Showing posts with label 52nd IL INF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 52nd IL INF. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Wednesday, November 4, 1863

This morning companies H and A escort the Second Michigan Battery out to the camp of the Fifty-second Illinois Infantry. Rumor has it now that the troops will all leave Iuka in the morning for Eastport, Tennessee river. All are in confusion this evening. Considerable excitement amongst sutlers and "civilians," for the order has come for the command to move to-morrow, at A. M.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 202-3

Sunday, September 19, 2021

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Monday, January 26, 1863

This morning our regiment together with the 27th Ohio, 81st Ohio, 7th Iowa and the 52nd Illinois are ordered to escort a forage train to Hamburg Landing and return. The 27th Ohio takes the advance and the Seventh the rear. We find the roads in a desperate condition, the mud about knee deep, and soon it begins to rain. We arrive at Hamburg about dark—mud, mud, and rain, rain; how terribly dark. The regiment is ordered to take shelter in the surrounding houses and stables—the horses being turned out to grope their way in the elemental storm. The boys tear down fences to make fires to dry their drenched clothes. The houses and stables for the regiment are limited and in consequence they are densely crowded. No sleep for the soldier to-night-no place to rest his weary body.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 134

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Thursday, January 29, 1863

The duties of the regiments now stationed at Corinth, are very arduous. Almost every day a regiment or two are called upon to make a trip either to the Tennessee river for forage, or to the Davenport Mills for lumber to construct fortifications. Corinth is becoming quite a Gibraltar. The freedmen are all the while kept busy upon these works. This evening the officers of the Illinois regiments meet in Music Hall to give expression to their views upon modern democracy, and their bitter detestation of the treasonable element that is becoming so prevalent in Illinois. The following are the views of the Illinois soldiers on copperheads and defunct democracy. The object is to show to Governor Yates and to all our friends at home that we are still in favor of a vigorous prosecution of the war, and that we will uphold our President and our Governor in all their efforts to crush the rebellion and restore the Union. On motion a committee to draft resolutions was appointed, consisting of the following officers : Colonel Chetlain 12th Illinois Infantry commanding post; Colonel M. M. Bane, 50th Illinois Infantry commanding Third brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Wilcox 52d Illinois Infantry, Colonel Burk, 65th Illinois sharp-shooters, Colonel A. J. Babcock, 7th Illinois Infantry, Colonel Merser 9th Illinois Infantry, commanding Second brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Morrill, 54th Illinois Infantry. The committee submited the following resolutions which were unanimously adopted :

Whereas, Our government is now engaged in a struggle for the perpetuation of every right dear to us as American citizens, and requires the united efforts of all good, true and loyal men in its behalf: and whereas, we behold with deep regret the bitter partizan spirit that is becoming dangerously vindictive and malicious in our state, the tendency of which is to frustrate the plans of the federal and state authorities in their efforts to suppress this infamous rebellion ; therefore, Resolved, That having pledged ourselves with our most cherished interests in the service of our common country in this hour of national peril, we ask our friends at home to lay aside all petty jealousies and party animosities, and as one man stand by us in upholding the president in his war measures, in maintaining the authority and the dignity of the government, and in unfurling again the glorious emblem of our nationality over every city and town of rebeldom.

Resolved, That we tender to Governor Yates and Adjutant General Fuller our warmest thanks for their untiring zeal in organizing, arming and equipping the army Illinois has sent to the field, and for their timely attention to the wants of our sick and wounded soldiers, and we assure them of our steady and warm support in their efforts to maintain for Illinois the proud position of pre-eminent loyalty which she now occupies.

Resolved, That we have watched the traitorous conduct of those members of the Illinois Legislature who misrepresent their constituents—who have been proposing a cessation of the war, avowedly to arrange terms for peace, but really to give time for the exhausted rebels to recover strength and renew their plottings to divest Governor Yates of the right and authority vested in him by our state constitution and laws, and to them we calmly and firmly say, beware of the terrible retribution that is falling upon your coadjutors at the south, and that as your crime is ten-fold blacker it will swiftly smite you with ten-fold more horrors, should you persist in your damnable work of treason.

Resolved, That in tending our thanks to Governor Yates, and assuring him of our hearty support in his efforts to crush this inhuman rebellion, we are deeply and feelingly in "earnest.” We have left to the protection of the laws he is to enforce, all that is dear to man — our wives, our children, our parents, our homes, — and should the loathsome treason of the madmen who are trying to wrest from him a portion of his just authority render it necessary in his opinion for us to return and crush out treason there, we will promptly obey a proper order so to do, for we despise a sneaking, whining traitor in the rear much more than an open rebel in front.

Resolved, That we hold in contempt, and will execrate any man who in this struggle for national life, offers factious opposition to either the federal or state government in their efforts or measures for the vigorous prosecution of the war for the suppression of this godless rebellion.

ResoĊ‚ved, That we are opposed to all propositions for a cessation of hostilities, or a compromise other than those propositions which the government has constantly offered; “Return to loyalty--to the laws and common level with the other states of the Union, under the constitution as our fathers made it."

Lieut. Col. PHILLIPS, 9th Illinois,
President.

T. N. LETTON, Adjutant 50th Illinois.
Secretary.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 135-8

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Friday, January 30, 1863

Everything seems quiet to-day. The soldiers seem well satisfied with the resolutions adopted last night in Music Hall. This evening they are submitted to the men for their decision thereon. The Seventh being drawn up in line adopt them with a vim, saying amen to every word. All the Illinois Regiments adopt them without one dissenting voice, except ten men belonging to the 52d Illinois Infantry.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 138

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Second Division, Army of the Tennessee Marker: W.H.L. Wallace Headquarters, Pittsburg Landing Road, Shiloh National Military Park


U. S.

SECOND DIVISION, ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE
BRIG. GEN. WM. H. L. WALLACE, (MORTALLY W’D.)
COL. JAMES M. TUTTLE, 2D IOWA

1ST BRIGADE
COL. JAMES M. TUTTLE, 2D IOWA
2ND BRIGADE
BRIG. GEN. JOHN McARTHUR, (W’D.)
COL. THOMAS MORTON, 81ST OHIO.
3RD BRIGADE
COL. THOMAS M. SWEENY, 52D ILLINOIS, (W’D.)
COL. SILAS D. BALDWIN, 57TH ILLINOIS.
BATTERY ‘A’ 1ST ILL. LT. ARTY., LIEUT. PETER P. WOOD.
BATTERY ‘D’ 1ST MO. LT. ARTY., CAPT. HENRY RICHARDSON.
BATTERY ‘H’ 1ST MO. LT. ARTY., CAPT. FRED. WELKER.
BATTERY ‘K’ 1ST MO. LT. ARTY., CAPT. GEORGE H. STONE.
COMPANIES ‘A’ AND ‘B’ 2D ILLINOIS CAVALRY.
COMPANIES ‘C’ 2D AND ‘I’ 4TH U. S. CAVALRY.

This Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. C. F. Smith, arrived upon this field March 19, 1862 and encamped along, and to the right of the road from Pittsburg Landing to Snake Creek Bridge.

April 2, 1862 Brig. Gen. Wm. H. L. Wallace was assigned to the command of the Division.

On Sunday, April 6, 1862, the 1st and 3d brigades were engaged at the “Hornets’ Nest”; two regiments of the 2d Brigade, under Gen. McArthur, were engaged east of the Peach Orchard; the other three regiments were detached to different parts of the field.  At about 5 P. M. Gen. Wallace was mortally wounded and four of his regiments were surrounded and captured.

On Monday the Division, under the command of Col. Tuttle, was in reserve, supporting the 5th Division of the Army of the Ohio, until about noon.  It then formed in the front line between the divisions of McCook and Crittenden, and was engaged in the Review Field.  The Division had present for duty, of all arms, officers and men, 8408.  Its loss was 270 killed; 1173 wounded; 1306 missing; total 2749.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Col. Thomas W. Sweeny Headquarters Monument: Pittsburg Landing Road: Shiloh National Military Park


U. S.

* * *

HEADQUARTERS, 3D BRIGADE,
2D DIVISION,
ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE.

COL. THOS. W. SWEENY,
52D ILLINOIS
COMMANDING.

* * * * *

ESTABLISHED MARCH 24, 1862.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Official Reports of the Battle of Shiloh: No. 30 – Col. James L. Geddes, 8th Iowa Infantry

No. 30.

Report of Col. James L. Geddes, Eighth Iowa Infantry.


VINTON, BENTON COUNTY, IOWA,
November 13, 1862.

SIR: In compliance with your request I have the honor to submit for your information a report of the part taken by the Eighth Iowa Infantry at the battle of Shiloh, fought on April 6:

About 8 o’clock on the morning of the 6th I ordered the regiment under arms and formed line of battle in front of my encampment, awaiting orders to proceed to the front. At this time the firing on our advanced line had become general, and it appeared to me evident that we were being attacked in force by the rebel general. After remaining under arms about half an hour, during which time I had ordered the baggage belonging to the regiment to be loaded on the wagons and an extra supply of ammunition to be issued to the men, I was ordered by Colonel Sweeny, Fifty-second Illinois, brigade commander, to proceed to the front. On arriving at our advanced line I was ordered by Colonel Sweeny to take my position on the left of the brigade to which I was attached, for the purpose of protecting a battery immediately in front. Here the regiment remained about one hour exposed to a severe fire from artillery of shell and grape, killing and wounding several of my men.

About 11 a.m. I was ordered by Colonel Sweeny, through his aide, Lieutenant McCullough, Eighth Iowa, to leave my position and take ground to my left and front. This change of position brought my regiment on the extreme right of General Prentiss’ division and left of General Smith's, the latter being the division to which my regiment belonged. I was thus entirely detached from my brigade, nor did I receive any order from my brigade or division commander during the remainder of that day. On arriving at the point I was ordered to defend I formed my regiment in line of battle, with my center resting on a road leading from Corinth to Pittsburg Landing and at right angles with my line. Here I immediately engaged a battalion of the enemy, and after a severe conflict of nearly an hour’s duration, in which I lost many of my men, the enemy were driven back with heavy loss. At this time Captain Hogin, Company F, was shot dead, and Captain Palmer, Company H, severely wounded.

About 1 p.m. General Prentiss placed a battery in position immediately in front of my regiment, with instructions to defend it to the last. The precision of its fire, which was directed by the general in person, made great havoc in the advancing columns of the enemy. It therefore became an object of great importance to them to gain possession of the battery. To this end they concentrated and hurled column after column on my position, charging most gallantly to the very muzzles of the guns. Here a struggle commenced for the retention and possession of the battery of a terrific character, their concentrated and well-directed fire decimating my ranks in a fearful manner. In this desperate struggle my regiment lost 100 men in killed and wounded.

The conspicuous gallantry and coolness of my company commanders (Captains Cleaveland, Stubbs, and Benson on the left; Captains McCormack and Bell in the center, and Captains Kelsey and Geddes and Lieutenant Muhs on the right, by reserving the fire of their respective companies until the proper time for its delivery with effect and the determined courage of my men) saved the battery from capture, and I had the satisfaction of sending the guns in safety to the rear.

In this attack I was wounded in the leg, Major Andrews severely in the head, and do here take pleasure in acknowledging the courage and coolness displayed by my field officers — Lieut. Col. J. C. Ferguson and Maj. J. Andrews — and the able assistance rendered by them on that occasion.

About 3 p.m. all direct communication with the river ceased, and it became evident to me that the enemy were driving the right and left flanks of our army and were rapidly closing behind us. At this time I could have retreated, and most probably would have saved my command from being captured had I been ordered back at this time; but I received no such order, and I considered it my duty to hold the position I was assigned to defend at all hazards.

General Prentiss’ division having been thrown back from the original line, I changed front by my left flank, conforming to his movements and at right angles with my former base, which was immediately occupied and retained for some time by the Fourteenth Iowa, Colonel Shaw. In this position I ordered my regiment to charge a battalion of the enemy (I think the Fourth Mississippi), which was done in good order, completely routing the enemy. We were now attacked on three sides by the rebel force, which was closing fast around us. The shells from our own gunboats in their transit severing the limbs of trees hurled them on my ranks.

It now became absolutely necessary, to prevent annihilation, to leave a position which my regiment had held for nearly ten consecutive hours of severe fighting, successfully resisting and driving back the enemy in every attempt to take the position I was ordered to hold and defend. With a loss of near 200 in killed and wounded I ordered my regiment to retire. On retiring about 300 yards I found a division of the rebels under General Polk thrown completely across my line of retreat. I perceived that further resistance was useless, as we were now completely surrounded. Myself and the major portion of my command were captured at 6 p.m. of that day, and I claim the honor for my regiment of being the last to leave the advanced line of our army on the battle-field of Shiloh on Sunday, April 6.

I cannot conclude this report without bearing testimony to the gentlemanly conduct and dignified bearing of my officers and men during their captivity. Our captors had felt the effects and well knew the courage of my regiment in the field, but had yet to learn they could conduct themselves as well under other and very trying circumstances.

Not having received any reliable information as to the true amount of casualties at the battle and during our imprisonment, I shall forward an official list as soon as practicable of killed and wounded and of such as died in Southern prisons through privation and neglect.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 J. L. GEDDES,
 Colonel Eighth Iowa Infantry.

 His Excellency SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD, Governor of Iowa.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume X (Serial No. 10), Part I, pages 165-7

Friday, November 4, 2011

From The Eighth Iowa Regiment

CAMP PITTSBURG, TENNESSEE RIVER,
March 26, 1862.

I wrote you last on board the “War Eagle,” the transport which brought our regiment from St. Louis to this place.  However, as there is some doubt about your having received that letter – the mails being for military reasons retained at Paducah – I will at the risk of repetition narrate the one sad circumstance which cast a shadow over our otherwise pleasant and joyous trip.  For strange as it may appear to one unacquainted with Iowa soldiers, yet it is a fact, that though our boys were nearing a place of comparative safety, and hastening with the rapidity of steam to the very heart of Secessia, where severe fighting with its consequent wounds, sufferings and death, seem inevitable and not far distant, they were as cheerful as if returning to their quiet homes on the peaceful prairies of the Hawkeye State.

On Monday, March 17th, when about twenty-five or thirty miles below Savannah, our boat was fired into by a murderous band of rebels concealed in the rocks and timber along the right bank of the river.  Our first intimation of this ambuscade was a volley of forty or fifty balls into our right bow and across the hurricane deck.  Three men fell – one, Alex Jenkins, Co. G, killed instantly by a ball through the head.  He was just inside the fore cabin and was in the act of picking up his gun when the fatal shot struck him.  Another was Martin Gentzler, of Co. C.  He had fired once and was reloading, when a rifle ball pierced his left breast.  He died in four or five hours.  The third, Wm. Phillips, Company H, was wounded by a rifle ball through the right thigh, missing the bone but inflicting a very severely flesh wound.  Many shots were fired at us after the first volley, but fortunately, except these three, none of our men were injured.

Our field officers were on the hurricane deck, and from the number of balls which whizzed around and past them, they were evidently particularly marked by the rebels.  They all displayed the coolness and courage which our boys believed them to possess.  Our Colonel continued his walk on the deck with the same composure as before the firing commenced, and gave orders to the boys with a calmness becoming one who has stood under shot and shell in several hard fought battles on the burning plains of India.  Our boys and company commanders displayed that coolness and bravery with which we have always accredited them.  Now it may seem a very small matter to be fired into by a few skulking rebels, but I assure you it is exceedingly trying to one’s nerves to have balls whistling around his head and see men fall, killed and wounded, by his side, from the shots of an enemy whose position is only known by the flash and smoke of his rifle.  In an affair of this kind there is nothing of the excitement incident to a general engagement, but our men on the boat were targets to be fired into “at will” by the concealed assailants.  To be conscious that one is thus a target, and yet to stand coolly upon the mark requires true grit and considerable of it.

Gen. Grant, after hearing of this attack, sent a detachment of cavalry to the place.  The cavalry brought back a number of prisoners, and found that the shots fired by our boys had taken some effect – killing four of the rebels and wounding twelve.

We are now camped in the timber about a mile and a half from the river.  Immense numbers of troops – infantry, cavalry, artillery and sharpshooters – are here, now, and boat loads more coming every day.  I have no idea how many men are here, but I know for miles in all directions the timber is full of camps.  I have been in the camps of the 2d, 3d, 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th Iowa regiments.  They are scattered about within a circumference of three or four miles.  The 2d, 7th, 12th and 14th Iowa are in Col. Lauman’s Brigade.  The other regiments are brigaded with Illinois, Ohio and other troops.  Our regiment belongs to the 3rd Brigade, 2d division, now under command of Col. T. W. Sweeney, of the 52d Ill.  Our brigade is composed of the 7th and 52nd Ill., 8th Iowa infantry, and a squadron of the 2d Ill. cavalry.

Orders have just been received from headquarters, to the effect that when ordered to march the transportation of each regiment shall be reduced to thirteen wagons and two ambulances.  Ten days provisions are to be taken – three days in haversacks and seven in wagons.  Each team is to carry its own forage for ten days.  Two Sibley or wall tents are allowed for the hospital.  This order means that all tents, officers and men’s, are to be left behind, and we are to lay out in the balmy night air of Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana, till the rebellion is completely crushed out.  All baggage not absolutely necessary will be left.  This certainly looks like a forward movement, including a fight or two, was intended and expected.  We are expecting an order to advance every day.  The sooner it comes the better we will like it, for we are all persuaded that speedy and energetic action will give us the opportunity of a speedy return home.

I know nothing certainly of our movements, but I hope to date my next letter from Memphis or its vicinity; and if fighting must be done, to record a victory or two of the Union army of the Northwest, and the illustrious valor of the Iowa 8th.

Yours truly,
C–.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 3, 1862, p. 2

Monday, July 25, 2011

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

From Cairo

CAIRO, March 7.

There is little news worth telegraphing to-day.

Transports are constantly arriving and departing with troops and subsistence.

The highway of travel up the Cumberland and Tennessee is now thoroughly established, and boats are running regularly, and making daily trips.

Everything is quite at Columbus.  No further danger of attack is feared, the town being guarded by gunboats, mortar boats and troops.

It is expected that the rebels will make a stand at Island No. 10, and to this end they are strongly fortifying it.

Nothing has been heard from Gen. Pope.

A large number of new boats are coming in from St. Louis and other points up the river, in view of the facilities afforded by the opening of the rivers.

It was the 42d Illinois regiment and not the 52d that accompanied the Columbus expedition.

The body of Sergeant Major Smith of the 14th Iowa regiment, killed at Fort Donelson, passed through here last evening

14 deserters from the confederate army found concealed in cellars at Columbus, where brought here last night by Col. Buford.

Large gangs of men are engaged upon the repairs of the gunboats.  A short time will see them repaired.

The utmost activity prevails in every part of Commodore Foote’s fleet.

Capt. Duff’s Battery went to Columbus last night.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 10, 1862, p. 1

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Columbus, Ky., March 4 [1862]

At 10 o’clock this morning the 27th, 52d and 55th Illinois Regiments hoisted the stars and stripes over the rebel fortifications at Columbus.

The gunboats Cincinnati, Flag ship Louisville, Carondelet, St. Louis and Lexington, with four more boats in tow of the steamer Lake Erie, and the 27th Ill., Col. Buford, 52d Ill., Col. Roberts and 55th Ill., Major Sanger, acting Colonel, upon the transports Aleck Scott, Illinois, Magill and Ike Hammit, left Cairo this morning at 4 o’clock for Columbus.

The fleet arrived at Lucas Bend, about two miles above Columbus, at 6 o’clock, and was drawn up in line of battle.  The drums beat to quarters, and guns were manned ready for action.  Two tugs were sent in advance reconnoitering, but failed to provoke a shot from the enemy.  Everything about the works was quiet.  Glasses revealed stragglers on the bluff and about the water batteries, and in a few moments a flag was raised.  Its character could not be made out.

The fleet gradually neared the town, and laid in the stream of Belmont battlefield, while scouts were sent out upon tugs towards the rebel works.  The tugs cautiously approached until within a quarter of a mile of the batteries, found the works deserted and both set off at the top of their speed for the honor of landing first.  The scouts rushed on the ‘double quick’ to the top of the bluff, and unfurled the stars and stripes, which were saluted by the crews of the gunboats as they steamed up to the town.  The transports landed their troops, and Columbus was in our possession.

The works were entirely destroyed, and the barracks, or rather rough board and log cabins, were burned.  An immense amount of stores and ordnance fell into our hands.  Many of their cannon were thrown into the river.  Six thirty-two pounders, some howitzers, and an almost innumerable quantity of grape, canister, shell and round shot, were found in the batteries.  The fortifications were very extensive, and its natural position almost impregnable.

Columbus is completely destroyed. – Every building was thoroughly ransacked and the contents destroyed by the rebels.  The rebels commenced leaving on Thursday last and finished yesterday.  The largest number ever there was 37,000.  Beauregard was not there.  It is believed that when the river falls all their guns will be found.

The land forces, mortar boats and the gunboat St. Louis remain in possession of the town.  The balance of the boats returned to Cairo in the afternoon.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 6, 1862, p. 1

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

From The Iowa 2d Regiment

FORT DONELSON, Tenn.,
Feb. 20 1862

EDITOR GAZETTE:– Last Thursday morning we found ourselves on the Cumberland river slowly approaching the scene of contest.  At ten o’clock we stopped to wood.  Col. Tuttle said “come boys” and in a moment a lively scene presented itself as officers and men all turned out to prevent our being delayed while wooding.  We all feared we would be too late to participate.  In a few moments we were on our way up the narrow deep stream, the trees on the bank putting forth their buds in the warm sunshine.  We thought we had seen the last of cold weather this winter.

Thursday night we arrived at our destination and felt grateful that we were allowed to remain on board till morning, as it had stormed, rained and snowed and frozen up in a manner that would have done credit to an Iowa climate.  We marched at once to the left wing of the assailing army, taking two days rations and leaving our knapsacks and blankets aboard the McGill.  You that have seen the cold blustering weather of Iowa can imagine our reflections as we flocked around our fires?  We had no axes and could not find much loose wood.  All night long it snowed and blowed and we bade sleep good-bye.  We were half frozen, and in the best kind of a humor to hurt somebody.

The next day passed gloomily away till about one o’clock when Col. Lauman and Gen. Smith appeared and the order was given to “fall in.”  We were informed that it was expected that the left wing of the 2d Iowa should take the outer works at a charge bayonet without firing a shot.

The order was given and we marched out in an open field and ranged in line of battle for the breastworks, half a mile distant.  We kept a good line until we were half way up the hill to the breastworks.  Here the timber had been felled and formed an almost impassible obstacle to a line of infantry.  Their fire opened upon us, when the boys rushed forward over logs and through the brush up the hill in a manner that would have given a gymnast credit.  Their fire was well aimed and took effect on many of our brave comrades.  George Howell, of company C, was the first to fall, and others followed rapidly.  Capt. Slaymaker fell some 25 yards from the breastworks and died most gloriously, flourishing his sword over his head as he raised upon his elbow, cheering his men forward, telling them to “Charge, Charge, go on, go on, give it to them,” until he expired.  Not for one moment did the column falter, but on they rushed leaping over their dying comrades regardless of their sufferings, of danger, of every thing but the  success of our arms.  Revolving rifles poured a shower of bullets into our ranks by direct and flank fire, from behind their embankments.  In fifteen minutes from the time we had the order to fall in our men were over the works, fighting a hand to hand fight with the few of the enemy that dared brave our bayonets.  The right wing soon came up and fired at us after we had carried their embankments.  Other regiments followed, but as we were in the advance I cannot tell anything of them.  Lieut. Holmes fell on the inside of the breastwork while in advance of the men and was carried from the field.  Sergeant Doolittle fell while gallantly carrying the colors with the advance.  Corporal of company I, raised the banner to support it but a moment, when he fell.  Corporal of company F, grasped it and raising it aloft, feeling at the time that he was sealing his death warrant.  It was a courageous action in one so young to hold his life so cheaply.

In a few moments the enemy had retreated through the woods to an inner work. – Some of the bravest lingered and fired from behind trees.  Numbers of men and officers had fallen.  We were reforming one line when Gen Smith. Came up and told the men, “that we could go through,” and asked if we would go.  He was answered by cheers, and away we went on the run across the hollow to the top of the next hill.  Here we halted and opened a fire on them taking aim and picking off the rebels from behind the trees.  The Col. was stunned by a cannon ball.  Maj. Chipman had been wounded in the beginning of the engagement and the few remaining officers could not control the men if they had wished to. – The enemy had adopted the Indian style of fighting, and the 2d soon convinced them that that was a game that was understood by all parties.

No one is conscious of such music as we heard that day, except those who have been on the battle field.  The cannon ball, grape shot, Minnie ball and musket ball, each as a tone of its own.  Not for a moment did it cease, and many a note was sounded much closer to our ears than was agreeable.  Yet all were cool, loading and firing with precision.  Men fell dead without a groan while their comrades fought on as if it were an every day affair.  Lieut. Bing held his ear close to a soldier’s mouth to hear what he had to say, a Minnie ball whistled between them, cutting the Lieut’s hair.  The sentence remained unfinished.  The artillery was brought up and our men were withdrawn to the breastworks, while our cannon opened on their batteries. – Then we carried off our noble Capt.

We held our position till night when hostilities ceased.  The 2d remained all night and thought that that was the severest part of our work.  All needed sleep, but there we stood, no supper and shivered and stamped our feet all night long.  It was a beautiful night, with the full moon in a clear sky, but so cold that our whiskers were gray with white frost and filled with ice.  It was a long night, but not for a moment would we think of leaving what had cost us so dear.  Our left wing made the charge.  We alone had driven them from their works and held them until reinforcements could be brought up.

The 7th Iowa, 14th Iowa, 25th Indiana, and 52d Illinois were on hand, but the enemy did not attempt to make a charge on us.  Our presence, after one bayonet charge, was all that was required to hold the position.  The enemy was completely discouraged.  Sunday morning we prepared to try the next fortress, having replenished our cartridge-boxes.  Cheer after cheer went up from the enemy’s camp.  Far away over the hills we heard their shouts, and supposed that reinforcements had forced through the lines above us to their relief.  Judge of our surprise when an officer came, as fast as his horse could run, shouting, “They have surrendered!”  Shout after shout went up as he passed, loud enough to wake the dead.  Would that it had but for a moment, that they might know that they were not sacrificed for Liberty’s cause in vain.  What joy filled our hearts when we were ordered to lead the army into the fort, and plant our banner on its ramparts.  It was a greater honor than we had dared hope to win; and when we beheld it flying aloft of their white flag, we experienced the greatest pleasure imaginable.  The Confederates appeared joyous, and received us with cheers, and as we filed back past our troops, regiment after regiment cheered for the 2d Iowa.

Sunday night we slept soundly in the log huts within the fort.  Our killed all died in a few moments, with the exception of Capt. Slaymaker, all were buried on the battle-field, on the top of the hill.  Their graves are marked by a board, bearing name, camp, and regiment.  Our men all died bravely.  Not a shriek nor groan mingled with the din of battle.  They dying quietly expired, and the wounded were borne from the field without the least exhibition of their great suffering.  Their bravery detracted much from the horrors of the scene.  It was not like the many descriptions of battles that I have read.  But for the pools of blood we might have supposed our comrades were sleeping.

Sunday morning I for a few moments left the company as they stood on the breastworks, and strolled over the battle ground.  It wanted some hours of day and the full moon shone peacefully upon the [corpses].  I have read of the glaring eyes and gaping mouth of dead soldiers, but here lay my friends asleep; the eyes are closed, the mouth retains its natural position.  This is not like the dead of our homestead.  I could not but kneel by some of those that I thought must still be alive, but their foreheads were cold; they slept the sleep that knows no waking.  There in the silent repose lay friend and foe side by side.

One of the rebels, a religious character, saw their fire take deadly effect on our little band of 300 men, saw them rush boldly into what appeared certain death.  His heart failed him and he was convinced that they were in the right or they would not face death in that manner.  He surrendered, when he might have escaped.  While planting our flag on the fort a negro remarked to his master, “Why massa, you said these ar’ folks is Yankees and they jes looks like you is.” From what he had heard he supposed we were men in the form of demons.  We have possession of Clarksville, and the 2d will move their [sic] tomorrow.

N. A. H.,
Company C, 2d Iowa.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862, p. 2

Friday, December 31, 2010

52nd Illinois Infantry

Organized at Geneva, Ill., and mustered in November 19, 1861. Moved to Benton Barracks, Mo., November 28, thence to St. Joseph, Mo., December 8, 1861. Attached to Department of the Missouri to February, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, District of Cairo, February, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, District of West Tennessee, to March, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, District of West Tennessee, March, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, Army of the Tennessee, to July, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, District of Corinth, Miss., to September, 1862. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, District of Corinth, to November, 1862. 3rd Brigade, District of Corinth, 13th Army Corps (Old), Department of the Tennessee, to December, 1862. 1st Brigade, District of Corinth, 17th Army Corps, to January, 1863. 1st Brigade, District of Corinth, 16th Army Corps, to March, 1863. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 16th Army Corps, to September, 1864. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, 15th Army Corps, to July, 1865.

SERVICE.--Moved from St. Joseph, Mo., to. Cairo, II1., and Smithland, Ky., January 16-24, 1862. Duty there till February 10. Moved to Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 10-17. Duty escorting prisoners from Fort Donelson, Tenn., to Chicago, I11., February 18-March 5. Moved to St. Louis March 6-7, thence to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., March 13-20. Battle of Shiloh, Tenn., April 6-7. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. Pursuit to Booneville May 31-June 6. At Corinth, Miss., till August, 1863. Battle of Corinth October 3-4, 1862. Pursuit to Ripley October 5-12. Action at Little Bear Creek November 28. Dodge'a Expedition into Alabama December 9-14. Dodge's Expedition to intercept Forest, and operations in West Tennessee December 18, 1862-January 3, 1863. Expedi tion to Hamburg, Tenn., January 26-28, 1863. Expedition to Jacinto, Miss., February 25-March 6. Dodge's Expedition to Northern Alabama April 15-May 8. Rock Cut, near Tuscumbia, April 22. Tuscumbia April 23. Town Creek April 27-28. At Corinth till August 18. Moved to Germantown, Tenn., August 18, and duty there guarding R. R. till October 29. March to Pulaski, Tenn., October 29-November 11. Duty at Pulaski till April 30, 1864. Regiment veteranlze January 9, 1864. Veterans on furlough January 9 to February 24, returning to Pulaski from Chicago February 24-29. Moved to Chattanooga April 30-May 2. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May 2 to September 8. Demonstrations on Resaca May 8-13. Snake Creek Gap May 9-12. Near Resaca May 13. Battle of Resaca May 14-15. Ley's Ferry, Oostenaula River, May 15. Rome Cross Roads May 16. Rome May 17-18. Advance on Dallas May 20-25. Operations on line of Pumpkin Vine Creek and battles about Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 25-June 5. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Ruff's Mills July 3-4. Chattahoochie River July 5-17. Decatur and Battle of Atlanta July 22. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Flank movement on Jonesboro August 25-30. Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1. Moved to Rome, Ga., September 26, and duty there till November. Reconnoissance on Cave Springs Road and skirmishes October 12-13. March to the sea November 15-December 10. Little Ogeechee River December 4. Jenks' Bridge December 7. Eden Cross Roads December 7-9. Siege of Savannah December 10-21. Campaign of the Carolinas January to April, 1865. Salkehatchie Swamps, S.C., February 2-5. South Edisto River February 9. North Edisto River February 11-12. Columbia February 15-17. Lynch's Creek February 25-26. Cheraw March 2-3. Reconnoissance from Fayetteville, N. C., and skirmish on Raleigh Road to Silver Run Creek March 14. Averysboro, Taylor's Hole Creek, March 16. Battle of Bentonville March 20-21. Occupation of Goldsboro March 24. Advance on Raleigh April 10-14. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. March to Washington, D.C., via Richmond, Va., April 29-May 19. Grand Review May 24. Moved to Louisville, Ky., June 2. Mustered out July 5 and discharged at Chicago, Ill., July 12, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 2 Officers and 59 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 119 Enlisted men by disease. Total 180.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1069-70

Gilbert's Independent Cavalry Company

Organized at Geneva, Ills., with 52nd Illinois Infantry, October 25, 1861. Attached to Dept. of Missouri to March, 1862. 2nd Division, Army of the Tennessee, to July, 1862. District of Corinth, Miss., to December, 1862.

SERVICE.--Moved to St. Louis, Mo., December 8, 1861; thence to Cairo, Ills., January 16, 1862, and to Smithland, Ky., January 24. Moved to Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 10-17. Guard prisoners from Fort Donelson to Chicago. Ills., February 18-March 6. Moved to St. Louis, Mo., March 6-7, thence to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., March 20-30. Battle of Shiloh, Tenn., April 6-7. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. Pursuit to Booneville May 30-June 12. Duty in District of Corinth till December. Battle of Corinth October 3-4. Pursuit to Ripley October 5-12. Assigned to 12th Illinois Cavalry as Company "H" August, 1862, but changed to 15th Illinois Cavalry as Company "G" December 25, 1862, which see.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1033

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Capt. Gordon, Clerk of steamer Jennie Whipple . . .

. . . furnishes the following list of wounded troops, brought up yesterday:

J. Musner, co H, 52, Ill.; J. J. Erghowy, do; L. W. Ray, do; L. Wildwick, do; E. S. Purdy, do; Ransom Putman, do; H. E. Peron, do; A. J Pitcher, co. K, do; Wilson Hubbard, co. I, 16th Ill.; Andrew Namer, co. H, 1st Iowa Cavalry; J. Cochran, co F, 11th Ill.; H. Nichols, co. F, 13th Iowa; C. H. Martin, co. G, do; M. T. Snyder, co. K, do; R. J. Jones, co. G, 6th Iowa; W. R. Austin, co H, 7th Iowa; J. W. West, co. G, do, Ekward [sic] T. Lanning, do; H. Loomis, co. G, 14th Iowa; Jasper T. Hubbard, co. H. 2d Iowa; in charge of Misses Lawson and Griffin of Muscatine; W. Townsend, co. I, 16th Wis.; Geo. Pense, do; John Long, do with J. Crawford, Esq., of Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 1

Monday, March 22, 2010

From The Eighth Iowa Regiment

CAMP PITTSBURG, Tenn., April 18.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE GAZETTE:– Several days have now elapsed since the memorable battle of Pittsburg Landing. I presume from various sources you have received descriptions of the fight. Many reasons, in the form of attendance on the wounded, hunting for acquaintances in other regiments, and fatigue, have prevented an earlier communication. I shall now attempt a brief account of the battle, not attempting a full description, but confining myself to the brigade to which the 8th Iowa was attached, and more especially to the regiment which I had the honor to serve. The information I shall give may be relied on, as it is gathered from personal observation partly, and still more from others, who being combatants and actually in the engagement, are better qualified to give a correct account.


COMMENCEMENT OF THE ENGAGEMENT.

The enemy’s advance lines were in sight of our outposts as early as Friday afternoon, April 4th. The fact that a battery was planted near our lines was communicated to Gen. Sherman, who commanded the division on our extreme right, and in the advance. He had received orders from Gen. Grant “not to bring on an engagement,” and supposing the design of the enemy was to induce skirmishing and endeavor to learn something of our strength, paid no attention to the battery or the skirmishing of pickets. Evidently our commanders were not expecting an attack, but soon as Gen. Buell’s column should come up, intended an advance. Saturday was quiet except skirmishing. On Sunday, April 6th, the attack was made, and found us entirely unprepared. Our line of encampment was somewhat in the form of a crescent. The enemy attacked us by what is termed the letter V movement. The apex of the letter V rested on our center. The two lines, extending back obliquely, where admirably formed for flanking us on both wings. We, who were camped near the river, heard heavy cannonading early on the morning of the 6th for an hour or two before we were ordered out. Meantime, several of our advance regiments were driven back – some had scarcely time to form a line of battle at all; others, overpowered by numbers retreated in good order, loading and firing as [they] fell back. The first regular line of battle was formed about 9 a. m. This was the first I saw, and I believe, from what I can learn, it was the first formed by our main army. I shall now write more particularly of the part taken by the Iowa 8th, which was in this line.



POSITION OF THE EIGHTH IOWA INFANTRY.

Between 8 and 9 a. m. on Sunday, our brigade – third brigade, second division – was ordered out. This brigade consisted of the 8th Iowa, 52d, 7th, 58th, 57th and 50th Illinois regiments, under command of Col. Sweeny, of the 52d Illinois. The 8th Iowa occupied the right center of the brigade, and in the line of battle the brigade was posted in the right center of the line. On our left was Gen. McClernand’s division and I think Gen. Hurlbut’s. On our right the Iowa brigade, formerly Col. Lauman’s, but during the battle under command of Col. Tuttle, 2d Iowa. Shortly after the line of battle was formed, the 52d Illinois moved off to the right, and was soon followed by the 7th Illinois. The design of this movement I have never learned, but it left our right entirely unsupported, and an open space between us and the regiments which filed off. On the right of the 8th Iowa two cannon were placed. Of these guns our gallant Colonel took command for a short time, and so pointed them as to rake the enemy. Col. Geddes was for many years an artillery officer in the British regular service. He saw these guns were not worked too good advantage, and riding up to the man in charge gave directions. The man said, “If you can manage these guns better than I, do so.” The Colonel replied, “I can,” and immediately took command. With what effect the check which the advancing enemy received best tells, and more than vindicates the Colonel’s action. On the left of the 8th was another gun, so pointed as to prevent an oblique movement of the enemy on our left flank and to protect the regiments on our left. All this while the enemy were pouring a tremendous volley from cannon and small arms into our lines. Two guns had been taken from one of our batteries early in the morning. These guns were now in front of our regiment. Their recovery was determined on. Our men had been lying down allowing the enemy’s fire to pass over them; meanwhile Col. Geddes was riding along the line or directing the two guns on our right, smoking his pipe and giving orders with the same coolness as if on battalion drill. It is also due to Lieut. Col. Ferguson and Maj. Andrews to say that they conducted themselves with the utmost coolness and bravery. The recovery of the lost guns being determined upon, the Colonel ordered the 8th Iowa to charge. A more brilliant or successful charge need never be made. Forward after their gallant commander, whom every man loved as a brother and trusted as one more than human, rushed our noble Iowa boys. The guns were seized by our brave boys, and with their own hands hauled off from the enemy. In this charge most of our brave fellows, who were killed in the battle, fell; but they fell not in vain. – I was over the ground on Tuesday morning, when we were gathering up their bodies. I passed over to the place into which they had discharged volley after volley from their trusty Springfield and Enfield rifles. Never have I anywhere seen – at Wilson’s Creek or on this battle ground, over all of which I have ridden – bushes and small trees so completely cut and riddled by rifle balls, as was the spot where our boys took good aim and true, and nowhere on the whole field did I see the rebels shot dead, lie thicker than among these riddled bushes. Other regiments fought nobly, heroically, but we of Iowa may justly be proud to point to that charge of our 8th, and fearlessly challenge any and all to show, on any part of the bloody field, evidences of cooler bravery or more terrible execution. It is with feelings of profoundest sorrow that I have to record, but a few hours after this brilliant and successful charge.


THE CAPTURE OF THE GALLANT IOWA 8TH.

The 8th Iowa, after re-taking the captured guns, returned nearly to their former position. Their right, as already observed, was unsupported. It became necessary now to change front by flanking on the left, both to get the guns they had in charge in good position, and to avoid as far as was possible the raking fire of the enemy. Meantime, the enemy’s fire had taken great effect on the right and left of our line, which was gradually falling back. The 8th Iowa did not fall back with the line, but held its ground some time longer. How this happened, is to me not yet fully explained. I am however, fully satisfied no blame whatever, can be attached to Col. Geddes. He did his duty nobly, heroically. In the charge, his horse was shot under him by a grape, but he sprang from his back and still led his men onward. I conjecture, and from the circumstances, with the utmost probability, that Col. Geddes was not fully aware of his position. He was placed in position by his commanding officer. His duty was to maintain that position as long as possible, or until ordered elsewhere. – Comparatively early in the action, Col. Sweeney, was commanded the brigade, was severely wounded. After he left the field, no order, so far as I can learn, was given to Col. Geddes. From his position he could not see what was going on on his right. He had no time to inquire who were falling back on his left. When overpowered by numbers, he fell back in good order, bringing on the artillery in his charge, until after falling back a mile, or perhaps more, from his first position, he found his regiment entirely surrounded. Nothing now could be done but surrender. I was informed, though I cannot vouch for its truth, that Col. Geddes tendered his sword to the Right Rev. Bishop, Mag. Gen. Leonidas Polk. However, this may be, the officer who received the Colonel’s sword handed it back to him. Their swords were returned to all captured officers, and they were treated in a very gentlemanly manner. The officer who received and then returned their swords to our officers, complimented them upon their bravery. – “You are brave men; you have fought bravely, but fought too long,” said he. Both Col. Geddes and Lt. Col. Ferguson received flesh wounds in the leg, and both were taken with their regiment. A horse was offered to Col. Geddes, but he remarked, “I will walk with my boys.” Where our battalion is by this time, we of course do not know. No information has been received. I presume they are somewhere in Southern Alabama or Mississippi, where they can be kept till the close of the war.

Maj. Andrews was severely wounded by a spent ball striking him on the head. He was carried from the field some two hours before our regiment was taken, and thus escaped. His wound, though very serious was thought by the surgeons not to be dangerous. He started for his home in charge of an attendant several days since.

Capt. Hogan, of Co. F, was killed; Capt. Palmer, 1st Lieut. Craigie, and 2nd Lieut. Wells of Co. H, were wounded. But I sent you a list of the killed and wounded of the 8th Iowa, as far as ascertained.


SURGICAL AID RENDERED TO THE WOUNDED.

It would scarcely be just, in a narrative of the kind I have attempted, not to speak of the surgeon’s department – for during and after a battle no officer is of more importance, or, if true to his duty, more busy and valuable than the surgeon. It gives me great pleasure to speak of the unwearying industry and skill of the surgeon of the 8th Iowa, James Irwin, and his assistant, Aug. Hoffmeister. When our brigade was ordered out, they, with two ambulances and a hospital wagon followed. Soon as the line of battle was formed, they with their ambulances went as near the line as a regard for the safety of the wounded would permit. This position they occupied, dressing the wounds of the wounded brought to them with care and dispatch, until the fire of the advancing enemy admonished them to fall back. Two or three halts were made in the rear, till about noon the order came to fall back to the river. This was obeyed. – Our surgeon established his hospital on a bluff on the river. Her he had tents pitched, in which the wounded men could be placed. All Sunday afternoon and night, Monday and Tuesday, Dr. Irwin and assistant were unremittingly engaged in dressing wounds, not for their own regiment only, but for any poor fellow whom they had the time to examine and relieve. Here, too, the chaplain found employment, and endeavored to “do the little he could do” for suffering humanity.


THE LAST STAND MADE SUNDAY EVENING.

All day long the enemy had driven us back. The roar of cannon, whizzing sound of shells and cracking of rifles and musketry had been incessant. I have never read of any engagement in which the discharge of firearms on both sides was so constant and so long continued. Usually such firing settles the battle in three or four hours. We who were with the wounded heard this firing, and knew the enemy were slowly driving our men back to the river. Thousands of our men, for some reason or other came in by detachments from the field to the river, all declaring that their regiments were cut to pieces. No effort on the part of officers could induce these men to return. They seemed to be entirely unmanned, and for the time at least, where acting as arrant cowards. I had occasion about 4 1-2 p. m. to go from our hospital tents over toward the road leading up from the landing – as I returned I heard a cavalry officer giving orders by the authority of Gen. Buell. I inquired of him, and found Gen. Buell had really arrived on this side of the river, and that Gen. Nelson’s division was then crossing. I put the spurs to my horse and hastened to give circulation as best I could, to this most welcome news. We near the river, who saw how things were, had spent an afternoon of torturing anxiety. The fear of personal danger, though balls and shells often whistled and sung in most unpleasant proximity to my ears, was quite lost in the apprehension that our entire force and armament would be taken. Already the enemy had advanced within half a mile of the color lines nearest the river, and we had the ground left for one more stand. This was most nobly made. Two siege guns and a large iron howitzer were placed along our line in the rear. In front of these was all our available artillery and the infantry which had been under fire all day. Next the siege guns lay the first brigade – perhaps more – of Nelson’s division. It was near sundown when the enemy made their last assault. For half an hour the cannonading and musketry was terrific; but our men stood firm, while our 65 pounders and howitzer poured into the enemy’s line a fire they could not stand. About dusk the enemy withdrew, and quartered themselves in our tents, all of which they had left standing. The enemy expected to capture us – tents, camp furniture and all, so they destroyed nothing of these, though the officers were robbed of trunks, clothing, &c. That night all our troops slept or rather lay on their arms in line of battle. All night the gunboats Lexington and Tyler threw a shell about every fifteen minutes into the camp of the enemy. By the way, these gunboats did good service, and the rebels are very much afraid of their shells. Where I lay out on the bank of the river, I could see the flash and hear the report of the gun on the boat, listen to the shell as it went singing over the timber, and then hear it burst with a report like a 24-pound howitzer. Sunday night it rained very hard for an hour or two, but as it was warm our boys got along very well. It was hard on the poor wounded fellows who lay out.


MONDAY’S BATTLE.

During Sunday night all of Gen. Nelson’s Division had crossed the river; also McCook’s and I believe Crittenden’s; Gen. Lew Wallace was also on hand with his large Division. Our men who had been in the fight on Sunday were in good spirits. Soon as we could see on Monday morning, fresh troops were ordered in the advance – Nelson on the left, McCook the centre, and Wallace on the extreme right, I think. Soon the battle began – the cannonading, and musketry was again terrible, Gen. Buell was on the field near nelson’s Division a little to the left, were balls and shells were falling thick and fast. The place where he stood was shown me by an officer, who received more than one order from him in person; and also a tree just behind the hero, which was riddled by a shell. Of Gen. Buell’s history I know little, but that he is a noble, brave, and eminently capable General is abundantly proven by his conduct on Monday. I have heard military men speak with admiration of his management of the enemy when the flanking operation was attempted. Gen. Buell had his forces so placed that when the enemy fell back to change front and flank, he was held fast, and lost just the distance he had fallen back from his first position.

For two or three hours in the morning the enemy stood well up to the work. They demonstrated on Sunday and Monday that Southern troops lack neither valor nor determination. After a time they began to give way slowly, much as we had done on Sunday; but by the middle of the afternoon they were in full retreat. Their loss on Monday must have been very great, for we pursued them with terrible firing. On Sunday I think our loss was great as theirs, but on Monday, from all I can learn, we must have slaughtered them. All our troops fought nobly on Monday; there was no running to the river, but all stood up to the work. When the sun set on Monday evening, he went down over one of the most glorious victories, as it was undoubtedly the severest battle ever won on this continent. Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston, who planned and commanded on the rebel side in this battle, was killed on Sunday. Johnson, the Provisional Governor of Kentucky, was wounded and captured. When taken he remarked that there was no more chance for Secessia; she had staked her all in this battle and lost. I believe this Gov. Johnson has since died. It was reported that Beauregard was killed, then that he was wounded. I believe him alive, well and in command, and expect we shall have his skill to combat in our next battle. I can form no correct idea of the number killed and wounded on either side. I suppose we will soon know with respect to our loss from the official reports of Surgeons and Adjutants. Gen. Prentiss was wounded and taken prisoner early on Sunday. Gen. W. H. L. Wallace, of Illinois, was badly wounded, and died soon after he was carried to the boat. The 8th, 12th and 14th Iowa and 58th Illinois were taken prisoners. The loss of these noble regiments casts a shadow over what would otherwise be a most glorious victory.


THE PRESENT CONDITION OF OUR ARMY.

Yesterday I rode out beyond our advance lines to the pickets. I found, as they used to say about the army of the Potomac, “all quiet along the lines.” There is occasional skirmishing on our outside cavalry pickets, indicating that a portion of the enemy are about somewhere. An attack was somewhat expected the first of the week. Now the indication seem to be that we shall advance as soon as the roads will permit. – Troops are still coming in, and those camped far back are moving toward the advance. – Our advance division are now so arranged as themselves to form a kind of pickets. – Batteries are in a position of defence, and, from appearances, by five minutes after the “long roll” – ominous sound to the soldier – is beaten, an hundred thousand men would be in line of battle, and all in a position to support each other. Evidently Gen. Halleck does not intend another surprise. We are pretty well prepared for an attack. Our misfortunes of the 6th have taught us a lesson; all now looks fair for success. – There is, I think, good reason to hope that before the summer is ended, rebellion will be effectually crushed out in the southwest. Let us hope the grand army of the Potomac, or Rappahannock, I believe it is now, may also speedily be successful in fulfilling its part of the great work. C.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, April 28, 1862, p. 2

Sunday, October 4, 2009

COLONEL JAMES LORAINE GEDDES

SECOND COLONEL, EIGHTH INFANTRY.

James L. Geddes, of the 8th Iowa Infantry, is a Scotchman, and was born in the city of Edinburgh, on the 19th day of March, 1827. "When ten years of age, he emigrated with his family to Canada; but, at the age of eighteen, returned to Scotland, and, in the following Winter, embarked for the East Indies, where he entered the British Military Academy at Calcutta. After studying at that Institution for about two years, he enlisted in the British service, and was a member of the Royal Horse Artillery. He was connected with the British service seven years, and, during that time, served under Sir Hugh Gough, Sir Charles Napier, and Sir Colin Campbell. Under Gough, he took part in the celebrated Punjaub Campaign, and with Napier fought in the battle of Kyber Pass. He was also engaged under Sir Colin Campbell in the campaign against the Hill Tribes of the Himalaya. For his services in India, he was awarded a medal and clasp.

After leaving the British service, he returned to Canada where, being commissioned by Queen Victoria a colonel of cavalry, he organized a cavalry regiment; but, as he himself expressed it, he soon became disgusted, and resigned his commission. He came to Iowa in the fall of 1857, and purchased a farm in Benton county, on which he has since lived.

In August, 1861, Colonel Geddes enlisted a company in Benton county, for the 8th Iowa Infantry, and was commissioned its captain; but, on the organization of his regiment, he was promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy, and, with that rank, he entered the field. He was promoted to the colonelcy of the 8th Iowa, on the 7th of February, 1862, vice Colonel Steele, who had been appointed a brigadier-general.

The first campaign on which the 8th Iowa Infantry marched was that of General Fremont, from Jefferson City to Springfield. The regiment's first battle was Shiloh. The part it took in this engagement is the first point of interest in its history. It was attached to the division of General C. F. Smith, which, in the absence of that general, was commanded by Wallace. The camp of the regiment was, therefore, in rear of the line first assailed by the enemy.

Early in the morning of the 6th of April, and soon after the enemy opened fire on the divisions of Prentiss and Sherman, Colonel Geddes ordered his regiment under arms and formed it in line of battle in front of its camp. In the meantime, the firing at the front was increasing rapidly, and the colonel, convinced that the enemy were advancing in force, ordered the baggage to be loaded on the wagons and driven back in the direction of the Landing. This done, his regiment was ordered to the front. The other regiments of the brigade, which was commanded by Colonel Sweeney, of the 52d Illinois, were, on the arrival of the 8th Iowa, already in position. Forming his regiment on the left of his brigade, Colonel Geddes remained in this position for about an hour, in support of a battery in his front, and during this time suffered from a galling fire of the enemy's artillery.

He was now separated from his brigade and ordered to the left, and still further to the front: and the position which his regiment now took up was in that line, portions of which were held so obstinately until about four o'clock in the afternoon. The 8th Iowa in this position was the connecting link between the division of General Wallace and that portion of General Prentiss' which had not stampeded at the first onset of the enemy. On the left of General Prentiss was the division of Hurlbut, which had just come into position. It was now nearly eleven o'clock, and every thing promised well for the Federal cause; for the enemy in their first successes had been effectually arrested.

Hardly had the 8th Iowa been aligned and drawn a long breath, when it was assaulted by a battalion of the enemy, advancing to turn Prentiss' right flank. A most determined struggle followed of nearly an hour in length. The enemy, flushed with their first successes, which surprise as well as their valor had contributed to win, would not yield the contest until they had left nearly half their number upon the field. The 8th Iowa held its ground steadily, and, like the 14th Iowa on its right, charged and bore down the enemy whenever they approached too closely. Finally they retired, after which there was a respite of nearly an hour.

In the meantime General Prentiss had placed a battery in position immediately in front of the 8th Iowa, and ordered the regiment to hold and defend it at all hazards. It was now about one o'clock in the afternoon, the hour when the fiercest fighting of the whole day began; for the enemy had completed their reconnoissances, and were advancing at nearly every point along the line. The battery placed by General Prentiss in front of the 8th Iowa opened upon the advancing columns of the enemy, under the direction of the general in person, and so accurately and rapidly was it served that it soon became to them an object of special attack. "To this end {I quote from the statement of Colonel Geddes to Governor Kirkwood} they concentrated and hurled column after column on my position, charging most gallantly to the very muzzles of the guns. Here a struggle commenced for the retention and possession of the battery, of a terrific character, their concentrated and well-directed fire decimating my ranks in a fearful manner. In this desperate struggle, my regiment lost one hundred men in killed and wounded. The conspicuous gallantry and coolness of my company commanders, Captains Cleaveland, Stubbs and Benson on the left; Captains McCormick and Bell in the centre; Captains Kelsey, Geddes and Lieutenant Muhs, on the right, by reserving the fire of their respective companies until the proper time for its delivery with effect, and the determined courage of my men, saved the battery from capture; and I had the satisfaction of sending the guns in safety to the rear."

And thus the conflict raged along the line, but at few points with as great fury as in front of the 8th and 14th Iowa. Finally, after the struggle had lasted nearly two hours, the enemy retired, leaving the troops at this point masters of the field. But they had not been equally unsuccessful at other points. They had broken the line on the right, and had forced back the left and centre of Prentiss' Division and the right of Hurlbut's. Heavy volleys of musketry were now heard to the left and rear of the 8th Iowa, where Prentiss, having rallied his troops, had formed a new line. This line was at nearly right angles with his former one, and the enemy were promptly engaging him in this new position. At this time, about half-past three o'clock, there was no enemy in front of the 8th Iowa, or on its immediate left; but, to conform with Prentiss' new line, Colonel Geddes threw back the left of his regiment, and dressed it on the right of the 58th Illinois, the right regiment of Prentiss' Division.

The rest is soon told. Prentiss' new line gave way and fled in terror to the Landing, and the enemy, meeting with no further opposition, swung round to the rear of the 8th Iowa; and thus it was that the regiment was captured. The 58th Illinois stood nobly to the last, and was captured in like manner. General Prentiss was near these troops, and was also made prisoner. It has been asserted by many, that, had all the troops at Shiloh fought with the same determination as did the 58th Illinois, the 8th Iowa, and the four other Iowa regiments on its right, the first day's battle would not have been disastrous to our arms. Some have blamed General Prentiss for holding his position so long; but, had he abandoned it sooner, who can tell the calamities that might have followed; for, with all the delay he and the Iowa troops on his right occasioned the enemy, the Federal forces barely escaped capture, and the day closed with little hope.

Of the conduct of Colonel Geddes and his regiment at Shiloh, General Prentiss, in his official report, says:

"He acted with distinguished courage, coolness and ability. His regiment stood unflinchingly up to the work the entire portion of the day, during which it acted under my orders."

The loss of the regiment in this engagement was nearly two hundred. Captain Hogin was shot dead early in the day, and soon after the regiment took up its position on the right of General Prentiss' Division. Captain Palmer was at nearly the same time severely wounded. Later in the day, and at the time the conflict was going on for the retention of the battery in his regiment's front, Colonel Geddes was wounded in the leg. Major Anderson was at the same time severely wounded in the head. Among those mentioned for special gallantry was Lieutenant-Colonel Ferguson, who, throughout the day, was reckless in the exposure of his person to the enemy.

The history of that portion of the 8th Iowa Infantry which escaped capture is to be found in the record of the Union Brigade. This brigade, which was organized immediately after the battle of Shiloh, and which retained its organization until the 17th of the following December, acted an honorable part in the battle of Corinth, in the fall of 1862, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel J. P. Coulter of the 12th Iowa Infantry. On the morning of the 18th of December, 1862, the detachments of the 8th, 12th and 14th Iowa regiments, which had served in the Union Brigade for upward of eight months, left Corinth, by order of General Dodge, to report at Davenport, Iowa, for re-organization in their respective commands. This, it will be remembered, was at the time of Forest's raid through Tennessee into Kentucky; and, on the arrival of these troops at Jackson, Tennessee, they were ordered by Colonel Lawler, Commandant of the Post, to assist in defending the place against the threatened attack of the enemy, who were reported to be in strong force, and supported by artillery. But Jackson was not attacked. The enemy's demonstrations before that city were only intended to divert the Federal forces, while they in the meantime destroyed the railroad north in the direction of Columbus; and this work they effectually accomplished. Forest now fled the State, and Lieutenant-Colonel Coulter proceeded with his command to Davenport.

Subsequently to the re-organization of the 8th Iowa Infantry and up to the spring of 1864, the history of the regiment is similar to that of the 12th Iowa. It joined General Grant's army at Milliken's Bend in the spring of 1863, and was assigned to the 3d Brigade, 3d Division, l5th Army Corps, which it accompanied in all its long and tedious marches through Mississippi. But when that corps left Vicksburg for Chattanooga, in the fall of 1863, the 8th Iowa with its division was left behind. The regiment remained at Vicksburg until the following Winter, when, having re-enlisted, it was sent North on veteran furlough. On its return, it was ordered to Memphis, since which time it has served under Major-General A. J. Smith.

When Forest made his dash into Memphis, late in August, 1864, the 8th Iowa was stationed in the city on garrison-duty, and took an important part in driving out, and dispersing the forces of the guerrilla chief. "Sergeants Ostrander, and privates A. M. Walling, Charles Smith, I. F. Newman and Perry Clark, watched their opportunity, and fired a volley on the flank of the enemy, killing the rebel Captain Lundy and wounding several others." Lieutenant-Colonel W. B. Bell commanded the 8th Iowa in this affair; and, before the enemy were dispersed, the regiment suffered severely. Lieutenant A. S. Irwin was mortally wounded and died soon after. Lieutenants J. A. Boyer and J. S. Tinkham were also wounded. Among those mentioned for good conduct, are Captain Geddes, and Lieutenants Stearns and Campbell.

The 8th Iowa has recently and most signally distinguished itself, in the operations of General Canby around Mobile.

The arrival of A. J. Smith's Corps at Barley's Mill on Fish River, and the march to Spanish Fort and its investment will appear elsewhere. The 8th Iowa Infantry was attached to this Corps, and its position in front of the fort was to the extreme right of the Federal line. The brigade to which the regiment was attached, was commanded by Colonel Geddes, and the division by General E. A. Carr.

Of Spanish Fort, which is situated on Blakely River, and nearly east from Mobile, one who was on the ground writes thus:

"At Spanish Fort, there were several lines of inferior rifle-pits for skirmishers, outside the principal works. A formidable ditch added to the strength of the position; the most elaborately constructed abattis presented its sharp points to an enemy; a line of chevaux de frize intervened between the ditch and the abattis; the trees were felled and laced together for an area of many acres around, and the ground everywhere was pretty thickly sown with torpedoes. Artillery, of all kinds and calibres, bristled along the walls, and three thousand men with muskets held the interior of the fort."

Spanish Fort was crescent-shaped in form, its right and left defenses swinging back to near the river. Just at the northern extremity of these defenses, a deep ravine puts down to the river, dividing the high bluff along its eastern bank. On the north-eastern side of this ravine was the brigade of Colonel Geddes in position, and, on the opposite one, the northern extremity of Spanish Fort. At the mouth of the ravine was low bottom-land, not long since covered with dense and heavy timber; but this had all been felled, to enable the rebel gun-boats to sweep it from the river. This was the point selected from which to carry Spanish Fort.

In speaking of the charge of the 8th Iowa, which led the advance, the same correspondent goes on to say :

"For nearly an hour and a half the bombardment continued, before Colonel Geddes judged it expedient to move; and the sun was just sinking below the western horizon when the signal to advance was given. Instantly the men of the 8th Iowa sprang to their feet, and the company of skirmishers, followed by the entire regiment, threw themselves among the Mien and matted timbers in the swamp, and urged their way, as rapidly as possible, across the mouth of the ravine. A loud shout from the rest of the division, as if the whole were about to charge, distracted the attention of the enemy, while the bold advance of the 8th Iowa seemed to strike him with dismay. Such of his men as were posted behind the log breast-work, (that which extended from the bluff down across the low ground to the river) fired a scattering, hesitating volley, and ran for their lives. But from the extreme left of the rebel rifle-pits, a heavy fire was poured upon our boys, until the foremost of them, mounting the bluff, came full upon the rear of the enemy.

"It was just here that Lieutenant Vineyard, the gallant leader of Company G, fell dangerously wounded. Some of his men halted a moment where he lay. 'Pay no attention to me,' he said; 'move on;' and they did move on. The frightened rebels seeing the boys still clambering over the bluff, and not knowing what force there might be behind, threw down their arms. Three hundred were made prisoners on the spot. Others retreated rapidly toward the centre of the fort, and a line of battle was now formed by the enemy to check the further advance of our troops into the fortress. For more than three hundred yards, the brave 8th fought its way toward the enemy's centre; but it was now dark, and, in obedience to orders which they had received, the victorious Hawkeyes halted, and hastily constructed a line of rifle-pits."

At about eleven o'clock at night, it was learned that the enemy were evacuating, when, nearly an hour later, the whole Federal line moved against the fort. There was little resistance made; for nearly all the enemy had left. Of all the prisoners captured, there were less than six hundred; but, besides large quantities of ammunition, nearly fifty pieces of artillery fell into our hands. The 8th Iowa Infantry should be permitted to inscribe on their banner, First at Spanish Fort. The troops with which the 8th was brigaded were the 81st, the 108th and the 124th Illinois.

Of the scenes inside the fort after its evacuation, the author from whom I have quoted goes on to say:

"For several hours on Monday morning, I wandered about over the interior and battlements of the deserted fortress. Objects and localities of interest abounded. Here was the point where the 8th Iowa effected its entrance; the swamp covered with fallen timbers through which it had clambered; the huge ravine whose mouth it had passed; the bluff up which it had climbed; the line of rifle-pits which it had thrown up after gaining a lodgment. Here lay a huge columbiad, dismounted during the bombardment on the 4th. One of the heavy iron trunnions was knocked off, and lay beside the gun. Down there was the formidable water battery, from which you could, with ease, see Mobile and the entire upper part of the bay, with all of its rivers and shores and indentations. That cabin there, was occupied as the quarters of the general commanding this fort, Randall E. Gibson. Surely, it could have been no enviable residence; for the trees all around it were torn to pieces with shot and shell, and the timbers of several similar cabins in the immediate vicinity had been shivered and splintered by the fiery missiles.

"Other effects of the terrible bombardment to which the fort had been subjected were plainly and painfully visible. Haversacks and clothing crimsoned with blood were scattered over the ground. In several places gory streams had run for a considerable distance along the trenches, and the little pools of it, which even the thirsty sands had not yet drank up, were standing here and there. At other points the life-blood from the bosoms of the rebel soldiery along the lines had spurted upon the walls, dying them even a deeper red from the head-log to the foot of the rampart. Oh, it was a sickening sight! Gun-carriages shivered to pieces; hundreds of iron fragments of missiles which had burst; solid shot and unexploded shells that had been flung from grim-mouthed cannon; great holes in the earth, dug out in an instant by some ponderous projectile ; immense rents in the earthworks, through which the fiery bolts had ploughed their way — all these were every where visible. The bombardment of the evening before must have indeed possessed every feature calculated to terrify the souls of those who lay within the fort."

Colonel Geddes is a small, slender man, weighing about one hundred and thirty-five pounds. He has thin, sharp features, fine, brown hair, and large, hazel eyes. He is active and Intelligent, and has much general information. As an officer, I am told, he was always held in high esteem by his men. He has most certainly enjoyed the full confidence of his superiors.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 185-94