The Twenty-Second Iowa Infantry.

Seven companies of this regiment were raised in Johnson county, one in Jasper, one in Monroe and one in Wapello. It was mustered into service at Iowa City on the 9th of September, 1862. Its first field officers were Wm. M. Stone, colonel; John A. Garrett, lieutenant-colonel; Harvey Graham, major. The regiment was first sent to Rolla, Mo., where it did garrison duty for about four months. In March, 1863, it was sent to Grant's army to take part in the Vicksburg campaign, and was in the First brigade of the Fourteenth division of the Thirteenth army corps, under General McClernand.

At the battle of Port Gibson, Colonel Stone commanded the brigade, and Major Atherton led the Twenty-second regiment, which lost twenty men. At the battles of Champion Hill and Black River Bridge the loss of the Twenty-second was light. Having driven Pemberton's army behind the fortifications of Vicksburg, General Grant determined to assault the works on the 22d of May. Early in the morning the artillery from the fleet and all of the guns in position in the rear opened on the enemy's works and kept up a heavy fire until l0 o'clock. Then the bugles sounded the charge and the assaulting columns moved forward with fixed bayonets. They were met by a terrible fire of musketry all along the lines. Still the troops pressed on and fell before the deadly fire by hundreds. It was impossible to face the terrible volleys which smote the advancing columns. They sought such shelter as they could find and returned the fire, but could not dislodge the enemy.

The Twenty-second led the charge made by the brigade under General Lawler, and a few men, led by Sergeant Griffith scaled the enemy's defenses, entered the fort and captured some prisoners. But most of them were killed or captured; Sergeant Griffith and David Trine alone escaped. Lieutenant-Colonel Graham and several men were captured in the ditch, and the assault was ended.

The loss of the regiment was 164. There were sixteen Iowa regiments engaged in this battle, the Fourth, Fifth, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Twelfth, Seventeenth, Twenty-first, Twenty-second, Twenty-fourth, Twenty-fifth, Twenty-sixth, Twenty-eighth, Thirtieth, Thirty-first and Thirty-fifth, and the First and Second Iowa batteries.

Before the end of the siege, which followed the assault, Iowa had thirty regiments in Grant's army, which won this greatest victory of the war.

In this campaign the confederacy lost, in killed and wounded, 10,000 men, and in prisoners, 37,000, fifteen general officers, arms and munitions for an army of 60,000, and an immense amount of property, with the strongest fortified city in the limits of the confederacy, opening the navigation of the greatest river of the continent.

No soldiers in this great campaign surpassed those of Iowa. The First Iowa brigade led the advance at Port Gibson; the Seventeenth surpassed all others at Jackson; the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-eighth won immortal honors at Champion Hill; the Twenty-first and Twenty-third covered themselves with glory at Black River Bridge, while the Twenty-second alone, at the assault on Vicksburg, entered the confederate defenses. Colonel Stone resigned soon after the surrender of Vicksburg, having been nominated for governor by the Iowa republicans. The Twenty-second regiment was sent to Texas in November, where it was employed several months, Lieutenant-Colonel Graham having been promoted to colonel, Major White promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and Captain Gearkee, major. In July, 1864, it was transferred to Virginia, and in August became a part of General Sheridan's army and took part in the battle of Winchester. It made a most gallant fight in that great battle and did its full share in winning a glorious victory. Its losses were heavy and among them were several of its bravest officers: 109 were killed, wounded and captured. At the battles of Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek the Twenty-second was engaged and met with losses. These were its last battles, and on the 3d of August, 1865, it was disbanded at Davenport, after having traveled more than 13,000 miles and served in nearly all of the southern states.

SOURCE, Benjamin F. Gue, Biographies And Portraits Of The Progressive Men Of Iowa, Volume 1, p. 106-7

The Fourth Iowa Infantry

This regiment was raised and organized in the summer of 1861, and entered the service in August. The first field officers were Grenville M. Dodge, colonel; John Galligan, lieutenant-colonel; William R. English, major. Its first active service was in General Curtis' army of the southwest in Missouri, and its first fight near Springfield, on the 12th of February, 1862. Soon after, General Curtis marched in pursuit of the rebel army under General Price, towards the Boston mountains. Here Price was strongly reinforced by Generals McCulloch, Van Dorn and McIntosh, who united their commands to fight Curtis. Moving his army to Pea Ridge, General Curtis took a strong position and awaited the attack of the combined confederate forces, 20,000 strong, a force largely superior to his own. General Sigel was at Bentonsville, ten miles southwest of General Curtis' center. Van Dorn, who now commanded the confederate army, sent a strong force to capture Sigel's command, which had already started to join Curtis. But, sending his train in advance, Sigel made such a strong fight with artillery and infantry during the retreat that he brought his command off with small loss, and joined Curtis on the battlefield. During the night Van Dorn moved to the flank and rear of the union army, taking a strong position and rendering Curtis' defenses of the day before useless. The battle opened at 10 o'clock and raged with great fury for hours. Colonel Dodge commanded a brigade, and the Fourth was under Lieutenant-Colonel Galligan in this battle, and fought bravely during the two days of desperate conflict. At one time it made a brilliant bayonet charge on the advancing enemy. Several Iowa regiments were engaged in this battle, all rendering gallant service. The battle of the second day was even more fierce and desperate than on the first. The confederates, knowing their superiority of numbers, were determined to crush and destroy the union army. But General Sigel wheeled battery after battery into position, until he had thirty cannon pouring shot and shell into the ranks of the advancing foe. With the batteries slowly advancing, supported by long lines of infantry, no charge of the enemy could face the iron hail that thinned their ranks, and at last human endurance ended in flight as regiments went to pieces and the retreat became general. Among the confederate killed were two famous generals, McCulloch and McIntosh, while Generals Price and Slack were severely wounded.

Iowa occupied a proud position in this battle and brilliant union victory.  The commander of the Union army, Curtis, was an Iowa officer.  Two brigades which did brilliant service were commanded by Iowa Colonels, Vandever and Dodge, and two batteries in the thickest of the fight, Hayden’s and David’s were from Iowa, while the Iowa cavalry, under Trimble and Bussey, did fine service. The Fourth Iowa lost in killed, wounded and captured nearly half of the number engaged. J. A. Williamson was promoted to colonel, and Captain Burton to lieutenant-colonel.

The next important battle in which the Fourth was engaged was under General Sherman in his disastrous assault on Vicksburg on the 29th of December, 1862. This regiment made a desperate charge upon the works and carried the first line of defenses, but not being supported had to abandon them with heavy loss. Of the 480 who went into the fight 112 fell. The regiment was in the battle of Arkansas Post, after which it joined Grant's army in the campaign against Vicksburg. After the capture of that stronghold it was in the campaign against Chattanooga, and took part in the battle of Lookout Mountain and shared in the glory of that brilliant victory. On the 1st day of January, 1864, their term of service having expired, the members of the regiment re-enlisted and received a furlough to visit their homes. The general assembly was in session when the veteran Fourth reached Des Moines, March 9th, and it adjourned and gave the soldiers a reception worthy of the glorious deeds they had performed. Early in May they returned to service and joined Sherman's army in the march through Georgia. It took an active part in the battles of that brilliant campaign up through the Carolinas and at its close marched to Washington, was sent from there to Louisville, Ky., where it was mustered out in July, I860, numbering then twenty-three officers and 457 men.

SOURCE, Benjamin F. Gue, Biographies And Portraits Of The Progressive Men Of Iowa, Volume 1, p. 92-3

The appointment of Col. Dodge . . .

. . . of the Fourth Iowa, to a Brigadier Generalship reminds the Davenport Gazette that Iowa used to have another General Dodge.  True enough, but he, like the great Augustus Caesar, whose royal name he bears, is inclined to peaceful pursuits, and has not been heard of since the war commenced, we believe, outside of his own town.  It is possible he may become the candidate of the reconstructed Democratic party, for Governor, at the next election, if he can be induced to forego his present otium cum dignitate. – Keokuk Gate City.

If there are any civil offices to be had you will find him nosing around pretty soon.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 3, 1862, p. 2

The Ninth Iowa Infantry

On the day after the defeat of the union army at Bull Run, in July, 1861, Hon.William Vandever, representative in congress for the Second Iowa district, went to the secretary of war and tendered a regiment of volunteers to be raised by himself. His offer was at once accepted, and in September the Ninth regiment was ready to enter the service. William Vandever was commissioned colonel, F. J. Herron, lieutenant-colonel, and William H. Coyle, major. The companies were raised chiefly in the counties of Jackson, Jones, Buchanan, Clayton, Fayette, Bremer, Black Hawk, Winneshiek, Howard, Linn, Chickasaw and Dubuque.

The regiment was taken to St. Louis and placed in camp of instruction, where it remained until October, when it was sent to guard the southwestern branch of the Pacific railroad. In January, 1862, the Ninth joined General Curtis' army in pursuit of General Price. At Sugar Creek it was first under fire, making a brilliant charge on the enemy. Colonel Vandever was placed in command of a brigade composed of the Ninth Iowa, Twenty-fifth Missouri, Third Illinois cavalry and Third Iowa battery. In the battle of Pea Ridge, which soon took place, the Ninth, under Lieutenant-Colonel Herron, did gallant service and sustained heavy loss. Herron was taken prisoner after being wounded, Major Coyle was wounded, and the loss to the regiment was nearly 200. General Curtis, in his report, says "The Fourth and Ninth Iowa won imperishable honors." The Ninth was, soon after the battle, marched to Helena, Ark., where it remained for five months and became one of the best drilled regiments in the volunteer service Its next active service was under General Sherman at the battle of Chickasaw Bayou. It took part in the battle of Arkansas Post. For a long time it was with Steele's division, encamped on the low ground opposite Vicksburg, where the army suffered severely from sickness which was more fatal than battlefields. Capt. David Carskaddon was now promoted to Colonel, and soon after the regiment joined Grant's grand campaign against Vicksburg. During the siege its losses were 121 men. It was with Sherman in the battle before Jackson, and in the brilliant campaign of Chattanooga, and the battle of Lookout Mountain it did excellent service. At the beginning of the next year about 300 of its soldiers re-enlisted as veterans and returned home on furlough, where they met a royal reception. On the 1st of May we find the regiment marching with Sherman through Georgia and participating in many of the battles of that glorious campaign. The command of the regiment soon after devolved on Maj. Alonzo Abernethy, as Major Granger had died at Nashville, and Carskaddon had resigned. On the 26th of January, 1865, the regiment began its march northward, and on the 19th of May went into camp in sight of the national capital, and was in the grand review of the 26th. On the 24th of July this veteran regiment reached Clinton, Iowa, and was there disbanded. It had marched more than 4,000 miles, been transported by rail and steamer 6,000 more, and participated in twenty-three battles, and numbered, when mustered out, 594 men.

SOURCE, Benjamin F. Gue, Biographies And Portraits Of The Progressive Men Of Iowa, Volume 1, p. 96

Iowa On the Battlefield

The telegraph has informed us that Col. G. M. Dodge of the 4^th Iowa infantry, has been promoted to a Brigadier Generalship.  Our citizens will be pleased to hear this, as Col. Dodge has deported himself in a manner that entitles him to this distinction.  He has displayed military qualifications that have proven him fully competent to command a brigade.

With every such promotion of our officers additional luster is shed upon our State, which now for the valor of its soldiers ranks as one of the very first in the Union.  Indeed for the number of men that have enlisted, in proportion to the comparative sparseness of its population, and for their heroic daring on the field of battle, Iowa, at this stage of the contest stands as the very first in the Union.  Commanded by brave accomplished officers, the men have dared to follow wherever led, whether to charge with bayonet, or up to the cannon’s mouth.  When commanded to take a battery the response has not been, “We’ll try!” but the ready “We’ll do it!” has ever signified their willingness to shirk no post of danger.

Our soldiers are earning for the State a proud position, and we feel assured that no future act of theirs will sully the honor which thus far has been shed upon it by their glorious achievements.  Even the chivalrous Southerners have begun to draw a line of distinction between the Yankees and the Western boys; but the recent engagement at Newbern, however, has show them that in the Yankees they have a foe worthy their steel, and against whom the chivalry, fighting in a bad cause, is no match.

Let the bravery of our Iowa boys never be forgotten, and when they return, moneyless and many of them wounded, from their stupendous efforts to put down rebellion, let it not be said that the citizens whom they protected in  their rights, and upon whose State they reflected so much honor, ever permitted them to want.  Bravery, such as they have displayed on the field of battle should be a certificate of recommendation to every patriotic citizen.  A generous rivalry should spring up in every community, to encourage those who return maimed from the war and unfitted for the common vocations of life, in such pursuits as they will be enabled to follow.  An idle, disbanded soldiery, living upon a pension inadequate to their daily wants, would be a reflection upon the people of our State, and by no means conducive to a healthy state of society.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 27, 1862, p. 2

The Battle of Pea Ridge

From a letter in the Chicago Tribune, dated Springfield, Mo., March 11, we clip the following:

On Friday the engagement became general, and continued so.  The most exposed position being occupied by Col. Carr’s division, the greatest loss was suffered by them.  Col. Dodge’s brigade, of this division, consists of the Fourth Iowa and First Iowa battery, the Thirty-fifth Illinois, Col. Phelps’s twenty-fourth [sic] Missouri, known as the “Lyon Legion.”  The second brigade commanded by Col Vandever, of the Ninth Iowa, consists of his own regiment, the Dubuque battery, and Col. Carr’s regiment of cavalry.

A letter from Col. Dodge says the losses in the 4^th and 9^th Iowa, the 35^th Illinois and Phelps’ 25^th Missouri are from 150 to 200 to each regiment killed and wounded.  The 12^th and 17^th Missouri, 3d Iowa Cavalry and the 8^th Indiana lost about 40 men each.  The 1^st and 2^nd Iowa batteries lost about 20 each.

Among our wounded are Gen. Asboth, in the arm; Col. Carr, also in the arm; Lt. Col. Galligan of the 4^th Iowa; and Lieut. Col. Herron and Major Coyle of the 9^th Iowa.  Col. Dodge had three horses shot under him.

Lieut. Col. Herron was wounded in the foot and taken prisoner.

Major Black of the 37^th Illinois, wounded in arm.

Lieut. Crittenden, Co. 3, 3d Iowa cavalry, severely wounded.

Major Coyle, 9^th Iowa, in shoulder.

Lieut. Porcher, Co. H. 4^th Iowa, severely wounded in thigh.

Color Sergeant Teale, 4^th Iowa, shot in the arm.

Captain Burger, Co. H. 4^th Iowa, wounded in the head.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 18, 1862, p. 1

Battle of Sugar Creek

The 4^th regiment Iowa Infantry had only about 500 men in the battle at Sugar Creek, or Pea Ridge, as it is sometimes called, in Arkansas.  Of this number 180 were killed and wounded.  Col. Dodge, of this regiment had three horses shot under him.  He was slightly wounded.  The 9^th Iowa regiment and 1^st and 2d Iowa batteries lost over 2 hundred killed and wounded.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 18, 1862, p. 1

From St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, March 12.

The following general order will be issued in the morning:

HEADQUARTERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI.

In compliance with orders of the President of the United States, the undersigned assumes command of the Department of the Mississippi, which included the present Department of Missouri, Kansas and the Department of Ohio, and the country West of the North and South line drawn through Knoxville, Tenn., and East of the Western boundaries of the State[s] of Missouri and Arkansas.

The headquarters of the Department of the Mississippi will remain till further orders, at St. Louis.  Commanding officers not in the Department of Missouri, will report at these headquarters the strength and position of their several commands.

(Signed)

H. W. HALLECK,

Maj. Gen. Commanding.

A special to the Democrat from Rolla of the 12^th, says Wild Billy Price, a desperate thief, of a guerrilla of the rebels has been taken prisoner and is now in custody at Springfield.

No Further news from General Curtis’ command.

Special to Evening Journal.

ST. LOUIS, March 13.

Private letters received to-day from officers in Gen. Curtis’ army, say that the rebels in force are still in the rear of the Federal army, and another battle is soon expected.

In the late fight at Sugar Creek, the fourth division stood the brunt of the battle.  The 4^th and 9^th Iowa and the 1^st and 3d Iowa batteries are terribly cut up.  180 of 500 of the 4^th Iowa were killed and wounded.  Every officer in Dodge’s brigade were wounded.  Gen. Dodge had three horses killed under him and one wounded.  Capts. Burton and Bershman and Lieut. Crittenden were wounded.  Lieut. Jackson killed.

Gen. Halleck forwarded to headquarters to-day the following:

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI,

ST. LOUIS, March 13^th, 1862.

EDWIN STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington:

Our artillery and cavalry yesterday attacked the enemy’s works, one and a half miles west of Paris, Tenn.  The enemy was driven out with a loss of one hundred killed wounded and prisoners.  Our loss is Capt. Bullis, of the artillery and four killed and five wounded.

A Cavalry force cent out from Lebanon, attacked one of Price’s guerilla bands, killed 13, wounded 5 and captured over 20 prisoners, among whom is Brig. Gen. Campbell.

Signed,

H. W. HALLECK,

Major General.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 14, 1862, p. 1

State Items

The Fort Dodge Republican is in trouble about the railroad prospects of its section.  A terrible rumor is current that the Dubuque and Sioux City R. R. doesn’t intend going further West than Cedar Falls, its present nominal terminus.  The Fort Dodgers intimate that if such is the case, they’ll find somebody else to take up their case and give them a railroad.

After an animated contest, the Clinton County Society has decided to hold its next annual Fair at Lyons.  The Jackson Co. Fair will be held at Maquoketa.

Petitions are in circulation in Jones county to have its name changed to Grant.

A young man named Wm Thompson was recently found dead, in Union county, under circumstances that lead to the supposition that he was murdered.

Michael Degin was frozen to death in Jones county a few nights since.  He left a wife and several small children unprovided for.

Wm. S. Kirkpatrick, son of F. A. Kirkpatrick of Mahaska county, and great grandson of Col. Bradley of the Revolution, was killed at fort Donelson, while bravely defending the body of Captain Cloutman.  Colonel Bradley, of the Revolutionary fame was killed in his own house by the tories after the war closed.

There are 40,000 acres of swamp land in Harrison county under the exclusive management of the Board of Supervisors.  So says the Magnolia Republican.

The Fourth Iowa Regiment was the first to plant the Stars and Stripes on the soil of Arkansas.

The Keokuk Gate City has been shown a very handsome specimen of cotton, grown in that city.

Senator Redfall introduced into the State Senate last week, a preamble and resolutions congratulating the Senator from Davis county, on his marriage.  It was very properly referred to the committee on charitable institutions.

A PLEA FOR INTEMPERANCE. – Several weeks ago we made a note of the death of Mr. John Jolly, and a man by the name of Scott; Mr. Jolly was an old “settler” in the county, and was regarded as an excellent citizen, except the unfortunate habit of intemperance.  It appears the two men, on a cold day several weeks ago were at work in the woods on Sugar Creek, they had a supply of whiskey with them, and after having made a large fire, became intoxicated and fell helpless victims to be destroyed by the flames they designed for their protection from the cold.  Their death was a melancholy one, and a fearful warning to the intemperate. – Ft. Madison Plaindealer.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 13, 1862, p. 2

Iowa In The Last Battle

In Gen. Curtis’s army, which so recently defeated Price, as announced yesterday morning, was one and perhaps two Iowa regiments.  The 4^th, Col. Dodge, is with Gen. Curtis, and so is probably the 9^th, Col. Vandever.  Lieut. Col. Galligan, of this city, it will be remembered, is the second officer of the 4^th, and we will no doubt hear a good account of him in that battle.  Besides, we have one company of Davenporters, Capt. Ahlefeldt’s composed to a great extent of the gallant men who so nobly represented Davenport at Wilson’s Creek, and who re-enlisted with Capt. Ahlefeldt, in the brigade of Gen. Osterhaus.  Our young friend, Wm. S. Mackenzie, is a lieutenant in the same brigade, and we believe is also a staff officer.  Lt. Col. Charley Asmusson, of whose safety we are pleased to hear, is in the same brigade.  Beside Capt. Ahlefeldt’s company, there are quite a number of other German-American’s from this place in Missouri regiments, and all very likely in this battle; so it is probable Davenport was more largely represented in the last battle than in any other of the war – not even excepting Fort Donelson.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 12, 1862, p. 1

Lt. Colonel George Burton, 4th Iowa Infantry: Pension Index Card

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

Grenville M. Dodge, Colonel 4th Iowa Infantry, to Nathaniel B. Baker, Adjutant General of Iowa, August 2, 1861

 Head-Quarters fourth Regiment Iowa Volunteers,

Camp Kirkwood, near Council Bluffs, Iowa, Aug. 2, 1861.

G E N Baker

Adjutant Genl.

State of Iowa

Dear Sir

Under instruction of the Governor of Iowa, I provided to Washington & provided for the state 2000 muskets & accoutrements these arms were given to the state in the pledge of the state through the Governor that 1000 stand of these arms should be sent to the 4th Reg. Iowa Volunteers for their use until furnished further arms from the U.S. the Government thinking that we might be obliged to move on the border before we were ordered away (which has proved true).  I have also received notice of the shipment of those arms to be together with a letter from the Governor carrying out the agreement with the war department.  Those arms I understand have been taken and disturbed by the former Adj. General by what authority I know not.  Today the war department notifies me that their guns will be used by my regiment for the present, and instructs me if necessary to take them out of the state the same instructions given by the Governor.  I ask an examination of this matter.  I do not like to be [found] to distribute the first order issued to me by the war department especially when I pledged the war department by directions of the Governor that the arms should be used as directed by them.  I trust the arms will be sent me including enough at least (say 700) (I have 200) with accouterments so that my command can be armed.  You will receive report in few days of the command that went to the Missouri line for protection of our border. 

I am very Respectfully

Your obt servant,

G. M. Dodge

Col. Comd. 4th Reg. I. V.

SOUCE:  This letter is listed for sale HERE by Museum Quality Americana.

Glorious News from the Southwest

Special to the Mo. Democrat of the 17^th.

SPRINGFIELD, Feb. 17.

Our army, under command of Gen. Curtis, marched from Lebanon on the 10^th inst., forward in three divisions, the right commanded by Col. J. C Davis, the left by Col. E. A. Carr, and the centre by Ben. Sigel.  The different commands started at daybreak on the 10^th.

Six miles from Springfield a skirmish took place between the advance and a body of the rebels.  Nine of the enemy were killed, and one of our men slightly wounded.

At sunset on the same day, 300 of the enemy attacked our pickets, but were driven back with a loss of over 30.

This was supposed to be the opening of the ball, and 3,000 cavalry and infantry, with a battery of artillery, were sent forward.  The battery was placed on an imminence commanding the supposed approach of the enemy.

Three shells were thrown, to which no reply was made, and our force retired, leaving a heavy picket.

During the night a continual firing was kept up by the pickets.  At three in the morning the enemy advanced in the same order mentioned.

The divisions were formed in line of battle when about three miles from the town, and marched steadily forward.  The third division headed by the Iowa 4^th, entered the town first – at daybreak on the 13^th – taking peaceable possession; the other divisions soon following.

Price had left the same morning at two o’clock, on the Cassville Road, leaving his sick (over six hundred,) and large quantities of forage and wagons behind him.  He had 12,000 effective men, with fifty pieces of artillery, when he left.  Yesterday evening a battalion of cavalry captured one hundred wagons of his train.

Last night firing by pickets was heard in the direction of the retreating foe.  This morning at six o’clock our whole force followed the enemy.  It is reported that Price was merely falling back to meet McIntosh, who was coming up with reinforcements, and on his joining him he would return and give us battle.  The probability is, however, that he is in flight for the regions of the sunny South, where his poorly clad, miserably armed. M. S. G. can find safer grounds for pillage and robbery.  A general rejoicing by the people of the Southwest took place on the news of the retreat of the secesh.  The families residing in and around Springfield express unbounded satisfaction at the arrival of the federals.  Many of them are literally ruined by the robberies of the rebels, who take what they want without price or thanks.  No one believes that Price will return or stand to give us battle.  This expedition will doubtless close the campaign in Missouri.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 20, 1862, p. 2

Death of Lieut. James T. Chittenden

It becomes our painful duty to announce the death of our esteemed fellow-townsman, Lieut. James T. Chittenden, who died about ten days ago, at Cassville, Mo., of wounds received at the battle of Pea Ridge.  As intelligence of his critical situation had previously reached us, his demise was not entirely unexpected.

Mr. C. had been a citizen of Clarinda for about four years – engaged in the practice of the Law – and by his exemplary demeanor and unspotted moral character won for himself a host of friends.  At the breaking out of this wicked rebellion – brought upon us by the institution of African Slavery and not by Sabbath breaking, as some of the admirers and patrons of that peculiar institution would make the people believe – Mr. C. felt it to be his duty to join in defending his country’s standard; and accordingly assisted in organizing a company, which went into the 4th Iowa Regiment, with him as its Second Lieutenant.  He served in Missouri for about six months and at the battle of Pea Ridge was wounded in the breast, which resulted in his death.  By his gentlemanly deportment and attention to his military duties he became greatly endeared to both rank and file, and when engaged in the sterner conflicts of the war, all agree in awarding him for coolness and bravery.  Brigadier-General Dodge pronounced him the bravest man in his Brigade, and all of our intelligence goes to confirm this judgment.

In his death, Clarinda has lost one of her most esteemed and accomplished citizens; humanity a warm and devoted friend; the army a most valued officer, and the bar one of its most promising young members.  But while we mourn over our loss, he is rejoicing that he has exchanged the cares and toils of this life, for a habitation of the Kingdom of everlasting bliss. – {Page County Herald.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

State Items

Water at length has been found at the depth of 980 feed in the Artesian well at Mount Pleasant Insane Asylum.  The Journal of Mt. Pleasant says an abundant supply of water will be procured in a short time.

An Irishman at Mount Pleasant was arrested for selling liquor to soldiers.  He was sentenced by Lieut. Col. Drummond to stand 12 hours on the end of his whiskey barrels.  The sentence was duly executed.

The Dubuque Times says that “Charlie Gilman’s little boy swallowed a silver quarter of a dollar.  The father thinks it would not do him injury if he could get it changed into five cent pieces.  A friend proposes to make him swallow three more quarters, and then present a dollar bill of the State Bank of Iowa, Dubuque branch, and demand specie payment.  Charlie thinks there is no need of this; he says it was a good quarter, and he is quite sure it will pass anywhere.”

A circular from the officers of the Grand Lodge of the I. O. G. T. of Iowa, addressed to subordinate Lodges says that there are Lodges in the 3d, 4th, 8th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 15th infantry Regiments and in the 2nd Cavalry.

The gross earnings of the Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad for the year 1861, from all sources, were $199,410.11.

An invitation has been extended to the Legislature of Iowa, through the Governor, by J. F. Tracy, Superintendent of the Chicago, Rock Island and Mississippi and Missouri Railroads, to visit Chicago. Mr. T. says that a special train will be at the service of the members, should they see fit to accept of the invitation.

As Mrs. Wienkool, of Lyons, a few days since was filling a coal oil lamp while burning the oil became ignited, and the fire catching in her clothing, she was severely burned before the flames could be extinguished.

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

Deaths of Iowa Soldiers

In the Military Hospitals and camps in St. Louis and vicinity, for the week ending May 17:

May 10 – C Brummell, co. B, 12^th.

May 10 – John Mack, co. C, 3d.

May 11 – T. M. Pasely, co. H, 17^th.

May 12 – Isaac Hanewell, co. C, 7^th.

May 12 – J. H. Wills, co. E, 6^th.

May 14 – J. F. Reynolds, co. D, 6^th.

May 15 – H. Young, co. F, 17^th.

May 15 – N. H. Haldeman, co. C, 2d.

May 16 – Aborn Griffin, co. F, 12^th.

May 16 – J. S. Brush, 2d Cavalry.

May 16 – W. C. Cunningham, co. D, 6^th.

May 17 – H. D. Reasener, co. C, 4^th.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 2

The following are the deaths of Iowa soldiers . . .

. . . in Hospitals and camps in the vicinity of St. Louis, for the week ending May 10^th:

Lewis Stah, co. K, 16^th,

W. H. Johnson, co. K, 17^th;

Theo Campbell, co. F, 11^th;

Charles White, co. K, 17^th,

Robert A. Pennett, co. D, 2d;

Benjamin J. Baker, co. K, 14^th;

G. W. Hess, co. F, 6^th;

Gotleib Wiltlaff, co. K, 16^th;

W. T. Clark, ----, 4^th,

John Keppel, co. A, 2d;

E. A. Ward, co. H, 12^th;

Josh. B. Carraway, co. B, 12^th;

Geo. B. Ferguson, co. D, 5^th;

Thos. Sharpe, co. I, 4^th.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 2

The Battle Of Pea Ridge

Thrilling and Authentic Details.

OFFICIAL REPORT OF MAJOR GENERAL CURTIS

Not withstanding the length of time that has elapsed since the great battle of Pea Ridge it will be remembered that but few accounts of it have been written, and most of them by persons who never visited the field. We now have the truth in all its startling details, in a clear, graphic and soldier like manner, from the pen of the General commanding the National troops in the fearful conflict.


GEN. CURTIS’ REPORT

CAPTAIN: The brief telegraphic report which I gave on the 9th inst. is not sufficient to present even the general outline of the battle of Pea Ridge, and with the report of my commanders of divisions I now submit a more general detail.

My pursuit of General Price brought me to Fayetteville, Arkansas. The entire winter campaign from the 20th January to this time, including the march from Rolla to the Boston Mountains, 240 miles, was attended with continual exhibitions of toil, privations, conflict, and gallantry, some of which I have telegraphed to headquarters, and may hereafter deserve more full development.

After reaching Arkansas the forces of Gen. Price were rapidly re-enforced by regiments which had been stationed in Arkansas and the Indian Territory. I therefore expected these combined forces would return upon us to give us battle, and in conformity with the orders of the General of the 22d of February I selected Sugar Creek as the strongest of several strong places taken from the enemy to make a stand against any and all odds.

I reported my force to you on the 12th February, after Col. Davis' division had joined me, at 12,095 men and fifty pieces of artillery, including four mountain howitzers. My long line of communication required garrisons at Marshfield, Springfield, Castle, and Keetsville, besides a constant moving force to guard my train. My force in Arkansas was therefore not more than 10,500 cavalry and infantry with 49 pieces of artillery, including the mountain howitzers, one piece having been sent out into Missouri and thus prevented front joining us in the battle.

The scarcity of forage and other supplies made it necessary for me to spread out my troops over considerable country, always trying to keep it within supporting distance, convenient to rally on the positions selected for battle. On the 4th of March this force was located as follows:

The First and Second Divisions, under Gens. Sigel and Asboth, were four miles southwest of Bentonville, at Cooper's farm, under general orders to move round to Sugar Creek, about fourteen miles east.

The Third Division, under Col. Jefferson C. Davis, acting brigadier-general, had moved and taken position at Sugar Creek, under orders to make some preparatory arrangements and examinations for a stand against the enemy.

The Fourth Division was at Cross Hollows, under command of Col. E. A. Carr, acting brigadier-general. My own headquarters were also at this place, within about twelve miles from Sugar Creek, on the main telegraph road from Springfield to Fayetteville.

Large detachments had been sent out from those several camps for forage and information – one from Cross Hollows to Huntsville, under command of Col. Vandever, ;and three from Cooper's farm to Marysville and Pinesville. One of those, raider Major Conrad, with a piece of artillery and about 250 men, did not reach us till after the battle. All the others came in safe and joined in the engagement.

The enemy had taken position in the Boston Mountains, a high range that divides the waters of the White River and Arkansas. General Price had rallied the forces that had fought at Carthage, Wilson's Creek, and Lexington, augmented by his exertions to recruit in Missouri during the winter. On his arrival from Springfield, in Arkansas, he reported to Gov. Rector that between four and five thousand of these had joined the Confederate service previous to his leaving Springfield. The circulation of all manner of extravagant falsehoods on his way induced the whole country to leave their homes, and for fear we would kill them thousands joined his ranks. Gen. McCulloch brought at least eleven regiments to the field and General Price five. Besides these regularly-organized Confederate troops which Gen. Price met in Arkansas, there were many companies and regiments of' Arkansas volunteers, most of the country people being required to take up arms. From this data and the general opinion of the country I estimated the force of the enemy to have been at least 30,000 or 40,000. This was the force in and near Boston Mountains, rallying to drive us from Arkansas and Missouri.

The two armies thus constituted and located were within hearing of each other's cannon, about 30 miles apart. I submit an accompanying map, showing some of the topographic features of the country on the roads which we traversed. Our troops were weary and somewhat exhausted in their long forced marches and frequent conflicts. Our cavalry had especially suffered in the breaking down and loss of horses. But our troops were generally well armed, drilled, and anxious to encounter the enemy at any reasonable hazard. They were all intelligent, ardent, flushed with our repeated success in many encounters on our way, and all conscious of the righteousness of their country's cause.

The arrival of Major-General Van Dorn on the 2d of March in the camp of the enemy was the occasion of great rejoicing and the firing of forty guns. The rebel force was harangued by their chiefs with boastful and passionate appeals, assuring them of their superior numbers and the certainty of an easy victory. Dispatches were published falsely announcing a great battle at Columbus, Kentucky, in which we had lost three gunboats and 20,000 men; and thus the rebel hordes were assembled – the occasion was now open to drive the invaders from the soil of Arkansas and give a final and successful blow for a Southern Confederacy.

The 5th of March was cold and blustering – the snow fell so as to cover the ground. No immediate attack was apprehended, and I was engaged writing. About two o'clock P.M. scouts and fugitive citizens came, informing me of the rapid approach of the enemy to give battle. His cavalry would be at Elm Springs, some twelve miles distant, that night, and his artillery had already passed Fayetteville. Satisfied of the truth of this report, I immediately sent couriers to General Sigel and Col. Vandever, and ordered them to move immediately to Sugar Creek, where I also ordered Col. Carr to move with his division.

I also sent you a dispatch, which may have been lost with other mail matter, which I have since learned was captured by the enemy. I told you I would give them the best reception possible. All my messengers were successful in delivering their orders. Colonel Carr's division moved about 6 P.M. Colonel Vandever had intelligence of the movement of the enemy before my messenger reached him, and made immediate change in his march, so that with great exertion he arrived on the 6th. General Sigel deferred his march from Cooper's farm till two o'clock in the morning of the 6th, and at Bentonville tarried himself with a regiment and battery till he was attacked about 9 a.m.

I arrived at Sugar Creek at 2 o'clock A.M. on the 6th, and immediately detailed parties for early morning work in felling timber, to obstruct certain roads to prevent the enemy having too many approaches and to erect field works to increase the strength of my forces. Col. Davis and Col. Carr early in the day took their positions on the high projecting hills commanding the valley of the creek, leaving the right of the line to be occupied by the first and second divisions, which were anxiously expected. The valley of the creek is low, and from a quarter to a half mile wide. The hills are high on both sides, and the main road from Fayetteville by Gross Hollow to Keetsville intercepts the valley nearly at right angles. The road from Fayetteville by Bentonville to Keetsville is quite a detour, but it also comes up the Sugar Creek Valley; a branch, however, takes off and runs nearly parallel to the main or Telegraph road, some three miles from it. The Sugar Creek Valley, therefore, intercepts all these roads.

The third and fourth divisions had before noon of the 6th deployed their lines, cut down a great number of trees, which thoroughly blockaded the roads on the left. Later in the day I directed some of the same work to be done on the right. This work was in charge of Colonel Dodge, who felled trees on the road which runs parallel to the main road to which I have before referred. This proved of great advantage, as it retarded the enemy some two hours in their flank movement. Breastworks of considerable strength were erected by the troops on the headlands of Sugar Creek as if by magic, and a battery near the road crossing was completely shielded by an extensive earthwork, erected, under the direction of Col. Davis, by a pioneer company, commanded by Captain Snyder. About two o'clock P.M. Gen. Asboth and Col. Osterhaus reported the arrival of the First and Second Divisions. This good news was followed immediately by another report that General Sigel, who had remained behind with a detachment, had been attacked near Bentonville and was quite surrounded by the enemy's advance forces. I immediately directed some of the troops to return to his relief. In the mean time he had advanced with his gallant little band, fighting its way within three or four miles of our main forces. The two divisions turned back in double-quick, and a large cavalry force also started, all being anxious to join in a rescue of their comrades in peril.

Part of the First Division, under Col. Osterhaus, soon met the retreating detachment, and immediately opened with artillery and infantry, which checked the further advance and terminated the action for the day. In the retreat and final repulse, which occupied several hours, our loss was some twenty five killed and wounded.

The enemy must have suffered more, as our artillery had telling effect along the road, and the rebel graves in considerable numbers bear witness of the enemy's loss.

The firing having ceased, I sent back the other troops that had joined the movement and designated the positions on the right, which were promptly occupied by the first and second divisions.

Our men rested on their arms, confident of hard work on the coming day. The accompanying map of the battle ground will fully illustrate the positions then and subsequently assumed.

On my front was the deep, broad valley of Sugar Creek, forming the probable approaches of the enemy, our troops extending for miles, and generally occupying the summits of headlands on Sugar Creek. In my rear was a broken plateau called Pea Ridge, and still farther in my rear the deep valley of Big Sugar Creek, or Cross Timbers. My own headquarters and those of Generals Sigel, Asboth, and other commanders of divisions were near Pratt's house. The lines A, B, and C show the different fronts assumed during the progress of the battle.

The approach by Bentonville brought the enemy to my extreme right, and during the night of the 5th and 6th he began a movement around my flank by the road before mentioned, which crosses Pea Ridge some three miles northwest of the main Telegraph road. I ascertained in the morning this flank movement of the enemy, which I perceived was to attack my right flank and rear. I therefore immediately called my commanders of Divisions together at General Asboth's tent, and directed a change of front to the rear, so as to face the road upon which the enemy was still moving. At the same time I directed the organization of a detachment of cavalry and light artillery, supported by infantry, to open the battle by an attack from my new center on the probable center of the enemy before he could fully form. I selected Colonel Osterhans to lead this central column – an officer who displayed great skill, energy, and gallantry each day of the battle.

The change of front thus directed reversed the order of the troops, placing the First and Second Divisions on the left, their left still resting on Sugar Creek, Osterhaus and the Third Division in the center, and the Fourth Division became the extreme right. While I was explaining the proposed movement to commanders and Col. Osterhans was beginning to rally and move forward this attacking column, a messenger brought me intelligence that my picket, commanded by Major Weston, of the Twenty-fourth Missouri, had been attacked by infantry. This was at Elkhorn Tavern, where the new right was to rest. Col. Carr being present, he was ordered to move into position and support the major as soon as possible.

This was the commencement of the second day's fight. It was about half past ten o'clock, and the officers separated to direct their several commands. The fire increased rapidly on the right and very soon opened in the center. After visiting the right, where I perceived the enemy was making a vigorous attack, and finding Col. Carr, under a brisk fire of shot and shell, coolly locating and directing the deployment, I returned to my central position near Pratt's house, and sent orders to Col. Davis to move near to Col. Carr, to support him. In the mean time Col. Osterhaus had attacked the enemy and divided his forces; but he was soon pressed with greatly superior numbers, that drove back our cavalry and took our flying battery, which had advanced with it. The colonel, however, was well supported by his infantry, and soon checked a movement that threatened to intercept the deployment of other forces. I considered the affair so imminent that I changed my order to Col. Davis, and directed him to move to the support of the center, which was his proper place according to my order for the change of front. – My new line was thus formed under the enemy's fire, the troops generally moving in good order and gallant bearing.

Thus formed, the line was not continuous, but extended entirely across Pea Ridge, the divisions in numerical order from left to right, Col. Osterhaus remaining in command of a detachment and operating with Col. Davis in resisting McCulloch and Mcintosh, who commanded the enemy's forces in the center. I did not err in sending Colonel Davis to this point, although Colonel Carr, on the right, also needed re-enforcements. – The battle raged in the center with terrible fury. Colonel Davis held the position against fearful numbers, and our brave troops nobly stood or charged in steady lines. The fate of the battle depended on success against this flank movement of the enemy, and here near Lee Town was the place to break it down. The fall of Generals McCulloch, McIntosh, and other officers of the enemy, who fell early in the day, aided us in our final success at this most critical point; and the steady courage of officers and men in our lines chilled and broke down the hordes of Indian cavalry, and infantry that were arrayed against us. While the battle thus raged in the center the right wing was sorely pressed, and the dead and wounded were scattered over the field. Col. Carr sent for re-enforcements, and I sent a few cavalry and my body-guard, with the little mountain howitzers, under Major Bowen. These did good service at a critical period. I urged Col. Carr to stand firm, that more force could be expected soon. Subsequently Col. Carr sent me word that he could not hold his position much longer. I could then only reply by sending him the order to "persevere." He did persevere, and the sad havoc in the Ninth and Fourth Iowa and Phelps' Missouri and Major Weston's Twenty-fourth Missouri and all the troops in that division will show how earnest and continuous was their perseverance. Seeing no signs of approaching foes by the Telegraph road, I sent him three pieces of artillery and a battalion of infantry of Colonel Benton's command (part of the 3d division), which had been located at Sugar Creek to guard the approaches. Each small accession to the fourth division seemed to compensate an overpowering force. As to the left, I was repeatedly informed it stood safe and firm, although threatened by the foe. About 2 P.M. my aide, Captain Adams, who had communicated with that wing informed me he had just seen Gens. Sigel and Asboth on Sugar Creek, and there was still no attack in that quarter and no appearance of an enemy. About this time the enemy's forces melted away in the brushy center, and the fire gradually ceased. – Believing the left and center were no longer menaced, and the enemy was concentrating on the right, I again sent word to Col. Carr that he would soon be re-enforced. I had now resolved to bring up the left and center to meet the gathering hordes near Elkhorn Tavern. To inform myself of the condition of the extreme left I went in person to that point. On my way I ordered forward the remainder of Col. Benton's command, three pieces and a battalion, which had remained guarding the crossing of the main Telegraph road.

I found Gens. Sigel and Asboth with the troops on the hill near the extreme left, where all was quiet, and the men, not having been under fire, fresh and anxious to participate in the fight. It was now safe to make a new change of front, so as to face Sugar Creek. I therefore ordered this force forward. Gen. Asboth moved by the direct road to Elkhorn Tavern, and Gen. Sigel went by Leetown to re-enforce Davis if need be, but to press on to re-enforce Carr if not needed in the center. Both generals moved promptly. I accompanied Gen. Asboth, collecting and moving forward some straggling commands that I found by the way. It must have been near 5 o'clock when I brought this force to the aid of Col. Cart. He had received three or four shots – one a severe wound in the arm. Many of his field officers had fallen and the dead and wounded had greatly reduced his force. He had been slowly forced back near half a mile, and had been about seven hours under constant fire. His troops were still fiercely contesting every inch of ground. As I came up the Fourth Iowa was falling back for cartridges in line, dressing on their colors in perfect order. Supposing with my re-en-forcements I could easily recover our lost ground, I ordered the regiment to halt and face about. Col. Dodge came up, explaining the want of cartridges; but, informed of my purpose, I ordered a bayonet charge, and they moved again with steady nerves to their former position, where the gallant Ninth was ready to support them. These two regiments won imperishable honors.

General Asbboth had planted his artillery in the road and opened a tremendous fire on the enemy at short range. The Second Missonri Infantry also deployed and earnestly engaged the enemy. About this time the shades of night began to gather around us, but the fire on both sides seemed to grow fierce and more deadly. One of my bodyguard fell dead, my Orderly received a shot, and General Asboth was severely wounded in the arm. A messenger came from General Sigel, saying he was close on the left and would soon open fire. The battery of Gen. Asboth ran out of ammunition and fell back. This caused another battery that I had located on the other of the road to follow, this latter fearing a want of support. The infantry, however, stood firm or fell back in good order, and the batteries were soon restored, but the caissons got quite out of reach. The artillery firing was renewed, however, and kept up till dark – the enemy firing the last shot, for I could not find another cartridge to give them a final round; even the little howitzers responded, no cartridges. The enemy ceased firing, and I hurried men after the caissons and more ammunition, meantime I arranged the infantry in the edge of the timber, with fields in front, where they lay on their arms and held the position for the night. I directed a detail from each company to bring water and provisions, and thus without a murmur these weary soldiers lay and many of them slept within a few yards of the foe, with their dead and wounded comrades scattered around them. Darkness, silence, and fatigue soon secured to the weary broken slumbers and gloomy repose. The day had closed in some reverses on the right, but the left had been unsullied, and the center had driven the foe from the field.

My only anxiety for the fate of the next day was the new front which it was necessary to form by my weary troops. I directed Colonel Davis to withdraw all the remainder of his reserve from the centre and move forward so as to occupy the ground on Carr's immediate left. Although his troops had been fighting hard most of the day and displayed great energy and courage, at 12 o'clock at night they commenced their movement to the new position on the battle-field, and they too soon rested on their arms.

Nothing further had been heard from General Sigel's command after the message at dark that he was on or near the left. His detour carried him around a brushy portion of the battle-field that could not be explored in the night. About two o'clock he reported at my headquarters with his troops, who, he said, were going to their former camps for provisions. The distance to his camp, some two miles farther, was so great I apprehended tardiness in the morning, and urged the general to rest the troops where they then were, at my headquarters, and send for provisions, as the other troops were doing. This was readily concurred in, and these troops bivouacked also for the night. The arrangement thus completed to bring all four of my divisions to face a position which had been held in check all the previous day by one, I rested, certain of final success on the coming day.

The sun rose above the horizon before our troops were all in position and yet the enemy had not renewed the attack. I was hardly ready to open fire on him, as the first and second divisions had not yet moved into position. Our troops that night rested on their arms in the face of the enemy. Seeing him in motion, I could not brook delay, and the center, under Colonel Davis, opened fire. The enemy replied with terrible energy from new batteries and lines which had been prepared for us during the night. To avoid raking batteries the right wing fell back in good order, but kept up a continuous fire from the new position immediately taken. The first and second division[s] soon got under way, and moved with great celerity to their position on the left. This completed the formation of my third line of battle. It was directly to the rear of the first, and was quite continuous, much of it on open ground. We then had our foe before us, where we well knew the ground. The broken defiles occupied by him would not admit of easy evolutions to repel such as could be made by us on the open plain. Victory was inevitable. As soon as the left wing extended so as to command the mountain and rest safely upon it, I ordered the right wing to move forward so as to take position where I placed it the night previous. I repaired myself to the extreme right, and found an elevated position considerably in advance which commanded the enemy's center and left. Here I located the Dubuque battery, and directed the right wing to move its right forward so as to support it, and give direction to the advance of the entire right wing. Captain Hayden soon opened a fire which proved most galling to the foe and a marker for our line to move upon. Returning to the center, I directed the First Iowa Battery, under Captain David, to take position in an open field, where he could also direct a fire on the central point of the enemy. Meantime the powerful battery of Captain Welfley and many more were bearing on the cliff, pouring heavy balls through the timber near the center, splintering great trees and scattering death and destruction with tempestuous fury.

At one time a battery was opened in front of Hayden's battery on the extreme right, so near I could not tell whether it was the enemy or an advance of Hayden's, but riding near I soon perceived its true character, and directed the First Iowa and the Peoria battery, Captain Davidson, to cross-fire on it, which soon drove it back to the common hiding place, the deep ravines of Cross Timber Hollow. While the artillery was thus taking position and advancing upon the enemy the infantry moved steadily forward. The left wing, advancing rapidly, soon began to ascend the mountain cliff, from which the artillery had driven most of the rebel force. The upward movement of the gallant Thirty-sixth Illinois, with its dark-blue line of men and its gleaming bayonets, steadily rose from base to summit, when it dashed forward into the forest, driving and scattering the rebels from these commanding heights. The Twelfth Missouri, far in advance of others, rushed into the enemy's lines, bearing off a flag and two pieces of artillery. Everywhere our line moved forward and the foe as gradually withdrew.

The roar of cannon and small-arms was continuous, and no force could then have withstood the converging line and concentrated crossfire of our gallant troops. Our guns continued some time after the rebel fire ceased, and the rebels had gone down into the deep [canyons] through which they had begun their precipitate fight. – Finally our firing ceased. The enemy suddenly vanished. Following down the main road, which enters a deep [canyon], I saw some straggling teams and men running in great trepidation through the gorges of the mountains. I directed a battery to move forward, which threw a few shots at them, followed by a pursuit of cavalry comprised of the Benton Hussars and my escort from Bowen's battalion, which was all the cavalry convenient at the time. Gen. Sigel also followed in this pursuit towards Keetsville, while I returned, trying to check a movement which led my forces north, where I was confident a frightened foe was not likely to go. I soon found the rebel forces had divided and gone in every direction, but it was several hours before I learned that the main force, after entering the [canyon], had turned short to the right, following obscure ravines which led into the Huntsville road in a due south direction.

Gen. Sigel followed some miles north towards Keetsville, firing on the retreating force that ran that way. Colonel Bussey, with cavalry and the little howitzers, followed beyond Bentonville.

I camped on the field and made provision for burying the dead and care of the wounded. The loss in the several divisions was as follows:

This sad reckoning shows where the long continued fire was borne and where the public sympathy should be most directed. The loss of the enemy was much greater, but their scattered battalions can never furnish a correct report of their killed and wounded.

The reports of divisions and other officers of my command are all submitted, with such details as were seen or understood by local commanders. They give interesting incidents and notice many deserving heroes.

I mentioned in my telegraphic report of the 9th March with high commendation, and I now repeat, the names who have done distinguished service. These are my commanders of divisions, Generals Sigel and Asboth, Colonel and acting Brigadier-General Davis, and Colonel and acting Brigadier-General Carr. They commanded the four divisions.

I also again present commanders of brigades, Cols. Dodge, Osterhaus, Vandever, White, Schaffer, Pattison, and Grewsel. The three first named I especially commend.

I also renew the just thanks due to my staff officers, Capt. T. S. McKenny, A. A. A. General, Capt. W. H. Stark, Capt. John Ahlfeldt, Lieut. J. M. Adams, and Lieutenant Stilt, all acting aides; also A. Hooppner, my only engineer. To these I must now add Major Bowen, who commanded my body-guard, and with the mountain howitzers did gallant service in every battle-field, in the pursuit, and especially at Pea Ridge. Captain Stephens, Lieutenant Matteson, and Lieutenant Crabtree, of this battalion, also deserve honorable mention. Major Weston, of the Twenty-fourth Missouri, provost-marshal, in camp and in battle did gallant service. Lieutenant David, ordnance officer on my staff, took charge of me First Iowa Battery after Captain Jones was wounded, and did signal service. I must also thank my commanders of posts, who supported my line of operation and deserve like consideration, as their duties were more arduous – Colonel Boyd at Rolla, Colonel [Wains] at Lebanon, Cols. Mills at Springfield, and Lieut. Col. Holland at Cassville.

To do justice to all I would spread before you the most of the rolls of this army, for I can bear testimony to the almost universal good conduct of officers and men who have shared with me the long march, the many conflicts by the way, and final struggle with the combined forces of Price, McCulloch, McIntosh, and Pike, under Major-General Van Dorn, at the battle of Pea Ridge.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SAMUEL R. CURTIS, Major-General

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 10, 1862, p. 1

The Gallant Iowans

Iowa is a young State, but it is the home of heroes. With the present war she has begun a war history that yields in splendor and honor to that of no State in the Union, and no country on the globe. Her soil is the birthplace of a new chivalry, and she has become the mother of a new race of heroes. Her soldiers boast little and she has no industrious penny-a-liner to boast for them. Her soldiers are as modest as they are brave. They are not fierce braggarts. They are as gentle and tractable as children.

But when the storm of blood begins they are the guiding and governing heroes of the tempest. Where the harvest of death is to be reaped, they are the foremost of the reapers. Where a perilous assault is to be made, somehow or other there is always an Iowa regiment, or the wasted shadow of and Iowa regiment, to lead it. It was so at Wilson’s Creek; it was so at Belmont, it was so at Fort Donelson, it was so at Shiloh; it will ever be so throughout the war.

All our Western troops have been heroes, but the Iowa troops have been heroes among heroes. The “Iowa First,” “Iowa Second,” “Iowa Fourth” and “Iowa Seventh,” are bodies of men who would have given an additional luster even to Thermopylae, Marathon, Austerlitz or Wagram, and all Americans may be proud of Iowa. – St. Louis News

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 2

Fourth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry

The Fourth Iowa Infantry was organized under the proclamation of the President, dated May 3, 1861. The companies composing the regiment were mustered into the service of the United States at Camp Kirkwood, near Council Bluffs, Iowa, and at Jefferson Barracks, near St. Louis, Mo., on different dates, ranging from August 8, 1861, to August 31, 1861. The discrepancy in the dates and places of muster in of the companies is accounted for by the official records in the office of the Adjutant General of Iowa, which show that Colonel Dodge was ordered to employ the companies which first reached the designated rendezvous at Council Bluffs, in an expedition to the southern border of Iowa, to repel a threatened rebel invasion of the State. In his official report, the Colonel states that the rebel force, that was being organized, disbanded and scattered upon the approach of the Iowa troops, and the object of the expedition was accomplished without a conflict. In the meantime the other companies, as they arrived at rendezvous, were ordered to proceed to St. Louis, in pursuance of orders from General Fremont, the exigencies of the service requiring the rapid concentration of troops at that place. By the 15th of August, all the companies, except I and K, had reached Benton Barracks. Colonel Dodge further reports that the eight companies which had reached the barracks left there on the 24th of August, for Rolla, Mo., where they joined the troops being concentrated there, and became a part of the Army of the Southwest under General Curtis. The remaining companies — I and K — were not mustered into the service until August 31st and did not leave Benton Barracks until September 13th, when they were sent forward to Rolla, where the full ten companies composing the Fourth Iowa Infantry were for the first time in camp together.

It will thus be seen that — as a full regiment — it had lacked even the brief opportunity for drill and instruction which the three regiments which were first organized in Iowa had been given while in their camps at Keokuk, and that it had to acquire such instruction after taking the field, and in the presence of the enemy. Detachments, consisting of one or more companies of the regiment, were sent out upon reconnoitering expeditions, from time to time, while encamped at Rolla, but no important movement against the enemy was undertaken until January 22, 1862, when the regiment started upon a winter campaign which was to put to the severest test its fortitude, courage and endurance of hardships.

General Curtis was in command of the Union troops, and by vigorous marching endeavored to overtake the rebel army under General Price. It was confidently expected that a battle would occur at Springfield, Mo., but the enemy continued to retreat towards the Ozark mountains, with the Union army following closely in his rear. At Sugar Creek, the advance of General Curtis came up with the rear guard of the enemy, and a brisk engagement ensued, in which the Fourth Iowa — with the brigade to which it belonged — supported the cavalry and artillery which led the advance, and drove the enemy from the field. After repeated maneuvers to gain advantage of position, the two armies at last confronted each other, and it became evident that a great battle was impending. The rebel army, having reached its chosen ground — a strong position at Cross Hollows, near the town of Fayetteville, Ark. — and being reinforced by fresh troops, and bands of savages from the Indian Territory, halted, and awaited the attack of the Union Army. But, instead of making a direct attack, General Curtis, by a skillful movement, succeeded in completely flanking the enemy's position, and making it untenable, and the rebel army was again compelled to retreat.

Subsequently General Curtis' troops were stationed, by divisions, at considerable distances apart, in order to obtain supplies from the surrounding country, and the enemy, taking advantage of this situation, was preparing to attack these separated forces and prevent them from being concentrated. They succeeded in passing the extreme right flank of the Union army during the night of March 6th, but General Curtis was apprised of the movement in time to change front and partially concentrate his forces, and, on the morning of March 7, 1862, the two armies again confronted each other, on the high ground of Pea Ridge, and, after some preliminary maneuvering on both sides, the battle began, and continued during that day and part of the next, ending in a complete victory for the Union army. The following extract from the official report of the part taken by the Fourth Iowa Infantry in the battle of Pea Ridge shows how well the regiment acquitted itself, and how nobly it maintained the honor of the State of Iowa on that field:

On the morning of the 7th of March, it was known that the enemy was advancing and attacking our army in the rear, when the regiment, in pursuance of orders from Colonel Dodge, marched about two miles from camp, and took position near the Elkhorn Tavern, on the right of the brigade, and to the right of the Springfield road going north, near the southern outlet of the Ozark Pass. Two companies were deployed as skirmishers to the front, and soon became desperately engaged with the enemy, who poured shot, shell and minie balls into their ranks incessantly, for two hours, but owing to the dense timber, our loss at this point was not very great. The left wing of the division, and also the left of Colonel Dodge's brigade, was now desperately engaged. Colonel Dodge ordered his lines to be closed, and awaited the attack, in the meantime keeping his skirmishers, and one section of the First Iowa Battery at work until about 2 o'clock, when the enemy ceased firing and drew back. Colonel Dodge changed front to the right, which left the regiment on the extreme right of the brigade, as well as of the whole army. The line being formed and our skirmishers drawn in and in their places in line of battle, the regiment in common with others awaited the concentrated attack of the enemy, whom we saw preparing for it. We did not wait long. The attack was made with apparently ten times our number, accompanied with the most terrific cannonading with grape, canister, solid shot and shell. For full three hours the regiment stood under this terrible fire, which dealt death to its ranks. The regiment being flanked on the right by a greatly superior force of the enemy, and their artillery being in a position to completely enfilade its lines, and the left wing of the division having fallen back to the open fields, leaving the left exposed, which was also flanked, it was compelled to fall back obliquely to the right, which it did in good order, fighting its way out, hard pressed by the overwhelming numbers of the enemy, to the open fields, where it was met by General Curtis who ordered it to fix bayonets, and charge back upon the enemy, which it did gallantly, eliciting from the General in his official report this highest meed of praise. "This regiment won immortal honors." It being now dark, and the enemy having ceased firing, the regiment, after having lost in killed and wounded almost one-half of those actually engaged, marched back to camp, partook of a scanty repast, and. immediately commenced preparations for the deadly conflict impending for the succeeding day, filling their cartridge boxes, and cleaning their guns, which had become very foul. This being done, the regiment was marched back, and bivouacked on the field until daylight, soon after which the fight was resumed by artillery. The regiment took its place again to the extreme right, marching forward in line of battle, pursuing the enemy, who commenced retreating early. It pursued the enemy until it had orders to halt. Soon after this orders were given to march back to the battle ground of the previous day and go into camp. The mention of individual acts of bravery could not be made without being invidious.


The report from which the above extract is made was written by Col. J. A. Williamson who succeeded Lieutenant Colonel Galligan, who commanded the regiment, and was wounded in the battle. Colonel Dodge, in his official report as commander of the First Brigade, says:

The list of killed and wounded in the brigade shows that it fought against fearful odds, and disputed the field with great stubbornness. Every field officer in the brigade was disabled, and had to leave the field, and only two Lieutenants were left in the battery.*

Lieutenant Colonel Galligan rendered efficient service in holding the Fourth Iowa firm, no part of which gave an inch, until the whole was compelled to fall back. I wish to mention especially the bravery and valor of Capt. H. H. Griffith (acting Major) and of Lieut. J. A. Williamson, Brigade Adjutant; also of private, J. W. Bell, Adjutant's clerk, Fourth Iowa, who fell mortally wounded while nobly doing his duty. The conduct of the above named officers came under my personal observation. All did well and fought nobly, in winning a great battle. Capt. W. H. Kinsman with Company B, Fourth Iowa, and two companies of the Twenty-Fourth Missouri, were detached from the brigade and deployed as skirmishers on the extreme left of the division, holding the high ridge on our left flank, which he did efficiently, and with great good judgment, against a greatly superior force of the enemy.


After the battle of Pea Ridge, the regiment remained in camp for several weeks. Col. G. M. Dodge was promoted to Brigadier General shortly after the battle, and Adjutant J. A. Williamson succeeded him as Colonel of the regiment, and Captain Burton succeeded Lieutenant Colonel Galligan, who had resigned. The regiment marched with the army to Helena, and participated in all the hardship and suffering of the succeeding campaign. It remained at Helena during the greater part of the summer and autumn of 1862. It subsequently joined General Sherman's army in the movement down the Mississippi River, against Vicksburg, in which it bore a most conspicuous part. On December 28 and 29, 1862, it participated in the desperate fighting at Chickasaw Bayou, suffering severe loss, and duplicating its record of gallantry at Pea Ridge. On the 10th and 11th of January, 1863, it again engaged in battle at Arkansas Post, after which it returned to Young's Point, landing there January 22, 1863, remaining there and below there at Gregg's Plantation until April 2, 1863, when it went 150 miles up the Mississippi River to Greenville, and from there engaged in the Deer Creek Valley Expedition. Returning to Milliken's Bend, it started on the active campaign against Vicksburg by way of Richmond, La., and Grand Gulf, Miss., to Jackson, Miss., and thence moved to Vicksburg, and became part of the investing force on May 18, 1863.

It engaged actively in the siege operations until the surrender July 4th, when it marched to Jackson and participated in the siege operations there, until the evacuation by the enemy July 16, 1863. After the fall of Jackson, the regiment went into camp on Black River, fourteen miles in rear of Vicksburg, where it remained from July 29, 1863, until September 22, 1863, when it embarked on steamer and proceeded to Memphis, Tenn., from which place it began the march ending at Chattanooga, Tenn., where it arrived November 23, 1863. The regiment participated in the battle of Lookout Mountain, November 24, 1863, in the battle of Missionary Ridge, November 25th, and in the battle of Ringgold on the 27th. On the 3d day of December, 1863, it went into camp at Bridgeport, Ala., and later moved from there to Woodville, where it remained in camp until the 26th of February, 1864, when it was ordered to proceed to Des Moines, Iowa, and report through the Governor of the State to the superintendent of recruiting service, for furlough and reorganization, and at the expiration of the thirty days' furlough — to begin after the regiment reached Des Moines — the regimental commander was ordered to report to Brigadier General Osterhaus, commanding First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, in the field. In compliance with this order, the veteran soldiers of the Fourth Iowa returned to their State, and enjoyed to the fullest extent the brief respite from the toils and dangers of war, at their own homes, and with their families, and the loyal friends of the cause for which they had suffered and endured so much, and for which they would continue to suffer and endure, until the enemies of the Union should be completely conquered, and a lasting peace secured. At the expiration of its furlough, the regiment returned to the field, and rejoined its brigade and division at Nashville, Tenn., from which place It moved forward and participated actively in the great campaign which led up to the siege and culminated in the fall of Atlanta.

From Atlanta began the remarkable campaigns in Georgia and the Carolinas, and the march with Sherman to the sea, in which the Fourth Iowa Infantry had its full share. The regiment participated in the battles of Columbia, S. C, and Bentonville, N. C, and continued on the march to Richmond and thence to Washington, where it marched, with many other Iowa regiments, in the grand review of the battle scarred and war worn soldiers of the armies of the West.

After remaining for some time in camp near Washington, the regiment proceeded to Louisville, Ky., where it was mustered out of the service July 24, 1865, having served nearly four years. The compiler of this brief historical sketch of the service of this splendid Iowa regiment has made diligent search among the official records, and has found a mass of reports, and correspondence connected directly with the history of its service, which — but for the limitations under which he is working — would enable him to increase this sketch to the proportions of a good sized volume. In response to the request of the Adjutant General of Iowa, near the close of the war, Col. J. A. Williamson wrote a condensed report of the operations of the regiment, which extended over a very wide field, in many southern states, but could not give a list of "posts" occupied. He says, "I can hardly realize the meaning of the term as connected with this regiment. We have stopped from time to time to rest, after an active campaign, but never had charge of any post, or fixed camp, from the time the regiment was really equipped for the field at Rolla, Mo., in the fall of 1861." Only those who have had the same experience can realize the feeling, which old soldiers had in common, that it was useless to make definite calculation upon remaining even a single day in one locality. While troops did remain in the same camp, sometimes for weeks, or months, they never knew how quickly a change would be made, and therefore, in time of war, the soldier's life is very much the same as that of the Nomads, ready to break camp and to move upon the shortest notice. Such was, in a most pronounced degree, the experience of the Fourth Iowa Infantry during its long period of service from 1861 to 1865.

The subjoined roster, summary of casualties, list of those buried in National Cemeteries, and of those who were captured by the enemy and confined in rebel prisons, have been carefully compiled from the official records.

The paragraph after each name in the roster gives briefly the history of the service he rendered, and the descendants of the soldiers of this gallant regiment may here learn how well and faithfully they served their country in her hour of greatest need, and know that a great and grateful commonwealth has herein discharged a high duty to the memory of her brave sons.

Inseparably connected with the history of this regiment is that of the man who first commanded it, and under whom it won its first glorious victory. Subsequently he won high honor as a General and enjoyed the personal friendship and confidence of President Lincoln and General Grant. Since the close of the war, he has achieved fame and distinction in civil life. Through all his career he has cherished the memory of the men of his old regiment, and has — from time to time — given evidence of his abiding friendship for them. This is therefore an appropriate place to record the official military history of Iowa's most distinguished soldier. The record is compiled from the files of the War Department in Washington and of the Adjutant General's office of the State of Iowa, and is therefore officially correct.


MILITARY RECORD OF MAJOR GENERAL GRENVILLE M. DODGE.

Captain Council Bluffs Guards July 15, 1856.

Appointed Colonel Fourth Iowa Infantry June 17, 1861, and ordered into camp at Council Bluffs.

Commissioned Colonel Fourth Iowa Infantry July 6, 1861.

During July marched with part of his regiment to Missouri State line against Poindexter, who, with 1,200 Confederates, was threatening Southwestern Iowa. Poindexter retreated when Dodge approached.

Reported at St. Louis with Fourth Iowa Infantry August 13, 1861.

Proceeded to Rolla, Mo., August 24, 1861.

Assigned to command of post at Rolla, October 9, 1861.

Commanded expeditions to Houston and Salem, November 1, 1861. Enemy defeated in both engagements.

Wounded in left leg, December 15, 1861.

Assigned to command of First Brigade, Fourth Division, Army of Southwest, January 21, 1862. Advanced to Springfield. That place occupied February 13, 1862.

In engagements at Sugar Creek, February 17, 1862, and Cane Creek, February 20, 1862.

Defeated Gates' command at Blackburn's Mills, February 27, 1862.

Battle of Pea Ridge, March 6, 7 and 8, 1862. Wounded in right side.

Commissioned Brigadier General of Volunteers, March 31, 1862.

Reported to Major General Halleck at Corinth, June 6, 1862, and ordered by him to report to Brig. Gen. W. F. Quimby, commanding District of Columbus, to rebuild Mobile & Ohio Railroad.

June 28, 1862, assigned to command of Central Division, Army of Tennessee, with headquarters at Trenton, Tenn.

Finished rebuilding Mobile & Ohio Railroad in August and built stockades and earthworks at all its important bridges and stations.

During the time in command at Trenton the captures of Dyersburg, Huntington and O'Brien were made, and Villipigue was defeated on the Hatchie River.

September 29, 1862, by order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, was assigned to the command of the District of Columbus, Ky.

Captured Colonel Faulkner and his command at Island No. 10. Also captured the State troops and conscripts, some 1,400 in number, twenty-three miles west of New Madrid.

October 30, 1862, assigned by order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant to command Second Division Army of Tennessee, at Corinth, Miss.

November 15, 1862, assigned to command of the District of Corinth, by order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant.

Extensive fortifications and important works in and around Corinth finished while holding that command.

December 1, 1862, a combined movement was made from Holly Springs and Corinth in which his troops captured Tupelo and Okolona, Miss., defeating the enemy and capturing the stores at those places.

December, 1862, by order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, moved to Lexington and Spring Creek, Tenn., driving Forrest across the Tennessee River.

February, 1863, attacked Van Dorn's column at Tuscumbia, Ala. Place was captured with its stores, artillery, etc.

April, 1863, in command of Second Division, part of Fifth Division and portion of Cavalry Division of the Sixteenth Army Corps. Made expedition in Northern Alabama, defeating the forces of the enemy in the Tuscumbia Valley. During the movement the fights at Bear Creek, Cherokee, Burton Station, Leighton and Town Creek occurred. Immense quantities of stores for Bragg's army were captured and destroyed.

April, 1863, Chalmers and Ruggles were attacked and defeated at Tupelo.

June, 1863, crossed the Tennessee River at Savannah. Moved into Van Dorn's rear. Captured the town of Florence, defeating its garrison.

June 19, 1863, attacked Furgeson's command on Big Muddy, and stopped raid on Memphis & Charleston Railroad. Fighting was severe and loss considerable.

July 8, 1863, assigned to command of left wing Sixteenth Army Corps with headquarters at Corinth.

July 14, 1863, defeated a portion of Roddy's command at Jackson, Tenn., and captured a large number of prisoners.

August 15, 1863, made raid on Granada, Miss., capturing a large number of locomotives, cars, railroad stocks, stores, etc., and defeated the enemy at Water Valley and Granada.

While in command at Corinth organized and mustered into the service First West Tennessee Cavalry, First Alabama Cavalry, First Alabama Colored Infantry, and several companies of colored troops for siege artillery.

October 30, 1863, command was attached to command of Major General Sherman then moving into Middle Tennessee.

During months of November and December, 1863, rebuilt Nashville & Decatur Railroad, also pontoon bridges across Tennessee River at Decatur, Ala., and the Duck and Elk rivers, and constructed good and substantial earthworks and stockades at all the important bridges and points. During this time the command had several engagements with the enemy, and captured and fortified Decatur, Ala.

January, 1864, organized and mustered into service Second and Third Regiments Alabama Colored Infantry.

May 5, 1864, in command Sixteenth Army Corps in the field at Atlanta campaign. Took part in the battles and engagements at Ships Gap May 6th, Snake Creek Gap May 9th, Resaca May 11th, Estounula River May 12th, Kenesaw Mountain, Roswell, Decatur July 21st, Atlanta July 22d, Ezra Church July 28th.

Commissioned Major General June 7, 1864.

Wounded in head August 19, 1864.

October 14, 1864, ordered to City Point, Va., to visit General Grant.

November 3, 1864, assigned to command of District of Vicksburg and to command of left wing Sixteenth Army Corps.

December 2,1864, assigned to the command of Department and Army of Missouri.

December 9, 1864, commissioned Major General Missouri State Militia.

January 30, 1865, Department of Kansas added to Department of Missouri.

Gen. Jeff C. Thompson surrendered Confederate forces in Arkansas.

During January, February and March, 1865, made Indian campaigns on the plains, opening up the stage lines and rebuilding telegraph lines which had been destroyed by the Indians.

1865-66, made Indian campaigns extending from Arkansas River on south to Yellowstone on north. In these campaigns several severe battles were fought by forces under Generals Sanborn, Ford, Conner, and Colonels Cole, Walker and others. Treaties of peace were made with the Comanches, Apaches, Southern Cheyennes, and other Southern Tribes, and a council was held with the Northern Cheyennes, Arapahoes and Sioux at Fort Laramie, and basis for treaty agreed upon. For services in this campaign received the thanks of the Legislature of Iowa.

Resigned March 1, 1866.

Accepted May 30, 1866.


SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES.

Total Enrollment 1557
Killed 61
Wounded 338
Died of wounds 54
Died of disease 239
Discharged for wounds, disease and other causes 333
Captured 49
Buried in National Cemeteries 136
Transferred 37


*Colonel Dodge was himself wounded in the right side.


SOURCE: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Vol. 1, p. 527-33