2d Iowa Cavalry

A correspondent of the Burlington Hawk-eye, writing from Pittsburg, says, he “has it from reliable authority” that the recent skirmish of the Iowa 2d Cavalry for the reliefe of Paine’s division, 400 of them were taken prisoners.  This, of course is a mistake, as only three were missing on return to camp.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 19, 1862, p. 2

From The Second Iowa Cavalry

CAMP ON FARMINGTON ROAD, May 10.

FRIEND SANDERS: – James Armstrong, of Princeton, wounded yesterday, died at 3 o’clock to-day.  All that medical skill, the attention and kindness of friends could do was done for him; but his wound was mortal.  He was clerk at headquarters, and being a talented, promising young man, was honored and respected by all.  In full consciousness he passed peacefully away, and now sleeps “the sleep that knows no waking.”  Aware of his condition, he said he was willing to die but for his wife and child.  Deep and heartfelt have been the expressions of sympathy for her great sorry, which she yet knows not.

The officers were intending to send his body home, but find that no corpse will be transported unless in a metallic case; and of these there are none in this country.  A coffin is being made and tomorrow he will be buried with the honors of war, and in such manner as to be removed with facilities for so doing are rendered possible. – Most of the wounded were sent to the river to-day.

Yours, &c.,

DIFF.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 19, 1862, p. 2

Sick Iowa Soldiers

The steamer D. A. January arrived at St. Louis, from the Upper Tennessee, last Wednesday.  She brought a large number of sick and wounded soldiers to Jefferson Barracks Hospital.  The flowing Iowa names appear among them:

James Taylor, Co. C, 2d Cavalry; Wm. H. Reckord, and James Flanagan, Co. I, 8th Infantry.  These are from Scott county.

John L. Brush and Wm. F. Bullock, Co. B, 2d cavalry; James Slaughter, Co. D, do; L. J. Parks, Wm. H. Bulla, Samuel Craig, C. E. Biggs and James Faught, Co. F, do; J. T. Haight, Anderson Hersley and E. H. Evans, Co G., do.; Derwin Downer, Co. K, do.

Charles W. Adell, Co. D. 3d infantry; Luther B. Converse, C. M. Townsend; George Eberhart and C. H. Talmage, Co. I, do.

Daniel E. Follitt, Co. H, 8th Infantry; Moses Conklin, Wm. Lewis, and Henry Applegate Co., I, do.

Martin Poling, James F. Little, M. P. Myers, and Wm. H. Cooper, Co. B, 13th Infantry; Sam. F. Hill, Co. E, do.

Calvin Loid, Co. B, 15th; Wm. Phrekla, Co. C, do.

James Casley, Co. B. 17th; Benj. Stephenson, Co. I, do.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 19, 1862, p. 1

From Camp near Corinth

We are in receipt of a letter some thirteen pages in length from a “Camp near Corinth” correspondent, giving us the details of the brilliant and successful charge of the Iowa 2d cavalry , in rescuing Paine’s division form the tight place in which they had gotten themselves, but adventuring too close to the enemy.  As our correspondent “Diff.” has given us full particulars we are obliged to rule out our friend’s favor, but thank him just as kindly for his attention.  As his letter is one day later that that published on Saturday, we give the concluding portion, testifying to the uncomplaining disposition of our Iowa boys, even when severely wounded:

Two or three of the wounded came in three miles on horseback, each with a foot almost severed at the ankle, yet sitting upright in the saddle and frequently making some careless remark, or threatening vengeance the next time they met the “secesh.”  Two poor fellows, which I now have the care of, were each shot through the right ankle, and apparently by a large grape shot or small cannon ball.  It was a sickening sight to see their limbs amputated, yet wonderful to observe how bravely they stood the operation.  I was with them till midnight, and have been all day long to-day, and am now sitting between their cots, writing, as they are sleeping tranquilly.  One poor man received his mortal wound, and died to-day noon, and I was told that only a few hours before he died he sat propped up in his cot and wrote a letter to his wife.

It is truly wonderful, how patiently our wounded men bear their pains, and how uncomplainingly they submit to the most painful surgical operations.  If any doubt that Iowa has brave sons, let them come and see them fight, or view them lying in the hospital tent, and convince themselves of the fact.

To-day a secesh deserter came into our camp, and told his story, the purport of which was, that, although they were last upon the field, and nearly double in number, yet they sustained a greater loss in killed and wounded.  Strange as it may seem, they evacuated their position, which of course our forces now occupy.

SUNDAY, MAY 11. – An attack is expected upon our left flank soon; and when I awoke this morning, the boys had their horses saddled, ready to start for the conflict at a moment’s notice.  Another deserter, just come in, says that Beauregard lately made a speech in which he seemed confident that he could, with 120,000 men he claimed, whip us. – Perhaps he can, but I don’t believe it.

Yours, &c.

B.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 19, 1862, p. 1

From the 2d Iowa Cavalry

CAMP ON HAMBURG AND CORINTH ROAD,

Friday, May 9, 1862.

FRIEND SANDERS. – Of yesterday’s skirmish, and loss, I wrote you last night and to-night as a faithful chronicler, I am compelled to add further to the record, which though of noble deeds, will carry anguish to loving hearts.  About noon, orders came to be ready to move at the firing of a signal gun.  The signal soon came, and in ten minutes the regiment was in column, and on its way to the front.  I may mention that most of our force which had advanced yesterday, had retired back to camp. Vacating the ground they had occupied.  Yesterday our regiment was a mile and a half beyond Farmington; to-day two miles this side of town.  They met. Gen. Paine’s Division and three batteries, retreating.  Passing this column on coming to an opening a mile wide, on the opposite side of which the rebels had three batteries, they formed into line, Lt. Col. Hatch, commanding, with Majors Hepburn, Coon and Lave, commanding respectively the 1st, 2d and 3d batteries [sic].  The rebels had the range, and their batteries were well manned and playing rapidly on our lines.  Gen. Paine rode and ordered the regiment to “charge” those batteries.  The batteries were three-fourths of a mile distant, and formed a line a half a mile in length – sweeping with the murderous fire the whole space.

The charge sounded and officers and soldiers swept forward and through the leaden tempest!  Shot and shell hurtled through the air, or plowed up the ground beneath.  The woods flanking the open space were occupied by rebel sharpshooters, and they too poured forth their murderous fire on the rushing line.  Through such a fire of iron ball is seldom faced in a charge and horses and men went down by sections, yet onward at full speed charged the 2d Cavalry through canister and grape, to within one hundred yards of the guns, when they were found to be supported by dense lines of infantry.  When knowing we were unsupported, the rally was sounded, and we retired, but had the satisfaction of seeing the batteries limber up and cease firing.

The regiment was absent from camp less than three hours.  The charge was of short durations, but from the annexed list, which is reliable, Iowa may see whether her glory has been dimmed by the 2d Cavalry – whether another laurel has not been added to her brow – another bright page added to their immortal list – a record made that when Iowa is tried, she is never found wanting.

1ST BATTALION. – Commissary Sergt. W. W. Miller, by a spent ball in leg, slightly.

Co. K. – Killed, none.  Wounded, Corpl. Elias W. Shephard, in the head; Derwin Downer, flesh wound in leg; R. M. Downer, in leg by a piece of shell; Fred Lehart, in head; G. R. Bradley, in leg by a piece of shell; Abraham Leffler, in head and chest.

Co. L. – Killed, none.  Wounded, Corpl. M. B. Hubbard, in head; G. W. Kelso, in the thigh.  Missing, James Raymond.

Co. E. – Wounded, Lewis Kephart, in hand; Bugler, Wm. Dunderdale, in head; Corpl. W. Aldrich in head slightly; Sergt. J. W. Jennings, in hand.

Co. M. – Wounded. Nathan Smith, in the foot, amputated below knee; Sylvester L. Hazen, in shoulder, slightly; J. S. Breedan, in Leg; John Parker, wounded and missing.

3D BATTALION. – Co. I and D, all safe.

Co. F. – Wounded, Labon J. Parks, in breast, severely; Wm. Bulley, in thigh and rectum, severely; Sergt. James Fought, in thigh, slightly; Sergt. Daniel Okeson, missing.

Co. B. – Killed, John Burgh, (missing yesterday and supposed killed.)  Wounded, J. S. Brush, in right shoulder severely; W. M. Freeman, in breast by shell; Corp. Porter J. Webb, in leg; slightly; Corp. Walker, Missing; Cloud H. Brock, in arm, severely; Daniel Craft, in side, slightly.

2D BATTALION. – Co. A. Killed, Sergt. Frederick L. Ayer.  Wounded, J. B. Gaddis, in arm and side, slightly; B. F. Wagoner, in shoulder slightly; Otis Legg, in side, slightly.

Co. H. – Killed, Lt. Benjamin F. Owen.  Wounded, Corp. Haskins, in leg, slightly; A. V. Reeves, in thigh, slightly; A. N. Detwiler, in breast, slightly.

Co. G. – Wounded, Capt. Wm. Lundy, in the head, slightly; Sergt. L. H. Waterman, in hip, dangerously; Corp. J. T. Haight, arm and side; Anderson Heinly, severely, through from side to side.

Co. C. – Wounded, Capt. Henry Egbert, in thigh, by a piece of shell; James Armstrong, through both hips and bladder, (poor fellow, as I now write, just midnight, I hear his constant groans; brave man, I fear he must die;) Wm. Gordon, right heel – Amputation below knee; James Taylor, through the shoulder severely.

Total – 2 killed, 39 wounded, one wounded and missing, and three missing.

Captain Lundy, Lieuts. Schnitger, C. C. Horton, Co. A, and Chas. More, Co. K, had their horses shot under them.  Ninety-seven horses were killed and disabled, and nearly as many more wounded.  A shell divided Lt. Col. Hatch’s heavy brass stirrup, another passed so close to captain Kendrick’s head, as to deafen one side, and numerous sabres, scabbards and revolvers show the scars of cannon shot, shell and bullets.  The surgeons had all the wounds dressed before night, and the sufferers, with the exception of one or two, are quite and doing well.

It seems to be the opinion among officers, outside the regiment, that the charge, though a desperate resort, was splendidly executed, and that it saved Gen. Paine’s Division.

The weather is fine and work ahead.  And now for my blankets; I bid you adieu.

DIFF.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 17, 1862, p. 2

No Churches nor Schools

Our Excellent correspondent “Diff.” has on several occasions referred to the absence of school houses in the slave States which he has visited, and the consequent illiterate condition of the people.  A correspondent thus alludes to the same subject:

On coming to Rolla I was struck with the fact that there was neither church nor school-house in that town.  From there to Springfield, a distance of one hundred and twenty miles, in which there are farming neighborhoods settled over twenty years, I saw but one church – a half finished building commenced by the Southern Methodists, and afterwards abandoned – and not a single school-house. – At Springfield there were indications of moral, religious and intellectual culture, (churches and academies, temporarily abandoned during the possession of the town by the rebels, some of them destroyed,) but from Springfield to Cassville there was not a church or school-house to be seen.  In Cassville, I think, there must have been some obscure place used for religious purposes, but it was not visible, nor distinguishable from the other houses.  From Cassville to this town, no church or school-house has met my eye.  In Galena, the county seat of Stone county, there is no such structure.  In Forsyth there is the same destitution of any outward signs of religion or education.  Is it any wonder that in such a region the rebellion should find adherents among an ignorant and prejudiced population?

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 17, 1862, p. 2

Lt. Anton Scherer

We saw a few days ago in the Clinton Herald, among the changes in the military of the Sate, an announcement that Lt. Anton Scherer, of Capt. Kendrick’s company, had been mustered out of service.  We refrained from saying anything about it at the time, in the hope of receiving some satisfactory explanation.  Such an explanation Capt. Egbert furnished us yesterday.  It appears that Lt. Scherer has been sick a great deal of the time since leaving here, and was taken down on the arrival of the regiment at Pittsburg.  The surgeon in charge sent him down the river, but neglected to report the fact.  Hence, when he was missed, it was supposed he had deserted, and he was accordingly mustered out, by order of Gen. Halleck.  He has obtained a rehearing, it is understood, and we hope the injustice done him will be repaired.  So good an officer and brave a man cannot be spared from the service, and certainly should not be wrongfully banished from it.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 17, 1862, p. 1

Iowa At The South

Capt. Egbert informs us that the “secesh” have a profound regard for Iowa troops.  They would, on an average, prefer not meeting them, especially the 7th Iowa.  A prisoner, with whom Capt. Egbert had a conversation, told the captain that if they (the secesh) ever got a chance, they would annihilate the 7th Iowa – get it out of the way altogether.  The 7th is no doubt ready at any time to risk the annihilation threatened whenever the secesh have time to undertake the job.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 17, 1862, p. 1

Capt. Egbert left town yesterday morning . . .

. . . for his home in Cleona township.  He was wounded in the thigh by a shell, as we stated yesterday.  He gave us some very interesting particulars relative to the skirmish between Gen. Paine’s forces and the enemy, supposed to be under Gen. Price, last Friday, in which he was engaged, and of which we publish an account in another column in a letter from “Diff.”  In a skirmish the day previous, John Wilson, a private in Co. B., 2d cavalry, from Marshall county, was killed.  Capt. E. says that on Friday the 2d had only 400 men in the action, though every company was represented.  The balance had been detailed on special duty, or were absent from other causes.  The health of the regiment has been very good ever since they left St. Louis, and they have very few in hospital.  Lt. Col. Hatch now commands the regiment, Col. Elliott having command of a brigade composed of the 2d Iowa and the 2d Michigan Cavalry.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 17, 1862, p. 1

Second Cavalry

On our second page, in ‘Diff’s’ excellent letter, will be found the list of the killed and missing in the Second Cavalry, in the lat action of the 9th, the anniversary of the battle of Resaca de la Palma.  Of the killed, Sergt. F. L. Ayer, whose head was nearly shot away, was from Muscatine; Lt. B. Owens from Iowa City; and J. D. Burgh, of Co. B, from Rock Island.  Of the wounded, Corp. Aldrich and Private Dunderdale, of Co. B. are from this city, while Jas. B. Armstrong of Co. C, belonged to Princeton.  The other names in the Cos. C. and E. probably belong to this county, but their names do not appear in the Adjutant Generals report, and we are unable to locate them with certainty.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 17, 1862, p. 1

Wounded

Capt. Egbert, of the 2d Cavalry, arrived in town last evening, and is stopping at the Pennsylvania House.  He was wounded in the leg, last Saturday in the skirmish between Pope’s forces and those of Price.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 1

From The Second Iowa Cavalry

CAMP BETWEEN HAMBURG AND CORINTH,

Wednesday, May 7, 1862.

EDITOR GAZETTE:  First allow me to acknowledge the regular receipt of the GAZETTE, of the same dates and as late news as other city dailies, and frequently they come one day ahead of the news dealers; all of which is gratefully acknowledged and fully appreciated by your humble servant.

On Sunday morning, some twenty regiments of infantry, with bands playing and banners floating to the breeze, marched through our camp advancing to the front followed by batteries of light artillery, and some long 30 pounder Parrott field pieces.  Everything betokened a general forward movement; but on Sunday night a heavy rain flooded the country, rendering an advance impossible for a few days.

Capt. Sanford, Co. H, in consequence of impaired health, has resigned, and Lt. Joseph Freeman, of Co. C, has been assigned to the command, which gives general satisfaction.

The wife of Capt. Frank A. Kendrick is on a short visit to camp, having arrived a few days since from Cape Girardeau, Mo., where she had been with friends for some time past.  About the last of April she became a party to a transaction, that whilst it rid the world of a villain, proves her the worthy wife of a Union officer, and shows that the honor of Iowa’s gallant sons may be safely entrusted to her fair daughters. –

[As we have already published the particulars of this heroic act, we omit “Diff’s” description, further than to state the name of the villain killed was Samuel Sloan, and that he left a wife and child.  “Diff” speaks thus of the pistol used on the occasion:– ED. GAZ.]

The pistol used was loaded by Sloan in Mr. Morrison’s store last Spring, to “shoot the first man that should run up a Union flag in Cape Girardeau.”  It was left in the store, and Mr. M. to prevent harm, took it home, where it remained until as above stated.  The ball, loaded by this traitor to his country to murder a Union man, was by the judicious handling of a Union officer’s wife, the means of arresting in his mad career this specimen of Southern Chivalry.

THURSDAY, May 8. – Three dry days, and the engineer regiment having rendered the road passable, orders were received last night to move this morning.  We were up at three o’clock and tents down at sunrise.  The brigade (2nd Iowa and 2d Michigan cavalry,) moved forward, followed by their train.  A camp was selected at this place, (four miles,) and the column without halting passed on to the front.  The country is up hill and down, with occasional ‘sloughy’ levels between them.  The soil is thin and poor.  Pine trees begin to appear interspersed among other timber.  The farms are few, and it would be little harm were they fewer!  From prisoners and the inhabitants we learn the market prices at Corinth, viz: soft hats, $5 to $10; boots, $15 to $25; coffee, $10, and none at that; salt, $15 per sack, &c.; and no money to buy.  Cotton no sale.

Yesterday Col. Elliott visited the enemy with a flag of truce.  He merely got within their lines, and had the privilege of returning.  To-day Beauregard returned the compliment, both of which probably resulted in nothing except information gained by the way.

Our troops were in line of battle to-day a mile beyond Farmington, and within three miles of Corinth.  The 2d Cavalry were skirmishing, and got into close quarters, not without loss.  John Wilson, Co. B, of Marshall county, was killed; shot through the chest and head.  His body is now here, and will be buried to-morrow.  Harry Douthil, Co. D, is severely wounded, shot in the head and leg; and James Slawter, Co. D, through the wrist and calf of the leg.  Lt. Washburne, Co. D, was surrounded and taken prisoner.  He had delivered his arms, retaining one revolver, and as his captors were retreating with him, some of his company rallied and pursued.  The lieutenant, drawing his revolver, wheeled his horse, and broke from them.  A volley sent after him killed his horse, but he made his escape, is safe and sound, and ready for another trial.  A Major of the 7th Ill. Cavalry was killed.  It is now past 10 p. m., and our regiment is just coming in, tired and hungry enough.

The country about Farmington (4 miles from Corinth) is more open.  Our forces will probably move their camps, forage rations, &c., forward to that locality to-morrow and next day, get ready on Sunday, and if the weather continues dry, about Monday, the 12th, the probabilities are that Gen. Halleck will commence sending “Epistles to the Corinthians,” which will speedily convince them of “sin and judgment to come,” and cause them to seek protection under the sheltering stars and stripes and by renouncing their errors find rest in Abraham’s bosom!  For the fulfillment of which anxiously awaiteth all men.

Your obt., &c.

DIFF.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 15, 1862, p. 2

Pittsburg Landing, May 7 [1862].

MR. E. RUSSELL, Cor. Secretary Scott Co. Relief Association –

ESTEEMED SIR:  I have arrived from Hamburg general hospital.  I consented to be assigned, for the present, to the 8th ward of that institution, after having assisted Dr. Varian, post surgeon, to establish it.  I have 160 of the sick of the 2d cavalry, 5th, 10th, 3d and 17th infantry of Iowa volunteers under my care.  They are doing quite as well as we could hope for under the circumstances – have lost none, have nurses plenty, but need good cooks.  This is the mistake.  Good cooks are what is most needed in our hospitals.  Fruits, potatoes, onions, barley, whisky and lots of peppers are needed too.  Mrs. Harlan and Mrs. Burnell are here somewhere.  I believe Dr. G. is still in the 3d Iowa.  The army is advancing to-day three miles – they must fight or run, I think, this week; are skirmishing now.  The cannon are booming – it’s exciting music, but brings no terror.  The army is in excellent spirits, although much sickness is in it.  See that the good people of Davenport do not turn out promiscuously as a crowd to help here in case of a battle, but send a few working men.  I shall do all I can to keep posted as to the wants of our troops, and relieve them as far as that can be done with my means.

Yours,

A. S. MAXWELL.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 14, 1862, p. 1

Army Correspondence

CAMP 3D OHIO CAVALRY,

WOOD’S DIVISION, BUELL’S ARMY; May 2.

EDITOR GAZETTE:  It is now ten days since Pope’s army disembarked at Hamburg, four miles above Pittsburg Landing.  It was a glorious scene that opened on us that morning – one that seemed to inspire new life in the great army that composed this fleet.  The poor soldiers had had a terrible time on the overcrowded boats for twelve long days, most of the time exposed to a cold, disagreeable rain, and many of them having to sleep on the hurricane deck.  Notwithstanding their tribulations the soldiers appeared to be perfectly delighted with the marvelous beauty of the Tennessee river – a more charming stream I have not seen this side of the Hudson; such variety of scenery, enchanting views, lovely foliage and yet withal so sparsely settled.  Few residences and not a single town of any size or importance is to be seen from Kentucky to Alabama.

We crossed the Kentucky and Tennessee line early Monday morning, the 22d, and in a short time reached Ft. Henry, which bears the marks of having been bravely defended.  A few miles above we came to the ruins of the superb railroad bridge, the fine draw of which and the stone piers are still standing.  It was an imposing sight to see.  Gen. Pope’s fleet plowing its way majestically down – or rather up – into Dixie.  There were about fifty steamers – some of them the largest that float on the western waters, and of sufficient capacity to carry tow regiments of infantry.  The new Uncle Sam, for instance had on board the 43d and the 39th Ohio regiments, one battalion 2d Iowa Cavalry and one battery of artillery.

Since landing here I have been over the battle ground several times.  One is surprised to see the trees filled with bullets and cut to pieces by cannon balls and shells, and can scarcely understand how any could possibly have escaped before such terrible fire.  It is not only so for a few rods, but for several miles square.  It was one of those battles that can never be fully described.

As for the part that the Iowa bore in that terrible conflict, her eleven regiments, compared now with what they were previous to the battle, will tell where she was and what she did during the great struggle.  I have visited all of her regiments since being on the field, but cannot describe the feeling of loneliness, of utter desolation, which seems to pervade the remnants of the 8th, 12th and 14th regiments.  One cannot go among them without experiencing a feeling of sadness, especially among the boys of the 8th.  There are only about 85 of them left, and having  suffered in that terrible march last October, in Missouri, what few regiments in the U. S. have ever suffered, it has placed them in closer relationship with each other than is common among men of other regiments.  The 8th, 12th and 14th Iowa, and 58th Illinois are now consolidated, and are called the “Union Brigade.”

This is a fine timbered country, and very hilly.  One is surprised to see the large number of springs that are found here, which is great convenience to the army, although a great many of the soldiers are made sick by using their water.

Gen. Halleck has now a battle front that reaches from 12 to 15 miles, and as the columns are steadily advancing, it is probably that the ball will be opened in a few days.  Yesterday I took a ride into Mississippi to within a mile or two of Farmington, a little town 6 miles due east of Corinth.  I was 8 miles southwest of our division, and learned from our cavalry pickets that were farthest advanced, that the secesh pickets have disappeared, and had not been seen for two or three days.  That, with several other circumstances, has created a general impression in the army that Corinth is evacuated, which has been corroborated by rebel prisoners taken on the right of our army.  On my way back to camp last evening I met the vanguard of Pope’s army, on their way to Farmington, which place they would reach last evening, and then strike south.  They were followed to-day by Gen. Crittenden’s division, and will be by ours to-morrow.  As. Gen. Wallace’s forces destroyed the railroad communication to the west of them a few days ago, the impression is created that the rebels at Corinth, if they have not evacuated as usual, are being surrounded, in which event their fate is sealed.

The people at the North have but little idea of the magnitude of Gen. Halleck’s army here.  Ohio and Illinois, alone, have enough men in the field to take the strongest position the rebels could occupy, at least it seems so, to see the number of regiments from those two States.  I have seen over fifty batteries of artillery, and I would not pretend to say how many regiments of cavalry.  There is such an army concentrated here, that we have but little hope of meeting the rebel forces at any one point, and Beauregard is too cunning to permit himself to be caught in such a trap as the entrenchments at Corinth; but a few days more will tell the tale.  Yours, &c.

GAMBIER.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 10, 1862, p. 2

Army Correspondence

HAMBURG, TENN., Night, April 29, ’62.

FRIEND SANDERS:– Once again I write from this point, though I remain behind with the stores, the regiment being five miles out on the Corinth Road.  Two days since while on picket guard, Corp. Miller, of Co. G, was taken prisoner.  Today the 3d battalion, while out on a scout, was suddenly opened on by a masked battery.  Wm. Faxton was instantly killed, by a grapeshot through the head, and three of Co. I wounded by grape.  Corp. J. B. Smith, in leg, James Bontriger in thigh, and Wm. Bremner in the shoulder.  Bremner’s horse was killed the first fire, and while retreating on foot he was struck.  Co. [B], of first battalion was advance guard, and after a slight skirmish captured twenty prisoners.  The 2nd Cavalry are in front, and will endeavor to prove worthy.

The river which had fallen some, has risen four feet in the past two days.  Most of our forces have advanced from the river, but more arrive daily.  Last night rain again, and to-day has been cloudy without rain.

Perhaps many are asking why don’t Gen. Halleck advance and attack Beauregard?  Why don’t he move? &c.  Let me describe faintly my ride out to camp, a few hours before dark, and return.  Leaving the river I pass through a slough, where the water runs into the wagon box, then up a bluff of thirty feet.  In the distance of a mile and a half, I count two hundred and fifty six mule, and four horse teams, loaded with powder, shot shell and ammunition of all kinds, camp equipage, stores, forage, &c., &c.  For this distance the road is level, with many mud holes; here is one larger than others, with four teams stuck at once, and one of four mules so deeply imbedded that but for ears, one might think them lumps of mud, just beyond we pass a slough that in places swims the mules.  Here is a jam, some teams are coming, others going, some wait for a chance, others don’t.  There are on these sloughs no “mill dams” but at these particular points the other kind is unlimited.

A few rods and the road stretches for four hundred yards up a smooth bold bluff, at an angle of thirty degrees at least.  On the top of this bluff were five thirty pound Parrott guns, that had been brought from the river over this road, and drawn up this hill by twenty four horses to each gun.  These will go to the front, and send pills to the rebels not easily digested.

The clay on the bluffs, and in the cuttings is of a red color.  For three miles we pass over a fine gentle rolling country; covered though not densely with timber, then down a hill as steep as we came up, a valley with a stream of beautiful clear spring water – and over the same bluff or hill, higher and rougher yet.  This is the country we are in.  These are the roads that not only the troops must march over, but up and down, must be drawn all the camp and garrison equipage, the rations for a hundred thousand men, forage for thirty thousand horses and mules, those heavy guns, and tons upon tons of shot, shell, grape and canister.  As I returned after dark, the mud holes were filled with wagons, stuck teams unhitched, and drivers in despair, and a wagon blockade for a mile, camping for the night as they stood.

This jam and bustle is not for an hour.  It begins with daybreak, and closes as just described only when darkness draws a curtain over the scene.  Besides fighting a formidable enemy inch by inch in front, this difficulty of transportation lies in the way of an advance of twenty or thirty miles a day.  It is further necessary that an army should eat as well as fight, and they can travel no faster than their rations can be transported.

We have a rumor from secesh prisoners that New Orleans is ours.  May it prove true.  In a few days, perhaps Corinth will be ours.

A few days since, an order was received to muster out regimental adjutants and quartermasters and battalion quartermasters.  Lieutenants and quartermasters Samuel Gilbert, J. M. Hannum, and George R. Ammond, formerly of Cos. A, K, and F, were ‘mustered out,’ and left for Iowa a few days since.  Better men are not in the service.  They had won for themselves, not only the respect and confidence, but the love of the regiment.  Could the unanimous loud voice of the regiment avail, they would be called to return, and fill honorable positions among a body of men that part with them with sincere regret.

I am writing this in a wagon, and the mules hitched to the tongue are playing smash with my periods.  Besides owning to the breeze and original shortness, my candle is nearly out.  More next time.

DIFF.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 9, 1862, p. 2

Found

Some papers of use to James M. Hannum, Second Lieutenant Co. A, 2d Iowa Cavalry.  He can get them by calling at this office.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 8, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, October 5, 1862

The entire Sixth Division, taking up the line of march² this morning at 6 o'clock, marched five miles and then formed a line of battle. We heard some very heavy cannonading out on the Hatchie river, in our front. General Hurlbut had cut off the retreat of the rebels at the bridge crossing the river, but after a hard fight they got away and continued their retreat to the south, on the east side of the river. We resumed our march at 1 p. m. and after covering ten miles stopped for the night. The Second Iowa Cavalry was ordered back to Corinth.

__________

² As we passed the field hospital of the Confederates on the Corinth battlefield, we saw eighteen of their dead, evidently having died from wounds, lying side by side, and almost black in the face, which at the time was said to have been caused by their drinking a mixture of water, vinegar and gunpowder. Our army had barrels of vinegar, one for each regiment, so stationed as to permit the men to come and help themselves. Now, our quartermaster, in hastily removing the commissary's supplies back of the inner lines during the battle, had, for lack of facilities, left standing these barrels of vinegar. It is supposed that the Confederates took the vinegar and made a drink of it, for after the battle there was no vinegar to be found. — A. G. D.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 73-4

From The 11th Iowa Regiment

2 MILES WEST OF BATTLE GROUND,

PITTSBURG, TENN., April 28.

EDITOR GAZETTE:– On Friday last the Iowa 11th and 13th struck tents and marched out about 3 miles to a new camping ground, to the front and in line of battle with the army here.  Shortly afterwards the Iowa 15th and 16th arrived, and moved to our left.  These four regiments constitute the third brigade of the 6th division of the army of the West.  The division is under Gen. McKean, and this brigade is commanded by Col. Crocker of the 13th Iowa, and is the first and only brigade made up wholly of Iowa troops.

The Colonel commanding the brigade has the entire confidence of all who know him.  Col. Crocker is a good officer; at the head of his troops and in the thickest of the fray on Sunday, he gallantly lead the regiment, until Col. Hare’s injuries compelled him to leave the field, and the command of the brigade devolved on Col. Crocker, and no one who witnessed the heroic endurance with which his command still held the foe at bay, until night closed the scene can fail to appreciate the skill and honor his heroism and that of his men.

Our New Iowa brigade will do no discredit to our gallant State.  The best feeling prevails between the different regiments, and we all feel happy to be brigaded with a regiment that has so nobly vindicated the courage of our State, as the 13th, and under so noble a commander as Col. Crocker.  I might give thrilling incidents of the conduct of both officers and men of the 13th in the late engagement, as narrated to me, but prefer to leave this to others, who say and partook of the action with them.

We all concluded on Monday that among the most beautiful and moving things in history of poetry, were “Buell’s lines on Beauregard.”

On Saturday our regiment had scarcely settled down in our new quarters, and dried off the rain of the day before, from clothing and accoutrements, when we were visited, on half hour notice, by. Gen. Inspection, (who is at no time a very welcome visitor to the soldiers) by Gen. Halleck, Inspector General.

Gen. Pope’s army has arrived, bringing up the Iowa 2d Cavalry and the 4th and 10th regiments of Infantry.  Your readers may think it a vastly pleasant time here to visit friends and enjoy this warm spring weather – birds singing overhead, and the pleasant breezes blowing through your evening tent, as you sit around the supper table, narrating thrilling incidents and “hair-breadth escapes.”  In reality it is almost as difficult to visit one’s friend outside the division to which we belong, as though States intervened.  Gen. Halleck has issued orders, forbidding company officers or men leaving their own division (except on duty) under any pretext, without leave from headquarters.

Mr. Editor, as one who had some little part in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, I am vexed to see those who took no part in Sunday’s fight, saying we were whipped that day.  I desire to deny the assertion.  Borne back by numbers, but with unconquered will, 20,000 brave men of the morning army fought through this day and lay on their arms at night to renew the fight next morning, and with Lew. Wallace’s division we would have won the battle on Monday.  No army is beaten while it can raise such a force and with such feelings as animated out brave men.

The sun shines once more warm and drying.  Skirmishers are out ahead and little encounters of pickets and skirmishers are of daily occurrence.  Look out for large events ere long.  Our army has all confidence in Gen. Halleck.  The health of our men is improving and we were ready to act at any time.

We have already buried over 3,000 of the rebel dead, from the late battle, and we are still finding them were their wounded were abandoned in their flight of Monday night.  Our present camp is near where Gens. Johnston and Beauregard lay the night before the battle.

Yours truly,

Co. B, 11TH IOWA.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 5, 1862, p. 2

From The Second Iowa Cavalry

HAMBURG, Harding Co., Tenn., April 25.

FRIEND SANDERS:  When I left Davenport I promised to write you occasionally.  I have kept my word, though I have only written you once before this, for I understand occasionally to mean when there is occasion for it, or in other words when there is something to write, worth your trouble to print and the public to read.  Such occasions in the army are rare, for generally that which may be written is hardly worth the effort, and everything really valuable or important is prohibited.  Of our travels and exploits as a regiment you have a very faithful and lively reporter in the person of “Diff,” who keeps you fully posted, but I have an item or two which deserves to be published, to the credit of our regiment and satisfaction of their friends.

Many regiments have taken special pains to report the amount of money sent home by the soldiers, and heartily approving the practice, I desire to speak for the 2d Iowa Cavalry.  Last week I took from New Madrid to Cairo, to express to the families of soldiers, fourteen thousand and six hundred dollars, nearly all from our regiment; and full ninety-five per cent. of the amount went to Iowa, and probably not less than six or seven more was sent by private hands and by mail; besides many of our officers being in Cairo at about the same time expressed their own packages.  When it is known that the regiment had nearly four months’ pay due and only received for two months, this amount I think will compare favorably with that sent from any other regiment under same circumstances.

I have another little incident which I consider it a pleasure and a duty to relate, as a public acknowledgment of personal obligation, as follows:  Some weeks ago while on a trip from New Madrid to Cairo after the mail for Gen. Pope’s division, I was compelled to leave my horse at Sikeston, when some rascal, being a better judge of horseflesh than of morals, stole my horse, to recover which it cost me several days of anxiety and tedious travel, besides considerable money.  Yesterday Lt. Col. Hatch and Capt. Sanford, Co. H, presented me with seventy dollars in behalf of the officers of their regiment, to reimburse me for the expense of the above, and for my late trip to Cairo as express messenger.  The value, to me, of this compliment is not at all expressed in figures.  The good feeling and sympathy that prompted it, and of which the act is evidence, is worth more to me than treasury notes.  I only hope I may always deserve their confidence and they always enjoy their prosperity their liberality deserves.

As predicted in my last the general health of our men is much improved.  The more frequent our changes and the nearer the prospect of battle, the better the health.  I have known men quite sick in hospital to rally under marching orders and be able to travel in twenty-four hours, or at least they would travel and do when permitted, so reluctant are they to be left behind.

Having passed over my ground proper, leaving country, scenery, exploits and trophies for “Diff,”

I remain yours, &c.,

C. G. TRUSDELL,

Chaplain 2d Iowa Cavalry.

__________

FRIEND SANDERS:  On Tuesday last the 22d, after a week of entire seclusion, the sun rose in all his former brightness and glory, giving a more cheering prospect to things generally.

Lieut. Col. Hatch, in command of the 2nd cavalry, with the staff and two companies, had been transferred from an over-crowded boat, to the Platte Valley.  After taking aboard forage, she steamed up to Mound City, and took on coal for the trip.  Col. Hatch and Major Love visited the two hospitals at Cairo and reported everything kept in A No. 1, style – eight hundred sick and wounded in one and five hundred in the other.  Mound City is beautifully submerged, the water being up to the windows of the houses.  The Hospitals being large high building suffer none, except the basement, which is not occupied.

In the evening we left Mound City for this place, passing Paducah in the night.  Next morning we found ourselves on a swollen but most beautiful river.  The Tennessee is a narrow stream, the banks rising at this high stage of water from ten to one hundred feet above the water level, with generally level bottoms extending from a quarter to two miles from the river.  In some places the bluffs approach to the water’s edge.  About 9 o’clock we landed at Fort Henry.  It is not more than four feet above the water at present, and gunboats had a fine range for their guns at that Fort.  The rebels had commenced works on top of a high ridge, half a mile from the river, a few miles above, in a much stronger position, but the sudden appearance of our gunboats caused them to skedaddle.

Here is a navigable river flowing for near three hundred miles through a fine, rich soil, and a climate second to none, possessed of unusual natural advantages, in the heart of a country long settled, yet we pass along near two hundred miles and witness not a single town, not even in name, and on average I do not think one plantation in five miles.  What a commentary on “the institution.”  Were it in free Iowa, what a different scene would it present, thousands of happy homes, some cities and scores of thriving villages.

On Thursday morning, the 23d, we arrived at Pittsburg Landing.  We soon got orders to move up five miles to this place, and disembarked.  Gen. Pope’s division is on the left flank at this place, with the cavalry on the extreme left.  The right is thrown out for the river below the landing, while the centre is held by Gen. Buell’s division.  Our lines must, I think, present a front of eight or ten miles.

At the place where our troops poured back to the river on the 6th, there is a fine rolling bluff, perhaps a hundred feet high, over which it is said our troops swarmed by thousands.  Less than half a mile above is a slough running up back of the bluff.  Our gunboats took position at the mouth of the slough and saved our army.

The battle-field presents a view of the rough side of war, many of the rebels being buried on top of the ground, which has washed off, leaving here an arm, there a leg, and again a skull exposed to view, while the stench arising from the shallow graves is far from pleasant.

The day we arrived, the cavalry got orders to move five miles out on the Corinth road.  The 1st battalion is now camped there.  A rain set in during the night and continuing, the order was suspended in the morning.  To-day is clear again, and a few days will make the roads passable.  The engineers are at work on the road.

I do not know the number of our forces here, and wouldn’t tell if I did; but we have enough to whip Beauregard’s rebel hoards, and crown with victory the decisive battle of the Mississippi valley.  Within ten days you may chronicle the glorious result.

For 2nd cavalry, address to Gen. Pope’s division, Tennessee river.  Hoping to give you details of the battle after the victory, I am yours,

DIFF.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 2

Deaths of Iowa Soldiers

The list of Iowa Soldiers who died in the Hospitals of St. Louis and vicinity during the week ending January 25th, is as follows:

Jan 19 [N] B Henry, Co. D, 15th Inf

Jan 19 Marshall Lazelle, Co. F, 12th Inf

Jan 19 Richard Williams, Fletcher’s Battery Light Artillery

Jan 20 John H Scott, Co. K, 2d Cavalry

Jan 20 John Sohn, Co. B, 12th Infantry

Jan 20 Thos Jordan, Co. F, 11th Inf

Jan 21 James M Hughes, Co. A, 12th Inf

Jan 21 Barney Clawson, Co. I, 2d Cav

Jan 21 Uhl Mather, Co. D, 12th Inf

Jan 21 Thomas Brattain, Co. C, 2d Inf

Jan 22 Hiram Halleck, Co. E, 7th Inf

Jan 22 James C Taylor, Co. F, 2d Cav

Jan 23 Henry M Dougal, Co. E, 7th Inf

Jan 23 D H Swain, Co. A, 12th Inf

Jan 23 Lewis P Mills, Co. K, 2d Inf

Jan 24 Capt. C C Tupper, Co. G, 12th Inf

Jan 24 Ira H Phillips, Co. H, 11th Inf

Jan 24 Jackson Jewell, Co. B, 2d Cav

Jan 25 George Mason, Co. E, 12th Inf

Jan 25 John [Eing], Co. F, Cav

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Editor’s Note: The last person named in this list may be the John Elinger of Co. F, 9th Illinois Cavalry, who the United States Department of Veterans Affairs National Grave Site Locator states died Jan. 25, 1862 and is buried in Section 50 Site 694 in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.  However, his Pension Index Card on Fold3.com gives is date of death as June 27, 1909.  Based on these 2 conflicting pieces of information, I cannot make a positive identification.  It could very well also be a death reported in error.