Iowa residents who served the Confederacy were never completely forgotten, especially during campaign season. One such man was 18-year-old Junius L. Hempstead, a Dubuque resident whose father had been Iowa’s second governor. Junius’s mother was born in Maryland. His parents were Douglas Democrats, a group that later produced many War Democrats.
Junius was a gifted sculptor who won prizes for his work. A Dubuque arts patron offered to send Junius to Europe to study art, all expenses paid. His father nixed the idea so Junius could receive a “good civil and military education.” Former Governor Stephen Hempstead wanted to enroll Junius at West Point, but he settled for the Virginia Military Institute — nine months before Fort Sumter.
VMI had a good reputation, and Junius did well in class – reassuring facts for any parent. Governor Hempstead might not have known that being a cadet meant taking an oath to “support Va. against all of her enemies.” Junius later explained that he “believed in State[s] Rights, to the fullest extent,” and thought every “state is a sovereign power … privileged to withdraw at will.” He quickly identified with Virginia and the Southern cadets. After Virginia seceded, Junius wrote, “Her enemies became mine.”
Junius and other cadets entered the 5th Virginia Infantry. His service became a campaign issue for his father, who was running for Dubuque County Judge.
A newspaper article stated that former Governor Hempstead “does not believe in the war to put down rebellion. On the contrary … he believes in the war begun by the South to destroy the Government, for he has a son in the rebel army, fighting against his country. Who knows but that some of our own citizens may have a relative shot by the hand of this rebel son of a disloyal father?”
A letter to the editor accused, “THAT SON JOINED THE REBEL ARMY, AND DID SO WITH HIS FATHER’S APPROVAL!
In spite of the uproar, Governor Hempstead was elected County Judge.
Needing a Commission
Meanwhile, Junius’s superior officers asked Jefferson Davis to give Junius an officer’s commission. They described him as “a worthy young gentleman” and a proficient drill-master who acted with bravery and coolness in two battles. The officers explained why Junius needed a commission:
“Mr. Hempstead’s father & friends are residents of the State of Iowa, and though southern in their feelings are unable to give him any pecuniary assistance, and as it would be unsafe for him to visit them, he is entirely dependent upon himself for a support.”
Governor Hempstead likely had fond memories of years spent in Missouri as an older teen and young adult. But he didn’t side with the Confederacy. Junius later told a fellow POW that his father was a strong Union man.
Visit from Dubuque friends
A month after the officers wrote Jefferson Davis, two of Junius’s Dubuque friends visited him in camp. Junius made them feel welcome, and they “talked over Iowa matters.” Both friends later entered the Confederate service.
Junius became a lieutenant in the 5th Virginia Infantry. He was badly wounded in the shoulder at the Second Battle of Manassas. The pain was intense. He recovered and rejoined his unit. At the Battle of the Wilderness, amid a flurry of bullets, he was wounded again and captured. Junius and hundreds of other Confederate officers were moved to Fort Delaware. All too soon, Junius would be tested to the edge of his endurance.
To Be Continued next week in Part 2
Kathleen Parsons
17 Apr 2015Great synopsis and a timely subject (given this year’s Presidential elections). I shall look forward to next week’s continuation.
David Connon
18 Apr 2015Hi, Kathleen!
Thanks for your kind comments!
Dan "Ray" Wetherell
17 Apr 2015I’m not one who goes to blogs generally but this one is a must visit for Iowa history buffs.
David Connon
18 Apr 2015Hi, Ray.
Thanks for recommending my blog!
Susan C Beck
19 Apr 2015David, I really enjoy your blog and look forward to the next weeks edition. I love history; especially the Civil War era. I realize how much research and attention to detail goes into what you do. Keep up the good work!! Shared 🙂
David Connon
19 Apr 2015Hi, Susan.
Thanks for your encouragement!