Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 17. — Report of Col. John T. Smith, Thirty-first Indiana Infantry, of operations December 15-30, 1864.

No. 17.

Report of Col. John T. Smith, Thirty-first Indiana Infantry, of operations December 15-30, 1864.

HDQRS. THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT INDIANA VET. VOLS.,        

Near Lexington, Ala., December 30, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part borne by the Thirty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry in the campaign commencing at Nashville, Tenn., December 15, 1864:

Pursuant to orders from brigade headquarters, received about 10 o'clock on the night of the 14th instant, the regiment was formed early the next morning, and moved into position with the brigade near the Hopkinsville [Hillsborough] pike. The regiment numbered 503 muskets and 25 commissioned officers, and constituted the left of the second line in the formation of the brigade. During the day the movements of the regiment conformed to that of the brigade, steadily advancing in the direction of Montgomery's Hill, where the enemy was pretty strongly intrenched. It was near 4 o'clock in the afternoon before the regiment was brought into action, or was much exposed to the fire of the enemy, except occasional shots of artillery, which, fortunately, did no execution. About this time the regiment was occupying a position near the crest of a hill, with Companies H, I, and K retired some thirty paces, to make room for a section of artillery. While in this position Brigadier-General Wood rode by and gave the word to charge Montgomery's Hill, in our front. The command not being distinctly heard or understood, the right commenced rapidly moving out, the movement being taken up successively to the left, and the three left companies being retired, half the distance to the enemy's intrenchments had been gained before anything like a regular line was formed. In the meantime the left of the front line had obliqued to the left and the right had borne to the right, leaving about a regimental front vacant; into this space the regiment was hurriedly pushed and charged the hill, and entered the enemy's works and shared in the captures along with the front line of the brigade. During this charge most of the casualties of the regiment occurred. It should be remarked that about 8 o'clock in the morning Lieutenant-Colonel Hallowell reported to division headquarters as division officer of the day, and commanded the skirmish line with much skill and gallantry. Company A, First Sergt. R. H. Waterman (who was commissioned first lieutenant and awaiting muster) commanding; Company B, Captain Hammond; Company D, Captain Reed, together with a detail of twenty men of the regiment, constituted the skirmishers of the brigade. During the forenoon Lieutenant Waterman, Company A, was severely wounded, and Lieut. J. H. Welch, Company I, was detailed-to command the company. Although there were fifty of our drafted recruits on the skirmish line, the conduct of the line is represented as being the most gallant. December 16, the regiment moved into position early in the morning near the Franklin pike, but the brigade being in reserve it was not called into action. In the pursuit of the enemy that followed the regiment has marched with the brigade, but has at no time engaged the enemy.

It is with pleasure that I refer to the fact that the conduct of the officers of the regiment during the campaign has been gallant without an exception, and that of the men has been soldierly in action and on the march they have manifested creditable endurance.

The casualties of the regiment are 10 killed and 33 wounded.

I am, lieutenant, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. T. SMITH,    

Colonel, Commanding.

Lieut. WILLIAM FELTON,
        Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), pp. 188-9

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 15. — Report of Capt. William H. Jamison, Twenty-first Illinois Infantry, of operations December 15-31, 1864.

No. 15.

Report of Capt. William H. Jamison, Twenty-first Illinois Infantry,

of operations December 15-31, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIRST ILLINOIS,

January 1, 1865.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that on the evening of the 14th of December, 1864, while lying in camp at Nashville, Tenn., on the right of Granny White pike, I received an order from Col. I. M. Kirby, commanding First Brigade, First Division, Fourth Army Corps, to be ready to move at daylight on the morning of the 15th. In accordance with said order we moved to the right to the Hardin pike, then filed to the left until we passed outside the defenses, when we were formed in rear line of brigade, on right of Hardin pike—the Thirty-eighth Illinois was on my right, the Thirty-first Indiana on my left, and the Eighty-first Indiana in my immediate front. After being formed we lay on our arms for some time, when we were moved forward to the crest of a small hill which was in our front. We lay here for near an hour, then moved to the base of the hill, and were halted in rear of a stone wall. After laying here about thirty minutes we were moved forward into a corn-field, our left resting on the Hardin pike. We lay in this position for some time, when we moved to the front about half a mile, and halted in rear of the crest of a hill near the enemy's works; here we lay about an hour, there being considerable firing from the works. About this time our front line began moving forward, and Brigadier-General Wood, commanding Fourth Army Corps, rode up and ordered us forward quickly; we advanced as rapidly as the nature of the ground (which was an open field and very muddy) would permit. The enemy about this time opened a very hot fire from his works, which were situated on the crest of a hill in our front. On arriving at the base of this hill I found a large number of men lying down. I supposed them to be the Eighty-first Indiana, who were in our front; but finding it impossible to halt at this point, I passed over them and pushed on for the works, and although we started in rear line, our color was the second on the works. That night we were sent on picket duty, and on the 16th we were again formed in rear line of brigade, and moved to the front and left, until we came near the Franklin pike, when we halted and threw up some light works. We were then moved farther to the left and halted, remaining there until the enemy's line was broken, when we started in pursuit, and moved forward until dark, when we halted. Since that time we have been with the brigade in pursuit of the enemy.

My loss during the campaign is—killed, none; wounded, 1 commissioned officer and 6 enlisted men, among whom was my color-sergeant; total, wounded, 7.

To the officers and men of this command I return my sincere thanks for their gallantry and promptness in doing their duty. It would be useless in me to designate any officer or man as doing more than another, as all did their duty truly and well.

I am, lieutenant, yours,

W. H. JAMISON,        

Captain, Commanding Twenty-first Illinois.

Lieutenant FELTON,
        Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), pp. 186-7

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 14. — Reports of Col. Isaac M. Kirby, One hundred and first Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations November 30 and December 14-30, 1864.

No. 14.

Reports of Col. Isaac M. Kirby, One hundred and first Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations November 30 and December 14-30, 1864.

HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FIRST DIV., FOURTH ARMY CORPS,        

Near Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

I have the honor to forward the following report of the part taken by this brigade in the late action at Franklin, Tenn.:

The brigade arrived with the division at Franklin about 12 m. November 30, 1864, and during the afternoon was placed in position on the right of General Grose's brigade, with three regiments (Twenty-first and Thirty-eighth Illinois and Thirty-first Indiana) in the front line, and temporary barricades constructed at once. Heavy firing was soon heard to the left of us, indicating severe fighting, and our picket-line in a short time became briskly engaged. I then put two companies of the One hundred and first Ohio in the front line, to close a gap between this brigade and that of General Grose. This disposition had just been made when the division pickets were seen coming in hurriedly, followed by a considerable force of the enemy, who came as far as the open ridge directly in our front, when we opened fire on him, and with two or three volleys drove him back. The skirmishers were then advanced, and held their position until the army withdrew. During the action I was ordered to send a regiment to report to General Ruger, commanding [Second] Division, Twenty-third Army Corps; the eight companies of the One hundred and first. Ohio not on the front line were sent, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel McDanald. I understand that they were put in position on the line of works of the Twenty-third Army Corps, and did good work, holding a most critical point in the line until ordered away. Our loss was 2 men killed and 14 wounded.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I. M. KIRBY,    

Colonel, Commanding.

Capt. N. G. FRANKLIN,
            Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FIRST DIV., FOURTH ARMY CORPS,        

Lexington, Ala., December 30, 1864.

I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade, from the morning of December 15, 1864, to present date, including the battle of Nashville:

Late in the evening of December 14 I received verbal instructions from the general commanding division to have my command in readiness at 6 o'clock the following morning to move into position, preparatory to moving against the enemy's works. At 6 a.m. December 15 my brigade was under arms, and moved between 7 and 8 o'clock, with the division, to the Hillsborough pike, and out that through our line of fortifications, going into position, with my right connecting with General Grose, and my left resting on the Hillsborough pike, the One hundred and first Ohio, Eighty-first Indiana and Ninetieth Ohio forming my front line, the Twenty-first Illinois, Thirty-eighth Illinois, and Thirty-first Indiana my rear line, in the order named. The skirmishers of the brigade, under command of Major Hitchcock, Ninetieth Ohio, were taken from Thirty-first Indiana and united with those of balance of division, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hallowell, Thirty-first Indiana. During the forenoon I moved gradually forward, gaining ground to the right, conforming to the movements of the troops upon my right, and slightly refusing my left in compliance with instructions previously received, and rested at the foot of the long ridge intervening between our line of works and those of the enemy. In a short time this ridge was cleared of the enemy's skirmishers, and I was ordered to change direction a very little to the left, and move forward and occupy the ridge, which order was executed at once, resting about two-thirds of my line on the left of the Hillsborough pike, and resting in this position until 2 p.m., in support of Ziegler's battery, which had been placed in position on the left of the pike, and was working vigorously against the main line of the enemy's works. About 3.30 p.m. I received orders to move forward and occupy a low ridge in the open fields near the foot of the hill on which the enemy's works were, and immediately under his guns. I moved at once with the Ninetieth Ohio in advance, to secure the point or crown of the ridge, and formed my first line of battle along the crest of the ridge. The musketry fire here from the enemy's works was very annoying, and seeing a sunken roadway on the slope of the ridge next the enemy, I moved the front line into that, and found it an admirable protection, and brought up my rear line near the crest of the ridge, but under cover; in this position the enemy's balls were harmless.

This disposition of the troops being made, I was surprised to see Ziegler's battery again on my right in the open field and within easy musket-range of the enemy, and throwing shot into him thick and fast. This battery, together with one placed in position by General Kimball, near the left of my brigade, soon worked confusion in the ranks of rebeldom, and at 4.15 p.m. I was ordered to charge the enemy's works. The front line led off at the "double-quick," followed closely by the second line, each regiment of the front line striving to be the first to plant their colors on the rebel works, and the rear line eager to support their gallant comrades going before. The musketry fire encountered was very severe, but the front line was equal to the task, although they struggled over heavy ground and up a sharp ascent. The flags of the three regiments were carried so near a true line that neither can claim much honor over the other for being the first on the works, and the rear line was close on the heels of the front in crossing the works. Here the brigade captured four guns, one Rodman and three brass Napoleons. Reforming our line we changed front to the east and moved in that direction, crossing the Granny White pike, and halting some time after dark, bivouacked in line. December 16, this command was held in reserve for the division until after our lines became heavily engaged, when I was ordered to the left of the Second Division, to support either that division or the Third, as they might need help. Frequently through the day I was exposed to the artillery fire of the enemy, but escaped with the loss of three men wounded. When the works were carried I followed the Second Division, and shifted to the right until was again in rear of the First Division and moved with that in pursuit. From that time to the present I have moved in column with the division in pursuit of the enemy, not having been actively engaged since.

Our loss on the 15th was—officers, killed, 1; wounded, 5; men, killed, 19; wounded, 92; on the 16th, men, wounded, 3; total, 120.

Capt. E. M. Schell, Eighty-first Indiana, killed in the assault on the 15th, was a young officer known by all in the brigade and admired for his accomplishments and gentlemanly qualities, and honored for the remarkable gallantry he displayed in all actions in which he was engaged. All of my officers displayed that gallantry for which they are ever conspicuous, and on this occasion seemed determined, as did most of the men, that there should be no failure if human efforts would avail. With such officers as Col. John T. Smith, Thirty-first Indiana, Lieutenant-Colonel Yeoman, Ninetieth Ohio, and Lieutenant-Colonel McDanald, One hundred and first Ohio, to control and direct a line, a brigade commander need have no fear for the reputation of command. I would also call the attention of my superiors to Lieut. Col. James R. Hallowell, Thirty-first Indiana, who commanded the division skirmish line on the 15th of December. His personal gallantry on that day, and the ability with which he handled the skirmish line, is rarely equaled and I have never seen surpassed; he deserves great credit. I am again called upon to express my thanks to, and my warmest admiration for, my staff officers—Lieut. William Felton, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieut. T. J. Stevens, acting inspector general; Capt. William N. Beer, topographical engineer, and Lieut. J. C. Smith, aide-de-camp for their intelligent discharge of duties. They rendered great aid in the assault on the enemy's works by being mounted and continually on the front line. Lieutenant Felton distinguished himself by seizing the colors of the Ninetieth Ohio and bearing them on horseback through an embrasure in the works. My escort deserve my warmest thanks for their devoted attention, riding with me at all times and bearing my flag to the front in the assault till the works were carried.

For further particulars I have the honor to call your attention to the accompanying reports of regimental commanders.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I. M. KIRBY,    

Colonel, Commanding.

Capt. E. D. MASON,
        Assistant Adjutant-General.

In addition to the above report I would call special attention to the gallantry of Color-Sergt. Jesse H. Hall, One hundred and first Ohio. When about to cross the enemy's works he was met by a rebel officer with drawn saber and seemingly in command of that portion of the line. Sergeant Hall demanded the surrender of this officer and was refused. He (the sergeant) then brought into requisition the spear of his flag-staff and compelled an unconditional surrender.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I. M. KIRBY,    

Colonel, Commanding.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), pp. 184-6

31st Indiana Infantry

Organized at Terre Haute, Ind., and mustered in September 15, 1861. Ordered to Kentucky and camp at Green River till February, 1862. Attached to 13th Brigade, Army of the Ohio, to December, 1861. 13th Brigade, 5th Division, Army Ohio, to February, 1862. 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, Army of the Tennessee, to March, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 4th Division, Army of the Tennessee, to April, 1862. 22nd Brigade, 4th Division, Army of the Ohio, to September, 1862. 22nd Brigade, 4th Division, 2nd Army Corps, Army of the Ohio, to November, 1862. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, Left Wing 14th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to January, 1863. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 21st Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to October, 1863. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 4th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to August, 1865. Dept. of Texas to December, 1865.

SERVICE. – Moved to Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 11-13, 1862. Investment and capture of Fort Donelson February 14-16. Expedition to Crump's Landing, Tenn., March 9-14. Battle of Shiloh, Tenn., April 6-7. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. Phillips' Creek, Widow Serratt's, May 21. Bridge Creek before Corinth May 28. Occupation of Corinth May 30. Pursuit to Booneville May 31-June 12. Buell's Campaign in Northern Alabama and Middle Tennessee June to August. March to Louisville, Ky., In pursuit of Bragg, August 21-September 26. Pursuit of Bragg to Loudon, Ky., October 1-22. Battle of Perryville, October 8. Wild Cat October 17. March to Nashville, Tenn., October 22-November 8. Destruction of Goose Creek Salt Works October 23-24. Duty at Nashville till December 26. Advance on Murfreesboro December 26-30. Lavergne December 26-27. Battle of Stone's River December 30-31, 1862, and January 1-3, 1863. Duty at Murfreesboro and Cripple Creek till June. Action at Spring Hill, Woodbury, April 2. Middle Tennessee or Tullahoma Campaign June 23-July 7. Occupation of Middle Tennessee to August 16. Passage of the Cumberland Mountains and Tennessee River and Chickamauga (Ga.) Campaign August 16-September 22. Lee and Gordon's Mills September 11-13. Battle of Chickamauga September 19-20. Siege of Chattanooga, Tenn., September 24-October 26. Reopening Tennessee River October 26-29. At Bridgeport, Ala., October 28, 1863, to January, 1864. Regiment Veteranize January 1, 1864, and on furlough February and March, At Ooltewah till May. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May 1-September 8. Tunnel Hill May 6-7. Demonstrations on Rocky Faced Ridge and Dalton, Ga., May 8-13. Buzzard's Roost Gap May 8-9. Battle of Resaca May 14-15. Near Kingston May 18-19. Near Cassville May 19. Advance on Dallas May 22-25. Operations on line of Pumpkin Vine Creek and battles about Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 25-June 5. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Pine Hill June 11-14. Lost Mountain June 15-17. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Ruff's Station, Smyrna Camp Ground, July 4. Chattahoochie River July 5-17. Vining Station July 7. Peach Tree Creek July 19-20. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Flank movement on Jonesboro August 25-30. Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1. Lovejoy Station September 2-6. Operations against Hood in North Georgia and North Alabama September 29-November 3. Nashville Campaign November-December. Columbia, Duck River, November 24-27. Battle of Franklin November 30. Battle of Nashville December 15-16. Pursuit of Hood to the Tennessee River December 17-28. Moved to Huntsville, Ala., and duty there till March, 1865. Operations in East Tennessee March 15-April 22. Duty at Nashville till June. Moved to New Orleans, La., June 16, thence to Texas, July. Duty at Green Lake and San Antonio till December. Mustered out December 8, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 5 Officers and 115 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 5 Officers and 253 Enlisted men by disease. Total 378.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the 3, p. Rebellion, Part 1131

Charles Hyatt

Private, Co. F, 31st Indiana Infantry

Died November 13, 1864, Pulaski, Tennessee

Stones River National Cemetery

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

31st Indiana Infantry Monument: Shiloh National Military Park

31ST
REGIMENT
INFANTRY

COMMANDED BY
COLONEL CHARLES CRUFT
3RD BRIGADE – GEN. LAUMAN –
4TH DIVISION – GEN. HURLBUT –
ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE

INDIANA

31ST
INFANTRY

COMMANDED BY

COLONEL CHARLES CRUFT
(WOUNDED)

LIEUT. COL. JOHN OSBORN

THIS REGIMENT TOOK THIS POSITION SUNDAY, APRIL 6TH, 1862, AT 8:30 A.M., AND HELD IT AGAINST REPEATED CHARGES OF THE ENEMY UNTIL 2:30 P.M. DURING THIS TIME THE WOODS IN FRONT CAUGHT FIRE AND MANY DEAD AND WOUNDED WERE BURNED. THE REGIMENT WAS THEN TRANSFERRED TO THE LEFT AND WAS ENGAGED EAST OF THE HAMBURG ROAD UNTIL 4 P.M. WHEN IT SLOWLY RETIRED TO THE SUPPORT OF THE SIEGE GUNS.

ON MONDAY, APRIL 7TH, IT WAS ENGAGED DURING THE DAY ON THE RIGHT CENTER OF THE ARMY.

CASULATIES: KILLED 2 OFFICERS AND 19 MEN; WOUNDED 4 OFFICERS AND 110 MEN; MISSING 3 MEN; TOTAL 138.

Battle At Pittsburg Landing

{Correspondence of the Burlington Hawk-Eye}

Sunday morning, April 6th, whilst taking breakfast, we were startled by the rapid firing of cannon in the direction of our advance encampments. There had been a skirmish to our front the day previous, indicating the near presence of the Rebel forces. Yet it was deemed hardly possible that they would venture to attack us in full force. But the continuous roar of artillery, and the heavy vollies of small arms, soon dispelled all doubt, and convinced us that the great battle of the war had commenced. – Directly every camp was busy with the note of preparation. The long roll beat to quarters – ammunition was distributed – the men formed in line of battle, and advanced to support our front. Our camp was nearest the river, and our regiment, the 7th Iowa, was in the 1st Brigade of the 2nd division, (General William L. Wallace commanding,) Col. Tuttle commanded the brigade. When brought to the front, we were placed near the centre. To our left was Gen. Hurlbut’s division, to our right was the division of Gen. McClernand. As we advanced to the front, we were met by stragglers from the regiment that had been driven back, some bare headed – some without guns – some powder begrimed and wounded, and some helping others that were wounded. Army wagons loaded with baggage, and scattered parts of two or three batteries that had occupied a position nearest the advancing forces of the rebels, were mixed up promiscuously with the crowd of flying fugitives. Steadily onward through these advanced the 2d division to the relief of our hard pressed troops in front. We soon reached the point where it had been decided to make a stand. This was at nine o’clock. The fighting was then principally confined to the left wing of our forces. Very soon, however, the enemy attacked our position. To the left was an open field. One of our batteries was placed in position to command this. Gen. Lauman’s brigade, composed of the 31st & 44th Indiana, and the 17th & 25th Kentucky regiments, were ordered to support this, flanking it on the right, constituting also the right of Gen. Hurlbut’s division. The 2nd division occupied ground to the left of this, and was posted in the edge of the woods fronting an open field. These arrangements had hardly been effected before the rebels assailed our forces along nearly the whole extent of the line. The fight was opened by heavy cannonading, which was vigorously replied to by Willard’s Chicago, and Major Cavander’s Missouri batteries. Under cover of this fire, the rebel infantry advanced to the attack. Soon the whole line was one blaze of fire. Our men stood their ground firmly, and repelled four successive attacks. The storm of bullets was terrific. The most desperate charges of the enemy were against the position occupied by Gen. Lauman’s brigade. But not animated by his presence and example, his men behaved like veterans. He rode up and down the lines, perfectly calm, and stopping here and there to address a cheering word to his men. I could not but admire his noble bearing, though momentarily expecting to see him fall. The Major of the 31st Indiana, fell mortally wounded near my side. Assistant Adj’t General H. Schofield, was also disabled by a shot in the thigh. Colonel Crofts was wounded, Lt. Barnes, Aid to General Lauman, your correspondent, and Gen. Lauman himself, successively had our horses shot. But still the fight went on and the rebels were forced to retire. The underbrush in front of our line was literally chopped to pieces by the repeated volleys of rifled musketry, and the ground was covered by the rebel dead. It was now about two o’clock, P. M. The fighting had been heavy all day on both flanks, and now the left began to yield. Gen. Lauman was ordered to move to the support of our retiring troops. This he did; and by the most desperate fighting, and skillful handling of his brigade, saved the left wing from annihilation. But the moving of these troops left a gap in our lines, of which the rebels with their superior forces were not slow to take advantage. About this time the right also began to give way, and the 2d division was soon fairly flanked. The order was finally given for them to fall back, but it came too late to save all. The 8th, 12th and 14th regiments of Iowa volunteers were cut off, surrounded, and after desperate fighting, forced to surrender. – The remains of our army were now driven close to the river, and the prayer of all was, “would that night or Buell would come!”

The rebels were following up their advantages, and seemed on the point of cutting us off altogether. But most fortunately now, General Buell’s advanced forces came up, and ranged themselves in line of battle. Col. Webster, Chief of Gen. Grant’s Staff, had by this time, got some heavy siege guns into position, which began to pour a destructive fire upon the advancing columns of the enemy. They replied vigorously with both artillery and small arms, but were finally compelled to fall back. Night now closed upon the scene, and the forces on both sides slept on their arms.

The Gunboats Tyler & Lexington had taken part in the closing fight and continued to throw shell amongst the rebels at intervals of fifteen minutes during the entire night. The scene was grand, yet sad, for thousands of our brave fellows lay bleeding on the ground, and we knew that the morning’s light would see many more stricken down by the bullets of the enemy. During the night a heavy rain set in which completely drenched our exhausted troops laying out on the naked ground.

Before it was fairly daylight the next morning the battle was renewed by Gen. Nelson’s Division on the left, and Gen. Lew Wallace’ on the right. The rebels soon began to fall back, and were steadily followed up by Buell’s forces who were constantly arriving and immediately sent forward. All through the previous night the transports had been busy ferrying over his forces from Savannah, nine miles below, and also from the opposite side of the river. Gen. Buell everywhere inspired confidence as he rode along the lines and addressed words of cheer to his troops. His superior generalship completely foiled the rebels in all their maneuvres, and whilst he preserved his own line of battle intact, he completely broke theirs, driving them from one position to another until we had regained all the ground lost on the preceding day – captured several batteries, and pursued them far out on the road to Corinth. The troops belonging to Gen. Grant’s army that had fought on the previous day, including Generals McClernand, Sherman, Smith, Hurlbut, and Prentiss’ Division were organized into reserves, and hurried on to the support of Buell’s forces.

The fighting of the second day was principally done by the several divisions under General Buell’s immediate command. All feel that our salvation is due to him alone. He himself arrived at the scene in advance of his troops, and riding up to our men assured them final victory if they could only hold the enemy in check until his troops arrived. At 5 o’clock, p. m., he rode along the lines and said to our jaded and disheartened men, that if they would hold them in check two hours longer, he had men enough to engage them alone in the morning.

IMPRESSIONS OF THE BATTLE

First. That the rebel attack Sunday morning was a complete surprise to our army. We lay with our camps scattered about, perfectly unconscious of danger. The Friday evening previous there had been a skirmish in front of our lines, but it excited little comment, and was supposed to be only a scouting party from the rebel forces at Corinth. No special preparations were made to receive the enemy, and no one seemed to imagine that they were in force close upon our lines. And yet as facts have since shown, they lay camped for several days within striking distance – two miles – of our camp. The rear division of their army had left Corinth on the Monday preceding the battle. The distance from Corinth to Pittsburg Landing is twenty miles. Our camps extended along the main road about four miles from the river. But though they were so near us, and were nearly a week making final preparations for the battle, still the only feeling apparent on the part of our leaders was a fear least they should slip away from Corinth, and decline to give us battle.

Second. That our volunteer cavalry is shamefully inefficient. We have supposed all along that it was the business of the cavalry to keep us posted on the movements of the enemy, and to immediately advise the General Commanding of any change of position. Yet the rebels were allowed to make all their arrangements to attack us with perfect impunity, and in entire secrecy. Moreover, during the battle, they were worse than useless, I have yet to learn of an instance where they either made an attack upon the enemy, or stood a charge from them. As far as my own observation extended they always took special pains to keep out of the way of the enemy’s fire. Whenever a retreat took place they were the first to run, and in two separate instances on Monday and Tuesday, they were the means of creating a shameful panic amongst our troops, and a ludicrous stampede for the steamboat landing. Many of them remained near the river all day Sunday, not venturing out upon the field at all; and others were constantly exciting alarm by circulating reports of the successes of the enemy, and the discomfiture of our own forces. They are regarded here since the battle with a feeling of utter contempt; and if the immense sums of money spent in organizing and equiping [sic] these useless appendages to the army had been employed in fitting out infantry regiments, the result of Sunday’s fighting at least would have been very different in its effects upon the enemy.

Third. I have been more than ever convinced of the importance of discipline and drill in forming an efficient army. Those regiments that had brave and competent officers fought unflinchingly in the face of successive and desperate attacks from the enemy, and when ordered to retire, would do so in good order fighting as they moved back, and forming again into line at the word of command. Others would break and run at the first fire, and could not be rallied by the most strenuous exertions of their officers. One regiment of this sort was met by the 7th Iowa, as it was moving to the front during the fight of Monday. Their officers were incapable of rallying them, seeing which, Maj. E. W. Rice then commanding the 7th, ordered his men to charge bayonets upon the cowardly sneaks. And in this way alone could they be halted and brought into line. – Buell’s force was manifestly well organized and under excellent system of discipline and instruction. They were kept well in hand during the battle, and reflected high credit upon the General commanding. Many of our officers – from Colonels down to Second Lieutenants, openly deserted their posts and fled panic stricken from the field of battle. But notwithstanding all this, through the great mercy of God we were finally delivered from our perilous situation, and enabled to drive back the rebels in utter disorder. This battle is another instance of the vindication of the sanctity of the Sabbath by the Lord of battles and of Providence. The party commencing the attack on the Sabbath were ultimately worsted and failed in all their endeavors.

We expect another battle soon, either here or at Corinth. Gen Halleck has arrived, and is expected to take command in person. But a great deal of rain has fallen since the battle, and the roads are now almost impassible.

Many of the dead still lie unburied. The battle field was one of the most heart rending sights it was ever my lot to witness. For miles the ground was strewn with the mangled remains of the dead, and the dying, and those disabled by their wounds. The loss on each side can only be counted by thousands. The rebels took the most prisoners, but it is probable that their dead and wounded will far exceed ours. The fire of our artillery was terribly destructive to their ranks.

They fought as though the issue of the whole war depended upon their endeavors, and our men fought as knowing that defeat was captivity or death. Enclosed I send a list of the killed and wounded of the Iowa 7th.

C.

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Friday, April 18, 1862 & also in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862