Colonel Jacob Lauman to his wife Louise D. (Viele) Lauman, February 17, 1862

FORT DONELSON, TENNESSEE, Feb. 17, 1862.

Dear Wife:

I am again safe. My life is still prolonged. Let me hope it is for some good purpose. We have had a great battle, the fight lasting for three days, but you will hear of it, and the great result to flow out of it long before this reaches you.

I commanded the Fourth brigade of the Second division, and my command made their mark. * * * Poor Jack Slaymaker was killed, gallantly leading his men to the charge on the last day — indeed, the only day the Second were in the engagement. Capt. Cloutman fell, also bravely doing his duty. Harry [Doolittle] was wounded very severely, but the surgeons say he will recover. I left my command to see him and poor Jack last evening. I have ordered Jack's remains to be properly cared for, to send home to his parents, and will see that it is done properly, although my time is so occupied I have scarcely time to write this note, nor do I know when or how it will leave here. I am now in command of Fort Donelson, and my brigade are quartered in the fortifications. We will be ordered forward soon, I hope, and I sincerely trust our success will be the harbinger of a speedy close of the horrid rebellion. I received your two letters just before we were ordered into action, and I had to laugh over your congratulations at my good quarters in Smithland, when for two nights I had been camped under a tree, and it raining and snowing on me, without a tent. But my health is improving. My cold under which I have been suffering is getting better, and I am able to endure a great deal of hardship.

Gen. Smith (Paducah Smith) is a good soldier. The reputation of the Iowa Seventh is as bright as ever, although their loss is trifling. The state may well be proud of their troops.

I lost all of my bedding yesterday, and doubt very much if I find it again. We marched out of camp leaving everything behind, and our friends helped themselves. I will look after Harry — I think he will do well. Dr. Marsh says the wound in his stomach did not penetrate far enough to do any serious injury. I trust this may be so. He is in good spirits, and bore his flag like a hero. Love to all. Good bye.

Yours affectionately,

J. G. Lauman.

SOURCES: Army Service Schools Press, Donelson Campaign Sources Supplementing Volume 7 Of The Official Records Of The Union And Confederate Armies  In The War Of The Rebellion, p. 160-1; Samuel H. M. Byers, Iowa In War Times, p. 104-5

Battle of Fort Donelson

Official Report of Col. Lauman.

LIST OF THE KILLED AND WOUNDED IN THE 2d, 7th and 14th IOWA.

HEADQUARTERS 4TH BRIG. 2D DIV. U S A

FORT DONELSON, Feb. 18^th, 1862.

GENERAL – I have the honor to report the following movements of the 4^th Brigade 2^nd Division.

We left fort Henry on the morning of the 12^th inst., arriving near Fort Donelson the same evening.  Immediately on our arrival I received your order to move the 7^th Iowa Infantry to the front to support a battery of Major Cavender’s 20 pounder Rifle Parrott guns, which were placed in a position to command a portion of the rebel works.  I obtained permission from you to associate the Regiment of Birge’s Sharp’s Shooters in the movement, and placed the two regiments in position where they remained during the night.

In accordance with order, on the morning of Thursday the 13^th inst., I moved the left wing of my brigade, consisting of the 14^th Iowa, Col. Shaw, and 25^th Indiana, Col. Veatch, from their encampment towards the enemy, who were entrenched about a mile distant therefrom.

The advance was made steadily and in as good order as the nature of the ground would admit of, until we reached the ravine at the base of the hill on which where the enemy’s fortifications – Here we halted, until the line could be formed, when the 25^th Indiana under Col. Veatch, moved steadily up the hill towards the entrenchments under a most galling fire of musketry and grape until their onward progress was obstructed by the fallen timber and brush wood.  Having, however, succeeded in obtaining an advantageous position they held it unflinchingly for more than two hours and until ordered to fall back out of the range of the enemy’s fire.  The loss of this regiment in killed and wounded was very severe.  The 14^th Iowa advanced at the same time, and took position on the right and across the ravine and did good execution.  Whilst these two regiments were taking the above positions the 7^th Iowa Infantry under Lieut. Col. Parrott, came up in fine style and took position in the centre, between the 25^th Indiana and then 14^th Iowa.

The 1^st Regiment Sharp Shooters, Western Division, Lieut. Col. B. S. Compton, were posted on the hill to the extreme right, except a detachment of about sixty, who were deployed as skirmishers, and rendered most effective service in that capacity and proving by their deadly aim that they are a most valuable arm of the service.  We held this position until night when we fell back to the position occupied in the morning.  On the following day we remained in camp skirmishing with the rebels during the day and night.

On Saturday the 15^th inst. at about two o’clock, I received your order to advance with my whole brigade and assault the heights on the left of the position attacked by us on the previous Thursday.  The Brigade was promptly in motion in the following order.

The Second Iowa, Col. Tuttle, led the advance followed by the 52^nd Indiana, (temporarily attached to my Brigade,) who were ordered to support them.  This regiment was followed closely by the 25^th Indiana, the 7^th Iowa and the Iowa 14^th.  The Sharp Shooters were previously deployed as skirmishers on our extreme right and left.  Col. Tuttle led the left wing of his regiment in line of battle up the hill supported by the right wing advancing at a distance of about one hundred and fifty yards in the rear.  So soon as he came within range of the enemy’s fire he led his men forward without firing a gun up to and charged into the rebel works, driving the enemy before him and planting his colors on the fortifications.  He was closely followed by the other regiments in the order of advance before named.  The enemy were closely pursued and driven behind their upper works. – Night coming on, we held in the position we had gained, and remained under arms until morning intending at the dawn of day to recommence the attack.  In this engagement the 2^nd Iowa suffered terrible.  Captains Slaymaker and Cloutman fell just as they entered the enemy’s fortifications.  Cloutman was instantly killed and Slaymaker died gallantly shouting to his men to go forward and consummate the work.

In the morning, as day dawned we were attracted to the inner fortifications by the sound of a bugle and saw the rebels displaying a white flag.  In instantly dispatched Lieut. Col. Parrott to ascertain the intent of it.  Who reported that an officer wished to see me.  I repaired to the spot and received from him offers of capitulation, which I at once forwarded to you – the result is well known.

It would afford me much pleasure to particularize the various instances of personal bravery displayed on the occasion by officers under my command, but when all behaved so well, it would be invidious to particularize, but I cannot refrain from mentioning, in this connection, the bravery of Col. Tuttle, Lieut. Col. Baker, and Major Chipman, (who received a severe wound in the thigh) of the Iowa Second, Col. Veatch and Lieut. Col. Morgan, of the Indiana 25^th and Col. Shaw, of the Iowa 14^th, also Lieut. Col. Parrott and Major Rice, who led the Iowa 7^th and to whom I return my warmest acknowledgements foe the gallant manner in which they led their regiment in the engagement on the 13^th and 15^th.  They did all that men possibly could do, and well sustained the reputation of the Iowa 17^th.

For the kindness, attention and skill manifested by the Surgeons and Assistant Surgeons towards the unfortunate wounded for so many consecutive hours, I return my most sincere thanks.

The total loss in killed and wounded, is as follows:

Second Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers

Killed,                                                         41

Wounded,                                                 157

Total,                                                         198

25th Reg’t. Indian Infantry Volunteers

Killed,                                                         14

Wounded,                                                 101

Total                                                          115

Seventh Reg’t Iowa Infantry Volunteers

Killed,                                                           2

Wounded,                                                   37

Total                                                            39

14th Reg’t Iowa Infantry Volunteers

Killed,                                                           3

Wounded,                                                   23

Total                                                            26

Birge’s Sharp Shooters

Killed,                                                           1

Wounded,                                                     3

Missing,                                                        1

Total,                                                             5

RECAPITUALTION

Killed,                                                         61

Wounded,                                                 621

Missing                                                         1

Total                                                          383

I herewith append the report of the Colonels of the Regiments attached to my Brigade, to which I invite your particular attention.  With Sentiments of high regard,

I remain respectfully,

Your ob’t servant,

J. G. LAUMAN,

Col. Com’ng. 4^th Brig. 2d Division

To Brig. Gen. C. F. Smith

Commanding Second Division

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 1

List of Killed and Wounded of the 2nd Iowa Infantry in the battle of Fort Donelson on February 13th, 14th and 15th, 1862.

COMPANY A.

Killed – Private Richard Highram

Wounded – Lieutenant  ____ Tisdale, slightly, Corporal Oli Ramsey, severely; Privates L. Farr, Severely; James M. Patterson, severely, D. W. Underhill, slightly; Douglass Allendorf, slightly; George D. Lawller, severely; Robert Hull, severely, James Haskell, slightly, James Kerr, slightly, Samuel Evans, severely, Corporals Henry A. Sorbendick, slightly, J. J. Goodwin, slightly, W W K. Harper, slightly, Thomas A Stevenson, severely, Privates John Toucher, severely, John Kipple slightly

COMPANY B.

Killed – Color Corporal, S G Paye, Private J. Guthrie

Wounded – Lieutenant J G Huntingdon, in right shoulder, Privates J B Scott, thigh, G W Scott, head, A. W Scott, leg, G Rosenberg, shoulder, A. Drucker, shoulder and arm, George Parkinson mouth, corporal A H. Clark, leg, privates J H Tracey, leg, A. Seimsmiths, thigh, S Todd, shoulder, O E Dyke, shoulder, S H Spencer, leg, J Bertichi, arm, J Wilson, slightly, George Minney, Slightly, John McCrellius, slightly, W H Nicholls, slightly, J H Howe, slightly, H H. Post, slightly, E M. Manning, severely, John Linden, slightly, Corporal A. H. Barnes, slightly; Privates Thomas Morrow, slightly, James Buckeratter, slightly, William Moller, Slightly, Corporal R M Lyth, slightly

COMPANY C.

Killed – Captain J. C. Slaymaker, Privates G H. Howill, C H Lenhart, J Myers, Ed Peterson

Wounded – 1^st Lieutenant W F Holmes, leg broken, 2^nd Lieutenant Alfred Bing, slightly, 1^st Sergeant G F Hall, slightly, 2^nd Sergeant A C McGill, slightly, Color Sergeant A. B Dolittle, severely, Corporals W M Campbell, slightly, W P Wade, slightly, Privates J C Mice, slightly, J G. Greenwauldt, severely, G A. Smith, slightly; Ed. Cockran, slightly, F W Casper, slightly, W H Ralston, severely, W H. McGill, severely, James Hunter, severely, Charles Flurry, slightly, William McLain, slightly, A J Pass, slightly, J W Morrison, severely, G A Bell, slightly, W O Hecker, slightly, A. F Gore, slightly, Fred Herbert, slightly, William Drummond, slightly

COMPANY D.

Killed – Sergeant Nathan W Doty, Private G. Weeks.

Wounded – 1^st Lieutenant E F Ensign, severely, 2^nd Lieutenant G L Godfrey, slightly, Corporal William Regan, severely, Privates W A. Brenton, severely, Caspar S Brady, severely, Jno W Coombs, severely, Peter Dresser, slightly, J. H. Hodyn, slightly, Henry Lawrence, slightly, Andrew Slatter, leg, Thomas Ward, arm, J G Williams, arm, David Yant, arm, William Cady, slightly, P. G Noel, slightly, J Cooper, slightly, J Gordionier, slightly.

COMPANY E.

Killed – None

Wounded – Sergeant Amos Wymer, slightly, Color Corporal John Robinson, Privates G W Morehouse, slightly, M Page, severely, R. Coop, slightly, Sam Daugherty, slightly, Robert Sloan, slightly, Robert Ready, slightly.

COMPANY F.

Killed – 2^nd Lieutenant William C Harper, Sergeant G W Morse, Privates W S Crooks, F G Mets, G B Shuver, W W Vinson, John Vandorn

Wounded – Corporals Samuel Hoofman, groin, James Sprague, neck, Privates F M. Armstrong, groin, Alonzo Bradford, thigh, Chas. S. Coger, arm, J H Duffield, shoulder and neck, H. D Duffield, slightly, James Carr, slightly, Ed Godard, arm, H C Hawk, thigh, John S Marriott, shoulder and arm, John Morrow, slightly, Geo Smith, slightly, Andrew Shrives, head, F B Wilson, head and hip, William W Walker, slightly

COMPANY G.

Killed – Sergeant John Dunn, Privates J M Duckworth, A. J Patterson, A G Niduy, J A Rhodes, William A Drake

Wounded – 1^st Lieut. J B Weaver, slightly, 1^st Sergeant P L Stoner, severely, Corporals G Johnson, severely, John Jones, severely, J A DeSmith, slightly, H D St John, slightly, Privates J W Pyrth, severely, Samuel Fouts, severely, George West, severely, J W Patterson, severely, J H Stevens, severely, Hiram Sloan, severely, Elijah Kinuck, severely, John W. Hurless, slightly, H H Jones, slightly, Thos Colliver, slightly, William Buchanan, slightly; C McMichale, slightly, Ephraim Farrington, slightly, John D Scott, slightly, Elisha Wallace, slightly, Leander Jeffreys, slightly, Sergeant J W Scott, slightly, Corporal Peter J Sharp, slightly.

COMPANY H.

Killed -  Corporal Samuel H Mealey

Wounded – Color Corporal Henry Effner, severely, Privates Andrew Eaton, severely, Sebastian Scoffmir, severely, George B Farley, slightly, Wesley Compton, slightly, William A Fodford, slightly.

COMPANY I.

Killed – 1^st Sergeant W L. Journey, Private Edward Banks

Wounded – Color Corporal Henry Cluncher, severely, Privates Thomas Paine, severely, Jas. H Danner, severely, D McKean, severely, R Parsons, severely F Ruport, severely, Jerome Foley severely, Corporal William Canger, slightly, Privates H A Smiley, slightly, W T Harrison slightly, Gottliff Shendel, slightly, George Cook, slightly

COMPANY K.

Killed – Captain C C Cloutman, Corporal James Berkley, Privates James Blake, William Kirkpatrick, John Hampton, W H. H Whitney, Brass Band, S H Phillips.

Wounded – Privates E G Vaughn, severely, David Cook, severely, James West, arm broke, Corporal S S Sheever leg broke; Sergeant B. H. Hammitt, severely; Privates A S Thompson, severely, Thomas Gallagher, slightly, W H Goodall, slightly T D Holmes, slightly, David Sergent, slightly, Sergeant T M Cook slightly.

RECAPITULATION.

Killed – 41

Wounded 137

Total 198

The above is a copy of the report made to the Medical Director by W. R. Marsh, Surgeon 2^nd Iowa Infantry, and forwarded by him to the Burlington Hawkeye for publication.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 1

Army Correspondence

FORT DONELSON, NEAR DOVER

Stewart County, Tenn., Feb. 19, 1862

MR. EDITOR:  A kind Providence has spared me to fulfill my promise of writing a few lines from Tennessee.  I am now sitting upon a camp cot in a tent pitched upon a slippery red clay side hill, in the Redan, or rear Fort, with my portfolio upon my lap, whilst a cold and pitiless rainstorm is raging without.  As we have no stoves you can judge that my position, if not my disposition is not the best in the world for writing a readable article.  I will, however, endeavor to make a few extracts from my diary since leaving St. Louis, which I find covers some twenty odd pages in my note book.

Having been relieved of our prisoners at McDowell’s College, we left for St. Louis on Monday evening on the 10^th inst., on the T  L McGill, a very slow old craft, and arrived at Cairo on the morning of the 12^th.  Here our destination was changed from the Tennessee to the Cumberland.  Left Cairo in the evening and found ourselves next morning some ten or fifteen miles above Smithland.  The day was pleasant and scenery beautiful.  The Cumberland valley, if properly titled, would be one of the richest and most productive in the world.  But alas the effects of our national curse are everywhere seen.  Ill planned houses, dilapidated fences and overtaxed soils are all the improvements with few exceptions that meet the eye.  The women at the little towns and farm houses along the river generally waved some kind of a white rag and the “niggers” universally grinned us a welcome. – Very few “men folks” were to be seen.  Our fine Brass band played as we passed the towns, and its music reverberated from hill to hill, apparently charming the astonished “natyves.”

In the afternoon we overhauled the transports, thirteen in number, and five or six gunboats accompanying them.  They all moved on slowly together, making a grand spectacle never before seen in this stream.  The river was very high and admitted the largest class of steamer, such as the Alex Scott, Memphis, &c.  About 10 o’clock the wind tacked round to the north and it commenced snowing.  In the morning we found ourselves laid up against the west bank of the river.  About two inches of snow was on the ground.  The disembarkation of troops began early and most of the gun boats proceeded up the river to feel for torpedoes and get the range of the guns in the main Fort.  Our regiment, with five or six others, were soon under way to connect with those thrown across from Fort Henry.  After marching four or five miles over hill and dale we struck the left wing commanded by Gen. Smith.  This wing rested on a slough running back about two miles from the river, below the fortified hills.  We were placed in Acting Brigadier General Lauman’s Brigade on the extreme left wing.  It comprised the 7^th and 14^th Iowa, 25^th Indiana and Birge’s regiment of Sharp shooters.  The several regiments in General Lauman’s Brigade had endeavored the day previous to storm the outer Forts and were repulsed with considerable loss, being saved from a general Massacre by the faithful sharp shooters, who clung to the snowy side hills from morning till night and picked off the enemy’s gunners every time they attempted to load their heavy pieces.  The Illinois 17^th and 14^th on the right wing in General McClernand’s division, had also attempted to storm a battery and were repulsed.

Thus matters stood when our regiment, the 2^nd Iowa Infantry, arrived at the scene of action.

The gunboats were to open fire at noon when a general movement was to be made inward by the land forces.  They found the river clogged with felled trees which they had to pull out and it was fully 3 o’clock before they opened upon the fort and 4 o’clock before the firing became general.  Our regiment was chosen to charge the left wing.  The flank companies were sent out as skirmishers but before the general attack was ordered the gun boats ceased firing and the matter was laid over till the morrow.

During the forenoon of the 15^th the enemy made a desperate attempt to cut through the right wing.  Eleven regiments on our side were engaged, some of which were badly cut up.  The 11^th Illinois alone losing 68 killed and a large number wounded.  The enemy’s cavalry broke through and escaped but their infantry were driven back.  I walked over that battle field after the surrender and found it a sickening sight indeed.  The woods were literally strewn with corpses and almost every bush was shattered with balls.  At 3 o’clock in the afternoon our regiment was ordered to charge on the forts.  Col. Tuttle led the left wing in advance, and Lieut. Col. Baker the right, closely following the Colonel.  The batteries were planted on the brest [sic] of a hill which receded in deep hallows and sharp ridges towards the bottom where we had been encamped.  The dense growth of oak on the steep points had been felled down the hill and their limbs trimmed up and sharpened.  Against these we had to charge for nearly half a mile constantly exposed to the enemy’s fire without an opportunity of returning it, as green oak logs were placed on top of the embankments with loop holes through them for riflemen whom it was impossible for us to see.  Our brave fellows began to fall before the leaden storm which rained down upon us.  Capt. Cloutman of company K (Ottumwa) fell pierced through the heart.  Capt. Slaymaker of company C, (Davenport) fell shot through the abdomen, and cheered his men on with his last gasp.  Our excellent Major Chipman, fell badly wounded, and a number of other officers before which the rebels with their six shooting rifles quailed and fled.  We had just cleared about half a mile of those rifle pits when the enemy, in several interior Forts opened on us with grapeshot.  An order now came to charge the Forts and onward we moved to the attack within musket shot.  Here we stood for half an hour torn by grape and musketry, awaiting the cowardly Indiana 52^nd which was ordered to support us but got no further than a deep hollow behind us where their fired up and killed some of our men.  The gallant 7^th Iowa was then ordered forward and broke through these cowards to relieve us.  Our glorious old Colonel, who stood constantly at the head of his men, wept to see them falling around him and gave the order to fall back slowly behind the first batteries we had taken, leaving the field to the 7^th, 12^th and 14^th Iowa regiments all of whom Gen. Lauman had on the field.  But it soon became evident that our small arms were availing but little and all the troops were called back where several pieces of artillery had been brought up and kept up an exchanges of shots with the enemy until dark, when the firing ceased.  Four regiments bivouacked in the trenches.  In the morning the enemy surrendered and we marched in.

I am freezing.  In my next I will give a description of the Fort.

H. S.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 1

Ottumwa, Feb. 24. 1862

MR. DUNHAM, - The funeral of Capt. CHAS. C. CLOUTMAN took place to-day.  The attendance was the largest ever had here, every body nearly turned out from town and country.

The body was received here by the Committee on Saturday night, and remained in their charge until Sunday morning 10 o’clock, when it was taken to his residence, where it remained until 8 p. m., when religious service was had at the house.  It was then taken to the Court House, where it lay in state until to-day at 1 p. m., when the funeral took place.

Capt. Jos. W. Caldwell, who was at home on furlough, acted as Marshal.  The order of procession was 1. Band; 2. Hearse; 3. Pall Bearers; 4. Volunteers who were here; 5. Ohio mourners; 6. Clergy; 7. Civil societies, citizens on foot, citizens in carriages and on horseback.

There is one fact you may not be aware of and perhaps it will be well enough to mention it here.

Capt. Cloutman was the first man in the state to offer his services to quell this rebellion.

The Stores were all closed to-day from 10 a. m. until 4 p. m.  Flags around town were at half mast and draped in mourning.

He fell to preserve our country and every body seemed to feel it.

Yours, truly, &c.

D. O. MITCHELL.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 1

Iowa Legislature

(Special to Burlington Hawk-Eye)

DES MOINES, Feb. 19, 1862.

The following communication was received from Adjutant General Reed [sic], and read in the House with great cheering:

ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE, Feb. 19.

Hon. C. C. CLARK, Speaker, SIR:  I have just received the following dispatch from Chicago:

To Adjutant General BAKER:  The Second Iowa acquitted themselves with great bravery at Fort Donelson, led the last and most successful charge, and have suffered terribly.  Besides the Second there were the 7^th, 10^th, 12^th and 14^th Iowa regiments in the fight.

The friends of Colonels Tuttle, Lauman, Persell, Wood and Shaw will rejoice that the glory of the fight and victory belong, and are attached to their names, and to the brave officers and soldiers under their command.

Another glorious page has been recorded in the history of Iowa, by her gallant troops in the field.  With great respect, I have the honor to rejoice in the glory of Iowa, and the triumph of Union arms.

(Signed)

N. B. BAKER, Adj’t General.     

The assembly immediately passed a joint resolution ordering the Governor and Adjutant General to procure flags to be presented to the Iowa Regiments, with such inscriptions thereon of their glorious achievements, as they may determine.

A joint resolution by Mr. Lane, of Scott, passed both Houses, tendering the thanks of the General Assembly and the people of Iowa, to our troops engaged at Fort Donelson, for their bravery.

A resolution was also adopted, authorizing the Governor to send three persons immediately to Cairo and Donelson, to look after our sick and wounded.  In obedience to this resolution, Gov. Kirkwood, Surgeon General Hughes and Dr. S. C. Brownell, of Des Moines, start to-morrow.

The bill restricting and defining the duties and powers of city courts was passed.

Also the bill for the issue of Auditors warrants, the particulars of which were sent yesterday.

SENATE. – Mr. WOOLSON presented a petition from the citizens of Henry county asking protection from quacks who have been appointed in the army.

Mr. Potter of Story and Mr. Esteb of Wayne, both democrats, appeared and were sworn in.

Mr. HATCH of Polk, Presented a bill to locate the Deaf and Dumb Asylum at Des Moines, which was referred.

The report of the Auditing Board was received and referred.

Mr. Jennings presented a bill defining the duties of Boards of Supervisors, providing that their powers may be delegated to the Clerk of the Board and that Supervisors shall have no hand in any contracts.

T. H. S.

DES MOINES, Feb. 20.

SENATE. – The President announced a special Committee on Senatorial and Representative Districts, Mr. Gue, of Scott, as Chairman.

A special Committee of five was appointed to examine into the expenditure of the annual appropriation to the Agricultural College and Farm for seeds, &c.

Mr. McCRARY, of Lee presented a petition from the Dean of the State Medical Department, asking aid from the State.  Referred to a special Committee with Mr. Shaffer, of Jefferson as chairman.

Mr. NEAL presented a bill providing that no publication shall be made of constable sales, or sheriff sales under three hundred dollars.  Publications over that sum two weeks, at option.  Referred to the Special Committee of Five.

Mr. Smith, of Jasper, presented a bill repealing the act for the sale of the State bonds.  Referred to the committee on Ways and Means.

HOUSE. -  The House passed a resolution instructing our Congressional delegation to use their influence to have Adjutant-General Baker appointed a Brigadier General.

The Military Committee reported a bill authorizing the Governor to pay the expenses of all the wounded Iowa soldiers on their return home, out of the contingent fund.

Both Houses adjourned over to give their Railroad and Des Moines river land Committees an opportunity to hold a joint session.

Information has been received at headquarters by Gen. Baker that 38 were killed and 150 wounded in the 2^nd Iowa.  The telegraph indicates that Captains Slaymaker of Davenport, and Cloutman of Ottumwa, were killed, and Major Chipman, Lieut. Holmes, of Davenport and Lieut. Ensign of Des Moines, wounded.

In the 12^th Regiment were 3 killed and 24 wounded.  In the 14^th regiment 6 killed and 50 wounded.  No particulars of the 7^th yet received.

Senator Udel of Appanoose county, and Representative Kellogg of Decatur, accompany the Governor, besides those sent you last night.

T. H. S.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3

The Iowa Second

This regiment, although it has seen hard service, being the first of the three years volunteers in the field, has never been under fire until the three days fight at Donelson.  We know that its officers and men have been exceedingly anxious to face the rebels in battle.  In this wish they have now been gratified, and right worthily have they sustained the good name of our State and the high character awarded to our Iowa boys for valor at Wilson’s Creek, Blue Milles and Belmont.  Col. Tuttle and his Regiment led the bayonet charge which dislodged the rebels from their entrenchments, and planted their flag over the captured works.  All honor to Col. Tuttle and the gallant Iowa Second – to the living, the wounded and the dead.  A grateful people will never forget either.

The officers of this regiment are James M. Tuttle, James Baker, Lieut. Colonel, Norton P. Chipman, Major, Thos. J. McKinney, Adjutant, Captains Houston of Keokuk, Littler and Brewster of Davenport, Dykeman of Des Moines, McCulloch of Fairfield, Wilkin of Van Buren County, Weaver of Bloomfield, Cowles of Washington, Cox of Lyons, and Cloutman of Ottumwa.

Gov. Kirkwood, if he has not already done so should take such steps as will insure the best possible care of the wounded of this and other Iowa regiments at Fort Donelson.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 2

The Storming of Fort Donelson

It turns out just as we anticipated it was the brigade of Col. Lauman, acting Brigadier General, consisting of the 7^th, 2^nd and 14^th Iowa and the 25^th Indiana which made the gallant charge up the hill over the enemies [sic] breastworks, driving him out of the upper position of his fortifications at the point of the bayonet and deciding the fortunes of the three days’ bloody struggle.  It was this brigade which first planted the stars and stripes upon the rebel works which they carried, restored the flagging spirits of our army, and held the ground which they had taken.

Although the accounts which we get are all Chicago accounts and colored almost as highly as those of the battle of Belmont, being written by the same persons yet, it evidently was not considered wise this time to omit all mention of the most gallant achievement of the three days fighting or of the persons who participated in it.  We find in the Chicago Tribune the following reluctant mention of this decidedly most brilliant bayonet charge, in its execution and result, of the war:

In the afternoon Gen. Grant saw that something should be done to restore the spirits of our disheartened troops, and ordered General Smith to make an assault on the west wing of the enemy’s works.  Gen. Smith, as quick as horseflesh could bear him, rode along his lines and ordered his men to prepare for a charge which caused shouts of joy to ring along his lines. – Without a moment’s unnecessary delay Colonel Lauman’s brigade, the 2d and 7^th Iowa, and the 11^th and 24^th Indiana, charged up to the enemy’s redoubt driving the rebels before them at the point of the bayonet like frightened sheep, and gaining possession of their outer works.

Gen. Smith behaved like one inspired for nothing less than continual victories.  He could be seen riding along the lines with his had swinging on top of his sword amid the thickest of the fight, encouraging his men and cheering them on to victory, regardless of the deadly missiles flying around him.

The Colonel of the 2^nd Iowa was the first to mount the enemy’s works with his men close in his wake.  The storming was complete.  Our troops gained a position inside of their works where they lay on their arms all night and prepared to follow up their success in the morning.

These Chicago reporters are subsisted and paid out of the means of Uncle Sam, by Chicago and Illinois Generals and Colonels, for the express purpose of puffing the aforesaid Generals and Colonels, and they do it without rime [sic] or reason, monopolizing the telegraph lines to the end.  We are surprised that any mention was made at all of Col. Lauman and our Iowa troops.  They tell us that such and Illinois Regiment fought like tigers, but were compelled to fall back – Col. So and So acted like one inspired – the Illinois _th fought with desperate courage until their ammunition became exhausted – the _th Illinois, being cut to pieces were compelled to fall back, which they did with good order, gallantry, etc., etc.  But it being necessary to do something to revive the flagging spirits of our army, the Iowa Brigade, under General Lauman, marched into the rebel fortification and ran up the stripes and stars.  That is all, recited in the fewest possible words, no praise being awarded except to Grant and Smith.

At 2 o’clock, we received the following dispatch, for which we paid the moderate sum of five dollars.  It confirms what we said above:

CAIRO, Feb. 19, 1862

EDITOR HAWK-EYE: – Col. Lauman’s brigade were the first inside the breast works at Fort Donelson.  The casualties of the 7^th Iowa are light, only one man (M. C. Stewart,) company D, is known to be killed.  No more than 15 (fifteen) are wounded, none dangerously.  The Second Iowa is badly cut up.  Two of their captains are killed – one is Captain Cloutman.  Major Chipman is wounded in the thigh.

J. R. N.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 2

Among the dead at Fort Donelson . . .

. . . we learn by a private dispatch, is Capt. Cloutman of Company K, 2d Iowa.  Capt. C. commanded a company from Ottumwa.  He formerly resided in Burlington and has many friends and acquaintances here.  He has given his life to his country as thousands of other brave men have done and are doing.  Their families must be provided for.  Their names will live in the hearts of a grateful people

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 2

State Items

The Fort Dodge Republican is in trouble about the railroad prospects of its section.  A terrible rumor is current that the Dubuque and Sioux City R. R. doesn’t intend going further West than Cedar Falls, its present nominal terminus.  The Fort Dodgers intimate that if such is the case, they’ll find somebody else to take up their case and give them a railroad.

After an animated contest, the Clinton County Society has decided to hold its next annual Fair at Lyons.  The Jackson Co. Fair will be held at Maquoketa.

Petitions are in circulation in Jones county to have its name changed to Grant.

A young man named Wm Thompson was recently found dead, in Union county, under circumstances that lead to the supposition that he was murdered.

Michael Degin was frozen to death in Jones county a few nights since.  He left a wife and several small children unprovided for.

Wm. S. Kirkpatrick, son of F. A. Kirkpatrick of Mahaska county, and great grandson of Col. Bradley of the Revolution, was killed at fort Donelson, while bravely defending the body of Captain Cloutman.  Colonel Bradley, of the Revolutionary fame was killed in his own house by the tories after the war closed.

There are 40,000 acres of swamp land in Harrison county under the exclusive management of the Board of Supervisors.  So says the Magnolia Republican.

The Fourth Iowa Regiment was the first to plant the Stars and Stripes on the soil of Arkansas.

The Keokuk Gate City has been shown a very handsome specimen of cotton, grown in that city.

Senator Redfall introduced into the State Senate last week, a preamble and resolutions congratulating the Senator from Davis county, on his marriage.  It was very properly referred to the committee on charitable institutions.

A PLEA FOR INTEMPERANCE. – Several weeks ago we made a note of the death of Mr. John Jolly, and a man by the name of Scott; Mr. Jolly was an old “settler” in the county, and was regarded as an excellent citizen, except the unfortunate habit of intemperance.  It appears the two men, on a cold day several weeks ago were at work in the woods on Sugar Creek, they had a supply of whiskey with them, and after having made a large fire, became intoxicated and fell helpless victims to be destroyed by the flames they designed for their protection from the cold.  Their death was a melancholy one, and a fearful warning to the intemperate. – Ft. Madison Plaindealer.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 13, 1862, p. 2

Further Particulars of the Fight

The following letter has been a long time in reaching us, but as it contanins some particulars not given both other correspondents, we publish it:

FT. DONELSON, Tenn., Feb. 18.

ED. GAZETTE:  The standard of the second Iowa floats from the highest turret of Fort Donelson, though it has been done at the cost of some of the best blood of Iowa.

On Saturday the 15^th of Feb., Fort Donelson was surrounded by fifty thousand troops, which were drawn out in a semi-circular line around the battlements, which included within their limits some three thousand acres of ground.  The work of surrounding such a vast military enclosure was attended by difficulties which I have no power to describe – dense woods to be cleared, roads to be cut through, hills to be surmounted, valleys crossed, and an immense amount of cannon and military goods to be transported across the country.  But all these were executed with an energy and determination which was an earnest of our ultimate success.

On the 14^th, the 2d Iowa, together with some fifteen other regiments, landed about five miles below the fort, and immediately marched across the country, and took positions in the line.  The 2d Iowa was stationed on the extreme left wing.  About 9 o’clock in the morning, the gunboats commenced firing shell and round ball into the fort.  At the same time the right wing opened fire with light artillery and musketry.

The enemy fought bravely, and repulsed our troops with the great slaughter.  They charged upon one of our batteries, and carried one piece within their breast-works, when suddenly our forces made a rush towards their fortifications, and in the face of a most tremendous fire recaptured the piece, and brought it back in triumph to the battery.  The enemy then withdrew within their entrenchments, and the firing ceased for the night.  In the meantime the heavy siege guns of the fort had silenced our gunboats, and as the night closed around us the fortifications were not yet entered, and a hundred or more brave boys lay dead upon the field, and we began to think anxiously upon the events of the morrow.

That night the whole line, some three miles long, lay upon their arms.  The night was extremely cold, the ground was wet from the recent melting of snow, and everything conspired to make our position uncomfortable.  What transpired among our officers in command that night I know not, but there is reason to believe there were some grave consultations.  Gen. Smith was reported to have said that they would enter the breast-works the next day if he lost every man in his brigade.

Early next morning the right wing again commenced skirmishing, through to little effect.  Our forces on the left were beginning to be impatient of waiting and eager to be doing their share of the work, when suddenly Gen. Smith and Col. Lauman rode up and commanded the extreme left to prepare for action.  Our regiment sprang to their arms, and were soon in line of battle.  Every face beamed with joy and hope, and as Gen. Smith rode by he was greeted with cheers from the Iowa Second, when the General raised his hat and said, “Boys, there has got to be a desperate charge made, and I shall depend upon the Iowa Second to do it; now boys, show what you are made of.”  When he had finished, Col. Lauman (acting Brigadier General) waved his sword and said, “Boys, remember Belmont.”  We were ordered to take the breastworks at the point of the bayonet, and the regiment moved forward on quick time.  The road we were to travel was up a steep hill covered with fallen trees and brush, which the enemy had strewn there to impede our progress.  The boys rushed forward like mad men, yelling and shouting “forward boys, we will soon be in the breastworks.”

What difficulties we encountered in ascending that hill I cannot describe; our line was broken by the trees and brush, so that the left wing of the regiment was several paces in advance of the right.  The enemy did not open fire upon us until we were within a few paces of their breastworks.  The two companies from Davenport were first to climb the works and enter, when they were met by a tremendous volley of balls from the 2^nd Kentucky.  Then commenced the work of carnage; the balls whistled by our ears, and one by one, in quick succession, our brave comrades fell around us.  Our brave Captain turned to his company and, waving is sword shouted “Forward, boys! forward!”  The words had scarcely escaped his lips, when he was pierced through the groin by a rifle ball, and fell dead before his company.  His last words were “Forward, boys! forward!”  Soon after Capt. Cloutman, of Co. K, fell dead, pierced through the head.  Our company was maddened by the sight of their dead Captain, and sent volley after volley of musketry at the enemy who fled before us.  The firing continued some three quarters of an hour.  The rest of the brigade came up to reinforce us, though their movements were not as rapid as we could have wished.  After we had driven the enemy far within their works, we rallied behind the breastwork, and the artillery came up to our support.  When the breastworks were secured we commenced the heart-sickening work of carrying off the wounded from the field.  As we bore off our brave young Captain the boys gave vent to their feelings in tears of anguish, which showed how dearly they loved him.  You will be furnished with a list of the killed and wounded as soon as it can be made out.

Next morning, after some consultation, the fort was surrendered unconditionally, and the Second Iowa marched in at the head of the whole column of sixty thousand troops, and planted our colors on the highest battlements.

I intended to write more but the boat starts in a few moments.

I remain yours, &c.,

CHARLIE HILDRETH.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 1, 1862, p. 2

Honor to the Brave

Col. Lauman commanding the brigade that stormed Fort Donelson, prefaces his official report, of which we publish the list of killed and wounded, of the Iowa 7^th, and 14^th regiments – having already published the official list of the gallant 2d regiment – with the following tribute to officers under his command:

“Captains Slaymaker and Cloutman fell just as they entered the enemy’s fortifications.  Cloutman was instantly killed and Slaymaker died gallantly shouting to hi men to go forward and consummate the work.

“It would afford me much pleasure to particularize the various instances of personal bravery displayed on the occasion by officers under my command, but all behaved so well it would be invidious to particularize, but I cannot refrain from Mentioning in this connection, the bravery of Col. Tuttle, Lieut.-Col. Baker, and Major Chipman, (who received a severe wound in the thigh) of the Iowa Second; Col. Veatch and Lieut. Col. Morgan of the Indiana 25^th, and Col Shaw, of the Iowa 14^th; also, Lieut. Col. Parrott and Major Rice, who led the Iowa 7^th, and to whom I return my warmest acknowledgements for the gallant manner in which they led their regiment in the engagement on the 13^th and 15^th. – They did all that men possibly could do, and will sustained the reputation of the Iowa 7^th.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 1, 1862, p. 2

The Steamer J. D. Perry . . .

. . . brought up to St. Louis the bodies of Capts. Slaymaker and Cloutman, and the wounded person of Major Chapman, all of the Iowa Second.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 1

Funeral Sermon Of Capt. Cloutman

Rev. Wm. Salter, of Burlington, delivered a very able and impressive discourse entitled “Death of the Soldier,” being the funeral sermon of our late lamented and honored fellow citizen, Captain Charles C. Cloutman, to a large congregation, on Sunday last, at the Methodist Church.  So highly is this discourse appreciated by those who heard it, that Mr. Salter has complied with a request to furnish a copy for publication, and it will appear in our next edition.  It will also be published in pamphlet form, accompanied with Capt. Coutman’s last letter.  Those desiring copies will please order them. – {Ottumwa Currier.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3