The official records of the office of the Adjutant General of Iowa show that the ten companies composing the Eleventh Regiment were ordered into quarters by the Governor on dates ranging from August 20 to September 23, 1861. The designated rendezvous was Camp McClellan, near Davenport, Iowa, and there, on dates ranging from September 14 to October 19, 1861, the ten companies, with the field and staff and company officers, were mustered into the service of the United States for the term of three years, by Capt. Alexander Chambers of the United States Army. The total number — rank and file — at muster in was 922. The regiment was one of the number required to complete the quota of the State of Iowa, under the proclamation of the President, dated July 23, 1861.
The names of its first field and staff and company officers will be found in the subjoined roster, and the subsequent changes, resulting from death, disease, discharge, or whatever cause, will be found noted in the roster which follows, arranged in alphabetical order, with the record of personal service opposite the name of each officer and enlisted man, in so far as such could be obtained from the official records.
The reader is referred to the introductory article to this volume for explanation of the difficulties encountered in the compilation of these rosters. There is no doubt that in some of these personal records errors have occurred, but in all such cases the official records have been followed, and those in charge of the work have used every effort to obtain the necessary information to make corrections. Such errors and incomplete records as may be found must therefore be attributed to the fact that the desired information could not be obtained.
The regimental records show that the regiment was well armed, clothed and equipped before leaving the State, and that it had made some progress in drill and in learning the duties of the soldier while at Camp McClellan. November 16th the regiment embarked at Davenport on the good steamer "Jennie Whipple," and proceeded to St. Louis, arriving there on the 19th, and going into quarters at the camp of instruction in Benton Barracks. Here it remained until December 8th, receiving instruction in drill and camp duties, in which it became fairly proficient before taking the field for active service against the enemy. It left St. Louis December 9, 1861, and from that date was engaged in a winter campaign, and suffered much from hardship and exposure. It went first to Jefferson City, then up the Missouri river to Boonville, from which point it sent out scouting parties, but only found small bodies of the enemy, which, being mounted and familiar with the country, scattered upon the approach of the Union troops. The regiment soon returned to Jefferson City.
On December 23d a detachment of five companies was sent by rail to California, Mo., under command of Lieutenant Colonel Hall. The other five companies, under command of Colonel Hare, went to Fulton, Mo. While the records do not show any official report of the operations of these two detachments during the remainder of the winter, and while no event of special importance seems to have transpired, the service performed was important, because of the fact that the presence of these Union troops, and others stationed at different points in Missouri, insured protection to the lives and property of Union citizens. A large number of rebel soldiers had been raised in that state, and had Joined the rebel army then in camp on its southwestern border, while small bands infested almost every county, and many depredations were committed notwithstanding the presence of Union troops. Early in March the two detachments of the Eleventh Iowa were ordered to St. Louis and, on March 10, 1862, the regiment was again united, and two days later was being transported by steamboat down the Mississippi to Cairo, and thence up the Ohio and Tennessee rivers to Savannah, Tenn., where it remained until March 23d, and then moved to Pittsburg Landing, and became a part of the great army then being concentrated at that point and destined to soon be engaged in one of the greatest battles of the war. The Eleventh Iowa was assigned to the First Brigade of the First Division of the Army of the Tennessee. Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand commanded the division, and Col. A. M. Hare of the Eleventh Iowa was in command of the First Brigade. Colonel Crocker's regiment, the Thirteenth Iowa, was also attached to this brigade. Early on the morning of April 6, 1862, the firing on the picket lines in front, and to the right and left of the camps of the First Brigade, indicated the advance of the enemy in force, and the long roll called the troops promptly into line. Dispositions to meet the attack were instantly made. As will be seen by the following extracts from official reports, the Eleventh Iowa was detached from its brigade at the very beginning of the battle and during both days received its orders direct from general officers, and that at no time was the regiment directly connected with any other organization during the battle, except Dresser's Battery.
It will be noted that Colonel Hare says, at the beginning of his report as Brigade Commander, that he placed the Eleventh Iowa and the battery on the right of the Second Brigade to form a reserve line, and at the close of his report he says that he did not see his own regiment or the battery after they took the position to which he had assigned them in the morning. Major General McClernand in his official report speaks of the Eleventh Iowa as "being formed as a reserve to support the center and left." That this effort to establish a reserve was properly made, there can be no doubt, but the official report of Lieut. Col. Wm. Hall plainly shows that the effort was futile. As a matter of fact there were no reserve lines in General Grant's army at Shiloh, for the reason that on the first day the superior force of the enemy made It necessary to keep every available man on the firing line, while on the second day, with his re-inforcements, he needed no reserves.
Col. A. M. Hare says, that early on the morning of the 6th, at the first alarm, he formed his brigade in front of their respective encampments, in readiness to move promptly upon the receipt of orders from his division commander. The following extracts from his report show that his own regiment was removed from his command, and constitute the only mention made by him of the part taken by the Eleventh Iowa in the battle.
I received orders about 8 A. M. to move three regiments to the left of the Second Brigade. * * * At the same time I was ordered to form a regiment on the right of the Second Brigade, which position, by my orders, the Eleventh Iowa, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Hall, immediately took, and, with a battery, formed a reserve for the time being. After seeing the order executed, I joined the three regiments at their position on the left, as above stated, and found this portion of my brigade there formed under the fire of the enemy's cannon and musketry.
Colonel Hare then describes in detail the fighting which ensued, and in the concluding part of his report says:
Dresser's Battery, and my own regiment, the Eleventh Iowa, I did not see after they took their position In the morning, but I am satisfied that they behaved with great gallantry, and their reports, herewith submitted, fully attest the bravery with which they acted.
Colonel Hare was severely wounded at 4:30 p. m. on the 6th, and Col. M. M. Crocker, of the Thirteenth Iowa, was left in command of the brigade until the close of the battle on the 7th. At the close of his official report of the conduct of the brigade from the time he assumed command, he says, "Of Dresser's battery and the Eleventh Iowa, I can say nothing, excepting that I found what was left of them in camp upon my return on the evening of the 7th, they having been separated from the brigade during all the time that it was under my command."
Lieut. Col. Wm. Hall, who commanded the Eleventh Iowa, wrote the official report of its conduct in both days of the battle. The following extracts from his report will show how bravely and successfully the regiment fought, and how severely it suffered. Being separated from its brigade, its movements were directed at first by General McClernand, next by General Grant — on the first day — and, on the second day, first by General Grant and, near the close of the battle, by General Hurlbut. Lieutenant Colonel Hall's report to Colonel Hare says in part [see note 1]:
At between 7 and 8 a. m., on the 6th I received orders from you to form my regiment — consisting of an aggregate of 750 officers and men — and march them in close column about two hundred yards to the front, and there await orders, which I did. In about half an hour, I received orders from you to march about one-fourth of a mile to the left, and there form as a reserve. On arriving at the place Indicated, I immediately deployed in line of battle. In a very few moments, I received orders from Major General McClernand to advance to the front, which I did at double quick time for a distance of over a quarter of a mile, my right supporting Dresser's battery, and my left extending along a road to another battery. I had scarcely got into position before the enemy appeared in force, and I opened fire immediately, throwing them into confusion. They soon reformed and opened a very destructive fire of musketry and artillery, which I sustained for nearly two hours, during which time my loss In killed and wounded was very severe. Major Abercrombie, who commanded the right wing, and who rendered me the most gallant and efficient aid, here received a severe wound in the head, which necessitated his retiring from the field; he remained, however, during the time above mentioned. My horse was here shot under me, and I received while on foot a slight wound in my left ankle. A large force of the enemy appearing on my right, and apparently endeavoring to turn It, I received orders to retire, which I did, forming about one hundred yards from the left of the regimental parade ground.
Lieutenant Colonel Hall describes in detail the different positions occupied by his regiment during the remainder of the battle. In the terrible and protracted contest with the enemy in their first position, the men fought until their ammunition was exhausted. General McClernand then ordered another regiment to occupy its place, while the Eleventh Iowa was ordered to the rear long enough to procure a fresh supply of ammunition, when it again proceeded to the front, this time under the personal order and direction of General Grant, and was soon again engaged in fierce conflict with the enemy, at close range. At this point Lieutenant Colonel Hall detailed twelve men from Company G of his regiment to take charge of two abandoned 12pound howitzers, which they used with good effect against the enemy, although they were without training in the handling of artillery. In every position to which it was assigned, the regiment rendered effective service. When darkness ended the fighting of the first day, the regiment lay upon its arms, in line of battle, exposed to the heavy rain which began to fall soon after the firing had ceased, without food but, with undaunted courage, ready to renew the conflict at the coming of daylight. On the morning of the 7th, the regiment was ordered to the front and went into action in support of a battery. It was now the enemy's turn to be driven from one position to another. Late in the afternoon, the enemy was in full retreat, and the battle ended in a complete victory for the Union army.
The regiment returned to its camp, sadly diminished in number, but, while the survivors mourned for their brave comrades lying dead upon that historic battlefield, they rejoiced in the victory won and in the consciousness that the regiment had performed its whole duty. At the close of his report, Lieutenant Colonel Hall commends his officers and men for their bravery and good conduct in the battle, and makes special mention of Capt. John C. Marven, who had not been able for duty for ninety days, and who rose from a sick bed to go into the battle. The gallant First Lieut. John F. Compton of Company E was killed while bravely discharging his duty. The loss of the regiment was as follows: 33 killed, 160 wounded, 1 missing, total 194. Among the gallant wounded were Col. A. M. Hare, Lieut. Col. Wm. Hall, Maj. John C. Abercrombie and Capt. Charles Foster. The long list of killed and wounded cannot be given here, but in the subjoined roster their names, and the names of all the killed and wounded in the subsequent battles in which this gallant regiment engaged, will be found.
Soon after the battle of Shiloh, the regiment was assigned to a brigade composed as follows: the Eleventh, Thirteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth Regiments of Iowa Infantry, under the command of Col. M. M. Crocker of the Thirteenth Iowa. From the date of the organization of this brigade — April 27, 1862 — down to the close of the great War of the Rebellion, these four regiments served together, and, while it was commanded by different officers, it retained the name of "Crocker's Iowa Brigade." It won for itself a reputation that reflected great honor upon its State.
The Eleventh Iowa participated in the advance upon and the siege of Corinth, and, after the evacuation of that rebel stronghold, May 30, 1862, went into camp there. It formed a part of the garrison and assisted in repairing and strengthening the works which had been constructed by the rebels. Corinth was a very important strategic point. Its loss had been a severe blow to the enemy, and the rebel army was being constantly strengthened with a view to its re-capture.
On July 28th, the Eleventh Iowa was ordered to Bolivar, Tenn., where it assisted in constructing defensive works and guarding the railroad. Colonel Hare resigned on account of disability, contracted from wounds and sickness, on the 31st of August, 1862, and Lieutenant Colonel Hall was promoted to Colonel, Major Abercrombie to Lieutenant Colonel and Captain Foster to Major. From Bolivar, the regiment was ordered to Corinth, and thence to Iuka, but, a few days before the battle at the latter place, it was again ordered to Corinth, arriving there just before the battle of the 3d and 4th of October. In these two days of battle, the Eleventh Iowa was for the greater part of the time held in reserve. It was under fire but a short time, but performed its duty to the fullest extent, and received the commendations of Colonel Crocker for full compliance with his orders.
The aggregate losses of the four regiments in the battle were as follows: Eleventh Iowa 21, Thirteenth Iowa 15, Fifteenth Iowa 86, Sixteenth Iowa 27. Total 149. The Fifteenth Iowa, on account of its advanced position, took the brunt of the attack, its loss greatly exceeding the aggregate loss of the other three regiments. In this, as well as each subsequent account of the operations of the Eleventh Iowa, its history is so interwoven with that of the other Iowa regiments composing the brigade that the compiler of this brief sketch finds it necessary to include; — to some extent — the four regiments in his narrative. Crocker's brigade participated actively in the pursuit of the retreating rebel army, and returned to its camp near Corinth on the evening of October 12, 1862. The regiment remained in camp at Corinth until November 2d, when — with its brigade — it marched to Grand Junction, Tenn., where It remained until November 28th, when it started on the expedition under General Grant, through central Mississippi, which failed to accomplish the results expected on account of the capture by the enemy of the garrison at Holly Springs, Miss., together with the immerse store of supplies which General Grant had accumulated there for the subsistence of his army. The regiment endured the hardships incident to the advance and retreat of the army, and arrived at Memphis, Tenn., on the 13th of January, 1863. On January 21st, the regiment — with its brigade — embarked on transports and was conveyed to Young's Point, La. Here it remained until February 8, 1863, and then moved to Lake Providence, La., where it remained until April 21, 1863. Here the brigade was inspected by Gen. Wm. E. Strong, Inspector General Seventeenth Army Corps, who made a carefully detailed report of its condition. It may be confidently asserted that no organization in the Union army was ever more highly commended by an inspecting officer, as the following brief extracts from the report will clearly indicate:
Iowa may well be proud of the Third Brigade of the Sixth Division, Col. M. M. Crocker commanding. It is composed of the following troops, viz.: The Eleventh, Thirteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth Iowa Infantry. It turned out for Inspection 1,935 rank and file. • • • Since I have been a soldier, it has so happened, that I have seen many brigades, of many different army corps, both in the eastern and western armies, but never have I seen a brigade that could compete with this Iowa brigade. I am not prejudiced in the slightest degree. I never saw any of the officers or soldiers of the command until the day when I saw them in line of battle, prepared for inspection. • • • I cannot say that any one regiment of the brigade appeared better than another — they all appeared so well. The Eleventh was the strongest. It had 528 enlisted men, and 20 officers present for duty, the Thirteenth 470 enlisted men and 22 officers, the Fifteenth 428 men and 29 officers, the Sixteenth 405 men and 33 officers. In the entire brigade there was not to exceed a dozen men unable to be present for inspection.
The Eleventh Iowa was now about to enter upon the greatest campaign which had thus far been undertaken. It left Lake Providence on the 23d of April 1863, and, from that time until the surrender of Vicksburg, was actively identified with all the operations of its brigade and division. While the Union army was closing around Vicksburg and preparing for the long siege, the Iowa Brigade was stationed at Grand Gulf, as a temporary garrison, guarding the immense supplies that were being received and forwarded to the main army. May 19th the brigade left Grand Gulf and proceeded up the river, landing on the Louisiana shore two miles below Vicksburg, and marching to Young's Point. From there it went to Haines Bluff on the Yazoo, but soon returned to the landing below Vicksburg, was conveyed from there to Warrenton on transports, and, disembarking, began the march towards the left of the line of investment in rear of Vicksburg. This march was nearly parallel with the right of the rebel line of defenses, and on this part of the line the investment had not been completed. The enemy's pickets were soon encountered and driven in, and the Iowa Brigade took position under the fire of the rebel batteries, while its line of skirmishers engaged in a brisk exchange of shots with the outlying pickets of the enemy.
The brigade occupied different positions along the firing line until May 27th, when it was ordered to join the expedition under Gen. F. P. Blair, against the rebel forces under Gen. J. E. Johnston. On May 30th, the brigade returned from the expedition, having successfully accomplished the duty to which it was assigned, and again took part in the siege operations, sending heavy details into the trenches, and doing effective service. During nine days of this time, the Eleventh Iowa was stationed four miles in rear of the brigade, doing important picket duty. On June 27th, the brigade was moved sixteen miles to the rear of Vicksburg, where It occupied an Important position, ready to repel an expected attack from the enemy, who, it was thought, might attack from the rear, while General Pemberton would bring his army outside the works at Vicksburg and attack the Union army in front, in the hope of raising the siege. This position was occupied until the surrender of Vicksburg, July 4. 1863.
Col. Wm. Hall of the Eleventh Iowa, then commanding the Iowa Brigade, at the close of his official report, describing the operations of the brigade during the campaign, says:
I cannot close this report without bearing testimony to the alacrity, cheerfulness, and gallant bearing, which has been shown by the officers and men of the brigade, through all the various and trying scenes of the late campaign. In long marches, under the heat of a burning southern sun, In skirmishes with the enemy at all points of the line of investment, and with Johnston's troops In the rear, In the rifle pits in front of Vicksburg, either with rifle in hand as sharpshooters, or with spade throwing up additional works, but one feeling appeared to animate them, and that was the desire to do their whole duty.
After the surrender of Vicksburg, and the evacuation of Jackson, the Eleventh Iowa, together with the other troops of its brigade and the army which had been engaged in the great campaign, enjoyed a period of well earned rest.
About the middle of August, the Iowa Brigade, with the Third Division of the Seventeenth Corps and a considerable force of cavalry and artillery, constituting an expeditionary force of about 5000 men, embarked on steamers, moved to Goodrich's Landing, where they landed and began a long and toilsome march into Louisiana, penetrating to Monroe on the Washita River, and returning to Vicksburg on the 3d of September. The results accomplished by this expedition were meager, while the suffering endured by the soldiers engaged in it was very great. Many died from the effects of the hardships to which they were subjected and many never fully recovered from the diseases contracted while passing through that malarious region during the hottest days of the summer.
Upon its return from the expedition, the brigade went into camp, where it remained until early in February, 1864, when it participated in the famous Meridian expedition with the army commanded by General Sherman. Although this expedition was conducted in midwinter, and the men were without tents, and subsisted almost wholly upon the country through which they passed, they suffered less than they did on the Louisiana expedition, while the results accomplished were of very great importance. Before starting upon the Meridian expedition, a majority of the men of the Eleventh Iowa had re-enlisted for another term of three years, and had earned the title of veterans. Early in March, the veteran organization was granted a furlough of 30 days, to begin after reaching the State of Iowa. They embarked at Vicksburg on the steamer "Continental" which conveyed them to Davenport, Iowa, from which place they departed for their respective homes.
On the 22d of April, 1864, the veterans of the regiment again assembled at Davenport. Many recruits had joined them, and, with its ranks thus greatly strengthened, the regiment at once proceeded upon its long journey to the front. At Cairo, Ill., transports were waiting to convey it to Clifton, Tenn., at which place it landed, and started on the long march across Tennessee and Alabama and on to the mountains of Georgia, where it joined the army under General Sherman, then engaged in one of the most remarkable campaigns in the military history of the world. The Iowa Brigade was now re-united — the other three regiments having returned from veteran furlough — and joined the army at Ackworth, Ga., on June 8, 1864.
In this campaign, the Eleventh Iowa first came under fire at Kenesaw Mountain. After the enemy had been driven from that stronghold, on the night of July 2d, the regiment, with the Iowa Brigade, participated in the operations at Marietta, and on across the Chattahoochee river and Nick-a-jack, and still on, until the enemy was encountered in strong force in front of Atlanta. The official records fully sustain the following statement of that gifted writer, L. D. Ingersoll:
It would involve needless repetition were I to narrate the complete history of the Eleventh regiment through the remainder of this campaign, of which it is hardly too much to say, that as characterizing the whole of it, every hour saw a skirmish, and every day a battle. Engaged in the bloodiest encounters that distinguished the campaign, the veteran Eleventh everywhere acquitted Itself with honor, and sealed Its devotion to the cause for which it fought with the lives and blood of many as gallant men as ever shouldered a musket or drew a sword. The losses in the regiment during the campaign — at Kenesaw, Nickajack Creek, in the combats and battles before Atlanta, on the 20th, 21st and 22d days of July, in the siege and during the flanking movements, from the 8th of June to the 5th of September, when the great prize fell into our possession, numbered 218 killed, wounded and prisoners, being half the available strength of the regiment.
Lieut. Col. J. C. Abercrombie, in his official report of the part taken by his regiment on the 22d day of July, 1864, says in part, "It is highly gratifying to report that the officers and men of the regiment did their duty gallantly and faithfully throughout. I would mention, as among those entitled to favorable notice, Capt. John W. Anderson, who with a part of his company, and a number of scattering men, successfully held the small fort on the hill, while the enemy were assaulting it in strong force. The loss of that fort would have meant disaster to us." He makes favorable mention of First Lieutenant and Acting Adjutant B. W. Prescott, Major Charles Foster, who was wounded early in the battle and subsequently died from the effect of his wound; Captain Neal, who was killed by grape shot late in the afternoon at the fort; First Lieutenant Caldwell, killed; First Lieutenant Pfoutz, wounded; Second Lieutenant Wylie, wounded; Captains Barr and Rose and First Lieutenant Cassell, missing and supposed to have been wounded and captured. He also commends the gallant conduct of Sergeant Major John G. Safley, who was wounded, and First Sergeant John A. Buck, who was killed. These men led a party of volunteers who made a dash over the works held by the rebels, bringing back more than their own number as prisoners, among them a colonel and a captain. A confederate flag was captured by Private Haworth, and the banner of the Forty-fifth Alabama regiment was captured by Private Siberts. The Eleventh Iowa captured during the battle 93 prisoners. Its aggregate loss was 137. This was its severest battle of the campaign. The fighting, on both sides, was of the most determined and desperate character, in many instances hand to hand. The record of conspicuous acts of personal bravery would alone be sufficient to fill many pages, did space permit.
After the fall of Atlanta, the Eleventh Iowa had several weeks of rest in camp. It then joined in the pursuit of Hood's army into northwestern Alabama. By the middle of November it returned to Atlanta, and, when the great march to the sea began, the regiment, with its brigade, was in its place in line. Arrived at Savannah, another period of several weeks of rest and recreation was enjoyed.
Early in 1865, the regiment, with its brigade, embarked for the short voyage on the Atlantic to Beaufort, S. C, and from that place again took up the line of march for the North. In this closing campaign of the war — noted for the great hardships endured by the troops upon the long and toilsome march, the skirmishes and conflicts with the retreating rebel army, which was compelled to surrender when successful resistance was no longer possible — the Eleventh Iowa performed its full share of duty. After the surrender of Johnston's army at Raleigh, N. C., the Union troops marched on to Washington. Arriving there it went into camp, and, when the veteran troops of the Army of the Tennessee marched down Pennsylvania Avenue, no State was more proudly represented in that grand marching column of war worn and battle scarred veterans than Iowa, and among all the Iowa regiments none presented a more soldierly appearance or received greater honor from the cheering multitude than the Eleventh Iowa and its associate organizations in the old Iowa Brigade.
From Washington the regiment proceeded by rail and steamboat to Louisville, Ky., where it was mustered out of the service of the United States on the 15th day of July, 1865. From Louisville, the regiment was sent to Davenport, Iowa. The citizens of this good city had witnessed the departure of the regiment for the war, had welcomed it upon its return on furlough as a veteran organization, had again witnessed its departure for the field after the brief visit of its officers and men at their homes, and they now extended a cordial and enthusiastic welcome to these war worn heroes, in response to which Col. William Hall, then broken in health and scarcely able to stand, said, "I cannot stand long enough to make a speech, I can only say to the citizens of Davenport, In response to the warm and generous welcome that they have extended to my comrades of the Eleventh Iowa, and myself, that the record we have made as good soldiers from the State of Iowa, while fighting in defense of our common country, will be duplicated by the record we shall make as good citizens, when we shall have returned to our homes and loved ones."
The regiment was then disbanded, and the veterans were soon on their way to their respective homes, there to receive the glad welcome of their families, friends and neighbors, and to make good the pledge of their old commander, in the record of good and faithful citizenship, which they established and maintained.
The compiler of this brief and imperfect sketch salutes those who still survive, and congratulates them upon having belonged to a military organization which made a record second to none of the splendid regiments which the State of Iowa sent to the field. A large majority of their comrades have answered the last roll call, and not many years can elapse until the last survivor will have answered the summons, and none will be left to recount the story of their suffering and their triumph; but, so long as the grand Republic for which they fought shall live, their names and their brave deeds will be remembered by a grateful people.
SUMMARY OP CASUALTIES.
Total Enrollment 1297
Killed 58
Wounded 234
Died of wounds 27
Died of disease 154
Discharged for wounds, disease and other causes 179
Buried in National Cemeteries Ill
Transferred 42
[Note 1.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 10, Page 130.
SOURCE: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Volume 2, p. 275-83
The names of its first field and staff and company officers will be found in the subjoined roster, and the subsequent changes, resulting from death, disease, discharge, or whatever cause, will be found noted in the roster which follows, arranged in alphabetical order, with the record of personal service opposite the name of each officer and enlisted man, in so far as such could be obtained from the official records.
The reader is referred to the introductory article to this volume for explanation of the difficulties encountered in the compilation of these rosters. There is no doubt that in some of these personal records errors have occurred, but in all such cases the official records have been followed, and those in charge of the work have used every effort to obtain the necessary information to make corrections. Such errors and incomplete records as may be found must therefore be attributed to the fact that the desired information could not be obtained.
The regimental records show that the regiment was well armed, clothed and equipped before leaving the State, and that it had made some progress in drill and in learning the duties of the soldier while at Camp McClellan. November 16th the regiment embarked at Davenport on the good steamer "Jennie Whipple," and proceeded to St. Louis, arriving there on the 19th, and going into quarters at the camp of instruction in Benton Barracks. Here it remained until December 8th, receiving instruction in drill and camp duties, in which it became fairly proficient before taking the field for active service against the enemy. It left St. Louis December 9, 1861, and from that date was engaged in a winter campaign, and suffered much from hardship and exposure. It went first to Jefferson City, then up the Missouri river to Boonville, from which point it sent out scouting parties, but only found small bodies of the enemy, which, being mounted and familiar with the country, scattered upon the approach of the Union troops. The regiment soon returned to Jefferson City.
On December 23d a detachment of five companies was sent by rail to California, Mo., under command of Lieutenant Colonel Hall. The other five companies, under command of Colonel Hare, went to Fulton, Mo. While the records do not show any official report of the operations of these two detachments during the remainder of the winter, and while no event of special importance seems to have transpired, the service performed was important, because of the fact that the presence of these Union troops, and others stationed at different points in Missouri, insured protection to the lives and property of Union citizens. A large number of rebel soldiers had been raised in that state, and had Joined the rebel army then in camp on its southwestern border, while small bands infested almost every county, and many depredations were committed notwithstanding the presence of Union troops. Early in March the two detachments of the Eleventh Iowa were ordered to St. Louis and, on March 10, 1862, the regiment was again united, and two days later was being transported by steamboat down the Mississippi to Cairo, and thence up the Ohio and Tennessee rivers to Savannah, Tenn., where it remained until March 23d, and then moved to Pittsburg Landing, and became a part of the great army then being concentrated at that point and destined to soon be engaged in one of the greatest battles of the war. The Eleventh Iowa was assigned to the First Brigade of the First Division of the Army of the Tennessee. Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand commanded the division, and Col. A. M. Hare of the Eleventh Iowa was in command of the First Brigade. Colonel Crocker's regiment, the Thirteenth Iowa, was also attached to this brigade. Early on the morning of April 6, 1862, the firing on the picket lines in front, and to the right and left of the camps of the First Brigade, indicated the advance of the enemy in force, and the long roll called the troops promptly into line. Dispositions to meet the attack were instantly made. As will be seen by the following extracts from official reports, the Eleventh Iowa was detached from its brigade at the very beginning of the battle and during both days received its orders direct from general officers, and that at no time was the regiment directly connected with any other organization during the battle, except Dresser's Battery.
It will be noted that Colonel Hare says, at the beginning of his report as Brigade Commander, that he placed the Eleventh Iowa and the battery on the right of the Second Brigade to form a reserve line, and at the close of his report he says that he did not see his own regiment or the battery after they took the position to which he had assigned them in the morning. Major General McClernand in his official report speaks of the Eleventh Iowa as "being formed as a reserve to support the center and left." That this effort to establish a reserve was properly made, there can be no doubt, but the official report of Lieut. Col. Wm. Hall plainly shows that the effort was futile. As a matter of fact there were no reserve lines in General Grant's army at Shiloh, for the reason that on the first day the superior force of the enemy made It necessary to keep every available man on the firing line, while on the second day, with his re-inforcements, he needed no reserves.
Col. A. M. Hare says, that early on the morning of the 6th, at the first alarm, he formed his brigade in front of their respective encampments, in readiness to move promptly upon the receipt of orders from his division commander. The following extracts from his report show that his own regiment was removed from his command, and constitute the only mention made by him of the part taken by the Eleventh Iowa in the battle.
I received orders about 8 A. M. to move three regiments to the left of the Second Brigade. * * * At the same time I was ordered to form a regiment on the right of the Second Brigade, which position, by my orders, the Eleventh Iowa, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Hall, immediately took, and, with a battery, formed a reserve for the time being. After seeing the order executed, I joined the three regiments at their position on the left, as above stated, and found this portion of my brigade there formed under the fire of the enemy's cannon and musketry.
Colonel Hare then describes in detail the fighting which ensued, and in the concluding part of his report says:
Dresser's Battery, and my own regiment, the Eleventh Iowa, I did not see after they took their position In the morning, but I am satisfied that they behaved with great gallantry, and their reports, herewith submitted, fully attest the bravery with which they acted.
Colonel Hare was severely wounded at 4:30 p. m. on the 6th, and Col. M. M. Crocker, of the Thirteenth Iowa, was left in command of the brigade until the close of the battle on the 7th. At the close of his official report of the conduct of the brigade from the time he assumed command, he says, "Of Dresser's battery and the Eleventh Iowa, I can say nothing, excepting that I found what was left of them in camp upon my return on the evening of the 7th, they having been separated from the brigade during all the time that it was under my command."
Lieut. Col. Wm. Hall, who commanded the Eleventh Iowa, wrote the official report of its conduct in both days of the battle. The following extracts from his report will show how bravely and successfully the regiment fought, and how severely it suffered. Being separated from its brigade, its movements were directed at first by General McClernand, next by General Grant — on the first day — and, on the second day, first by General Grant and, near the close of the battle, by General Hurlbut. Lieutenant Colonel Hall's report to Colonel Hare says in part [see note 1]:
At between 7 and 8 a. m., on the 6th I received orders from you to form my regiment — consisting of an aggregate of 750 officers and men — and march them in close column about two hundred yards to the front, and there await orders, which I did. In about half an hour, I received orders from you to march about one-fourth of a mile to the left, and there form as a reserve. On arriving at the place Indicated, I immediately deployed in line of battle. In a very few moments, I received orders from Major General McClernand to advance to the front, which I did at double quick time for a distance of over a quarter of a mile, my right supporting Dresser's battery, and my left extending along a road to another battery. I had scarcely got into position before the enemy appeared in force, and I opened fire immediately, throwing them into confusion. They soon reformed and opened a very destructive fire of musketry and artillery, which I sustained for nearly two hours, during which time my loss In killed and wounded was very severe. Major Abercrombie, who commanded the right wing, and who rendered me the most gallant and efficient aid, here received a severe wound in the head, which necessitated his retiring from the field; he remained, however, during the time above mentioned. My horse was here shot under me, and I received while on foot a slight wound in my left ankle. A large force of the enemy appearing on my right, and apparently endeavoring to turn It, I received orders to retire, which I did, forming about one hundred yards from the left of the regimental parade ground.
Lieutenant Colonel Hall describes in detail the different positions occupied by his regiment during the remainder of the battle. In the terrible and protracted contest with the enemy in their first position, the men fought until their ammunition was exhausted. General McClernand then ordered another regiment to occupy its place, while the Eleventh Iowa was ordered to the rear long enough to procure a fresh supply of ammunition, when it again proceeded to the front, this time under the personal order and direction of General Grant, and was soon again engaged in fierce conflict with the enemy, at close range. At this point Lieutenant Colonel Hall detailed twelve men from Company G of his regiment to take charge of two abandoned 12pound howitzers, which they used with good effect against the enemy, although they were without training in the handling of artillery. In every position to which it was assigned, the regiment rendered effective service. When darkness ended the fighting of the first day, the regiment lay upon its arms, in line of battle, exposed to the heavy rain which began to fall soon after the firing had ceased, without food but, with undaunted courage, ready to renew the conflict at the coming of daylight. On the morning of the 7th, the regiment was ordered to the front and went into action in support of a battery. It was now the enemy's turn to be driven from one position to another. Late in the afternoon, the enemy was in full retreat, and the battle ended in a complete victory for the Union army.
The regiment returned to its camp, sadly diminished in number, but, while the survivors mourned for their brave comrades lying dead upon that historic battlefield, they rejoiced in the victory won and in the consciousness that the regiment had performed its whole duty. At the close of his report, Lieutenant Colonel Hall commends his officers and men for their bravery and good conduct in the battle, and makes special mention of Capt. John C. Marven, who had not been able for duty for ninety days, and who rose from a sick bed to go into the battle. The gallant First Lieut. John F. Compton of Company E was killed while bravely discharging his duty. The loss of the regiment was as follows: 33 killed, 160 wounded, 1 missing, total 194. Among the gallant wounded were Col. A. M. Hare, Lieut. Col. Wm. Hall, Maj. John C. Abercrombie and Capt. Charles Foster. The long list of killed and wounded cannot be given here, but in the subjoined roster their names, and the names of all the killed and wounded in the subsequent battles in which this gallant regiment engaged, will be found.
Soon after the battle of Shiloh, the regiment was assigned to a brigade composed as follows: the Eleventh, Thirteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth Regiments of Iowa Infantry, under the command of Col. M. M. Crocker of the Thirteenth Iowa. From the date of the organization of this brigade — April 27, 1862 — down to the close of the great War of the Rebellion, these four regiments served together, and, while it was commanded by different officers, it retained the name of "Crocker's Iowa Brigade." It won for itself a reputation that reflected great honor upon its State.
The Eleventh Iowa participated in the advance upon and the siege of Corinth, and, after the evacuation of that rebel stronghold, May 30, 1862, went into camp there. It formed a part of the garrison and assisted in repairing and strengthening the works which had been constructed by the rebels. Corinth was a very important strategic point. Its loss had been a severe blow to the enemy, and the rebel army was being constantly strengthened with a view to its re-capture.
On July 28th, the Eleventh Iowa was ordered to Bolivar, Tenn., where it assisted in constructing defensive works and guarding the railroad. Colonel Hare resigned on account of disability, contracted from wounds and sickness, on the 31st of August, 1862, and Lieutenant Colonel Hall was promoted to Colonel, Major Abercrombie to Lieutenant Colonel and Captain Foster to Major. From Bolivar, the regiment was ordered to Corinth, and thence to Iuka, but, a few days before the battle at the latter place, it was again ordered to Corinth, arriving there just before the battle of the 3d and 4th of October. In these two days of battle, the Eleventh Iowa was for the greater part of the time held in reserve. It was under fire but a short time, but performed its duty to the fullest extent, and received the commendations of Colonel Crocker for full compliance with his orders.
The aggregate losses of the four regiments in the battle were as follows: Eleventh Iowa 21, Thirteenth Iowa 15, Fifteenth Iowa 86, Sixteenth Iowa 27. Total 149. The Fifteenth Iowa, on account of its advanced position, took the brunt of the attack, its loss greatly exceeding the aggregate loss of the other three regiments. In this, as well as each subsequent account of the operations of the Eleventh Iowa, its history is so interwoven with that of the other Iowa regiments composing the brigade that the compiler of this brief sketch finds it necessary to include; — to some extent — the four regiments in his narrative. Crocker's brigade participated actively in the pursuit of the retreating rebel army, and returned to its camp near Corinth on the evening of October 12, 1862. The regiment remained in camp at Corinth until November 2d, when — with its brigade — it marched to Grand Junction, Tenn., where It remained until November 28th, when it started on the expedition under General Grant, through central Mississippi, which failed to accomplish the results expected on account of the capture by the enemy of the garrison at Holly Springs, Miss., together with the immerse store of supplies which General Grant had accumulated there for the subsistence of his army. The regiment endured the hardships incident to the advance and retreat of the army, and arrived at Memphis, Tenn., on the 13th of January, 1863. On January 21st, the regiment — with its brigade — embarked on transports and was conveyed to Young's Point, La. Here it remained until February 8, 1863, and then moved to Lake Providence, La., where it remained until April 21, 1863. Here the brigade was inspected by Gen. Wm. E. Strong, Inspector General Seventeenth Army Corps, who made a carefully detailed report of its condition. It may be confidently asserted that no organization in the Union army was ever more highly commended by an inspecting officer, as the following brief extracts from the report will clearly indicate:
Iowa may well be proud of the Third Brigade of the Sixth Division, Col. M. M. Crocker commanding. It is composed of the following troops, viz.: The Eleventh, Thirteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth Iowa Infantry. It turned out for Inspection 1,935 rank and file. • • • Since I have been a soldier, it has so happened, that I have seen many brigades, of many different army corps, both in the eastern and western armies, but never have I seen a brigade that could compete with this Iowa brigade. I am not prejudiced in the slightest degree. I never saw any of the officers or soldiers of the command until the day when I saw them in line of battle, prepared for inspection. • • • I cannot say that any one regiment of the brigade appeared better than another — they all appeared so well. The Eleventh was the strongest. It had 528 enlisted men, and 20 officers present for duty, the Thirteenth 470 enlisted men and 22 officers, the Fifteenth 428 men and 29 officers, the Sixteenth 405 men and 33 officers. In the entire brigade there was not to exceed a dozen men unable to be present for inspection.
The Eleventh Iowa was now about to enter upon the greatest campaign which had thus far been undertaken. It left Lake Providence on the 23d of April 1863, and, from that time until the surrender of Vicksburg, was actively identified with all the operations of its brigade and division. While the Union army was closing around Vicksburg and preparing for the long siege, the Iowa Brigade was stationed at Grand Gulf, as a temporary garrison, guarding the immense supplies that were being received and forwarded to the main army. May 19th the brigade left Grand Gulf and proceeded up the river, landing on the Louisiana shore two miles below Vicksburg, and marching to Young's Point. From there it went to Haines Bluff on the Yazoo, but soon returned to the landing below Vicksburg, was conveyed from there to Warrenton on transports, and, disembarking, began the march towards the left of the line of investment in rear of Vicksburg. This march was nearly parallel with the right of the rebel line of defenses, and on this part of the line the investment had not been completed. The enemy's pickets were soon encountered and driven in, and the Iowa Brigade took position under the fire of the rebel batteries, while its line of skirmishers engaged in a brisk exchange of shots with the outlying pickets of the enemy.
The brigade occupied different positions along the firing line until May 27th, when it was ordered to join the expedition under Gen. F. P. Blair, against the rebel forces under Gen. J. E. Johnston. On May 30th, the brigade returned from the expedition, having successfully accomplished the duty to which it was assigned, and again took part in the siege operations, sending heavy details into the trenches, and doing effective service. During nine days of this time, the Eleventh Iowa was stationed four miles in rear of the brigade, doing important picket duty. On June 27th, the brigade was moved sixteen miles to the rear of Vicksburg, where It occupied an Important position, ready to repel an expected attack from the enemy, who, it was thought, might attack from the rear, while General Pemberton would bring his army outside the works at Vicksburg and attack the Union army in front, in the hope of raising the siege. This position was occupied until the surrender of Vicksburg, July 4. 1863.
Col. Wm. Hall of the Eleventh Iowa, then commanding the Iowa Brigade, at the close of his official report, describing the operations of the brigade during the campaign, says:
I cannot close this report without bearing testimony to the alacrity, cheerfulness, and gallant bearing, which has been shown by the officers and men of the brigade, through all the various and trying scenes of the late campaign. In long marches, under the heat of a burning southern sun, In skirmishes with the enemy at all points of the line of investment, and with Johnston's troops In the rear, In the rifle pits in front of Vicksburg, either with rifle in hand as sharpshooters, or with spade throwing up additional works, but one feeling appeared to animate them, and that was the desire to do their whole duty.
After the surrender of Vicksburg, and the evacuation of Jackson, the Eleventh Iowa, together with the other troops of its brigade and the army which had been engaged in the great campaign, enjoyed a period of well earned rest.
About the middle of August, the Iowa Brigade, with the Third Division of the Seventeenth Corps and a considerable force of cavalry and artillery, constituting an expeditionary force of about 5000 men, embarked on steamers, moved to Goodrich's Landing, where they landed and began a long and toilsome march into Louisiana, penetrating to Monroe on the Washita River, and returning to Vicksburg on the 3d of September. The results accomplished by this expedition were meager, while the suffering endured by the soldiers engaged in it was very great. Many died from the effects of the hardships to which they were subjected and many never fully recovered from the diseases contracted while passing through that malarious region during the hottest days of the summer.
Upon its return from the expedition, the brigade went into camp, where it remained until early in February, 1864, when it participated in the famous Meridian expedition with the army commanded by General Sherman. Although this expedition was conducted in midwinter, and the men were without tents, and subsisted almost wholly upon the country through which they passed, they suffered less than they did on the Louisiana expedition, while the results accomplished were of very great importance. Before starting upon the Meridian expedition, a majority of the men of the Eleventh Iowa had re-enlisted for another term of three years, and had earned the title of veterans. Early in March, the veteran organization was granted a furlough of 30 days, to begin after reaching the State of Iowa. They embarked at Vicksburg on the steamer "Continental" which conveyed them to Davenport, Iowa, from which place they departed for their respective homes.
On the 22d of April, 1864, the veterans of the regiment again assembled at Davenport. Many recruits had joined them, and, with its ranks thus greatly strengthened, the regiment at once proceeded upon its long journey to the front. At Cairo, Ill., transports were waiting to convey it to Clifton, Tenn., at which place it landed, and started on the long march across Tennessee and Alabama and on to the mountains of Georgia, where it joined the army under General Sherman, then engaged in one of the most remarkable campaigns in the military history of the world. The Iowa Brigade was now re-united — the other three regiments having returned from veteran furlough — and joined the army at Ackworth, Ga., on June 8, 1864.
In this campaign, the Eleventh Iowa first came under fire at Kenesaw Mountain. After the enemy had been driven from that stronghold, on the night of July 2d, the regiment, with the Iowa Brigade, participated in the operations at Marietta, and on across the Chattahoochee river and Nick-a-jack, and still on, until the enemy was encountered in strong force in front of Atlanta. The official records fully sustain the following statement of that gifted writer, L. D. Ingersoll:
It would involve needless repetition were I to narrate the complete history of the Eleventh regiment through the remainder of this campaign, of which it is hardly too much to say, that as characterizing the whole of it, every hour saw a skirmish, and every day a battle. Engaged in the bloodiest encounters that distinguished the campaign, the veteran Eleventh everywhere acquitted Itself with honor, and sealed Its devotion to the cause for which it fought with the lives and blood of many as gallant men as ever shouldered a musket or drew a sword. The losses in the regiment during the campaign — at Kenesaw, Nickajack Creek, in the combats and battles before Atlanta, on the 20th, 21st and 22d days of July, in the siege and during the flanking movements, from the 8th of June to the 5th of September, when the great prize fell into our possession, numbered 218 killed, wounded and prisoners, being half the available strength of the regiment.
Lieut. Col. J. C. Abercrombie, in his official report of the part taken by his regiment on the 22d day of July, 1864, says in part, "It is highly gratifying to report that the officers and men of the regiment did their duty gallantly and faithfully throughout. I would mention, as among those entitled to favorable notice, Capt. John W. Anderson, who with a part of his company, and a number of scattering men, successfully held the small fort on the hill, while the enemy were assaulting it in strong force. The loss of that fort would have meant disaster to us." He makes favorable mention of First Lieutenant and Acting Adjutant B. W. Prescott, Major Charles Foster, who was wounded early in the battle and subsequently died from the effect of his wound; Captain Neal, who was killed by grape shot late in the afternoon at the fort; First Lieutenant Caldwell, killed; First Lieutenant Pfoutz, wounded; Second Lieutenant Wylie, wounded; Captains Barr and Rose and First Lieutenant Cassell, missing and supposed to have been wounded and captured. He also commends the gallant conduct of Sergeant Major John G. Safley, who was wounded, and First Sergeant John A. Buck, who was killed. These men led a party of volunteers who made a dash over the works held by the rebels, bringing back more than their own number as prisoners, among them a colonel and a captain. A confederate flag was captured by Private Haworth, and the banner of the Forty-fifth Alabama regiment was captured by Private Siberts. The Eleventh Iowa captured during the battle 93 prisoners. Its aggregate loss was 137. This was its severest battle of the campaign. The fighting, on both sides, was of the most determined and desperate character, in many instances hand to hand. The record of conspicuous acts of personal bravery would alone be sufficient to fill many pages, did space permit.
After the fall of Atlanta, the Eleventh Iowa had several weeks of rest in camp. It then joined in the pursuit of Hood's army into northwestern Alabama. By the middle of November it returned to Atlanta, and, when the great march to the sea began, the regiment, with its brigade, was in its place in line. Arrived at Savannah, another period of several weeks of rest and recreation was enjoyed.
Early in 1865, the regiment, with its brigade, embarked for the short voyage on the Atlantic to Beaufort, S. C, and from that place again took up the line of march for the North. In this closing campaign of the war — noted for the great hardships endured by the troops upon the long and toilsome march, the skirmishes and conflicts with the retreating rebel army, which was compelled to surrender when successful resistance was no longer possible — the Eleventh Iowa performed its full share of duty. After the surrender of Johnston's army at Raleigh, N. C., the Union troops marched on to Washington. Arriving there it went into camp, and, when the veteran troops of the Army of the Tennessee marched down Pennsylvania Avenue, no State was more proudly represented in that grand marching column of war worn and battle scarred veterans than Iowa, and among all the Iowa regiments none presented a more soldierly appearance or received greater honor from the cheering multitude than the Eleventh Iowa and its associate organizations in the old Iowa Brigade.
From Washington the regiment proceeded by rail and steamboat to Louisville, Ky., where it was mustered out of the service of the United States on the 15th day of July, 1865. From Louisville, the regiment was sent to Davenport, Iowa. The citizens of this good city had witnessed the departure of the regiment for the war, had welcomed it upon its return on furlough as a veteran organization, had again witnessed its departure for the field after the brief visit of its officers and men at their homes, and they now extended a cordial and enthusiastic welcome to these war worn heroes, in response to which Col. William Hall, then broken in health and scarcely able to stand, said, "I cannot stand long enough to make a speech, I can only say to the citizens of Davenport, In response to the warm and generous welcome that they have extended to my comrades of the Eleventh Iowa, and myself, that the record we have made as good soldiers from the State of Iowa, while fighting in defense of our common country, will be duplicated by the record we shall make as good citizens, when we shall have returned to our homes and loved ones."
The regiment was then disbanded, and the veterans were soon on their way to their respective homes, there to receive the glad welcome of their families, friends and neighbors, and to make good the pledge of their old commander, in the record of good and faithful citizenship, which they established and maintained.
The compiler of this brief and imperfect sketch salutes those who still survive, and congratulates them upon having belonged to a military organization which made a record second to none of the splendid regiments which the State of Iowa sent to the field. A large majority of their comrades have answered the last roll call, and not many years can elapse until the last survivor will have answered the summons, and none will be left to recount the story of their suffering and their triumph; but, so long as the grand Republic for which they fought shall live, their names and their brave deeds will be remembered by a grateful people.
SUMMARY OP CASUALTIES.
Total Enrollment 1297
Killed 58
Wounded 234
Died of wounds 27
Died of disease 154
Discharged for wounds, disease and other causes 179
Buried in National Cemeteries Ill
Transferred 42
[Note 1.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 10, Page 130.
SOURCE: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Volume 2, p. 275-83
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