Charles A. Spatee, Regimental Quartermaster

Was born in the Dukedom of Saxony, Altenburg, in the year 1836. He was trained for the profession of Architect. He emigrated to the United States in 1855. After his arrival in this country, he was engaged principally in working upon Railroads and Saw Mills, previous to his entering the service of his adopted country. He enlisted in the "Three months' service," as a private in the 10th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He re-enlisted, for three years, as a private in the 9th Regiment Volunteer Infantry, Company K. He was afterwards promoted to the position of a Sergeant. In December, 1861, he was appointed Commissary Sergeant. He was commissioned as 1st Lieutenant and Regimental Quartermaster, October 4th, 1863. He continues to occupy this position at the present time. Lieutenant Spatee was not in the military service in the old country.

SOURCE: Marion Morrison, A History Of The Ninth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 94

Henry H. Klock, Lieutenant And Adjutant.

Was born in Manheim, Herkimer County, New York, November 27th, 1835. Received a common school education. Removed to Illinois in 1854.  Was engaged in teaching public school in Madison County, Illinois, when he enlisted. Enlisted in the 9th Illinois Infantry, Company F, and was mustered in as a private, July 28th, 1861. Was detailed as Clerk in the Adjutant's office, from September 1861. Was commissioned as 1st Lieutenant and Adjutant January 31st, 1862, to rank from October 3d, 1861. Has been with the Regiment through most of its battles. Was wounded at Shiloh and Corinth. Is still acting as Adjutant for the Regiment, and is devoted to the duties of his office.

SOURCE: Marion Morrison, A History Of The Ninth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 93-4

Second Assistant Surgeon W. A. Allen, M. D.

Was born in Jacksonville, Illinois, March 5th, 1830. Read Medicine with Dr. Haskall, Hillboro, Montgomery County, Illinois, 1850, 1851 and 1852. He graduated at St., Louis Medical College, in 1856, and commenced the practice of Medicine in Greenville, Bond County, Illinois, during the same year. Was engaged in pursuing his practice at that place, until January, 1863. He received a commission as 2d Assistant Surgeon in the 9th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and entered upon his duties as such, January 16th, 1863. He was detailed, for some time, to take charge of the Medical Department of the Contrabands at LaGrange, and afterwards at Corinth. Has been constantly with his Regiment since the 1st of September, 1863, having been relieved from his duties in Corinth at that time.

SOURCE: Marion Morrison, A History Of The Ninth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 93

Assistant Surgeon W. D. Craig, M. D.

Was born in Montgomery County, Indiana, March 27th, 1828. He was raised on a farm. Was educated at Crawfordsville, Indiana. He moved to Illinois in 1849, and graduated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, in the Spring of 1852. From that time, up to the Summer of 1861, he was engaged in the practice of Medicine. Was living in Aledo, the county-seat of Mercer County, Illinois, and engaged in the duties of his profession, at the time of his enlisting in the service of his country. He recruited a large portion of a Company in Mercer County. Was mustered into the service of the United States, as 1st Lieutenant Company E, 9th Regiment Volunteer Infantry, August 6th, 1861. Served in that capacity until May 12th, 1862. During the time he served as a line officer, he passed through the terrible struggles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh. He was slightly wounded at Shiloh, in the left shoulder, by a spent ball. He was assigned to the Medical Department of the Regiment, in the capacity of Assistant Surgeon, on the 12th of May, 1862. Continued with the Regiment in this capacity, until the last of December, 1863, when he was assigned to duty in Pulaski, Tennessee. During the past Winter, he has had charge of the U. S. General Hospital of the left wing, 16th Army Corpse [sic], at Pulaski, Tennessee. He has under his charge there, about an average of two hundred patients, including a Small-Pox ward of from ten to fifteen patients.

SOURCE: Marion Morrison, A History Of The Ninth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 92-3

Surgeon Emil Gulick, M. D.

Was born in the city of Schleswig, Dutchdom Schleswig, on the 29th of November, 1828. After finishing his school education, he commenced the study of Chemistry in particular, but with it the other branches of the medical science. While quietly pursuing his studies, the sound of the drum rang through the land, calling all able-bodied citizens into the field to fight for the independence of the Dutchdoms from the Kingdom of Denmark. This call was in March, 1848.  The Doctor was then in his 20th year. Obeying his country's call, he enlisted to do battle for liberty. He enlisted as a private. He was afterwards engaged as an Assistant in the Medical Department. He was connected with the army in these capacities until 1851. He emigrated to America in 1853. He re-commenced his Medical studies, and graduated in the St. Louis Medical College, in 1859. He commenced the practice of medicine during the same year, in Alton, Madison County, Illinois. When the Rebellion broke out, and there was a call for men to defend the government of his adoption, he offered himself for that purpose. He enlisted, in the three months’ service, as a private, in Company K, 9th Regiment Volunteer Infantry, on the 26th day of April, 1861. He re-enlisted, at the expiration of three months, for three years, July 26th, 1861, and was promoted to the position of Assistant Surgeon of the 9th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. On the 28th of April, 1862, he was again promoted to the position of Surgeon. He has served in that position ever since. He has been almost constantly with his Regiment. He was on detached duty in the Hospital at Paducah, Kentucky, during the months of September and October, 1863.

SOURCE: Marion Morrison, A History Of The Ninth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 92

Major John H. Kuhn

Was born in St. Gallen, Switzerland, May 26th, 1833. Emigrated to the United States, and landed in New York, in June, 1849. He was, by occupation, a laborer. Hired with a farmer near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during the first summer. He removed to East Tennessee, where he spent three years, part of the time in a glass factory in Knoxville, and part of the time boating on the Tennessee River. He moved to Alton, Illinois, in 1854. Was engaged for a time in the lumber business, and afterwards in a banking house. He had served for about six years in the State Militia, and entered the service of the United States, on the call for volunteers for three months. He enlisted with his company of "Alton Jagers," as their Captain, April 19th, 1861, and was attached to the 9th Illinois Infantry. He re-enlisted at the expiration of three months, for three years. Served, for sometime, as Provost Marshal of Paducah, Kentucky. He received his commission as Major of the 9th Illinois Infantry, December 2d, 1861. He was detailed during some months in the Summer and Fall of 1863, in charge of convalescent camp in Memphis, Tennessee. Rejoined the Regiment at Athens, Alabama, November 21st, 1863. At present writing, he has command of his Regiment, Lieut. Col. Phillips being assigned to the command of the mounted forces at Decatur, Alabama.

SOURCE: Marion Morrison, A History Of The Ninth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 91-2

Lieut. Col. Jesse J. Phillips

Was born in Montgomery County, Illinois, May 22d, 1837. He was appointed Route Agent on the Terre Haute, Alton and St. Louis Railroad, June 26th, 1856. Resigned in May, 1857.

He read law with the Hon. James M. Davis, of Hillsboro, Illinois. He was admitted to the bar in the Spring of 1860, and opened an office in Hillsboro, the county-seat of Montgomery County, Illinois. He was prosecuting his practice when the first call was made for volunteers to serve for three months.

In politics, he was a Breckenridge Democrat. Had stumped it, for Breckenridge, in 1860. He had had a strong desire to engage in a military life. When the call was made, he at once -went to work to raise a Company. Raised his Company, and was elected Captain, April 17th, 1861. The Company was accepted and ordered to Springfield, Illinois, on the 23d of April, 1861.

On the organization of the 9th Regiment Volunteer Infantry, for the three months' service, he was elected as Major of the Regiment. He acted in the capacity of Major in the Regiment during the three months' service. At the expiration of that service, he was mustered out, and immediately mustered in again for three years, unless sooner discharged, retaining still the rank of Major.

He received a commission as Lieutenant Colonel in the 9th Regiment Illinois Infantry in December, 1861, which position he still occupies. He had charge of a detachment of the Regiment, which made a successful expedition from Paducah to Saratoga, Ky. This was the first fight in which our boys were engaged. He was with the Regiment as Lieutenant Colonel, through the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh. At Shiloh, he received a very severe wound from a schrapnel. He was wounded in the hand and leg. The wound in his hand was a very painful one. He was unfitted for the service by it, for several months. At the battle of Corinth, on the 3d and 4th of October, he had not yet been able to join his Regiment. He joined it soon afterward, although still suffering much from the pain caused by his wound.

During the Fall of 1862 and Winter of 1863, he was much of the time in command of the Regiment, Col. Mersy being called to the command of the Brigade. In March, 1863, he made application to have the Regiment mounted for scouting purposes. The Regiment was mounted on the 20th of March, 1863. During the year that the Regiment has been mounted, he has led it through 23 battles and skirmishes.

He has frequently been placed in command of a Brigade of mounted forces, and in one or two instances, of a Division. He had command of two Brigades of Cavalry and Mounted Infantry, with which he made a raid in August, 1863, to Grenada, Mississippi. It was one of the most successful raids of the war. From $8,000,000 to 10,000,000 worth of public property was destroyed; 2,000 negroes, and a large number of horses and mules were brought in. But little was said about it at the time. Many a less brilliant raid has brought forth a star.

He was in command of the post at Athens, Alabama, for two or three months during the past Winter. He has lately been assigned to the command of all the mounted forces at Decatur, Alabama. There is a great amount of dash and daring about the Colonel, and yet he always manages to get his boys out of any place, into which he leads them.

SOURCE: Marion Morrison, A History Of The Ninth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 90-1

Col. August Mersy

Was born in Germany. He entered the military service, in 1838, as Cadet, in Karlsrhue, Grand Duchy of Baden. He graduated in 1840, as Lieutenant. He was promoted to the position of 1st Lieutenant, in 1842. In 1844, he was assigned the position of Adjutant and staff officer. In 1847, he was appointed Regimental Adjutant. A European Regiment consists of from 2,400 to 3,000 men. In this position he acted until 1849. At the outbreak of the Revolution, he consequently acted against that Revolution. In 1849, however, he joined the Revolutionary party, and was promoted to the position of Colonel. After joining the Revolutionary party, he acted for some time as Provisional Secretary of War. He soon, however, joined the army, and assumed command of the Second Brigade. Whether he had the rank of General, or only acted as such in commanding a Brigade, the writer is unable to say. He went with his Brigade, through all the battles and skirmishes of the year 1849. He was under the necessity of crossing the Rhine for Switzerland, and concluded to emigrate to America. He arrived in the United States, in November, 1849. Went West, and settled in Bellville, St. Clair County, Illinois. He was for some time Clerk, and afterwards Cashier, of the "Bank of Bellville." He also acted as Notary Public.

On the uprising of the rebellion, his war spirit was aroused. I think he had for some time previous had command of a volunteer military company. He enlisted, with his company, in the "Three months''' service. He enlisted as Captain of Company A, 9th Regiment Illinois Infantry, on the 19th of April, 1861. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel, April 26th, 1861. This position he held during the "Three months'" service. He was mustered out of the service, at the end of the three months, on the 25th of July, 1861, and again immediately mustered in, for three years, as Lieutenant Colonel of the 9th Illinois. Infantry.

He was promoted to the position of Colonel, and received his commission as such, December 2d, 1861. As Colonel and commander of the Regiment, he passed through the terrible battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh, and the "siege of Corinth." He was wounded twice at the battle of Shiloh; but notwithstanding his wounds, he persisted in keeping the command of his Regiment. During the battle of Shiloh, Col. McArthur, commanding our Brigade, was severely wounded, in the latter part of the action, and Col. Mersy assumed command of the Brigade.

During the battle of Corinth, he assumed command of the Brigade, General Oglesby having been wounded. Since that time, he has had command of the 2d Brigade, 2d Division, 16th Army Corps. During the Summer and Fall of 1863, he was stationed with his Brigade Head Quarters at Pocahontas, Tennessee. Since November 12th, 1863, his Brigade Head Quarters have been at Pulaski, Tennessee.

SOURCE: Marion Morrison, A History Of The Ninth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 89-90

MAJOR-GENERAL FRANCIS J. HERRON

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL, NINTH INFANTRY.

Francis J. Herron is Iowa's youngest major-general, and the second one of that rank appointed from the State. His ancestry are ancient and honorable, and, on the paternal side, are familiarly known as "Herron's Branch," who, settling in Eastern Pennsylvania in the early history of that State, were ever classed among her most intelligent and well-to-do yeomanry. On the maternal side of the house, he is descended from one of the oldest families of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who settled in that city when it was a mere village, and who have maintained an honorable position in the community to the present day. The general's uncle, the late James Anderson, ranked with the most benevolent and wealthy citizens of Pittsburg.

The subject of our sketch is a son of the late Colonel John Herron, and a native of Pittsburg, where he was born on the 17th day of February, 1837. He was educated at the Western University, in Pittsburg, which was then, and is still, under the superintendence of Professor J. M. Smith, a brother-in-law of the general. Leaving this University at sixteen, he was soon after appointed to a clerkship in a Pittsburg banking-house, and, in 1854, became a partner in the banking firm of "Herron & Brothers." In 1855, he removed to Iowa, and, in connection with one of his brothers, opened a banking-house in the city of Dubuque. Dubuque is his present home.

General Herron began his brilliant military career as captain of Company I, 1st Iowa Infantry. He served with his regiment in Missouri till the expiration of its term of service, and with it took part in the memorable battle of Wilson's Creek. Returning home in the latter part of August, he was, on the tenth of the following September, commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 9th Iowa Infantry. For gallantry at the battle of Pea Ridge, (March 6th, 7th and 8th, 1862, where he was wounded and taken prisoner) he was made a brigadier-general, and, for his courage and superior military skill at the battle of Prairie Grove, December 7th, 1862, was promoted to his present rank. The battle of Prairie Grove is one of the most brilliant of the war—perhaps the most brilliant, when we consider the disparity in numbers of the forces engaged; and it was by no means barren in results; for a well-organized and confident army was overwhelmed in defeat, from the effects of which it never recovered.

In the organization of the Army of the Frontier, under General Schofield, of date the 15th of October, 1862, General Herron was put in command of the 3d Division. The 1st and 2d Divisions were commanded by Generals Blunt and Totten respectively. For three weeks previous to the 1st of December, 1862 and longer, the Army of the Frontier had been watching the enemy, who had below, and in the vicinity of the old Pea Ridge battle-field, a large and well-organized army, under command of the rebel Major-General Thomas C. Hindman.

On the first of December, General Blunt, who had been holding his division on Prairie Creek, near Bentonville, moved against a detachment of the enemy, and, driving it from Cane Hill, held the position. This was no sooner done, however, than the enemy threatened him in heavy force, and compelled him to send to General Schofield for reinforcements. General Blunt's messenger, arriving at head-quarters near Wilson's Creek on the evening of the 3d of December, found General Schofield absent, and General Herron in command. "General Blunt must have reinforcements or lose his entire command;" and there was no other alternative; but General Herron, under instructions, could afford no relief. The expedient which he adopted was worthy of him, and will redound to his infinite credit. Dispatching a messenger to General Schofield, but without awaiting or expecting a reply, he broke camp and marched to the rescue.

At day-light on Sunday morning, the seventh of December, his command passed through Fayetteville, Arkansas, and halted for breakfast one mile beyond; but before the meal was completed, members of the 1st Arkansas Cavalry, which composed a portion of the advance-guard, came hurrying back with word that Hindman's cavalry was upon them. The merest incident often controls momentous issues, and so it happened here. Major Hubbard, a gallant, positive fellow, and an officer of General Herron's staff, being in command of the advance-guard, was captured and taken before the rebel general. "How much of a force has General Herron?" demanded Hindman. "Enough," replied the major, "to annihilate you;" and this answer, with Herron's determined fighting and superior generalship, saved to our arms the battle of Prairie Grove; for Hindman, with his twenty thousand, dared not move out against the handful of men in his front, (not four thousand all told) for fear of being annihilated by an overwhelming reserve, marshaled, in his imagination, in the heavy timber to our rear. Nor did he learn his mistake till late in the afternoon, and just before the guns of General Blunt began thundering on his left and rear.

Having completed their hasty meal, Herron's troops resumed the march and pushed vigorously on, till arriving at Illinois Creek, about ten miles distant from Fayetteville. There the enemy were met in force. They were on the south-west side of the creek, and strongly posted on the high ground, which, on either side, looks down into the valley through which the road to Cane Hill passes. The situation was no sooner learned than Herron had formed his decision. He must bluff his adversary, or lose his command; and this was the plan on which the engagement was fought, which, to General Hindman, was a confirmation of Major Hubbard's report. General Herron first endeavored to push Battery E, 4th Missouri Light Artillery, and the 9th Illinois Infantry across the ford in his front; but that was so accurately covered with the guns of the enemy as to make it impossible. The detachment was driven back in some confusion. Next, he ordered Colonel Houston to cut a road through the timber to the right, and, having gained the opposite side with Captain Murphy's Battery, to open on the enemy and divert their attention, while he, with the balance of his command, pushed across the ford and gained a position in front of the enemy. The movement was successful. A further account of this battle will be found in the sketch of Colonel W. McE. Dye, of the 20th Iowa. I will only add here, that Hindman was defeated, and Herron made a major-general.

It will be interesting to know the names of the troops who earned General Herron this promotion. They were the 9th, 37th, and 94th Illinois, the 19th and 20th Iowa, the 26th Indiana, and the 20th Wisconsin Infantry regiments, together with four Missouri batteries, commanded by Captains Murphy, Faust and Hack of, and Lieutenant Borries. The 6th, 7th, and 8th Missouri Cavalry, the 1st Iowa and 10th Illinois, and the 1st Battalion of the 2d Wisconsin Cavalry, were all sent forward to General Blunt from Elkhorn, and remained with his command till the close of the engagement.

General Herron remained with his command, operating in Missouri and Arkansas, till late in the following May, when he was summoned to Vicksburg to take part in the reduction of that place. Immediately after the fall of the city, he made his expedition up the Yazoo River, after which, he embarked his command on transports, and sailed for Port Hudson and thence for Carrollton, Louisiana; where he arrived on the 13$h of August. Subsequently to that date, the general has served principally in the Gulf Department; but the operations in which he took part will appear in the sketches of other officers.

General Herron's Division was attached to Ord's Corps. By that general he was held in the highest esteem, as is shown by General Order Number 39, dated, "Head-quarters 13th Army Corps, Carrollton, Louisiana, September, 25th, 1863."

During the winter of 1863-4 and for some time after, General Herron, while serving in Texas, made his head-quarters at Brownsville. It will be remembered that it was during this time the forces of M. Ruiz, Governor of Tamaulipas, and those of Colonel Cortinas, came in collision in Matamoras. L. Pierce, U. S. Consul stationed in that city, became alarmed, and sent to General Herron for protection. Colonel Bertram of the 20th Wisconsin was at once sent across the river with a portion of his regiment, with which he conducted the Consul and his property and papers within the Federal lines. Had I the space, a further history of this affair would be interesting.

General Herron's ventilation of the Department of Arkansas has more recently made his name quite distinguished. This was a most thankless mission, and he was charged by some with being partial; but that is not strange. Indeed, we are not to suppose the exposer would be more popular with the guilty parties than the expose. The result of his investigations was published in nearly all the leading papers of the country, and convinced all honest men that, the Department of Arkansas had been the theatre of most outrageous abuses.

General Herron has a neat, well-formed person, and dresses with much taste. In appearance he is intelligent, and in manners agreeable. He has, I am told, some vanity. His marked traits of character are three. He is always calm and composed, no matter how great the danger, or how wild the excitement. At Prairie Grove he led the advance over the ford of Illinois Creek, and, under the rapid and accurate fire of the enemy, was in imminent peril; but he was perfectly calm, and apparently insensible of danger.

Another marked trait of his character is his taciturnity; and yet, if he talks but little, there is nothing about him sullen or morose. His voice, which is clear and kind, has a sort of charm about it that evidences a warm heart and generous nature. He was always popular with the soldiers of his command.

His third and most distinguishing trait — that which more than all others has contributed to make him what he is — is a self-reliant spirit. This, from his early youth, was always noticeable, and was the cause of his leaving the Western University before mastering the full course of study. It was a matter of no consequence to him that his lather and his friends were opposed to this course. He believed he knew enough to make his way in the world, and, because he thought so, all remonstrances were unavailing.

Frank J. Herron was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general from that of lieutenant-colonel. He is the only officer from the State who has been thus complimented by the War Department.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 201-6

Latest from the Pittsburg Battle-Field

Special to the Chicago Journal.

CAIRO, April 14.

It is reported, on good authority, that Beauregard called a council of war of all the best rebel Generals, before the battle of Pittsburg. There were present, Pillow, Floyd, Breckinridge, Hardee, Bragg, Cheatham, Sid. Johnston, Bushrod Johnston [sic], the rebel Provisional Governor of Kentucky, and a few other gentlemen. The following policy was fixed on: If they beat us, they would follow up and drive us North as far as possible; if beaten, they would withdraw their forces from the border States, and make a desperate stand in the Gulf States.

A Federal Wounded soldier, left in our camp and captured by the rebels, and afterwards retaken, reports that he heard Beauregard make a speech to his men on Sunday night assuring them they would capture all our army on Monday. He told them not to destroy anything – tents, provisions or anything that would be wanted. He encouraged them handsomely, as next day’s work showed. This is confirmed by several wounded rebels, taken prisoners.

Van Dorn did not reach Corinth till the fight was over. It is now believed by men, latest returning from Pittsburg, that the rebel force in action was 65,000. This is the testimony of rebel prisoners also.

Our force was not over 45,000.

Col. John Davis, of Freeport, is not dead. He is at Paducah, and says he will recover.

Gen. Humboldt lost twelve hundred and eighty three men, out of seven thousand, on Monday.

The 9th Ill. Regiment could count but 200 effective men on Monday morning. The 11th Ill., 45; the 12th Iowa, 17 men. Lt. Col. Tupper of Decatur, and Lieut. Col. Ross were killed.

Dangerously wounded, Lieut. Col. Phillips, Col. Bane, of 50th Ill., and Major Eaton. He went up by the train this morning.

Col. Fry’s regiment did not stand fire very well.

Dr. Corning, of St. Louis, found one of Matteson’s 64-pound guns deserted. He sighted and fired sixty-five shots with it, doing terrible execution. He had no military experience.

The Gunboats had gone up the river to burn the bridge at Corinth.

Gen. Grant is reported not to have been on the field till 10 o’clock Sunday morning. It is also reported that Buell’s men heard firing forty-nine miles off, and made a forced march of thirty miles on Saturday, reaching Pittsburg Sunday, after marching nineteen miles, in time to succor our troops. Nashville was one hundred miles distant.

It is believed Halleck’s plan was for Grant to land on the opposite side of the Tennessee and stay mostly on transports till Buell came up; then all cross on pontoon bridges and march rapidly on Corinth.

The aid of the gunboats, Matteson’s and Silversparre’s batteries, and the arrival of Buell’s men, saved the day, and turned the tide of victory in our favor.

The rebel loss is not known, but believed to be much larger than ours.

Auditor Dubois and Gen. Cook came down this morning. They report the sick and wounded provided for as well as possible, on the transports and in the barracks at Pittsburg.

Nothing new from above. No battle is expected for several days. Heavy rains make the roads impassible for artillery and army wagons.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 16, 1862, p. 2

9th Illinois Infantry (3 Months)

Organized at Springfield, Ill., and mustered in for three months' service by Capt. John Pope, U.S. A., April 26, 1861. Moved to Cairo, Ill., and garrison duty there till July. Attached to Prentiss' Brigade. Expedition from Cairo to Little River June 22-23 (Cos. "C" and "H"). Mustered out July 26, 1861.

Regiment lost 9 by disease during service.

SOURCE: Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1047

9th Illinois Infantry

Organized at Cairo, Ill., July 26 to August 31, 1861. Attached to District of Cairo to September, 1861. District of Paducah, Ky., to February, 1862. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, District of Cairo, February, 1862. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, District of West Tennessee, and Army of the Tennessee to March, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Army Tennessee, to July, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, District of Corinth, to September, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, District of Corinth, to October, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, District of Corinth, to November, 1862. 2nd Brigade, District of Corinth, 13th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of the Tennessee, to December, 1862. 2nd Brigade, District of Corinth, 17th Army Corps, to January, 1863. 2nd Brigade, District of Corinth, 16th Army Corps, to March, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 16th Army Corps, to September, 1864. Unattached, 3rd Cavalry Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to November, 1864. Unattached, 3rd Division, Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi, to July, 1865.

SERVICE.--Duty at Cairo, Ill., till September, 1861. Expedition to Paducah, Ky., September 5-6. Occupation of Paducah September 6, and duty there till February, 1862. Skirmish at Saratoga and Eddyville, Ky., October 26, 1861 (Cos. "B," "H" and "I"). Demonstration on Columbus, Ky., November 7-9. Reconnoissance to Fort Henry, Tenn., January 15-25, 1862. Operations against Forts Henry and Heiman February 5-6. Investment and capture of Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 12-16. Expedition to Clarksville and Nashville, Tenn., February 22-March 1. Moved to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., March 1-10. Battle of Shiloh, Tenn., April 6-7. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. Duty at Corinth till March, 1863. Battle of Corinth October 3-4, 1862. Pursuit to Ripley October 5-12. Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign November and December. Reconnoissance to Tupelo, Miss., December 13-19. Expedition to intercept Forest January 2-3, 1863. Regiment mounted March 15, 1863. Dodge's Expedition to Northern Alabama April 14-May 8. Burnsville April 14. Dickson and Lundy's Lane April 17. Dickson Station April 19. Rock Cut, near Tuscumbia, April 22. Florence April 23. Tuscumbia April 23. Town Creek April 28. Expedition from Burnsville to Tupelo, Miss., May 2-8. Tupelo May 4. King's Creek, near Tupelo, May 5. Expedition from Corinth, Miss., to Florence, Ala., May 26-31. Florence May 27-28. Hamburg Landing, Tenn., May 30. Moved to Pocahontas, Tenn., June 3. Expedition to Ripley, Miss., June 8-9. Raid to Ripley and New Albany, Miss., June 13-14. Forked Deer Creek and Orizaba June 13. Operations in Northwestern Mississippi June 15-25. New Albany June 19. Mud Creek Bottom June 20. Rocky Crossing, Tallahatchie River, June 20. Scout in West Tennessee July 8-15. Jackson, Tenn., July 13. Forked Deer Creek July 15. Scout through West Tennessee July 20-August 3. Expedition from Memphis, Tenn., to Grenada, Miss., August 12-23. Grenada August 17. Scouting in West Tennessee and North Mississippi September. Montezuma, Tenn., September 16. Bear Creek October 3. Operations in North Mississippi and West Tennessee against Chalmers October 4-17. Lockhart's Mills and Salem October 8. Ingraham's Mills, near Byhalia, October 12. Quinn and Jackson's Mill, Wyatt's, Tallahatchie River, October 13. Scouting in North Mississippi, North Alabama and Central Tennessee November. At Athens till February, 1864. Near Florence December 1, 1863. Athens, Ala., January 26, 1864. Near Tennessee River January 29. Near Moulton March 21. Near Decatur April 13. Flint River, Decatur, April 17. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May 1 to September 8, 1864. Conduct trains of 15th and 16th Army Corps from Huntsville, Ala., to Chattanooga, Tenn., May 1-5. Led advance of the Army of the Tennessee on Dalton, Ga., and scouting on flanks of army through the Atlanta Campaign, march to the sea and through the Carolinas. Demonstration on Dalton May 5-9. Snake Creek Gap May 9. Near Resaca May 10. Resaca May 13. Ley's Ferry, Oostenaula River, May 14-15. Rome Cross Roads May 16. Advance on Dallas May 19-25. Operations on line of Pumpkin Vine Creek and battles about Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 25-June 5. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Operations on line of Nickajack Creek July 2-5. Operations on line of the Chattahoochie River July 5-12. Peach Tree Creek July 19-20. Decatur and Battle of Atlanta July 22. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Flank movement on Jonesboro August 25-30. Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1. Lovejoy Station September 2-6. Operations against Hood in North Georgia and Northern Alabama September 29-November 3. Skirmish on Cave Springs Road, near Rome, Ga., October 12-13. March to the sea November 15-December 10. Near Milledgeville November 23. Sandersville November 26. Siege of Savannah December 10-21. Campaign of the Carolinas January to April, 1865. Whippy Swamp Creek, S.C., February 1. Rivers' and Broxton's Bridges February 2. Salkehatchie Swamp February 2-5. Edisto R. R. Bridge February 7. Walker's or Valley Bridge, Edisto River, February 8. Binnaker's Bridge, South Edisto River, February 9. About Orangeburg, North Edisto River, February 11-12. Columbia February 15-17. Phillips' Cross Roads March 4. Expedition to Florence, S.C., and skirmishes March 4-6. Fayetteville, N. C, March 11. South River March 15. Averysboro March 16. Near Benton's Cross Roads March 18. Battle of Bentonville March 19-21. Occupation of Goldsboro March 24. Advance on Raleigh April 9-13. Near Raleigh April 12. Morrisville April 13. Near Chapel Hill April 15. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. March to Washington, D. C, via Richmond, Va., April 29-May 19. Grand Review May 24. Mustered out July 9, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 5 Officers and 211 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 1 Officer and 200 Enlisted men by disease. Total 417.

SOURCE: Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1047-8

Medical Abuses in the Donelson Army – The Truth about the Neglect of the Sick and Wounded

{Special Correspondence of the Cincinnati Gazette}

SAVANNAH, Tenn., March, 31.

There has been some public complaint of the medical management in this District, and subsequent Congressional inquiry, finally abandoned “for want of facts.”

Let me furnish a few facts. I propose to state nothing except what I am prepared to prove, by abundant testimony, before any committee of investigation, Congressional or otherwise.

Surgeon H. C. Hewitt, of New York city, (a person who has at some time, I believe, had some sort of connection with the regular army,) has been, by virtue of the date of his commission, the Medical Director of Gen. Grant’s army, at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, and up to this point, in the Southern campaign. To the miserable incompetency and inefficiency of this man are traceable nearly all the abuses and neglects in the medical departments here that have been such fruitful sources of just complaint.

Take this as Surgeon Hewitt’s opening performance. It occurred at Paducah, before the advance up the Cumberland.

A private of the Ninth Illinois, who had been shot through the shoulder on one of the reconnoitering expeditions from Paducah, was bro’t into the hospital, four days after the wound had been received. Examination showed that the ball had passed through the pectoral muscle, shattered the bone, and injured the main artery of the arm. The parts were very much swollen and inflamed. Dr. Hewitt began by passing his fingers, unoiled, entirely through the wound thus causing the most exquisite pain, and almost throwing the unfortunate soldier into spasms. Subsequently the artery commenced bleeding very copiously. Dr. Hewitt undertook to tie it up, and instead of the artery, succeeded in tying up the nerve. Fifteen minutes afterward the soldier was dead. The doctor then got drunk, went reeling through the streets of Paducah in a state of beastly intoxication,, finally fell into a mud-hole in the main thoroughfare of the city, lost his spectacles, covered himself with filth, and wound up by being placed under arrest by Gen. Smith.

At Fort Henry, His courtesy to the captured rebel surgeons was in such marked contrast with his rudeness to those of our own army, as to provoke some comment. Offended at this, he denounced everybody that objected to his course as a d----d mobbite and no gentleman, and declared with emphasis – directing his remarks to Division Surgeon Fry, brother of the gallant Col. Fry of Kentucky, who distinguished himself in Zollicoffer’s defeat at Cliff Creek – that “if any man there dared doubt the honor and chivalry of Tilghman and his companions, he would challenge him to fight a duel.” Altercation followed, which ended in his calling Dr. Fry a liar, and in Dr. Fry’s promptly knocking him down.

No official notice was taken of the affair, except that Dr. Hewitt, without giving Dr. Fry any notice, selected a military commission, composed of one Missouri and two Illinois Colonels, to investigate it. He had the witnesses summoned himself, and of course made the best showing he could. The Missouri member of this self-selected jury of his at once gave verdict that the Medical Director should be stripped and required to endure thirty blows from Dr. Fry’s cane! The others agreed that Dr. Fry had only erred in waiting too long before resenting the insults but finally decided that Dr. Hewitt should present a written apology to Dr. Fry for insulting him and [that then] Dr. Fry should hive him a written apology for [striking] a superior officer. Dr. Fry refused to do anything of the kind, and there the matter rested.

I may as well add the fact – of little importance in itself, but showing the nature of the man – that some weeks afterward the Medical Director of our “grand army” was again knocked down, this time by a Second Lieutenant, for claiming some forage that he had no manner of claim to, and trying to interfere with the rightful owner in taking it away. As before, nothing further was heard of it.

At Fort Donelson, the Medical Director ordered surgeons to accompany their regiments into the midst of the battle, and yet forbade them to perform any operations on the field. Some surgeons having violated his orders, and by timely operations saved the lives of wounded soldiers, he rebuked them bitterly for their disobedience, telling them it was [their] duty to send back their wounded to him. What [other object] he had in breaking the custom by sending [his] surgeons into the fight, is not apparent.

Out of the numerous just causes for complaint, after the battle, one or two may be selected.

The day of the surrender, when his service were more urgently needed than at any other time, he again got drunk – so drunk as to be unable to walk without staggering, much less to perform surgical operations. He was seen in this condition by hundreds of soldiers and officers, including at least one Major General.

A large number of the wounded, together with many who had become sick from the effects of the terrible exposure and the excitement, where put aboard the steamer, Thomas E. Tutt. This steamer the Medical Director sent down to Mound City, without a Surgeon or assistant on board, and with the sick and wounded absolutely dependent on the charity of accidental passengers for nursing and medical attendance.

Much needless suffering grew out of the Medical Director’s unwillingness to give any information to Brigade and Regimental Surgeons, inquiring after their wounded and seeking to wait upon them. On this point I happen to give this extract from the report of one of the three Division Surgeons.

“The Surgeons of this Division generally complain of discourteous treatment on the part of Medical Director H. C. Hewitt, when manifesting an earnest solicitude for the wounded, and making inquiries as to the time and manner of their removal, and their ultimate destination, the Surgeons were rudely and offensively repulsed, without the desired information. They also complain that in the exercise of arbitrary power, they were deprived of the privilege of attending their own men, or dressing their wounds, when taken to the boats. The report of such conduct is to me a matter of deep regret, and against it I beg leave to protest.”

A subsequent portion of the same report expresses the fear that the mortality would be greatly and needlessly increased, (we all know how sadly the fear became a reality,) by sending of, on crowded steamboats, patients on whom amputations or other severe operations had been performed, where the hurry of moving, the displacement of dressings, and the pain of the incessant jarring, must add fearfully to their dangerous condition. There were plenty of good houses that might have been taken for hospitals for these men; there was abundance of surgical and, volunteer as well as from the officers; nurses could have been detailed to any extent required; there was no danger from the enemy; and in short, there was no excuse for the virtual murder of these wounded heroes, save the Medical Director so commanded.

There were other glaring cases, in which Surgeons who had little or no sickness in their regiments, asked permission to wait on their own wounded, so long as they were kept at Donelson, and were surlily [sic] refused and ordered back to their regiments; but enough has been given to illustrate the character of the medical management after our great victory.

After the present expedition up the Tennessee had begun, there was a great deal of sickness among the men, caused by their privations, lack of air, exercise, opportunities for bathing, cooking and the like on board the transports. The arrangements for some of the sick were miserable. Appeals to the Medical Director, and descriptions of the suffering of their sick by the surgeons elicited only the response, which I give word for word as he repeated the expression to different parties: “What of it? What’s the use of complaining? What did soldiers enlist for but to sicken and die and be killed?” And that as an answer to just complaints of neglect to our sick soldiers, from the Medical Director of one of the largest armies we have in the field!

At this time, when the sickness incident to a change of climate is at its hight [sic], there are divisions in our army almost absolutely destitute of the commonest medicines for the prevailing diseases. The depots at the headquarters of the Department in St. Louis are doubtless crowded with ample medical stores, but of what avail are they to the poor fellows dying her on the banks of the Tennessee? It is the duty of the Medical Director to have the proper supplies issued – Take this chance conversation I chanced to hear between a regimental surgeon and his surgeon of Division as an illustration of how the Medical Director performs his work.

“Pneumonia is very prevalent in our regiment. I want some medicines for it.”

“We have none. The medical director pays no attention to my requisitions.”

“Can’t you give me some syrup of squills?”

“I have none. Sent in requisitions for it long ago, but they are unnoticed.”

“Let me have some ipecac.”

“I have none.”

“Some opium or some of the fluid extracts.”

“I have none.”

“Diarrheas and dysenteries are very common. Can you let me have some morphia, or tannin, or kino?”

“Of one I have a very little, of the rest none at all.”

“Can you give me some quinine for our intermittents?”

“I have none.”

“Some Stimulants?”

“I had none, till to-day I succeeded in getting a barrel of common whiskey from a commissary.”

I do not mean to say that there was not the profusest abundance of all these things somewhere – perhaps in purveyor’s boats not three miles off – but I do say, that after repeated requisitions on the medical director, he left one entire division, as indicated above, destitute of the commonest remedies for the three commonest diseases of the camps.

As illustration of the way the Medical Director has been discharging other portions of his duty, take the following: A “sick leave” was granted to Assistant Surgeon Crane, of the Second Illinois Cavalry, and forwarded to the Medical Director through the proper channels, for approval. He indorsed it, “From the within it would appear that Dr. Crane is too ill to perform his duties. Service in the field now requires vigor, and I therefore recommend Dr. Crane to resign.”

Another sick-leave was granted to Surgeon Austin of the 23rd Indiana, drawn up in precisely the same terms, giving precisely the same reasons for granting the leave, and forwarded to the same Medical Director. He promptly approved it. And more: After remaining at home some time Dr. Austin returned and tendered his resignation, assigning as a reason, that his diseases would permanently disable him from discharging the duties of a Surgeon in the army. The Medical Director, after having recommended the Surgeon to resign because he asked for a short leave, prevailed upon the other, who had returned from a sick-leave convinced that he ought to resign, not to carry out his determination, promising him that he should be relieved from field service and given some easy place at a post hospital. The promise was fulfilled, and Dr. Austin is at Paducah, while his regiment is here without either surgeon or assistant.

The secret of the different action in the two cases is supposed to be that one doctor is a favorite with the Medical Director, and the other is not; but it remains to be decided how far such extraordinary conduct is in accordance with official oaths, common honor, or plain duty to the army.

I might fill columns with such details, might tell of brutality to parents looking for wounded sons, and and [sic] insult to surgeons who earnestly wanted to do their duty, but surely I have given enough.

Only let me add this Medical Director has on three or four occasions, each time in the presence of numerous witnesses, expressed this sentiment in almost precisely these words: “The Union is gone. It can never be reconstructed, and I don’t want it to be. I think and hope that our difficulties will crystallize into a strong military despotism, instead of our present form of government, and I hope to be fortunate enough to be one of the crystals.”

There are pictures, studiously drawn in neutral tints, which are all the more effective from their very lack of coloring. I have sought to make this simple recital such a picture. It were easy to make the facts above presented, and weave them into the bitterest of invectives against an incompetent, inefficient and unfaithful officer in the most responsible of positions. I have not thought it necessary. The facts are ample of themselves. Only let those who have control in these matters remember that we are here, if not the largest, certainly the second in size of all our national armies, with the enemy’s best General and his most formidable force hardly two day’s march from us; and that at the head of the surgical department for this army, so soon expecting to be engaged in the decisive contest of the war, we have an officer notorious for stupid blunders, cold-blooded neglect of the wounded, expressed disloyalty, and drunkenness when most needed on the field.

I have only to add, that for every statement made above I have chapter and verse, date and place, and names of witnesses.

AGATE.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 1

Battle of Pittsburg Landing - Report of Brig. Gen. Tuttle

Headquarters 1st Brigade 2d Div.,
Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., April 10, 1862

BRIG. GEN. J. McARTHUR, COMMANDING 2D DIV. – General: I have the honor to report the part taken by the 1st Brigade in the action of the 6th and 7th, as well as such other regiments and corps as were under my command during the engagement.

On the morning of the 6th I preceded with my Brigade, consisting of the 2nd, 7th, 12th and 14th Iowa Infantry, under the direction of Brig. Gen. W. H. L. Wallace, and formed line on left of His Division. We had been in line but a few moments when the enemy made their appearance and attacked my left wing, (12th and 14th Iowa) who gallantly stood their ground and compelled the assailants to retire in confusion. They again formed under cover of a battery and renewed the attack upon my whole line, but were repulsed as before. A third and fourth time they dashed upon us, but were each time baffled and completely routed. We held our position about six hours, when it became evident that our forces on each side of us had given way so as to give the enemy an opportunity of turning both our flanks. At this critical juncture Gen. Wallace gave orders for my whole Brigade to fall back, which was done in good order. The 2nd and 7th retired through a severe fire from both flanks and re-formed, while the 12th and 14th, who were delayed by their endeavors to save a battery which had been placed in their rear were completely surrounded and cut off, and compelled to surrender. In passing through the cross fire Gen. Wallace fell mortally wounded, and as you was reported wounded, and Capt. McMichael informing me that I was the ranking officer, I assumed command of the Division and rallied what was left of my Brigade, and was joined by the 13th Iowa, Col. Crocker, 9th Ill., Col. Mersy, 12th Ill., Capt. Stephenson, and several other fragments of regiments, and formed in line on the road, and held the enemy in check until the line was formed which resisted the last charge, just before dark of that day.

On Monday morning I collected all the Division that could be found, and such other detached regiments as volunteered to join me, and formed them in column of battalion, closed in mass, as a reserve for Gen. Buel [sic], and followed up his attack until we arrived near the position we had occupied on Sunday, where I deployed into line in rear of his forces, and held my command subject to his order. The 2d Iowa and 12th Ill. Were called on at one time. The 2d was sent to Gen. Nelson’s Division and was ordered to charge bayonet across a field on the enemy, who were in the woods beyond, which they did in the most gallant manner, the enemy giving way before they reached them. The 7th Iowa under orders from Gen. Crittenden charged and captured one of the enemy’s batteries, while the 13th Iowa rendered Gen. McCook valuable service near the close of the engagement.

On Tuesday, the 8th, when our forces were again called to arms, I called out the 2d Division, and all obeyed the call with alacrity except Col. Crafts J. Wright of the 13th Mo., who refused to obey orders and did not make his appearance during the day. The Division remained on the field all day and were ordered to return to camp after dark. The officers and men under my command behaved nobly and gallantly during the whole time, with the exception above named. The officers deserving special mention in this report are so numerous that I will confine myself to field officers alone. Lt. Col. Baker of the 2d Iowa, Lt. Col Parrott and Maj. Rice of the 7th Iowa, Col. Woods of 12th Iowa, Col. Shaw and Lt. Col. Lucas of the 14rh Iowa, particularly distinguished themselves for bravery and ability on the field. Col Crocker of the 13th Iowa, although not under my command originally, was attached to it on Sunday evening and remained with my Division until Monday evening. He proved himself to have all the qualities of a good and efficient officer, and was prompt to duty when the enemy was to be met. Col. Mersy, 9th Ill., also proved himself a brave and efficient officer. Col. Morton commanding 2d Brigade, and Col. Baldwin 3d Brigade, on the last day turned out their Brigades promptly and marched in column in the outposts. Col. Wood of the 12th Iowa was twice wounded, and when the enemy was driven back on Monday he was recaptured and is her unfit for duty. Appended I send you a list of the casualties of the Brigade only, as others will report directly to you.

Very Respectfully,
Your obt. Servt.

J. M. TUTTLE
Col. Commanding 1st Brigade 2d Div.

– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Tuesday, April 22, 1862

NOTE: The casualty lists are lengthy and will appear in separate blog posts:
· Killed Wounded and Missing of the 2d Iowa Infantry

Latest from Grant’s Army

Special Dispatch to Chicago Tribune

CAIRO, April 15 – M., 1862

Auditor Dubois and Gen. John Cook, of Springfield, left Pittsburg on Saturday, by mail packet Van Patten, and arrived here this morning. General Cook is unwell and going home to recruit his health. From them and from others we learn additional particulars.

Gen. Hurlburt [sic] lost, out of 7,000 men, in killed wounded and missing 1,983. He had a splendid army, choice troops, who fought like Turks. Lieut. Col. Tupper of Decatur was killed.

Colonel Bane, of the 50th Illinois, is dangerously wounded. Lieutenant Col. Phillips is also dangerously, and Colonel Morley slightly.

When the Illinois 11th were mustered on Monday morning they could bring but 45 men into the field. The 9th Illinois (Paine’s old regiment) mustered only 200 effective men, Col. Fry’s regiment were the only Illinois boys that acted badly. They had never been in action before.

The battle was stayed on Sunday by the gunboats and heavy siege guns of Matteson’s and Silversparre’s batteries, and the arrival of part of Buell’s forces.

A council of war was held by Beauregard and 11 principal Generals of the rebel army before the attack on Pittsburgh. If successful they would follow us and try to hold the Border States. If beaten, withdraw to the Gulf States with all their forces.

Van Dorn was not in the fight.

Our Cavalry was not very effectual in following up the retreating rebels. They were hindered by underbrush.

Rebel prisoners say Gen. Prentiss’ men (prisoners) were marched into Corinth in good order.

Gen. Grant was at Savannah, 8 miles below Pittsburg, when the battle opened, and did not arrive till 10 o’clock.

When our informants left Gen. Halleck was organizing the army as fast as possible, and preparing for every emergency.

SECOND DISPATCH

9 o’clock, p.m. – The following rebel officers participated in Beauregard’s council of war: Breckenridge, Bragg, Floyd, Hardee, Cheatham, the three Johnstons (Sidney, Bushrod and the Kentucky provisional Governor.)

The cause of the Sunday repulse is not definitely ascertained. The roads are now impassable from heavy rains.

General Hurlburt [sic] has discovered one of Matteson’s six 64-pound howitzers abandoned, and called on a man near by to work it. He did so, and fired and sighted sixty-five times, mowing down the enemy terribly every fire. The man was Dr. Corning of St. Louis surgeon, and inexperienced in artillery practice. Gen. Hurlburt [sic] thought him an old artillery officer.

A Federal wounded and captured in our tents, Sunday, and afterwards left when the rebels retreated reports Beauregard making a strong speech Sunday night to his officers and men. He assured them that they would make an easy prey of us on Monday; exhorted them to be brave, cool and self possessed; bed them injure nothing they had taken as booty, for it would all be needed in the rapid marches they were about making in pursuit of the federals, who might escape. Rebels taken prisoners on Monday confirm this statement.

Brigadier Gen. Johnston [sic], rebel provisional Governor of Kentucky is killed, and his body is at Paducah.

Different accounts agree in making the rebel force at Corinth estimated from 75,000 to 130,000 of whom 65,000 to 70,000 were in action. Our forces was 45,000 in action.

The Hiawatha brought down 260 wounded to Mound City, to-day at noon. An adequate supply of transports lying at Pittsburgh have been loaded with the wounded ready to come. Some go to Cincinnati.

The Cincinnati Sanitary Commission did nobly in relieving the wounded; so did those of St. Louis.

Orders were found on Gen. A. S. Johnston from Jeff. Davis to press on and attack Grant on Wednesday before Buell would join him by Thursday. Bogus Governor Johnston [sic] of Kentucky, said he did not want to live, as the Confederacy was ruined. He did not want to see it.

Gen. Ruggles was killed. Bushrod Johnston [sic] is also reported dead.

– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday April 19, 1862

Statement Of Major McDonald, Of The 8th Missouri, Who Was In The Battle

Statement of Major McDonald, Of the 8th Missouri, Who Was In the Battle

Major John McDonald, of the Eighth Missouri, arrived here on yesterday afternoon, direct from Pittsburgh Landing, having left the battle field on Wednesday evening.

He says the Eighth was in the fight on Monday, only lost six or eight killed, and about twenty-five wounded, none of the officers being hurt. He confirms the Killing of Gen. A. S. Johnson [sic], as was told by one of the prisoners, a confederate Lieutenant, that Gen. Bushrod Johnson, who escaped from Donelson, was also killed. All reports about the wounding of Gen. Beauregard, he thinks are unreliable. An officer of the New Orleans Creole Battalion who was taken prisoner, says that Beauregard, who was then commander, made them a speech on Saturday, before the battle, in which he told them that the result was a sure thing, they could not fail, they would capture Grant and his army, then whip Buell, and by this means hold all their railroads. If they lost the day he told them they might as well lay down their arms and go home.

Lieut. Co. J. F. St. James, of the 13th Missouri, was killed; also Lieut. Col. Gerber of the Twenty-fourth Missouri; also Lieut. Col. or Major Kilpatrick, of one of the Illinois regiments. The Ninth Illinois suffered very severely.

The story of the escape of Gen. Prentiss is not true. He and the greater part of his brigade, probable, 3,500 men, were taken prisoners early in the fight on Sunday.

Gen. Grant was at Savannah on Sunday morning and hearing the firing made his way to Pittsburg in all haste, and got on the field about 11 o’clock A. M. In the action on Monday he was considerably hurt in one of his legs by being crushed against a tree.

The gunboats did fine work and probably saved our army from total disaster on Sunday. – They were placed up the stream where they could have full sweep of the rebel lines, and did a great deal of disconcert and keep back the enemy. All Sunday night they kept up a slow fire which harassed the rebels very much.

The beginning of the fight on Sunday morning was a complete surprise, many of our officers and soldiers being over taken in their tents and either slaughtered or taken prisoners. Some of the companies scattered into the ravines and hallows, and could not be got out, either by expostulations or threats. When the line was at length formed to resist the attack, it was done without much regard to company or regiment. By night the rebels had driven our army entirely out of its camps, and was in full possession of tents, equipage and everything.

So well satisfied were they of their days work, and so confident of the morrow, that they destroyed nothing. They got six of our batteries, all of which were recaptured the following day, and about forty of their cannon taken. Our lines on Sunday night were drawn around the landing in a semi circular shape, protected on all sides by our cannon; [but], if they had been hard pressed after dark by the rebels they would have been penetrated, and our entire army overcome.

The arrival of the reinforcements was very cheering; the rear landing and drawing up in good order and proceeding at once to the front, where they were fresh “cocked and primed” for the fight on Monday. The reinforcing divisions were Generals Nelson’s, Crittenden’s and McCook’s. On Tuesday Generals Wood’s and Thomas’s divisions also of Buell’s army came up.

The Fist Missouri artillery, Major Cavender, did splendidly losing no officers or guns.

Major Gen. C. F. Smith was not in the fight at all, but lying sick at Savannah, and not able to get out of his bed.

Our forces at Pittsburg on Sunday morning, were not over thirty-five thousand men. The enemy’s could not have been less than 90,000 men. One of the rebel prisoners, a quarter master, told Major McDonald that not less than ninety thousand rations were issued before they left Corinth.

Bowen’s brigade was heard from. Two or three of the prisoners belonged to it, but the Major, though he tried to see them was unsuccessful.

The second day’s fighting was not half so desperate as the first. The rebels soon gave way before our fresh troops, and were pursued with great slaughter. The pursuit was not continued far. A few miles beyond our lines, towards Corinth, there was a large creek very much swollen by the rains; the bridges of which the fugitives destroyed after them.

It rained very hard during Sunday Monday and Tuesday nights.

Major McDonald thinks Beauregard is not prepared to make a stand at Corinth and if pushed will retreat south as far as Jackson, Mississippi.

About four hundred of the wounded came down with Major McDonald on the steamer Commodore Perry to Paducah, and the others went up to Evansville. The Minnehaha would soon be down with the wounded.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862