3rd Sergeant Charles Wright Wills: November 11, 1861

Cape Girardeau, November 11, 1861.

We have just arrived here after a week's absence from any sign of civilized life. Saturday the 2d we (our company) went out six or seven miles from the Point to guard a bridge on the Cairo and Fulton Railroad. Sunday we came back to the Point, and found the tents of our regiment all struck and everything prepared for a march. By dark we were all safely stowed on the “Aleck Scott,” and also five companies of the 11th Illinois. At 10 p. m. the boat shoved out, but had to tie to all night about 10 miles up the river on account of the fog. Monday at 10 a. m. we landed at Commerce between Cape Girardeau and Cairo and stayed there all night. Up to this time we had not the most distant idea of where we were going, but here we began to guess that we were after Jeff Thompson and company. Tuesday morning we started back into the country and camped for the night on Colonel Hunter's farm, a distance of 18 miles. (I forgot to mention that the 18th and 22d Illinois with three companies, cavalry and two pieces artillery joined us before we started from Commerce, making a total of some 2,200 men.) This Colonel Hunter is in the Rebel Army When we stopped at his farm there was a large flock of sheep, at least 40 goats and pigs, turkey, geese, chickens and ducks without number. After we had been there a half hour I don't believe there was a living thing on the farm that did not come with our train. I never saw a slaughterhouse on as large a scale before. The next day the boys made an awful uproar on the road, playing that the sheep, hogs, geese, etc., inside of them were calling for their comrades. Wednesday night we stopped at Little Water River and the slaughtering commenced immediately. All along the road up to this place every horse or mule that showed himself was gobbled instanter, a bridle cramped, and some footman made happy. It was hard to tell whether our force was infantry or cavalry that night. This was too much for the colonel, so next morning he drew the brigade up in column of company and gave us fits. He made the men turn every horse loose; told us that the next man that cramped anything without permission would be dealt with as severely as the regulations would allow. That suited me. I never have been disgusted with soldiering save in those two days, and I tell you that I did then feel like deserting. When we are marching through a country as thoroughly secesh as this is, I think that the men should be allowed fresh meat at the expense of the natives; but there is a proper and soldier-like way to get it. We can send our foraging party ahead and have all we want at camp when we halt, but to allow men to butcher everything they see is mob-like. Wednesday night Jeff's men tried to burn a bridge a short distance from us and this led to a little brush, but the cavalry only were engaged. Thursday we marched all day and went into camp at night without seeing a horse. The march was through the “Black Swamp.” The ground was covered with this black moss four inches deep and so thick that 'tis like a carpet. That was an awful gloomy road and I was glad enough to land at a nice clear stream and have orders to pitch tents. That night not a thing was pressed. The next day we got into Bloomfield about 9 a. m. and found Jeff gone. For the third time we pitched tents on one of his deserted camps. I have just now heard that we started with orders to push on down to New Madrid, but here the orders were countermanded and we were started to Cape Girardeau. This Bloomfield is a rank Rebel hole. The first Rebel company in Missouri was raised here. It is the county seat of Stoddard or Scott, and a very fine place. Here the boys got the understanding that we were to be allowed some liberties and take them they did. They broke open four or five stores whose owners had left, and helped themselves. Colonel Dick (Oglesby) thought this was going too far, so he stopped it and sent a police force around to collect the stolen (pressed rather) property. I walked around and took a look at the pile they collected. There were lots of women's bonnets, girl's hats, mallets, jars of medicine, looking glasses three feet long, boys' boots, flat irons, a nice side table and I don't know what wasn't there. It beat anything I ever saw. The men had no way to carry these things but on their backs, and what the devil they stole them for is more than I know. Well, the colonel divided the stuff out again among the men, but stopped stealing entirely for the future. We have been a respectable regiment since then. On the march back to the Cape, the 10th Iowa was ahead of us and they fired several houses. We (our regiment) saved one of the houses but the rest burned down. The march back to the Cape was a fast one but quiet. We arrested some 20 or 30 of Jeff's men but released them all again. At Bloomfield my tent was pitched under a tree on which we saw the marks of three ropes to the ends of which Colonel Lowe attached three men not very long since. The ropes had cut through the moss on the tree and the marks will be visible a long time. We also arrested a number of men that had been concerned in hanging Union men through the country, At Round Pond an intelligent man told us that 17 men (Union) had been hung and shot inside of three days and he saw their bodies in one pile lying in the woods. We have marched over 100 miles this trip, and we have not seen a mile of prairie. I haven't been 20 feet from a tree for three months. The 17th are going into winter quarters here. Our regiment will certainly be in the next fight at Columbus. We start back to the Point at 3 to-morrow morning.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 39-42

Nathaniel B. Baker to Rush Clark, February 19, 1862

STATE OF Iowa, ADJUTANT GENERAL’s Office

February 19th, 1862.

HON. Rush CLARK,

Speaker of the House of Representatives.

SIR: I have just received the following despatch from Chicago:

CHICAGO, Feb. 19th, 1862.

To ADJUTANT GENERAL BAKER:

The Second Iowa acquitted themselves with great bravery at Fort Donelson — led the best and most successful charge —have suffered terribly. Besides the Second, there were the Seventh, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth and Fourteenth Iowa Infantry in the fight. The friends of Cols. Tuttle, Lauman, Perczel, Hare, Wood and Shaw, will rejoice that the glory of the fight and the victory belongs, and is attached to their names, and to the brave officers and soldiers under them. Another glorious page has been recorded in the history of Iowa by her gallant troops in the field.

With great respect, I have the honor to rejoice in the glory of Iowa, and the triumph of Union men.

N. B. BAKER.

Adjutant General of Iowa.

SOURCES: Henry Warren Lathrop, The Life and Times of Samuel J. Kirkwood, Iowa's War Governor, p. 207; Iowa House of Representatives, Journal of the House of the Ninth General Assembly of the State of Iowa, p. 342

Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood to Abraham Lincoln, December 4, 1861

[December 4, 1861.]

His Excellency the President: — The State of Iowa has now in the field and in camp, waiting arms and equipments, fourteen regiments of infantry and four of cavalry. I feel that I can justly say, and am proud to say, that so far as they have been tried either on the battlefield or in the scarcely less arduous duties of camp life in Missouri, they have shown themselves to be at least equal to any other troops in the service. For some reason this State has not been very highly favored in the distribution of Brigadier-Generalships. Brig.-Gen. Curtis was appointed during the summer, and was the only Brigadier-General from this State, until the quite recent appointment of Brig.-Gen. McKean, and these two are all yet appointed from this State. Were this a matter involving the mere proportion of officers, I think I would not be disposed to press it upon your attention. But it involves more. Our regiments are scattered among brigades heretofore in all cases commanded by Brigadiers from other States, and composed mainly of troops from the State whence the Brigadier in command comes. Under these circumstances, it is but natural that our troops should fear their commanding officer would feel partial to the troops from his own State, and perhaps but natural that officers should feel that partiality. I have learned satisfactorily that the opinion prevails extensively among the troops from this State, that they have been unfairly dealt by in having had assigned to them the most laborious and the least desirable duty in Missouri, and that in the report of the battle of Belmont, gross injustice has been done them, and I am sorry to be compelled to say, that in my judgment this opinion is not wholly without foundation. This seems to me to be an unfortunate state of affairs, and one that should not be suffered to continue, if it can be readily avoided. I therefore very respectfully propose that you appoint from this State a number of Brigadier-Generals, sufficient to take command of our troops, and that our troops be brigaded and placed under the command of these officers.

It seems to me that a spirit of State pride will in this way be called into action that will tell well in the service, and at the same time all cause of complaint will be removed. I take great pleasure in submitting to your consideration for the positions indicated, Col. G. M. Dodge of the Fourth Iowa Infantry, Col. Nicholas Perczel of the Tenth Iowa Infantry, Col. M. M. Crocker of the Thirteenth Iowa Infantry, and Col. W. L. Elliott of the Second Iowa Cavalry, from among whom I hope you will be able to select the number to which our State will be entitled, in case our troops shall be brigaded and placed under our own officers.

Trusting this matter may receive your early and favorable attention, I have the honor to be

Very respectfully your obedient servant

SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD.

SOURCES: Henry Warren Lathrop, The Life and Times of Samuel J. Kirkwood, Iowa's War Governor, p. 177-8

Resignations

Charles H. Rawson, Surgeon of the 5th Iowa Infantry, and T. Walter Jackson, adjutant of the 10th, have resigned their commissions in the army.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 14, 1862, p. 2

Pittsburg Landing, May 7 [1862].

MR. E. RUSSELL, Cor. Secretary Scott Co. Relief Association –

ESTEEMED SIR:  I have arrived from Hamburg general hospital.  I consented to be assigned, for the present, to the 8th ward of that institution, after having assisted Dr. Varian, post surgeon, to establish it.  I have 160 of the sick of the 2d cavalry, 5th, 10th, 3d and 17th infantry of Iowa volunteers under my care.  They are doing quite as well as we could hope for under the circumstances – have lost none, have nurses plenty, but need good cooks.  This is the mistake.  Good cooks are what is most needed in our hospitals.  Fruits, potatoes, onions, barley, whisky and lots of peppers are needed too.  Mrs. Harlan and Mrs. Burnell are here somewhere.  I believe Dr. G. is still in the 3d Iowa.  The army is advancing to-day three miles – they must fight or run, I think, this week; are skirmishing now.  The cannon are booming – it’s exciting music, but brings no terror.  The army is in excellent spirits, although much sickness is in it.  See that the good people of Davenport do not turn out promiscuously as a crowd to help here in case of a battle, but send a few working men.  I shall do all I can to keep posted as to the wants of our troops, and relieve them as far as that can be done with my means.

Yours,

A. S. MAXWELL.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 14, 1862, p. 1

Promoted

Sergt. Theodore Slonaker, of the 10th regiment, has been appointed 2nd lieutenant of Co. D, in that regiment.  Mr. Slonaker was formerly a resident of this city, and was a member of Capt. Wentz’s company.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 10, 1862, p. 1

The following are all the . . .

. . . Iowa boys now in Hospital, May 3d, at the City Hotel, Evansville, Ind.:

3d Iowa – Corporal G. W. Gurney, Co. D; Private Isaac Boonhoner, co. I; M. J. Collins, co. F; Wm. Dennison, co. C; John Palt, co. K.

6th Iowa – Private B. F. Hutchinson, co. K.

10th Iowa – Private John Watts, co. B.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 8, 1862, p. 2

From The 11th Iowa Regiment

2 MILES WEST OF BATTLE GROUND,

PITTSBURG, TENN., April 28.

EDITOR GAZETTE:– On Friday last the Iowa 11th and 13th struck tents and marched out about 3 miles to a new camping ground, to the front and in line of battle with the army here.  Shortly afterwards the Iowa 15th and 16th arrived, and moved to our left.  These four regiments constitute the third brigade of the 6th division of the army of the West.  The division is under Gen. McKean, and this brigade is commanded by Col. Crocker of the 13th Iowa, and is the first and only brigade made up wholly of Iowa troops.

The Colonel commanding the brigade has the entire confidence of all who know him.  Col. Crocker is a good officer; at the head of his troops and in the thickest of the fray on Sunday, he gallantly lead the regiment, until Col. Hare’s injuries compelled him to leave the field, and the command of the brigade devolved on Col. Crocker, and no one who witnessed the heroic endurance with which his command still held the foe at bay, until night closed the scene can fail to appreciate the skill and honor his heroism and that of his men.

Our New Iowa brigade will do no discredit to our gallant State.  The best feeling prevails between the different regiments, and we all feel happy to be brigaded with a regiment that has so nobly vindicated the courage of our State, as the 13th, and under so noble a commander as Col. Crocker.  I might give thrilling incidents of the conduct of both officers and men of the 13th in the late engagement, as narrated to me, but prefer to leave this to others, who say and partook of the action with them.

We all concluded on Monday that among the most beautiful and moving things in history of poetry, were “Buell’s lines on Beauregard.”

On Saturday our regiment had scarcely settled down in our new quarters, and dried off the rain of the day before, from clothing and accoutrements, when we were visited, on half hour notice, by. Gen. Inspection, (who is at no time a very welcome visitor to the soldiers) by Gen. Halleck, Inspector General.

Gen. Pope’s army has arrived, bringing up the Iowa 2d Cavalry and the 4th and 10th regiments of Infantry.  Your readers may think it a vastly pleasant time here to visit friends and enjoy this warm spring weather – birds singing overhead, and the pleasant breezes blowing through your evening tent, as you sit around the supper table, narrating thrilling incidents and “hair-breadth escapes.”  In reality it is almost as difficult to visit one’s friend outside the division to which we belong, as though States intervened.  Gen. Halleck has issued orders, forbidding company officers or men leaving their own division (except on duty) under any pretext, without leave from headquarters.

Mr. Editor, as one who had some little part in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, I am vexed to see those who took no part in Sunday’s fight, saying we were whipped that day.  I desire to deny the assertion.  Borne back by numbers, but with unconquered will, 20,000 brave men of the morning army fought through this day and lay on their arms at night to renew the fight next morning, and with Lew. Wallace’s division we would have won the battle on Monday.  No army is beaten while it can raise such a force and with such feelings as animated out brave men.

The sun shines once more warm and drying.  Skirmishers are out ahead and little encounters of pickets and skirmishers are of daily occurrence.  Look out for large events ere long.  Our army has all confidence in Gen. Halleck.  The health of our men is improving and we were ready to act at any time.

We have already buried over 3,000 of the rebel dead, from the late battle, and we are still finding them were their wounded were abandoned in their flight of Monday night.  Our present camp is near where Gens. Johnston and Beauregard lay the night before the battle.

Yours truly,

Co. B, 11TH IOWA.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 5, 1862, p. 2

The following list of Iowa soldiers have died in the hospitals in St. Louis and vicinity:

Geo. W. Thompkins, co. C, 10th.

G. W. Wooley, co. I, 17th.

Lieut. Joseph Farber, co. D, 3d.

S. Griffin, co. K, 12th.

H. Clayton, co. F, 12th.

Calvin Lloyd, co. B, 15th.

Enock Kent, co. I, 15th.

James G. Davis, co. G, 6th.

S. Utterback, F, 15th.

James Smith, co. C, 10th.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, June 7, 1862, p. 2

Colonel Nicholas Perczel, 10th Iowa Infantry

Iowa Legislature

(Special to Burlington Hawk-Eye)

DES MOINES, Feb. 19, 1862.

The following communication was received from Adjutant General Reed [sic], and read in the House with great cheering:

ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE, Feb. 19.

Hon. C. C. CLARK, Speaker, SIR:  I have just received the following dispatch from Chicago:

To Adjutant General BAKER:  The Second Iowa acquitted themselves with great bravery at Fort Donelson, led the last and most successful charge, and have suffered terribly.  Besides the Second there were the 7^th, 10^th, 12^th and 14^th Iowa regiments in the fight.

The friends of Colonels Tuttle, Lauman, Persell, Wood and Shaw will rejoice that the glory of the fight and victory belong, and are attached to their names, and to the brave officers and soldiers under their command.

Another glorious page has been recorded in the history of Iowa, by her gallant troops in the field.  With great respect, I have the honor to rejoice in the glory of Iowa, and the triumph of Union arms.

(Signed)

N. B. BAKER, Adj’t General.     

The assembly immediately passed a joint resolution ordering the Governor and Adjutant General to procure flags to be presented to the Iowa Regiments, with such inscriptions thereon of their glorious achievements, as they may determine.

A joint resolution by Mr. Lane, of Scott, passed both Houses, tendering the thanks of the General Assembly and the people of Iowa, to our troops engaged at Fort Donelson, for their bravery.

A resolution was also adopted, authorizing the Governor to send three persons immediately to Cairo and Donelson, to look after our sick and wounded.  In obedience to this resolution, Gov. Kirkwood, Surgeon General Hughes and Dr. S. C. Brownell, of Des Moines, start to-morrow.

The bill restricting and defining the duties and powers of city courts was passed.

Also the bill for the issue of Auditors warrants, the particulars of which were sent yesterday.

SENATE. – Mr. WOOLSON presented a petition from the citizens of Henry county asking protection from quacks who have been appointed in the army.

Mr. Potter of Story and Mr. Esteb of Wayne, both democrats, appeared and were sworn in.

Mr. HATCH of Polk, Presented a bill to locate the Deaf and Dumb Asylum at Des Moines, which was referred.

The report of the Auditing Board was received and referred.

Mr. Jennings presented a bill defining the duties of Boards of Supervisors, providing that their powers may be delegated to the Clerk of the Board and that Supervisors shall have no hand in any contracts.

T. H. S.

DES MOINES, Feb. 20.

SENATE. – The President announced a special Committee on Senatorial and Representative Districts, Mr. Gue, of Scott, as Chairman.

A special Committee of five was appointed to examine into the expenditure of the annual appropriation to the Agricultural College and Farm for seeds, &c.

Mr. McCRARY, of Lee presented a petition from the Dean of the State Medical Department, asking aid from the State.  Referred to a special Committee with Mr. Shaffer, of Jefferson as chairman.

Mr. NEAL presented a bill providing that no publication shall be made of constable sales, or sheriff sales under three hundred dollars.  Publications over that sum two weeks, at option.  Referred to the Special Committee of Five.

Mr. Smith, of Jasper, presented a bill repealing the act for the sale of the State bonds.  Referred to the committee on Ways and Means.

HOUSE. -  The House passed a resolution instructing our Congressional delegation to use their influence to have Adjutant-General Baker appointed a Brigadier General.

The Military Committee reported a bill authorizing the Governor to pay the expenses of all the wounded Iowa soldiers on their return home, out of the contingent fund.

Both Houses adjourned over to give their Railroad and Des Moines river land Committees an opportunity to hold a joint session.

Information has been received at headquarters by Gen. Baker that 38 were killed and 150 wounded in the 2^nd Iowa.  The telegraph indicates that Captains Slaymaker of Davenport, and Cloutman of Ottumwa, were killed, and Major Chipman, Lieut. Holmes, of Davenport and Lieut. Ensign of Des Moines, wounded.

In the 12^th Regiment were 3 killed and 24 wounded.  In the 14^th regiment 6 killed and 50 wounded.  No particulars of the 7^th yet received.

Senator Udel of Appanoose county, and Representative Kellogg of Decatur, accompany the Governor, besides those sent you last night.

T. H. S.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3

The Fifth Iowa Volunteers

This regiment was made up largely of companies raised in the counties of Cedar, Jasper, Louisa, Marshall, Buchanan, Keokuk, Benton, Van Buren, Jackson and Allamakee. The first field officers were William H. Worthington, colonel; Charles L. Mathies, lieutenant-colonel; and William S. Robertson, major. It entered the United States service at Burlington on the 17th of July, 1861, with 918 men. It was sent to Lexington, Mo., on the 14th of August. The regiment was attached to General Pope's army, and on the 22d of May, 1862, its commander, Colonel Worthington, was killed by a picket of our army, while visiting during the night the grand guard of the division, as general officer of the day. He was succeeded by Colonel Mathies, who commanded the regiment at the battle of Iuka, which was fought on the 19th of September, 1862.

General Sterling Price, with a confederate army, had seized Iuka, at which place Colonel Murphy had been left with a Wisconsin regiment to guard a large supply of stores collected for Grant's army. Upon learning that General Price was at Iuka, General Grant sent General Ord with 6,000 men to attack Price. General Rosecrans, with 9,000 men, was ordered to co-operate with Ord from the south. The Fifth Iowa was in the advance column sent against Iuka on the 18th. General Price came out and attacked Rosecrans in the woods and hills as he was advancing upon Iuka, and the battle opened. The hills were too steep to form a strong line of infantry and several batteries were planted in good positions to open on the confederates.  The fifth Iowa was brought up to help protect these batteries which were pouring a hot fire into the enemy’s ranks.  The Tenth and Sixteenth Iowa regiments were warmly engaged, and from 5 o’clock until darkness put an end to the conflict, it was waged with great fury on both sides.  The Ohio battery, which was doing great execution, was taken and retaken several times by desperate charges.  The horses were all killed, most of the gunners killed or wounded, during the fierce struggles for possession of the guns, until most of them were disabled when darkness put an end to the contest the union army held its ground and during the night Price's army retreated to Iuka to unite with Van Dorn's. The union army marched into Iuka on the 20th. The losses on each side exceeded a thousand. The Fifth and Sixteenth Iowa regiments won the highest honors of the day and were especially commended in General Rosecrans' report. The loss of the Fifth was 220. On the 1st of October the regiment returned to Corinth and was in the battle of the 4th, where it guarded the Eleventh Ohio battery. In 1863, the Fifth was in Grant's Vicksburg campaign and shared in the series of battles and victories which made up the wonderful achievements of that most glorious campaign of the war. It was also in Grant's army which fought the great battles about Chattanooga, and met with heavy losses. On the 8th of August, 1864, the small remnant of the Fifth infantry was consolidated with the Fifth Iowa cavalry, after more than three years of honorable service.

SOURCE, Benjamin F. Gue, Biographies And Portraits Of The Progressive Men Of Iowa, Volume 1, p. 93-4

Iowa Soldiers at Cincinnati

The steamer Louisiana reached Cincinnati on last Friday crowded with sick, wounded and dead soldiers from Cairo and Mound City hospitals.  We find the following in the list from Iowa:

Fed Hollin, Co. D, 14^th reg. (dead.)

H. H. Siebert, 14^th regiment.

A. C. Tatro, company C, 12^th regiment.

Wm Broadhead, company F, 7^th regt.

Albert Brown, company C, 12^th regt.

C. D. Newton, 10^th regt. (dead.)

Joel Gregory, Company K, 7^th regt.

John Butts, company B, 12^th regt.

J. L. Bayles, Co. D, 7^th regt.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 2, 1862, p. 2

The Tenth Iowa Infantry

The Tenth was composed of companies chiefly enlisted in the counties of Polk, Warren, Boone, Tama, Washington, Poweshiek, Greene, Jasper and Madison, and numbered 913 men. It was mustered into the service on the 7th of September, 1861, at Iowa City, with the following field officers: Colonel, Nicholas Perczel; lieutenant-colonel, William E. Small; major, John C. Bennett. They were conveyed by steamer to Cape Girardeau, Mo., where they remained drilling the first winter. On the 13th of December, Colonel Perczel was ordered to march his regiment to Charleston and capture a body of rebels. The night was rainy and very dark. As he marched through a dense forest, his command was surprised by the enemy in ambush and fired upon. After a sharp fight, the foe gave way and the command proceeded to Charleston. The loss in this fight was eight killed and sixteen wounded. The regiment was with General Pope's army at the siege and capture of New Madrid, in March, and Island No. 10, but met with no loss. During the summer, the Tenth was stationed at Corinth, where its losses from disease were large. It was with Rosecrans at the battle of Iuka, and fought bravely, and in the two days' battle at Corinth it did gallant service. Major McCalla commanded the regiment, and Capt. Jackson Orr acted as major at the battle of Corinth, as Colonel Perczel was in command of a brigade. The loss at Corinth was about forty. The Tenth was in the campaign of General Grant which resulted in the capture of Vicksburg and the entire confederate army under General Pemberton. At the battle of Champion Hill, the Tenth bore a conspicuous part in that bloody conflict. The brigade of which it formed a part was thrown in to check the rebel advance when Hovey's division was overwhelmed by superior numbers. The brigade did its work nobly, but at a fearful sacrifice, losing half of its number. The Tenth lost nearly 50 per cent of those engaged. In the assault on Vicksburg, May 22d, the Tenth made two heroic charges. In the campaign of Chattanooga, the Tenth was in several severe battles, always displaying its usual gallantry. P. P. Henderson had been promoted to colonel upon the resignation of Perczel, and Major McCalla was made lieutenant-colonel in place of Small, resigned, with Robert Lusby as major. In February, 1864, the regiment re-enlisted as veterans, and was in Sherman's campaign through Georgia, fighting bravely in many of the battles. At its close, the Tenth went to Washington, was in the great review, and was sent from there to Louisville and thence to Little Rock, where it was mustered out on the 15th of August, 1865, numbering a little more than 300 men. It disbanded at Davenport on the last day of August. Of the 1,200 men who had belonged to this regiment during its four years of service, but one-fourth of its number were left.

SOURCE, Benjamin F. Gue, Biographies And Portraits Of The Progressive Men Of Iowa, Volume 1, p. 96 & 98

Deaths In Camp

The name of the private who died in camp last Thursday, was Lyman McNair.  He was from Robert’s Station, Jasper county.  Congestion of the brain was the cause of his death.

William Miller, Jackson county, died last Friday morning, also of congestion of the brain.  H was about nineteen years old.

H. B. McMicken, of Homestead, Iowa Co., died yesterday morning at half past one o’clock.  Congestive chills caused his death.  He was in apparently good health on Sunday morning, and died in a little over twelve hours after he was taken sick.  So many deaths following in such rapid succession is unprecedented for Camp McClellan.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 18, 1862, p. 1

Rough Notes By The Way

CAMP ON THE ROAD TO NEW MADRID,

8 miles from Charleston, Mo,

March 6th, 1862.

FRIEND SANDERS: The 1^st and 2d battalions of the 2^nd Iowa cavalry, left Bird’s Point on the 4^th, and finding themselves surrounded by the high water, were, after some delay, transported by steamboats five miles up the river above the sloughs.  The rear did not arrive until 11 o’clock p.m., and camped at the landing for the night.  Left camp at 7 a. m. yesterday (5^th) and passed through Charleston about noon.  We found Maj. Love and the 3d battalion camped in the town, having arrived the day previous.  They had taken possession of a printing office, and were getting out a paper.  Having obtained a copy of the proof sheet, I send it to you as a specimen of the first attempt of the 2^nd Cavalry.  As soon as the train came up, the 1^st and 2d battalions moved forward and camped as above.

The country from Charleston here is very fine, more level than Iowa; principally timber land, but occasionally some small prairies.  The soil is very sandy, but produces the biggest kind of corn, having noticed several stalks standing not less than twenty feet high.  The country is full of corn, cribs full, and a great deal standing in the fields.

We are camped in a fine settlement.  On one side of the road is a fine brick house: secesh away, and a substitute in charge.  No one from the command is allowed to enter the premises.  On the opposite side is a good house, with Union inhabitants.

The 10^th Iowa were at Charleston and a few miles this side.  This morning, as we were preparing to star, a dispatch came with orders to halt here until further orders.  So, here we are.  Orders may come to go forward, or to return; we hope the former, but are ready for orders.  We are expecting a provision train every hour, being now “out,” and when it returns will mail this and anything further that may transpire.  We are isolated from the world here.  We hear a report of a fight and a victory at Manassas.  Hope it’s true, and more soon to follow.  Weather very cold.

March 8^th. -  Left camp yesterday morning at 10 a.m. and taking the “back track” part way, arrived here at Bertrand, the town we visited last Saturday, after Jeff Thompson.  All was quiet here then; but there is now at least five thousand troops here – two regiments of cavalry[,] there is an impassible swamp a few miles ahead, but a column is forming here.  Gen. Pope’s command is within three miles of New Madrid, where the rebels are in full force.  It is reported that they threw a shell yesterday into Gen. Pope’s camp.  Distance from here to New Madrid thirty-five miles.  This column will move in a day or two, and join Gen. Pope.  If the rebels don’t “skedaddle” look out for another haul.  I received at this place two Gazettes, the only news for three whole days.  Mail to Cairo, until further notice – weather fine.

In haste, yours,

DIFF.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 13, 1862, p. 2

Iowa troops at Cincinnati

We are indebted to Mr. L. C. Burwell, who returned yesterday from Cincinnati, for the following list of the sick and wounded soldiers of the Iowa regiments now in hospitals in that City.  The information can be strictly relied upon:

THIRD STREET HOSPITAL.

Wm. P. Wade, Co. C 2d regiment, Davenport; flesh wound in both thighs.

J. S. Schrawyer, Co. F 2d regt., Belleville, Monroe County, Ohio, wounded in neck and shoulder.

J. G. Granawalt, Co., C 2d regt; Plymouth, Indiana; wound in groin.

S. W. Evans, Co. A 2d regt., Navoo, Ill.; wound through the tibia.

C. D. Sayler, Co A 2d regt., Louisville, Ky.; wound in the jaw.

A. S. Thompson, Co. K 2d regt., Ottumwa, Iowa, wound in knee and leg.

Ed. M. Manning, Co. B 2d regt.; Arazonia, Missouri; wound in heel.

P. Q. Stiner, Co. G 2d regt., Ashland, Ohio; wound in the right arm – amputated.

F. B. Wilson, co. F 2d regiment, Keosaqua, Iowa; wound in the left hand.

Robert Patrick, Co. D 2d regt., Mount Vernon, Ohio; wound in neck and shoulder.

F. M. Armstrong, Co. F 2d regt., Van Buren county, Iowa; wound in the abdomen.

J. H. Patterson, Co. G, 2d regt., Davis co., Iowa; in the side.

Henry Lawrence, Co. B 2d regt., Fort Wayne, Ind., in the throat.

J. S. Bayden, Co. B 2d regt., Wyoming county, Pa.; below the base of the brain.

MARINE HOSPITAL.

Robert Hall, Co. A 2d regt., St. Clairville, Ohio; in shoulder.

COMMERCIAL HOSPITAL.

T. G. Cree, Co. D 2d regiment, Des Moines; arm.

M. N. Boardman, Co. K 10^th regt., Madison, Iowa; back and shoulder.

W. H. Fauquier, Co. B 10^th regt., Virginia; sick.

FOURTH STREET HOSPITAL.

J. S. Doron, Co. F 7^th regiment, Ottumwa; sick.

L. Z. Newsbaum, Co. A 10^th regiment, Polk City, Polk co., Iowa; sick.

A. J. Byron, Co. K, 10^th regt., Polk city, Polk co., Iowa; sick.

E. Vaughn, Co., K 2d regt., Fremont, Mahaska county; breast.

Wm. Steers, Co. F 12^th regt., York, Delaware county; frozen feet.

C. Goodno, Co. A 7^th regt., Muscatine; shoulder.

G. W. Blood, Co. K 12^th regiment; sick.

H. Wheeler, Co. G 12^th regt.; sick.

J. A. Dolezeum, Co. C 12^th regt.; sick.

John Brown, Co. B 7^th regt., Shell Rock Falls; Cerro Gordo county; hand.

ST. JOHNS HOSPITAL.

Edward Wells, Co. I 12^th regt., Bridgeport, Jackson county; rheumatism.

A. Bevin, Co. I 10^th regt., Newton, Jasper county; sick.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 12, 1862, p. 1

Iowa Troops at Fort Donelson

The Chicago Tribune of Wednesday republishes a list of the regiments engaged at Fort Donelson, and includes the following from Iowa: 2d, 7th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 14th, making six in all.  It thus omits from its former list the 3d and 13th and includes the 10th regiment.  This is nearer the truth though not yet correct.  The 10th we think, was not in the engagement, although previous to the fight it was in camp at Cairo, under its able commander Col. Perczel, aching for an opportunity to show the world of what materials the Iowa boys are composed.  The 11th regiment was in Missouri at the time and could not possibly have been present.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 2

Col. N. Perczel

We are indebted to our friend, Col. N. Perczel, Iowa 10th Regiment for a fine photograph remembrancer of himself.  As the letter accompanying it was written at Bird’s Point, Feb. 18th, we presume the brave boys of the Iowa 10th didn’t have the opportunity of signalizing themselves at the storming of Fort Donelson.  It is a shame that an officer of so much experience and ability as Col. Perczel should be kept in camp and under the authorityof  Generals who are his inferiors in age and military knowledge.  We hope our gallant friend may be the first man of the federal forces to enter the city of Memphis and that it may not be long before he does it.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

State Items

Water at length has been found at the depth of 980 feed in the Artesian well at Mount Pleasant Insane Asylum.  The Journal of Mt. Pleasant says an abundant supply of water will be procured in a short time.

An Irishman at Mount Pleasant was arrested for selling liquor to soldiers.  He was sentenced by Lieut. Col. Drummond to stand 12 hours on the end of his whiskey barrels.  The sentence was duly executed.

The Dubuque Times says that “Charlie Gilman’s little boy swallowed a silver quarter of a dollar.  The father thinks it would not do him injury if he could get it changed into five cent pieces.  A friend proposes to make him swallow three more quarters, and then present a dollar bill of the State Bank of Iowa, Dubuque branch, and demand specie payment.  Charlie thinks there is no need of this; he says it was a good quarter, and he is quite sure it will pass anywhere.”

A circular from the officers of the Grand Lodge of the I. O. G. T. of Iowa, addressed to subordinate Lodges says that there are Lodges in the 3d, 4th, 8th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 15th infantry Regiments and in the 2nd Cavalry.

The gross earnings of the Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad for the year 1861, from all sources, were $199,410.11.

An invitation has been extended to the Legislature of Iowa, through the Governor, by J. F. Tracy, Superintendent of the Chicago, Rock Island and Mississippi and Missouri Railroads, to visit Chicago. Mr. T. says that a special train will be at the service of the members, should they see fit to accept of the invitation.

As Mrs. Wienkool, of Lyons, a few days since was filling a coal oil lamp while burning the oil became ignited, and the fire catching in her clothing, she was severely burned before the flames could be extinguished.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 2