Showing posts with label 34th IA INF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 34th IA INF. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

John W. Mclaughlin

JOHN W. McLAUGHLIN, farmer and stock-raiser, living on section 30, Decatur Township, was born in Marion County, Ohio, April 24, 1840, he being the youngest in a family of six children.  His father was a native of Virginia, and was married in Ohio to Catherine Dunbar, a native of Pennsylvania.  He died in Delaware County, Ohio, in May, 1852, aged forty-eight years.  When our subject was fourteen years of age, in 1854, the mother came with her family to Decatur County, and made her home in Bloomington Township.  She is still living, her home being near the home of our subject.  John W. McLaughlin remained with his mother till 1862, when, August 15 of that year, he enlisted in Company I, Thirty-fourth Iowa Infantry.  His first engagement was at Chickasaw Bluffs, under General Sherman, in December, 1862, after which he was in line at the capture of Arkansas Post, participating in that campaign which culminated in the surrender of Vicksburg.  He then went with his corps, the Thirteenth, to the Louisiana department, and was soon after incapacitated from duty by sickness, spending several weeks in hospital and convalescent camp at Factory Press, New Orleans.  He rejoined his regiment December 25, 1863, at Mattagorda Island, near Galveston, Texas.  During the Red River campaign his corps reinforced General Banks at Alexandria, and in Banks' disastrous retreat served as guard of property and baggage.  During the closing scenes of the war Mr. McLaughlin participated in the capture of Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan, at Mobile, Alabama, and was in line at the storming of Fort Blakely, at Mobile, Alabama.  He served gallantly and faithfully as a soldier till August 15, 1865, when he received an honorable discharge, and is now a member of Decatur Post, No. 410, G. A. R.  Returning to Decatur County he was married October 19, 1865, to Mary E. Woodmansee, of Decatur Township, where her parents, James W. and Rachel Woodmansee, reside.  They have four children living — Ettie G., Ann Laura, James W. and Reuben.  Their third child, John, died aged two years.  In December, 1865, Mr. McLaughlin bought 108 acres of his present farm, in Decatur Township, forty-five acres being broken, on which was erected a comfortable residence.  He soon commenced the improvement of his land, and has since added to it till his farm now contains 215 acres of upland, meadow and timber land, making one of the best stock farms in Decatur Township, his farm being watered by Grand River.  In politics Mr. McLaughlin has been identified with the Greenback party, since its organization.  He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln.  He is a member of Decatur Lodge, No. 109, A. F. & A.M., and of Decatur Lodge, No. 102, I.O.O.F.

SOURCE: “Biographical and Historical Record of Ringgold and Decatur Counties, Iowa,” p. 554

Sunday, March 25, 2018

William E. Fierce

WILLIAM E. FIERCE, a prominent farmer of Long Creek Township, resides on section 34, where he owns 320 acres of land, 120 acres under cultivation, the other 200 acres being pasture land.  He was born in Hamilton County, Indiana, March 10, 1843, son of E. W. and Mary (Criswell) Fierce, natives also of Indiana. When he was seven years of age his parents moved to Knox County, Illinois, and in the fall of 1857 came to Iowa, first living three years in Jefferson County.  He was reared to farm labor, an occupation he has since followed successfully.  During the late war he went forward in defense of his country, enlisting in 1862, in Company I, Thirty-fourth Iowa Infantry, but was rejected on account of disability.  In 1864 he again enlisted in Company C, Forty-eighth Iowa Infantry, and served till his term of enlistment expired.  He was married in Decatur County, in 1867, to Miss Ann West, daughter of William and Elizabeth West, natives of Circleville, Ohio, who was born in 1850, in Pickaway County, Ohio.  Their children are — Charlie F., Ebenezer W., William W., Mertie M., John E., Nellie E., Bertha E. and Dora M.  Mr. Fierce is at present post-master of Fierce.  The office was named for his father, an honored pioneer of the settlement.  Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Protestant church.  Politically he is a Republican, and does all he can to promote the best interests of the party.

SOURCE: “Biographical and Historical Record of Ringgold and Decatur Counties, Iowa,” p. 549-50

Saturday, April 8, 2017

Diary of 1st Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Saturday, July 8, 1865

Musketoes & fleas, drove Morpheus out of the Bks, A. M. to Com for stores for Mess, writeing a little too hot to work much. Orders to transfer recruits to 34th Iowa, Brass band comes to quarter in A. Press, Genl, Herons band & are here for Muster out.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 607

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Lieutenant-Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, April 22, 1862

Camp South Of Raleigh, Virginia, April 22, 1862.

Dear Uncle: — The ugly chap on the enclosed bill is Governor Letcher of Virginia. He is entitled to our lasting gratitude. He is doing more for us in this State than any two brigadiers I can think of. He has in all the counties, not occupied by our troops, little squads of volunteers busily engaged in hunting up and “squadding in,” as they call it, all persons capable of military duty. Thousands who wish to escape this draft are now hiding in the mountains or seeking refuge in our lines. Meantime the rascals are plundering and burning in all directions, making friends for the Union wherever they go. The defeat of the enemy in eastern Virginia sends this cobhouse tumbling very fast.

We left Raleigh last week and have been struggling against storms and freshets ever since. Today it has snowed, rained, sleeted, and turned off bright but gusty a dozen times. Camp muddy, tents wet, but all glad to be started.

I have for the present an independent command of the Twenty-third Regiment, a section of McMullen's Battery, and a small body of horse. We are the advance of Fremont's column. We are directed to move by “easy marches” forward south. The design being, I suppose, to overtake us in force by the time we meet any considerable body of the enemy. We meet and hear of small bodies of enemy now constantly, but as yet nothing capable of serious resistance.

I see that Buckland's Seventy-second was in the great battle at Pittsburg. Glad they are not reported as sharing the disgrace which seems to attach to some of the other new regiments. There was shocking neglect there, I should guess. Generals, not the regiments, ought to be disgraced. A sudden surprise by a great army with cavalry and artillery can't be had without gross negligence. The regiments surprised ought not [to] be held up to scorn if they are stricken with a panic in such a case. A few thousand men can slip up unperceived sometimes, but for an army of fifty or sixty thousand men to do it — pshaw! it's absurd. What happened to Buckland's regiment? Send your newspapers of Fremont giving letters from the regiment.

I see that your friend McPherson* is one of the distinguished. Good.

Colonel Scammon is back with the brigade, Thirtieth, Thirty-fourth, and a regiment of cavalry.

Good-bye,
R. B. Hayes.
_______________

* James B. McPherson, a native of Sandusky County. He was at that time chief engineer on General Grant's staff. A brilliant and able officer who rose to the position of corps commander. He was killed in battle at Atlanta, July 22, 1864, — the officer highest in rank and command killed during the war. His grave is at Clyde, Ohio, marked by an imposing monument. One of the entrances to Spiegel Grove bears his name.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 233

Monday, September 3, 2012

Thomas W. Holloway


THOMAS W. HOLLOWAY, of Woodburn, a dealer in coal, street commissioner, and conducting a drayage and express business, has been a resident of that place fourteen years. He was born in Alabama, June 2, 1844. His parents, Samuel and Mary (Reynolds) Holloway, were natives of Virginia, and several years after marriage made their home in Alabama. His father was a shoemaker by trade and was one of the pioneers of Ottumwa, where he located in 1846. Two years later he moved to Polk County, and in 1858 to Newburn, Lucas County. In 1859 he went to southeastern Nebraska to select a home. While at Falls City, Richardson County, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Mary J. Henry, at the age of nearly sixty years he died. His widow survived him eleven years, and died in Dallas County, Texas.  August 12, 1862, Thomas W. volunteered in defense of the Union, in Company E, Thirty-fourth Iowa Volunteers Infantry.  He participated in the battle at Haines’ Bluff, the defense of Vicksburg, under General Sherman in December, 1862; was at the capture of Fort Hindman and Arkansas Post; was detailed with the guard to take prisoners to St. Louis and from there to City Point, Virginia, for exchange; was in the campaign against General Marmaduke; was at the siege and capture of Vicksburg, and later in the Thirteenth Corps under General Banks at New Orleans; while there was accidentally injured, necessitating his discharge, October 16, 1863.  Returning to Lucas County, Mr. Holloway married Miss Sarah, daughter of Joseph Mumford, November 10, 1864. Mrs. Holloway was born in Maryland, November 21, 1848, and came to Iowa at the age of ten years. Her mother died in Maryland; her father lives in Jackson township.  In 1867 Mr. Holloway took his widowed mother with him and went to Texas, and engaged in farming in Dallas county, where as stated before, his mother died in 1870. In 1872 he returned to Iowa and made his home at Woodburn. He owns a fine residence and four city lots, also eleven acres of land adjoining the city.  Mr. and Mrs. Holloway have five children –Ida May, born August 28, 1866; Effie D., born December 13, 1867; Ollie B., born March 4, 1870; Mary E. born December 31, 1873, and Addie L., April 25, 1882.  Mr. Holloway is a member of G.A.R. Post No. 385, Woodburn, and is junior vice commander; is a member of Unity Lodge, 212, A.F. & A.M.; also a member of the School Board.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 386

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

John Chaney


JOHN CHANEY, judge of the Circuit Court of the Third Judicial District, comprising Clarke, Decatur, Union, Ringgold, Adams, Taylor, Montgomery and Page counties, is a native of Monroe County, Indiana, born near Bloomington, July 4, 1832. His father, Frank Chaney, was a native of North Carolina, and his mother, Rachel (Elborn) Chaney, of Indiana. His father died in 1876, and his mother is now a resident of Vernon County, Missouri. The family consisted of thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters, of whom our subject is the eldest. Six are now living.  John Chaney lived in his native State until nineteen years of age, and in 1851 came to Iowa and lived in Lucas County until 1867, when he moved to Clarke County. After coming to Iowa he attended the Albion school a short time, and then entered the Iowa Wesleyan University at Mt. Pleasant, where he pursued his studies two and a half years. After leaving school he taught several terms and in the mean-time began the study of law with Colonel Dungan, and in 1866 was admitted to the bar.  In 1862 he enlisted in the defense of the Union, and was assigned to Company K, Thirty-fourth Iowa Infantry, and commissioned its Second Lieutenant. He was afterward promoted to First Lieutenant and later to Captain of Company E, commanding the company nine months, when it was consolidated with Company A, and he was made Adjutant of the battalion. A division of the officers was afterward made, and Mr. Chaney was commissioned First Lieutenant of Company A, Thirty-fourth Infantry, and served as such until the close of the war, being discharged August 16, 1865. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg, the battle at Arkansas Post, and assisted in the capture of several of the strongholds of the Confederacy.  After his return from the war he lived in Lucas County nearly two years, and in June, 1867, located in Osceola, where he was actively engaged in the practice of his profession until the fall of 1884, when he was elected to his present position.  Mr. Chaney is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders, and is a comrade in the Osceola Post, Grand Army of the Republic. He was married in July, 1861, to Miss Sarah C. Fuel, daughter of John Fuel, of Lucas County, Iowa. They have four children – Mary L., wife of L. D. Burnett, of Omaha, Nebraska; Frank, John and C. L. Mr. and Mrs. Chaney are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 248

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

John Cheney


JOHN CHANEY, judge of the Circuit Court of the Third Judicial District, comprising Clarke, Decatur, Union, Ringgold, Adams, Taylor, Montgomery and Page counties, is a native of Monroe County, Indiana, born near Bloomington, July 4, 1832. His father, Frank Chaney, was a native of North Carolina, and his mother, Rachel (Elborn) Chaney, of Indiana. His father died in 1876, and his mother is now a resident of Vernon County, Missouri. The family consisted of thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters, of whom our subject is the eldest. Six are now living.  John Chaney lived in his native State until nineteen years of age, and in 1851 came to Iowa and lived in Lucas County until 1867, when he moved to Clarke County. After coming to Iowa he attended the Albion school a short time, and then entered the Iowa Wesleyan University at Mt. Pleasant, where he pursued his studies two and a half years. After leaving school he taught several terms and in the mean-time began the study of law with Colonel Dungan, and in 1866 was admitted to the bar.  In 1862 he enlisted in the defense of the Union, and was assigned to Company K, Thirty-fourth Iowa Infantry, and commissioned its Second Lieutenant. He was afterward promoted to First Lieutenant and later to Captain of Company E, commanding the company nine months, when it was consolidated with Company A, and he was made Adjutant of the battalion. A division of the officers was afterward made, and Mr. Chaney was commissioned First Lieutenant of Company A, Thirty-fourth Infantry, and served as such until the close of the war, being discharged August 16, 1865. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg, the battle at Arkansas Post, and assisted in the capture of several of the strongholds of the Confederacy.  After his return from the war he lived in Lucas County nearly two years, and in June, 1867, located in Osceola, where he was actively engaged in the practice of his profession until the fall of 1884, when he was elected to his present position.  Mr. Chaney is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders, and is a comrade in the Osceola Post, Grand Army of the Republic. He was married in July, 1861, to Miss Sarah C. Fuel, daughter of John Fuel, of Lucas County, Iowa. They have four children – Mary L., wife of L. D. Burnett, of Omaha, Nebraska; Frank, John and C. L. Mr. and Mrs. Chaney are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 248

Monday, January 9, 2012

The Thirty Eighth Iowa Infantry

This regiment was made up of companies raised in the counties of Howard, Chickasaw, Bremer, Winneshiek and Fayette. It went into camp near Dubuque in August, 1862, and numbered about 900 when it was mustered into the service on the 4th of November. The field officers were David H. Hughes, colonel; Joseph O. Hodnutt, lieutenant-colonel, and Charles Chadwick, major. In December it embarked for St. Louis, and soon after was sent to hold New Madrid, where it stayed until June, 1863. From there it was sent to General Grant's army before Vicksburg, and took part in the siege. Later it was sent to Port Hudson, where it suffered fearfully from disease; at one time there were but eight officers and twenty privates fit for duty. Among those who died here from disease were Colonel Hughes, Captain Tinkham and Lieutenant Stevens, all excellent officers. The regiment was at this time almost a wreck, and went into convalescent camp at Carrollton, La.

In October, the regiment was sent into Texas, and in July, 1864, returned to New Orleans, and from there joined the expedition against Mobile. After the capture of that city, it returned to New Orleans, and in January, 1865, the Thirty-eighth was consolidated with the Thirty-fourth, and Lieutenant-Colonel Hodnutt was honorably discharged. The regiment, as a distinct organization, now ceased to exist, a large number of its survivors forming a portion of the Thirty fourth. Its history was a sad one, as its colonel and 300 of its officers and men had in two years perished from disease, and 100 more were discharged as invalids. There were many long, weary weeks when it had not enough well members to care for the sick or bury the dead. It was composed of as good and brave men as any that Iowa sent into the service, but the deadly malaria of southern swamps nearly destroyed it, and the fortunes of war kept it from participating in the great campaigns and victories of the war, while its sacrifices were not surpassed by any.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Gue, Biographies And Portraits Of The Progressive Men Of Iowa, Volume 1, p. 116 & 118

Thursday, January 5, 2012

The Thirty-Fourth Iowa Infantry

The four counties of Lucas, Decatur, Wayne and Warren furnished the ten companies that made up this regiment. It had 934 men and went into camp at Burlington in September, 1862.

The field officers were George W. Clark, colonel; Warren S. Dungan, lieutenant-colonel; R. D. Kellogg, major.

It was sent to Helena, Ark., in November, where the smallpox broke out in their camp.

Its first service was with General Sherman's disastrous campaign against Vicksburg and the battle of Chickasaw Bayou. It afterwards shared in the brilliant campaign against Arkansas Post. After the capture of the post and garrison, Colonel Clark was sent with his regiment and five companies of an Illinois regiment to convey the 5,000 prisoners to Chicago. The 6,000 men were crowded into three steamboats and they suffered almost beyond human endurance for the two weeks it took to reach St. Louis. The smallpox broke out among them and the misery they endured is beyond description.

When his command returned to Benton barracks in February, it was completely prostrated by the horrors the men had passed through, and many were discharged. From St. Louis the regiment was sent to Pilot Knob, Lieutenant-Colonel Dungan in command, as Colonel Clark was in command of a brigade. Soon after the regiment joined General Grant's army, then besieging Vicksburg, and was sent under General Herron in an expedition to Yazoo City. It was afterwards sent down to Port Hudson, and finally on to near the mouth of the Rio Grande in Texas. It was in the battle at Fort Esperanza, in which that post was blown up and evacuated. The regiment remained in this vicinity for five months, when it was transferred to New Orleans and sent up to Alexandria to reinforce General Banks' defeated and retreating army. In July the regiment was sent to join in the expedition against Mobile, and participated in that successful campaign. After the capture of Mobile the Thirty-fourth was sent to New Orleans, and in November was in camp at the mouth of White river. Soon after the Thirty-fourth and Thirty-eighth regiments were consolidated, numbering now 950 men. In January the regiment was sent to Florida, and from there it joined the army in the siege of Mobile. After the capture of that city it was sent to Galveston, Texas. It was mustered out of the service on the 15th of August at Houston, and reached Davenport, where it was discharged, on the 29th. Since entering the service the regiment had traveled more than 15,000 miles, and faced the enemy in many hard battles.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Gue, Biographies And Portraits Of The Progressive Men Of Iowa, Volume 1, p. 114-5

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

Monday, September 19, 2011

Albert Tharp

A busy, eventful, useful life has been that enjoyed by one of Grand Island's most esteemed citizens, Albert Tharp, who came to Thomas County, Nebraska in 1887, and in 1884 established himself in business in Grand Island. Business success has attended him, and many calls to public office have indicated the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens. He is an honored veteran of the Civil War, and has served as commander of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic, of which he is a member.

Albert Tharp was born in Marion, Marion County, Ohio, April, 22 1843. His parents were John and Margery (McKeever) Tharp, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively.

The father was born February 9, 1808, and died August 27, 1897, in the home of a daughter, at Enid, Oklahoma. The mother passed away October 13, 1874, in Decatur County, Iowa. Of their six children, Albert Tharp is the second of the three survivors, the others being: Martha S., the wife of John Hendrickson, a retired farmer of Denver, Colorado; and Joseph, who conducts a real estate business in Davis City, Iowa. The parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1846 John Tharp removed with his family from Ohio to Jasper County, Indiana, where he engaged in farming until 1853, when he removed to Leon, Decatur County, Iowa, taking up government land, securing eight hundred acres for $1.25 an acre.

In the district schools in Iowa near his father's farm, Albert Tharp pursued his studies through boyhood. He gave his father assistance on the farm until 1862, when he enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Company I, Thirty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. During his three years and one month of military life, he participated in many of the great engagements of the war under leadership of many of the noted commanders. Judge Tharp can yet recall Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, Mobile, Pensecola [sic], Fort Blakely, Matagora Island and the Red River expedition under General Banks. He served at first as a private but later was promoted to drum major. All of his company in the army died, or were killed except twenty-one. Only that number returned.

At the close of the war Albert Tharp with his brave comrades returned to their homes in Iowa, where he resumed farming in Decatur County. With a quickened perception of public affairs that the war had brought, he realized clearly the duty of public-spirited men to enter into the field of local politics, because politics everywhere was influencing public opinion and government. Having the confidence of his fellow citizens to a marked degree he was elected constable of Decatur County. During the next twelve years he served continuously and efficiently as deputy sheriff, deputy treasurer or chief of police, being elected to all offices on the Republican ticket. Since coming to Grand Island, he has been tendered many public offices and has served as police judge and justice of the peace. In 1887 he went to Thomas County, Nebraska, where he found excellent land and took up a homestead, acquiring two one-quarter sections. He lived on his farm there until 1894, when he removed to Grand Island, and afterward embarked in the real estate business, which, with little interruption, he has carried on ever since.

On July 4, 1867, Mr. Tharp married Miss Ella K. Jenree, who was born in the state of New York. To them seven children have been born: Arthur S., who is engaged in farming near Overton, Nebraska; Izora, the wife of B. I. Mewhirter, who operates a telephone system at Tacoma, Washington; Zella, the wife of M. E. Johnson, for the last twenty-five years a passenger conductor between Edgemont, South Dakota and Alliance, Nebraska; Fred, who is an engineer on the Northern Pacific Railroad; Lou; Ella, the wife of Michael O'Brien, a farmer near Blunt, South Dakota; Floyd, who owns a ranch in Wyoming, has but recently returned from his duties in the navy at Hampton Roads, Virginia; and Hazel J., the wife of Ebert R. Potts, who lives near Wheatland, Wyoming. Mrs. Tharp is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. During 1918 Judge and Mrs. Tharp enjoyed a period of travel. They visited all their children and several states. They found all sections possess advantages but none superior to those belonging to Nebraska. Judge Tharp is one of the older members of the lodge of Odd Fellows in Grand Island.

SOURCE: Dale P. Stough & Robert J. Barr, History of Hall County, Nebraska, p. 695 & 697


Albert Tharp, Private, Co. D, 34th Iowa Infantry: Pension Index Card


SOURCE: Civil War And Later Veterans Pension Index at Fold3.com

Friday, April 2, 2010

Twenty-first Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry

The official reports of the Adjutant General of Iowa show that Company A, of the Twenty-first Regiment of Infantry, was ordered into quarters at Clinton, Iowa, on the 23d day of May, 1862, and that it was there mustered into the service of the United States on the 4th day of June, 1862, while the other nine companies of the regiment were ordered into quarters at Dubuque, Iowa, on dates ranging from July 28 to August 23, 1862, and were there mustered into service, on dates ranging from the 18th to the 25th of August, 1862. The wide discrepancy in the dates of the muster in of the first company and those which followed is explained in a foot-note to the Original Roster of Company A, stating that the company was originally raised for the Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, but was subsequently transferred to the Twenty-first [see note 1]. The mustering officers were Captains George S. Pierce and H. B. Hendershott of the Regular Army, and the term of service was for three years from the date of muster. The official reports also show that, when the muster in of the ten companies was completed, their aggregate strength was 964 enlisted men and company officers, and, with twelve Field and Staff officers and four additional enlistments, the total number was 980 [see note 2]. The subjoined roster shows the name and record of service of every enlisted man and commissioned officer who was at any time a member of the regiment. The roster has been carefully compiled from the official records in the office of the Adjutant General of the State and, where these records do not show the completed service of any officer or soldier, a list of such names has been sent to the War Department, in Washington, in the hope that information might be obtained which would enable those engaged in making up these revised rosters to make them complete. In some instances the records were found to be incomplete, as shown from the lists returned from the War Department and must, therefore, remain so, but in most cases the necessary information has been obtained to complete them. It is believed, however, that the subjoined roster is as nearly correct as it is possible to make it from the official records. No doubt there are some errors and omissions, but every effort has been made to reduce them to the minimum. This sketch of the history of the regiment has also been compiled from the official reports and returns, as made to the Adjutant General of the State. The compiler was an Iowa soldier, in one of its infantry regiments, and in the preparation of this work has endeavored to cover as many of the leading events in the history of this, and all other Iowa regiments, as the limitation of space to which he is restricted will permit. It would have been an easier task to have written a longer history and to have gone more fully into detail, but the necessity for condensation has had to be kept constantly in mind; and, in this regard, each regiment has been given only the amount of space which the extent of its leading operations and length of service seemed to demand.

The Field and Staff and company officers of the regiment, as well as the men they commanded, were, with but few exceptions, entirely without experience as soldiers, but all utilized the time which was spent at Camp Franklin (near Dubuque) to the best advantage, in learning their respective duties and imparting such instruction as they could to the men under their command. The regiment was supplied with Enfield rifles, (one of the best guns in use at that time,) and was otherwise very well equipped for active service before leaving the State. In these respects it was more fortunate than some of the regiments which had preceded it. Both men and officers were apt in acquiring the rudiments of a military education. They were given ample opportunity to learn, in the practical school of experience in the field, more rapidly than if they had been detained longer in their first camp, for the reason that they were soon brought into contact with other troops, and the spirit of emulation, which naturally prevailed, caused both officers and men to embrace every opportunity to improve their knowledge of their duties as soldiers. The company and regimental drills and the enforcement of discipline were alike somewhat distasteful and unpleasant to many soldiers, in the first few months of their experience, who subsequently came to appreciate the value and necessity of both.

On the 16th of September, 1862, the regiment embarked on transports and proceeded down the river to St. Louis, but, being detained at Davenport and Montrose, did not reach its destination until the 20th. The short march from the landing at St. Louis to Benton Barracks was a severe trial to the endurance of the men. The weather was intensely hot and the march was made too rapidly. The men were heavily laden with knapsacks, blankets, arms and accouterments, and upon that four-mile march endured greater suffering than upon a long day's march thereafter, when they had learned to live without the things contained in those knapsacks, which then seemed to be necessities, and to disencumber themselves of pretty much everything except the rifle and its ammunition, and a single army blanket. They were having the common experience of soldiers at the commencement of their service, an experience which, alas, proved fatal to many.

On the evening of September 21st, the regiment marched to St. Louis and, going on board a train of cars, (such as were used to transport freight and stock,) proceeded to Rolla, Mo., where it arrived the next day and went into camp. Here the scourge of disease which attacked so many of the men of the new regiments, and which in so many instances either proved fatal or unfitted men for further service in the field, prevailed to such an extent that over 200 men of the regiment were on the sick list. On the 18th of October the regiment moved to Salem, Mo., twenty-five miles from Rolla, where it was assigned to a brigade of which the other regiments were the Ninety-ninth Illinois and Thirty-third Missouri Infantry, with detachments of the Third Missouri and Third Iowa Cavalry, and a section of the First Missouri Artillery, all under the command of Brigadier .General Fitz Henry Warren, formerly Colonel of the First Iowa Cavalry. Colonel Merrill was assigned to the command of the post. Here the regiment remained until the 3d of November, when those of its members who were able for duty again took up the line of march. About 200, including Colonel Merrill, were sick, and were left in hospital at Salem. After marching thirty-two miles the regiment went into camp at Houston, where it remained but a few days, when it marched about forty miles to Hartville, where it arrived on the 15th of November.

On the night of November 24th, the wagon train of the brigade, while moving from Houston towards Hartville, guarded by a small number of troops, was attacked by a considerable force of the enemy, who killed and wounded a number of the guards and captured the remainder, and then destroyed the wagons and such of the stores as they could not carry away. This affair occurred only sixteen miles from Hartville, and the Twenty-first Iowa promptly moved to the place where it occurred, but the enemy, being mounted, had disappeared. The regiment then returned to its camp, having made a night march of thirty-two miles in nine hours. Early in December the regiment returned to Houston, where it remained in camp until the 8th of January, 1863. During this time it became more efficient in drill, more appreciative of the necessity for discipline, and in every way better fitted for the work which lay before it — an active and aggressive winter campaign, in which the fortitude, bravery and endurance of men and officers were to be put to the severest possible test.

On the 9th of January, 1863, General Warren received orders to send reinforcements to the garrison at Springfield, eighty miles from Houston. About 700 men, consisting of detachments from the Twenty-first Iowa and Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry, (about two hundred and fifty from each regiment,) and two hundred cavalry, with one section of artillery, all under command of Colonel Merrill of the Twenty-first Iowa, were detailed for the expedition. Lieutenant Colonel Dunlap was in command of the detachment of the Twenty-first, and, as the battles which ensued were the first in which any portion of the regiment had participated, the compiler feels impelled to quote his entire official report. While these were the first of the many hard fought battles in which it was engaged, and in several of which it suffered greater loss, nevertheless, when the greatly superior number of the enemy against whom it fought and the fact that its men and officers had never been under fire are taken into consideration, it may truthfully be said that the soldiers of the Twenty-first Iowa demonstrated in these battles that they were the equals of any of the splendid regiments of Iowa that had preceded them to the field. Lieutenant Colonel Dunlap's report is therefore given in full as follows [see note 3]:


Houston, Mo., Jan. 17, 1863.

GENERAL: I have the honor to report to you the part taken by a detachment of the Twenty-first Iowa Infantry Volunteers, under my command, in the battles of Wood's Fork and Hartsville, on the 11th inst. Perhaps these two engagements should occupy two reports, but, as they occurred so near together, I have thought proper, with your permission, to combine both battles in one report. In obedience to your order, I left Houston, with other forces under Colonel Merrill, on Friday the 9th inst., at about noon, to march to Springfield, with the object of reinforcing that place. The first night we encamped for a short time at Beaver Creek. At 12 o'clock at night we moved on, and when within a few miles of Hartsville, we were drawn up in line of battle, as information had been received that the rebel Colonel Porter had occupied the place the evening before, and might be there yet. We remained in line of battle until daylight, when it was ascertained that Porter had evacuated the town the night previous. We then moved on to Hartsville, when we halted until the afternoon, getting a little sleep for the men, and a bite to eat.

At 3 o'clock P. M., we moved on towards Springfield, Colonel Porter being in advance of us, and reached Wood's Fork at dark, when we camped for the night in line of battle. At 3 o'clock next morning, in accordance with orders from headquarters, I was ready to march. A few moments afterwards firing was heard from the pickets, and word came in that a heavy force was in front of us. I immediately got my command in line of battle, and ordered the companies to send their blankets and overcoats to the wagons. I then sent out Companies A and B, under Captains Johnson and Cook, respectively, as skirmishers. In this position we remained until nearly daylight, when I was ordered to move my command half a mile in advance. I went down on the double quick, and formed on the left of the road. The fight here lasted until 9 o'clock, when the enemy withdrew.

Soon afterwards, with the remainder of the force, I commenced a movement towards Hartsville, guarding the train as we advanced. When within two miles of the town, I was ordered to form my men and bring them forward on the double quick. I did so, and arrived on the edge of the town simultaneously with the Ninety-ninth Illinois and the artillery, on the brow of the hill on the left of the Springfield road where the artillery was stationed, my left reaching nearly to the Lebanon road. It was now nearly 11 o'clock (Sunday morning) when we got into line. My position was a very favorable one, being on the edge of the hill descending into the town, and sheltered by underbrush and small trees. The enemy's artillery opened on us immediately. I caused all my men to lie down during the engagement, except a few skirmishers, and to do their firing in this position, except when firing volleys or repelling the charges of the enemy. In a few moments they charged on us in large force, and we repelled them with great loss on their part. Several times, with short intervals, they repeated the charge with reinforcements of fresh troops, and every time they were driven back in disorder. Failing in these charges, they formed a line on the opposite side of the town, so near to us that we could distinctly hear the commands of their officers, and opened on us a brisk fire of musketry, their artillery at the same time pouring into us a heavy fire; we returning the fire with the most terrible effect. In a short time, a large body of mounted men poured into the town and made a charge, with terrible yells, upon our artillery at my right. When they approached within a few rods, simultaneously with the Ninety-ninth Illinois we poured into their ranks a full volley, causing them to reel and fall back in confusion and disorder. We continued our fire with so much heat as to empty many saddles, and create such a panic in their ranks that they could not be rallied until they got over the opposite hill, nearly half a mile distant. Their sharpshooters filled the Court House, and the dwelling houses in the town, who became very annoying to my command. I sent a request to Colonel Merrill, to have the artillery turned upon the town, but, not being able to find him, I ordered Lieutenant Waldschmidt, commanding the artillery, to shell the town and drive the rebels from their hiding places. He immediately commenced firing on them with briskness, and after a few rounds he retired from his position, as I supposed to cool his guns or repair some slight accidents, but he did not return, and, as I afterwards learned, he received orders to retreat by the Lebanon road. The firing now ceased on my right and left and, as I supposed some strategic movement was going on, I ordered my command to increase the vigor of their fire, in order to attract the attention of the enemy, while the remainder of our force changed their position. We kept up a brisk fire for about half an hour, when, hearing nothing from the balance of our line, I sent out skirmishers to the right and left to ascertain their whereabouts, and found they had retired from the field, probably toward Lebanon.

I had received no orders and, being only 220 strong, in front of 4,000, I was somewhat embarrassed as to the best course to pursue. To retreat then would be to disclose our weakness to the enemy and expose us to destruction; to stay seemed like embracing death. I determined, however, to hold my position until dark, or lose every man in the attempt, and in this I was sustained by the whole command. I then extended my line as much as possible, by scattering my men to the right and left, with instructions to maintain a vigorous fire, in order to prevent the enemy from ascertaining that our force had gone, at the same time pouring into them a hot fire from the main body. After this the enemy made three charges on our front, in one instance coming up in four ranks, but each time was driven back in a valorous manner by the Twenty-first Iowa. They now withdrew to the other side of the town, and the second time they formed a line, not with as strong a force as before, however. My attention was now called to the hill beyond their line, and, to my surprise as well as infinite delight, I discovered the rebels rapidly falling back on the road leading north. First their train went over the hill, followed by long lines of cavalry. Their retreat continued until sundown, by which time their whole force had gone, except a light rear guard. I kept a brisk firing on the town, and a few moments before dark the rebels had vacated the place and left us in triumphant possession of the hard fought battlefield.

Not deeming it safe or prudent to remain with so small a command in the vicinity of so large a force of the enemy, even while they were retreating, I concluded to withdraw. When we gathered up what loose things we could, about an hour after dark, I left the town and the scene of our victory, taking the road to Lebanon, presuming that to be the way our forces had gone. There was not a mounted man left with us on the field, nor a live horse to be found in the vicinity. My horse having been shot in the early part of the engagement, it was impossible to send a messenger to ascertain the whereabouts of the army. Believing, however, that our troops must have retreated in this direction, I moved on, hoping to soon join the main force. As the night was cold, and our blankets and overcoats had been left in the wagons, we could only make short rests until we reached the train. We continued to march on until 3 o'clock the next morning, when we came up with our train and force, camped at Osap Fork, 25 miles distant from Hartsville. Finding that the Colonel commanding had gone on to Lebanon the night before, I gave the troops a couple of hours' rest and some refreshments and, taking command of the force, put it in motion for Lebanon, which place we reached in the early part of the next day. In conclusion allow me to sum up as follows:

Between Friday afternoon and Monday morning, the Twenty-first Iowa Regiment marched 100 miles, fought two battles, one of three and the other of eight hours duration, during the latter of which there was scarcely one moment's lull in the galling fire of artillery and musketry. And for three hours, and until the enemy fled from before us, 250 of them held their position against the combined force of the rebels, 4,000 strong. Owing to the sheltered position that we occupied, and the fact of the enemy firing over us, as the men were principally kept on their faces, the number of casualties was comparatively small. I make special mention here of no one as having distinguished himself more than another. Every man was brave, cool and active, and every one was a hero. Too much praise cannot be accorded to the men for their conduct during the whole of this long and severe engagement. Annexed to this report, find a full and complete list of the killed, wounded and missing of my command.

I am, General,

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. W. DUNLAP,
Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Detachment Twenty-first Iowa
Infantry Volunteers.

TO BRIGADIER GENERAL FITZ HENRY WARREN,
Commanding Forces at Houston, Mo.


According to General Marmaduke's official report, the rebel force in these battles numbered 3,000 men, while the entire force under Colonel Merrill's command was less than 1,000. Considering the fact that this was the first experience of the Twenty-first Iowa under fire, and the great disparity in numbers, it may safely be said that nowhere during the war was greater heroism displayed or more gallant fighting done than by the men and officers of the Twenty-first Iowa at the battle of Hartville. In his official report Lieutenant Colonel Dunlap does not mention that he himself was wounded, but such was the fact, he having been wounded in the hand and breast. In his complimentary order, General Warren says [see note 4]: "To Colonel Merrill, in command of the force, I am under high obligations for his prudent firmness and good dispositions of his troops. Nothing could have been finer than their steadiness and discipline. Lieutenant Colonel Dunlap, Twenty-first Iowa, was conspicuous, much exposed, and wounded. He is worthy of high praise."

That portion of the regiment which was left at Houston, together with all the other troops at that place who were able for duty, under command of General Warren marched promptly to the support of Colonel Merrill's command, upon learning that he had met the enemy and after a hard fought battle was retreating towards Houston; but, upon finding that the enemy by a flank movement was likely to fall upon and capture the camp and military stores, countermarched and returned to Houston, having marched through mud and rain sixty-four miles in twenty-four hours. All these movements were alike creditable to the officers who directed and the men who executed them. The loss to the Union troops engaged was 7 killed, 64 wounded, 5 prisoners and two missing, while that of the Twenty-first Iowa was 3 killed, 15 wounded and 2 captured, about one-fourth that of the entire command, which would no doubt have been much heavier but for their strong and sheltered position. The rebel loss was very heavy, more than 300 killed and wounded, including a large number of officers, among whom were three colonels of regiments [see note 5].

Upon its return to Houston the regiment rested in camp until the 27th of January, 1863. In the meantime, General Warren having been assigned to another command, Colonel Merrill succeeded him in command of the brigade, which now marched in the direction of West Plains, where it arrived on the 30th of January. A force of about 10,000 troops had been concentrated at that place, under the command of Brigadier General Davidson. The Twenty-first Iowa was now assigned to the Second Brigade, Second Division of the army, with Colonel Stone of the Twenty-second Iowa in command. On the 8th of February the army took up the line of march for Iron Mountain. The weather was cold, the troops insufficiently clad; the shoes of many of the men were worn out, and they suffered as greatly as did the troops of Washington at Valley Forge, in the days of the Revolution. The roads were in a horrible condition, and on many days the distance covered was not more than five or six miles. Rations were scarce, and the pangs of hunger were added to the other hardships endured upon this long march, which ended at Iron Mountain on the 25th of February, where the troops went into camp and rested until the 9th of March, upon which date the march was resumed, the troops arriving at St. Genevieve, on the Mississippi River, on the 11th of March. Upon its arrival at that place, those of the enlisted men who had broken down under their sufferings and were unfit for active service were sent home on furlough, and, for the same reason, several of the officers received leave of absence. It may well be said of those who had endured such great suffering and privation, and who, after a brief season of rest, were ready to enter upon another arduous campaign, that they had become thoroughly seasoned soldiers, endowed with that high degree of physical strength, endurance and courage that enabled them to so quickly recover from the almost incredible sufferings to which they had been subjected, — sufferings from which some of their less robust comrades were a long time disabled, while many of them were permanently unfitted for further service. Some of them died while on the way to their homes, and others after they had reached their homes; some recovered and rejoined the regiment, while others, who survived, never fully regained their former health and strength.

On the 26th of March, 1863, a detachment of the regiment, commanded by Major Van Anda, embarked on transports at St. Genevieve, and proceeded down the river to Milliken's Bend, La. A few days later two other detachments, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Dunlap and Captain Crooke, on different transports, followed, and, on the 6th of April, all the men and officers of the regiment who were able for duty were again in camp together. The Twenty-first Iowa was now assigned to a brigade consisting of the Twenty-first, Twenty-second and Twenty-third Iowa and the Eleventh Wisconsin regiments of infantry, with Colonel Harris of the Eleventh Wisconsin commanding. This was the Second Brigade of the Fourteenth Division of the Thirteenth Army Corps. Brigadier General Carr commanded the Division and Major General McClernand, the Corps.

The great Vicksburg campaign was now fully under way, and in the subsequent operations which culminated in the surrender of that rebel stronghold, the Twenty-first Iowa rendered most conspicuous and gallant service. The full details of its movements and service in the campaign can not be given in this brief sketch, but the compiler will endeavor to condense from the official reports the description of the part taken by the regiment in the most important of its operations and engagements.

On the 29th of April the regiment moved from its encampment to Hard Times Landing and, on the 30th, embarked on transports and moved down the river to Bruinsburg, Miss., where it landed and moved out on the road to Port Gibson. The road had been obstructed by the enemy and the troops made slow progress. At 7 P. M. skirmishers were thrown out and at 1 A. M. the enemy's pickets were encountered and driven in and, soon after, their skirmishers were driven back upon their main line. There was some artillery firing from both sides and exchanges of shots by sharpshooters, after which the soldiers rested in line of battle until daylight, soon after which the battle began. The part taken by the Twenty-first Iowa is thus described by Colonel Merrill [see note 6]:


COLONEL: I have the honor to report that, in the late battle of Port Gibson, of April 30th and May 1st, we lost in wounded sixteen men, including five non-commissioned officers. The officers and men, with two or three exceptions, behaved with singular courage and bravery. It is known to, you that we had the honor of being the leading column of this great army, and of drawing the first fire at Port Gibson. At the Widow Daniel's plantation, some nine miles from Port Gibson, we were ordered by General Carr to take the advance. I ordered Company A, commanded by Captain A. R. Jones, and Company B, commanded by Captain William D. Crooke, as advance skirmishers, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Dunlap, supported by Companies D and F, commanded by Major Van Anda; next was a 12 pounder field piece, from that excellent battery, the First Iowa; all supported by the balance of my command. I am happy to report that in the skirmishing of these companies singular fortitude and bravery were exhibited during that long and tedious night's march, and especially are Company B and Captain Crooke deserving of mention, as having received the first fire of the pickets and returning it with great coolness. Our advance was fired upon by the rebel picket about one mile from the town of Port Gibson. Our column was rapidly advanced, and soon received the raking fire of the enemy's batteries, which were seven in number. As soon as the battery of the First Iowa could be brought to bear, Company E, commanded by Captain Swivel, was ordered to its support. They have received the commendation of all for their faithfulness. Sergeant B. Krist, of this company, captured a rebel orderly while carrying dispatches.

General Carr next ordered, a company to stand as picket guard; Company G, commanded by Captain Benton, performed this duty till morning. Next came an order for two skirmishing companies to deploy in front of the enemy, and in fact between the enemy and our own artillery firing. I called for volunteers from my four remaining companies. Captain J. M. Harrison, of Company C, being the only commissioned officer of his company, although advanced in years and in feeble health, at once volunteered to take the advance; and, with his company and Company K, commanded by Captain Voorhees, performed this dangerous duty faithfully. During the severe and continued firing of May 1st, so generally and heartily were my orders obeyed by officers and men, that I am at a loss to give particulars. Captains Boardman and Watson have my warmest thanks. They are cool and brave officers. I can say the same of all the other officers whose names have been mentioned. Many Incidents of courage and bravery could be spoken of, but it would render this report entirely too long. It is but just to say that the Twenty-first remained for two hours in the rear of the Eighty-first Ohio, to support that regiment in making a charge on the enemy's batteries; but for some reason, it was, I regret to say, abandoned. My regiment remained on the field after all had retired, and it was nearly eight o'clock before we camped for the night, thus showing that we were first in battle, and last to leave the field. I am under many obligations to my field officers and staff for their faithfulness and aid. Lieutenant Colonel Dunlap received a wound in the foot. My own horse was shot in several places, and a portion of my saddle shot off.

All of which is respectfully submitted,

SAMUEL MERRILL,
Colonel Twenty-first Regiment Iowa Infantry.

To Colonel Stone, Twenty-second Iowa, Commanding Brigade.


In his official report of the conduct of his brigade, at the battle of Port Gibson, Col. W. M. Stone makes special mention of Colonel Merrill and the officers and men of his regiment, for the brave and efficient manner in which they obeyed his orders. The loss of the brigade was 15 killed and 79 wounded. General E. A. Carr, the division commander, in his report speaks in the highest terms of the conduct of Colonel Stone and the officers and men of his brigade. He gives the total loss of the division in the battle of Port Gibson as 263, killed and wounded [see note 7].

Early on the morning of May 2d, the regiment, in company with the other troops of its brigade and division, took up the line of march in pursuit of the enemy. At Bayou Pierre a halt was made until the bridge which had been destroyed by the enemy could be rebuilt. On the 4th the march was resumed and the enemy followed from point to point to within seven miles of Jackson, when the counter march towards Vicksburg began. More or less skirmish fighting had occurred, in which the regiment did not become engaged, as it was not in the advance.

On the 16th of May the battle of Champion's Hill was fought. In this battle the division to which the Twenty-first Iowa belonged was held in reserve until near the close of the engagement, when it engaged in a movement to flank the rebels on the right; but, before the position to which it had been directed was gained, the enemy had retreated, and beyond the capturing of a considerable number of prisoners by the skirmishers of the Twenty-first, Twenty-second and Twenty-third Iowa regiments, the division could not claim to have had active participation in that hard fought battle. It had, however, stood ready and eagerly waiting the order to advance, while listening to the roar of battle, and when it did at last receive the order, and promptly obeyed it, the enemy had been vanquished and was in full retreat. Every true soldier will bear witness to the truth of the statement that it is more trying to be held in reserve while a great battle is in progress, every moment expecting to be called into action, than to be in the thick of the engagement. In the one case he knows that his comrades are bravely fighting, while he is standing idle; in the other, he has the stimulus of active participation, knowing that, whether he falls or is spared, he will share in the honor of having bravely followed the flag. In both cases he has fully discharged his duty, but he can not help a feeling of regret that the command to which he belonged did not have its share in the glory of active participation in the battle, instead of having been held in reserve. But there was plenty of fighting in the Vicksburg campaign to satisfy the lust of battle in the heart of the bravest and most valiant soldier.

On the 17th of May, the Twenty-first Iowa led the advance in pursuit of the retreating enemy. The retreat ended at Black River, where the enemy had taken a strong position and were prepared to make a desperate resistance to the passage of that river. The part taken by the Twenty-first Iowa in the battle which ensued is described in the official report of that gallant officer, Lieutenant Colonel Dunlap, who, a few days later, gave up his life while bravely leading his men in that terrible charge upon the enemy's works at Vicksburg. His report is here given in full [see note 8]:


IN CAMP NEAR BLACK RIVER, MISS., May 18, 1863.

CAPTAIN WILSON, A. A. General:

I have the honor to report the position of the Twenty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry in the memorable battle of Black River Bridge, May 17, 1863. The Twenty-first was formed in line of battle on the right, and immediately in front of the enemy's fortifications, with the gallant Twenty-third Iowa Regiment on our right. Important maneuvering and skirmishing took place from this position until late in the afternoon, when orders were received to charge, and carry the enemy's intrenchments at the point of the bayonet. The order was obeyed. The right moved out of the woods in good order, and charged on the run, across the open plain in front of the enemy's works, a distance of about eight hundred yards, driving the enemy in utter confusion from their breastworks and rifle pits, and entering in triumph the strong-hold of the rebels. The enemy was strongly posted on our right, as well as in front. The bullets came in showers from the flanks, and, combined with those coming from the horde of rebels in rifle pits in front, made an awful hailstorm, through which it seemed a miracle that a single man passed uninjured. Colonel Merrill, commanding the regiment in the first part of the charge with devotion and bravery, fell severely wounded, while gallantly leading his regiment against the enemy. The Twenty-first captured a great many prisoners. This brilliant charge proved very destructive to the regiment, and our loss was very heavy. An official list is herewith transmitted. Officers and men, with but one or two exceptions, behaved coolly and bravely, and their conduct reflects great credit upon themselves and their State, and creates a feeling of pride and gratitude oh the part of their friends. I cannot, of course, make mention of all those who distinguished themselves on that battlefield, as that would be to copy the roll of all present. Major S. G. Van Anda received the highest credit for the coolness and bravery with which he conducted the charge, the left being in front, through the storm of leaden hail. Much of the success of the charge is owing to his gallant conduct and daring example. Captain Harrison was one of the first officers on the enemy's works. Captains Swivel, Voorhees, Watson, Boardman and Crooke behaved with great coolness. Lieutenants Roberts, Childs and Dolson received the praise of all who saw their bravery. Lieutenant Howard of Company B, acting Adjutant, received a mortal wound while gallantly performing his part in this gallant charge. We lost many of our bravest men; but it was a great undertaking, and the object accomplished was the most important of the war. To Captain Wilson and Lieutenant Jackson, of the Staff, too much praise cannot be given. Their conduct was brave and noble, and they are held in the highest respect by every officer and soldier of the command, for the faithful manner in which they performed their dirties.

I am, Captain, Your most obedient servant,
C. W. DUNLAP, Lieutenant Colonel Twenty-first Iowa.


The loss of the Twenty-first Iowa at Black River was 6 killed and 63 wounded. The troops remained on the field until May 19th, engaged in the burial of the dead and collecting the arms and other material of war captured from the enemy, and taking a very, brief rest after these duties were performed. The regiment then marched to the position to which it was assigned as part of the investing force in the siege of Vicksburg. It had only become fairly adjusted to its position in the trenches when the order came for that desperate and disastrous charge, on the 22d of May, 1863, in which the valor and heroism displayed was not surpassed upon any battlefield of the war. The gallant Lieutenant Colonel Dunlap was suffering from the wound he had received at Port Gibson and might, with the utmost propriety, have refrained from participating with his regiment in that terrible and — as the event proved to him and so many of his brave comrades — fatal assault. His impetuous nature would not allow him to remain in camp while the brave men and officers of his regiment were responding to the order to assail the impregnable stronghold of the enemy, and he followed, where his physical infirmity would not permit him to lead, and, after struggling up the height to the position which the regiment had gained but could not hope to hold, he yielded up his life beneath the flag he loved and honored. Major Van Anda, who had been actively in command of the regiment from the time it formed in line for the attack, displayed the highest qualities of a leader. His official report describes the conduct of his regiment, and is here given in full [see note 9]:


BATTLEFIELD NEAR VICKSBURG, MISS., May 25, 1863.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the action taken by the Twenty-first Regiment Iowa Volunteers, in the battle on the 22d of May, 1863, in the rear of Vicksburg. The Twenty-first Regiment received orders to be ready to charge on the enemy's works, at 10 o'clock A. M. At the hour, precisely, I formed the regiment in the rear of the gallant Twenty-second Iowa, within twenty rods of the enemy's rifle pits. In this position, we were partially covered from the enemy's fire by the hill immediately in front of their works. I then gave orders to fix bayonets, and charge by the left flank over the hill and into the enemy's rifle pits. During this charge the fire of the enemy from both flanks, as well as the front, was terrific. Many of our officers and men fell on every side; but, with a determination that knew no fear, the enemy's works were gained, and they were routed from their stronghold. This position we held till after dark, pouring continually a destructive fire into their ranks. Being unable to hold our position longer, we withdrew under cover of darkness, carrying with us many of our killed and wounded. The loss of our regiment in this terrible struggle was severe. Many of our officers were either killed or wounded. An official report is herewith furnished you. Lieutenant Colonel C. W. Dunlap was shot through the head and instantly killed. He was wounded at the battle of Port Gibson, and was unable to keep up with the regiment, but came up after the charge. In the death of this brave soldier and gallant officer, the regiment has sustained an irreparable loss. Our total loss is 12 killed, 80 wounded, and 13 missing, supposed to be killed or taken prisoners. Of the officers and men of my command, in this terrible charge, I can only say that every man did his duty. Captain J. M. Harrison, of Company C, was seriously wounded while at the head of his company, cheering on his men. Lieutenant W. A. Roberts, Acting Adjutant, was dangerously wounded while driving the enemy from their works. Lieutenant S. Bates, Company I, was left on the field, and has since been taken prisoner. Captain D. Greaves was seriously wounded while leading his company over the brow of the hill, in the face of the enemy's fire. Lieutenant G. H. Childs, Jr., was wounded in the breast, at the head of the regiment, his company being on the right. Many other officers were wounded. How any man ever returned alive from that terrible fire, I cannot imagine. Company A, Captain Jones, and Company B, Captain Crooke, were sent out as sharpshooters, and did effective service.

Hoping the conduct of the Twenty-first Regiment Iowa Volunteers, in this battle, will meet the approbation of the General commanding the brigade, I remain, Captain,

Your most obedient servant,

S. G. VAN ANDA,
Major Commanding Twenty-first Regiment.

To Captain Wilson, A. A. General, Second Brigade, Fourteenth Division.


The loss of the regiment, as stated in the report, was about forty per cent of the number engaged. From the 22d of May to the 4th of July, the officers and men of the Twenty-first Iowa who had survived the assault and were able for duty shared in the hardships and dangers incident to the prosecution of the siege, with the exception of a brief interval of about 48 hours, during which they were engaged in a forced march to repel an expected attack of the enemy from the rear, which was not made. Upon that march they suffered intensely from heat and thirst, but upon their return their hearts were cheered by the glad sight of the white flags waving over the ramparts of Vicksburg, in token of the surrender of that rebel stronghold.

On the morning of July 5th, the regiment marched with the troops which composed the army under the command of General Sherman, in pursuit of the rebel army commanded by General Johnston. Its heavy losses in battle and from disease had so sadly decimated its ranks that the Twenty-first Iowa now numbered less than 200 men able for active duty. The casualties among officers had ben heavy. Colonel Merrill and Major Van Anda had both been wounded, Lieutenant Colonel Dunlap killed, and the regiment was, for the time being, without field officers. The command, therefore, devolved upon the senior Captain, William D. Crooke, who was soon afterwards promoted to Major, to succeed Major Van Anda, who was at the same time promoted to Lieutenant Colonel [see note 10]. There was but one other Captain — Jacob Swivel of Company E — who was able to accompany the regiment at the time it left Vicksburg, all the others having been disabled by wounds or sickness. On the 10th of July the regiment reached Jackson and was assigned to its place in the line of investment of that city. It took part in the operations of the short siege which ensued, during which it had one man killed, six wounded and four taken prisoners. On July 17th, Jackson was evacuated by the enemy, and the next day the regiment started on the return march to Vicksburg, where it arrived — after an exhausting and toilsome march — on July 24th. There it remained until August 13th. In the meantime there was much sickness which, in many cases, proved fatal [see note 11].

The subsequent operations of the regiment extended over such a wide extent of territory that, to describe its movements in detail, would occupy more space than is covered by the preceding pages. The most conspicuous and important events during the remaining period of its service can, therefore, only be described. On August 13th, 1863, the regiment left Vicksburg, and, embarking on transports, was conveyed to New Orleans, where it arrived on the 16th and went into camp at Carrollton. The change of location proved very beneficial to the health of the men and officers. Early in September the regiment was conveyed by rail to Brashear City, about eighty miles from New Orleans. There it remained in camp until the close of the month, and then proceeded to Berwick City across the bay; halting there for a few days, it proceeded to Bayou Teche, and thence to Bayou Vermillion. At the latter place it remained until early in November, performing guard and picket duty. The health of the regiment continued to improve. On November 7th it moved eastward, halting at New Iberia, Berwick City and Brashear, and arriving at Algiers, opposite New Orleans, on the 21st. The next day it embarked on the steamer "Corinthian" and, after a voyage of four days, disembarked on St. Joseph Island, Texas. During these movements the regiment was under the command of Major Crooke. During its service of nearly seven months in Texas the regiment was stationed at different places. In the winter of 1864 it was part of the time at Matagorda Island, Saluria Point, De Crow's Point, Port Cavallo, Old Town, Fort Esperanza and Indianola. While at the latter place, on February 13th, a detachment of the regiment, while on a scout, was attacked by a force of rebel cavalry and, in the engagement which ensued, 13 men of the detachment were captured by the enemy and taken to the rebel prison at Tyler, Texas, where they were confined until the following June, when they were exchanged and returned to the regiment. On the 12th of February, while the regiment was encamped at Old Town, (Old Indianola,) Colonel Merrill returned and resumed command, although he had only partially recovered from his wounds and, in justice to himself, might have consistently refrained from gojng upon duty in his enfeebled condition of health.

From the 13th of March to the time of its departure for New Orleans in June, the regiment was encamped at Fort Esperanza on the desolate Matagorda . Island, where it was engaged in strengthening the fortifications and doing garrison duty. On the 10th of June the right wing of the regiment, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Van Anda, embarked for New Orleans, where it arrived on the 14th and went into camp. The left wing, under command of Major Crooke, withdrew from Fort Esperanza on the 14th of June, (after destroying the fort, in obedience to orders,) and, embarking, proceeded to New Orleans, where the regiment was reunited on June 18th. It then marched to Carrollton and thence to different points, performing provost guard duty and protecting the railway until the 9th of July, when it returned, by rail to Algiers and went into camp. At that place the old Enfield rifles, with which the regiment had been supplied upon entering the service, were exchanged for new Springfield rifles, which were then considered the best infantry arms in use. Several of the regiments — with which the Twenty-first Iowa had long been associated — had been ordered to join General Grant's army in Virginia, and had already gone there, and the regiment was in daily expectation of receiving an order to follow them. In this, however, it was doomed to disappointment.

On the 26th of July the regiment, under orders, embarked and proceeded to Morganza Bend, where it landed the next day and was assigned to the Second Brigade of the Second Division, Nineteenth Army Corps. There it remained, encamped in an unhealthy location, for more than a month, during which time many were taken sick and, from the effects of which sickness, a number of the men died. On the 3d of September, the regiment again embarked and moved up the river to Natchez, thence to Vicksburg, and, on September 8th, disembarked at the mouth of White River, Ark. A few days later it again embarked and moved up the White River to St. Charles, where it landed on September 11th and occupied the fortifications which had been abandoned by the rebels. There it performed garrison duty until October 21st, when it proceeded to Devall’s Bluff, remaining but a few days and moving thence to the mouth of White River, where it remained until the 13th of November, when it again embarked and moved up the river to Devall’s Bluff. There it built log cabins for winter quarters, but did not occupy them but a few weeks. On the 22d of November it was ordered to Memphis, and, again embarking on transports, was conveyed to that city, where it arrived on the 28th of November and went into camp. On the 21st of December the regiment marched from Memphis, as part of an expedition into the interior of Tennessee, accompanying a force of cavalry under command of General Grierson, who continued the march to Nashville with his cavalry command, after leaving the infantry at Moscow. No enemy was encountered on the expedition, and the regiment returned to Memphis, arriving there on the last day of the year 1864.

On the 1st day of January, 1865, the regiment embarked on steamer, at Memphis, and proceeded down the river to New Orleans and went into camp at Kenner, a few miles above the city, where it remained until February 5th, on which date it embarked on an ocean steamer and proceeded to Dauphin Island, at the entrance of Mobile Bay. On the 17th of March the regiment moved from Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan, by steamer, and, landing there, joined the army, under command of General Canby, on the march towards Mobile. After a toilsome march, a junction was formed at Fish River with the Sixteenth Army Corps, commanded by General A. J. Smith [see note 12]. The combined forces then moved forward. The objective points were Fort Blakely, Spanish Fort and the city of Mobile. In the subsequent operations against these defenses of the enemy, the Twenty-first Iowa bore an honorable part, as shown by the official report of Lieutenant Colonel Van Anda, which is here given in full [see note 13]:


HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT IOWA VOLUNTEERS NEAR
BLAKELY, ALA., April 11, 1865.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the position of my regiment during the siege and capture of Spanish Fort and Blakely, Ala. On the 26th of March, under orders from Brigadier General Slack, my regiment was ordered to the advance of our division, and four companies thrown forward as skirmishers, the remaining companies in reserve. We moved rapidly forward for about three miles to the creeks, over very broken and difficult ground, when, observing indications of the presence of the enemy, our line was halted to allow the column to close up. About 10 o'clock, I withdrew the four companies of skirmishers, and sent out two others in their place, formed my regiment in line of battle, and again moved forward. My skirmish line almost immediately fell in with the enemy's advance, and was engaged until dark. Two of my men were slightly wounded. About 8 P. M. I was again ordered forward, and advanced in line of battle, preceded by two companies as skirmishers, under command of Major Boardman. About 9 o'clock we drew the fire of the enemy in our front, which was vigorously returned by my skirmishers. In this advance I lost one man killed. Under orders from Major General Granger, I remained in position on the field, and was relieved at midnight by the Forty-seventh Indiana.

On the 27th we moved to our position on the left of the First Brigade in the siege operations against Spanish Fort, having closed upon the enemy, and our skirmishers under command of Captain Voorhees having driven him into his fortifications. On the night of the 28th the enemy made an assault on our lines; Captain J. L. Noble was near the line with a working party, when, with great bravery and presence of mind, he rallied his men and supported the skirmish line, driving back the enemy in great disorder. We remained in position, taking an active part in the siege operations until the 30th, when we were withdrawn, with our division, to escort a supply train for Major General Steele. I proceeded to Holyoak Mills and remained in camp there until the 2d of April, when we were ordered forward to Blakely. I moved at 7 o'clock P. M., marched five miles, and bivouacked near the Biminet [see note 14], and at daylight on the morning of the 3d took up position in the rear of Blakely, immediately on the right of General Gerard's forces. During the operations against Blakely, my regiment entered the rifle pits on the night of the 7th, at dark, but met with no casualties, although our skirmishers and working parties were very much exposed during the night, when the enemy advanced upon our lines, and my whole regiment was under a severe fire from his artillery, which for two hours threw shells incessantly along our rifle pits. My regiment was relieved at dark, and almost immediately ordered to the support of Major General .Smith's forces, in the contemplated assault on Spanish Fort I proceeded to the Biminet, and was then ordered back to my position behind Blakely, which I regained at 3 o'clock on the morning of the 9th inst. My regiment, having been on duty nearly forty-eight hours, took no part in the successful assault on Blakely on that day. I am under many obligations to the officers and men of my regiment, for their soldierly conduct during the campaign. Surgeon D. W. Chase, Acting Major E. Boardman, Adjutant George Crooke, Sergeant Major J. Dubois, and commanding officers of companies, have behaved with much coolness and judgment in every engagement. To the commanding general of the brigade and his staff officers, Captain Massie and Lieutenants Curtis and Kinney, I am under many obligations for their uniform kindness and courtesy.

I have the honor to remain, Captain,

Your obedient servant,

S. G. VAN ANDA,
Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Regiment.

Captain M. D. Massie, A. A. A. G.


General Canby issued an order announcing the general results of the campaign, summarized as follows: "The capture of the enemy's works at Spanish Fort and Blakely; the surrender of Mobile; the capture of more than 5,000 prisoners, 12 flags, nearly 300 pieces of artillery, several thousand stand of small arms, and large stores of ammunition and other material of war."

From the commencement of this last campaign to its close, the Twenty-first Iowa was one of the factors that led up to the important results accomplished. Shortly after the fall of Blakely it marched into the city of Mobile, where it remained but a short time, when it marched to Spring Hill, a few miles west of the city, where it found a beautiful and healthful camping ground, where it remained until May 26th, upon which date it again broke camp and, embarking on transports, proceeded to Lakeport, La. From there it ascended the Mississippi River (to the mouth of Red River and debarked at Grand Ecore on June 5th. On the 21st of June the regiment again embarked on transports and was conveyed to Baton Rouge, La., arriving there on the 23d. Orders were there received from the War Department, transferring the recruits, whose terms of service had not expired, to the Thirty-fourth Iowa Infantry. The remainder of the regiment was mustered out of the service of the United States, July 15, 1865, at Baton Rouge, La. The regiment was then conveyed by transport to Clinton, Iowa, where it arrived and was finally disbanded, July 28, 1865.

The Twenty-first Regiment of Iowa Infantry stands in the front rank of the long line of splendid regiments which the State sent into the field to do battle for the preservation of the Union. The valor and devotion of its officers and men were unsurpassed. Since the close of the war its survivors have shown equal devotion to duty as good citizens. Its gallant Colonel was twice chosen as Governor of the State of Iowa [see note 15]. In the generations to come, those who can trace their lineage to the men who belonged to the Twenty-first Iowa may well claim kinship with as heroic a race of men as the world has ever known — the men who helped to save the Government whose principles must, sooner or later, be adopted by the people of all countries who are capable of self-government and appreciation of the blessings which it confers, — that form of government that inspires its citizens with a patriotism like that which animated the soldiers of the Union Army from 1861 to 1865.


SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES.
Total Enrollment 1181
Killed 41
Wounded 165
Died of wounds 32
Died of disease 160
Discharged for wounds, disease and other causes 180
Buried in National Cemeteries 89
Captured 41
Transferred 56


[Note 1.] Report of Adjutant General of Iowa, 1863, Vol. 1, page 754. Same volume, Original Roster of the Regiment, pages 750 to 781 inclusive.

[Note 2.] Report of Adjutant General of Iowa, 1863, Vol. 1, page vii.

[Note 3.] Report of Adjutant General of Iowa, 1864, pages 467 to 470 inclusive.

[Note 4.] Report of Adjutant General of Iowa, 1864, pages ,537, 8, 9. Official Report of General Warren.

[Note 5.] Report of Adjutant General of Iowa, 1864, pages 537, 8, 9. Official Report of General Warren.

[Note 6.] Report of Adjutant General of Iowa, 1865, Vol. 2, page 1121.

[Note 7.] Report of Adjutant General of Iowa, 1864, pages 541 to 547 inclusive.

[Note 8.] Report of Adjutant General of Iowa, 1865, Vol. 2, page 1122.

[Note 9.] Report of Adjutant General of Iowa, 1865, Vol. 2, page 1123.

[Note 10.] See subjoined Roster, where all changes and promotions of Commissioned Officers are noted.

[Note 11.] Private History of the Twenty-first Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry, by Adjutant George Crooke, page 115.

[Note 12.] The Twenty-first Iowa had been assigned to the First Brigade of the First Division of the reorganized Thirteenth Army Corps, commanded by General Gordon Granger. General Veatch commanded the Division, and General Slack was in command of the First Brigade. Lieutenant Colonel Van Anda was in command of the Twenty-first Iowa.

[Note 13.] Report of Adjutant General of Iowa, 1866, pages 287, 8.

[Note 14.] Adjutant Crooke's History gives the name "Bayou Minette." "Biminet" is most likely a typographical error in the Official Report.

[Note 15.] Colonel Samuel Merrill was Governor of Iowa from 1868 to 1872.


SOURCE: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Volume 3, p. 441-54

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Colonel D. Henry Hughes

THIRTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY.

The late D. Henry Hughes was born in Jefferson county, New York, on the 11th of September, 1830. He was the son of a farmer. At sixteen, he entered the New York State Normal School, where he passed a year and a half, and then returned home and labored with his father on the farm till he attained his majority. In 1852, he came West and settled temporarily in Chicago, where he obtained employment as book-keeper in the Agricultural Warehouse of Emery & Co. During his two years' stay with this enterprising house, he was a frequent contributor to the "Prairie Farmer," a valuable agricultural paper, published by his employers. In 1855, he left Illinois for Iowa, and settled in Decorah, which was his family's place of residence at the time of his death.

Colonel Hughes was held in high esteem in Winnesheik county. He learned the law with one Mr. Webber of Decorah, and, in the spring of 1862, became a partner of the Hon. M. V. Burdick, now State Senator from Winnesheik county. Indeed, in 1861, he was Mr. Burdick's opponent for the State Senate, being the nominee of the Democratic Party of Winnesheik county.

In October, 1862, Mr. Hughes was made lieutenant-colonel of the 38th Iowa Infantry, and late in the same month was promoted to the colonelcy of the regiment. He served with his regiment till its arrival at Port Hudson, Lousiana, when he was prostrated by the sickness incident to that climate. He died on board the steamer Lebanon, on the 7th of August, 1863.

The history of the 38th Iowa has less of general interest in it than that of any other Iowa regiment. Up to the 27th of November, 1864, it had lost in battle only one man killed, and two wounded, one of the latter mortally. The following are the points at which the regiment served prior to the above named date: Columbus and Union City, Kentucky; New Madrid, Missouri; Vicksburg; Port Hudson and Carrollton, Louisiana; on the Texan coast and at Brownsville; Mobile Point, and at Donaldsonville, Louisiana. The regiment was consolidated with the 34th Iowa Infantry, on the 1st day of January, 1865; since which time its history will be found in that of the latter regiment.

The following statement, taken from the records of the regiment, is a remarkable illustration of the disparity of losses sustained by troops in battle and by disease:

"Original strength of regiment: officers, thirty-nine; enlisted men, eight hundred and seventy-six. Added in field by recruits: enlisted men, one hundred and twelve. Added by promotion: officers, nine. Added by transfer: officers, one.

"Killed in battle: enlisted men, one. Died of wounds; enlisted men, one. Discharged: officers, twenty; enlisted men, one hundred and ten. Deserted: thirteen. Died of disease: officers, four; enlisted men, three hundred and seven. Transferred: enlisted men, twenty-eight. Total: officers, twenty-four; enlisted men, four hundred and sixty-five."

The following is from an eulogy delivered by Hon. M. V. Burdick to Colonel Hughes' memory:

"He is gone; but though dead he yet lives — lives in the example that he set, in the precepts that he gave — lives in the hearts of his friends. They will not endeavor to repress the generous pride which prompts a recital of his noble deeds, and manly virtues. He commenced his career among us without fortune, without influential friends, and surrounded by many difficulties. He has filled many positions of honor and trust, and has written his name in the history of this great struggle of the nation to maintain the national existence. He leaves to his friends none but the most pleasing recollections."

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 523-4

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Brevet Brigadier-General G. W. Clark

BREVET BRIGADIER-GENERAL G. W. CLARK.

COLONEL, THIRTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.

George Washington Clark, the original colonel of the 34th Iowa Infantry, is a native of Johnson county, Indiana, and was born on the 26th day of December, 1833. He was educated at Wabash College, Indiana, and resided with his father's family at the place of his nativity till the year 1856, which is all that I know of his early history. In the spring of 1856 he removed to Iowa, and became a resident of Indianola, Warren county, where he has since made his home. He is a lawyer by profession. Subsequently to his removal to Iowa, and prior to the spring of 1861, when he entered the service, he practiced his profession in Warren county. He was, I am told, a successful lawyer, and had, at the time of entering the service, a paying practice.

At the outbreak of the war, General Clark was the first man in Warren county to enroll himself a volunteer. In May, 1861, he assisted in raising Company G, of the 3d Iowa Infantry, which was the first company that went out from Warren county. He was commissioned a first lieutenant, and, on the organization of his regiment, was appointed regimental quarter-master, which position he held till the first of September, 1862, when he was commissioned colonel of the 34th Iowa Infantry. For meritorious services, he was, in the spring of 1865, made a brevet brigadier-general.

Up to the time of the capture of Arkansas Post, the history of the 34th Iowa is not very dissimilar from those of the 25th, 26th, 30th and 31st Iowa Infantry regiments. Late in the fall of 1862, these regiments had all, under orders, arrived at Helena, Arkansas, at which point General Grant was concentrating troops preparatory to making a descent on Vicksburg by way of Chickasaw Bayou. The expedition, which started late in December, under command of General Sherman, was a failure; but through no fault of the troops; for, during the three days' struggle in the brush and swamps that border Chickasaw Bayou, soldiers never fought better. The fact is, General Sherman did not succeed, simply because the obstacles to be overcome at that point were insurmountable. Had General Grant maintained his line of communication, and threatened Vicksburg from the east, the result would doubtless have been different; for he would have drawn a large portion of the rebel army out from the Walnut Hills.

Immediately after the unfortunate operations at Chickasaw Bayou, the Arkansas River Expedition was organized, which terminated in the capture of Arkansas Post. This brilliant affair was accomplished on the 11th of January, 1863, and partially atoned for previous disasters. The capture of these formidable works, in which the 34th Iowa took a prominent part, was a great disaster to the enemy in Southern Arkansas, and disconcerted him in his previously arranged plans of harassing the flank and rear of General Grant in his operations against Vicksburg. The following is from Colonel Clark's official report of the part his regiment took in the capture of this strong-hold:

"We had just returned from the bloody battle-field of Chickasaw Bayou, where we had been repulsed with terrible slaughter. Sherman's entire fleet came out of the Yazoo River on the 3d of January, and on the 9th steamed up the Arkansas River, to operate against Arkansas Post, arriving near there the same day. The following day was occupied in reconnoitering and skirmishing. Our (Steele's) Division marched all that night through the woods and swamps, through which it was impossible to take baggage-wagons or ambulances. At day light the next morning we found ourselves within range of the enemy's guns, from which he immediately opened on us. Our batteries were soon put in position, and commenced a vigorous reply. The artillery continued until about 12 o'clock M. At this time I received an order from General Steele to move my regiment rapidly to the front, which was promptly obeyed. I moved the regiment forward in line of battle, to a point within one hundred and fifty yards of the enemy's intrenchments."

This position was held till the place surrendered, and during this part of the action the gallant Captain Dan H. Lyons fell.

During the three weeks that followed the capture of Arkansas Post, the 34th Iowa saw their hardest service. After the capitulation, Colonel Clark was detailed with his regiment to escort the captured prisoners from that point to Camp Douglas; and, on the way, both the prisoners and their escort suffered untold hardships. Only three miserable transports were allowed the colonel, in which to convey his own command and the prisoners (numbering between five and six thousand) from the point of capture to St. Louis. It was mid-Winter, and on the trip the small-pox broke out. The boats were so densely crowded that they could not be policed, and became shockingly filthy; and in this accumulation of filth this loathsome disease was raging, adding each half-hour one to the list of mortality. The scene was most wretched and revolting. In writing to a friend Colonel Clark said: "During those two weeks, I witnessed more human suffering, than I had seen in all my life before."

On returning from Chicago to St. Louis, Colonel Clark was ordered with his regiment, in the early part of April, to Pilot Knob, to anticipate the reported movement of General Marmaduke on that place. For two months after, he commanded the Post and District of Pilot Knob and then joined the command of General Herron, which was en route for Vicksburg. General Herron arrived at Vicksburg on the 11th of June; and was assigned a position on the extreme left of General Grant's army. The 1st Brigade of his Division, to which the 34th Iowa belonged, was stationed near the Mississippi, which position it held till the surrender of the city.

On the morning of the 11th of July, General Herron's Division was embarked on transports, with orders to report to General Banks, at Port Hudson; but news now arriving of the surrender of that place, these troops sailed up the Yazoo River, constituting the force which captured Yazoo City, and subsequently marched out across the Big Black River, to Canton, to make a diversion in favor of General Sherman before Jackson. These operations closed, Colonel Clark sailed with his regiment down the Mississippi River; since which time he has served in the Gulf Department and the trans-Mississippi.

During the latter part of the fall of 1863, and through the following Winter, the history of the 34th Iowa savors somewhat of romance. Stationed at Fort Esperanga on Matagorda Island, which lies at the head of the Gulf of Mexico, and at the mouth of the Guadeloupe River, the men, when off duty, passed their time in wandering on the beach, and gathering curious shells. They even talked of associating Ceres and Flora, as consorts with their patron war-god, Mars. But these scenes closed on the opening of the Spring Campaign under Major-General Banks.

The troops, who joined in the Red River Campaign, have never had full credit for their heroic endurance of the perils and hardships they encountered, which may be attributable to the fact that, the campaign was only fruitful of disaster.

In the battles that were fought near Alexandria, the 34th Iowa took an active part, and sustained itself with credit; but the sufferings of the regiment in these battles and in the early part of the campaign, were not to be compared with those experienced on the memorable nine days' retreat to Simmsport and Morganzia. During these nine days and nights, there were no halts for rest and sleep, or only such as were required for repairing the roads, and constructing pontoons.

On the 28th of May, 1864, the 34th Iowa left Morganzia for Baton Rouge, where it remained till the latter part of July, when it sailed with the command of General Granger against the rebel forts at the mouth of Mobile Bay. The operations of Rear-Admiral Farragut and General Granger against Forts Powell, Gaines and Morgan were brief and brilliant; and the troops who joined in these operations may well feel proud of their achievements. On the 2d of August, 1864, General Granger effected a landing on Dauphin Island, and within twenty-one days from that time, each one of these forts was in the possession of our forces. The 34th Iowa was the first regiment to disembark on the west point of Dauphin Island. It was soon joined by the 96th Ohio, and a colored regiment; when the entire force, under command of Colonel Clark, with skirmishers well advanced and extending from shore to shore, marched forward in the direction of Fort Gaines. The night was dark and stormy, and an east wind beat a drenching rain directly in the faces of the troops. To any but soldiers, the occasion would have been dismal; but these brave fellows, trudging on through the mud and rain, were jocose and merry. Colonel Clark advanced about six miles, and to within two miles of the fort, when he halted and rested his command in line of battle. At day-light he was joined by the 67th Indiana, the 77th Illinois and the 3d Maryland; when, after slight demonstrations, the fort surrendered.

In the reduction of Fort Morgan Colonel Clark with his command also took a conspicuous part; and on its capitulation, on the morning of the 23d of August, led the escort, composed of his own regiment and the 20th Wisconsin, which was marched out to receive the garrison as prisoners of war. Subsequently to February, 1864, he has commanded a brigade. With this command, he distinguished himself at the battle of Middle Bayou, and was highly complimented for his coolness and bravery.

The Fall and Winter following the operations at the mouth of Mobile Bay were passed by the 34th Iowa on the Gulf coast and along the Mississippi. In January, 1865, the regiment was consolidated with the 38th Iowa Infantry, and under the new organization retained its old name and colonel.

For many months, the 34th Iowa was stationed at Barrancas, Florida: from that point, it marched with General Steele against Mobile, and took part in the assault and capture of Fort Blakely.

General Clark is a little above six feet in hight, and has a fine, well-developed form. He is a fine looking man, though, when I saw him, he was a little too fleshy; but at that time he was just from his home, and on the way to re-join his regiment.

General Clark is a man of gentlemanly deportment, and, I am told, has good ability, and much shrewdness. He has a good military record. One who has visited all the Iowa troops in the Gulf Department, speaks thus of him: "Colonel Clark stands high, and, with the officers in general, seeks not only the highest military efficiency, but also a good moral character for his regiment." The general took great pride in the drill and discipline of his old regiment. His regiment were proud of their name, and designated themselves the "star regiment."

In politics, General Clark is a Republican; though, I am told, he was never a political aspirant.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 501-6