Diary of Private Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, January 27, 1864

We have battalion drill now every afternoon, and today our regiment was reviewed by General Chambers. A division of the Sixteenth Army Corps from Chattanooga landed here last night.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 164

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, July 25, 1863

Our brigade returned to the bridge and went into camp, with Colonel Chambers in command of the entire post. Our army field hospital is located here and the convalescents are being cared for in it. Refugees by the thousands are at this place and are still pouring in by the hundreds from every direction, ahead of Sherman's returning army. It is a wonderful sight to see; they are of all colors and ages, though mostly women and children. I bought a gold pen today from the sutler for $2.00, and had the misfortune to lose it before night.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 131

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, July 10, 1863

News came that there was fighting at Jackson, Mississippi, General Sherman having pushed Johnston back to that point. Troops are passing on to the front to reinforce Sherman. News came also that General Lee was making a raid into Pennsylvania.¹ Colonel Chambers returned from Vicksburg today, and has again taken charge of our brigade. The men of our brigade are all in good health at present. The weather is hot and oppressive. No more at present.

__________

¹ This seems to have been the first news from the battle of Gettysburg — a week after the battle. — Ed.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 128

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, July 7, 1863

A high wind today ended in rain tonight. Colonel Chambers of the Sixteenth Iowa, who has been commanding our brigade, left for Vicksburg this morning to obtain release from this command in order to return to the regular army. The boys of the brigade are glad to see him leave. Colonel Hall takes charge again of our brigade. I went on brigade guard tonight. Our countersign is “Vicksburg.”

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 127

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, June 3, 1863

We lay still again today, but all improved their time cleaning up their accouterments. We drew two days' rations, which relieved our hunger. We received orders to march early in the morning. Colonel Chambers returned from the North today. He is to take command of our brigade, a thing a great many of the boys were sorry to learn.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 119-20

16th Iowa Infantry Correspondence

CAMP NEAR PITTSBURG, Tenn.,

May 4, 1862.

EDITOR GAZETTE. – I have been intending to write to you for some time, but our frequent moving, sickness, &c., have prevented.  Even now there is no certainty that a letter commenced will be finished at one writing or in the same camp, even if it take[s] only an hour to write it.  Our marching orders are sudden, and the brief interval is a busy time of preparation.  At all times we have to be prepared for a battle, and generally with rations cooked ahead.  The battle will be daily or hourly expected until it happens, unless we should get news of Beauregard’s retreat, something we do not expect.

A little over a week ago we were in camp thirteen miles from our present location.  An order to move received after dinner, a dismally rainy afternoon, took us four miles away through mud and mire to supper.  We left a beautiful camp, but located in one even more lovely, we occupy the left, the 15th next, 13th next and the 11th on the right, Col. Crocker of the 13th commanding the brigade – (these are the regular positions of the regiments of the brigade in camp.)  Had a brigade inspection, by Inspector Gen. Judah, and our regiment was probably more complimented than any other.

On the 29th our brigade was ordered to march with all the ammunition we could carry, and two day’s rations.  We started in the afternoon, with the prospect of a fight ahead, Lieut. Col. Sanders in command of the 16th, Col. Chambers being absent for some days, with the intention of staying perhaps a month, on business connected with his old government duties.  We marched eight or nine miles and after dark we halted in the woods, where we slept on the ground without covering, in the old style.  In the morning we marched about a mile farther, halted, and soon about faced and marched back to our own camp.  Gen. Wallace’s cavalry attacked Purdy, and we were sent out to support him, and make a reconnoissance.  But he took the place without our aid, and destroyed a long railroad bridge and another property used by the rebels – a serious disaster to our butternut breeched friends.

April 30th, we had our regular inspection and muster for May.  The “pay” has not yet turned up, however.

May 1st, We again struck our tents, and made another move of four miles towards the advance, and in such a lovely place we felt an inward conviction it could not long be enjoyed by us.  Here we received notice that our Division (6th) had a new commander, Gen. McKean being transferred to the first division, and Gen. T. W. Sherman (Port Royal and “Sherman’s Battery” Sherman) commanding our division.  He is reported a splendid officer.

My 3d, yesterday we again moved our camp, taking a five mile step in the advance.  This time the 16th landed with its tents in the middle of a wheat field, far different from the rare forest beauties of our other camps.  The wheat is about a foot high and moderately thick.  The planter is doubtless with the rebel army.  At all events as there are tents scattered all over the immense field, the crop will be effectually blasted.  This country is sparsely settled, and but little cultivated.  It is a beautiful region, but soil generally poor – yet good enough to produce will under free culture.  Whether our camp is in Tennessee or Mississippi, I do not know.  It is certainly very near the line, and about seven miles from Corinth.

Yesterday afternoon there was heavy artillery firing several miles off, and for an hour or two we expected to be called to march and mingle in the strife.  The roar of guns finally died away, and the cause remains yet unexplained to us.  At night we were ordered to provide four days rations, and may any hour be ordered to march leaving our tents behind.

Yesterday, our regimental commander commenced “stripping” us for a fight or quicker marching.  Each company left behind two or three of its five Sibley tents, one of the two officers’ tents, and all the “property” that could be spared, the hospital and extra commissary stores, bed ticks, extra blankets and sick.  Although we have not so large a sick list as a week ago (about one hundred off duty now) yet the sick have been a great incumbrance, and their frequent removals over these very rough roads have been anything but beneficial.  Every regiment has a train of convalescents straggling in its rear when changing camps, with the bed confined to follow in ambulances and wagons.  Yesterday our sick were sent to the river hospital, excepting those likely to be ready for duty in a few days.  This will greatly relieve us, and be better for them.  Several of our officers are sick, and this morning Capt. Smith, of Co. A, will be sent to the hospital, where he out to have been days ago.  He is the “noblest Roman of all,” did his whole duty in the battle, and has been the most eager for another fight.  The prevailing sickness is diarrhea, and it seems uncommonly difficult to control.  Mere astringent medicines will not do it in most cases, but the cause has to be struck at.  The 15th has about two hundred on its sick list, and ever regiment has a pretty large list.  There are however, but few deaths.  Several have died in our regiment, and among them is the old drummer, Mr. Russell, of Boone county.  He was 78 years old, and was a drummer in the war of 1812.  He had not been well since we left Camp McClellan, and here he got the diarrhea which in a few days carried him off.

A letter in the Lyons Mirror has created great indignation among our men and officers, from Clinton Co. especially.  Speaking of the battle the writer (suspected to be an officer most ridiculously bepuffed in the letter) says the 15th did not leave the field until the 77th Ohio and the 16th Iowa had retired.  Now the fact is, the 16th did not leave till that identical 15th flag sent home to the State Historical Society with several holes in it, had gone from the field, and the most of the 15th with it.  This flag had been stuck up on a stump in the battle, and was a pretty mark to shoot at, and without endangering the color sergeant or guard.  I was in another part of the field, but these are told me as facts by a number of reliable officers and men who witnessed what they state.  Our color sergeant was killed while gallantly bearing his banner, and six of the eight color guard wounded.  The 15th did not occupy the position at all stated by this Lyons Mirror correspondent, who was either not in the battle or too badly scared to notice the position of things.  Both regiments did well, and neither should, in doing justice to itself, do injustice to the other.  Both have been outrageously slandered, without cause, and both are eager for another fight to properly annihilate these slanders by deeds instead of words.

Our old friend Wilkie, the war correspondent of the N. Y. Times, is in our camp nearly every day, and is actively at work getting items in this great field of military operations.

J. B.

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

Official Report of Col. Chambers

HEADQUARTERS 16TH IOWA VOL.

CAMP NEAR PITTSBURG LANDING, TENN.,

April 12, 1862.

To the Ass’t Adjt. Gen., Army Tennessee:

SIR. – I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 6th of April, while preparing to move my regiment to the camp of Gen. Prentiss’ division, I was ordered by an aid of Gen. Grant to form my regiment on the right of the 15th Iowa, and prevent stragglers from the battle-field from going to the river.  I had just got the regiment in line when I was ordered by the aid of Gen. Grant to proceed to the right of Gen. McClernand’s division, and with the 15th Iowa, marched there and formed my regiment along the fence on the right of the open field, which was crossed under a warm fire from the rebels.  I was ordered by one of Gen. McClernand’s aids to change my position to one in the open field, and nearly at right angles to the first one.  I ordered my men to lie down in this position and seeing that they were much exposed, I, with one company took up a position nearer the enemy in the edge of the timber, and afterwards brought up the remainder of them.  They were posted here some time when the enemy charged on our right, the 49th Ohio, I think, the 15th and 16th Iowa retiring in considerable disorder, owning to the fact of their having been mixed up during the fight.  About midway from the battle-field to the river a portion, perhaps 300, were rallied by the Lt. Col. and ordered to support a battery, which they did till the morning of the 7th.  They were again formed in the rear of this battery in a short time afterwards, and remained there until the morning of the 8th.

Although not much was accomplished by the regiment they being posted so that their shooting was not very effective, and in the same position that several regiments had been driven from during the day, I have reason to believe they are entitled to as much credit as any other regiment for their conduct during the time they were in action.  The regiment was under fire for about an hour, and during that time lost 2 commissioned officers and 17 non-commissioned officers and privates killed; 6 commissioned 97 non-commissioned officers and privates wounded and 20 non-commissioned officers and privates missing.

I am sir, Very respectfully,

Your ob’t ser’t.

ALEX. CHAMBERS.

Colonel 16th Iowa Volunteers.

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

The 16th Regiment

We are asked so frequently whether we have had anything late from our brother, Add. H., that the following extract from a brief letter received from him yesterday, dated Camp near Pittsburg, April 24th, may be of interest:

“Mr. Parker, our sutler, going direct to Davenport, I send my trunk by him, that you my store it away in a safe place.  We are ‘stripping’ in a manner, for another fight. – Our regiment is going on the advance line to-morrow, and in case of any strong attack by the enemy we should be compelled to fall back, and in that event lose our baggage.  I have a satchel, in which to carry under clothing, &c., but will miss my trunk very much.  Col. C. goes away to0day, to stay a month, or twenty days at the shortest, to settle up his Government business, leaving me in command of the regiment.  I have had the diarrhea for eight or ten days, and cannot get rid of it except temporarily.  Yesterday afternoon I was sicker than I ever was in my life before.  This morning I am so weak I can hardly stand.”

The chronic diarrhea is one of the worst enemies of our soldiers in the South have to contend with, and will be far more fatal to many of them than the bullets of the enemy.  Add should either resign his position or leave until his health is recruited.  A few weeks of good nursing might save his life.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1

Official Reports of the Battle of Shiloh: No. 84. Col. Alexander Chambers, 16th Iowa Infantry

No. 84.

Report of Col. Alexander Chambers, Sixteenth Iowa Infantry (of the Second Brigade).

HDQRS. SIXTEENTH IOWA VOLS., THIRD BRIGADE,

SIXTH DIVISION, ARMY OF WEST TENNESSEE,

Near Pittsburg Landing, April 24, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on Sunday morning, April 6, while my regiment was preparing to join General Prentiss’ division, as was previously ordered, an aide of General Grant ordered my regiment in line on the right of the Fifteenth Iowa Volunteers, to act as a reserve and prevent stragglers from reaching the river. The line had been formed but a short time when I was ordered to march it, following the Fifteenth Iowa, to General McClernand’s division, whose right was giving way. At this time large numbers of men in squads were returning. Cavalry, infantry, and several batteries of artillery were met on the road without being disabled or having lost their horses or expended their ammunition. From 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., the time occupied in reaching the battle-field, we met more men returning, of all arms, than belonged to the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Regiments, but I must say, for the credit of the State of Iowa, not one of her quota did I meet.

On crossing an open field, beyond which was the position of the rebels, two of my command were wounded. My regiment was formed on the right of this field in rear of a fence. An aide ordered the regiment to be formed across this open field, which was raked by heavy fire of musketry and a part of a battery of artillery. I marched the men there and ordered them to lie down, when the greater part of the enemy's fire passed harmlessly over us. I had, however, several wounded here. From this position the regiment was ordered forward to the edge of timber, within close range of the enemy, as many of my men were wounded at the same time by both ball and buck-shot. The right of the regiment was of very little service, as they were not in a position, from the lay of the ground, to fire with much effect; but the left of the regiment became hotly engaged with the enemy, and did great execution.

For nearly or quite an hour the regiment held its ground against a much larger force of the enemy, supported by artillery, when they were compelled to give way to their destructive fire and advance or be captured. Word came down the line that a retreat had been ordered, but no such order came through me. At this our whole line gave way and became mixed up with other regiments. My regiment was rallied by Lieut. Col. A. H. Sanders to the number of about 300 and was posted in rear of a battery during the remainder of that day and night, during which time those who had become mixed with other regiments returned and reformed with those under the lieutenant-colonel, I having been wounded and struck by a spent ball in the hip-joint, which was very painful, and rendered me quite lame.

The next day the regiment held the same position in rear of this battery during the fight. I am thus particular in giving an exact account of the part taken in Sunday's and Monday's fight, as some correspondents have been trying to throw the disgrace of their own regiments’ actions on a new regiment that had never gone through the motions of loading a gun even, but notwithstanding this behaved with as much gallantry as any regiment on the field, as its list of killed and wounded will show, for the time they were engaged.

With a few exceptions all the officers and men behaved with judgment and gallantry. The field officers were particularly cool under a destructive fire and rendered great assistance. The horses of all the field and staff officers were killed or wounded, evidently showing an intention on the part of the enemy to pick off the most prominent officers. Captains Ruehl and Zettler, both gallant men, were killed or mortally wounded, and First Lieut. F. N. Doyle, a brave and efficient officer, was also killed.

The loss during Sunday's fight was 2 officers and 16 non-commissioned officers and privates killed, and 9 officers and 94 non-commissioned officers and privates wounded, and 15 non-commissioned officers and privates missing.*

I inclose a list of the killed, wounded, and missing,

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ALEX. CHAMBERS,

Colonel Sixteenth Iowa Volunteers.

The ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL,

General McClernand's Division, Army of West Tennessee.

__________

*But see revised statement, p. 104

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume X (Serial No. 10), Part I, pages 286-7

Official Reports of the Battle of Shiloh: No. 85. Col. Hugh T. Reid, 15th Iowa Infantry

No. 85.

Report of Col. Hugh T. Reid, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry.

I have the honor to report that the Fifteenth Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry from Benton Barracks arrived at Pittsburg on Sunday morning, with orders from General Grant’s headquarters to report to General Prentiss. Finding that his headquarters were some 4 miles from the Landing, I proceeded at once to report to him in person, and found a heavy fire of artillery and musketry already commenced along the lines. Orders were received from his aide to bring up my command as soon as possible, and I returned to the river for that purpose. The regiment was rapidly disembarked, ammunition distributed, and the men for the first time loaded their guns. We then marched to the heights in rear of the Landing, and formed in line of battle preparatory to an advance, our right resting on the road leading from the Landing to the field. At this time an order was received from a member of General Grant’s staff directing me to hold the position upon which we had formed, and to post such other troops as could be found about the Landing on the right of the road, extending to the bluff of the creek, emptying into the river below the Landing, in order to prevent the enemy from flanking it through the valley of this creek, and also to prevent all stragglers from returning from the battle-field to the Landing, and to hold ourselves as a reserve. The regiment was then advanced across the road to the right, so as to stop the progress of the multitudes returning from the battle-field, which could only be done by threatening to shoot them down. Some of them were induced by threats and persuasions to fall into line, but most of them had the Bull Run story, that their regiments were all cut to pieces, and that they were the only survivors, and nothing could be done with them but to stop their progress. Captain Benton [Bouton] placed his battery on our right, commanding the road leading from the battlefield to the river and also commanding the ravines to our right and left. Colonel Chambers, of the Sixteenth Iowa, formed his regiment on the right of Benton's [Bouton's] battery, resting the right of his regiment on the bluff' of the creek above mentioned. In this position we remained for about an hour, when an order was received from the engineer of General McClernand’s staff, by order, as he said, of General Grant, for the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Iowa to advance some 2 miles to the support of General McClernand’s division, on the extreme right of our lines. The advance was made, the Fifteenth leading, supported by the Sixteenth. We were led by the staff' officer of General McClernand first to the right, across a deep ravine and through thick underbrush, in a direction directly from the firing; then one of General Grant’s staff came up and said a wrong order must have been given us, in which opinion the undersigned fully concurred, and after consultation of the two staff officers the head of our column was turned to the left, and we marched in search of General McClernand’s division, his staff officer showing us the way. The road as we marched was filled with retreating artillery, flying cavalry, straggling infantry, and the wounded returning from the field. We reached an open field in front of the enemy, who were concealed in a dense wood and among tents, from which other regiments had been driven earlier in the day. Through this field the two regiments marched under a heavy fire from the enemy's artillery, and took position, by direction of General McClernand, near the tents. A regiment, said to be from Ohio, was on the field when we arrived, or came on soon after, and took position on the extreme right of the Sixteenth. The Fifteenth, which occupied the left, advanced upon the enemy and drove a part of them from their concealments among the tents and planted our colors in their midst, while the whole left wing of the regiment advanced under a murderous fire of shot and shell from the enemy's artillery and an incessant fire from the musketry. Our flag-staff was shot through and our colors riddled with bullets. For two hours from 10 to 12 o’clock, we maintained our position, our men fighting like veterans. The undersigned was severely wounded by a musket-ball through the neck, which knocked him from his horse, paralyzed for the time, but, recovering in a short time, remounted and continued in command throughout the fight. Fifteen of the 32 commissioned officers who went on the field had been killed, wounded, or taken prisoners; 22 officers and men had been killed, and 156 wounded. The Ohio regiment had left the field. The enemy were attempting to outflank us on the right and left. We were unsupported by artillery or any other regiment except the gallant Sixteenth, which had also suffered severely. It became necessary for the two regiments to retreat or run the risk of being captured, and by order of General McClernand the retreat was made. Portions of the regiments rallied, and fought with other divisions later in the day and on Monday.

Where nearly all fought with bravery it might seem invidious to particularize, but I hope to do no one injustice by specially pointing out those whose personal valor during the action came under my notice. Lieutenant-Colonel Dewey had his horse shot under him. Major Belknap was always in the right place at the right time, directing and encouraging officers and men as coolly as a veteran. He was wounded but not disabled and had his horse shot under him, but remained on the field performing his duty on foot. Adjutant Pomutz distinguished himself during the action for his coolness and courage. He, too, was wounded. Captains Kittle, of Company A; Smith, of Company B; Seevers, of Company C; Madison, of Company D; Hutchcraft, of Company E; Cunningham, of Company G; Day, of Company I; Hedrick, of Company K, who was captured in a charge upon the enemy, all distinguished themselves for their gallantry and courage in leading forward and encouraging their men. Captain Blackmar, of Company F, was wounded in the action and disabled. First Lieutenant Goode, of same company, also wounded. Captain Clark, of Company H, was not in the engagement, having been left sick in the hospital at Saint Louis. Captains Hutchcraft and Day were both severely wounded. Second Lieutenant Penniman, of Company A, and Hamilton, of Company I, were killed whilst bravely performing their duty. First Lieutenant King and Second Lieutenant Danielson, of Company H, were both severely wounded while acting well their part, thus leaving the company without a commissioned officer. First Lieutenants Studer, of Company B; Porter, of Company D; Craig, of Company E; Hanks, of Company G; J. Monroe Reid, of Company I, who, though wounded himself, continued in command of the company after the captain was disabled and the second lieutenant killed, and Eldredge, of Company K, all deserve special praise for the manner in which they conducted themselves on the field. Second Lieutenants Lanstrum, of Company B; Brown, of Company E; Second Lieutenant Herbert, of Company C, and Sergeant-Major Brown, who was severely wounded, conducted themselves well on the field. The non-commissioned officers generally were at their posts and performed their duty. The color-sergeant, Newton J. Rogers, who fought in the First Iowa at Springfield, gallantly bore our standard forward and planted it among the enemy, where it was bravely maintained and defended by portions of Company C, Company E, Company I, and Company K.

It must be remembered that this regiment had just received its arms, and that the men had never had an opportunity of learning the use of them until they came on the battle-field; that they had just landed and were attached to no brigade, and fought the enemy without the support of artillery in a position from which more experienced troops had been compelled to retire. The enemy, too, against whom we fought, the Twenty-second Tennessee and two Louisiana regiments, are understood to be among their best troops.

We have no means of learning the loss of the enemy in this engagement except from what they told some of our wounded men who were taken prisoners by them and left behind the next day, when the enemy made their final retreat, but from this source we learned that they had 40 men killed in the immediate vicinity of our colors and a large number wounded.

While we mourn our comrades in arms the gallant dead whose lives were sacrificed on the altar of their country, we are solaced with the belief that a grateful people will in after times pay a proper tribute to their memory.

To Quartermaster Higley great credit is due for the masterly manner in which he performed the arduous duties of his office on the field and elsewhere during the fight, and after it was over in providing for the comforts of the wounded and protecting the property of the regiment. To our surgeon, Dr. Davis, we are under great obligations for his energy and skill in the performance of the numerous operations rendered necessary. Assistant Surgeon Gibbon also performed valuable service in the midst of great danger on the battle-field in attending the wounded there and having them carried to our temporary hospital on board of the steamer Minnehaha. The chaplain, the Rev. W. W. Estabrook, too, for the time laid aside his sacred office and resumed the use of the surgeon’s scalpel with great success, and the wounded of numerous regiments besides our own shared in the skill of our medical staff.

Attached hereto will be found a list of the killed, wounded, and missing, making a total loss of 186.­*

H. T. REID,

 Colonel,  Commanding Fifteenth Iowa.

 ASST. ADJT. GEN. FIRST DIV., ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,

Commanded by General McClernand.

__________

*See revised statement, p. 105.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume X (Serial No. 10), Part I, pages 288-90

From Gen. Curtis’ Column

(Correspondence of the Democrat.)

CROSS TIMBERS, Ark., March 20. – Supplies, forage and provisions, having become exhausted in the region about Sugar Creek, the army made a retrograde movement march of thirteen miles yesterday to this place.  The enemy are recuperating and are probably being reinforced by the fresh troops.  We have information that a large body reached Boston mountains with the intention of attacking us again, but this may be only a strong reconnoitering party.  Our troops are in fine spirits and anxious to again grapple with the foe.  The wounded have mostly been removed to Cassville, and are doing well.

Col. Clay Taylor arrived from the rebel camp bringing Lieut. Cols. Herron and Chambers with a proposition for an exchange of two rebel captains and seventeen privates captured yesterday on Indian Creek.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 3

Dedication Exercises at the Fifteenth Iowa Regimental Monument: Shiloh National Military Park

November 22, 1906

_____

9:25 A. M.

Music Fifty-fifth Iowa Regimental Band

“America”

Address:

Major H. C. McArthur, Fifteenth Iowa Regiment

Governor Cummins, Members of the Iowa Commission, Comrades of the Old Army, Ladies and Gentlemen:

“Truth is mighty, and will prevail.”  The principle of truth, justice and right did prevail on this battlefield in 1862, and, we are happy to say, again in this year 1906, else survivors of the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Iowa Volunteers would not be present on this occasion with survivors of other Iowa regiments to recognize heroic action, pay homage for noble deed and valuable service rendered in preserving the best Government on earth. With you, Governor Cummins, and the noble people of our beloved State, we rejoice at the completion of this monument with the exact truth inscribed thereon. It is a good omen when patriots are honored and patriotism exalted. It did not, however, require this monument to convince the survivors of the Fifteenth Iowa Volunteers of the willingness and desire of our people to honor her sons who, in this, the first great field fight of the war, and up to that time the greatest battle of modern times, bore the stars and stripes in victorious conflict. Our citizens, though crowded with the busy cares of life, remember well, how forty-four years ago, the sixth and seventh of last April, armies were contending here over a principle vital to the very existence of our government; and that Iowa had eleven regiments engaged upon this battlefield who did nobly in defense of the flag. This ground is made sacred and historic by deeds of valor and sacrifice in the noblest cause — human liberty. We celebrate the achievements of patriot heroes. The nation's life had been assailed, defenders sprang to the call, ready to die that the nation might live. Although one of them from 1861 to 1865, and proud of the distinguished honor, I claim nothing unduly when I say the members of the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry Volunteers deserve the approbation so freely bestowed. What your soldiers bore of danger here, no one can adequately describe. The command arrived at Pittsburg Landing from St. Louis, Missouri, about daylight on Sunday morning, April 6, 1862; soon artillery was heard in the distance, the command, in light marching order, was hurriedly disembarked, forming line on top of the hill. About eight o'clock A.m., General Grant arrived, and while conversing with Colonel Reid of the Fifteenth Iowa, a staff officer approached in great haste, reporting General McClernand's right sorely pressed and desiring reinforcements. Colonel Reid with the Fifteenth and Colonel Chambers with the Sixteenth Iowa, were directed thither. Between eight and nine o'clock A.M., both regiments were put in rapid motion toward the point designated. The recollection of that march to this point of attack, is as vivid to my mind as if made but yesterday. We hear again the command of the officers, the roar of distant artillery and musketry; we see dashing orderlies, the rapid advance, the forming line, the charging column, the wounded, the dying, the dead. Oh, how plainly we see, in panoramic view, the scenes of that morning.

How well do we remember the discouraging remarks made by the wounded and stragglers — a very trying experience for new troops on the eve of battle. A terrible volley of musketry in advance satisfied us the fighting line was not far away.

“Hotter and fiercer grows the din,

Deeper the panting troops press in.”

 While marching through yonder field the band struck up “The Girl I Left Behind Me.” This familiar tune seemed to nerve the men to step with firmer tread, determined to do their duty when the battle’s front was reached. We were marching in column of fours, therefore unprepared to resist attack, neither thinking that —

“In these woods there waiting lay

Hidden lines of dingy gray,

Through which we must cleave our way.”

The front of the column had passed two-thirds across that field.

“Hark! on the right a rifle rings,

A rolling volley back it brings.

Crash, crash, along the line there runs

The music of a thousand guns,

Spurring the panting, steaming steed,

Dash orderlies at top of speed.”

The discharge of artillery in our very faces was the nature of our reception. We formed line of battle from the flank, the Sixteenth Iowa promptly taking position on our right, and for two hours, from ten to twelve o'clock, forenoon, these two Iowa regiments had their engagement, unsupported on the right or left by any other troops. They had been ambushed some distance back of the front general line of battle by a Confederate force which had passed through a gap in our line, which we now know existed to a damaging extent, between the left of Sherman and McClernand's right; although so unexpectedly assaulted, officers and men behaved with great gallantry. Another hath said: “Seldom, if ever, had older troops withstood the shock of battle with greater fortitude or more heroic courage than did these new Iowa regiments.”  The men were unused to war. This was their first experience in skirmish or battle. The command had received their arms but a few days before. No opportunity of learning their use until brought face to face in mortal combat with a very active foe. The blast of artillery and volley of musketry, coming so unexpectedly as it did, together with the formation in which we were moving, the wonder of it all is, the command had not been driven in utter confusion from the field. Not so, however. Under a raking cross-fire the regiment was changed from flank to line of battle; moved forward like veterans, forced the enemy from their concealments, and held this position for two hours, until, to escape capture, it was ordered to retire. The casualties of our regiment, 206, as per the revised records of Iowa, discloses the character of our engagement. The time the enemy was held in check evidences the staying quality of these Iowa boys — worthy followers of the older Iowa troops. This proved a bloody baptism for the regiment, but glorious in patriotic achievement. Officers and men counted no effort too great nor dangerous, nor sacrifice too dear while defending the “old flag.”

“How they cheered and how they rallied,

How they charged mid shot and shell,

How they bore aloft the banner,

How they conquered, how they fell.”

Nowhere on this field, nor in any other field of battle for the Union, was the honor of Iowa put in jeopardy by the action of her soldiery, and upon no field of conflict did she achieve greater honor for stalwart bravery and patriotic devotion than on this historic ground. They were battling for the unity of the nation, for the very life of the Republic.

War, dread war; here on that eventful day it was indeed a reality; it seems like a dream, yet terrible. Intervening time has to a great extent healed the wounds caused by cruel war. We thank God it is so. We hope and believe no future act will mar the beauty of the dear old flag, stain its purity or degrade its authority. It is a guarantee of protection to ourselves and children within the confines of every civilized nation on earth. Isn't such a flag, with such complete and happy protection, a precious boon? Its authority was upheld on this hotly contested ground by the Union army, and Iowa troops contributed their full share toward the grand result.

The commonwealth of Iowa believing her soldiers performed their duty here faithfully and well, have, in a spirit of magnanimity and patriotism, caused these monuments to be erected — a glorious consummation of generous desire and noble intention. This expression of their gratitude and confidence is greatly appreciated by the survivors of the Fifteenth Iowa Veteran Volunteers. It is a very great satisfaction in being fully assured, as we are, that the memory of our fallen comrades who gave their last and best measure of devotion, their lives, that the Union might be preserved, and that the deeds and sacrifices of all are enshrined in the hearts of a grateful people. We are happy in the belief that this block of granite must defy the corroding touch of time if it fully represents the lasting gratitude the people of Iowa have for what her patriotic sons did here on April 6, 1862. And now, here upon this spot made memorable and sacred by loyal sacrifice in a noble cause, to you, Governor Cummins, the members of the Iowa Shiloh Commission, and through you to the citizens of patriotic Iowa, in behalf of the survivors of the Fifteenth Iowa Volunteers, and for those whose white tents are pitched on ,”fame’s eternal camping-ground,” I thank all most heartily and sincerely for this magnificent monument, a testimonial of our good conduct, devotion to duty, flag and country in time of national peril.

Benediction:

Rev. S. H. Hedrix of Allerton, Iowa

“May the grace of our Father rest upon all. May we continue to move under the banner of the wings of His love, and all that we think, say and do be approved by Him, and all be kept in the knowledge and love of the truth in this world, and saved to an eternal home in heaven in Jesus’ name.  Amen.”

SOURCE:  Alonzo Abernathy, Editor, Dedication of Monuments Erected By The State Of Iowa, p. 207-11

See Also:

•           15th Iowa Infantry Monument: Shiloh National Military Park

•           The Iowa Monuments At Shiloh National Military Park

Alexander Chambers

WOUNDED AT IUKA

This soldier was born in New York about 1832; was graduated from the Military Academy in 1853, and was made second lieutenant of infantry. He served in garrison and frontier duty and in the Seminole War. On the 24th of March, 1862, he was transferred from captain in the Eighteenth United States Infantry to colonel of the Sixteenth Iowa Volunteers. He served in the Tennessee and Mississippi campaigns, and was twice wounded at Shiloh. He was in at the siege of Corinth; was severely wounded at Iuka; took part in the Vicksburg campaign, and on the 14th of February, 1864, was brevetted brigadier-general. He was judge advocate of the District of Nebraska from January to June, 1866, and, for a year thereafter, in the Department of the Platte. He was then transferred to the Twenty-seventh United States Infantry, and in March, 1867, became a major in the Twenty-second United States Infantry.

SOURCE: Johnson Brigham, Iowa: Its History and Its Foremost Citizens, Volume 1, p. 418

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, October 5, 1861

Our company was sworn into the United States service today, by Captain Alexander Chambers of the regular army. Four men were rejected, which left ninety in the company. Fisher was rejected because he was too short—less than five feet,¹ and Lowe was rejected because he was pigeon-toed.² I got a pass and went to Allen's Grove to see John Moore.

¹ He was taken later, however, when the need of men was greater and also because of his persistence. — A. G. D.

² Lowe feigned to be pigeon-toed, so that he would be rejected, having got chicken-hearted. The boys jeered him. — A. G. D.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 12

16th Iowa Monument: Jones' Field, Shiloh National Military Park

IOWA

TO HER

16TH INFANTRY.

MILLER’S (2D) BRIGADE.

PRENTISS’ (6TH) DIVISION.

ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE

IOWA

16TH REGIMENT INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS,

COMMANDED BY COL. ALEXANDER CHAMBERS, WOUNDED,

LIEUT. COL. ADD. H. SANDERS.

This regiment early in the morning of April 6, 1862, formed on the bluff at Pittsburg Landing and for the first time received ammunition. It remained in this position an hour, when by orders of General Grant it marched with the 15th Iowa to the support of McClernand's (1st) Division. It entered the field near Oglesby's headquarters and while passing over it was fired upon by artillery and musketry. Its Colonel commanding officially reported that the regiment formed line of battle here about 10.30 in the forenoon, and advancing to the edge of timber held that position for an hour or more, and then retired under orders. Later in the day under command of Lieutenant Colonel Sanders it supported Schwartz's battery. On Monday it was on the reserve line.

Present for duty 785. Its loss was 2 officers and 15 men killed; 11 officers and 90 men wounded; 13 men captured or missing; total, 131.

[Per the Shiloh National Military Park Monument Location System:  NOTE* The Shiloh National Military Park Commission disagreed with the Iowa Shiloh Battlefield Commission concerning the time of day this regiment was in action here. Park Historian D. W. Reed records that this regiment joined McClernand on his fifth line. That line was not formed until after 12:00 noon. Reed states that the regiment's severest action occurred between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The farthest advance of the 16th Iowa was possibly 2/10's mile southwest of this monument to a point near or in the camp of the 20th Illinois Infantry, before retiring to this place by 2:00 p.m.]

See Also:

• Dedication Exercises at the 16th Iowa Regimental Monument
• The Iowa Monuments At Shiloh National Military Park
• Official Report of Col. Alexander Chambers
• Iowa Colonels and Regiments: Alexander Chambers

Officers of the 16th Regiment

A correspondent of the Dubuque Times – in whose initials we recognize Mr. Frank Doyle, formerly a printer of that city – thus speaks of the officers of the 16^th Iowa regiment:

“In appointing the field officers for our regiment, Gov. Kirkwood made the very best selection.  Col. Chambers is a West Point graduate, a good business man, a strict disciplinarian, always at his post, perfectly temperate, and a brave officer if I can judge correctly.  Lieut. Col. Add. H. Sanders is not liked by all in the regiment, but he is really loved by every one – we love him as fondly as our lives, and he is deserving of our respect and love.  He is always attending to business, and while doing so he finds time to speak a pleasant word to everybody; no matter whether a ‘Gigadier Brindle’ or a ‘high private in the rear rank.’  When he has no particular business on hand, he is found at the hospital speaking words of sympathy and pleasantry to the unfortunate sick, or providing them with some little delicacy. – This is why we love him.  Major Purcell has been tried upon the battle field, and found to possess the qualifications for an officer.  He was 1^st Lieutenant in Col. C, 1^st Iowa, and was wounded at Wilson’s Creek.  He has recently recovered from the injury.  He is somewhat bashful, and would seem rather reserved until you become a little acquainted, when you find him one of the best natured and must sociable men in the world.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 8, 1862, p. 2

From The 16th Iowa Regiment

BENTON BARRACKS,

St. Louis, March 22, 1862.

EDITOR OF GAZETTE. – Knowing the interest of your readers in the progress of the Iowa 16^th, I will give you a few items thereof.  We left Davenport for this place last Thursday morning – weather unpropitious and mud deep.  Till we arrived at Alton, it stormed continually, generally snowing hard, and excessively disagreeable.  The boys took everything philosophically, and were in the very best spirits.  The idea of a change from their old quarters was inspiriting and nothing seemed to dampen their happiness.  The long train moved tediously slow, and those who thought about the matter feared it would make the arrival at St. Louis a night exploit, and bring with it many disagreeablities that otherwise would be avoided.

We did not arrive at Alton till about 4 o’clock Friday afternoon – along after the time we should have been comfortably quartered in these Barracks.  Our train of nineteen passenger and an unknown number of freight cars, had been divided into two trains at Joliet, (where, by the way, through the thoughtfulness of Col. Chambers, several barrels of hot coffee awaited us.)  At Alton, we found everything deeply muddy, and mingled snow and rain adding to the miserable complexion of things.  We were here shipped on to a large steamer for St. Louis, and after about an hour’s delay were off, and in a little over another hour at the St. Louis wharf.

We did not get started to Benton Barracks, about four miles off, till after dark.  The march out was very muddy, but the boys seemed almost to enjoy it.  They sung John Brown & Co. with immense zeal, while our German companies indulged in songs in their own language.  The night was pitch dark, and we stumbled our way along promiscuously after leaving the gas lights.  At 1 1-2 o’clock we arrived at the Barracks.  Excepting an occasional lantern flitting about the grounds, and here and there a flickering candle in officer’s quarters, all was the darkness of the outside fields and woods.  Here our boys came as near being disgusted as their good spirits would permit.  Entering the gate, under, the guide of some non-commissioned supernumerary, we plunged from fathomable into unfathomable mud.  An Irishman with a lantern released us briefly, and then plunged the regiment into something very extraordinary, even after our past experience, in the way of mud.  Getting us well stuck, and not being able to see six feet beyond our noses, the Lt. Colonel in command, (the Colonel having gone out in advance to make arrangements, but it appears losing his way and arriving only a few minutes before us,) became wrathy, ordered the lantern bearer as escort, and started to find headquarters, and have something done for our relief instanter [sic]. – There he found the Colonel, ascertained the quarters were all full, no notice had been had of our coming, and we might get a place in the old “wash house” of former regiments.  He captured another Irishman with another lantern, and triumphantly returned, his Wentz mare snorting with the zeal of her master.  The two lanterns marched us and then countermarched us, and then mired the gallant 16^th, Iowa’s last and best hope.  Finally, we got to a great barn of a building.  Without furniture bunks or straw.  The boys however, went in gladly, and at last piled about promiscuously, were soon asleep, the officers being the last to hunt up corners, a Muscatine Lieutenant sleeping in a manger.

This morning they were an awful muddy looking set of individuals, from the Colonel down, but just as good humored as ever. – To-day all the officials have appeared anxious to do what they could for the 16^th.  In fact, the Iowa boys stand A. No. 1 here.  There is no mistake about that, as remarks all over the camp hourly illustrate.  We have had a large number of bunks put up, and to-morrow will be really comfortable.  The officers have rooms separate from, but adjoining those of the men.  The field and staff officers have a kind of dwelling some distance from the company quarters, and I learn have got their larder filled and cooks at work.  We will immediately recommence our drill, and continue at work till ordered away, which may be any day.

It may seem strange, but in Camp McClellan there is better discipline than at Benton Barracks.  Our “guard mounting” was infinitely better done than here, and rules more rigidly adhered to.  Our reception here, last night, was simply disgraceful, whether we were expected or not.  I did not see a commissioned officer, outside of our own regiment, before I went to bed.  Two Irish sergeants were the only persons who did a thing for us.

I should have said, that in every town and village through which we passed, we were received with cheering, waving of handkerchiefs, &c.  To this our boys grew hoarse in responding.  Our sick are none the worse for the trip, and we have added none to the list, although many a 16^th slept with wet feet last night.  We have not commenced longing for home or feather beds yet.

ORDERLY.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 28, 1862, p. 2 

The 16th Under Marching Orders

Col. Chambers yesterday received a dispatch from Gen. Halleck, ordering the 16^th to be ready for marching orders.  When these men go, our camp will be destitute of troops, or nearly so, for the first time since it was established; and we think it will be a long time before as fine a regiment as the 16^th will be encamped here again.

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

Alexander Chambers

Alexander Chambers, son of Alex, and Sarah (McDougall) Chambers, born August 23, 1832, in Ellicottsville, N.Y.  He was Colonel of 16th Iowa Infantry and was appointed Brigadier General of United States Volunteers.  In 1873, he was a Major in the United States Army, and stationed at Fort D. A. Russell, Wyoming Territory. He resigned in 1887, Owatonna, Minnesota. He was married by Mr. Gilford at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, December 25, 1862 to Hannah Frances Winslow, daughter of Henry Petre & Catherine (Sawyer) Winslow, who was born on March 29, 1839 in Augusta, Maine.

SOURCE: Abstracted from David Parsons Holton & Mrs. Frances (Forward) Holton, Winslow Memorial: Family Records Of The Winslows And Their Descendants In America With English Ancestry As Far Known: Kinelm¹ Winslow, Volume 2, p. 955-6

Alexander Chambers

CHAMBERS, Alexander, soldier, b. in New York state about 1832. He was graduated at the U. S. military academy in 1853, and made second lieutenant of infantry. He served first in garrison at Fort Columbus, N. Y., in 1853-'4, and on frontier and other duty until 3 March, 1855, when he was promoted second lieutenant, took part in hostilities in Florida against the Seminoles, 1856-'7, was promoted first lieutenant, 19 Jan., 1859, and participated in the march to New Mexico in 1860. He became captain in the 18th infantry, 14 May, 1861, and colonel of the 16th Iowa volunteers, 24 March, 1862; served in the Tennessee and Mississippi campaign, 4 April to 19 Sept., 1862, having been twice wounded in the battle of Shiloh, and was promoted brevet major 7 April for his meritorious services during that action. He was present at the siege of Corinth, and brevetted lieutenant-colonel, 19 Sept, 1862, for gallant conduct at the battle of Iuka. where he was wounded severely; took part in the Vicksburg campaign, and was promoted brevet colonel, 4 July, 1863, for meritorious services during the siege; was a brigadier-general of volunteers, 11 Aug., 1863, and was in garrison at Vicksburg from August, 1863, till 1 Feb., 1864, when he participated in Gen. Sherman's march to Meridian. He was at Omaha as judge-advocate of the district of Nebraska from January till 7 June, 1866, and in the department of the Platte from 7 June, 1866, till transferred to the 27th infantry, 21 Sept., 1866. On 5 March, 1867, he became major of the 22d infantry.

SOURCE: James Grant Wilson & John Fiske, Editors, Appleton's Cyclopædia Of American Biography, Volume 1, p. 566