The Thirteenth Iowa Infantry was ordered into quarters by Governor Kirkwood, under the proclamation of President Lincoln bearing date July 23, 1861, the organization of this regiment having completed the quota of the State up to that date. The ten companies of which the regiment was composed were ordered into quarters on dates ranging from Sept. 17 to Oct. 11, 1861. The rendezvous designated in the order was Camp McClellan, near Davenport, Iowa, and there the companies were mustered into the service of the United States on dates ranging from Oct. 15 to Nov. 2, 1861, by Capt. Alexander Chambers, United States Army. The total enrollment at muster in was 890, but this number was soon increased by additional enlistment to 898. The regiment was exceedingly fortunate in the choice of its first commander. Col. M. M. Crocker was gifted with rare military genius. He had the advantage of military training at West Point, and, while some of the officers and most of the men of his regiment did not fully appreciate the necessity for his rigid enforcement of discipline from the day he assumed command, it did not take them long to discover that he was just the kind of man they needed to instruct them, and to fit them for the performance of the stern duties of soldiers who were about to enter upon active service in one of the greatest wars in the history of mankind.
The regiment remained only a short time in Camp McClellan. It was transported down the Mississippi river to St. Louis, and went into quarters at Benton Barracks, where troops were being concentrated and fitted as rapidly as possible for an active campaign against the enemy. Here it was armed and equipped, and, on December 11th, was ordered to proceed by rail to Jefferson City, the capital of Missouri, where it remained until early in March, 1862, when it was ordered to return to St. Louis. While the regiment was at Jefferson City it was mainly engaged in preparation for the great campaign which was being planned, and which was to begin in the early spring. There was no considerable body of the enemy in the vicinity of its camp, and the official records do not show that it met with any loss except from disease, but the death rate from this cause was large on account of the men being unused to the hardships incident to camp life in winter. In addition to the deaths from disease, many became incapacitated for further service and were discharged. This was the common experience of all troops during their first year of service.
From St. Louis, the regiment was conveyed by steamer to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., where it arrived March 23, 1862. Here it went into camp and was assigned to the First Brigade of the First Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand. The brigade consisted of the Eighth and Eighteenth Illinois, the Eleventh and Thirteenth Iowa, and Battery D, Second Illinois Light Artillery, and was under the command of Col. A. M. Hare of the Eleventh Iowa, who was the senior officer present for duty. The concentration of the Union army under Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, at Pittsburg Landing, the presence of the rebel army under Maj. Gen. A. S. Johnston, at Corinth, Miss., and the fact that a distance of only twenty miles intervened between the two armies, indicated that a great battle was impending.
The compiler of this sketch, while fully realizing the importance of the service rendered by the Thirteenth Iowa in subsequent battles, feels that, in describing the part it took in its first great battle, he is justified in going into greater particularity of detail than the limitation of space under which he is working will permit when he comes to deal with its later achievements.
On the morning of the 6th of April, 1862, the rebel army, which had been advancing during the previous afternoon and night, with the purpose of making an attack before further reinforcements could reach the Union army, was hurled against the advanced lines of General Grant's forces, and one of the greatest battles of modern times was in progress. In his official report, Colonel Crocker describes the part taken by his regiment, as follows:
HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH REGIMENT IOWA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS,
CAMP NEAR PITTSBURG LANDING, TENN., April 8, 1861.
SIR, — I have the honor to report the part taken by the Thirteenth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry In the engagement with the enemy on the 6th and 7th Inst.
Early in the morning of the 6th, the alarm was given, and heavy firing in the distance Indicated that our camp was attacked. The regiment was formed in front of its color line, its full force consisting of 717 men, rank and file. It was at once ordered to form on the left of the Second Brigade, and proceeded to that position at a double quick, and was then formed in line of battle In a skirt of woods bordering on an open field to the left of a battery. Here it remained for some time Inactive, while the enemy's guns were playing on our battery. In the meantime, a large force of the enemy's Infantry were filing around the open field in front of our line, protected by the woods, and In the direction of our battery, opening a heavy fire of musketry on the infantry stationed on our right, and charging upon the battery. The Infantry and battery to the right having given way, and the enemy advancing at double quick, we gave them one round of musketry and also gave way. At this time, we — as, indeed, all our troops in the immediate vicinity of the battery — were thrown into great confusion, and retired in disorder.
Having retired to the distance of 100 or 200 yards, we succeeded In rallying and forming a good line, the Eighth and Eighteenth Illinois Volunteers on our left, and, having fronted to the enemy, held our position there under a continual fire of cannon and musketry until after 12 o'clock, when we were ordered to retire and take up a new position. This we did in good order and without confusion. Here, having formed a new line, we maintained it under incessant fire until 4:30 o'clock P. M., the men conducting themselves with great gallantry and coolness, and doing great execution on the enemy, repulsing charge after charge, and driving them back with great loss.
At 4:30 P. M.. we were again ordered to fall back. In obeying this order, we became mixed up with a great number of regiments falling back in confusion, so that our line was broken up and the regiment separated, rendering it very difficult to collect it, but finally, having succeeded in forming, and being separated from the brigade, we attached ourselves to the division commanded by Colonel Tuttle of the Second Iowa Volunteers, and formed with his division in front of the encampment of the Fourteenth, Second and Seventh Iowa Volunteers, where it sustained a heavy fire from the enemy's battery until dark, and there remained during the night on our arms. During the day, we were under fire of the enemy for ten hours, and sustained a loss of 23 killed and 130 wounded.
On the morning of the 7th, we were ordered to continue with Colonel Tuttle's division and to follow up and support our forces that were attacking and driving back the enemy. We followed them up closely, moving to support the batteries until the enemy was routed, after which we were ordered to return to the encampment that we had left on Sunday morning, where we arrived at 8 o'clock P. M.
Our total loss in the action of the 6th and 7th is, killed 24, wounded 139, missing 9, total 172. The men for the most part behaved with great gallantry, and the officers exhibited the greatest bravery and coolness; and I call especial attention to the gallant conduct of my field officers, Lieutenant Colonel Price and Major Shane, who were both wounded in the action of the 6th, and acknowledge my great obligations to my Adjutant, Lieutenant Wilson, who during the entire action exhibited the highest qualities of a soldier.
Respectfully, Etc.,
M. M. Crocker,
Colonel Thirteenth Iowa Infantry.
C. Cadle, Jr., A. A. A. G., First Brigade, First Division [see note 1].
Col. A. M. Hare, In his official report as commanding officer of the brigade, makes special mention of the gallant commander of the Thirteenth Iowa as follows: "To Col. M. M. Crocker of the Thirteenth Iowa Volunteers I wish to call especial attention. The coolness and bravery displayed by him on the field of battle during the entire action of the 6th, the skill with which he maneuvered his men, and the example of daring and disregard to danger by which he inspired them to do their duty and stand by their colors, show him to be possessed of the highest qualities of a commander, and entitle him to speedy promotion." [See note 2.]
The compiler of this sketch has a vivid personal recollection of the scenes of confusion described by Colonel Crocker, at the time the Union lines fell back to the point of last resistance. He was in command of his regiment (the Third Iowa Infantry) and joined the Thirteenth Iowa at its last position in support of the batteries which checked the enemy's advance and decided the result of the first day's battle. Every officer and man of those regiments, who was able for duty, was there in line, determined to resist the assault of the enemy to the last extremity. If that line had given way, it would have been difficult, if not impossible, to have retrieved the disaster. By its splendid service in this great battle the Thirteenth Iowa laid the foundation for its future great achievements. By this bloody baptism it was consecrated, and, as will appear in its subsequent history, the regiment repeated its glorious record at Shiloh in all the battles in which it was afterwards engaged.
After the battle of Shiloh, the Thirteenth Iowa was assigned to the Third Brigade of the Sixth Division. The Brigade was composed of the Eleventh, Thirteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth regiments of Iowa Infantry, and was under command of Colonel Crocker. This organization remained intact until the close of the war. Except when upon detached duty, the operations of each of the regiments were identified very largely with those of the brigade, and, therefore, the history of each of these four Iowa regiments is almost inseparably interwoven with that of the brigade [see note 3]. The regiment, with its brigade and division, took part in the advance upon and siege of Corinth, and performed its full part in those important operations which ended in the evacuation of that rebel stronghold on the 30th of May, 1862. It then constituted a part of the garrison left in charge of the works at Corinth, until about the middle of July; and then participated in various expeditions, and was for a time stationed at Bolivar, Tenn., but the official records do not show that it came into contact with any considerable body of the enemy during the remainder of the summer.
On the 12th of September, the regiment and brigade were again at Corinth and, a few days later, marched to join the forces under Major General Rosecrans near Iuka. In the battle of Iuka, which was fought on Sept. 19, 1862, the Sixteenth Iowa was detached from the brigade and took an active part in that fierce engagement, while the other regiments — Eleventh, Thirteenth and Fifteenth — were held in reserve, and did not participate in the battle. Soon after the battle the brigade was ordered to return to Corinth. The rebel forces were being rapidly concentrated for an attack, and it was evident that another battle was soon to occur at or near that place. It was also evident that the enemy would make a desperate struggle to regain possession of Corinth, and all the available Union forces were ordered to concentrate for its defense. The Thirteenth Iowa, with its brigade, was engaged in the battle which was fought there on the 3d and 4th of October, 1862.
While the Thirteenth Iowa performed its whole duty in these two days of battle, the positions to which it was assigned did not bring the entire regiment into close contact with the enemy, hence its loss was comparatively light. Lieutenant Colonel Shane in his official report says that companies A and G were the only part of his regiment actually engaged. Company A, under the command of Captain Kennedy and Company G, commanded by Captain Walker, were on the skirmish line on the first day of the battle, and sustained a loss of one man killed and fourteen wounded. He further says that the officers and men of those companies behaved in a highly creditable manner, and that the rest of the regiment was held constantly in readiness to engage the enemy, had they received orders to advance. Colonel Crocker, who commanded the brigade, describes the positions occupied by the different regiments, gives full credit to all for having complied with his orders, and explains the discrepancy in losses as resulting from the fact that the Fifteenth Iowa sustained the brunt of the attack on account of its advanced position. The entire loss of the brigade in killed and wounded was 149, and the loss by regiments was, in the Eleventh, 21; Thirteenth, 15; Sixteenth, 27, and Fifteenth, 86. In a later report, dated at camp near Corinth, Miss., Oct. 15, 1862, ho describes the part taken by his brigade in the pursuit of the defeated enemy. That the conduct of every regiment — both in the battles and the subsequent pursuit — met with his cordial approval, is indicated In the following extract from his report [see note 4]:
The brigade, during the protracted movements of the battle and pursuit, encountering every hardship and privation Incident to such campaigning, behaved with great fortitude, meeting every danger and hardship cheerfully; and I acknowledge my obligation to all the field officers for their cheerful, hearty and Intelligent cooperation.
The regiment with its brigade joined in the pursuit of the retreating rebel army but did not succeed in overtaking it. After an arduous march, the pursuit was abandoned at Ripley, Miss., and the troops returned to Corinth, reaching their camp on the evening of October 11th. After a rest of about three weeks they again took up the line of march with the forces under General Grant, and moved south along the line of the Mississippi Central Railroad, the objective point of the expedition being Vicksburg. The object of the expedition was defeated, however, by the capture and destruction of the depot of supplies at Holly Springs by the rebel General Van Dorn, who, by a skillful movement of his cavalry, succeeded in getting in the rear of the Union army and compelling the surrender of the troops which had been left to guard the supplies. Thus forced to retreat to avoid starvation, the regiment, together with the entire Union army, marched toward Memphis, suffering greatly for want of sufficient rations. They finally reached Memphis and an abundant supply of food on the 13th day of January, 1863. Here the regiment and brigade embarked on steamers and started down the river January 20th, reached Duckport, La., on the 25th, moved thence to Milliken's Bend, where they landed and went into camp. Here they remained but a short time, and then moved to Lake Providence and engaged in the work of cutting the canal which was to connect the lake with the Mississippi river. That work was not completed until March 16th, when the great campaign for the reduction of the rebel stronghold at Vicksburg may be said to have begun.
During the entire campaign, which ended with the surrender of Vicksburg, July 4, 1863, the Thirteenth Iowa with its brigade performed most arduous and important service. It was moved from point to point, was part of the time engaged with the army of observation, in the rear of the lines of Union troops engaged in the siege, watching the rebel force under General Johnston who was constantly threatening an attack for the purpose of raising the siege, and part of the time with the investing forces in the intrenchments, assisting in the prosecution of the siege, but everywhere doing its full duty and sustaining its well won reputation for bravery and efficiency. During this campaign Colonel Hall of the Eleventh Iowa was in command of the brigade, Colonel Crocker having been promoted to Brigadier General and placed in command of a division in another part of the army. Colonel Shane was in command of the Thirteenth Iowa throughout the campaign.
During the remainder of the summer the regiment engaged in various expeditions, the longest and most arduous of which was that under General Stevenson, against Monroe, La. While the troops suffered the greatest hardships upon this expedition, marching through a swampy and malarious region, the results accomplished were not commensurate with the suffering endured. Upon returning from this expedition, Sept. 3, 1863, the regiment went into camp at Vicksburg, where it performed garrison duty for the next five months. The official records show that from Nov. 30, 1863, to March 11, 1864 there were 404 men of the Thirteenth Iowa Infantry who re-enlisted and were re-mustered into the service of the United States, for a period of three years or during the war, from the date of the expiration of their original term of service, thus giving to the regiment the title of a veteran organization [see note 5].
On Feb. 4, 1864, the regiment started on the famous Meridian expedition, which penetrated into the heart of the State of Mississippi and resulted in the destruction of many miles of railroad track, locomotives and rolling stock, besides great quantities of supplies which had been accumulated at Meridian for the use of the rebel army. During the expedition there was much fighting between the Union and rebel cavalry, but the infantry did not become engaged to any considerable extent, and, aside from the hardships incident to a winter campaign without tents, and living for the most part upon such food as could be procured from the country through which they marched, the suffering and loss of the infantry was small, as compared with that of the cavalry, which led the advance. The regiment returned to Vicksburg March 4th, and, on the 7th, those who had re-enlisted received the welcome order to embark for their homes in Iowa, they having been given a furlough for thirty days, to begin upon reaching the State. The non-veterans — those who had not re-enlisted — were left at Vicksburg and subsequently rejoined the veterans upon their return from furlough.
Upon the expiration of their thirty days in Iowa, the veteran portion of the regiment re-assembled at Davenport, the designated rendezvous, accompanied by a large number of recruits, and proceeded to Cairo, Ill., thence to Clifton, Tenn., where they landed and took up the line of march across the State of Tennessee and part of Alabama and on to the mountains of Georgia, to re-inforce Sherman. At Decatur, Ala., May 27, 1864, the regiment, with the rest of the Crocker Brigade, was attached to the Fourth Division of the Seventeenth Army Corps. General Crocker, who had commanded the division, was compelled on account of poor health to relinquish his command, and was succeeded by Gen. W. Q. Gresham. The regiment now moved forward with this command to Rome, Ga., arriving there June 5th, and thence by way of Kingston and Allatoona to Ackworth, where on June 8th the Seventeenth Army Corps took its place in line with the Army of the Tennessee, commanded by Gen. James B. McPherson, and became a part of the great army commanded by Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, consisting of the armies of the Tennessee, the Ohio and the Cumberland. One of the greatest campaigns in the history of warfare had now begun and, through it all, the Thirteenth Iowa was destined to bear a conspicuous and honorable part.
From June 11th to July 20th, the regiment and brigade were in front of Kenesaw Mountain, participated in the operations there and at Nick-a-jack Creek, and on across the Chattahoochee river to Sandtown, and then, passing to the extreme left of the line on the 20th of July, after a heavy skirmish with the enemy, took position about three miles from Atlanta. In all these movements the regiment had lost a number of men, killed and wounded, on the skirmish line, but had not been engaged in close combat with the enemy. Now, however, it was again to participate in a series of battles that would leave it decimated in numbers, and place it in the foremost rank with the military organizations of the Union army engaged in that tremendous struggle for the possession of the fortified city of Atlanta. In the first of these battles, the gallant Major Walker was in command of the regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Wilson being at that time on detached duty, and Colonel Shane having succeeded Colonel Hall as brigade commander, that officer having assumed temporary command of the division when General Gresham fell, severely wounded. The conduct of the regiment in this battle is well described in the brief report which follows:
HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH IOWA VETERAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
IN THE FIELD BEFORE ATLANTA, GA., July 21, 1864.
Lieut. O. D. Kinsman, A. A. A. General 3rd Brigade 4th Division 17th Army Corps.
SIR, — I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry in the engagement of July 21, 1864:
At 8 o'clock A. M., the regiment was In position In front of the brigade, with the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry on Its left, and supported by the Sixteenth Iowa Infantry; Its front was protected by temporary works thrown up on the night of the 20th.
About 8 o'clock A. M. I received orders from Col. John Shane, commanding brigade, to advance at once on the double quick to the front, to assist Brigadier General Force, commanding a brigade in the Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, who was fighting for the possession of a high hill in his front and to the left of this regiment. The men seized their arms and sprang promptly over the works, advancing in good order to the crest of a hill less than one hundred yards from the enemy's works, In the face of a heavy fire. Here I was ordered to halt, and held the position, exposed to a very destructive fire of musketry, grape and canister, until, the enemy having withdrawn to his works, and General Force having gained possession of the hill, I was ordered to retire to the position I originally occupied, which was done steadily and without confusion.
Although the men had no previous notice of the advance, there was no disorder, although it was made over an open field with no protection. I regret to say that. though the engagement lasted but thirty minutes, the loss In officers and men was severe, seventeen enlisted men killed, and four officers and seventy-seven enlisted men wounded,
I cannot close without awarding to the regiment the credit due it for the impetuosity and gallantry of the advance, the stubborness with which it held the position it gained, and the steadiness and good order In which It retired when ordered. I forward herewith a list of the casualties [see note 6].
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM A. WALKER,
Major Commanding Thirteenth Iowa Vol. Infantry.
On the next day, July 22, 1864, — a red letter day in the history of the Atlanta campaign and of the war, — the regiment again went into action, this time under the command of Colonel Shane. The desperate character of the fighting in that battle Is best described by the official report of Colonel Shane, which Is here given In full:
HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH IOWA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
IN THE FIELD NEAR ATLANTA, GA., July 22, 1864.
To Lieut. O. D. Kinsman, A. A. A. G., Third Brigade, Fourth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps.
SIR, — I have the honor to herewith submit my report of the part taken by this regiment in the battle of this day.
At 12 o'clock M. this regiment was In position on the extreme left of the Army of the Tennessee, and in support of the Eleventh and Sixteenth Regiments of Iowa Infantry.
Early in the morning of the 22d, company F had been detailed by orders from Colonel Hall, commanding brigade, as picket, and as soon as skirmishing commenced on the picket line, five more companies were detached by orders from brigade headquarters, two of which were deployed on the right of the Eleventh Iowa Infantry, two on the left of the Sixteenth Iowa Infantry, and one on the left of the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, respectively supporting the flanks of those regiments, leaving but four companies under my command when the battle commenced.
Immediately after the commencement of the battle, and after it had become apparent that the enemy were approaching in heavy force In front and on each flank, I received orders to move my command to the rear and form in line on the west side of the works occupied by the first brigade, fronting east, from which direction the enemy were then approaching. This movement was made and position occupied in good order, but had Just been completed when I was ordered to form in line facing to the south with my left resting on the rifle-pits, to repel the enemy approaching from the south; this movement was also made, but scarcely had been completed when the enemy attacked us in front and in heavy force on either flank.
Observing that they were getting into the rear and flank of the Fifteenth Iowa, which was on my right, and that that regiment was falling back, leaving my whole line exposed to a front, rear, and enfilading fire, I ordered the command to retire by the left flank across the works, and to form on the north side, fronting west, to repel the anticipated assault of the enemy from that quarter. This movement was effected in comparatively good order, but owing to the numerous detachments. Independent commands, and stragglers, which at that time thronged the road, my regiment was for a short time in some confusion; but order was soon restored, and we formed as directed, but not too soon, as the enemy were then within rifle range and approaching our position from two directions in heavy force, when a well directed fire from the Eleventh, Thirteenth and Fifteenth regiments routed them in confusion and for the time being drove them from that part of the field. No sooner, however, had this been accomplished than the enemy were discovered approaching us from the rear In force, when the command was ordered to take position on the west side of the rifle-pits, face by the rear rank, and repel the enemy attacking from the east. This position was soon occupied, and the enemy came on with shout and cheer, and a fierce and desperate hand to hand fight ensued. In a few moments the enemy were driven from the ground, and fled in disorder.
Their withdrawal from the front was but the signal for a renewed attack from the rear, when the command again crossed the rifle-pits, about faced, and contributed materially in repulsing the enemy for the third time. Thus the contest continued, until the enemy brought to bear on us, at short range, a battery, raking our whole line with grape and canister with terrible effect, when we received orders to take up the position occupied by us on the 21st, where we still are.
The two companies — A and G — detached in the beginning of the contest and posted on the right of the Eleventh Iowa, and the two companies — D and K — detached at the same time and posted on the left of the Sixteenth Iowa, have failed to report; and I regret to say that, from all the Information I have been enabled to obtain in regard to them, I am reluctantly led to the conclusion that about three-fourths of the men composing those companies were, while supporting and bravely fighting side by side with the Eleventh and Sixteenth regiments Iowa Infantry, killed or captured, including all the commissioned officers on duty with them at the time. Our loss in officers and men killed, wounded and missing was very heavy in proportion to the numbers engaged. In the engagement of the 21st, the regiment lost In killed, wounded and missing 94 enlisted men and 5 officers out of 400 officers and men engaged; and in this day's battle our loss in killed, wounded and missing foots up at present 9 officers and 139 enlisted men out of 300 that went into the fight, among whom I regret to say was Major Walker killed, than whom a truer soldier, a cooler officer, a more steadfast friend, and more honest man did not live; his premature and early death has cast a gloom and a shadow over the regiment, and a vacancy has been created that but few men can fill so acceptably, so faithfully and successfully as he. Ever faithful, ever ready, he was always at his post, and was always the same — a soldier and a gentleman.
I cannot close this report without acknowledging my indebtedness to Adjutant Rood, Sergeant Major Myers, and the line officers of the regiment, who ably seconded and assisted in all the movements of the command, and who bore themselves throughout the trying scene as brave men and gallant officers.
And to the non-commissioned officers and enlisted men of the regiment too much credit cannot be awarded. Although repeatedly almost surrounded by overwhelming numbers, and subjected at times to a withering fire of grape, canister and musketry, not one man showed signs of wavering or despair, but on the contrary every man clenched his arms with a determination to repulse the enemy at all hazards [see note 7].
Very respectfully,
JOHN SHANE,
Colonel Commanding Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry.
Again, on July 28th, the Thirteenth, and the little remnant of the Third Iowa Infantry, under the command of Colonel Shane, met the enemy in deadly combat and again nobly maintained the honor of the flag. In his official report of this engagement Colonel Shane makes special mention of the conduct of Captains J. C. Kennedy and John Archer, and commends them for having exhibited the very highest qualities of soldiers and officers, and extols his entire command for bravery and fortitude under the fire of the enemy [see note 8].
Although greatly reduced in numbers, the regiment was constantly on duty during the closing scenes of the campaign, participated in the operations at Jonesboro, Lovejoy and East Point, and, later, in the pursuit of Hood as far as Gaylesville in northeastern Alabama, returning to Marietta, Ga., early in November. The regiment's losses during the campaign aggregated 331, about sixty per cent of the number with which it had entered upon the campaign at Ackworth, Ga., on the 8th of June, 1864. Such is the record of its heroic service during that memorable period of the great struggle for the preservation of the Union.
The original term of service of those who had not re-enlisted being about to expire, they were sent to Chattanooga, Tenn., and were there mustered out of the service on Nov. 2, 1864. Colonel Shane, Adjutant Rood and Quartermaster Kennedy of the Field and Staff and several of the line officers were also mustered out. These officers and men had served their country faithfully for three years, and the beginning of the end of the war was near at hand. While they parted from their comrades of the veteran regiment with regret, it was with a feeling of just pride that they reviewed the glorious record they had helped to make, and they returned with honor to their homes in Iowa. Lieut. Col. J. C. Wilson was promoted to Colonel of the regiment, and other promotions were made to fill vacancies, as shown in the subjoined roster.
From Marietta the regiment moved to Atlanta, and on the 15th of November started on that great march through Georgia to Savannah and the sea. Arrived at Savannah, the regiment took part in the siege operations before that city and, upon its evacuation, it was among the troops that entered the city on the 22d of December, 1864. On Jan. 6, 1865, the regiment embarked on steamer and proceeded to Beaufort, S. C, where it arrived the next day. From Beaufort the regiment marched to Pocotaligo, where it remained until January 29th, when it started on the long and toilsome march through the Carolinas. On the 17th day of February, 1865, a detachment of 75 men of the Thirteenth Iowa, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Kennedy, entered the city of Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, and planted the colors of the regiment on the dome of the Capitol. Continuing the march from Columbia, the regiment reached Bentonville, N. C. It took part in the battle of Bentonville, but was not closely engaged, though it had three men wounded on the skirmish line. This was its last battle.
At Goldsboro, N. C, the regiment found a large number of recruits from Iowa waiting to join it. The long march was continued by way of Raleigh, Petersburg and Richmond, and ended at Alexandria, Va., near Washington, May 19, 1865. A few days later the regiment took its place in line and marched down Pennsylvania Avenue in that magnificent review, the greatest military pageant of modern times. After the review the regiment remained in camp near Washington until June 7th, when it was conveyed by rail to Parkersburg, Va., and thence by steamer to Louisville, Ky., where it remained until July 21, 1865, and on that day was mustered out of the service of the United States. A few days later it was conveyed to Davenport, Iowa, by rail, and there, on the 29th day of July, 1865, the regiment was disbanded and the survivors returned to their homes.
In the subjoined roster will be found a brief personal record of service of every officer and enlisted man of the regiment, in so far as such record was obtainable from the official records in the office of the Adjutant General of the State of Iowa and in the War Department at Washington. The difficulties encountered in making up these revised rosters are explained in the introductory article of this volume. It is particularly to be regretted that the record of battles in which each soldier was engaged could not have been recorded opposite his name in the roster, but, as only the names of those who were killed, wounded, captured or missing, or those who received special mention in the official reports, appear in the records, and as only a minority of those who survived at the close of the war were living at the date this compilation was undertaken, it was found impossible to make these records of personal service as comprehensive as they might have been made had the work been undertaken soon after the close of the war. The compiler, in order to keep within the prescribed limitation of a brief historical sketch, has given only the outlines of the history of this splendid military organization, but he has endeavored to preserve the most conspicuous features of its service.
The State of Iowa sent many regiments into the field during the great War of the Rebellion and, without an exception, they rendered heroic service and reflected great honor upon the Commonwealth. Among them all the record of the Thirteenth Iowa Infantry Volunteers stands conspicuous. None rendered more effective or important service. Those of future generations who can trace their lineage to one of these heroic soldiers may justly claim an ancestry that has no superior among those who have achieved military fame and honor in any age or country. Their loyalty and devotion and the supreme sacrifices they made will not be forgotten while true patriotism and brave deeds are honored among men.
SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES.
Total Enrollment 1788
Killed 74
Wounded 313
Died of wounds 38
Died of disease 186
Discharged for wounds, disease and other causes 306
Captured 88
Transferred 34
Buried in National Cemeteries 185
[Note 1.] War of Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Part 1, Vol. 10, Page 131.
[Note 2.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Part 1, Vol. 10, Page 124.
[Note 3.] After the close of the war, a semi-military organization, composed of the survivors of this brigade, was organized under the title of "Crocker's Iowa Brigade." This organization is still maintained. It holds biennial re-unions. Gen. W. W. Belknap was its first commander; at his death Col. H. H. Rood succeeded him, and at this date (1908) remains in command of the famous old organization.
[Note 4.] Reports in War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1. Part 1, Vol. 17, Pages 358-362.
[Note 5.] See Adjutant General of Iowa Report for year 1865, Vol. 1, Pages 356 to 366 Inclusive.
[Note 6.] Adjutant General's Report 1865, Vol. 2, Page 1080.
[Note 7.] Adjutant General's report 1S65. Vol. 2, Pages 1081-2-3.
[Note 8.] Adjutant General's report 1865, Vol. 2, Page 1083.
SOURCE: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Volume 2, p. 553-62
The regiment remained only a short time in Camp McClellan. It was transported down the Mississippi river to St. Louis, and went into quarters at Benton Barracks, where troops were being concentrated and fitted as rapidly as possible for an active campaign against the enemy. Here it was armed and equipped, and, on December 11th, was ordered to proceed by rail to Jefferson City, the capital of Missouri, where it remained until early in March, 1862, when it was ordered to return to St. Louis. While the regiment was at Jefferson City it was mainly engaged in preparation for the great campaign which was being planned, and which was to begin in the early spring. There was no considerable body of the enemy in the vicinity of its camp, and the official records do not show that it met with any loss except from disease, but the death rate from this cause was large on account of the men being unused to the hardships incident to camp life in winter. In addition to the deaths from disease, many became incapacitated for further service and were discharged. This was the common experience of all troops during their first year of service.
From St. Louis, the regiment was conveyed by steamer to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., where it arrived March 23, 1862. Here it went into camp and was assigned to the First Brigade of the First Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand. The brigade consisted of the Eighth and Eighteenth Illinois, the Eleventh and Thirteenth Iowa, and Battery D, Second Illinois Light Artillery, and was under the command of Col. A. M. Hare of the Eleventh Iowa, who was the senior officer present for duty. The concentration of the Union army under Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, at Pittsburg Landing, the presence of the rebel army under Maj. Gen. A. S. Johnston, at Corinth, Miss., and the fact that a distance of only twenty miles intervened between the two armies, indicated that a great battle was impending.
The compiler of this sketch, while fully realizing the importance of the service rendered by the Thirteenth Iowa in subsequent battles, feels that, in describing the part it took in its first great battle, he is justified in going into greater particularity of detail than the limitation of space under which he is working will permit when he comes to deal with its later achievements.
On the morning of the 6th of April, 1862, the rebel army, which had been advancing during the previous afternoon and night, with the purpose of making an attack before further reinforcements could reach the Union army, was hurled against the advanced lines of General Grant's forces, and one of the greatest battles of modern times was in progress. In his official report, Colonel Crocker describes the part taken by his regiment, as follows:
HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH REGIMENT IOWA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS,
CAMP NEAR PITTSBURG LANDING, TENN., April 8, 1861.
SIR, — I have the honor to report the part taken by the Thirteenth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry In the engagement with the enemy on the 6th and 7th Inst.
Early in the morning of the 6th, the alarm was given, and heavy firing in the distance Indicated that our camp was attacked. The regiment was formed in front of its color line, its full force consisting of 717 men, rank and file. It was at once ordered to form on the left of the Second Brigade, and proceeded to that position at a double quick, and was then formed in line of battle In a skirt of woods bordering on an open field to the left of a battery. Here it remained for some time Inactive, while the enemy's guns were playing on our battery. In the meantime, a large force of the enemy's Infantry were filing around the open field in front of our line, protected by the woods, and In the direction of our battery, opening a heavy fire of musketry on the infantry stationed on our right, and charging upon the battery. The Infantry and battery to the right having given way, and the enemy advancing at double quick, we gave them one round of musketry and also gave way. At this time, we — as, indeed, all our troops in the immediate vicinity of the battery — were thrown into great confusion, and retired in disorder.
Having retired to the distance of 100 or 200 yards, we succeeded In rallying and forming a good line, the Eighth and Eighteenth Illinois Volunteers on our left, and, having fronted to the enemy, held our position there under a continual fire of cannon and musketry until after 12 o'clock, when we were ordered to retire and take up a new position. This we did in good order and without confusion. Here, having formed a new line, we maintained it under incessant fire until 4:30 o'clock P. M., the men conducting themselves with great gallantry and coolness, and doing great execution on the enemy, repulsing charge after charge, and driving them back with great loss.
At 4:30 P. M.. we were again ordered to fall back. In obeying this order, we became mixed up with a great number of regiments falling back in confusion, so that our line was broken up and the regiment separated, rendering it very difficult to collect it, but finally, having succeeded in forming, and being separated from the brigade, we attached ourselves to the division commanded by Colonel Tuttle of the Second Iowa Volunteers, and formed with his division in front of the encampment of the Fourteenth, Second and Seventh Iowa Volunteers, where it sustained a heavy fire from the enemy's battery until dark, and there remained during the night on our arms. During the day, we were under fire of the enemy for ten hours, and sustained a loss of 23 killed and 130 wounded.
On the morning of the 7th, we were ordered to continue with Colonel Tuttle's division and to follow up and support our forces that were attacking and driving back the enemy. We followed them up closely, moving to support the batteries until the enemy was routed, after which we were ordered to return to the encampment that we had left on Sunday morning, where we arrived at 8 o'clock P. M.
Our total loss in the action of the 6th and 7th is, killed 24, wounded 139, missing 9, total 172. The men for the most part behaved with great gallantry, and the officers exhibited the greatest bravery and coolness; and I call especial attention to the gallant conduct of my field officers, Lieutenant Colonel Price and Major Shane, who were both wounded in the action of the 6th, and acknowledge my great obligations to my Adjutant, Lieutenant Wilson, who during the entire action exhibited the highest qualities of a soldier.
Respectfully, Etc.,
M. M. Crocker,
Colonel Thirteenth Iowa Infantry.
C. Cadle, Jr., A. A. A. G., First Brigade, First Division [see note 1].
Col. A. M. Hare, In his official report as commanding officer of the brigade, makes special mention of the gallant commander of the Thirteenth Iowa as follows: "To Col. M. M. Crocker of the Thirteenth Iowa Volunteers I wish to call especial attention. The coolness and bravery displayed by him on the field of battle during the entire action of the 6th, the skill with which he maneuvered his men, and the example of daring and disregard to danger by which he inspired them to do their duty and stand by their colors, show him to be possessed of the highest qualities of a commander, and entitle him to speedy promotion." [See note 2.]
The compiler of this sketch has a vivid personal recollection of the scenes of confusion described by Colonel Crocker, at the time the Union lines fell back to the point of last resistance. He was in command of his regiment (the Third Iowa Infantry) and joined the Thirteenth Iowa at its last position in support of the batteries which checked the enemy's advance and decided the result of the first day's battle. Every officer and man of those regiments, who was able for duty, was there in line, determined to resist the assault of the enemy to the last extremity. If that line had given way, it would have been difficult, if not impossible, to have retrieved the disaster. By its splendid service in this great battle the Thirteenth Iowa laid the foundation for its future great achievements. By this bloody baptism it was consecrated, and, as will appear in its subsequent history, the regiment repeated its glorious record at Shiloh in all the battles in which it was afterwards engaged.
After the battle of Shiloh, the Thirteenth Iowa was assigned to the Third Brigade of the Sixth Division. The Brigade was composed of the Eleventh, Thirteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth regiments of Iowa Infantry, and was under command of Colonel Crocker. This organization remained intact until the close of the war. Except when upon detached duty, the operations of each of the regiments were identified very largely with those of the brigade, and, therefore, the history of each of these four Iowa regiments is almost inseparably interwoven with that of the brigade [see note 3]. The regiment, with its brigade and division, took part in the advance upon and siege of Corinth, and performed its full part in those important operations which ended in the evacuation of that rebel stronghold on the 30th of May, 1862. It then constituted a part of the garrison left in charge of the works at Corinth, until about the middle of July; and then participated in various expeditions, and was for a time stationed at Bolivar, Tenn., but the official records do not show that it came into contact with any considerable body of the enemy during the remainder of the summer.
On the 12th of September, the regiment and brigade were again at Corinth and, a few days later, marched to join the forces under Major General Rosecrans near Iuka. In the battle of Iuka, which was fought on Sept. 19, 1862, the Sixteenth Iowa was detached from the brigade and took an active part in that fierce engagement, while the other regiments — Eleventh, Thirteenth and Fifteenth — were held in reserve, and did not participate in the battle. Soon after the battle the brigade was ordered to return to Corinth. The rebel forces were being rapidly concentrated for an attack, and it was evident that another battle was soon to occur at or near that place. It was also evident that the enemy would make a desperate struggle to regain possession of Corinth, and all the available Union forces were ordered to concentrate for its defense. The Thirteenth Iowa, with its brigade, was engaged in the battle which was fought there on the 3d and 4th of October, 1862.
While the Thirteenth Iowa performed its whole duty in these two days of battle, the positions to which it was assigned did not bring the entire regiment into close contact with the enemy, hence its loss was comparatively light. Lieutenant Colonel Shane in his official report says that companies A and G were the only part of his regiment actually engaged. Company A, under the command of Captain Kennedy and Company G, commanded by Captain Walker, were on the skirmish line on the first day of the battle, and sustained a loss of one man killed and fourteen wounded. He further says that the officers and men of those companies behaved in a highly creditable manner, and that the rest of the regiment was held constantly in readiness to engage the enemy, had they received orders to advance. Colonel Crocker, who commanded the brigade, describes the positions occupied by the different regiments, gives full credit to all for having complied with his orders, and explains the discrepancy in losses as resulting from the fact that the Fifteenth Iowa sustained the brunt of the attack on account of its advanced position. The entire loss of the brigade in killed and wounded was 149, and the loss by regiments was, in the Eleventh, 21; Thirteenth, 15; Sixteenth, 27, and Fifteenth, 86. In a later report, dated at camp near Corinth, Miss., Oct. 15, 1862, ho describes the part taken by his brigade in the pursuit of the defeated enemy. That the conduct of every regiment — both in the battles and the subsequent pursuit — met with his cordial approval, is indicated In the following extract from his report [see note 4]:
The brigade, during the protracted movements of the battle and pursuit, encountering every hardship and privation Incident to such campaigning, behaved with great fortitude, meeting every danger and hardship cheerfully; and I acknowledge my obligation to all the field officers for their cheerful, hearty and Intelligent cooperation.
The regiment with its brigade joined in the pursuit of the retreating rebel army but did not succeed in overtaking it. After an arduous march, the pursuit was abandoned at Ripley, Miss., and the troops returned to Corinth, reaching their camp on the evening of October 11th. After a rest of about three weeks they again took up the line of march with the forces under General Grant, and moved south along the line of the Mississippi Central Railroad, the objective point of the expedition being Vicksburg. The object of the expedition was defeated, however, by the capture and destruction of the depot of supplies at Holly Springs by the rebel General Van Dorn, who, by a skillful movement of his cavalry, succeeded in getting in the rear of the Union army and compelling the surrender of the troops which had been left to guard the supplies. Thus forced to retreat to avoid starvation, the regiment, together with the entire Union army, marched toward Memphis, suffering greatly for want of sufficient rations. They finally reached Memphis and an abundant supply of food on the 13th day of January, 1863. Here the regiment and brigade embarked on steamers and started down the river January 20th, reached Duckport, La., on the 25th, moved thence to Milliken's Bend, where they landed and went into camp. Here they remained but a short time, and then moved to Lake Providence and engaged in the work of cutting the canal which was to connect the lake with the Mississippi river. That work was not completed until March 16th, when the great campaign for the reduction of the rebel stronghold at Vicksburg may be said to have begun.
During the entire campaign, which ended with the surrender of Vicksburg, July 4, 1863, the Thirteenth Iowa with its brigade performed most arduous and important service. It was moved from point to point, was part of the time engaged with the army of observation, in the rear of the lines of Union troops engaged in the siege, watching the rebel force under General Johnston who was constantly threatening an attack for the purpose of raising the siege, and part of the time with the investing forces in the intrenchments, assisting in the prosecution of the siege, but everywhere doing its full duty and sustaining its well won reputation for bravery and efficiency. During this campaign Colonel Hall of the Eleventh Iowa was in command of the brigade, Colonel Crocker having been promoted to Brigadier General and placed in command of a division in another part of the army. Colonel Shane was in command of the Thirteenth Iowa throughout the campaign.
During the remainder of the summer the regiment engaged in various expeditions, the longest and most arduous of which was that under General Stevenson, against Monroe, La. While the troops suffered the greatest hardships upon this expedition, marching through a swampy and malarious region, the results accomplished were not commensurate with the suffering endured. Upon returning from this expedition, Sept. 3, 1863, the regiment went into camp at Vicksburg, where it performed garrison duty for the next five months. The official records show that from Nov. 30, 1863, to March 11, 1864 there were 404 men of the Thirteenth Iowa Infantry who re-enlisted and were re-mustered into the service of the United States, for a period of three years or during the war, from the date of the expiration of their original term of service, thus giving to the regiment the title of a veteran organization [see note 5].
On Feb. 4, 1864, the regiment started on the famous Meridian expedition, which penetrated into the heart of the State of Mississippi and resulted in the destruction of many miles of railroad track, locomotives and rolling stock, besides great quantities of supplies which had been accumulated at Meridian for the use of the rebel army. During the expedition there was much fighting between the Union and rebel cavalry, but the infantry did not become engaged to any considerable extent, and, aside from the hardships incident to a winter campaign without tents, and living for the most part upon such food as could be procured from the country through which they marched, the suffering and loss of the infantry was small, as compared with that of the cavalry, which led the advance. The regiment returned to Vicksburg March 4th, and, on the 7th, those who had re-enlisted received the welcome order to embark for their homes in Iowa, they having been given a furlough for thirty days, to begin upon reaching the State. The non-veterans — those who had not re-enlisted — were left at Vicksburg and subsequently rejoined the veterans upon their return from furlough.
Upon the expiration of their thirty days in Iowa, the veteran portion of the regiment re-assembled at Davenport, the designated rendezvous, accompanied by a large number of recruits, and proceeded to Cairo, Ill., thence to Clifton, Tenn., where they landed and took up the line of march across the State of Tennessee and part of Alabama and on to the mountains of Georgia, to re-inforce Sherman. At Decatur, Ala., May 27, 1864, the regiment, with the rest of the Crocker Brigade, was attached to the Fourth Division of the Seventeenth Army Corps. General Crocker, who had commanded the division, was compelled on account of poor health to relinquish his command, and was succeeded by Gen. W. Q. Gresham. The regiment now moved forward with this command to Rome, Ga., arriving there June 5th, and thence by way of Kingston and Allatoona to Ackworth, where on June 8th the Seventeenth Army Corps took its place in line with the Army of the Tennessee, commanded by Gen. James B. McPherson, and became a part of the great army commanded by Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, consisting of the armies of the Tennessee, the Ohio and the Cumberland. One of the greatest campaigns in the history of warfare had now begun and, through it all, the Thirteenth Iowa was destined to bear a conspicuous and honorable part.
From June 11th to July 20th, the regiment and brigade were in front of Kenesaw Mountain, participated in the operations there and at Nick-a-jack Creek, and on across the Chattahoochee river to Sandtown, and then, passing to the extreme left of the line on the 20th of July, after a heavy skirmish with the enemy, took position about three miles from Atlanta. In all these movements the regiment had lost a number of men, killed and wounded, on the skirmish line, but had not been engaged in close combat with the enemy. Now, however, it was again to participate in a series of battles that would leave it decimated in numbers, and place it in the foremost rank with the military organizations of the Union army engaged in that tremendous struggle for the possession of the fortified city of Atlanta. In the first of these battles, the gallant Major Walker was in command of the regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Wilson being at that time on detached duty, and Colonel Shane having succeeded Colonel Hall as brigade commander, that officer having assumed temporary command of the division when General Gresham fell, severely wounded. The conduct of the regiment in this battle is well described in the brief report which follows:
HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH IOWA VETERAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
IN THE FIELD BEFORE ATLANTA, GA., July 21, 1864.
Lieut. O. D. Kinsman, A. A. A. General 3rd Brigade 4th Division 17th Army Corps.
SIR, — I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry in the engagement of July 21, 1864:
At 8 o'clock A. M., the regiment was In position In front of the brigade, with the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry on Its left, and supported by the Sixteenth Iowa Infantry; Its front was protected by temporary works thrown up on the night of the 20th.
About 8 o'clock A. M. I received orders from Col. John Shane, commanding brigade, to advance at once on the double quick to the front, to assist Brigadier General Force, commanding a brigade in the Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, who was fighting for the possession of a high hill in his front and to the left of this regiment. The men seized their arms and sprang promptly over the works, advancing in good order to the crest of a hill less than one hundred yards from the enemy's works, In the face of a heavy fire. Here I was ordered to halt, and held the position, exposed to a very destructive fire of musketry, grape and canister, until, the enemy having withdrawn to his works, and General Force having gained possession of the hill, I was ordered to retire to the position I originally occupied, which was done steadily and without confusion.
Although the men had no previous notice of the advance, there was no disorder, although it was made over an open field with no protection. I regret to say that. though the engagement lasted but thirty minutes, the loss In officers and men was severe, seventeen enlisted men killed, and four officers and seventy-seven enlisted men wounded,
I cannot close without awarding to the regiment the credit due it for the impetuosity and gallantry of the advance, the stubborness with which it held the position it gained, and the steadiness and good order In which It retired when ordered. I forward herewith a list of the casualties [see note 6].
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM A. WALKER,
Major Commanding Thirteenth Iowa Vol. Infantry.
On the next day, July 22, 1864, — a red letter day in the history of the Atlanta campaign and of the war, — the regiment again went into action, this time under the command of Colonel Shane. The desperate character of the fighting in that battle Is best described by the official report of Colonel Shane, which Is here given In full:
HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH IOWA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
IN THE FIELD NEAR ATLANTA, GA., July 22, 1864.
To Lieut. O. D. Kinsman, A. A. A. G., Third Brigade, Fourth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps.
SIR, — I have the honor to herewith submit my report of the part taken by this regiment in the battle of this day.
At 12 o'clock M. this regiment was In position on the extreme left of the Army of the Tennessee, and in support of the Eleventh and Sixteenth Regiments of Iowa Infantry.
Early in the morning of the 22d, company F had been detailed by orders from Colonel Hall, commanding brigade, as picket, and as soon as skirmishing commenced on the picket line, five more companies were detached by orders from brigade headquarters, two of which were deployed on the right of the Eleventh Iowa Infantry, two on the left of the Sixteenth Iowa Infantry, and one on the left of the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, respectively supporting the flanks of those regiments, leaving but four companies under my command when the battle commenced.
Immediately after the commencement of the battle, and after it had become apparent that the enemy were approaching in heavy force In front and on each flank, I received orders to move my command to the rear and form in line on the west side of the works occupied by the first brigade, fronting east, from which direction the enemy were then approaching. This movement was made and position occupied in good order, but had Just been completed when I was ordered to form in line facing to the south with my left resting on the rifle-pits, to repel the enemy approaching from the south; this movement was also made, but scarcely had been completed when the enemy attacked us in front and in heavy force on either flank.
Observing that they were getting into the rear and flank of the Fifteenth Iowa, which was on my right, and that that regiment was falling back, leaving my whole line exposed to a front, rear, and enfilading fire, I ordered the command to retire by the left flank across the works, and to form on the north side, fronting west, to repel the anticipated assault of the enemy from that quarter. This movement was effected in comparatively good order, but owing to the numerous detachments. Independent commands, and stragglers, which at that time thronged the road, my regiment was for a short time in some confusion; but order was soon restored, and we formed as directed, but not too soon, as the enemy were then within rifle range and approaching our position from two directions in heavy force, when a well directed fire from the Eleventh, Thirteenth and Fifteenth regiments routed them in confusion and for the time being drove them from that part of the field. No sooner, however, had this been accomplished than the enemy were discovered approaching us from the rear In force, when the command was ordered to take position on the west side of the rifle-pits, face by the rear rank, and repel the enemy attacking from the east. This position was soon occupied, and the enemy came on with shout and cheer, and a fierce and desperate hand to hand fight ensued. In a few moments the enemy were driven from the ground, and fled in disorder.
Their withdrawal from the front was but the signal for a renewed attack from the rear, when the command again crossed the rifle-pits, about faced, and contributed materially in repulsing the enemy for the third time. Thus the contest continued, until the enemy brought to bear on us, at short range, a battery, raking our whole line with grape and canister with terrible effect, when we received orders to take up the position occupied by us on the 21st, where we still are.
The two companies — A and G — detached in the beginning of the contest and posted on the right of the Eleventh Iowa, and the two companies — D and K — detached at the same time and posted on the left of the Sixteenth Iowa, have failed to report; and I regret to say that, from all the Information I have been enabled to obtain in regard to them, I am reluctantly led to the conclusion that about three-fourths of the men composing those companies were, while supporting and bravely fighting side by side with the Eleventh and Sixteenth regiments Iowa Infantry, killed or captured, including all the commissioned officers on duty with them at the time. Our loss in officers and men killed, wounded and missing was very heavy in proportion to the numbers engaged. In the engagement of the 21st, the regiment lost In killed, wounded and missing 94 enlisted men and 5 officers out of 400 officers and men engaged; and in this day's battle our loss in killed, wounded and missing foots up at present 9 officers and 139 enlisted men out of 300 that went into the fight, among whom I regret to say was Major Walker killed, than whom a truer soldier, a cooler officer, a more steadfast friend, and more honest man did not live; his premature and early death has cast a gloom and a shadow over the regiment, and a vacancy has been created that but few men can fill so acceptably, so faithfully and successfully as he. Ever faithful, ever ready, he was always at his post, and was always the same — a soldier and a gentleman.
I cannot close this report without acknowledging my indebtedness to Adjutant Rood, Sergeant Major Myers, and the line officers of the regiment, who ably seconded and assisted in all the movements of the command, and who bore themselves throughout the trying scene as brave men and gallant officers.
And to the non-commissioned officers and enlisted men of the regiment too much credit cannot be awarded. Although repeatedly almost surrounded by overwhelming numbers, and subjected at times to a withering fire of grape, canister and musketry, not one man showed signs of wavering or despair, but on the contrary every man clenched his arms with a determination to repulse the enemy at all hazards [see note 7].
Very respectfully,
JOHN SHANE,
Colonel Commanding Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry.
Again, on July 28th, the Thirteenth, and the little remnant of the Third Iowa Infantry, under the command of Colonel Shane, met the enemy in deadly combat and again nobly maintained the honor of the flag. In his official report of this engagement Colonel Shane makes special mention of the conduct of Captains J. C. Kennedy and John Archer, and commends them for having exhibited the very highest qualities of soldiers and officers, and extols his entire command for bravery and fortitude under the fire of the enemy [see note 8].
Although greatly reduced in numbers, the regiment was constantly on duty during the closing scenes of the campaign, participated in the operations at Jonesboro, Lovejoy and East Point, and, later, in the pursuit of Hood as far as Gaylesville in northeastern Alabama, returning to Marietta, Ga., early in November. The regiment's losses during the campaign aggregated 331, about sixty per cent of the number with which it had entered upon the campaign at Ackworth, Ga., on the 8th of June, 1864. Such is the record of its heroic service during that memorable period of the great struggle for the preservation of the Union.
The original term of service of those who had not re-enlisted being about to expire, they were sent to Chattanooga, Tenn., and were there mustered out of the service on Nov. 2, 1864. Colonel Shane, Adjutant Rood and Quartermaster Kennedy of the Field and Staff and several of the line officers were also mustered out. These officers and men had served their country faithfully for three years, and the beginning of the end of the war was near at hand. While they parted from their comrades of the veteran regiment with regret, it was with a feeling of just pride that they reviewed the glorious record they had helped to make, and they returned with honor to their homes in Iowa. Lieut. Col. J. C. Wilson was promoted to Colonel of the regiment, and other promotions were made to fill vacancies, as shown in the subjoined roster.
From Marietta the regiment moved to Atlanta, and on the 15th of November started on that great march through Georgia to Savannah and the sea. Arrived at Savannah, the regiment took part in the siege operations before that city and, upon its evacuation, it was among the troops that entered the city on the 22d of December, 1864. On Jan. 6, 1865, the regiment embarked on steamer and proceeded to Beaufort, S. C, where it arrived the next day. From Beaufort the regiment marched to Pocotaligo, where it remained until January 29th, when it started on the long and toilsome march through the Carolinas. On the 17th day of February, 1865, a detachment of 75 men of the Thirteenth Iowa, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Kennedy, entered the city of Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, and planted the colors of the regiment on the dome of the Capitol. Continuing the march from Columbia, the regiment reached Bentonville, N. C. It took part in the battle of Bentonville, but was not closely engaged, though it had three men wounded on the skirmish line. This was its last battle.
At Goldsboro, N. C, the regiment found a large number of recruits from Iowa waiting to join it. The long march was continued by way of Raleigh, Petersburg and Richmond, and ended at Alexandria, Va., near Washington, May 19, 1865. A few days later the regiment took its place in line and marched down Pennsylvania Avenue in that magnificent review, the greatest military pageant of modern times. After the review the regiment remained in camp near Washington until June 7th, when it was conveyed by rail to Parkersburg, Va., and thence by steamer to Louisville, Ky., where it remained until July 21, 1865, and on that day was mustered out of the service of the United States. A few days later it was conveyed to Davenport, Iowa, by rail, and there, on the 29th day of July, 1865, the regiment was disbanded and the survivors returned to their homes.
In the subjoined roster will be found a brief personal record of service of every officer and enlisted man of the regiment, in so far as such record was obtainable from the official records in the office of the Adjutant General of the State of Iowa and in the War Department at Washington. The difficulties encountered in making up these revised rosters are explained in the introductory article of this volume. It is particularly to be regretted that the record of battles in which each soldier was engaged could not have been recorded opposite his name in the roster, but, as only the names of those who were killed, wounded, captured or missing, or those who received special mention in the official reports, appear in the records, and as only a minority of those who survived at the close of the war were living at the date this compilation was undertaken, it was found impossible to make these records of personal service as comprehensive as they might have been made had the work been undertaken soon after the close of the war. The compiler, in order to keep within the prescribed limitation of a brief historical sketch, has given only the outlines of the history of this splendid military organization, but he has endeavored to preserve the most conspicuous features of its service.
The State of Iowa sent many regiments into the field during the great War of the Rebellion and, without an exception, they rendered heroic service and reflected great honor upon the Commonwealth. Among them all the record of the Thirteenth Iowa Infantry Volunteers stands conspicuous. None rendered more effective or important service. Those of future generations who can trace their lineage to one of these heroic soldiers may justly claim an ancestry that has no superior among those who have achieved military fame and honor in any age or country. Their loyalty and devotion and the supreme sacrifices they made will not be forgotten while true patriotism and brave deeds are honored among men.
SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES.
Total Enrollment 1788
Killed 74
Wounded 313
Died of wounds 38
Died of disease 186
Discharged for wounds, disease and other causes 306
Captured 88
Transferred 34
Buried in National Cemeteries 185
[Note 1.] War of Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Part 1, Vol. 10, Page 131.
[Note 2.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Part 1, Vol. 10, Page 124.
[Note 3.] After the close of the war, a semi-military organization, composed of the survivors of this brigade, was organized under the title of "Crocker's Iowa Brigade." This organization is still maintained. It holds biennial re-unions. Gen. W. W. Belknap was its first commander; at his death Col. H. H. Rood succeeded him, and at this date (1908) remains in command of the famous old organization.
[Note 4.] Reports in War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1. Part 1, Vol. 17, Pages 358-362.
[Note 5.] See Adjutant General of Iowa Report for year 1865, Vol. 1, Pages 356 to 366 Inclusive.
[Note 6.] Adjutant General's Report 1865, Vol. 2, Page 1080.
[Note 7.] Adjutant General's report 1S65. Vol. 2, Pages 1081-2-3.
[Note 8.] Adjutant General's report 1865, Vol. 2, Page 1083.
SOURCE: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Volume 2, p. 553-62
