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 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

From Arkansas

ROLLA, Mo., March 29.

Reliable persons just from the army in the Southwest, say the rebels, some thirty-five thousand, under Van Dorn and Price, have retreated entirely across the Boston Mountains, and are at Van Buren and Fort Smith, receiving supplies from Memphis and Little Rock via Arkansas river, which is high.

The Texan Troops are much disheartened at the death of McCulloch, and the Arkansas Troops feel the loss of McIntosh very much.  The rebels are badly off for shoes and clothing.

Pike’s Indians have mostly returned to the Indian nation.  They were not formidable in battle, being panic-stricken at the effect of our artillery.

Price received his Major General’s commission in the Confederate service on the 16^th.  One regiment of Texans reached Van Buren on the 15^th to reinforce Van Dorn, and more were expected from Louisiana.  The whole rebel reinforcements will not exceed five thousand in the next six weeks.

Lieut. Co. Herron, of the 9^th Iowa who was taken prisoner, was in the hands of the rebels for two weeks.  They were badly frightened and retreated very rapidly, and for the three first days of their flight had nothing to eat.  Their cannon and baggage train might have been easily captured.  Gen. Curtis’ army fell back to Keitsville, to secure forage, Arkansas, North of Fayetteville being entirely out.

Our forces are now camped at the head of Cross Timber Hollow, where the water and forage are plenty.  Our pickets extend into Arkansas and the rebel pickets come north to the top of Boston Mountains. – Fayetteville is unoccupied.  Very little union sentiment has been developed in Arkansas.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 31, 1862, p. 1

An Incident

A correspondent of the N. Y. Tribune narrates the following incident as having occurred at the battle of Pea Ridge:

One of the Texas soldiers was advancing with his bayonet upon a lieutenant of the 9^th Iowa, whose sword had been broken.  The officer saw his intention, avoided the thrust, fell down at his foeman’s feet, caught hold of his legs, threw him heavily to the ground, and before he could rise drew a long knife from his adversary’s belt and buried it in his bosom.

The Texan, with dying gasp seized the Lieutenant by the hair, and sunk down lifeless, bathing the brown leaves with his blood.  So firm was the old of the nerveless hand that it was necessary to cut the hair from the head of the officer before he could be freed from the corpse of his foe.

– 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

Lt. Col. Herron

The Pittsburg Gazette is anxious to learn if the brave Lieutenant Colonel of the Iowa 9^th, who was formerly a resident of that city and has many friends there, suffered any at the battle of Sugar Creek in Arkansas.  A dispatch to the Dubuque Times says that he was wounded and afterwards taken prisoner.  The killed and wounded of this regiment are put down at 150.

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

Pulpit Changes

We mentioned some days since the vacation of the pulpit of the Wabash Avenue M. E. Church, of Chicago, by the removal of Rev. Henry Cox to St. Louis.  His place has been filled by Rev. L. Collier, formerly of this city, but now of Iowa City.  The place of the latter, we learn, has been supplied by Rev. Mr. Kendig, ex-chaplain of the 9^th Iowa regiment, but who declined his position of account of ill-health.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 15, 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

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

Letter of William Kelley Steele, Oct. 3, 1861

Benton Barracks

St. Louis Missouri

Oct. 3d 1861

Dear Parents,

I received your kind letter this morning and was glad to hear from you and that you were well. I also am well and enjoying myself very well. You ask where we are. At present we are at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri, but expect to leave here in the morning, for what point I cannot say. It is unknown but for the field of battle probably. Borrow no trouble about my turning traitor, neither about my turning my back to the enemy, and further I will try to do my duty both to my country and superior officers. Tell Mother that it is impossible for me to get my picture for her at present. I would if I could and be glad to. News came to hand this morning that the Rebels had taken Jefferson City, but that is doubtful. Our pickets were driven in last night. Now I believe I have told you all the news and must do a little begging. Father, I wish you would send me some money for I had bad luck and lost all the money I had and am without a cent. We received our uniforms yesterday. I like all the officers well and a fine lot of boys there is in the Company. Give my love to all the family. Remember me to all the friends. Write often. Direct to William Kelly Steele, Company H, 9th Regiment Iowa Volunteers, St. Louis, Missouri. I have written two letters to Mary Ann and have received no answer, and now good bye dear parents.

Your Affectionate Son and Brother,

William Kelly Steele

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

Major Samuel D. Brodtbeck

Major Samuel D. Brodtbeck, was born in the city of Liestol, Switzerland, June 26, 1818. When only 12 years old he joined a company of sharpshooters, as trumpter, and served in a number of conflicts between his home district and Bale. In 1839 he entered the regular army of Switzerland and in 1842 distinguished himself in several engagements and was commissioned Captain. He came to the United States in 1851 and two years later settled in Dubuque, Iowa, where he was for several years deputy County Recorder. In 1856 he organized a Militia Company of which he was Captain. He was commissioned Major of Iowa Militia in summer of 1861, and placed in command of Camp Franklin, where the 9th Iowa was organized. When the 12th Iowa was being organized he was in command of Camp Union, and when the regiment was mustered in received his commission as Major of the regiment. He was present with his regiment at Benton Barracks, Fort Henry and Fort Donelson. At Shiloh he was suffering from diarrhea and rheumatism contracted at Donelson and was unable for duty. He had tendered his resignation before the battle of Shiloh and it was accepted April 7, 1862. He returned to Dubuque and as soon as health was partially recovered, was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel on the Governor's Staff, and again placed in command of Camp Franklin, and organized and drilled the 21st, 27th, 23d, 38th, and 43d Iowa regiments. Failing health compelled him to abandon active labor in the spring of 1863. In 1867 he made an extended visit to his mother in Switzerland in the hope of regaining his health. He returned to this country and attended regimental reunion in 1884, and soon after removed to California where he died January 21, [1897].

SOURCE: David W. Reed, Campaigns and battles of the Twelfth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 248

William Vandever

WILLIAM VANDEVER was born in Baltimore, Maryland, March 31, 1817. He was educated in the schools of Philadelphia. In 1839 he went to Rock Island where he engaged in surveying public lands. For several years he was editor of the Northwestern Advertiser. In 1851 he removed to Dubuque and was employed in the office of the Surveyor-General. He afterwards became a partner of Ben M. Samuels in the practice of law. In 1856 he was a delegate to the convention which organized the Republican party of Iowa. In 1858 he was nominated for Representative in Congress in the Second District and elected over his former law partner, B. M. Samuels. He was reelected in 1860 but resigned his seat in 1861 to enter the military service and was appointed colonel of the Ninth Iowa Infantry. Mr. Vandever commanded a brigade at the Battle of Pea Ridge and won promotion to Brigadier-General. He served through the war with distinction in the armies of Grant and Sherman and was brevetted Major-General. Some years after the close of the war he removed to California where he was again elected to Congress. He died on the 23d of July, 1893.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Gue, History of Iowa, Volume IV: Iowa Biography, p. 271-2

Ninth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry

The ten companies of the Ninth Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry were ordered by the Governor to rendezvous at Dubuque, as part of the quota of the State under the proclamation of the President dated July 23, 1861, and were mustered into the service of the United States on dates ranging from September 2d to September 24, 1861, by Capt. E. C. Washington, United States Army.

The Hon. Wm. Vandever, then a member of Congress from Iowa, was given authority by the President to organize this regiment from the counties composing his district, and he was commissioned by Governor Kirkwood as its first Colonel. The names of the field and staff and company officers, at the date of muster in, will be found in the subjoined roster, in which will also be found notations of the subsequent changes which occurred on account of death, promotion, resignation, or from whatever cause, together with a paragraph opposite the name of each line officer and enlisted man, arranged in alphabetical order, showing his personal record of service in so far as the same could be obtained from the official records in the Adjutant General's office of the State of Iowa, and the War Department in Washington. That some of these records are very imperfect, and that they may, in some instances, do injustice to the memory of the officers and men of this gallant regiment, is a matter beyond the control of those under whose supervision this great work has been done. Every effort has been made to make this compilation historically correct, in so far as the limitations as to time and space would permit; but, where the records of individual service may have been incorrectly given in the official returns and reports, and no other source of Information was available, there was but one course to pursue, and that was to follow the official records, which, in the main, will be found to be correct.

The last company was mustered September 24, 1861, and, two days later, the regiment, with an aggregate strength of 977 officers and enlisted men, was embarked on steamboats at Dubuque and transported to St. Louis, and, upon its arrival there, marched to Benton Barracks, where it received it first supply of arms, clothing and camp equipage. Here it remained until October 11th, receiving such instruction in military drill as could be given in so short a period of time. It was then ordered to proceed to Franklin, Mo., at which place regimental headquarters were maintained, while companies were detached to different points for the purpose of guarding the railroad from Franklin toward Rolla, Mo. During the three months in which the regiment remained upon this duty it suffered greatly from exposure to the inclement winter weather, and, like all new regiments, was subjected to much sickness on account of such exposure On the last day of the year 1861, the official returns showed a death loss of l7 and 7 discharged on account of disability, total 24; but on the same date it had gained 38 by additional enlistment, and 4 by transfer, making a net gain of 18, and an aggregate of 995. Of this number, however, many were on the sick list, and the hardships which the regiment was called upon to endure, during the active winter campaign which followed, still further reduced its fighting strength, and when it first went into battle it numbered but little more than half the aggregate above stated. January 21, 1862, the regiment was again consolidated, the companies on detached duty having been relieved, and was conveyed by rail to Rolla, Mo., and from there began its first real campaign against the enemy. Marching to Lebanon, Mo., it joined the Army of the Southwest commanded by General Curtis. Colonel Vandever was placed in command of the brigade to which his regiment was attached, leaving Lieut. Col. Frank J. Herron in command of the regiment.

Upon the approach of the Union forces, the rebel General Price evacuated Springfield, which he had occupied during the winter, and began his retreat towards the Ozark Mountains. Then began that remarkable march of General Curtis' army in pursuit of the enemy. The regiment started from Springfield on the 14th of February and, in less than one month, had marched over difficult roads, and much of the time through storms of alternating rain and snow, a distance of two hundred and fifty miles. Arriving at Cross Hollows, Ark., a detachment of three hundred of the regiment was sent upon an expedition to Huntsville — forty miles distant — with the purpose of surprising and capturing a detachment of the enemy stationed there as a guard for commissary stores: but, upon reaching Huntsville, they found the place abandoned, and learned that the rebel army under General Van Dorn was marching to the attack of General Curtis' army, which had fallen back from Cross Hollows and taken up a new position at Pea Ridge. Realizing the danger of being cut off and captured by a superior force, the detachment of the Ninth Iowa at once started to rejoin the command and, after a continuous march of sixteen hours, covering a distance of forty-two miles, it reached the regiment at 8 P. M. March 6th. With only a few hours of rest after this exhausting march, these men went into the memorable battle of Pea Ridge at 10 A. M., March 7. 1862.

The enemy opened the engagement by a fierce attack upon the Union lines, and the Ninth Iowa was in the thickest of the fight. The first attack of the enemy was repulsed, and the Union line advanced, but was in turn compelled to retire under a terrific fire of musketry, grape and canister. Thus the battle raged during the entire day, with alternating temporary advantages for both Union and rebel forces. There were occasional intervals, during which the men on both sides availed themselves of the opportunity to replenish their ammunition and to attend to the removal of their wounded to the rear. The fighting was most persistent and desperate, and in no battle of the war was the valor of the American soldier—upon both sides—more splendidly exhibited. While this was the first time the Ninth Iowa Infantry had met the enemy in battle, its officers and men exhibited the steadiness and bravery of veterans. Had this been the only service rendered by the regiment, it would have been entitled to the lasting gratitude of every patriotic citizen of the Union, which it was there defending against those in armed rebellion against it.

At night the survivors lay upon their arms, ready to renew the conflict at the dawn of day. At daylight the Union artillery again opened upon the enemy, and the fire was promptly returned. In his official report Colonel Vandever says, "At this point, finding ourselves exposed to a raking fire from one of the enemy's batteries on our right, we changed direction to the east. About this time, the First Division coming into position on our left, we joined in the general advance upon the enemy, the whole cavalry force participating, and the artillery co-operating. The enemy here broke into disorder, and the fortune of the day was decided in our favor."

The entire rebel army was soon in full retreat, and the battle of Pea Ridge ended in a brilliant victory for the Union army. At the close of his official report Major General Curtis especially commended Colonel Vandever and the gallant troops of his brigade, and says, "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 shared with me the long march, the many conflicts by the way, and the final struggle with the combined forces of Price, McCulloch, McIntosh and Pike, under Major General Van Dorn, at the battle of Pea Ridge." At the close of his official report Colonel Vandever says:

Of the bravery of Lieutenant Colonel Herron, In Immediate command of the Ninth Iowa Infantry, too much can not be said. He was foremost in leading his men, and, with coolness and bravery never excelled, rallied them to repeated attacks of the enemy. Unfortunately near the close of the day on the 7th, he was disabled by a. painful wound, his horse was killed under him, and he was captured by the enemy. Major Coyl, also of the Ninth Iowa, acted with distinguished valor until disabled by a severe wound, and compelled, reluctantly, to leave the field. Adjutant William Scott also deserves great praise. Lieutenant Asher Riley of Company A, my Acting Assistant Adjutant General, deserves particular mention. Upon the fall of Captain Drips and Lieutenant Kelsey, of Company A both distinguished for their bravery. Lieutenant Riley gallantly took command and remained with the company to the end of the battle. Captain Carpenter and Lieutenant Jones of Company B also acted with great bravery, leading their company in the face of the enemy, and bringing off one of our disabled guns and a caisson. Captain Towner and Lieutenant Neff, of Company F, were conspicuous for their bravery. Both of these officers were severely wounded, when the command devolved upon Lieutenant Tisdale, who gallantly led the company through the remainder of the battle. Captain Bull and Lieutenant Rice, of Company C, also deserve particular mention, the latter of whom was killed near the close of the day, while the former was severely wounded. Captain Bevins of Company E was killed upon the field, and the command devolved upon Lieutenant Baker, who acquitted himself with great credit. Captain Washburn, and Lieutenants Beebe and Levrich of Company G, Lieutenants Crane and McGee of Company D, Captain Moore and Lieutenant Mackenzie of Company H, Captain Carskaddon and Lieutenant Claflin of Company K, and Lieutenant Fellows, commanding Company I, also Lieutenant Inman, were all conspicuous for bravery, under the hottest fire of the enemy. I should also mention Sergeant Major Foster and other members of the non-commissioned staff, who did their duty nobly. Many instances of special gallantry occurred among non-commissioned officers and men, during the trying events of the battle, which I cannot here enumerate. Where all did their duty so nobly and well, distinction would be invidious. I can only say that I feel deeply Indebted to every officer and man of my command for the heroic manner in which they have acquitted themselves.


The loss of the regiment was very heavy. Of the 560 who went into the battle, 4 commissioned officers and 34 enlisted men were killed, 5 commissioned officers and 171 enlisted men wounded, and 1 commissioned officer and 3 enlisted men captured, making a total loss of nearly forty per cent of the aggregate number engaged.*

After the battle the regiment had only a brief season of rest. Its next experience was a long, devious and trying march with the Army of the Southwest, through Missouri and Arkansas, covering six hundred miles and ending at Helena, July 17, 1862. During this march the weather was very warm and dry, and the troops suffered greatly from the heat, dust and thirst, and, on the latter part of the march, from insufficient rations. For five weeks of this time the army was cut off from all communication, but fortunately no considerable body of the enemy was encountered and it at last arrived safely at Helena.

Here the regiment went into camp, and for the ensuing five months enjoyed comparative immunity from the hardships and dangers of a soldier's life. It was, however, rendering valuable service in holding an important post, and the time was not spent in idleness. The officers and men utilized the time to the best advantage, in perfecting themselves in military drill and discipline, and, when they again entered upon the duties of active campaigning, they were splendidly equipped for the hard and continuous service which they were called upon to perform during the remainder of their term of service. While the regiment was in camp at Helena, a most pleasing incident occurred, which deserves permanent preservation in this sketch and is thus described by Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy in his "History of the Ninth Infantry":

At Helena a stand of beautiful silk colors reached us, sent by the hands of Miss Phoebe Adams, in behalf of a committee of ladies of Boston, Mass., as a testimonial of their appreciation of our conduct in the battle of Pea Ridge. They were guarded and cherished while in the regiment with religious care. After having been borne over many a proud field, they were, by the unanimous voice of the regiment, given back, riddled and torn — one to the original donors, the other to Brevet Major General Vandever, our original Colonel, who, by his bravery and decision at Pea Ridge and Arkansas Post, with the regiment, and by his honorable record thereafter in other fields, won the confidence and love of his regiment.


December 18, 1862, the regiment was again called into active service, this time on the lower Mississippi, and was assigned to General Thayer's Brigade of General Steele's Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps. It participated in the battle of Chickasaw Bayou, December 28th and 29th, where it maintained its good record for bravery under the fire of the enemy. Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy, describing the part taken by his regiment in this battle, says, "The regiment, though under fire the greater part of the 28th and 29th, was only engaged about half an hour of the latter day. While the hardest fighting was in progress, we were being transferred from a point above Chickasaw Bayou to where the main army was massed, reaching there only to go into position as others were falling back. We were soon withdrawn beyond the reach of the rebel batteries lining the hills in our front, and next day embarked, the attempt having been given over."

The regiment next went into camp on the Yazoo River above Vicksburg, where it remained until the close of the year 1862. The official returns show that, during the year, the regiment had gained by additional enlistments 54, and by apointment 2; total gain 56. In the same time it had lost in killed in battle 43, died from wounds 41, and from disease 37; total number of deaths 121; 178 were discharged for disability, and 8 had deserted, making a total loss for the year of 307. Its losses up to the 31st day of December, 1861, had been 24, and its gain by additional enlistment 42. It will thus be seen that, in the one year and three months that the regiment had then served, it had lost 331 officers and men, and had gained 98 by additional enlistment. Its losses thus far had aggregated nearly one-third of those originally mustered and gained by additional enlistment, while it had just entered upon the second year of its three years' term of service.

Early in January, 1863, the regiment was engaged In the movement against Arkansas Post, and on January 11th, when the attack upon the fort was made, it was in the reserve line, waiting for the order to move forward to the assault; but. before the order was given, the enemy raised the white flag in token of surrender, and the regiment had the pleasure of witnessing the fall of that stronghold without loss to itself. January 24th found the regiment again in camp at Young's Point, near Vicksburg. About this time, Colonel Vandever was promoted to Brigadier General, and the officers and men of the Ninth Iowa, while rejoicing in his well-deserved promotion, felt that they were parting from one of the bravest and most efficient commanders, and that it would be difficult to determine who should succeed him. There was an excellent list of officers from which to make the selection. Captain David Carskaddon of Company K was elected and became the second Colonel of the regiment.

Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy, in his history of the Ninth Iowa Infantry thus graphically describes the experience of the regiment for the remainder of the winter of 1863:

The history of the regiment for these two months of February and March is a tale of sorrow. The health of many of its members was already undermined by a six months' sojourn in the miasmatic regions of the Mississippi valley, and it seemed that but few could withstand the debilitating and enervating Influence of this insalubrious climate. The smallpox came now, for the first time, into our ranks. Scores of our number, hitherto stout and rugged, were prostrated past recovery, and now lie buried in shallow graves about the hospitals which once stood In that sickly region; while others only recovered completely, long afterwards, In the mountains of Tennessee and Georgia, or on the sandy plains of the Carolinas. The ordeal of these unpropitious months was the more grievous because it had all the evils of the battlefield, with none of Its honors.


Every true soldier will admit the force and truth of the above statement. The inspiration which comes to men in the midst of battle sustains them in the performance of deeds of valor, but when it comes to the struggle with disease and death, without the tender ministrations of relatives and friends, far from home and all its comforts, the men who endure and die, as well as those who endure and live, must be sustained by a fortitude and courage even greater than that which enables them to perform their whole duty when engaging the enemy in battle.

During the month of April, 1863, the regiment participated in an expedition to Greenville, Miss., and farther into the interior, in which it met the enemy in occasional skirmishes, but the object of the expedition was accomplished without severe fighting. Upon its return from this expedition, it entered upon the campaign which ended in the surrender of the rebel strongholds at Vicksburg and Jackson. Its movements and operations are described by Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy, as follows:

On the 2d day of May, leaving our tents standing at Milliken's Bend, La., the regiment started In light marching order for Grand Gulf, crossed the Mississippi, and commenced on the 8th of May the march In rear of Vicksburg. On the 14th reached Jackson, the State capital of Mississippi, and took part in its capture. Four days later, after some skirmishing in which we lost three wounded, the regiment took position In the outer works which environed Vicksburg. * * *

May 15th, after severe skirmishing, and a final assault, the regiment succeeded in getting and holding an excellent position, about seventy-five yards from the enemy's works. * * *

On the 22d of May, In line with the whole Army of the Tennessee, the regiment went first up to the assault. Its flag went down a few feet from the rebel works, after the last one of its guard had fallen, either killed or wounded, and its dripping folds were drawn from under the bleeding body of its prostrate bearer. In the few terrible moments of this assault, the regiment lost 79 killed and wounded, nearly one-third of the number in action. But that was not all. The assault had failed, and we found ourselves lying in the ravines, behind logs, contiguous to and partly under the protection of the rebel earthworks, above which no traitor could raise his head, except at the expense of his life. There we were compelled to stay until darkness gave us a cover under which to escape. Here I pause to pay the slight tribute of recording their names, to Captain Kelsey, and Lieutenants Jones, Wilbur, and Tyrrell, who fell while leading their companies to the assault, and to Captain Washburn, who was mortally wounded at the head of the regiment.

Our loss in the previous assault of the 19th of May was 16 men, and when, on the morning of Independence Day, the enemy came out and stacked arms and colors on his works, our total recorded loss in the siege was 121.


After the surrender of Vicksburg, the regiment participated in the siege of Jackson, and, after the evacuation of that place, took part in the pursuit of the enemy, and lost one man killed in a skirmish at Brandon. The regiment now went into camp on Black River, Miss., where It remained until September 22d, when it was ordered to Vicksburg, thence by river to Memphis, and from there by rail to Corinth, Miss., from which point it took up the line of march to Chattanooga, and entered upon another campaign which resulted in great success for the cause of the Union, and a crushing defeat to that portion of the rebel army against which the operations were directed. After a march of three hundred miles, during which the regiment had some skirmishes with the rebel General Forrest's troops, it arrived at the foot of Lookout Mountain, Nov. 23, 1863, and, on the 24th, took part in the battle above the clouds, and, later, in the battles of Missionary Ridge and Ringgold. Although not in the heaviest fighting in these three engagements, the regiment accomplished all that was assigned to it. Its losses in killed and wounded during the campaign aggregated 22. It now marched to Woodville, Ala., where it went Into winter quarters Dec. 29, 1863. During the year the regiment had marched 870 miles, and had been conveyed 1,300 miles by water and 100 miles by rail. In the same time, it had met with a total loss of 227 and gained by enlistment 11, leaving an aggregate of 510.

January 1, 1864, 287 men of the regiment re-enlisted as Veteran Volunteers for another term of three years, and under the terms of their enlistment were entitled to a thirty days' furlough, to begin after reaching the State of Iowa. They left Woodville, Ala., February 4, 1864, and reached Dubuque, Iowa, February 14, 1864, at which point they separated for their respective homes. March 16th found the veterans of the regiment re-assembled at Davenport, Iowa, accompanied by 125 recruits. They reached Woodville, Ala., April 10th, having marched from Nashville, a distance of 125 miles. A new supply of arms, clothing and camp equipage was issued to the regiment, and on May 1st, with Colonel Carskaddon In command. It took up the line of march for Chattanooga. In six days it had again reached the scene of military activity, and entered upon another great struggle for the preservation of the Union. The Ninth Iowa Infantry was constantly at the front, on the firing line, and in the trenches, and had its full share in the fighting during the campaign. The compiler of this sketch is compelled, by the limitation of space to which he is restricted, to omit the detailed account of the operations of the regiment given by Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy in his history, from which quotations have heretofore been so freely made. It must here suffice to say that, from the opening to the close of the Atlanta campaign, the Ninth Iowa Infantry displayed the same conspicuous gallantry which had characterized Its career In all the battles In which It had been engaged, from Pea Ridge to Jonesboro. Describing the close of the campaign, Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy says:

At Jonesboro, on the 31st of August, where we were attacked in vain, and for the last time, by the rebel army of Tennessee, we held our position easily, and with comparatively slight loss. The march thence to Lovejoy's Station, and back again to East Point, Ga., by the 8th of September, completed the campaign — a campaign which, for hard and continuous fighting, for severe labor and exposure, for long marches in the hottest weather, for duration and persistent obstinacy, is unparalleled in history. We had marched 400 miles, principally in the night, built 40 different lines of works, crossed three large rivers In the face of a powerful enemy, flanked him away from three of the strongest natural positions In the country, and fought the battles of Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochie River, Decatur, Atlanta, Jonesboro, and Lovejoy.

The regiment lost in the campaign since the 1st of May 14 killed, 70 wounded, and 6 captured.


The non-veterans of the regiment were mustered out of the service on the 23d day of September, 1864, the original three years' term for which they had enlisted having expired. For the re-enlisted veterans and recruits there yet remained the experience of the closing campaigns of the war, which, in some respects, were more remarkable than any which had preceded them. On the 4th of October the regiment was again on the march with the army which followed the rebel forces under General Hood through Marietta, Rome, Resaca, and across into Alabama, returning to the vicinity of Atlanta on the 5th of November, having marched 354 miles. November 15th, the regiment, then under the command of its senior captain, Paul McSweeney, began the famous march with General Sherman's army to Savannah and the sea. This remarkable military exploit was accomplished in 35 days, the distance covered being 400 miles. During the year, the regiment had marched 1,400 miles, and traveled by steamboat and railroad 1,900 miles. It had gained by additional enlistment 160, had lost in killed 14 and from other causes 214, leaving an aggregate of 442 on December 31, 1864.

The closing campaign — the trip by sea to Beaufort, S. C, and the march through the states of South and North Carolina — was full of interest and most worthy of being recorded in detail, did space permit. Colonel Carskaddon, who had been wounded at Atlanta, returned to the regiment, and was honorably mustered out by reason of expiration of term of service on February 14, 1865. While the regiment was marching through Georgia, Major George Granger had died in hospital at Nashville, Tenn., and Captain Alonzo Abernethy of Company F had been promoted to Major, January 1, 1865, and was now in command of the regiment, which he led successfully during the remainder of its service. After giving a detailed description of the events which transpired during the long and toilsome march, the Major thus describes the closing scenes in the history of his regiment:

Our severe labors, hardships, and exposures were forgotten in the pleasure of having taken part in this most magnificent of all our campaigns. The remaining history is briefly told. On the 10th of April started with the army to Raleigh, N. C, where we found the rebel leader suing for terms. When these had been given, the regiment started for Washington, D. C, via Petersburg, Richmond, and Alexandria, Va. Reached the latter place on the 19th of May, after a march of 293 miles in the last nineteen days, and 360 miles from Goldsboro, N. C. Took part In the military pageant of May 24th, which consisted of the review of Sherman's army In the streets of Washington. The regiment came thence by rail and steamboat to Louisville, Ky., on the 1st of June. Went Into camp and awaited further orders, which came July 10th to the effect that the remaining regiments of the army of the Tennessee would be at once mustered out of service.

Lieutenant Colonel Coyl had resigned June 17th on account of his having received the appointment of Judge Advocate of the Department of Kentucky. Major Abernethy was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain Inman of Company I to Major. On the 18th of July, the muster out was completed.


The regiment was then sent to Clinton, Iowa, where it was disbanded, and the officers and men returned to their homes.

From the time it started from Dubuque, three years and, ten months from the date of its final muster out, the Ninth Iowa Infantry had marched over 4,000 miles, and traveled by rail and steamboat 6,000 miles. During the year 1865, there had been added by transfer from the Twenty-fifth Iowa 53, by enlistment 15, from the draft rendezvous of the State 129, a total gain of 197. The total losses had been 45, leaving an aggregate of 594 at muster out.

In closing this brief sketch, the compiler again refers to the subjoined roster for the record of personal service of each officer and man of the regiment, in so far as it has been possible to obtain such record. As an organization the Ninth Iowa Infantry has a record of service unsurpassed by that of any regiment which the State sent to the field during the great War of the Rebellion.


SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES.

Total enrollment 1440
Killed 84
Wounded 385
Died of wounds 64
Died of disease 210
Discharged for disease, wounds and other causes 299
Buried in National Cemeteries 139
Captured 32
Transferred 30


* The compiler of this sketch finds this loss statement in the return of casualties of the Army of the Southwest in the battle of Pea Ridge, Ark., attached to the report of Major General Curtis, found on page 205, Series 1, Vol. 8, War of the Rebellion Official Records. In the history of the Ninth Iowa Infantry by Lieut. Col. Alonzo Abernethy, found on page 174 of the Adjutant General's report of the State of Iowa, for the year 1866, the aggregate loss In killed, wounded and captured Is given as 240, making nearly 44 per cent of the number engaged. In either event, the loss was far above the average of the battles of the War of the Rebellion.


SOURCE: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Volume 2, p. 3-10

Colonel William Smyth

THIRTY-FIRST INFANTRY.

William Smyth was born in the year 1824. England, Scotland and Ireland are all represented among the Iowa colonels. Colonel William Smyth is the Irish representative.

His history, so far as I know it, is briefly as follows: He was born in Ireland, and emigrated to this country about the year 1838. A year or two later, he settled in Linn county, Iowa, where he has made his home ever since. He is one of the oldest residents of that county. He came to the State ignorant and poor; but educated himself, and is now wealthy and one of the ablest lawyers in Iowa. He was at an early day district judge of what is now the Eighth Judicial District. He was also one of our Code Commissioners. He is reported as being the only able and responsible man in his part of the State who has no enemies.

William Smyth entered the service as colonel of the 31st Iowa Infantry, one of the twenty-two infantry regiments organized in the State in the summer and fall of 1862. His commission, like those of eleven other Iowa colonels, bears date of the 10th of August, 1862. At the time of entering the service, he had, I am told, no military knowledge or training: he was made a colonel on account of his worth.

The services of the 31st Iowa, up to the arrival of Sherman at Savannah, can be learned in the histories of the 4th, 9th, 25th, 26th and 30th Iowa regiments. It joined these regiments at Helena, late in the fall of 1862, and has served with them ever since. The expedition to Chickasaw Bayou; that up the Arkansas River to Arkansas Post, and also that to near the Yazoo, known as the "Deer Creek raid;" the march to the rear of Vicksburg, and the protracted and exhausting siege of the city; the return march of Sherman to Jackson, Mississippi, in pursuit of Johnson; the movement of Sherman's Corps from the Big Black up the river to Memphis, in the fall of 1864, and thence to Corinth, and the march from Corinth to Chattanooga; the brilliant campaign of Sherman from Dalton to Atlanta; the pursuit of Hood to North Eastern Alabama, at the time he began his disastrous raid north; and, finally, the grand marches from Atlanta to Savannah, and from Savannah to Raleigh, are all embraced in the record of the 31st Iowa regiment.

There is little in the march from Atlanta of special interest; for, previous to the time it was begun, the rebel forces had become so scattered as to make resistance, on their part, feeble and ineffectual. With the exception of the cavalry, the Federal troops marched with little molestation, and with an abundance of supplies. It was rather an agreeable campaign than otherwise. On the other hand, the march from Savannah to Goldsboro was one of great hardship. The advance was made in the face of a foe too feeble, it is true, to offer much serious resistance, and yet strong enough to occasion much anxiety. In addition to this, much of the country over which the march lay, presented strong natural obstructions. One who accompanied General Sherman in his last grand campaign, gives the following picture of one of the advancing columns; and the experiences of all were nearly the same:

"If the head of the column is checked by bad roads, it masses and goes to work with a vengeance, assisting the pioneers. The object is to get the roads in such condition that the artillery-trains can pass. If the bottom be good and the water not sufficiently deep to damage the ammunition in the wagons, and the swamp not more than one mile across, we always bulge through. If our column is checked by the enemy, it deploys into position and fights a little, while other troops push ahead and flank the enemy. If several columns are checked, we deploy into position, (nicest maneuver in the world) press the enemy closely at all points, and, if no advantage occurs, pitch in and whip them like h—1. General Sherman never bothers us upon such occasions, unless we are getting a little too far round, or not quite far round enough, or a little too brisk; for he knows precisely what we are going to do. But if we get a little too fast, he always modestly makes his appearance and says: "Hold up a little there, boys, d—n it! wait till the 14th gets fairly in;" or words to that effect. To be sure, he does not say this so that we can hear him; for he speaks through the regular channel; but then we all know what General Sherman says.

"Advancing in line of battle through woods, brush, over logs, through swamps, down embankments, and over woodpiles, is easily done, because we all know how. We never think of keeping step, or touching elbows — pshaw! Each man knows just where he ought to be, and keeps his eye upon the spot where, theoretically, he is until he gets there. This may cost him a dozen flank movements on his own hook."

Though the above is a facetious picture of General Sherman's progress through the swamps and timber of South Carolina, it has in it less of fiction than of history.

When Sherman left Atlanta, his plan was, to use his own words, "to leave an army in the West, under Major-General G. H. Thomas, of sufficient strength, to meet emergencies in that quarter, while he conducted another army, composed of the 14th, 15th, 17th, and 20th corps and Kilpatrick's Division of cavalry, to the Atlantic slope, aiming to approach the grand theatre of war in Virginia, by the time the season would admit of military operations in that latitude." Hardee abandoned Savannah during the night of the 20th of December, and, twenty days later, the 15th and 17th Corps began embarking at Port Thunderbolt for Beaufort, South Carolina, preparatory to marching "to the grand theatre of war in Virginia." Near Beaufort, the 31st Iowa remained in camp with its brigade till the 27th of January, when it begun the march inland. The grand army moved in three columns, the 17th Corps on the right, the 15th in the centre, and the 14th and 20th Corps and Kilpatrick's Cavalry on the left. As already stated, Colonel Stone's Iowa Brigade, to which the 31st Iowa belonged, was attached to the 15th Corps, whose line of march was nearly due north till arriving at Columbia, after which it was directed north-east toward Fayetteville and Goldsboro, North Carolina. On this march, the 31st Iowa with its brigade met the enemy at three different points — on the Little Congaree Creek near Columbia, at Columbia, and near Bentonville, North Carolina.

The first engagement occurred on the 15th of February, 1865. That morning the 2d Brigade of the 1st Division, Colonel Calleson, led the advance and encountered the enemy soon after leaving camp; but they made little resistance till arriving at the Little Congaree, where, having taken up a strong position, they brought the head of the column to a halt. Next in rear of Colonel Calleson's Brigade was Colonel Stone's, which was at once ordered to the front and deployed in line of battle. The enemy were soon flanked without serious loss, and a crossing over the Little Congaree secured. With little delay, the march was continued in the direction of Columbia, where the army arrived in the afternoon of the 16th instant. Columbia, the South Carolina Capital, situated on the north bank of the Congaree and just below the junction of the Broad and Saluda Rivers, was one of the prettiest cities in all the South. It was formerly the centre of South Carolina politics and South Carolina wealth. When, in marching upon the high ground south of the river, the sight of the boasted city first greeted the eyes of the soldiers, they were filled with wonder at its beauty. Immediately in their front was the Congaree, hidden from view by a broad belt of pine timber; but over the tops of the tall, waving trees were plainly to be seen the handsome buildings and the beautiful surroundings of Columbia.

Only the 15th and 17th Corps marched on the city. The 14th and 20th crossed Broad River at Zion Church, and marched through Alston, destroying the road, and proceeding thence in the direction of Winnsboro. Of the two corps before Columbia, the 15th held the left and the 17th the right. The 3d Brigade, 1st Division, of the 15th, was the first organized command to cross Broad River. It was to the same command that Columbia was formally surrendered by the rebel mayor, on the morning of the 17th of February.

On the afternoon of the 16th instant, General Logan had effected a crossing of the Saluda, and pushed a portion of his command to near the west bank of Broad River. George A. Stone's Brigade was sent forward to the river bank, with instructions to cross the stream that night in pontoons, and cover the crossing of its corps the next morning — perhaps, to move on the city; for that is what was done. "The point determined on for crossing, was about one mile above the wreck of the bridge, and two miles above the city. It was expected to have effected a crossing by mid-night; but the current of the river was so very strong, the engineer did not succeed in getting a line across till three o'clock of the morning of the 17th instant. At ten minutes before four, I sent over two boat-loads of sharp-shooters under Captain Bowman of my staff, with instructions to have them placed as skirmishers, with the centre of the line opposite the landing, and at least seventy-five yards distant. He had particular instructions to keep his men quiet, and not to reply to any firing of the enemy, unless satisfied they meant an attack before the column could cross. I went over with the advance — the 31st Iowa — and made a personal reconnoissance of the ground."

The landing was effected on a crescent-shaped island, one or more bayous separating it from the main land. Here Colonel Stone assembled his command, or all except a portion of the 4th Iowa, which had not yet crossed, and at day-light charged the enemy. The struggle lasted but a few moments; for the main rebel army had already abandoned the city, leaving only a few regiments to delay the crossing. Colonel Stone marched directly on the city, and when near the suburbs, met a carriage flying a flag of truce, and bearing the rebel mayor, Goodwin. Terms of capitulation were tendered and accepted, when the Iowa Brigade, of the 15th Corps, entered and occupied Columbia. It was the proudest day these gallant troops had seen since entering the war.

Of the capture of Columbia, General Sherman says, in his official report:

"Under cover of this brigade, [Stone's] a pontoon-bridge was laid on the morning of the 17th. I was, in person, at this bridge, and at eleven A. M. learned that the mayor of Columbia had come out in a carriage, and made a formal surrender of the city to Colonel George A. Stone, 25th Iowa, commanding 3d Brigade, 1st Division, 15th Corps. About the same time, a small party of the 17th Corps had crossed the Congaree in a skiff, and entered Columbia from a point immediately west."

The night following the capture of Columbia, the greater portion of the city was burned; not, however, by the Federal soldiery, but by that rebel wretch, Wade Hampton, who had, for this very purpose, flooded the place with cotton. A high wind and bad whisky were the confederates of his wicked scheme. The sight was heart-rending. Decrepit old men, and helpless women and children, rushed wildly from their burning dwellings, and cried most piteously for help; but, though the soldiers exerted their utmost, it was long before they could stay the devouring element.

From Columbia, the line of march of the 15th Corps lay through Cheraw and Fayetteville, and thence to Goldsboro and Raleigh; but in all this distance the 3d Brigade of Wood's Division failed to meet the enemy, till arriving near Bentonville, on the route from Fayetteville to Goldsboro. In the battles that were fought near Bentonville, on the 20th and 21st of February, the Iowa Brigade took an important part. These were the last battles of the campaign, and decided the fate of General Johnson's army, if, indeed, it had not been decided before. In the march to Goldsboro, near which place the armies of Sherman and Schofield formed a junction, the Iowa Brigade held the post of honor — the rear-guard of its division and corps.

The results of the campaign, as regards Colonel Stone's Brigade, are summed up as follows:

"This brigade has been in four engagements, with the following loss: killed, seven; wounded, sixty-four; and missing, twelve. We have captured and turned over to the provost-marshal one hundred and forty-five prisoners of war. In the capture of Columbia, South Carolina, we took about five thousand stand of arms, immense quantities of ammunition and ordnance stores, and released forty Federal officers confined there. We have marched four hundred and eighty-five miles, built fifteen thousand and thirty-seven yards of corduroy road, and destroyed three miles of railroad."

The following is from the history of the regiment:

"Colonel William Smyth commanded the regiment from the time of its organization till the 13th of August, 1863, at which time, Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins being at home with wounds received at Vicksburg during the charge of May 22d, the regiment was commanded by Major Stimming, until August 22d, 1863, when Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins rejoined his command, and commanded the regiment from that date to February 1st, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins then taking command of the brigade, Major Stimming commanded the regiment from that date to March 10th, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins then commanded it to March 20th, at which time he went home on leave of absence, and Major Stimming again commanded to April 20th, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins returning, he commanded until May 1st, 1864, when Colonel Smyth, having rejoined the regiment, commanded from May 1st to September 26th, being then detailed to command the brigade. Lieutenant-Colonel J. W. Jenkins has been in command from that date to the present time. * * The regiment was first armed with Prussian smooth-bore muskets; before taking the field actively, it was armed with Enfield rifle muskets. September 28th, 1864, it was armed with Springfield rifle muskets.

Colonel Smyth resigned his commission after the arrival of his regiment at Savannah. Accordingly, in the march from Beaufort, the 31st was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel J. W. Jenkins, who, during the campaign, was thrice complimented by his brigade commander for gallant conduct.

Colonel Smyth is a large man and rather portly. In his deportment he is kind, candid and dignified. His merit as a soldier consisted in his kind care for his men, and in his great bravery. He was not an apt tactician. I am told he would sit quietly upon his horse under a sharp fire of the enemy, while determining upon the proper command to be given to his regiment for some designated movement. Not long after entering the service, he was ordered by his brigade commander, while drilling his battalion, to throw it into a certain position. Not remembering the proper command, he rode up to his adjutant and enquired: "Lieutenant, what shall I say?"

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 467-74