FORT DONELSON, Feb. 25, 1862.
MR. EDITOR:– As these are exciting times, and our friends in Iowa are no doubt anxious to hear all that is going on at this place, I will endeavor to give a few more “items,” for their benefit.
The Iowa 2d are still garrisoning Fort Donelson, and if report is true, regarding the surrender of Nashville, it is more than probably we shall remain here for some time. The prisoners have all been sent below, our wounded well provided for, excitement has died away, and we have settled down to our regular camp duties.
Col. Tuttle has not fully recovered from his wounds, but is still in command of the regiment, and has been so since we left St. Louis, notwithstanding the Colonel of another regiment has tried to claim that honor during the recent great battle, in which the 2d Iowa acquitted itself so nobly. The Egyptian reporters from the Southern portion of Suckerdom have tried to make it appear that the Iowa troops only played a minor part in the battle of Fort Donelson, and award all the praise to the troops from their own State, but like the battle of Belmont, in which the same thing was attempted, they have failed. Justice is not always blind, and the deeds of the Iowa soldiers, as well as those from elsewhere will shine forth, in characters of gold, through all future generations.
On Friday evening at Dress Parade the following order was read:–
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT WEST TENNESSEE.
Fort Donelson, Feb. 17, 1862.
General Order, No. 2: – The Gen. commanding takes great pleasure in congratulating the troops of his command, for the triumph over the rebellion, gained by their valor, on the 13th, 14th and 15th insts.
For four consecutive nights, without shelter, during the most inclement weather known in this latitude, they faced and enemy in large forces, in a position chosen by himself.
Though strongly fortified by nature, all the additional safeguards suggested by science, were added. Without a murmur this was borne, prepared at all times to receive an attack, and with continuous skirmishing by day, resulted ultimately in forcing the enemy to surrender without consideration.
The victory achieved is not only great in the effect it will have in breaking down the rebellion, but has secured the greatest number of prisoners of war ever taken in any battle on the continent.
Fort Donelson will hereafter be marked in capitals on the maps of our united country, and the men who fought the battle will live in the memory of a grateful people.
By order,
Signed
U. S. GRANT,
Brig. Gen. Commanding.
This evening on dress parade the following order was read, and shows whether the Iowa troops did any work on the 13th or not. I will not give the order in full, as it is somewhat lengthy, but only a portion of it. Here it is:
HEADQUARTERS 2D DIVISION WEST TENN.
Fort Donelson, Feb. 21, 1862.
General Order No. 8:– The Brig. Gen. Commanding the Division, congratulates the troops under his command on the recent brilliant success of our arms at this place which led to the unconditional surrender of the enemy on the 16th inst. and to which they contributed in no small degree. He hopes every thing for the future, from their conduct on this occasion. He begs to request that the Brigade and Regimental Commanders, every officer, non-commissioned officer and soldier to accept his warmest thanks for their gallantry and good conduct under fire, and for their patient endurance without a murmur, the extremely inclement weather to which they were exposed for several days, and nights, without shelter or fire , and with limited food.
Whilst every regiment did its duty in the most praiseworthy manner, yet it has been the good fortune of a portion of the command, from the accident of service to claim especial notice, without in the lightest degree detracting from the merit of any one, to wit: Birge’s Sharpshooters (Lieut. Col. Compton), Maj. Cavender’s three batteries of parrott guns and the Second Iowa Regiment (Col. Tuttle), more particularly for its successful assault on the enemy’s breastworks on the afternoon of the 15th inst.
To the officers of the Medical staff, too high praise cannot be awarded for their zealous attention to duty both under fire and in the hospital.
In his official report the Brig. Gen. Commanding will endeavor to do exact justice to all.
By order Brig. Gen. C. F. Smith.
(Signed,)
THOS. NEWSHEM,
Ass’t Adj. Gen.
H. SCHOFIELD, A. A. A. G.
I think the above order is good authority to base our claims upon, and as long as we are in Gen. Smith’s division, you will hear equally good reports from the Iowa 2d.
JULES.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 7, 1862, p. 2
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