The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1872-08-24
LETTER FROM IOWA.

o'A3 Ao"'5 ~AesS' SoAA3 ASs~s
DEAR Wu1G:-I have been looking fol
something or someplace to write about fol-
some time, and l am not sure but you have
already had a description of this somewhat
isolated spot Of creation. Isolated because
you cannot gain access to the Governmental
department without pass from Col. Flag
Ter or some other official representative Of
his. Rock Island, a military post of some
Importance during the war, and IA place Of
temporary imprisonment for Mr.. Davis
soldiers, who were kindly assisting to de-
stroy the Union. There was very mark
ed difference between their treatment on
this beautiful island and that of the noble
specimens Of humanity who were striving
by all honorable means to perpetuate this
Government, but in the struggle fell into
the hands of their enemies, and were con-
signed to Belle Isle, Andersonvile, Atlanta
or Libby; but we would not wish to
injure the feelings of the giant patriot
Greeley who is great admirer of the pure
minded Davis. We will Immediately give
an imperfect sketch of the Government
works, &C., now in course of construction.
The first that attracts attention when you
approach the island from Davenport, over
the new bridge built mainly by the Gov
eminent in come ction with the Rock
Island and Pacific Railroad Company, is
the United States Arsenal, large and sub
stantial structure suited to the purpose
The next is the macadamized roads or
drives, through the shady groves of forest
trees, handsomely arranged by nature, and
kept nicely trimmed until the whole island
has acquired a beautiful growth of grass
which is kept mown close and protected
until it has acquired good sod. Visitors
are not allowed to trespass on the grass
plots. You then arrive at the centre of
the grounds where the principal buildings
are being erected, two of which are of fine
dressed stone, 210x3O0 feet, 81 stories high,
covered with slate. Those are for manu-
featuring purposes; opposite those are two
others of the same size, and same materials
for forging work preparatory for the other
manufacturing departments, where guns,
pistols, ammunition and every other specie
of war material will be turned out.
We then proceed to the dam being con-
structed, which turns portion of the
Mississippi into race, to furnish power to
drive the immense machinery required for
the various departments. We will here
state that it will require ten years to COM
plete the whole, should the appropriations
be ever SO liberal for this purpose.
Proceeding some two and half miles,
and near the head of the island, you come
to the large cemetery where the bones of
many brave men rest. You reach the Bar
racks Oh your retrograde movement, which
are but temporary and will be superseded
by substantial stone structures ON the north
west side of the island, where you find an
array of heavy brass cannon, mounted
ready for service at moments warning,
bright and shining as the sun. The Off
GERS quarters next attract attention; most
of which are yet temporary. The residence
of the Commander of the Post, Col. Flag
Ter, the only one being entirely finished, is
like the others spoken of, built in the most
substantial manner, and might we'll be
termed a palatial residence. Two other
buildings for the same purpose are nearly
finished, and a number more will follow in
oil al, anto i.+ia -
ment improvements generally. There are
a large number OF men employed in cut
ting stone, excavating, dam building, and
a variety of mechanical and laboring
branches of industry. They have also
cotfer-da the west side of the river
near the island, in order to deepen the
that large steamers may pass up
and down the Mississippi River, through
the bridge without interruption. They
are constructing new track to connect
with the railroads going east and west, SO
that all material and supplies can be deliv-
cred without breaking bulk until they
arrive at the Government storehouses.
The old mansion of Davenport, who
was murdered some years ago for his
money, stands untenanted, and will, l sup.
pose, until it moulders into dust.
We notice the familiar white pine RATS
descending daily. finding ready market at
the many towns along the Mississippi
River. AS ever, yours,
OCCASIONAL.