Frederick Johnson

Frederick Johnson enlisted in the Union army in 1862, a member of Company F, Sixth Iowa Infantry. He received a gun shot wound at the battle of Missionary Ridge, from the effects of which he died in 1868. He was a special favorite with all his acquaintances, and his death was a source of universal regret.

SOURCE: Abstracted from the biographical sketch of his father, Freeborn W. Johnson in Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 333

Letter from E. R. Kennedy of the 6th Regiment.

Hospital No 4, Div. 15th A. C.

Nov. 27 1863

Dear Parents:

I have sad news for you; the worst that can come from me.

We have been in another hard fight, and Rebel bullets are no respecter of persons. You have to morn the loss of a son. I a brother. Liberty! Poor fellow, was shot dead in the third charge. He fought bravely, and was shot with his gun cocked, and in the act of shooting. I am sorry to tell you, that I was unable to see him: I was wounded in the same charge, and from what I learn about the same time he was struck. My wound is in the left leg half way below the knee, done with a piece of shell. Liberty was shot through the heart, and died without a groan. Thomas Kirkpatrick helped to bury him. I knew nothing of it until he was buried. He lies at the foot of the hill where we fought. This news is sad, but it is a relief to know that he died at his post; he never faltered; was always ready, and was a soldier in every respect.

Several of the company were wounded.

Capt. Minton took command of the company of the 24th [ult. ?] and in the second charge was wounded in the right arm below the elbow: The Surgeons say it will have to come off. Thomas Barrows wounded in the left ankle, not dangerous. Frederick B. Johnson in left leg close to the body. He has not more than one chance of ten to get well. Elam Ford in the forehead with a piece of shell, slightly. Thomas Carson in the side of the head with a ball, slightly. We are all of the company that are in the hospital. Sever others are slightly wounded that are with the regiment. Charles Wright was hit with a shell. Edward Chambers hit on the little finger. Charles Miler on the knee. Isaac Gregg on the ear. There may be others; as I have not been to the regiment since I received my wound, I have not the full particulars –

They are in pursuit of the rebels. They have captured 15,000 to 20,000 prisoners according to report, and between 50 to 100 pieces of artillery.

I can hear the roar of artillery ten or fifteen miles away, still growing more distant.

The 25th day of Nov. is a day to be long remembered, especially by our regiment. We threw a pontoon across the Tennessee river on the 24th, and took a hill two miles from the river, and fortified it that might. The next morning between seven and eight o’clock we were called out, we formed behind some logs, the rebels had thrown up the night before, for their skirmishers at the food of Mission ridge. We formed 4 columns deep, and charged on their works. Gen. Corse was wounded near their works. We were compelled to fall back and rally again. We rallied behind the logs, again we charged and silenced their battery, and again fell back. For what reason I cannot say. Col. [ ]umis came up on our right, charged and took their works. The rebels then came down on us. We were again ordered to charge. We went at it with a cheer. I did not go more than five rods before I was hit, my gun was knocked from my hands, and I have not seen it since. It was in this charge that Liberty was killed.

We have had a very hard time; we have not had a whole night’s sleep since the 16th. We have been either marching or working. Some of the soldiers were robbed of their clothing and money as they lay corpses on the field of battle. Some were untouched.

Where we will be taken I cannot tell. I will write again in a few days.

E. R. Kennedy.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December 12, 1863

6th Iowa Infantry: Intelligence from Chattanooga

The 6th Iowa Inft. – Intelligence from this regiment, looked for with so much anxiety since the battle of Chattanooga, has at length come, to sadden the hearts of many of our citizens, while it robes others in weeds of mourning for those who have fought their last fight. Mr. Liberty Kennedy, son of J. R. Kennedy of Franklin township was killed; a brother, E. R. Kennedy was wounded. Capt. Minton, we are told was severely wounded in the arm; and with feeling of pain we add another to the list whom we have know in days past as a scholar and friend. Frederick B. Johnson, son of F. W. Johnson of Oceola is dangerously wounded. A ball entering the thigh came out near the knee, shattering the bone very badly. It is thought that if he recovers at all, amputation will be necessary. Poor fellow! With many others he has learned that fortune does not always smile upon the good and brave. In July last, he was taken prisoner, and after suffering several weeks in rebel prisons, was paroled, and a few weeks since exchanged – in time for this, we fear, to him fatal battle.

May it please that Being in who he trusts, to order it otherwise.

Thomas Barrows was also wounded, but slightly.

F. W. Johnson left for Chattanooga Yesterday.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December 12, 1863

The 6th Regiment. Letter from Lieut. Alden.

Owing to the disturbance of mail arrangements, this letter did not reach us until yesterday. Ed.


Jackson Mississippi
July 18th 1863

Dear Sentinel:

After a long silence, I will again write you a few lines, in regard to the where-a-bouts and doings of the 6th Iowa.

Immediately after the capitulation of the Rebel Garrison at Vicksburg, your division was ordered to Big Black River, where we arrived on the evening of the 4th of July, at the only point of crossing above the R. R. Bridge, where a strong force of Jacksons Rebel Cavalry was posted to prevent our crossing. Gen. Smith selected our regt. And ordered us to cross the river at Bridsing Ferry, and to hold the position till he could send us support. The only means of crossing was two canoes lashed together, but the scouts [now] coming in, pronounced the river fordable, and Col. Corse determined to cross the stream by wading. We arrived at the river at 9 P.M. and to our consternation found it had risen 3 feet, so that it would have been madness to attempt a crossing on foot. Half a doz. Men were selected, and ordered to cross the river in the canoe, and ascertain if the enemy was still there. When they had got into the middle of the stream a volley of musketry was fired upon them, and they were compelled to retreat to the west side again. Fortunately none in the boat was hurt. A brisk fight was then kept up all night across the stream, and at daylight it commenced in earnest, and at 9 A. M. we had driven them from the river. The most of our army crossed that day. Our loss was one killed, and 9 wounded. We buried 7 rebels and found several of their wounded, tho' they had taken the most of their wounded away.

We arrived at this place in front of the enemy’s works on the10th inst., and our Regiment was again put in the front. We skirmished with the rebels from 3 p.m. until dark, having driven their pickets a half a mile. At 4 o’clock on the morning of the 11th, our Regiment was deployed as skirmishers, and moved forward, fighting over the ground from which the enemy retreated, until we were within half a mile, and in sight of the enemy’s works. Our loss on the 11th was three killed and nine wounded. On the morning of the 16th our regiment was again placed in the front, and ordered to charge the enemy’s works (it was then thought they were evacuating, which was not the case) which we did with credit to ourselves, as the following letter from Gen. Smith, commanding the first Division will show:


H’d Quarters 1st Div. Army Corps
In front of Jackson, Miss.
July 16th 1863

John M. Corse, Col. Commanding the 6th Iowa Infantry

Sir:

The valor of your noble Regiment has been conspicuous, even amidst the universal good conduct that has marked the operation of all the troops of the 7th Division during our advance upon Jackson, and since our arrival here. I cannot too highly commend the gallantry you have displayed in the two successful charges you have made. The true heart swells with emotions of pride in contemplating the heroism of those who, in their country’s cause, can go forward under the iron hail of half a dozen rebel batteries and exposed to a murderous fire of musketry from behind strong entrenchments, and capture prisoners under their very guns. Such has been the glorious conduct of the Sixth Iowa this morning, and those who shared your dangers and emulate your value, will join with me in tendering to you and the brave men you command my warmest thanks and most hearty congratulations.

Most truly yours,

Wm. S. Smith
Brig. Gen. Commanding


The loss in our Regiment on the 16th was 29 wounded, 3 killed and 7 missing. Cap. Minton, of Company “F,” was severely wounded in the breast, arm, back and neck. The surgeons think he will recover. Lieut. A. C. Rarick, of Company “F,” wounded slightly in the neck. – Thomas Gray; Com. “F,” in leg, slightly. [Elam] Ford, Co. F, in ankle, slightly. – H. C. Stewart, in leg, severely. Joseph Wry, in hip severely.

Charles Griggs, Company “B,” Killed. William Brown, Company B, wounded in arm, severely. Corp. J. C. Lucas, in both legs severely.

The following men are missing since the engagement of the 16th, supposed to be prisoners

James. M. Laughlin, Com. B, F. B. Johnson, James Wilson and A. N. Sharp of Co. F.

The rebels evacuated this place on the night of the 16th, leaving large lots of ammunition and commissary stores behind them. We succeeded in capturing most of their rear guard – about two thousand men.

Our wounded are all doing well.

My facilities for writing are poor and having but little time I will cut this short.

Yours truly,

Ed. F. Alden

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, August 15, 1863

From F. B. Johnson, of the Iowa 6th

We make the following extracts from a letter written home by Frederick Johnson, while in line of battle on the north of Jackson, July 13th.

We left our camp on the 23d of June and arrived her the 10th of July. Had a little fight on the Big Black River the 6th, in which 13 were wounded and one killed belonging to our regiment; none, however belonged to Co. F.

On the P. M. of the 10th our regiment was thrown out as skirmishers, and drove the enemy to within a mile of Jackson where they formed in line of battle. We lay within 400 yards of them till the next morning, when we commenced operations again, and fought them all day. Had two of our company, Clay Stewart and Joseph Wry wounded, - the former in the knee, and the latter in the hip. We were relived [sic] late in the evening of the 11th. The enemy is reported to be 40,000 strong. We have Jackson nearly surrounded, and shall soon begin to close in on them. Have no fears for me, for I believe our Great Father will protect me.

It is doubtful whether you receive this or not, as we have poor opportunities for sending letters now. Yours as ever

F. B. Johnson

- Published in The Union Sentinel, 1 AUG 1863

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Frederick B. Johnson
Letter from F. B. Johnson - 13 Jun 1863
Letter from F. B. Johnson - 5 Sep 1863

Henry Clayton "Clay" Stewart

Joseph Wry

Letter from F. B. Johnson

We have just read a letter from F. B. Johnson to his friends at home, who have heard nothing from him before, since the battle near Jackson, Miss., on the 16th of July.

He was taken prisoner on that occasion, carried to Richmond, Va. where he remained a week, when he was removed to Bell Island, on the James River where he remained until Aug. 29th, when he was paroled.

He says two of his fellow soldiers Newton Sharp, and James Wison who were taken prisoners at the same time that he was, are still prisoners on Bell Island, about 1 mile from Richmond. He says he had a very hard time of it while in rebel hands; suffered much for want of food, and clothing. Had to lie on the ground nights in his shirt sleeves, without tent or blantet, while it rained about every second night. He says the reson he was paroled is he played sick; that they did not send away any on parole but the sick.

He is now in Annapolis M.D. but expects soon to be sent to St. Louis.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, 5 SEP 1863

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Frederick B. Johnson

Letter from F. B. Johnson - 13 Jun 1863

From F. B. Johnson, of the Iowa 6th - 1 Aug 1863

Frederick B. Johnson

Private, Co. F, 6th Iowa Infantry

The son of Freeborn W. & Electa (Barrows) Johnson, he was born August 4, 1844 in Indiana. He moved with his parents in the spring of 1854 to Washington Township, Clarke County, Iowa where he resided when he enlisted in Company F, 6th Iowa Infantry on August 26, 1862. He was mustered into service on September 10, 1862. He received a wound which shattered the bone of his right thigh at Missionary Ridge near Chattanooga, Tennessee on November 25, 1863. He mustered out of the service at Keokuck, Iowa July 15, 1864 due to the expiration of his term of service. He died from the effects of his wound on April 15, 1868 in Clarke County, Iowa and is buried in there Cox Cemetery. “He was a special favorite with all his acquaintances, and his death was a source of universal regret.”

His brother, Moses T. Johnson also served in Co. F, 6th Iowa Infantry

Sources: Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System; Roster and Record of Iowa Soldiers in the War of the Rebellion, Vol. 1, p. 848; Biographical Sketch of Freeborn W. Johnson from The History of Clarke County, Iowa, p. 97; 1856 Iowa State Census for Washington Township, Clarke County, Iowa;

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Letter from F. B. Johnson - 13 Jun 1863

From F. B. Johnson, of the Iowa 6th - 1 Aug 1863

Letter from F. B. Johnson - 5 Sep 1863

Letter from F. B. Johnson

We have been permitted to read a letter from F. B. Johnson, Co F. 6th reg., who tells us that the health of the 6th is very good, that all of Co. F. are well.

He says they have lately had cherries, mulberrise, strawberries &c in abundance though they are most gone now.

The 6th have been kept very buisy since they were mounted, not being in camp more than one fifth of the time. – The rest of the time they are scouting and confiscating Horses, Mules &c and generally have good times while on these expiditions.

He says while returning from one of those expeditions some two weeks ago with 600 Horses and Mules, news came that 3000 Rebels were after us, they not liking the way we were doing. Coming up they attacked our rear: we soon dismounted and formed in line of battle, while three or companies took the mules and horses along. The enemy formed in line of battle about a quarter of a mile from us and sent us a few shells. We returned the compliment from three pieces of Flying artillery. The fight lasted about half an hour, when the enemy discovering another one of our scouting parties coming in at the left of their rear, concluded it best to take the back track. We have had several other skirmishes of which I have not time to tell you now.

F. B. Johnson.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, 13 JUN 1863