The Time Capsule: An update from George Madden’s diary

When we last checked George Madden’s diary it was early in July of 1862.  His militia unit, the Nodaway Rangers, had been dispatched to Maryville to protect citizens from armed secessionists. George had not gotten the word and missed that adventure.  He did not have long to wait for a second chance.  

Sunday, July 21, 1862.  Went to Sunday School.  Great excitement about secessionists in Missouri.  Nearly everybody going, myself for one. I take Lizzie over to uncle Isaac’s expecting to fall in with the Nodaway Rangers but they take another road so saddle my horse and start for Bedford in company with Jeff Ray. Borrow a gun from Thomas Prickett.  Arrive in Bedford late in the evening.  A great many are here.

Monday, 22. The several companies proceed under Col. Morledge and Lt. Col MacCorn toward Missouri, Gentry County.  Alfred and Joseph are along. The regiment stops to take dinner on the state line.  Council taken by officers and decide to proceed.  Many, nearly half, return home.  Alfred is among them. Tis harvest time and some haven’t gotten their wheat cut and stacked—the most busy time of the year.  Proceed a few miles and camp.  More recruits received from Fremont County, which swells our ranks considerably.
Tuesday, July 23.  Officers council again.  Col. Morledge decides to go back.  Some doubt the propriety of Iowa troops going below the state line.  We suppose about half return and about half proceed under Lt. Col MacCorn in search of the enemy.  Last night I was one of the picket guards.  Myself and one of the Page County Rangers took two prisoners, armed, took them to the camp and they were sworn and released.  Joseph returned.  I would just state that many of those that left and returned had good reason while some had not.  Some appear to be dissatisfied with Col Morledge, who turned back.  He is known by the name of Col. Granny.

We camp near Albany, county seat of Gentry County.  Some of the Nodaway and Page County scouts take a secessionist flag today.  We are told the enemy is encamped below Albany.  A company of Taylor County Rangers, under Capt. Douglas Dale, have been watching them.  
Wed.  July 24, 1862.  We march into Albany and take breakfast. We then proceed to the river.  Things look warlike. Speeches were made by various individuals giving us advice, etc.  I see that a good cap is on my gun as we expect a fight.

I took out my testament that Lizzie, my dear wife, had placed in my vest pocket and read some and placed myself in the hands of my Maker for courage that I might meet death manfully. I felt so and therefore did not feel alarmed. A young man was introduced who had written a song for the Union and was about to sing it when taps of the drum brought all companies together and we marched out of the wood to the prairie for what some were expecting was the enemy not far off.  But as we prepared Col. MacCorn informed us that a treaty had been made. The conditions were that the union and secession parties would lay down their arms and return home.  This treaty was made entirely by Missouri and secessionist forces.  Iowa troops had nothing to do with the affair. Discontentment began almost at once among the Iowa troops at the highest pitch—1200 men, almost, in a wild and frantic mob and it seemed terrible for a while.  

This fracas wound down, secessionists swore an oath to the union, and George went home. He has, as we will see next time, an acre of wheat to cut.   

Roy Marshall is a local historian and columnist for the Red Oak Express. He can be contacted at news@redoakexpress.com.