Official Reports of the Battle of Shiloh: No. 30 – Col. James L. Geddes, 8th Iowa Infantry

No. 30.

Report of Col. James L. Geddes, Eighth Iowa Infantry.

VINTON, BENTON COUNTY, IOWA,

November 13, 1862.

SIR: In compliance with your request I have the honor to submit for your information a report of the part taken by the Eighth Iowa Infantry at the battle of Shiloh, fought on April 6:

About 8 o’clock on the morning of the 6th I ordered the regiment under arms and formed line of battle in front of my encampment, awaiting orders to proceed to the front. At this time the firing on our advanced line had become general, and it appeared to me evident that we were being attacked in force by the rebel general. After remaining under arms about half an hour, during which time I had ordered the baggage belonging to the regiment to be loaded on the wagons and an extra supply of ammunition to be issued to the men, I was ordered by Colonel Sweeny, Fifty-second Illinois, brigade commander, to proceed to the front. On arriving at our advanced line I was ordered by Colonel Sweeny to take my position on the left of the brigade to which I was attached, for the purpose of protecting a battery immediately in front. Here the regiment remained about one hour exposed to a severe fire from artillery of shell and grape, killing and wounding several of my men.

About 11 a.m. I was ordered by Colonel Sweeny, through his aide, Lieutenant McCullough, Eighth Iowa, to leave my position and take ground to my left and front. This change of position brought my regiment on the extreme right of General Prentiss’ division and left of General Smith's, the latter being the division to which my regiment belonged. I was thus entirely detached from my brigade, nor did I receive any order from my brigade or division commander during the remainder of that day. On arriving at the point I was ordered to defend I formed my regiment in line of battle, with my center resting on a road leading from Corinth to Pittsburg Landing and at right angles with my line. Here I immediately engaged a battalion of the enemy, and after a severe conflict of nearly an hour’s duration, in which I lost many of my men, the enemy were driven back with heavy loss. At this time Captain Hogin, Company F, was shot dead, and Captain Palmer, Company H, severely wounded.

About 1 p.m. General Prentiss placed a battery in position immediately in front of my regiment, with instructions to defend it to the last. The precision of its fire, which was directed by the general in person, made great havoc in the advancing columns of the enemy. It therefore became an object of great importance to them to gain possession of the battery. To this end they concentrated and hurled column after column on my position, charging most gallantly to the very muzzles of the guns. Here a struggle commenced for the retention and possession of the battery of a terrific character, their concentrated and well-directed fire decimating my ranks in a fearful manner. In this desperate struggle my regiment lost 100 men in killed and wounded.

The conspicuous gallantry and coolness of my company commanders (Captains Cleaveland, Stubbs, and Benson on the left; Captains McCormack and Bell in the center, and Captains Kelsey and Geddes and Lieutenant Muhs on the right, by reserving the fire of their respective companies until the proper time for its delivery with effect and the determined courage of my men) saved the battery from capture, and I had the satisfaction of sending the guns in safety to the rear.

In this attack I was wounded in the leg, Major Andrews severely in the head, and do here take pleasure in acknowledging the courage and coolness displayed by my field officers — Lieut. Col. J. C. Ferguson and Maj. J. Andrews — and the able assistance rendered by them on that occasion.

About 3 p.m. all direct communication with the river ceased, and it became evident to me that the enemy were driving the right and left flanks of our army and were rapidly closing behind us. At this time I could have retreated, and most probably would have saved my command from being captured had I been ordered back at this time; but I received no such order, and I considered it my duty to hold the position I was assigned to defend at all hazards.

General Prentiss’ division having been thrown back from the original line, I changed front by my left flank, conforming to his movements and at right angles with my former base, which was immediately occupied and retained for some time by the Fourteenth Iowa, Colonel Shaw. In this position I ordered my regiment to charge a battalion of the enemy (I think the Fourth Mississippi), which was done in good order, completely routing the enemy. We were now attacked on three sides by the rebel force, which was closing fast around us. The shells from our own gunboats in their transit severing the limbs of trees hurled them on my ranks.

It now became absolutely necessary, to prevent annihilation, to leave a position which my regiment had held for nearly ten consecutive hours of severe fighting, successfully resisting and driving back the enemy in every attempt to take the position I was ordered to hold and defend. With a loss of near 200 in killed and wounded I ordered my regiment to retire. On retiring about 300 yards I found a division of the rebels under General Polk thrown completely across my line of retreat. I perceived that further resistance was useless, as we were now completely surrounded. Myself and the major portion of my command were captured at 6 p.m. of that day, and I claim the honor for my regiment of being the last to leave the advanced line of our army on the battle-field of Shiloh on Sunday, April 6.

I cannot conclude this report without bearing testimony to the gentlemanly conduct and dignified bearing of my officers and men during their captivity. Our captors had felt the effects and well knew the courage of my regiment in the field, but had yet to learn they could conduct themselves as well under other and very trying circumstances.

Not having received any reliable information as to the true amount of casualties at the battle and during our imprisonment, I shall forward an official list as soon as practicable of killed and wounded and of such as died in Southern prisons through privation and neglect.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 J. L. GEDDES,

 Colonel Eighth Iowa Infantry.

 His Excellency SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD, Governor of Iowa.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume X (Serial No. 10), Part I, pages 165-7

Official Reports of the Battle of Shiloh: No. 18 - Col. James M. Tuttle, Commanding the 2nd Division and 1st Brigade, Army of the Tennessee

No. 18.

Report of Col. James M. Tuttle, Second Iowa Infantry, Commanding

Second Division and First Brigade.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION,

Pittsburg, Tenn., April 10, 1862.

GENERAL: I have the honor to report the part taken by the First Brigade in the action of the 6th and 7th instant, as well as such other regiments and corps as were under my command during the engagement.

On the morning of the 6th I proceeded with my brigade, consisting of the Second, Seventh, Twelfth, and Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, under the direction of Brig. Gen. W. H. L. Wallace, and formed line on the left of his division. We had been in line but a few moments when the enemy made their appearance and attacked my left wing (Twelfth and Fourteenth Iowa), who gallantly stood their ground and compelled the assailants to retire in confusion. They again formed under cover of a battery and renewed the attack upon my whole line, but were repulsed as before. A third and fourth time they dashed upon us, but were each time baffled and completely routed. We held our position about six hours, when it became evident that our forces on each side of us had given way, so as to give the enemy an opportunity of turning both our flanks. At this critical juncture General Wallace gave orders for my whole brigade to fall back, which was done in good order. The Second and Seventh Regiments retired through a severe fire from both flanks and reformed, while the Twelfth and Fourteenth, who were delayed by their endeavors to save a battery which had been placed in their rear, were completely cut off and surrounded and were compelled to surrender.

In passing through the cross-fire General Wallace fell mortally wounded, and as you were reported wounded, and Captain McMichael informing me that I was the ranking officer, I assumed command of the division and rallied what was left of my brigade, and was joined by the Thirteenth Iowa, Colonel Crocker; Ninth Illinois, Colonel Mersy; Twelfth Illinois, Lieutenant-Colonel Chetlain, and several other fragments of regiments, and formed them in line on the road, and held the enemy in check until the line was formed that resisted the last charge just before dark of that day.

On Monday morning I collected all of the division that could be found and such other detached regiments as volunteered to join me, and formed them in column by battalion, closed in mass, as a reserve for General Buell, and followed up his attack until we arrived near the position we had occupied on Sunday, when I deployed into line in rear of his force, and held my command subject to his orders. The Second Iowa and Twelfth Illinois were called on at one time. The Second was sent to General Nelson's division, and was ordered by him to charge bayonets across a field on the enemy, who were in the woods beyond, which they did in the most gallant manner, the enemy giving way before they reached them. The Seventh Iowa, under orders from General Crittenden, charged and captured one of the enemy's batteries, while the Thirteenth Iowa rendered General McCook valuable service near the close of the engagement.

On Tuesday, the 8th, when our forces were again called to arms, I called out the Second Division, and all obeyed the call with alacrity except Col. Crafts J. Wright, of the Thirteenth Missouri, who refused to obey orders, and did not make his appearance during the day. The division remained on the field all day, and were ordered to return to camp after dark.

The officers and men under my command behaved nobly and gallantly during the whole time, with the exception above named. The officers deserving special mention in this report are so numerous that I will confine myself to field officers alone: Lieutenant-Colonel Baker, of the Second Iowa; Lieutenant-Colonel Parrott and Major Rice, of the Seventh Iowa; Colonel Woods, Twelfth Iowa; Colonel Shaw and Lieutenant-Colonel Lucas, of the Fourteenth Iowa, particularly distinguished themselves for bravery and ability on the field. Colonel Crocker, of the Thirteenth Iowa, although not belonging to my command originally, was attached to it on Sunday evening, and remained with my division until Monday evening. He proved himself to have all the qualities of a good and efficient officer, and was prompt to duty when the enemy was to be met. Colonel Mersy, Ninth Illinois, also proved himself a brave and efficient officer. Colonel Morton, commanding Second Brigade, and Colonel Baldwin, Third Brigade, on the last day turned out their brigades promptly and marched in column to the outposts. Colonel Woods, of the Twelfth Iowa, was twice wounded, and when the enemy was driven back on Monday he was recaptured, and is now here, unfit for duty.

Appended I send you a list of the casualties of the brigade only, as others will report directly to you.*

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. M. TUTTLE,

Colonel, Commanding First Brigade, Second Division.

Brig. Gen. JOHN McARTHUR,

Commanding Second Division.

_______________

*Embodied in McArthur’s report, p. 148.  See also revised statement, p. 101.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume X (Serial No. 10), Part I, pages 148-50

Dedication of the Iowa Monuments at Shiloh National Military Park

Introductory

Dedication Exercises at the Regimental Monuments

November 22, 1906

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9:00 A. M.

Exercises at the Sixteenth Regimental Monument

9:25 A. M.

Exercises at the Fifteenth Regimental Monument

9:45 A. M.

Exercises at the Sixth Regimental Monument

10:00 A. M.

Exercises at the Eleventh Regimental Monument

10:15 A. M.

Exercises at the Thirteenth Regimental Monument

10:30 A. M.

Exercises at the Second Regimental Monument

10:50 A. M.

Exercises at the Seventh Regimental Monument

11:10 A. M.

Exercises at the Twelfth Regimental Monument

11:25 A. M.

Exercises at the Fourteenth Regimental Monument

11:35 A. M.

Exercises at the Eighth Regimental Monument

11:50 A. M.

Exercises at the Third Regimental Monument

Dedication Exercises at the of Iowa State Monument

November 23, 1906

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1:30 P. M.

Call To Order:

Colonel W. G. Crosley, Vice Chairman of the Commission

Music: Fifty-fifth Iowa Regimental Band

“America”

Invocation:

Rev. Dr. A. L. Frisbie

“Unto thee, O Lord, belong power and dominion and majesty. Unto thee would we render that which is thine, with humble and grateful and trusting hearts. Teach us, first of all, to acknowledge our obligation to thee; to remember that thou art indeed, over all, and that thou art also blessed forever. We know not all thy ways. We understand not all the mysteries of thy being, but thou dost permit us to know very much of thy Fatherhood, of thy gracious disposition, thy fatherly spirit, thy love for us. And because thou hast had these thoughts toward us, thou hast mercifully led us throughout many years of trial — years of bright and years of sad experience; and thou hast taught us that our dependence is upon thee. Therefore, we humbly pray that thou wilt stay near by during all the history we are to make; during all the development for which we hope. We pray that thou wilt be our Leader, bringing us through a prosperous voyage to a blessed port.

“We have been making a pilgrimage of blessing, of memory, of gratitude, and of peace, and as we come to the conclusion of our special duty, and see now the completion of that which we began, we pray that we may go hence with hearts prepared to appreciate the multitude of favors we have received. We have had occasion to commune with the dead.  We have stood where they were buried, who died loyally and faithfully, giving themselves wholly that they might secure the permanence of this nation. We thank thee that this Union of states was so precious to them that they held nothing back, but gave themselves utterly to maintain its permanence. We thank thee, O Lord, that through all the suffering and martyrdom and battle shock and pain, these men held steadfast to that which they had begun. And Lord, for these brave of the brave, the twice five thousand men that stood here meeting the battle's shock, and the many times five thousand men who on other fields withstood the shock of battle — for these we give thee our thanks, for we recognize in them the preservers of the Union. We pray that the people may all cherish their memories with gratitude; that we may all remember that we have not come upon these blessings by any manner of accident or of experiment. May we remember that they have been won by those who devoted themselves with their best intelligence and highest consecration to secure them; by those who gave themselves with unfaltering devotion that they might maintain them. May we go hence with renewed determination that this government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth. May we see, and may others see, more and more, that these mercies have been ours because of infinite sacrifice. Lord, we pray that thy blessing may be upon our whole land — not divided, not dismembered, but one land, with one flag, with not a star erased.

“Grant thy favor to this portion of the Union, where all this was carried on, and where so much of suffering and loss was endured. And so upon north and south, upon one land, may thine own good light shine through all the days.

“Accept our thanks, we beseech thee; guide us safely to our homes. Bless the people of our state who sent us forth upon this mission, and be so with them and with us that the grace of the Lord Christ may be revealed, and justice and truth may be everywhere established. Accept our thanks, bear with us in our weaknesses and guide us in wisdom and love, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.”

Presentation of Monuments to the Governor of Iowa

Colonel William B. Bell

Acceptance and Presentation to the United States Government

Albert B. Cummins, Governor of Iowa

Acceptance on Behalf the United States

 Colonel Cornelius Cadle

Music: Fifty-fifth Iowa Regimental Band

“Rock of Ages”

Address of General Basil W. Duke

of the Shiloh National Military Park Commission

Address of W. K. Abernethy

Representing Governor Cox of Tennessee

Music: Fifty-fifth Iowa Regimental Band

“Onward, Christian Soldiers”

Address of General James B. Weaver

Photograph:

Governor and Mrs. Cummins, Members of the Governors Staff and Their Wives

Music: Fifty-fifth Iowa Regimental Band

“Star Spangled Banner”

Address of Nathan E. Kendall

Music: Fifty-fifth Iowa Regimental Band

“America”

Benediction:

Rev. Dr. A. L. Frisbie

“Now be the peace of God upon all the resting places of our myriad dead, and upon the homes of the living, north and south, the peace of God, forevermore.  Amen.”

Taps

After the close of the dedication exercises, a brief sacred concert was rendered by the Fifty-fifth Iowa regimental band at the National cemetery, a short distance from the monument.

Iowa Shiloh Battlefield Monument Commission and Its Work

In Conclusion

SOURCE: Abstracted from Alonzo Abernathy, Editor, Dedication of Monuments Erected By The State Of Iowa, p. 201-301

Dedication Exercises at the Fourteenth Iowa Regimental Monument: Shiloh National Military Park

November 22, 1906

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11:25 A. M.

Music: Fifty-fifth Iowa Regimental Band

“Iowa”

Introduction of speaker by Captain Charles W. Kepler.  Mr. Kepler said:

“If it were permissible for any eulogy to be pronounced upon any one particular regiment or its commander, I would say, as I did not belong to that regiment, that Colonel Shaw, who commanded the Fourteenth Iowa, would be entitled to it. Captain Matson, a warm personal and intimate friend of Colonel Shaw, will read a communication from Colonel Shaw which he is unable to deliver in person.”

Address:

Colonel W. T. Shaw, Fourteenth Iowa Regiment

Captain Daniel Matson, after explaining the inability of Colonel W. T. Shaw to be present at the exercises, read Colonel Shaw's address:

Men and Survivors of the Fourteenth Iowa:

Under the weight of eighty-four years, together with the partial loss of sight, and a broken limb, which renders it impossible for me to get about without assistance, I am unable to be present on the occasion of the dedication of the Iowa monuments on the battlefield of Shiloh.

It would give me great pleasure to meet you and once more greet my companions in arms, on the spot made sacred by the blood of the members of our regiment who fell on April 6, 1862. But I am subject to the orders of the Great Commander, who forbids my being with you. I can only send you a few words of greeting. I shall be with you in spirit, and I know that you will enjoy your meeting together.

If the service rendered to our country by Tuttle’s brigade and the Eighth Iowa, at this point, constituted the sum of their work, which it did not, it were sufficient to cover them with imperishable renown. The fact that this command held the center of the Federal lines for an hour and a half after both wings of the Union army had been driven back, enabled General Grant to form a new line of defense and hold the enemy at bay until night closed the first day of the eventful contest.

This fact is clearly established by official data, which shows that the Fourteenth Iowa surrendered to the brigade under Chalmers, which constituted the right of the Confederate lines and of Bragg’s corps, while the Twelfth Iowa surrendered to Pond’s brigade, which constituted the extreme left of the Confederate forces; thus showing that the entire rebel army had surrounded and enveloped our little command.

Having served with General Bragg in Mexico, I was personally acquainted with him. At the time of our surrender he recognized me, and asked me how many men we had. Not knowing the full extent of the Union forces enclosed by the rebel lines, I replied, “About five hundred.”  Bragg expressed his disgust in language more forcible than elegant, and said: “We have lost an hour and a half in this affair,” when he immediately gave orders for the Confederate troops to deploy towards the river and press the Federal forces.

This proves clearly that the entire Union army had been swept back from the field to the new line around the Landing, leaving our command as the necessary sacrifice for our salvation. There can be no doubt but that the obstinate courage of the troops composing “The Hornets’ Nest Brigade,” in holding their position without wavering for hours after their supports on the right and left had given away, stayed the rebel advance, and made victory possible the next day for us.

Colonel Tuttle, having withdrawn the two right regiments of the brigade, the Second and Seventh, sent orders to Colonel Wood, of the Twelfth, to about-face his command and fight the enemy approaching from the rear. Seeing the Twelfth executing this movement, I called on Colonel Wood and asked him what he meant. He repeated the order he had received from the brigade commander and added, “I expect further orders.” I received no orders from anyone. I left Colonel Wood and returned to my regiment and for a time we held the line; realizing that we were isolated and alone, I attempted to withdraw my regiment and retire, following the rest of the brigade, but being pressed by the enemy was compelled to about-face to check his advance. Again we attempted to retire and again were so closely pressed that I was compelled to about-face the command and for the third time we were hotly engaged, once more checking the foe. From this point, we retired to the camp of the Thirty-second Illinois, where being surrounded I surrendered to the Ninth Mississippi Infantry, Major Whitfield commanding. The following letter will be of interest, showing his estimate of and admiration for the brave men who composed the “Hornets’ Nest Brigade”:

CORINTH, MISS., April 10, 1884.

Colonel W. T. Shaw,

Anamosa, Iowa.

My Dear Sir:

I cannot exaggerate the expression of my regret when I learned that you had visited the Shiloh battlefield on the sixth and seventh instant, and I had missed the opportunity of meeting you again and knowing as a friend the man and officer who won my admiration as an enemy.

Our encounter at Shiloh is one of the most striking episodes of my war experience. It was a curious vicissitude of war that repaid with captivity the courage and gallantry that held its position last upon the field when you held your regiment and part of another fighting gallantly in open field with perfect line and well dressed ranks, long after both the regiments on your flanks had fled and yielded only when assailed both in front and rear. The fortunes of war owed you something better. But after all one can never safely count on any reward save that which comes from the satisfaction of knowing that we have performed our duty well. I was very much in hope that you would extend your visit to Corinth and accept from me for a few days that hospitality you once declined as a prisoner, because it could not be shared by your “boys.” I even heard that you were coming over and I placed a man to intercept you and bring you direct to my house, where my wife had prepared a chamber for you and swung the camp kettle with some very excellent Glen Levat and lemon, in waiting, on the mantel. But you did not come and I seek refuge from my disappointment in writing this letter to you, which I trust will find you reciprocating my desire for a more intimate acquaintance.

Very truly yours,

F. E. Whitfield.

When we arrived in Corinth as prisoners, Major Whitfield's father, who resided there, hunted me up and asked me to take a seat in his buggy and go with him to his house. He stated that his son had been wounded and brought home. He said further, if agreeable to me, he had influence at army headquarters to pass me through the lines to our army. I was forced to decline both his hospitality and good offices in securing my liberty, believing that my services were necessary to my men during their captivity; and believing that it was my duty to remain with them to share their privations and imprisonment. This I have never regretted.

When I surrendered my command, no private or officer had offered to yield until I decided that further resistance was useless. During the three years that I commanded the Fourteenth Iowa I never gave an order or command that was not promptly obeyed. There is not a single act of the regiment that I cannot look back to with pride whether it be on the many well fought battlefields on which they were engaged, in camp or on the march. It was a soldierly and brave organization, and to no incident in its career do I now look back, over the long stretch of years that have intervened, with more pride and satisfaction than that after their retreat and struggle for near half a mile, fronting to the rear and repelling the enemy, over broken and heavily timbered ground, surrounded and pressed on all sides by an overwhelming and victorious enemy, I was able, when necessity compelled it, to surrender with closed ranks and lines well dressed. The Fourteenth Iowa at the time of its capture was reduced to about two hundred men.

In closing, let me join you in expressions of appreciation for the liberality shown by our state in commemorating upon imperishable granite and bronze the record of your services upon this battlefield. For many years, until the infirmities of age compelled me to give place to younger men, it was my pleasure to labor to secure the creation of “The Shiloh National Military Park,” together with this recognition by our state. Now that it is accomplished, it gratifies me beyond expression.

I am the only surviving colonel of the eleven who commanded the Iowa troops at Shiloh. For this kind interposition of Divine Providence, I trust I have due regard; and today, in the quiet of my home, far from Shiloh’s field, I speak to you men of the Fourteenth. It is fit and proper that you and I, in this manner, remember our fallen comrades. It is fit and proper that our great commonwealth erect these monuments to commemorate the valor of the Iowa regiments which upheld the flag of their country and the reputation of their state, upon this battlefield.

As a final word I can only say I know that you will remain steadfast in support of the cause for which you fought on this field; that in your everyday life you will be faithful to every trust reposed in you, and that you will teach the lessons of patriotism to those who follow you.

I will not say farewell, for I hope to meet you again in my home, where a warm welcome awaits you.

Benediction:

Rev. S. H. Hedrix of Allerton, Iowa

“May the God of all wisdom and consolation abide with the dear Colonel who sends these words of cheer, and may it be with us all as we go from this place. May every one of us resolve that while life shall last we shall do everything in our power to consecrate and keep new the great bright fruits of God, that shall keep us free and lead us in the great prosperity that has attended us since the days of this historic struggle; and may the lord in his mercy have compassion on us in our weakness.  Keep and direct us forever in Jesus’ name, and bear us at last to a home in Heaven, a home that shall be ours throughout eternity.  Amen.”

SOURCE:  Alonzo Abernathy, Editor, Dedication of Monuments Erected By The State Of Iowa, p. 228-33

See Also:

•           14th Iowa Infantry Monument: Shiloh National Military Park

•           The Iowa Monuments At Shiloh National Military Park

Dedication Exercises at the Twelfth Iowa Regimental Monument: Shiloh National Military Park

November 22, 1906

_____

11:10 A. M.

Address:

Major D. W. Reed, Twelfth Iowa Regiment

Secretary of the Shiloh National Military Park Commission

Ladies and Gentlemen:

General Tuttle, marching toward the sound of battle, led his regiment along the road here to our right, and as he came to this spot where I stand he saw in the fringe of woods beyond him a rebel battery going into position. He immediately turned, ahead of his brigade, down that ravine, and formed his brigade in this ravine which we see just at our rear. The “Sunken Road” ran immediately behind this monument. In this position, the Twelfth Iowa, with the rest of the brigade, held the Confederates at bay all day long. The fight which has just been described at the Seventh regimental monument applies to this regiment also. Just to our left is a tablet, where Colonel Dean, of the Second Arkansas, was killed, within a few steps of the Fourteenth Iowa.

It is unnecessary to talk of what the Twelfth did. Their record has been told among the other regiments. They held a position here that was practically impregnable. A gallant Iowa officer coming here lately, in looking over it said, “I have always thought that the record of the Hornets’ Nest Brigade was a myth, but I see now, in looking over this position, that an overruling Providence directed General Turtle, at the head of the right men, to the right place, at the right time, to save Shiloh on this bloody battlefield.” The fringe of woods up yonder represents the position held by Ruggles’ batteries. His sixty-two guns, playing upon this position from three o'clock to five o'clock, failed to move the Union forces from their position.

I thank you, gentlemen.

Benediction:

Rev. Dr. A. L. Frisbie of Des Moines, Iowa

“We give thanks to thee, thou who art over all, for all these instances of thy care and direction, and that thou didst devise all means by which we have been protected. Now lead us still, as thou hast led us; lead us on, that we may ever attain the better things — the better life — the diviner prosperity and that true freedom in which we shall share and share justly, and dwell happily together in the name of Christ, our Lord. May thy peace abound toward us forever more, in His name.  Amen.”

SOURCE:  Alonzo Abernathy, Editor, Dedication of Monuments Erected By The State Of Iowa, p. 226-7 

See Also:

•           12th Iowa Infantry Monument: Shiloh National Military Park

•           The Iowa Monuments At Shiloh National Military Park

Dedication Exercises at the Eighth Iowa Regimental Monument: Shiloh National Military Park

November 22, 1906

_____

11:35 A. M.

Music: Fifty-fifth Iowa Regimental Band

“Battle Hymn of the Republic”

Introduction of speaker:

Colonel William B. Bell

Governor Cummins, Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen:

I have a few words to say on behalf of the Eighth Iowa regiment on this memorial occasion. Colonel James L. Geddes commanded this regiment during the first day’s fight at Shiloh. In the evening he was taken prisoner. He is now gone to his reward.

I had expected to have Professor A. N. Currier of the Iowa State University, who was a private soldier in this regiment, make some remarks on this occasion. It was impossible for him to be here and I have selected another private soldier of the Eighth Iowa regiment who is present here today to make the address. Before introducing him, however, I am gratified to be able to announce to the audience that two sons of General Prentiss are with us and we will introduce them at the conclusion of the address.

Address:

Private Asa Turner, Eighth Iowa Regiment

Governor Cummins, Members of the Commission, Comrades and Fellow Citizens:

I have sometimes wondered what made Iowa’s troops invincible. I have thought much over the matter, and I believe I can tell you why. Drummond says, “The greatest thing in the world is love.”  The Divinity who walked the Galilean shore said, “Greater love hath no man than this: that he lay down his life for his friends.”

When the call to duty came to the Iowa boys, they hurried from the schools, from the farms and from the shops. They received the benediction of those who waited behind — whose mission it was to love, to watch, to wait and to weep. A farewell kiss upon the cheek from wife and mother and sister and sweetheart. Do you wonder that having stood, they were able to stand, with the eyes of the motherhood and the wifehood and the sisterhood and all the sweethearts of the north upon them, backed by the greater love of Divinity?

For the first time under fire right there (pointing) — a boy of eighteen — what a flood of memories come trooping up when I think of those days and of the boys who came with us. Was it hope of reward or fame or wealth that brought them?  No!  It was this greater love, that coming at the crucial period in the nation's history, made them willing to stand, and they did stand, upon this very spot, laved in the blood of the forty who died here, of the eighteen who died of mortal wounds, of the one hundred and thirteen wounded; and we will say that all the rest were taken south. So today we commemorate their deeds. Would that I had the power to send a wireless message up through the ether blue to the comrades who have gone before. I would say, comrades, though you are absent, you are not forgotten. We have kept your memory green. We have told of your deeds of valor to the child and the grandchild at our knees. At our firesides, at campfires, at gatherings, on decoration days, we have remembered you.

Now we know that the eventide of life is coming. It is not for long ere the reveille will sound for us the last time, for we are gathering home, one by one; and then, comrades, we will join glad hands with you, feeling that the men behind the guns acted well their part.

Governor Cummins, to you, who so ably championed the cause of the two sister regiments whose cause was dear to us, we commit this monument.  I thank you.

Colonel Bell said:

“I have the pleasure of presenting to this gathering two sons of General Prentiss who fought so nobly upon this field — Jacob H. Prentiss and E. W. Prentiss.”

Mr. B, W, Prentiss said:

Governor Cummins, Survivors of the Battle of Shiloh, Ladies and Gentlemen:

While we did not come here to talk we take this opportunity to express our appreciation of this great privilege, of attending these beautiful ceremonies. It is too bad that so few of the brave men of Shiloh survive to see and hear these splendid tributes to their sacred memory and to their bravery.

While the two Iowa regiments assigned to father's division — the Fifteenth and Sixteenth — were not with him here in this Hornet's Nest; these other Iowa regiments of which you have heard were very close to him and to his command and the Eighth, Twelfth and Fourteenth were taken prisoners with him. And as they were very close to him in the line of battle, so were they ever close to his heart and lovingly treasured in his memory. They were with him in prison and he loved them and never forgot them.

We thank you for the warm greeting that you have extended to us for the sake of his memory, and accept it in the same spirit.

Benediction:

Rev. Dr. A. L. Frisbie of Des Moines, Iowa

“We offer thee praise, Almighty One, because of the free and generous gifts — an offering of love, the love of true hearts, the love of homes and fathers and mothers, and of all who loved the young men who came forth that they might champion the great cause for which they suffered and died, that they might redeem their land from peril, that they might save the nation. We thank thee for their success, for the nobility of their sacrifice, and the love which animated them. And now, our Father, guide us still, and help us to be worthy of all the sacrifice that they made for us, in the name of Christ.  Amen.”

SOURCE:  Alonzo Abernathy, Editor, Dedication of Monuments Erected By The State Of Iowa, 234-6

See Also:

• 8th Iowa Infantry Monument: Shiloh National Military Park
• The Iowa Monuments At Shiloh National Military Park

The Iowa Monuments At Shiloh National Military Park

Iowa State Memorial Monument

• Iowa State Memorial

THE REGIMENTAL MONUMENTS.

The eleven regimental monuments are uniform in size and design, differing only in the inscriptions. They, like the state monument, are built of Barre, Vermont, granite and United States standard bronze. A monument is erected to each Iowa regiment engaged in the battle and stands at the point where the regiment fought the longest and suffered its greatest loss. Upon a bronze tablet set in the granite is described the part taken by the regiment in the battle. The commission prepared the design for these monuments. The contract for their erection was let to P. N. Peterson Granite Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, for eighteen thousand and fifty-one dollars.  SOURCE: Alonzo Abernathy, Editor, Dedication of Monuments Erected By The State Of Iowa, p. 291

• 2nd Iowa Infantry
• 3rd Iowa Infantry
• 6th Iowa Infantry
• 7th Iowa Infantry
• 8th Iowa Infantry
• 11th Iowa Infantry
• 12th Iowa Infantry
• 13th Iowa Infantry
• 14th Iowa Infantry
• 15th Iowa Infantry
• 16th Iowa Infantry

HEADQUARTERS MONUMENTS.
Four Iowa colonels commanded three brigades during the Battle of Shiloh.

• Abraham M. Hare, 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Army of the Tennessee
• Succeeded by Marcellus M. Crocker.
• James M. Tuttle, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, Army of the Tennessee
• John A. McDowell, 1st Brigade, 5th Division, Army of the Tennessee

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, November 12, 1861

There is some talk of our having to stay here in camp all winter. Most of the men are getting rather restless and anxious to get to the seat of war. New companies for the Fourteenth Iowa are still arriving.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 17

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, October 23, 1861

There was a large fire in town today. New companies for the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Regiments are arriving in camp nearly every day; also new troops for the Second Iowa Cavalry in camp at the Fair Grounds.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 14

Died.

In Mound City Hospital, 18th inst., of Camp Dysentery, HOWARD D. LEONARD, aged 20 years, of Co., K, 14th Regiment Iowa Volunteers, son of David Leonard.  At the call of his country this young man left the comforts of home for the exposure and peril of the battlefield.  Having gone through the dangers and hardships of the siege of Donelson he wrote home a graphic account of that memorable conflict.  The exposure however of those fearful nights in which our soldiers lay in the cold and wet proved too much for his constitution.  He was soon prostrated by severe illness, and when his regiment moved to go up the Tennessee river he was sent to the Hospital where he died. – Amiable, intelligent, conscientious, and pious; possessing cultivated taste, and giving every promise of a useful and honorable career, young Leonard was the hope and pride of his parents and friends.  From the noblest impulses he joined the ranks of his country’s defenders, and has early fallen a sacrifice in the sacred cause.

“How sleep the brave who sink to rest,

By all their country’s wishes blest.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 1

Losses In The Iowa Regiments Engaged At Shiloh

Regiment	Killed	Wounded	Total Killed and Wounded	Captured and Missing	Total
Second	8	60	68	4	72
Third	23	134	157	30	187
Sixth	52	94	146	37	183
Seventh	10	17	27	6	33
Eighth	34	112	146	370	516
Eleventh	33	160	193	1	194
Twelfth	24	103	127	320	447
Thirteenth	20	139	159	3	162
Fourteenth	9	38	47	226	273
Fifteenth	21	156	177	8	185
Sixteenth	17	101	118	13	131

SOURCES: Samuel H. M. Byers, Iowa In War Times, p. 146