Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 145. Report of Col. William L. McMillen, Ninety-fifth Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 145.

Report of Col. William L. McMillen, Ninety-fifth Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade,

of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION,                       

DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,      

In the Field, December 25, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this command in the recent engagements near Nashville, Tenn., on the 15th and 16th instant:

The following regiments and battery compose the brigade: Seventy-second Ohio Infantry Veteran Volunteers, Lieut. Col. C. G. Eaton commanding; Ninety-fifth Ohio Infantry Volunteers, Lieut. Col. Jefferson Brumback commanding; One hundred and fourteenth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, Capt. J. M. Johnson commanding; Ninety-third Indiana Infantry Volunteers, Capt. Charles A. Hubbard commanding; Tenth Minnesota Infantry Volunteers, Lieut. Col. S. P. Jennison commanding; Cogswell's Independent Battery Illinois Light Artillery, Second Lieut. S. H. McClaury commanding.

On the evening of the 14th instant I received from the general commanding division instructions to have my command ready to move the following morning at 6 o'clock, with three days' rations in haversack and fifty rounds of ammunition per man. I was ready at the hour designated, but owing to delay on the part of the cavalry did not move until near 9 a.m., taking the Charlotte pike, in the rear of the Second Brigade. Reaching the vicinity of Richland Creek, just beyond which the enemy's lines were established, I was directed to deploy, with my right resting on the Charlotte pike near Douglass' house. This was done accordingly, but whilst executing the movement the rebels opened with a battery, unhorsing Col. D.C. Thomas, Ninety-third Indiana Infantry, and severely wounding several men in the One hundred and fourteenth Illinois Infantry. I brought one section of artillery into action and silenced the guns of the enemy. Soon after this orders were received to move by the left flank, keeping my left close to the right of the Second Brigade. In this movement I described the arc of a large circle, and it was continued until we had crossed the Hardin pike, and reached the vicinity of the Hillsborough pike, where the enemy was found strongly posted on the side and summit of a high hill, with a four-gun battery in his lower and a two-gun battery in his upper work. A battery far to our right, belonging, I think, to some cavalry command, was engaging these guns when we came up. Deploying the Seventy-second Ohio Infantry as skirmishers, I advanced my battery to within 400 yards of the enemy's works and opened on them with a rapid and telling fire. Whilst the battery was thus engaged I moved up the balance of the brigade and formed it, the Seventy-second Ohio as skirmishers, the Ninety-fifth Ohio and Tenth Minnesota in the front line, and One hundred and fourteenth Illinois and Ninety-third Indiana in the rear, and made preparations to charge. The Second Brigade formed to my left and one or two regiments of Hatch's division of cavalry on my right. Upon an order from the general commanding division, we advanced upon the works and carried both quickly, capturing the 6 guns, 300 or 400 prisoners, and a lot of small-arms. In this charge I regret to state that the gallant Col. D.C. Thomas, Ninety-third Indiana Infantry, was severely wounded, and a number of brave men were killed and wounded. The cavalry regiments on my right deserve credit for the dashing part they took in assaulting and capturing these works. After collecting prisoners and guns and placing them in charge of the Seventy-second Ohio to be conveyed to Nashville, my command moved on the Hillsborough pike and took a position on its east side, in the rear of the Second Brigade, where we camped for the night. Two cannon, 2 caissons, 1 army wagon filled with arms and accouterments, 7 commissioned officers, and 148 enlisted men were secured and turned over by my command as the fruits of this day's work.

Early on the morning of the 16th I moved out and occupied the temporary works constructed during the night by the Second Brigade, which had already moved forward and become engaged with the enemy. Soon afterward an order to advance and form in two lines on the right of the Second Brigade was received and executed; my first line throwing out skirmishers, who advanced to within a short distance of the enemy's works, which could be plainly seen from a hill in front of a division of the Twenty-third Army Corps, commanded by General Couch, and upon which my battery went into position and did good execution in silencing those batteries of the enemy within range and in covering with a rapid fire an assault made later in the day by my brigade. Throughout the fore part of the day we remained in line, using artillery freely, and occasionally advancing the skirmish line, which invariably met with stubborn resistance. Toward noon I commenced digging a rifle-pit to protect my first line from the enemy's fire and also to enable it more securely to hold the ground in case of an assault, preparations for which, on the part of the enemy, I thought could be seen. In front of Couch's division, Twenty-third Army Corps, there was a very steep hill, over the crown of which the enemy's main line extended, and which formed the key point to his works, in front of our division. This hill once carried and securely held, these works, as far as we could see to our left, became untenable, and would necessarily have to be abandoned. Being a position of so much importance it was, of course, guarded by a strong body of troops, besides being so steep, it was supposed no assaulting party could live to reach the summit. We waited long hours for the division of the Twenty-third Army Corps in front of this hill to carry it, intending to advance at the same time and carry the works at its base and our left. At length General McArthur, tired with the long delay and fearful the day would pass without making any serious impression upon the enemy's lines, directed me to withdraw my brigade and “take that hill.” This was about 2 o'clock in the afternoon. I immediately withdrew my skirmishers, retired the regiments, and moved them by the right flank to a point opposite the hill to be carried; forming in two lines outside of the works occupied by and in front of Couch's division; supplied empty cartridge boxes, and posted my battery so as to command the enemy's position. The front line consisted of the following regiments, named in their order from right to left: One hundred and fourteenth Illinois Infantry, Captain Johnson commanding; Ninety-third Indiana Infantry, Captain Hubbard commanding; Tenth Minnesota Infantry, Lieut. Col. S. P. Jennison commanding; the second line of the Seventy-second Ohio Infantry, Lieut. Col. C. G. Eaton commanding, and the Ninety-fifth Ohio, Lieut. Col. Jefferson Brumback commanding. After the troops were ready the assault was delayed some time, in consequence of a failure on the part of the ordnance department to supply the battery with ammunition. Ten rounds for each gun were finally procured from Captain Reed, of the Second Iowa Battery, and about 3.30 o'clock I ordered Lieutenant McClaury, commanding Cogswell's Independent Battery, to open on the hill, and under cover of this fire advanced to the assault. Regimental commanders had been instructed to move out silently, with fixed bayonets, and, if possible, gain the enemy's works before delivering their fire. A strong skirmish line had been thrown forward, with orders to advance, firing as soon as the brigade moved. Capt. James Fernald, of my staff, was placed in charge of the skirmishers, and, as ever, performed his duty with the utmost daring and gallantry. Quickly and steadily the brigade moved down one hill and up the other to within a few feet of the enemy's parapet, where we received a volley, which on the right went over our heads, but on the left punished the Tenth Minnesota severely. Nothing daunted, this gallant regiment, together with the others composing the front line, cleared the enemy's works with a bound. The two regiments in the second line were inside almost as quickly, having pushed forward with the highest spirit and determination.

Brigadier-General Smith, 84 field, staff, and line officers, and 1,533 enlisted men were captured in this charge, together with 4 battle-flags, 8 cannon, 8 caissons, a large number of small-arms and accouterments. My loss, although not heavy considering the work performed, embraces many gallant officers and soldiers. It mainly fell upon the Tenth Minnesota Infantry, which was exposed to a flanking fire. Two field officers, 6 line officers, wounded, and some 60 enlisted men killed and wounded in this charge alone, attest the fiery ordeal through which the regiment passed; and the fact that it reached the rebel works in its front as quickly as the regiments on its right, which were less exposed, is ample evidence of the courage and daring of both officers and men. Lieutenant-Colonel Jennison, the commanding officer, was conspicuous for his high daring, and set a noble example to his officers and men. He fell severely wounded on the enemy's works, and his loss, even if but temporary, will be severely felt by his regiment. Lieutenant-Colonels Brumback and Eaton, Captains Johnson and Hubbard, commanding regiments, acquitted themselves on this occasion, as they always do, with distinguished gallantry, setting their respective commands examples which must always insure success. In fact, all officers and men of this brigade engaged on the 15th and 16th instant displayed an eager desire to engage the enemy, and a courage tempered with a high resolve rarely, if ever, surpassed. To Lieutenant McClaury, his officers and men, I am under particular obligations for their bravery and efficiency in working their battery. Although but recently attached, they have already won the esteem and admiration of the entire command.

The following is a summary of the prisoners of war, guns, colors, &c., captured and turned over by my brigade in the recent engagements:

General officers	1	Cannon	10
Field, staff, and line officers	91	Caissons	10
Enlisted men	1,681	Wagons	1
	____	Small-arms (estimated)	2,500
Total	1,773	Accouterments (estimated)..sets	2,500

To the officers of my staff — Capt. James Fernald, Seventy-second Ohio Infantry, brigade picket officer; Lieut. O. H. Abel, One hundred and fourteenth Illinois Infantry, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieut. Josiah Barber, Ninety-fifth Ohio Infantry, acting aide-de-camp, and Lieut. John C. Chittenden, Ninety-fifth Ohio Infantry, acting assistant quartermaster — I am under renewed obligations for that devotion to duty and gallantry under fire which has always characterized them. They have my thanks and deserve the gratitude of the country for their intelligent discharge of every trust, however trying or dangerous. To Lieut. A. L. Whiteside, regimental quartermaster, Ninety-third Indiana Infantry, I tender my thanks for valuable services rendered on both days as volunteer aide-de-camp.

I have the honor to forward herewith a list of the killed and wounded, from which it will be seen that the entire loss in this brigade was as follows: Commissioned officers — wounded, 10. Enlisted men — killed, 22; wounded, 86. Total, 118.

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

W. L. McMILLEN,   

Colonel Ninety-fifth Ohio Infantry, Commanding.

Capt. W. H. F. RANDALL,

Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Div., Detach. Army of the Tennessee.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 440-3

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 144. Report of Brig. Gen. John McArthur, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

144.

Report of Brig. Gen. John McArthur, U. S. Army, commanding First Division,

of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, DETACH. ARMY OF THE TENN.,                       

Near Pulaski, Tenn., December 28, 1864.

MAJOR: I have the honor to forward the following report of the part taken by my division during the battles of the 15th and 16th instant in front of Nashville, Tenn.:

Pursuant to orders from the major-general commanding, I moved on the morning of the 15th, at 7 a.m. the First Brigade, Col. W. L. McMillen commanding, consisting of the Seventy-second and Ninety-fifth Ohio, One hundred and fourteenth Illinois, Ninety-third Indiana, and Tenth. Minnesota Infantry Regiments, and Cogswell's Independent Illinois Battery; also the Second Brigade, Col. L. F. Hubbard commanding, composed of the Eleventh Missouri, Eighth Wisconsin, Fifth and Ninth Minnesota Infantry, and Second Iowa Battery, out from the intrenchments around Nashville on the Charlotte road; also the Third Brigade, Col. S. G. Hill commanding, consisting of the Twelfth and Thirty-fifth Iowa, Thirty-third Missouri, and Seventh Minnesota Regiments, and Company I, Second Missouri Artillery, out on the Hardin road; the Third with orders to take position on the right of the Second Division, and the First and Second to swing to the left, and connecting with the Third, so as to complete the line. The two brigades on the Charlotte road waited two hours for the cavalry to take the advance, according to the instructions received the evening previous; but no move taking place on their part, and being informed that the line was awaiting my arrival, I passed through the cavalry line, deploying to the left of the road, right resting on same, until they reached Richland Creek, two miles and a half, encountering the enemy's battery and skirmishers, which were silenced by Cogswell's battery, giving the cavalry an opportunity of advancing. Finding that they were too far advanced, and not connecting with the main line, I moved them by the left flank obliquely to the rear, connecting with the Third Brigade, as designated, the whole line moving forward. My division being on the flank, the whole swinging on our left as a pivot, our march was necessarily long and tiresome.

After crossing the Hardin road the First Brigade encountered the first redoubt of four guns on the enemy's extreme left. Moving up the Second Brigade to its support, they were immediately formed for assault, both batteries taking position about 300 yards distant. After a brisk fire the fort was silenced and the infantry dashed forward. Simultaneous with their advance the cavalry of General Hatch's division charged, and, from their advantageous position, entered the works with my skirmishers and claimed the guns as their capture, which I conceded to them, their gallantry on that occasion being conspicuous, although the fort had been rendered untenable by the fire from my batteries. I then ordered the First Brigade to charge the second hill to the rear of the fort just taken, which they gallantly did, capturing two guns and caissons and a great many prisoners. In this they were supported by the Second Brigade, their skirmishers entering simultaneously with the First Brigade. While this was going on the Third Brigade charged the redoubt commanding the Hillsborough road, and carried it in gallant style; but pressing on in connection with the Second Division, the guns, three in number, were taken into possession by the Fourth Corps, together with a number of prisoners, which might have been properly credited had not Col. S. G. Hill, commanding brigade, been unfortunately killed in the charge. For further evidence of this I refer to Brigadier-General Garrard, commanding Second Division. Immediately following this General Couch's division, which had come into position by moving around my right and rear, charged the fourth position, a strong hill to our left. Simultaneous with the charge I ordered Col. L. F. Hubbard, commanding Second Brigade, to move forward on the left of Couch's division, sweeping around the base of the hill, thereby flanking the enemy's position and rendering the charge of General Couch an easier one. This was a bold and successful movement on the part of Col. L. F. Hubbard's command, and reflects great credit on him in handling his troops so successfully, for he encountered the enemy for a short time in front of him and on his flank, yet did not falter. Our line was then formed for the night and fortified between the Hillsborough and Granny White roads, nearly parallel with the same, thus ending the first day's battle.

On the morning of the 16th, at 8 a.m., I moved the division forward by wheeling to the right on the Twenty-third Corps, forming at right angles to the position held the night previous, with the Granny White road running through between the Second and Third Brigades, and moved up at 9 a.m. to within charging distance of the enemy's main line of works, but finding no dispositions made by the corps on my right to co-operate with me, I ordered the command to construct rifle-pits to protect them from the infantry fire of the enemy's main line, my batteries in the meantime being used with good effect on their works. Continuing in this position until 3 p.m., when, again consulting with Major-General Couch, commanding division on my right, and being informed that he had no orders to advance, and fearing that if delayed until next day the night would be employed by the enemy to our disadvantage, I determined to attack, sending word to this effect to the major-general commanding corps, and no contrary orders being received I prepared for the assault. In order to do so successfully, it was necessary that the hill on the enemy's extreme left and immediately in front of the Twenty-third Corps should be taken first. I ordered the First Brigade, Col. W. L. McMillen commanding, to move by the right flank and take position in front of and to take the hill, Major-General Couch sending forward a brigade to occupy and hold the intrenchments vacated by Col. W. L. McMillen, in case of an emergency, the Second and Third Brigades having orders to charge as soon as the First had advanced half-way up the hill, which was the salient point of the position. The First Brigade, with fixed bayonets, without a cheer or firing a shot, but with firm resolve and without doubting their success, commenced the difficult ascent, and without a halt, although exposed to a murderous fire, which none but the bravest troops could withstand, planted their colors on the very apex of the hill. At the appointed time the Second and Third Brigades — the Third commanded by Col. W. R. Marshall, Seventh Minnesota Infantry — moved forward on the enemy's works. Their path lay across a cornfield, traversed by stone walls and ditches, which, together with the softness of the ground, exposed as they were to a direct fire in front, and enfiladed by batteries on the flanks, for a time held with intense interest the most experienced officers who beheld it; but onward was their motto, and their banners were planted on works defended by the choicest troops of the rebel army, calling forth the remark of the rebel officers that powder and lead were inadequate to resist such a charge. Onward still the division pressed, gathering in prisoners by the hundred and guns by batteries (a list of which is appended) until the hills in rear of the enemy's lines were secured, where the line was formed for the night, and attention turned to the many brave officers and men who had so gloriously maintained their country's honor and sealed it with their blood.

In connection with this I wish to mention the services of the agents of the Christian Commission: conspicuous among which were Mr. Carter, of Wisconsin, and others whose names I failed to obtain, who, regardless of personal danger, were everywhere present, ministering to the wounded. A cause sustained by such and similar agencies cannot fail.

Before closing the report I beg to bear testimony to the gallantry and heroic fortitude displayed by every officer and soldier of my command; their conduct throughout was par excellence.

In addition to the report already forwarded of officers recommended for promotion I would call your attention to the reports of brigade commanders, transmitted herewith, for the names of those officers recommended by them for special mention for gallantry and good conduct. My thanks are also due in an especial manner to the officers and men of the artillery of my division, serving their guns in such a manner as to call forth my highest admiration. I am also greatly indebted to the following members of my staff for valuable services throughout: Capt. William H. F. Randall, assistant adjutant-general; Capts. Duncan MacLean and John W. Gregg, aides-de-camp; Dr. S. W. Huff, surgeon-in-chief, whose duties were arduous, but not beyond his capabilities; Capt. S. Carkener, Thirty-third Missouri Volunteers, judge-advocate and acting aide; Capt. E. R. Applegate, Eleventh Missouri Volunteers, ordnance officer; Capt. Joseph Mayer, Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteers, temporarily on duty as aide; Lieut. P. Meagher, Thirteenth U.S. Infantry, mustering officer and acting aide; Lieut. Samuel A. L. Law, acting assistant quartermaster; Capt. J. A. Leonard, commissary of subsistence, for efficiency in their respective duties; Capt. J.P. Houston, acting assistant inspector-general, who was unfortunately wounded while charging with the skirmishers the broken ranks of the enemy. He is a valuable officer. I deeply regret his temporary loss. To all of whom my thanks are due.

In addition to the above report I wish to mention the First Brigade, Third Division, Colonel Ward, Fourteenth Wisconsin Infantry, commanding, consisting of the Fourteenth and Thirty-third Wisconsin and Eighty-first Illinois Infantry, for their promptness in moving forward to support my left on the first day's battle and securing many prisoners.

The following is the list of captures, which needs no comment: Prisoners of wary including Brigadier-Generals Smith and Jackson, 4,273; battle-flags, 13; guns with caissons, 24; small-arms, estimated at 4,500; besides several wagons and horses. There were expended during both days' fighting, 4,681 rounds artillery ammunition; 84,000 rounds of musketry ammunition.

My total casualties, as per report forwarded, are as follows: Killed, 68; wounded, 506, and 1 missing; making a total of killed, wounded, and missing, 575.*

All of which is respectfully submitted.

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

J. McARTHUR,         

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

P. S. — I wish particularly to mention in connection with this report the gallant conduct of Col. W. R. Marshall, Seventh Minnesota Infantry Volunteers, commanding Third Brigade, called to take command during the first day's battle and continuing throughout. His admirable management and example stamp him as an officer of rare merit.

J. McARTHUR,         

Brigadier-General.

Maj. J. HOUGH,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Detachment Army of the Tennessee.

_______________

* But see revised table, p. 101

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 437-40

From the 2d Iowa Cavalry

CAMP ON HAMBURG AND CORINTH ROAD,

Friday, May 9, 1862.

FRIEND SANDERS. – Of yesterday’s skirmish, and loss, I wrote you last night and to-night as a faithful chronicler, I am compelled to add further to the record, which though of noble deeds, will carry anguish to loving hearts.  About noon, orders came to be ready to move at the firing of a signal gun.  The signal soon came, and in ten minutes the regiment was in column, and on its way to the front.  I may mention that most of our force which had advanced yesterday, had retired back to camp. Vacating the ground they had occupied.  Yesterday our regiment was a mile and a half beyond Farmington; to-day two miles this side of town.  They met. Gen. Paine’s Division and three batteries, retreating.  Passing this column on coming to an opening a mile wide, on the opposite side of which the rebels had three batteries, they formed into line, Lt. Col. Hatch, commanding, with Majors Hepburn, Coon and Lave, commanding respectively the 1st, 2d and 3d batteries [sic].  The rebels had the range, and their batteries were well manned and playing rapidly on our lines.  Gen. Paine rode and ordered the regiment to “charge” those batteries.  The batteries were three-fourths of a mile distant, and formed a line a half a mile in length – sweeping with the murderous fire the whole space.

The charge sounded and officers and soldiers swept forward and through the leaden tempest!  Shot and shell hurtled through the air, or plowed up the ground beneath.  The woods flanking the open space were occupied by rebel sharpshooters, and they too poured forth their murderous fire on the rushing line.  Through such a fire of iron ball is seldom faced in a charge and horses and men went down by sections, yet onward at full speed charged the 2d Cavalry through canister and grape, to within one hundred yards of the guns, when they were found to be supported by dense lines of infantry.  When knowing we were unsupported, the rally was sounded, and we retired, but had the satisfaction of seeing the batteries limber up and cease firing.

The regiment was absent from camp less than three hours.  The charge was of short durations, but from the annexed list, which is reliable, Iowa may see whether her glory has been dimmed by the 2d Cavalry – whether another laurel has not been added to her brow – another bright page added to their immortal list – a record made that when Iowa is tried, she is never found wanting.

1ST BATTALION. – Commissary Sergt. W. W. Miller, by a spent ball in leg, slightly.

Co. K. – Killed, none.  Wounded, Corpl. Elias W. Shephard, in the head; Derwin Downer, flesh wound in leg; R. M. Downer, in leg by a piece of shell; Fred Lehart, in head; G. R. Bradley, in leg by a piece of shell; Abraham Leffler, in head and chest.

Co. L. – Killed, none.  Wounded, Corpl. M. B. Hubbard, in head; G. W. Kelso, in the thigh.  Missing, James Raymond.

Co. E. – Wounded, Lewis Kephart, in hand; Bugler, Wm. Dunderdale, in head; Corpl. W. Aldrich in head slightly; Sergt. J. W. Jennings, in hand.

Co. M. – Wounded. Nathan Smith, in the foot, amputated below knee; Sylvester L. Hazen, in shoulder, slightly; J. S. Breedan, in Leg; John Parker, wounded and missing.

3D BATTALION. – Co. I and D, all safe.

Co. F. – Wounded, Labon J. Parks, in breast, severely; Wm. Bulley, in thigh and rectum, severely; Sergt. James Fought, in thigh, slightly; Sergt. Daniel Okeson, missing.

Co. B. – Killed, John Burgh, (missing yesterday and supposed killed.)  Wounded, J. S. Brush, in right shoulder severely; W. M. Freeman, in breast by shell; Corp. Porter J. Webb, in leg; slightly; Corp. Walker, Missing; Cloud H. Brock, in arm, severely; Daniel Craft, in side, slightly.

2D BATTALION. – Co. A. Killed, Sergt. Frederick L. Ayer.  Wounded, J. B. Gaddis, in arm and side, slightly; B. F. Wagoner, in shoulder slightly; Otis Legg, in side, slightly.

Co. H. – Killed, Lt. Benjamin F. Owen.  Wounded, Corp. Haskins, in leg, slightly; A. V. Reeves, in thigh, slightly; A. N. Detwiler, in breast, slightly.

Co. G. – Wounded, Capt. Wm. Lundy, in the head, slightly; Sergt. L. H. Waterman, in hip, dangerously; Corp. J. T. Haight, arm and side; Anderson Heinly, severely, through from side to side.

Co. C. – Wounded, Capt. Henry Egbert, in thigh, by a piece of shell; James Armstrong, through both hips and bladder, (poor fellow, as I now write, just midnight, I hear his constant groans; brave man, I fear he must die;) Wm. Gordon, right heel – Amputation below knee; James Taylor, through the shoulder severely.

Total – 2 killed, 39 wounded, one wounded and missing, and three missing.

Captain Lundy, Lieuts. Schnitger, C. C. Horton, Co. A, and Chas. More, Co. K, had their horses shot under them.  Ninety-seven horses were killed and disabled, and nearly as many more wounded.  A shell divided Lt. Col. Hatch’s heavy brass stirrup, another passed so close to captain Kendrick’s head, as to deafen one side, and numerous sabres, scabbards and revolvers show the scars of cannon shot, shell and bullets.  The surgeons had all the wounds dressed before night, and the sufferers, with the exception of one or two, are quite and doing well.

It seems to be the opinion among officers, outside the regiment, that the charge, though a desperate resort, was splendidly executed, and that it saved Gen. Paine’s Division.

The weather is fine and work ahead.  And now for my blankets; I bid you adieu.

DIFF.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 17, 1862, p. 2

Capt. Egbert left town yesterday morning . . .

. . . for his home in Cleona township.  He was wounded in the thigh by a shell, as we stated yesterday.  He gave us some very interesting particulars relative to the skirmish between Gen. Paine’s forces and the enemy, supposed to be under Gen. Price, last Friday, in which he was engaged, and of which we publish an account in another column in a letter from “Diff.”  In a skirmish the day previous, John Wilson, a private in Co. B., 2d cavalry, from Marshall county, was killed.  Capt. E. says that on Friday the 2d had only 400 men in the action, though every company was represented.  The balance had been detailed on special duty, or were absent from other causes.  The health of the regiment has been very good ever since they left St. Louis, and they have very few in hospital.  Lt. Col. Hatch now commands the regiment, Col. Elliott having command of a brigade composed of the 2d Iowa and the 2d Michigan Cavalry.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 17, 1862, p. 1

From The Second Iowa Cavalry

HAMBURG, Harding Co., Tenn., April 25.

FRIEND SANDERS:  When I left Davenport I promised to write you occasionally.  I have kept my word, though I have only written you once before this, for I understand occasionally to mean when there is occasion for it, or in other words when there is something to write, worth your trouble to print and the public to read.  Such occasions in the army are rare, for generally that which may be written is hardly worth the effort, and everything really valuable or important is prohibited.  Of our travels and exploits as a regiment you have a very faithful and lively reporter in the person of “Diff,” who keeps you fully posted, but I have an item or two which deserves to be published, to the credit of our regiment and satisfaction of their friends.

Many regiments have taken special pains to report the amount of money sent home by the soldiers, and heartily approving the practice, I desire to speak for the 2d Iowa Cavalry.  Last week I took from New Madrid to Cairo, to express to the families of soldiers, fourteen thousand and six hundred dollars, nearly all from our regiment; and full ninety-five per cent. of the amount went to Iowa, and probably not less than six or seven more was sent by private hands and by mail; besides many of our officers being in Cairo at about the same time expressed their own packages.  When it is known that the regiment had nearly four months’ pay due and only received for two months, this amount I think will compare favorably with that sent from any other regiment under same circumstances.

I have another little incident which I consider it a pleasure and a duty to relate, as a public acknowledgment of personal obligation, as follows:  Some weeks ago while on a trip from New Madrid to Cairo after the mail for Gen. Pope’s division, I was compelled to leave my horse at Sikeston, when some rascal, being a better judge of horseflesh than of morals, stole my horse, to recover which it cost me several days of anxiety and tedious travel, besides considerable money.  Yesterday Lt. Col. Hatch and Capt. Sanford, Co. H, presented me with seventy dollars in behalf of the officers of their regiment, to reimburse me for the expense of the above, and for my late trip to Cairo as express messenger.  The value, to me, of this compliment is not at all expressed in figures.  The good feeling and sympathy that prompted it, and of which the act is evidence, is worth more to me than treasury notes.  I only hope I may always deserve their confidence and they always enjoy their prosperity their liberality deserves.

As predicted in my last the general health of our men is much improved.  The more frequent our changes and the nearer the prospect of battle, the better the health.  I have known men quite sick in hospital to rally under marching orders and be able to travel in twenty-four hours, or at least they would travel and do when permitted, so reluctant are they to be left behind.

Having passed over my ground proper, leaving country, scenery, exploits and trophies for “Diff,”

I remain yours, &c.,

C. G. TRUSDELL,

Chaplain 2d Iowa Cavalry.

__________

FRIEND SANDERS:  On Tuesday last the 22d, after a week of entire seclusion, the sun rose in all his former brightness and glory, giving a more cheering prospect to things generally.

Lieut. Col. Hatch, in command of the 2nd cavalry, with the staff and two companies, had been transferred from an over-crowded boat, to the Platte Valley.  After taking aboard forage, she steamed up to Mound City, and took on coal for the trip.  Col. Hatch and Major Love visited the two hospitals at Cairo and reported everything kept in A No. 1, style – eight hundred sick and wounded in one and five hundred in the other.  Mound City is beautifully submerged, the water being up to the windows of the houses.  The Hospitals being large high building suffer none, except the basement, which is not occupied.

In the evening we left Mound City for this place, passing Paducah in the night.  Next morning we found ourselves on a swollen but most beautiful river.  The Tennessee is a narrow stream, the banks rising at this high stage of water from ten to one hundred feet above the water level, with generally level bottoms extending from a quarter to two miles from the river.  In some places the bluffs approach to the water’s edge.  About 9 o’clock we landed at Fort Henry.  It is not more than four feet above the water at present, and gunboats had a fine range for their guns at that Fort.  The rebels had commenced works on top of a high ridge, half a mile from the river, a few miles above, in a much stronger position, but the sudden appearance of our gunboats caused them to skedaddle.

Here is a navigable river flowing for near three hundred miles through a fine, rich soil, and a climate second to none, possessed of unusual natural advantages, in the heart of a country long settled, yet we pass along near two hundred miles and witness not a single town, not even in name, and on average I do not think one plantation in five miles.  What a commentary on “the institution.”  Were it in free Iowa, what a different scene would it present, thousands of happy homes, some cities and scores of thriving villages.

On Thursday morning, the 23d, we arrived at Pittsburg Landing.  We soon got orders to move up five miles to this place, and disembarked.  Gen. Pope’s division is on the left flank at this place, with the cavalry on the extreme left.  The right is thrown out for the river below the landing, while the centre is held by Gen. Buell’s division.  Our lines must, I think, present a front of eight or ten miles.

At the place where our troops poured back to the river on the 6th, there is a fine rolling bluff, perhaps a hundred feet high, over which it is said our troops swarmed by thousands.  Less than half a mile above is a slough running up back of the bluff.  Our gunboats took position at the mouth of the slough and saved our army.

The battle-field presents a view of the rough side of war, many of the rebels being buried on top of the ground, which has washed off, leaving here an arm, there a leg, and again a skull exposed to view, while the stench arising from the shallow graves is far from pleasant.

The day we arrived, the cavalry got orders to move five miles out on the Corinth road.  The 1st battalion is now camped there.  A rain set in during the night and continuing, the order was suspended in the morning.  To-day is clear again, and a few days will make the roads passable.  The engineers are at work on the road.

I do not know the number of our forces here, and wouldn’t tell if I did; but we have enough to whip Beauregard’s rebel hoards, and crown with victory the decisive battle of the Mississippi valley.  Within ten days you may chronicle the glorious result.

For 2nd cavalry, address to Gen. Pope’s division, Tennessee river.  Hoping to give you details of the battle after the victory, I am yours,

DIFF.

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

From The 2d Iowa Cavalry

BENTON BARRACKS, MO., Feb. 17th, 1862.

FRIEND SANDERS – On Wednesday last the regiment received orders to be ready as soon as possible to go to Ironton.  The news was received with joy, as the boys are anxious to be off; but on Thursday the order was countermanded.  Yesterday the balance of the revolvers were distributed, and the first battalion tried their skill at target practice; the men behaved very well, and the horses admirable.  Last night about 11 o’clock an order came from headquarters to grind sabres, and giving instructions on how to pack up.  This began to look like business.

To-day about 2 p.m., orders came to be ready to march to the river at 7 1-2 tomorrow.  The first battalion, under command of Maj. Hepburn, are now packed up, four days rations in haversacks, wagons loaded, and at the appointed time they will be in line ready for duty.  They go on the steamer D. G. Taylor.  Three squadrons under command of Maj. Coon, leave on another boat at noon; three others, under command of Col. Hatch, at night, and the balance Tuesday morning.

The 2d cavalry will perhaps very soon get a chance to show their colors.  To-night we have the glorious news of Price’s defeat and capture of 6,000 prisoners by Gen. Curtis.  This is grand.

But to check our exultation, we hear our gunboats are repulsed with great damage and serious loss of life, at Fort Donelson.  We hope that part may prove false, though we fear it may be too true.  There, no doubt, will be the bloodiest fight yet, for nothing but the prestige of a victory there for the rebels could counteract the general gloom caused by the recent defeats, and which so threatens to overwhelm their waning cause.  We may be repulsed there, but soon the victory will be ours.  It is only a question of time there, as elsewhere.  With the fall of Donelson added to the list, they may well begin to despair.

I will mail this on my way to the river, so you may [be] sure we’re gone this time.  If it see any sights by the way to Tennessee, I’ll write ‘em.

DIFF.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 2

Second Iowa Cavalry

General Pope’s Division were compelled to withdraw from their advanced position at Farmington, On Friday the 9^th inst.  The following account of the action of our 2d Cavalry in the affair is given by the correspondent of the World:

At 11 the Second Iowa Cavalry were ordered to the front, to be ready for emergencies.  They reached the ground about 12, and were instantly formed in the rear of our lines of infantry, where they remained, subject to a screaming ball at short intervals.  The brigade of Gen. Palmer, with a supporting brigade of Ohio regiments, formed on the brow of a hill stretching across a cleared place half a mile across.  The artillery on both sides was pouring out a storm of flame and sulphur.  The confederates seemed to have in the clearing at Farmington a dense column of infantry, and on the left a battery of four pieces; in the center section, and on the right our ten pieces were mounted nearly opposite the road, as it emerges from the swamp at about two thousand yards distance.  The exchange of shots was rapid and well sustained from 11 till 12.

WE GIVE GROUND.

It soon became evident from the movements of the enemy that they intended to get between our position and the only road out by a flank movement on our right and left.  After a lapse of an hour and a half their batteries opened again at an [angle] so as to deliver a cross fire.  Their cavalry had disappeared.  Ours was ranged in along the edge of the woods. – Gen. Paine, who was in command of the whole, wisely deemed it best to withdraw from the ground.  To do this without leaving anything on the field was a nice task.  It was 2 o’clock and the enemy was spreading his lines out through the inclosing woods.  The artillery of the enemy was raking our collected force with shot and shell.  Our wounded were being carried off in teams and ambulances as they fell.  Further resistance without support was useless.

THE HEROIC CAVALRY CHARGE.

In this extremity Gen. Paine, excited at the time, gave the order for the batteries to fall back to the road and the infantry to follow. – To cover this retreat, and stop this hail of hurtling balls and shell the cavalry was called upon.  The regiment of Second Iowa Cavalry under command of Col. Hatch, and majors Love and Kuhen, and three small companies of regulars, under Lt. Gordon, were ordered to charge upon the batteries!  The order was a rash one, but it was an order.  Five hundred, in all, to charge a battery in the face of ten thousand!  But they did it, and thanks to the bad gunnery of the rebels, they nearly all returned to tell the tale; many of them alas, speaking by gasping wounds and riddled tattered garments.

THE BRAVE IOWA CAVALRY.

Lieut. Gordon, who is himself a conspicuous character in more than one charge of cavalry, says the sight transcended all belief.  The brave Iowans who had but recently left their plows a-field, now called upon to face death and ride to the cannon’s mouth, with the true spirit of heroes filed up the ravine; and on reaching the top of the hill spread out, galloped up to the batteries demolishing like lightning a line of skirmishers in their way,

“Cannon to the right of them,

Cannon to the left of them,

Volleyed and thundered.”

Truly enough for the whole of the guns were sweeping the plain with shrapnel and canister.  Luckily the depression was too great.  The balls whistled and flew into the ground all around and beneath them.  The mortality among the horses was fearful – ninety-three of the number being wounded and killed.  Col. Hatch’s anxiety for his men to follow him had now changed into anxiety to recall them.  Onward they charged, right up to the batteries, slashing and hewing down the gunners with their sabers, dead to the call of their gallant leader, who saw that the object was accomplished, the guns limbered and silenced, and the enemy on the right in disorder, while on the left wing he was closing in.

THEY COVER THE RETREAT.

Orderlies sent to the different companies finally rallied the men.  Slowly and deliberately they road back over the field.  The enemy was silent on the left.  Our artillery and infantry had passed into the woods and were falling back to the main body.  The route was strewed with dead horses.  The wounded were helped on to the horses of their comrades while the unhorsed took to the woods on the left – Gordon, who more prudently, but with equal coolness remained in the rear, saw the desperate charge and cared for the sufferers, burying two on the field with sabers while still under fire.  Taken altogether this is one of the most magnificent feats of the war.  No cavalry charge since that of the memorable Light Brigade is comparable with it.  In these days when cavalry is beginning to be looked on with some distrust, it is creditable to see one regiment which will not flinch in its duty even at the risk of certain death.

INCIDENTS.

Lieutenant-Colonel Miles, of the [Forty-eighth] Illinois Regiment, had his leg shot off by a cannon-ball on the field.  His limb has since been amputated, and at last accounts he was sinking rapidly from loss of blood.  Colonel Hatch had a ball through his hat and his [stirrup broken] by the force of a shell which killed the horse on his right.  The end and some of the whole matter is, then that they occupy Farmington to-night instead of we ourselves.

Gen. Paine, Capt. Keserck, of the Missouri battery, and Gen. Palmer, who witnessed the charge, are loud in their praises of the officers and men.

LOSSES.

The Second Iowa is the principal sufferer in the fight, taking the brunt of the fight and nearly all the glory.  The regulars had three killed and some ten or twelve wounded.  The losses of the infantry cannot be arrived at with accuracy as I write.

REPORT OF COL. HATCH.

CAMP NEAR FARMIGNTON, May 10.

Lieut. Marden, A. A. G. Brigade:

I had the honor to report, complying with orders to report, with Second Regiment to Gen. Granger.  Did so, receiving instructions from Gen. Pope to report to general commanding the advance.  I reported at 12 o’clock to Gen. Palmer, who ordered me to throw out two companies to the left of Farmington road, and hold the balance of command in reserve.  Our infantry, who held the field above us being driven in to the brow of the hill.  Gen. Paine ordered the regiment to charge the enemy’s batteries.  Moving the column to the top of the hill, ordered Major Kuhen, with companies H, G, & C, of the Second Battalion, and Major Love, with the Third Battalion, to charge the batteries on our right, Major Hepburn those on our left, in echelon of squadrons, deploying the columns to the right and left.  When we passed the infantry columns we attacked their skirmishers and supports, driving them in, killing and wounding some.  No effect was produced on the battery on our left.  Near the main Farmington road the battery and supports were protected by a rail fence.  Major Kuhen gallantly attacked the battery near the building known as the cotton mill, Company F, Lieut. Riley, alone attacking two guns in battery on our extreme right.  The center battery was fairly carried, the enemy limbering up his guns without taking them off the field.

Finding our horses badly blown for a long charge over rough ground, a distance of twelve hundred yards, and the infantry in great force, ordered all companies on the right to retreat to the right and rear, forming on the swamp road, and those on the left to then join their command.  The conduct of men and officers was in every respect commendatory. – Capts. Lundy, Egbert, Lieuts. Owen, Horton, Seutger, all had horses killed under them. – There were about four hundred men in the charges.  Our loss will scarcely exceed fifty killed and wounded; fifty horses, as many wounded and unserviceable.

EDWARD HATCH,

Lieut. Col. Com’d’g Second Iowa Cavalry

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 2

From The Second Iowa Cavalry [continued . . .]

CAIRO, April 20, 1862.

ED. GAZETTE:– From the midst of rain interminable, mud unfathomable and disagreeableness supremeable, I write this. The City of Alton arrived here on Thursday, and left on Saturday, as has most of the fleet for Tennessee river. I am detained in charge of stores in this, at present, most extensive mud hole.

Since last Wednesday there has been in this region one constant, incessant rain. The river is higher than ever known, and is only a foot below the top of the levee. This afternoon it commenced in places running over the embankment. During the day families are engaged in removing out of the city up on to the levee. The post office was removed this afternoon. War news is a secondary matter here at present. The first inquiry on the arrival of the papers is, What is the river news? And the columns are hastily [glanced] over to find the status of the river at St. Louis and Cincinnati. – Think of a city with the surging Ohio and Mississippi walled up fifteen feet higher than the levee of the town, only kept out by a frail earth embankment, and the water beginning to trickle over the bank, and you may have an idea of the interest the inhabitants have in river news from the up country.

The Illinois Central RR is submerged. Passengers and mails take a ferry boat from here up the river eight miles to Mound City, and then take a skiff a mile to the railroad.

Most of the boats with troops have gone from here. Col. Hatch and four companies of the 2d Cavalry are yet here, but will get off to-day. This is hard weather on soldiers. One battalion of the 2d Cavalry has been with their horses, for nearly a week in open barges. With water pouring down on them, wet clothes, wet above, below and around them, you can imagine what soldiers have to endure. And unless it accidentally clears off, this state of affairs must be endured at least three more long days and nights.

Chaplain Truesdell expressed home for the regiment fifteen thousand dollars. – Such an army flocking past and through Cairo the past week has eaten up all the substance of “Egypt,” but have left in lieu thereof full payment at fabulous prices.

In haste,
DIFF.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 26, 1862, p. 2

Brigadier-General Edward Hatch

SECOND COLONEL, SECOND CAVALRY.

The gallant young Edward Hatch is one of the very best of the Iowa general officers. He was born in Maine, in the year 1832. The town of his nativity, the character of his education, and the date of his removal to Iowa, I have failed to learn. He was a resident of Muscatine, Iowa, as early as 1858, and engaged in the lumber business with a Mr. Fullerton of that city. I regret that I can not give more of his history. In August, 1861, Mr. Hatch was made Major of the 2d Iowa Cavalry. A few weeks later, he was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel of his regiment, and, on the promotion of Colonel Elliott to brigadier-general, in June 1862, he was made colonel. For gallant and meritorious services he was, in the spring of 1864, appointed and confirmed a brigadier-general. He richly earned his promotion; for, from the first, he has been a working, fighting officer.

General Elliott left the 2d Iowa Cavalry soon after the fall of Corinth; and from that date I resume the history of the regiment, first premising that it was under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hatch from the time of its arrival before Corinth, Colonel Elliott being in command of the brigade to which it was attached.

Since May, 1862, the regiment's field of service has been principally in Tennessee and in Northern Alabama and Mississippi. A full history of its operations can not be given in the limited space to which I am confined, and I shall therefore allude to only the most important items of its service.

During the summer and fall of 1862, the regiment was attached to the cavalry brigade of the gallant Philip H. Sheridan, and made its head-quarters, a chief portion of the time, near Rienzi, Mississippi. After General Grant's unsuccessful march through Central Mississippi, in November, 1862, the 2d Iowa changed its head-quarters to La Grange, Tennessee. It was from that point the regiment moved out to co-operate with Colonel Grierson, at the time that officer started on his wonderful raid through Mississippi. Much interest attaches to this movement, and I therefore give briefly its antecedents and its results.

"In accordance with previous instructions, [I quote from General Grant's official report] Major-General S. A. Hurlbut started Colonel B. H. Grierson with a cavalry force from La Grange, Tennessee, to make a raid through the central portion of the State of Mississippi, to destroy railroad and other public property, for the purpose of creating a diversion in favor of the army moving to the attack of Vicksburg. On the 17th of April, this expedition started, and arrived at Baton Rouge on the 2d of May, having successfully traversed the whole State of Mississippi. The expedition was skillfully conducted, and reflects great credit on Colonel Grierson and all of his command. The notice given this raid by the Southern press confirms our estimate of its importance."

Colonel Hatch and the 2d Iowa did not accompany Colonel Grierson on this raid, but operated in other quarters, and in conjunction with him, so as to draw the attention of the enemy from the real movement, and thus secure the expedition a sure and unmolested start. For a full account of the part taken by the 2d Iowa in this movement, I can not do better than to give in full the official report of Colonel Hatch:


"Head-Quarters 2d Iowa Cavalry,
La Grange, Tennessee, April 27th, 1863."

“CAPTAIN :

"I have the honor to report: Complying with orders from Colonel Grierson, commanding 1st Cavalry Brigade, left camp with my regiment at La Grange, Tennessee, April 17tb, and marched with the brigade to the neighborhood of Ripley, Mississippi, and camped.

"On the morning of the 18th of April, by order of Colonel Grierson, marched my regiment east of Ripley three miles, thence south-east through Molino, and camped five miles south of that place, skirmishing during the day with Smith's regiment of Partisan Rangers, organized near there at a place known as Chesterville. On the 19th, marched south-west, forming a junction with Colonel Grierson, five miles south of Pontotoc, Mississippi. There Major Love, of my regiment, was detached with a portion of the regiment to return to La Grange, reducing me to about five hundred men.

"On the morning of the 20th, marched with Colonel Grierson thirteen mile south-east of Houston, and camped. On the morning of the 21st of April, complying with Colonel Grierson's order, I moved in rear of his column. At 3 o'clock A. M., left Colonel Grierson at the junction of the roads leading to Louisville, West Point and Columbus, thence to proceed to the railroad at West Point, destroying the railroad-bridge over the Okatibbayhah River, thence to move rapidly southward to Macon, destroying the railroad and government stores, and thence to find my way back north to La Grange, by the most practicable route. For some reason unknown to me, the column did not move till 7 o'clock A. M. This delay, as the following report will show, was fatal to carrying out Colonel Grierson's order.

"At the point Colonel Grierson turned south from the direction I was to travel, a detachment of my regiment moved with him four miles, then marched back to that point to obliterate the tracks of Colonel Grierson going south with the 6th and 7th Illinois Cavalry, which had been concentrating for some days in anticipation of a movement on Columbus. About 12 o'clock, on reaching the town of Palo Alto, I was attacked in rear and on each flank by a force under General Dolsen, consisting of Smith's Partisan Regiment, Bartoe's Regiment and Inge's Battalion. In my front, between me and West Point, was an Alabama Regiment, recently from Pensacola, with artillery — my front being well protected by the Hooka River. In the attack made by the enemy, a company in the rear was cut off and nearly all taken. The enemy then closed in on my flank, and advanced in two lines upon my rear, with two flags of truce flying, enabling him to approach very close, my command being at that time in a lane, with high fences and hedges upon either side, my men dismounted and well covered. Changing my front to the rear, I waited until the enemy were close upon me, and opened with my rifles and one two-pounder from the front, and with carbines on the flanks, breaking his lines, driving him back, pushing him about three miles, capturing arms and horses, and re-taking the company that was lost in the first attack. From that time until it was dark, it was a constant skirmish, the enemy having taken mine for the main column. Believing it was important to divert the enemy's cavalry from Colonel Grierson, I moved slowly northward, fighting by the rear, crossing the Hooka River, and drawing their force immediately in my rear.

"On the 22d, marched north near the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, the enemy continuing to follow, their forces augmented by all the citizens in the country, armed with shotguns and hunting-rifles, firing constantly on our flank. At 4 o'clock, P. M., attacked Okalona, driving out the enemy's cavalry and State forces, burning the barracks for five thousand men, and destroying stores and ammunition. I then marched north-west five miles, and camped.

"On the 23d, marched north, and hearing that Chalmer's forces intended cutting me off, I destroyed the bridge over the Chivoppa Creek, to check the forces following me in the rear. Camped that night near Tupelo. On the 24th, marched north through Birmingham, where I was attacked in the rear by what I believe to be Chalmer's forces. At 10 o'clock, A. M., my ammunition giving out, I retreated slowly towards Molino, stopping occasionally to repel their charges, concealing my men at all favorable points with the two-pounder, which did excellent service. I waited till the enemy were nearly on me, when I opened a fire at short range, the enemy suffering terribly, with small loss to me. In this way the attack was kept up for six miles, when the enemy was evidently tired, and with the exception of annoyance from guerrilla parties, we were not troubled by the enemy from that point to La Grange, where I arrived on the 26th.

"We captured about three hundred shot-guns and rifles, mostly Enfield, which for want of transportation were destroyed, and had but ten men killed, wounded and missing. I left camp with seventy rounds of ammunition, and had two on reaching it. I had decided, on reaching Okalona, to go south, but, upon examining my ammunition, I had but twenty-one rounds left, which did not warrant the movement. The fight at Palo Alto gave the enemy time to guard the railroad at West Point, and to prepare for an attack on Columbus, with some two thousand State troops, under General Ruggles.

"I left camp with two hundred and fifty horses: worn out for want of proper and sufficient forage, they broke down at the end of the second day, and I mounted my men upon the mules from my train and borrowed mules. I have nearly mounted my regiment, returned the mules borrowed, and filled up my train, captured fifty prisoners and killed and wounded not less than one hundred of the enemy.

“The fight at Palo Alto, diverting the enemy from Colonel Grierson, has, undoubtedly, given him thirty-six hours' start."


The raid of Colonel Grierson, to which the operations above detailed were collateral, ranks among the first of the war, for daring and success; but the "Patriotism of Illinois" is not impartial in declaring that the entire credit of the affair belongs to Illinois officers. Had not Colonel Hatch, by his maneuvering and hard fighting, diverted the attention of the enemy's cavalry, the result would doubtless have been different. But it is true that the movement filled the enemy with consternation. At the time this handful of Federal troops was sweeping down through Mississippi, Porter was running the Vicksburg Batteries, and McClernand was gathering his corps on the west bank of the river below the city. The combination of movements filled the enemy with amazement, and for several days it was said they stood and looked on with wonder, not knowing what points were most threatened, and most in need of defense. Those who joined Grant's forces on the final Vicksburg Campaign, and who were afforded the opportunity of reading the rebel papers picked up at Raymond, Clinton, and at other points along the route, will remember how great the alarm had been: they will also remember how poor Pemberton was belabored for having allowed "this handful of thieving Yanks to pass unmolested under his very nose."

The 2d Iowa's next move of importance was that made to Jackson, in pursuit of Forest, about the middle of July, 1863. It was on this march, and while charging through the city of Jackson, that Lieutenant John Humphreys was severely wounded. This, considering the numbers engaged, was a gallant affair. One incident of the fight is thus given by Major, afterward Colonel Coon : " In one place, the contest was so close between Company M and a superior force of Forest's men, that one man, named H. H. Bromer, had a hand-to-hand fight, after exhausting all the weapons in his hands.

The 2d Iowa Cavalry re-enlisted as a veteran regiment in the winter of 1863-4, and came North. Afterward, it returned to Memphis, from which point it marched on the expeditions of Sturgis and Smith against Forest; but an account of these operations will be found elsewhere.

Much of the time since promoted to a general officer, General Hatch has commanded a cavalry division. He distinguished himself in resisting Hood's advance into Tennessee, and, especially, in the part he took in routing the rebel forces at Nashville.

The general has a handsome person and an agreeable address. He is about five feet eleven inches in hight, has dark hair and eyes, and, if I am rightly informed, possesses great energy and determination. He is dignified if the occasion requires it, and yet, he can crack a joke and tip a beer-mug with the best of them.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p.571-6

From The Second Iowa Cavalry

CAMP TIPTONVILLE, Tenn., April 9.

FRIEND SANDERS:– I wrote you hastily on the 8th inst from the rebel camp at Island No. 10, which you may or may not have received. The 2d cavalry marched to the river on Monday afternoon, April 7th. At 2 o’clock Tuesday morning Cos. K and L, of the 1st battalion, were taken across by one of the transports that had come overland from above Island No. 10, by the canal made by Col. Bissell’s engineer regiment. The balance of the regiment was on shore waiting to follow. At three we were landed, and lay down in a field to await the dawn. Just at break of day we were up and on the move. After passing a few miles through timber, we struck the river at a plantation. The first house we saw, and while yet in the woods, had a shirt that had once been white tied to a pole. On emerging into the open field, a battery of one gun greeted our view, but nary secesh to man it. Soon we could see Island No. 10 in the distance, and the river was covered with pieces of wrecks. We also noticed three steamers which had been scuttled and sunk, one was going to pieces, the others can be raised. Another steamer, the Red Rover, came floating along, being partially scuttled; she was afterwards secured. We soon reached the fortifications opposite Island No. 10. Three rebel boats lay tied up to the Island, and on the Island itself the white flag floated. We took charge of the Admiral, a fine boat tied to shore, with several prisoners aboard. Some of the rebels were holding high carnival, opening the fine trunks deserted by secesh, and imbibing therefrom until gloriously drunk. The prisoners were secured, and the “contraband” thrown into the river. We passed on through the camp and secured ninety-one prisoners. Half an hour after our advance guard, under Lieut. Col. Schneteger, entered camp, the Graham, from our fleet above, landed, and some of Col. Buford’s men came ashore. They succeeded in picking up more prisoners and two beautiful, but hateful secesh flags of fine silk, each having a large field of blue, with eleven starts of white forming a circle, and inside the circle of one, in gold letters, the words, “Mississippi Devils – Our rights. Presented by the ladies.” How correct; for most certainly the devil’s own imps marched under that flag. From fifty to one hundred guns were captured, and an immense quantity of ammunition, tents, stores, &c. The fleet and transport troops at the Island will doubtless feel bad that a cavalry force from Gen. Pope’s command, marching from New Madrid in the early morn, should first enter the rebel works; but the “early bird catches the worm,” and the 2d Iowa cavalry have the honor of being the first into the enemy’s camp and showing the fleet that they could venture in with safety.

I noticed a pile of the famous torpedoes. They are formed of boiler iron, about six feet long and fourteen inches in diameter, cone shaped at one end. Also some of the new style cannon projectiles, with wings, that expand on leaving the gun.

At noon we returned to our place of crossing, below New Madrid, but the balance of the regiment had not crossed, having been ordered to return to camp. – After feeding our horses we marched to Tiptonville, eight or ten miles down the river. The weather was fine; the forests have put on their full livery of green, fruit trees in full bloom, and all through the forest the abundance of the beautiful red-bud trees in blossom presented a fine sight.

After emerging from the woods and nearing the river, we passed several large fine plantations, much finer than those we found in Missouri. And here I may remark, that in all our travels in Dixie, I have not yet seen a single school house. We soon reached Tiptonville. Below it is a lake and swamp. At this point the rebels had intended to take boats south, but our gunboats had interfered with their arrangements, and our infantry and artillery having been grown into that point the previous day and night, they came to a halt, and finally surrendered. They were the same sort as are all secesh, though armed with a better class of arms generally. Six brass field pieces of Memphis manufacture were finer than I have noticed. They had plenty of ammunition, all the cartridge boxes for small arms being full. There were over 5,000 taken prisoners.

We proceeded on to a large plantation and camped. Just at night it commence to rain. We were without tents, and had only cold rations. It rained all night long, and in the morning got quite cold; though we had no sleep scarcely the night before, there was very little that night. One great consolation was, that our secesh prisoners were in the same fix. I think had a battle been on the [tapis] that morning, we could have whipped by the Southern rule five to one.

THURSDAY, April 10. – Yet in camp here waiting for transportation to New Madrid. The prisoners have all been sent up north, and the infantry are now being transported up to-day.

CAMP NEW MADRID, April 11. – We had orders at eight o’clock last night to march to the landing to take boat. On getting there she had het to be unloaded of Government stores. We picketed our horses and laid “around loose” until daylight, when we went aboard and landed here at 10 o’clock.

On our way up we passed the floating battery. Our boats could not tow here ashore, so they sunk her on a sand bar in the river: her steamworks and guns are above water. She has now eleven fine guns. We conversed with a prisoner form the rebel hospital, who had been on her – impressed at New Orleans. When she left there she had twenty guns; they distributed on fortifications all except ten. When being towed she was six feet out of water, and in five minutes, with her steamworks, she could scuttle so as to present but fourteen inches above water. He said the rebels hated to lose her. They had turned her adrift, no doubt thinking it would run our blockade and they catch her. They could have scuttled her in five minutes.

It is cold and raining hard. The infantry are embarking. Our regiment, except those who were away, have been paid off. The chaplain, Truesdell, has $10,000 to remit to “friends at home.” There is nearly as much more due – next payday being nearly around. He sells to our regiment monthly postage stamps to the amount of $150.

We have just received orders to hold ourselves in instant readiness with four days rations to march. Col. Hatch and Lieut. And Quartermaster Hannum secured a fine boat floating by scuttled on Tuesday morning, and saved her – the Ohio Belle. Expect to hear from me at Memphis soon. In haste,

DIFF.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 17, 1862, p. 2