St. Louis News.

ST. LOUIS. – Feb. 20. – Dispatches were received to-day to hurry repairs on the gun boat Lexington, and intimating that the evacuation of Columbus was the cause for the extra haste.

It appears that after all, very few wounded from the Fort Donelson fight will come here.  The Sanitary Commission sends its President, James E. Yeatmen, down the river this evening with extra hospital supplies, contributed under a supposition that the wounded were coming here early this morning.

The Steamers White Could, Empress and Emma Duncan, arrived here with three thousand prisoners from Ft. Donelson.  They landed at Bloody Island and leave immediately for Indianapolis and Chicago.  They came under guard of the 20^th Ohio and the 19^th Illinois.  They are a shabby lot of prisoners, no better clothed than the butternut prisoners who have been taken in Missouri.

The following named prisoners of war arrived last night by the Pacific Railroad from Sedalia in custody of Capt. Thompkin’s 8^th Iowa Infantry: Brigadier General Price, Col, Dorsey, Col. Cross and Captain Jude, of Maj. Gen. Price’s staff; also C. J. Cunningham, Stephen F. Roberts, L. D. Sloss, Daniel C. Rodman, Harman Smith, Franklin Motz, Wm. Ranney, H. A. Massey, and O. J. Ross.

Gen. Halleck has commuted the sentence of the bridge burners, and ordered as follows: – In consideration of recent victories won by Federal forces and of rapidly increasing loyalty of the citizens of Missouri who for a time forgot their duty to their flag and country, sentence of J. O. Tompkins, W. Forshey, J. Patton, T. M. Smith, S. Scott, G. H. Cunningham, P. B Crowder and G. M. Pulliam, heretofore condemned to death, to be provisionally mitigated to close confinement in the military prison at Alton.  If rebel spies again destroy Railroad bridges and telegraph lines and thus render it necessary for us to make severe examples, the original sentences against these men will be carried into execution.

No further assessments will be levied or collected from any one who will now take the prescribed oath of allegiance.

Boards of Commissioners will be appointed to examine cases of prisoners of war who apply to take the oath of allegiance, and on their recommendation orders will be issued from these headquarters for their release.

A letter from Lexington reports the 2d battalion of the 2^nd Iowa cavalry, Col. Botly, and the 7^th Missouri regiment of infantry, quietly stationed there.

Three companies of the Missouri 7^th, on the march from Warrenton, overtook some rebels en route for Price and in the chase ensuing shot one of them, whereupon the rest surrendered.  One prisoner is a notorious character named Hill, who robbed  some of Mulligan’s men after the surrender of Lexington.

Letters from Springfield state that refugee families are returning.

Gen. Ed. Price and the rebel Colonels captured at Warsaw by a detachment of the 1^st Iowa Cavalry, under Capt. Thompson, and Co. A, of the 8^th Iowa Infantry.  Gen. Price walked around to-day on parole.  All the others left for Alton.

The Mississippi prisoners to-day were told that they were going to Lincoln’s Wigwam at Chicago, which incensed them highly, though hundreds were glad to hear of it.  Some of the prisoners deny that over 3,000 prisoners were captured.  Considerable trading took place at the steamboat landing in Confederate scrip and shinplasters.

Col. Fitz Henry Warren of the 1^st Iowa Cavalry, who was under arrest, has been released, and resumed command of the Regiment.  Charges frivolous as they were, have been denied by every officer of the command, and the Major who made them has been requested to resign.

The rebel Surgeons captured by Gen.’s Sigel and Curits below Springfield, have been allowed their liberty in accordance with Gen. Halleck’s orders proposing to exempt Surgeons from the ordinary penalties of prisoners of war.

A tug boat has gone to Cairo, to tow the Essex to this point.  He is to be lengthened fifty feet, and her boiler dropped below the waterline. – Preparations are making to expedite matters as fast as possible.

A report was brought to head-quarters by a pretended refugee, who escaped from Columbus Tuesday night and reached Cape Girardeau yesterday morning, to the effect that Columbus and not been evacuated.

The 22d Missouri Infantry left for the seat of war to-day.

A mule dealer named Deith, was arrested to-day for defrauding the Government.

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

The Fifth Iowa Cavalry

This regiment was made up of cavalry companies enlisted in Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota and Missouri, but as Iowa furnished the most men it was called the Fifth Iowa cavalry. The organization was completed in February, 1862. Its field officers were: Colonel, William W. Lowe, of the regular army: lieutenant-colonel, M. T. Patrick, of Omaha, Neb.; Carl S. De Bernstein, of Dubuque, William Kelsey, of Omaha, and Alfred B. Brackett, of St. Paul, were the majors. The regiment was ordered to Fort Henry in February. On the 3d of May a detachment of 150 men was sent to Lockridge's Mill where it was attacked by Colonel Clayborne with 3,000 men, and cut to pieces; the commander, Major Bernstein, was mortally wounded. On the 25th of August the regiment had a sharp fight at Fort Donelson, in which Lieutenant Summers was mortally wounded. For a long time the Fifth was scouting and performing various services in Tennessee. In January, 1864, most of the regiment having re-enlisted, they were granted a furlough and visited their homes. In July the regiment was in the great raid made by General Rousseau, in which they marched over four hundred miles in the enemy's country. The Fifth lost fourteen men in this expedition among whom was Captain Curl, killed. In another raid under General McCook, which resulted disastrously, the Fifth lost 120 men. The regiment was now reduced to about 100 effective men, but continued under Major Young, to do good service. In September two companies of the First cavalry were united with the Fifth, and about this time Lieutenant-Colonel Patrick resigned. On the 28th of October a brigade commanded by Colonel Capron, in which was the Iowa Fifth, was surrounded by a large rebel force. The colonel disappeared and Major Young, of the Iowa regiment, took command and by a most daring charge his brigade cut its way through and rode safely into camp. It was next in the battle of Nashville and later in General Wilson's great raid through Alabama and Georgia. Major Young had been promoted to colonel and commanded the Fifth in that brilliant campaign, which fought bravely in several conflicts with the enemy. In August, 1865, it was mustered out of the service covered with honors nobly won.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Gue, Biographies And Portraits Of The Progressive Men Of Iowa, Volume 1, p. 122

The First Iowa Cavalry

Colonel Fitz Henry Warren, one of the most distinguished citizens of Iowa, commanded the First regiment of cavalry raised in Iowa for the war of 1861. The men making up this regiment were enlisted from all parts of the state in the summer of 1862. Charles E. Moss was the first lieutenant-colonel and E. W. Chamberlain, James O. Gower and Wm. B. Torrence were the first majors. The regiment went into camp at Burlington, where it remained until October, when it was ordered to St. Louis. The different battalions of the regiment were employed in Missouri through the winter in the field, patrolling a large portion of the state, protecting union settlements from guerrillas and doing hard riding on various duties. In July, 1863, Major Gower with his battalion whipped Quantrill near Pleasant Hill, killing a large number of the outlaws. On the 7th of August the regiment was brought together for the first time since it left camp at Burlington. Soon after Colonel Warren was promoted to brigadier-general and took final leave of his regiment to enter upon his new duties, and Lieutenant-Colonel Gower succeeded to its command. On the 6th of December, two battalions of the regiment, under Colonel Gower, joined General Blunt and took part in the battle of Prairie Grove. In the pursuit after the battle the First Iowa cavalry was in the lead and came up with two regiments of the enemy's cavalry near Van Buren. A lively fight ensued and a large amount of stores, wagons, four steamboats and all the camp equipage was captured from the retreating army. In General Steele's campaign against Little Rock, the First Iowa cavalry had a sharp fight with the enemy at Bayou Metaine, in which it made a brilliant charge, losing thirty-seven men. In the capture of the city the First cavalry was under fire a good portion of the day and lost several men. Among the wounded was Major Caldwell. Colonel Gower resigned in August on account of ill health and Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson succeeded him, Major Caldwell was made lieutenant colonel and Captain McQueen was promoted to major. The regiment continued to serve (having re-enlisted) with distinction until the close of the war and was one of the last to be mustered out of the service. Few regiments have left a more worthy record of duty well and faithfully done.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Gue, Biographies And Portraits Of The Progressive Men Of Iowa, Volume 1, p. 119-20

Colonel John Adair McDowell

COLONEL JOHN ADAIR McDOWELL, civil engineer, was born at Columbus, Ohio, on July 22, 1825. He entered Kenyon College, at Gambier, Ohio, where he was graduated in August, 1846. He then studied law for two years with Judge Joseph R. Swan, at Columbus, Ohio, but, in 1848, he gave up the law and began his engineering career, being engaged on the Little Miami Railroad. In 1849, Mr. McDowell went across the plains to California, where he remained for about three years, during which time he was admitted to the Bar and practiced law; he was also, for a time, the mayor of Monterey. In December, 1852, he returned to Ohio, and, until the close of 1854, was occupied in surveying and in general engineering work in Kentucky and Ohio. In February, 1855, he removed to Keokuk, Iowa, where he built the railroad around the rapids, and surveyed the harbor. He lived there until I861, during part of which time he was city engineer of Keokuk. When the Civil War broke out, Mr. McDowell hastened to Washington and obtained the acceptance by the Secretary of War of five independent regiments from Iowa, which were immediately raised and mustered into the United States service. These were the 4th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Colonel Granville Dodge; the 5th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Colonel William H. Worthington; the 6th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Colonel McDowell; the 7th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Colonel Lauman, and the 1st Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, commanded by General Fitz Henry Warren. On August 9, 1861, Colonel McDowell went to Missouri, with his regiment, reporting to Major-General John Charles Fremont, then in St. Louis, and was by him assigned to command Lafayette Square, in that city. In September, 1861, he was brigaded under General Fred. Steele, and participated in the demonstration on Springfield. Thence, he marched to Lamine Crossing, where he remained until March, 1862. Thence, he was ordered up the Tennessee River and assigned to command the 1st Brigade of General Sherman's Fifth Division of the Army of the Tennessee. He participated, with his command, in the battle of Shiloh on April 6, 1862, where he was injured. He moved with the army on Memphis, and down into Northern Mississippi, and thence to Grand Junction, Tenn. Continued exposure had now so affected his health that, in March, 1863, he resigned from the army and returned to Keokuk, Iowa. Shortly afterward he was appointed special agent of the United States Treasury Department, and exercised the functions of that office in Vicksburg, Miss., and Helena, Ark., until the close of the War in 1865. Colonel McDowell then returned to Keokuk, where he again engaged in the practice of engineering until 1868, when he was elected mayor of the city. This office he held for two years, when he was elected clerk of the District Court for Lee County. In 1873, he removed to Chicago, and entered upon the practice of his profession, remaining here until 1877, when he accepted a clerkship in the Department of Agriculture in Washington, a position he held only a year, when he was appointed to take charge of the construction of the new Custom House building in Chicago. This occupied Colonel McDowell until December, 1880, when he resumed the practice of engineering in this city. He was married, in 1853, to Miss Geraldine Cowles, of Worthington, Ohio. Mrs. McDowell died in Boston, in 1873, leaving four children, — Gerald R., Malcolm H., Selden Lord and Lucy F.

SOURCE: Alfred Theodore Andreas, History of Chicago, p. 432

Headquarters Dept. Of The Mississippi

ST. LOUIS, April 6, 1862.

Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, Washington:

Detachments of first Iowa Cavalry sent out from Clinton, Mo., had a skirmish with the rebels on the 30^th, captured 19 prisoners, 8 wagons, and a number of horses, mules, &c., belonging to Price’s army.  One rebel killed and several wounded.  Our loss, one man seriously wounded.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 10, 1862, p. 1

The Twentieth Iowa Infantry.

This regiment was raised under the call of July 2, 1862, for 300,000 more men. It was made up of five companies from Scott and five from Linn, and went into camp at Clinton, where, on the 25th of August, its organization was completed. It numbered 902 men, and its field officers were William McE. Dye, colonel; J. B. Leake, lieutenant-colonel; William G. Thompson, major.

Early in September the regiment was sent to Rolla, Mo., where it was placed in a brigade with the Thirty-seventh Illinois, First Iowa cavalry and a section of the First Missouri light artillery, under Colonel Dye. Through the months of October and November this brigade did hard marching in Missouri and Arkansas, and the members of the Twentieth suffered greatly from sickness and deaths. On the 4th of December the regiment started on a long, hard march to the battlefield of Prairie Grove, and reached it in time to participate in the battle of the 7th. The Twentieth did excellent service on that field, and lost forty-seven men killed and wounded. The defeat of the confederate army drove the rebel forces out of that section of the country for a long time. In May, 1863, the regiment was sent to reinforce the army operating around Vicksburg. Here it remained doing siege duty until the surrender of that stronghold and General Pemberton's army. It was soon after sent to reinforce General Banks' army in Louisiana. Lieutenant-Colonel Leake was captured with his command by a largely superior force of the enemy on the 29th of September, 1863, at Sterling Farm, and the command of the Twentieth regiment devolved on Major Thompson. It was soon after sent to Texas, where it remained until September, 1864, when it was sent to New Orleans. Major Thompson had resigned in May, and the regiment had been under the command of Capt. M. L. Thompson, of Company C. In September Lieutenant-Colonel Leake having been exchanged, rejoined the regiment. The regiment was soon after sent to Brownsville, Ark., where it did duty until the 8th of January, 1865. In February it joined the army in the Mobile expedition, and remained in that region until July 8th, when it was mustered out of the service with 464 men.

SOURCE, Benjamin F. Gue, Biographies And Portraits Of The Progressive Men Of Iowa, Volume 1, p. 104

The Nineteenth Iowa Infantry

This regiment was raised under the call of President Lincoln, issued July 2, 1862, after the failure of McClellan's campaign against Richmond. The companies were raised principally in the counties of Lee, Jefferson, Washington, Louisa, Van Buren and Henry. The regiment numbered 982 and its field officers were Benjamin Crabb, colonel; Samuel McFarland, lieutenant-colonel and Daniel Kent, major. It was sent to Rolla, Mo., in September and some time later became a part of the Third division of the army of the frontier, under command of General Blunt.

In the battle of Prairie Grove, the Nineteenth did its first fighting and sustained the reputation won by Iowa soldiers on so many bloody fields. Early in December, 1862, General Blunt's army was lying at Cane Hill, Ark., while General Herron, with the Second and Third divisions, was at Twin Springs, more than 100 miles distant. General Marmaduke had united his army with General Hindman's, and the latter now proposed to strike and overwhelm Blunt's army before Herron could come to his assistance. General Herron received a dispatch from Blunt December 13th, to hurry to his help and in a few hours his divisions were on the road, and he sent his cavalry in advance to Blunt. He marched his infantry 110 miles over mountain roads in three days, and on the 7th was within fifteen miles of Cane Hill. In the meantime General Hindman with a superior force, had placed his army between Blunt and Herron. As Herron advanced, Hindman opened a fierce attack upon his regiments sent to aid Blunt, and drove them back in confusion. General Herron formed his line of battle and opened on the enemy a heavy artillery fire from his batteries well placed. The Twentieth Wisconsin and Nineteenth Iowa were ordered to charge a rebel battery. They moved across the open field in a splendid charge, with fixed bayonets, up a steep hill, drove the supports and captured the guns. McFarland was leading the Nineteenth in as brave a charge as was ever made when a bullet pierced his heart and he fell dead from his horse. The two regiments were overwhelmed by superior numbers and driven back with heavy loss. The rebels in turn charged on our batteries with great bravery and were met with a fire that hurled them back in confusion. General Blunt, in the distance, heard the heavy artillery fire and at once set his army in rapid motion for the battle field, marching the last five miles in half an hour. He fell upon the enemy's left with great fury. Fifty cannon were now pouring shot and shell into the ranks of the rebels, while infantry was charging upon other parts of their line. Night put an end to the conflict, and under cover of darkness the confederate army retreated towards Van Buren, with a loss of not less than 2,000. The loss of the union army was 1,148. The Nineteenth Iowa lost 198 men and some of its bravest officers.

The First Iowa cavalry and the Twentieth Iowa infantry also did good service in this battle. Major Kent was promoted to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of the gallant McFarland and Capt. John Bruce became major. The regiment remained on duty in that part of the country for many months. In June, 1863, it joined Grant's army in the Vicksburg campaign, sharing in its hard marches, battles and glorious victories. In September a portion of the regiment and the Twenty-sixth Indiana, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Leake, of the Twentieth Iowa, was on duty near Morganza, La., when they were attacked by greatly superior numbers and after a vigorous resistance were compelled to surrender. Two-thirds of the regiment had been left at other points and the organization therefore remained intact. Long afterwards the prisoners were exchanged and joined their old regiment at New Orleans. Its last service was in the campaign which captured Mobile, and at that city it was mustered out in July, 1865, proceeding to Davenport, where it was disbanded.

SOURCE, Benjamin F. Gue, Biographies And Portraits Of The Progressive Men Of Iowa, Volume 1, p. 103-4

William O. Sayles, Private, Co. F, 1st Iowa Cavalry: Pension Index Card

SOURCE: Civil War And Later Veterans Pension Index at Fold3.com

From The Eighth Iowa Infantry

SEDALIA, Mo., March 10, 1862.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAVENPORT GAZETTE. – The time we have been wishing to arrive has, I believe, come at last.  An order has been received by our Col. ordering our regiment to the seat of war.  Orders of this kind are you know, usually exceedingly brief – simply stating the fact, and leaving the point of destination in interesting and exciting obscurity, thus giving ample scope for those in camp who have to speculate on the unseen and unknown, to exercise their speculative features.  I believe the present order commands our regiment to proceed to St. Louis so soon as railroad cars for men, baggage, mules, horses, wagons, &c. shall have been sent here in sufficient number for our removal.  When we reach St. Louis we shall probably learn more definitely where we are bound for.  From what I have been able to learn from authentic sources, it seems a brigade of Iowa troops is soon to be formed, to be commanded by Brig. Gen. McKean, and designed to take an active part in the fighting which is expected to be done in Kentucky, Tennessee or further South.  This brigade is to consist of the 6^th, 8^th, 11^th and 13^th Iowa Infantry, all of which are now stationed at different points along the Pacific RR.  One regiment will probably get off to-morrow evening or the next morning.  Our boys are all rejoiced at the prospect of meeting the enemies of our country and flag in open and fair field fight.  We are quite willing to leave “bush wacking,” for the more honorable civilized mode of warfare.  Remembering the caution, “let not him that putteth on his armor boast himself as much as he that taketh it off;” we make no promises or protestations, further than that we will do what we can to maintain in undimmed brightness, and if we are able add to the luster of that glorious halo which already surrounds the arms of the State of Iowa.  We have full confidence in our field and line officers, none less in the valor and patriotism of our men.

The order to march was received by our Col. – sent on to him by an express from Sedalia – while on

A SCOUTING EXPEDITION.

Information had been brought by refugees that an organized band, variously estimated at from 300 to 1,000, under the command of Jackman and Marchbank, recruiting officers holding the rank of Captain in Price’s army, was stealing, robbing and murdering in Bates Co. and the lower portion of Henry Co.  This information being regarded as reliable, Col. Geddes determined to pay his compliments to these armed marauders in a way they would be likely to remember.  Last Monday morning, Mch. 3d, he left Sedalia for the purpose of executing this determination.  The force which he commanded in person, consisted of the 1^st battalion 1^st Iowa cavalry, under Maj. Torrence, five Cos. 8^th Iowa infantry, under Lieut. Col. Ferguson and Maj. Andrews, three Cos. 26^th Indiana and two of the 6^th Missouri, under Maj. Clark (this battalion was sent up from Otterville,) and one section 1^st Mo. light artillery, under Lieut. Marr.  The weather was exceedingly cold, the wind blowing strong and freezing across the prairies and directly in our faces.  Nothing of interest occurred the first day out.  The second day, in temperature and wind, was like unto the first.  We passed through the village of Belmont, formerly very strongly “secesh,” now almost deserted, and thence onward to  Clinton, the county seat of Henry Co., When near this place the advance guard was ordered to charge on the town, and guard every load leading out.  This order was promptly and well executed.  When the command came up we found about 40 persons “corralled.”  A motley group this; clothed in various colored home-made linsey, divers[e] and curious head rigging in the shape of what were or had been hats and caps, with blankets white and blankets grey thrown over their shoulders and ingeniously fastened about the neck.  We had come upon the town unexpectedly, and with a rapidity which gave the fellows from the country, who were in town, no chance for escape.  Doubtless most of those we caught had been in Price’s army – perhaps some belonged to Jackman’s band. – One man was taken on a Government horse branded U. S., with a Government saddle; two we took along with us and have brought into Sedalia.  The balance, as nothing could be proved against them, were sworn en masse and turned loose. – It was a novel sight, that – forty men, more or less, with uncovered head and right hand uplifted, swear allegiance to the Constitution and the “Old Flag,” and to repudiate the Jefferson D. confederacy.  I fear they will not all keep that oath.  That night we went on to the Deep Water, and lay out in the timber on its bank.  We were well sheltered from the wind, but the ground was frozen hard, and where I lay down not very smooth.  Next Morning we were up by daylight, and by sunrise we were on our way to one Rickey’s store, a notorious stronghold and headquarters of the thieving rebel band where we expected to meet the enemy in force.  In this we were disappointed.  The rebels by some means found we were too strong for them, and ran for their hiding places like rabbits.  As we approached the store, we could see mounted men on all sides, hastening with all dispatch across the prairie to the timber.  They were too far from us, and too near the timber, to send out cavalry in pursuit.  Soon as the command came up to the store, skirmishers of infantry were sent out through the timber, and scouts of cavalry over the prairies in different directions.  Some of our skirmishers had the pleasure of exchanging shots with the rebels, and returned late in the afternoon, with a diversity of fire-arms, and many prisoners.  The cavalry were out all night, and next morning brought in between 20 and 30 prisoners and arms in proportion.  Among the prisoners was Capt. Marchbank.  The scouting party which took him got after Jackman, but he, being acquainted with the country, and well mounted, while our horses were jaded with the three days’ and one night’s hard riding, escaped their grasp.  Next evening our command started from Round Prairie, taking an occasional prisoner and fire-arm as we passed along.  Soon as the men could get at it, skirmishing and scouting parties were sent out.  Cos. C & K had a very interesting skirmish with some rebel pickets, killing one and capturing several of their horses.  We had by this time 60 or 70 prisoners, about as many firearms – rifles, muskets, shot guns, carbines, &c., - three kegs of powder, and several pounds of shot.  The afternoon and evening at headquarters were very busily occupied in examining the prisoners and administering the oath, requiring bonds, and then turning them loose, or remanding them again to the charge of our soldiers for safe conduct to this place. – Thinking that perhaps some of your readers may be curious to know what we make the fellows swear I send you a copy of the

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.

“Without mental reservation, I do most solemnly swear, in the presence of God whom I call to witness my sincerity and fidelity, that I do, and will hereafter continue to bear true and faithful allegiance to the Government of the United States and to the old flag, ‘the stars and stripes;’ that I do, and will forever repudiate all allegiance to, or sympathy with the so-called Confederate States of America; and that I will never aid or abet, or render any assistance or comfort by word or act, or in any way or manner to the so-called Confederate States of America, so help me God.”  This oath was gotten up by one of our number for the occasion, and was taken by no less than thirty-six, whose names and places of residence I have carefully recorded.

While at Round Prairie the order to go South reached our Colonel.  It was his intention to give the rebels in that neighborhood a longer benefit, but the order cut our visit short.

Friday morning we took the back track, bringing along with us several Union refugee families whose neighbors would not allow them to remain.  This action of the refugees – coming away under the protection of our command – excited still more the ire of their enemies, who hung in squads about our rear threatening an attack, which, however, they were prudent enough not to attempt.  This afternoon information was brought Col. Geddes that a band of about 150 rebels were skulking in some timber a little off our line of march.  He immediately sent out a detachment of cavalry who engaged in a skirmish with them, but neither killed or captured any.  In this skirmish a man was slightly wounded in the neck by two buckshot, and his horse was killed.  This was the only casualty in our command.  We went in camp Friday night having marched that day 34 miles.

Saturday we came on to Sedalia.  The command came in about 4 P. M., making 36 miles.  It will be seen that in less and two days we marched 70 miles.  This, I think, will be admitted on all hands, as very good marching for Infantry, even though they did ride in wagons drawn by mules.  The aggregate distance was about 150 miles, exclusive of the extra miles, and they were many – travelled by skirmishers and scouting parties.

We brought in with out about 30 prisoners, who in due time will be tried, and some of them, I think, sent to the penitentiary at Alton.

The country through which we passed was very fine indeed.  I cannot conceive of a better agricultural country.  Our course was southwest through broad rich prairies, well supplied with timber and streams of water.

It has not yet transpired what Infantry regiment will take our place here.  Nearly all the 1^st Iowa Cavalry are now here, the balance will be in a few days.

I hope to write you again before many days, and to have the satisfaction of dating my letter many miles south of Sedalia.  I trust the onward movement may be pressed with activity and vigor, till secessionists are swept from “Secessia” into the Southern Gulf.  Let us nail to the flag-staff a red flag on which is emblazoned in indelible characters the watchword “Forward to victory,” and bear it in advance of the glorious old “Stars and Stripes,” till this revered ensign floats triumphantly over the tomb of Rebellion, and the dishonored ashes of traitors.

Yours, &c.

C.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 15, 1862, p. 1

Mortality of Iowa Soldiers

The following list comprises the names of Iowa volunteers who have died in the vicinity of St. Louis at the dates named.  For further information, apply to John A. Smithers, 113 Chesnut street, St. Louis:

Feb. 19 – Andrew Vananfrink, Company G, 3d Infantry.

Feb. 27 – Richard B. Truby, Co. K, 5^th Infantry.

Feb. 28 – Samuel Shinneman, Company D, 12^th Infantry.

Feb. 27 – Alphonso Clark, Company F, 12^th Infantry.

Feb. 23 – James M. Potter, Company E, 1^st Cavalry.

Feb. 24 – Alonzo Conaway, Company I, 2d Cavalry.

Feb. 25 – William Piersall, Company H, 2d Cavalry.

Feb. 28 – Washington Bickford, Company F, 3d Cavalry.

Feb. 28 – William J. Fairchild, Company D, 3d Cavalry.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 6, 1862, p. 2

From The Eighth Iowa Regiment

SEDALIA, Mo., Feb. 25, 1862.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAVENPORT GAZETTE:  While many of our friends and neighbors whose good fortune it has been to be connected with regiments more favored than ours, have been doing honor to their State by their gallantry and veteran bravery at Belmont and Forts Henry and Donelson, we have been discharging our duty in guarding this post.  This duty, though not so exciting so desirable as more active service, is of imperative necessity to the States; so that while no halo of glory from victories ever hangs around our regiment, yet we find solace in the fact, that though the service we are rendering is less distinguished and brilliant that is our choice, still it is an absolutely necessary service.  But even with this fact in our minds, when we read of the exploits of our brother regiments, and with sincerest joy rejoice in their valor and success, we cannot but wish, please Gen. Halleck, that we were among them.

Camp life at a post is very much of a sameness – one day in camp bears a striking similarity to another; so much so, that one cannot remember the days of the week without recurring to the almanac.  This failing of memory is peculiarly prevalent with respect to Sunday – reveille, company drill, battalion drill; dress parade, tattoo and taps, are the regular daily programme.  Occasionally something occurs to disarrange this clock work-like regularity; for instance,

A SCOUNTING EXPEDITION.

Several scouting parties, of which the Iowa 8^th or companies of it, usually formed a part, have been sent out into the adjoining counties.  Our boys like these excursions very much.  They afford excitement and change, and they usually have the satisfaction of quartering at night upon some notorious secesh who is well known to the guide.  The most successful scouting party in which we have participated returned to camp early on Monday morning, Feb. 17^th.  The scout consisted of three companies 1^st Iowa Cavalry, under Capt. Thompson, who had command of the expedition, and companies G and F 8^th Iowa Infantry, under command of Capt. Stubbs.  The scout left Sedalia Saturday afternoon, marched all night, and before daylight reached Warsaw.  They were in pursuit of a battalion of 500 rebels who were en route for Price’s army.  The main body of the rebels had crossed the Osage the evening before our troops arrived.  The officers had remained on this side at the house of Judge Wright, expecting to cross and join the battalion next morning.  But

“The best laid schemes of mice and men

Gang aft aglee.”

The fact that rebel officers were in Judge Wright’s house was communicated to the officer commanding the expedition.  He immediately placed a guard about the house and the first thing the rebel officers knew of the move was a request from the proper authority, that they deliver over their side arms.  The prisoners taken, were Brig. Gen. Price, son of the “old man,” Maj. Gen. Price, the hope and life of secession in this State; Col. Dorsey, Maj. Cross, Surgeon General of the rebel army in Mo., and a staff officer, of Maj. Gen. Price; Capt. Innis, and a dozen or more less distinguished individuals, commonly called privates. – The daughter of Judge Wright, who still retains her dislike to the “Federals,” seemed quite chagrined at this affair, and especially that Brig. Gen. Price should be captured in her father’s house.  She requested the officer who had the Brig. Gen’s. side arms, to give her one of the pistols.  He asked what she wished of it.  Her reply was , “to shoot you.”  Thus much for Missouri feminine chivalry!

This capture all things considered is one of the most important that has been made in this State.  The officers taken are high in rank and influence, and beside, by their timely capture, Maj. Gen. Price has in all probability lost a battalion, who might have rendered him efficient service had they reached the main army.  The honor of this capture belongs jointly to the 1^st Iowa cavalry and the 8^th Iowa infantry.  I see in a notice of the affair, in the “Missouri Democrat,” justice is done Capt. Stubbs, but unfortunately he is reported in print as belonging to the 6^th Iowa.  I have heard too that the same mistake has been made by some of the Iowa papers – perhaps taken from the “Democrat.”  It was the 8^th Iowa infantry who were on hand this time.

CHANGE IN THE FORCES AT SEDALIA.

I presume you have heard through other sources, that various regiments which were here and hereabout, have been ordered away – mostly South.  The force now here is composed of the 8^th Iowa infantry, 1^st battalion, 1^st Iowa cavalry and two sections of the 1^st Missouri artillery.  From present appearances this is likely to be the force at Sedalia for some time to come.

This is an important post which must be held, and if we were removed some other troops would have to take the position immediately.  We would be very glad to give favorable position here to any regiment Gen. Halleck may choose to send and with his permission, hasten down to Fort Donelson, Nashville or any other place where there is a prospect of fighting.

CHANGE IN FIELD OFFICERS.

Col. Fred. Steele, late of the 8^th Iowa, has been appointed Brigadier General of volunteers.  His promotion caused a vacancy in our field officers.  Lieut. Col. Geddes, who has been in command of the regiment ever since we entered the field, and who has shown himself a gentleman and every inch a thorough and experienced soldier was elected Colonel by acclamation; Major Ferguson, who has always shown himself equal to every occasion, was unanimously elected Lieut. Colonel; and Capt. Joseph Andrews, of Co. F, whose well disciplined company proves him an able officer, was elected Major.  The names of these officers have been forwarded to the Governor of Iowa, and I understand must meet his approval; so I suppose the commissions will soon be forthcoming.  It would be easy to say much in praise of these officers, to point to many characteristics of each, which give proof of energy and efficiency, but in their unanimous election to their respective offices they have received from those best qualified to judge a higher testimonial of confidence and esteem for them, as men and soldiers, than any mere eulogium could express.

THE CONDITION OF THE REGIMENT.

Since Col. Geddis [sic] has been in command of this post, our regiment has obtained a full compliment of new “Sibley” tents. – These tents are each provided with a small stove, which warms it very comfortably.  In some of the tents, a small cooking stove, purchased by the “mess” at a trifling expense per man, takes the place of the stoves furnished by the Government, and is very convenient for cooking purposes.  In the tents thus furnished, the boys, to describe their condition in their own language, “live at home.”  In one of my turns through the new camp, I came upon a mess at supper.  I saw fritters and crullers in their rude cupboard, made by some of the boys, and I know by experiment that the crullers were not unworthy the skill of an experienced Hawkeye house-keeper.

The two lost companies, E and K, which for near three months were on de-tached service, and attached to Jennison’s brigade, have returned.  They do not seem to be very favorably impressed with “Jayhawking,” and are as glad to return to their regiment as we are to receive them.  We have now our full compliment of companies, and make a very respectable appearance on dress parade.

On the new camping ground a tall pole has been raised, and from its top floats the glorious “stars and stripes.”  Our secesh neighbors for miles around can look at it, as in obedience to the morning or evening breeze it spreads out its ample folds, symboling prosperity and liberty to all who will return under its shadow.

HOSPITAL AND SANITARY CONDITION.

The change in the force stationed at this post has occasioned a corresponding change in the hospital arrangements.  The sick belonging to the regiments ordered away have been taken to St. Louis.  This left room in the post hospital for the sick of the command remaining at this post.  Consequently our regimental hospital was closed, and our sick transferred to the post hospital.  In the mean time, Dr. Bordie, “Surgeon of the fifth division of the army of the Missouri,” received the information that his nomination had not been confirmed by Congress; this sent him back to private life.  An order came from Gen. Halleck appointing Surgeon Irwin, of the 8^th Iowa, to the charge of the post hospital.  Surgeon I. entered upon the duties of his new position with his accustomed energy and promptness.  He selected for steward, warden, nurses &c., men from our regiment, who had been tried and were found to be qualified for the positions.  We now have in good working order a well arranged, well ventilated and well furnished hospital, one which we would not be ashamed for any of our Iowa friends to visit, containing an upper and lower ward, dispensary, dining room, kitchen, convalescent room, &c.  There is also a room off the dining room furnished with a stove, which is used as a chapel.  Our chaplain preaches there Sabbath morning, and a social prayer meeting is held in the evening.  Those of the citizens who choose to attend are cordially welcomed at either or both services.

The health of our regiment is improving.  We have fewer cases of typhoid fever and pneumonia, and the few bad cases we have are treated more successfully, as we can now make our patients more comfortable and give them proper attention.  We can report fit for duty about 750 men, all of whom would be glad to illustrate their fitness for active service by engaging in the impending battle at Nashville.  It affords me great pleasure to be able to make this favorable statement.  Our regiment has suffered severely from disease.  This suffering was made known to our friends in Iowa.  They kindly sent us supplies when we most needed them, and now we are reaping the fruits of their kindness.  We are to-day a very respectable regiment in numbers and physical strength and courage, and are still recruiting from the hospital.  Last evening Dr. Hoffmeister, assistant surgeon, vice P. B. Clark resigned, arrived and this morning entered upon his duties.  We are favorably impressed with his appearance and from the manner in which he took hold, gives promise, when he has “learned the ropes,” of an energetic and efficient assistant.

Our regiment now presents a very promising appearance, and the scouting parties in which the boys are frequently sent out, afford exercise and excitement which go very far toward making them healthy, cheerful and vigorous.  I am however, fully satisfied that the dose which would most quickly depopulate our hospital and place us firmly on our feet, would be an order from Gen. Halleck to strike tents and march South immediately.

HOW THE NEWS OF RECENT VICTORIES WAS RECEIVED.

We have a telegraph from St. Louis to this place, and very shortly after the fall of Fort Donelson was known in St. Louis, the good news was telegraphed to our Colonel.  Soon it spread through the camp, and in less time that you could think, our rifled cannon were unlimbered, and the glad tidings were heralded in thunder tones form their fiery throats.  Of course we soldiers were jubilant – so were the Union men in and about the town, but I fancy the secessionists could not sing of the sound,

“Harmonious to the ear.”

I suspect it grated somewhat harshly.

The well authenticated news that Gen. Curtis has driven price into Arkansas, was received by the loyal inhabitants of this State with even greater joy than the fall of Fort Donelson.  Price is the life and hope of secession in this State.  While he was in the Southern part of the state, the property of Union men everywhere outside of Federal pickets, was liable to be stolen or destroyed, while secessionists were firm and defiant.  Already there is a change.  The Union men breathe more freely, and secessionist come in by the scores to take the oath.  Many, perhaps the very large majority, do this to recover damages from property they have lost, and it is quite surprising how hard some of them will swear when a horse or a mule is at stake; but if there is a chance of recovering a “contraband,” they will swear to nearly anything, or in any way, till black in the face, for that matter, if thereby the negro can be carried back into slavery.  The sorest spot a slave-holding secesh can be touched, is to take away his negroes.  They will bear the loss of horses, mules, forage, etc., with philosophical patience, but if a slave escapes, then a wound is inflicted which exasperates beyond measure, and admits of no healing but the return of the fugitive.

A commission for investigating the loyalty of the many applicants for damage, and for settling their claims against the government, has been appointed.  Lieut. Col. Ferguson is presiding officer of the commission, and the loyalty of the individuals making claims is examined with great care, strictness and impartiality.  If a man is suspected, after being sworn, he is required to give bail from $1,000 to $5,000 that he will keep the oath.  The bail as much as possible, is taken from secesh, and this arrangement has a wonderful power in making their consciences tender and susceptible to the binding and sacred character of an oath.  I think hereafter even a Mo. Secessionist’s oath may be relied upon, as probably to be kept.

Yours truly, C.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 5, 1862, p. 2

From The 2d Iowa Cavalry

BENTON BARRACKS, Mo., Feb. 11^th, 1862.

FRIEND SANDERS: Benton Barracks is yet or “abiding place,” and though some with little faith may suppose from the past that it may long continue to be, yet I think the time of our departure is near at hand.  Among the vast multitude of soldiers that are now taking their appointed places in the grand “forward” which has commenced, the 2d Iowa Cavalry will soon be “counted in.”  The regiment received last week over four hundred revolvers and are expecting the balance daily.  As soon as received they will be ready.

On the 5^th the regiment took an airing to and through the city.  Yesterday, by order of Gen. Halleck, it marched to the city and was reviewed by him.  The St. Louis Democrat says: “They appeared without exception, to be in the finest possible condition and moved with the precision and confidence of veteran troops.”  The streets were thronged with “lookers on.”  The column passed through several of the principal streets.  A close observer by following the column could make out a very correct “check roll” of loyal citizens, and of those who scorn the banner that ever has and now is securing to them all the blessings of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”  As the column moved through Main street the majority of the business men looked hard at us.  “Secesh” when looking at sights of this kind are no doubt impressed with an idea that fearful realities are very soon to be experienced from similar movements.

Through the streets which the column moved many ladies and all the children thronged the doors and windows, and most of the ladies, and all of the little ones were for the Stars and Stripes.  Hundreds of flags were flung to the breeze, and waving of signals by the hands of many fair ladies, gave the cheering proof, that they are for “Union.”  In many cases the schools on the streets through which we passed, had intermission, and at one place, on Washington Avenue, the young misses ranged themselves on the walk, and sung as we passed, the “Red, White, and Blue.”  It was an inspiring scene.  May this be the last time they may ever be called to witness the force of arms as necessary to enforce obedience to and uphold the supremacy of the “Constitution and the Laws.”

The people who have been so anxiously waiting until they had almost began to think patience no longer a virtue, can, no doubt, now begin to see that in his own good time McClellan is ready.  The grand advance has begun.  The “Anaconda” from his head on the Potomac, along his heavy folds down the Atlantic coast to the Gulf, and throughout his extensive coils to the Kansas border, is beginning to enclose within his mighty embrace the “hell” of Secessiondom.  His colossal proportions are now beginning to writhe with powerful contortions, and as one after another of his massive folds overlapping each other crowd its resistless sway with deadly effect into the vitals of rebellion, the arch-traitors themselves, as they hear the reverberating shouts of victory resounding in thunder tones throughout the loyal States, and witness it re-echoed from thousands of loyal hearts within the borders of their fair land they would consign to infamy and despotism, will themselves begin to recoil from his terrible embrace; and as the “beginning of the end” begins to loom up before their astonished gaze, they will cry out for the mountains and the rocks to fall and cover them from the wrath of “Abraham.”

Gen. Curtis is after Price with something worse than a “sharp stick;” a victory awaits us there, and not only there, but very soon everywhere.

There are now but three full regiments here – the 2d Iowa Cavalry, the 1^st and 2d Michigan Cavalry, with their batteries.  The first battalion of the Iowa 1^st Cavalry is also here.  From present indications, I think we will go direct to Tennessee, and very probably with Gen. Halleck himself.  He will no doubt soon take the field in person.  When the “Sunny South” greets our vision, I will let you know the result of my observations.  That such may very speedily be the case is the earnest desire of every one in the 2d cavalry.

The regiment, under the daily, thorough instruction if its efficient officers, has become very proficient in drill.  Its health is rapidly improving, and but few are now in the hospital.  Forty three have died since we have been in this camp, but the regiment now seems to be acclimated.

The weather is fine, feeling for the past two days very spring like.  As I write, the doors are wide open.  It is quite muddy, but a few days will cause it to dry up.

As I have written twice as much as I intended, and perhaps twice as much as you wish, I come to a “halt.”

DIFF.

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

Captain W. E. Leffingwell

Company B.

(In the absence of any direct sketch of Captain Leffingwell's life, extracts from the action taken by the Chicago bar and a eulogy later delivered before the Supreme Court of Illinois, and a portion of the tribute rendered him before the Supreme Court of Iowa by one of his nearest friends, are presented below. And these pages, it should be further explained, are printed at the close of the biographical notices because the copy was received too late for insertion according to company and rank.)

On September 3d, 1884, Hon. William Barge, who was appointed by Judge Dickey, the chairman of the meeting of the Chicago bar, to present the resolutions passed at that meeting relating to the death of Judge Leffingwell to the Supreme Court, in performing that duty said :

“IF YOUR HONORS PLEASE — I have been directed to present the following memorial and resolutions, adopted at a meeting of the Chicago bar, and ask that they be made a part of the records of this Court:

“‘William Edward Leffingwell, a member of the Chicago bar for the last ten years, has been removed by death from our midst. In his day he was one of the ablest and most eminent lawyers of the Western States. He went into Iowa at the age of seventeen years, when Iowa was a Territory. At an early age he became the foremost lawyer of his State. Among the public positions held by him were those of Presidential Elector, Judge of the District Court of the district in which he lived, and President of the Senate of the State, and in the late war he commanded a company of Iowa volunteers. As a lawyer he was well known not only through Iowa but Illinois also, and was one of the most eloquent advocates and successful counsellors of his day. He was a lawyer of learning in his profession, distinguished also for a high degree of scholarly attainments, and was respected by the courts, honored by the members of the profession, and loved by his clients and friends. He was a man of great kindness of heart, great nobility of nature, and his inborn honesty, everywhere exhibited, gave him a character for integrity in and out of his profession for which he will long be remembered.' • • •

“Judge Leffingwell was born in New London, Connecticut, on the 9th day of October. 1822. His educational advantages were extremely poor. He never attended school after he was twelve years old, but his vigorous mind, aided by an unquenchable thirst for useful knowledge, surmounted all obstacles, and he soon became a scholar and a cultured gentleman. At the age of seventeen he came west, and selecting the Territory of Iowa as the place of his future home, he became a student in the law office of Judge Hastings, in Muscatine, and after pursuing the required course of study was admitted to the bar, before that Territory became a State. Entering at once upon the practice of the law, he soon achieved the highest position in his profession, and constantly maintained it to the day of his death. His fame as a lawyer was not confined to his own State, but extended throughout the entire northwest. No ordinary man could have risen to this elevation, and no great man without incessant labor gained such honorable distinction at a bar containing upon its rolls such names as Hastings, Dillon, Knox, Manning, Arrington and Wallace.

“His person was tall, well formed and erect, and his presence majestic; his voice silver-toned and melodious, and his manner of presenting a case clear, logical and eloquent. He was an orator, and as an advocate had few equals and no superiors.

“When his country was in danger, near the commencement of the late war, he offered his life in her defense, and rendered valuable services on the fields of battle while in command of a company of Iowa cavalry, which he had been largely instrumental in recruiting for that service.

“But he is gone. His familiar face, and kind voice, and generous hand, we will see, and hear, and clasp no more forever. Stricken down in the street in Chicago several years since, by paralysis, from which he never fully recovered, and receiving a second and third attack of the same disease last spring, he died on the 13th of August, 1884, in Lyons. Iowa, surrounded by his wife and children, whose loving hands did all that earthly hands could do to ameliorate his sufferings and wipe the death-damp from his aching brow. His warfare of life is ended; his last cause tried; and he appears for judgment in the court from which there is no appeal, and in which there is no error. And I can but now say for myself and his many sorrowing friends — just judge, great lawyer, and true patriot, hail and farewell!"

Hon. L. A. Ellis, of Lyons, represented the Clinton county bar, the county of Judge Leffingwell's residence, before the Supreme Court of Iowa, and from his eulogy the following is quoted :

“MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONORS — I had an extended and intimate acquaintance with the Hon. Wm. E. Leffingwell, as a townsman and neighbor. When I came to the bar and became a resident of this State, he was in the meridian of his life and fame. He had already participated in the legislation of the State; had presided on the District bench of the Seventh Judicial District, and had won his way to a first place as an advocate and jurist, among those who were qualified to adorn any bar in the country.

"As a friend he was generous and magnanimous, and no sacrifice was too great for those in distress who appealed to him for help. Like the great cardinal, he might be

“‘Lofty and sour to them that loved him not,

But to those men who sought him, sweet as summer.'

"He may have had his failings and enemies — who of us has not? — but now that he is gone, even the tongue of criticism, that might aim its arrows at the living, will respect the maxim — De Mortuis nil nisi bonum.

“Take him all in all, as he went in and out before us, it is not extravagant eulogy to say he seemed

“‘One upon whom every god had set his seal

To give assurance of a man.'

“Standing here in this Court to-day, where he has so often stood, in the presence of your Honors, who have so often granted him audience as an oracle in the temple of justice, we observe no imperfections, but rather treasure his memory as a star in our profession of the first magnitude, and regret that it has so soon gone below the horizon to reappear no more to the gaze of men.

“His career was cut short by a stroke of that disease which so frequently assails men subject to great mental strain and exhaustion.

“His work is done, and nobly done: and such a life is more than the mere dull round of many years.

“‘We live in deeds not years, in thought not breath,

In feelings not in figures on the dial.

We should count time by heart-throbs; he most lives

Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best.'

"May we not hope, as Judge Leffingwell did. that 'the grave is not the goal,' and that the soul, so capable of grasping intangible things, and living in the world of thought while cumbered with the tenement of clay, is as imperishable as its Author; and that in more congenial realms, reunited, we will realize that complete development, happiness, and fruition, which, while they ever haunt our aspirations, always elude our grasp in this world."

SOURCE: Charles H. Lothrop, A History Of The First Regiment Iowa Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, p. 352-5

Billy's Portrait

One day recently Mr. Fields took an excellent portrait of Billy, the late Dr. Chas. H. Lothrop's old war horse. It is nearly a perfect picture, and as the old horse pokes his nose affectionately toward Mr. Ben Bitner, who holds his bridle rein, it seems as if both would step from the picture and walk away.

Old Billy came into the possession of Dr. Lothrop in 1865, when the animal was five years old. He is now thirty and still lively. He was the Doctor's sixth horse. He is a cross between the blooded Texan horses and the mustangs, was originally a racer, and many of the boys of the First Iowa will recollect how Billy did up ''Company K's horse" in a square race.

Billy was purchased in 1865 for a sum in gold equivalent to five thousand dollars in Confederate scrip. He is a horse possessed of a wonderful memory, and never forgets his friends. The animal was never shod but once, and then they were obliged to take the shoes off, as he had not been accustomed to them.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lothrop, A History Of The First Regiment Iowa Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, p. 351-2

Lewis E. Dean

Company M.

Lewis E. Dean, born at Granger, Medina county, Ohio, September 5th, 1844. Printer by trade. Enlisted in August. 1861. Married December 5th. 1874, to Buzzelle D. Dinsmore. Has two live boys, Charles D. and Daniel Abraham. Was Grand Reporter of the Grand Lodge Knights of Honor from 1879 to 1889; likewise Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge Knights and Ladies of Honor from its organization, August 20th, 1879, up to 1889. Was local editor of Lyons Weekly Mirror for a period of seven or eight years, previous to which he had worked at the case in same institution as boy and man. Was likewise city clerk of Lyons, Iowa, for a term of four years. Had been in rapidly failing health for some ten years, which finally culminated with a stroke of paralysis on the 19th of October, 1888, since which time he has been confined to bed.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lothrop, A History Of The First Regiment Iowa Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, p. 351

Joab Somers

Company L.

Was born in Gloucester county, New Jersey, on May 4th, 1830. In 1835 his parents moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1837 they migrated to the State of Ohio, near the town of Springborough, Warren county. There he was taught farming until 1845. Then they moved to Jay county, Indiana, where he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for some time, but made farming his principal business until 1861, when he went to Iowa on business, and worked at Delhi in a nursery for Judge Doolittle part of the summer, and part of the summer for Charles Fleming, until after the great Bull Run battle. Then, on the 28th day of August, 1861, he enlisted at Dubuque in the First Iowa Cavalry, under Colonel Fitz Henry Warren, and remained in the regiment until the 15th day of February, 1866, and then resumed farming until the last few years when he got past work.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lothrop, A History Of The First Regiment Iowa Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, p. 350-1

Herbert L. Mills

Company L.

Sergeant Mills was born in Kalamazoo county, Michigan, July 18th, 1840. At the age of fourteen years he moved with his parents to Buchanan county, Iowa, spending the time summers breaking prairie and working on the farm, and attending school winters, until twenty years of age, when he went to Western College in Linn county, and decided to persevere and get a college education. But when the call came for volunteers in 1861 he gave up all and went to his country's rescue. Of his faithful service, those who were with him can testify. While his regiment was after Price during his raid in Missouri he contracted the rheumatism, and was confined about three months with it in the hospital at Jefferson City, Missouri, during the winter of [1864]. While in the service of his country his parents had removed to Michigan, and after his discharge he returned to them. His desire for a better education remained, and he attended school at Olivet College during the winter of 1866-67. Here he became acquainted with Elvira Tabor, whom he married, and together they moved to Harrison county, Iowa, where they made for themselves a home out of the unbroken prairie. But the rheumatism oft returned until it refused to lessen its grip, and he became a constant sufferer and unable to walk without a cane or crutch. Six bright children were given him, and his first great grief came in the death of his first born, a boy of nine years, who was killed by the kick of a horse. Three children were buried there, when with failing health he again returned to Olivet, Michigan, with his family, where he still resides. He is thus enabled to give his remaining children, two young ladies and a young lad named Herbert L., the educational privileges he so much desired for himself. Helplessness has slowly crept upon him, until he is now perfectly helpless, unable to move hand or foot. Has not walked for nine years or used a hand for one year. But the same brave, patient, cheerful spirit is his yet which he had in the army, and he can say. "God's will be done." He is cared for by his loving, faithful wife all these years, assisted by loving children and an aged mother. He receives a pension which supports him.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lothrop, A History Of The First Regiment Iowa Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, p. 350

Charles A. Chase

Company L.

Was born in Gainesville, Wyoming county, State of New York, on the 10th day of March, 1837. “At the age of twelve years I was thrown on my own resources, and worked by the month summers, did chores for my board winters, and went to school in same county I was born in. My education was limited. At the age of eighteen I had accumulated enough wealth to go west and grow up with the country. Came by boat to Chicago; drove a team from Chicago in the fall of 1855 to Black Rock Fails, Wisconsin; worked in the pineries that winter, and in the spring of 1856, with my clothes tied up in a cotton handkerchief. I took it afoot nearly five hundred miles to Anamosa. Iowa. There I ran across Wm. T. Shaw, afterward Colonel of the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry Volunteers, bought ninety acres of land from him, and went to work for him by the month. Worked for him until I was married, and after I was married for nearly one year, when the war broke out and he went to war. By this time I had got my land partly broken up and improved. The next spring; built a small house on it, and my wife, self and small child, a boy not a year old, moved into our new home. That was in the spring of 1862. In August, 1862, Lincoln called for 300,000 more men. I took a train and went to Dubuque and enlisted in Company L First Regiment Iowa Cavalry Volunteers, for three years or during the war: got a three days furlough, went home, and in three days bid my young weeping wife with babe in her arms good-bye, and started for the front. Was not long in getting into battle at Prairie Grove, where we met with a warm reception. I helped to pull out a mountain howitzer there that was between the two armies without receiving a scratch, but received two bullets in my clothes at the time. I re-enlisted on the 4th day of January. 1864, and was mustered out the 16th day of February, 1866, at Austin, Texas. Got home about the 25th day of March, 1866. In a short time went to Omaha, Nebraska; took a tie contract on the Union Pacific railroad; finished that; went to Aurora, Illinois; engaged in the milling business for two years; moved back to Anamosa, Iowa; went to farming; farmed for a few years; sold out my farm, bought a drove of cattle, and drove them to Laramie City, Wyoming Territory; was two months on the way. This was in the year 1874. Camped out with my family all the way — standing guard half the night from Central City, Nebraska, until I reached Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory. At Cheyenne I received the news of General Custer's death by the hands of the Sioux Indians. I did not shed many tears over his downfall, as I had suffered more hardships in six months under him than I did from the time I enlisted until the war closed in the spring of 1865 — all this, too, after the war had closed and it was not necessary to inflict such punishments on the old soldiers who had fought so long and hard to save the Union. I can forgive but never can forget him. I engaged in the cattle business until the year of 1881; was very successful at that. Sold out in 1881; went to Rochester, New York; engaged in the milling business there: was successful at that, until my health failed me in 1886, and I had to close up my business there. Went to Waukesha, Wisconsin, and by using the water from those mineral springs regained my health, and to-day finds me back at Laramie City, Wyoming, in the wholesale and retail grocery business, after an absence of seven years. During all this time my wife has stood by me, and if I am entitled to any credit, to her belongs more than half. We are both broken down in health, but hope we have enough of this world's goods to last us the few remaining years we have to spend here. I have nothing to regret in my life, only the six months' service under General Custer. The balance of my services while in the army I always tried to do my duty and did it cheerfully and without a murmur, and have always been glad that I was one that helped to save my country. I always found a true and good friend in Colonel Wm. T. Shaw; may he live to a good old age. I have nothing to say against any of our officers or men; I have a good will for all — don't know that I have an enemy either among officers or men. I think they all tried to do their duty as men to the best of their ability. It was a hard struggle and a long struggle, but thank God our country was saved."

SOURCE: Charles H. Lothrop, A History Of The First Regiment Iowa Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, p. 348-50

H. J. Leonard

Company L.

H. J. Leonard was born at Whitesborough, New York, November 26th, 1836. In 1838 he removed with his father and the rest of the family to Roseoe, Illinois, and in 1845 they settled in Beloit, Wisconsin. July 1^st, 1861, at Dubuque, Iowa, he enlisted under Captain H. H. Heath, Company L, First Iowa Cavalry. Was mustered into the United States service August 18^th, 1861, and remained in the service until the regiment was mustered out, which was during the year 1866. He then returned to Beloit, Wisconsin, and embarked in the manufacture of gloves and mittens, and has continued in the business up to the present time — at present under the firm name of H. J. Leonard Manufacturing Company.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lothrop, A History Of The First Regiment Iowa Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, p. 348

Lieutenant James M. Simeral

Company L.

Was born March 12th. 1822, in Smithfield, (a Quaker community,) Jefferson county. Ohio. Was educated at Franklin College, New Athens, Ohio. Was deputy auditor and auditor of his native county over five years. Was married to Miss M. Wood, June 22d, 1852 — all of Steubenville, Jefferson county, Ohio. Emigrated to Dubuque, Iowa, November, 1854. Is engaged in the real estate business at Omaha.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lothrop, A History Of The First Regiment Iowa Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, p. 347-8