younger man at the breaking-out of the war, he would undoubtedly have risen to a high eminence in military circles. He was essentially a soldierly man, born to command and brave even to recklessness of self. His record is one of which the county may well feel proud.

THE REBELLION OF 1861.

When, on the 12th of April, 1861, the Southern rebels fired upon Fort Sumter, it found this vast North unarmed, untrained in the art of war, and in a state of such profound peace as to warrant the belief that hostilities could not be begun by those who had, since the foundation of this Union, boasted loudly of their loyalty to the Constitution of the United States. The rumors of disaffection which had alarmed the more watchful had aroused but trifling fears in the breasts of the great mass of Northern citizens. War between the States had, prior to that time, been deemed an impossibility. The sentiments of fraternal unity were so deep-abiding in the hearts of the North that treason was regarded as an improbable crime, and overt acts of antagonism to the government too base in their intent to be worthy of serious consideration.

But the hand of the aged Ruffian, as he laid the blazing torch upon the gun within Stevens' battery, lighted a flame which sped throughout the land with electric rapidity and illumined the nation with a glare that revealed the truth of rebel threats. The boom of that first gun awakened the passive people to the dread reality of their position. From Maine to Oregon, from Superior to the Ohio, the country arose, as with a single impulse, to respond to the demands of the hour. There was no need of prompting them, no need of canvassing for strength, no hesitating as to measures, no thought of compromise. But one course could be pursued, and that the people comprehended as though inspired by some higher mentor. The Union must be preserved. Each individual member of society felt the urgent necessity of prompt and concerted action. Towns did not wait to receive tidings from sister towns; each heard in the roar of brave old Sumter's guns a summons direct, imperative and irresistible, for aid in the defense of the nation's honor. Rivals in business and in politics grasped each other's hands and hurried forth, side by side-rivals no longer, save in their eagerness to enroll first their names upon the list of citizen-soldiery.

Almost simultaneous with the news of the attack on Sumter, came the call from President Lincoln for troops. In the remote towns and rural localities, where telegraphic communication had not then penetrated, the appeal and the response were recorded at the same time.

On the 15th of April the President issued his call for 75,000 ninety-day troops. The State of Iowa was peculiarly fortunate in having as its chief executive Samuel J. Kirkwood, whose loyalty and unceasing devotion to the cause of the Union has embalmed his name forever in the annals of the State. Within thirty days after the President's demand was made public, Iowa had a regiment in the field.

The First Iowa was mustered into the United States service in one month after the appeal went forth, and Linn County stood represented in that heroic band by a full company, under command of Captain T. Z. Cook. Foremost in the rank of prosperous States in times of peace; first to march to the front in times of war, Iowa should be known hereafter not only as the beautiful, but also as the brave, State.

If it was within the province of this work to relate the story of Linn's loyalty, the limits of this volume would be extended far beyond those anticipated by the publishers. Some future historian, we have no doubt, will find a

fruitful topic in this record of war, and lay before the people of this county a narrative of unsurpassed interest. Surely the opportunity exists and awaits the patient labors of a competent writer.

It is impossible here to relate more than the incidents peculiarly local in their character, to give a summary of the movements of the several regiments in which Linn County men were enrolled, in the field, and to preserve the roster of those who formed the host which went forth to battle for the Union, from the various townships within the limits of the county.

A special session of the Board of Supervisors was called at once, upon the breaking-out of the war, and steps were taken to provide relief for the families of such men as were willing to volunteer, but who had not the means wherewith to maintain their families during the time that must elapse between going from home and receiving their first pay.

Subsequently the Board adopted a resolution, of the same general tenor, at the September session, 1861. Appended is a copy of that document:

Resolved, That the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors issue an order or orders for the benefit and relief of any family of our volunteers now in the United States service, upon the certificate and approval of the resident Supervisor of the township in which the family or applicant resides.

A scene in Marion is thus described:

One of the great events of the beginning of the war that occurred in Marion was the departure of the Lyle Guards for the war. They numbered eighty-four, most of them young and just entering upon the threshold of life. As the time for their departure drew nigh, the friends, relatives and sweethearts of the volunteers crowded into Marion from all quarters, and for fortyeight hours preceding their departure was a continued ovation. On Wednesday evening, June 10th, the Rev. Samuel Pancoast preached a discourse to them in the presence of one of the largest audiences that ever listened to a sermon in Marion. As no building in town could accommodate the people, the services were held in the open air, in front of Mr. Carskadden's building, where a temporary stand had been erected for the purpose. The reverend gentleman selected for his theme the fourteenth verse of the third chapter of Luke: "And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely, and be content with your ways."

The press of the county was emphatic in its advocacy of the Union cause. From the files of the papers published at that time, it is evident that the newspapers, as well as the pulpit, were thoroughly in accord with the people. In this instance, neither the one nor the other medium of leadership seems to have taken a conservative position. The expressions of intense feeling are numerous. We quote from the Cedar Valley Times of April 18, 1862: The true position is to support the Administration, right or wrong.

More than

ever, it is now the duty of every true man to respond to the call of his country. Party ties are broken, party divisions forgotten, in the common necessity which summons every true American to the standard of his country-to the defense of our Union, our Constitution, our liberty and our rights. . . . Every man to his post, that post the support of the Administration.

In another portion of the same issue, appeared the following appeal to the people:

The flag of our country is assailed. The glorious old Stars and Stripes have been hauled down and trailed in the dust at Sumter. A meeting to obtain an expression of the feelings of the people will be held at Carpenter's Hall, Thursday evening, 18th inst. Every true man. without distinction of party, who loves his country and the flag under which we have achieved so many glorious victories, is expected to be in attendance. MANY CITIZENS.

The meeting was held, and the utmost enthusiasm characterized all its proceedings. Dr. Camburn occupied the chair; I. Van Meter acted as Secretary, and both these gentlemen made stirring addresses upon ascending the platform. Hon. W. H. Merritt, E. N. Bates, Dr. Taylor, Hon. H. G. Angle, P. W. Earl, Wm. Greene and others spoke, giving expression to uniform sentiments of loyalty and determined zeal in the cause of their common country.

A note was read, which produced a marked sensation. It was from the war Governor, Samuel J. Kirkwood, and was as follows:

If Linn County shall tender me a full company of seventy-eight good men, properly officered, by Thursday of next week, I will offer the company as one of the regiments required of this State by the President of the United States. SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD.

April 17, 1861.

All day long the Union banner waved over the city of Cedar Rapids, during those terrible times, as it did in almost every city, village and hamlet north of Mason and Dixon's Line. Martial music rang shrilly on the air, and bands of men, eager to be the first upon the roll of fame, hurried to the scene of enlistment. The spirit of 76 burned in every breast. The plow, the workshop, the store, the counting house, the pulpit and the press all were represented in the great concourse of patriots. Money was poured out without

reserve.

Wednesday, April 24, within the time prescribed by the Governor, the company was raised. The following officers were chosen by the volunteers: T. Z. Cook, Captain; J. C. Marvin, First Lieutenant; George W. Stinson, Second Lieutenant; J. H. Stibbs, Third Lieutenant.

The churches were opened and services held for the especial benefit of the volunteers. The women, ever ready to perform noble deeds, proved themselves true daughters of those heroines who stanched the blood which flowed from the wounds of Revolutionary heroes. Ever present to cheer and encourage, the women of Cedar Rapids, Marion, Mt. Vernon, and every town and village in the county, aided most royally in the times when the bravery of women meant heartache and desolated homes. The sacrifices made by the women of the North can never be related, but the beauty of their conduct will increase in brilliancy as time rolls on, and the women of '76 will no longer be named singly as typical of devotion. Conjointly must this country speak of the women of '76 and the women of '61.

Forty volunteers arrived in Cedar Rapids, from Mt. Vernon, on the 21st of April. From this number the first company was filled up. The remainder were placed under Capt. Potts, who was recruiting for the Second regiment.

While a meeting was in progress in Carpenter's Hall, on the evening of the 21st, news was received that a battle had been fought at Ft. Pickens, Florida, and that the rebels had been beaten. The enthusiasm is described as "a tempest of applause and cheers."

Rev. A. G. Eberhart, Pastor of the Baptist Church of Cedar Rapids, delivered an eloquent address Sunday evening, April 20th. He remarked: "I am sorry that my age will not permit me to go, but I thank God that I have three sons who are able. I am sorry I have no more to offer."

The first company of Linn County men was sworn in by E. N. Bates, Wednesday, May 1, 1861, and numbered 100 strong.

Saturday, May 4th, the formal presentation of a flag to the first company took place. The scene was in front of Greene's Hotel, corner of Commercial street and Iowa avenue. Mr. S. Hesselberger delivered the presentation speech, which was one of hope, encouragement and praise.

The ladies of the city, at the same time, furnished each volunteer with a copy of the Holy Bible, as a reminder of the constant watchfulness of the God of battles over those who go forth to fight for the right.

The event was a solemn one, and is fresh in the memories of all who participated therein and still live.

Monday morning, May 6th, the company departed on their holy mission. The account of the incident published in the Times, contains the following clause, which possesses a touching interest at this moment:

It was a sad parting to many. The warm tears of the fond mother told that; the kiss of the lov ing sister told it; the embrace of the father, as in his proud dignity he brushed away the moisture that would gather in his eye; the hand-grasp, firm and true, of the brother; the hopeful but sad look of the lover; yea, and the unutterable anxiety and love struggling with duty of the wife; all these were there; and oh, much more sacred seemed the cause that could command and receive such sacrifices from loyal and true American hearts.

From the Linn County Register, April 20, 1861, announcing the breakingout of the war:

Already, some seventy-five persons, in the vicinity of Marion, alone, have signified their intention to volunteer under the call of President Lincoln. We are informed that the same enthusiasm prevails at Mt. Vernon, Cedar Rapids, and other points in the county. Farmers partake of the general feeling, and are anxious to do their part in this emergency. The Adjutant General of the State has been informed that at least one company from this county will be in readiness to march at a moment's notice. Three or four companies might be raised here at

once.

Marion was not one whit behind the Rapids in point of loyal enthusiasm. Instantly upon the receipt of the news, meetings were called and enlistments began. The Register of April 27th said:

The war feeling is intense. On every corner the people are assembled, in squads of a dozen or more, discussing the chances of the conflict. Men in the country leave their plows, and rush into town, to inquire about the news.

The first company was filled within a few days, and H. W. Gray elected Captain; T. Caldwell, First Lieutenant; Thomas Corbett, Second Lieutenant. The company was sworn in April 30th. Owing to some misunderstanding, the company did not leave for the service until July 11th. They were assigned to the Sixth regiment-Col. McDowel.

The First regiment was engaged at Springfield, Mo., August 20, 1861. Company K was composed of the Linn County boys.

From the Register of May 8, 1862, the following significant item is taken:

A member of Company A, Sixth regiment, writing from Pittsburg Landing, says, that out of the eighty-four young and enthusiastic men composing this company, which left Marion last July, only thirty-nine remain fit for duty. Disease, battle and accident have decimated their

ranks.

The story is too fresh in the minds of all to need reproduction here. The following roster speaks volumes for the loyalty of Linn.

WAR RECORD OF LINN COUNTY.

TAKEN PRINCIPALLY FROM ADJUTANT GENERAL'S REPORTS.