Showing posts with label Battle of Iuka. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Battle of Iuka. Show all posts

Sunday, June 20, 2021

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Friday, October 3, 1862

This morning ere it is light, the drums are heard, which tell us that something is demanded of the Seventh—a march and a fight forsooth. Orders for a march we have already received, but orders for a battle may be forthcoming, for these come unexpected sometimes. Rumor, which is ever busy, is circulating many things; one is that Price and Van Dorn, being dissatisfied with Iuka, are now threatening Corinth. But every one seems to be ignorant of anything hostile any where in Northern Mississippi. The Seventh is soon ordered into line, and with everything buckled and in trim, we take up the line of march towards Corinth. After going a short distance, we are ordered to move in double-quick time. This leads us to think that there is something coming this way; that will give us battle music, but who will play it, we know not. We are soon in Corinth; everything is in commotion; troops are moving, and aids and orderlies dashing everywhere. Soon we are informed that Colonel Olive, with the Fifteenth Michigan, has been driven in from Chewalla, an out-post on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, nine miles south of Corinth. An orderly is now seen dashing up the Chewalla road. He comes from Colonel Olive, and informs the General that the Fifteenth Michigan is pressed, and if not reinforced, will be unable to maintain its position now on the hill, on the line of the old rebel works, crossing the Chewalla road, two and a half miles from Corinth. Colonel Babcock is ordered forward on double-quick time with the Seventh, to reinforce him. Arriving at the scene of action, we find McArthur in command on the hill. Reporting to him, Colonel Babcock is ordered to take his position in the rebel works, forty rods to the right of the Fifteenth Michigan; the artillery being immediately to our left. Colonel Babcock now sends forward Company H, deployed on a skirmish line along a ravine beyond the abattis. Soon we hear sharp firing down there; with a sweeping power the rebels are hurled against them, compelling them to fall back, and as they come over the works, they carry with them Lieutenant Ring, wounded and bleeding, which is a serious loss to the company. It is sad to think that after he had obtained permission from the General in the morning to return to his company, that he should thus fall in the commencement of the battle; that the company should thus be deprived of its brave leader, But such are the fortunes of war; the brave spirited heroes are generally the first to go down. Before Lieutenant Ring is carried from the field, he says to his men, “I may never be with you any more," and exhorts them to stand firm for the old flag and do it and their homes honor, as they had always done on every battle-field. How sad it makes us feel to see our brave ones fall; to see our leading spirits leave us when we can illy spare them. The brave Ring is now borne back in his glory.

We will now turn to the situation. By this time it is discovered that Price and Van Dorn are in our immediate front with their entire commands, numbering about twenty-five thousand men, which tells us plainly that there will be a work of blood to-day in these woods. We now look across the abattis and behold the angry legions of the south moving towards our front in terrible array. The battery on our left, the Fifteenth Michigan, and the Fifty-seventh on the left of the Fifteenth, now open a terrific fire. At this juncture we discover a large body of rebels emerging from the timber in solid column, about forty rods to our right, moving directly across the unprotected works. The Seventh turns its fire towards them and checks them for a few minutes. This column's fire soon turns the Seventh's right flank. The enemy in our front having been repulsed by the Seventh, soon rally and are on to the breach again, receiving our fire. with a remarkable indifference. Up to this time the battery and the force on our left have been making the woods ring with their terrible thunder, but they are silent now; their cannons are still; their musketry is hushed. What means it all? Owing to the dense undergrowth in the woods we are hid from them. Colonel Babcock has not received any word from McArthur since taking his position here. The battle still rages in our immediate front. Colonel Babcock casts his eye to the rear; he looks down a ravine and beholds the Chewalla road swarming with rebels. The fact soon flashes upon his mind that McArthur, with his force, has been driven from the hill, leaving the Seventh isolated and alone. The rebels are now pressing us in the front, a column moving past us to our right, another rebel force on the Chewalla road to our left and rear, pressing McArthur hard. This is our position; rebels in our front, rebels on our right and rear, rebels on our left and rear; soon their right and left columns will meet; soon we will be surrounded if we remain here. Colonel Babcock's observing eye sees the situation of the regiment in an instant. The command is given, ‘By the right of companies to the rear.” Will we get back? Will we save ourselves by moving direct to the rear? We may; this is our only hope. The regiment moves steadily; no confusion, no panic; how like clock-work they move. We succeed in getting back ere the rebel columns meet. We find Colonel Olive's command and the regiments composing the Third Brigade, in line of battle one-half mile from the hill, where they had been driven. The Third Brigade is now formed on the Chewalla road; the Seventh on the right, with the left resting on the road, and in their order the Fiftieth and Fifty-seventh on the left of the road; and as soon as the Seventh is formed, Colonel Babcock reports to General McArthur, who had assumed command of that part of the line. By his direction we move by the left flank east of the Chewalla road, forming a new line of battle facing north. Companies I and C, under the command of the gallant Captain Johnson are now deployed forward on a skirmish line covering the front of the Third Brigade. The positions of the regiments in the Third Brigade are as follows: The Fifty-seventh on the right, and in their order the Seventh and the Fftieth. Thus is the position of the Second Division, commanded by General Davies: The First Brigade, commanded by General Hackleman, in the center; the Second Brigade, commanded by General Oglesby, on the right; and the Third Brigade, commanded Colonel Baldwin, on the left.

There is a lull now; the rebels seem hesitating. The heat is intense; no water; the men are famishing; some of the Seventh fall in their tracks, fainting and exhausted under the scorching sun.

While the men are thus suffering, we advance; the Fifty-seventh takes the lead, the Seventh follows, then the Fiftieth. Through the woods they swept with the power of a terrible whirlwind. For one-half mile they surge with a relentless force, making a fearful inroad among the rebels, but at this juncture fresh rebel troops are hurled against our flanks, compelling us to give way. That was a try. ing hour; the storm raged furiously; the woods were wrapped in smoke and flame. We fall back to our former position, and crossing the railroad, move back a short distance, where we find the Sixth Division drawn up in line of battle. General McArthur now directs Colonel Babcock to take his regiment to the rear of the Division and let it rest.

The Sixth Division advances and engages the enemy and for fifteen minutes the storm rages wildly. Generals Hackleman and Oglesby charge from the white house, near Corinth. General Hackleman falls a martyr—goes down in the sweeping tempest, and at the same time General Oglesby is badly wounded; thus we lose from the Union army two brave and noble men.

Night now lets fall her dark mantle, and the great storm is hushed. General Davies’ Division made a fearful swing to-day. During the long weary hours while his men were famishing and dying, he fought the whole rebel army and held it in cheek. Where was Rosecrans, with Hamilton and Stanly, when the Second Division was struggling as warriors have but few times struggled on this continent? They may have been where duty called. We trust they were. It may have been necessary for the Second Division to alone stem the angry current, and to-night we feel glad that we never let the old flag go down, but kept her up to gladden the hearts of many brave men as their life blood ebbed away on this field of fearful carnage.

We are ordered into camp one-half mile southeast of Corinth, near the college, but we do not remain here long until Colonel Babcock receives orders to report with the regiment to Corinth. Though the men are weary, they are soon in line. On arriving near the town, we are ordered to halt, and as soon as done the battle worn men drop down upon the ground to rest themselves; but their eyes are scarcely closed, when again the command "all in" is given, and we move to another position, and thus during the long weary night we are kept moving from one place to another; and, in consequence, there is no sleep for the tired and almost exhausted Seventh.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 91-7

Sunday, May 9, 2021

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: September 15, 1862

Company A, Captain McGuire, Company G, Lieutenant Sayles, are detached from the regiment to take charge of a battery. To-day rumor has it that the rebel army under Price is moving upon Corinth. If they come, of course we will meet and extend to them our hospitality. It is also reported that there is fighting going on at Iuka, Mississippi, about thirty miles from Corinth; there may be some truth in it. If so, ere long we may be hurled into battle.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 85

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: September 20, 1862

[W]e receive dispatches informing us that Rosecrans is engaged in battle with Price at Iuka. We are expecting every minute to move. It is now towards evening; we know that our men are struggling to-day; we know not the result; we fear that the battle has been desperate, but we hope that the old flag has not been caused to droop.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 85-6

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Sunday, September 21, 1862

It is reported to-day that Price has been beaten, and is now making a flank movement towards Corinth. Soon we are ordered to Corinth, and there we lay in line of battle all day; but no Price comes, and we return to camp in the evening. Dispatches from Rosecrans inform us this evening that he has routed Price. Praises for Rosecrans and the noble Fifth Iowa come from every one. The Illinois soldiers can ever find it in their hearts to speak words of praise about their brothers from Iowa, especially when like the Fifth who maintained such a desperate bayonet charge to save their colors from falling into the hands of the rebels. Right here we would say that the Seventh Illinois Veteran Volunteer Infantry will not soon forget the Seventh and Second Iowa, starting in the service together, fighting side by side in the assault on Fort Donelson, together carrying their flag in the thickest of the battle, camping side by side on the weary march. They seemed to each other as brothers, for brothers they were, fighting in one common cause to keep the old flag on its staff, and to-day there are men in the Seventh that would fling their coats for a fight, should they hear any one speak disparagingly of the Seventh and Second Iowa infantry. They are camped now some where around Corinth, but we do not know exactly where; however, we remember them, and we imagine when the war is over, and when peace comes back to her people, should a soldier from the Seventh Illinois Infantry meet one from the Seventh or Second Iowa Infantry, who fought with him at Donelson, it will be a congenial meeting, and if he does not treat him as a gentleman it may be marked down as a fact that he does not understand the business.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 86-7

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Major John L. Young

MAJOR JOHN L. YOUNG, of Leon, is one of the oldest practicing lawyers of Decatur County, having settled here in the fall of 1859.  Judge Samuel Farrey preceded him, and with this exception Major Young is the oldest practicing attorney of Leon.  He was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, June 30, 1833.  He removed, with his parents, John and Nancy Young, to White County, Indiana, where his mother died in 1840, and his father in 1841.  After the death of his parents he was bound out to a farmer in Warren County, where he remained until fourteen years of age, when, becoming dissatisfied with his condition, he ran away and apprenticed himself to the harness trade, at which he continued two years, when, again becoming restless under the restraints placed upon him, he left his employer and resolved to go elsewhere — in fact, had started on his journey when he was induced by a brother to return to Independence, Warren County, where he had worked.  Up to this time he had received but little opportunity for learning, the extent of his education being his ability to read a little.  It was now that he began to realize the importance of education.  He worked at anything he could get to do that would enable him to earn a penny, even engaging as a boot-black and other menial services.  But, fortunately, better opportunities were at hand for him.  The man to whom he had been bound suddenly died, and his widow, a very estimable lady, and possessed of wealth, continued to manifest an interest in him, and proposed to take him with her to Kingston, Ohio, whither she had removed.  Here he received excellent advantages, attending the academy at that place two years, and making excellent progress.  The lady desired to have him study for the ministry, but this course was not agreeable to him.  In the fall of 1852 he came to Oskaloosa, Iowa, and attended a normal school for some time, engaging as a student and teacher until 1855, when he went to Fort Madison and engaged as clerk in the penitentiary, and reading law at the same time with J. M. Reed, Esq.  In March, 1856, he went to Bloomfield, where he engaged in teaching, and also read law under the instruction of Trimble & Baker.  January 18, 1858, he was admitted to the bar in the Supreme Court, at Des Moines.  He practiced at Bloomfield until November, 1859, when he came to Leon, as before stated.  He immediately commenced the practice of his chosen profession with a young man named V. Wanwright.  This partnership was formed in February, 1860.   June 10, 1861, Edwards' Border Brigade was organized.  Mr. young joined this brigade as a private, making several raids into Missouri, going once as far as Hannibal.  He was made Quartermaster of this command, with headquarters at St. Joseph.  In November of that same year he enlisted in Company A, Seventeenth Iowa Infantry, being the first man mustered in.  He had raised twenty-six men for a Missouri cavalry company, but was prevented from taking his men out of the State, so joined the regiment above mentioned  He served as a private three or four months, then came home in recruiting service.  He was very successful in this undertaking, raising 104 in a few days.  Upon the organization of this company Mr. Young was elected its Captain, serving as such until January 20,1863, and participating in the battles of Farmington and Iuka.  At the last mentioned battle a large part of his regiment, including the Colonel, behaved in a cowardly manner.  His company and one other remained unbroken, and he was ordered to take command of what remained of the regiment on the field of battle, and he acquitted himself nobly on this occasion.  The Colonel was put under arrest, and Major Young remained in command of the regiment from that time, September 19, until the first of November.  He commanded the regiment at the battle of Cornith, where it nobly redeemed itself from the disgrace of Iuka.  For his services on this occasion he was highly complimented by General Rosecrans.  January 20, 1863, he resigned and came home.  In August of that year, having recovered his health, he raised a company for the Ninth Iowa Cavalry, was made Captain of the company, and served in that capacity until November 18, 1865, when he was promoted to Major.  This was after the close of the war, the regiment being stationed at Fort Smith, in the border of Indian Territory.  While in the cavalry service his command was principally engaged in guerrilla warfare, in Arkansas, going into Fort Smith in September, 1865, where he had command of all the cavalry at that point.  He as mustered out at Little Rock February 18, 1866.  He then returned to Leon and resumed the practice of his profession.  June 28, 1868, he formed a partnership with Judge John W. Harvey, which continued until 1869, when, through his efforts, a National Bank was secured, and he was made cashier.  He retained this position until 1871.  He then organized the People's Bank at Leon, which did not prove a successful venture.  At the termination of its existence, however, all home creditors were paid in full.  Mr. Young was then for some time engaged in traveling as attorney for Dood, Brown & Co., of St. Louis.  In 1877 he came back and re-formed a partnership with Judge Harvey, which continued until the latter was nominated for judge, in 1882, when Stephen Vargo became associated him.  The present firm of Young & Parish was formed August 3, 1883.  Major Young was married October 19, 1863, to Miss Libbie Woodbury, who accompanied her husband to the army and remained until the company was ordered to the field.  Later, with their boy, Lew, she joined her husband at Fort Smith.  Mrs. Young is a native of Michigan. Her parents, James and Susan Woodbury, were from Sutton, Massachusetts.  Their children are Lew H., Susie, Mollie, Carrie, Maggie, Helen and John Orr.

SOURCE: “Biographical and Historical Record of Ringgold and Decatur Counties, Iowa,” p. 555-7

Friday, September 20, 2013

Major General Ulysses S. Grant to Mary Frances Grant, October 16, 1862

Jackson, Tenn.,
October 16th, 1862,

Dear Sister:

I received your letter by due course of mail and expected before this to have answered one of your questions in the shape of an official report; that is the one where you ask me the part I played at the battle of Iuka. When the reports of subalterns come in I will make my report which no doubt will be published and will be a full answer to your question. I had no more to do with troops under General Ord than I had with those under Rosecrans, but gave the orders to both. The plan was admirably laid for catching Price and his whole army, but owing to the nature of the ground, direction of the wind, and General Rosecrans having been so far behind where he was expected to be on the morning before the attack, it failed. In the late battles we have gained such a moral advantage over them however, with Van Dorn and Lovell added, that I do not know but it may have all been for the best.

I have written to Julia to come down here to spend a short time. It will probably be but a short time that she can stay, but so long as I remain here this will be a pleasant place for her. — If the children have not already been sent to Covington I told her to bring them with her. In the last letter I received she said she was about sending them to Covington.

I believe you have now got it all quiet on the Ohio. I hope it will soon be so every place else. It does look to me that we now have such an advantage over the rebels that there should be but little more hard fighting.

Give my love to all at home. Write often and without expecting either very prompt or very long replies.

ULYS.

SOURCE: Jesse Grant Cramer, Editor, Letters of Ulysses S. Grant to His Father and His Youngest Sister, 1857-78, p. 93-4

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, November 1, 1862

I was on guard today. The Sixth Division received orders to march in the morning.1  We are to go in light equipment, leaving here our knapsacks and tents, which are to be put in storage.
__________

1 The Eleventh Iowa regiment was within fifty miles of Corinth for two hundred and thirty-four days, and in that time took active part in the two days’ battle at Pittsburg Landing, the siege of Corinth, two months of garrisoning and fortifying Corinth, forty-two days in fortifying and garrisoning Bolivar, the battle of Iuka and garrison duty there, the two days’ battle of Corinth and then the pursuit of the enemy and return to Corinth. During all this time Company E was with the regiment performing its full duty. The losses of our company were nine killed in battle and five dying of disease, making fourteen of the company whose bodies were laid away under the green sod. — A. G. D.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 80

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, September 21, 1862

We lay around all day in the camp which the rebels vacated. Their tents are badly torn, but the wooden bunks are in good condition. The wounded have all been cared for and the dead were buried today. A detachment of our army is still in pursuit of the rebels. Our brigade has been detailed to garrison this place and we expect our tents to arrive soon. I was detailed on camp guard this morning.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 70

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, September 20, 1862

We remained in line of battle all night and early this morning advanced in a line about two miles, when we received orders to march on into Iuka. The rebels retreated during the night, and General Rosecrans' forces are after them. We learned this morning that a battle had been fought yesterday here by Rosecrans' forces alone. When we were waiting for the sound of Rosecrans' cannon, we could not hear them on account of an unfavorable wind. The rebels attacked him and made the fight come off a day before the time set for our capture of them. The Sixteenth Iowa of Crocker's Brigade had been detached from us and sent forward, being the only regiment of our brigade engaged in the fight. Their loss was fourteen killed. The Fifth Iowa in Rosecrans' army was trapped in an ambush which was made with a battery masked in green leaves, and lost forty-one killed. The rebels were driven out and left their dead and wounded on the field. Quite a number of our wounded are now being brought into town from the battlefield. Iuka is a nice place with some good buildings. It is well supplied with good water from splendid springs. There is poor farming land around here, it being quite rolling in this part of Tennessee. The timber, mostly pine, is rather scrubby.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 70

Friday, July 12, 2013

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, September 19, 1862


Each man was ordered to have sixty rounds of cartridges, and leaving our bivouac, we marched a short distance and formed a line of battle waiting for the sound of cannon from Rosecrans' men in and around Iuka, on the opposite side of the rebels. Not hearing anything we slowly moved forward about four miles through the woods, remaining all the while in line of battle. We drove the rebel pickets in. At noon the Eleventh Iowa was on a high piece of ground in open field awaiting orders. Some of the boys started fires to boil their coffee, and the rebels, seeing the smoke, opened with a few shots from a battery of four-pounders. Then our battery of heavy guns, lying in front of us, suddenly opened up on them and soon put them out of business. But the boys put out their campfires in short order. When the rebels first opened fire upon us, I was lying on the ground resting my head upon my knapsack and a ball passed just over me, striking the ground at my left. That was a closer call than I cared to have and I did not think of taking a nap again.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 69-70

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Major General Ulysses S. Grant to Congressman Elihu B. Washburne, November 7, 1862

La Grange, Tennessee,
November 7, 1862.

NOT having much of special note to write you since your visit to Jackson, and knowing that you were fully engaged, I have not troubled you with a letter. I write now a little on selfish grounds. I see from the papers that Mr. Leonard Swett is to be called near the President in some capacity. I believe him to be one of my bitterest enemies. The grounds of his enmity I suppose to be the course I pursued whilst at Cairo toward certain contractors and speculators who wished to make fortunes off of the soldiers and government, and in which he took much interest, whether a partner or not.7  He called on me in regard to the rights of a post sutler for Cairo (an appointment not known to the law) whom he had appointed. Finding that I would regard him in the light of any other merchant who might set up there, that I would neither secure him a monopoly of the trade nor his pay at the pay table for such as he might trust out, the sutler never made his appearance. If he did he never made himself known to me. In the case of some contracts that were given out for the supply of forage, they were given, if not to the very highest bidder, to far from the lowest, and full 30 per cent, higher than the articles could have been bought for at that time. Learning these facts, I immediately annulled the contracts.

Quite a number of car-loads of grain and hay were brought to Cairo on these contracts, and a change of Quartermaster having taken place in the meantime the new Quartermaster would not receive them without my order, except at rates he could then get the same articles for from other parties. This I refused to give. The contractors then called on me, and tried to convince me that the obligation was binding, but finding me immovable in the matter, asked if General Allen’s approval to the contract would not be sufficient. My reply was, in substance, that General Allen was Chief Quartermaster of the Department, and I could not control him. They immediately left me, and, thinking over the matter, it occurred to me that they would go immediately to St. Louis and present their contract for approval without mentioning the objection I made to it. I then telegraphed to General Allen the facts, and put him on his guard against these men. For some reason, however, my dispatch did not reach St. Louis for two days. General Allen then replied to it, stating that those parties had been to him the day before, and knowing no objection to the contract he had approved it.

The parties then returned to Cairo evidently thinking they had gained a great triumph. But there being no money to pay at that time, and because of the bad repute the Quartermaster's Department was in, they were afraid to take vouchers without my approval. They again called on me to secure this. My reply to them was that they had obtained their contract without my consent, had it approved against my sense of duty to the government, and they might go on and deliver their forage and get their pay in the same way. I would never approve a voucher for them under that contract if they never got a cent. I hoped they would not. This forced them to abandon the contract and to sell the forage already delivered for what it was worth.

Mr. Swett took much interest in this matter and wrote me one or more letters on the subject, rather offensive in their manner. These letters I have preserved, but they are locked up in Mr. Safford’s safe in Cairo. I afterwards learned from undoubted authority that there was a combination of wealthy and influential citizens formed, at the beginning of this war, for the purpose of monopolizing the army contracts. One of their boasts was that they had sufficient influence to remove any general who did not please them.

The modus operandi for getting contracts at a high rate, I suppose, was for a member of this association to put in bids commencing at as low rates as the articles could be furnished for, and after they were opened all would retire up to the highest one who was below any outside person and let him take it. In many instances probably they could buy off this one for a low figure by assuring him that he could not possibly get the contract, for if he did not retire it would be held by the party below. You will see by the papers that I am on the move. If troops are furnished me to keep open my lines of communication, there will be no delays in this department. Once at Grenada I can draw supplies from Memphis, and save our present very long line.

I do not see my report of the battle of Iuka in print. As the papers in General Rosecrans’s interest have so much misrepresented that affair, I would like to see it in print. I have no objection to that or any other general being made a hero of by the press, but I do not want to see it at the expense of a meritorious portion of the army. I endeavored in that report to give a plain statement of facts, some of which I would never have mentioned had it not become necessary in defense of troops who have been with me in all, or nearly all, the battles where I have had the honor to command. I have never had a single regiment disgrace itself in battle yet, except some new ones at Shiloh that never loaded a musket before that battle. . . .
__________

7Leonard Swett (1825-1889), a successful Illinois lawyer and an intimate friend of President Lincoln, made the nomination speech for the latter in the Chicago Convention of 1860, which the writer happened to hear, and in 1887 he delivered the oration at the unveiling of the Lincoln Statue in Chicago. During the war Mr. Swett had charge of a large number of cases for the Government, earning a high reputation both as a civil and as a criminal lawyer. He said to Grant at Cairo, “We are the lowest bidders and insist upon having the contract; if not, the matter will be placed before the President;” to which the General calmly replied, “I shall buy the hay in open market at a lower rate than you offer it, and will transport the hay on your road [the Illinois Central], of which I shall take immediate possession.” Grant then added, “If I find you in this military district at the expiration of twenty-four hours, you will be imprisoned and probably shot.” Hastening to Washington the indignant lawyer laid the matter before Lincoln, who said, “Well, Swett, if I were in your place, I should keep out of Ulysses Simpson's bailiwick, for to the best of my knowledge and belief Grant will keep his promise if he catches you in Cairo. In fact, Leonard, you had better ‘take to de woods,’ as the colored brother remarked.” Mr. Swett, who in later years became one of the General's greatest admirers, and who was one of the 306 that strongly urged Grant’s nomination for a presidential third term, told this story as here related by the present writer.

SOURCE: James Grant Wilson, Editor, General Grant’s Letters to a Friend 1861-1880, p. 18-22, 114-5

Monday, March 15, 2010

Seventeenth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry

The ten companies composing the Seventeenth Iowa Infantry were ordered into, quarters at Keokuk, Iowa, between the dates January 25 and March 14, 1862, and were there mustered into the service of the United States by Lieutenant Charles J. Ball, United States Army, between the dates March 21 and April 16, 1862. The original roster of the regiment shows that it had an aggregate strength of 897 when the last company was mustered, and that additional enlistments of 61 men gave it an aggregate of 958, rank and file, before it left the state.

On the 19th of April, 1862, the regiment left its rendezvous at Keokuk and was conveyed by steamer to St. Louis, Mo., arriving there on the 20th and going into quarters at Benton Barracks, where it was provided with arms and the necessary equipage for active service in the field. With but little opportunity for drill and instruction it was hurried to the front, leaving St. Louis May 5th and proceeding by steamer to Hamburg Landing, Tenn., where it disembarked and marched to join the army then engaged in the siege of Corinth, Miss. The regiment participated in the siege operations until May 30th, on which date Corinth was evacuated, and then joined in the pursuit of the enemy. When the pursuit was abandoned, it returned to Corinth and, during the remainder of the summer, was engaged in perfecting itself in drill and discipline, and in watching the movements of the enemy, evidently making preparations to recover possession of Corinth and to drive the Union army out of the State.

On the 18th of September, 1862, the regiment marched in the direction of Iuka, Miss., and on the 19th became engaged in the desperate battle which was fought there. In this, its first battle, the regiment was subjected to an experience never repeated in its subsequent splendid service. The official report of the conduct of the regiment in the battle of Iuka was written by Captain John L. Young [see note 1]. He describes the position occupied at the commencement of the engagement; states that an order was given which one-half the regiment failed to hear and which resulted in separating the right from the left wing, just as the regiment came under the fire of the enemy. This was a critical situation for both men and officers who had never been under fire, and one which demanded the most prompt, capable and energetic leadership. But one of the field officers (Colonel Rankin) was present for duty, and he was disabled by having his horse shot under him early in the engagement, plunging him against a tree and rendering him incapable of remaining in command of the regiment. Captain S. M. Archer then assumed command, but he soon fell, severely wounded. The command then devolved upon Captain Young, who was with the right wing and who urged the men to maintain their position under the heavy fire of the enemy, which they did for a time, even advancing toward the rebel line. The following brief extracts from his official report will show that the Captain and the subordinate officers who were with him made a gallant effort to stem the tide of battle:

. . . About the time I mention as having lost sight of Colonel Rankin our men retreated without any command, which caused great confusion. They had not proceeded far to the rear, however, until I succeeded in rallying them, and got them back to about where our line was first formed. ... I then went to near the right of the right wing and urged the men forward. "We had proceeded but a short distance when a tremendous volley from the enemy caused a panic in the battalion, and with all my efforts and assisted by Captain D. A Craig (who was the only Captain I saw after Colonel Rankin left the field) could not rally them until they had retreated almost to the road near the old log church. I here succeeded in stopping them, got a line partly formed and marched them forward. By the time I had got them to our former line, I had, I should think, about 300 men, consisting of the right wing of our regiment and stragglers from the Fifth Iowa, Eleventh Missouri, Fourth Minnesota, Thirty-ninth Ohio and some others. I now held them near where our first line was formed for about three-quarters of an hour . . . .


Captain Young then proceeds to describe in detail the movements which followed, to the close of the battle. He shows that, owing to the blunder of some one higher in command, the men under his command were subjected to the fire of both Union and rebel troops, which caused another panic and retreat. He succeeded, however, in again rallying the men and keeping them in line until the retreat was sounded. In closing his report Captain Young says:

It may be that the foregoing would not add much to the reputation of a regiment, but this I cannot avoid. I give you a simple statement of the facts that came under my own observation, hoping to be able to give a better account of the Seventeenth Iowa in the next engagement. It is due to Captain Craig, company H; Lieutenants Garrett and Johnson of company A; Lieutenants Rice and Snodgrass of company I; Lieutenant Hull, company E; Lieutenant Morris, company F; Lieutenant Stapleton, company C, and one or two others, probably, who were with me through the entire engagement, to say that they acted in a very brave and unflinching manner and deserve great credit. I do not wish either to be understood as casting any insinuations upon any officer in the regiment, but I only mention those whom I saw in the engagement.


Brigadier General J. C. Sullivan, who commanded the brigade to which the Seventeenth Iowa was attached, says in his official report: "The Seventeenth Iowa Regiment was without a field officer, and Captain Archer, the senior Captain, soon fell, severely wounded, when Captain Young assumed command and did his duty nobly [see note 2]." There is nowhere a word of censure of the Seventeenth Iowa in the Brigade Commander's report. The unfortunate situation in which the regiment was placed, — without a field officer, its senior Captain disabled by a severe wound at the very beginning of the engagement, the regiment separated just as it came under the fire of the enemy, its officers unskilled in war and sorely in need of a full complement of field officers to lead and direct them, — these facts were well known to the Brigade Commander and led him to overlook the failure of the regiment to measure up to the high standard of excellence of which he well knew they would prove themselves capable under more fortunate conditions. Major General Rosecrans, however, considered it his duty to administer a severe reprimand to the regiment [see note 3] He was soon to have an opportunity to do an act of justice in commending the bravery of the officers and men of the Seventeenth Iowa, and in that order it will be observed that, in again referring to the conduct of the regiment at Iuka, he uses the fitting word "misfortune" instead of the harsh and unjust terms contained in his previous order. At the conclusion of Brigadier General Sullivan's report of the conduct of his brigade in the battle of Iuka, he makes the following statement: "I enclose reports received from commanding officers of regiments, together with a list of the killed, wounded and missing of my brigade. The regiments of my brigade engaged were: Tenth Iowa, Colonel Perczel; Seventeenth Iowa, Captain Archer; Eightieth Ohio, Colonel Bartilson, and one section of the Twelfth Wisconsin Battery, commanded by Lieutenant Immell.” [See note 4.]

The tabulated returns of casualties, by regiments, and the aggregate loss of the brigade, show that the Seventeenth Iowa sustained a loss greater than that of all the other regiments of the brigade combined [see note 5]. In his history of the regiment, Colonel Clark R. Wever, referring to its conduct in the battle of Iuka, makes the following statement: "In this our first real battle, considering the stupidity, mismanagement and confusion which characterized the greater part of the engagement, the regiment conducted itself in a manner of which all engaged feel as truly proud as of any subsequent engagement, notwithstanding the opprobrium cast upon it in orders announcing the results of the battle." [See note 6.]

The loss of the regiment at Iuka was one officer and three enlisted men killed, three officers and thirty-five enlisted men wounded, and four enlisted men missing in action, a total loss of 46, while the entire loss of the brigade was but 86. That the officers and men of the Seventeenth Iowa acquitted themselves well in this battle — when the facts, as shown, are taken into consideration — must be conceded.

Darkness put an end to the conflict at Iuka and, during the night, the enemy retired from the field, thus admitting defeat. The rebel general had not abandoned his intention to make another desperate attempt to regain possession of Corinth, notwithstanding his failure at Iuka. The concentration and movements of his army indicated his purpose to renew the struggle, and the Union troops were concentrated in the vicinity of Corinth, where they awaited the impending conflict. The Seventeenth Iowa, with the Second Brigade, Third Division, Army of the Mississippi, (the same command with which it had fought at Iuka,) lay in camp at Corinth on the morning of October 3, 1862. Early that morning Captain John L. Young, who was in command of the regiment, received an order from Brigadier General Sullivan, the brigade commander, to move his regiment towards the north to meet the enemy, reported to be advancing from that direction. While this order was being executed, Major Jabez Banbury, of the Fifth Iowa Infantry, was ordered by General Hamilton (commanding the Division) to take command of the regiment. Limitation of space will not permit the reproduction of Major Banbury's official report in full, but the following extracts will serve to show the splendid conduct of the regiment in the two days' battle of Corinth [see note 7]:

HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH IOWA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS,
CAMP AT HATCHIE CHURCH, MISS., Oct. 9, 1862.

GENERAL: As directed by order of General Hamilton, I took command of the Seventeenth Iowa on the morning of the 3d instant, after the regiment had been marched about one-half mile north of Corinth by Captain Young. About 7 A. M. we were moved with the rest of the brigade to the breastworks two, miles north of town, and after changing position, company A, at about 2 o'clock, under command of First Lieutenant Garrett, was thrown out about three-fourths of a mile as skirmishers, and was engaged in a brisk skirmish of about an hour, during which time it did good service, leaving quite a number of dead rebels on the ground. Company B was also deployed as skirmishers in front of our regiment, and while out the regiment changed position, and it did not get to the regiment until the next day, after the battle on Saturday was over. This company under command of Second Lieutenant Hull, of company E, deserves great credit for the brave and unflinching manner in which it held its perilous situation until relieved. About 4:30 o'clock this regiment was placed on the extreme right of the brigade and ordered forward in line of, battle, and after marching about half a mile we were met with heavy fire from the enemy's batteries, which we found were not more than 100 yards in our advance. We also found the enemy in large force, supporting their batteries, which were three in number, and finding we were now some distance from the brigade and entirely unsupported, the enemy also having commenced a flank movement to our right, we fell back to the road and there joined the balance of the brigade. . . .


The Major describes in detail the further movements of the regiment on the firing line and in support of a battery, until the brigade was ordered inside the-fortifications, where the regiment was assigned to the duty of supporting batteries during most of the night. At an early hour on the morning of the 4th it again advanced in line of battle with the brigade, but, after proceeding some distance, was ordered to return and was given a new position on the defensive line. After taking this position, Major Banbury describes the part taken by the regiment during the remainder of the battle, as follows:

I remained in this position but a short time when I was ordered forward, just as the troops on our right were falling back quite fast, and with the balance of our brigade I marched the regiment forward to the brow of the hill, firing and driving the enemy before us. After firing and driving the enemy for probably twenty minutes, we were ordered to charge, which we did, taking quite a number of prisoners and capturing a rebel flag from the Fortieth Mississippi regiment. Corporal King, of Company G, was the first to, lay hands on the rebel colors and took the bearer prisoner and brought him to the rear of our lines.

I cannot speak in too high terms of praise of both officers and men throughout the regiment. Not a man in the entire regiment evinced the slightest inclination to shirk or fall back, and all, without a single exception, stood up to the work nobly and with an apparent determination to drive the rebels back at all hazards.

As the regiment was under your immediate observation during the entire engagement, I do not deem it necessary to mention any as deserving more mention, but will leave it for you to say whether any are entitled to more praise than that already received by this report.

I am, General, your obedient servant,

J. BANBURY., Major,
Fifth, Commanding Seventeenth Iowa Infantry.

BRIGADIER GENERAL SULLIVAN,
Commanding Second Brigade, Third Division, Army of the Mississippi.


The following order was issued by General Rosecrans, commending the conduct of the regiment in the battle of Corinth and, to some extent, mitigating his harsh and unjust reprimand upon its conduct at Iuka [see note 8]:


General Orders No. 145.

Headquarters Army of the Mississippi,
Third Div., Dist. of West Tennessee.
Corinth, Miss., Oct. 23, 1862.

The General commanding cannot forbear to give pleasure to many, besides the brave men immediately concerned, by announcing, in advance of the regular orders, that the Seventeenth Iowa Infantry, by its gallantry in the battle of Corinth, on the 4th of October, charging the enemy and capturing the flag of the Fortieth Mississippi, has amply atoned for its misfortune at Iuka, and stands among the honored regiments of his command. Long may they wear with unceasing brightness the honors they have won.

By order of MAJOR GENERAL W. S. ROSECRANS,

C. GODDARD, First Lieut. Twelfth Infty.
Ohio Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.


The loss of the regiment at Corinth was 25 killed [see note 9] and wounded, but, until the last of the engagement, it was protected by breastworks and was able to inflict heavy loss upon the enemy with comparatively light loss to itself. Thus far it had lost 71 men in battle.

The regiment participated in the pursuit of the retreating rebel army for several days, when it was ordered to return to Corinth, remaining there until November 2d, when it started with its brigade and division on the great Mississippi Central Expedition, which General Grant had organized with Vicksburg as his objective point, and which penetrated far towards the southern border of the State, but was finally compelled to turn back on acount of the raid of a large force of rebel cavalry which destroyed the immense stores of supplies which had been accumulated at Holly Springs, Miss. The return march of the Union troops was marked by great suffering on account of insufficient rations and forced marches. The Seventeenth Iowa bore its full share of the hardships of this expedition.

On the 26th of December, the regiment with its brigade and division started from Holly Springs as a guard to 625 wagons, with which they proceeded to Memphis, loaded the wagons with provisions and returned as far as Collierville, Tenn., where they were relieved by other troops who took charge of the wagon train and guarded it back to the famishing army in the rear. Until February 8th, the regiment was engaged in guarding the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. It then marched to Memphis and, on March 2d, embarked on steamer and proceeded to Grand Lake, La. On March 8th it again embarked and was conveyed to Helena, Ark.

Its next expedition — a most difficult and arduous one, conducted on steamboats—was through the tortuous windings of Yazoo Pass and on through the Coldwater and Tallahatchie rivers to the vicinity of Fort Pemberton. General Grant then changed the plan of his campaign and the regiment was ordered to return to Helena, where it remained until April 17th, when it again embarked and was conveyed down the river to Milliken's Bend, where it landed on the 26th and took up the line of march for Grand Gulf, where it crossed the river on gun boats and moved rapidly to the front. It arrived at Port Gibson just at the close of the engagement there and pursued the retreating rebels to Black River.

The Vicksburg campaign was now fairly under way and battles were frequent. The Seventeenth Iowa had been engaged in several skirmishes but did not meet the enemy in force until May 12th, when it participated in the last of the fighting at Raymond and joined in the pursuit of the enemy. May 14th the regiment engaged the enemy at Jackson and, during the battle, executed a brilliant charge with fixed bayonets. Colonel D. B. Hillis commanded the regiment during this battle and wrote the official report. After describing the different positions his command occupied and its steadiness and good conduct as it advanced under the heavy fire of the enemy, Colonel Hillis thus describes the manner in which the enemy was dislodged from the ravine in his front and the capture of the fort [see note 10]:

You then ordered me to take the ravine, which I did by a bayonet charge at a double quick, breaking the enemy's lines, and pressing him up and over the crest of the next hill. Having reached this crest I ordered the regiment to cease firing, and commanded a halt. After having rested here some twenty minutes or more, I was ordered by you to throw forward one company in front of my line as skirmishers at a double quick to investigate the brush and woods in advance. This duty I intrusted to Company H, (Captain Craig) which they did skillfully, discovering no enemy, as he had fled in great confusion, abandoning his position, camp and fort, (containing four pieces of artillery,) which the captain entered, took possession of, and held until ordered into Jackson by General McPherson. The Captain, therefore, claims the honor of having first entered the works and taken possession of the guns. . . .


Colonel Hillis concludes his report as follows:

I went into the action with three hundred and fifty (350) men, and lost during the engagement 16 killed, 60 wounded, 3 missing and one disabled by a shell, making an aggregate of 80 men, or 23 per cent of my command. ... I cannot speak in too high terms of praise of the gallantry and zeal displayed by the entire command. So well did all do their part that none are deserving of special mention, unless it be Captain L. W. Houston, who, while suffering from a very painful and severe wound through his left fore-arm, and away from all assistance, seized a gun from one of three rebels, and brought the three into the hospital; and to, Lieutenant Colonel Wever, Captain Walden [see note 11] (who commanded the left wing, and had his horse shot under him,) and Adjutant F. Woolsey, to all of whom I am indebted for their coolness and assistance, and take pleasure in commending them.


The regiment had again demonstrated the fact that it had no superior among the volunteer organizations from Iowa or any other State, and had established a battle record which would have entitled it to lasting fame had its service terminated with the battle of Jackson. It had now been in the service but little over a year, had been engaged in four battles, many skirmishes, and arduous marches, and was in the midst of one of the greatest campaigns of the war, in which the valor, fortitude and endurance of its officers and men was to be tested to the utmost.

On the day following the capture of Jackson the regiment marched in the direction of Vicksburg and the enemy. The rebel army was stubbornly contesting against the advance of the Union army, and it was evident that another great battle was impending. The wounded were left at Jackson, in charge of Assistant Surgeon C. C. Biser, who was afterwards captured and, with the wounded who were able to be moved, sent to Richmond, Va. In his history of the regiment, Colonel Clark R. Wever describes the events which transpired immediately preceding the next battle in which it participated [see note 12]:

At Clinton we were detached from the corps, and ordered to remain to do picket and personal guard duty for General Grant, who had established his headquarters there. Tired, sore-footed and war-worn, we lay down at night congratulating ourselves upon our good fortune in being allowed a short respite, while the rest of the army were still "marching on"; but scarcely had our reveille been sounded on the day following, (May 16th) when the angry booming of a hundred [sic] cannon told but too plainly that there was more work to be done. General Grant ordered us to move with the least possible delay. We were immediately in the road, and marching in quick time for the theater of operations. The dust and heat were almost insufferable, and the road in places literally blockaded with teams. Within three miles of Champion Hills, very discouraging reports were sent to the rear. Everybody concurred in the opinion that the rebels had a very decided advantage, and bid fair to gain the day. An aide to General Grant rode back to us and ordered the brigade (two regiments only being present, the Tenth Missouri, and Seventeenth Iowa,) forward on the double quick. The order was immediately given by Colonel Hillis, and the boys threw away knapsacks, haversacks, blankets and everything (except guns and ammunition,) that could impede their march; pushed forward on a brisk run, and soon reached the scene of conflict.


The regiment so greatly distinguished itself at Champion's Hill, that the compiler, at the risk of having to give more meager description of future battles in which it was engaged, gives here the entire official report of its conduct in that hotly contested engagement:

Headquarters Seventeenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry,
Before Vicksburg, Miss., May 24, 1862.

CAPTAIN: — In compliance with Special Orders No. 27, from your headquarters, I herewith submit the following report of the part taken by my regiment (Seventeenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry) in the battle of Champion's Hill on the 16th inst. I arrived in the vicinity of the hills on which the battle was being fought about 2 p. m., and without having time to rest my men (who had that day marched 12 miles through dust, and under a burning sun, with knapsacks on their backs,) was ordered forward at a double quick. I established my line at a point midway up and on the north side of the hill, my right resting on the left of the Vicksburg road, in the rear of the Ninety-third Illinois (Colonel Putnam) which was severely pressed by the enemy's massed forces. In doing this my men suffered from the fire intended for the Ninety-third. As soon as my line was formed, Colonel Putnam moved his regiment out by the right flank, and left me fronting the enemy direct, some 40 or 50 yards only intervening. This position I held under a well directed fire, which my gallant fellows returned with interest, for about fifteen minutes, when I ordered an advance, which was executed with a heroism that I am proud of. This caused the enemy to give way, but he soon rallied, and again gave way, and in this way I advanced, driving him slowly, inch by inch, from the ravines and ditches in which he had effected a lodgement, up one declivity and down another, and finally onto the summit of the ridge along which the road runs, and charged him down the slope on the other (south) side, retaking four pieces of artillery, J. F. Waddell's Alabama battery. This battery had been taken earlier in the engagement by the Eleventh Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, but this splendid regiment had again to yield it, the enemy having massed his forces against it. After this charge, I commanded a halt and rectified my line, which had been somewhat deranged. All being quiet at this moment on my front, I ran back a short distance to get a horse (mine having been shot early in the engagement) but, being overcome by excessive labor and heat, I fell by the way, and by the time I returned to my regiment, which was in a few minutes, it had made another gallant charge, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Wever, routing the Thirty-first Alabama Regiment. In this charge a great many prisoners were taken, including the colors, color bearer and guard of that regiment, which colors are now in my possession. The enemy again rallied, but by this time the gallant Tenth Missouri was in position on my right, and we gave him two more charges, which put him in perfect rout. This then ended the fight, so far as we were concerned, and, I think, entirely. My regiment then, wearied and worn, with thinned ranks, rested on their arms until ordered into camp. It is worthy of note that in this engagement the regiment charged the enemy successfully five times, under the most galling fire from musketry and shell, and over ravines, and ditches that are very difficult of passage, and which afforded him excellent protection.

In conclusion, I feel that my command did their whole duty, and are worthy of all commendation. To my Lieutenant Colonel (Wever) and Adjutant (Woolsey) I am greatly indebted for their daring and assistance during the engagement. Both of these officers had their horses shot under them early in the fight. I cannot forbear mentioning in this connection specially for great bravery First Lieutenant C. W. Woodrow, Company K.; Second Lieutenant George W. Deal, Company G.; Second Lieutenant Tower, Company B., (whose gallantry resulted in the loss of his leg); First Sergeant Evan E. Swearngin, Company F., and Private Albert G. Trussel, Company G, who captured the colors and color bearer of the Thirty-first Alabama. In the engagement I had nine companies, one company (E) having been left back at Jackson on duty. My loss in killed, wounded and missing is 57 (25 per cent of the number engaged), as per list of casualties which I send with this report [see note 13]. We captured 175 prisoners, mostly Alabama and Missouri troops.

D. B. HILLIS,
Colonel Commanding Seventeenth Iowa Volunteers.

CAPT. WILLIAM W. McCAMMON,
A. A. A. G., 2d Brig., 7th Div. [See note 14.]


On May 20th the regiment reached Vicksburg and became part of the besieging force. On May 22d it participated in the assault on the enemy's works, but, being on the reserve line, lost but seven men. The assault was repulsed and the regiment was thereafter engaged in the regular siege operations, furnishing details for the trenches and, while performing this duty, suffered slight losses from the enemy's sharpshooters. Later in the siege, however, the regiment was ordered to perform a most hazardous and dangerous service, which is thus described by Colonel Wever [see note 15]:

On the 26th of June, General Logan sent to our division for two regiments to assist in holding and defending Fort Hill, which was then mined and in readiness for blowing up; the Seventeenth was one of the two designated. Early in the afternoon the fort was blown up, and the breach held by troops from General Logan's division, until 11 o'clock at night, when we were placed in the broken parapet, which we held until 2 o'clock A. M. of the 27th, with musketry alone, while the rebels were continually hurling hand grenades (6 and 10 pound shells,) into our midst. Here we lost 37 men killed and wounded; the killed were so charred and mutilated that their friends could scarcely identify them, and the wounds were terrible, very many afterwards proving fatal.


The regiment had now lost in battle, on the skirmish line, and in siege operations, an aggregate of 268 [see note 16]. Its losses by death from disease and by discharge for disability had also been heavy, but, undismayed, it was ready to go forward in the discharge of its duty, no matter how great the suffering and sacrifice it might still be called upon to endure. On the 4th of July, 1863, the long siege came to an end, Vicksburg had been surrendered and the Seventeenth Iowa entered the city and went into camp. Here it remained, doing garrison duty, until the 9th of September.

Upon the date last mentioned the regiment with its brigade and division proceeded to Helena, Ark., and on September 29th was ordered to Memphis, Tenn. There it joined the Fifteenth Army Corps, under command of General W. T. Sherman. On October 10th, the regiment, now a part of Sherman's army, moved to Glendale, Miss., and on October 17th started on the long march to Chattanooga, Tenn. Thirty-two days later — November 19th — the army reached its destination. At 2 A. M., November 24th, Sherman's army crossed the Tennessee river on pontoon boats and took position in readiness for the impending conflict. The Seventeenth Iowa, under command of Colonel Clark R. Wever, participated in the preliminary operations on the 24th, and on the 25th of November, 1863, was in that magnificent line of battle which swept Mission Ridge from base to crest, steadily driving the enemy and performing one of the greatest achievements of the war. In this battle the regiment fully maintained its splendid record for bravery and efficiency. Its loss was 12 killed, 32 wounded and 14 missing, total 58, thus increasing its aggregate loss in battle to 326. At the conclusion of his official report [see note 17], Colonel Wever makes special mention of the gallant conduct of Adjutant Woolsey, and First Lieutenant Geo. W. Deal. November 26th, the regiment joined in the pursuit of the enemy to Greyville, Ga., from which point it returned to Chattanooga, arriving there on the evening of the 29th.

On December 2d the regiment marched to Bridgeport, Ala., where it remained in camp until the 22d, and then marched to Huntsville, Ala., where it remained during the winter and spring of 1864, part of the time engaged in guarding large supply trains, collecting grain and provisions, and watching the movements of the enemy. On the 1st of April, 1864 a large majority of the regiment had re-enlisted as Veteran Volunteers, and it now became a veteran organization in name as well as in fact. It had at that time an aggregate strength of 352 present for duty, with 127 absent, including the sick in hospitals, and those on detached service, on leave of absence and furlough, making a total of 479 still borne upon the rolls of the regiment — just one-half the number with which it had left Iowa on the 19th of April, 1862 — less than two years before.

While at Huntsville, Colonel Wever was in command of the Post. He was subsequently detailed to take command of another brigade, and greatly distinguished himself by the manner in which he defended the Post at Resaca, Ga., holding out against superior numbers until reinforcements reached him, and the enemy was compelled to abandon the siege. In the meantime Lieutenant Colonel Archer was in command of the Seventeenth Iowa, which had been moved to Scottsville, thence to Stevenson, where its division was again concentrated and was moving to join the main army at the front, when the Seventeenth Iowa was again separated from its brigade and ordered to return to Tilton, where it arrived July 2d. Here it was assigned to the duty of guarding the railroad between Dalton and Resaca, a distance of fifteen miles, except at a point near Reseca where two companies of another regiment belonging to its brigade (the Tenth Missouri) were stationed. The regiment here had a most difficult and dangerous service to perform during the remainder of the summer. This duty was faithfully executed, and trains bearing supplies for the main army continued to pass over the road until the 13th of October, 1864, on which date the little garrison at Tilton found itself surrounded by a largely superior force of the enemy and, after a most gallant and heroic defense, was compelled to surrender. Captain William Horner of Company G (subsequently commissioned Major and Lieutenant Colonel) was on picket duty at the time the enemy appeared, and, being cut off from his beleaguered comrades, escaped with the thirty-one men under his command to the forest-covered mountains. These men, with those who subsequently escaped from their captors, constitute the number enrolled upon the worn and faded but distinctly legible old war paper which lies before the compiler of this historical sketch. It is entitled: "Return of the Seventeenth Regiment of Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, Army of the United States, for the month of October, 1864." This old return is regularly made out, in compliance with military regulations. It is dated at Reseca, Georgia, October 31, 1864, and signed "William Horner, Capt, commanding the Regiment" and "E. E. Swearngin, First Lieutenant and Acting Adjutant." It shows three commissioned officers and forty-one enlisted men present for duty. In the proper places upon the return the following notations are made:

"During the first part of the month of October, 1864, the regiment was encamped at Tilton, Ga., on the A. and W. R. Railroad. At that point nothing of interest occurred until the 13th inst, when a corps of Rebel infantry, commanded by Lieutenant General Stewart, made their appearance around the command. The defense consisted of a Block House capable of holding 70 men; the remainder of the men, numbering 210, were placed outside in the trenches. An insolent demand for surrender, accompanied by a threat to massacre the entire garrison, if not acceded to, was made by the Rebel General, to which Colonel. Archer made the brief and pointed reply: 'If you want me and my men come and take us.' Eleven guns were placed in position by the enemy (12 and 32 pounders) and opened on the Block House. After holding the place seven hours, and with the Block House ready to fall and crush the whole force, it was surrendered to the enemy, and everything destroyed by them. Lieutenant Colonel Archer and Adjutant Woolsey were paroled. Several officers and men have since escaped. The regiment became veteran seven months (ago and have just received the order to go home. Forty-four men are left to accept of the furlough."

"The regimental and company records having been captured and destroyed by the enemy at Tilton, Ga., on the 13th of October, 1864, it is therefore impossible to give the names of absentees. Three hundred and one enlisted men missing in action."

The names of the officers missing in action (13 in number) are given on the return. Opposite the names of two of the officers notations are made, as follows:

“E. E. Swearngin {Captured at Tilton, Ga., Oct. 13, 1864, escaped below Rome, Ga., and got through safe to our lines.”

“Capt. S. E. Hicks {Captured Oct. 13, 1864, by the enemy, escaped Oct. 19, 1864. Drowned Oct. 21, 1864, near Rome, Ga., in attempting to get to our lines in company with Lieutenant Swearngin.”

Pathos and tragedy are combined in these brief notations. The closing scene in that unequal conflict shows that the Block House had been reduced to such a state of ruin that it was about to fall upon and crush its gallant defenders. With ammunition exhausted, and with the sword and bayonet the only means of defense against the overwhelming numbers of the enemy, there was no alternative but death or surrender. The brave and intrepid Colonel Archer was therefore fully justified in surrendering himself and his command, with the stipulation that they were to be treated as prisoners of war.

At the time of re-enlistment, the men had been assured that they would be sent to their homes and given a furlough of thirty days, to date from the time of their reaching the State of Iowa. They had eagerly and hopefully expected the fulfillment of that promise, but the exigencies of the campaign which ensued became so great that every soldier in General Sherman's army, who was able for duty, was needed at the front. The great majority of these faithful men of the Seventeenth Iowa were thus compelled to relinquish the hope of again seeing their homes and loved ones until the end of the war. It was only to the little band who had escaped capture or death that the promise was fulfilled. Of those who were carried into captivity, many died from wounds received before their capture, and from disease. The remnant of this gallant regiment, under Colonel Wever, subsequently joined Sherman's army at Savannah, marched thence to Washington and took part in the Grand Review. Finally, with the exchanged or released prisoners, these veteran survivors of the Seventeenth Iowa were conveyed to Louisville, Kentucky, where, on the 25th day of July, 1865, they were mustered out of the service of the United States. They then proceeded to Davenport, Iowa, where the regiment was disbanded and the men returned to their homes.

Among all the splendid regiments which the State of Iowa sent into the field, not one has a more honorable record of service than the Seventeenth. To those of its members who still survive, to their families and to all who shall come after them, this brief history is dedicated, with the hope and belief that; in connection with the revised roster of the regiment which follows, it will serve the purpose intended by the General Assembly of the State, in enacting the law providing for the preservation of the history of its military organizations, and the personal record of its soldiers.


SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES.

Total Enrollment 1,085
Killed 45
Wounded 246
Died of wounds 24
Died of disease 97
Discharged for disease, wounds or other causes 263
Buried in National Cemeteries 76
Captured 315
Transferred 28


[Note 1.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 17, p. 109.

[Note 2.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 17, page 106.

[Note 3.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 17, page 76.

[Note 4.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 17, page 107.

[Note 5.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series I, Vol. 17, page 78.

[Note 6.] Adjutant General's Report, State of Iowa, 1864, page 454.

[Note 7.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 17, page 236.

[Note 8.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 17, page 171.

[Note 9.] Adjutant General's Report, State of Iowa,1864, page 454.

[Note 10.] Adjutant General's Report, State of Iowa, 1864, pages 444-5.

[Note 11.] Major Archer was absent on detached duty. Foot note page 445. Adjutant General's Report, 1864.

[Note 12.] Adjutant General of Iowa's Report, 1864, page 457.

[Note 13.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 24, page 10. Killed 5, wounded 51, missing in action 1. Total 57.

[Note 14.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 24, pages 63-4.

[Note 15.] Colonel Hillis had resigned May 30, 1863, and Lieutenant Colonel Wever had been promoted to Colonel of the regiment.

[Note 16.] Adjutant General of Iowa, 1864 Report, page 458. Adjutant General of Iowa, 1864 Report, page 449. Report of Major J. F. Walden, Comd'g Regt. at Fort Hill, June 25, 1863.

[Note 17.] Adjutant General of Iowa, 1864 Report, page 451.


SOURCE: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Volume 3, p. 3-13

Friday, March 12, 2010

Sixteenth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry

The organization of the Sixteenth Regiment of Infantry began when the first company was ordered into quarters by Governor Kirkwood, September 17, 1861. The designated rendezvous was Camp McClellan, Davenport, Iowa, and there seven companies of the regiment were mustered into the service of the United States on dates ranging from December 10, 1861, to March 12, 1862, by Captains Alexander Chambers and S. A. Wainwright, of the United States Army. Of the remaining three companies, the records show that Company F was mustered in at Keokuk, Iowa, in February; Companies I and K, at Benton Barracks, near St. Louis, March 24, 1862, by Captain Chambers. It will thus be seen that it was more than six months from the date on which the first company was ordered into quarters before the organization of the regiment was completed.

The files of reports and returns in the office of the Adjutant General of Iowa contain several papers relating to an incipient militia organization called the "German Regiment," from which it appears that John P. Koch had been commissioned as Colonel, and authorized to raise a regiment bearing that designation. It also appears that but two companies, with an aggregate strength of 161 men, were recruited for that regiment when its organization was abandoned and the two companies were merged into the Sixteenth Regiment. On Page 22 of the report of the Adjutant General of Iowa — 1861-2 — appears the roster of the Field and Staff of the German Regiment then forming, but including only the names of John P. Koch, Colonel, and Charles Altman, Adjutant. The next and last reference to this organization is found on Page 13, Vol. I, of the Adjutant General's report for 1863, in which he says: "Since my last report the Sixteenth Iowa Infantry and the German (Iowa) Regiment have been consolidated, and the regiment is known as the Sixteenth Iowa Infantry." There were a large number of volunteer organizations from the different states which were given distinctive names, some prior to and others after being mustered into the service of the United States. On Page 30 of a volume compiled under the direction of the Adjutant General at Washington, published in 1885, entitled, "Synonyms of Organizations in the Volunteer Service of the United States," the following statement appears under the caption "Iowa": "German Regiment Sixteenth Infantry (part)." The name is thus officially and historically identified with the regiment, although the designation could have no significance as applied to its completed organization.

It should be kept in mind that Iowa was then a young State, that the greater part of its territory was but sparsely populated, and that It had already sent into the field fourteen regiments of Infantry, five regiments of Cavalry and three batteries of Artillery. It was not, therefore, an indication of lack of patriotism that the call for two more regiments of Infantry — coming at the same time — was not as promptly responded to as the first and second calls had been. It will be seen, by comparing the subjoined roster with those of the earlier regiments, that the average age of the officers and men was much greater. This plainly indicates a larger proportion of married men, whose duty to their families had restrained them from enlisting until the necessity for their making the sacrifice became imperative. Moreover, when these men volunteered their services, many battles had been fought, the great magnitude of the rebellion was realized and the dangers and hardships of a long and terrible war confronted them. They had given due consideration to the question of duty to their country; were not carried away by enthusiasm, but their action was deliberate, and their subsequent conduct demonstrated that they were equal to all emergencies.

The regiment left Davenport March 20, 1862, was conveyed by steamer to St. Louis and marched thence to Benton Barracks, where it went into quarters, was furnished with arms, ammunition and field equipage, and, without having the opportunity for drill and instruction except to the most limited extent, was hurried to the front. It had the good fortune, however, of having a commander who was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and a thoroughly trained soldier. He was a Captain in the Eighteenth Regiment of Infantry in the Regular Army at the time he was appointed Colonel of the Sixteenth Iowa by Governor Kirkwood, and had been acting as Mustering Officer for Iowa troops since the commencement of the war. The regiment was thus better fitted for immediate active service in the field than it would have been under a commander without military training or experience. On the 1st of April Colonel Chambers was ordered to embark his regiment and proceed to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., and, upon arriving there, to report to General Grant.

On the morning of April 6, 1862, the regiment arrived at Pittsburg Landing. The great battle of Shiloh had begun, and the roar of the conflict at the front was heard as the regiment was leaving the boat. Here the men loaded their guns for the first time. Wounded men and some panic-stricken stragglers began to arrive from the firing line, with tales of disaster to the Union troops, indicating that the rebel forces were superior in numbers and were victorious on every part of the field. This was a hard experience for these men who had, but a few days before, left their homes in Iowa, and was a severe test to their courage and discipline, even before they were ordered forward to meet the enemy. The order soon came, and the regiment marched promptly to the front under the leadership of their gallant Colonel, to the aid of the troops who were being hard pressed by the enemy. The official report of Colonel Chambers shows the heroic conduct of his regiment in that great conflict, and the compiler of this historical sketch regrets that the limitation of space which he is compelled to observe will not permit the reproduction of the report in full. The following extracts, however, give the main features of the report, omitting details:

• • • From 9:30 to 10:30 A. M.. the time occupied In reaching the battlefield, 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. • • • I ordered the men 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 buckshot. • • • For nearly or quite an hour the regiment held Its ground against a much larger force of the enemy, supported by artillery, when It was compelled to give way before the destructive fire, or be captured. Word came down the line that a retreat had been ordered. • • • 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 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 the battery during the fight. • • •

With a few exceptions 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. M. Doyle, a brave and efficient officer, was also killed. The loss during Sunday's fight was two officers and sixteen non-commissioned officers and privates killed, and nine officers and ninety-four non-commissioned officers and privates wounded, and fifteen non-commissioned officers and privates missing [see note 1]. • • •


The experience gained by the regiment in this great battle was invaluable. In the numerous battles in which it was subsequently engaged it had the advantage of the training and drill which it had not received before the battle of Shiloh, but it was never afterwards placed in a position in which the bravery and fortitude of the officers and men received a more thorough test. It was the common experience of all soldiers that their first battle, no matter how favorable the conditions under which it was fought, was the severest test to their courage. At Shiloh the conditions under which the Sixteenth Iowa went into action were most unfavorable. The impression its men received, the moment they left the boat and formed in line of battle, was that the enemy was successful on every part of the battlefield; and this impression was sustained as they marched to the front and met large numbers of wounded being taken to the rear, also many demoralized and panic-stricken soldiers who had not been wounded but had deserted their regiments in the face of the enemy and sought safety in flight. The fact that the men of this new and untried regiment did not become infected with the feeling of panic, but marched steadily forward and went into that hell of battle with the coolness of veterans, fought until the only alternative was retreat or surrender, and afterwards rallied to their colors and rendered important service until the close of the battle, entitles them to a place in the front rank as heroic soldiers. In its subsequent history the record made at Shiloh was fully maintained but, in the judgment of the compiler, never surpassed.

After the battle the regiment was ordered to move toward Corinth, the strongly fortified position to which the rebel army had retreated. General Grant's army cautiously advanced, constructing earth-works at regular intervals along its front, thus guarding against another possible attack by the enemy and preparing for the siege of the rebel stronghold. On the 27th of April the organization of a brigade, consisting of the Eleventh, Thirteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth Regiments of Iowa Infantry, was effected, and Col. M. M. Crocker, of the Thirteenth Iowa, became its commander. This organization was maintained until the close of the war and was known throughout the army as "Crocker's Iowa Brigade"; although, after Colonel Crocker was promoted to Brigadier General, it had many different commanders, most if not all of whom were, or had been, officers of some one of its regiments [see note 2]. The history of the Sixteenth Iowa is, therefore, closely interwoven with that of the brigade to which frequent reference will be made in giving the outlines of the further service of the regiment.

During the siege of Corinth the regiment, with its brigade, performed arduous and important service and contributed its full share to bring about the evacuation of that stronghold, just as General Grant had determined to order an assault upon the fortifications. The evacuation took place during the night of May 30, 1862. The regiment now went into camp near Corinth, where it remained until July 28th, at which time it marched, with its brigade, to Bolivar, Tenn., where it was engaged in watching the movements of the enemy, erecting fortifications and guarding against threatened attack by the enemy. A considerable rebel force remained in the vicinity of Bolivar for several weeks but, as was later shown, not with the intention of attacking the Union troops stationed there, but to draw away from Corinth enough Union troops to make it possible for the rebels to recapture that important post. When the real purpose of the enemy was discovered, the regiment with its brigade was ordered to return to Corinth. Upon its arrival there it was ordered to march toward Iuka and watch the movements of the enemy.

On the 19th of September, 1862, the brigade was in close proximity to the enemy. The Sixteenth Regiment was ordered forward late in the evening of that day, while the other regiments of Crocker's brigade were held in reserve. The part taken by the regiment in the battle which ensued is shown in the official report of Lieut. Col. A. H. Sanders, who, after Colonel Chambers had been severely wounded, assumed command of the regiment.


HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH IOWA INFANTRY,
Sept. 21, 1862.

SIR, — I have the honor to report the part taken by the Sixteenth Iowa Infantry, in your brigade [see note 3], in the battle on the evening of the 19th Instant, one and one-half miles south of Iuka, Mississippi.

The regiment, under command of Col. A. Chambers, was placed In position about 5:30 P. M. in rear of the Eleventh Ohio Battery, the left of the regiment extending across the road from which it had filed into position. Immediately after the regiment was formed in line a charge of grape and shell from a battery of the enemy cut down six or seven men, including an officer, when the men were ordered to lie down. In this position but few or none were injured by the repeated discharges of canister and ball from the rebel battery. In probably half an hour from forming in line, the enemy made a charge of infantry on the battery. Our fire was reserved till the last moment in the center of the regiment, for fear of killing those manning the battery or the horses of the same, and in the two right companies, till a regiment which was lapping them was withdrawn; but when the enemy's lines were plainly or partially in sight (which, owing to the trees and thick underbrush, was not till they were very close) Colonel Chambers ordered the men to rise and fire, which order was Instantly obeyed, for a time stopping the enemy's advance, but they again charged. The attack was evidently by a very heavy force and with the object of capturing the battery. Our men stood their ground manfully, and I am not aware that a single officer or man failed in any part of his duty. They were finally beaten back by the overwhelming force of the enemy, the center, in the rear of the left section of the battery, retiring first but warmly contending with the enemy till they were almost in our ranks. The left, holding a comparatively safe position, did not retire till they were fired into by one of our own regiments In the rear. The entire right companies, although under a remarkably heavy fire, held their position longest and experienced the heaviest loss. Company A, Captain Smith, was the last to leave the field, and for a time held its ground alone, the regiment on its right having at an early hour been compelled to retire, and the remaining companies of its own regiment retiring at a later hour.

Where all the officers did so well it seems scarcely fair to particularize the conduct or bearing of one from the other, yet I deem it my official duty to notice the fact that Captain Smith exhibited in this action bravery and gallant conduct for which he cannot receive too much praise. He brought out of the battle scarcely half the men he took into it, and the same may be said of company F, Captain Fraser. The remaining portion of the regiment was immediately after reformed by myself and took a position near the battlefield, it then being nearly dark, and soon after, while changing to another position, was directed to rest on the right of an Ohio regiment, formed along the Iuka road, where it remained during the night I regret to report the severe wounding of Colonel Chambers by gunshot wounds in the shoulder and neck, toward the close of the action. He was taken prisoner at the time of receiving the wounds, but was left by the enemy in the hospital at Iuka.

I have the honor to inclose [sic] herewith a list of the killed, wounded and missing of the Sixteenth Iowa Infantry at the late action near Iuka, as complete as It can be made at this time, summing up, killed 14, wounded 48, missing 14 [see note 4]. The regiment went into the battle with about 350 men, exclusive of details made to take care of the wounded.

Very respectfully your obedient servant,

ADD H. SANDERS,
Lieut. Col. Comd'g Sixteenth Iowa Infantry.

COLONEL SANBORN,
Comd'g First Brigade, Third Div., Army of the Mississippi [see note 5].


The regiment had again contributed its full share to the defeat of a superior force of the enemy in this hard fought battle. Its loss was even greater than at Shiloh, in proportion to the number engaged. Soon after the battle of Iuka the regiment returned, with its brigade, to Corinth and, on the 3d and 4th of October, participated in the battles which were fought there. Major William Purcell, who commanded the regiment after Lieutenant Colonel Sanders had been compelled to retire on account of his severe wounds, wrote an admirable official report of the conduct of his regiment during both days of the battle. After describing the positions occupied by the regiment prior to that in which it was attacked by the enemy, he says:

In this position we remained until the Second Brigade fell back, and, the batteries with the Eleventh and Thirteenth Iowa being ordered to the rear to form a line oblique to the one then held by us, we remained in position to cover this movement, and were under the immediate command of Colonel Crocker when the enemy drove in our skirmishers and charged furiously up the hill upon which the Fifteenth and Sixteenth were posted. This charge was repulsed, and after holding the enemy in check and severely punishing him, were ordered to fall back upon the new line. The movements of the batteries and of the rest of the brigade having been effected, the Sixteenth was ordered, in company with the Fifteenth, to retire, which they did slowly and In good order, rejoining the rest of the brigade, remaining there until ordered to retire with the batteries to the inner fortifications. • • • During the fight this day Lieutenant Colonel Sanders was severely wounded in the thigh and had his horse shot In several places, but retained command until the regiment was ordered to the inner line of fortifications, when he retired to have his wounds dressed, and the command devolved upon me.

On the morning of the 4th the Sixteenth retained its position in support of the Fifth Ohio Battery, throwing forward, under cover of temporary breastworks. Company A, under command of Captain Smith, to engage the enemy's sharpshooters. While in support of the battery three of our men were wounded by the sharpshooters of the enemy. Permit me to say while at this point, that the officers and men are entitled to great credit, and their superior officers and their State may well be proud of them. They did their whole duty in the engagement on Friday. • • • I noticed with pleasure the courage and bravery displayed by the Color Sergeant, Samuel Puffin, Company F. He stood waving the colors and encouraging the men both by actions and words. He was the last to leave the field, and bore the colors away with him while the missiles of death flew thick and fast around him. The Color Corporals, McElhany, of Company E, H. B. Eighmey, of company H, and J. Kuhn, of company C, also deserve mention for their gallant conduct. • • •


For the third time the regiment had met the enemy in a hard fought engagement and acquitted itself with honor. Its losses in battle and on the skirmish line now aggregated 250. It had also lost a large number by death from disease and by discharge for disability, and yet it had been only six months in active service in the field. Its subsequent splendid record cannot be adequately described without exceeding the space allotted to this sketch. The compiler will endeavor, however, to cover as fully as possible the principal battles and movements in which the regiment participated, including only the most important details.

The regiment now remained in camp for nearly a month. On November 2d the brigade was ordered to march to Grand Junction, and, arriving there November 5th, joined the army which was to engage in the movement against Vicksburg. November 28th the march to the South began, the Third Brigade of the Sixth Division of Hamilton's Corps (Crocker's Iowa Brigade) being assigned to the advance. The Sixteenth Iowa, with its brigade, bore its full share of the great hardships of that winter campaign, which proved a failure on account of the brilliant exploit of the enemy's cavalry in getting in the rear of General Grant's army and capturing the immense depot of supplies which had been accumulated at Holly Springs, Miss. This compelled the abandonment of the expedition and the retreat of the army. During this retreat the troops suffered greatly from the cold and from lack of sufficient food. The regiment, with its brigade and division, reached Memphis early in January, 1863, and on January 18th again started for Vicksburg, this time on transports down the Mississippi river. Landing at Milliken's Bend, the troops went into camp. From this point, detachments from the Sixteenth and other regiments of the Iowa Brigade were sent out for the purpose of watching the movements of the enemy, and were engaged in some skirmishing in which slight losses were incurred.

On the 20th of January, 1863, the regiment, with its brigade and division, was assigned to the Seventeenth Army Corps, commanded by Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson, Brigadier General McArthur being retained in command of the division, and Colonel Crocker, of the brigade. On February 8th the brigade and division were conveyed to Lake Providence, and there began the arduous undertaking of connecting the Lake with the Mississippi river by cutting a canal. This work was steadily prosecuted, and completed on the 16th of March, 1863. While at Lake Providence the regiment and brigade were inspected by Inspector General Wm. E. Strong of the Seventeenth Corps, who paid a very high compliment to Colonel Crocker for the splendid condition and perfect drill of his brigade.

April 21, 1863, the brigade left Lake Providence and, from that time until the surrender of Vicksburg, was actively engaged in the arduous operations which culminated in that most important event. About the time these operations began, Col. M. M. Crocker was promoted to Brigadier General and assigned to the command of the Seventh Division of the Seventeenth Army Corps. It was with deep regret that the officers and men of the brigade witnessed the departure of this accomplished officer. They fully appreciated the fact that it was on account of his rigid enforcement of discipline, and his ability as an instructor, that the brigade had reached such a high state of efficiency and had gained such an excellent reputation throughout the army. Colonel Hall, of the Eleventh Iowa, succeeded to the command of the brigade during the remainder of the Vicksburg campaign. Colonel Chambers, of the Sixteenth Iowa, was still absent on account of the wounds he received at Iuka, and Lieutenant Colonel Sanders, although not fully recovered from the wound he received at Corinth, was — during the greater part of the campaign — in command of the regiment and wrote the official report, in which he describes in detail the movements of his regiment and the different positions occupied by it, from May 16 to July 4, 1863.

The service of all four of the regiments of the Iowa Brigade during this period was practically of the same character. The compiler may, therefore, summarize in the same words he used with reference to the Thirteenth Iowa, as equally applicable to the Sixteenth and to every regiment of the brigade:

"During the entire campaign, which ended with the surrender of Vicksburg, the Sixteenth Iowa with its brigade performed most arduous and important service. It was moved from point to point, was part of the time with the army of observation, in the rear of the lines of troops engaged in the siege, watching the rebel force under General Johnston, who was constantly threatening an attack for the purpose of raising the siege, and part of the time with the investing forces in the intrenchments, assisting in the prosecution of the siege, but everywhere doing its full duty and sustaining its well won reputation for bravery and efficiency."

At the time of the surrender, the regiment was skirmishing with the enemy on Black River, in the rear of Vicksburg. The following quotation is made from the brief outline of the movements and operations of the regiment, furnished to the Adjutant General of Iowa by Maj. J. F. Conyngham [see note 6]:

Had a sharp engagement with the enemy July 4, 1863, part of the regiment having crossed the river and driven the enemy from his position on the opposite bank. July 12th was ordered to re-enforce General Sherman at Jackson and bring up an ammunition train. Johnston having evacuated Jackson, the army returned to Vicksburg July 28th; camped near Vicksburg till the 6th of August. The regiment was engaged in the march to Monroe, La. Returning to Vicksburg remained in camp till the 3d day of February, 1864; when we started on the Meridian campaign. After a march across the entire State of Mississippi, returned to Vicksburg, March 4, 1864. Left Vicksburg March 17th on veteran furlough. The regiment again started from Davenport, Iowa, May 3d; arrived at Clifton, Tenn., about the middle of May; marched to Huntsville, Ala.; arrived at the latter place May 22d; marched to Decatur, Ala., thence across the mountains to Rome, Ga., where arrived on the 5th of June. Starting again the next morning, joined the main army under Sherman near Ackworth on the 10th; arrived in front of Kenesaw Mountain on the 11th; had a sharp engagement with the enemy June 15th; part of the regiment was engaged in the attack on Kenesaw Mountain June 27th, meeting with heavy loss. The regiment was under the enemy's fire from June 14th to July 2d; moved from left to right of our line, meeting the enemy again July 4th; had another sharp engagement, driving the enemy. On the 5th, we again had the advance, driving the enemy from his fortified position and across Nick-a-jack Creek; were under fire of the enemy until the 16th day of July, when the rebels were compelled to cross the Chattahoochee river, and pushed on to Atlanta. Was engaged In the battles of July 20th, 21st and 22d, meeting with heavy losses in killed, wounded and prisoners, reducing the regiment to less than 100 men present for duty; engaged in the battle of July 28th. Continued to take an active part in pushing forward our lines of investment till Aug. 26th, when the siege was raised, the army marching for the vicinity of Jonesboro, where the regiment was again under fire; was in the pursuit to Lovejoy's Station, returned to Atlanta, remained till September 1st, when active movements were again commenced by the transfer of Hood's rebel army to the north of the city. After engaging in the pursuit of the enemy towards Dalton and through Snake Creek Gap, thence to Gaylesvllle, Ala., returned to Atlanta. Our regiment being again Increased to 450 men present for duty, by the exchange of prisoners in the month of September and the assignment of drafted men, we started from Atlanta, November 15th, marched to Savannah, before which place we arrived December 10th, after much hard marching and skirmishing, and drove the enemy behind his fortifications. At Savannah our regiment was the first to seize the Savannah and Charleston Railroad, and, under the direction of Brigadier General Belknap, commenced destroying the same. Was engaged in the siege till the evacuation of the city. Marched to the suburbs of the city and went into camp on the 21st, where we remained, getting ready for the next campaign.

After a review of the entire army by General Sherman, we were put in motion Jan. 6, 1865, for Beaufort, S. C. Marched against Pocotaligo Jan. 15th, our corps (the Seventeenth) driving the enemy out of his strongly fortified position. Remained near Pocotaligo until the 28th, when the new campaign commenced. Marching to Rivers Bridge, on the Salkehatchie, met the enemy strongly fortified. At this point the Salkehatchie forms an almost impenetrable swamp about two miles wide, which was waded by the Fourth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps (of which the Sixteenth formed a part) on the 3d day of February, 1865; and the enemy was driven from his position. Continuing the march, driving the enemy before us, capturing every place which he attempted to hold, and after encountering many hardships, privations and dangers, arrived at Goldsboro, N. C, on the 23d day of March, 1865. Remaining at Goldsboro until the 10th day of April, the regiment was again on the march In search of the enemy. Pushing forward, the command entered Raleigh on the 16th, and camped there until the 2d of May. The war being brought to a close, the command marched for Washington, where it took part in the grand review May 24th, left Washington June 7th and arrived at Louisville, June 12th.


The record from which the foregoing quotation is made embraced the entire period of service of the regiment, but only that portion of it commencing July 4, 1863, has been quoted, for the reason that the compiler of this sketch found it necessary, in preparing the earlier history of the regiment, to refer to official reports and other data, going more fully into the details of its operations than the closely condensed record given by Major Conyngham. At Goldsboro, N. C, under date March 25, 1865, Captain Conyngham, (subsequently commissioned Major,) in an official report addressed to Brig. Gen. N. B. Baker, Adjutant General of Iowa [see note 7], says:

I have the honor to submit the following as a brief outline of the movements of the Sixteenth Iowa Infantry Veteran Volunteers, during the sieges of Atlanta and Savannah, the campaigns through Georgia and Carolinas, commencing on the 23d day of July, 1864, and ending on the 23d day of March, 1865. I embrace the above dates, not that I was in command of the regiment during the entire period, but because there has been no report made to your office during the time stated, and as I am the only officer, now in the service, of those who have commanded during the period.


This report, while giving a more detailed account of the movements of the regiment for the time indicated, refers mainly to the events already briefly described. In the desperately fought battle before Atlanta, July 22, 1864, after completely exhausting its ammunition, and being entirely surrounded by the enemy, the regiment with its gallant commander, Lieut. Col. A. H. Sanders, surrendered as prisoners of war. Upon his return from captivity, Lieutenant Colonel Sanders made a detailed report for Adjutant General Baker; Capt. C. W. Williams also submitted a report of the battle, with a list of the killed, wounded and missing, and Oliver Anson, Sergeant Major of the regiment, gave an account of the experience, while in prison, of those who were captured [see note 8]. The length of these reports precludes their reproduction in full, but the compiler has chosen the following extracts from them, to show how splendidly the Sixteenth Iowa maintained its well-won reputation as a fighting regiment in this tremendous conflict before Atlanta. Lieutenant Colonel Sanders' report is, in part, as follows:

SIR, — I have the honor to report the action of the Sixteenth Iowa Veteran Infantry in the battle before Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864, resulting in the capture of nearly all of said regiment and myself.

On the morning of July 21st, my regiment charged on the rebel batteries, and, after a desperate assault, lost sixty-five men. The regiment was complimented by General McPherson for its daring bravery. General McPherson's last words to me, the day he was killed, were: "The old Sixteenth shall be remembered." On the afternoon of the 21st, the old Iowa brigade was removed to the extreme left flank of Sherman's army, about two miles from Atlanta. The Sixteenth Iowa formed a line at right angles with the main line of the army. Immediately on the right of the Sixteenth's works, the Eleventh Iowa established themselves in rifle pits; on a road running between the Eleventh and Sixteenth Iowa's works were planted two Napoleon guns of the Second Illinois battery protected by heavy works. On the left of the Sixteenth, and a little to the rear, the Fifteenth Iowa had rifle pits. About a hundred yards to the rear of the Sixteenth, the Thirteenth Iowa had breastworks. During the night of the 21st, each regiment of the brigade built substantial rifle pits along the line that I have designated, and each cleared a space of fifty yards In front of its works. Still the heavy underbrush concealed the works of the different regiments from each other's view.

On the 22d were under arms at daylight, but no enemy appeared. The afternoon before, immediately on our arrival, I had thrown out two companies (B and G) several hundred yards in front, to act as pickets and skirmishers. About noon on the 22d I received an order from General Smith [see note 9], in person, to have my regiment ready to fall in at a minute's notice, and that he expected me to hold those works to the last, as the safety of the division might depend upon the delay we could occasion the enemy at that point. This was the last order I received that day from any commanding officer. About 1:30 o'clock P. M., our skirmishers in front commenced a brisk firing. I immediately formed the regiment in the intrenchments, and soon after the skirmishers were driven in upon us. I again sent them out, but a strong line of the enemy forced them back. Lieutenant Powers, commanding the battery, opened fire on the advancing enemy, but I requested it stopped until the enemy should get nearer. I ordered my men not to fire a gun until they received my command, no matter how close the enemy came. The rebel line advanced steadily to the charge, and I permitted them to approach to the open space of fifty yards in front of my works, when, cautioning the men to aim well and fire low, I ordered the rear rank to fire, and then the front rank. The response was a terrific and deadly volley from one rank, followed immediately by another, and then a continuous rapid firing, fast as eager and experienced soldiers could load and discharge their guns. The result of our fire was terrible; the enemy's line seemed to crumble to the earth, for even those not killed or wounded fell to the ground for protection. Lieutenant Powell's battery here did excellent execution. Another heavy line of the enemy advanced, and were repulsed in the same terrible manner. • • • .

More splendid firing, or more effectual in its results, was never witnessed in the army. The Second and Eighth Arkansas regiments, with two Texas companies, got into a position in our front, in which they could not advance, and dared not attempt to retire, but hugged the ground close, suffering a terrible fire. While thus lying down, they raised the white flag. I ordered the firing to cease, and these regiments threw down their guns and hurried over to our works as prisoners. We had at this time double the number of prisoners we had men in ranks. A part of these men were sent to the rear, but before the remainder could be secured the enemy had taken the Thirteenth's works immediately in our rear, and commenced a heavy firing into our ranks. • • •


The report then describes the desperate situation in which the regiment was placed; how the fight was continued against tremendous odds until it became evident that the other regiments of the brigade had been outflanked and compelled to abandon their works, when, all hope of receiving re-inforcements being abandoned, the brave officers and men of the Sixteenth Iowa reluctantly surrendered themselves as prisoners of war. At the conclusion of his report Lieutenant Colonel Sanders shows the utter hopelessness of the situation, and that he would not have been justified in urging his brave men to further resistance. He says:

At the time of our surrender we were entirely out of ammunition, the rebels having been so long in our rear that supplies were prevented from reaching us. Why we were left alone, an isolated regiment, surrounded and helpless, while the other regiments around us were ordered from their works, as I suppose they were, I cannot realize. If the sacrifice of this noble regiment was intended to give the army in our rear time to rally, then It was well, and the sacrifice was nobly made of a band of as brave and faithful men as any who fought upon the field that day. They could not be taken from the front, and only surrendered when further resistance would have been suicide. • • •

I should have stated in its proper place, that while firing heaviest, and guns so heated that they could scarcely be handled, we were re-enforced by companies D and K, of the Thirteenth Iowa, commanded by Captain Pope and Lieutenant Rice. Captain Pope informed me that they were ordered to our assistance, fearing our ammunition as well as men must soon be exhausted. I assigned these companies places along the trenches, and they went into the work like veterans, fought nobly to the last, and surrendered with us.


That the order to withdraw from their works was given to the two flanking regiments of the Iowa Brigade is shown by the following extract from the report of Gen. Giles A. Smith, who commanded the Fourth Division [see note 10]:

I ordered Colonel Hall to withdraw his two flank regiments which this movement enveloped, and to move them by the right flank around the front or east side of my main line of works, having already directed the men occupying that line to take the same position and drive back the enemy, now already pressing their rear. This movement was promptly executed, and successful except in the case of the Sixteenth Iowa, occupying the extreme left, which was completely surrounded, and over two hundred and thirty men captured.


That the order failed to reach Colonel Sanders was no doubt owing to the fact that the staff officer, to whom it was intrusted, found himself cut off by the enemy, and was thus prevented from delivering it. Capt. C. W. Williams of the Sixteenth Iowa also wrote a report of the part taken by his regiment in the battle of July 22d, in which he says, in part [see note 11]:

The other regiments of the brigade did all that could be done under the circumstances to arrest the calamity to this regiment, but it will be remembered that they were attacked by a large force upon the left flank, and were compelled to change front under a severe cross fire of the enemy, so that the best they could do was to take care of themselves. It is proper to add, that a detail for fatigue duty had been made from the regiment just previous to the attack, consisting of three commissioned officers, viz: Captain Williams, and Lieutenants Conyngham and Weingartner, and eighty enlisted men, all of whom were absent from the regiment, and did not rejoin it, having nearly a mile to travel. The detail was posted upon the left of the Third Division, and materially aided in the final repulse of the enemy, all doing their duty nobly. Some twenty-five of them were killed, wounded and missing, most of them before they gained the works, as they were exposed to a cross fire of the enemy's artillery during the Interval of leaving their works and gaining our main line, as well as to direct a fire of musketry. • • • I append to this report a list of the killed, wounded and missing, on the 22d Inst.; also a complete list of casualties in the regiment from June 14th to August 8th, inclusive, making an aggregate of 369 killed, wounded and missing.


Sergeant Major Oliver Anson, in a communication addressed to General Baker [see note 12] relative to the capture of the officers and men of the Sixteenth and their treatment while prisoners of war, says, in part: "• • • We were taken to Macon, and there the enlisted men were separated from the officers, and taken to Andersonville, six miles farther south. The enlisted men of the regiment captured numbered 225. • • • The men are suffered to lie out in the open air without any shelter whatever, and many of them are in a manner naked. They do not get enough to eat, and what they do eat is not fit to eat. It is killing the men faster than the army. When I went into the prison on the 28th of July, there were over 33,000 prisoners, and on the 7th of September, the issuing clerk told me they issued to 29,553, and since the 28th they had captured the Eighth Iowa Cavalry and some of the Fifth, and a large number from McCook and Stoneman, besides making captures from Sherman's army, and yet the number ran down in spite of them. • • •"

The compiler has endeavored to compress within the limits of this brief sketch the main outlines of the history of this splendid military organization, and to give some of the details of its most important achievements. In the subjoined roster will be found the record of personal service of every soldier who at any time belonged to the regiment, condensed into a paragraph opposite his name. The transcript of these rosters has been carefully made from the official records of the office of the Adjutant General of the State of Iowa. In addition to official sources, surviving officers of the regiment have been asked to correct errors and omissions and to complete records, but only to a limited extent has it been found possible to secure such information.

The commonwealth of Iowa has fulfilled a high duty in providing for the preservation of the history of her brave sons who went forth to battle for the unity of the States, and for the perpetuation of a Government which has proved such an inestimable blessing, not only to the loyal and patriotic men who so nobly fought to save it but, also, to those misguided men who fought so desperately to destroy it.


SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES.

Total Enrollment 1,441
Killed 62
Wounded 311
Died of wounds 35
Died of disease 220
Discharged for wounds, disease and other causes 224
Captured 271
Transferred 29
Burled in National Cemeteries 141


[Note 1.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 10, Pages 286 and 287. Same Volume, Page 104, tabulated casualties, shows total loss 131. Bronze tablet on regimental monument to Sixteenth Regiment Iowa Infantry at Shiloh shows losses as follows: Killed, officers, 2, men, 15; wounded, officers 11, men 91 (8 mortally); captured or missing, men 13.

[Note 2.] At the close of the war the survivors of these four Iowa regiments formed an organization by which they have preserved the name "Crocker's Iowa Brigade." They meet biennially in reunion. Gen. W. W. Belknap was its first commander, and, at his death, was succeeded by Col. H. H. Rood, its present commander. (1908.)

[Note 3.] As will be observed at the close of this report, the Sixteenth Iowa fought under another brigade commander at the battle of Iuka, being entirely detached, for the time being, from its own brigade.

[Note 4.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Part 1, Vol. 17, Page 100.

[Note 5.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Part 1, Vol. 17, Page 78. Tabulated losses, Sixteenth Iowa: Killed 14, wounded 48, missing 13.

[Note 6.] Adjutant General of Iowa, Report for year 1866, Pages 272-274, inclusive.

[Note 7.] Adjutant General of Iowa Report for year 1866, Pages 274-5.

[Note 8.] These reports are found in the report of the Adjutant General of Iowa for the year 1865, Vol. 2, Pages 1104-13, inclusive.

[Note 9.] Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smith.

[Note 10.] Adjutant General of Iowa Report for 1865, Vol. 2, Page 1278.

[Note 11.] Adjutant General of Iowa Report for 1865, Vol. 2, Page 1107.

[Note 12.] Adjutant General of Iowa Report. 1865, Vol. 2, Page 1113.



SOURCE: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Volume 2, p.1059-70