Capt. R. M. Littler

It is with no ordinary pleasure that we publish the following letters, from our fellow citizen, Capt. R. M. Littler, in respect to whom there has been the most villainous reports circulated; but which, from these letters and statements of Messrs. Meredith and Suiter, we believe to be without a shadow of foundation.  The first intimation received at Fort Donelson of such reports being in circulation, we are assured, was a couple of days before the escort left there with the bodies of the dead soldiers.  The last letter is a private one, addressed to a fellow citizen, in answer to a note he sent Capt. Littler, acquainting him with the reports his enemies had circulated:

FORT DONELSON, March 3, 1862.

EDITOR GAZETTE – From the St. Louis Democrat, of the 27^th ult. I take the following paragraph from your paper:

“Capt. Littler, we are informed by an intelligent member of his company, who arrived last evening, bravely led his men in the charge at Fort Donelson, urging them on, till ordered by Col. Tuttle to go back and bring up the right wing, which he accordingly did.  We give place to his statement with pleasure, in order to refute some slanderous stories which gained currency yesterday to Capt. Littler’s discredit.”

I wish to make a correction as relates to the right wing.  This was under the command of Lt. Co. James A. Baker, of our regiment, and followed within one hundred yards of the left wing.  Col. Baker gallantly led his mem, and was with the regiment constantly.  The men composing the right wing did not need to be sent far.

As to my conduct on the occasion, I have no occasion to blush.  For the benefit of those who are ready to circulate slander, instead of fighting themselves, I would refer to the regimental or division commanders,

Yours respectfully, ROBT. M. LITTLER,

Capt. Co. B, 2d Iowa. Vols.

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FORT DONELSON, Tenn., March 3, 1862

DEAR SIR:– I received your kind note to-day, and am truly grateful for the interest you take in my welfare and good reputation.  I leave my conduct in the hands of my commander.  I have nothing to be ashamed of.  I was with the boys in the charge and thickest of the fire.  I refer you to my orderly Sergeant Suiter, and Drum Major, Meredith, of our Regiment, who being present can satisfy any one of the falsity of the slander.  I can only say that the fighting is not yet over, and any one who thinks I do not do my duty, I advise to come and see for himself.  My friends may rest assured that I will not disgrace them..  I hope you will see Suiter and Meredith, as all I ask is fair play.  I shrink from no investigation.

ROBERT M. LITTLER, Capt. Co. B.

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