Page:History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century Volume 2.djvu/104

 September, at which Judge Mason, the Democratic candidate, was invited to be present and divide the time with the Governor in a joint discussion of the issues involved in the approaching election. Mason declined, however, and Governor Kirkwood in an elaborate speech ably presented his views on the situation. He also reviewed the acts of his administration and in a spirit of candor replied to the criticism of his political opponents. He made but one other speech before the election and that was delivered at Davenport in October. General N. B. Baker, who had recently declined a nomination for Governor, tendered him by the so-called “Union Party,” was at this meeting and spoke ably defending the administration of Governor Kirkwood and strongly urging his reëlection.

On the 10th of September, the Governor issued a proclamation in which he stated that eight Iowa regiments were already in the field, that four more were in camp nearly ready to leave for the seat of war. The State was now called upon for four more regiments, which were speedily raised. The election in October resulted in the success of the Republican candidates by a plurality of more than 20,000. In the First Congressional District, Samuel R. Curtis had resigned his seat in the House of Representatives and entered the military service. In the election to fill the vacancy James F. Wilson, Republican, was chosen.

Before the close of the year 1861, Iowa had raised and sent into the service sixteen regiments of infantry, four regiments of infantry, four regiments of cavalry and three batteries of light artillery, making an aggregate of 19,105 men.

During the first fractional year of the war, Iowa regiments had participated in the battles of Wilson’s Creek, Blue Mills and Belmont, where their courage and gallant conduct won the warm commendation of the commanding officers and reflected honor upon the State they represented.

The Ninth General Assembly convened at Des Moines on the 13th of January, 1862. Lieutenant-Governor John