Showing posts with label 11th MO INF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 11th MO INF. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

11th Missouri Infantry.

Organized at St. Louis, Mo., August, 1861. Moved to Cape Girardeau, Mo., August 16, 1861. Attached to Military District of Cairo, Ill., Dept. of Missouri, to February, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, Army of Mississippi, to March, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 5th Division, Army of Mississippi, to April, 1862. 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, Army of Mississippi, to April, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Army of Mississippi, to November, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 8th Division, Left Wing 13th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of the Tennessee, to December, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 8th Division, 16th Army Corps, to April, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 15th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, to December, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 16th Army Corps, to December, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division (Detachment), Army of the Tennessee, Dept. of the Cumberland, to February, 1865. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 16th Army Corps (New), Military Division West Mississippi, to August, 1865. District of Alabama to December, 1865.

SERVICE.—Duty at Cape Girardeau, Mo., till February, 1862. Expedition to Perryville August 27-September 2, 1861. Dallas September 2. Expedition against Thompson's Forces and operations about Ironton and  Fredericktown October 12-25. Action at Fredericktown October 21. Expedition beyond Whitewater River November 30-December 5. Moved from Cape Girardeau to Commerce, Mo., February 26, 1862. Operations against New Madrid, Mo., February 28-March 14, and against Island No. 10, Mississippi River, March 15-April 8. Pleasant Point March 7. At New Madrid, Mo., till April 13. Expedition to Fort Pillow, Tenn., April 13-17. Moved to Hamburg Landing April 18-22. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. Action at Farmington, Miss., May 9. Near Corinth May 24. Pursuit to Booneville May 31-June 12, At Clear Creek, near Corinth, till August 18. Expedition to Rienzi June 30-July 1. March to Tuscumbia, Ala., August 18-23. March to Iuka, Miss., September 2-5, and to Clear Creek September 12-13. Reconnoissance to Iuka and skirmish September 14-16. March to Jacinto September 18. Battle of Iuka September 19. Pursuit of Price September 20-25. At Rienzi till September 30. March to Corinth September 30-October 3. Battle of Corinth October 3-4. Pursuit to Ripley October 5-12. At Corinth till November 2. March to Grand Junction November 2-4. Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign November 4, 1862, to January 10, 1863. Moved from Corinth to Germantown, Tenn., January 20-21, 1863. To Memphis, Tenn., February 10; thence to Helena, Ark., and Young's Point, La., and Ducksport, La., February 13-20, and duty there till May, 1863. Moved to Join army in rear of Vicksburg, Miss., via Richmond and Grand Gulf May 2-14. Mississippi Springs May 12. Jackson May 14. Siege of Vicksburg May 18-July 4. Assaults on Vicksburg May 19 and 22. Expedition to Mechanicsburg and Satartia June 2-8. Mechanicsburg June 4. Satartia June 7. Moved to Young's Point, La., June. Expedition to Richmond, La., June 14-16. Action at Richmond June 15. Moved to Big Black River Bridge July 5. Outpost duty there till October. McPherson's Expedition to Canton October 14-20. Bogue Chitto Creek October 17. Moved to Memphis, thence to LaGrange, Tenn., November 8-13. Scout after Forest December 1-3. Expedition after Forest December 21-24. At LaGrange till January 26, 1864. Moved to Memphis, Tenn., thence to Vicksburg, Miss., February 2-5. Camp at Big Black till February 27. March to Canton February 27-29, thence to Vicksburg March 1-4. Veterans moved to St. Louis March 10-16. Moved to Memphis, Tenn., May 2-5. Expedition to Madison, St. Francis County, Ark., June 3-7. Guard working party Memphis to LaGrange June 16-27. Smith's Expedition to Tupelo, Miss., July 5-21. Pontotoc July 11. Camargo's Cross Roads, near Harrisburg, July 13. Tupelo July 14-15. Old Town Creek July 15. Expedition to Oxford, Miss., August 1-30. Near Abbeville August 12. Hurricane Creek, College Hill, August 21. Abbeville August 23. Moved from Memphis to Duvall's Bluff, Ark., September 2-8. Moved to Brownsville September 10-11. March through Arkansas and Missouri in pursuit of Price September 17-November 13. Moved to Nashville, Tenn., November 24-December 1. Battle of Nashville December 15-16. Pursuit of Hood to the Tennessee River December 17-28. At Clifton, Tenn., and Eastport, Miss., till February 7, 1865. Moved to New Orleans, La., February 7-22; thence to Dauphin Island, Ala., March 5. Campaign against Mobile and its Defences March 19-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, thence to Selma May 10-14, and to Demopolis May 18-19. Duty there till July 15. Duty by Detachments at Tuscaloosa, Marion, Greensboro and Uniontown till October. At Demopolis till December 24. Moved to Memphis, Tenn., December 24-25. Mustered out January 15, 1866.

Regiment lost during service 6 Officers and 98 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 179 Enlisted men by disease. Total 285.

Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1327-8

Monday, March 20, 2023

7th Missouri Infantry.

Organized at St. Louis, Mo., June, 1861. Attached to Booneville, Mo., to September, 1861. Fremont's Army of the West to February, 1862. Lexington, Mo., Dept. of the Missouri, to July, 1862. Unattached, Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., Army of the Tennessee, to September, 1862. 4th Brigade, 1st Division, District of Jackson, Tenn., to November, 1862. 4th Brigade, 3rd Division, Left Wing 13th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of the Tennessee, to December, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 17th Army Corps. to April, 1864. Maltby's Brigade, District of Vicksburg, Miss., to June, 1864. 1st Brigade, District of Memphis, Tenn., 16th Army Corps, to August, 1864 (Veterans). 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 19th Army Corps, Dept. of the Gulf, to December, 1864.

SERVICE.—Moved to Booneville, Mo., July 1-4, 1861, thence to Rolla August 30 and to Syracuse, Mo., October 5-10. Fremont's Campaign against Springfield October 21-November 2. Moved to Sedalia November 10-14, thence to Otterville December and duty there till February, 1862. Expedition to Blue Springs January 20-February 3, 1862 (Cos. "B," "F" and "H" detached from Regiment November 21, 1861, and ordered to Kansas City. Rejoined Regiment at Lexington, Mo., February, 1862.) Moved to Lexington, Mo., February 3-10, 1862, and duty there till May 9. Reconnoissance from Greenville February 23-24 (Co. "H"). Skirmish at Mingo Creek, near St. Francisville, February 24 (Co. "H"). Moved to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., May 9-14, and guard and fatigue duty there till August 15. Moved to Jackson, Tenn., August 15-29, and duty there till October. Medon Station, Mississippi Central Railroad, August 31. Chewalla and Big Hill October 5. Medon Station October 10. Moved to Corinth with McPherson and to Jackson October 14. To Lagrange November 2. Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign November 2, 1862, to January 10, 1863. At Memphis, Tenn., January 17-February 21. Moved to Lake Providence, La., February 21, and duty there till April. Moved to Milliken's Bend, La., April 12. Passage of Vicksburg batteries April 22 (Detachment). Movement on Bruinsburg and turning Grand Gulf April 25-39. Battle of Port Gibson May 1. Bayou Pierrie May 2. Battles of Raymond May 12. Champion's Hill May 16. Big Black River Bridge May 17. Siege of Vicksburg, Miss., May 18-July 4. Assaults on Vicksburg May 19 and 22. Surrender of Vicksburg July 4. Provost duty there till June, 1864. Stevenson's Expedition from Vicksburg to Monroe, La., August 20-September 2, 1863. Expedition toward Canton October 14-22. Bogue Chitto Creek October 17. Expedition from Vicksburg to Sunnyside Landing, Ark., January 10-16, 1864. Meridian Campaign February 3-March 2. Clinton February 5. Veterans on furlough March to May. Non-Veterans mustered out June 14, 1864. Veterans at Memphis, Tenn., and Vicksburg, Miss., till July 29. Moved to Morganza, La., July 29 and duty there till September 3. Moved to mouth of White River, Ark., September 3-8 and duty there till October 18. Movement to Memphis and return October 18-30. Moved to Duvall's Bluff, Ark., November 9, thence to Memphis, Tenn., November 28. Consolidated with 11th Regiment Missouri Infantry December 17, 1864.

Regiment lost during service 4 Officers and 52 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 128 Enlisted men by disease. Total 186.

Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1325-6

Monday, February 10, 2020

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: September 27, 1861

Lieutenant Vrooman is buried to-day, with military honors. Colonel Boyle, with the Eleventh Missouri, turned out and joined in doing honor to the fallen soldier. Thus another soldier's mound has been reared—another waymark for the pilgrims of freedom has been built.

SOURCES: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 15-6

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: September 30, 1861

Major Rowett returned from Illinois to-day. Official notice informs us this evening that Captain Plummer, U. S. A., has been appointed Colonel of the Eleventh Missouri, and ordered to relieve Colonel Cook and assume command of the post..

SOURCES: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 16

Sunday, June 23, 2019

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 151. Report of Lieut. Col. William B. Britton, Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 151.

Report of Lieut. Col. William B. Britton, Eighth Wisconsin Infantry,
of operations December 15-16, 1864.

SIR: The following is the part the Eighth Wisconsin took in the battles of Nashville, December 15 and 16, 1864:

I received orders on the night of the 14th to have my regiment in readiness to move at 6 o'clock on the following morning. At 8 a.m. the regiment moved out of camp on the Charlotte pike about one mile. I was here ordered to move left in front, to throw out one company on my right flank as skirmishers to guard against surprise. Company K, under command of Lieutenant Fellows, was detailed for this purpose. I advanced in this position about half a mile. The enemy was here discovered. I at this time sent forward Company H, under command of Lieutenant Ellsworth, to skirmish and feel the enemy in front. This company was in a short time hotly engaged. I was here ordered to file my regiment left, and passed over to the Hillsborough pike. Here I formed in line of battle, on the left of the brigade, and moved forward about three-quarters of a mile, with Company F, Lieutenant Greenman, in front skirmishing, having at this time three companies out in this position. We moved forward until we encountered the enemy and drove them 300 yards. Came to a halt to support batteries at this time engaged. Lay in line of battle here one hour under fire of rebel batteries. At about 1 p.m. was ordered to move, with still another company out as skirmishers. Company D, Captain Williams, was thrown forward, followed by the regiment. Advanced to within 300 yards of the rebel works; skirmishers moving up to the very ditch of the fort, silencing the guns. According to instructions, I here formed in the rear of the Fifth Minnesota in column of regiments; received orders to follow that regiment and assault the rebel works. The advance was sounded, and I followed the Fifth twenty paces in the rear and participated in the assault, capturing at this time several prisoners. After capturing the fort the regiment swung considerably to the left to cut off the retreat of rebels from the fort. Finding myself flanked I notified Colonel Hubbard, commanding the brigade, who ordered me at once to change my regiment at right angles with the advance line, which I did, and in a short time was prepared for the enemy. Two of my companies here joined me from skirmishing. Company B, under Sergeant Stewart, with Company D, was moved to the left of the regiment as flankers. They at once encountered a heavy force on the pike, behind stone walls. I changed front forward with the regiment and moved in line of battle to the pike. A halt was here sounded, and we lay directly across the pike about thirty minutes. Was ordered forward with my regiment left oblique. After passing the pike about 200 yards another charge was ordered. We took the double-quick and went forward splendidly, capturing quite a number of prisoners, among them a rebel major and several other officers. At this time we had flanked the rebel works. Companies B and D, on the flank, coming forward on a charge, captured fully 200 prisoners and 2 pieces of artillery. We drove the rebels here about one mile. Darkness coming on we bivouacked here for the night. This day the regiment captured fully 225 prisoners and 2 pieces of artillery, with a loss of only 2 killed and 9 wounded.

On the morning of the 16th the regiment was in line at daylight. About 8 a.m. was ordered to move forward on the left of the Eleventh Missouri. I formed as ordered. Before moving from this position was ordered to move to the rear and center of the brigade as a reserve or support. I moved as ordered until we met the enemy about 400 yards to the front, my left resting near the Granny White pike. We here lay down in line of battle. This was about 9 a.m. We here lay until about 3 p.m. under fire of artillery and infantry. I had several men wounded while lying in this position. At 3 p.m., the grand charge being ordered, the regiment moved forward in good style: at double-quick, under a heavy fire of musketry and artillery, capturing a great many prisoners, two stand of colors, carrying the enemy's last line of works, and shared with other regiments in the capture of the batteries, both on our right and left. After passing the enemy's works we pushed forward fully a mile beyond, taking in prisoners at every step. Colonel Hubbard here ordered me to halt my regiment to let the men close up. I lay here about fifteen minutes, the regiment all the while pouring in volley after volley at the retreating rebels. My skirmishers here captured three pieces of artillery in the road. I moved the regiment forward to a position on the hills, about one mile beyond this point and two miles in the rear of the works captured. It was now becoming dark; the regiment was ordered to bivouac for the night. This day the regiment lost 5 killed and 46 wounded.

I think it will not be claiming too much when I say the regiment captured in the two days' battle a full battery of artillery, two stand of colors, and at least 500 men, and as many small-arms.

The regiment behaved gallantly — all, both officers and men.

I have the honor to be, lieutenant, your most obedient servant,
W. B. BRITTON,      
Lieut. Col., Comdg. Eighth Regiment Wisconsin Veteran Vols.
Lieut. T. P. GERE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

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. 457-8

Monday, May 13, 2019

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 150. Report of Maj. Modesta J. Green, Eleventh Missouri Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 150.

Report of Maj. Modesta J. Green, Eleventh Missouri Infantry,
of operations December 15-16, 1864.


HDQRS. ELEVENTH MISSOURI VETERAN INFANTRY,      
In the Field, December 21, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Eleventh Missouri Veteran Infantry in the late battles near Nashville, Tenn.:

On the morning of December 15 the regiment, with the brigade, left camp near Nashville, and made a reconnaissance to the right and front, skirmishing with the enemy on the Charlotte pike, then passed to the left, taking position in line of battle in front of our former position. From here we advanced in support of Captain Reed's (Second Iowa) battery until the order was received to charge the rebel fort. The charge was made in handsome style. Company E, commanded by Captain Notestine, being in the advance, in line of skirmishers, were the first to enter the fort. (Captain Notestine was afterward badly wounded and had a leg amputated.) The regiment continued to advance until the second fort was taken by the cavalry and other troops on the right. Here we were allowed to rest a few moments, when we again moved forward. After advancing a short distance we came upon the enemy in line of battle on a hill; here another charge was made, in which the rebels were completely routed, and driven in perfect confusion a distance of three-quarters of a mile, officers and men behaving most gallantly, capturing many prisoners. Night coming on we were ordered to halt and remained in line of battle during the night, throwing up temporary earth-works.

The order to advance was given at an early hour on the morning of the 16th, and the regiment, together with the brigade to which it belongs, advanced in line of battle across an open field, but soon discovered that the enemy were strongly posted on the opposite side of the field behind formidable breast-works. After advancing about a half a mile under a heavy fire from the rebel skirmishers and sharpshooters, we came within range of the enemy's fire from their line of works and were ordered to halt and remain in line of battle. After remaining here a short time the regiment was ordered to change its position and form in rear of the Fifth Minnesota. In making this move the regiment lost several men killed and wounded, being exposed to a severe fire from the entire rebel front. It was in making this move that our gallant leader, Lieutenant-Colonel Bowyer, received a severe wound in the arm while directing the movements of the regiment. We remained in this position until about 3 p.m., when the order was given to charge the rebel works. The order was no sooner given than the regiment started at a double-quick, charging through the open field for a distance of about 600 yards, under a most galling fire from the enemy. On reaching the works many prisoners were captured in the trenches, and many others either shot or captured while attempting to escape. A rebel battery of four guns was also captured here by the brigade, for which the Eleventh Missouri would respectfully claim, with the gallant brigade commander, its share of the honor. Two rebel flags were also captured by the regiment, one by Lieutenant Simmons* and the other by Corporal Parks,* color guard. In making the charge the colors of the regiment were three times shot down, having one color-bearer killed and two wounded. The flag-staff was shot into three pieces by a rebel shell. After the enemy were driven from their works we continued in pursuit for a distance of about one mile, driving them in the wildest confusion and capturing many prisoners, when we were ordered by the brigade commander to halt and join the brigade, which was forming a short distance in the rear. Here we remained until the morning of the 17th, when it was ascertained that the enemy were retreating, and we were ordered, with other troops, to follow in the pursuit.

The losses in the regiment in the two days' fighting are 4 men killed and 83 wounded, including 10 commissioned officers.

During the fight every officer and man behaved with commendable coolness and bravery. No especial mention can be made of individual acts of courage or bravery, as every officer and man behaved in the most praiseworthy manner.

M. J. GREEN,                       
Major, Commanding Regiment.
 Lieut. T. P. GERE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant General.
_______________

ADDENDA.

HDQRS. ELEVENTH MISSOURI VETERAN INFANTRY,      
 Eastport, Miss., January 20, 1865.
Maj. J. HOUGH,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Detach. Army of the Tennessee:

SIR: I have the honor to respectfully submit the following statement in regard to the rebel flag captured by Lieut. William T. Simmons,* Eleventh Missouri Infantry, at the battle near Nashville, Tenn., December 16, 1864:

The flag belonged to the Thirty-fourth Alabama Infantry, and was being borne off by the rebel color-bearer at the time our forces entered the rebel intrenchments. He was ordered by Lieutenant Simmons to halt and surrender; refusing to do so, he was told he would be shot if he did riot, when he surrendered the flag to the above-named officer.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. J. GREEN,                       
Major, Commanding Eleventh Missouri Infantry.
_______________

HDQRS. ELEVENTH MISSOURI VETERAN INFANTRY,      
Eastport, Miss., January 21, 1865.
 Maj. J. HOUGH,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Detach. Army of the Tennessee:

SIR: I have the honor to respectfully submit the following statement in regard to the rebel flag captured by Private G. W. Welch,* Company A, Eleventh Missouri Infantry, in the battle near Nashville, Tenn., December 16, 1864:

The flag was being borne off the field as the enemy were retreating from their works, when the rebel color-bearer was struck by a shot from our lines, and the colors captured by the above-named man. It is not known to what regiment they belonged.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. J. GREEN,                       
Major, Commanding Eleventh Missouri Infantry.
_______________

HDQRS. ELEVENTH MISSOURI VETERAN INFANTRY,      
Eastport, Miss., January 21, 1865.
 Maj. J. HOUGH,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Detach. Army of the Tennessee:

SIR: I have the honor to respectfully submit the following statement in regard to the rebel flag captured by Private James W. Parks,* Company F, Eleventh Missouri Infantry, at the battle near Nashville, Tenn., December 16, 1864:

The flag was captured in the enemy's line of intrenchments. The rebel color-bearer having been wounded by a shot from our lines, the colors were captured by the above-named soldier. It is not known to what regiment the flag belonged.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. J. GREEN,                       
Major, Commanding Eleventh Missouri Infantry.
_______________

* Awarded the Medal of Honor.

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. 454-6

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 148. Report of Lieut. Col. William B. Gere, Fifth Minnesota Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 148.

Report of Lieut. Col. William B. Gere, Fifth Minnesota Infantry,
of operations December 15-16, 1864.

NASHVILLE, TENN., December 18, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit for the information of the colonel commanding the brigade the following report of the part taken by the Fifth Regiment Minnesota Veteran Volunteer Infantry in the battles before Nashville on the 15th and 16th instant:

At 6 o'clock on the morning of the 15th instant, in obedience to orders received the evening previous, my command was in line, supplied with three days' rations in their haversacks and fifty rounds of cartridges per man. Soon after I was directed to move out to the Charlotte pike and await further orders. At about 8.30 or 9 o'clock the brigade marched out on the Charlotte pike nearly a mile, the Fifth following the Ninth Minnesota, when the column struck off into an open field to the left of the pike, where the order of march was reversed, and I was directed by the colonel commanding to move by the left flank in rear of the Second Iowa Battery, with a line of skirmishers deployed on my right to protect my flank. The regiment then moved forward in the place assigned it in the column, passing in range of a masked battery of the enemy on our right, from which several shells were thrown, bursting near our ranks, but doing no damage, my flankers occasionally coming in contact with and firing upon the enemy's skirmishers on my right. After moving by the flank something more than a mile I received orders from the colonel commanding to form my regiment in line on the right and forty paces in rear of the Eleventh Missouri (the formation of the brigade being in echelon by regiments) and to deploy a strong line of skirmishers in my front, all of which was promptly obeyed. Soon the order to move forward was given, and my regiment marched steadily forward in the place assigned it in the line. We had proceeded but a short distance when we encountered the enemy's skirmishers, and driving them back, advanced nearly two miles, when the enemy opened upon our line with a battery posted upon a hill and behind earth-works about a half or three-quarters of a mile in our front. During a heavy cannonading between our own and the enemy's artillery, in obedience to orders, I moved my regiment forward on a line with the regiment on my left, and the entire line was advanced across a hollow and creek to the crest of the hill and to within about 100 rods of the enemy's battery and works, where they were found in strong line of battle. I was here directed by the colonel commanding the brigade to form my regiment on the left of the Ninth Minnesota, in the front line (the brigade here being formed in two lines), and prepare to assault the enemy's works. My regiment threw off their knapsacks, blankets, and overcoats, and fixed bayonets ready for the charge. The order to forward was soon given, and our line moved steadily on through the brush and fallen timber in our front under a heavy fire from the enemy, closely followed by the second line; and as we drew near the rebel line of battle volley after volley was poured into their wavering ranks, which soon gave way, and as they fled our forces pursued them, killing and wounding many, and capturing large numbers of prisoners. The pursuit was continued until we crossed the Hillsborough pike, when our line was halted. The enemy was soon discovered to be moving on our left flank, and I was directed to change my front to the left, which I did under a sharp fire, and moved my regiment, in obedience to orders, by the left flank across the pike, my right resting on or near the same. Our skirmishers soon became hotly engaged, and we were again ordered to advance. The enemy soon opened upon us with musketry from the crest of a hill in our front, where they were formed in strong line, and with artillery on our right; but our troops, flushed with victory, rushed forward, with bayonets fixed, at a double-quick, breaking the enemy's lines, killing and wounding large numbers, and capturing hundreds of prisoners and small-arms. In this charge the loss in my regiment was quite severe, as we were exposed to an enfilading fire of musketry and artillery on our right flank, as well as the direct fire in front. First Lieut. Henry G. Bailly, commanding Company K, was severely and probably mortally wounded, and several non-commissioned officers and privates were killed and wounded. We pursued the enemy nearly or quite a mile, when our line was again halted, and, in obedience to orders, I bivouacked my regiment in rear of the Second Iowa Battery, it being then quite dark. During the night I constructed rifle-pits in front of my regiment and the battery, all being quiet in our front except occasional firing by the pickets.

At 8 o'clock on the morning of the 16th I was directed to form my regiment on the left-of the Ninth Minnesota, outside the works constructed the night previous, and to deploy a line of skirmishers in my front. As soon as the line was formed the order to move forward was given, and our line was advanced, under a heavy fire, nearly a mile, and to within about 100 rods of a strong line of intrenchments, occupied by the enemy in large force. Here the line was halted and the brigade was formed in two lines, the Fifth Minnesota on the left and in the front line, the Third Brigade being on my left. Intrenching tools were sent to the regiment, and I caused temporary breast-works to be constructed to protect the men from the enemy's sharpshooters. About 3 o'clock in the afternoon I received orders from the colonel commanding to be in readiness to charge the enemy's works in our front at a moment's notice; and at 4.15 p.m. the order to forward was given, which being repeated along the line, the Fifth Minnesota, with bayonets fixed, moved over the breast-works in their front into the open field which lay between them and the enemy's works, and at a double-quick rushed forward under the most terrific and withering fire of musketry and artillery it has ever been my fortune to behold or encounter. Yet, forward our line pressed, and soon the colors of the Fifth Minnesota were planted, the first in the brigade, upon the rebel intrenchments, and the enemy were driven from their fortified position. The regiment pursued, capturing hundreds of prisoners, among whom was Brigadier-General Jackson and many other officers. I think I can safely say that the Fifth Minnesota captured more prisoners in this charge than the regiment numbered. The pursuit was continued about one mile, to the foot of the Granny White Hills, where the regiment bivouacked for the night.

The glorious victory we had won had not, however, been a bloodless one. The loss in my regiment in this charge had been nearly 100 killed and wounded, which was about one-fourth my entire command. Capt. Henry Stasson, commanding Company E, a brave and faithful officer, was killed while leading his company in the charge. Capt. A. P. French, commanding Company I, was severely wounded at the head of his company. A list of the killed and wounded in the two days' engagement is herewith respectfully transmitted.*

The officers, without exception, behaved with conspicuous gallantry and performed their duty with coolness and good judgment; and the soldiers fought with that bravery and determination which knows not defeat, and are entitled to the warmest gratitude of their country. Captains Morehouse and French, and Lieutenants Bishop and Hatch, while in command of the skirmish lines in front of the regiment at intervals during the two days' engagement, performed their duty most satisfactorily. Capt. T. J. Sheehan, commanding Company C, the color company, gallantly stood by the colors, and in the last charge on the 16th instant, two color-bearers having been shot, he placed the colors in the hands of a non-commissioned officer of his company, who planted them on the rebel intrenchments. My especial thanks are due to Maj. John C. Becht, who rendered me efficient aid on the field during the two days' engagement. First Lieut. Roscoe Hilton, acting regimental adjutant, a brave and gallant young officer, was always in the right place at the right time, and discharged his duties to my entire satisfaction and with credit to himself. Surgeons Kennedy and Leonard were untiring in their efforts in the care of the wounded, both upon the field and at the hospitals.

On the morning of the 17th instant the regiment was ordered to join in the pursuit of the defeated enemy, and being unable to remain in the field on account of physical disability and injuries received the day previous, I turned over the command to Major Becht, to whom I would respectfully refer the colonel commanding for any information pertaining to the regiment since that time.

Respectfully submitted.
WM. B. GERE,         
Lit. Col., Comdg. Fifth Regt. Minnesota Vet. Vol. Infantry.
 Lieut. T. P. GERE,
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. 449-52

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 147. Reports of Col. Lucius F. Hubbard, Fifth Minnesota Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 147.

Reports of Col. Lucius F. Hubbard, Fifth Minnesota Infantry, commanding Second Brigade,
of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION,               
DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,  
Near Pulaski, Tenn., December 27, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit for the information of the general commanding the following details of the operations of the Second Brigade, First Division, Detachment of the Army of the Tennessee, in the battle of the 15th and 16th instant, near Nashville, Tenn.:

On the evening of the 14th instant I was directed by the general commanding to hold my brigade in readiness to move promptly at 6 o'clock on the following morning. In compliance therewith I moved at the hour designated from the line of works occupied by the brigade, and formed in column of regiments near and to the left of the Charlotte pike. At 8 a.m. I moved out on the pike in column, by the flank, and about a mile from the point of starting was directed by General McArthur to move to the left across the country to the vicinity of the Hardin pike, or until I should be able to connect with the line of the Third Brigade. In executing this movement I encountered a skirmish line of the enemy, which I was required to engage and push back. This, however, involved but little delay; the connection was readily formed and my line established upon the right of the Third Brigade. The regiments were formed in the following order from right to left, viz: Ninth Minnesota Infantry, Fifth Minnesota Infantry, Eleventh Missouri Infantry, and Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, with the Second Iowa Battery in reserve. I advanced in order of echelon by battalion, the formation being made on the left, and with a line of skirmishers, consisting of four companies, one from each regiment, deployed in my front. A steady advance was maintained until about the hour of 12 m., no force of the enemy being encountered that the skirmishers were not enabled to press back. The line swung gradually to the left as the advance progressed, crossing the Hardin pike at an angle and in a southerly direction. About a mile from the point where the line crossed the Hardin pike the enemy began to develop himself in considerable force and to dispute our advance more stubbornly. An intrenched battery of four guns, posted on a commanding eminence to the right of the Hillsborough pike, and a section in position on a hill some 400 yards to the rear, opened upon our advancing line, to which the Second Iowa Battery, in conjunction with the other artillery of the division, returned a spirited fire. A position for the artillery at close range was obtained, and some very effective practice upon the part of our batteries witnessed, which, in conjunction with the operations of the skirmishers, effectually silenced the enemy's guns. Company E, Eleventh Missouri Infantry, Captain Notestine, engaged as skirmishers, advanced to within a dozen yards of the more advanced work of the enemy, from whence they drove the gunners from their pieces. By direction of the general commanding I gained a position as near the enemy's battery as practicable, formed the brigade in two lines, the Fifth and Ninth Minnesota constituting the first and the Eleventh Missouri and Eighth Wisconsin the second line, and prepared to assault the work.

Simultaneously with the line upon my right I advanced at a double-quick, and crossing a deep ravine, moved in a manner to turn the right flank of the position. The enemy made but a feeble effort to check the assault; his infantry gave way in disorder, and his artillery fell into our possession. Captain Notestine's skirmishers, of the Eleventh Missouri, were the first to enter the work, and assisted in turning the captured guns upon the retreating enemy. I pursued as far as the Hillsborough pike, steadily driving everything in my front, and capturing many prisoners, my skirmishers the while pressing up the hill to the rear of the captured position, and entering the work of the enemy simultaneously with the troops upon my right. The enemy now made a strong effort to rally, and showed himself in some force upon my left, which at this time was wholly unsupported. His line of battle was being formed, running across my left, toward the rear, and his skirmishers showed a bold front, and were advancing. I had already deployed a line of skirmishers covering my left flank, which I now re-enforced  and ordered forward; at the same time changed front upon the center, right wing forward, thus facing southeasterly, and crossing the Hillsborough pike at nearly a right angle. The Second Iowa Battery in the meantime had taken position to my left and rear, and was throwing shell with marked effect at a body of the enemy maneuvering in my front. The fire of the artillery, and the rapid advance of my skirmishers, two companies of which — Company D, Eighth Wisconsin, Captain Williams, and Company D, Eleventh Missouri, Captain Erwin — charged along the Hillsborough pike at a run, had a very demoralizing effect upon the enemy, who surrendered in large numbers, or retreated in utter disorder. The two companies mentioned captured about 450 prisoners, among whom were several field officers. The prisoners were turned over to Lieutenant Kelly, of General Thomas' staff. I was now directed by the general commanding to remain where I had established my line across the Hillsborough pike until support could be brought up for my left, unless an advance movement was made upon the right; in which case I should also move forward. At about 4 p.m. the troops of the Twenty-third Army Corps, that had formed line upon the right but somewhat to the rear of my position, commenced an advance, which I took up, and swinging to the right, moved across the pike and through the timber up the hill. I had advanced but about sixty rods, when I encountered the enemy in force. His line of battle was formed along the crest of the hill, in a position of some natural advantage, very favorable for defense, and from which I received, for a moment, a sharp and somewhat effective fire; but a very brief encounter with the veterans of the Second Brigade sufficed to break the enemy's line, which recoiled under our withering fire and fell back in disorder before the steady advance I maintained. In the pursuit the retreat of the enemy was rendered a rout; the killed and wounded were strewn thickly along the field, and straggling detachments surrendered at almost every step. Upward of 400 prisoners were sent to the rear. Captain McGrew, of my staff, turned over to Lieutenant Kelly 218 in one body, and numerous squads of from 10 to 20 and upward were sent under guard to the general corral. The pursuit was continued to the Granny White pike, where two pieces of artillery were captured, the enemy being so hotly pressed that he abandoned them in the road.

Finding myself far in advance of the troops on my right, and being wholly without support upon the left, I deemed it prudent to order a halt, particularly as the enemy was moving up re-enforcements toward my left, and maneuvering as if to turn my flank. I retired my line a few yards, and formed along the crest of a ridge, at the same time ordered up the Second Iowa Battery, whose effective practice checked the movements of the re-enforcing column of the enemy and served to increase the confusion of the retreat. A brigade of the Twenty-third Corps soon formed upon the right in continuation of my line, and the Third Brigade of this division closed up upon my left. It had now become quite dark, and the general commanding directed that I maintain my present position for the night. The men were directed to lay on their arms, each regiment supplied with tools and instructed to intrench its front. I deem it necessary, to complete the record of the Second Brigade in this day's work, to state that in breaking the enemy's line in the final charge of the day, I completely turned the right flank of the position in front of the Twenty-third Corps, which undoubtedly contributed in some measure to the success of its capture and the repulse of its support. At about sunrise on the morning of the 16th instant the general commanding directed me to advance my brigade and feel for the enemy's position. I moved out in line, maintaining the formation of the previous day, my left resting on the Granny White pike. An advance of perhaps a hundred rods developed the enemy's position, and drew from his line a very galling fire. I found him posted behind a line of works running parallel to my front and crossing the Granny White pike at a right angle. I continued to advance under a severe fire until I had reached a point within 300 yards of the works, where the men could cover themselves in a measure, halted, formed the brigade in two lines as on the preceding day, preparatory to an assault, and reported progress to the general commanding, who instructed me to maintain my position until further dispositions could be made. The Second Iowa Battery, with other artillery of the command, was brought forward and placed in favorable positions for an effective fire against the enemy's line. The Second Iowa occupied a point on elevated ground to the right and rear of the brigade, where it performed most efficient service for several hours during the day, effectually silencing one of the enemy's batteries, exploding a limber, and damaging the defenses with the precision of its shots. Company H, Fifth Minnesota, Captain Morehouse, and Company F, Ninth Minnesota, Lieutenant McMillan, deployed as skirmishers, advanced to within 100 yards of the enemy's works, and, though suffering severely, stubbornly maintained their position until the final assault. For the purpose of securing for my men a better cover from sharpshooters, who kept up an annoying fire, as well as to provide for possible contingencies, I directed my first line to intrench its front.

At about 4 p.m. I received the order to assault the works in my front. The order was no sooner communicated to the command than each regiment moved forward with a determination that bespoke success. Every officer and man was at once in his place, and fully comprehending the duty of the hour, resolved upon its fearless discharge. My line of advance lay across a corn-field, through every foot of which the men were exposed to a direct fire from the line of works in front and a cross-fire on either flank. My line was no sooner in motion than it was met by a most withering volley, and as the regiments struggled on through the muddy field, softened by the recent rain, their ranks were sadly decimated by the continuous fire they encountered. A battery on my left enfiladed my line, and with fearful accuracy poured its discharges of grape through the ranks. But seemingly unmindful of the storm of missiles they were breasting, the veterans of the Second Brigade did not falter, but, pressing steadily on, gained the works and carried them, in literal execution of the order they had received. Almost simultaneously the colors of the Fifth and Ninth Minnesota Infantry were pushed over the parapet, closely followed by the flags of the Eleventh Missouri and Eighth Wisconsin. Large bodies of the enemy surrendered in the works; some, however, attempted to escape by retreating to the hills in the rear. Directing the Ninth Minnesota and Eighth Wisconsin to pursue up the hills, I swung the Fifth Minnesota and Eleventh Missouri to the left, and sweeping along the flank of the enemy, inside the works, captured many prisoners, and driving the support that was attempting to rally in protection of the battery, from whose fire I had suffered so fearfully, captured it entire. Three pieces of artillery were also taken by the Eighth Wisconsin and Ninth Minnesota, which they compelled the enemy to abandon in his hasty flight. The enemy kept up a desultory fight as he retreated in straggling bodies up the hills, but the pursuit did not cease until the heights were gained and darkness had put a period to the operations of the day.

The material results of this day's work were to be seen in the 1,200 prisoners sent to the rear — among whom was Brigadier-General Jackson, who surrendered to Lieut. J. F. Bishop, Fifth Minnesota Infantry — 7 pieces of artillery, with caissons, captured, and the colors of seven rebel regiments, in possession of the brigade, making an aggregate of captures made by the brigade in the two days' operations of 1 brigadier-general, over 2,000 prisoners, 9 pieces of artillery, and 7 stand of colors. The brigade went into action with a total of 1,421 muskets, and expended 61,000 rounds of musket and 1,500 of artillery ammunition.

As the brigade acted for the greater part of the time during both days under the eye of the general commanding, it is unnecessary for me to speak particularly with reference to the conduct of the command during the trying ordeals of the 15th and 16th instant. I cannot, however, in justice to the gallant officers and men of the Second Brigade, conclude this report without recording my high appreciation of their conduct on every occasion during the two days' fighting, and returning to every officer and soldier of the brigade my thanks for the heroism they displayed, and for the promptitude with which they responded to every order given them. To regimental and battery commanders I am much indebted for efficient co-operation, especially manifested in their successful execution of the various movements incident to the operations of the command. Col. J. F. Marsh, commanding Ninth Minnesota; Lieut. Col. William B. Gere, commanding Fifth Minnesota; Lieut. Col. William B. Britton, commanding Eighth Wisconsin, and Lieut. Col. Eli Bowyer, commanding Eleventh Missouri, each handled their regiments in an admirable manner, and by examples of personal gallantry encouraged their men to deeds of glorious daring. Lieut. Col. William Markham and Maj. H. B. Strait, Ninth Minnesota; Maj. J. C. Becht, Fifth Minnesota, and Major Green, Eleventh Missouri, were prompt and efficient in the discharge of their respective duties. Capt. J. R. Reed, commanding Second Iowa Battery, performed highly important service in both days' operations.

I cannot cite in evidence of the character of the work the Second Brigade performed in the battle of Nashville anything more suggestive than the list of casualties it suffered. Three hundred and fifteen officers and men were killed and wounded in the two days' fighting. Lieutenant-Colonel Bowyer, Eleventh Missouri, received a very severe wound in the arm, and with great reluctance was taken from the field. Major Green, while subsequently commanding the regiment, had his horse killed under him, and was himself painfully wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Gere and Major Becht, Fifth Minnesota, had each a horse killed under them in the thickest of the fight. The colors of the Fifth Minnesota were four times shot down in the final assault, and the flag of the Eleventh Missouri fell the third time, but both were still borne onward.

To my staff the thanks of myself and the command are due for very valuable service in all the operations on the field. Lieut. William H. Sargent, Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, and acting assistant in-spector-general of the brigade, was killed in the last day's fight. He had distinguished himself by great personal gallantry during the assault, and was urging forward in the pursuit, after the enemy's works had been carried, when he fell. Endowed in an eminent degree with those qualities that endear man to his fellow, and a bright ornament to his profession, the fall of Lieutenant Sargent adds another to the list of her brave defenders, for whose memory the country will drop a tear when the records of this war are made up. Lieut. T. P. Gere, acting assistant adjutant-general, received a painful wound while in the very front of the line when the conflict was fiercest. Capts. J. G. McGrew and William W. Cleland, acting aides, each distinguished himself for efficiency, and were conspicuous for acts of personal daring. Lieut. J. P. Owens, acting assistant quartermaster, discharged all the duties pertaining to his department with promptness and ability.

Subjoined is a summary of the casualties suffered by the brigade in the two days' fighting:


Officers.
Men.

K
W
M
K
W
M
5th Minnesota Veteran Infantry
1
5

13
87
1
9th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry
2
3

7
46

11th Missouri Veteran Infantry

8

4
75

8th Wisconsin Veteran Infantry
1
5

6
50

2d Iowa Battery




1

Total
4
21

30
259
1
Total casualties
315

              [K = Killed.     W = Wounded.     M = Missing.]
                                                           
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. F. HUBBARD,     
Colonel Fifth Minnesota Veteran Infantry, Comdg. Brigade.
Capt. W. H. F. RANDALL,
Assistant Adjutant-General, First Division.

ADDENDA.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION,               
DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,  
Eastport, Miss., January 17, 1865.
Maj. J. HOUGH
Assistant Adjutant-General,  Detach. Army of the Tenn.:

MAJOR: I have the honor to herewith transmit the colors of the Fourth Mississippi Regiment, C. S. Army, captured in the battle before Nashville, on the 16th of December, 1864.

This flag was taken in the works of the enemy in the position carried by this command, and was captured by and surrendered to the hands of First Lieut. and Adjt. Thomas P. Gere,* Fifth Minnesota Veteran Infantry, and acting assistant adjutant-general of this brigade.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. F. HUBBARD,     
Colonel, Commanding.
_______________

*Awarded a Medal of Honor.

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. 444-9

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Captain Charles Wright Wills: January 9, 1864

Scottsboro, Ala., January 9, 1864.

We have settled down into fully as monotonous a monotony, as I ever experienced. The powers pretend that the army is tired down and needs rest, so duty is very light, no drills ordered; no scouting and no nothing, but a first-class preparation to have a tremendous sick list in a very short time. You know how we have been moving for the last three months, and that we have hardly suffered a half dozen cases of sickness. Now see, if we lie here four weeks longer, if I don't report you 60 on the sick list. Do you think that I am something of a grumbler? Either having too much travel, or too much lie still. Too much to eat (I guess not) or not enough, etc. I suppose that news here is about as scarce as ice cream on the African desert, and of nearly the same quality. We are camped in the edge of dense woods, about three quarters of a mile from the town, which consists of 20 or 40 rather neat houses, and presents, I think a better appearance than any other town of the size I have seen in the Confederacy. It hasn't been squashmolished like most of its sisters. General Logan's headquarters are here. Our corps is camped along the road from here to Decatur, our whole division being here. Our division commander, is, I expect, the most unpopular officer with his corps that there is in the West. I never knew his match for meanness. See if I can think of all I have been ordered by: Prentiss, Grant, Logan, McClernand, Wallace (W. H. L.), Oglesby, Paine, Pope, Granger, Palmer (——) formerly colonel 11th Missouri., Rosecrans, Morgan, Buford, Sheridan, Hurlbut, Lanman, Hamilton 1st, Hamilton 2d; Sullivan, Lawler, Sooy Smith, Ewing, Corse, Halleck, Sherman, Davis, and at least two more whose names I can't now recall. One of them commanded this division last March, and the other the 4th Division 16th Army Corps, last December, for a few days. I have lots of work on hand writing up my accounts, but this lying still begins to bore me awfully. I though a few weeks ago that 'twould be very nice to have a tent again, and things somewhat comfortable, but the beauties of the thing don't last long. I'm ready to move now. We have had several pretty cold days, but to-day I have been in my shirt sleeves, without vest, all day, and felt very comfortable, though it didn't thaw very much, and I believe there was ice in our water bucket all day. Expect you are having a gay time this winter at home sleighing, dancing, etc., but I would rather take mine out in the army. If I didn't have any happy Christmas myself, I had the pleasure of smashing the happiness out of a good many secesh Christmases. That's not so. It was not pleasure, but I had to.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 211-2

Monday, June 12, 2017

1st Lieutenant Charles Wright Wills: February 14, 1862

Cape Girardeau, Mo., February 14, 1862.

Sam arrived here to-night and brought me everything I could wish for except my watch. Jem Harper from Company K is home on furlough and we expect him now shortly, also Benton Spencer. If you could manage to send the watch by one of them I would be much obliged. I cannot well get along without one now. You seem to be very happy about my getting away from the Point. Rather more so than I am myself. If I had stayed there I would have been with a fair chance to fight — to fight soldiers. Here there are no forces to fight but a few hundred bushwhackers that will lie by the roadside in the swamp, and I believe they would murder Jesus Christ if they thought he was a Union man. We failed in doing what we wanted to the last trip, but I believe we'll get even with them yet. I'd hate mightily to get killed by such a pack of murderers, but that isn't my business. If U. B. and father have experienced such trips as we have, I'll bet I beat them in one thing — enjoying them. I always feel better out that way than in camp. The 11th Missouri is still with us and the 17th has gone to Tennessee. The colonel, Ross, picked out 50 or 60 of his most worthless men and put them on the gunboats. There are some hopes that our regiment will be ordered to Kentucky soon or to Wheaton, Mo., for there is a regiment of Missourians here forming that will be sufficient to guard this vicinity. This place if not entirely secession is very strongly southernly righteous. I am getting acquainted with the female population slowly, not very, and one family of three girls tell me they are positively the only unconditional Union women in town. But the others show nothing of the cold shoulder to us. They are all very friendly and sociable. Quite a number of beautiful girls here. The aristocracy here are all Catholic. Funny, isn't it? Frenchy.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 61-2

Monday, March 15, 2010

Seventeenth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry

The ten companies composing the Seventeenth Iowa Infantry were ordered into, quarters at Keokuk, Iowa, between the dates January 25 and March 14, 1862, and were there mustered into the service of the United States by Lieutenant Charles J. Ball, United States Army, between the dates March 21 and April 16, 1862. The original roster of the regiment shows that it had an aggregate strength of 897 when the last company was mustered, and that additional enlistments of 61 men gave it an aggregate of 958, rank and file, before it left the state.

On the 19th of April, 1862, the regiment left its rendezvous at Keokuk and was conveyed by steamer to St. Louis, Mo., arriving there on the 20th and going into quarters at Benton Barracks, where it was provided with arms and the necessary equipage for active service in the field. With but little opportunity for drill and instruction it was hurried to the front, leaving St. Louis May 5th and proceeding by steamer to Hamburg Landing, Tenn., where it disembarked and marched to join the army then engaged in the siege of Corinth, Miss. The regiment participated in the siege operations until May 30th, on which date Corinth was evacuated, and then joined in the pursuit of the enemy. When the pursuit was abandoned, it returned to Corinth and, during the remainder of the summer, was engaged in perfecting itself in drill and discipline, and in watching the movements of the enemy, evidently making preparations to recover possession of Corinth and to drive the Union army out of the State.

On the 18th of September, 1862, the regiment marched in the direction of Iuka, Miss., and on the 19th became engaged in the desperate battle which was fought there. In this, its first battle, the regiment was subjected to an experience never repeated in its subsequent splendid service. The official report of the conduct of the regiment in the battle of Iuka was written by Captain John L. Young [see note 1]. He describes the position occupied at the commencement of the engagement; states that an order was given which one-half the regiment failed to hear and which resulted in separating the right from the left wing, just as the regiment came under the fire of the enemy. This was a critical situation for both men and officers who had never been under fire, and one which demanded the most prompt, capable and energetic leadership. But one of the field officers (Colonel Rankin) was present for duty, and he was disabled by having his horse shot under him early in the engagement, plunging him against a tree and rendering him incapable of remaining in command of the regiment. Captain S. M. Archer then assumed command, but he soon fell, severely wounded. The command then devolved upon Captain Young, who was with the right wing and who urged the men to maintain their position under the heavy fire of the enemy, which they did for a time, even advancing toward the rebel line. The following brief extracts from his official report will show that the Captain and the subordinate officers who were with him made a gallant effort to stem the tide of battle:

. . . About the time I mention as having lost sight of Colonel Rankin our men retreated without any command, which caused great confusion. They had not proceeded far to the rear, however, until I succeeded in rallying them, and got them back to about where our line was first formed. ... I then went to near the right of the right wing and urged the men forward. "We had proceeded but a short distance when a tremendous volley from the enemy caused a panic in the battalion, and with all my efforts and assisted by Captain D. A Craig (who was the only Captain I saw after Colonel Rankin left the field) could not rally them until they had retreated almost to the road near the old log church. I here succeeded in stopping them, got a line partly formed and marched them forward. By the time I had got them to our former line, I had, I should think, about 300 men, consisting of the right wing of our regiment and stragglers from the Fifth Iowa, Eleventh Missouri, Fourth Minnesota, Thirty-ninth Ohio and some others. I now held them near where our first line was formed for about three-quarters of an hour . . . .


Captain Young then proceeds to describe in detail the movements which followed, to the close of the battle. He shows that, owing to the blunder of some one higher in command, the men under his command were subjected to the fire of both Union and rebel troops, which caused another panic and retreat. He succeeded, however, in again rallying the men and keeping them in line until the retreat was sounded. In closing his report Captain Young says:

It may be that the foregoing would not add much to the reputation of a regiment, but this I cannot avoid. I give you a simple statement of the facts that came under my own observation, hoping to be able to give a better account of the Seventeenth Iowa in the next engagement. It is due to Captain Craig, company H; Lieutenants Garrett and Johnson of company A; Lieutenants Rice and Snodgrass of company I; Lieutenant Hull, company E; Lieutenant Morris, company F; Lieutenant Stapleton, company C, and one or two others, probably, who were with me through the entire engagement, to say that they acted in a very brave and unflinching manner and deserve great credit. I do not wish either to be understood as casting any insinuations upon any officer in the regiment, but I only mention those whom I saw in the engagement.


Brigadier General J. C. Sullivan, who commanded the brigade to which the Seventeenth Iowa was attached, says in his official report: "The Seventeenth Iowa Regiment was without a field officer, and Captain Archer, the senior Captain, soon fell, severely wounded, when Captain Young assumed command and did his duty nobly [see note 2]." There is nowhere a word of censure of the Seventeenth Iowa in the Brigade Commander's report. The unfortunate situation in which the regiment was placed, — without a field officer, its senior Captain disabled by a severe wound at the very beginning of the engagement, the regiment separated just as it came under the fire of the enemy, its officers unskilled in war and sorely in need of a full complement of field officers to lead and direct them, — these facts were well known to the Brigade Commander and led him to overlook the failure of the regiment to measure up to the high standard of excellence of which he well knew they would prove themselves capable under more fortunate conditions. Major General Rosecrans, however, considered it his duty to administer a severe reprimand to the regiment [see note 3] He was soon to have an opportunity to do an act of justice in commending the bravery of the officers and men of the Seventeenth Iowa, and in that order it will be observed that, in again referring to the conduct of the regiment at Iuka, he uses the fitting word "misfortune" instead of the harsh and unjust terms contained in his previous order. At the conclusion of Brigadier General Sullivan's report of the conduct of his brigade in the battle of Iuka, he makes the following statement: "I enclose reports received from commanding officers of regiments, together with a list of the killed, wounded and missing of my brigade. The regiments of my brigade engaged were: Tenth Iowa, Colonel Perczel; Seventeenth Iowa, Captain Archer; Eightieth Ohio, Colonel Bartilson, and one section of the Twelfth Wisconsin Battery, commanded by Lieutenant Immell.” [See note 4.]

The tabulated returns of casualties, by regiments, and the aggregate loss of the brigade, show that the Seventeenth Iowa sustained a loss greater than that of all the other regiments of the brigade combined [see note 5]. In his history of the regiment, Colonel Clark R. Wever, referring to its conduct in the battle of Iuka, makes the following statement: "In this our first real battle, considering the stupidity, mismanagement and confusion which characterized the greater part of the engagement, the regiment conducted itself in a manner of which all engaged feel as truly proud as of any subsequent engagement, notwithstanding the opprobrium cast upon it in orders announcing the results of the battle." [See note 6.]

The loss of the regiment at Iuka was one officer and three enlisted men killed, three officers and thirty-five enlisted men wounded, and four enlisted men missing in action, a total loss of 46, while the entire loss of the brigade was but 86. That the officers and men of the Seventeenth Iowa acquitted themselves well in this battle — when the facts, as shown, are taken into consideration — must be conceded.

Darkness put an end to the conflict at Iuka and, during the night, the enemy retired from the field, thus admitting defeat. The rebel general had not abandoned his intention to make another desperate attempt to regain possession of Corinth, notwithstanding his failure at Iuka. The concentration and movements of his army indicated his purpose to renew the struggle, and the Union troops were concentrated in the vicinity of Corinth, where they awaited the impending conflict. The Seventeenth Iowa, with the Second Brigade, Third Division, Army of the Mississippi, (the same command with which it had fought at Iuka,) lay in camp at Corinth on the morning of October 3, 1862. Early that morning Captain John L. Young, who was in command of the regiment, received an order from Brigadier General Sullivan, the brigade commander, to move his regiment towards the north to meet the enemy, reported to be advancing from that direction. While this order was being executed, Major Jabez Banbury, of the Fifth Iowa Infantry, was ordered by General Hamilton (commanding the Division) to take command of the regiment. Limitation of space will not permit the reproduction of Major Banbury's official report in full, but the following extracts will serve to show the splendid conduct of the regiment in the two days' battle of Corinth [see note 7]:

HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH IOWA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS,
CAMP AT HATCHIE CHURCH, MISS., Oct. 9, 1862.

GENERAL: As directed by order of General Hamilton, I took command of the Seventeenth Iowa on the morning of the 3d instant, after the regiment had been marched about one-half mile north of Corinth by Captain Young. About 7 A. M. we were moved with the rest of the brigade to the breastworks two, miles north of town, and after changing position, company A, at about 2 o'clock, under command of First Lieutenant Garrett, was thrown out about three-fourths of a mile as skirmishers, and was engaged in a brisk skirmish of about an hour, during which time it did good service, leaving quite a number of dead rebels on the ground. Company B was also deployed as skirmishers in front of our regiment, and while out the regiment changed position, and it did not get to the regiment until the next day, after the battle on Saturday was over. This company under command of Second Lieutenant Hull, of company E, deserves great credit for the brave and unflinching manner in which it held its perilous situation until relieved. About 4:30 o'clock this regiment was placed on the extreme right of the brigade and ordered forward in line of, battle, and after marching about half a mile we were met with heavy fire from the enemy's batteries, which we found were not more than 100 yards in our advance. We also found the enemy in large force, supporting their batteries, which were three in number, and finding we were now some distance from the brigade and entirely unsupported, the enemy also having commenced a flank movement to our right, we fell back to the road and there joined the balance of the brigade. . . .


The Major describes in detail the further movements of the regiment on the firing line and in support of a battery, until the brigade was ordered inside the-fortifications, where the regiment was assigned to the duty of supporting batteries during most of the night. At an early hour on the morning of the 4th it again advanced in line of battle with the brigade, but, after proceeding some distance, was ordered to return and was given a new position on the defensive line. After taking this position, Major Banbury describes the part taken by the regiment during the remainder of the battle, as follows:

I remained in this position but a short time when I was ordered forward, just as the troops on our right were falling back quite fast, and with the balance of our brigade I marched the regiment forward to the brow of the hill, firing and driving the enemy before us. After firing and driving the enemy for probably twenty minutes, we were ordered to charge, which we did, taking quite a number of prisoners and capturing a rebel flag from the Fortieth Mississippi regiment. Corporal King, of Company G, was the first to, lay hands on the rebel colors and took the bearer prisoner and brought him to the rear of our lines.

I cannot speak in too high terms of praise of both officers and men throughout the regiment. Not a man in the entire regiment evinced the slightest inclination to shirk or fall back, and all, without a single exception, stood up to the work nobly and with an apparent determination to drive the rebels back at all hazards.

As the regiment was under your immediate observation during the entire engagement, I do not deem it necessary to mention any as deserving more mention, but will leave it for you to say whether any are entitled to more praise than that already received by this report.

I am, General, your obedient servant,

J. BANBURY., Major,
Fifth, Commanding Seventeenth Iowa Infantry.

BRIGADIER GENERAL SULLIVAN,
Commanding Second Brigade, Third Division, Army of the Mississippi.


The following order was issued by General Rosecrans, commending the conduct of the regiment in the battle of Corinth and, to some extent, mitigating his harsh and unjust reprimand upon its conduct at Iuka [see note 8]:


General Orders No. 145.

Headquarters Army of the Mississippi,
Third Div., Dist. of West Tennessee.
Corinth, Miss., Oct. 23, 1862.

The General commanding cannot forbear to give pleasure to many, besides the brave men immediately concerned, by announcing, in advance of the regular orders, that the Seventeenth Iowa Infantry, by its gallantry in the battle of Corinth, on the 4th of October, charging the enemy and capturing the flag of the Fortieth Mississippi, has amply atoned for its misfortune at Iuka, and stands among the honored regiments of his command. Long may they wear with unceasing brightness the honors they have won.

By order of MAJOR GENERAL W. S. ROSECRANS,

C. GODDARD, First Lieut. Twelfth Infty.
Ohio Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.


The loss of the regiment at Corinth was 25 killed [see note 9] and wounded, but, until the last of the engagement, it was protected by breastworks and was able to inflict heavy loss upon the enemy with comparatively light loss to itself. Thus far it had lost 71 men in battle.

The regiment participated in the pursuit of the retreating rebel army for several days, when it was ordered to return to Corinth, remaining there until November 2d, when it started with its brigade and division on the great Mississippi Central Expedition, which General Grant had organized with Vicksburg as his objective point, and which penetrated far towards the southern border of the State, but was finally compelled to turn back on acount of the raid of a large force of rebel cavalry which destroyed the immense stores of supplies which had been accumulated at Holly Springs, Miss. The return march of the Union troops was marked by great suffering on account of insufficient rations and forced marches. The Seventeenth Iowa bore its full share of the hardships of this expedition.

On the 26th of December, the regiment with its brigade and division started from Holly Springs as a guard to 625 wagons, with which they proceeded to Memphis, loaded the wagons with provisions and returned as far as Collierville, Tenn., where they were relieved by other troops who took charge of the wagon train and guarded it back to the famishing army in the rear. Until February 8th, the regiment was engaged in guarding the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. It then marched to Memphis and, on March 2d, embarked on steamer and proceeded to Grand Lake, La. On March 8th it again embarked and was conveyed to Helena, Ark.

Its next expedition — a most difficult and arduous one, conducted on steamboats—was through the tortuous windings of Yazoo Pass and on through the Coldwater and Tallahatchie rivers to the vicinity of Fort Pemberton. General Grant then changed the plan of his campaign and the regiment was ordered to return to Helena, where it remained until April 17th, when it again embarked and was conveyed down the river to Milliken's Bend, where it landed on the 26th and took up the line of march for Grand Gulf, where it crossed the river on gun boats and moved rapidly to the front. It arrived at Port Gibson just at the close of the engagement there and pursued the retreating rebels to Black River.

The Vicksburg campaign was now fairly under way and battles were frequent. The Seventeenth Iowa had been engaged in several skirmishes but did not meet the enemy in force until May 12th, when it participated in the last of the fighting at Raymond and joined in the pursuit of the enemy. May 14th the regiment engaged the enemy at Jackson and, during the battle, executed a brilliant charge with fixed bayonets. Colonel D. B. Hillis commanded the regiment during this battle and wrote the official report. After describing the different positions his command occupied and its steadiness and good conduct as it advanced under the heavy fire of the enemy, Colonel Hillis thus describes the manner in which the enemy was dislodged from the ravine in his front and the capture of the fort [see note 10]:

You then ordered me to take the ravine, which I did by a bayonet charge at a double quick, breaking the enemy's lines, and pressing him up and over the crest of the next hill. Having reached this crest I ordered the regiment to cease firing, and commanded a halt. After having rested here some twenty minutes or more, I was ordered by you to throw forward one company in front of my line as skirmishers at a double quick to investigate the brush and woods in advance. This duty I intrusted to Company H, (Captain Craig) which they did skillfully, discovering no enemy, as he had fled in great confusion, abandoning his position, camp and fort, (containing four pieces of artillery,) which the captain entered, took possession of, and held until ordered into Jackson by General McPherson. The Captain, therefore, claims the honor of having first entered the works and taken possession of the guns. . . .


Colonel Hillis concludes his report as follows:

I went into the action with three hundred and fifty (350) men, and lost during the engagement 16 killed, 60 wounded, 3 missing and one disabled by a shell, making an aggregate of 80 men, or 23 per cent of my command. ... I cannot speak in too high terms of praise of the gallantry and zeal displayed by the entire command. So well did all do their part that none are deserving of special mention, unless it be Captain L. W. Houston, who, while suffering from a very painful and severe wound through his left fore-arm, and away from all assistance, seized a gun from one of three rebels, and brought the three into the hospital; and to, Lieutenant Colonel Wever, Captain Walden [see note 11] (who commanded the left wing, and had his horse shot under him,) and Adjutant F. Woolsey, to all of whom I am indebted for their coolness and assistance, and take pleasure in commending them.


The regiment had again demonstrated the fact that it had no superior among the volunteer organizations from Iowa or any other State, and had established a battle record which would have entitled it to lasting fame had its service terminated with the battle of Jackson. It had now been in the service but little over a year, had been engaged in four battles, many skirmishes, and arduous marches, and was in the midst of one of the greatest campaigns of the war, in which the valor, fortitude and endurance of its officers and men was to be tested to the utmost.

On the day following the capture of Jackson the regiment marched in the direction of Vicksburg and the enemy. The rebel army was stubbornly contesting against the advance of the Union army, and it was evident that another great battle was impending. The wounded were left at Jackson, in charge of Assistant Surgeon C. C. Biser, who was afterwards captured and, with the wounded who were able to be moved, sent to Richmond, Va. In his history of the regiment, Colonel Clark R. Wever describes the events which transpired immediately preceding the next battle in which it participated [see note 12]:

At Clinton we were detached from the corps, and ordered to remain to do picket and personal guard duty for General Grant, who had established his headquarters there. Tired, sore-footed and war-worn, we lay down at night congratulating ourselves upon our good fortune in being allowed a short respite, while the rest of the army were still "marching on"; but scarcely had our reveille been sounded on the day following, (May 16th) when the angry booming of a hundred [sic] cannon told but too plainly that there was more work to be done. General Grant ordered us to move with the least possible delay. We were immediately in the road, and marching in quick time for the theater of operations. The dust and heat were almost insufferable, and the road in places literally blockaded with teams. Within three miles of Champion Hills, very discouraging reports were sent to the rear. Everybody concurred in the opinion that the rebels had a very decided advantage, and bid fair to gain the day. An aide to General Grant rode back to us and ordered the brigade (two regiments only being present, the Tenth Missouri, and Seventeenth Iowa,) forward on the double quick. The order was immediately given by Colonel Hillis, and the boys threw away knapsacks, haversacks, blankets and everything (except guns and ammunition,) that could impede their march; pushed forward on a brisk run, and soon reached the scene of conflict.


The regiment so greatly distinguished itself at Champion's Hill, that the compiler, at the risk of having to give more meager description of future battles in which it was engaged, gives here the entire official report of its conduct in that hotly contested engagement:

Headquarters Seventeenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry,
Before Vicksburg, Miss., May 24, 1862.

CAPTAIN: — In compliance with Special Orders No. 27, from your headquarters, I herewith submit the following report of the part taken by my regiment (Seventeenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry) in the battle of Champion's Hill on the 16th inst. I arrived in the vicinity of the hills on which the battle was being fought about 2 p. m., and without having time to rest my men (who had that day marched 12 miles through dust, and under a burning sun, with knapsacks on their backs,) was ordered forward at a double quick. I established my line at a point midway up and on the north side of the hill, my right resting on the left of the Vicksburg road, in the rear of the Ninety-third Illinois (Colonel Putnam) which was severely pressed by the enemy's massed forces. In doing this my men suffered from the fire intended for the Ninety-third. As soon as my line was formed, Colonel Putnam moved his regiment out by the right flank, and left me fronting the enemy direct, some 40 or 50 yards only intervening. This position I held under a well directed fire, which my gallant fellows returned with interest, for about fifteen minutes, when I ordered an advance, which was executed with a heroism that I am proud of. This caused the enemy to give way, but he soon rallied, and again gave way, and in this way I advanced, driving him slowly, inch by inch, from the ravines and ditches in which he had effected a lodgement, up one declivity and down another, and finally onto the summit of the ridge along which the road runs, and charged him down the slope on the other (south) side, retaking four pieces of artillery, J. F. Waddell's Alabama battery. This battery had been taken earlier in the engagement by the Eleventh Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, but this splendid regiment had again to yield it, the enemy having massed his forces against it. After this charge, I commanded a halt and rectified my line, which had been somewhat deranged. All being quiet at this moment on my front, I ran back a short distance to get a horse (mine having been shot early in the engagement) but, being overcome by excessive labor and heat, I fell by the way, and by the time I returned to my regiment, which was in a few minutes, it had made another gallant charge, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Wever, routing the Thirty-first Alabama Regiment. In this charge a great many prisoners were taken, including the colors, color bearer and guard of that regiment, which colors are now in my possession. The enemy again rallied, but by this time the gallant Tenth Missouri was in position on my right, and we gave him two more charges, which put him in perfect rout. This then ended the fight, so far as we were concerned, and, I think, entirely. My regiment then, wearied and worn, with thinned ranks, rested on their arms until ordered into camp. It is worthy of note that in this engagement the regiment charged the enemy successfully five times, under the most galling fire from musketry and shell, and over ravines, and ditches that are very difficult of passage, and which afforded him excellent protection.

In conclusion, I feel that my command did their whole duty, and are worthy of all commendation. To my Lieutenant Colonel (Wever) and Adjutant (Woolsey) I am greatly indebted for their daring and assistance during the engagement. Both of these officers had their horses shot under them early in the fight. I cannot forbear mentioning in this connection specially for great bravery First Lieutenant C. W. Woodrow, Company K.; Second Lieutenant George W. Deal, Company G.; Second Lieutenant Tower, Company B., (whose gallantry resulted in the loss of his leg); First Sergeant Evan E. Swearngin, Company F., and Private Albert G. Trussel, Company G, who captured the colors and color bearer of the Thirty-first Alabama. In the engagement I had nine companies, one company (E) having been left back at Jackson on duty. My loss in killed, wounded and missing is 57 (25 per cent of the number engaged), as per list of casualties which I send with this report [see note 13]. We captured 175 prisoners, mostly Alabama and Missouri troops.

D. B. HILLIS,
Colonel Commanding Seventeenth Iowa Volunteers.

CAPT. WILLIAM W. McCAMMON,
A. A. A. G., 2d Brig., 7th Div. [See note 14.]


On May 20th the regiment reached Vicksburg and became part of the besieging force. On May 22d it participated in the assault on the enemy's works, but, being on the reserve line, lost but seven men. The assault was repulsed and the regiment was thereafter engaged in the regular siege operations, furnishing details for the trenches and, while performing this duty, suffered slight losses from the enemy's sharpshooters. Later in the siege, however, the regiment was ordered to perform a most hazardous and dangerous service, which is thus described by Colonel Wever [see note 15]:

On the 26th of June, General Logan sent to our division for two regiments to assist in holding and defending Fort Hill, which was then mined and in readiness for blowing up; the Seventeenth was one of the two designated. Early in the afternoon the fort was blown up, and the breach held by troops from General Logan's division, until 11 o'clock at night, when we were placed in the broken parapet, which we held until 2 o'clock A. M. of the 27th, with musketry alone, while the rebels were continually hurling hand grenades (6 and 10 pound shells,) into our midst. Here we lost 37 men killed and wounded; the killed were so charred and mutilated that their friends could scarcely identify them, and the wounds were terrible, very many afterwards proving fatal.


The regiment had now lost in battle, on the skirmish line, and in siege operations, an aggregate of 268 [see note 16]. Its losses by death from disease and by discharge for disability had also been heavy, but, undismayed, it was ready to go forward in the discharge of its duty, no matter how great the suffering and sacrifice it might still be called upon to endure. On the 4th of July, 1863, the long siege came to an end, Vicksburg had been surrendered and the Seventeenth Iowa entered the city and went into camp. Here it remained, doing garrison duty, until the 9th of September.

Upon the date last mentioned the regiment with its brigade and division proceeded to Helena, Ark., and on September 29th was ordered to Memphis, Tenn. There it joined the Fifteenth Army Corps, under command of General W. T. Sherman. On October 10th, the regiment, now a part of Sherman's army, moved to Glendale, Miss., and on October 17th started on the long march to Chattanooga, Tenn. Thirty-two days later — November 19th — the army reached its destination. At 2 A. M., November 24th, Sherman's army crossed the Tennessee river on pontoon boats and took position in readiness for the impending conflict. The Seventeenth Iowa, under command of Colonel Clark R. Wever, participated in the preliminary operations on the 24th, and on the 25th of November, 1863, was in that magnificent line of battle which swept Mission Ridge from base to crest, steadily driving the enemy and performing one of the greatest achievements of the war. In this battle the regiment fully maintained its splendid record for bravery and efficiency. Its loss was 12 killed, 32 wounded and 14 missing, total 58, thus increasing its aggregate loss in battle to 326. At the conclusion of his official report [see note 17], Colonel Wever makes special mention of the gallant conduct of Adjutant Woolsey, and First Lieutenant Geo. W. Deal. November 26th, the regiment joined in the pursuit of the enemy to Greyville, Ga., from which point it returned to Chattanooga, arriving there on the evening of the 29th.

On December 2d the regiment marched to Bridgeport, Ala., where it remained in camp until the 22d, and then marched to Huntsville, Ala., where it remained during the winter and spring of 1864, part of the time engaged in guarding large supply trains, collecting grain and provisions, and watching the movements of the enemy. On the 1st of April, 1864 a large majority of the regiment had re-enlisted as Veteran Volunteers, and it now became a veteran organization in name as well as in fact. It had at that time an aggregate strength of 352 present for duty, with 127 absent, including the sick in hospitals, and those on detached service, on leave of absence and furlough, making a total of 479 still borne upon the rolls of the regiment — just one-half the number with which it had left Iowa on the 19th of April, 1862 — less than two years before.

While at Huntsville, Colonel Wever was in command of the Post. He was subsequently detailed to take command of another brigade, and greatly distinguished himself by the manner in which he defended the Post at Resaca, Ga., holding out against superior numbers until reinforcements reached him, and the enemy was compelled to abandon the siege. In the meantime Lieutenant Colonel Archer was in command of the Seventeenth Iowa, which had been moved to Scottsville, thence to Stevenson, where its division was again concentrated and was moving to join the main army at the front, when the Seventeenth Iowa was again separated from its brigade and ordered to return to Tilton, where it arrived July 2d. Here it was assigned to the duty of guarding the railroad between Dalton and Resaca, a distance of fifteen miles, except at a point near Reseca where two companies of another regiment belonging to its brigade (the Tenth Missouri) were stationed. The regiment here had a most difficult and dangerous service to perform during the remainder of the summer. This duty was faithfully executed, and trains bearing supplies for the main army continued to pass over the road until the 13th of October, 1864, on which date the little garrison at Tilton found itself surrounded by a largely superior force of the enemy and, after a most gallant and heroic defense, was compelled to surrender. Captain William Horner of Company G (subsequently commissioned Major and Lieutenant Colonel) was on picket duty at the time the enemy appeared, and, being cut off from his beleaguered comrades, escaped with the thirty-one men under his command to the forest-covered mountains. These men, with those who subsequently escaped from their captors, constitute the number enrolled upon the worn and faded but distinctly legible old war paper which lies before the compiler of this historical sketch. It is entitled: "Return of the Seventeenth Regiment of Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, Army of the United States, for the month of October, 1864." This old return is regularly made out, in compliance with military regulations. It is dated at Reseca, Georgia, October 31, 1864, and signed "William Horner, Capt, commanding the Regiment" and "E. E. Swearngin, First Lieutenant and Acting Adjutant." It shows three commissioned officers and forty-one enlisted men present for duty. In the proper places upon the return the following notations are made:

"During the first part of the month of October, 1864, the regiment was encamped at Tilton, Ga., on the A. and W. R. Railroad. At that point nothing of interest occurred until the 13th inst, when a corps of Rebel infantry, commanded by Lieutenant General Stewart, made their appearance around the command. The defense consisted of a Block House capable of holding 70 men; the remainder of the men, numbering 210, were placed outside in the trenches. An insolent demand for surrender, accompanied by a threat to massacre the entire garrison, if not acceded to, was made by the Rebel General, to which Colonel. Archer made the brief and pointed reply: 'If you want me and my men come and take us.' Eleven guns were placed in position by the enemy (12 and 32 pounders) and opened on the Block House. After holding the place seven hours, and with the Block House ready to fall and crush the whole force, it was surrendered to the enemy, and everything destroyed by them. Lieutenant Colonel Archer and Adjutant Woolsey were paroled. Several officers and men have since escaped. The regiment became veteran seven months (ago and have just received the order to go home. Forty-four men are left to accept of the furlough."

"The regimental and company records having been captured and destroyed by the enemy at Tilton, Ga., on the 13th of October, 1864, it is therefore impossible to give the names of absentees. Three hundred and one enlisted men missing in action."

The names of the officers missing in action (13 in number) are given on the return. Opposite the names of two of the officers notations are made, as follows:

“E. E. Swearngin {Captured at Tilton, Ga., Oct. 13, 1864, escaped below Rome, Ga., and got through safe to our lines.”

“Capt. S. E. Hicks {Captured Oct. 13, 1864, by the enemy, escaped Oct. 19, 1864. Drowned Oct. 21, 1864, near Rome, Ga., in attempting to get to our lines in company with Lieutenant Swearngin.”

Pathos and tragedy are combined in these brief notations. The closing scene in that unequal conflict shows that the Block House had been reduced to such a state of ruin that it was about to fall upon and crush its gallant defenders. With ammunition exhausted, and with the sword and bayonet the only means of defense against the overwhelming numbers of the enemy, there was no alternative but death or surrender. The brave and intrepid Colonel Archer was therefore fully justified in surrendering himself and his command, with the stipulation that they were to be treated as prisoners of war.

At the time of re-enlistment, the men had been assured that they would be sent to their homes and given a furlough of thirty days, to date from the time of their reaching the State of Iowa. They had eagerly and hopefully expected the fulfillment of that promise, but the exigencies of the campaign which ensued became so great that every soldier in General Sherman's army, who was able for duty, was needed at the front. The great majority of these faithful men of the Seventeenth Iowa were thus compelled to relinquish the hope of again seeing their homes and loved ones until the end of the war. It was only to the little band who had escaped capture or death that the promise was fulfilled. Of those who were carried into captivity, many died from wounds received before their capture, and from disease. The remnant of this gallant regiment, under Colonel Wever, subsequently joined Sherman's army at Savannah, marched thence to Washington and took part in the Grand Review. Finally, with the exchanged or released prisoners, these veteran survivors of the Seventeenth Iowa were conveyed to Louisville, Kentucky, where, on the 25th day of July, 1865, they were mustered out of the service of the United States. They then proceeded to Davenport, Iowa, where the regiment was disbanded and the men returned to their homes.

Among all the splendid regiments which the State of Iowa sent into the field, not one has a more honorable record of service than the Seventeenth. To those of its members who still survive, to their families and to all who shall come after them, this brief history is dedicated, with the hope and belief that; in connection with the revised roster of the regiment which follows, it will serve the purpose intended by the General Assembly of the State, in enacting the law providing for the preservation of the history of its military organizations, and the personal record of its soldiers.


SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES.

Total Enrollment 1,085
Killed 45
Wounded 246
Died of wounds 24
Died of disease 97
Discharged for disease, wounds or other causes 263
Buried in National Cemeteries 76
Captured 315
Transferred 28


[Note 1.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 17, p. 109.

[Note 2.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 17, page 106.

[Note 3.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 17, page 76.

[Note 4.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 17, page 107.

[Note 5.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series I, Vol. 17, page 78.

[Note 6.] Adjutant General's Report, State of Iowa, 1864, page 454.

[Note 7.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 17, page 236.

[Note 8.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 17, page 171.

[Note 9.] Adjutant General's Report, State of Iowa,1864, page 454.

[Note 10.] Adjutant General's Report, State of Iowa, 1864, pages 444-5.

[Note 11.] Major Archer was absent on detached duty. Foot note page 445. Adjutant General's Report, 1864.

[Note 12.] Adjutant General of Iowa's Report, 1864, page 457.

[Note 13.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 24, page 10. Killed 5, wounded 51, missing in action 1. Total 57.

[Note 14.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 24, pages 63-4.

[Note 15.] Colonel Hillis had resigned May 30, 1863, and Lieutenant Colonel Wever had been promoted to Colonel of the regiment.

[Note 16.] Adjutant General of Iowa, 1864 Report, page 458. Adjutant General of Iowa, 1864 Report, page 449. Report of Major J. F. Walden, Comd'g Regt. at Fort Hill, June 25, 1863.

[Note 17.] Adjutant General of Iowa, 1864 Report, page 451.


SOURCE: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Volume 3, p. 3-13