The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1861-06-05
"A Visit 10 AeOkslk.


siderable attractions, and many citizens of
the State are resorting there, for the purpose
of seeing friends, or satisfying commend
able curiosity. Influenced by the prevailing
feeling, we availed ourscf one day last week,
Of the opportunity to look in upon the SOL
diers, and as many of our readers have rela-
tives or friends there, we will give them the
benefit of our hasty observations in and
around the camp. : ...
1t strikes US that the Des Moines valley at
this season OF the year, especially, is most
charming country. 1t is so always, but es
pecially now, with its wealth of vegetation,
its river and forest scenery, its fields of
waving grain, and its numerous beautiful
villages. Of consequence, ride over the X.
Fl D. & NJ. Railroad, which runs through
this pleasant region, and which is now in
god running order, is decidedly agreeable.
We went down on the evening train on
Thursday, having as it happened, as com
pagnons du coyage, a large instalment of the
Hon. members ofthe Iowa Legislature, fresh
from the scene of their patriotic labors at
the State Capital, including several ladies',
wives or daughters Of the members We
recognized the young and talented member
from Van Buren,, Hon. II. G. Caldwell, who
left us at the Summit; Hons Claggett, of Lee;
Hall, ofDes Moines; Gov. Baker, of Clinton;
Clark, of johnson; Lieut.. Gov Rusch, of
Scott, and some others. Having travelled
all the previous night, the members gene
rally We're sleepy, and consequently not par
ticularly brilliant. The exception, if excep-
ton there was, was Claggett, who may per-
haps sleep occasionally, but if so, most like
ly talks in his sleep. He is seldom quiet
when awake, at any rate. BY the way, the
course of Claggett and Gov. Baker, at this
session, is deserving ofspecial notice. They
were decidedly and emphatically right and
patriotic.
In good time, we reached Keokuk, and
found large crowd at the Depot, among
whom were score or more of our Ottumwa
boys, who gave us most cordial reception.
They seemed to regard it as luxury to see
somebody from home, u luxury they do not
very often enjoy, so they said.
We stopped at the Deming House, which
being the best Hotel, and general military
headquarters, is al all times crowded with
officers, in and out of uniform, soldiers, and
plain citizens. The scene was impressive,
albeit, the prospect for bed was not encour-
aging. We got one, however, through the
politeness of Capt. Cloutman, of the City
Guards. We found at the Deming, Lieut.
Hawley, who, after supper, escorted us to
the quarters of the Guards Wefound them
m very comfortable quarters, in the ID story
ola large brick block, on Main ST., to which
they had removed day or tvs previously,
from quarters far less desirable, so they said.
The boys were well and in good spirits
They have suffered good deal the past cold
nights, from the want of blankets, bat they
had been recently supplied with small one
each, and had received those sent from OF
tumwa, although the latter had not been
used. They all expressed themselves pleased
with their present quarters, a spacious, airy,
dry room. They also said that an abund-
ance Of provisions were furnished them, but
complained of the cooking. They all looked
healthy, notwithstanding.
An anamited canvass was going on the
evening ofour arrival, for Regimenal officers,
an election for which was to come off the
next day (Friday.) Only one name was
mentioned for Colonel, the Hon. S. r. Curtis;
but for the other two Offices, there seelped
to be two tickets. the avorite one with those
we met, being for Lieut. Col, Maj Lauman,
and for Major, Capt. c. c. Cloutman, Of the
Ottumwa City Guards, for which, it was
believed, five companies, and portions of
others, could be relied upon.
The election on Friday, was held at the
Court House. The weather was unpropi-
tious, owing to heavy rain setting in at an
early hour. The voting was by ballot, the
companies being marched to the polls and
each man voting as his name was called by
the Orderles. Some 1000 votes were polled
in about two hours, and before noon they
were counted out, showing Col. Curtis unan-
imously elected Colonel futile, Capt of the
Keosauqua Company, for Lieut. Colonel,
and Capt. Croker, of the Des Moines Co.,
for Major, the former by 10 majority, and
the latter by over 100.
To Col. Curtis there was no opposition
The Ottumwa, Bloomfield, Washington, and
Lyons companies supported Maj Lauman
for Lieut.. Colonel, and Capt Cloutman for
Major. The friends of this ticket expected
the support Of the Fairfield company, but
upon what grounds, we cannot say. At all
events, they failed to get it. The ticket elected
is first rate one, but we regret the defeat
of Capt. Cloutman, both 90 account of his
being an Ottumwa man and because he
would have filled the position with credit to
himself and his locality.
Three companies for the Third Regiment,
one from Oskaloosa, Knoxville, and Indian
ola, arrived on Friday. They were fine
looking body fmen, and will give a good ac
count OF themselves if they have an opportu-
nifty.
The First Regiment was in camp, about
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