1865 May 27: Tidbits on the Sultana Disaster, Jefferson Davis, the Milwaukee Soldiers Home, and More

Following are the smaller items from the May 27, 1865, issues of The Polk County Press and The Prescott Journal.

From The Polk County Press:

OMISSION.—Owing to our being unable to procure paper upon which to print our paper last week, we omitted the issue entirely.  Our subscribers, however, are not to be the losers, as we shall furnish all with 52 copies for a year.

THE SULTANA DISASTER.—It is understood that the commission to investigate the destruction of the Sultana, and the terrible loss of life connected therewith, find that the disaster was caused solely from the fact that the boilers were defective and the water too low.

COTTON IN THE SOUTHWEST.—An order has been issued by Gen. Canby [Edward Canby] claiming for the United States all cotton to which the “Confederate Government” had any claim, in the territory embraced in Dick Taylor’s surrender [Richard Taylor].

— The rebel forces in north Georgia have surrendered on the terms granted to Gen. Lee.  [Robert E. Lee]

— Troops whose terms of enlistment expires before October will be mustered out of the service as soon as possible.

THE RELEASE OF PRISONERS.—An order has been issued from the War Department, that all prisoners of war, except officers above the rank of Colonel, who, before the capture of Richmond, signified their desire to take the oath of allegiance to the United States and their unwillingness to be exchanged, be forthwith released on their taking said oath, and transportation furnished to their respective homes.  In respect to all other prisoners of war, further orders will be issued.

RETURNING.—Most of the men furnished by the towns of Alden and Lincoln, to fill their quotas under the last call, have been discharged, and have returned home.  The boys made a good thing by enlisting and we are glad that the necessity which called them to don the blue coat, and exchange the plow for the musket has passed away.  Long live the Republic !

FAIR AT MILWAUKEE.—On the 28th of June, a great Fair will open at Milwaukee, the proceeds to be devoted to the endowment of a soldier’s home in that city.  The Legislature has made an appropriation in behalf of this enterprise, and the people throughout the State are moving earnestly in the matter, and will doubtless make it a success.  We hope the ladies of Osceola are doing all they can to further the good cause.

— The person who for two years was purser of the pirate Alabama has been appointed to a first class clerkship in the Land Office at Washington.  This position with a good salary, has been given him by the Government that it may have his testimony available as to the captures and destruction committed by that corsair.

— At Arlington, Vermont, a young Cobpperhead [sic] was expressing his satisfaction at Mr. Lincoln’s murder, when a physician suddenly clapped over his mouth a large sticking plaster, which he had been quietly warming on the stove, and thus effectually stopped the flow of treasonable sentiments.

— The Confederate President [Jefferson Davis], in using wife dresses, must evidently have been reduced to his last shift.

— Jeff. Davis is to be tried for high treason by the civil courts.  President Johnson [Andrew Johnson] will give him the full benefit of the law.

— In a speech made by Jeff. Davis on the return of the Peace Commissioners from Fortress Monroe, and which was filled with sound fury, he said, amongst other things that “he thanked God he was the representative of a race too proud to bend the knee to mortal man.”

Alas, how fallen !  This haughty “representative” is now so humble and so meek, that he attempted to make himself out a woman !  Chivalry in petticoats and crinoline !  Mrs. Jeff. it appears, could not believe this herself of “the expiring blood of Lancaster,” for she exclaimed to the captors of the petticoat representative, “Take care gentlemen, or he may hurt somebody !”—Chicago Journal.

— The Chicago “Journal” proposes that the authorities of the different States shall at once declare that the confederate uniform be henceforth the garb of all convicts sentenced to the State Penitentiaries for ordinary crimes, and that the uniform worn by confederate officers be that for criminals of higher grade, according to degree.

— The President [Andrew Johnson] will soon issue a proclamation declaring all vessels under the rebel flag pirates, and to be treated as such.

— There is a Pennsylvania soldier who has lost both arms, both legs, and one eye, and remains alive to tell the story.

— The key of Castle Thunder, the notorious rebel prison at Richmond is in New York, and is to be sold at auction for the benefit of orphans of volunteers.

— The first meeting of the society for the abolition of slavery in the Spanish colonies took place at Madrid on the 2d ult., and was a large and enthusiastic one.  Senior Plozza was elected President.

— The national flag was torn down from the Post office, in Highland, Iowa County, on the 17th inst., and thrown into the street.  That town sent one volunteer to the war, under the first half million call.  It is far more secesh than half the South.

— Only some $15,000,000 of the most rebel loan, placed on the English market two years ago, has ever been disposed of.  We wish it had been more, so that the English sympathizers with rebellion would feel their loss.

— The abolition amendment of the Constitution has been ratified by twenty-one States.  Of the free States, New Hampshire, Connecticut, California, Iowa and Oregon have not yet acted on it.  These, with one State more, will be sufficient to secure its adoption.

— The last story about the disposition of the body of President Lincoln’s assassin is that Booth’s head and heart have been placed in the army medical museum, and that the remainder of his body has been interred in a spot devoted to the burial of felons, such precautions being taken as to prevent any public knowledge of the spot.  [Abraham Lincoln; John Wilkes Booth]

From The Prescott Journal:

HOW JEFF. DAVIS SHOULD BE TREATED.—In regard to the treatment of JEFF. DAVIS, we may ask in the very word which DAVIS himself used in the Senate of the United States, when speaking of JOHN BROWN.

“Who would seek to dull the sword of justice in favor of him whose crime connects with all that is most abhorrent to humanity, the violation of every obligation to the social compact, the laws, the Constitution, the requirements of public virtue and personal honor !”

—The whirligig of time has made some queer changes during the past few years.  Five years ago, ANDREW JOHNSON voted for JOHN C. BRECKINRIDGE for President ;  now he is President himself, and will hang BRECKINRIDGE if he can catch him.

— In a speech made by Jeff. Davis on the return of the Peace Commissioners from Fortress Monroe, and which was filled with sound fury, he said, amongst other things that “he thanked God he was the representative of a race too proud to bend the knee to mortal man.”

Alas, how fallen!  This haughty “representative” is now so humble and so meek, that he attempted to make himself out a woman !  Chivalry in petticoats and crinoline !  Mrs. Jeff. it appears, could not believe this herself of “the expiring blood of Lancaster,” for she exclaimed to the captors of the petticoat representative, “Take care gentlemen, or he may hurt somebody !”—Chicago Journal.

— New York Times, says:

“The archives of the Cabinet and government and the recollections of Cabinet ministers will prove, that from the beginning to the “bitter end” Gov. Seward [William H. Seward] originated the strongest measures, advocated the largest armies, and urged the most stringent policy against the rebellion ;  that on no occasion, in the cabinet, in his department, or in his personal relations with the President, Congress or the people has he faltered or wavered ;  that his moral and physical courage has been ever conspicuous, and that he has given his time, his talents, his fortune and almost his life, to his country.”

THE SULTANA DISASTER.—A correspondent of the Tribune, writing from Memphis, says it is conjectured that some hundreds of victims of the disaster on the steamer Sultana were burned to death, having been caught under the ruins of the upper works.  This conjecture is made almost certain by the statement of the pilot, who states that while the wreck was burning he could hear many persons underneath struggling and crying for help.  Some of them succeeded in extricating themselves and jumping overboard, but it is feared that a great many had not the desired alternative of choseing [sic] the less horrible of the two deaths, and were consumed.

1865 May 20: The Surrender of Lee’s Army “unwelcome intelligence” to the Rebel Blockade-runners, and Other News

Following are the smaller news items from the May 20, 1865, issue of The Prescott Journal.

  NICHOLAS F. RULEY¹ was killed by the explosion of the Sultana, April 26, near Memphis, Tennessee.  Mr. RULEY has long been a resident of this city, and his friends deeply mourn his loss.

  Rev. J. Hyatt Smith, of Philadelphia, in an address to his people said :  “I have heard censure pronounced upon President Lincoln [Abraham Lincoln] because he visited a theatre.  My friends, I look upon a patriot in a theatre as better than [a] copperhead at a prayer meeting.

— SECRETARY SEWARD.—A Washington despatch says :  The condition of Secretary Seward as was such that there is every prospect of his resuming his official duties within a week or ten days.  Already he supervises the important work done in the State Department.  [William H. Seward]

— MR. GEO. FRANCIS TRAIN has been making a speech in defence of Major Gen. Sherman [William T. Sherman].  The General needs no such advocate.  He has one more eloquent and powerful—his past [__]er.  [letters missing on the microfilm]

General News.

— Maj. Gen. Curtis is now in St. Paul.  [Samuel R. Curtis]

— At a little festival gotten up in Waupun, recently, $100 was realized for the Soldiers’ Home in Milwaukee.

— The ladies of Cleveland are going to give a picnic dinner to soldiers soon to be mustered out of the Hospital, on University Heights.

— The soldiers of Iowa Regiments have subscribed about ninety thousand dollars to the Orphans’ Home.

— The first man killed in this war was Daniel Howe,² of New York, at Fort Sumter, in 1861, by the premature discharge of a gun.

— It is said that John W. Forney is again being persistently urged for the position of Secretary of the Navy!  Cameron wants to get back to the Senate.  Oh !  [Simon Cameron]

— The Bermuda Mirror—published in the nest of rebel blockade-runners and pirates—announces the surrender of Lee’s army as “unwelcome intelligence,” indicating “the sad termination of a great cause.”

1.  Nicholas F. Ruley (1844-1865) is listed in the 1860 Federal Census living in Prescott. He is not listed anywhere as having been a Civil War soldier. He may have been a member of the Sultana’s crew, since his father was a steamboat pilot, and he and his brothers worked as steamboatmen.
2.  Sometimes spelled “Hough,” or even “Haugh.”

1865 April 15: News is Slow Getting to Northwest Wisconsin

The smaller news items, including many local items, from both The Polk County Press and The Prescott Journal of April 15, 1865, show how slowly news gets to the frontier of northwestern Wisconsin.

From The Polk County Press:

DESERTED.—The Taylor’s Falls “Reporter” says that Wm. Cox, who was drafted at that place, has deserted.

DRAFTED.—The draft for Stillwater took place at St. Paul on the 3d inst.  Among the first drafted was our friend A. B. EASTON, editor of the “Messenger.”

HEADQT’RS PRO. MAR. }
SIXTH DIST., Wis. }
LA CROSSE, March 16, ’65. }

I hereby certify that Worthy A. Prentice, Wm. H. Kent, Abram L. Gillispie, John H. Baker, Joseph S. Corey, and Andrew Fee have been duly enlisted and mustered into the service of the United States, for the period of one year, and the town of Osceola, county of Polk, and State of Wisconsin.

.                         .B. F. COOPER,
Capt. and Pro. Mar., 6th Dist., Wis.

SANITARY.—The ladies in this vicinity, we understand, have concluded to send a box of goods to the Sanitary Fair at Chicago.  The box will be sent to the Union stall, and ladies of all denominations are invited to contribute whatever they think acceptable.  All contributions must be handed in by the 15th of May.—Persons having cornelians and cones to donate, will oblige the Committee by leaving them at the PRESS office.

— Six hundred cords of wood were furnished to soldiers’ families at Terre Haute, Ind., last winter.

— Charleston papers say that the work of recruiting goes on finely among the colored people of that city.

— The Louisville “Journal” states that Gov. Bramlette [Thomas E. Bramlette], of Kentucky, has furnished all his slaves with freedom papers.

— In the churches at Geneva, the Swiss pray every Sunday for the success of the North and the good health of President Lincoln [Abraham Lincoln].

— The price paid by the government for horses been advanced to $165 for cavalry horses, $175 for artillery horses, and $180 for mules.

— General Hartsuff¹ has been brevetted Maj. General, on the recommendation of General Grant [Ulysses S. Grant], for gallant conduct in recapturing Fort Steadman [sic] from the enemy.

— The 6th Corps of the army of the Potomac are going to raise $10,000 for a monument to their beloved Gen. Sedgwick [John Sedgwick].  The privates are to give from fifty to seventy-five cents and the officers from two to ten dollars.

— The Union forces entered Petersburg on Monday morning and before night a Union newspaper was issued set up, edited and printed by Western boys, called “Grant’s Petersburg Progress.”  It is about twelve by 20 inches in size and printed on one side only.

The Commercial’s special says :  “the colored troops, headed by Gen. Draper of Mass., were the first to enter Richmond.  The city was formally surrendered by Mayor Joseph Mayo, who merely pleaded for protection to life and property.  All the principal buildings had been fired by the rebel authorities before leaving.  Several banks and the Enquirer and Dispatch printing offices were burned.  Gen. Weitzel [Godfrey Weitzel] took Jeff. Davis’ house for headquarters.  Gen. Shepley was appointed Military Governor.  Gov. Pierpont [Francis H. Pierpont] is to transfer the loyal state government of Virginia to Richmond from Alexandria immediately.

A Herald correspondent gives an account of the conflagration of Petersburg.  When Gen. Weitzel entered the city, the negroes flocked about him thanking the Lord that the Yankees had come.  He found a bridge burning and sent the negroes for a fire engine, which they brought, and he set them at work extinguishing the flames, and finally turned his superintendency over to a white man.  Most of the railroad property had been destroyed and large quantities of tobacco burned.  Immense amounts of commissary stores were piled in storehouses in the heart of the city, and if fired would have destroyed it.  This was not done.  Our shells fired into the city had done but very little damage.  Here and there a chimney was ruined and a hole punctured in a house but the people continued to live in exposed parts of the city.  By 6 o’clock the town was awake, troops pressing in from all quarters, cheering, singing, &c.  Citizens showed themselves in such large numbers that it seemed but very few had left.  They all appeared hungry, provisions having been hoarded for the army.  The business streets looked thrifty and the stores had considerable stocks of goods.

From The Prescott Journal:

  In less than a year after General Grant took command of the Army of Virginia, the rebel capital was in his hands.  This may be called a good year’s work.

GOV. LEWIS.—Gov. Lewis [James T. Lewis] has published a letter in which he positively declines being a candidate for re election.

  This would be a nice time for Brick Pomeroy to reprint his campaign cut of the cotton stealing, negro thieving, tyrant and murderous old “widow-maker,” ABRAHAM LINCOLN.  It would please the people very much.  [M. M. “Brick” Pomeroy]

  It is not generally thought proper to write business letters on the Sabbath, but the business correspondence between GRANT and LEE, last Sunday, has been very favorably regarded.  [Robert E. Lee]

  Our forces took possession of Petersburg in the morning, and before night a Union paper—Grant’s Petersburg Progress, was issued.  It was edited by Maj. “BOB” EDEN [Robert C. Eden], and sparkles with witty paragraphs from his facile pen.  The “Family Paper” will X. BOB.

— We are under obligations to Lieut. L. D. GUNN, of the 30th, for Louisville papers.

  Milwaukee, Madison, and La Crosse were carried by the Republicans at the charter election.  In Milwaukee the Union ticket bore the significant heading, “Richmond is Ours.”

  A few days ago, we heard one of our citizens predict that Gen. LEE would yet be a Democratic candidate for the Presidency.  We thought he was overdoing the thing, but we ask his pardon.  The St. Paul Pioneer of the 11th, the same issue in which it announces the surrender of LEE’S army, advises the President to counsel with Gen. LEE as to the best course to pursue.  It probably wants to have LEE taken into LINCOLN”S cabinet as Secretary of War.

Gen. LEE is a man of great abilities and amiable in his private life, but he is a perjured traitor.  He has fought fiercely against the Government which had highly honored and trusted him, and the strength which he has given to this damned Rebellion, has been the means of protracting the war—of heaping up taxation—of taking hundreds of thousands of Northern men from their homes—of thousands of deaths in the shock of battle—and of prolonging the dreadful tortures of thousands more amid the untold horrors of the accursed prison-pens of the South.  LEE has done this, and the Pioneer, before he has put off his rebel uniform, names him as one of the President’s trusted counselors.  Oh, shame, where is thy blush !

1.  George Lucas Hartsuff (1830-1874) graduated from West Point in 1852 and was a career military officer serving in the Seminole Wars, where he received a wound that eventually caused his death. During the Civil War he served in many staff positions. He became a brigadier general in April 1862, and served in the III Corps, Army of Virginia, and then in the Army of the Potomac. Hartsuff was severely wounded in the hip at Antietam. He was promoted to major general in November 1863. As mentioned here, was brevetted major general in the regular army in March of 1865, and from March 19 to April 16 of the same year was in command of Bermuda Hundred in the Army of the James. Then he commanded the District of Nottoway in the Department of Virginia from May 22 to August 24. Hartsuff mustered out of Volunteer service on August 24, 1865, and returned to the regular army as a lieutenant colonel. Hartsuff resigned from the regular army on June 29, 1871, because of disability resulting from wounds received in battle.

1865 April 8: Men in the 30th Wisconsin Hurt When Capturing “Sue Mundy,” Local Quotas and the Draft, Osceola Celebrates the Fall of Richmond

Following are the smaller items—many of them local—from the April 8, 1865, issues of The Prescott Journal and The Polk County Press.

From The Prescott Journal:

EXCHANGED.—The following exchanged Wisconsin officers, arrived at Annapolis on the 7th :  Lieut. Wm. A. Pope, 18th Wis., Lieut. C. Colwell, 1st Wis., Adjt. J. H. Jenkins, 21st Wis., Lieut. R. W. Jackson, 21st Wis.

— A detachment of the 30th Wis. about 50 in number, under command of Capt. Otis Marshall, have done a good thing in capturing the notorious guerrilla leader “Sue Mundy,” and two others, Capt. Magruder and Henry Medkiff.

Col. DILL [Daniel J. Dill] having got information as to their whereabouts, sent out the party, who went by boat to Brandenburg, and then into the country about 20 miles where they found the game, and after a short fight captured them.  The following members of the party were wounded.

Everett Wadsworth, Co. A, leg.¹
Johnny White, Co F, breast.²
Serg’t Paddock, Co. K, slight.³
J. A. Robbins, K [sic], Severe in bowels.⁴

Jerome Clark [sic], alias “Sue Mundy” has been tried and hung ;  the others are in confinement awaiting trial.

—WM. COOK,⁵  2nd Wis. Cavalry, who has been in rebel prisons for nearly a year, returned home this week.  He fully corroberates [sic] the statements of the of the inhumane treatment of our prisoners by the rebels.  We understand that he intends to re-enlist, and get revenge for the wrongs that he has suffered.

—THE DRAFT.—Dep. Pro. Mar. DALE has received instructions to report those towns in this County, which are not filling their quota, that they may be drafted immediately.  [John L. Dale]

—GEORGE CLEMENTS⁶ has been commissioned Capt. of Co. B, 50th Reg.  George has won his position by three years faithful service in the “Iron Brigade,” and we record his appointment with pleasure.

—THE QUOTA REDUCED.—Capt. Cooper [Benjamin F. Cooper], Provost Marshall for the Sixth, or Northwestern Wisconsin District has received official advices that a deduction of 633 men was [to] be made from the Quota as [as]signed to this Sixth District.  This will release many towns from the draft—Now, if any towns or sub-districts are short of the quota, let a vigorous effort be made to fill the quota without a draft.—We have steadily maintained that justice would be done and we acknowledge it with pleasure.  This reduction in in accordance with the corrected enrollment, and equal to about one-fourth off.—La Cross Republican.

WISCONSIN MARTYRS.—The following Wisconsin soldiers died in prison, at Danville, Va., from October 21st, 1864, to February 21st, 1865 :

D. Frisbourne, E, 38th, Oct. 23d.
F. Spect, D, 37th, Nov. 1st.
L. Olsien, F, 37th, Nov. 2d.
Corp. A. Westerbrook, D, 37th, Nov. 8th.
O. Mitcham, B, 38th, Nov. 25th.
H. Sprague, G, 27th, Nov. 30th.
John Conway, B, 38th, Dec. 29th.
B. F. Starkey, G, 5th, Jan. 3d.
A. C. Hickman, E, 37th, Jan. 18th.

  Advices from Nashville state the gratifying fact that arrangements have been completed for a general exchange of prisoners in the Department of the Cumberland.

  Of the rebel prisoners at Rock Island, 2,500 have already gone to be exchanged, leaving about 2,000 still there.

— A DECISION BY FARRAGUT.—On a point of International law Vice Admiral [David G. Farragut] has been favoring Mr. Seward with a decision.  Seward was enforcing the necessity of strictly observing the duty of neutrality within a marine league of the shore.  “Well Mr. Seward,” said the Vice Admiral, “I learned my international law before you did, and in a rougher school.  When I was a boy, the British took our crew—and me with the rest—prisoners on the coast of South America, with less than half a mile of the shore.  British precedent is good enough for me ;  and if I ever have an opportunity I’ll follow it.”

THE PRAYERS OF THE WICKED.—Friday was observed in the Confederacy as a day of thanksgiving and prayer.  All business was suspended.

The Richmond Examiner is informed by a rebel officer from South Carolina that Sherman has completely devastated that portion of the State through which he passed.  This officer says he has not spared a house in his trace.  [William T. Sherman]

  JOHN A. J. CRESSWELL has been elected to the U. S. Senate from Maryland, to fill the vacancy made by the death of Governor HICKS.  He is a radical emancipationist.  [Thomas H. Hicks]

From The Polk County Press:

WE ALL FELT GLAD.—Last Wednesday our citizens learned the glorious news of the fall of the traitor’s Capital—Richmond.  Immediately there was a running to and fro of citizens.  The Union Club flag was run up on the PRESS office, and the drum called the “long roll.”  Citizens gathered from all parts of the village—the band got organized and discoursed sweet martial strains.  A procession was formed, headed by the Democratic Club flag and “HANK’s” Martial Band, and marched to the “Armory.”  Here the muskets were distributed and the line formed.  Rev. WM. MCKINLEY took command, and then at the order of “forward” the company paraded through the streets, stopping at every corner to fire a volley of musketry.—Gladness was stamped upon every face.  Lusty cheers were given for “Old Abe,” “Uncle Sam,” Grant, and the “Bully Boys in Blue.” In fact we all felt glorious—and had a “high old time” of it.

NOTICE.— The ladies of Osceola and vicinity contemplate sending a box of goods to the Sanitary Fair, which is to be held next May.  All who feel interested in such a movement are requested to meet at Mrs. Hays’ next Monday afternoon, for the purpose of making necessary arrangements.

— The rebel heart has been so often “fired” that probably it will soon burst.

— Hereafter all our national coins are to have the motto, “In God we trust.”

— Gen. Grant’s medal contains $700 worth of gold, and cost, work and all, $7,000.  [Ulysses S. Grant]

— A Correspondent, says a Boston paper, asks if it is possible to get the name of Gen. Schemmelfenning [Alexander Shimmelfenning], the commander of Charleston, into rhyme.  Guess so :

“The gal’ant Dutchman Schimmelfenning,
Holds Charleston as he would a hen egg.
He grabs the traitors by the ear,
And brings them to their lager beer.
We wish we had a million such men
As this bold rebel hating Dutchman.”

NOT GOING.—T. Y. McCourt, who we announced last week as having enlisted for this town, is not going, it having been ascertained that our quota was full without him.  This saves the citizens of this town about $450.

REDUCTION OF OUR QUOTA.—By an article in the La Crosse “Republican” we see that at last justice has been done the 6th District, at Washington. The quota of the District, has been reduced over six hundred.  This will place many towns “in out of the Draft.”

THE DRAFT.—The draft commenced throughout the United States on the 3d inst., by order of Provost Marshal General FRY.  [James B. Fry]

ABOUT THE DRAFT.—FRIEND SAM :  I have just received an order from Capt. COOPER, the substance of which is as follows :  “If the Towns in this County will furnish their present quota, ‘less one fourth’ that they will be exempt from draft under the present call for 300,000 men.

This will have to be done immediately.

Respectfully yours,
.  .WM. J. VINCENT,
.           .Dep. Pro. Mar.

1.  Everett Wadsworth, from Malone (in Saint Croix County). He was absent, sick, when the Company mustered out. He had been in the Post Hospital in Louisville since March 13, 1865.
2.  John G. White, from River Falls. He was discharged June 16, 1865, on a surgeon’s certificate of disability.
3.  William H. Paddock, from the Town of Troy. He was discharged August 28, 1865, on a surgeon’s certificate of disability.
4.  John A. Robbins, Company H, was from Montrose (in Dane County). He mustered out with the Company on September 20, 1865.
5.  William T. Cook, from Prescott, had been a bugler with the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry, and was taken prisoner March 10, 1864, at Big Black, Mississippi.
6.  George Robinson Clements (1843-1917), from Prescott, was commissioned captain of Company G of the 50th Wisconsin Infantry on March 21, 1865.  He had previously been in the Prescott Guards (Company B, 6th Wisconsin).

1865, April 8: Wisconsin Soldiers’ Home Closer to Becoming a State Home

The Prescott Journal in its April 8, 1865, issue printed extracts from the Legislative Committee on Charitable and Benevolent Institutions.  The only report we are publishing is the one on the Wisconsin Soldiers’ Home.

WISCONSIN SOLDIERS’ HOME.

With regard to this institution the committee report as follows :

In April, 1864. about forty ladies of Wisconsin, discovered that sick and disabled soldiers of this and adjoining states were constantly passing through the city of Milwaukee.  Cases of unusual suffering were brought to their attention when sick and disabled soldiers had arrived in the city without money and without any knowledge of where to go for the actual necessaries of life.  This often produced great suffering, and these ladies, in the kindness and humanity which usually characterizes their sex, associated themselves together to engage in the laudable undertaking of providing a home for all sick, disabled, or indigent soldiers who arrive at Milwaukee, where they could be provided temporary rest and entertainment, and when too sick to proceed on their journey, they would receive such medical aid as they required, and such kind and careful nursing as can only bestowed by their sex.

During the year, or since the 15th day of April last, the number of sick and wounded soldiers who have been cared for at the “Home” is 2,500, of which number over three fourths were Wisconsin citizens.  The total number of meals given since the opening is 15,517.  In addition to the above over 2,000 soldiers have been entertained each way, on their passage to and from the State.  Over 400 sick and wounded soldiers have received medical or surgical attention up to the 1st day of March.

The number of deaths at the “Home” has been fifteen, of which number fourteen were from Wisconsin, and one from Minnesota.

The expenditure in money, up to the 1st day of March, was $4,076,44, all of which was raised by voluntary contributions, and nearly all in the city of Milwaukee.  In addition to the above, large contributions of necessary articles have been received from all parts of the State.

Owing to the increased demands upon the hospitality of the “Home,” the expenses have constantly increased from $100 per month to $800 per month.

To be able to provide for the wants of the soldiers, as above set forth, these benevolent ladies, aided by the liberality of the several Railroad Companies, (who carry not only the ladies of the “Home,” but all parcels designed for that institution, without fee or charge) have found it necessary to travel from place to place, and by their eloquent appeals enlist the people of each locality in this enterprise, and in this manner have been able, for nearly one year, to accomplish all for which it was originally designed.

Not satisfied with furnishing a temporary “Home” and the entertainment for their fellow creatures in distress, this society of ladies, in the goodness of their hearts, have conceived the idea of establishing a “Permanent Soldier’s Home,” to accomplish which it has been, and will continue to be necessary, with the most indefatigable industry, perseverance, and energy to travel all over the State of Wisconsin, and levy voluntary contributions upon the charity, liberality and generosity of the people, in behalf of this undertaking.  In addition to the above, it is their intention to hold a Fair, to commence on the 28th day of June, and to continue for two weeks.

The committee commend to the Legislature, and through them to the people of this State, the objects for which this Fair will be held, and we hereby cordially invite all the citizens of the State to co-operate with the ladies of the “Home” in their endeavors to ameliorate the condition, to some extent, of such of our soldiers as shall be so unfortunate as to return maimed, crippled, or in any manner disabled.

The experience of this institution has demonstrated the necessity for the establishment, sooner or later, of a permanent Soldiers’ Home for disabled discharged soldiers, who have no home, and who must otherwise become objects of charity.

The “Wisconsin Soldiers’ Home,” proposes to erect buildings which shall be an ornament and an honor to the State. The Legislature has, at the present session, passed an act of incorporation for this “Home,” and there can be no doubt, it will ere long be an institution of which the people of the State may well be proud.

The committee extend to the ladies who compose this society, their most cordial approbation and commendation, for their self sacrificing devotion, their kindness and benevolence, their perseverence [sic] and industry, and also for the financial ability and business capacity which characterizes their efforts in this behalf.

In view of the facts above set forth, the committee recommend that all the people of the State shall have an opportunity to contribute to this laudable enterprise, and therefore ask the Legislature to appropriate to the “Wisconsin Soldiers’ Home” the sum of $5,000.

1865 January 28: Work to Aid Soldier’s Wives and Widows

The following comes from The Prescott Journal of January 28, 1865.

Works for Soldier’s Wives and Widows.

The praiseworthy efforts of the Governor to secure employment for the wives and widows of our brave soldiers have been successful, as will be seen by the correspondence published below.  A lot of army cloth is to be sent to this State to be given out to them to work up into army clothing.  The Soldier’s Aid Societies should take hold of the matter without delay :

ASSISTANT QUARTERMASTER’S OFFICE, U.S.A. }
MADISON, WIS., January 11, 1865. }

His Excellency, the Governor of Wisconsin :

SIR :—I have the honor to state that information has been received at this office from the Quartermaster General, U. S. A., that material for the manufacture of seventeen thousand (17,000) pairs of army uniform trowsers,¹ will be forwarded to me without delay, to be made so far as possible by such wives, widows and other female relatives of Wisconsin soldiers, now in the field, or who have fallen there, as may be in want.

As a necessary precaution to guard against loss of material through irresponsible parties, it will be required that work thus given out, be vouched for by responsible persons who from benevolent motives will become security.

I shall be pleased to receive from you, suggestions as to who are the needy ones, and to distribute the work as soon as the material arrives.

.                   .Very respectfully, &c.
N. B. VAN SLYKE, Capt. and A. Q. M.

________

N. B. Van Slyke, Captain and A. Q.M., Madison :

SIR—Yours of the 11th inst., stating that material for the manufacture of seventeen thousand (17,000) pairs of army uniform trowsers will be forwarded to you by the Q. M. General of the U. S. A., to be made as far as possible by such of the wives, widows and other female relatives of Wisconsin soldiers now in the field, or who have fallen there, as may be in want, and requesting suggestions from me as to the distribution of said work, is received.

In reply, I would suggest that you cause the work to be placed in the hands either of the Soldiers’ Aid Societies, or of responsible and patriotic persons, in different parts of the State, who will distribute the same in such manner as will most benefit the soldiers’ families.

Very respectfully,
.                   .J. T. LEWIS,
.             .Governor of Wisconsin.

1.  Today, an obsolete spelling of trousers, but an acceptable spelling in the 19th century.

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

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

A Letter from Vicksburg.

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

Correspondence of the State Journal.

VICKSBURG, Oct. 1.

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

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

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

On receiving which Mrs. Harvey replied as follows :

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1864 August 6: 12th Wisconsin Infantry Casualties Before Atlanta, and Other News

Following are the smaller news items from the August 6, 1864, issues of The Prescott Journal and The Polk County Press.

From The Prescott Journal:

CO. A, 12th Regiment.

Co. A, of the “marching 12th,” has received the baptism of battle.  Always in active and arduous service, it never was their lot to be much under fire, until the recent great battle near Atlanta.  How well they there fought is attested by the severe loss they sustained.  The following is, we believe, a correct list of the casualties¹ :

KILLED—David Dresser, M. E. Hodges, U. Bowers, Julius Oleson, George Hope, John Hudson, Stanly Ralston, Robert Triggs.

WOUNDED—J. N. Holman, arm amputated, Morris Dendam, severely, J. Carniff, severely, J. McCullum, N. K. Hammer, A. McKee, M. E. Syness, W. Burnett, Barrett, Barrett, T. Ottman, A. N. Olin, J. Carruthers, T. Halverson.—Wounded, and either buried or taken prisoners by rebels, S. Huddleston, Thos. Dean.

  The Ladies Loyal League held a festival for the benefit of the Sanitary Commission, at this place, on the evening of the 26th ult.  Ice cream in freezing quantities was dealt out by fair hands from an illimitable fount.  Hilarity and good feeling ruled the hour, “and all went merry as a marriage bell.”  The change was counted out by handfulls, and the thing was a perfect success.  We heard the managers express their unbounded obligations for the very prompt and efficient material aid rendered by the patriotic ladies of Oak Grove, among whom we heard the names of Mrs. Wm. D. Dennison, and Mrs. F. Otis, of Trimbelle.

  W. H. Winchester returned home last week, having served out his three years in the army.  “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

  Lt. Allen White, who has been in the war from the beginning, is at his brother’s in River Falls, on a furlough, and we regret to learn is seriously ill.

  A large number of citizens of this city and River Falls have gone into the service of the Government as mechanics.

THE BATTLE OF ATLANTA ON FRIDAY.—The Washington Republican extra says :

“Dispatches to the Government represent that a great battle was fought in Atlanta on Friday, resulting in horrible slaughter, and a complete repulse of the enemy at every point.  The rebels, holding the largest part of the city, assaulted our works on that day with great fury, evidently expecting to drive our forces out of the city.  The 15th Corps, commanded by Gen. Frank Blair [Francis P. Blair], seemed to be the special object of rebel wrath, as they massed against it in overwhelming force.—The 15th received the shock gallantly, and held its own until Gen. Dodge [Grenville M. Dodge], with the 16th Corps, came up, when the rebels were hurled back with great slaughter.  Gen. Logan [John A. Logan], at the head of the 17th Corps, went into battle with the rallying cry of ‘Remember McPherson’ [James B. McPherson].  This Corps, as well as Blair’s, both constituting the army under Maj. Gen. McPherson, fought desperately, the news of the death of their brave commander having been communicated to them just before going into battle.

“Our troops buried 1,000 rebels, left on the field within our lines, besides which the rebels buried many of their own dead near their works.  It is estimated that the rebel killed and wounded on Friday will exceed 6,000.  Our loss will reach about 2,500 in killed and wounded.  The 15th Corps suffered severely.”

ANOTHER RAID.—Gen. GARRARD’S [Kenner Garrard] expedition from SHERMAN’S [William T. Sherman] army has been successful, destroying bridges at Covington, 40 miles east of Atlanta, toward Augusta.  He destroyed public stores at Covington and Conyers, including 2,000 bales of cotton, a locomotive and a train of cards, capturing 200 prisoners and a number of horses.

TRADE RESTRICTIONS.—An order has been received at Cairo, from the Treasury Department, prohibiting the granting of “authorizations for the purchase or transportation of products or merchandise to or from any insurrectionary States or districts whatever, either under existing trade regulations or otherwise.”  This resumption of trade restrictions is owing to the fact that certain treasonable parties have abused the trade privileges by rendering aid and comfort to the enemy.

A FAIR PRIZE.—General SHERMAN’S army has captured four hundred women, employees in a rebel tent cloth factory, and sent them off to Ohio, there to be set at liberty.  We shall soon expect to hear of plenty of marriages in the Buckeye State.

  A Fortress Monroe dispatch says that General “Baldy” SMITH [William F. Smith], who has been on a flying visit to New York, has returned to the front.

RESIGNED.—Major General W. H. T. BROOKS [sic: William T. H. Brooks],² lately commanding the 10th army corps, has resigned his commission and his commission has been accepted.

ROBERT T. LINCOLN, son of the President, graduated at Harvard University on the 20th.  His father was unable to be present.

REBEL DESERTERS.—We have frequent accounts of large numbers of deserters to our lines from the rebels.  We see that in the interior of the Southern states, where these deserters cannot reach our lines, they organize for self protection, and defy the rebel authorities.  The Richmond Whig of the 20th has a paragraph from the Salisbury (N. C.) Watchman, saying that tories and deserters to the number of seventy-five or one hundred, made a descent recently upon Edgcomb Co. jail, and forcibly released three prisoners confined there for murder.  “One thing is certain,” says the Watchman, “the loyal Confederates here must either subdue these raiders or be themselves subdued.”

The Lynchburg Virginian says that on the 14th a regular fight took place near Pleasant Branch, Campbell county, between some citizens and a gang of deserters.  Two of the deserters are reported mortally wounded and four captured.  The Virginian adds that there are several regular camps and gangs of deserters in Campbell county.

From The Polk County Press:

THE 42D REGIMENT.—Gov. LEWIS [James T. Lewis] has received authority to organize one or more new regiments, and has made the following appointments as officers of the 42d regiment :

Colonel, EZRA T. SPRAGUE, Adjutant of the 8th regiment ;  Lieut. Colonel, W. W. BOTKIN, Capt. of Co. G, 12th regiment ;  Major, JOHN W. BLAKE, Capt. of Co. H, 29th regiment ;  Adjutant, WM. H. HOWES, Co. H, 30th regiment.

ON FURLOUGH.—We had the pleasure of welcoming home our old friend, Surgeon C. P. GARLICK, of the 35th Wisconsin regiment, on Monday last.  Surgeon GARLICK has been in charge of the Post Hospital, Camp Washburn, Milwaukee, for the past three months, and has done himself great credit, in keeping up the “best Camp Hospital in the West.”  He starts to join his regiment in Arkansas on Monday next.  May good fortune attend him.

RETURNED VETERANS.—We had the pleasure of meeting C. BOUCHER, and JOSEPH NUTTER of the 4th Wis. Cavalry.  Their term of service having expired, they have returned to take up the tasks of citizens among us.  Welcome brave boys, you have done nobly.

LOSSES IN THE 7TH MINNESOTA REGIMENT.—Surgeon L. B. SMITH, killed ;  Sergt. Major ORIN RICHARDSON,³ ankle, very serious ;  Chief Musician [Erastus E.] GUARD, hand, serious ;  1st Sergeant ANDREW COLBY, through both lungs, left on the battle field ;  DAVID CANNEDAY, missing.  The above list were all from our neighboring town, Taylors Falls.

—  JEFF. DAVIS [Jefferson F. Davis] has achieved a victory in North Carolina, by the re-election of Governor VANCE [Zebulon Baird Vance] over Mr. HOLDEN, who was the peace candidate.

— The body of Col. JAMES A. MULLIGAN,⁴ who was wounded in COOK’S [sic: George Crook] battle with EARLY [Jubal A. Early], and died a few days afterwards, was recovered by his wife and friends from the rebels, and is now on the way to Chicago for burial.

— The reports from the Upper Potomac are, as usual, very conflicting.  It seems certain that the rebels fire now, or have been, committing serious depredations in Southern Pennsylvania.  There is a report that Chambersburg has been burned.—Great alarm prevails, and Gov. CURTIN [Andrew C. Curtin] has demanded the removal of Gen. COUCH [Darius N. Couch] for inefficiency.  It is shameful that Pennsylvania, with a population equal to the united thirteen colonies at the time of the revolution, cannot defend itself from these rebel raiders.

1.  Killed and wounded from the 12th Wisconsin Infantry’s Company A (Prescott’s Lyon Light Guards), listed alphabetically. The information in quotation marks comes from the Regimental Muster and Descriptive Rolls (Wisconsin Adjutant General’s Office), commonly known as the “Red Books.” 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).

KILLED—

• Henry Bowers, from Marinette, killed in action July 21, 1864 — “had widow mother who was depending on him for support”
• David L. Dresser, from Kinnickinnick, killed in action July 21, 1864
• William H. Hodges, from Hudson, killed in action July 21, 1864
• George W. Hope, Diamond Bluff, killed in action July 21, 1864
• John Hudson, from Pleasant Valley, killed in action July 21, 1864 — was in COMPANY C
• Julius O. Oleson, from Prescott, killed in action July 21, 1864, but also reported prisoner
• Stanley Ralston, from Pleasant Valley, killed in action July 21, 1864 — was in COMPANY C
• Robert Triggs, from Kinnickinnick, killed in action July 21, 1864.

WOUNDED—

• Albert J. Barrett, from Prescott, “slightly” wounded July 21, 1864
• Francis M. Barrett, from Prescott, wounded “in shoulder” July 21, 1864
• William A. Burnett, from Clifton Mills — NOT wounded
• Jeremiah Canniff, from Prescott, “severely wounded and crippled for life,” July 21, 1864
• John Caruthers, from River Falls — NOT wounded
• Thomas Dean, from Perry, wounded July 21, died July 22 — was in COMPANY I
• Morris Denham, from Pleasant Valley, “dangerously” wounded July 21, 1864
• Torbion Halverson/Hulverson, from Martell, wounded, missing in action, prisoner
• Nathan K. Hammer, from Prescott — NOT wounded, but was “absent sick” frequently and perhaps that is why he made this initial list of wounded
• James H. Holman, from Prescott, wounded July 21, died from wounds September 17, 1864 — “widow mother who depended on him for support”
• Samuel Huddleston, from Prescott, wounded July 22, 1864
• John McCullum/McCallum, from Prescott — NOT wounded
• Alva McKee, from Prescott — NOT wounded
• Anthony N. Olin, from River Falls — NOT wounded
• Andrew F. Ottman, from Trimbelle, “severely” wounded July 21, 1864
• Michael E. Syness/Synes, from Martell, — NOT wounded

2.  Brooks resigned from the Army due to poor health.
3.  Oran Richardson, “lost foot at Tupelo.”
4.  James A. Mulligan (1829-1864) was the colonel of the 23rd Illinois Infantry. He was mortally wounded at the Second Battle of Kernstown on July 24, 1864.

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: Mrs. Cordelia A. P. Harvey Helping the Red River Wounded

The following letter from the former first lady of Wisconsin appeared in the May 14, 1864, issue of The Prescott Journal.  The original letter (image below) is in the Wisconsin Historical Society, Wisconsin. Governor, Letters and Papers of Mrs. Cordelia Harvey, 1862-1864 (Series 63).

Letter from Mrs. Harvey.

Scenes at Vicksburg—Arrival of Wisconsin Wounded—Feeling about the Fort Pillow Massacre.

The following is a letter from Mrs. C. A. P. HARVEY [Cordelia A. P. Harvey], State Agent for Wisconsin at Vicksburg, describing the scene on board the Hospital steamer Chenango, which arrived at Vicksburg April 21st, bearing the wounded from the Red River expedition.

SOLDIER’S HOME, VICKSBURG }
MISS, April 24th, 1864. }

GOV. J. T. LEWIS, Madison, Wis.

Dear Sir :—You have doubtless before this received news from the Red River expedition.

On Thursday last the U. S. Sanitary Commission Hospital boat arrived here from below, with sick and wounded.  On board I found some of our soldiers from the 23d and 29th regiments.  Nathan Ellis wounded in the arm, from Co. D, 23d regiment, said that six from their regiment were killed, thirty-four wounded and forty missing ;  could give no names.

Sidney Smith from Co. B, 29th regiment, could give me no information concerning that regiment, as he was wounded in the beginning of the battle, and was brought away before the regiment left the field.

On this boat they were all comfortable.—We sent about forty from hospitals here to hospitals further North.

From this boat I went on board the Chenango which came in about two hours later directly from Red River.

The sights that met my eyes at every step beggar description ;  the lower part of the boat was filled with negroes almost naked, of every age, from babies a few hours old, to old gray-haired men and women.  I say filled, just like flies in and about a sugar bowl ;  it was almost impossible for me to get through this mass of human life, to the fainting, famishing and dying ones above.  The cabin, the gunwales, and the hurricane deck were all covered with our soldiers ;  some dead, some dying, all suffering for care.  One after another surgeons and officers that  I met said, “Mrs. Harvey come away, you can do nothing.  These men have had no care since they were wounded ;  it is terrible, come away.  They will be put into hospitals here and cared for as soon as possible.”

I asked if they had no supplies, no stimulants.  Nothing; nothing!  One of the nurses said— “Oh, Mrs. Harvey !  if you will only bring us some sponges, and small syringes to dress wounds, and some lint too.”

I hastened away, and soon returned with everything they needed—shirts, drawers, socks, lemons, sugar, wines, canned peaches, jellies, nice fresh crackers, pitchers, tumblers, wash basins, sponges, soap, towels, handkerchiefs, clothes, lint and syringes ;  these last I bought, as they had none at the commission rooms.  Last, but not least, a most excellent nurse, Miss Wiswall,¹ that could dress wounds equal to any surgeon.  I asked permission of the surgeon in charge of the boat, to come on board and go to work.  It was given very gratefully, and we did go to work.

The day was very warm.  The men were near burning up with fever from their wounds, or fainting from loss of blood.  Cold water was brought us, and we gave them lemonade and wine first.  Their faces and hands were bathed and wiped clean with towels.

I then opened cans of peaches, and gave each man a cracker and a peach.  The peaches were excellent.  Oh, that the ones who sent them could have seen the grateful, tearful eyes of the sons, brothers, fathers, and husbands, as I saw them that day, and heard the fervent “God bless you !” as I did.  How grateful I was, and am every day, that I am permitted to be the almoner of their bounty.

While I was doing this, Miss Wiswall was dressing wounds.   We labored until evening, when the ambulances came to receive them and take them to hospitals.

I know there were many Wisconsin men on board, but I could not ask for them ;  this you will think strange, but you would not if you were with me.  If you ask for men from any State it makes hearts so sad, that you do not ask for that often, having done it a few times.  You will stop it for humanity’s sake.

Many of them knew me, and said to me as I passed by them, “We knew you would come.”  Poor fellows ;  they wished help from every body.  We are living surrounded by horrors, and I fear the “reign of terror” to us is fast approaching.  Since the Fort Pillow tragedy our colored troops and their officers are waiting in breathless anxiety the action of Government.

The papers do not furnish half the horrors of the Fort Pillow affair.  Our officers of negro regiments declare they will take no more prisoners, and there is death to the rebel in every black man’s eye.  They are still, but horrible.  They will fight.

One poor fellow (black) from Red River had one arm shot off and the other shattered.  When the boat arrived here his arm had mortified, yet was alive with other life than his own.  He said to one of our officers, “If you think, massa, I shall die, I do wish to see my wife and children in Memphis once more.”  When told that it was doubtful if he lived, he said, “Bress de Lord !  I have done my duty fighting for my country and my brethren and I die a man and a free man ;  bress de Lord massa.”  He has been taken to Memphis, his arm amputated, and it is thought he will live.  The negroes know what they are doing.

C. A. P. HARVEY,
State Agent.

1.  Like Cordelia A. P. Harvey, Hattie Wiswall got her own chapter in Woman’s Work in the Civil War: A Record of Heroism, Patriotism and Patience, by L. P. Brockett, and Mrs. Mary C. Vaughan (St. Louis: Zeigler, McCurdy & Co., 1867), chapter on Wiswall begins on page 725). Available in the UWRF Archives (E 628 .B76 1867), and digitally on the Hathi Trust.
Hattie Wiswall began her work on May 1, 1863, as a Hospital Nurse at Benton Barracks in Saint Louis, Missouri. In the fall of 1863 she went to Nashville, and after a short time to Vicksburg, Mississippi, to assist in conducting the Soldier’s Home. She remained there until the end of the Civil War.

Cordelia Harvey letter of April 24, 1864, from the Letters and Papers of Mrs. Cordelia Harvey, 1862-1864 (Series 63) in the Wisconsin State Archives, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin