 1864, in Ouachita County, Arkansas.  Union General  Frederick Steele sent out a foraging party to gather corn.  After loading the corn into over 200 wagons and proceeding about 5 miles on April 18, Colonel James M. Williams’ party was savagely attacked by Confederate General John S. Marmaduke’s forces.  Williams was forced to retreat into a marsh, where his men finally regrouped and fell back to Camden, minus 198 of the wagons of corn.  During the fight, Williams positioned the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry between the wagons and the Confederate lines.  The black troops repelled the first two offenses, but ran low on ammunition and were beaten back by the third. The Confederates refused to take the wounded black soldiers as prisoners, and instead brutally killed, scalped, and stripped them, something that is not mentioned in the short report found here.

From The Polk County Press:

The Soldier’s Supper.

We are seldom called upon to record a more pleasant entertainment, than that which came off on Tuesday evening last, at the Osceola House Hall.  We speak of the Soldier’s Supper, given to the veterans of the Hudson City Guards, by the ladies of Osceola.  About eight o’clock in the evening, the Enterprise landed a gay part of the “boys” from Hudson, who were received with cheers from our citizens and their comrades who had gathered on the levee to receive them.  All quickly repaired to the Osceola House, and soon a bounteous supper was spread upon the tables in the Hall.  All seated, Rev. S. T. CATLIN asked the blessing, and the “boys” and citizens “went in.”  Supper despatched, toasts were introduced, which were responded to by A. D. GRAY [Almon D. Gray], of Hudson, WM. A. TALBOYS, C. H. STAPLES, C. E. MEARS, AMOS S. GRAY, Rev. J. S. AKERS, and Rev. S. T. CATLIN.  The toasts were appropriate, and the responses spirited.  After the toasts had been read, and the speech-making over, Rev. S. T. CATLIN introduced to the company

A SMART WOMAN.

Mrs. Col. ALEXANDER M. MITCHELL, formerly of St. Joseph, Mo., agent for the sale of President LINCOLN’s Proclamation of Emancipation, for the benefit of the Soldier’s Home, Chicago, Ill., being on a visit to our village, was invited to attend the entertainment and introduce the subject of her mission.  She addressed the crowded house for upwards of half an hour, her eloquence bringing out thunders of applause.

When secession first raised its banner in Missouri, she was residing at her home in St. Joseph, and upon the occasion of the rebels raising a secession flag in that city, she boldly called down the curses of Almighty God upon them, and called upon Him to blast and wither their traitor hands for trailing and trampling the Star Spangled Banner in the dust.  For this she was ordered to leave the city within twenty-four hours, and did so in order that her life, and the life of her child, might be saved.

During the course of her remarks, so vividly did she paint the picture of war’s desolation, the hardships and trials, the bitterness of treason, and the heart sacrifices of the Nation’s noble patriots, that many an eye grew moist, for the waters from the heart’s fountain could not be kept down.

Mrs. MITCHELL closed her remarks by stating her business and offering for sale the facsimile of the Proclamation.  She met with excellent success in disposing of them.

This closed the entertainment at the Hall, and so “the boys in blue” “broke ranks” and retired to the Court Hose, where soon all were engaged in

A MERRY DANCE.

Here the boys enjoyed themselves to their heart’s content.  The music was excellent, the girls looked sweet, and happiness was for once trumps.  At broad daylight the “ball broke” the company dispersed, and thus one more pleasant memory has been planted in our brave soldier’s breasts.

MILITIA.—The Osceola Home Guards will meet at the Court House this afternoon.  A prompt attendance requested.

From The Prescott Journal:

GEN. RANSOM.— We learn from a private letter from New Orleans of the 17th ult. that although painful doubts were for a time entertained in regard to the condition of Gen. RANSOM [Thomas E. G. Ransom], who was severely wounded at the battle of Sabine Cross Roads ;  he was at the date of the letter rapidly recovering.  All pain and inflamation [sic] had subsided, and the wound was rapidly healing.

   The Fort Pillow investigation by a committee of Congress, yields fifty-seven depositions, each stuffed with harrowing details, in support of newspaper accounts, and even exceeding them precisely as the camera gives a more faithful picture than the pencil sketch.

  The New York Tribune says the slander in regard to Mrs. WHITE, the sister of Mrs. LINCOLN, and her being passed through our lines with contraband goods, did not appear in its columns.  It calls on Copperhead papers to retract their statements to that effect.  These, however, have the “moral courage” to persist in a lie when they have once uttered it.

  The New York Times suggests that the proper method of retaliating for the massacre at Fort Pillow is to hang an equal number of FORREST’s men [Nathan B. Forrest].  GRIERSON [Benjamin H. Grierson] has already captured several parties of stragglers belonging to that command.  They were the participators in the horrid atrocity, and they should pay the penalty.

THE REBEL PRESS ON THE FORT PILLOW MASSACRES.—The Richmond Enquirer has a lengthy article on the Fort Pillow massacre, sneering at the indignation of the Northern press and saying, if Confederate prisoners are executed, double the number of Federals will be immediately put to death.

The Examiner says that FORREST’s atrocities diffused a warm and soothing glow through the veins of every good Confederate.  The whole country will approve and applaud his action, so it is hoped will the Confederate GOVERNMENT.

GEN. WASHBURNE [sic].—A Memphis dispatch says Gen. WASHBURNE [sic: C. C. Washburn] is very active preparing his force for active duty in the field.

  Gen. H. PRINCE [Henry Prince] succeeds General M. BRAYMAN, in command of the District of Columbus, with headquarters at Cairo.

GEN. GRANT AND THE PRESIDENT.—The Cincinnati Commercial says that the President [Abraham Lincoln] has lately assured Gen. GRANT [Ulysses S. Grant], not only that he is absolute master of all the forces in the field, but that he (the President) does not even desire to know what are his plans in any field of operations.  We have no doubt of the truth of this statement, and, under such circumstances, we think that popular curiosity can very well afford to restrain itself.

A REBEL REPULSE.—When Gen. BANKS [Nathaniel P. Banks] was retiring from Grand Ecore to Alexandria, the enemy followed and attacked his rear a short distance from Cane River.  They were repulsed by FRANKLIN [William B. Franklin], with the loss of 1,000 men and nine pieces of artillery.

BAD FOR STEELE.—It is reported that on the 25th ult., a train of 240 empty wagons, guarded by a portion of the 6th Missouri, 18th Illinois, 18th and 5th Indiana Cavalry, returning from Camden, whence they had been sent for supplies by Gen. STEELE, was attacked within thirty miles of Pine Bluff, by a large force of rebels under MARMADUKE and captured.  It is said that 1,000 men and seven pieces of artillery fell into the enemy’s hands.

The 100 Day Men.

Recruiting commissions have been issued to parties in the St. Croix Valley, to raise a company of 100 day men.  H. A. JAY, Esq., of this city, and A. D. GRAY, of Hudson are recruiting.  Several of our most substantial citizens here are talking of going.  A company could be filled in this county in two days, were it not that the term of service, will not expire until after the men are wanted for harvest.  As it is, Mr. JAY will push the matter vigorously, and no doubt a fair number will be raised.

1864 March 12: Northwest Wisconsin Recruitment, Carmi Garlick Commissioned Again, Amendment to the Enrollment Act, and Other News Items

Following are the small items from the March 12, 1864, issues of The Prescott Journal and The Polk County Press.  Note of warning: the “N” word is used in the second item under From The Polk County Press, referring to Frederick Douglass. The University of Wisconsin-River Falls  does not condone the use of this language but includes it as an accurate reflection of society during the Civil War.

From The Prescott Journal:

  About one fourth of the town of Superior, in this State, has been confiscated as belonging to disloyalists.  Among others, the names of Commissioner Ould [Robert Ould], John C. Breckenridge [sic] and R. N. [sic] T. Hunter¹ appear as owners.  There were 18 rebel owners in all.

  The town of River Falls has voted a $100 bounty to each of the re-enlisted veterans who are credited to her.

  Capt. MAXSON [Orrin T. Maxson] left for Madison on Tuesday.  The Capt. has had excellent success recruiting, having enlisted over sixty men.  We doubt if any recruiting officer in the State has done better.

  Gen. Grant [Ulysses S. Grant] says that Sherman [William T. Sherman] has inflicted the severest blow on the rebellion since the fall of Vicksburg.

From The Polk County Press:

Frederick Douglass, from the Library of Congress²

— Out of the 130,000 men now in the 100 batteries and regimental organizations, whose terms expired on or before the first day of January, 100,000 have re-enlisted.

— The “nigger” Fred. Douglas [sic: Frederick Douglass] lectures in Milwaukee this week.

NEW RECRUITS.—Recruiting officer, Geo. W. Davis, returned from Burnett county on Wednesday last, having enlisted three more men to apply on Polk County’s quota. This makes eight men which this energetic officer has secured since his return from Madison. The following is the list complete :

	Joseph Cadotte,	John R. Day,
	Alexander Cadotte,	George Samuel,
	Thomas Hart,	James Rice,
	Charles Hart,	John Buck.

We cannot too highly commend the energy of Mr. Davis.  He has worked hard and has secured a tough, hardy set of men, who will all make excellent soldiers.  Mr. Davis expects to get eight or ten more during the next week.

Next to the “New Recruits” item was the following small item, which may explain why George W. Davis was having such good luck recruiting men—the winter work in the pineries was finished and those workers were coming into the towns looking for new work.  A soldier’s bonus probably looked pretty good to them.

RETURNED.—Quite a large number of our citizens have returned from the pineries during the week, which makes things look little a more [sic] lively.  Our town has been almost deserted of men this winter, but now they are coming back one by one, which soon makes a change come over our village.

DETACHED.—The Secretary of War has ordered the three companies of Minnesota Cavalry which have been included in the 5th Iowa Regiment, to be detached and formed into a new Battalion, for home service on the frontier.  The companies have re-enlisted and are now home on furlough.

ELECTION.—The State election in New Hampshire took place on Tuesday last.  The campaign has been a hot one, and we look to see a good rousing Union victory.  The soldiers do not vote in New Hampshire.

TOWN CAUCUSES.—The Union men of the several towns in Polk county, are requested to hold their town caucuses, for the purpose of choosing their delegates to the Union County Convention, on Monday next, March 14th.  Let the Union men in every town turn out that the delegation may be full.  Remember that prompt action gains the victory !

THE ENROLLMENT BILL.—This bill will be found on the 1st and 4th pages of the paper.  Although not an official copy, it may be relied upon as being correct.³

APPOINTED ASS’T SURGEON.—Dr. C. P GARLICK, of this village [Osceola], has received and accepted the appointment of Assistant Surgeon of the 35th Regiment, Col. ORFF,4 now at Milwaukee.  The appointment is an excellent one, and although we much regret to part with our resident physician, still we take pleasure in congratulating the soldiers of the 35th, upon having so humane and whole-souled a Surgeon to attend to their physical wants.  As the Doctor is obliged to report for duty immediately, he wishes us to state that he wants to settle up all outstanding accounts as soon as possible, and request all those who are indebted to him to call at his office and settle forthwith.

That explains this ad in the classifieds section of previous issues of the Press:

WA N T E D.

One Hundred Volunteers,

To call at the office of the undersigned, on or before the 1st day of March next, and settle up their little accounts with him.  All delinquents after that date will be made subject to an immediate draft.
C. P. GARLICK,
Recruiting Officer.

1.  Robert Mercer Taliaferro Hunter (1809-1887) was the Confederate States Secretary of State (1861-1862), a Confederate States Senator from Virginia (1862-1865), and President pro tempore of the Confederate Senate (1862-1865). Before the Civil War he had been a U.S. Senator from Virginia (1847-1861), and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives (1837 to 1843, and 1845 to 1847). He served as Speaker of the House from 1839 to 1841, and is the youngest person ever to hold that position.
2.  This image of Frederick Douglass, probably taken in the 1860s, is from the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division.
3.  The 1864 amendment of the Enrollment Act is very long, and since it is easily available on the Internet we are not posting it on this blog. One place to find it is the Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, & Abolition at Yale University. The original 1863 Enrollment Act is followed by the February 24, 1864, amendment.
4.  Henry Orff, from Milwaukee, was the colonel of the 35th Wisconsin Infantry. He was commissioned on September 15, 1863, and resigned on July 21, 1865, because of a disability. The rest of the regiment mustered out on March 15, 1866. Garlick was discharged on February 11, 1865, for a disability.

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

1864 January 2: Jerry Flint Busy Recruiting

In its December 26, 1863, issue The Prescott Journal’s editor declared, “There will be no paper issued from this office next week [January 2, 1864], except an advertising sheet.  We follow the usual custom of printers, and take a holiday in the holidays.”

The Polk County Press’ editor wrote, “We issue but a half-sheet this week, owing to the holidays.  In so doing, we but exercise a printer’s privilege to celebrate.”

That does not give us much news to work with, so we will be posting some articles that we did not have room for last week.  The following small items, however, are from the January 2, 1864, issue of The Polk County Press.

— Gen. JOHN MORGAN [John Hunt Morgan], who recently escaped from the Penitentiary at Columbus, has arrived within the rebel lines en-route for Richmond.

— The official vote of Wisconsin has just been canvassed.  It stands: Lewis (Union) 79,934 ;  Palmer (Copperhead) 55,199.  Union majority 24,815.  [James T. Lewis ;  Henry L. Palmer]

— Since the beginning of the war nine printers have enlisted from this office, besides Ye Editor who didn’t enlist and was “grafted.”—Hudson Times.

— HENRY FRENCH¹ has enlisted in Co. G., 4th cavalry, and has been credited to the town of Osceola.  He has brought up blanks &c., from Sergt. FLINT,² recruiting officer at Hudson, for the 4th Reg., and men wishing to volunteer can be examined, sworn into the service immediately, without going to Hudson.  Their names will be forwarded to Madison as soon as necessary papers are signed, and the bounties will be paid them as soon as they are accepted.

1.  Henry T. French enlisted December 26, 1863. In May 1864 he will be transferred to Co. A, 4th Wisconsin Cavalry.
2.  This is our letter-writer Jerry E. Flint.²  We have not had letters from Jerry in a long time because he was home recruiting.  Jerry did quite well with his recruiting efforts, picking up 37 men for Company G, from late October 1863 to early January 1864:

Mark B. Anderson	Dec. 19	Elliott J. Dodge	Dec. 27	Charles P. Nichols	Oct. 23
Gilbert Anderson	Jan. 4	William H. Fuller	Dec. 19	John S. Noble	Dec. 26
Mathis A. Anderson	Jan. 4	Richard G. Folger	Dec. 23	Patrick O’Neil	Dec. 16
Andrew Bennett	Dec. 24	William R.K. Gibson	Dec. 22	Hans P. Olsen	Jan. 4
Albert Bentley	Dec. 19	George H.D. Goodwin	Dec. 15	John Parks	Dec. 1
James H. Brayton	Nov. 18	Jesse S. Hamilton	Nov. 13	Solomon Parrott	Dec. 18
Gilbert E. Bushnell	Dec. 24	Ira Hayford	Dec. 19	Roswell V. Pratt	Nov. 7
David R. Beal	Dec. 18	Ossian C. Hicks	Dec. 24	Commodore P. Rogers	Dec. 26
George H. Courtwright	Nov. 25	John Humphrey	Dec. 30	Thomas Stout	Dec. 18
Nathan S. Carr	Dec. 28	Charles G. Knowles	Dec. 24	Samuel A. Sturtevant	Dec. 22
Lyman H. Carlton	Dec. 24	George W. Mason	Dec. 21	John H. Sausman	Dec. 19
David Davis	Dec. 19	Henry McGuire	Dec. 30	James M. Tozer	Dec. 24
				John M. Wadsworth	Dec. 29

The Regimental Muster and Descriptive Rolls (Wisconsin Adjutant General’s Office), commonly known as the “Red Books,” include when a soldier was enlisted and by whom, and when he was mustered and by whom. The University Archives and Area Research at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls has microfilm copies of the complete set for all regiments (River Falls Micro 183; a finding aid is available online).