Diary of Private Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, January 16, 1864

The weather has been warm and pleasant for a week. We have our regular daily drills and dress parade. It came my turn to go on the picket line again. The Thirteenth Iowa received their muster rolls, and when they are filled out, the regiment will be sworn into the United States service as a veteran regiment.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 163

Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood to Colonel Marcellus M. Crocker, November 19, 1862

Executive Office, Iowa,

Iowa City, Nov. 19, 1862.

Colonel: — It is with no ordinary feelings of pleasure and State pride that I congratulate your brave regiment on its courage and achievements at Corinth. Its devoted loyalty and attachment to the Union and the Constitution have been thus attested on the field of battle, where life was at stake, and the gallant bearing of your men in the face of death has proven them patriots as well as soldiers.

Accept for yourself assurances of my esteem and best wishes.

SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD.

Col. M. M. Crocker,

13th Iowa Infantry, Corinth, Miss.

SOURCE: Henry Warren Lathrop, The Life and Times of Samuel J. Kirkwood, Iowa's War Governor, p. 233-4

Diary of Private Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, December 24, 1863

I went on picket again this morning. Late in the evening the Eleventh and the Fifteenth Regiments were ordered out to a little town called Redstone, as it was reported that a strong force of the rebels was there. At 10 o'clock at night a detail of sixty men from the Thirteenth and Sixteenth Regiments was sent out to reinforce our pickets, as it was feared the rebels' cavalry would make an attack upon Vicksburg in the early morning.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 159

Diary of Private Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, November 29, 1863

We learned that there had been several spies in the city getting plans of our fortifications; they also got medical supplies and other articles of value to the rebels, and smuggled them through our lines at night. Special precaution is taken and the guard is to be continued. We were relieved this morning by a detail from the Thirteenth Iowa.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 154

Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood to Abraham Lincoln, December 4, 1861

[December 4, 1861.]

His Excellency the President: — The State of Iowa has now in the field and in camp, waiting arms and equipments, fourteen regiments of infantry and four of cavalry. I feel that I can justly say, and am proud to say, that so far as they have been tried either on the battlefield or in the scarcely less arduous duties of camp life in Missouri, they have shown themselves to be at least equal to any other troops in the service. For some reason this State has not been very highly favored in the distribution of Brigadier-Generalships. Brig.-Gen. Curtis was appointed during the summer, and was the only Brigadier-General from this State, until the quite recent appointment of Brig.-Gen. McKean, and these two are all yet appointed from this State. Were this a matter involving the mere proportion of officers, I think I would not be disposed to press it upon your attention. But it involves more. Our regiments are scattered among brigades heretofore in all cases commanded by Brigadiers from other States, and composed mainly of troops from the State whence the Brigadier in command comes. Under these circumstances, it is but natural that our troops should fear their commanding officer would feel partial to the troops from his own State, and perhaps but natural that officers should feel that partiality. I have learned satisfactorily that the opinion prevails extensively among the troops from this State, that they have been unfairly dealt by in having had assigned to them the most laborious and the least desirable duty in Missouri, and that in the report of the battle of Belmont, gross injustice has been done them, and I am sorry to be compelled to say, that in my judgment this opinion is not wholly without foundation. This seems to me to be an unfortunate state of affairs, and one that should not be suffered to continue, if it can be readily avoided. I therefore very respectfully propose that you appoint from this State a number of Brigadier-Generals, sufficient to take command of our troops, and that our troops be brigaded and placed under the command of these officers.

It seems to me that a spirit of State pride will in this way be called into action that will tell well in the service, and at the same time all cause of complaint will be removed. I take great pleasure in submitting to your consideration for the positions indicated, Col. G. M. Dodge of the Fourth Iowa Infantry, Col. Nicholas Perczel of the Tenth Iowa Infantry, Col. M. M. Crocker of the Thirteenth Iowa Infantry, and Col. W. L. Elliott of the Second Iowa Cavalry, from among whom I hope you will be able to select the number to which our State will be entitled, in case our troops shall be brigaded and placed under our own officers.

Trusting this matter may receive your early and favorable attention, I have the honor to be

Very respectfully your obedient servant

SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD.

SOURCES: Henry Warren Lathrop, The Life and Times of Samuel J. Kirkwood, Iowa's War Governor, p. 177-8

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, October 18, 1863

The Thirteenth went up to Messenger's ford on picket. We had our regular company inspection this morning. In the afternoon I went to the refugees' camp to hear a colored man preach. There was a large number of negroes and they had a joyful time; their singing and shouting beat all that I have ever listened to. They were so happy that they did not cease shouting until after sundown.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 148

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, October 17, 1863

We had regimental dress parade this evening, after which an order was read to us giving us our drilling program while stationed here. Beginning tomorrow the Eleventh and the Thirteenth are to have skirmish drill in the afternoon of every other day, and the Fifteenth and Sixteenth are to practice battalion drill on the alternating days.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 148

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, October 10, 1863

The Thirteenth came in and the Eleventh again went out on picket this morning. I was relieved from camp guard after two days' steady duty, and accompanied my regiment on picket. About dark our brigade received orders to be prepared to march at 6 in the morning, with one day's rations in haversacks and four days' rations in the wagons.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 147

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, October 9, 1863

The rebels have made no attempt at a raid into Vicksburg, but seem to be at their old trick of making our officers believe that they are in this vicinity in large force. Our officers, however, are on their guard, and are not to be caught napping. They continue a strong support of the pickets. The Eleventh and the Thirteenth again exchanged places, our boys coming from picket. A report came that Rosecrans had been whipped at Chattanooga, by Bragg's army.¹

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¹ In fact, Rosecrans with his army In Chattanooga had been surrounded by Bragg, who had possession of the railroad, and Rosecrans' army had to depend upon long hauls by wagon for their supplies. — A. G. D.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 146

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, October 8, 1863

The Eleventh Iowa went out again on picket this morning, relieving the Thirteenth. I did not accompany the regiment, because I was on camp guard. The weather is quite cool and there is no news of any importance.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 146

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, October 7, 1863

Six regiments were stationed at the different roads last night to reinforce the regular pickets. But the rebels did not make their appearance as it was reported they would. Our regiment was relieved at 10 o'clock this morning by the Thirteenth Iowa. We were struck by a fearful rain and windstorm last night.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 146

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, September 13, 1863

There was regimental inspection this morning with accouterments on and in full dress. Some of the companies have the appearance of a “corporal's guard.” Company E, being on picket, was not on inspection, but later they were relieved. The Thirteenth Iowa went down town to act as a provost guard. Our chaplain having resigned, we have no religious services at present.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 142

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, August 21, 1863

We packed our knapsacks and started at 10 o'clock for the landing two miles above Vicksburg and a mile below our camp. Our regiment with the Thirteenth went on board the "Fanny Bell," and at dark started up the river.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 136

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, August 4, 1863

The heat is intense today. We finished putting up the brush shades and also completed our bunks. It seems like home once more. Our regimental payrolls were made out today, while the Thirteenth Iowa received their pay. Major Foster is now in command of our regiment.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 133

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, July 6, 1863

We have had very changeable weather for a week now — hot and sultry, then cool and pleasant, then warm and hazy. The Eleventh Iowa received two months’ pay today. I got $37.25; of this, $11.25 was allowed for clothing not drawn. The Thirteenth Iowa and the Tenth Ohio Battery went out on picket duty.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 127

List of Dead

The steamer City of Memphis, which arrived at Keokuk on Sunday last with about 200 sick soldiers aboard, buried the following men on her trip from Pittsburg Landing:

Peter Smith, Co. B, 7th Iowa, buried at Quincy, 17th May.

Uriah Egbert, Co. F, 15th Iowa, buried at Landing, 12th May.

Levi Dailer, Co. H. 15th Iowa, buried at Paducah.

Sylvester Knouse, Co. D, 11th Iowa, buried at Paducah.

Samuel Farley, Co. F, 13th Iowa, buried at Quincy.

F. K. Dean, Co. G, 13th Iowa, buried at Quincy.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 22, 1862, p. 1

Dead Soldiers

The following names soldiers died in the Keokuk Hospital on the 19th inst.: S. R. Dysart, Co. C, 15th Regt.; N. J. Ohmert, Co. K, 13th Regt.; and J. A. Fairman, Co. B, 11th Regiment.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 22, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, May 19, 1863

All is quiet here at Grand Gulf. We heard some heavy cannonading up at Vicksburg. The Third Brigade of General Lauman's Division arrived this afternoon, and about 10 o'clock our brigade (the Third of the Sixth Division) and the Third Brigade of Lauman's received orders to embark at once for Vicksburg. The Eleventh and the Thirteenth got on board the "Queen Forest."

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 116

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, March 14, 1863

I was on guard at Colonel Crocker's headquarters in the old Sparrow house and had a fine room to stay in over night. The Sixteenth Iowa got two months' pay today. Major Wilson of the Thirteenth Iowa left today for his home in Iowa on a thirty-day furlough, and I sent $35.00 home by him. The weather is quite warm.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 105

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, March 9, 1863

We were relieved from picket at 9 o'clock this morning. The Thirteenth Iowa had battalion drill this afternoon. Hear some heavy cannonading in the direction of Vicksburg.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 104