Showing posts with label Dubuque Battery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dubuque Battery. Show all posts

Monday, August 22, 2016

Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Sunday, July 19, 1863

Scouting party of. 35 Mo. 28 Wis. 43. Ind. 117. Ill. inft. regts. and 1st Ind cav. 4 pieces of Dubuque battery go out with 3 day. ration in haversacks This party back before night. Inft. went 5 mile cav. 15. Saw Dobbs pickets

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 493

Friday, August 19, 2016

Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Wednesday, July 15, 1863

Sarj. of Guard today. Strong talk of another attack. 4 gunboat here tonight. Dubuque battery up from below. 20 Wis. Men in rifle pits all night.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 493

Monday, August 1, 2016

Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Saturday May 30, 1863

Not quite so well. News Grant Whip Johnston in his rear, false news Memphis Bullitin Helena taken. Adj detailed post inspection gen. The 1st Indiana and 5th Kansas cavalry regiments and Dubuque battery, go down the river today

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 490

Friday, July 29, 2016

Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Wednesday May 6, 1863

At 6.45 A. M. started out. 33d Iowa 28 Wis. Inf: 3d Ioa 5th Kan. 1st Ind. Cav. 3 steel guns 2 guns of Dubuque bat. long train of wagons. Marched 18 miles. On picket for the night

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 489

Saturday, August 25, 2012

The Great Battle of Pea Ridge


The St. Louis Democrat has a long and interesting account of this great battle in Arkansas, differing considerably from the one we printed yesterday from the Cincinnati Times.  We give a part of it below:


SIGEL WITH HIS REAR GUARD CUTS HIS WAY THROUGH THE ENEMY.

Early Thursday morning Sigel’s division was moving from Camp Cooper, beyond Bentonville for Sugar Creek.  His rear guard composed of the Twelfth Missouri Infantry, Captain Jenks’ battalion of cavalry, attached to the Thirty-sixth Illinois, two companies Benton Hussars, and six pieces of flying artillery, (Albert’s battery) left camp at six A. M.  The main column marched through Bentonville without observing any indications of the enemy.  Gen. Sigel and staff, together with the rear guard, arrived at Bentonville in an hour and a half.  While resting here, a black line was observed on the prairie towards the south, which at first attracted no particular attention: Sigel, with his glass soon became convinced that the line was in motion.  Soon secesh flags were seen moving on Bentonville, and the prairie became black with the rebel masses of cavalry and infantry.  The rebel cavalry moved up rapidly and deploying to the right and left, surrounded the town.  Clouds of cavalry were still observed advancing at rapid speed.

Sigel moved forward the rear guard across a ravine on the margin of the town, and the opposite side of the ravine was occupied by the rebels, who came rushing up with a yell. – Noticing that they had formed in his rear, he detached four companies of cavalry to hold them in check.  Opening his lines right and left he sent his artillery to the front, to meet a force drawn up in line of battle a mile out of town.

Turning to Captain Jenks, who had come forward to support the latter, Sigel said “Captain, the enemy are on our front, on either side of us, and all around us.”  Then raising his hand to a level with his shoulder, and lunging it down with each sentence, exclaimed, “We must advance; we must cut our way through;” and concluding emphatically, “we shall cut our way through.”  Sigel then got off his horse, and personally superintended the planting of pieces in position.  He opened fire on the enemy in front, every shot having a telling effect on the enemy’s ranks, which faltered and fell back in the woods.  A rapid advance of our column then took place, the enemy seeming to retreat on either side, but instead they made a detour and formed again two miles further on at the entrance of a deep gorge. – On reaching this position, it was found they were supported by a large body of infantry, whose advance preceded our arrival by taking a shorter road.  The infantry were placed in ambuscade, covered by the crest of a hill.  Our troops pushed forward into the gorge along which the road runs, when suddenly a galling fire of musketry was poured in along our whole like from the top of the hill along our left flank.  The Twelfth Missouri charged up the hill in face of the fire, and drove the rebels over the hill.

During the charge, Sigel ordered two pieces forward about a mile to a point where he could see the hill where the rebels supposed they were under cover.  The guns were masked by a grove and were not observed by the rebels.  As soon as this battery was planted, two cannon shots were fired from the head of the column in the valley, producing no effect but deceiving the enemy.  A rapid advance of the whole column was then made, and as we receded from the enemy the latter covered the hill in large numbers, advancing on our rear.  The masked battery in front then opened on them, the balls passing over our column still in the gorge, which caused such destruction to the rebels that they scattered in all directions and ceased to molest us any further.


THE GRAND BATTLE OF THE EIGHTH.

The enemy during the night advanced and took position one mile nearer our camp, occupying the extensive bluff to the left of Elkhorn Tavern, where they had batteries planted which commanded the open fields and bottom lands on this side.  The open woods, a mile this side of the town was also occupied by the enemy in formidable numbers.  They had batteries pointed in all available positions commanding the approaches from this side.  General Curtis designed to open the ball at day-break, and gave the necessary orders for a change of front, the left wing having to be moved obliquely forward.

The cannonade opened twenty-five minutes past seven, on Col. Carr’s division, and the portion of the latter engaged fell back.  Gen. Davis advanced on the main road and took position on the right wing, while Col. Carr moved to the center, and a desultory fire was kept up for a short time.  About eight o’clock Gen. Sigel’s division marched into the open field and took position on the left wing.  His batteries were planted along the elevations in this portion of the field with alternate regiments of infantry.

The line as now formed was concave with the wings advanced toward the enemy, while seven batteries were planted along its whole length. – No more beautiful spectacle could be conceived than the “magnificently stern array” presented by our line of battle.  The utmost confidence was at once restored, and our men felt reassured that victory was in their reach.  The bluffs occupied by the enemy on their right were covered with the secesh as thick as they could stand, while the intervening woods in front of our center was alive with them.  Our batteries were soon opened all along the line, and a perfect wall of fire blazed out in rolling volumes.  The enemy replied promptly with his batteries, with little effect, except disabling one of Sigel’s guns.  The murderous cross fire of our batteries crashed through the timber with terrific effect.  The cannonade was terrible for two hours and a half, during which time the infantry advanced slowly under cover of our fire from the batteries.  As soon as the enemy broke the infantry advanced with a yell in double quick, sending volley upon volley of well-aimed musketry.  The Twelfth Missouri rushed forward and charged on a battery in the heavy timber, capturing three guns and a flag belonging to the Dallas Artillery.  The Twenty-Second Indiana also captured a gun and two caissons.  At this time Gen. Sigel pushed the enemy’s right flank, while Gen. Davis and Col. Carr drove forward his left flank.  The fight became general, and the ravine near the Elkhorn Tavern was thronged with the flying enemy.  The bluffs on the left forming a natural fortification, where they had several regiments and a battery posted, where stormed by Col. Greusel’s brigade.  The precipice here is seventy-five feet high.  The Twelfth, Fifteenth and Seventeenth Missouri and Thirty-sixth Illinois scaled the hill and drove the enemy out, the brigade losing only eight men killed and twenty two wounded.  The top of the bluff was completely covered with their dead and wounded from our spherical case shot and shells.  The arms and accoutrements were scattered in all directions.  A prisoner taken here stated that Van Dorn had not been seen for two hours, and they thought it time to leave.  The victory was complete.  The retreating enemy were pursued for two miles by company D, of Bowman’s battalion, and the pursuit was kept up by the Benton Huzzars [sic] and Gen. Sigel to Keetsville.  Prisoners including officers were taken in large numbers.  Our loss in the battle was comparatively small, but the enemy’s was terribly severe.  We killed General Slack, and young Clark, son of Merriweather Clark, of St. Louis, who had his head taken off by a cannon ball.  He commanded a battery gallantly, and had just given the order to retreat, when a ball struck him on his horse. – Lieut. Col. McCulloch, son of the General, was also found among the dead with his commission in his pocket, near Elkhorn Tavern.

Gen. Curtis has won a victory that should place his name in the front rank of heroes battling for the national cause.  From his position in the field he observed every movement, and gave his orders with admirable coolness and decision.  His Aids, Capts. McKinney, Stark, Aughfelt, Stitt, and Lieuts. Adams and Hoepner, were seen flying over the field, conveying orders and bringing intelligence.


INCIDENTS.

In the battle near Elk Horn Tavern, Sergeant Major Wooster, of the Iowa Third, was hit by a cannon shot, taking away the side of his skull, while he was engaged in untangling the horses from the Dubuque battery, having bravely volunteered to go ahead on the dangerous errand in the face of a plunging fire from the enemy’s battery.  Calling to his boy after he was shot he said: – “Johnny, Oh Johnny, I must go!”

A cannon ball, in the battle near Lee Town, killed two cousins named Alley, and lodged in the breast of Lieut. Perry Watts, of Company K, 22d Indiana.  It was taken out and proved to be a 6-pounder ball.

A man was shot through the body with a ball and caught it in the waistband of his pantaloons, where it had lodged.

In the battle of the 8th a ball struck a tree, shivering it to splinters.  One of the splinters, six feet long, struck a secesh and impaled him to the earth.

Lieut. Henne of Company F, Twelfth Missouri, who had lost his left arm in the Hungarian war, was truck in the battle of the 8th by a cannon ball, which carried away his right leg.  He was carried off the field, and when passing to the General, while his face was wreathed in smiles, as if forgetful of his sufferings in the exultation of approaching victory.

On the rebel side the Indians were in command of Pike, Standwartz and Ross.  They proved of little account, except to plunder and riffle the dead and scalp the wounded of which fact. Col. Bussy, of the 3d Iowa cavalry, has ample evidence.  In the field these cowardly allies could not be brought within range of our cannon.  They would say, “Ugh, big gun!” and skedaddle for the brush.”

A secesh doctor who came afterwards into our camp, relates that on the morning of the battle he observed about 300 Indians daubing their faces all over black from the coal of the charred stumps.  The doctor inquired of one of the chiefs of the significance of painting thus, when he was answered that, “The Indians, when going into a fight, painted their faces red; but when they are pinched with hunger, they color black.”  These fellows have had nothing to eat in two days.

McCulloch was killed in the brush on a slight elevation on the opposite side of the field by Peter Pelican, a private in company B, Thirty-sixth Illinois.  The attack in which the ubiquitous Ben. Was taken off was led by Captain Miller.  McCulloch wore a dress of black velvet, patent leather high top boots, and he had on a light colored broad-brimmed Texan hat.  He was on a light bay horse.  Pelican went up and took a gold watch, now in Possession of Colonel Greusel.

A ball after breaking the legs of two men, hit Captain Hobb in the back of his leg and was stopped.  The Captain was slightly injured, but the sword was battered.

Four of Price’s negroes were captured by Col. Ellis’ First Missouri Cavalry.

Price’s filed glass was taken and used during the remainder of the battle by General Davis to make observations.

A cannon ball struck the ground, and ricocheting, passed under Col. White’s horse; carried away a leg of the horse, rode by Lieut. Landgrove.  The Lieutenant fell with the horse, but extricated himself as soon as possible.  The Horse getting up, hobbled to the secesh ranks, taking along the Lieutenant’s pocket money, which was concealed in the holsters.

A Dutchman rode directly into the enemy’s works with a caisson.  The rebel Major asked him where he was going, and the man answered, “Dish for Sigel.”  The Major smiles, and directed the man where to go, which was probably to any point beyond the rebel lines.

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

Saturday, May 5, 2012

The Retreat And Pursuit Of Price


INTERESTING DETAILS.

(Special Correspondence of the Missouri Democrat.)

“CROSS HOLLOWS,” ARK.
Feb. 25th, 1862

I left Springfield at 1 o’clock, p.m., Friday last and reached here Sunday at 5 p.m. having traveled 90 miles in that time.  Everywhere on our route was seen the devastation caused by the march of armies.  From the battle field of Wilson’s Creek to Cassville, I should judge that one half of the dwellings and barns were burned by Price and McCullough when Fremont was supposed to be in pursuit.  The remaining half of the tenements were deserted by Union men last season, who have since been fugitives in Rolla, St. Louis, and throughout Illinois.  These Dwellings were frequently occupied by straggling soldiers, who were very hospitable in offering the traveler the best bed in the house, to-wit: the floor.  This side of Cassville, among the Sugar Creek defiles, we saw where McCullough, in his flight last fall, had a detail of 500 men to fell trees for a distance of several miles across the road to prevent pursuit.  This barricade was eventually removed by the rebels themselves for their own convenience.  The few country people met with on the way gave full particulars of the picket fighting between Curtis’ advance and the rebel rear, as over

“The rugged road the rascals ran.”

Many gallant exploits occurred, and I found our troops, officers and men, exulting over the achievements of the famous retreat and pursuit.  I have obtained from our officers the following brief account of the events up to the Sugar Creek affair:


THE RETREAT AND PURSUIT.

In leaving Springfield, General Price undoubtedly supposed he could make good his retreat without molestation, thinking, most likely, that General Curtis would be so much pleased with the recapture of the town, and that he would remain several days and glorify.  In fact, many of our own officers and men expected as a matter of course the army would halt some time.  But Price had “reckoned without his host,” and our officers did not yet understand their leader.  The same night of our arrival came orders to march at daybreak the following morning, the divisions of Generals Sigel and Asboth taking the Mt. Vernon road, while those of Generals Jeff. C. Davis and Carr took the direct route to Cassville.  Pushing rapidly forward, twelve o’clock of that day found the latter divisions passing the famous battlefield of “Wilson’s Creek, where the enemy had bivouacked the night previous, leaving only that morning.  Here their camp fires were still burning, much of the meat that had been killed for the troops lying about uncooked with every evidence of having left “in something of a hurry.”

The enthusiasm of our troops as they passed this famous place, cannot be described.  All around us were the graves of our own friends, who had sacrificed themselves for the cause; in advance the same identical enemy that murdered Lyon.  All felt that it would have been a pleasure to fight the rebels on the same spot. – Marching on, six o’clock brought us to Dug Springs, where we were preparing to bivouac when a messenger announced that our cavalry had overtaken the enemy, and urging the infantry forward.  Hunger, fatigue and all was forgotten.  Onward we pushed, never halting until twelve o’clock that night.  The division of Gen. Davis was in the advance with the cavalry of Col. Ellis and Major McConnell.  The enemy it seems, had halted on Cane Creek, and here were captured quite a number of prisoners. – First was the rebel. Col. Freeman, who so well known as the marauderer [sic] at Salem, below Rolla.  Our pickets were close upon the enemy’s camp, and Freeman’s horse, escaping from him, ran up the road followed by the colonel.  In a very few moments he was on his way to headquarters. – Soon after came a dapper little Major, walking right up to our pickets and asking if they could show him Gen. Price’s headquarters.  “Certainly” was the reply, and in a trice he was before Gen. Curtis.  Afterwards our men captured an engineer and several other commissioned officers.

Had not the night been so terribly dark, it is more than likely Gen. Curtis would have attacked the enemy, but he determined not to be drawn into an ambuscade.  The troops lay on their arms awaiting the break of day.  At an early hour, February 15th, the column moved forward but during the night Price had again fled, leaving a large proportion of his camp equipage, and a number of wagons.  During that day the chase was very exciting, there being constant skirmishing between our advance and his rear guard. – The road was strewn with broken wagons, dead and dying mules and horses, and every conceivable kind of goods.  At four o’clock in the afternoon, the booming of cannon notified us that Price had made a stand.  The Dubuque battery was pushed forward, and for an hour we had a fine artillery fight.  By the time our infantry got up, the enemy had precipitately fled.  On the 16th inst. we pushed on, finding many evidences of the hasty flight in that day’s march.  During the afternoon our cavalry again overtook the rebels at Cross Timbers, and here was made a gallant charge by Col. Harry Pease and forty men.  Coming on the enemy’s picket they drove it in, dashing at once into the very midst of his camp.  One of our men, a lieutenant of Cavalry, was wounded and five or six horses killed.  The enemy’s loss was much greater. – This charge was really one of the most brilliant things that occurred on the route.  On the 17th inst. we had several skirmishes and at last discovered the enemy in position on the south side of Sugar Creek.  Taking it altogether, the flight of Price, and our pursuit, will form one of the most interesting passages in the history of the war.  Missouri has been freed from the rebels, and the war transferred to Dixie.


THE CAVALRY CHARGE AT SURGAR CREEK.

At Sugar Creek we visited the gallant sufferers wounded near that point in the affair of the 17th, when the cavalry charge was made, which in some respects was as brilliant as any made during the war.  The accounts of the skirmish received at Springfield were in some particulars erroneous.  The valley through which Sugar Creek pursues its meandering course is nearly half a mile in width at Trott’s Store.  From the brow of the opposite ridges the distance is somewhat more, and the road winds.  Skirmishing between the pickets of the two armies occurred during the morning when Price moved out of sight beyond the brown of the southwestern hills.  His army, as was since ascertained, then formed in two lines on both sides of the road, and two Louisiana regiments under command of Col. Louis Herbert, which had arrived from Cross Hollows to reinforce Price, marched with their batteries, determined to give us a warm reception.  Two of the enemy’s cannon were planted on the brow of the hill overlooking sugar creek, and their pieces were also ranged along the road, about two hundred yards apart, for half a mile or more.  These pieces had prolongs attached, indicating that a running fight was intended in case of pursuit.

In the meantime our cavalry formed on the opposite side of the valley and marched across the creek to a point near Trott’s store and halted.  The enemy then opened fire from their batteries.  One shot fell short, and a shell exploded over the heads of our men stationed on the opposite hill doing no damage.  Capt. Haydin, of the 9th Iowa battery, answered the enemy’s fire from the opposite bluff, throwing three shells from a howitzer with such good effect that the enemy were forced to fall back with their battery.  Gen. Curtis then ordered the cavalry to move up the hill and charge on the retreating foe.  The order was gallantly obeyed by Col. Ellis, in command of the First Missouri Cavalry, followed by Major Wright, leading his battalion and Major McConnell, with the third battalion of the Third Illinois Cavalry.  The whole force of our cavalry making the attack numbered some 800.  Gaining the brow of the hill it was ascertained that they had fallen back over a mile to an open field, where their battery was again stationed, and the enemy in force formed in line.

Our cavalry, regardless of danger, plunged forward to the charge on the enemy’s position, mostly screened by the intervening woods. – Nothing could have withstood the impetuosity of such a charge, and not our advance, led by Col. Ellis, when debouching from the woods into the open field, been met by a murderous fire poured in upon their ranks from behind the trees.  Our loss was severe in killed and wounded at this point.  Inevitable destruction, without a chance to resist so galling a fire, caused our brave me to recoil, when Col. Ellis, with great coolness and presence of mind ordered his men to right and left and scour the woods.  The order was obeyed with telling effect on the enemy, many of whom were cut down behind their places of concealment and the rest fled. – Meantime, Major McConnell, with his battalion left the road, and deploying to the left advanced on the enemy’s line, while majors Wright and Boliver performed the same manoeuvre on the right.

Two regiments of infantry arrived to support the cavalry, and formed in line.  Col. Phelps’s regiment deployed on the left of the road, and Lieut. Col. Herron, with the Ninth Iowa deployed on the right.  Capt. Hayden, of the Dubuque battery, answered the enemy’s batteries, which had opened upon our advancing columns, with a brisk fire.  The cannonading was kept up for a few minutes, when the enemy precipitately fled, taking away most of his killed.  Other regiments were coming into the field to take part in the ball.  Among the latter was the Fourth Iowa; the men anxious for the fray had pulled off their coats and threw them aside.  There is little doubt that if the rebels had been followed up closely, the rout would have been complete and no time would have been given to them to burn their barracks at Cross Hollows.  As I have given a list so far as ascertained of our killed and wounded, it is unnecessary to repeat it.

The Col. Herbert who commanded the rebel brigade was the gentleman of California notoriety, who slew the waiter at Willard’s Hotel, a few years since.  The other Confederate Colonels under him in the fight were McRae and McNair.  Several Instances of daring are mentioned, which I have not time to relate.  Among the badly wounded is J. A. Edwards, of Company H, Eighth Indiana.  He belonged to the infantry, but getting possession of a horse was the foremost in the fight, running the gauntlet of the leaden hail which poured in upon him from the timber, without quailing.  He got ahead of the cavalry, and was cut off by the enemy.  He is wounded in the elbow, and his thigh badly shattered.

The hospital steward of the 3rd Illinois Cavalry (Baker) had is horse shot down.  He fell with the horse, dismounted and leaped upon another horse in the melee, and rushed forward on the enemy with renewed vigor.  Like Edwards, he had no business in the fight, but nothing could keep him from pushing to the front and have a “hand” in.

A man belonging to the Dubuque battery had his horse’s head taken off by a cannon ball. – He was leaning forward at the moment, and the ball passed just above him, doing no injury.

In passing where the battle raged the hottest, we noticed the carcasses of some twenty dead horses strewn along the road.


A SCENE OF DESOLATION.

The inhabitants along the route from Cassville to this point were told by Price’s army that the Northern troops were marching down and were burning all the Houses, ravishing the women and killing the children.  These ignorant people, it seems, believed the silly tale, and the result is that a general stampede took place.  Men procured teams, gathered up what little valuables could be carried along, and taking their families abroad, deserted their homes. – Only three men were found in Cassville when our army arrived.

Lieut.-Col. Holland, of the 24th Missouri, left in command of the post, sent word to these people that they should not be molested, nor even required to take the oath.  Several of the terror-stricken inhabitants returned and satisfied themselves that we were not the kind of barbarians as represented to be by our remorseless enemies.

At Keetsville nearly all the inhabitants fled. – From that point to Cross Hollows about two thirds of the inhabitants on the road have deserted their dwellings.  In several houses the tables were spread for breakfast, and in the hurry of flight were thus left.  The wash tub was seen filled with water on the back of the chair, indicating that the hegira occurred, as it actually did, on “washing day.”  I took a survey of a very respectable looking frame dwelling thus deserted.  The doors were ajar, the clock on the mantle-piece had ceased ticking, feather beds were piled in the center of the floor, all sorts of furniture were scattered about and not a sound was heard but the mewing of a cat.  An air of lonesome, heart-sick desolation prevailed.  One large dwelling was recently burned down, and the ruins were still smoking.  Surely the leaders in this cursed civil war will have much to answer for.


STAMPEDE FROM CROSS HOLLOWS.

The stampede of these deluded people was exceeded by the hurry of the rebel army, to get away.

Camp Benjamin, located in a beautiful place three miles west of Cross Hollows, in the principal valley, had 108 commodious huts erected with chimneys in the center.  The rebels burned all but five, and in the hurry of their flight left thirty game cocks; some of those brandished silver spurs.  Their best fighting material was thus evidently left behind.  A book containing the general orders, and a quantity of brass knuckles were also left behind by the chivalry. It is a wonder to our troops why the two grist mills at this point were not fired.


AN OLD HECTOR MAKES HIS APPEARANCE.

Ben. McCulloch arrived from Ft. Smith the day before the fight, at Sugar Creek, but did not participate in any part of the action, except the retreat.  He insisted on making a stand at Cross Hollows, but Price objected.  His habit of running is so inveterate as to become in all respects a “second nature.”


OUR LOCATION.

Our line extends ten miles.  The right, under Sigel, resting on the Osage Springs, and the left under Col. Carr, extending to Camp Benjamin, Col. Carr’s headquarters ate at Cross Hollows.  The region east, eighteen miles, to War Eagle Creek, is broken, intersected by but few paths, rendering it impracticable for an enemy to turn our left, so that our position at present, with one half the force, would be considered perfectly secure.


THE UNION FEELING.

Benton county was nearly unanimously opposed to the calling of the Convention, which carried, by a juggle, the State over to the Confederates, and it has been stated that a suppressed Union feeling generally prevails.  From the fact that the Union sentiment has received no encouragement from the Government for so long a period, it came very nearly being squelched out but constant rebel pressure.  But as this pressure is being lifted like a dark fog from a meadow, the friends of the glorious old Union once more are seen flourishing in the sunbeams. – Confidence in our cause is being restored, and people are coming in daily to report themselves.  Four citizens from Fayetteville visited our camp yesterday, and reported to head quarters.  I have no doubt that the refugees who lately fled on our approach will return to their homes, to gain back under the protection of the Stars and Stripes, and the reign of law and order.


A COURT MARTIAL.

In order to restore confidence in our honor and justice, everything savoring of pillage and the wanton destruction of property by an unlicensed soldiery should be severely punished by the strong arm of military power.

In this connection, I may mention that great satisfaction is generally expressed in the promptness in which General Curtis has convened a court martial for the trial of the misguided persons who wickedly set fire to Bentonville.  Unless this was done, the act of some few reckless individuals would cause a stigma to rest on our army, difficult to eradicate from the minds of the very sensitive people of this State.


A RECONNOITERING EXPEDITION.

General Asboth was sent last Saturday on a reconnoitering expedition to Fayetteville with the cavalry.  The grist mills and half a dozen other buildings were destroyed by Price when passing through.  The inhabitants expressed a wish that our troops would occupy the place. – From a Fayetteville paper of the 15th there is no indication of the advance of the Union army.  Gen. Asboth has hoisted the stars and stripes, and calls for reinforcements.


ANOTHER RECONNOITERING PARTY.

Col. Dodge made a visit with a small squad of cavalry to the War Eagle Creek, eighteen miles east.  Several fine mills were found.  The owner of Von Winkle’s mill, an Eastern man, was killed by the secesh, and his wife had been detained a prisoner.  The shaft of this mill was broken by the rebels, but Blackburn’s and Winsel’s mills were in running order.  Five thousand bushels of corn were found in the latter.


EXTENSION HERE OF TELEGRAPH LINE.

The telegraph poles between Springfield and Fayetteville are standing.  When the line is finished to the former place, it will be evident that it ought to be continued to this point, thereby putting us in this out of the way point at present, in direct communication with St. Louis.


A TRANSFER.

I am informed that Col. Boyd and the Twenty-Fourth Missouri will return to Rolla to garrison that post, and that General Wyman will come forward with the gallant Thirteenth Illinois regiment.


A SIGN.

Several Regiments have sent back for their tents and camp equipage.  This an indication that we have taken hold of the rebel plow and do not design to turn our back to the great work before us.


A REIGN OF TERROR.

Two intelligent women arrived at Colonel Carr’s headquarters last evening.  They left home south of Fayetteville, five days since, and represent that their husbands were Union men who fled to avoid being pressed into rebel service.  The threat was made that the wives of such who favor the union cause would be hung, and many of these poor women were trying to make their escape from the threatened doom.  The day before these women left home there were five Union men handed at Hewett’s Mill.

The women were piloted through to our lines by an intelligent contraband, the trusty slave of their father.  This negro says that the retreat of Price was preceded by dispatches sent ahead calling every citizen to arms.  A perfect reign of terror prevails.  Committees were appointed to hang every man refusing to join the rebel army.  People were removing their provisions to the woods and burying them and fleeing in large numbers to the mountains.  By a recent act no negro must be found beyond his master’s premises under pain of thirty-nine lashes administered on his bare back.  A few weeks since, five negroes caught fishing together in a stream twelve miles from Fayetteville, were hung, and their bird pecked carcasses can be seen swinging in the air to this day as a warning to others.

The negroes are told that the Northern abolitionists are trying to get them in their power for the purpose of transporting them to Cuba.  This negro says that the war has made the Southern men “mighty temperate,” none but the vilest of corn whisky can be procured. – The “quality” are suffering headache from being deprived of their accustomed beverage, coffee.  Sassafras tea, used as a substitute sweetened with sorghum, was not generally relished.  Coffee in Fayetteville held at 50 cents a pound, and none could be had even at that price.  Sheeting and shirting was worth one dollar a yard.  The Negro made a statement to General Curtis, and gave the latter a plan showing the roads through the Boston Mountains.  Full confidence is placed in his statement.  The two women and negro were sent forward to Springfield.

FAYEL.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 3

Friday, October 28, 2011

Hot Work In Kentucky

There is every appearance that the campaign in Kentucky has opened in full earnest, and the result cannot be long in doubt.  The first demonstration is to be made it appears on Ft. Henry, a point important only as a strong out post, but whose reduction is necessary before proceeding to the attack of the enemy strongholds of Bowling Green and Columbus.

Every hour is now big with the fate of the Nation, and every mind is turned towards Kentucky as there might the pending contest be decided.

The following description of Ft. Henry, the point of the attack, will be interesting.


DESCRIPTION OF FORT HENRY.

The only fortification on the Tennessee river, of much importance is Fort Henry, situated near the line of Kentucky and Tennessee, on the east bank of the stream.  It stands in the river bottom, about the high water mark, just below a bend in the river, and at the head of a strait stretch of about two miles.  It therefore commands the river for that distance down stream, and very little higher than the fort, a portion of it is covered with heavy timber.  On the opposite side of the river are three hills commanding the fort completely.  The armament of the fort consists of eight 32-pounders, four 12-pounders, and two 6-pounders.  The 32 and 12-pounders are heavy guns, and the 6-pounders are light pieces.  My informant left Fort Henry on Thursday, the 12th inst., at which time a large lot of entrenching tools had just been brought tither [sic] to be used in fortifying the hills on the opposite side of the river.

On these new fortifications it was intended to mount three very large guns, 124-pounders, and some rifle cannon.  An Irish regiment at the fort were relied upon to perform much of the work in prospect, but in addition to this force some four hundred slaves were daily expected from North Alabama.  The Garrison of the fort under Gen. Lloyd Tilghman, consist of Col. Adolphus [Heiman’s] Irish regiment and a regiment of Mississippians, besides the artillerists.

– Published in The Dubuque Herald, Dubuque, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 7, 1862, p. 2

Sunday, August 15, 2010

The Battle Of Pea Ridge

Thrilling and Authentic Details.

OFFICIAL REPORT OF MAJOR GENERAL CURTIS

Not withstanding the length of time that has elapsed since the great battle of Pea Ridge it will be remembered that but few accounts of it have been written, and most of them by persons who never visited the field. We now have the truth in all its startling details, in a clear, graphic and soldier like manner, from the pen of the General commanding the National troops in the fearful conflict.


GEN. CURTIS’ REPORT

CAPTAIN: The brief telegraphic report which I gave on the 9th inst. is not sufficient to present even the general outline of the battle of Pea Ridge, and with the report of my commanders of divisions I now submit a more general detail.

My pursuit of General Price brought me to Fayetteville, Arkansas. The entire winter campaign from the 20th January to this time, including the march from Rolla to the Boston Mountains, 240 miles, was attended with continual exhibitions of toil, privations, conflict, and gallantry, some of which I have telegraphed to headquarters, and may hereafter deserve more full development.

After reaching Arkansas the forces of Gen. Price were rapidly re-enforced by regiments which had been stationed in Arkansas and the Indian Territory. I therefore expected these combined forces would return upon us to give us battle, and in conformity with the orders of the General of the 22d of February I selected Sugar Creek as the strongest of several strong places taken from the enemy to make a stand against any and all odds.

I reported my force to you on the 12th February, after Col. Davis' division had joined me, at 12,095 men and fifty pieces of artillery, including four mountain howitzers. My long line of communication required garrisons at Marshfield, Springfield, Castle, and Keetsville, besides a constant moving force to guard my train. My force in Arkansas was therefore not more than 10,500 cavalry and infantry with 49 pieces of artillery, including the mountain howitzers, one piece having been sent out into Missouri and thus prevented front joining us in the battle.

The scarcity of forage and other supplies made it necessary for me to spread out my troops over considerable country, always trying to keep it within supporting distance, convenient to rally on the positions selected for battle. On the 4th of March this force was located as follows:

The First and Second Divisions, under Gens. Sigel and Asboth, were four miles southwest of Bentonville, at Cooper's farm, under general orders to move round to Sugar Creek, about fourteen miles east.

The Third Division, under Col. Jefferson C. Davis, acting brigadier-general, had moved and taken position at Sugar Creek, under orders to make some preparatory arrangements and examinations for a stand against the enemy.

The Fourth Division was at Cross Hollows, under command of Col. E. A. Carr, acting brigadier-general. My own headquarters were also at this place, within about twelve miles from Sugar Creek, on the main telegraph road from Springfield to Fayetteville.

Large detachments had been sent out from those several camps for forage and information – one from Cross Hollows to Huntsville, under command of Col. Vandever, ;and three from Cooper's farm to Marysville and Pinesville. One of those, raider Major Conrad, with a piece of artillery and about 250 men, did not reach us till after the battle. All the others came in safe and joined in the engagement.

The enemy had taken position in the Boston Mountains, a high range that divides the waters of the White River and Arkansas. General Price had rallied the forces that had fought at Carthage, Wilson's Creek, and Lexington, augmented by his exertions to recruit in Missouri during the winter. On his arrival from Springfield, in Arkansas, he reported to Gov. Rector that between four and five thousand of these had joined the Confederate service previous to his leaving Springfield. The circulation of all manner of extravagant falsehoods on his way induced the whole country to leave their homes, and for fear we would kill them thousands joined his ranks. Gen. McCulloch brought at least eleven regiments to the field and General Price five. Besides these regularly-organized Confederate troops which Gen. Price met in Arkansas, there were many companies and regiments of' Arkansas volunteers, most of the country people being required to take up arms. From this data and the general opinion of the country I estimated the force of the enemy to have been at least 30,000 or 40,000. This was the force in and near Boston Mountains, rallying to drive us from Arkansas and Missouri.

The two armies thus constituted and located were within hearing of each other's cannon, about 30 miles apart. I submit an accompanying map, showing some of the topographic features of the country on the roads which we traversed. Our troops were weary and somewhat exhausted in their long forced marches and frequent conflicts. Our cavalry had especially suffered in the breaking down and loss of horses. But our troops were generally well armed, drilled, and anxious to encounter the enemy at any reasonable hazard. They were all intelligent, ardent, flushed with our repeated success in many encounters on our way, and all conscious of the righteousness of their country's cause.

The arrival of Major-General Van Dorn on the 2d of March in the camp of the enemy was the occasion of great rejoicing and the firing of forty guns. The rebel force was harangued by their chiefs with boastful and passionate appeals, assuring them of their superior numbers and the certainty of an easy victory. Dispatches were published falsely announcing a great battle at Columbus, Kentucky, in which we had lost three gunboats and 20,000 men; and thus the rebel hordes were assembled – the occasion was now open to drive the invaders from the soil of Arkansas and give a final and successful blow for a Southern Confederacy.

The 5th of March was cold and blustering – the snow fell so as to cover the ground. No immediate attack was apprehended, and I was engaged writing. About two o'clock P.M. scouts and fugitive citizens came, informing me of the rapid approach of the enemy to give battle. His cavalry would be at Elm Springs, some twelve miles distant, that night, and his artillery had already passed Fayetteville. Satisfied of the truth of this report, I immediately sent couriers to General Sigel and Col. Vandever, and ordered them to move immediately to Sugar Creek, where I also ordered Col. Carr to move with his division.

I also sent you a dispatch, which may have been lost with other mail matter, which I have since learned was captured by the enemy. I told you I would give them the best reception possible. All my messengers were successful in delivering their orders. Colonel Carr's division moved about 6 P.M. Colonel Vandever had intelligence of the movement of the enemy before my messenger reached him, and made immediate change in his march, so that with great exertion he arrived on the 6th. General Sigel deferred his march from Cooper's farm till two o'clock in the morning of the 6th, and at Bentonville tarried himself with a regiment and battery till he was attacked about 9 a.m.

I arrived at Sugar Creek at 2 o'clock A.M. on the 6th, and immediately detailed parties for early morning work in felling timber, to obstruct certain roads to prevent the enemy having too many approaches and to erect field works to increase the strength of my forces. Col. Davis and Col. Carr early in the day took their positions on the high projecting hills commanding the valley of the creek, leaving the right of the line to be occupied by the first and second divisions, which were anxiously expected. The valley of the creek is low, and from a quarter to a half mile wide. The hills are high on both sides, and the main road from Fayetteville by Gross Hollow to Keetsville intercepts the valley nearly at right angles. The road from Fayetteville by Bentonville to Keetsville is quite a detour, but it also comes up the Sugar Creek Valley; a branch, however, takes off and runs nearly parallel to the main or Telegraph road, some three miles from it. The Sugar Creek Valley, therefore, intercepts all these roads.

The third and fourth divisions had before noon of the 6th deployed their lines, cut down a great number of trees, which thoroughly blockaded the roads on the left. Later in the day I directed some of the same work to be done on the right. This work was in charge of Colonel Dodge, who felled trees on the road which runs parallel to the main road to which I have before referred. This proved of great advantage, as it retarded the enemy some two hours in their flank movement. Breastworks of considerable strength were erected by the troops on the headlands of Sugar Creek as if by magic, and a battery near the road crossing was completely shielded by an extensive earthwork, erected, under the direction of Col. Davis, by a pioneer company, commanded by Captain Snyder. About two o'clock P.M. Gen. Asboth and Col. Osterhaus reported the arrival of the First and Second Divisions. This good news was followed immediately by another report that General Sigel, who had remained behind with a detachment, had been attacked near Bentonville and was quite surrounded by the enemy's advance forces. I immediately directed some of the troops to return to his relief. In the mean time he had advanced with his gallant little band, fighting its way within three or four miles of our main forces. The two divisions turned back in double-quick, and a large cavalry force also started, all being anxious to join in a rescue of their comrades in peril.

Part of the First Division, under Col. Osterhaus, soon met the retreating detachment, and immediately opened with artillery and infantry, which checked the further advance and terminated the action for the day. In the retreat and final repulse, which occupied several hours, our loss was some twenty five killed and wounded.

The enemy must have suffered more, as our artillery had telling effect along the road, and the rebel graves in considerable numbers bear witness of the enemy's loss.

The firing having ceased, I sent back the other troops that had joined the movement and designated the positions on the right, which were promptly occupied by the first and second divisions.

Our men rested on their arms, confident of hard work on the coming day. The accompanying map of the battle ground will fully illustrate the positions then and subsequently assumed.

On my front was the deep, broad valley of Sugar Creek, forming the probable approaches of the enemy, our troops extending for miles, and generally occupying the summits of headlands on Sugar Creek. In my rear was a broken plateau called Pea Ridge, and still farther in my rear the deep valley of Big Sugar Creek, or Cross Timbers. My own headquarters and those of Generals Sigel, Asboth, and other commanders of divisions were near Pratt's house. The lines A, B, and C show the different fronts assumed during the progress of the battle.

The approach by Bentonville brought the enemy to my extreme right, and during the night of the 5th and 6th he began a movement around my flank by the road before mentioned, which crosses Pea Ridge some three miles northwest of the main Telegraph road. I ascertained in the morning this flank movement of the enemy, which I perceived was to attack my right flank and rear. I therefore immediately called my commanders of Divisions together at General Asboth's tent, and directed a change of front to the rear, so as to face the road upon which the enemy was still moving. At the same time I directed the organization of a detachment of cavalry and light artillery, supported by infantry, to open the battle by an attack from my new center on the probable center of the enemy before he could fully form. I selected Colonel Osterhans to lead this central column – an officer who displayed great skill, energy, and gallantry each day of the battle.

The change of front thus directed reversed the order of the troops, placing the First and Second Divisions on the left, their left still resting on Sugar Creek, Osterhaus and the Third Division in the center, and the Fourth Division became the extreme right. While I was explaining the proposed movement to commanders and Col. Osterhans was beginning to rally and move forward this attacking column, a messenger brought me intelligence that my picket, commanded by Major Weston, of the Twenty-fourth Missouri, had been attacked by infantry. This was at Elkhorn Tavern, where the new right was to rest. Col. Carr being present, he was ordered to move into position and support the major as soon as possible.

This was the commencement of the second day's fight. It was about half past ten o'clock, and the officers separated to direct their several commands. The fire increased rapidly on the right and very soon opened in the center. After visiting the right, where I perceived the enemy was making a vigorous attack, and finding Col. Carr, under a brisk fire of shot and shell, coolly locating and directing the deployment, I returned to my central position near Pratt's house, and sent orders to Col. Davis to move near to Col. Carr, to support him. In the mean time Col. Osterhaus had attacked the enemy and divided his forces; but he was soon pressed with greatly superior numbers, that drove back our cavalry and took our flying battery, which had advanced with it. The colonel, however, was well supported by his infantry, and soon checked a movement that threatened to intercept the deployment of other forces. I considered the affair so imminent that I changed my order to Col. Davis, and directed him to move to the support of the center, which was his proper place according to my order for the change of front. – My new line was thus formed under the enemy's fire, the troops generally moving in good order and gallant bearing.

Thus formed, the line was not continuous, but extended entirely across Pea Ridge, the divisions in numerical order from left to right, Col. Osterhaus remaining in command of a detachment and operating with Col. Davis in resisting McCulloch and Mcintosh, who commanded the enemy's forces in the center. I did not err in sending Colonel Davis to this point, although Colonel Carr, on the right, also needed re-enforcements. – The battle raged in the center with terrible fury. Colonel Davis held the position against fearful numbers, and our brave troops nobly stood or charged in steady lines. The fate of the battle depended on success against this flank movement of the enemy, and here near Lee Town was the place to break it down. The fall of Generals McCulloch, McIntosh, and other officers of the enemy, who fell early in the day, aided us in our final success at this most critical point; and the steady courage of officers and men in our lines chilled and broke down the hordes of Indian cavalry, and infantry that were arrayed against us. While the battle thus raged in the center the right wing was sorely pressed, and the dead and wounded were scattered over the field. Col. Carr sent for re-enforcements, and I sent a few cavalry and my body-guard, with the little mountain howitzers, under Major Bowen. These did good service at a critical period. I urged Col. Carr to stand firm, that more force could be expected soon. Subsequently Col. Carr sent me word that he could not hold his position much longer. I could then only reply by sending him the order to "persevere." He did persevere, and the sad havoc in the Ninth and Fourth Iowa and Phelps' Missouri and Major Weston's Twenty-fourth Missouri and all the troops in that division will show how earnest and continuous was their perseverance. Seeing no signs of approaching foes by the Telegraph road, I sent him three pieces of artillery and a battalion of infantry of Colonel Benton's command (part of the 3d division), which had been located at Sugar Creek to guard the approaches. Each small accession to the fourth division seemed to compensate an overpowering force. As to the left, I was repeatedly informed it stood safe and firm, although threatened by the foe. About 2 P.M. my aide, Captain Adams, who had communicated with that wing informed me he had just seen Gens. Sigel and Asboth on Sugar Creek, and there was still no attack in that quarter and no appearance of an enemy. About this time the enemy's forces melted away in the brushy center, and the fire gradually ceased. – Believing the left and center were no longer menaced, and the enemy was concentrating on the right, I again sent word to Col. Carr that he would soon be re-enforced. I had now resolved to bring up the left and center to meet the gathering hordes near Elkhorn Tavern. To inform myself of the condition of the extreme left I went in person to that point. On my way I ordered forward the remainder of Col. Benton's command, three pieces and a battalion, which had remained guarding the crossing of the main Telegraph road.

I found Gens. Sigel and Asboth with the troops on the hill near the extreme left, where all was quiet, and the men, not having been under fire, fresh and anxious to participate in the fight. It was now safe to make a new change of front, so as to face Sugar Creek. I therefore ordered this force forward. Gen. Asboth moved by the direct road to Elkhorn Tavern, and Gen. Sigel went by Leetown to re-enforce Davis if need be, but to press on to re-enforce Carr if not needed in the center. Both generals moved promptly. I accompanied Gen. Asboth, collecting and moving forward some straggling commands that I found by the way. It must have been near 5 o'clock when I brought this force to the aid of Col. Cart. He had received three or four shots – one a severe wound in the arm. Many of his field officers had fallen and the dead and wounded had greatly reduced his force. He had been slowly forced back near half a mile, and had been about seven hours under constant fire. His troops were still fiercely contesting every inch of ground. As I came up the Fourth Iowa was falling back for cartridges in line, dressing on their colors in perfect order. Supposing with my re-en-forcements I could easily recover our lost ground, I ordered the regiment to halt and face about. Col. Dodge came up, explaining the want of cartridges; but, informed of my purpose, I ordered a bayonet charge, and they moved again with steady nerves to their former position, where the gallant Ninth was ready to support them. These two regiments won imperishable honors.

General Asbboth had planted his artillery in the road and opened a tremendous fire on the enemy at short range. The Second Missonri Infantry also deployed and earnestly engaged the enemy. About this time the shades of night began to gather around us, but the fire on both sides seemed to grow fierce and more deadly. One of my bodyguard fell dead, my Orderly received a shot, and General Asboth was severely wounded in the arm. A messenger came from General Sigel, saying he was close on the left and would soon open fire. The battery of Gen. Asboth ran out of ammunition and fell back. This caused another battery that I had located on the other of the road to follow, this latter fearing a want of support. The infantry, however, stood firm or fell back in good order, and the batteries were soon restored, but the caissons got quite out of reach. The artillery firing was renewed, however, and kept up till dark – the enemy firing the last shot, for I could not find another cartridge to give them a final round; even the little howitzers responded, no cartridges. The enemy ceased firing, and I hurried men after the caissons and more ammunition, meantime I arranged the infantry in the edge of the timber, with fields in front, where they lay on their arms and held the position for the night. I directed a detail from each company to bring water and provisions, and thus without a murmur these weary soldiers lay and many of them slept within a few yards of the foe, with their dead and wounded comrades scattered around them. Darkness, silence, and fatigue soon secured to the weary broken slumbers and gloomy repose. The day had closed in some reverses on the right, but the left had been unsullied, and the center had driven the foe from the field.

My only anxiety for the fate of the next day was the new front which it was necessary to form by my weary troops. I directed Colonel Davis to withdraw all the remainder of his reserve from the centre and move forward so as to occupy the ground on Carr's immediate left. Although his troops had been fighting hard most of the day and displayed great energy and courage, at 12 o'clock at night they commenced their movement to the new position on the battle-field, and they too soon rested on their arms.

Nothing further had been heard from General Sigel's command after the message at dark that he was on or near the left. His detour carried him around a brushy portion of the battle-field that could not be explored in the night. About two o'clock he reported at my headquarters with his troops, who, he said, were going to their former camps for provisions. The distance to his camp, some two miles farther, was so great I apprehended tardiness in the morning, and urged the general to rest the troops where they then were, at my headquarters, and send for provisions, as the other troops were doing. This was readily concurred in, and these troops bivouacked also for the night. The arrangement thus completed to bring all four of my divisions to face a position which had been held in check all the previous day by one, I rested, certain of final success on the coming day.

The sun rose above the horizon before our troops were all in position and yet the enemy had not renewed the attack. I was hardly ready to open fire on him, as the first and second divisions had not yet moved into position. Our troops that night rested on their arms in the face of the enemy. Seeing him in motion, I could not brook delay, and the center, under Colonel Davis, opened fire. The enemy replied with terrible energy from new batteries and lines which had been prepared for us during the night. To avoid raking batteries the right wing fell back in good order, but kept up a continuous fire from the new position immediately taken. The first and second division[s] soon got under way, and moved with great celerity to their position on the left. This completed the formation of my third line of battle. It was directly to the rear of the first, and was quite continuous, much of it on open ground. We then had our foe before us, where we well knew the ground. The broken defiles occupied by him would not admit of easy evolutions to repel such as could be made by us on the open plain. Victory was inevitable. As soon as the left wing extended so as to command the mountain and rest safely upon it, I ordered the right wing to move forward so as to take position where I placed it the night previous. I repaired myself to the extreme right, and found an elevated position considerably in advance which commanded the enemy's center and left. Here I located the Dubuque battery, and directed the right wing to move its right forward so as to support it, and give direction to the advance of the entire right wing. Captain Hayden soon opened a fire which proved most galling to the foe and a marker for our line to move upon. Returning to the center, I directed the First Iowa Battery, under Captain David, to take position in an open field, where he could also direct a fire on the central point of the enemy. Meantime the powerful battery of Captain Welfley and many more were bearing on the cliff, pouring heavy balls through the timber near the center, splintering great trees and scattering death and destruction with tempestuous fury.

At one time a battery was opened in front of Hayden's battery on the extreme right, so near I could not tell whether it was the enemy or an advance of Hayden's, but riding near I soon perceived its true character, and directed the First Iowa and the Peoria battery, Captain Davidson, to cross-fire on it, which soon drove it back to the common hiding place, the deep ravines of Cross Timber Hollow. While the artillery was thus taking position and advancing upon the enemy the infantry moved steadily forward. The left wing, advancing rapidly, soon began to ascend the mountain cliff, from which the artillery had driven most of the rebel force. The upward movement of the gallant Thirty-sixth Illinois, with its dark-blue line of men and its gleaming bayonets, steadily rose from base to summit, when it dashed forward into the forest, driving and scattering the rebels from these commanding heights. The Twelfth Missouri, far in advance of others, rushed into the enemy's lines, bearing off a flag and two pieces of artillery. Everywhere our line moved forward and the foe as gradually withdrew.

The roar of cannon and small-arms was continuous, and no force could then have withstood the converging line and concentrated crossfire of our gallant troops. Our guns continued some time after the rebel fire ceased, and the rebels had gone down into the deep [canyons] through which they had begun their precipitate fight. – Finally our firing ceased. The enemy suddenly vanished. Following down the main road, which enters a deep [canyon], I saw some straggling teams and men running in great trepidation through the gorges of the mountains. I directed a battery to move forward, which threw a few shots at them, followed by a pursuit of cavalry comprised of the Benton Hussars and my escort from Bowen's battalion, which was all the cavalry convenient at the time. Gen. Sigel also followed in this pursuit towards Keetsville, while I returned, trying to check a movement which led my forces north, where I was confident a frightened foe was not likely to go. I soon found the rebel forces had divided and gone in every direction, but it was several hours before I learned that the main force, after entering the [canyon], had turned short to the right, following obscure ravines which led into the Huntsville road in a due south direction.

Gen. Sigel followed some miles north towards Keetsville, firing on the retreating force that ran that way. Colonel Bussey, with cavalry and the little howitzers, followed beyond Bentonville.

I camped on the field and made provision for burying the dead and care of the wounded. The loss in the several divisions was as follows:

This sad reckoning shows where the long continued fire was borne and where the public sympathy should be most directed. The loss of the enemy was much greater, but their scattered battalions can never furnish a correct report of their killed and wounded.

The reports of divisions and other officers of my command are all submitted, with such details as were seen or understood by local commanders. They give interesting incidents and notice many deserving heroes.

I mentioned in my telegraphic report of the 9th March with high commendation, and I now repeat, the names who have done distinguished service. These are my commanders of divisions, Generals Sigel and Asboth, Colonel and acting Brigadier-General Davis, and Colonel and acting Brigadier-General Carr. They commanded the four divisions.

I also again present commanders of brigades, Cols. Dodge, Osterhaus, Vandever, White, Schaffer, Pattison, and Grewsel. The three first named I especially commend.

I also renew the just thanks due to my staff officers, Capt. T. S. McKenny, A. A. A. General, Capt. W. H. Stark, Capt. John Ahlfeldt, Lieut. J. M. Adams, and Lieutenant Stilt, all acting aides; also A. Hooppner, my only engineer. To these I must now add Major Bowen, who commanded my body-guard, and with the mountain howitzers did gallant service in every battle-field, in the pursuit, and especially at Pea Ridge. Captain Stephens, Lieutenant Matteson, and Lieutenant Crabtree, of this battalion, also deserve honorable mention. Major Weston, of the Twenty-fourth Missouri, provost-marshal, in camp and in battle did gallant service. Lieutenant David, ordnance officer on my staff, took charge of me First Iowa Battery after Captain Jones was wounded, and did signal service. I must also thank my commanders of posts, who supported my line of operation and deserve like consideration, as their duties were more arduous – Colonel Boyd at Rolla, Colonel [Wains] at Lebanon, Cols. Mills at Springfield, and Lieut. Col. Holland at Cassville.

To do justice to all I would spread before you the most of the rolls of this army, for I can bear testimony to the almost universal good conduct of officers and men who have shared with me the long march, the many conflicts by the way, and final struggle with the combined forces of Price, McCulloch, McIntosh, and Pike, under Major-General Van Dorn, at the battle of Pea Ridge.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SAMUEL R. CURTIS, Major-General

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 10, 1862, p. 1

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

BRIGADIER-GENERAL WM. VANDEVER

FIRST COLONEL, NINTH INFANTRY.

Of General Vandever's early history I have been able to learn but little. I do not even know his native State. I first find him at Rock Island, Illinois, where he was employed in a news-paper office. Iowa was then a Territory. From Rock Island, he removed to Dubuque, and entered the Surveyor General's office at that place. Still later, he studied and practiced law in Dubuque. In 1858, he was nominated for Congress from the Dubuque District, there being, I am told, no stronger man of his party, who would accept the nomination, on account of the almost certain prospect of defeat. But the general made a good canvass; and, to the surprise of all, was elected. He was distinguished in Congress, for his dignity and taciturnity; two traits, which would embellish the records of many, who have worn Congressional honors.

Mr. Vandever was commissioned colonel of the 9th Iowa Infantry, on the 30th of August, 1861; and in the winter of 1862-3 was made a brigadier-general. As a military man, he has gained less distinction than any other public man who has entered the service from Iowa.

The 9th Iowa Infantry was enlisted principally from the counties of Jackson, Dubuque, Buchanan, Jones, Clayton, Fayette, Bremer, Blackhawk, Winneshiek, Howard and Linn. Its first field of service was Missouri, and its first hard-fought battle, Pea Ridge, Arkansas. At Pea Ridge, the regiment was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel, now Major-General Herron; for Colonel Vandever was in command of the brigade to which it was attached. In the march from Rolla to Cross Hollows, it had several skirmishes with the enemy, but suffered, I think, no loss. From Cross Hollows it marched with its brigade on an expedition to Huntsville, Arkansas, an account of which is thus given by Colonel Vandever:

"On the morning of the 4th instant [March 1862] I left Camp Halleck, at Cross Hollows, in command of an expedition in the direction of Huntsville. The forces consisted of three hundred and fifty of the 9th Iowa Infantry, one hundred and fifty from Colonel Phelps' Missouri Regiment, one battalion from the 30th Illinois Cavalry, one section of the Dubuque Battery, (light artillery) and one section of Brown's Mountain Howitzers. We prosecuted the march and arrived at Huntsville at noon of the 5th instant, without incident. A portion of the enemy's stores was captured at their camp, three miles beyond Huntsville, and several prisoners taken. From the prisoners I obtained information that the enemy was marching in force toward our lines, for the purpose of attack, which information I immediately transmitted to head-quarters, and then prepared to retrace my steps. I moved out of Huntsville, and camped three miles distant. At two o'clock in the morning, I received your [General Curtis] orders to return and Join the main body at Sugar Creek. At three o'clock A. M., I resumed my line of march, and, at dusk the same evening, arrived in camp, having accomplished a forced march of forty miles in a single day."

The next day, the seventh, the severe fighting at Pea Ridge opened; and early in the morning Colonel Vandever marched his brigade out in the direction of Elkhorn Tavern. His command fought that entire day, on the left of the brigade of Colonel Dodge, which, it will be remembered, held the extreme right of General Curtis' army. It is stated elsewhere that the division of Colonel Carr, to which both Dodge and Vandever were attached, did the severest fighting at Pea Ridge. In speaking of the conduct of his own regiment in this engagement, Colonel Vandever says:

"Major Coyl of the 9th Iowa acted with distinguished valor, until disabled by a severe wound, and compelled, reluctantly, to leave the field. Adjutant William Scott also deserves great praise. Lieutenant Asher Riley, of Company A, my acting assistant adjutant-general, deserves particular mention. Upon the fall of Captain Drips and Lieutenant Kelsey, both distinguished for their bravery, Lieutenant Riley gallantly took command, and remained with the company throughout the action. Captain Carpenter and Lieutenant Jones, of Company B, also acted with great bravery, leading their company in the face of the enemy, and bringing off one of our disabled pieces and a caisson.

"Captain Towner and Lieutenant Neff, of Company F, were conspicuous for their bravery. Both of these officers were severely wounded, when the command devolved upon Lieutenant Tisdale, who gallantly led the company through the remainder of the action. Captain Bull and Lieutenant Rice of Company C also deserve particular mention, the latter of whom was killed near the close of the day, while the former was severely wounded. Captain Bevins of Company E, was killed upon the field, and the command devolved upon Lieutenant Baker. He acquitted himself with great credit. Captain Washburn and Lieutenants Beebe and Leverich of Company G, Lieutenants Crane and McGee of Company D, Captain Moore and Lieutenant McKenzie of Company H, Captain Carsakaddon and Lieutenant Claflin of Company K, and Lieutenant Fellows, commanding Company I, also Lieutenant Inman, were all conspicuous for bravery, under the hottest fire of the enemy. Many instances of special gallantry occurred among non-commissioned officers and privates. All did their duty well. I should also mention Sergeant-Major Foster of the 9th Iowa, and other members of the noncommissioned staff, who did their duty nobly."

After nearly a month's rest in the vicinity of the battleground, Colonel Vandever joined in the march of General Curtis across the Ozark Mountains to Batesville. While at Batesville, General Steele joined Curtis with a division from Pilot Knob; but here, also, the general lost the commands of Davis and Asboth, which were summoned by Halleck to Corinth. Early in June, the Army of the South West was re-organized into three divisions, commanded by Steele, Carr and Osterhaus. Colonel Vandever remained in Carr's Division, and retained the command of his brigade. The hardships of Curtis' march from Batesville to Helena, which was made in mid-summer, have already been enumerated; but not the different points at which the enemy were met: they were Searcy Landing, Sillamore, Waddell's Farm, Jeffries' Mills, Cashe River Bridge, Stuart's Plantation, Pickett's Farm, Grand Glaize and Round Hill. The last was of the most importance: less than six hundred defeated two thousand Texan Rangers, inflicting on them a loss of more than two hundred.

Colonel Vandever remained at Helena for several months, when, being appointed a brigadier-general, he was ordered to report to General Curtis at St. Louis, and given a command in Central Missouri. In the early part of April, 1863, he commanded the cavalry force, which, leaving Lake Springs, Missouri, marched against Marmaduke, and drove him from the State. It was this command that, at mid-night of the 26th of April, charged the enemy's camp on the Dallas road, near Jackson, routing the enemy, and afterwards pursuing them to St. Francis River.

General Vandever accompanied General Herron to Vicksburg, in command of one of his brigades; and, after the fall of the city, sailed with him up the Yazoo River to Yazoo City. For his services on this expedition, he was thus complimented by General Herron:

"I desire to return my thanks to Brigadier-Generals Vandever and Orme, my brigade commanders, for their unceasing efforts to carry out all my plans, and aid in the success of the expedition."

Since that time, and up to the spring of 1864, General Vandever served in the Department of the Gulf, but during the march on Atlanta he was ordered to report to General Sherman by whom he was assigned a district command with head-quarters at Rome, Georgia. He retained this command till after the fall of Atlanta, when he was ordered to Louisville, and assigned to duty on a court-martial. After the fall of Savannah he reported to General Sherman at that city, and was assigned to the command of a brigade in the 14th Corps which he commanded till the arrival of the Army of the Tennessee at Washington, when he was assigned to the command of the 2d Division of said corps. This command he accompanied to Louisville.

During the march from Fayetteville, North Carolina, to Goldsboro, General Vandever distinguished himself. The history of the march is as follows:

Crossing Cape Fear River, opposite Fayetteville, on the 15th of March, General Sherman "ordered Kilpatrick to move up the plank road to and beyond Averysboro. He was to be followed by four divisions of the left wing, [the 14th and 20th Corps] with as few wagons as possible; the rest of the train, under escort of the two remaining divisions of that wing, to take a shorter and more direct road to Goldsboro. In like manner, General Howard [commanding 15th and 17th Corps] was ordered to send his trains, under good escort, well to the right toward Faison's Depot and Goldsboro, and to hold four divisions light, ready to go to the aid of the left wing, if attacked while in motion. The weather continued very bad, and the roads had become a mere quag-mire. Almost every foot of it had to be corduroyed to admit the passage of wheels."

Prosecuting this line of march, the left wing fought the battle of Averysboro, and then turned east in the direction of Goldsboro; for Hardee had fled, "in a miserable, stormy night, over the worst of roads," in the direction of Smithfleld. The feint on Raleigh did not deceive Johnson, and Sherman, contrary to his expectations, had to fight the old rebel before reaching Goldsboro. While the left wing was on the march through the marshy, timbered bottoms that lie near Bentonville, Johnson, hurrying down from Smithfleld, threw himself on the front and left flank of Jefferson C. Davis' Corps, which was in the advance. Disaster threatened to overwhelm the leading division, and indeed the whole left wing, and Sherman became anxious; but the great courage and endurance of the troops held the enemy at bay till the right wing was brought up. Then, with their left flank and rear threatened, the enemy retired, and Sherman entered Goldsboro. In this engagement General Vandever distinguished himself.

Mr. J. Thompson, a member of the 1st Iowa Cavalry, who served for several months under General Vandever, writes thus of him:

"General Vandever is a man of medium hight, dark hair and wiry constitution. There is nothing remarkable in his features or organization, to impress one with the belief that there is any true greatness about him, either as a man or a general. He lacks both the will and the energy, but more, the ability of a successful leader. The history of his military life is a history of the man — tame and unromantic, exhibiting nothing striking or remarkable—never sinking below, nor yet rising above his chosen level. Such he is as a general, and such would be your opinion of him were you to see him."

From what I have been able to learn of General Vandever, I am persuaded Mr. Thompson does him hardly justice. Though in no respect brilliant, yet he is a man of good judgment and of great perseverance. He is not of a social, communicative nature. He minds his own business, and this, I believe, has been to his disadvantage in the army; for rapid promotion has depended not less upon hard begging, than upon hard working, especially if the officer in question holds a subordinate position. Can one in any other way account for so many worthless field and general officers?

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 195-200

Friday, February 20, 2009

3rd Iowa Light Artillery

“The Dubuque Battery”

Organized at Dubuque and mustered in September 24, 1861. Moved to St. Louis, Mo., September 26-30. Attached to Dept. of Missouri to January, 1862. Unattached, Army of Southwest Missouri, to February, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, Army of Southwest Missouri, to May, 1862. Artillery, 2nd Division, Army of Southwest Missouri, to July, 1862. Artillery, District of Eastern Arkansas, Dept. of Missouri and Dept. of the Tennessee, to January, 1863. Artillery, 13th Division, 13th Army Corps, Dept. of the Tennessee, to July, 1863. Artillery, 13th Division, 16th Corps, to August, 1863. Artillery, 3rd Division, Arkansas Expedition, to January, 1864. Artillery, 3rd Division, 7th Army Corps, Dept. of Arkansas, to May, 1864. Artillery, 1st Division, 7th Corps, to August, 1865. Dept. of Arkansas to October, 1865.

SERVICE.--Moved to Pacific City, Mo., November 13, 1861, and duty there guarding Railroad till January 25, 1862. Moved to Rolla, Mo.; thence to Lebanon January 28-February 4. Curtis' advance on Springfield February 9-13. Pursuit of Price to Cassville February 13-16. Action at Sugar Creek February 17. Expedition toward Huntsville March 4. Battles of Pea Ridge March 6-8. March to Batesville April 5-May 10, thence to Helena May 25-July 14. Duty at Helena till August 1863. Expedition from Helena to Grenada, Miss., November 27-December 5, 1862. Expedition up White River January 13-19, 1863. Expedition from Helena to Yazoo Pass by Moon Lake, Yazoo Pass, Coldwater and Tallahatchie Rivers and operations against Fort Pemberton and Greenwood February 24-April 8. Repulse of Holmes' attack on Helena July 4. Steele's Expedition to Little Rock August 11-September 10. Near Bayou MerGe August 26. Bayou Fourche and capture of Little Rock September 10. Rice's Expedition to Arkadelphia November 10-18. Duty at Little Rock till August, 1865. Expedition to Fort Smith September 25-October 13, 1864 (Detachment). Moved to Fort Smith August, 1865, thence to Davenport, Iowa, October. Mustered out Oct. 23, 1865.

Battery lost during service 3 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 34 Enlisted men by disease. Total 37.

SOURCE: Dyer , Frederick H., A Compendium Of The War Of The Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1164