Major David W. Reed

Major David W. Reed, was born in Cortland, N. Y., April 2, 1841; removed, with his parents, to Iowa and settled on a farm in Allamakee County in 1855; entered Upper Iowa University in 1860, and on the 15th day of September 1861 enlisted as a private in "University Recruits." This company was mustered into the United States service October 24th, as "C," 12th Iowa Infantry. He was present with his company at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson and Shiloh. After the regiment was surrounded at Shiloh he received gunshot wound, shattering the right thigh; was taken prisoner but was left on the field and was recaptured on Monday, and sent to the hospital at Mound City. In August he returned to duty with the Union Brigade and served with it in battle of Corinth and as Sergeant Major of that organization until January 1863. Upon the reorganization of the regiment he was elected 2nd Lieutenant of Company C, and was present with his company during the Vicksburg campaign and participated in all its engagements; was in command of his company August 1st to 10th; in command of Company F, August 10th to 31st, of Company C, September 7th to 24th, and of Company I, during the Brownsville expedition, October 6th to 31st; was commissioned 1st Lieutenant December 14, 1863, and in June 1864 was detailed as Acting Adjutant of the regiment and served as such in all the campaigns of the regiment until February 1865. At Tupelo his horse was killed under him, and at Nashville he led the left wing of the regiment in the capture of a battery of the enemy and received special mention by regimental and brigade commanders. In February 1865 he was commissioned Captain of Company C, and was immediately detailed as Acting Field Officer. In this capacity he served at Spanish Fort and was breveted for gallantry in this engagement. From January to September 1865 he served as Inspector on the staff of General L. F. Hubbard. In October was detailed, with his company to garrison Center, Ala.; was in command of that Post until November when he was directed to take command of the Post of Blue Mountain. He was commissioned Major 12th Iowa November 21, 1865, and was mustered out with his regiment January 20, 1866. On his return home he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1868, and the same year was elected County Recorder. He held that office ten years and in 1879 was appointed Postmaster at Waukon, Iowa, and held that office until 1887. He was Supervisor of Census, for 2d Iowa district, in 1890. He was married to Miss Ellen E. Manson in 1866; removed to Chicago January 1891. In 1895 was appointed Secretary and Historian of the Shiloh National Military Park Commission. He has three children — a son and two daughters — the son, Milton E. Reed, is Lieutenant — Senior Grade — in United States Navy.

SOURCE: David W. Reed, Campaigns and battles of the Twelfth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 250

Fourteenth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry

The Fourteenth Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry was organized and mustered into the service of the United States under the proclamation of President Lincoln, dated Oct. 3, 1861. The circumstances attending the organization of this regiment were somewhat peculiar. Three of the ten companies which had been assigned to it by Governor Kirkwood — companies A, B and C — were ordered to go into quarters at Iowa City, on dates ranging from the 1st to the 7th of October, 1861, and were there mustered into the service by Capt. Alexander Chambers, of the Regular Army, on dates ranging from the 23d to the 25th of October, 1861. The seven companies — D to K inclusive — were ordered into quarters at Davenport, on dates ranging from September 23 to October 30, 1861, and were there mustered into the service by Captain Chambers, on dates ranging from the 2d to the 6th of November, 1861. It will thus be seen that, when the last company was mustered into the service, the regiment had its full complement of ten companies, three of which were in rendezvous at Iowa City and seven at Davenport.

By an order of the War Department, companies A, B and C were transferred to the Forty-first Regiment of Iowa Infantry and were sent to Fort Randall, Dakota Territory. To fill the vacancy thus occasioned, the organization of three new companies was authorized. In his report for the year 1861, Adjutant General N. B. Baker gives the complete roster of the ten companies originally assigned to the regiment. In his report for 1863 he gives the roster of the regiment with the new companies, A and B, and in his 1864 report, the separate roster of the new company, C, is given [see note 1]. The regiment, therefore, left the State with but seven companies, aggregating 621 men, rank and file. The new companies, A and B, did not join the regiment until the end of its first year of service, while the new company, C, did not become a part of the regiment until in June, 1863, when, for the first time after taking the field, the regiment had its full complement of ten companies. Its service, as an entire organization, therefore begins at the date last mentioned. In the subjoined roster will be found the names of the original Field and Staff and Line Officers of the regiment and, in the alphabetical list which follows, the subsequent changes on account of death, promotion, or from whatever cause, will be found noted. The compiler has adhered to the official records in compiling this historical sketch of the regiment. He has not attempted to go into details except where they are given in quotations from official reports. Under the prescribed limitations, only an outline history of the most important events which occurred during the period covered by its service could be given. At the date of muster into the service, the seven companies (D to K) together with the Field and Staff had an aggregate strength of 621, rank and file. The companies transferred (A, B and C) had an aggregate strength of 267.

On the 28th and 29th of November, 1861, the seven companies of the regiment left Davenport under command of Col. Wm. T. Shaw, under orders to report to the commanding officer at St. Louis, to which point they were conveyed by steamboats, and, upon landing there, marched to Benton Barracks, where troops were being concentrated for instruction and preparation for an active and aggressive campaign. Colonel Shaw had served as a volunteer in the war with Mexico, and, with this previous experience as a soldier, added to his natural genius for military affairs, was well fitted to command his regiment and to instruct his officers and men In matters of drill and discipline. The regiment attained a high state of efficiency during this period of instruction, but suffered much from sickness, which was the common experience of all the troops in the early stages of their service.

February 6, 1862, the regiment marched to St. Louis and, embarking on steamer, proceeded to Cairo and thence to Fort Henry, where it landed and went into camp. On the morning of February 12th it took up the line of march for Fort Donelson. On the next day it was in position in front of the enemy's works, and formed a part of the Fourth Brigade, commanded by Col. J. G. Lauman of the Seventh Iowa Infantry. The regiment performed important service in the short siege which followed and which resulted in the surrender of the fort. Its operations are described in detail in the official report of Colonel Shaw, as follows:


HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH IOWA INFANTRY,
FORT DONELSON, TENN., Feb. 19, 1862.

SIR, — On February 13th, my command, consisting of seven companies, was formed In line of battle by your order, and ordered to advance with the Twenty-fifth Indiana, upon the works in front, and take a battery of two guns. I advanced under a heavy fire of musketry, until I passed the point of a ridge on my right. I then received a heavy fire of grape from guns to the right, which, however, did but little damage, as the range was too high. Perceiving no guns In front, and the line being much broken owing to unevenness of the ground, and the thick fallen timber, I halted my command to place men In the best position to advance, It being impossible to advance In line of battle ; also to protect them as much as possible from the cross fire from my right. I perceived at this time that the forces on my left, under your immediate command, had halted. I waited to see by their movements, whether we were to advance on the guns or the rifle pits, the latter being the direction pointed out to me by you when I was ordered to advance on the guns. After waiting about an hour and seeing no movement on my left, except from two advanced companies of skirmishers, who were retiring behind the main line, I withdrew my left wing, which was most exposed, out of range of the enemy's guns, and remained there until night, keeping a few of my best marksmen sufficiently advanced to keep the enemy from coming outside their entrenchments to annoy my men by their marksmen.

About dark I received an order from you to fall back and take my old position for the night, but, by a subsequent order from General Smith, I took a position one-half mile nearer the enemy. My loss during the day was light, being but two killed and fourteen wounded. On Friday, the 14th inst., we remained In front of the enemy without changing our position. Saturday, the 16th, I remained in the same position until afternoon, we being on the right of our brigade. Towards night the attack on the enemy's works was made by a flank movement of the brigade, commencing on the left. Arriving in front of the enemy's works, I deployed my left wing, and marched them up the hill in line of battle. The right wing, owing to the nature of the ground, moved up by the left flank, and formed inside the entrenchments. After remaining for some time under a scattering fire of musketry, and rather sharp fire of grape and shell, I formed my men behind the entrenchments on each side of two pieces of artillery, which had been placed In position after our entrance Into the entrenchments, where we remained until morning, when the enemy surrendered. My men behaved themselves well during both engagements, holding their fire till ordered, and then delivering it with regularity and precision. I have never seen men behave themselves better, whether under fire or bearing with patience and fortitude the fatigue and hardships necessarily Incident to so long an engagement In such weather. My loss this day was one killed and seven wounded. Where all behaved so well. it is difficult to mention Individuals, without doing seeming injustice to others, but I may mention the valuable services rendered by Sergt. Maj. S. H. Smith, who was shot dead by my side while encouraging the men on to enter the breastworks of the enemy; also, First Lieut. Wm. W. Klrkwood, commanding company K, rendered very valuable assistance in forming the line in front of the enemy's breastworks. Capt. Warren C. Jones, of company I, also rendered valuable service in directing the fire of my marksmen, especially in protecting the retiring of the skirmishers on the 13th Inst.

WM. T. SHAW,
Colonel Fourteenth Regiment Iowa Volunteers.

Col. J. G. Lauman, Commanding Fourth Brigade, Second Division [see note 2].


As will be seen from the above report, the seven companies of the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry conducted themselves with honor at Fort Donelson. Their loss was light, as compared with the Second Iowa Infantry, which was assigned the post of honor in leading the assault upon the fort, but they obeyed the orders given them, occupied the positions to which they were assigned and, in every way, acquitted themselves with credit.

The regiment remained at Fort Donelson until about the middle of March, 1862, when it again embarked and, proceeding to Pittsburg Landing, on the Tennessee river, landed there, and went into camp on the 18th. Here it became a part of the First Brigade of the Second Division. The division was commanded by Brig. Gen. W. H. L. Wallace, and the brigade — consisting of the Second, Seventh, Twelfth and Fourteenth regiments of Iowa Infantry — was under command of its senior Colonel, James M. Tuttle, of the Second Iowa. On the morning of April 6, 1862, the Second Division occupied the center of the line of battle of the Army of the Tennessee, and the First Brigade was the last in line on the left, while the Fourteenth Iowa, being on the left of the brigade, occupied the position to the extreme left of the division. Colonel Shaw's report of the part taken by the seven companies of his regiment in the battle of Shiloh was made to Governor Kirkwood, after he reached his home in Iowa. He was then on parole as a prisoner of war, and, being precluded by the terms of his parole from making the official report to his brigade commander, he submitted it direct to the Governor of Iowa. The report is dated Oct. 26, 1862. On account of its length the compiler quotes only those portions which relate to the principal movements of the regiment in the battle. After describing the first position of his regiment. Colonel Shaw says:

Our line of battle was formed about half past 8 o'clock A. M., about 500 yards from the enemy's artillery, which at once opened a severe fire upon us. • • • In a short time the enemy's Infantry made their appearance, advancing In line of battle. I at once perceived that the line of our brigade was not parallel with theirs, but inclined to It at an angle of about 45 degrees, the left in advance, thus exposing my left flank to the enemy some distance in advance of General Prentiss' line, upon which it should have rested, and about 200 yards from his extreme right. After consulting with Colonel Woods of the Twelfth, who was next to me on the right, I threw back my regiment and the left wing of the Twelfth, so as to bring our part of the line parallel to the advancing enemy and in line with General Prentiss' division, but still failing to connect with it by an interval of about 200 yards. This also improved our position, which had previously been directly upon a ridge, exposed to the enemy's artillery, and gave us that ridge as a partial shelter. The enemy advanced steadily in two lines, about 200 yards apart. I ordered my men to lie down and hold their fire until the enemy were within thirty paces. The effect of this was, that when the order to fire was given, and the Twelfth and Fourteenth opened directly in their faces, the enemy's first line was completely destroyed [see note 3]. • • •


After describing the attack upon and driving back of the enemy's second line, and then being compelled to fall back for want of support and to avoid being flanked by the enemy, Colonel Shaw continues his description of the subsequent desperate assaults by the enemy, of the heroic resistance of the troops composing his brigade and division, and the holding of the center until after the Union troops upon both flanks had fallen back, and proceeds to show the desperate and hopeless situation of his regiment, as follows:

General Prentiss having already surrendered with a part of his command, the Fourteenth was left in advance of all that remained, but, completely inclosed, receiving the enemy's fire from three directions. The regiment still kept its ranks unbroken and held Its position facing the enemy, but the men were almost completely exhausted with a whole day of brave and steady fighting and many of them had spent their whole stock of ammunition. It was therefore useless to think of prolonging a resistance which could only have wasted their lives to no purpose, and at about a quarter to six P. M. I surrendered them and myself prisoners of war. I have only to add that I feel under the deepest obligation to both officers and men of my regiment for their admirable conduct through the day. This was so complete and free from exception, that it would be impossible to mention individuals without doing injustice to the rest. Their steadiness and courage, the accuracy of their fire, and precision of all their movements entitle them to the highest credit, and their general demeanor, both upon the battle field and In the trying scenes through which we passed as prisoners of war, will always be remembered by me with pride and gratification.


The total loss of the seven companies of the regiment engaged in the battle of Shiloh was 273, killed, wounded and captured [see note 4]. It can be justly claimed for the regiment and its heroic commander that no more efficient or important service was performed by Union troops upon that historic battlefield. Prior to the battle the regiment had a considerable number of men sick in hospitals. Those who recovered, together with those who had been absent on furlough and detached duty at the time of the battle, and those who had escaped capture, were subsequently assigned to a temporary organization called the "Union Brigade," in which they served with credit until the regiment was exchanged. The most important service rendered by this detachment of the regiment was at the battle of Corinth, October 3 and 4, 1862, in which it acquitted itself with honor, as shown by the official reports. The officers and men who had surrendered were held as prisoners of war until late in the autumn of 1862. They were at first released on parole and sent through the rebel lines to Richmond, Va., thence to Annapolis, Md., and from there they were conveyed to Benton Barracks, at St. Louis, where they were regularly exchanged, Nov. 19, 1862. They had suffered greatly while in confinement, and it required several months for them to recuperate sufficiently to again become fitted for active service in the field. In the meantime, the detachment which had been serving in the Union Brigade rejoined the regiment, and here two new companies — A and B — also reported for duty.

On the 10th of April, 1863, the nine companies, under command of Colonel Shaw, again embarked on steamer at St. Louis and proceeded to Cairo, Ill., where they landed and went into camp. Here they remained, doing garrison duty and sending out detachments upon various small expeditions to quell threatened insurrection on the southern border of Illinois, which they successfully accomplished. At Cairo, the last company (C) necessary to complete the regimental organization reported for duty, and the regiment — for the first time since taking the field — had the full number of companies to which it was entitled. In the latter part of June the regiment moved to Columbus, Ky., and for the next seven months was engaged in performing garrison duty. This was the most monotonous period in its history. The time was utilized, however, by Colonel Shaw and his officers in perfecting the regiment in drill and discipline. The new companies and recruits were thus brought up to a high degree of efficiency, and were prepared to follow the example of their comrades of the seven companies who had already become thoroughly seasoned soldiers, having twice met the enemy in battle, and having gone through that most trying experience that the Union soldiers were subjected to — long months of confinement and suffering in southern prisons. The regiment was thus well prepared to enter upon the duties of an active campaign.

On the 24th of January, 1864, Colonel Shaw received orders to embark his command and proceed to Vicksburg. Upon its arrival there, the regiment was assigned to the Second Brigade of the Third Division of the Sixteenth Army Corps, with Colonel Shaw as senior officer in command of the brigade, and Lieutenant Colonel Newbold in command of the regiment. On the 4th of February the Sixteenth Army Corps started from Vicksburg on that most remarkable expedition which penetrated to the heart of the State of Mississippi, and inflicted great damage upon the enemy, by the capture and destruction of supplies, railroad track and rolling stock. Starting with but ten days' rations, the Union troops cut loose from their base of supplies and, for the ensuing month, supplemented their scanty rations with such food as could be procured in the country through which they marched. The Fourteenth Iowa sustained its full share of the hardships of the expedition. The regiment was in light marching order. No tents were taken, and the officers and men bivouacked in the open air, all faring alike. It was the inclement season of midwinter and storms were frequent; the suffering from such exposure was, at times, intense.

On the 4th of March, the regiment returned to Vicksburg, having marched over 300 miles. After a brief rest, the brigade and division embarked — March 10, 186 4— at Vicksburg and, three days later, landed at Atchafalaya Bayou, ten miles below the mouth of Red River [see note 5]. On the evening of March 13th, the command started on the march towards Fort De Russey, thirty-five miles distant. Seven miles of the distance were covered in the night, and the next morning, at 6 o'clock, the march was resumed, the Fourteenth Iowa and the other regiments of the brigade commanded by Colonel Shaw being ordered to take the advance. A considerable force of the enemy made a stand at Bayou de Glaize and delayed the advance for a couple of hours, but they were forced to retire, the passage of the stream was successfully accomplished, and the brigade pushed rapidly forward until, at about 4 P. M., it came within range of the guns of the fort. The artillery was ordered forward, and at once opened a brisk fire which was promptly responded to by the guns of the fort. An attack was determined on, and the brigade was put into line and ordered forward. The assault was stubbornly and bravely resisted, but, two hours after the first artillery shots were exchanged, the Union troops held possession of the fort, and its gallant defenders had surrendered. It was a brilliant and remarkable military exploit. In his official report Colonel Shaw makes special mention of the gallant conduct of Lieutenant Colonel Newbold and the Fourteenth Iowa. He also mentions the commanding officers of each of the regiments, and the batteries, and extends his thanks to their officers and men for the promptness and enthusiasm with which they executed all orders, and the good order with which they came into action after so long and fatiguing a march. He also makes special mention of all his staff officers — including Lieutenant Buell of the Fourteenth Iowa — for the prompt and efficient discharge of their duties, and, near the close of his report, says: "I am proud to say that not a single instance came under my observation of any officer or soldier attempting to shun danger or duty during the engagement; and my opportunity was good for observing each regiment as it came under fire."

From Fort De Russey the brigade proceeded to Alexandria, arriving there on the 16th of March, and remaining there until the 26th, when it marched to Cotile Landing on Red River, where it embarked on transports and was conveyed to Grand Ecore, La. Landing there it disembarked and marched to Pleasant Hill, La., where Colonel Shaw received orders to report to Maj. Gen. N. P. Banks, who ordered him to at once march his brigade to the extreme front of the army and relieve General McMillan's brigade, then actively engaged in skirmishing with the enemy. The order was promptly obeyed and, upon relieving the brigade indicated, Colonel Shaw's command at once became engaged on the skirmish line. This skirmish fighting was maintained at intervals for about five hours before the enemy advanced to the attack in force — about 4:30 P. M. — and, from that time until darkness put an end to the battle, the brigade held its ground, retiring only when the order was given by the division commander — Gen. A. J. Smith — just as darkness was closing in and the enemy had succeeded in passing both flanks and was getting in the rear of the brigade. One of its regiments — the Thirty-second Iowa — failing to receive the order to retire was surrounded, but fought its way through the enemy's lines and rejoined the brigade after dark. Out of a total loss of 753, sustained by the five brigades which composed the two divisions commanded by Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith at the battle of Pleasant Hill, the brigade commanded by Colonel Shaw lost 484 [see note 6].

The gallant Lieut. Col. J. H. Newbold commanded the Fourteenth Iowa in this battle and, when the contest was raging most fiercely, fell from his horse mortally wounded. Of him Colonel Shaw says, "He was a brave, Industrious and conscientious officer, whose loss to his regiment is irreparable." Upon the fall of Lieutenant Colonel Newbold, Capt. Warren C. Jones assumed command of the regiment and wrote the official report of its conduct in the battle. He makes special mention of the fall of Lieutenant Colonel Newbold while gallantly performing his duty; of Lieutenants Shanklin and Logan, who were killed, and Lieutenant McMillan, mortally wounded; also of Lieutenant Hazlett who, at the time, was thought to be among the killed, and was so reported, but who recovered and served until the close of the war. He described the splendid manner in which the regiment fought throughout the engagement and concludes his report by saying, "I tender my most hearty thanks to the officers, commissioned, non-commissioned, and privates, for the gallant manner in which they sustained the reputation of the regiment, gained upon the bloody fields of Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth and De Russey." Notwithstanding the heavy loss it had sustained, Colonel Shaw's brigade was ordered by General Banks to cover the retreat of his army, which commenced at one o'clock the following morning and was safely accomplished.

On the 11th of April the brigade reached Grand Ecore, and, on the 13th, crossed Red River and proceeded a few miles above Campti to save the transports from threatened attack and destruction. The enemy retreated upon the approach of the brigade, and the transports were enabled to move to a position of safety. Returning to Grand Ecore, the regiment and brigade went into camp there and, on the 22d of April, after the rear of General Banks' army had passed, again took up the line of march to cover its retreat, and was in the engagement which took place at Cane River on the 24th. On the 26th it reached Alexandria. From the 26th of April to the 2d of May Colonel Shaw's little command, after having suffered the greatest loss of any brigade in the army, was kept constantly in the rear, by order of General Banks, and performed the most important and hazardous service. On the 2d of May it moved out about eight miles, where it formed line and commenced skirmishing with the enemy, driving them back over two miles during the day. There was more or less skirmishing every day until the evening of May 8th, at which time it was ordered to go into camp, the enemy having been driven back seven miles. As their skirmishers were withdrawn, no further fighting was anticipated. On the 9th of May, however, the brigade was again ordered to the rear and right, to protect the approaches to Alexandria.

On the evening of May 13th the regiment and brigade again joined Gen. A. J. Smith's forces and, on the morning of the 14th, were covering the retreat of the army, with the enemy pressing closely in their rear. Marksville was reached that night, and the next morning a heavy skirmish with the enemy began and was continued at intervals until the forenoon of May 18th. The brigade had just crossed Yellow Bayou, when the enemy appeared in force near the opposite bank. Colonel Shaw's brigade, with two others, was ordered to recross the bayou and meet the enemy. The order was promptly obeyed. The enemy was driven from the field with heavy loss in killed and wounded, while 300 of their number surrendered as prisoners of war [see note 7]. The loss in Colonel Shaw's brigade was 48, killed and wounded. The Fourteenth Iowa had one man killed and thirteen wounded in this engagement, as shown by the official report of Capt. L. A. Crane, who was in command of the regiment. While this small command was thus gallantly fighting in the rear, the balance of the army was three miles distant from the action. The brigade remained in line of battle all the next day and until 2 A. M. of the 20th, when it again crossed Yellow Bayou and proceeded on its march to the mouth of Red River. On the 22d of May the brigade embarked on transports and was conveyed to Vicksburg, arriving there on the morning of May 24, 1864.

The compiler is aware that he has given but an imperfect sketch of the operations of the regiment and its brigade during the Red River Expedition. The great importance of that part of its service is fully demonstrated in the official reports, copies or copious extracts from which could not be given on account of the limitation of space assigned to this sketch.

The true value and extent of the service performed by General Smith's two divisions on the Red River Expedition are indicated in the reply of General Banks to General Grant, when the latter ordered those troops returned to Vicksburg. General Banks says in his reply:

You instructed me that if the expedition could not be accomplished within ten or fifteen days of the time designated by General Sherman, the command of General Smith would be ordered to return to Vicksburg, even should it occasion the abandonment of the chief object of the expedition. The time specified I understand to be the 15th or 17th of the month, and I have hopes that within ten or fifteen days of that time our object will be accomplished, when General Smith will return. A large fleet of gun-boats and transports are in the upper river, which cannot possibly descend below Alexandria on account of the falling water. I have in my Immediate front an army of 25,000 men, among them some of the best troops of the rebel government, and commanded by distinguished and desperate officers. The withdrawal of General Smith's command from my forces at this time places me at their mercy, and the army under my command. It will lead to the sacrifice of the army and navy, as well as the abandonment of the expedition.

The official returns show the aggregate strength of General Banks' army, present for duty, was 39,041, and that General Smith's command, present for duty, aggregated 11,620, which, if withdrawn, would have left General Banks an army of 27,421, with which to resist the rebel army of 25,000, which he says confronted him [see note 8]. Nowhere else in his official reports has he given recognition to the value of the service rendered by General Smith's command on this expedition. The humiliating confession which he makes, that he could not save his army without the aid of General Smith's command, shows him to have been utterly unfit for the command of the expedition, the disastrous results of which were justly attributed to his incompetency and mismanagement. The bravery and efficiency of his subordinates could not atone for this. The Fourteenth Iowa, while justly proud of its own record and that of the brigade with which it served on this unfortunate expedition, fully sustained the severe criticism which Colonel Shaw subsequently published, in which he was so completely vindicated by the investigation of the War Department, resulting in the removal of General Banks from his important command.

After a short rest at Vicksburg the regiment moved up the river to Point Chicot, where it assisted in driving back a rebel force which was blockading the river; and from that point proceeded to Memphis and, soon afterwards, moved south with Gen. A. J. Smith's command. It took an important part in the expedition, participating in the battles of Tupelo and Town Creek, Miss., in which it was commanded by Capt. Wm. J. Campbell, whose official report shows that the regiment fully sustained its reputation for bravery and good conduct in battle, and gives the details of its movements in these engagements, In both of which the enemy was defeated and driven from the field. The regiment's loss in the two days' battle was three killed and eighteen wounded. Captain Campbell closes his report as follows: "The officers and men of this regiment, who were in each engagement, have my warmest thanks for the manner in which they conducted themselves during the battles, and on the march during the whole expedition. It is hard to compliment without injustice to some, where everyone is trying to do his duty." [See note 9.]

The regiment now returned to Memphis and enjoyed a well-earned rest of several weeks in its camp near that city. Its next active service was rendered as part of the force which marched to Oxford, Miss. There were occasional skirmishes with the enemy during this expedition, but no casualties are reported in the Fourteenth Iowa. Returning to Memphis, the regiment embarked and was conveyed to Cairo, Ill. Here Gen. A. J. Smith was again prevented from joining General Sherman in his Georgia campaign by an order to proceed to St. Louis with his command and re-inforce the troops there, which were called upon to take the field against the rebel General Price, whose army had again invaded the State of Missouri. The regiment disembarked at Jefferson Barracks, near St. Louis.

On the 25th of September, 1864, a detachment of four companies of the Fourteenth Iowa, under command of Capt. Wm. J. Campbell, was sent to reinforce the troops under command of Gen. Thomas Ewing, Jr., at Pilot Knob, Mo. The service rendered by this detachment is fully described by Captain Campbell in his official report [see note 10]. The engagements in which these companies participated constitute the closing chapter of the battle history of the Fourteenth Iowa. At Donelson and Shiloh the regiment fought as an incomplete organization, and at Fort Davidson, Shepherd Mountain and Leesburg, this little detachment closed the splendid record. General Ewing's command was greatly inferior to the rebel forces, but he made a gallant defense of the fort, and inflicted heavy loss upon the enemy, with comparatively light loss to his own command, until his position was rendered untenable by the enemy obtaining possession of Shepherd Mountain, which overlooked the fort, and compelled its evacuation. General Ewing then blew up his magazine, spiked his guns, and, cutting his way through the enemy's lines, began his retreat towards Rolla. The retreat was conducted with great skill. The detachment of the Fourteenth Iowa had joined General Ewing's command on the morning of Sept. 27, 1864, and Captain Campbell was ordered to occupy the summit of Shepherd Mountain, which he did until compelled by a greatly superior force of the enemy to retreat and join the troops within the fort. The following extract from Captain Campbell's report shows the arduous and important service performed by his command during the retreat:

On the morning of the 28th at 2 o'clock A. M., by order of Brigadier General Ewing, I moved my command in advance, and took up the line of march on the Caledonia road, arriving at Webster, distant thirty miles, where we encamped. On the 29th of September at 1 o'clock A. M., took up the line of march, covering the retreat with my command to Leesburg, distant thirty-six miles. About 10 o'clock A. M., the enemy attacked our rear guard of cavalry and drove them in. I immediately formed in line of battle, and checked the advance of the enemy. The column moved forward, and I covered the retreat with continual skirmishing the entire way. Arriving at Leesburg at sunset, my command was formed in line of battle on the left, facing the enemy, where we remained encamped during the night. On the 30th of September commenced building temporary fortifications which were occupied till the morning of October 2d at 2 o'clock, when we took up our line of march for Rolla, Mo., distant thirty-one miles, where we arrived at 6 o'clock P. M. The officers and men of my command behaved with the utmost coolness and bravery during the several engagements in which we took part. First Lieut. Hugo Hoffbauer, acting Adjutant, has my warmest thanks for the manner in which he conducted himself, and the valuable service rendered by his untiring energy during the several engagements, and while on the march.


The loss of the detachment was three killed and fifteen wounded. In the meantime, the other portion of the regiment was engaged, with other troops, in a toilsome march to intercept another force of the enemy, but, when they reached Tipton, Mo., the enemy was still in full retreat and the pursuit was abandoned. Not coming into contact with the enemy, no casualties resulted except those caused from exposure and hardship on the march. Early in November the two detachments were ordered to return to St. Louis, and from there the regiment was conveyed to Davenport, Iowa, where it was mustered out of the service of the United States on the 16th day of November, 1864.

The re-enlisted men and recruits, whose terms of service had not expired, were consolidated into two companies and designated as the "Residuary Battalion of the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry." The battalion was sent to Springfield, Ill., and was there engaged in various duties, but was not again sent to the front, as its services were no longer required for active duty in the field. These companies were retained in the service of the Government until Aug. 8, 1865, on which date they were mustered out at Davenport, Iowa.

The official records in the office of the Adjutant General of Iowa show that another company was nominally attached to the Residuary Battalion. It was known as company C, was composed of drafted men and substitutes, and received the designation of "Permanent Company at Camp McClellan." This company had no officers. It was mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, May 13, 1865.

The record of service of the Fourteenth Regiment of Iowa Infantry Volunteers is one of the best. Its survivors can justly claim that, during the long years in which they marched and fought and suffered, they never wavered in their devotion to their government and its flag. Their children and children's children may well be proud of the legacy of heroism they have inherited. The compiler of this brief history extends a soldier's greeting to the survivors of the old Fourteenth Iowa, and, on behalf of the State which has made provision for this preservation of the record and roster of the regiment, extends greeting to the families and relatives of those whose memory they cherish and honor, and who will ever be commended as an example and inspiration to all loyal and liberty-loving people of the State.


SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES.

Total Enrollment 1720
Killed 31
Wounded 168
Died of wounds 25
Died of disease 123
Discharged for wounds, disease and other causes 225
Captured 270
Burled in National Cemeteries 71
Transferred 290


[Note 1.] Adjutant General's report, 1861, Pages 327 to 351, Inclusive. Adjutant General's report, Vol. 1, 1863, Pages 507 to 536, Inclusive. Adjutant General's report, 1864, Pages 194 to 197, Inclusive.

[Note 2.] War of the Rebellion Official Records. Series I, Vol. 7, Page 231.

[Note 3.] War of the Rebellion Official Records. Series 1, Part 1, Vol. 10, Page 152.

[Note 4.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Part 1, Vol. 10, Page 101, tabulated return of casualties at Battle of Shiloh.

[Note 5.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 34, Page 343. "Itinerary of operations on Red River Expedition, March 10th to May 20, 1864."

[Note 6.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, "Vol. 34, Pages 313, 366, 368 and 360.

[Note 7.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Part 1, Vol. 34, Pages 359 and 361.

[Note 8.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Part 1, Vol. 34, Pages 169 and 186

[Note 9.] Report of Adjutant General of Iowa, 1865, Vol. 2, Page 1086.

[Note 10.] Report of Adjutant General of Iowa, 1866, Page 196.


SOURCE: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Volume 2, p.721-30

Colonel Edward Francis Winslow

SECOND COLONEL, FOURTH CAVALRY.

Edward F. Winslow was born in Kennebeck county, Maine, on the 28th day of September, 1837. He was raised and educated in Augusta, his native town, where he continued to live till the spring of 1856. In 1856, he came to Iowa, and settled in Mt. Pleasant, where he entered the mercantile business. He was engaged in this business at the time of entering the service, in the fall of 1861.

Colonel Winslow enlisted in the war as captain of Company F, 4th Iowa Cavalry. On the 3d of January, 1863, he was promoted to a majority in his regiment, which rank he held till the 4th of the following July, when he was mustered colonel. Since promoted to his present rank, he has been in command of his regiment but little. He commanded it during the month of July, 1863, and also while it was at home on veteran furlough. At all other times, if we except a few weeks in the fall of 1863, when he was chief of cavalry to the 15th Army Corps, he has been in command of a brigade of cavalry. With the succession of Colonel Winslow to the command of his regiment, a new and more fortunate chapter opened in its history. Prior to that time, the discipline of the regiment was bad, and its efficiency questionable. Indeed, I am told that at one time mutiny was threatened; but, under the new commander, order and confidence were soon restored.

A brief summary of the services of the 4th Iowa Cavalry, subsequently to the time it left Helena in the spring of 1863 to date, may be given as follows: It led the advance of General Sherman's Corps in the march from Milliken's Bend, Louisiana, to Jackson, and thence to the rear of Vicksburg; operated during the siege of the city on the right-rear of the besieging army, and in front of the line held by General Sherman on the Big Bear Creek and the Big Black River; returned with Sherman to Jackson after the fall of Vicksburg, marching thence under General Bussey to Canton; accompanied the expedition across the country to Memphis, which passed through Yazoo City, Lexington, Grenada and Panola, in August; took part in the movement that was made in September, 1863, to divert the attention of the enemy while Sherman was en route with his corps from Memphis to Chattanooga; accompanied the reconnoissance made, in October following, by Major-General McPherson in the direction of Canton; led the van of Sherman's army in the rapid march from Vicksburg to Meridian, Mississippi; came North on veteran furlough in the early spring of 1864; returned to the front in April, and reported at Memphis, from which point it marched on the expeditions of General Sturgis against Forest, and on those of General A. J. Smith against the same rebel leader; marched from Memphis in pursuit of General Price in Missouri, in September, 1864; accompanied General Grierson in his raid from Memphis down the Mobile and Ohio Railroad to Okalona, and thence to Vicksburg; and, finally, reporting to General Wilson, accompanied that officer in his brilliant and successful march through Alabama and Georgia, to Macon.

Two instances are given, where officers of the 4th Iowa, in command of detachments of their regiment, distinguished themselves in rear of Vicksburg. The following occurred just after the investment of the city: "Being ordered to Haines' Bluff on a reconnoissance, the regiment was halted at Mill Dale, and Captain Peters [now lieutenant-colonel] with twenty men of Company B, went to the point indicated in the order, capturing seven men, nine large siege-guns, and a quantity of ammunition, remaining in the works until the gun-boat De Kalb, which had been signaled by Captain Peters, came up and received the prisoners, cannon, &c. Captain Peters and the regiment are justly entitled to the credit of capturing this strong-hold."

The other instance is that where Major Parkell, with a detachment of one hundred and twenty-five men from Companies A, K, F, and I, was suddenly surrounded while on a scout in the vicinity of Big Black River. The enemy, whose strength was estimated at not less than six hundred, demanded instant surrender; but the major, instead, resolved to fight his way out, and succeeded. The fight was short, but most bitter, as I have been informed by Captain Zollars of the regiment; and, indeed, the list of casualties evidences as much. One officer and ten enlisted men were killed, and the wounded and captured numbered thirty-three. Lieutenant Joshua Gardner was one of the killed, and Lieutenant W. J. McConnellee was captured.

The operations of General Sherman in his expeditionary march against Johnson, after the fall of Vicksburg, have been fully detailed elsewhere, and can not be repeated with interest. After returning from that expedition, the 4th Iowa Cavalry rested near the Big Black till the 10th of August, and then left on a raid through the country to Memphis. As already stated, the line of march lay through Yazoo City, Lexington and Grenada. This expedition was commanded by Colonel Winslow, and resulted in the destruction of much of the Mississippi Central Railroad, and the burning of a large amount of railroad stock.

The 4th Cavalry re-enlisted as a veteran regiment in the winter of 1863-4, and, immediately after its return from the Meridian march, came North on veteran furlough. On the expiration of its furlough, Colonel Winslow left in command of it for the front, and was proceeding to Vicksburg, when he received orders from General Sherman assigning him to duty under General Sturgis, at Memphis. The regiment reached Memphis on the 23d of April, and from that time till the last of July following was almost constantly in the saddle and on the scout. Indeed, from that time till its arrival at Macon, Georgia, nearly one year later, the regiment enjoyed little rest. At Memphis, in the spring of 1864, the regiment was brigaded with the 3d Iowa and 10th Missouri Cavalry, and all its subsequent history has been made with those regiments. The brigade, from the time of its organization, has been under the command of Colonel Winslow.

Among the operations participated in by the 4th Iowa Cavalry, that of General Sturgis against Forest, made in the early part of June, 1864, is prominent. If the expedition terminated disastrously, it did not with discredit to this regiment; for few soldiers have ever shown greater patience, endurance and courage in the hour of calamitous defeat than did those of the 4th Iowa Cavalry, and I should add, of the entire 2d Brigade. The "regiment left Memphis on this expedition the 2d or 3d of June, marching by way of La Fayette, Salem, Bucksville and Ripley, where it arrived in the forenoon of the 7th instant. Thus far the march was made in an almost incessant shower of rain; but no enemy had been encountered. That evening, however, Company C of the 3d Iowa Cavalry, while out in search of forage, was attacked by rebel cavalry in considerable force, and a sharp skirmish, lasting nearly an hour, followed. In this skirmish two companies of the 4th Iowa were engaged, and lost four men wounded. On the 8th and 9th, the advance was continued in the direction of Guntown, or Baldwin, without opposition, though evidences of the nearness of the enemy were seen all along the route. The 1st Brigade of Cavalry led the advance on the morning of the 10th instant, and was the first to engage the enemy in the disastrous battle of Guntown, or rather of Brice's Cross Roads; for Guntown was nearly six miles distant from the battle-field.

Guntown, Mississippi, is situated in a region of country which is made up of barren hills and difficult morasses. In this same region of country the Hatchie, Tallahatchie and Tombigbee Rivers take their rise. Just north of Brice's Cross Roads, where the main battle was fought, was one of these swamps; and through this, General Sturgis must march to meet the enemy. The roads, which are narrow and difficult of passage in their best stages, were, at the time in question, in a wretched condition, rendered so from the incessant rains. Indeed General Sturgis, to a large extent, attributed his defeat to the condition of the weather and roads, and in that he was doubtless correct; but he offers no excuse for bolting down into that difficult swamp with his whole train, while the rattle of musketry was telling him of the presence of the enemy in force, not more than two miles in advance.

On the evening of the 9th instant, Sturgis encamped at Stubb's plantation, fifteen miles from Ripley, and some seven miles from where the enemy were first encountered. The march was resumed on the following morning, the cavalry leaving their camp at five o'clock, and the infantry following closely on their heels. The manner in which the engagement opened, and its progress till the arrival of the infantry, General Sturgis gives as follows in his official report:

"On this morning I had preceded the head of the infantry column, and arrived at a point some five miles from camp, when I found an unusually bad place in the road, and one that would require considerable time and labor to render it practicable. While halting here to await the head of the column, I received a message from General Grierson that he had encountered a portion of the enemy's cavalry. In a few minutes more, I received another message, saying the enemy numbered six hundred, and were on the Baldwin road; that he was himself at Brice's Cross Roads, and that his position was a good one and he would hold it. He was then directed to leave six or seven hundred men at the cross-roads to precede the infantry on its arrival, in the march on Guntown, and, with the remainder of his force, to drive the enemy toward Baldwin, and then rejoin the main body by way of the line of railroad, as I did not intend being drawn from my main purpose.

"Colonel McMillen now came up, and I rode forward toward the cross-roads. Before proceeding far, however, I sent a staff officer back, directing McMillen to move up his advance brigade as rapidly as possible, without distressing his troops. When I reached the cross-roads I found nearly all the cavalry engaged, and the battle growing warm; but no artillery had yet opened on either side. We had four pieces of artillery at the cross-roads; but they had not been placed in position, owing to the dense woods on all sides and the apparent impossibility of using them to advantage. Finding that our troops were being hotly pressed, I ordered one section to open on the enemy's reserves. The enemy's artillery soon replied, and with great accuracy, every shell bursting over and in the immediate vicinity of our guns. Frequent calls were now made for reinforcements; but until the infantry should arrive I had, of course, none to give. Colonel Winslow, 4th Iowa Cavalry, commanding a brigade, and occupying a position on the Guntown road a little in advance of the cross-roads, was especially clamorous to be relieved, and permitted to carry his brigade to the rear. * * * * * * * *

"About half-past one P. M., the infantry began to arrive. Colonel Hoge's Brigade was the first to reach the field, and was placed in position by Colonel McMillen, when the enemy was driven a little. General Grierson now requested authority to withdraw the entire cavalry, as it was exhausted and well nigh out of ammunition. This I authorized as soon as sufficient infantry was in position to permit it, and he was directed to organize his command in the rear, and hold it in readiness to operate on the flanks."

The rest may soon be told; for alarm begun to seize on all. The enemy, seeing their successes, pressed their victory with great energy and determination, and the infantry line was hardly formed before it was broken. General Grierson was called on for cavalry to support the right flank, and it no sooner met the enemy in that quarter than it was repulsed. An effort to hold the left was equally unsuccessful. All saw that the day was lost, and acted with indecision and irresolution. Sturgis was already driven from the high ground, and beaten back on his wagon-train. This he made a spasmodic effort to save; but, seeing the enemy in heavy columns swinging by his left flank, he gave the order to retreat. And such a retreat! Every thing but his army, and much of that was lost. For the portion saved, he was indebted chiefly to the cavalry, and in no slight degree to the Iowa cavalry regiments. It is positively asserted that the 2d Brigade, of Grierson's Division, reached Collierville (and the enemy made pursuit to that point) in a less disorganized condition than any other brigade command of the army.

The list of casualties of the 4th Iowa cavalry in the battle at Brice's Cross Roads and in the retreat to Collierville is not given. The regiment's historian, Adjutant Ambrose Hodge, closes his account of this affair as follows:

"On arriving at Collierville, the men had been in the saddle fifty-four consecutive hours, fighting the greater part of the time without feed for their horses or provisions for themselves. The regiment arrived at Memphis, on the 14th instant, the men and horses being completely worn down by excessive labor performed on this march. The distance traveled was three hundred and fifty miles."

Following the disastrous expedition of General Sturgis, was that of General A. J. Smith; and the latter was as successful as the former had been unfortunate. The 4th Iowa Cavalry joined Smith on this march, and fought in the battle of Tupelo; but an account of this expedition has already been given in the sketch of Colonel Woods of the 12th Iowa Infantry. Neither in this, nor in the second expedition of General Smith against Forest, are the losses of the regiment stated. It was during the absence of the 4th Cavalry, or rather of eleven companies of it, in August, that Forest dashed into Memphis, on a hurried call on General Washburne. Company C was left behind, being detailed on provost-duty in the city, and was the only company of the regiment that, actually encountered Forest. In this affair, the company lost Lieutenant L. P. Baker, severely wounded. It is reported as having conducted itself with/much gallantry.

Next, in the history of the regiment, follows the expedition against General Price in Missouri, an account of which has been given in the sketch of Colonel Noble and his regiment. During the Missouri Campaign, Colonel Winslow was severely wounded. He was shot in the leg, while his brigade was charging the enemy, on the Big Blue River, near Westport. Though severely wounded, it is stated he refused to leave his command till the enemy had been driven from the field.

In the charge made on the 25th of October, near the Osage, the 4th Iowa Cavalry captured two hundred and thirty-five prisoners, and two stand of colors, and lost during the expedition four killed and twenty-six wounded. Lieutenant H. W. Curtis, of Company F, was killed in the charge on the Osage, and Major A. B. Pierce, commanding the regiment, was severely wounded in the foot. Among those mentioned for special gallantry during the campaign, were Major Pierce, Captains Drummond, Dana and Lee, all commanding battalions of the regiment, and Lieutenant and Acting Adjutant John S. Keck. Company commanders, in all cases, managed their commands in a manner highly creditable to themselves.

If we except the expedition made by General Grierson through Mississippi, late in December, 1864, there remains but one more important campaign to be recorded in the history of the 4th Iowa Cavalry — that made under General Wilson through Alabama and Georgia.

On the route from Missouri to the Military Division of the Mississippi, and during the few weeks of rest that the brigade of Colonel Winslow enjoyed before starting on the Macon march, there is little of special interest; and I therefore pass at once to the history of the memorable raid. Brevet Major-General Wilson, with a cavalry corps numbering about twelve thousand men, left Chickasaw on the Tennessee on the 21st of March, 1865, for a destination known to few of his command. The outfit was extensive and had been long in making; and it was known to the command that the expectations of the commanding general were commensurate with his preparations, and that was all. The rest, the future must disclose. The route of the column was nearly south-south-east, till its arrival at Montevallo. From that point, it was south to Selma, and thence, nearly due east, to Montgomery, Columbus and Macon. In this line of march was included four of the most important inland cities of the Confederacy — important as places of note and pride, and as manufacturing points.

Let me state, while I have it in mind, that, on the march in question, the 3d and 4th Iowa Cavalry were attached to the division of General Upton, (the 4th) and the 5th and 8th to that of General McCook. These were the only Iowa troops who accompanied the march.

The enemy first made a determined stand at Six-Mile Creek, between Montevallo and Selma. They had just previously occupied Montevallo, with the expectation of defending it; but, on the near approach of the Federal column, their hearts foiled them, and they fled in the direction of Selma. At Six-Mile Creek, the enemy were under Chalmers, Roddy and Lyon, with the inhuman wretch, Forest, as commander-in-chief. The battle was fought on the last day of March, and on that day the division of General Upton was in the lead of the column. The enemy were found in a strong position, which was defended by artillery; but after some skirmishing they were charged and routed, losing their artillery and more than two hundred prisoners. The second fight was at Ebenezer Church, about twenty miles from Selma. Here the enemy were no more successful; for after a brief engagement they were a second time routed and forced back toward Selma. This battle was fought on the 1st of April. The following day, General Wilson defeated Forest for the third time, and entered and occupied Selma.

Selma, on the north bank of the Alabama, and one of the chief railroad-centres of that State, was defended by two lines of works, each swinging entirely round the city, and resting on the right and left of the river bank. The outer line was guarded by a strong palisade. This strong-hold was captured by two divisions of the Federal troops — Generals Upton's and Long's. General Long took position on the right, and General Upton on the left. Line of battle was formed on the high ground, and, after the usual skirmishing and signaling, an assault was ordered. As In all successful charges, the work was well and quickly done. With less than three thousand men, the outer works were carried, in the face of artillery and nine thousand muskets; and only some two thousand of the latter were in the hands of the citizen militia.

In taking the outer line of works, the 3d Iowa Cavalry was In the front, and the 4th, in reserve; but, in taken [sic] the second line, the 4th held the front. Lieutenant George W. Stamm, of the 3d Iowa Cavalry, who wields a good pen and I believe a good sword, says: "Immediately after we took possession of fortifications, the 4th Iowa Cavalry were mounted, and rushed on the flying foe with an impetuosity which nothing could withstand. Weary, out of breath and heated with our double-quick, we saw them pass us like a whirlwind, scattering death and confusion among the Johnnies, while the brass band that had boldly ventured to the front was playing the enlivening strains of 'Yankee Doodle,' in singular unison with the rattle of musketry and the shouts of victory." Thus Selma was captured, the great military store-house and manufacturing depot for the Confederates, in Alabama. The enemy lost many killed and wounded, and about two thousand prisoners.

Montgomery fell without a struggle, as also did Macon, Georgia; but Columbus, Georgia, made a determined defense. General Wilson appeared before the place at noon of the 16th of April, and that evening carried it, as he had Selma, by assault. Columbus is situated on the east bank of the renowned Chattahoochie; but the works that protected it from the west, and which General Wilson was obliged to carry, were on the west bank of the stream. Both above and below the city, bridges spanned the Chattahoochie: the approaches to each were covered by artillery, mounted in strong forts. Rifle-pits and other defenses commanded the approaches in every other quarter westward. The 2d Brigade of General Upton's Division first approached the city, and when near the works that defended the lower bridge made a charge with the hope of carrying the position and gaining the bridge. They were unsuccessful, being repulsed with much loss. Colonel Winslow's First Brigade now coming up was sent back by the commanding general, and directed to gain, by a circuitous route, a position in rear of the upper bridge. The movement was successfully made, and at dusk in the evening a charge was ordered which resulted in the fall of Columbus. As at Selma, the 3d and 4th Iowa Cavalry were in the front line. Indeed, there was little fighting done during the whole campaign in which these regiments did not have part.

I have already said that the last fighting of the expedition was done at Columbus. After resting here one day, General Wilson marched on Macon; but when near the city, he was advised of the terms agreed on between Sherman and Johnson, and informed that his entrance into the place would not be opposed. The 4th Iowa Cavalry is now in camp at Macon, and the war is virtually ended.

The loss of the regiment during the campaign was not very severe. Captain E. R. Jones, Chief Bugler Tabor, and Sergeant Beezley, were among the killed, and Quarter-Master Sergeant Detrick and Sergeant Stocks among the wounded. The entire loss of the regiment in killed and wounded was, I think, twenty-five. Captain Jones was killed in the charge at Selma.

I never saw Colonel Winslow, but am told he has an intelligent and pleasing countenance, and a feminine voice. He is a man of great energy, great ambition and unlimited self-confidence. All agree that he is a splendid officer. He has both the courage and the skill to handle troops successfully in the face of the enemy. His worst fault, if it can be termed a fault is his self-conceit, which sometimes discovers itself immodestly.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 609-20

COLONEL JOSEPH JACKSON WOODS

TWELFTH INFANTRY.

J. J. Woods, of the 12th Iowa Infantry, has a checkered history, which will be read with interest. He is a native of Ohio, and was born in Brown county, the 11th day of January, 1823. In 1833, he removed with his father's family to Rush county, Indiana, whence, after a residence of two years, he returned to his native county.

Colonel Woods is a West Point graduate. Having completed his preparatory course at Augusta College, Kentucky, he entered the West Point Military Academy in 1843. He was a successful scholar, and graduated in 1847, the third in his class. Receiving a 2d lieutenant's commission in the 1st United States Artillery, he sailed, on the 10th of October, 1847, under orders for Vera Cruz; but, on the fourth day out, the vessel on which he had taken passage was wrecked near the Great Bahama. After several days of peril and hardship, he reached Nassau, New Providence, and sailed thence to Charleston, South Carolina, where he passed several weeks with a former class-mate, by the name of Blake. Re-embarking again for Vera Cruz, he reached that place on the 5th of January, 1848. In August of the same year, after having had yellow fever, he was recalled and ordered to report at Governor's Island, New York Harbor. He was promoted to a 1st lieutenancy the 29th of October, 1848, and soon after sailed with Companies L and M of his regiment for Oregon: these were the first troops sent by our Government to that Territory. He remained in Oregon till the winter of 1853; and, during his stay in the Territory, was stationed at Fort Vancouver, Astoria, and Middle Oregon. At the last named place he had command of the Dalles. In the winter of 1853, he was ordered to New York City on recruiting service, where he remained till the following October, when he resigned his commission. Soon after, he purchased a farm in Jackson county, Iowa, on which he has since resided.

In August, 1861, Colonel Woods was tendered the lieutenant-colonelcy of the 9th Iowa Infantry; but this position he declined, and was, on the 23d of the following October, commissioned colonel of the 12th. From that date till the expiration of his three year's term of service, he served in command, either of his regiment, or of the brigade to which it was attached. He left the army in the fall of 1864, with the respect and good-will of his regiment, and with the high personal consideration of his superior officers. His services merited recognition at Washington; but, with him as with some others, modesty blocked the wheels of promotion.

The 12th Iowa Infantry, like the other Iowa regiments which were captured with it in the first day's battle at Shiloh, has a bright record. Its first battle was Fort Donelson. It had been present at the capture of Fort Henry; but, like the other infantry troops, took no part. The late gallant Admiral Foote captured Fort Henry with his three wooden and four iron-clad gun-boats, and received the surrender of General Tilghman ; and no one will dispute with him that honor.

General Smith, in whose command was the 12th Iowa, operated on the bluffs on the west bank of the Tennessee, and General McClernand, on the east. Had McClernand moved two hours sooner, he would have invested the fort, and captured five thousand prisoners; but he floundered in miry swamps, and nearly the entire rebel garrison escaped to Fort Donelson before he came up. It was said the blunder was General Grant's; but, if it was, he retrieved it a few days after at Fort Donelson.

After the fall of Fort Henry, the 12th Iowa, with its division, marched across the country to the rear of Fort Donelson, on the Cumberland. The distance is twelve miles. One strong and important point in the long line of rebel defenses — that line extending from Bowling Green, Kentucky, down past Fort Donelson and Fort Henry, and across the country to Columbus — had been wrested from the enemy. Fort Donelson captured, and the country south, to the vicinity of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, including the city of Nashville and the railroad connecting Bowling Green with Columbus, must be yielded by the Confederates. Columbus, too, must be evacuated, and the Mississippi abandoned as far south as Memphis. Then, with prompt and energetic movement on the part of the Federal forces, the Memphis and Charleston Railroad could be cut, the strategic point of Corinth occupied, and Kentucky and West Tennessee restored to Federal authority. The issue at Fort Donelson was therefore watched with impatience and anxiety.

General Grant, with the divisions of Smith and McClernand, arrived in rear of Fort Donelson in the evening of the 12th of February, 1862. That night the troops slept on their arms, as they also did on every subsequent night, until the fort capitulated. The division of Smith, filing to the left from the Dover road, swung round against the enemy's right, and that of McClernand, filing to the right, formed line in front of the enemy's left. The right and left of these divisions remained connected; for the division of General Wallace, which was to occupy the centre, had not yet arrived, but was on its way up the Cumberland River. The 12th Iowa was still under Smith, and was attached to the 3d Brigade, commanded by Colonel J. Cook. The 4th Brigade of the same division, in which were the 2d, 7th, and 14th Iowa regiments, was next on the left and constituted both the left of the division and the left of the Federal forces.

"Thursday morning, at half past eight o'clock, (I quote from Colonel Woods' report) we marched down to, and up the Dover road about half a mile, when we filed to the left, and formed line of battle: threw forward the flanking companies as skirmishers, and marched forward down a long slope that lay in front, the grape, shot and shell of the enemy flying thickly around us all the time. Our skirmishers advanced to the top of the hill that lay in front of us. The battalion halted at two-thirds of the distance to the top of the hill, where it was protected from the enemy's fire by the ridge in front." This position was held by the 12th Iowa the following night; and that night and the following one will never be forgotten by the regiment. A fierce north-east storm set in late in the afternoon, and raged with great fury, and the men, though drenched with the rain, and chilled with the cold, were allowed no fires, and suffered most bitterly. That morning the 12th Iowa had lost its first man killed in battle — private Edward C. Buckner. He was shot through the head on the skirmish line, and killed instantly. In the wet and cold of the following night, the sad event was talked over by the men, and they wondered who would be the next to fall.

The entire day of the 14th, (Friday) and the forenoon of the following, were passed by the 12th Iowa in skirmishing with the enemy; and, during this time, the regiment was gallantly supported by the 50th Illinois, and by Birge's Sharpshooters. No assaults were attempted on Friday, for the division of General Wallace, and the gun-boat fleet had not yet come up. The fighting on the south side of Fort Donelson closed about noon on Saturday, the 15th instant; when the enemy, having routed McClernand, returned to their works in triumph. It was at this hour that General Pillow sent his laconic report to Nashville: "On the honor of a soldier, the day is ours." "At about two o'clock in the afternoon of Saturday, the 12th Iowa, 50th Illinois, and Birge's Sharp-shooters were ordered to make a feint-attack, to draw the enemy's fire. The men went cheerfully to the work assigned them; and kept up a warm fire on the enemy, while Colonel Lauman's brigade, on our left, advanced on the enemy, and got possession of a part of the enemy's outer works, and hoisted thereon the American flag." From that hour until night-fall, the 12th Iowa was sharply engaged, and during that time, the regiment suffered nearly its entire loss. It moved to the support of Colonel Tuttle by the left flank, and, marching through the deep ravine in its front, and over the fallen timber, arrived at the top of the hill, just as the 25th Indiana commenced falling back. The regiment entered the rebel works to the right of Colonel Tuttle, and held its position till morning, when the Fort and its garrison were surrendered.

The casualties of the regiment in this engagement were thirty—all, with the exception of three, being sustained on Saturday afternoon. Two only were killed. Among the wounded, was Lieutenant-Colonel Coulter, who "behaved with the utmost coolness and bravery, and performed his duties regardless of the danger to which he was exposed." Major Brodtbeck and Surgeon Parker received special mention for their good conduct. "Every commissioned officer performed his duty without flinching." Sergeant-Major Morrisy, and Color-bearer Sergeant Grannis, and many others, deserve special mention for their coolness and gallantry. Privates Buckner and Stillman were the two men killed: the former was shot in the eye, and the latter in the right temple. With the exception of the 2d Iowa Infantry, no troops are entitled to more credit, for the part they sustained in the capture of Fort Donelson, than this regiment.

The next engagement of the 12th Iowa was Shiloh, where, for holding its position too long, it was captured. It has been matter of wonder why General Grant and Admiral Foote, after the fall of Fort Donelson, did not push on directly to Nashville. The people of that city, and the rebel troops there stationed, would be in the utmost consternation; and it was believed that the place could be occupied with little or no opposition. Both Grant and Foote appreciated the situation, and were anxious to advance against the city; but Halleck, the general commanding the Department, would not give his consent. They called him the old wheel-horse. Some said he was good only on the hold-back, and, to succeed, he must have a down-hill enterprise. As it was, the enemy, in their mad fright, destroyed some two million dollars' worth of property which might have been appropriated by the Government. General Johnson's army, too, on the march from Bowling Green, might probably have been captured. A week after the fall of Fort Donelson, General Buel [sic] occupied Nashville; after which, General Grant proceeded up the Tennessee River to Savannah and Pittsburg Landing.

At the battle of Shiloh, the 12th Iowa was attached to the 1st Brigade, 2d Division, commanded by General Wallace. General Smith was absent at Paducah. Colonel, afterwards General Tuttle commanded the brigade. The part taken by the regiment in this engagement is elsewhere given. It formed a part of that line which, though at last broken, was held with such obstinacy as to save Grant's army from total rout.

After receiving orders to fall back, Colonel Woods says, in his official report:

"Seeing ourselves surrounded, we nevertheless opened a brisk fire on that portion of the enemy who blocked our passage to the Landing, who, after briskly returning our fire for a short time, fell back. A brisk fire from the enemy on our left was going on at the same time. Seeing the enemy in front falling back, we attempted, by a rapid movement, to cut our way through; but the enemy on our left advanced rapidly, coming in behind us, pouring into our ranks a most destructive fire. The enemy in front faced about, and opened on us at short range, the enemy in our rear still closing in on us rapidly. I received two wounds, disabling me from further duty. The command then devolved on Captain Edgington, acting as field officer. The enemy had, however, already so closely surrounded us that their balls, which missed our men, took effect in their ranks beyond us. To have held out longer would have been to suffer complete annihilation. The regiment was therefore compelled to surrender as prisoners of war."

The regiment's list of casualties was great, though the exact number I am unable to give. The killed and wounded numbered about one hundred and fifty. Of the conduct of his regiment, Colonel Woods says: — "Captains Earle, Warner, Stibbs, Haddock, Van Duzee and Townsley performed well their part, as did all the lieutenants in the action, in a prompt and willing manner. The non-commissioned officers and men stood bravely up to their work, and never did men behave better." Lieutenants Ferguson and Moir, two brave and worthy officers, were both killed. As already stated, Colonel Woods was twice wounded, and taken prisoner. He was shot through the left leg and right hand. The former wound disabled him, so that he could not march to the rear with the other prisoners, and the fortunes of the following day restored him to liberty; for he was re-captured by our forces. Over four hundred of the 12th Iowa were captured, and, of these, eighty died in Southern prisons. That is the saddest page in the history of this noble regiment.

The 12th Iowa was re-organized in the winter of 1862-3, that portion of it which had been captured having been previously exchanged. The regiment was again led to the front by its unassuming colonel, and assigned to the 3d Brigade, 3d Division, 15th Army Corps. The command of the brigade was given to Colonel Woods. A detailed account of the movements of the regiment need not be given here; for a full history of operations in the rear of Vicksburg will be found elsewhere.

The 12th marched with its corps from Milliken's Bend, via Grand Gulf to Jackson, and thence to the rear of Vicksburg, where it participated in the long and arduous siege. On the fall of that city, it marched back with Sherman to Jackson, and, after the flight of Johnson, assisted in the almost total destruction of the place.

The regiment's next important services were rendered in Northern Mississippi, in the spring of 1864; though I should not omit to state that it marched with Sherman on his trip to Meridian.

It re-enlisted as a veteran regiment, in the winter of 1863-4, and came North on veteran furlough; after which, it was assigned to the command of General A. J. Smith, and, under that general, fought at the battle of Tupelo, July 14th, 1864. Its conduct in this engagement, and in saving Smith's train from capture and burning the day before, between Pontotoc and Tupelo, made it one of the star regiments of the expedition.

The previous reverses, sustained by the army stationed at and near Memphis, under General Sturgis, are stated in the sketches of other officers. The expedition in question left La Grange, on the line of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, on the 5th of July, 1864; and, proceeding in a southeasterly direction, passed through Ripley and Pontotoc, and thence on to Tupelo. The heat and the dust rendered the march extremely painful and exhausting; but the brave men endured the hardships with great fortitude, for they were to retrieve our arms in that quarter from disgrace.

On the 13th instant, the 12th Iowa was assigned the duty of guarding the supply-train, a task which was not without its dangers, and which, on account of the hilly and timbered country through which the march lay, required the greatest vigilance. The country, too, was full of scouting parties of the enemy. Early in the afternoon, Lieutenant-Colonel Stibbs, commanding the regiment, was informed by one of his flankers that, the enemy's cavalry, in large force, were advancing rapidly through the timber on his right. It proved to be Maley's Mississippi Brigade. Learning their intended point of attack, the colonel threw his regiment in their front, and, concealing his men in the dense brush, ordered them to hold their fire till they received the proper command. Soon, the enemy came dashing through the woods, firing their carbines, and shouting like demons. They were allowed to approach within less than twenty paces, when a well-directed volley from the regiment checked them, and a second one drove them back in confusion, with the loss of their colors. They continued a scattering fire for fifteen or twenty minutes, and then retired.

In this affair, the loss of the 12th Iowa was one man killed, and twelve wounded. Among the latter, was Captain C. L,. Lumbardo. The battle of Tupelo opened the next morning.

On Thursday, the 14th instant, Smith's army was put under arms at three o'clock in the morning, and was soon after marched out and formed in line, on the right of the Pontotoc road. The position of the 3d Brigade, 1st Division, to which was attached the 12th Iowa, was as follows: "On the extreme right was stationed the 6th Indiana Battery, four guns; next in line, on the left, was the 33d Wisconsin, of the 4th Brigade; next, the 33d Missouri; next, the 2d Iowa Battery, four guns, commanded by Lieutenant J. Reed; and on the left of the brigade, in the most advanced position of our front line of battle, was the 12th Iowa, the 7th Minnesota being in reserve."

Immediately after the line was formed, skirmishers were thrown out; and soon, the enemy, moving from their cover in the timber, appeared in force, and formed for the encounter. The battle opened with artillery, which was fired with great rapidity and precision. The range was short, and the screeching [sic] of shells, and the whistling of grape and canister, was frightful. In the meantime, the enemy pushed their infantry forward, and engaged the whole Federal front. The 12th Iowa was protected by an old fence thrown down for a barricade, from behind which it did terrible execution, repelling every rebel assault. And thus the fighting continued for upward of two hours, when the regiment, having exhausted its ammunition, was sent to the rear. In half an hour, it returned with replenished cartridge..boxes, and, taking up its former position, again engaged the enemy. As the battle progressed, the enemy made charge after charge, confident of victory. They would approach within fifty yards of the Federal line, when, met by terrible volleys of canister and musketry, they would stagger for a moment, and then retire precipitately. To whip Smith's forces, was to be a "fore-breakfast spell"; but they must have thought their breakfast a long way off. Finally, they were charged in turn by the 12th Iowa in the van, the 35th Iowa, the 33d Missouri, the 33d Wisconsin and two companies of the 7th Minnesota. They could not face the valor of these veterans, and fled to the woods, leaving the bloody field in possession of the Federal forces. Nor did they return that day to renew the contest.

Of the second day's fight, and of the results of both days' battles, Lieutenant-Colonel Stibbs says:

"On the morning of the l5th instant my regiment was assigned a position to the left of the Pontotoc road, and formed the left centre of the brigade line. We had a substantial breastwork of cotton-bales in our front, which served as an admirable protection against the enemy's sharp-shooters. We took full part in the fight and charge of the day, losing one man killed and three wounded. Our loss during the three days' fighting was one officer and eight men killed, one officer and fifty-four men wounded, and one man missing."

Lieutenant A. A. Burdick, acting regimental quarter-master, was killed by a shell, while assisting to bring forward ammunition. He was a gallant young officer, and held in the highest esteem by his regiment. Sergeant Robert Fowler and Corporal G. R. Holden were also killed.

Being without supplies, General Smith could not continue the pursuit; and he therefore moved back in the direction of Memphis. Indeed, I am informed that the object of the expedition was accomplished on the battle-field of Tupelo — Forest and his command had been routed. The enemy's cavalry followed on the return as far as Oldtown Creek, giving the rear guard much trouble; but so skillfully and successfully was the march conducted, that not a single wagon of the long train was lost. The expedition arrived at La Grange on the 20th instant; and from that point all the wounded were sent forward to Memphis.

The entire Federal loss in the fighting at Tupelo was about six hundred, while the enemy's was estimated at not less than two thousand.

After General Smith's operations against Price in Missouri, in which the 12th Iowa took part, we next find the regiment with that general before Nashville. In the battles fought south of the last named city, it figured conspicuously; and its gallantry became the more noted, from the fact that it went into the fight without a single line officer: each company was commanded by a sergeant. Lieutenant-Colonel J. H. Stibbs commanded the regiment, and Captain, now Major Knee was acting major — both brave and true men. The regiment's conduct at Nashville is deserving of the greatest praise; for its colors were among the first to be placed upon the enemy's strong redoubts. It accomplished much, with but small loss — two killed and eighteen wounded. The 12th Iowa last operated with General Smith, in the reduction of Mobile, or rather the strong forts, by which that city was defended.

Colonel Woods has a slender, stooping form, brown hair, a light complexion, and mild, blue eyes. He is, in appearance and in fact, the most unassuming of the Iowa colonels. He speaks slowly and kindly, and was accustomed to give his commands with great coolness and deliberation. The officers and men of his regiment at first thought he lacked style and energy; but they soon learned he possessed great worth as a commanding officer. He is the farthest removed from every thing that distinguishes regular army officers.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 243-54