Capt. R. M. Littler

DAVENPORT, March 10, 1862.

EDITOR OF GAZETTE:  Upon my arrival in your city on Saturday last, I was greatly shocked at the reports in circulation denouncing Capt. Bob. Littler and his gallant conduct in the late battle at Fort Donelson. – Whilst I know these reports to be totally groundless, I cannot imagine how a man can be so fallen in his own opinion, as he certainly must be, and in the opinion of the world, as to give utterance to such base and cowardly fabrications.  I do not wish to enter into any lengthy detail upon the subject, as I deem it unnecessary, for, by his own statement in your last issue, he gives ample chance for investigation.  But, in justice to Capt. Bob, his friends, his company and his regiment, I will give a statement of the facts, as they came under my observation.

On the afternoon of the 15^th of February, when the 2d Iowa made the charge on the enemy’s breast-works, Capt. Bob. Littler was in the hottest part of the fight.  When the enemy opened fire upon us, Maj. Chipman and Capt. Littler were almost side by side.  Our men were falling all around.  I saw Maj. Chipman fall, and heard Capt. Littler give the order to his men, “Close up men; close up.”  In a moment we were inside their breast-works, and all mingled together.  Federals and rebels.  ‘Twas then I first lost sight of him, for there was no time then to see what the next man to you was doing; it was every man for himself, fighting for life or death.

Sometime after, I should judge about an hour, when the firing had somewhat ceased, I again saw him supporting one of his men who was wounded.  I approached him and passed some few remarks with him concerning the battle, and knowing that he was very sick when he went on the field, scarcely able to stand up, I requested him to leave it.  I told him, as surgeons were scarce, he could be of more service taking care of his wounded men than he could be on the field.  I did not again see him until towards dark, when the firing had ceased and I had supported a wounded man to our camp near the field. – There I saw him binding a handkerchief around one of the men.  He remained with the men, doing all he could to relieve their sufferings, until after dark, when they were removed to the hospital.  I then procured some blankets for him to lie down upon, and bidding him good night left for my own quarters.

From his conduct that day, I say he is no coward, but proved himself a brave man.  The very man I should like to again enlist under in case of another war.  These, sir, are the facts.

JULES MEREDITH,

Principal Musician, 2d Iowa Infty.

I certify to the above.

F. M. SUITER,

Orderly-Sergeant Co. B.

The above statements are correct in every detail, as near as I could learn while at Fort Donelson, and the day I left Capt. Littler was officer of the day.

DR. G. W. McCARN

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 11, 1862, p. 1

Capt. R. M. Littler

It is with no ordinary pleasure that we publish the following letters, from our fellow citizen, Capt. R. M. Littler, in respect to whom there has been the most villainous reports circulated; but which, from these letters and statements of Messrs. Meredith and Suiter, we believe to be without a shadow of foundation.  The first intimation received at Fort Donelson of such reports being in circulation, we are assured, was a couple of days before the escort left there with the bodies of the dead soldiers.  The last letter is a private one, addressed to a fellow citizen, in answer to a note he sent Capt. Littler, acquainting him with the reports his enemies had circulated:

FORT DONELSON, March 3, 1862.

EDITOR GAZETTE – From the St. Louis Democrat, of the 27^th ult. I take the following paragraph from your paper:

“Capt. Littler, we are informed by an intelligent member of his company, who arrived last evening, bravely led his men in the charge at Fort Donelson, urging them on, till ordered by Col. Tuttle to go back and bring up the right wing, which he accordingly did.  We give place to his statement with pleasure, in order to refute some slanderous stories which gained currency yesterday to Capt. Littler’s discredit.”

I wish to make a correction as relates to the right wing.  This was under the command of Lt. Co. James A. Baker, of our regiment, and followed within one hundred yards of the left wing.  Col. Baker gallantly led his mem, and was with the regiment constantly.  The men composing the right wing did not need to be sent far.

As to my conduct on the occasion, I have no occasion to blush.  For the benefit of those who are ready to circulate slander, instead of fighting themselves, I would refer to the regimental or division commanders,

Yours respectfully, ROBT. M. LITTLER,

Capt. Co. B, 2d Iowa. Vols.

*   *   *   *   *   *   *

FORT DONELSON, Tenn., March 3, 1862

DEAR SIR:– I received your kind note to-day, and am truly grateful for the interest you take in my welfare and good reputation.  I leave my conduct in the hands of my commander.  I have nothing to be ashamed of.  I was with the boys in the charge and thickest of the fire.  I refer you to my orderly Sergeant Suiter, and Drum Major, Meredith, of our Regiment, who being present can satisfy any one of the falsity of the slander.  I can only say that the fighting is not yet over, and any one who thinks I do not do my duty, I advise to come and see for himself.  My friends may rest assured that I will not disgrace them..  I hope you will see Suiter and Meredith, as all I ask is fair play.  I shrink from no investigation.

ROBERT M. LITTLER, Capt. Co. B.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 10, 1862, p. 1

Funeral of the Killed at Fort Donelson

As previously announced, the train from Chicago on Saturday morning bore the remains of George Howell, Edward Peterson, C. H. Lenhart, Wm. Myers, Selucius G. Page and Wm Guthrie, who were killed at Fort Donelson February 15^th.  The two last named belonged to Co. B, the others to Co. C.  The bodies were brought here in charge of Mr. I. M. Gifford and Dr. McCarn, and escorted by six members of those companies, viz; Orderly Sergeant Frank M. Suiter, Jules Meredith, J. W. Page, and L. Whitney, of Co. B, and Hiram P. Earhart and M. L. Minor, of Co. C. – The bodies remained at the deport till afternoon, when they were escorted to Metropolitan Hall by the 16^th regiment, under Colonel Chambers, preceded by the Union Band.  The exercises at the Hall commenced with prayer by Rev. Mr. Dimmitt.  Rev. Mr. Butterfield made feeling and appropriate remarks, speaking of the glorious cause in which they fell, and their heroic deaths, and addressing words of comfort and consolation to the afflicted relations of the fallen, and concluding with an exhortation to the soldiers he addressed, to be faithful to their country and to liberty.

Rev. Mr. Anderson pronounced the benediction, after which the procession formed again, and marched to Oakdale Cemetery, where the remains were deposited in the vault, to await the disposition which their friends may wish to make of them.

The Union Band, under Mr. Strasser, interspersed the exercises at the hall with appropriate music.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 10, 1862, p. 1

From The 2d Iowa Regiment

FORT DONELSON, March 1, 1862.

MR. EDITOR:– To “go away from home to learn the news” is emphatically true, as relates to this locality.  Although it is now two weeks since the fight at this place, which resulted so gloriously in replanting the old flag in this part of secessia, we have been unable to get a glimpse of a newspaper to learn what has been going on, except in one or two instances, were we were fortunate enough to get hold of a well thumbed edition of a Chicago daily, whose cash valuation exceeded by far the amount to be discovered in the pockets of any one solder found in these parts since pay-day.  We could well bear this privation if we could get an occasional glimpse of our old friend the Gazette, which despite our many inquiries of the Post-master, fails to come to hand.  In fact the last copy we have received bears the date of Feb. 15^th, which in this age of steam, we are compelled to say is very much behind time.

Since I last wrote you there has been no change in the location of the Iowa Regiments.  The 2d, 7^th, 12^th and 14^th, all that have been here, yet remain, and from appearances there is no immediate forward movement in contemplation as far as I can see.  A portion of Gen. Buell’s division have passed here within the last few days en route for Nashville, and as we understand the rebels intend making a stand, a few miles inland from the above named place, we may expect to hear of a battle, and I guess another rebel defeat.  With the exception of about twenty regiments, which remain to hold this important point, all our forces which were here at the battle, with additional forces which arrived here since that time, have gone up the river, to what point, or what for, we cannot learn until we get a late newspaper.

The boys are all taking a rest since the battle, and we are happy to state, from reports from below, that our wounded are well taken care of at the different Hospitals, and are doing well, being cared for as though they were at home; this in a very great degree, is attributable to the promptness with which the friends at home of the various companies engaged in the fight, responded when notified by the telegraph that Fort Donelson was taken.

During the past week, we have visiting us, delegations of citizens and officials, from Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa.  Among the number from our own state is, His Excellency Gov. Kirkwood, Surgeon Gen. Hughes, Hon. Mr. Kellogg of the House, and Dr. McCarn of your city, whose cheerful countenance was gladly welcomed by his old friends, the members of Cos. B, and C.  He arrived her on the 27^th, and since that them has been busily engaged in ascertaining the wants and conditions of the Iowa boys; particularly those hailing from our town.  Today he intends ascertain the possibility of removing the bodies of our gallant dead, to Davenport.  It is likely he will take the bodies of Messrs. Page, and Guthrie of Co. B, and Howell, and Peterson of Co. C, back with him.  The Dr. spent yesterday and last night with us, and this morning I had the pleasure of riding around these most extensive fortifications with him, and of pointing out the different places where the Federal troops attempted to make a breach in the rebel lines, and the place where the Iowa 2d did make the breach, which turned the scale of the battle in our favor.  He expressed great surprise, as all do who visit this spot, - that any body of men could cross the enemies entrenchments without being almost annihilated.

The presence of Gov. Kirkwood was warmly greeted by the Iowa Troops.  He visited the quarters of the different regiments and congratulated the men for their gallantry and success.  Thursday evening he spent at our Regimental Head Quarters, and in response to a serenade from our brass band, made an appropriate little speech, which was enthusiastically received, by the Iowa 2d.  Surgeon Gen. Hughes, Hon. Mr. Kellogg, Col. Tuttle, Lieut. Col Baker, and Dr. Marsh, also answered in like manner to the calls of the crowd.  Our Iowa visitors also honored our dress parade with their presence and expressed much gratification at our proficiency in drill and discipline.

At the solicitation of the Governor, Col. Tuttle gave him our regimental colors to take home with him, to be place in the Hall of Representatives, where all can see the veritable stars and stripes, which first waved over the entrenchments of Fort Donelson, planted they by the gallant sons of the Hawkeye State.

We understand a former resident of Davenport, in the person of Capt. Schuyler, was among the rebels who escaped on the boat with the notorious Floyd, who made such an inglorious retreat, leaving so many of the chivalry of the South to our tender mercies.  We rather guess he heard the Davenport boys were about, and had not impudence enough to stay and meet those from whose friends he had received so many kindnesses.  He may not be so lucky next time.

Affairs hereabout are beginning to assume regularity.  The regiments are settled down to regular camp duty, and are anxious as ever to meet the foe and wipe out the last vestige of rebellion.  It is generally conceded that the backbone of secession, if not broken short off, is seriously dislocated, and beyond the help of Southern surgery.

We understand by the gentlemen from below that Cairo is crowded with the friends of the troops here, who started from home for the purpose of visiting Fort Donelson, but were stopped by the peremptory order of Gen. Grant, which forbids civilians from visiting this place at the present time. – Although this may seem harsh, it is evidently proper, as the great rush would interfere much with the discipline and general routine of military duties.  Among the number there, are many of the officers’ wives, who no doubt are greatly disappointed and indignant that they are denied the privilege of seeing their dears.  All such can expend their sympathy with the wounded and sick soldiers at Cairo and Mound City.

Among the trophies left behind, by the enemy in surrendering this place, are any amount of “love letters” which tender missiles cause the boys much amusement, and of which Capt. Bob, and Orderly Suiter have a sufficient number saved up for future reference, to be dealt out as occasion may require.

Among the arrivals from below I recognize the Clerk of the Court for Scott County.

Hoping to receive a Davenport GAZETTE soon.

I remain as ever,

Jules.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 8, 1862, p. 2

From The Iowa Second Regiment

PITTSBURG LANDING, Tenn., April 8th, ‘62

EDITOR GAZETTE: Ere this, I have no doubt, the telegraph wires have brought you the intelligence of another hard fought battle, and another glorious victory to our arms.

This was the hardest fought battle on this continent, and to attempt describing it would be a thing almost impossible.

I have no time to give the particulars, as there is a great deal of work to do at the present time, but for the benefit of our friends, who have the interest of the Iowa 2d at heart, and are anxious to hear of their fate – as they know we must have played a prominent part in this great battle – I will say a few words.

The Iowa 2d fared very well – only ten or twelve killed and about one hundred wounded. Companies B & C had none killed and but few wounded; and they slightly; with the exception of Capt. Bob Littler. At ten o’clock on Sunday morning he was struck on the left arm by a piece of shell which shattered it in a horrible manner. He was at the head of his company at the time he was struck. The boys – or at least a few of them – led him from the field to the transports, where his arm was amputated close to the shoulder. He is now at Savannah doing very well. He being the only commissioned officer in the company at the time, the command fell upon Sergt. Suiter, and right nobly did he do his duty – leading the company through the thickest of the fight until its close on Monday evening. He won a commission by his bravery, and is to be promoted to a Lieutenantcy immediately.

Captains Cox, Moore and Wilkins and several Lieutenants were wounded, none of them seriously. Col. Tuttle was acting Brigadier General during the battle, and will be promoted to one if justice has its reward. Lieut. Co. Baker was in command of the regiment. Both won laurels, and two braver men never existed. All the boys, as usual fought well, as did nearly all Iowa troops.

Our loss in killed, wounded and missing will not fall short of ten thousand; the rebels at least double our number. The ground for miles and miles around us is literally covered with dead bodies.

This has been a death blow to the South and goes to show how hopeless is their cause. A wounded prisoner told me Beauregard was telegraphed by Davis to win the fight by Sunday night, or we would be reinforced by Gen. Buell, hence the attack on Sunday. Had not Gen. Buell arrived on Sunday night, nothing but a decided blow on our part would have terminated the battle successfully to us, for the rebels had gained a great deal of ground and taken several of our batteries. – Upon the arrival of Buell, the fight assumed a different aspect; the enemy was driven back until every foot of ground was regained, and also our batteries.

We lay on the field all night, and as soon as it was light enough on the following morning to distinguish objects, hostilities were resumed. By 3 o’clock on Monday we pressed upon them so hard that they were compelled to retreat, which they did in great confusion. Our forces under Gen. Buell are in hot pursuit, and if they are not careful the grand army of the South will be totally annihilated. Their forces are estimated at one hundred thousand.

JULES.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Moring, April 16, 1862, p. 1

From the Iowa Second Regiment

Correspondence of the Davenport Gazette.

Pittsburg Landing, Tenn.,
April 8, 1862

EDITOR GAZETTE: Ere this, I have no doubt, the telegraph wires have brought you the intelligence of another hard fought battle, and another glorious victory to our arms.

This was the hardest fought battle on this continent, and to attempt describing it would be a thing almost impossible.

I have no time to give the particulars, as there is a great deal of work to do at the present time, but for the benefit of our friends who have the interest of the Iowa Second at heart, and are anxious to hear of their fate – as they know we must have played a prominent part in the great battle – I will say a few words.

The Iowa Second fared very well – only ten or twelve killed and about one hundred wounded. Companies B and C had none killed and but few wounded, and they slightly; with the exception of Capt. Bob Littler. At ten o’clock on Sunday morning, he was struck on the left arm by a piece of shell which shattered it in a horrible manner. He was at the head of his company at the time he was struck. The boys – or at least a few of them – led him from the field to the transports, where his arm was amputated close to the shoulder. He is now in Savannah doing very well. He being the only commissioned officer in the company at the time, command fell upon Sergt. Suiter, and right nobly did he do his duty – leading the company through the thickest of the fight until its close on Monday evening. He won a commission by his bravery, and is to be promoted to a Lieutenantcy immediately.

Captains Cox, Moore and Wilkins [sic] and several Lieutenants were wounded, none of them seriously. Col. Tuttle was acting Brigadier General through the battle, and will be promoted to one if justice has its reward. Lieut. Col. Baker was in command of the regiment. Both won laurels, and two braver men never existed. All the boys, as usual fought well, as did nearly all the Iowa troops.

Our loss in killed, wounded and missing will not fall short of ten thousand; and the rebels at least double our number. The ground for miles around is literally covered with dead bodies.

– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862