Showing posts with label 4th IA INF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 4th IA INF. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Major Charles Wright Wills: February 15, 1865

Three miles from Columbia, February 15th.

A rather lively day. We started the Johnnies right by our camp. Our brigade in advance of the corps and army. The 40th Illinois was deployed as skirmishers, and drove them four miles rapidly, losing only five men. Our regiment then relieved them. They opened artillery on us and fought stubbornly. It was the Kentucky brigade of Wheeler's “Critter Co." We drove them from a splendid position and heavy line of works with the assistance of three companies of our 3d brigade, 4th Iowa and —th Ohio. They killed F. M. Cary, of my company and took my orderly Sergt. T. S. Brown's right arm off. Wounded three other men in the regiment, Henry H. Orendorff, Joe Parkinson and Stewart, of company F. It is said we go for the city to-morrow.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 348-9

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Captain Charles Wright Wills: January 12, 1863

Camp 103d Illinois Infantry, Jackson, Tenn.,
January 12, 1863.

Your letters are beginning to come through with more regularity and on decidedly better time. Have received your date of December 30, although the last was dated November 16th, and was the first you wrote after we left Peoria. You bewailed our being sent south of Cairo, which I think very ungenerous in you. Well, you'll probably be suited in our present location, which is the only consolation I have in being sent so far rearward. There are some slight hopes though, that we may be sent to Vicksburg, which will ripen into a distant probability (nothing more I'm afraid) if the news of our repulse there be true. We're encamped in the suburbs of this delightful little town, but so strict are the orders of the general (Sullivan) that, as far as seeing the town or making purchases therein are concerned, we might as well be camped on Pike's Peak. All right, Mr. Sullivan, have your own way. He is by all odds the most like a soldier of all the garrison commandants I have been under. Will wager that you will never hear of his being surprised. The news from Holly Springs is that the last house in the town was burned night before last. Pretty rough, but I say, amen. Its pretty well understood in this army now that burning Rebel property is not much of a crime. I for one will never engage in it, until orders are issued making it duty, and then I think I can enjoy it as much as any of them. If any part of this army is ever called home to quell those Illinois tories, orders to burn and destroy will not be necessary. Since I have seen the proceedings of that traitorous legislature, I begin to understand why these loyal Tennesseans and Alabamians are so much more bitter against traitors than we are. It would make your blood run cold to hear the men in this army, without regard to party, curse those traitors. There is a gay time in prospect for those chaps. Don't think I am much out of the way in saying that Merrick, Jem Allen, Dick Richardson, and the editors of the Chicago Times would be hung if caught within the lines of many Illinois regiments in this army. There are many officers who, while they doubt our ability to subjugate (that is the question) the South, would take an active part in ending the man who would propose to give the thing up. I come pretty near belonging to that party, though I think that if we can't accomplish the whole end desired, we can confine the Rebels to Virginia (Eastern), the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. Alabama, I believe, we can hold if we get Mississippi. Boats which left Vicksburg on the 6th inst. reported it taken, but it must be a mistake, as it has not been confirmed. I think it was wicked to put that brave old 8th Missouri and 4th Iowa into the front of the battle, after they had suffered so severely at Donaldson, Shiloh, Farmington, etc., but ever since Shiloh it seems that the old soldiers have had the front all the time. 'Tis reported that when Grant moves again, he will leave all the new regiments as railroad and property guards, and move with the old army. The last night I stayed in Holly Springs, Mrs. Stricklin invited in some young ladies to help entertain the colonel, Lieutenant Nickolet and myself. They beat all the secesh I have seen yet. One of them played all the secesh pieces she knew, and when I asked her to play “John Brown,” she swelled up so with wrath, that I was strongly tempted to propose tying my suspenders around her to save hooks and eyes. One of them asked me if I did not think the Southerners the most polite, refined and agreeable people I had ever met. It took me twenty minutes before I could finish blushing for her lack of modesty, and then I was so dead beat that I could only take up the word refined, and tell her how much I admired their beautiful use of language. I instanced, “what do you'uns all come down here to fight we'uns for,” “I recon we war thar,” which you'll hear from the best of them. That first quotation as they speak it is the funniest sentence imaginable. I got into a row with every one I talked with, but finally, was fool enough to escort one home. Rumor (almost official) says to-night that we go to Memphis to-morrow, or soon, and thence to Vicksburg. Congratulate us on our good luck. This regiment will never be satisfied without a fight. They run in in our pickets once and awhile here, and I believe two were killed (pickets) yesterday, but guess there is no chance for a fight. The 18th Illinois Infantry is being mounted.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 145-7

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Thursday, March 23, 1865

Revelie late, the Genl had blown in the 50th Ind & 7th Vermont before our revelie. Our Brigade gets up before our breakfast is over this was unexpected. Genl blows before the men have breakfast We are on the move at 7 hear the troops at Fish river are in line of battle expecting an attack move very slowly first 2 miles cording nearly all the road. latter part of the road pretty good & move right along. At 1. P. M. cross the river on the pontoons to the tune. “Out of the wilderness” or “Johny stole a ham.” Was until 4. A. M. getting camped were on 3 different grounds before we got settled, one time tents were being pitched & supper preparing, several boats & gunboats lie in the river. This morning the pickets were driven in by a force variously estimated from 600 to 1000. 3 rebs killed 3 of ours wounded, the 4th Iowa & 32d Iowa are here with Smith 25000 men here now

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 579

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Colonel Grenville M. Dodge to Sylvanus Dodge, April 2, 1862

St. Louis, Mo., April 2, 1862.

DEAR FATHER: — I know there is no one who would like to have a word from me more than you. I write but little — am very weak from my wounds; do not sit up much; but I hope ere long to be all right again. Nothing now but the battle will interest you. It was a terrible three days to me; how I got through God only knows. I got off a sick bed to go to the fight, and I never got a wink of sleep for three days and three nights. The engagement was so long and with us so hot that it did not appear possible for us to hold our ground. We lacked sadly in numbers and artillery, but with good judgment and good grit we made it win. My officers were very brave. Little Captain Taylor would stand and clap his hands as the balls grew thick. Captain Burton was as cool as a cucumber, and liked to have bled to death; then the men, as they crawled back wounded, would cheer me; cheer for the Union; and always say, “Don't give up Colonel, hang to em;” and many who were too badly wounded to leave the field stuck to their places, sitting on the ground, loading and firing. I have heard of brave acts, but such determined pluck I never before dreamed of. My flag-bearer, after having been wounded so he could not hold up the colors, would not leave them. I had to peremptorily order him off. One time when the enemy charged through my lines the boys drove them back in confusion. Price fought bravely; his men deserved a better fate, but although two to one they could not gain much. Their artillery was served splendidly — they had great advantage over us in this. Mine run out of ammunition long before night and left me to the mercy of their grape and canister. Had I have had my full battery at night I could have whipped them badly. After the Fourth Iowa's ammunition gave out or before this all the other Regiments and Brigades had given way, leaving me without support, and when I found my ammunition gone I never felt such a chilling in my life. It is terrible right in the midst of a hot contest to have your cartridges give out. We had fired forty-two rounds, and had but a few left. I saved them and ceased firing, falling back to my supports. The enemy charged me in full force. I halted and they came within fifty feet. We opened on them such a terrible fire they fled. General Curtis rode into the field then and asked me to charge. This would have blanched anybody but an Iowa soldier. No ammunition and to charge! We fixed bayonets, and as I gave the order the boys cheered and cheered, swinging their hats in every direction. CHARGE! and such a yell as they crossed that field with, you never heard — it was unearthly and scared the rebels so bad they never stopped to fire at us or to let us reach them. As we marched back, now dark, nearly one-half the entire Army had got on the ground and the black-coats (Fourth Iowa) had got their fame up. The charge without ammunition took them all, and as we passed down the line the whole Army cheered us. General Curtis complimented us on the field, and what was left of the Fourth Iowa held their heads high that night, though a gloomy one for those who knew our situation. The next morning it fell to my lot to open the battle with my artillery again, and for one hour we poured it into them hot and heavy. We opened with thirty-two guns; they answered with as many, and such a roar you never heard. The enemy could not stand it and fled. Our whole army deployed in sight that morning and it was a grand sight with the artillery playing in open view. I had read of such things, but they were beyond my conception. This closed the battle and we breathed free. I escaped most miraculously. A shell burst right in front of me, and, tearing away my saddle holsters and taking off a large piece of my pants, never even scratched me. My clothes were riddled and I got a hit in the side that is serious, but did not think of it at the time.

Yours, etc.,
G. M.

SOURCE: Grenville M. Dodge, The Battle of Atlanta: And Other Campaigns, Addresses, Etc., p. 35-6

Monday, September 15, 2014

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

[December 4, 1861.]

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

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

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

Very respectfully your obedient servant
SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD.

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

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, May 3, 1863

News came that our army took five hundred prisoners at Grand Gulf. General Steele's Division passed here today. There is an Iowa brigade in it, consisting of the Fourth, Twenty-sixth, Thirtieth and Thirty-first Infantry. The men all look fine and there are none from the brigade in the hospital.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 112-3

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Mortality of Iowa Soldiers

The following list comprises the names of Iowa volunteers who have died in the vicinity of St. Louis at the dates named. – For further information, apply to John A. Smithers, 113 Chesnut street, St. Louis.

May 10 – Ch. Krummel, Co. B, 12th regt.
May 10 – John Mack, Co. C, 3d regt.
May 11 – Th. M. Pasely, Co. H, 17th regt.
May 12 – Isaac Hanowell, Co. C, 7th regt.
May 12 – Isaiah Wilson, Co. B, 2d Cav.
May 12 – Jas. H. Wills, Co. E, [6th] regt.
May 14 – Jno. F. Reynolds, Co. D, [6th] regt.
May 15 – H. Boung, Co. F, 17th regt.
May 15 – N. H. Haldeman, Co. C, 2d regt.
May 15 – H. M. Howe, Co. A, 6th regt.
May 16 – Aborn Crippin, Co. F, 12th regt.
May 16 – John S. Bush, 2nd Cavalry
May 16 – W. C. Cunningham, Co. D, 6th Regiment.
May 17 – H. D. Reasoner, Co. C, 4th regt.

Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Mortality of Iowa Soldiers

The following list comprises the names of Iowa Volunteers who have died in the vicinity of St. Louis at the dates named. – For further information, apply to John A. Smithers, 113 Chesnut street, St. Louis.

April
30
Lewis Stah,
Co. K,
16th
regt.
May
3
Wm. H. Johnson,
Co. K,
17th
May
4
Theo. Campbell,
Co. F,
11th
Chas. White,
Co. K,
17th
6
Robt. A. Bennett,
Co. D,
2d
Ben. J. Baker,
Co. K,
14th
7
G. W. Hess,
Co. F,
6th
Gottleib Weltlaff,
Co. K,
16th
Wm. T. Clark,
recruit for
4th
8
John Keppel,
Co. A,
2d
E. A. Ward,
Co. H,
12th
9
Jos. B. Caraway,
Co. B,
12th
Geo. B. Ferguson,
Co. D,
5th
10
Thos. Sharpe,
Co. I,
4th

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 15, 1862, p. 2

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Camp McClellan Deserted

Some seven or eight sick or recovering soldiers were brought down from the camp yesterday to take passage on the Northerner for St. Louis.  They were left at the steamboat office at the landing to await the arrival of the boat.  As she did not come for some time, the poor fellows made their way, as well as they could, to the hotels for dinner.  One of them, when he arrived at the Le Claire House, was so sick that he had to go to bed.  They all obtained their dinners, as we take pleasure in saying that the practice of the hotel proprietors here is not to turn away any soldier because he is short of money.  During the rest of the day the soldiers made themselves as comfortable as possible.  These men belong to the 4th, 6th, 13th and 16th regiments, for which they have just been recruited, and are now ordered to report themselves for duty, although they look very unfit for duty as soldiers.  They left only one man at camp McClellan, who is believed to be insane.  His name is Love, from near Washington.  He has since been removed to a private residence.  Camp McClellan is therefore now entirely deserted for the first time since its establishment last August.

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

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

From The 11th Iowa Regiment

2 MILES WEST OF BATTLE GROUND,
PITTSBURG, TENN., April 28.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours truly,
Co. B, 11TH IOWA.

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

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Recruits

Seventy-eight recruits left yesterday on the Sucker State for the South. – 47 of them belong to the 4th regiment, and are under Lieuts. I. Whicher and Wm. Tracey; 17 to the 5th under Lieuts. J. P. Foley and B. Jarvis; and 14 to the 6th, under Lieut. E. E. Edwards, son of Hon. John Edwards, and formerly of the Chariton Patriot.  Capt. A. C. Price, of the 13th, returned to his regiment at the same time.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 5, 1862, p. 1

Sunday, June 30, 2013

The Gallant Iowans

Iowa is a young State, but it is the home of heroes.  With the present war she has begun a war history that yields in splendor and honor to that of no State in the Union, and no country on the globe.  Her soil is the birthplace of a new chivalry, and he has become the mother of a new race of heroes.  Her soldiers are as modest as they are brave.  They are not fierce braggarts.  They are as gentle and tractable as children.

But when the storm of blood begins they are the guiding and governing heroes of the tempest.  Where the harvest of death is to be reaped, they are the foremost of the reapers.  Where a perilous assault is to be made, somehow or other there is always an Iowa regiment, or the wasted shadow of and Iowa regiment, to lead it.  It was so at Wilson’s creek; it was so at Belmont; it was show at Fort Donelson; it was so at Shiloh; it will ever be so throughout the war.

All our Western troops have been heroes, but the Iowa troops have been heroes among heroes.  The “Iowa First,” “Iowa Second,” “Iowa Fourth,” and “Iowa Seventh,” are bodies of men who would have given an additional luster even to Thermopylae, Marathon, Austerlitz, or Wagram, and all Americans may be proud of Iowa. – St. Louis News.

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

Friday, June 21, 2013

Arkansas Correspondence

BIG ROCK, Clinton Co., Iowa, April 28.

EDITOR GAZETTE: – I noticed in the St. Louis Democrat a short sketch of the capture of the rebels and escape of one Charley Baker, at the battle of Pea Ridge.  I claim said Charley as my son.  Having recently had a letter from him giving a little different account of his adventures, I will give it in his own words, and if you think it worth publishing you are at liberty to do so.  As Charles is pretty well known in this part of our country and in part of Cedar, I should like to have it published.  I will here state that Charles was Ward Master in the hospital of the Iowa 4th regiment volunteers.

DAVID C. BAKER.


CAMP NEAR THE BATTL-FIELD,
Benton Co., Ark, March 19.

DEAR ONES AT HOME:  Perhaps you have heard ere this that we have had a fight with “Old Price.”  Yes, one week ago to-day I witnessed a scene I shall never forget, and could I have had time would have written you before; but my time has been all occupied in taking care of the wounded, till to-day I have had a little leisure.  We learned on the 5th ult., that Price was advancing with his force, and commenced making preparations for his reception at our other camp 12 miles south of this.  In the evening we learned he was coming in west of us, going north, intending doubtless to surround us on the north.  We then marched ten miles that night and camped two miles south of here, on the main Springfield and Fayetteville road, and remained there that day, which was the 6th.  The next day, Friday the 7th, we proceeded to this place and it was not over half a mile from where I now write that we met Price and his men, and gave them the best we had.

The first charge we made was about 10 o’clock a. m.  But few of our men were killed, though several were wounded.  The enemy lost a good many and retreated.  At about 1 o’clock our men also retreated to take advantage of the ground, expecting the enemy to advance which they did about 3 o’clock.  Our boys were then ready for them, being in the edge of timber, and Price’s men came up in the open field, not expecting our men so near, when our boys let in upon them, and fought desperately for about 2½ or 3 hours.  Most of our men had then fired their ninety rounds of cartridge, and were ordered to retreat, which was accordingly done.

I have been speaking of our regiment; there were also three companies of 35th Illinois and two pieces of 1st Iowa battery engaged in this charge against Price, who had teen regiments and twelve pieces of artillery.  During this engagement Price’s men retreated once clear behind his artillery, and had it not been for his cannon our men would have slain them all.  Prices men advanced no farther that night, but also retreated back of the battle-field and camped for the night.

The next morning, our men being reinforced, we pitched in upon them and whipped them out nicely, and the vile rebels retreated on the double quick, leaving their killed and a great many prisoners with our men.

Perhaps you would like to know where I was during the fight.  On the morning of the 7th I was with the ambulances by order of the surgeon, about one mile behind the regiment, till after the first charge – we were then ordered up.  While coming one ambulance horse was killed by a shell and one ambulance destroyed.  The wounded were mostly brought by the musicians of our regiment to a house close by the battle-field, by the time I got there.  I commenced dressing the wounds and had taken out one or two balls with a jack-knife before the surgeon arrived.  The wounds were then all dressed, and the wounded men sent to a house two miles off.  The surgeon then left and told me to remain there till he came back.  He went in the direction of the enemy, as I supposed in search of wounded, and did not come back by the hospital where I was then, probably thinking it not safe.  Our men had then retreated, as I said before, to take advantage of the ground, and as the surgeon did not come back and our men had then all left, I felt like getting towards them, and was about to start, when a cavalry officer rode past the house and ordered me to climb to the roof of the house and look over the top (lying down of course) and let his men know when the secesh began to advance.  The secesh were in the timber one-fourth of a mile off from where I was.  I lay on the roof watching their movements for about an hour.  They then planted a battery and commenced throwing shell at the cavalry, and I could then see the men advancing.  By the time I got off the roof the ball and shell were flying thick and fast all around me.  The cavalry were a little beyond me getting out of the way as fast as possible.  I went into the house and sat down.  Soon after two cannon balls came through the house, and one shell hit it and burst.

You perhaps can imagine my feelings when about this time a Captain of Price’s battery came into the house, revolver in hand, and asked me if I was a Federal?  I told him I was.  He then asked me what I was there for?  I told him it was by the order of our surgeon, and that I had been assisting in dressing the wounded.  He told me he would not hurt me, but I must follow him.  He took me to Gen. Price, who was about forty rods off with his force.  He told the Captain to give me to the infantry and place a guard over me, and commanded me to go with them and I should not be hurt.

I was then a prisoner in the Secesh army, and in fifteen minutes I was in front of the front rank, opposite our regiment, in as brisk a fight as seldom occurs, and our boys were just pouring in the buckshot and musket balls all around me.  After the fight I told them I would help dress the wounded if they wished; thinking I would stand a better chance to get away in the hospital than in their ranks.  I then went there and helped them dress their wounded, and some of our boys were brought in.  I dress them too.  When the secesh retreated, I was at the hospital with their wounded and some of our boys, and was left taking care of them.  Soon after the Stars and stripes made their appearance, being supported by our regiment.  I was no longer a prisoner.

Our regiment lost about 40 killed and 180 in all, killed and wounded.  Till yesterday I had the care of seventeen wounded by myself, in the house where I was taken prisoner.  Of course the surgeon sent me medicine, &c., and I did the best I could.  Cannon balls came within five feet of me, and musket balls within two inches.  The 4th Iowa has had a chance to show her bravery, and she has done it!  The secesh said they were devils to fight, and you may judge they did fight bravely, for they were facing twelve of their large cannon for two and a half or three hours, and when Sigel’s men came up the next morning to our aid, we whipped them out completely, for they went by the hospital, where I was, on the double-quick – down South.  That is the last I have seen of them.

C. W. BAKER.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 2

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Iowa Legislature

(Special to Burlington Hawk-Eye)

DES MOINES, Man, 29, 1862

SENATE. – Mr. McCRARY, of Van Buren, introduced a resolution instructing the Committee on Ways and Means to inquire into the expediency of reducing the salary of the Governor’s Aids.

The Committee on Ways and means reported a substitute for the House bill assuming the Federal tax.

The Military Committee reported a Joint resolution instructing the Governor to procure the balance of the State quota of arms for 1861-2 in long range rifles, instead of ordering muskets.

Mr. WOOLSON reported back from the committee of Ways and Means an act authorizing warrants issued by the Auditor on the War and Defence Fund to be receivable in payment of State taxes.  Laid on the table, and ordered to be printed.  Also, a bill providing for the taxation of railroads.

The Senate bill making Iowa money and U. S. Treasury notes receivable for taxes was made the special order for to-morrow.  They spent the balance of the day in Committee of the Whole on Court of quarter sessions bill.


HOUSE. – Mr. FARRELL, of Johnson, introduced a bill exempting young orchards from taxation 10 years.

Mr. LANE, of Scott, introduced a bill authorizing an increase in the number of meetings of boards of supervisors in counties over 20,000 inhabitants.

Mr. ROTHROCK, of Cedar, offered a resolution giving all the foreigners now in our army full naturalization papers on their receiving an honorable discharge from such service.  Referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. McPHERSON, of the Senate, and EATON, of the House, were appointed a committee of Conference to-day on the division of the State into Congressional Districts.


DES MOINES, Jan. 30

HOUSE. – The military committee reported a joint resolution asking the attention of the War Department to the fact that the Eighth Iowa Regiment are without proper tents, have insufficient arms, and no ambulances or hospital stores, and urges that something should be done for their relief.  Also, a joint resolution asking the General Government to pay Col. Edward’s troops for service in Missouri last fall.

Mr. FLINT of Wapello, introduced an infamous bill providing that no negro or mulatto shall come into, or reside in the State without filing his free papers and giving bond in five hundred dollars, for good behavior, and a violation renders him liable to be taken up and hired out to the highest bidder, to the board of supervisors.  Also, granting the right of transit to masters with slaves, through this state.  The vote to indefinitely postpone was 74 to 15.

The House adopted the Senate bill assuming the direct tax of $452,000 annually, and authorizing the Government to notify the Secretary of the Treasury immediately.


SENATE. – The Senate adopted the bill giving jurors $1.50 per day and ten cents mileage, also passed the bill from the Committee of Ways and Means authorizing county Treasurers to receive U. S. Treasury notes and the issues of the State Bank of Iowa in payment of interest and principal of school fund.

PROMOTIONS. – Second Sergeant G. W. Harlan to First Lieut., Co. C, 4th Infantry; Sergeant Major F. Earle [sic], to First Lieut., Co. I, 8th Infantry; First Lieut. E. J. Weiser to Captaincy, Co. D, 3d Infantry; Capt. Stiver[s], 14th Infantry resigned.

Col. Noyes of the Governor’s staff, goes to Davenport to-morrow to superintend the shipment of clothing and hospital stores to Iowa troops in accordance with the resolution of the General Assembly, also if possible to consolidate the German regiment with the Sixteenth Regiment.

T. H. S.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Military Items

We have learned at the Adjutant General’s Office, that 14 men of the 4th Iowa Regiment wounded at Pea Ridge, have died since the battle.  Names not yet returned to the Adjutant General’s Office.  A list will soon be forwarded which will appear in the monthly return. – The Adjutant General has received the monthly returns of the 4th up to March 1st, and a list of casualties at Pea Ridge in said regiment.

Capt. Granville Berkley of Company F, 2d Iowa Cavalry, was mustered out of the service on March 29th.

Fifty-eight men of the 4th Infantry on furlough have been ordered to join their regiment at once.

Samuel M. Wise, a Captain in the Iowa 1st Infantry, has been commissioned Major of the 17th Regiment, Col. Rankin. – {Des Moines Register.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

Sunday, September 23, 2012

List of the Killed and Wounded [during the Battle of Pea Ridge]

FOURTH IOWA.

Company A – Geo. A. McCoy, killed; Chas. Wilkinson, mortally wounded, dead; Wm. Lillibridge, wounded in leg; R. M. Sansbury, wounded in face, dangerously; S. Q. Payne, wounded in hand and leg; J. Fowler, wounded in face, severely; Geo. M. Miller, wounded in abdomen, slightly; David L. Jacox, wounded in leg; Henry Blenker, wounded in leg and face, severely; Corporal John M. Bannon, wounded in leg, slightly; First Sergeant Geo. A. Henry, wounded by a limb from a tree, slightly; Corporal A. B. Henry, wounded in face, slightly.

Company B – Geo. W. Tucker, wounded in arm slightly.

Company C – Corporal T. S. Reed, wounded in shoulder, slightly; Wm. A. Madison, wounded in thigh, slightly, R. N. Farnsworth, do; S. Slaughter, wounded in hip, seriously; James F. Robinson, wounded in abdomen, dangerously; O. F. Gilbert, do; R. C. Darby, wounded in left breast, dangerously; Henry Hummer, wounded in mouth, severely; Henry Lemon, wounded in thigh, slightly; Geo. W. Bike, wounded in forehead, slightly; Abram Moody, wounded in knee, slightly; John Strain, wounded in face, slightly; T. Baker, wounded in arm, slightly.

Company D – M. Lawrence, wounded in shoulder, severely; John Markham, wounded in head, slight; Samuel Martin, in arm slight; J. H. Picket, wounded, slight; A. J. Rumley, wounded in hand; Seth Rowe, wounded in hand; Lewis Solomon, arm, slightly; F. M. Smith, wounded in back, slightly; A. Tucker, in hand, slightly; J. Swinehout, do; R. S. Weedon, wounded in hand, slightly; First Corporal, J. W. Whetstone, killed; W. H. Harrison, do; J. N. Ketchum, do; H. E. Vaugh, do; John H. Williams, do; Captain George Burton, wounded in arm severely by grapeshot; First Sergeant J. P. Finley, wounded in hand, missing; Second Sergeant Fred. Teale wounded in shoulder; slightly; Fifth Sergeant Chas. A. Gilham, wounded in the leg severely; Corporal J. J. Childers wounded in the breast, Corporal Chas. M. Little, wounded in the thigh; J. C. Arnold, wounded in the head, slightly; H. B. Burns, wounded in the heel, slightly; W. T. Colwell wounded in the neck and missing; Merrick Davis, wounded severely; R. E. Haywood, wounded in the shoulder, slightly; C. W. Hawley, wounded in both thighs severely; J. M. Hannon, wounded in the hand slightly; Wm Hawkins, wounded in the arm slightly; Willis Hine, wounded in both thighs severely.

Company E – Third Sergeant Edwin W. Barnum, killed; Jeptha W. Bell, do; H. P. Cornish, do; S. H. James, wounded dangerously in abdomen; H. A. Barrett, wounded in thigh severely; Martin Foster, do in chest, slight; J. Hannon, do in thigh and leg severely; Isaac reeves, do in foot slight; Charles W. Green, do in hand slight; James Breck, do in arm slight; Philip L. Taylor, do in leg severely.

Company F – Abram Holmes, Wm. Debusk, James Stuman, killed; musician A. G. Williams, wounded in side; wagoner W. W. Crandall, wounded in arm, slight; Caspar Armheart, wounded in side, slight; Anderson Bird, do in breast, slight; Albert Benedick, do in face, slight; Wm. Logan, do in hand, slight; J. H. Dorrence, do in head , slight; A. P. Heatt, do in face, slight; A. P. Heatt, do in arm, slight; Sylvanus Heit, do in leg, severely; O. F. Smith, do in leg severely; J. W. Smith, do in head and shoulder, severely; Elisha Steward, do in hand, slight.

Company G – Jos. M. Milisop, wounded in arm severely; Herman Obenhoff, do; Henry Rose, do; L. T. Sipp, do, in leg, severely; G. Goble, do in arm, severely; Fred. Breck, do in arm, slightly; C. W. Powers, do, shoulder do; P. B. Smith, do mouth do; L. H. Barton, do abdomen do; A. Levi do arm do; J. B. Russell, do hands do; W. W. Robinson, do foot do.

Company H – James Lewellyn and Geo. Rose, killed; Capt. E. Y. Burgan, wounded, in head, slight; Lieut. L. Porcher, do, leg, two shots, badly; Corp. A. Moore, do, thigh, slight; James M. Campbell, do, in thigh, badly; W. W. Bartlett, do, in face, slight; Freakes, do, in foot, do; A Freshom, do in hip, do; W. L. Harlin, do, in hand, badly; G. W. Hight, do in thigh, slight; C. D. Lawrence, do in thigh, badly; Silas A. Merker, do in wrist, slight; John S. Pergrin, do, in knee, slight; J. W. Ratliff, do; Alpheus Walkup, do, in hand, slight.

Company I – First Lieutenant Robert S. Jackson, killed; Alford O’Connor, killed; Samuel Williams, do; First Sergeant G. A. Robinson, wounded in arm severely; Second Sergeant J. Keplinger, do; Fourth Sergeant M. Nelson, wounded in hand severely; First Corporal B. S. Everett, wounded in hip severely; Second Corporal H. S. Trumbull, wounded in face, severely; Sixth Corporal James A. Harper; wounded in shoulder and lung, dangerously; John S. Atkinson, in leg, slightly; H. Erickson, in arm; J. Easter, in shoulder slightly; Charles Morgan, in face severely; Philip Miskimmins, wounded in hip slightly; William Moore, in leg slightly; Samuel H. Moore, in head severely; Nathan Coppal, wounded In knee severely; Thomas Church, wounded in leg slightly; Samuel S. Messenger, missing.

Company K -  Edwin A. Richardson, killed; 2d Lieutenant Jas. T. Crittenden, wounded in the breast mortally; 1st corporal N. D. King, wounded in knee; 2d corporal Thos. J. Jacks, wounded in leg slight; Isaac M. Bimms, wounded in hip; A. M. Brooks, wounded in leg, slight; Walter S. Bradwell, Wm. Chenowith, A. L. Scott, do; Jno. Ewing, wounded in shoulder, severely; Geo. H. Heimer, wounded slight; Benj. L. St. Clair, wounded in head slight; Ira Sleeth wounded in leg slight; Ferdinand Verges, wounded in arm slight; Joseph Van Gunde, wounded in foot severely.

Field and Staff Officers – Col. J. Galligar, wounded in hand slightly by grapeshot; Lieut. J. A. Williamson, Adjutant, slightly wounded in shoulder by grapeshot.


FIRST IOWA BATTERY

Wm. Hall, R. Parkhurst, G. Gustavinson, killed; Capt. J. A. Jones, wounded; Lieut. O. W. Gambell, wounded severely; K. W. Henry, slight; W. F. Connor, P. J. Duvall, Thos. Brown, J. B. Nelson, C. Woodmansere, Samuel Black, James Molesworth, John Easton, E. Skinnike, W. Seden, wounded severely.  Engaged in the battle, 114; killed 3; officers wounded, 2; enlisted men wounded 11.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 4

The Pea Ridge Battle

Further Details of the Fight.

(Correspondence of the Missouri Democrat.)

PEA RIDGE, Near Sugar Creek, Ark.,
March 9, 1862

During the past three days we have had some terrible fighting against fearful odds.

On Wednesday, Gen. Curtis, commander-in-chief, whose head-quarters was at Camp Halleck, received reliable information that the rebels, under Van Dorn, McIntosh, McCulloch, Price and Pike, were marching on us with a large force of Confederate Rebels and Confederate Indians.  All prisoners taken give the rebel forces from 35,000 to 40,000.  Gen. Curtis then ordered Carr’s division to move from Cross Hollows to Sugar Creek to take a strong position he had previously selected in case of attack.  Col. Carr marched in the night and joined Col. Davis, who had previously taken position before break of day, in good order.

Gen. Sigel, at Bentonville, was also ordered to rejoin Gen. Curtis at the same point.  Gen. Sigel’s rear cut their way through the enemy at the latter place, and kept up the fight for six miles.

The rebels on Friday morning having made a detour from Bentonville, got a heavy force directly on our rear and right, occupying the heights and brush on both sides of the Fayetteville road.  Colonel Carr’s division was sent to dislodge them.  The battle commenced at half-past 10 a. m., and raged eight hours, until darkness put an end to the contest.  They played on us from masked batteries.  At night we occupied a position considerably nearer our camp.  The carnage was dreadful on both sides.

Simultaneously with the action on our right fighting tool place opposite our front near Leetown, between Gen. Davis and another large body of the enemy.  The latter were forced from the field and hastened to form a junction with the rebels on our right.  The numerous instances of gallantry and heroic devotion which occurred, cannot be mentioned in this communication.  The move of the enemy caused a change of our line.  The battle was resumed next morning, (Saturday) about half past six o’clock, our guns opened on the enemy.  Gen. Carr formed in the center, with Davis on the right and Sigel on the left.  The line of battle was a magnificent sight.  The enemy occupied an open wood directly in front, a perfect hive of them.  They also covered a high bluff more to the left where a battery was planted.  They had another battery playing on us from a more central position, and also a battery of twelve rifled pieces on the Fayetteville road.  We opened upon them with five batteries planted at different points along our whole line, the cross fire produced such a tremendous effect as caused the enemy to falter.

Soon after 10 a. m. Gen. Curtis gave the order to advance, and the infantry becoming engaged, poured in such a murderous fire of musketry that the enemy fled from the field in all directions.  The victory was decisive. – Under the eye of Gen. Curtis, Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Sigel followed the flying enemy for several miles.  Col. Bussy with a cavalry force, is in pursuit toward Boston Mountains, after the main body.  We captured five cannon.  It is impossible to give our loss at this time, or any reliable estimate of the enemy’s loss.  We have taken prisoners, Acting Brig. Gen. Herbet, the commander at Cross Hollows; also Colonel Mitchell, adj. Gen. Stone, Col. Price and majors and captains in abundance.

The loss of valuable officers on our side is deeply deplored.  We have four general hospitals established for the relief of the wounded.

The rebel McIntosh is reported dead, and also McCulloch, who was known to be mortally wounded.

Price was wounded in the hand.

Van Dorn got away safe.

Col. Reeves of the rebel Second Missouri, is mortally wounded.

Albert Pike Commands the Indians.

Many of our wounded have been tomahawked and scalped by the Indians, with savage ferocity unbecoming civilized warfare.

I give a list of our casualties in killed and wounded.

Col. Hendricks, 22d Indiana, was killed by Indians.

Liet. Col. Herron was wounded in the foot and taken prisoner.

Maj. Black of the 37th Illinois, wounded in the arm.

Lieut. Col. Fredricks, 59th (late 6th Missouri,) reported mortally wounded.

Gen. Asboth, wounded in arm.

Lieut. Colonel Trimble was wounded in the mouth.

Lieut. Col. Crittenden, Co. K, 3d Iowa cavalry, was severely wounded.

Major Coyle of the 9th Iowa in shoulder.

Lieut. Porcher, Co. H, 4th Iowa, severely wounded in thigh.

Color Sergeant Teal, 4th Iowa, shot in the arm.

Captain Burger, Co. H, 4th Iowa, wounded in head.

Add Pea Ridge to the list of battlegrounds.

All our letters including my dispatches, have been detained several days here – cut off by the enemy.


STILL LATER FROM THE BATTLE-FIELD

(By Dispatch from Rolla.)

ROLLA, Missouri, March 16. – The remains of Colonel Hendricks, of the 29th Indiana, who was killed at the battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, arrived here yesterday, accompanied by his brother and two or three other gentlemen, who left the battle-ground on Monday following the battle.

They represent the contest as having been a terrible one.  The rebels fought desperately, using stones in their cannon, when their shot gave out.  Their force is stated at 35,000 including 2,200 Indians under Albert Pike.

As near as can be ascertained, our loss is six hundred killed and 800 to 1,000 wounded.  The rebel surgeons, who came into our lines to dress the wounds of their soldiers, acknowledge the loss of 1,100 killed and from 2,500 to 3,000 wounded.

We took 1,600 prisoners and thirteen pieces of artillery, ten of which were captured by Gen. Sigel’s command and three by Col. Patterson’s brigade.

Two of our cannon, belonging to Davidson’s battery, were taken by the rebels, but were recaptured by our troops.

The rebels were completely whipped, one division under Price fleeing in one direction and the other, under Van Dorn, taking another. – Maj. Hebart of one of the secession regiments, who was taken prisoner, says that Gen. Erost of Camp Jackson notoriety was killed.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 4

Monday, August 6, 2012

Colonel Grenville M. Dodge to Samuel J. Kirkwood, Governor of Iowa, March 10, 1862


PEA RIDGE BATTLE GROUND, March 10th, 1862.

Gov. S. J. Kirkwood: We have fought a hard battle here, lasting two days; the first day's fight was terrible; it was mostly with the Fourth division, composed of Fourth and Ninth Iowa infantry, First and Second Iowa batteries, Thirty-fifth Illinois and Twenty-fifth Missouri. The loss in the division was 600 killed and wounded, mostly among the Iowa troops; they saved the day and made the victory the next morning easy; this division was opposed to Generals Price, Rains and McIntosh, with 15,000 infantry and 18 pieces of artillery. The Fourth division had only some 4,000 engaged, while our other forces were fighting McCullough, and the re-enforcements sent to us went to the First division, but we held the ground, whipped the enemy and Iowa got the glory of the fight. The Fourth Iowa lost 160 out of 548 engaged; Ninth Iowa lost 220 out of 700 engaged; First Iowa battery lost 16 out of 110 engaged, and Third Iowa battery lost 18 out of 140 engaged; they also lost 3 of their pieces. The second day we attacked early in the morning with our entire army, driving everything before us, and the enemy fled in all directions in great confusion, leaving several pieces of artillery, great quantities of small arms and at least 500 prisoners. Gen. Van Dorn attacked with 40,000 infantry and 70 pieces of artillery; we had 12,000, and 50 pieces of artillery. The fighting was terrible, especially among our troops. The Fourth Iowa fought all day steadily, and did not give an inch, although they had at one time concentrated upon them 12 pieces of artillery and six regiments of infantry; our ammunition gave out at night; when we fixed bayonets and charged across the field the enemy did not dare again meet us. It was a trying time for the Fourth; no ammunition and still under a galling fire. Every one gives great credit to the Iowa troops. No man from Iowa flinched. I saw some troops run; one or two parts of regiments came to our support, but fell back at the first fire. In my brigade there was not a field officer except one but was wounded. Lt.-Col. Herron, of Ninth Iowa, in Vandever's brigade, was wounded and taken prisoner. Our Iowa batteries did noble service; mine had two officers wounded in the morning. The Third Iowa cavalry suffered terribly in a charge; had 47 killed. They were put into it by a Dutchman, and out of all military usage. Lt.-Col. Trumbull was severely wounded in the charge. They had very few wounded; a large part of my wounded was from canister and grape; those of the Ninth Iowa from bullets. I was better protected from bullets, though under a hotter fire than any of them. I posted my men behind an open field and made the enemy cross it to reach us. They poured their grape and canister from 12 to 18 guns into us all the time, but could not get them to bear as well as on the Ninth Iowa. I never saw men fight as the Iowa troops did. I have sent a list of the killed and wounded to Adjt. Gen. Baker to have it published. A large number of my wounded will die; several have already, and it is impossible to get any accommodation; many lay on the field all night.

G. M. DODGE,
Colonel Fourth Iowa Infantry.

SOURCES: Samuel H. M. Byers, Iowa In War Times, p. 121

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Important News from Curtis’s Division


CHICAGO, March 13. – Special dispatch to the Evening Journal from St. Louis says:  Private letters received to-day from officers in Curtis’s army, that the rebels in McCulloch’s army are in the rear of the Federal army and another battle is soon expected.  In the late fight at Sugar Creek, the 4th Division stood the brunt of the battle.  The 4th and 9th Iowa, and 1st & 3d Iowa batteries are terribly cut up – 180 out of 400 in the 4th Iowa were killed and wounded.  Every field officer in Dodge’s Brigade were wounded.  Gen. Dodge had three horses killed under him and one wounded.  Capts. Burton and Burman and Lieut. Crittenden were wounded.  Lieut. Jackson was killed.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 3