Just a few odds and ends I copied the other day while looking at the old
newspapers at the library. All are from the Lafayette Daily Courier. The
first one doesn't relate to Tippecanoe Co., but I thought it was amusing and
that you might enjoy it. Adina
October 4, 1861:
A man in Lacrosse, a few days ago, rushed to the river swearing that he
would drown himself. When he had waded in to the depth of his waist, his
wife, who had followed him, seized him by the hair, and then, as Brick
Pomeroy describes it, she "pulled him back till they reached a place where
the water was about two feet deep where she pulled him over backward, soused
him under, and pulled his head up again. 'Drown yourself (down he went)
leave me to father the brats, (another plunge), get drunk, (another souse);
and start for the river, (another dip), better use water instead of rotgut,
(another dip and shake of his head); I'll learn you to leave me a widow, and
all the men at the war.' After sozzling him to her heart's content, she led
him out a wetter if not a better man, and escorted him into the house and
closed the door."
Sept. 20, 1861
Three Sons in the Ranks
J. H. Marsteller, of this city has three sons in the 10th Regiment, the
youngest only thirteen years of age and the oldest but eighteen. Frank, the
youngest of the three, is the best drummer in camp and prides himself upon
being a good shot. He can handle a musket with any of them, and since he
has been in Camp at Indianapolis, has been detailed for important duty on
more than one occasion.
A Former Citizen of Lafayette Killed
Saml. Martin, formerly of this city, a brother of Wm. Z. Martin, was killed
in the late railroad slaughter near St. Joseph, Mo. The deceased will be
remembered as a clerk in the employ of E.C. White. He was an estimable
young man.
Hack
W.H.H. Smith has purchased the hack formerly owned by R.L. Meek, and will
run it for the accommodation of the public to Camp Tippecanoe or to
neighboring towns.
Miss Jennie Kent will continue the straw, bleaching and bonnet business at
the popular millinery rooms on Fifth street. She will occupy the rooms
jointly with Miss Tuft. Miss Jennie has no superior in her line of
business.
Oct. 28, 1861
Death of Mrs. Hatcher
In another column we announce the death of Mrs. Elizabeth N. Hatcher, the
venerable and highly esteemed mother of Wm. H. Hatcher, Esq. For nearly
twenty-six years a resident of Lafayette, she was identified with its early
history, and participated in the trials and privations incident to the early
settlement of the Wabash. Those who knew her best bear unanimous testimony
to her inestimable private worth. Her humble home was the abode of generous
hospitality, and the poor who came to her door never went away wanting. She
has gone to her reward.
Pic Nic and Flag Presentation
The citizens of Wayne and Jackson townships honored the gallant
company from that vicinity with a pic nic dinner and flag presentation on
Saturday. The table groaned with the choicest delicacies prepared by the
fair hands of loyal and true women, many of whom graced the occasion with
their presence. The flag, a beautiful silk banner, was presented in behalf
of the citizens by Lieut. James Tullis in a neat and highly appropriate
address.
Capt. Kiser responded in behalf of his gallant men in suitable terms
of acknowledgment. Col. Blake followed in a characteristic speech, and the
occasion was one of rare interest.
Nov. 13, 1861
Sad Casualty
Samuel Gale, a sober and industrious citizen employed on the Valley Road,
fell between the cars near Huntington yesterday, and was shockingly mangled.
He died instantly. The unfortunate man has a family in this city in
destitute circumstances.
Letter from Capt. Dresser
Headquarters, Cairo, Illinois
November 10, 1861.
John D. Gougar, Esq. --
Dear Sir: You have of course heard of the fight we had on the 7th
inst., and of the result. The papers have, however, greatly exaggerated the
number killed and wounded. Our loss in killed will not be more than ninety
and wounded say three hundred. The loss of the enemy will reach three
hundred in killed and seven or eight hundred wounded. -- We took and brought
to this place not far from one hundred prisoners. At one time we took two
hundred prisoners but were compelled to abandon them, as we were attacked in
the rear by a greatly superior force and had to fight our way through them.
My company was not in the fight, I went as aid to the General. My horse was
killed and my sword shot away. I had my horse only a week. Paid one
hundred and fifty dollars for him. Rather expensive.
The papers have it that we were defeated. That is not so. We
accomplished our object which was to keep them from sending reinforcements
to other places. They had ordered thirteen Regiments to move from the day
we made our attack and they were actually on the march when we opened the
ball, but were countermarched when they saw us coming.
Taking it all in all, we had a "bully" little fight with a force of
three times superior to ours, a small loss on our side and a great loss to
them. I saw on fire when we must have killed at least seventy-five of them.
We had just come out of the woods and were advancing on their camp, when we
saw just to the left of us at least two Regiments, under a high bank. The
order was given me to face one regiment towards them and make a charge. I
delivered the order tot he Colonel of the 31st Illinois, John A. Logan, who
started his men for the rascals, telling them to reserve their fire until we
were on them. The Rebels fired at us when our men made a grand rush and at
the distance of about twenty yards, delivered a volley which tipped them
over by scores. It was a hard fought battle considering the number of men
engaged. We burned up their tents, captured and brought away two cannon, a
great number of small arms, horses, &c.
Your friend,
J. M. Dresser (this is Jasper M. Dresser. His bio is on the Tippecanoe Co.
site:
http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/In/TippecanoeBios/157)