Showing posts with label 18th IL INF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 18th IL INF. Show all posts

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Captain Charles Wright Wills: March 7, 1863

Camp 103d Illinois Infantry, Jackson, Tenn.,
March 7, 1863.

The rumors from Vicksburg in the Tribune of the 5th are enough to make one's flesh creep, and more than sufficient to account for my little touch of the blues I do feel to-night as though some awful calamity had befallen our army somewhere. God grant it may not be so! We have another report in camp this evening that is not calculated to enliven me much, viz.; “Lawler and some four companies of the 18th Illinois Infantry have been captured some 30 miles east of town.” In my last I spoke of an expedition having started out to look for some of Van Dorn's forces which were reported as being on the Tennessee river, looking for a crossing place. We don't give credence to the story of Lawler's being a prisoner. But if he is, and the Vicksburg rumor be true and we have been repulsed at Charleston, and were whipped at Tullahoma, I wouldn't feel half as badly over it all if our people at home would quit their wicked copperheadism and give us the support and encouragement they should, as I do now when we are worsted in even a cavalry skirmish. For every little defeat we suffer only seems to make them so much bolder, as is shown in every new set of resolutions which reaches us through the Times and the Enquirer. So that miserable Davidson really published the lie that only one man in my company really voted for the resolutions. Every man in Company G voted for them and with a will, too. I don't have any politics in my company, although there are some companies in the regiment which indulge considerably in discussing questions of State. Above all things I dislike to hear it. I am glad to hear that my men speak well of me in their letters. I think I have had less trouble in my company than most of the officers. Allen Roodcape, the man you sent your letter of the 1st inst. by, got here to-night. Poor fellow, he will never be fit for a soldier. Davidson has gone home again. The 50th Indiana went out yesterday morning to reinforce Lawler, so we will again be on picket every other day. When it is here, once in three days is the rule. I was out on the worst post last night and it rained nearly all night. It thundered and lightened most splendidly. I like to get pretty wet once and a while for a change. It's raining hard now. I go on picket again to-morrow. I'm sleepy, tired, and the rain is coming through my tent so much that I believe I'll get into bed.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 160-1

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Captain Charles Wright Wills: January 12, 1863

Camp 103d Illinois Infantry, Jackson, Tenn.,
January 12, 1863.

Your letters are beginning to come through with more regularity and on decidedly better time. Have received your date of December 30, although the last was dated November 16th, and was the first you wrote after we left Peoria. You bewailed our being sent south of Cairo, which I think very ungenerous in you. Well, you'll probably be suited in our present location, which is the only consolation I have in being sent so far rearward. There are some slight hopes though, that we may be sent to Vicksburg, which will ripen into a distant probability (nothing more I'm afraid) if the news of our repulse there be true. We're encamped in the suburbs of this delightful little town, but so strict are the orders of the general (Sullivan) that, as far as seeing the town or making purchases therein are concerned, we might as well be camped on Pike's Peak. All right, Mr. Sullivan, have your own way. He is by all odds the most like a soldier of all the garrison commandants I have been under. Will wager that you will never hear of his being surprised. The news from Holly Springs is that the last house in the town was burned night before last. Pretty rough, but I say, amen. Its pretty well understood in this army now that burning Rebel property is not much of a crime. I for one will never engage in it, until orders are issued making it duty, and then I think I can enjoy it as much as any of them. If any part of this army is ever called home to quell those Illinois tories, orders to burn and destroy will not be necessary. Since I have seen the proceedings of that traitorous legislature, I begin to understand why these loyal Tennesseans and Alabamians are so much more bitter against traitors than we are. It would make your blood run cold to hear the men in this army, without regard to party, curse those traitors. There is a gay time in prospect for those chaps. Don't think I am much out of the way in saying that Merrick, Jem Allen, Dick Richardson, and the editors of the Chicago Times would be hung if caught within the lines of many Illinois regiments in this army. There are many officers who, while they doubt our ability to subjugate (that is the question) the South, would take an active part in ending the man who would propose to give the thing up. I come pretty near belonging to that party, though I think that if we can't accomplish the whole end desired, we can confine the Rebels to Virginia (Eastern), the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. Alabama, I believe, we can hold if we get Mississippi. Boats which left Vicksburg on the 6th inst. reported it taken, but it must be a mistake, as it has not been confirmed. I think it was wicked to put that brave old 8th Missouri and 4th Iowa into the front of the battle, after they had suffered so severely at Donaldson, Shiloh, Farmington, etc., but ever since Shiloh it seems that the old soldiers have had the front all the time. 'Tis reported that when Grant moves again, he will leave all the new regiments as railroad and property guards, and move with the old army. The last night I stayed in Holly Springs, Mrs. Stricklin invited in some young ladies to help entertain the colonel, Lieutenant Nickolet and myself. They beat all the secesh I have seen yet. One of them played all the secesh pieces she knew, and when I asked her to play “John Brown,” she swelled up so with wrath, that I was strongly tempted to propose tying my suspenders around her to save hooks and eyes. One of them asked me if I did not think the Southerners the most polite, refined and agreeable people I had ever met. It took me twenty minutes before I could finish blushing for her lack of modesty, and then I was so dead beat that I could only take up the word refined, and tell her how much I admired their beautiful use of language. I instanced, “what do you'uns all come down here to fight we'uns for,” “I recon we war thar,” which you'll hear from the best of them. That first quotation as they speak it is the funniest sentence imaginable. I got into a row with every one I talked with, but finally, was fool enough to escort one home. Rumor (almost official) says to-night that we go to Memphis to-morrow, or soon, and thence to Vicksburg. Congratulate us on our good luck. This regiment will never be satisfied without a fight. They run in in our pickets once and awhile here, and I believe two were killed (pickets) yesterday, but guess there is no chance for a fight. The 18th Illinois Infantry is being mounted.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 145-7

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

3rd Sergeant Charles Wright Wills: November 11, 1861

Cape Girardeau, November 11, 1861.

We have just arrived here after a week's absence from any sign of civilized life. Saturday the 2d we (our company) went out six or seven miles from the Point to guard a bridge on the Cairo and Fulton Railroad. Sunday we came back to the Point, and found the tents of our regiment all struck and everything prepared for a march. By dark we were all safely stowed on the “Aleck Scott,” and also five companies of the 11th Illinois. At 10 p. m. the boat shoved out, but had to tie to all night about 10 miles up the river on account of the fog. Monday at 10 a. m. we landed at Commerce between Cape Girardeau and Cairo and stayed there all night. Up to this time we had not the most distant idea of where we were going, but here we began to guess that we were after Jeff Thompson and company. Tuesday morning we started back into the country and camped for the night on Colonel Hunter's farm, a distance of 18 miles. (I forgot to mention that the 18th and 22d Illinois with three companies, cavalry and two pieces artillery joined us before we started from Commerce, making a total of some 2,200 men.) This Colonel Hunter is in the Rebel Army When we stopped at his farm there was a large flock of sheep, at least 40 goats and pigs, turkey, geese, chickens and ducks without number. After we had been there a half hour I don't believe there was a living thing on the farm that did not come with our train. I never saw a slaughterhouse on as large a scale before. The next day the boys made an awful uproar on the road, playing that the sheep, hogs, geese, etc., inside of them were calling for their comrades. Wednesday night we stopped at Little Water River and the slaughtering commenced immediately. All along the road up to this place every horse or mule that showed himself was gobbled instanter, a bridle cramped, and some footman made happy. It was hard to tell whether our force was infantry or cavalry that night. This was too much for the colonel, so next morning he drew the brigade up in column of company and gave us fits. He made the men turn every horse loose; told us that the next man that cramped anything without permission would be dealt with as severely as the regulations would allow. That suited me. I never have been disgusted with soldiering save in those two days, and I tell you that I did then feel like deserting. When we are marching through a country as thoroughly secesh as this is, I think that the men should be allowed fresh meat at the expense of the natives; but there is a proper and soldier-like way to get it. We can send our foraging party ahead and have all we want at camp when we halt, but to allow men to butcher everything they see is mob-like. Wednesday night Jeff's men tried to burn a bridge a short distance from us and this led to a little brush, but the cavalry only were engaged. Thursday we marched all day and went into camp at night without seeing a horse. The march was through the “Black Swamp.” The ground was covered with this black moss four inches deep and so thick that 'tis like a carpet. That was an awful gloomy road and I was glad enough to land at a nice clear stream and have orders to pitch tents. That night not a thing was pressed. The next day we got into Bloomfield about 9 a. m. and found Jeff gone. For the third time we pitched tents on one of his deserted camps. I have just now heard that we started with orders to push on down to New Madrid, but here the orders were countermanded and we were started to Cape Girardeau. This Bloomfield is a rank Rebel hole. The first Rebel company in Missouri was raised here. It is the county seat of Stoddard or Scott, and a very fine place. Here the boys got the understanding that we were to be allowed some liberties and take them they did. They broke open four or five stores whose owners had left, and helped themselves. Colonel Dick (Oglesby) thought this was going too far, so he stopped it and sent a police force around to collect the stolen (pressed rather) property. I walked around and took a look at the pile they collected. There were lots of women's bonnets, girl's hats, mallets, jars of medicine, looking glasses three feet long, boys' boots, flat irons, a nice side table and I don't know what wasn't there. It beat anything I ever saw. The men had no way to carry these things but on their backs, and what the devil they stole them for is more than I know. Well, the colonel divided the stuff out again among the men, but stopped stealing entirely for the future. We have been a respectable regiment since then. On the march back to the Cape, the 10th Iowa was ahead of us and they fired several houses. We (our regiment) saved one of the houses but the rest burned down. The march back to the Cape was a fast one but quiet. We arrested some 20 or 30 of Jeff's men but released them all again. At Bloomfield my tent was pitched under a tree on which we saw the marks of three ropes to the ends of which Colonel Lowe attached three men not very long since. The ropes had cut through the moss on the tree and the marks will be visible a long time. We also arrested a number of men that had been concerned in hanging Union men through the country, At Round Pond an intelligent man told us that 17 men (Union) had been hung and shot inside of three days and he saw their bodies in one pile lying in the woods. We have marched over 100 miles this trip, and we have not seen a mile of prairie. I haven't been 20 feet from a tree for three months. The 17th are going into winter quarters here. Our regiment will certainly be in the next fight at Columbus. We start back to the Point at 3 to-morrow morning.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 39-42

Saturday, May 6, 2017

3rd Sergeant Charles Wright Wills: October 10, 1861

Bird's Point, October 10, 1861.

I have just finished a dinner of cider, cake, bread, butter, etc. We have just been paid off and of course have to indulge in a few delicacies for awhile. Last Tuesday we were ordered to strike tents and pack for a march. It wasn't much of a march though for we were put on the cars and rolled out to Charleston, 12 miles from here, where we camped on a beautiful little prairie adjoining town. The 11th Illinois, Taylor's artillery and two companies of cavalry and our regiment formed the party. I think we were out looking after that damned Jeff Thompson, who is reported everywhere from Ironton down to New Madrid. I don't believe he has a thousand men, for there seems to be nothing reliable about any of the reports we have of him. The natives up at Charleston told us that Jeff was at Sykestown, 12 miles from there, with 5,000 or 6,000 troops, and our pickets had several little fights with his, or what we supposed to be his, but — well, the generals may know better but we that stay in the ranks think that there is no enemy nearer than Columbus save a few small bands of bushwhackers, who, under the impression that they are upholding principles eternal and doing their country service, gobble up everything sweet or sour, that weighs less than a ton. We came down from Charleston Thursday. We marched about 10 miles of the way through an immense (it seemed so to me) cypress swamp. I think Mrs. Stowes’ “Dred” would have enjoyed that swamp hugely. It was rather an interesting piece of scenery for a first view, but I don't think I should enjoy living in sight of it. The 18th, Colonel Lawler, worked six or eight weeks in this swamp repairing bridges the secesh had burnt, and it put half their men on the sick list. We got our pay in treasury notes but they are as good as the gold. Lots of the boys have traded them off for gold “even up.” I get $21 this time for two months and five days, our other boys got $14 or $15. I am third sergeant now, our second having been appointed sergeant major. I think I should rather be sergeant, for the field officers make a kind of servant of the sergeant major. I send you a couple of daguerreotypes to let you see what a “skeleton” I have become. Our boys are all very well. The 17th is in a pretty hard condition, nearly half of them sick and as a regiment pretty badly used up. We have been paid twice and they only $10 yet.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 35-6

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Monday, July 27, 1863

Up frm below the 18 Ill. 54. Ill. 22 O.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 493

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Col. A. M. Hare

COL. A. M. HARE, one of the pioneers of this county, and a resident of the city of Muscatine, was born near Columbus, Ohio, Nov. 13, 1811, and is a son of Jacob Hare, who was a native of Lancaster County, Pa., and served as a soldier under William Henry Harrison in the War of 1812.  He married Miss Mary Teeters, who was of Scotch parentage, but a resident of Highland County, Ohio, and in an early day they emigrated to Ross County, Ohio, the year the land came into market.  Mr. Hare subsequently removed to Franklin County, Ohio, locating on land near where the city of Columbus now stands. He also owned land situated within the present city limits. He was among the first who developed a farm in that county, where he resided many years. Mr. and Mrs. Hare were the parents of six sons and five daughters, of whom the following named survive: Jeremiah, who is a resident of Marysville, Cal.; A. M., of this sketch; Benjamin F., a resident of Columbus, Ohio; Nancy, who married a Mr. Bruce, and now resides in California; Susan, wife of William Parkins. The parents were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and were honorable, upright people, highly respected by all. They both died in Franklin County, Ohio.

Col. Hare is one of the self-made men of this county. He did not have the educational advantages afforded by our present system of common schools, but on seeing the need of an education, when starting out in life, he purchased books, and by close application secured a fund of knowledge and information which many who have received good advantages may well envy. When fifteen years of age he went to Dayton, Ohio, and served an apprenticeship of three years to the trade of hatter, receiving only $40 per year and his board. In 1830 he left that city for London, Madison Co., Ohio, where he worked at his trade until the following spring, when he went to Virginia, but remained there only a short time, returning to London in July, 1831. He embarked in business for himself at that place, there following his chosen avocation for ten years, when he removed to Jefferson, a small village in the same county, where he again opened a shop, making hats for the people.

On the 20th of October, 1836, Mr. Hare was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Olmstead, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio. One child graced their union, Danforth, who now resides in Wayne County, Iowa. On the 26th of December, 1837, the wife and mother was called to her final rest, and the following year Mr. Hare came to Iowa to find a location, not wishing to stay in Ohio after his family was all broken up. Muscatine County was then a wild and unsettled wilderness, and he made no selection, but in 1841 he returned to this State and located permanently in Muscatine, where he embarked in the manufacture of hats. In 1844 Mr. Hare was again united in marriage, with Miss Emeline P. Austin, and to them were born two children who are yet living: Austin J., a resident of this county; and Ida, wife of Frank Warfield, who is living in Muscatine. The death of Mrs. Hare occurred Aug. 22, 1882. She was a consistent Christian lady, and belonged to the Congregational Church. While engaged in business in Muscatine Mr. Hare purchased his farm in Sweetland Township, which is known as the Sunnyside Stock Farm.

In the dark days of the Rebellion Gov. Kirkwood offered Mr. Hare a commission as Colonel of the 11th Iowa Infantry, which he accepted, and did much toward organizing the regiment, which was later mustered in at Davenport. They there remained for a short time, after which they were ordered to Benton Barracks, St. Louis, and were finally sent to Jefferson City, Mo., where the regiment was divided, some of its members being sent to California, Mo., and the remainder to Fulton, Callaway Co., Mo., remaining there during the winter looking after the guerrillas. In the spring the men were ordered to St. Louis, and from there were sent to Pittsburg Landing, taking a prominent part in that battle. The Colonel was assigned to a brigade under Gen. McClernand, having command of the 11th Iowa, the 13th Iowa, and the 8th and 18th Illinois Regiments. The Colonel displayed much tact and courage, and was complimented by Gen. McClernand for some of his movements. He was wounded in the hand and wrist, losing one finger, after which his health failed and he was compelled to resign.

SOURCE: Portrait and Biographical Album of Muscatine County, Iowa, Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1889, p. 167-8

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, March 25, 1862

We had company drill twice today. We have a fine drill ground. Our water here is good, there being several springs a short distance to the east and to the west of our camp. The camp of the Thirteenth Iowa is on our left, while to our right are the Eighth and Eighteenth Illinois. These three regiments with ours, the Eleventh Iowa, form the First Brigade of the First Division of the Army of the Tennessee, under the command of Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand. Col. Abraham M. Hare of our regiment is in command of the brigade. Dresser's battery of six guns is encamped just in front of the Eleventh Iowa.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 38

Friday, October 26, 2012

Official Reports of the Battle of Shiloh: No. 10. Col. Marcellus M. Crocker, 13th Iowa Infantry

No. 10.

Report of Col. Marcellus M. Crocker, Thirteenth Iowa Infantry.


HDQRS. THIRTEENTH REGIMENT IOWA INFANTRY VOLS.,
Camp near Pittsburg, Tenn., April 8, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to report the part taken by the Thirteenth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry in the engagement with the enemy on the 6th and 7th instant.

Early in the morning of the 6th the alarm was given, and heavy firing in the distance indicated that our camp was attacked. The regiment was formed in front of its color line, its full force consisting of 717 men, rank and file. It was at once ordered to form on the left of the Second Brigade, and proceeded to that position at a double-quick, and was then formed in line of battle in a skirt of woods bordering on an open field to the left of a battery. Here it remained for some time inactive, while the enemy's guns were playing on our battery. In the mean time a large force of the enemy's infantry were filing around the open field in front of our line, protected by the woods and in the direction of our battery, opening a heavy fire of musketry on the infantry stationed on our right and charging upon the battery. The infantry and battery to the right having given way, and the enemy advancing at double-quick, we gave them one round of musketry and also gave way. At this time we – as, indeed, all our troops in the immediate vicinity of the battery – were thrown into great confusion, and retired in disorder. Having retired to the distance of 100 or 200 yards we succeeded in rallying and forming a good line, the Eighth and Eighteenth Illinois Volunteers on our left, and having fronted to the enemy, held our position there under a continual fire of cannon and musketry until after 12 o’clock, when we were ordered to retire and take up a new position. This we did in good order and without confusion. Here, having formed a new line, we maintained it under incessant fire until 4.30 o’clock p.m., the men conducting themselves with great gallantry and coolness, and doing great execution on the enemy, repulsing charge after charge, and driving them back with great loss.

At 4.30 o’clock p.m. we were again ordered to fall back. In obeying this order we became mixed up with a great number of regiments falling back in confusion, so that our line was broken and the regiment separated, rendering it very difficult to collect it; but finally, having succeeded in forming, and being separated from the brigade, we attached ourselves to the division commanded by Colonel Tuttle, of the Second Iowa Volunteers, and formed with his division in front of the encampment of the Fourteenth, Second, and Seventh Iowa Volunteers, where we sustained a heavy fire from the enemy's battery until dark, and there remained during the night on our arms. During the day we were under fire of the enemy for ten hours, and sustained a loss of 23 killed and 130 wounded.

On the morning of the 7th we were ordered to continue with Colonel Tuttle’s division and to follow up and support our forces that were attacking and driving back the enemy. We followed them up closely, moving to support the batteries until the enemy was routed, after which we were ordered to return to the encampment that we had left on Sunday morning, where we arrived at 8 o’clock p.m.

Our total loss in the action of the 6th and 7th is: Killed, 24; wounded, 139; missing, 9; total, 172.*  The men for the most part behaved with great gallantry, and the officers exhibited the greatest bravery and coolness; and I call especial attention to the gallant conduct of my field officers, Lieutenant-Colonel Price and Major Shane, who were both wounded in the action of the 6th, and acknowledge my great obligations to my adjutant, Lieutenant Wilson, who during the entire action exhibited the highest qualities of a soldier.

Respectfully, &c.,

M. M. CROCKER,
Colonel Thirteenth Iowa Infantry.

 C. CADLE, Jr., A. A. A. G., First Brigade, First Division.
__________

* But see revised statement, p. 100, and division return, p. 123.

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 131-2

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Official Reports of the Battle of Shiloh: No. 6. Col. Marcellus M. Crocker, 13th Iowa Infantry, Commanding the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Army of the Tennessee

No. 6.

Report of Col. Marcellus M. Crocker, Thirteenth Iowa Infantry, commanding First Brigade.


HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION,
Camp near Pittsburg Landing, April 8, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to report the part taken by the First Brigade of the First Division in the action of the 6th and 7th instant, after 4.30 o’clock p.m. of the 6th, at which time Col. A. M. Hare was wounded and carried off the field and the command of the brigade devolved upon me. At this time the Thirteenth Iowa Volunteers, Eighth and Eighteenth Illinois Volunteers retired together, in obedience to command of Colonel Hare, and were rallied by me, and formed after we had retired to position in front of the camp ground of the Fourteenth Iowa Volunteers, and for the rest of the day and until the enemy was repulsed they maintained that position under constant and galling fire from the enemy’s artillery. The fire of his guns ceased at dark, and during the night we remained under arms in that position.

On the morning of the 7th we were ordered to advance with the division, at that time commanded by Colonel Tuttle, of the Second Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and form a reserve to the advance of our forces that were driving back the enemy and to support our batteries, which we did during the day, most of the time exposed to the cannon and musketry of the enemy. Just before the rout of the enemy the Eighteenth and Eighth Illinois Regiments were ordered to charge upon and take a battery of two guns that had been greatly annoying and damaging our forces. They advanced at a charge bayonets, took the guns, killing nearly all the horses and men, and brought the guns off the field. The enemy having retreated, and there being no further need of the regiments under my command in the field, Colonel Tuttle directed me to return with my regiments, the Eighth and Eighteenth Illinois and Thirteenth Iowa Volunteers, together with the guns captured, to our encampment, which we had left Sunday morning. This I did, arriving at the camp at 8 o’clock p.m. of Monday. During this day our loss was small, the principal loss of the brigade having occurred in the action on the 6th instant.

The entire loss of the brigade in this action during the two days engaged is: Killed, 92; wounded, 467; missing, 18. A list of the killed, wounded, and missing is herewith submitted.*  We went into action with 2,414 men, and came out of it on the evening of the second day with 1,795. Most of the officers and men behaved with great gallantry and coolness.

Of Dresser’s battery and the Eleventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry I can say nothing, excepting that I found what was left of them in camp upon my return on the evening of the 7th, they having been separated from the brigade during all the time that it was under my command.

Respectfully, &c.,

M. M. CROCKER,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

Major BRAYMAN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
__________

* Nominal list omitted; but see revised statement on p. 100, and division return on p. 123.

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 125-6

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Official Reports of the Battle of Shiloh: No. 5 – Col. Abraham M. Hare, 11th Iowa Infantry, Commanding 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Army of the Tennessee

No. 5.

Report of Col. Abraham M. Hare, Eleventh Iowa Infantry, commanding First Brigade.


HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION,
Pittsburg, Tenn., April 8, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to report the part taken by the First Brigade of the First Division in the engagement with the enemy on the 6th instant.

Early in the morning of the 6th, upon the alarm being given, the brigade, composed of the Eighth and Eighteenth Regiments Illinois Infantry, the Eleventh and Thirteenth Regiments Iowa Infantry, and Dresser's battery, were formed in the open field in front of their respective encampments.  I received orders about 8 o’clock a.m. to move three regiments to the left of the Second Brigade. The Eighth and Eighteenth Illinois and Thirteenth Iowa were accordingly ordered to form in line of battle in that position, and moving in double-quick formed in good order in a skirt of woods bordering on a field, the Eighteenth Illinois on the left and the Thirteenth Iowa on the right. At the same time I was ordered to form a regiment on the right of the Second Brigade, which position, by my orders, the Eleventh Iowa, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hall, immediately took, and, with a battery, formed a reserve for the time being.  After seeing the order executed I joined the three regiments at their position on the left, as above stated. Upon arriving at that point I found this portion of my brigade there formed under the fire of the enemy's cannon and musketry. On the right was a battery of our guns, supported by infantry still on its right. Against this battery the principal fire of the enemy was directed, and large bodies of infantry were moving around the field in its direction. A charge being made by these bodies of the enemy's infantry, directed upon the battery and our infantry on the right, they broke and retired in great disorder. Seeing the enemy approaching in great numbers, and our troops on the right having given way, my regiments also broke and retired in confusion.

Having retired to the distance of about 100 yards I succeeded, with the assistance of the field officers of my regiments, in rallying them and forming them in line in the same order as before. Here we maintained our position in good order, under a constant fire of the enemy, until 12 o’clock m., when, discovering that the enemy were approaching in great numbers, and that our troops on the right and left had retired, I ordered my regiments to retire and take up a new position about 200 yards to rear, which they did in good order and without confusion. We remained in this position, repelling charge after charge of the enemy, until 4.30 o'clock p.m., all the officers and men behaving with the greatest gallantry. At that hour, my regiments having exhausted their ammunition and great numbers of them having been killed and wounded and the forces on my fight and left having retired, I again ordered them to fall back, which was done in good order as before. At this time I received a severe wound in the hand and arm, which compelled me to retire from the field.

Dresser's battery and my own regiment, the Eleventh Iowa, I did not see after they took their position in the morning, but I am satisfied that they behaved with great gallantry, and their reports, herewith submitted, fully attest the bravery with which they acted.

To Lieut. Col. William Hall, who commanded the Eleventh Iowa, great praise is due for the bravery and skill shown by him on the field of action. Major Abercrombie, of the Eleventh Iowa, who was wounded severely during the early part of the engagement, displayed that coolness and bravery which characterize a good soldier.

To Col. M. M. Crocker, of the Thirteenth Iowa Volunteers, I wish to call especial attention. The coolness and bravery displayed by him on the field of battle during the entire action of the 6th, the skill with which he maneuvered his men, and the example of daring and disregard to danger by which he inspired them to do their duty and stand by their colors, show him to be possessed of the highest qualities of a commander, and entitle him to speedy promotion. His adjutant, Lieutenant Wilson, who accompanied him on the field during the day and shared all its dangers, I wish to mention as the bravest of the brave.

Capt. William H. Harvey, of Company K, Eighth Illinois, was instantly killed while commanding his regiment, and died the death of a brave man. Capt. Robert H. Sturgess, of Company H, took command of the regiment and led them gallantly through the day. Maj. Samuel Eaton was badly wounded while commanding his regiment – the Eighteenth Illinois. Capt. D. H. Brush, next in command, was soon after also severely wounded. Captain Dillon, of Company C, arrived on the field at this moment and took command, but was almost instantly killed. From that time the regiment was led on by Captain Anderson, who did his duty nobly.

My thanks are due to my volunteer aide, Lieutenant Caldwell, of General Oglesby's staff, who assisted me during the day; and I express my very great obligations to my adjutant, C. Cadle, Jr., who accompanied me on the field and rendered me most efficient service, and during the whole action, by his promptness, energy, and activity, exhibited all the best qualities of a soldier.

Respectfully, &c.,

A.M. HARE,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

Maj. M. BRAYMAN, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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 123-5

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Incidents Of The Battle Of Ft. Donelson

Peter Morton of the 18th Illinois, had the case of his watch, which he wore in his upper vest picket, immediately over his heart, torn away by a canister shot, and the watch still continued to keep time.

The life of Reuben Davis of the Kentucky 5th was saved by a silver half-dollar in his waistcoat pocket.  He had borrowed that amount of a companion, some days before and offered to return it before going upon the field; but his companion told him to keep the coin, as he might stand in need of it before night. – He had need of it in his greatest need, for a rifle ball struck the coin in the centre and destroying the figure of Liberty on its face.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 3

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Further News from Fort Donelson

3,000 Rebel Prisoners ask to be Armed and Enrolled in the Armies of the Union.

Clarksville Evacuated.

WHITE FLAGS FLYING AT NASHVILLE.

TENNESSEE VIRTUALLY REDEEM’D

CAIRO, Feb. 20. – Only sixteen remain of company G., 11th Illinois regiment, who are not killed, wounded or taken prisoners.

Gov. Yates and staff left for Fort Donelson last evening.

The Wounded officers of the 11th Illinois are Lieut. Col. Ransom, Lieut. Churchill, Co. A, Lieut. Wilcox, Co. B, Lieut. Dean, Co. D., Capt. Andrews, Co. D, Lieut. Duncan, Co. H, and Lieut. Blackstone, Co. I.  The killed are Capt. Shaw, Co. B, Lieut. Boyce, Co. G.  The Missing are Lieut. Kenyon, Co. K, and Lieut. Vore, Co. E.  Not over 100 effective men are left of the 11th regiment.  The wounded are partly at Mound City and the rest at Fort Donelson.  It is thought that this regiment will return to their old quarters at Bird’s Point.

One thousand secesh prisoners left for Camp Douglas last evening, via the Illinois Central Railroad.  More will follow to-day.  Those sent yesterday were Mississippians and Texans.  Two boat loads have arrived and will be forwarded immediately.

The 2nd Michigan Artillery arrived last evening by steamer City of Alton.

Jas. Friedeman of Co. D, 8th Wisconsin was buried today at Bird’s Point.

A rebel officer states that the exaggeration of Major Post of the 8th Illinois who was taken prisoner before the surrender of Fort Donelson materially aided in preventing any further resistance on their part.

The body of Lieut. Colonel White of the 31st Illinois has just arrived.

Three thousand rebel prisoners at Fort Donelson have asked to be allowed their arms and enrolled in the army of the Union.

A special order was issued to-day forbidding the issue of passes to Fort Donelson and other points on the Ohio river above Cairo.

The report is current and uncontradicted that Clarksville is evacuated.

It is reported that Gov. Harris has convened the Legislature of the State of Tennessee to repeal all laws passed by the Confederate Legislature inconsistent with the Federal Constitution.

White flags are flying at Nashville, and Gen. Grant has been invited to occupy Clarksville. – If this is true, Tennessee can be counted out of the Southern Confederacy.

The casualties among the officers of the 18th Illinois, are, Killed, Capt. J. S. Craig, company A, Lieut. John Mauseur, Company C.

Wounded – Col. Lawler, Capt. D. H. Brush, company K; Capt. H. S. Wilcox, company B; Capt. J. W. Dillon, company C; Capt. P. Lawler, company D.

Supposed to be taken prisoners – Lieut. Tole, company D; Lieut. Kelley, company E; Lieut. Thompson, company F; Capt. Cruise, company G; Lieuts. Lawrence and Conner, company K.

The whole number of killed in the regiment is 50, wounded 150.

There is an awful flutter at Columbus, but we hear nothing decisive.

Brig. Gen. John Pope arrived from St. Louis, to-night.

The number of field pieces taken is much larger than heretofore telegraphed.  We have at least 70 guns.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Further from Ft. Donelson

FT. DONELSON, via CAIRO, Feb. 20. – The number of field pieces taken in the Union victory here is much larger than heretofore telegraphed.  We have at least 70 guns.  Among them are bronze and iron rifled pieces of English manufacture.  Taylor’s battery captured a beautiful riffled piece, an intimation of the Parrott, made in England, and 2 bronze rifled pieces.

The prisoners will amount to full 15,000, all contrary assertions notwithstanding.

The small arms captured amount to 20,000.

So far as I can ascertain, our loss is:

49th Illinois, killed and wounded, 40.
Taylor’s Battery, 1 killed and 4 wounded.
18th Illinois, Killed 45; about 60 wounded.
17th Illinois, killed 4, wounded 20.
12th Iowa killed 3, wounded 64.
58th Ohio, wounded 8.
14th Iowa, 6 killed, 50 wounded.
2nd Iowa, 38 killed, 150 wounded.
9th Illinois, 35 killed, 60 wounded.
41st Illinois, 17 killed, 140 wounded.
20th Illinois, 21 killed, 118 wounded.
30th Illinois, 19 killed, 71 wounded.
8th Illinois, 56 killed, 186 wounded.
21st Illinois, 40 killed, 200 wounded.
12th Illinois, 35 killed, 109 wounded.

It is utterly impossible, as yet to make out anything like a full list of the names of the killed and wounded.  I will send them to you as soon as they can be made out by the officers.

The number of Rebels killed, is at the least calculation 800, and their wounded more than double that number.

Other important movements are now on foot in this region.  Keep your ears open for stirring news.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Cairo Correspondence

CAIRO, Feb 28, 1862.

MR. EDITOR:– I presume the different members of your city relief committee now in this vicinity, have kept your readers fully posted in regard to what is to be done, and what is being done, by them and others to relieve the sufferings and wants of the brave defenders of our country. – Therefore I propose, briefly, to give you some special incidents and descriptions of cases; believing it will give your readers a more accurate knowledge of the late daily scenes in Cairo and its vicinity than can possibly be derived from reading general descriptions.  Steamboats have daily and sometimes hourly arrived from Fort Donelson, freighted with the sick and wounded, dirty and filthy, to an extent absolutely sickening.  In very many instances this cannot be avoided owing to the profuse suppurations of wounds and the bad odor caused.

As an example I propose to give you an outline of the nature of the wounds and diseases on board of the steamer “John H. Dickey.”  It had on board 125 persons, about half of which were wounded, the balance sick and with a very few exceptions very sick.  This boat was sent from Cairo to St. Louis, in charge of Dr. White of Iowa City, with whom you are acquainted – assisted by Dr. Johns, of Decatur, Illinois – (Ex-President of the Illinois State Agricultural Society.)  He is an active man, and judging from the dispatch and tenderness with which he dresses wounds, we think him a good Surgeon.  His kind and unceasing attentions called forth many an expression of gratitude from those upon whom he waited.  Dr. W. was also assisted by Dr. Bartlett of Marengo and Dr. A. B. Turner of Tipton – both attentive Physicians and good nurses – both have the kind remembrance of those upon whom they attended.

R. L. Powers, 21 years old, a member of Co. B, 18th Ill. Regiment.  Shot through the left thigh, by a minie ball.  The wound large and suppurating profusely – at least a pint every 12 hours.  Properly attended, will recover.

J. G. Brill, Co. G, 29th Ill. Regiment. – Shot under the left arm, ball passing through the heavy muscles of the chest and the external portion of the lungs and coming out near the spine; also shot through the lower portion of the fore-arm and one of the bones broken – both wounds suppurating profusely – recovery doubtful.

John Dickery, 22 years old, Co. D, 18th Illinois regiment.  Shot ten times in as many different places through the fleshy portions of the legs, arms, sides of the body and head, not a bone broken.  Recovering rapidly, will undoubtedly be able for duty again soon.

James M Wealthy, 21 years old, Co. C, 18th Illinois regiment.  Shot obliquely through the left thigh, carrying away a portion of the bone.  Suppurating profusely, doing well, but recovery doubtful.

George Harris, 21 years old, Co. C, 18th Illinois regiment.  Shot through both ankles of the lower jaw and tongue, separating the anterior portion of the jaw from the posterior, complete loss of speech.  Will probably recover to a certain extent the use of jaw and speech.

Meady D. Dupont, Co. C, 18th Illinois regiment.  Shot through the external portion of the left knee; a bad wound.  Will probably lose the leg, perhaps his life.

Michael O’Connor, Co. E, 18th Illinois regiment.  Shot through the left shoulder, passing through the shoulder blade and coming out near the spine.  Not suppurating much; after a long while may recover the use of the arm.

Talbot Horseley, a rebel prisoner from Sumner county, middle Tennessee, a member of the 30th Tenn. Regt. Vol. under Col. Murphy, 63 years old.  Shot in the knee, breaking knee-cap; a dangerous wound.  Is a particularly good-hearted man and deeply regrets ever taking up arms against the Union; often speaks feelingly of the marked kindness he has uniformly received since he fell into our hands, and hopes to live to see the old flag floating over every court house in the Southern States; blames a few political leaders for grossly deceiving him and others as to the feeling and intentions of the Northern men.

Isaac W. Likens, 37 years old, 29th Illinois regiment.  Shot about four inches below the knee, both bones broken, the larger badly split up, with a large external wound on both sides of leg.  On the appearance of mortification, Dr. White amputated the leg about three inches below the knee; patient comfortable and doing well.

John Madden, 17 years old, Co. E 29th Illinois, shot in the left arm, ball passing in above the elbow up the arm and coming out near the spine.  He says he was in the act of shooting when he was shot, his arm being extended.  The ball passed about eighteen inches before coming out.  It is doing well.

One of the most remarkable cases on this boat was that of a boy who, like Geo. Harris, was shot through the lower jaw and tongue with like results, with the addition of being shot through the muscles on the side of the head, just above the ear.  Another ball entered the ankle and broke the small bone of the leg; another ball entered the other foot – the ball being still imbedded in the small bones of the foot, but not yet to be reached with a probe.  His case is a curious one.  His general health is good and his wounds are healthy.

The diseases were mostly pneumonia, (or lung diseases,) measles and typhoid fever.  There were at least thirty of the former.  Most of the patients’ expectoration was very excessive and of a bloody brick-dust character.  Each of these, as well as others requiring it, were supplied at Cairo with small tins to spit in.  These diseases were mostly caused by the great exposure while on the battle-field, and the continued changes they had to endure before reaching a hospital or permanent place to rest.

The patients were placed in the lower berths of the state rooms, while the cabin floor was covered from one end to the other, their heads toward the state rooms, leaving just room enough to pass the head of each patient and up and down through the boat.  All were mixed in together, rebels and Federals, just as they happened to be carried on to the boat.  As far as practicable, and as the good of the patient would permit, Dr. W. had those of the same disease placed together.

Two deaths occurred on the boat soon after landing – Sergeant Van Meter, so jusdged from the fact that there was found in his pocket a needle cushion with Van Meter marked on it, and because he had on the sleeves of his coat a Sergeant’s straps.  Died from inflammation of the brain.  Also John S. Short, of Co. C, 18th Ill. Regiment.  Coffee was burnt and hourly carried through the cabin, to kill the bad odor, the stench being almost unbearable even to physicians.  Just such sights and just such disagreeable stench was noticeable on every boat.  It must be seen to be realized. Your friend, *

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 4, 1862, p. 2

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Latest From Fort Donelson

FORT DONELSON, Tuesday night,
VIA CAIRO, Feb. 20.

The number of field pieces taken in the Union victory here, is much larger than heretofore telegraphed.  We have at least seventy guns, among them are bronze and iron rifled pieces of English manufacture.  Taylor’s battery captured a beautiful rifled piece, an imitation of the Parrott made in England and 2 bronze rifled pieces.

The prisoners will amount to full fifteen thousand, all contrary assertions notwithstanding.

The small arms captured amount to twenty thousand.

So far as I can ascertain our loss is:

49th Ills. – Killed and wounded, 40.
Taylor’s Battery – I killed, 4 wounded.
18th Ills. – 45 killed, about 60 wounded.
17th Ills. 4 killed, 70 wounded.
12th Iowa – 3 killed, 24 wounded.
58th Ohio – 3 wounded.
14th Iowa – 6 killed 50 wounded.
2d Iowa – 48 killed, 150 wounded.
9th Ills. – 35 killed, 160 wounded.
41st Ills. – 17 killed, 130 wounded.
20th Ills. – 21 killed 118 wounded.
30th Ills, 19 killed, 71 wounded.
8th Ills. – 56 killed, 196 wounded.
31st Ills. – 40 killed 200 wounded.
12th Ills. – 35 killed, 109 wounded.

It is utterly impossible as yet to make out anything like a full list of the names of the killed and wounded.  I will send them as soon as they can be made out by the officers.

The number of the rebels killed is, at the least calculation, 800, and their wounded is more than double that number.

Other important movements are now on foot in this region.  Keep your ears open for more great news.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Additional from Fort Donelson

CAIRO, Feb. 17.

A dispatch from Gen. Grant says that the fort surrendered unconditionally on Sunday night.

Our cavalry are in hot pursuit of the great thief, Floyd, and hope to capture him and the rest of the flying rebels.

This great victory gives us Tennessee within a week, the old star-spangled banner will float over Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville.  The backbone of the rebellion is broken, the Union is saved, and the Illinois troops are entitled to the chief-share of the glory.

Col. C. C. Marsh, of the 20th Ills., formerly of the Chicago Light Guard, was made a Brigadier on the field for his exhibition of desperate valor.


ST. LOUIS, Feb. 18.

The Republican’s Fort Donelson correspondent gives the following account of the fighting on Saturday:

Yesterday morning, just at daylight, a heavy sortie was made by the garrison from the left portion of their works.

This attack was made upon the extreme right wing of the Union army where it was weakest.  During the night the enemy could be heard busily at work, but what at, it was impossible to tell as thicket woods encompassed the union troops on every side, rendering the view in any direction almost impossible.  At daylight a large body of the enemy suddenly appeared on the extreme right wing of Col. Oglelsby’s command and opened a terrible fire with cannon from their redoubts, firing at the same time upon our forces from guns placed in position on the night previous.

The camp of the 29th and 31st Ill. Was most exposed, and the whole brigade was at once formed into line as follows: The 18th Ill. Held the extreme right; the 8th Ill. Next; the 30th Ill. next; then the 29th Ill. Supporting on the right of Capt. Schwartz’s battery; the 31st Ill. defending the artillery on the left.  From the firing of the first gun until 9 o’clock, the battle raged unremittingly and with fearful loss on both side[s].  Again and again our troops drove the enemy back, but they were afterwards reinforced, while our troops had, owing to the extended lines of the army and also their position on the extreme right, to fight unassisted.  More gallant fighting never took place than that of the union troops exposed to the terrible firing of treble their number.  They stood their ground until in some regiments every officer was killed or wounded.

At last, and reluctantly, regiment by regiment, they slowly fell back, leaving Schwartz’s battery and 3 of McAllister’s guns in the rebels’ hands.  Retiring a few hundred yards, they again made a stand, and Gen. Smith arrived with reinforcements, and at once drove the enemy again into their works.  In the first of the battle was also Gen. Wallace’s brigade, the 12th, 17th and 18th; also Col. McArthur’s brigade, all of which troops suffered severely.  Opposed to them were 12,000 rebels supported by guns carefully in position.

Gen. Grant, having command of a division, drove the enemy back with reinforcements, and gained the lost ground.  He at once ordered an advance by Gen. Smith on the left, charging under a hot fire up the steep hill on which was the out redoubt. – Our troops gained the high breastworks, and with hardly a pause, went over them, planting the Stars and Stripes over the walls. – Under a most galling fire they formed and charged, and drove the rebels back, until they fell into a new position behind some batteries.  When evening came the Union troops had been victorious at every point, having gained back the ground lost in the morning; and got within part of the enemy’s works.  Our troops held their position during the night, repelling the repeated assaults.

The scene within the captured fort, after the surrender, showed how terribly the rebel garrison had suffered.  Everywhere were lying fragments of shells, and round shot half buried in the earth.  Tents were torn to pieces, gun carriages broken, and blood scattered around.

In the left redoubt, where the assault had taken place, the dead bodies lay thickly.  Abundant evidence of the stern resistance and gallant attack was visible.

On the extreme right, half a mile distant, where the desperate sorties were made by the garrison, similar scenes were visible.

The gallantry of the Union troops has been well and severely tested, and they have proved more than equal to the task before them.

As the fleet approached the fort this morning a salute was fired, and loud cheers went up when the American flags were visible.  No officer in the army had an idea of Fort Donelson’s defences [sic] until they had been gained and examined.

Several regiments when out of ammunition rushed forward, and although exposed to the full fire of the rebel artillery, gallantly drove their foes back with the bayonet and captured their guns.  The following are the names of some of the rebel officers captured: Col. Garset, Col. Voorhees, Col. Forrest, Col. Brown and Col. Abernathy.


CAIRO, Feb. 17.

The steamer Memphis arrived from Fort Donelson this evening, bringing a Miss. Regiment prisoners, and 50 or 60 wounded soldiers, who were left at Mound City.  Eight or more other boats are on their way with rebel prisoners.

The rebels who escaped are supposed to have gone to Nashville, where or at Clarksville it is supposed the rebels will attempt to make another stand.  This evening a great light was seen for several hours in the direction of Clarksville.  It is supposed the rebels either burned the town or their steamboats in the river to prevent them from falling into the hands of the Federals.  Rebel officers admit that if we take Nashville, the rebellion in Tennessee is gone up.

The prisoners will probably be brought to camp Douglas, Chicago.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 1

Friday, February 4, 2011

The Latest from Fort Donelson

A TERRIBLE BATTLE PROGRESSING.

The Loss Sever on both Sides.

Our men Fight like Tigers.

THE REBELS HOIST THE BLACK FLAG.


CUMBERLAND RIVER,
NEAR FORT DONALSON [sic], Feb. 15.

The Chicago Tribune, to relieve the anxiety of the people, presents the following special to be sent in advance of publication:

Our firing commenced again at daybreak and continued at intervals all day long up to 4 o’clock.  No Movement or assault by the land force had been made.  Night before last an attempt was made by the rebels to take Taylor’s battery of light artillery, but they were repulsed by two regiments and driven back beyond their entrenchments.  Our loss in wounded is considerable but not more than 3 or 4 are dangerously wounded.

Six gunboats arrived yesterday and commenced an attack on the fort at 2 p.m.  The firing was very rapid and severe, and lasted 1 hour and 20 minutes, when our gun boats fell back.

The four iron clad boats went within 300 yards of the Fort.

All of the river guns except six were either dismounted or silenced.  The first shot fired from the Louisville dismounted the rebels’ 128 pounder.  The Louisville received fifty-seven shots, two of which took effect, on striking the starboard side of her deck and passing through the length of the boat, and broke her tiller rope a short distance from the pilot house.  The rope was then managed by some of the hands, when a shell from the Taylor [sic], which lay some distance astern, burst over the Louisville, scattering the men at the tiller rope and so much disabled the steering tackle that the boat was compelled to drop astern.

One shot struck the Pittsburg in the bow and stove an immense hole in her, which caused her to withdraw out of action.  The leak however, has been stopped.

One shot struck the pilot house of the St. Louis, passing through it between the pilot’s legs without injuring him.  All of the boats were more or less injured, but none but the Louisville seriously.  There were 5 killed and two wounded on the Louisville.

The gunboats will not be in condition to renew their attack before to-morrow morning.  In consequence of the [height] of the bluffs on which their fortifications are built, our shot cannot have as much effect on them as those of Fort Henry; therefore it will require a much longer time to reduce this fort.

The rebels have raised the black flag.  It can be seen flying from the bank, a short distance above here.


CAMP IN THE FIELD, near Ft. Donelson,
Feb 15th, p.m.

The right wing of our forces commenced the storming of the right wing of Fort Donelson about noon, and have taken the right wing of the enemy’s fortification, over which the stars and stripes are now floating in triumph.  The opposing forces are now almost breast to breast, ready to open the work of death on each other almost at any moment.

We have lost two Lieut. Cols. Killed, one of whom is Lieut. Col. Smith, of the 48th Illinois and two Cols. Wounded.  The 18th regiment fought like tigers, and are [badly] cut up.  The loss on both sides is pretty severe.  More particulars soon.

Schwartz’s battery captured by the rebels this morning has been retaken.


SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Feb. 15.

Assistant Secretary of War Thomas A. Scott arrived here to-night from Cairo.  He reports that the fighting at Fort Donelson was suspended on both sides yesterday. – Our troops are suffering considerable from exposure, being unprovided with tents. – They are in excellent spirits, however, and are eager to resume the battle.

Dispatches to Gov. Yates, from the commanding officer at Cairo, state that the fort is completely invested, the enemy driven in from their outworks, and all chances for retreat or reinforcements cut off.

Col. Morrison is said to be severely, but not mortally wounded.

The success of the army is considered beyond the possibility of doubt.

The supposition at Cairo is, that Columbus will be attacked at once by land forces from below and by the river from above.

Gen. Grant is said to have at least 50,000 men under his command.

Several mortar boats are leaving Cairo daily.

Gen. Halleck telegraphs Gen. McClellan that the fort is completely invested – retreat form it and reinforcements to it being cut off.

Surrender or extermination appear to be the alternative.

Pillow, Floyd, Buckner and other noted rebels are in the fort.

Four Brigadier Generals are reported now in the Fort.  Gens. Pillow, Buckner, Floyd and Johnston [sic].

Altogether out loss to-day is about 250 in killed and wounded.  Capt. Mitchell of the 7th Ills. Was killed early in the morning.

Col. Ogelsby says, we came here to take that fort, and we do not intend to leave until we do it.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 2

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Barracks Burned

The greatest portion of the barracks of the 18th Illinois regiment was burned to the ground about noon to-day, and the building would have been destroyed had it not been for our firemen, who in this as in all other instances, were “prompt to the rescue.”

The barracks were two story rough board affairs put up at a cost perhaps of $5,000.  About three-fifths of them were totally destroyed. – Cairo Gazette 8th.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, February 17, 1862, p. 2

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Thirteenth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry

The Thirteenth Iowa Infantry was ordered into quarters by Governor Kirkwood, under the proclamation of President Lincoln bearing date July 23, 1861, the organization of this regiment having completed the quota of the State up to that date. The ten companies of which the regiment was composed were ordered into quarters on dates ranging from Sept. 17 to Oct. 11, 1861. The rendezvous designated in the order was Camp McClellan, near Davenport, Iowa, and there the companies were mustered into the service of the United States on dates ranging from Oct. 15 to Nov. 2, 1861, by Capt. Alexander Chambers, United States Army. The total enrollment at muster in was 890, but this number was soon increased by additional enlistment to 898. The regiment was exceedingly fortunate in the choice of its first commander. Col. M. M. Crocker was gifted with rare military genius. He had the advantage of military training at West Point, and, while some of the officers and most of the men of his regiment did not fully appreciate the necessity for his rigid enforcement of discipline from the day he assumed command, it did not take them long to discover that he was just the kind of man they needed to instruct them, and to fit them for the performance of the stern duties of soldiers who were about to enter upon active service in one of the greatest wars in the history of mankind.

The regiment remained only a short time in Camp McClellan. It was transported down the Mississippi river to St. Louis, and went into quarters at Benton Barracks, where troops were being concentrated and fitted as rapidly as possible for an active campaign against the enemy. Here it was armed and equipped, and, on December 11th, was ordered to proceed by rail to Jefferson City, the capital of Missouri, where it remained until early in March, 1862, when it was ordered to return to St. Louis. While the regiment was at Jefferson City it was mainly engaged in preparation for the great campaign which was being planned, and which was to begin in the early spring. There was no considerable body of the enemy in the vicinity of its camp, and the official records do not show that it met with any loss except from disease, but the death rate from this cause was large on account of the men being unused to the hardships incident to camp life in winter. In addition to the deaths from disease, many became incapacitated for further service and were discharged. This was the common experience of all troops during their first year of service.

From St. Louis, the regiment was conveyed by steamer to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., where it arrived March 23, 1862. Here it went into camp and was assigned to the First Brigade of the First Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand. The brigade consisted of the Eighth and Eighteenth Illinois, the Eleventh and Thirteenth Iowa, and Battery D, Second Illinois Light Artillery, and was under the command of Col. A. M. Hare of the Eleventh Iowa, who was the senior officer present for duty. The concentration of the Union army under Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, at Pittsburg Landing, the presence of the rebel army under Maj. Gen. A. S. Johnston, at Corinth, Miss., and the fact that a distance of only twenty miles intervened between the two armies, indicated that a great battle was impending.

The compiler of this sketch, while fully realizing the importance of the service rendered by the Thirteenth Iowa in subsequent battles, feels that, in describing the part it took in its first great battle, he is justified in going into greater particularity of detail than the limitation of space under which he is working will permit when he comes to deal with its later achievements.

On the morning of the 6th of April, 1862, the rebel army, which had been advancing during the previous afternoon and night, with the purpose of making an attack before further reinforcements could reach the Union army, was hurled against the advanced lines of General Grant's forces, and one of the greatest battles of modern times was in progress. In his official report, Colonel Crocker describes the part taken by his regiment, as follows:


HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH REGIMENT IOWA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS,
CAMP NEAR PITTSBURG LANDING, TENN., April 8, 1861.

SIR, — I have the honor to report the part taken by the Thirteenth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry In the engagement with the enemy on the 6th and 7th Inst.

Early in the morning of the 6th, the alarm was given, and heavy firing in the distance Indicated that our camp was attacked. The regiment was formed in front of its color line, its full force consisting of 717 men, rank and file. It was at once ordered to form on the left of the Second Brigade, and proceeded to that position at a double quick, and was then formed in line of battle In a skirt of woods bordering on an open field to the left of a battery. Here it remained for some time Inactive, while the enemy's guns were playing on our battery. In the meantime, a large force of the enemy's Infantry were filing around the open field in front of our line, protected by the woods, and In the direction of our battery, opening a heavy fire of musketry on the infantry stationed on our right, and charging upon the battery. The Infantry and battery to the right having given way, and the enemy advancing at double quick, we gave them one round of musketry and also gave way. At this time, we — as, indeed, all our troops in the immediate vicinity of the battery — were thrown into great confusion, and retired in disorder.

Having retired to the distance of 100 or 200 yards, we succeeded In rallying and forming a good line, the Eighth and Eighteenth Illinois Volunteers on our left, and, having fronted to the enemy, held our position there under a continual fire of cannon and musketry until after 12 o'clock, when we were ordered to retire and take up a new position. This we did in good order and without confusion. Here, having formed a new line, we maintained it under incessant fire until 4:30 o'clock P. M., the men conducting themselves with great gallantry and coolness, and doing great execution on the enemy, repulsing charge after charge, and driving them back with great loss.

At 4:30 P. M.. we were again ordered to fall back. In obeying this order, we became mixed up with a great number of regiments falling back in confusion, so that our line was broken up and the regiment separated, rendering it very difficult to collect it, but finally, having succeeded in forming, and being separated from the brigade, we attached ourselves to the division commanded by Colonel Tuttle of the Second Iowa Volunteers, and formed with his division in front of the encampment of the Fourteenth, Second and Seventh Iowa Volunteers, where it sustained a heavy fire from the enemy's battery until dark, and there remained during the night on our arms. During the day, we were under fire of the enemy for ten hours, and sustained a loss of 23 killed and 130 wounded.

On the morning of the 7th, we were ordered to continue with Colonel Tuttle's division and to follow up and support our forces that were attacking and driving back the enemy. We followed them up closely, moving to support the batteries until the enemy was routed, after which we were ordered to return to the encampment that we had left on Sunday morning, where we arrived at 8 o'clock P. M.

Our total loss in the action of the 6th and 7th is, killed 24, wounded 139, missing 9, total 172. The men for the most part behaved with great gallantry, and the officers exhibited the greatest bravery and coolness; and I call especial attention to the gallant conduct of my field officers, Lieutenant Colonel Price and Major Shane, who were both wounded in the action of the 6th, and acknowledge my great obligations to my Adjutant, Lieutenant Wilson, who during the entire action exhibited the highest qualities of a soldier.

Respectfully, Etc.,

M. M. Crocker,
Colonel Thirteenth Iowa Infantry.

C. Cadle, Jr., A. A. A. G., First Brigade, First Division [see note 1].


Col. A. M. Hare, In his official report as commanding officer of the brigade, makes special mention of the gallant commander of the Thirteenth Iowa as follows: "To Col. M. M. Crocker of the Thirteenth Iowa Volunteers I wish to call especial attention. The coolness and bravery displayed by him on the field of battle during the entire action of the 6th, the skill with which he maneuvered his men, and the example of daring and disregard to danger by which he inspired them to do their duty and stand by their colors, show him to be possessed of the highest qualities of a commander, and entitle him to speedy promotion." [See note 2.]

The compiler of this sketch has a vivid personal recollection of the scenes of confusion described by Colonel Crocker, at the time the Union lines fell back to the point of last resistance. He was in command of his regiment (the Third Iowa Infantry) and joined the Thirteenth Iowa at its last position in support of the batteries which checked the enemy's advance and decided the result of the first day's battle. Every officer and man of those regiments, who was able for duty, was there in line, determined to resist the assault of the enemy to the last extremity. If that line had given way, it would have been difficult, if not impossible, to have retrieved the disaster. By its splendid service in this great battle the Thirteenth Iowa laid the foundation for its future great achievements. By this bloody baptism it was consecrated, and, as will appear in its subsequent history, the regiment repeated its glorious record at Shiloh in all the battles in which it was afterwards engaged.

After the battle of Shiloh, the Thirteenth Iowa was assigned to the Third Brigade of the Sixth Division. The Brigade was composed of the Eleventh, Thirteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth regiments of Iowa Infantry, and was under command of Colonel Crocker. This organization remained intact until the close of the war. Except when upon detached duty, the operations of each of the regiments were identified very largely with those of the brigade, and, therefore, the history of each of these four Iowa regiments is almost inseparably interwoven with that of the brigade [see note 3]. The regiment, with its brigade and division, took part in the advance upon and siege of Corinth, and performed its full part in those important operations which ended in the evacuation of that rebel stronghold on the 30th of May, 1862. It then constituted a part of the garrison left in charge of the works at Corinth, until about the middle of July; and then participated in various expeditions, and was for a time stationed at Bolivar, Tenn., but the official records do not show that it came into contact with any considerable body of the enemy during the remainder of the summer.

On the 12th of September, the regiment and brigade were again at Corinth and, a few days later, marched to join the forces under Major General Rosecrans near Iuka. In the battle of Iuka, which was fought on Sept. 19, 1862, the Sixteenth Iowa was detached from the brigade and took an active part in that fierce engagement, while the other regiments — Eleventh, Thirteenth and Fifteenth — were held in reserve, and did not participate in the battle. Soon after the battle the brigade was ordered to return to Corinth. The rebel forces were being rapidly concentrated for an attack, and it was evident that another battle was soon to occur at or near that place. It was also evident that the enemy would make a desperate struggle to regain possession of Corinth, and all the available Union forces were ordered to concentrate for its defense. The Thirteenth Iowa, with its brigade, was engaged in the battle which was fought there on the 3d and 4th of October, 1862.

While the Thirteenth Iowa performed its whole duty in these two days of battle, the positions to which it was assigned did not bring the entire regiment into close contact with the enemy, hence its loss was comparatively light. Lieutenant Colonel Shane in his official report says that companies A and G were the only part of his regiment actually engaged. Company A, under the command of Captain Kennedy and Company G, commanded by Captain Walker, were on the skirmish line on the first day of the battle, and sustained a loss of one man killed and fourteen wounded. He further says that the officers and men of those companies behaved in a highly creditable manner, and that the rest of the regiment was held constantly in readiness to engage the enemy, had they received orders to advance. Colonel Crocker, who commanded the brigade, describes the positions occupied by the different regiments, gives full credit to all for having complied with his orders, and explains the discrepancy in losses as resulting from the fact that the Fifteenth Iowa sustained the brunt of the attack on account of its advanced position. The entire loss of the brigade in killed and wounded was 149, and the loss by regiments was, in the Eleventh, 21; Thirteenth, 15; Sixteenth, 27, and Fifteenth, 86. In a later report, dated at camp near Corinth, Miss., Oct. 15, 1862, ho describes the part taken by his brigade in the pursuit of the defeated enemy. That the conduct of every regiment — both in the battles and the subsequent pursuit — met with his cordial approval, is indicated In the following extract from his report [see note 4]:

The brigade, during the protracted movements of the battle and pursuit, encountering every hardship and privation Incident to such campaigning, behaved with great fortitude, meeting every danger and hardship cheerfully; and I acknowledge my obligation to all the field officers for their cheerful, hearty and Intelligent cooperation.


The regiment with its brigade joined in the pursuit of the retreating rebel army but did not succeed in overtaking it. After an arduous march, the pursuit was abandoned at Ripley, Miss., and the troops returned to Corinth, reaching their camp on the evening of October 11th. After a rest of about three weeks they again took up the line of march with the forces under General Grant, and moved south along the line of the Mississippi Central Railroad, the objective point of the expedition being Vicksburg. The object of the expedition was defeated, however, by the capture and destruction of the depot of supplies at Holly Springs by the rebel General Van Dorn, who, by a skillful movement of his cavalry, succeeded in getting in the rear of the Union army and compelling the surrender of the troops which had been left to guard the supplies. Thus forced to retreat to avoid starvation, the regiment, together with the entire Union army, marched toward Memphis, suffering greatly for want of sufficient rations. They finally reached Memphis and an abundant supply of food on the 13th day of January, 1863. Here the regiment and brigade embarked on steamers and started down the river January 20th, reached Duckport, La., on the 25th, moved thence to Milliken's Bend, where they landed and went into camp. Here they remained but a short time, and then moved to Lake Providence and engaged in the work of cutting the canal which was to connect the lake with the Mississippi river. That work was not completed until March 16th, when the great campaign for the reduction of the rebel stronghold at Vicksburg may be said to have begun.

During the entire campaign, which ended with the surrender of Vicksburg, July 4, 1863, the Thirteenth Iowa with its brigade performed most arduous and important service. It was moved from point to point, was part of the time engaged with the army of observation, in the rear of the lines of Union troops engaged in the siege, watching the rebel force under General Johnston who was constantly threatening an attack for the purpose of raising the siege, and part of the time with the investing forces in the intrenchments, assisting in the prosecution of the siege, but everywhere doing its full duty and sustaining its well won reputation for bravery and efficiency. During this campaign Colonel Hall of the Eleventh Iowa was in command of the brigade, Colonel Crocker having been promoted to Brigadier General and placed in command of a division in another part of the army. Colonel Shane was in command of the Thirteenth Iowa throughout the campaign.

During the remainder of the summer the regiment engaged in various expeditions, the longest and most arduous of which was that under General Stevenson, against Monroe, La. While the troops suffered the greatest hardships upon this expedition, marching through a swampy and malarious region, the results accomplished were not commensurate with the suffering endured. Upon returning from this expedition, Sept. 3, 1863, the regiment went into camp at Vicksburg, where it performed garrison duty for the next five months. The official records show that from Nov. 30, 1863, to March 11, 1864 there were 404 men of the Thirteenth Iowa Infantry who re-enlisted and were re-mustered into the service of the United States, for a period of three years or during the war, from the date of the expiration of their original term of service, thus giving to the regiment the title of a veteran organization [see note 5].

On Feb. 4, 1864, the regiment started on the famous Meridian expedition, which penetrated into the heart of the State of Mississippi and resulted in the destruction of many miles of railroad track, locomotives and rolling stock, besides great quantities of supplies which had been accumulated at Meridian for the use of the rebel army. During the expedition there was much fighting between the Union and rebel cavalry, but the infantry did not become engaged to any considerable extent, and, aside from the hardships incident to a winter campaign without tents, and living for the most part upon such food as could be procured from the country through which they marched, the suffering and loss of the infantry was small, as compared with that of the cavalry, which led the advance. The regiment returned to Vicksburg March 4th, and, on the 7th, those who had re-enlisted received the welcome order to embark for their homes in Iowa, they having been given a furlough for thirty days, to begin upon reaching the State. The non-veterans — those who had not re-enlisted — were left at Vicksburg and subsequently rejoined the veterans upon their return from furlough.

Upon the expiration of their thirty days in Iowa, the veteran portion of the regiment re-assembled at Davenport, the designated rendezvous, accompanied by a large number of recruits, and proceeded to Cairo, Ill., thence to Clifton, Tenn., where they landed and took up the line of march across the State of Tennessee and part of Alabama and on to the mountains of Georgia, to re-inforce Sherman. At Decatur, Ala., May 27, 1864, the regiment, with the rest of the Crocker Brigade, was attached to the Fourth Division of the Seventeenth Army Corps. General Crocker, who had commanded the division, was compelled on account of poor health to relinquish his command, and was succeeded by Gen. W. Q. Gresham. The regiment now moved forward with this command to Rome, Ga., arriving there June 5th, and thence by way of Kingston and Allatoona to Ackworth, where on June 8th the Seventeenth Army Corps took its place in line with the Army of the Tennessee, commanded by Gen. James B. McPherson, and became a part of the great army commanded by Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, consisting of the armies of the Tennessee, the Ohio and the Cumberland. One of the greatest campaigns in the history of warfare had now begun and, through it all, the Thirteenth Iowa was destined to bear a conspicuous and honorable part.

From June 11th to July 20th, the regiment and brigade were in front of Kenesaw Mountain, participated in the operations there and at Nick-a-jack Creek, and on across the Chattahoochee river to Sandtown, and then, passing to the extreme left of the line on the 20th of July, after a heavy skirmish with the enemy, took position about three miles from Atlanta. In all these movements the regiment had lost a number of men, killed and wounded, on the skirmish line, but had not been engaged in close combat with the enemy. Now, however, it was again to participate in a series of battles that would leave it decimated in numbers, and place it in the foremost rank with the military organizations of the Union army engaged in that tremendous struggle for the possession of the fortified city of Atlanta. In the first of these battles, the gallant Major Walker was in command of the regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Wilson being at that time on detached duty, and Colonel Shane having succeeded Colonel Hall as brigade commander, that officer having assumed temporary command of the division when General Gresham fell, severely wounded. The conduct of the regiment in this battle is well described in the brief report which follows:


HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH IOWA VETERAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
IN THE FIELD BEFORE ATLANTA, GA., July 21, 1864.

Lieut. O. D. Kinsman, A. A. A. General 3rd Brigade 4th Division 17th Army Corps.

SIR, — I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry in the engagement of July 21, 1864:

At 8 o'clock A. M., the regiment was In position In front of the brigade, with the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry on Its left, and supported by the Sixteenth Iowa Infantry; Its front was protected by temporary works thrown up on the night of the 20th.

About 8 o'clock A. M. I received orders from Col. John Shane, commanding brigade, to advance at once on the double quick to the front, to assist Brigadier General Force, commanding a brigade in the Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, who was fighting for the possession of a high hill in his front and to the left of this regiment. The men seized their arms and sprang promptly over the works, advancing in good order to the crest of a hill less than one hundred yards from the enemy's works, In the face of a heavy fire. Here I was ordered to halt, and held the position, exposed to a very destructive fire of musketry, grape and canister, until, the enemy having withdrawn to his works, and General Force having gained possession of the hill, I was ordered to retire to the position I originally occupied, which was done steadily and without confusion.

Although the men had no previous notice of the advance, there was no disorder, although it was made over an open field with no protection. I regret to say that. though the engagement lasted but thirty minutes, the loss In officers and men was severe, seventeen enlisted men killed, and four officers and seventy-seven enlisted men wounded,

I cannot close without awarding to the regiment the credit due it for the impetuosity and gallantry of the advance, the stubborness with which it held the position it gained, and the steadiness and good order In which It retired when ordered. I forward herewith a list of the casualties [see note 6].

Respectfully submitted,

WILLIAM A. WALKER,
Major Commanding Thirteenth Iowa Vol. Infantry.


On the next day, July 22, 1864, — a red letter day in the history of the Atlanta campaign and of the war, — the regiment again went into action, this time under the command of Colonel Shane. The desperate character of the fighting in that battle Is best described by the official report of Colonel Shane, which Is here given In full:


HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH IOWA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
IN THE FIELD NEAR ATLANTA, GA., July 22, 1864.

To Lieut. O. D. Kinsman, A. A. A. G., Third Brigade, Fourth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps.

SIR, — I have the honor to herewith submit my report of the part taken by this regiment in the battle of this day.

At 12 o'clock M. this regiment was In position on the extreme left of the Army of the Tennessee, and in support of the Eleventh and Sixteenth Regiments of Iowa Infantry.

Early in the morning of the 22d, company F had been detailed by orders from Colonel Hall, commanding brigade, as picket, and as soon as skirmishing commenced on the picket line, five more companies were detached by orders from brigade headquarters, two of which were deployed on the right of the Eleventh Iowa Infantry, two on the left of the Sixteenth Iowa Infantry, and one on the left of the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, respectively supporting the flanks of those regiments, leaving but four companies under my command when the battle commenced.

Immediately after the commencement of the battle, and after it had become apparent that the enemy were approaching in heavy force In front and on each flank, I received orders to move my command to the rear and form in line on the west side of the works occupied by the first brigade, fronting east, from which direction the enemy were then approaching. This movement was made and position occupied in good order, but had Just been completed when I was ordered to form in line facing to the south with my left resting on the rifle-pits, to repel the enemy approaching from the south; this movement was also made, but scarcely had been completed when the enemy attacked us in front and in heavy force on either flank.

Observing that they were getting into the rear and flank of the Fifteenth Iowa, which was on my right, and that that regiment was falling back, leaving my whole line exposed to a front, rear, and enfilading fire, I ordered the command to retire by the left flank across the works, and to form on the north side, fronting west, to repel the anticipated assault of the enemy from that quarter. This movement was effected in comparatively good order, but owing to the numerous detachments. Independent commands, and stragglers, which at that time thronged the road, my regiment was for a short time in some confusion; but order was soon restored, and we formed as directed, but not too soon, as the enemy were then within rifle range and approaching our position from two directions in heavy force, when a well directed fire from the Eleventh, Thirteenth and Fifteenth regiments routed them in confusion and for the time being drove them from that part of the field. No sooner, however, had this been accomplished than the enemy were discovered approaching us from the rear In force, when the command was ordered to take position on the west side of the rifle-pits, face by the rear rank, and repel the enemy attacking from the east. This position was soon occupied, and the enemy came on with shout and cheer, and a fierce and desperate hand to hand fight ensued. In a few moments the enemy were driven from the ground, and fled in disorder.

Their withdrawal from the front was but the signal for a renewed attack from the rear, when the command again crossed the rifle-pits, about faced, and contributed materially in repulsing the enemy for the third time. Thus the contest continued, until the enemy brought to bear on us, at short range, a battery, raking our whole line with grape and canister with terrible effect, when we received orders to take up the position occupied by us on the 21st, where we still are.

The two companies — A and G — detached in the beginning of the contest and posted on the right of the Eleventh Iowa, and the two companies — D and K — detached at the same time and posted on the left of the Sixteenth Iowa, have failed to report; and I regret to say that, from all the Information I have been enabled to obtain in regard to them, I am reluctantly led to the conclusion that about three-fourths of the men composing those companies were, while supporting and bravely fighting side by side with the Eleventh and Sixteenth regiments Iowa Infantry, killed or captured, including all the commissioned officers on duty with them at the time. Our loss in officers and men killed, wounded and missing was very heavy in proportion to the numbers engaged. In the engagement of the 21st, the regiment lost In killed, wounded and missing 94 enlisted men and 5 officers out of 400 officers and men engaged; and in this day's battle our loss in killed, wounded and missing foots up at present 9 officers and 139 enlisted men out of 300 that went into the fight, among whom I regret to say was Major Walker killed, than whom a truer soldier, a cooler officer, a more steadfast friend, and more honest man did not live; his premature and early death has cast a gloom and a shadow over the regiment, and a vacancy has been created that but few men can fill so acceptably, so faithfully and successfully as he. Ever faithful, ever ready, he was always at his post, and was always the same — a soldier and a gentleman.

I cannot close this report without acknowledging my indebtedness to Adjutant Rood, Sergeant Major Myers, and the line officers of the regiment, who ably seconded and assisted in all the movements of the command, and who bore themselves throughout the trying scene as brave men and gallant officers.

And to the non-commissioned officers and enlisted men of the regiment too much credit cannot be awarded. Although repeatedly almost surrounded by overwhelming numbers, and subjected at times to a withering fire of grape, canister and musketry, not one man showed signs of wavering or despair, but on the contrary every man clenched his arms with a determination to repulse the enemy at all hazards [see note 7].

Very respectfully,

JOHN SHANE,
Colonel Commanding Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry.


Again, on July 28th, the Thirteenth, and the little remnant of the Third Iowa Infantry, under the command of Colonel Shane, met the enemy in deadly combat and again nobly maintained the honor of the flag. In his official report of this engagement Colonel Shane makes special mention of the conduct of Captains J. C. Kennedy and John Archer, and commends them for having exhibited the very highest qualities of soldiers and officers, and extols his entire command for bravery and fortitude under the fire of the enemy [see note 8].

Although greatly reduced in numbers, the regiment was constantly on duty during the closing scenes of the campaign, participated in the operations at Jonesboro, Lovejoy and East Point, and, later, in the pursuit of Hood as far as Gaylesville in northeastern Alabama, returning to Marietta, Ga., early in November. The regiment's losses during the campaign aggregated 331, about sixty per cent of the number with which it had entered upon the campaign at Ackworth, Ga., on the 8th of June, 1864. Such is the record of its heroic service during that memorable period of the great struggle for the preservation of the Union.

The original term of service of those who had not re-enlisted being about to expire, they were sent to Chattanooga, Tenn., and were there mustered out of the service on Nov. 2, 1864. Colonel Shane, Adjutant Rood and Quartermaster Kennedy of the Field and Staff and several of the line officers were also mustered out. These officers and men had served their country faithfully for three years, and the beginning of the end of the war was near at hand. While they parted from their comrades of the veteran regiment with regret, it was with a feeling of just pride that they reviewed the glorious record they had helped to make, and they returned with honor to their homes in Iowa. Lieut. Col. J. C. Wilson was promoted to Colonel of the regiment, and other promotions were made to fill vacancies, as shown in the subjoined roster.

From Marietta the regiment moved to Atlanta, and on the 15th of November started on that great march through Georgia to Savannah and the sea. Arrived at Savannah, the regiment took part in the siege operations before that city and, upon its evacuation, it was among the troops that entered the city on the 22d of December, 1864. On Jan. 6, 1865, the regiment embarked on steamer and proceeded to Beaufort, S. C, where it arrived the next day. From Beaufort the regiment marched to Pocotaligo, where it remained until January 29th, when it started on the long and toilsome march through the Carolinas. On the 17th day of February, 1865, a detachment of 75 men of the Thirteenth Iowa, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Kennedy, entered the city of Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, and planted the colors of the regiment on the dome of the Capitol. Continuing the march from Columbia, the regiment reached Bentonville, N. C. It took part in the battle of Bentonville, but was not closely engaged, though it had three men wounded on the skirmish line. This was its last battle.

At Goldsboro, N. C, the regiment found a large number of recruits from Iowa waiting to join it. The long march was continued by way of Raleigh, Petersburg and Richmond, and ended at Alexandria, Va., near Washington, May 19, 1865. A few days later the regiment took its place in line and marched down Pennsylvania Avenue in that magnificent review, the greatest military pageant of modern times. After the review the regiment remained in camp near Washington until June 7th, when it was conveyed by rail to Parkersburg, Va., and thence by steamer to Louisville, Ky., where it remained until July 21, 1865, and on that day was mustered out of the service of the United States. A few days later it was conveyed to Davenport, Iowa, by rail, and there, on the 29th day of July, 1865, the regiment was disbanded and the survivors returned to their homes.

In the subjoined roster will be found a brief personal record of service of every officer and enlisted man of the regiment, in so far as such record was obtainable from the official records in the office of the Adjutant General of the State of Iowa and in the War Department at Washington. The difficulties encountered in making up these revised rosters are explained in the introductory article of this volume. It is particularly to be regretted that the record of battles in which each soldier was engaged could not have been recorded opposite his name in the roster, but, as only the names of those who were killed, wounded, captured or missing, or those who received special mention in the official reports, appear in the records, and as only a minority of those who survived at the close of the war were living at the date this compilation was undertaken, it was found impossible to make these records of personal service as comprehensive as they might have been made had the work been undertaken soon after the close of the war. The compiler, in order to keep within the prescribed limitation of a brief historical sketch, has given only the outlines of the history of this splendid military organization, but he has endeavored to preserve the most conspicuous features of its service.

The State of Iowa sent many regiments into the field during the great War of the Rebellion and, without an exception, they rendered heroic service and reflected great honor upon the Commonwealth. Among them all the record of the Thirteenth Iowa Infantry Volunteers stands conspicuous. None rendered more effective or important service. Those of future generations who can trace their lineage to one of these heroic soldiers may justly claim an ancestry that has no superior among those who have achieved military fame and honor in any age or country. Their loyalty and devotion and the supreme sacrifices they made will not be forgotten while true patriotism and brave deeds are honored among men.


SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES.

Total Enrollment 1788
Killed 74
Wounded 313
Died of wounds 38
Died of disease 186
Discharged for wounds, disease and other causes 306
Captured 88
Transferred 34
Buried in National Cemeteries 185


[Note 1.] War of Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Part 1, Vol. 10, Page 131.

[Note 2.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Part 1, Vol. 10, Page 124.

[Note 3.] After the close of the war, a semi-military organization, composed of the survivors of this brigade, was organized under the title of "Crocker's Iowa Brigade." This organization is still maintained. It holds biennial re-unions. Gen. W. W. Belknap was its first commander; at his death Col. H. H. Rood succeeded him, and at this date (1908) remains in command of the famous old organization.

[Note 4.] Reports in War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1. Part 1, Vol. 17, Pages 358-362.

[Note 5.] See Adjutant General of Iowa Report for year 1865, Vol. 1, Pages 356 to 366 Inclusive.

[Note 6.] Adjutant General's Report 1865, Vol. 2, Page 1080.

[Note 7.] Adjutant General's report 1S65. Vol. 2, Pages 1081-2-3.

[Note 8.] Adjutant General's report 1865, Vol. 2, Page 1083.


SOURCE: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Volume 2, p. 553-62