[Autograph Letter to Iowa Governor Samuel Kirkwood from Army Volunteers Stationed at Fort Randall in Dakota Territory]

Fort Randall, D.T.: February 12, 1862. Very good.. [4]pp. on a folded folio sheet. Old fold lines. Minor soiling and wear. An interesting letter addressed to the governor of Iowa signed by seven officers of the 14th Iowa Infantry stationed at Fort Randall in the Dakota Territory. Fort Randall was charged with keeping peace with the Sioux, and the 14th Iowa Volunteers had made a difficult winter march to their post in order to guard the civilians in the territory. In their missive, they lay out complaints against the territorial governor, as well as the postmaster who is accused of secessionist sentiments. The soldiers include Captain George H. Wolfe (truncated) and Dr. Samuel N. Pierce, the company's surgeon, as well as four lieutenants and a sergeant major. They write:

"We the undersigned, would like your advice on certain points connected with our welfare, and (we might say) that of the state which we have the honor to serve. ... Soon after our arrival at this post there were vague rumors afloat to the effect that the Gov'r of this Territory was exerting himself to raise troops for this post... about the first of Jan'y [we were assured] that a Maj'r with papers complete from the Sect'y of War was to accompany them and take command of the post."

They go on to state that this was quite a shock, as they had clearly expected their own major to come and take charge of the regiment. Commanding officers convened a meeting to discuss: "The unanimous conclusion was that it was an outrage to Iowa Troops, after marching near 600 miles at the time of the year that we did, to protect those who had no claim upon us, to be denied the privilege of having a commander from our own state." Quite a conflict ensued, which is described in some detail, and accusations escalate, aimed at the postmaster, whom they feel to be the root of the troubles.

"Mr Wherry the present postmaster (a citizen) is universally disliked by our command, having at the breaking out of the rebellion openly avowed secession principles.... We have not received one tenth of the Official Communications which should have reached us.... The post office since we came has been removed from the Adjt's buildings to the Sutlers store & has been continually filled by persons not belonging to the garrison, & for the last week especially has more resembled a gambling and drinking saloon than a post office. There have been secret meetings held there at different times, object unknown. It is our firm belief that the whole object of this party to get com'd &c. was more with the intention of swindling the government out of the immense amt. of property which is at this post, than to deal honestly by the administration. (Inventory #: 5039)