Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 172. Report of Lieut. Col. Zalmon S. Main, Fifty-second Indiana Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. FIFTY-SECOND REGIMENT INDIANA VETERAN VOLS.,                       

In the Field, Tenn., December 23, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Fifty-second Regiment Indiana Veteran Volunteers in the battle fought between Generals Thomas' and Hood's forces on the 15th and 16th instant, near Nashville, Tenn.:

On the morning of the 15th instant I was ordered to move my regiment in front of the fortifications near the Hardin pike, and formed on the left of the Forty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Soon after this formation was completed a general advance was made in line of battle, obliquing to the left until we had gained a distance of about a mile, arriving at a point near the Hillsborough pike, where we found the enemy in force behind strong works. Here the colonel commanding the brigade ordered a halt. Two sections of the Ninth Indiana Battery at once took position some 200 yards in rear of the Fifty-second Indiana Volunteers, and opened fire on a rebel battery in our front behind strong works near the Hillsborough pike, which was the cause of the regiment receiving a terrible shelling from the rebel battery in its return fire, nearly all of their shells dropping short of our battery and falling in our ranks, killing 1 and severely wounding 6 others. This was a loss to the regiment that it would not have sustained had it not been for our battery. At about 2 p.m. the whole line was again advanced toward the rebel works, my regiment advancing within 200 yards of them, where we received a galling fire of canister and musketry, having one officer and several men wounded. The Forty-ninth Illinois Volunteers, on my right, having obliqued to the right, under cover of the woods, leaving my regiment without support, compelled me to order a halt, which I did in a ravine near the rebel works, where I soon received orders to move by the left flank to a point of more safety near the Hillsborough pike, where the brigade was formed and a charge made in concert with the Fourth Army Corps, capturing a battery. This about closed the operations of the first day's fight. The regiment soon after went into camp for the night. During the day's fight the regiment sustained a loss of 1 man killed and 1 officer and 10 men wounded.

On the morning of the 16th instant a general advance in line of battle was again ordered, the Fifty-second Regiment Indiana Volunteers taking the center, the Forty-ninth Illinois Volunteers on the right, and the One hundred and seventeenth Illinois Volunteers on the left. In this order the whole line moved forward across the Granny White pike, a distance of about a mile, where we found the rebels posted in a strong position. After some maneuvering the command was halted, where we remained but little exposed to their fire until 3 o'clock, when a charge on the enemy's work was ordered, the regiment occupying the same position in the line that it had in the earlier part of the day. The regiment moved forward in line under a severe fire from a rebel battery in our immediate front and musketry from their works. Yet the whole line pressed forward with a determination that it was plain to be seen that neither rebel batteries nor musketry could withstand the bravery and determination of our officers and men, who had now reached the enemy's works, where prisoners were picked up in squads of six to ten in each, which I ordered to be taken to the rear and turned over to any officer that might be found in charge of the same, without counting them, therefore I am unable to give the number captured by my regiment. The command, without halting at the rebel works, continued to move forward, capturing prisoners, until we reached near the crest of the hill in rear of their works, when the command was halted and went into camp for the night.

The following is a list of the casualties.*

Very respectfully,, your obedient servant,

Z. S. MAIN,              

Lieut. Col., Comdg. Fifty-second Regt. Indiana Vet. Vol. Infty.

Lieut. J. D. COBINE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Brigade.

_______________

*Embodied in Table, p. 101.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 495-6

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 170. Report of Col. Phineas Pease, Forty-ninth Illinois Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 170.

Report of Col. Phineas Pease, Forty-ninth Illinois Infantry,

of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. FORTY-NINTH REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLS.,            

In the Field, December 21, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to orders, on the morning of the 15th instant I moved my command outside the breast-works at Nashville, Tenn., and took position in line on the left of the Hardin pike. At 8 o'clock moved forward with right on the pike and on the right of the Fifty-second Indiana Volunteers. Advanced steadily, with slight skirmishing in front, and after passing through first skirt of timber moved in an oblique direction to the left. In the meantime had thrown out one company as skirmishers (Company A), which soon became engaged with the enemy's line of skirmishers. The regiment was then advanced to the open field to the right of the brick house, near which Battery G, Second Illinois Light Artillery, took position, where the regiment was ordered to lie down in a sheltered position. About 1 o'clock was ordered forward on right of brigade, and advancing through an open field to within 300 yards of one of the enemy's batteries were exposed to a raking artillery fire of grape and canister shot, also of musketry. At this point was ordered to halt, and in a few moments moved by the left flank under brow of the hill opposite rebel fort, which fort hi a short time was necessarily evacuated by the enemy. Moved from this point in right oblique direction across the Hillsborough pike, capturing one prisoner, of Trueheart's (Alabama) battery, and took position for the night a short distance on right of Granny White pike.

On morning of 16th moved at 8 o'clock across an open field to Granny White pike, where received orders to move in rear of and cover right of First Brigade, then advanced across a small creek to the foot of a hill, whence, in a short time, moved by the right flank, under cover of the hill, and joined on left of Second Brigade. Remained in this position several hours exposed to severe cannonading from the enemy. Soon after 3 o'clock received orders to advance, and together with the entire division charged the enemy's works, capturing Maj. Gen. Edward Johnson (General Johnson was captured by Private J. William Howell, Company B) and Major Trueheart, and sent to the rear, in charge of Lieutenant Spiro, thirty-five prisoners. Many other prisoners were turned back by the regiment and were picked up and credited to other brigades. It being now nearly dark took position in line for the night.

Inclosed is a list of casualties in my regiment during the action.*

I do not feel justified in particularizing where all did so well, for it would be giving the name of each and every officer in the regiment who participated in the engagement. It gives me pleasure to state that every officer performed his duty nobly and manifested great bravery. The enlisted men, with two or three exceptions, behaved well, with courage. To my field and staff officers — Lieut. Col. William P. Moore, Maj. Jacob E. Gauen, and Adjt. F. J. Burrows — I am particularly indebted for their untiring efforts, promptly obeying all orders given thereby rendering great assistance.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. PEASE,                 

Colonel, Commanding Forty-ninth Illinois Infantry Volunteers.

Lieut. J. D. COBINE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

* Embodied in table, p. 101.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 493

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 169. Report of Col. Edward H. Wolfe, Fifty-second Indiana Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 169.

Report of Col. Edward H. Wolfe, Fifty-second Indiana Infantry, commanding Third Brigade,

of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION,                            

DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,                  

Near Columbia, Tenn., December 23, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: In obedience to the orders of the general commanding division, I have the honor to transmit the following report as to the part taken by this brigade in the engagements with the enemy near Nashville, Tenn, on the 15th and 16th instant:

My brigade was in readiness to move on the morning of the 15th at 6 o'clock, as ordered the evening previous, and at 8 a.m. I moved by the flank outside of my works in front of Nashville, massing the brigade for the moment on the left of the Hardin pike. A portion of the One hundred and seventeenth Illinois Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Merriam commanding, was deployed as skirmishers, covering my front and connecting on the left with skirmishers of First Brigade, Second Division, and on the right with skirmishers of First Division, my brigade occupying the extreme right of the Second Division. Soon afterward I deployed my column and advanced, connecting on the right and left as above indicated, holding one regiment (the One hundred and seventy-eighth New York Volunteers) in reserve, as ordered by the general commanding. My instructions, in advancing, were to keep well closed up to the left, and also to regulate my movements by that of the command on my right, so as to prevent, as far as possible, any serious gap in the line in that direction. The peculiar position of our lines on that day rendered it very difficult to comply with these instructions, and necessarily caused my advance to be slow and tedious. Soon after advancing my skirmishers became engaged, driving the enemy's skirmishers before them. At no time, however, during the day was my command engaged with the enemy, although my line was frequently exposed to the fire of the enemy, and the brigade on this day sustained a loss of 35 men, including 1 officer, a report of which will be inclosed herewith. Before the close of the day a movement on the part of the Fourth Corps, which charged the enemy's works, somewhat changed my position in the command, and, as I thought at the time, cut off the First and Second Brigades of this division, and to prevent the same thing, so far as my brigade was concerned, I advanced the brigade on the double-quick, as ordered by the general commanding, and did not halt until within the enemy's work in my front, which they abandoned without any resistance, except to our skirmishers. Three pieces of artillery here fell into our hands, which I understand are claimed in the captures of the Fourth Corps. These guns undoubtedly were captured by this division, and if not by my brigade in reality were captured by the skirmishers in my front, which at that time consisted of the Tenth Kansas Infantry, belonging to the Second Brigade of this division. Owing to our constant oblique movement to the left during the day, it was impossible to keep our respective skirmishers in their proper front. The result was, when a charge was made by General McArthur's division, on the right, and which resulted so victoriously, the skirmishers of my own brigade were in front of that division and participated in the engagement. The commanding officer of the One hundred and seventeenth Illinois, from whose regiment all my skirmishers on this day were deployed, states in his report that two of his companies then on the skirmish line captured 3 pieces of artillery and 40 prisoners, and delivered them over to that command as it came up. In the evening the position of my brigade was so changed, as before mentioned, as to throw me upon the extreme left of the division, closing up with the right of the Fourth Corps, and in this position I was ordered to encamp for the night.

On the morning of the 16th, at 7 o'clock, I was again ordered to advance, and, after advancing about a mile, was ordered to take position in the center of the division, where my brigade remained in line in front of the enemy's works until 3 p.m. During this time the enemy were constantly shelling my line, but the position of the ground in front was sufficient to protect the men, and but little loss was sustained. My orders during the afternoon were to again regulate my movements by that of the command on my right. At about 3.30 p.m. that portion of the command commenced its final advance upon the enemy's works. It required but a moment to put my brigade in motion, and the whole command, with a shout peculiar to this corps, advanced rapidly upon the works in front, carrying them with but momentary resistance and sustaining but slight loss. The enemy, surprised at the charge, and witnessing the courage and determination of the troops, fled in every direction, while many threw down their arms and surrendered at once. So completely surprised were the enemy in my front by the assault that they had time to deliver but two or three volleys, and these so poorly directed that but little execution was done. In this assault my brigade captured 5 pieces of artillery and a number of prisoners, including 8 commissioned officers, among whom was the rebel Maj. Gen. Edward Johnson, who was captured and escorted to the rear by Private J. William Howell, Company B, Forty-ninth Illinois Veteran Volunteers.

It is impossible, owing to the excitement and confusion at the time, to give any accurate statement as to the number of prisoners that actually fell into the hands of this brigade. Prisoners were sent to the rear indiscriminately, some with guards and others without, and, in addition to this, many were captured immediately at the works, and left without any guard, and a great many of them must certainly have fallen into the hands of other troops. It is, however, no exaggeration on my part to claim that at least 300 prisoners were captured by my brigade alone, and had I taken the precaution to have secured for the command all the prisoners that actually fell into my hands, I am satisfied it would exceed that number.

After advancing perhaps a mile in rear of the enemy's works, and there being no enemy in sight, I encamped for the night as ordered.

The exceeding small loss sustained by my brigade, compared to the victory gained, I consider unparalleled in the history of the war. My total loss during the two days' fight foots up 52, viz, 5 killed, 46 wounded, and I missing, a full and complete list of which, giving name, rank, date, &c., I inclose herewith.*

Inasmuch as all the batteries of this division were placed under the immediate control of Captain Lowell, G Battery, Second Illinois, acting as chief of artillery, during the two days, I have not referred to the action of my battery during either day, though I have personal knowledge of the valuable services rendered and the crushing execution done by this battery. The battery was engaged constantly during the two days, and the conduct of the officers and men at all times was such as to merit approval. Corpl. Samuel J. Churchill, of this battery, commanding one gun detachment, is highly commended for distinguished bravery displayed on the first day. At a time when two of the enemy's batteries opened upon his guns, compelling for a short time the men of his detachment to seek the protection of the ground, this young soldier stood manfully up to his work, and for some minutes worked his gun alone.

It has been customary heretofore to mention in reports of this character individual cases of meritorious conduct on the part of officers and soldiers, but this I now find it difficult to do, simply because to mention one would render it necessary to mention all. Every officer of my command and every enlisted man, with but few exceptions, performed their duties nobly, and all officers, realizing the importance of the hour, vied with each other in the gallant discharge of duty.

Of my commanding officers — Colonel Pease, of the Forty-ninth Illinois Veteran Volunteers; Lieutenant-Colonel Main, of the Fifty-second Indiana Veteran Volunteers; Lieutenant-Colonel Merriam, One hundred and seventeenth Illinois Volunteers; and Captain Gandolfo, One hundred and seventy-eighth New York Volunteers — I cannot speak too highly. The manner in which they commanded their respective regiments during these movements, as well as elsewhere, has only demonstrated their ability as excellent officers and their courage and bravery as soldiers.

To the officers of my staff — Lieutenant Cobine, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieutenant Rupe, acting assistant inspector-general; and Lieutenant Kobbe, of the One hundred and seventy-eighth New York Volunteers, acting aide-de-camp — I am largely indebted for valuable services rendered upon this occasion, and commend them for the zeal and courage they have displayed in the discharge of their duties throughout the campaign thus far.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. H. WOLFE,                       

Colonel, Commanding.

Lieut. J. B. COMSTOCK,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

* Embodied in table, p. 101.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 490-2

Diary of 1st Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Friday, May 19, 1865

Feeling much better today went to the city in sailboat in company with Capt Gore, Cormly & others reach the wharf at 11.15, A. M. Each goes his way to meet at the boat at 1. P. M. My business was to find some clothing but did not find it in Mobile. Met several officers of the Regt. Capt Bell informs me that he hears the transportation of this Div & all our surplus baggage were loaded on steamers & ordered to New Orleans. Get dinner at a Resterant & meet at the boat as pr appointment, have a fine run up in 20 minutes. The Rebel officers in the city do not hold their heads so high as at first. They seem to begin to feel their condition. The town was lively & quiet a no of ladies out in the vain pursuit I suppose of the new fashions which have not yet arrived. The 50th Ind from our Div & the 10th Ind start this eve for Mt Gomery to consolidate with the 52 Ind & it is talked that Regts are to be Brigaded by states, Weathers today very warm

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 603

56th Indiana Infantry

Failed to complete organization and Regiment merged into 52nd Indiana Infantry January 20, 1862

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the 3, p. Rebellion, Part 1140

52nd Indiana Infantry

Organized at Rushville and Indianapolis, Ind., February 1, 1862. Left State for Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 7. Attached to 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, Army of the Tennessee, to March, 1862. Garrison Forts Henry and Donelson, Tenn., to April, 1862. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, Army of the Tennessee, to May, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, Army of the Tennessee, to July, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, District of Memphis, Tenn., to September, 1862. Garrison Fort Pillow, Tenn., to November, 1862. District of Columbus, Ky., 13th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of the Tennessee, to January, 1863. District of Columbus, Ky., 6th Division, 16th Army Corps, to January, 1864. 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 16th Army Corps, to December, 1864. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division (Detachment), Army of the Tennessee, Dept. of the Cumberland, to February, 1865. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 16th Army Corps (New), Military Division West Mississippi, to August, 1865.

SERVICE. – Investment and capture of Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 12-16, 1862. Garrison at Forts Henry and Heiman till April 18. Action at Paris March 11 (Detachment). Moved to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., April 18. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. March to Memphis, Tenn., via Grand Junction, LaGrange and Holly Springs, June 1-July 21. Duty at Memphis till September. Action near Memphis September 2. Durhamsville September 17. Garrison duty at Fort Pillow, Tenn., and operations against guerillas in Tennessee and Arkansas September 30, 1862, to January 18, 1864. Expedition to Jackson September 19-25, 1863 (Detachment). Expedition to Covington, Durhamsville and Fort Randolph September 28-October 5, 1863. Scout from Fort Pillow November 21-22. Ordered to Vicksburg, Miss., January 18, 1864. Meridian Campaign February 3-March 2. Clinton February 5. Meridian February 14-15. Veterans absent on furlough March and April. Left Vicksburg March 4, arriving home March 17. Left for field April 23. Reached Columbus, Ky., April 26. Moved to Morganza, La., thence to Vicksburg, Miss. Non-Veterans temporarily attached to 89th Indiana Infantry. Red River Campaign March 10-May 22. Fort DeRussy March 14. Bayou Rapides March 21. Battle of Pleasant Hill April 9. Cane River Crossing April 23. At Alexandria April 26-May 13. Moore's Plantation May 3. Bayou LeMourie May 6. Retreat to Morganza May 13-20. Mansura May 16. Yellow Bayou May 18. Moved to Vicksburg, Miss., thence to Memphis, Tenn., May 20-June 10. Lake Chicot, Ark., June 6-7. Colliersville, Tenn., June 23. Near Lafayetteville June 23. Smith's Expedition to Tupelo July 5-21. About Pontotoc July 11-12. Harrisburg, near Tupelo, July 14-15. Old Town (or Tishamingo) Creek July 15. Smith's Expedition to Oxford, Miss., August 1-30. March through Missouri in pursuit of Price September 26-November 19. Moved to Nashville, Tenn., November 26-December 1. Battle of Nashville December 15-16. Pursuit of Hood to the Tennessee River December 17-23. Duty at Clifton, Tenn., and Eastport, Miss., till February, 1865. Moved to New Orleans February 6-17. Campaign against Mobile and its defences March 17-April 12. Siege of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely March 26-April 8. Assault and capture of Fort Blakely April 9. Occupation of Mobile April 12. March to Montgomery April 13-25, and duty there till July 14. At Tuskeegee till August 28. Mustered out September 10, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 2 Officers and 26 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 175 Enlisted men by disease. Total 205.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the 3, p. Rebellion, Part 1139

Battle of Fort Donelson

Official Report of Col. Lauman.

LIST OF THE KILLED AND WOUNDED IN THE 2d, 7th and 14th IOWA.

HEADQUARTERS 4TH BRIG. 2D DIV. U S A

FORT DONELSON, Feb. 18^th, 1862.

GENERAL – I have the honor to report the following movements of the 4^th Brigade 2^nd Division.

We left fort Henry on the morning of the 12^th inst., arriving near Fort Donelson the same evening.  Immediately on our arrival I received your order to move the 7^th Iowa Infantry to the front to support a battery of Major Cavender’s 20 pounder Rifle Parrott guns, which were placed in a position to command a portion of the rebel works.  I obtained permission from you to associate the Regiment of Birge’s Sharp’s Shooters in the movement, and placed the two regiments in position where they remained during the night.

In accordance with order, on the morning of Thursday the 13^th inst., I moved the left wing of my brigade, consisting of the 14^th Iowa, Col. Shaw, and 25^th Indiana, Col. Veatch, from their encampment towards the enemy, who were entrenched about a mile distant therefrom.

The advance was made steadily and in as good order as the nature of the ground would admit of, until we reached the ravine at the base of the hill on which where the enemy’s fortifications – Here we halted, until the line could be formed, when the 25^th Indiana under Col. Veatch, moved steadily up the hill towards the entrenchments under a most galling fire of musketry and grape until their onward progress was obstructed by the fallen timber and brush wood.  Having, however, succeeded in obtaining an advantageous position they held it unflinchingly for more than two hours and until ordered to fall back out of the range of the enemy’s fire.  The loss of this regiment in killed and wounded was very severe.  The 14^th Iowa advanced at the same time, and took position on the right and across the ravine and did good execution.  Whilst these two regiments were taking the above positions the 7^th Iowa Infantry under Lieut. Col. Parrott, came up in fine style and took position in the centre, between the 25^th Indiana and then 14^th Iowa.

The 1^st Regiment Sharp Shooters, Western Division, Lieut. Col. B. S. Compton, were posted on the hill to the extreme right, except a detachment of about sixty, who were deployed as skirmishers, and rendered most effective service in that capacity and proving by their deadly aim that they are a most valuable arm of the service.  We held this position until night when we fell back to the position occupied in the morning.  On the following day we remained in camp skirmishing with the rebels during the day and night.

On Saturday the 15^th inst. at about two o’clock, I received your order to advance with my whole brigade and assault the heights on the left of the position attacked by us on the previous Thursday.  The Brigade was promptly in motion in the following order.

The Second Iowa, Col. Tuttle, led the advance followed by the 52^nd Indiana, (temporarily attached to my Brigade,) who were ordered to support them.  This regiment was followed closely by the 25^th Indiana, the 7^th Iowa and the Iowa 14^th.  The Sharp Shooters were previously deployed as skirmishers on our extreme right and left.  Col. Tuttle led the left wing of his regiment in line of battle up the hill supported by the right wing advancing at a distance of about one hundred and fifty yards in the rear.  So soon as he came within range of the enemy’s fire he led his men forward without firing a gun up to and charged into the rebel works, driving the enemy before him and planting his colors on the fortifications.  He was closely followed by the other regiments in the order of advance before named.  The enemy were closely pursued and driven behind their upper works. – Night coming on, we held in the position we had gained, and remained under arms until morning intending at the dawn of day to recommence the attack.  In this engagement the 2^nd Iowa suffered terrible.  Captains Slaymaker and Cloutman fell just as they entered the enemy’s fortifications.  Cloutman was instantly killed and Slaymaker died gallantly shouting to his men to go forward and consummate the work.

In the morning, as day dawned we were attracted to the inner fortifications by the sound of a bugle and saw the rebels displaying a white flag.  In instantly dispatched Lieut. Col. Parrott to ascertain the intent of it.  Who reported that an officer wished to see me.  I repaired to the spot and received from him offers of capitulation, which I at once forwarded to you – the result is well known.

It would afford me much pleasure to particularize the various instances of personal bravery displayed on the occasion by officers under my command, but when all behaved so well, it would be invidious to particularize, but I cannot refrain from mentioning, in this connection, the bravery of Col. Tuttle, Lieut. Col. Baker, and Major Chipman, (who received a severe wound in the thigh) of the Iowa Second, Col. Veatch and Lieut. Col. Morgan, of the Indiana 25^th and Col. Shaw, of the Iowa 14^th, also Lieut. Col. Parrott and Major Rice, who led the Iowa 7^th and to whom I return my warmest acknowledgements foe the gallant manner in which they led their regiment in the engagement on the 13^th and 15^th.  They did all that men possibly could do, and well sustained the reputation of the Iowa 17^th.

For the kindness, attention and skill manifested by the Surgeons and Assistant Surgeons towards the unfortunate wounded for so many consecutive hours, I return my most sincere thanks.

The total loss in killed and wounded, is as follows:

Second Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers

Killed,                                                         41

Wounded,                                                 157

Total,                                                         198

25th Reg’t. Indian Infantry Volunteers

Killed,                                                         14

Wounded,                                                 101

Total                                                          115

Seventh Reg’t Iowa Infantry Volunteers

Killed,                                                           2

Wounded,                                                   37

Total                                                            39

14th Reg’t Iowa Infantry Volunteers

Killed,                                                           3

Wounded,                                                   23

Total                                                            26

Birge’s Sharp Shooters

Killed,                                                           1

Wounded,                                                     3

Missing,                                                        1

Total,                                                             5

RECAPITUALTION

Killed,                                                         61

Wounded,                                                 621

Missing                                                         1

Total                                                          383

I herewith append the report of the Colonels of the Regiments attached to my Brigade, to which I invite your particular attention.  With Sentiments of high regard,

I remain respectfully,

Your ob’t servant,

J. G. LAUMAN,

Col. Com’ng. 4^th Brig. 2d Division

To Brig. Gen. C. F. Smith

Commanding Second Division

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

Army Correspondence

FORT DONELSON, NEAR DOVER

Stewart County, Tenn., Feb. 19, 1862

MR. EDITOR:  A kind Providence has spared me to fulfill my promise of writing a few lines from Tennessee.  I am now sitting upon a camp cot in a tent pitched upon a slippery red clay side hill, in the Redan, or rear Fort, with my portfolio upon my lap, whilst a cold and pitiless rainstorm is raging without.  As we have no stoves you can judge that my position, if not my disposition is not the best in the world for writing a readable article.  I will, however, endeavor to make a few extracts from my diary since leaving St. Louis, which I find covers some twenty odd pages in my note book.

Having been relieved of our prisoners at McDowell’s College, we left for St. Louis on Monday evening on the 10^th inst., on the T  L McGill, a very slow old craft, and arrived at Cairo on the morning of the 12^th.  Here our destination was changed from the Tennessee to the Cumberland.  Left Cairo in the evening and found ourselves next morning some ten or fifteen miles above Smithland.  The day was pleasant and scenery beautiful.  The Cumberland valley, if properly titled, would be one of the richest and most productive in the world.  But alas the effects of our national curse are everywhere seen.  Ill planned houses, dilapidated fences and overtaxed soils are all the improvements with few exceptions that meet the eye.  The women at the little towns and farm houses along the river generally waved some kind of a white rag and the “niggers” universally grinned us a welcome. – Very few “men folks” were to be seen.  Our fine Brass band played as we passed the towns, and its music reverberated from hill to hill, apparently charming the astonished “natyves.”

In the afternoon we overhauled the transports, thirteen in number, and five or six gunboats accompanying them.  They all moved on slowly together, making a grand spectacle never before seen in this stream.  The river was very high and admitted the largest class of steamer, such as the Alex Scott, Memphis, &c.  About 10 o’clock the wind tacked round to the north and it commenced snowing.  In the morning we found ourselves laid up against the west bank of the river.  About two inches of snow was on the ground.  The disembarkation of troops began early and most of the gun boats proceeded up the river to feel for torpedoes and get the range of the guns in the main Fort.  Our regiment, with five or six others, were soon under way to connect with those thrown across from Fort Henry.  After marching four or five miles over hill and dale we struck the left wing commanded by Gen. Smith.  This wing rested on a slough running back about two miles from the river, below the fortified hills.  We were placed in Acting Brigadier General Lauman’s Brigade on the extreme left wing.  It comprised the 7^th and 14^th Iowa, 25^th Indiana and Birge’s regiment of Sharp shooters.  The several regiments in General Lauman’s Brigade had endeavored the day previous to storm the outer Forts and were repulsed with considerable loss, being saved from a general Massacre by the faithful sharp shooters, who clung to the snowy side hills from morning till night and picked off the enemy’s gunners every time they attempted to load their heavy pieces.  The Illinois 17^th and 14^th on the right wing in General McClernand’s division, had also attempted to storm a battery and were repulsed.

Thus matters stood when our regiment, the 2^nd Iowa Infantry, arrived at the scene of action.

The gunboats were to open fire at noon when a general movement was to be made inward by the land forces.  They found the river clogged with felled trees which they had to pull out and it was fully 3 o’clock before they opened upon the fort and 4 o’clock before the firing became general.  Our regiment was chosen to charge the left wing.  The flank companies were sent out as skirmishers but before the general attack was ordered the gun boats ceased firing and the matter was laid over till the morrow.

During the forenoon of the 15^th the enemy made a desperate attempt to cut through the right wing.  Eleven regiments on our side were engaged, some of which were badly cut up.  The 11^th Illinois alone losing 68 killed and a large number wounded.  The enemy’s cavalry broke through and escaped but their infantry were driven back.  I walked over that battle field after the surrender and found it a sickening sight indeed.  The woods were literally strewn with corpses and almost every bush was shattered with balls.  At 3 o’clock in the afternoon our regiment was ordered to charge on the forts.  Col. Tuttle led the left wing in advance, and Lieut. Col. Baker the right, closely following the Colonel.  The batteries were planted on the brest [sic] of a hill which receded in deep hallows and sharp ridges towards the bottom where we had been encamped.  The dense growth of oak on the steep points had been felled down the hill and their limbs trimmed up and sharpened.  Against these we had to charge for nearly half a mile constantly exposed to the enemy’s fire without an opportunity of returning it, as green oak logs were placed on top of the embankments with loop holes through them for riflemen whom it was impossible for us to see.  Our brave fellows began to fall before the leaden storm which rained down upon us.  Capt. Cloutman of company K (Ottumwa) fell pierced through the heart.  Capt. Slaymaker of company C, (Davenport) fell shot through the abdomen, and cheered his men on with his last gasp.  Our excellent Major Chipman, fell badly wounded, and a number of other officers before which the rebels with their six shooting rifles quailed and fled.  We had just cleared about half a mile of those rifle pits when the enemy, in several interior Forts opened on us with grapeshot.  An order now came to charge the Forts and onward we moved to the attack within musket shot.  Here we stood for half an hour torn by grape and musketry, awaiting the cowardly Indiana 52^nd which was ordered to support us but got no further than a deep hollow behind us where their fired up and killed some of our men.  The gallant 7^th Iowa was then ordered forward and broke through these cowards to relieve us.  Our glorious old Colonel, who stood constantly at the head of his men, wept to see them falling around him and gave the order to fall back slowly behind the first batteries we had taken, leaving the field to the 7^th, 12^th and 14^th Iowa regiments all of whom Gen. Lauman had on the field.  But it soon became evident that our small arms were availing but little and all the troops were called back where several pieces of artillery had been brought up and kept up an exchanges of shots with the enemy until dark, when the firing ceased.  Four regiments bivouacked in the trenches.  In the morning the enemy surrendered and we marched in.

I am freezing.  In my next I will give a description of the Fort.

H. S.

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

From the 16th Iowa Regiment

STEAMER CRESCENT CITY, April 2, 1862.

FRIEND SANDERS:– The 16^th Iowa, accompanied by the 1^st Illinois battery, left St. Louis at half past eight o’clock last evening.  Several other regiments, including the 15^th Iowa, left the same day – destination unknown.  It being very dark, the steamer tied up near the arsenal.

Started again this morning at six o’clock, moving down the river in splendid style, on one of the largest and best steamers on the river.  I have seen no regiment moved so comfortably as the 16^th Iowa.  Passenger coaches from Davenport to Alton, thence by steamer City of Alton to St. Louis, and now on this commodious and well managed boat.  The 15^th are on the Minnehaha – a boat about half the size of this – with a battery and about the same number of men and horses, mules, &c., as are on this boat.  Stopped at Commerce and landed a number of wagoners.  A large commissary train is fitting out at that place, destined probably for New Madrid.

Reached Cairo at 10 p. m. and remained only a few minutes.  Much disappointment was felt at not being able to see that now famous place with its fortifications, camps, &c.  Were permitted, however, to take a peep into some little popguns – ten inch rifled cannons – on board a steamer along-side.  These guns were among those captured at Fort Donelson, one of them said to be a present from John Bell.

April 3d. – Reached Paducah at six a. m.  Started again at half past eleven up the Tennessee.  Met a gunboat – an ugly looking customer – with its thirteen savage dogs of war showing their teeth on every side – three in the bow, four on each side, and two in the stern.  One broadside would have been sufficient to have sent this boat to the bottom, or at least to have satisfied the thousand men on board.  The arms of the 16^th, as also those of the 15^th, are rifled muskets, of the latest Springfield pattern, and the battery on board consists of rifled guns with percussion shells.  But all the harm we could have done to that iron clad little chap passed to-day, would have been very trifling.

Reached Fort Henry at 7 p. m., and although it was dark, many of us went on shore, and had a little stroll inside and around the breast works.  These breast works consist of earth, thrown up from a zig zag ditch outside, eight feet deep and twelve feet wide.  This ditch of course is partly filled with water, and in the absence of the gunboats, with resolute garrison inside it would have been a hard place to take.  Saw here also 10-inch Columbiads and piles of solid shot for those, and smaller guns, together with the ponderous carriages, all of which are being transported to Cairo.  Took up one of the 128 pound pills – a nice little thing to throw at a man’s head.  How any gunboat can be made to resist one of these missels, going at a rate of two or three miles in as many seconds is a mystery.

The 52d Indiana and a battalion of Cavalry are garrisoning the fort.  It is a desolate place – the interior of the fort in some places is as low as the water in the river, which has now fallen some ten or twelve feet.  It has been thought dangerous to go above this point without a gunboat for convoy, and especially so in the night; but our captain has ventured forward alone, and as yet – 10 o’clock – no accident has happened.

APRIL 4^TH. – A charming day yesterday – bright, clear sunshine, trees in foilage, peach trees in blossom, fields of winter wheat near Paducah very fine and beautiful.  We are fast approaching spring, if it is not approaching us.

This morning it thundered and rained, and was quite chilly outside the boat.  Not many sick yet, but probably will be before night.  The boys will be out and halloo at every hut and man or woman they see.  In some instances the whole family – men, women, children and babies – run out and return the salutation, or anticipate it by swinging hats, handkerchiefs, aprons, &c.  In others, nary sign of loyalty, real or affected, is exhibited.  Some of the boys would like to shoot the silent secesh as they stand gazing on the bank, not twenty rods away.

The river is scarcely forty rods wide in many places, and is not falling rapidly – 20 feet lower here than it was two weeks since.  The country on both sides, so far as visible from the boat is a wilderness thus far, nearly all the way from Paducah, with here and there a cleared patch and a hut, or a cluster of two or three houses.  Decaturville is the only settlement yet passed which can be called a village.

Half past three P. M. reached Savannah.

Yours,

CHAPLAIN 11^TH IOWA.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 11, 1862, p. 2

The Second Iowa Infantry

The Second Regiment of Iowa volunteers was organized in May, and was the first from the state to enter the service for three years. Samuel R. Curtis was its first colonel, James M. Tuttle first lieutenant-colonel, and M. M. Crocker its first major, all of whom were promoted to generals during the war.

This regiment took a prominent part in the battle of Fort Donelson, which resulted in the first great victory for the union armies in the war. Curtis had been promoted to brigadier-general and J. M. Tuttle to colonel of the Second regiment. The army under General Grant, about 15,000 strong, had moved on to invest Fort Donelson February 12, 1862. The confederate general, A. S. Johnston, was in command of that department, and had sent an army of about 18,000 under Generals Floyd, Pillow and Buckner to garrison the forts on the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers and resist Grant's march southward. Commodore Foote with several gunboats co-operated with Grant in the attack upon Fort Donelson. Before the battle opened Grant had collected heavy reinforcements. On the 14th the fort was nearly surrounded and the gunboats opened a heavy fire upon it. But the heavy guns from the fort soon disabled two of the vessels, and the fleet dropped down stream with a large loss of men. Early on the morning of the 15th General Pillow led a strong force against McClernand, who commanded the right wing of the union army, and after four hours of hard fighting drove him back with heavy loss. But reinforcements coming to his aid the enemy was driven back behind the defenses. General Grant now ordered General Smith to assault the works on the left. Col. J. G. Lauman, of the Seventh Iowa, commanded the brigade, composed of the Second, Seventh, and Fourteenth Iowa regiments, with the Twenty-fifth and Fifty-second Indiana, and this made up the storming party. Colonel Tuttle led the Second in the advance. The rebel works were 500 yards distant on a hill, obstructed with abatis. At 2 o'clock the line moved to the assault and met with a terrific fire of artillery and infantry. Not a man faltered; on they moved, as the ranks were thinned by the deadly missiles which smote them like hail, but they carried the outer works which they held, sleeping upon their arms as night came on. The confederates now saw that the fort was doomed, and during the night Pillow and Floyd fled with some of their troops on a steamer up the river. In the morning General Buckner surrendered the fort, his army of 13,000 men, sixty-five cannon, 20,000 stand of arms, and a vast quantity of stores. The Twelfth Iowa also took an active part in the battle, making four Iowa regiments which shared in the glory of the greatest union victory of the war up to that time. General Halleck sent the following dispatch to Adjutant-General Baker: "The Second Iowa infantry proved themselves the bravest of the brave; they had the honor of leading the column which entered Fort Donelson." Corp. V. P. Twombly, of Company F, the color-bearer, planted the flag on the captured fort.

Of the 630 officers and privates who led this heroic charge, forty-one were slain and 157 wounded. The great victory at Fort Donelson revived the hopes of the union cause everywhere, and was received with great rejoicing throughout the north. It wiped out the stigma at Bull Run and again showed the valor of western soldiers. The Second Iowa went from Donelson to Pittsburg Landing, and on the 6th and 7th of April did gallant service in the great battle of Shiloh, where it lost more than seventy men. The next battle in which this regiment took part was at Corinth on the 3d and 4th of October. Colonel Tuttle had been promoted brigadier-general; James Baker, colonel; N. W. Mills, lieutenant-colonel, and James B. Weaver, major. The Second did gallant service in this desperate battle and lost nearly one-third of its number engaged. Among the mortally wounded were its colonel, James Baker, and Lieut.-Col. N. W. Mills, who fell while leading in the thickest of the fight On the 13th of October, James B. Weaver was promoted to colonel and took command of the regiment, and it became a part of General Sherman's army, that made the great march to the sea, always doing excellent service on that famous campaign.

SOURCE, Benjamin F. Gue, Biographies And Portraits Of The Progressive Men Of Iowa, Volume 1, p. 91

Lauman’s Brigade Position Marker: Fort Donelson National Battlefield

U. S. A.

BRIGADIER GENERAL CHARLES F. SMITH’S DIVISION

COLONEL JACOB G. LAUMAN’S BRIGADE

2D IOWA.  COLONEL JAMES M. TUTTLE

7TH IOWA.  LIEUT. COLONEL JAMES C. PARROTT

14TH IOWA. COLONEL WILLIAM T. SHAW

16TH MISSIOURI.  LIEUT. COLONEL BENJAMIN S COMPTON

25TH INDIANA.  COLONEL JAMES C. VEATCH

On February 15, 1862, about 2 P. M., this brigade received orders to assault the extreme right of the Confederate position.  The 2d Iowa let the attack and was closely followed by the 52d Indiana, temporarily attached to this brigade.  The 25^th Indiana, 7^th and 14^th Iowa regiments were in support.  The 16^th Missouri, deployed as skirmishers on the right and left of the line, covered the flanks during the attack, crossing the ravine.  The left wing of the 2d Iowa advanced steadily up the opposite hill and reached these rifle pits without firing a shot.  On reaching the works the regiment found the small Confederate garrison in retreat.  It opened fire upon the retreating foe, and awaited the arrival of the right wing.  Whereupon the regiment followed in hot pursuit.  In the meantime, the Confederates received reinforcements and counterattacked to recover the lost position.  Failing in this, they were content to retain possession of the ridge about 400 yards east and over looking these trenches which remained in federal hands.

Detail view: click photo to enlarge.

Latest from Fort Henry

Special to Chicago Journal

FORT HENRY, Tenn., Feb. 9.

A detachment of Cavalry, some 250 strong, hand an engagement to-day about seven miles east of Fort Henry, on the road to Fort Donaldson [sic]. The Union troops were under command of Major Mudd, of the 2d Illinois cavalry. Carson and Brink, of Grant’s Staff, were in the engagement. Five rebels were left dead on the field. Thirty prisoners and thirty horses were captured. One man of the 2d cavalry was wounded.

The 49th Illinois and the 52 Indiana regiments arrived here to-day.

A detachment of the 32d Illinois regiment yesterday evening destroyed a portion of the Louisville, Clarksville and Memphis Railroad. The road is incapacitated for rebel transportation for the present.

Captain Lagon, of General Grant’s Staff, brought down five wagons and other [property]. The rebel camp at the railroad bridge had been previously evacuated.


SECOND DISPATCH

FORT HENRY, Feb. 10.

This morning a box of cartridges exploded in one of the tents of the infantry encamped near the parapet. The arm of one of one of the privates was broken.

Nineteen dead bodies of rebels are reported to have been found in one of the trenches of Fort Henry. Our troops captured, near the railroad bridge, a thousand dollars worth of hides and twelve boxes of beef, and the telegraph office batteries at Danville.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 13, 1862, p. 1

From Cairo and Fort Henry

Special to Chicago Journal

CAIRO, Feb. 8.

News has been received from Fort Henry up to twelve o’clock yesterday. The gunboats Conestoga and Tyler, which were up the Tennessee river when I left, had returned. They went up some distance towards the bridge of the Clarksville and Memphis Railroad, and reported the enemy in considerable force north of the bridge. – A large land force was just starting from the fort.

General Smith has captured the tents, ammunition and camp equipage of ten rebel regiments opposite Fort Henry, on the heights on the west side of the river.

Three regiments arrived here by river from St. Louis, last night, on the City of Memphis. The Fifty-second Indiana, Colonel Smith, and four batteries of the Second Illinois Artillery, under Major Stolbrand, arrived by rail this morning. You may expect other victories soon.

A company of the seventh Illinois cavalry, under Captain Brakeman, had an engagement near Bloomfield, Mo., with rebel cavalry, day before yesterday, killing two and taking thirty prisoners. Our loss was one killed and two wounded accidently. I go up the river to-night.

The Prima Donna arrived yesterday, from Pittsburg, with four hundred tons of munitions of war, including four thousand thirteen-inch shells.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

Various Items of Interest

CINCINNATI, Jan. 8.

Specials to the Commercial and Gazette say that Gen. Nelson’s division left New Haven on Thursday, and advanced to Green River above Munfordsville. Gen. Thomas’ advance is at Monticello, and cannot proceed further on account of the roads. The country is deserted.

The expulsion of Bright gave great joy at Indianapolis. The 48th and 52d Indiana have gone to Cairo.

Assistant Secretary of War Scott was at Indianapolis Thursday, on an official visit, and left for Kentucky yesterday.

Gen. Wallace’s division has left Smithland for Ft. Donelson on the Cumberland.

On receipt of the news of the capture of Ft. Henry, the Ohio Senate adjourned.

The rumor that Gen. McClellan had been superceded [sic] in the chief command caused much excitement at Columbus.

Resolutions calling on the Government for active and earnest warfare, will be offered in the House.

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