Enlisting in the United States Service, 1861
"During the months of July and August, 1861, the country was greatly aroused over the prospects of war. Excitement rose high when the news of the battle of Bull Run,…
From: 1861 C.E. To: 1861 C.E.
Location: Davenport, Iowa
Note: This article has been excerpted from a larger work in the public domain and shared here due to its historical value. It may contain outdated ideas and language that do not reflect TOTA’s opinions and beliefs.
From Downing’s Civil War Diary by Alexander Downing and Olynthus Clark, 1916.
Reminiscent Introductory Note
During the months of July and August, 1861, the country was greatly aroused over the prospects of war. Excitement rose high when the news of the battle of Bull Run, July 21st, was flashed over the wires. I was then almost 19 and living at home on a farm near Inland, Cedar county, Iowa. Naturally I was deeply stirred over the question of war. Some of our neighbors and friends had earlier opposed the use of force in preventing secession, but I distinctly remember that my father and many neighbors and friends entertained no doubt as to the righteousness of such a course.
During these days we were at work in the harvest field. We had finished cutting our wheat and oats and during the first two weeks of August were engaged in stacking the grain. Everyone had some part in the work. Father did the stacking, while John was on the stack with him, placing the sheaves at his right hand. Albert and George drove the teams to and from the fields, while Paul and Andrew attended to watering the stock during the day. Tom Toly, a strong Irishman, who had worked for us three or four summers, pitched the sheaves to father from the wagon, and Dave Cole pitched the sheaves from the shocks in the field to me on the wagon, while I arranged them on the load.
There had been some talk of raising a company of troops at Inland, but nothing had come of it. At Tipton, the county seat, a company of one hundred men was raised when the first call for volunteers was made. But as they were not then needed, they went out under the call of July 23, 1861, and became Company A of the Fifth Iowa Infantry.
I had been pondering in my mind the matter of going to join the army. On the evening of Saturday, August 10th, news came of the battle of Wilson's Creek, and that General Lyon had been killed. The First Iowa Infantry was in that battle and made glorious history for itself and for Iowa. That fact, with the excitement over the battle itself, stirred us boys in the neighborhood, and I practically reached a decision as to what I should do.
The next day was Sunday, and everybody was talking about the battle of Wilson's Creek. Ministers spoke of it in their sermons and prayers. It was the all-important topic of the day, and for the next three days — the 12th, 13th and 14th of August, it was the topic of conversation while we were finishing our work in the harvest field. On the next day, my birthday, I began my diary and shall now let it speak.
A. G. D.
Enlisting in the United States Service.
Thursday, 13th — We capped our grain stacks against rain and windstorms, and then commenced mowing wild grass for hay. This is my birthday; am nineteen years old.
Friday, 16th — I, with Tom Toly, mowed grass all day. Swinging the scythe was hard work for me and I did not cut as wide a swath as Tom did. Father went to Tipton in the afternoon and upon his return told us the war news. I am thinking some of enlisting and going to war.
Saturday, 17th — I mowed grass all forenoon and in the afternoon went to a Sunday school celebration down at Posten's Grove. I made up my mind to enlist and go and fight our Southern brethren. In the evening I went to Mr. Willey's to stay all night with Ward. Later in the evening we attended a peace meeting at Inland.
Sunday, 18th — This morning attended the Methodist church and Sunday school at Posten's Grove. Several Methodist brethren were received into the church. In the afternoon Mr. Wharton, the minister, delivered a patriotic speech and spoke of the war. He then called for volunteers and I put my name down to go for three years or during the war. About fifty-five boys enlisted and we are to go in Company E of the Eighth Iowa.
Monday, 19th — I helped haul and stack hay this forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Inland with the other boys who enlisted yesterday, to see about going to Camp McClellan, at Davenport.
Tuesday, 20th — I went early this morning to Inland, where all who enlisted were to meet and go to Davenport. Several of the friends came in to see us off. There were forty-five of us and at 9 o'clock we left in wagons for Davenport. After a hot, dusty ride we arrived at Davenport at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and marched out to Camp McClellan, where they received us very kindly. We had very fine barracks to go into and the boys of the Eighth Iowa had a good supper for us. It was our first meal in the army and consisted of boiled potatoes, fried bacon and baked beans. We have lots of straw to sleep on at night. We were to meet a part of a company from Le Claire under command of Captain Foster and together form one company in the Eighth Iowa Infantry. But Captain Foster did not come, and since there are only eight Le Claire boys here we have not enough to make a company.
Wednesday, 21st — We drew our army cooking utensils this morning and one day's rations, and then cleaned up our camp. Besides a part of the Eighth Iowa Infantry, there is a part of the Second Iowa Cavalry in camp. The first day of camp life is past, and we had our first experience of a night in camp, sleeping on straw for a bed.
Thursday, 22d — Received orders this morning to get ready for review. At 1 o'clock in the afternoon we marched down into town and through the streets for a while and then back to camp. General Baker, Adjutant General of Iowa, is in charge of the camp. Our camp was named for General McClellan in the East.
Friday, 23d — There is so much delay in completing the company that the boys are beginning to think there is no hope of getting our company full. Some of the boys are joining other companies. While waiting, those who wish may leave camp on passes. I got a pass to go home for two or three days.
Saturday. 24th — I reached home this morning at daylight, having left Davenport late yesterday afternoon, riding out with a farmer to '"the forks" of the Hickory Grove and the Allen's Grove roads, and from there walked the twenty-one miles home, after night, all alone.
This is a fine day. I went over to Mr. Sparks’ and accompanied him to the grove out southwest of Tipton, to a camp meeting which is being conducted by the Christian church. We got there in time for the meeting.
Sunday, 25th — I stayed over night at Sparks' and attended meeting at the grove again this morning. We had a basket dinner at noon. At the afternoon service the Lord's Supper was observed. After the meeting we started for home, a distance of eleven miles.
Monday, 26th — There was a heavy rainstorm last night. I worked all day, picking onion seed, and in the evening went down to Inland to make arrangements to go back to Davenport in the morning to join the camp.
Tuesday, 27th — I went to Davenport today and returned to Camp McClellan. A force of about five hundred men was sent down the river by boat to Keokuk, for the purpose of reinforcing the troops at that place. It is expected that they will have a fight there. I was too late in returning to camp to go with them.
Wednesday, 28th — There is nothing of importance. The camp looks as if it were deserted. There are just a few convalescents here, who were not able to go with the boys to Keokuk; there are also a few recruits coming in.
Thursday, 29th — News came that they had a fight at Keokuk; the boys that went down had a lively skirmish with the "secesh" just across the river in Missouri.
Friday, 30th — No news of importance. There are still some companies arriving in camp for the Eighth Iowa, and they are still adding new recruits to the Second Iowa Cavalry, which is in camp at the Fair Grounds.
Saturday, 31st — Our men arrived from Keokuk this morning. They did not get into action with the "secesh" while at Keokuk as reported. The companies for the Eighth Iowa Infantry are almost completed and the regiment will be ready to leave for the South at a moment's notice. They are to receive the clothing and arms at St. Louis.
Sunday, 1st — We had our first preaching in camp today, both morning and evening, by the chaplain of the Eleventh Iowa Infantry. Quite a number of folks came out from town to attend the meeting. At 5 o'clock we had dress parade with the Eighth Iowa.
Monday, 2d — We are having regular drilling now; company drill at 10 o'clock in the forenoon for two hours, and in the afternoon regimental drill for two hours. Every evening at 5 o'clock we have dress parade.
Tuesday, 3d — A new company came into camp today which had only about half the necessary number, and so it was planned to have them join with us and form a full company, but the two companies could not agree on who should be captain.
Wednesday, 4th — Very fine weather. No news of importance. The Government has issued to each man a good, double, woolen blanket, which we use for covers at night in our bunks of wheat straw. There are two men to each bunk, my bunk-mate being Thomas Fossett. He is a good, conscientious fellow.
Thursday, 5th — Four men from Company A of the Eighth Iowa were drummed out of camp today. They had refused to take the oath to support the United States Government.
Friday, 6th — Nothing of importance. We have company drill twice a day now. We draw our rations every morning about 9 o'clock now. They consist of bread, beans, potatoes, bacon, rice, sugar, coffee, salt and pepper, also soap and candles. Twice a week we have salt beef and fresh beef. Each one draws enough for the day according to army regulations.
Saturday, 7th — We had a big picnic dinner in camp today, given for the soldiers by the ladies of Scott county. There was fried chicken, bread, pie and cake by the wagon load, free to all who were hungry. The food was placed on a long table and each man could walk up and help himself. There must have been as many as five thousand who enjoyed the dinner. It was a beautiful day for the occasion.
Sunday, 8th — We had preaching in camp three times today, morning, afternoon and evening. Quite a number from the city came out to camp to attend the services. The weather was delightful.
Monday, 9th — Our company was disbanded this morning, since we could not get men enough to fill it up. Some of our boys enlisted in other companies of the Eighth Iowa. Captain Foster of Le Claire sent word to our captain, McLoney, that he would raise an entire company at Le Claire.
Tuesday, 10th — I went down town this morning to see about enlisting in a battery which Mr. Little, a business man of Davenport, is trying to raise. He was planning to raise a company of two hundred men to command a battery of heavy cannon. But before night I made up my mind that he would not succeed, and I did not enlist in it. I bunked with some others in vacant store buildings, lying on gunny sacks. It rained hard all day.
Wednesday, 11th — I went up to the Fair Grounds and spent the day there. The attendance was good, there being about two thousand present.
Business is becoming quite dull. The war seems to put a stop to all improvements, and there is no demand for farm produce. Money is getting scarce, gold having been out of circulation so long that people have forgotten how it looks, and merchants say that it will not be long until silver goes the same way. For a long time now we have had wild-cat money, but everybody is afraid to go to sleep with any of it on hand for fear that it will be worthless in the morning.
Thursday, 12th — I attended the Scott County Fair again today. The attendance was about the same as yesterday. A part of the Second Iowa Cavalry is in camp here, Camp Holt.
For three days now I have been trying to find some new company in which to enlist, but not caring to go into a company of entire strangers, I made up my mind to go home for a few days. About sundown, with two other boys, Sylvester Daniels and David Huff, I started for home, going with a Mr. Chesbro in a farm wagon.
Friday, 13th — We made the entire trip of thirty miles from Davenport last night and reached home by daylight. I went up to Tipton this afternoon and was sworn into the State service, my service dating back to August 20th. Our former captain, Mr. McLoney, and some of the other Inland boys are here, besides four of the Le Claire boys. We are trying to form a new company and everything looks good for a new company in a short time, quite a number of the boys having already enrolled. We are boarding at the hotel.
Saturday, 14th — We had company drill this morning, and some five or six new men enrolled. I went home in the afternoon.
Sunday, 15th — This morning I went to church and Sunday School once more.
Monday, 16th — I returned to Tipton this morning. Our company had no drill today on account of the rain — it rained all day. There were no enlistments. The disagreeable weather seems to make everybody feel gloomy.
Tuesday, 17th — Several new men enrolled today and things look more encouraging. I boarded at the tavern today.
Wednesday, 18th — There were more enrollments today, and there is some hope now of raising a company. The weather has become settled and everybody seems more cheerful. We have drill twice a day now, and have a good drill ground out on the town commons.
Thursday, 19th — Nothing of importance today. A few new recruits came in. There is no excitement in getting men to enlist; only plain facts are presented as to our duty to sustain the Government.
Friday, 20th — Captain Stearns of Company A of the Eighth Iowa arrived today from Davenport, coming to encourage enlistments. Several new men enrolled today. We have a fine drill-master in John F. Compton of New Liberty, Scott county. He is an Englishman, and has served five years in the Queen's Guards of England.
Saturday, 21st — We had company drill this morning. In the afternoon we had a big loyal mass-meeting in town, and we had speaking by Captain Stearns. He talked of our duty to sustain the Government. Quite a number enlisted as a result of the meeting, and it is hoped that the company may be completed so as to leave for Davenport in about eight days.
Sunday, 22d — I remained in Tipton all day, going to preaching this morning and to Sunday school in the afternoon.
Monday, 23d — The boys are beginning to enlist quite fast. A goodly number enrolled today, and we now have our company almost full. We drill twice a day. We drilled today in "double quick" through the streets of Tipton.
Tuesday, 24th — More enrolled today than any day yet. Most of the boys are from the surrounding farms, though there are a number of Tipton boys in our company. Our drillmaster keeps us on the drill ground most of the time.
Wednesday, 25th — It rained all day and we had to drill in a big barn on the edge of town. We drilled in the barn on the "double quick." On account of the rain, business of all kinds is almost at a standstill.
Thursday, 26th — We had no drill today. Instead of drilling all went to meeting. President Lincoln issued a proclamation asking that the day be observed as a day of fasting and prayer, and our company attended service twice today, in a body. The war has cast a gloom over the whole country; people are beginning to believe that it will be a long siege before it is over with.
Friday, 27th — Fine weather again. Our company was completed today and we have arranged for election of officers tomorrow.
Saturday, 28th — We had regular drill this morning and in the afternoon our election of officers. The election resulted as follows: Captain, Samuel S. McLoney; First Lieutenant, John F. Compton ; Second Lieutenant, Lorenzo D. Durbin; Orderly Sergeant, Joel H. Clark. I went home this evening for the last time before leaving for Camp McClellan.
Sunday, 29th — I went to meeting once more before leaving for camp. After preaching I went to Mr. Moore's, remaining there the rest of the day and stayed over night with John Moore. John presented me with a pocket Bible which he asked me to carry with me.
Monday, 30th — I left home early this morning for Tipton, where at 10 o'clock about one hundred of us, with a band, left Tipton in farm wagons for Wilton, which place we reached at 4 o'clock, all covered with mud. At 5 o'clock we took the train for Davenport and arrived there at 8 o'clock. We formed in double line at the station and marched through town past the Burtis Hotel, on up to Camp McClellan, where we went into the barracks. As we passed the hotel every other man was handed a good wool blanket.
Company B of the Eleventh Iowa had supper prepared for us, consisting of boiled potatoes, fried bacon, boiled beef, baker's bread and coffee. On the way down from Wilton, Governor Kirkwood passed through the train and shook each man by the hand.
Read More:
Sherman’s March to the Sea: A Soldier’s Diary
Downing, Alexander and Olynthus Clark. Downing’s Civil War Diary. The Historical Department of Iowa. 1916.
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