Showing posts with label 29th IA INF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 29th IA INF. Show all posts

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Diary of 1st Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Friday, May 12, 1865

Quite cold during the night, find myself almost too lame to walk when I get up foot swelled badly The co is paid at 10.30 A. M. after which have a time settling up old scores I pay out over $50.00 debts, Capt Lacy in camp, says their expedition to Montgomery was a pleasure trip. The Rebel commandant at Montgomery reed a telegram from Genl Dick Taylor announcing an armistice & ordering him to make no hostile demonstrations, when Steeles men took possession of the town the Rebel command marched out with all their arms &c & colors flying, & while Steele remained there citizens & soldiers of both armies went where ever they pleased without passes mixing around most amacably. The citizens invited the Fed officers out to dinners and were as friendly as could be, also that Jeff Davis & his crew passed within 50 miles of Steeles camp & he had plenty of cavalry to have over taken & captured him but could not on account of the armistice he heard from his where abouts daily. Genl Canby has gone to New Orleans & has left orders not to move here until his return, — So says madam R— One Div of Jonstons army 5000 men arrive at Mobile on the morning train from Meridian. Smiths corps is reported arriving & there seems to be a change in affairs, men now go to & return from the city on a pass approved by the Brig. Comd't, & citizens pass the picket line without passes from 9. A. M. to 6 P. M. The 29th Iowa is relieved at the arsenal at Mt. Vernon by one company & have come down to the comd. Stock in Sherman is taking a rise

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 600-1

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Diary of 1st Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Friday, April 28, 1865

A. M. to commissary for stores. The fort is laid out today, & details made to work on it. At noon was detailed for picket to report immediately. The Off of Day did not know where the line of our Brigade was, took us out on the wrong road making a walk extra of about 3 miles, was 4 P. M. when we arrived on our own line, found there the detail of 33 had been sent away to a bayou 1½ miles below the bluffs. Which post was to be relieved, having no place on the line for me The Off of Day ordered me to march my detail to camp. Short picketing that soon after return to camp supper ready. After supper Lt Laughridge & myself go to the river for a bath, talk with a squad of a Sergt of 4 men bearers of dispatch from Mobile & just arrived say a flag of truce from Taylor had been at Whistler for 5 days & rumor said Taylor wished to surrender. Told us of a Reb gunboat running out of Red River past New Orleans & being too closely chased beeched & blew up, saw a little nig. who gathered a mess of ripe haws to make us a pie, we to give him his supper of which he had had none, when we return to camp Lt Sharman says “the dispatch is just recd from Genl Canby announcing the surrender of Genl Taylor & all his forces. & that our men should respect him & his officers enroute to Mobile” as this order is published cheer after cheer rends the air, Lt Stoeker 29th Iowa stays with us tonight, he come up from the Arsenal with an escort of 10 men & says that his segt captured 2 men of the squad who captured the teamsters near Fish river & that all the teamsters were sent to Vicksburgh for exchange. The Lt says there is no doubt this is a correct statement, Fleas Fleas. Fleas

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 596

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Diary of 1st Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Friday, April 21, 1865

Has been an unlucky day. begins to rain at 3. A. M. Revelie at 3:30 & Genl sounded at 4. The rain pouring down & no one having breakfast, fortunately our cook had coffee. It rained hard while we loaded the wagons. The Regt moved out at 5. rain slackes up. & we cross a swamp of a mile which much rain would render impassible, it was half knee deep of water as it was. at 6.20. We march through the Arsenal at Mt Vernon no town ½ doz houses within a mile or so, some of them very fine and nice flower gardens. The Arsenal was deserted is a much finer gronds & buildings than the Little Rock Arsenal & all in good repair, is enclosed by a thick wall of Brick 10 ft high, begins to rain as hard as I ever experienced as we pass through. this Arsenal, & keeps it up almost incessantly until 2. P. M. creeks & sloughs from 2 to 3 ft deep & all have to wade. No dry feet in this army. The pine flats are covered with water 6 inches deep. Camp at 12. at Monroe — hubhah bluffs, on the Tombigbee R. I am detailed for picket. & by the time I am on post is 2. P. M. & the rain ceases, build up large fires & dry off. The 29th Iowa send in for rations from the Arsenal where they are left with one section (2 pieces) of artilery. I send to camp for my supper, & as soon as it is night make arrangements with the non commissioned offs. to run the guard & lie down for a nap & sleep.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 593-4

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Thursday, March 30, 1865

At 12. last night the Jonnies made a charge out of their forts on the skirmish line, draw it in on the left where the 7th Vermont was stationed, camps wise all around & on the alert. brisk firing for an hour, some rain falling about this time. At 3. A. M. co C. relieves Co E. on the skirmish line They come in all whole & were not drivn back, reported that about 30 of the 29th Iowa were gobbled by the 7th Vermont giving back & letting the Jonnies in their rear; The day passes so so. Artillery firing from both sides. Reb Mortar boats shell us considerably & heavy firing on the skirmish line all day, some of the heavy guns to be put in position tonight. This evening the reported capture of the men of the 29th is contradicted Co "C" is relieved after dark & bring off 3 prisoners with them, they were out sharp shooting & got to close They talk confidantly & say we can never take Mobile or Spanish Fort which by their act is manned by 6000 reinforcing every night, one Brigade of the 16th A. C. is sent off this P. M. as guard to supply train with rations for Genl Steele who is in the vicinity of Blakely & reports to Genl Canby that he can keep reinforcements from coming here by land or allow it. Genl C. says to allow it. (this is rumor) There is a telegraph from Genl Canbys Hd Qtrs to all the Div Hd Qtrs & to the landing at our new base about 4 miles from our position. The Rebels use heavier guns today. Have a chill this morning & feel quite ill all day.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 581-2

Monday, January 9, 2017

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Sunday, March 5, 1865

Morning with major Boydston to Ft Morgan to go to Ft Gaines No boat. All through fort. Near the pier & within 400 yds. of Ft. a pole which is fixed to the turret of the Gunboat Tecumseh sunk by the explosion of a torpedo, shows the watery grave of 100 brave boys, who are yet in the great iron coffin 30 ft below the surface, I mile out a smokestack sticks out of the water, a little this side the pier is the wreck of the Reb Gunboat Gaines, crippled & beached during the action P. M. in camp. Service at 3. P. M. News — 35 men of our Regt lately exchanged are at New Orleans — Col Benton of 29th Iowa, & Col Glasgow of 23d Iowa appointed Brevet Brig. Genl's by the President, Detailed tonight to take charge of fatigue party tomorrow. All experienced Rail, Road, men called for, to report to Capt Jackson. It is the purpose to make a permanent Rail Road from Ft Morgan to Navy Com & extend around the Bay to Mobile as the Army advances.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 576

Friday, January 6, 2017

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Monday, February 20, 1865

Cleared off at night. Any amount of huckster women in camp by day light. A. M. in New Orleans to muster, did not succeed. P. M. in N. O. for order of discharge failed on act of not finding Genl & staff. Regt inspected P. M. clothing cut down. 27th Wis 29th Iowa & 35 Wis leave on bourd W. Thomas this P. M. Algiers a small place & dirty. New Orleans a fine City streets clean all stone, was in the St Charles Hotel. Orders to start tomorrow

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 575

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Thursday, February 9, 1865

Cool & raw today. a. m. spent running about. Called to see Charlie who is mending rapidly. Cory pretty sick H. Bowman back to the Co. Genl. Car relieved from the command of the Detached Brigade & Genl Veach late comdg at Memphis assigned to comd the Brigade The 29th Iowa left at 6.30 A. M. on the cars. P. M. drew & issued clothing. Boxing up surplus clothing to ship to Keokuck Subject to the order of Co commanders. Evening cool

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 573

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Monday, February 6, 1865

Cool damp ugly day. busy all A. M. collecting unserviceable property, for the action of an inspector who inspected at our co at 2. P. M. until night busy about Dingemans watch, A. N. Corrin spends the evening. the 77th O left today on 6. a. m. train. 77th Ohio, 27th Wis. 28th Wis 50th Ind. 29th Ia. & 33d la in a detachd Brig. under comdg of Gen Car.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 573

Friday, August 19, 2016

Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Thursday, July 9, 1863

Man of 29, got leg broke at Mill News from all points good. Cavalry force reported near.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 492

Monday, August 15, 2016

Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Friday, June 26, 1863

Night rainy. Day ditto Called on Tonis Williamsen 29th Iowa Sold him my watch

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 492

Monday, August 8, 2016

Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Sabbath, June 21, 1863

At 10. A. M. raines spoiled inspection. P. M. 3 gunboats and 5 transport conveying stores and wagons below. ––– in 35, Mo. men would not take knapsacks on picket one man struck by off day who died. Man in 29th tied to post for not putting on cap for fatigue duty.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 491

Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Monday, June 22, 1863

Man of 29. still tied to his post, near a mutiny in the regt on his acct. News Negly whips Jonston. Grant holds Vicksburg where stands courthouse.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 491

Monday, August 1, 2016

Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Wednesday May 27, 1863

Not so well. Dr Warren visits us this morning also in the evening. Weather very hot and dry 800 wounded go up the river 29th Iowa out on scout all day

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 490

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Thursday, March 26, 1863

Nothing unusual till afternoon supper ordered at 5 P. M. to go on fatigue at night, went to plant battery was too light to work Pickets firing at all times of night 29th Iowa went out scouting captured 3 prisonors.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 486

Friday, September 14, 2012

John B. Jones


John B. Jones served in the late war three and a half years, enlisting in the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, with which he participated in the battle of Shiloh. He was discharged on account of disability, but re-enlisted in the Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, taking part in all the battles and campaigns in which his regiment participated.

SOURCE: Abstracted from the biographical sketch of his father, John A. Jones, in Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 342

Saturday, May 5, 2012

The Retreat And Pursuit Of Price


INTERESTING DETAILS.

(Special Correspondence of the Missouri Democrat.)

“CROSS HOLLOWS,” ARK.
Feb. 25th, 1862

I left Springfield at 1 o’clock, p.m., Friday last and reached here Sunday at 5 p.m. having traveled 90 miles in that time.  Everywhere on our route was seen the devastation caused by the march of armies.  From the battle field of Wilson’s Creek to Cassville, I should judge that one half of the dwellings and barns were burned by Price and McCullough when Fremont was supposed to be in pursuit.  The remaining half of the tenements were deserted by Union men last season, who have since been fugitives in Rolla, St. Louis, and throughout Illinois.  These Dwellings were frequently occupied by straggling soldiers, who were very hospitable in offering the traveler the best bed in the house, to-wit: the floor.  This side of Cassville, among the Sugar Creek defiles, we saw where McCullough, in his flight last fall, had a detail of 500 men to fell trees for a distance of several miles across the road to prevent pursuit.  This barricade was eventually removed by the rebels themselves for their own convenience.  The few country people met with on the way gave full particulars of the picket fighting between Curtis’ advance and the rebel rear, as over

“The rugged road the rascals ran.”

Many gallant exploits occurred, and I found our troops, officers and men, exulting over the achievements of the famous retreat and pursuit.  I have obtained from our officers the following brief account of the events up to the Sugar Creek affair:


THE RETREAT AND PURSUIT.

In leaving Springfield, General Price undoubtedly supposed he could make good his retreat without molestation, thinking, most likely, that General Curtis would be so much pleased with the recapture of the town, and that he would remain several days and glorify.  In fact, many of our own officers and men expected as a matter of course the army would halt some time.  But Price had “reckoned without his host,” and our officers did not yet understand their leader.  The same night of our arrival came orders to march at daybreak the following morning, the divisions of Generals Sigel and Asboth taking the Mt. Vernon road, while those of Generals Jeff. C. Davis and Carr took the direct route to Cassville.  Pushing rapidly forward, twelve o’clock of that day found the latter divisions passing the famous battlefield of “Wilson’s Creek, where the enemy had bivouacked the night previous, leaving only that morning.  Here their camp fires were still burning, much of the meat that had been killed for the troops lying about uncooked with every evidence of having left “in something of a hurry.”

The enthusiasm of our troops as they passed this famous place, cannot be described.  All around us were the graves of our own friends, who had sacrificed themselves for the cause; in advance the same identical enemy that murdered Lyon.  All felt that it would have been a pleasure to fight the rebels on the same spot. – Marching on, six o’clock brought us to Dug Springs, where we were preparing to bivouac when a messenger announced that our cavalry had overtaken the enemy, and urging the infantry forward.  Hunger, fatigue and all was forgotten.  Onward we pushed, never halting until twelve o’clock that night.  The division of Gen. Davis was in the advance with the cavalry of Col. Ellis and Major McConnell.  The enemy it seems, had halted on Cane Creek, and here were captured quite a number of prisoners. – First was the rebel. Col. Freeman, who so well known as the marauderer [sic] at Salem, below Rolla.  Our pickets were close upon the enemy’s camp, and Freeman’s horse, escaping from him, ran up the road followed by the colonel.  In a very few moments he was on his way to headquarters. – Soon after came a dapper little Major, walking right up to our pickets and asking if they could show him Gen. Price’s headquarters.  “Certainly” was the reply, and in a trice he was before Gen. Curtis.  Afterwards our men captured an engineer and several other commissioned officers.

Had not the night been so terribly dark, it is more than likely Gen. Curtis would have attacked the enemy, but he determined not to be drawn into an ambuscade.  The troops lay on their arms awaiting the break of day.  At an early hour, February 15th, the column moved forward but during the night Price had again fled, leaving a large proportion of his camp equipage, and a number of wagons.  During that day the chase was very exciting, there being constant skirmishing between our advance and his rear guard. – The road was strewn with broken wagons, dead and dying mules and horses, and every conceivable kind of goods.  At four o’clock in the afternoon, the booming of cannon notified us that Price had made a stand.  The Dubuque battery was pushed forward, and for an hour we had a fine artillery fight.  By the time our infantry got up, the enemy had precipitately fled.  On the 16th inst. we pushed on, finding many evidences of the hasty flight in that day’s march.  During the afternoon our cavalry again overtook the rebels at Cross Timbers, and here was made a gallant charge by Col. Harry Pease and forty men.  Coming on the enemy’s picket they drove it in, dashing at once into the very midst of his camp.  One of our men, a lieutenant of Cavalry, was wounded and five or six horses killed.  The enemy’s loss was much greater. – This charge was really one of the most brilliant things that occurred on the route.  On the 17th inst. we had several skirmishes and at last discovered the enemy in position on the south side of Sugar Creek.  Taking it altogether, the flight of Price, and our pursuit, will form one of the most interesting passages in the history of the war.  Missouri has been freed from the rebels, and the war transferred to Dixie.


THE CAVALRY CHARGE AT SURGAR CREEK.

At Sugar Creek we visited the gallant sufferers wounded near that point in the affair of the 17th, when the cavalry charge was made, which in some respects was as brilliant as any made during the war.  The accounts of the skirmish received at Springfield were in some particulars erroneous.  The valley through which Sugar Creek pursues its meandering course is nearly half a mile in width at Trott’s Store.  From the brow of the opposite ridges the distance is somewhat more, and the road winds.  Skirmishing between the pickets of the two armies occurred during the morning when Price moved out of sight beyond the brown of the southwestern hills.  His army, as was since ascertained, then formed in two lines on both sides of the road, and two Louisiana regiments under command of Col. Louis Herbert, which had arrived from Cross Hollows to reinforce Price, marched with their batteries, determined to give us a warm reception.  Two of the enemy’s cannon were planted on the brow of the hill overlooking sugar creek, and their pieces were also ranged along the road, about two hundred yards apart, for half a mile or more.  These pieces had prolongs attached, indicating that a running fight was intended in case of pursuit.

In the meantime our cavalry formed on the opposite side of the valley and marched across the creek to a point near Trott’s store and halted.  The enemy then opened fire from their batteries.  One shot fell short, and a shell exploded over the heads of our men stationed on the opposite hill doing no damage.  Capt. Haydin, of the 9th Iowa battery, answered the enemy’s fire from the opposite bluff, throwing three shells from a howitzer with such good effect that the enemy were forced to fall back with their battery.  Gen. Curtis then ordered the cavalry to move up the hill and charge on the retreating foe.  The order was gallantly obeyed by Col. Ellis, in command of the First Missouri Cavalry, followed by Major Wright, leading his battalion and Major McConnell, with the third battalion of the Third Illinois Cavalry.  The whole force of our cavalry making the attack numbered some 800.  Gaining the brow of the hill it was ascertained that they had fallen back over a mile to an open field, where their battery was again stationed, and the enemy in force formed in line.

Our cavalry, regardless of danger, plunged forward to the charge on the enemy’s position, mostly screened by the intervening woods. – Nothing could have withstood the impetuosity of such a charge, and not our advance, led by Col. Ellis, when debouching from the woods into the open field, been met by a murderous fire poured in upon their ranks from behind the trees.  Our loss was severe in killed and wounded at this point.  Inevitable destruction, without a chance to resist so galling a fire, caused our brave me to recoil, when Col. Ellis, with great coolness and presence of mind ordered his men to right and left and scour the woods.  The order was obeyed with telling effect on the enemy, many of whom were cut down behind their places of concealment and the rest fled. – Meantime, Major McConnell, with his battalion left the road, and deploying to the left advanced on the enemy’s line, while majors Wright and Boliver performed the same manoeuvre on the right.

Two regiments of infantry arrived to support the cavalry, and formed in line.  Col. Phelps’s regiment deployed on the left of the road, and Lieut. Col. Herron, with the Ninth Iowa deployed on the right.  Capt. Hayden, of the Dubuque battery, answered the enemy’s batteries, which had opened upon our advancing columns, with a brisk fire.  The cannonading was kept up for a few minutes, when the enemy precipitately fled, taking away most of his killed.  Other regiments were coming into the field to take part in the ball.  Among the latter was the Fourth Iowa; the men anxious for the fray had pulled off their coats and threw them aside.  There is little doubt that if the rebels had been followed up closely, the rout would have been complete and no time would have been given to them to burn their barracks at Cross Hollows.  As I have given a list so far as ascertained of our killed and wounded, it is unnecessary to repeat it.

The Col. Herbert who commanded the rebel brigade was the gentleman of California notoriety, who slew the waiter at Willard’s Hotel, a few years since.  The other Confederate Colonels under him in the fight were McRae and McNair.  Several Instances of daring are mentioned, which I have not time to relate.  Among the badly wounded is J. A. Edwards, of Company H, Eighth Indiana.  He belonged to the infantry, but getting possession of a horse was the foremost in the fight, running the gauntlet of the leaden hail which poured in upon him from the timber, without quailing.  He got ahead of the cavalry, and was cut off by the enemy.  He is wounded in the elbow, and his thigh badly shattered.

The hospital steward of the 3rd Illinois Cavalry (Baker) had is horse shot down.  He fell with the horse, dismounted and leaped upon another horse in the melee, and rushed forward on the enemy with renewed vigor.  Like Edwards, he had no business in the fight, but nothing could keep him from pushing to the front and have a “hand” in.

A man belonging to the Dubuque battery had his horse’s head taken off by a cannon ball. – He was leaning forward at the moment, and the ball passed just above him, doing no injury.

In passing where the battle raged the hottest, we noticed the carcasses of some twenty dead horses strewn along the road.


A SCENE OF DESOLATION.

The inhabitants along the route from Cassville to this point were told by Price’s army that the Northern troops were marching down and were burning all the Houses, ravishing the women and killing the children.  These ignorant people, it seems, believed the silly tale, and the result is that a general stampede took place.  Men procured teams, gathered up what little valuables could be carried along, and taking their families abroad, deserted their homes. – Only three men were found in Cassville when our army arrived.

Lieut.-Col. Holland, of the 24th Missouri, left in command of the post, sent word to these people that they should not be molested, nor even required to take the oath.  Several of the terror-stricken inhabitants returned and satisfied themselves that we were not the kind of barbarians as represented to be by our remorseless enemies.

At Keetsville nearly all the inhabitants fled. – From that point to Cross Hollows about two thirds of the inhabitants on the road have deserted their dwellings.  In several houses the tables were spread for breakfast, and in the hurry of flight were thus left.  The wash tub was seen filled with water on the back of the chair, indicating that the hegira occurred, as it actually did, on “washing day.”  I took a survey of a very respectable looking frame dwelling thus deserted.  The doors were ajar, the clock on the mantle-piece had ceased ticking, feather beds were piled in the center of the floor, all sorts of furniture were scattered about and not a sound was heard but the mewing of a cat.  An air of lonesome, heart-sick desolation prevailed.  One large dwelling was recently burned down, and the ruins were still smoking.  Surely the leaders in this cursed civil war will have much to answer for.


STAMPEDE FROM CROSS HOLLOWS.

The stampede of these deluded people was exceeded by the hurry of the rebel army, to get away.

Camp Benjamin, located in a beautiful place three miles west of Cross Hollows, in the principal valley, had 108 commodious huts erected with chimneys in the center.  The rebels burned all but five, and in the hurry of their flight left thirty game cocks; some of those brandished silver spurs.  Their best fighting material was thus evidently left behind.  A book containing the general orders, and a quantity of brass knuckles were also left behind by the chivalry. It is a wonder to our troops why the two grist mills at this point were not fired.


AN OLD HECTOR MAKES HIS APPEARANCE.

Ben. McCulloch arrived from Ft. Smith the day before the fight, at Sugar Creek, but did not participate in any part of the action, except the retreat.  He insisted on making a stand at Cross Hollows, but Price objected.  His habit of running is so inveterate as to become in all respects a “second nature.”


OUR LOCATION.

Our line extends ten miles.  The right, under Sigel, resting on the Osage Springs, and the left under Col. Carr, extending to Camp Benjamin, Col. Carr’s headquarters ate at Cross Hollows.  The region east, eighteen miles, to War Eagle Creek, is broken, intersected by but few paths, rendering it impracticable for an enemy to turn our left, so that our position at present, with one half the force, would be considered perfectly secure.


THE UNION FEELING.

Benton county was nearly unanimously opposed to the calling of the Convention, which carried, by a juggle, the State over to the Confederates, and it has been stated that a suppressed Union feeling generally prevails.  From the fact that the Union sentiment has received no encouragement from the Government for so long a period, it came very nearly being squelched out but constant rebel pressure.  But as this pressure is being lifted like a dark fog from a meadow, the friends of the glorious old Union once more are seen flourishing in the sunbeams. – Confidence in our cause is being restored, and people are coming in daily to report themselves.  Four citizens from Fayetteville visited our camp yesterday, and reported to head quarters.  I have no doubt that the refugees who lately fled on our approach will return to their homes, to gain back under the protection of the Stars and Stripes, and the reign of law and order.


A COURT MARTIAL.

In order to restore confidence in our honor and justice, everything savoring of pillage and the wanton destruction of property by an unlicensed soldiery should be severely punished by the strong arm of military power.

In this connection, I may mention that great satisfaction is generally expressed in the promptness in which General Curtis has convened a court martial for the trial of the misguided persons who wickedly set fire to Bentonville.  Unless this was done, the act of some few reckless individuals would cause a stigma to rest on our army, difficult to eradicate from the minds of the very sensitive people of this State.


A RECONNOITERING EXPEDITION.

General Asboth was sent last Saturday on a reconnoitering expedition to Fayetteville with the cavalry.  The grist mills and half a dozen other buildings were destroyed by Price when passing through.  The inhabitants expressed a wish that our troops would occupy the place. – From a Fayetteville paper of the 15th there is no indication of the advance of the Union army.  Gen. Asboth has hoisted the stars and stripes, and calls for reinforcements.


ANOTHER RECONNOITERING PARTY.

Col. Dodge made a visit with a small squad of cavalry to the War Eagle Creek, eighteen miles east.  Several fine mills were found.  The owner of Von Winkle’s mill, an Eastern man, was killed by the secesh, and his wife had been detained a prisoner.  The shaft of this mill was broken by the rebels, but Blackburn’s and Winsel’s mills were in running order.  Five thousand bushels of corn were found in the latter.


EXTENSION HERE OF TELEGRAPH LINE.

The telegraph poles between Springfield and Fayetteville are standing.  When the line is finished to the former place, it will be evident that it ought to be continued to this point, thereby putting us in this out of the way point at present, in direct communication with St. Louis.


A TRANSFER.

I am informed that Col. Boyd and the Twenty-Fourth Missouri will return to Rolla to garrison that post, and that General Wyman will come forward with the gallant Thirteenth Illinois regiment.


A SIGN.

Several Regiments have sent back for their tents and camp equipage.  This an indication that we have taken hold of the rebel plow and do not design to turn our back to the great work before us.


A REIGN OF TERROR.

Two intelligent women arrived at Colonel Carr’s headquarters last evening.  They left home south of Fayetteville, five days since, and represent that their husbands were Union men who fled to avoid being pressed into rebel service.  The threat was made that the wives of such who favor the union cause would be hung, and many of these poor women were trying to make their escape from the threatened doom.  The day before these women left home there were five Union men handed at Hewett’s Mill.

The women were piloted through to our lines by an intelligent contraband, the trusty slave of their father.  This negro says that the retreat of Price was preceded by dispatches sent ahead calling every citizen to arms.  A perfect reign of terror prevails.  Committees were appointed to hang every man refusing to join the rebel army.  People were removing their provisions to the woods and burying them and fleeing in large numbers to the mountains.  By a recent act no negro must be found beyond his master’s premises under pain of thirty-nine lashes administered on his bare back.  A few weeks since, five negroes caught fishing together in a stream twelve miles from Fayetteville, were hung, and their bird pecked carcasses can be seen swinging in the air to this day as a warning to others.

The negroes are told that the Northern abolitionists are trying to get them in their power for the purpose of transporting them to Cuba.  This negro says that the war has made the Southern men “mighty temperate,” none but the vilest of corn whisky can be procured. – The “quality” are suffering headache from being deprived of their accustomed beverage, coffee.  Sassafras tea, used as a substitute sweetened with sorghum, was not generally relished.  Coffee in Fayetteville held at 50 cents a pound, and none could be had even at that price.  Sheeting and shirting was worth one dollar a yard.  The Negro made a statement to General Curtis, and gave the latter a plan showing the roads through the Boston Mountains.  Full confidence is placed in his statement.  The two women and negro were sent forward to Springfield.

FAYEL.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 3

Friday, December 23, 2011

The Twenty-Ninth Iowa Infantry

The companies making up this regiment were recruited on the Missouri slope, from the counties of Pottawattamie, Mills, Harrison, Adams, Fremont, Taylor, Ringgold, Union and Guthrie. The regiment numbered 900 men and was mustered into the service in December, 1862, with the following field officers: Colonel, Thomas H. Benton; lieutenant-colonel, R. F. Patterson; major, C. B. Shoemaker. It was sent to join General Curtis' army in Missouri, in December, and from there was transferred to Helena, Ark., and went with General Gorman's fruitless expedition up the White river. Upon its return it was attacked by measles and there were over 400 men on the sick list In August the regiment was in General Steele's campaign against Little Rock, and fought bravely in the battle which preceded the capture of that city, losing thirty-one men.

In March, 1864, Steele's army moved southwest with a wagon train of 400 teams which strung out four miles long, guarded by the Twenty-ninth Iowa. On the 2d of April General Shelby's rebel brigade of cavalry made a dash upon it. A lively fight ensued and the result was doubtful when General Rice came up with reinforcements. For miles the fight continued as the long train moved on, but finally the rebels made a fierce charge which was repelled with heavy loss and the train came into camp without the loss of a wagon. The Twenty-ninth lost twenty-seven men during the day. At Jenkin's Ferry the regiment fought for six hours and made a brilliant bayonet charge, losing altogether fifty-nine men. The army returned to Little Rock, where General Steele was soon after relieved of the command. Early in 1865 preparations were made for the Mobile campaign in which the Twenty-ninth took part, fighting with its usual vigor. The regiment was sent to Brazos Santiago, Texas, in June and in July returned to New Orleans where it was discharged from the service in August. It returned to Iowa, landing at Davenport on the 19th of August, 1865, numbering 765 men, including parts of the Nineteenth, Twentieth and Twenty-third which had been attached to it.

SOURCE, Benjamin F. Gue, Biographies And Portraits Of The Progressive Men Of Iowa, Volume 1, p. 111

Friday, October 28, 2011

The Eighth Iowa Infantry

This regiment was made up of companies raised in the counties of Clinton, Scott, Linn, Benton, Washington, Marion, Keokuk, Iowa, Mahaska, Monroe, and Louisa. It was organized at Davenport in September, 1861, and its first field officers were Frederick Steele, of the regular army, colonel; James L. Geddes, lieutenant-colonel, and John C. Ferguson, major. It numbered about 900 when it embarked for St. Louis and joined General Fremont's army. In its march through southwestern Missouri it lost many men from exhaustion and sickness. In February, 1862, Colonel Steele was promoted to brigadier-general, Geddes to colonel of the Eighth, Ferguson to lieutenant-colonel, and Capt. Joseph Andrews, major. On the 12th of March the regiment was sent to reinforce Grant's army at Pittsburg Landing. In the battle of Shiloh the Eighth regiment was in Sweeney's brigade, and when the battle began it was on the extreme left of General Smith's division, joining the right of Prentiss. Here it fought desperately for ten hours on that terrible Sunday, repelling charge after charge in supporting a battery. When finally assailed on three sides it slowly retreated, but was soon after surrounded by the advancing confederates and forced to surrender. It was one of the last to leave the field and left nearly 200 of its brave men among the killed and wounded. The regiment was reorganized at St. Louis early in 1863, and was in Grant's Vicksburg campaign, was in the assault of the 22d, and fought at Jackson. Lieutenant-Colonel Ferguson died of sickness during the siege of Vicksburg. It was at Memphis in August, 1864, and helped to defend that city against the attack by General Forrest. In March, 1865, the Eighth was in the campaign against Mobile. On the 8th of April Colonel Geddes led the assault on the Spanish Fort, in which he commanded a brigade. The rebels were driven from their works, leaving many guns and prisoners in our hands. The Eighth Iowa alone captured several hundred of the enemy. This was the last important battle of the war, and in that campaign Iowa furnished the following regiments: The Eighth, Twelfth, Nineteenth, Twentieth, Twenty-first, Twenty-third, Twenty-seventh, Twenty-ninth, Thirty-second, Thirty-third, Thirty-fourth, and Thirty-fifth.

SOURCE, Benjamin F. Gue, Biographies And Portraits Of The Progressive Men Of Iowa, Volume 1, p. 95

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Colonel Cyrus H. Mackey

SECOND COLONEL, THIRTY-THIRD INFANTRY.

Cyrus H. Mackey is twenty-eight years of age, and a native of Illinois. He is a lawyer by profession, and, at the time of entering the service, was a resident of Sigourney, Keokuk county, Iowa. He was made lieutenant-colonel of the 33d Iowa Infantry the 10th of August, 1862, and served with that rank till the 18th of August, 1863, when he was commissioned colonel of his regiment. He was not however mustered to that rank till the 22d of April, 1864. The 33d Iowa has been under his command a chief portion of the time since entering the field; for Colonel, afterward General Rice was in command of the brigade to which the regiment was attached.

To give in detail the operations in which the 33d Iowa has taken part can not be done with interest; for they are recorded elsewhere in these pages. From the time of entering the field to the present, the 29th and 33d Iowa regiments have served together, and the history of one regiment is nearly the same as that of the other. It accompanied the White River and Yazoo Pass Expeditions, and marched with General Steele on the Little Rock and Camden Campaign. The regiment most distinguished itself at the battles of Helena and Saline River, or Jenkins' Ferry, the former fought on the 4th of July, 1863, and the latter on the morning of the 30th of April, 1864.

The following is from Lieutenant-Colonel Mackey's official report concerning the battle at Helena:

"The men, after having been constantly engaged for six hours, were very much exhausted. From eighty to one hundred rounds of ammunition had been expended to the man. The loss of my own regiment was: killed on the field, seventeen; wounded, fifty-two; taken prisoners, seventeen. Three men were taken at Battery C. Eight of the wounded have since died from their wounds. I went into the engagement with five hundred men. The officers and men of the entire command behaved themselves splendidly. The force we had to contend with was at least five to one, and I feel perfectly safe in saying that the regiment took as many prisoners as we had men in action. They all did so well that it is a difficult matter for me to attempt to particularize who did best.

"I take particular pleasure in mentioning the names of Major H. D. Gibson, Captain John P. Yerger, Captain John Lofland, Lieutenant Cheney Prouty, and Captain L. W. Whipple. The manner in which these officers conducted themselves is deserving of the highest praise.

"I would also call your attention to the good conduct of 2d Lieutenant Sharman, of Company G, who had command of the picket-guard. He succeeded in holding the enemy in check until we were fully prepared to receive them, brought his guard all off except a number that were killed and wounded in good order, and joined the regiment. He was wounded in the head very severely, but I think not dangerously."

For the part taken by the 33d Iowa on the Camden march and in the different skirmishes and actions in which it was engaged, I refer to the reports of its commanding officers. From the time Steele left Little Rock till after his arrival at Camden, the regiment was commanded by Major H. D. Gibson, and the following is from his official report:

"Prior to the arrival of our forces at Prairie de Anne, the part taken in any engagement by my regiment was entirely unimportant. On arriving at Prairie de Anne, I was ordered to form line of battle and move to the left of the 50th Indiana, which was done. I was then ordered to form column by division, and in that order I moved forward on to the prairie. While crossing a slough in the timber joining the prairie, a shell from the enemy's gun exploded near the regiment, killing one man and breaking several guns. On reaching the open ground, I again deployed, sending forward two companies as skirmishers, with instructions to move steadily forward, which they did, driving the enemy before them, the regiment moving to their support. In this order I moved forward till the regiment rested where the enemy's artillery first opened fire. It then being dark, the skirmishers were ordered to rest in place, and the regiment retired two hundred yards to unexposed grounds and bivouacked. At 11 o'clock P. M. the enemy dashed upon the skirmish line, but was repulsed without injury to us. The transactions of the following day are unimportant. On the morning of the 13th of April, we moved, in connection with the entire forces, through and to the west of Prairie de Anne, our skirmishers steadily driving the enemy before them. On approaching their works on the Camden and Washington road, the enemy hastily withdrew. From that time till the morning of the 15th, nothing worthy of note transpired.

"On the 15th day of April, my regiment led the advance of the infantry. Two companies were deployed as skirmishers on either side of the road, and, having moved forward two miles, were fired upon by the enemy. The skirmishers moved forward, driving them, assisted by a howitzer, until they came within range of the enemy's artillery, which was opened upon us, wounding four men. My regiment supported the 2d Missouri Battery on the right. Having taken this position, I sent forward three sharp-shooters from each company to assist the skirmishers, and annoy the enemy's gunners. After an engagement of two hours the enemy withdrew from his position, after which the march was resumed. At about two miles distant, we were again fired on; and while awaiting orders a shell from the enemy's guns burst near my regiment, dangerously wounding one man. A sharp skirmish was kept up for two and a half miles, when the enemy withdrew from our front. Our entire loss in killed and wounded, when we reached Camden, amounted to one killed, and four wounded."

Colonel Mackey reached Camden on the 19th of April, and assumed command of his regiment. The following is from his official report concerning the part taken by his regiment in the return to Little Rock.

"Nothing of particular interest took place from the time of the evacuation of Camden until my arrival at Saline River. On the evening of the 29th, at 6 ½ o'clock P. M., I was ordered to the rear on the Camden road to support Colonel Ingleman's Brigade, an attack being anticipated during the night. I stood at arms during the entire night, the enemy making no particular demonstration, although in speaking-distance. Night very dark and raining most of the time.

"About 4 o'clock A. M. on the 30th, I received orders that, as soon as the 43d Illinois Infantry on my left was withdrawn, I should retire about three-fourths of a mile toward the river, and take position covering the passage of the troops while crossing. This movement I executed without being discovered by the enemy. This position I occupied half an hour when the enemy made his appearance. The skirmishers immediately engaged them, holding them in check for half an hour. When I was relieved by the 27th Wisconsin Infantry, I marched my command to a new position, one mile in the direction of the crossing. In twenty minutes the engagement became general, and I was ordered to the support of the 50th Indiana Infantry on the left. From this time until the close of the battle, the regiment was almost continually engaged.

"As to the conduct of both officers and men of my command, I cannot speak in terms too high. To attempt distinction would be injustice to my command, as all did their duty nobly. A short time before the close of the action I received a wound in my right arm, which compelled me to quit the field, the command of the regiment devolving upon Captain Boydston, Company A, who, at the close of the engagement, marched the regiment off in good order."

In the desperate engagement at Jenkins' Ferry, the loss of the 33d was severe. Eight enlisted men were killed, and six officers and ninety-seven enlisted men wounded. There were also twelve missing; making the total loss of the regiment one hundred and twenty-three. The commissioned officers wounded were Colonel Mackey, Captains Comstock and Totten, and Lieutenants Conner, De Garmo and Kindig. Captain P. T. Totten and Lieutenant T. R. Conner were both mortally wounded. The former was shot through the thigh, and the latter through the neck. The subsequent history of the 33d is nearly the same as that of the 29th Iowa.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 497-500

Monday, January 4, 2010

Brigadier-General Samuel Allen Rice

FIRST COLONEL, THIRTY-THIRD INFANTRY.

Samuel A. Rice, who received his death-wound at the battle of Jenkin's Ferry, is the most distinguished officer our gallant State has lost in the War of the Rebellion. Sprung from the great middle class, without name or wealth, he had, at the age of thirty-five, attained such distinction as to make his death a national calamity.

General Rice was a native of New York, and was born in Cattaraugus county of that State, the 27th of January, 1828. His boyhood was passed in Belmont county, Ohio, where his parents removed when he was young. There he gained a common school education. The father died soon after removing to Ohio, leaving his family in limited circumstances, and his son, Samuel, as their chief support. He, accordingly, engaged in the boating business on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, that promising the amplest remuneration. As a flat-boatman, he made one or more trips to New Orleans.

General Rice was liberally educated; but the expenses of his education he had to defray himself. He pursued his preparatory course at the Athens Academy, Ohio, and in 1844 or 1845, entered Union College, New York. After graduating there, he entered the law department of that University, where he studied for one year, and then left for the wild West — for so Iowa was regarded, at that day, in the Eastern and Middle States.

The history of General Rice is widely known in our commonwealth; for he was one of our most prominent public men. He first settled in Fairfield, Jefferson county, where he practiced his profession, and occasionally assisted in the editorial department of the whig newspaper of that place. But in the fall of 1851, he removed to Oskaloosa, at which place his family still reside. His first public office was that of prosecuting attorney of his county. Naturally excelling as a criminal lawyer, he attracted general attention by the able manner in which he discharged the duties of his office; and it was this which secured him the nomination in 1856, to the office of attorney-general of the State. In 1856, and again in 1858, he was elected to the last named office; and at the close of his last term, he had established a reputation that placed his name among the foremost lawyers of the State, and, I might add, among the foremost of our public men. I do not speak of him in extravagant terms. The attention and deference that were paid to his arguments before the Supreme Court, would have flattered an attorney of the greatest experience, and the most extensive practice; and the influence which he wielded, as a leading member of the Republican Party, was recognized by all of our most prominent men.

General Rice entered the United States service in the summer of 1862. He would have entered the army sooner; but he could not leave his large business without pecuniary sacrifice; and, besides, he did not believe at first that the war would be of long duration. He was commissioned colonel of the 33d Iowa Infantry, on the 10th day of August, 1862; and late in November left with his regiment for St. Louis. Early in February, 1863, he arrived with his command at Helena, Arkansas, the point where was organized the Yazoo Pass Expedition; and the first important services of the 33d Iowa were in clearing this Pass of obstructions, and opening it for the passage of our transports. For nearly three weeks prior to the starting of the expedition, the regiment was engaged in this fatiguing and dangerous work. The history of this expedition is given elsewhere.

In the long list of battles that were fought in the South West from the 27th of December, 1862, to the 4th of July following, that of Helena, Arkansas, ranks high in point of importance, not simply because Helena with all its government property was saved from capture; but because the spirit of our troops caused the rebels, on the west side of the Mississippi, to despair of ever re-possessing their lost country. Colonel Rice had met the enemy before in skirmishes, but the engagement at Helena was his first battle. Here his brigade saved the place from capture, and his gallantry and soldierly skill made him a brigadier-general. The names of his troops deserve special mention: the 33d Iowa and 33d Missouri, who most distinguished themselves and suffered most severely, engaged the enemy at batteries C and D, near the Little Rock Road: the 29th and 36th Iowa regiments would have done as well and suffered as severely, but they were stationed on the hills to the right, near batteries A and B, and were not so severely engaged. The main attack of the enemy was made on the Little Rock road, where they staked every thing on forcing an entrance. They captured battery C, and so far succeeded; but the raking fire they received from the other batteries, and from the infantry and Fort Curtis, soon forced them to abandon their dearly-won prize. Our pickets were driven in at half past three in the morning, and the fight lasted till nearly 11 A. M., when the enemy retired precipitately. I have said his command saved Helena from capture; and I may add that his casualties amounted to more than half the entire Union loss. It should be stated that two regiments of his command — the 33d Iowa and 33d Missouri — were, during the engagement, under the more immediate command of General Solomon.

In August, 1863, Colonel Rice was appointed a brigadier-general. He had saved General Prentiss and his command from defeat as a colonel; as a brigadier-general, he saved General Steele's army and train from capture at Jenkin's Ferry, on the Saline River; and, had he survived the injury he received in that engagement, he would, doubtless, have been made a major-general.

In General Steele's march against Little Rock, which left Helena on the 10th of August, 1863, General Rice commanded a division, and it was on this march that he received his appointment as brigadier-general. No great battles were fought on this expedition, and no opportunities [sic] offered for special distinction. With others he is entitled to equal credit for the success of our arms.

General Rice's coolness and bravery, and his ability as an officer were best illustrated in General Steele's Campaign into South Western Arkansas, which resulted disastrously to our arms, and gave new hope to the rebels. Here he held only a brigade command. Had he commanded the expedition, some have thought the result would have been different; but this is unjust to General Steele. The loss of a brigade and wagon-train at Mark's Mills might have been avoided; but, considering the difficulties under which General Steele labored, no one could have hoped for entire success. That the chief credit which attaches to this movement or rather to the battle at Jenkins' Ferry, belonged to General Rice, no one will dispute.

The expedition in question left Little Rock on the 23d of March, 1864. Between that point and Camden, the enemy were met at Terra Noir Creek, Elkin's Ford, Prairie de Anne, and six miles north-west of Camden. The sharpest of these engagements was that at Elkin's Ford, on the Little Missouri River. Colonel Rice, though not in command of the forces engaged, received a scalp-wound, while riding to the front. But the great battle of the campaign was fought at Jenkins' Ferry, on the morning of the 30th of April, 1864.

On the evening of the 29th of April, the expedition had reached the Saline River, on its return to Little Rock. That same evening, General Steele's rear-guard had been attacked by the enemy, under Price and Kirby Smith; and it was probable that on the following morning he would have to give them battle; for a pontoon-bridge must be constructed on which to "cross, and the difficulties to be overcome were well-nigh insurmountable: these, however, have been spoken of elsewhere.

That night was stormy and dismal, and will be long remembered by Steele's old command. The floods of falling rain had swollen the Saline to the top of its banks, and covered the low bottom-lands bordering the river with water. But few slept that night: in front was a swollen river; in the rear a confident enemy, and under foot mud and water half-leg deep. Some collected piles of brush to rest on, and others passed the night on stumps and old logs. Day-light was longed for; and yet it promised little, for all believed it would be ushered in by an attack of the enemy. Some were cheerful, and cracked their jokes; but the great majority pulled their ponchos or blankets tightly about them, and remained quiet: they were thinking of their homes and friends, and of the comforts they had exchanged for these hardships.

But morning came at last, and with it the opening battle. Already General Rice's command was in line to engage the enemy, should he advance, and to defend the crossing: they were engaged promptly. The troops of his command, who met the first shock of battle, were the 29th Iowa on the right, the 50th Indiana in the centre, and the 33d Iowa on the left. Of the position of the other two infantry regiments of his command (the 9th and the 28th Wisconsin) at the opening of the fight, I am unadvised. His battery (Captain Voglies') had been sent over the river. The enemy — four to one in the first onset — advanced fairly and squarely, confident of easy victory; but they were repulsed. And not only in this, but in each renewed assault were they repulsed; till finally, near noon, they withdrew and left our forces in possession of the field. At about two o'clock, the last of our infantry forces crossed the river; and after destroying the pontoon-bridge, resumed, unmolested, their march to Little Rock. We lost in this engagement about eight hundred men. The enemy lost, according to his own estimate, nine hundred and fifty; but it is known that his loss was greater.

That was a most gloomy hour for the Federal cause in Arkansas, and the enemy were every where jubilant over the "prospects of peace and independence." They boasted that Steele's army was defeated and disheartened, and that, if it escaped at all, it would do so as a disorganized rabble. They never seemed to doubt that Steele would be compelled to abandon Little Rock, and that the entire State of Arkansas would pass again under Confederate rule. They moved north and blockaded the Arkansas River, and threatened seriously the Little Rock Railroad. The Government became alarmed, and sent nearly two divisions from New Orleans to Steele's assistance. Indeed, for many months the post of Little Rock was little better than in a state of siege; and it was only after Price's reverses in Missouri that the hopes of the Federal cause in Arkansas again rose in the ascendant. But to return.

In the enemy's last charge, and as General Rice was riding down his left wing, he received the wound which resulted in his death. He was shot by a musket-ball "through the right foot, the ball passing under the instep, just in front of the ankle, and driving the buckle of the spur before it."

He left Little Rock for his home in Iowa, on the 18th day of May. For a considerable time after reaching his home, it was supposed he was convalescing; but, (I quote from the Oskaloosa "Herald") " the virus of his wound had permeated his whole system, poisoning the vital fluids, and putting his case beyond the reach of human aid." He died on the 6th day of August, 1864.

The night before the general's death, Judge Loughridge, of Oskaloosa, his warm and tried friend, watched by his bed-side to assist in answering his wants, and to offer consolation to the grief-stricken family. His pain seemed to be intense, making the night drag heavily, and, as he turned restlessly in his bed, the judge inquired: "General, how do you feel now? Are you willing to die?" Looking up, and his eyes brightening, he replied: "I am ready. 'Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He is with me. His rod and His staff, they comfort me.'"

Four years before, he had said, while pronouncing an eulogy upon our lamented Judge Stockton:

"We can but feel and realize that, like the deceased, we too must undergo that great change, allotted to all living. When that change shall come; when the shadows of the last night shall gather around us, may we meet it like one that draws the drapery of his couch about him, and lies down to pleasant dreams."

His prayer was realized. He died in the full possession of his mental faculties, and with the hopes of a Christian.

My admiration of the character of this noble man, I am unable to express. Few as able and deserving as he have been sacrificed to the Moloch of Slavery. One who served long with him in the army writes thus of him:

"But above all, and overall stands the name of one, whom Iowa will be proud to own — General Samuel A. Rice. I have never yet seen his equal, either on the field, or in the camp. * * All admit that his brigade saved the army from defeat and consequent destruction, at the battle of Jenkins' Ferry."

Testimonials of his worth meet me on every hand, to which, I regret, I am unable to give place. His old division has contributed funds for the erection of a monument to his memory; but his "good name will live, when monuments of brass and stone shall have crumbled to dust."

The proceedings of the Supreme Court at Des Moines, on learning of his death, I must briefly allude to. Hon. C. C. Nourse, the general's successor, as Attorney-General of Iowa, Hon. Thomas F. Withrow, and Hon. Chief Justice Wright offered touching eulogies to his memory. In the course of his remarks, our honored Chief Justice said:

"I parted with him in May, as he was nearing his home, with his family and friends around him: he was reclining on what proved to be his death-bed. I shall ever remember his face, and the sparkling expression of his flashing eyes, as, taking me by the hand, he said: 'I shall not die: I know that I shall live — I shall live to return to the field, and assist in crushing this most accursed rebellion.' These hopes — these high resolves were doomed to disappointment."

After the addresses were closed, the following preamble and resolutions were entered of record:

"WHEREAS, General Samuel A. Rice, formerly a member of the bar of this Court, and for four years Attorney-General of the State, died at his home in Oskaloosa on the 6th day of July, 1864, from a wound received in battle at Saline River on the 30th day of April, 1864, and whereas, the high standing of the deceased as a member of the profession, as well as his exalted patriotism and many personal virtues, demand a special notice of his memory upon our part; Therefore, be it

"Resolved, By the members of the bar now in attendance upon the Supreme Court:

1. "That we deeply deplore this dispensation of Divine Providence, in thus removing from our midst one who adorned his profession, and endeared himself to us by his uniform courtesy and upright conduct.

2. "That by his death a brave and true soldier and officer has fallen in defense of his Government, a kind father and true husband has been lost to his family, a valued citizen has been lost to the State, and an honored and able advocate has been lost to the profession.

3. "That we will cherish in affectionate remembrance his many virtues, and request the members of the bar to wear the usual badge of mourning during the term.

4. "That we tender to the bereaved family our sincere testimony of the worth of the deceased, and assure them of our sympathy and condolence in their affliction.

5. "That the court be requested to have these proceedings and resolutions spread upon the records of the court, and to furnish a certified copy of the same to the family of the deceased.

" Committee. — Jefferson F. Polk, H. S. Winslow, William H. Seevers, C. C. Nourse."

I first met General Rice in the spring of 1857, at the Oskaloosa bar. Then, he had just been elected Attorney-General of the State; and I scanned him closely. He was, at the time, arguing a case with Judge Seevers; and Governor Stone was sitting upon the bench. He was dressed poorly; was unshaven, and looked to me to be below the medium in size. I thought we never elected such men to like positions in New England. Three years later, I saw him again; when he looked more like himself — an able and polished gentleman. The portrait here published is not a perfect likeness, though the mild, intelligent expression of the eye is correct.

General Rice was not a man of brilliant parts. He had a large brain and a sound judgment; and hard study did the rest. He was an able reasoner. His cast of mind was more practical than theoretical; for instance: on one occasion, two applicants for admission to the bar presented themselves in the Oskaloosa Court. It was Governor Stone's first term upon the bench. Judges Loughridge and Seevers and General Rice, having been appointed by the court the examining committee, the latter approached the young men, and, taking one of them by the hand, said: "Gentlemen, you look as though you could practice law; if you can not, you will get no business, and if you can, all right. I will vouch for you."

The general was kind-hearted and unassuming. I never saw him without a smile upon his face, and no one could be embarrassed in his presence. Few promised him the success he met in the service. He was as successful with the sword, as he had been in his civil profession. He was a noble exemplar of our Free State Chivalry.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 487-96