The Sudden Death Of Henry Y. Slaymaker

It is with deep regret that we this morning announce the sudden death of Mr. Henry Y. Slaymaker, which occurred between 10 and 11 o’clock Sunday evening, at the residence of Mr. Chas. Ruthrauff, his son-in-law, on Brady street, opposite the College Grounds.  Mr. Slaymaker had attended church in the morning, and seemed to be in his usual health all day.  At night he retired quite early, apparently well.  About 10 o’clock he was taken alarmingly ill, and Dr. Adler was immediately summoned, but before he could arrive, the sufferer was dead.  He lived only about twenty minutes after he was taken ill.  Mr. Slaymaker was a native of Lancaster, Pa., and was sixty seven years of age at the time of his death.  About ten years ago, he removed to this city, since which time he has been one of our most respected citizens.  During the last administration, Mr. S. held the position of agent for Government on Rock Island.  Mr. Slaymaker leaves no offspring except Mrs. Ruthrauff; and his wife has been dead some years.  The late Capt. Slaymaker was a nephew of the deceased.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 20, 1862, p. 1

Colonel Jacob Lauman to his wife Louise D. (Viele) Lauman, February 17, 1862

FORT DONELSON, TENNESSEE, Feb. 17, 1862.

Dear Wife:

I am again safe. My life is still prolonged. Let me hope it is for some good purpose. We have had a great battle, the fight lasting for three days, but you will hear of it, and the great result to flow out of it long before this reaches you.

I commanded the Fourth brigade of the Second division, and my command made their mark. * * * Poor Jack Slaymaker was killed, gallantly leading his men to the charge on the last day — indeed, the only day the Second were in the engagement. Capt. Cloutman fell, also bravely doing his duty. Harry [Doolittle] was wounded very severely, but the surgeons say he will recover. I left my command to see him and poor Jack last evening. I have ordered Jack's remains to be properly cared for, to send home to his parents, and will see that it is done properly, although my time is so occupied I have scarcely time to write this note, nor do I know when or how it will leave here. I am now in command of Fort Donelson, and my brigade are quartered in the fortifications. We will be ordered forward soon, I hope, and I sincerely trust our success will be the harbinger of a speedy close of the horrid rebellion. I received your two letters just before we were ordered into action, and I had to laugh over your congratulations at my good quarters in Smithland, when for two nights I had been camped under a tree, and it raining and snowing on me, without a tent. But my health is improving. My cold under which I have been suffering is getting better, and I am able to endure a great deal of hardship.

Gen. Smith (Paducah Smith) is a good soldier. The reputation of the Iowa Seventh is as bright as ever, although their loss is trifling. The state may well be proud of their troops.

I lost all of my bedding yesterday, and doubt very much if I find it again. We marched out of camp leaving everything behind, and our friends helped themselves. I will look after Harry — I think he will do well. Dr. Marsh says the wound in his stomach did not penetrate far enough to do any serious injury. I trust this may be so. He is in good spirits, and bore his flag like a hero. Love to all. Good bye.

Yours affectionately,

J. G. Lauman.

SOURCES: Army Service Schools Press, Donelson Campaign Sources Supplementing Volume 7 Of The Official Records Of The Union And Confederate Armies  In The War Of The Rebellion, p. 160-1; Samuel H. M. Byers, Iowa In War Times, p. 104-5

Colonel Jacob Lauman to His Brother, February 19, 1862

FORT DONELSON, TENNESSEE, Feb. 19, 1862.

DEAR BROTHER:

The battle is fought, the dead are buried and the wounded cared for, and we are again settling down to the old routine of military discipline. But what a scene we have passed through, and what a victory we have won! We have already sent off eight or nine thousand prisoners, and we have more yet to send. But such a lot of humanity I never saw before — all butternut color; but they can shoot, as many of our boys can testify.

I have made my report to Gen. Smith, which I suppose will be published, and before this reaches you, you will know more about the battle than I do. I have already seen that the Iowa Seventh was all cut up on the first day's fight. I hope you did not let any of these reports disturb you. We had a hard time. For three nights we lay in the open air without tents, and some without blankets, raining and snowing all night. The last night we remained under arms all night, prepared to repel an assault; but when morning came — and oh! how long it was in coming — the enemy attracted our attention to their white flag, and I received proposals for capitulation, which we promptly forwarded to Gen. Smith, and through him to Gen. Grant. Gen. Grant refused terms and insisted on unconditional surrender, and an hour was given them to consider. At the end of that time the loud shouts of the men gave indications that the surrender was unconditional. Then commenced the rejoicings. I claimed for my brigade the right to enter first, which was accorded; when with drums beating and colors flying we entered the fort. The Rebels were drawn up in line, with their arms in great heaps, and looked quite woe-begone, I assure you, as the victors passed along.

My brigade is in the fort, of which I have command. Gen. Smith's division is quartered all around about. The fortifications extend over the country for miles, and the other divisions of the army encamped at other points. The greatest loss was on our right, in McClernand's division. The enemy endeavored to cut through at that point, and fought with great desperation — loss very heavy. But you know all this and more, and this will be stale news to you. I found the pistols I lost at Belmont at Fort Donelson, or others just as good.

Capt. Rhiza will return to Burlington, he informed me today, for a short time. So he informed me, but he may not be able to get off. If he does, I will send a flag, secesh, captured in the fort. They either destroyed or secreted their flags, as none could be found. I have not yet seen the reports of my commanding officer, but Gen. Grant has caused a highly complimentary order to be read to the troops. Gen. Smith is a good officer, and as brave as a lion. I am proud to be under him. I had a good brigade, and I believe they like me. I hope the rebellion will receive such a shock from this that they will not be able to hold up their heads for some time to come. I am obliged to Jennie for her kind and very acceptable letter, and hope she will write again. I received a letter from Gov. Kirkwood covering the resolutions of the legislature of Iowa, and had them read to my regiment last evening. Tell Lou that Harry Doolittle is doing well. I went to the boat to see him, but it had started before I got there. He will remain for the present at Paducah, I suppose. I met, as I was on my way to Dover, where the boat was lying, Drs. Marsh and Nassau of Iowa Second, who gave me this information. Among the hundreds of wounded and dead, it is almost impossible to keep the whereabouts of anyone. I must now bring this to a close. Let Lou see this and it will be the same as though I had written to her. Capt. Slaymaker's remains were forwarded to St. Louis for preparation to send home. I cut off a lock of his hair and sent it to Betty for his friends, fearing something might occur that the coffin could not be opened when it got home. Give my love to all, and if anything should befall me, take good care of wife and little ones, and believe me to be your affectionate brother,

JACOB.

SOURCES: Army Service Schools Press, Donelson Campaign Sources Supplementing Volume 7 Of The Official Records Of The Union And Confederate Armies  In The War Of The Rebellion, p. 161-2; Samuel H. M. Byers, Iowa In War Times, p. 105-6

Capt. Slaymaker’s death, (Iowa Second) . . .

. . . we are informed, was caused in a singular manner.  A bullet struck his pocket knife, in his left pocket, shivered it to pieces and drove the bade into his body, so that it and not the bullet severed the artery, the rupture of which cause his death.  Pieces of the knife were found in has wallet.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 2

Private Letter from Adjutant Tyner of the 14th Iowa

ON THE CUMBERLAND RIVER,

NEAR DOVER, TENN., Feb. 17.

MY DEAR FATHER. – I expect you all imagine I am dead by this time, but thank God I am here safe, and with but slight injuries.  We left Fort Henry on the 12^th of February, marched all day and encamped three-fourths of a mile from this fort – so near that we dare not make camp fires for fear of drawing shells from the enemy.  We were up bright and early on the morning of the 13^th, got our breakfast of hard crackers and water, and awaited orders.  About 9 o’clock, A. M., we drew up in battle line, loaded our rifles, and in a few moments were marching in full battle front, through the thickest woods, and over the deepest ravines.  We were halted and put over the brow of the hill in front of the enemy’s entrenchments.  This part of their fort is situated on top of a high hill, with high entrenchments and rifle pits thrown up all around.  In front of this entrenchment is a miserable steep hill, on the side of which was fallen timber very thick.  At the bottom was a ravine, and then came another hill, thickly grown with timber.  On top of this was where our regiment was drawn up – we on the right, the 25^th Indiana on our left, and the 7^th Indiana on the extreme left of them.

Just previous to our moving, Col. Lauman, of the 7^th, Iowa, senior Colonel commanding our brigade, detailed me as one of his aids, but allowed me the privilege of being with my regiment – as much as possible, as Col. Shaw and myself were the only officers commanding the regiment.  Our Lieut. Col. was a member of the court martial at St. Louis, and could not be released.  Major Leonard was sick at the time of the fight, and could not go, consequently the Colonel and myself were the only mounted men in the regiment.

The Colonel gave me the command of the left wing of the battalion, and I was behind this part of the regiment when we moved down the hill.  We had not got down in the ravine before the enemy fired at our Colonel and myself.  They had thrown out their sharp-shooters as skirmishers, and they were hid behind fallen trees in our advance.  From this concealment they fired at us – one ball coming so near my face as to make me gracefully nod my head.

We continued our march, and in going up the hill over a little point our regiment was received with grape, shell, canister, ball and musketry.  Such a fire soldiers seldom encounter.  They had three concealed batteries, which they opened on us, and all their men were concealed; not one could we see during the fire – only as they popped their heads over the breastwork, and then woe to them; for we shot every man we saw.  During the first charge the regiment directed the right wing going to the right, to save themselves behind a portion of the hill.  The left wing under my command, instead of giving way, went on until I told them to save themselves behind trees, which they did by laying close to the ground.  About this time a spent ball struck my horse, knocking him down and me with him.  I jumped up and followed the boys until the fire became uncomfortably warm.  I sat down behind a tree, for every man in the regiment had to do this to save himself, but not a man retreated.  They seemed to have spotted every officer in the regiment, for their sharpshooters played on us unmercifully.  I could get in no position to evade the range of some of their rifles.  I will venture that fifty shots were fired within one foot of my head, one passing through my hair on the back of my head.  The whole regiment was under this galling fire for three hours, but by laying close to the ground we saved ourselves, as they could not get the range of their guns low enough.  We had two men killed instantly and 14 fell wounded.  The sharp shooters on our side then commenced work, and silenced every battery we were exposed to, thus leaving us an opportunity to get the regiment out of the fire, and form in the hollow or ravine below, where we were secure from their shots in this position.

We remained until after dark, when the order was given to cautiously move to our quarters of the night before.  The 25^th Indiana, on our left were obliged to quail as we did.  A part of their regiment moved up the hill to a little further than we, but suddenly the enemy from behind the entrenchments, opened fire on them, and they had to run for dear life.  In their retreat to the bottom of the hill, it seemed as though two-thirds of their men fell; but only 14 were killed and 50 wounded.  The unnecessarily exposed themselves and suffered the consequences.  The Iowa 7^th, in this action was cautions to lay low; it lost only one man that day, and he was in our regiment, or where we were.  It is equally as brave as any regiment yet.  The bitter experience at Belmont taught them to move cautiously.  I must say, Colonel Lauman is a brave man, yet I think our Colonel is the bravest man I ever saw.  He was as cool as a human could be, never manifesting either fear or excitement.  He remained on his horse during the whole engagement, and sat there with his legs thrown across the saddle, lady style.  I was not frightened, until they seemed to direct their shots particularly at me, and then I felt as though mere chance would effect my escape.  All the boys yelled and begged of me to move to save myself, and I headed their advice as soon as I could.  In Friday, the day following, we did little but to skirmish and pick the rebels off were we could.  We slept on our arms at night, out in the woods.  The greatest hardship I ever endured in my life, or ever expect to, I realized this trip.  We lived on hard crackers and water, and slept on the ground with only a light blanket.  One night it rained till 12 o’clock, then snowed until morning.  I slept on the damp ground with my little blanket over me, and in the morning every particle of clothing was frozen hard.  I thawed myself out by a large camp fire in the morning.

On Saturday the fight became general.  The gunboats had done all they could, so the only thing left for us was to take the fortification at the point of the bayonet.  The Iowa Second made the first charge, supported by the Iowa 7^th and 14^th, also the Indiana 25^th.  We marched up the hill in as heavy a fire as could be, and men fell on every side.  Capt. Slaymaker, Iowa Second, fell just above me, and I almost stumbled over his body.  We took the first entrenchment, and held the second in spite of the fire.  We laid under their entrenchments all night, in mud that froze us in tight.  On Sunday morning the rebels formed in battle line on their entrenchment without their arms, under the white flag.  They surrendered unconditionally, and the order came for the Second Iowa to march inside the entrenchments first, followed by the 14^th Iowa and then on the 7^th.  We took the fort and marched in first.  Ours was the 4^th brigade, composed of the Iowa 2d, 7^th, and 14^th, also the 25^th Indiana, and Birge’s sharpshooters, all commanded by Col. Lauman.  We all fought like devils, and would have died by inches rather than retreat.  The entire fight lasted four days, during two of which we fought all day. – All the regiments here – 40 in number – had fighting to do, and only those who have seen, can imagine how a battle-filed looks.  Our loss in the 14^th is 3 killed and 21 wounded.  In all the Iowa regiments, 47 killed, and 237 wounded; the Iowa 2d having 40 of the killed and 160 of the wounded.  I had my horse knocked from under me the first day, and was knocked head over heels the second day by a piece of shell, which struck me on the side and stomach, not tearing the skin, but bruising me.  I am up and around, and only a little sore.  My injuries are not worth mentioning.

Your affectionate son,

N. N. TYNER.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 2

Obituary of Capt. Jonathan S. Slaymaker

OBITUARY OF CAPT. JONATHAN S. SLAYMAKER, OF DAVENPORT, IOWA, WHO FELL AT FORT DONELSON FEB. 15,1862, IN THE FAMOUS CHARGE OF THE SECOND IOWA INFANTRY.

BY THE FORMER EDITOR OF THE ANNALS.

Yet surely there is some record

When a brave young hero dies.

T. Juynes Bailey.

The subject of this obituary notice, Jonathan S. Slaymaker, the son of Samuel K. Slaymaker, was born in York, Pa., on the 31st of March, 1835, and was baptised, in infancy, by Rev. Albert Barnes, then pastor of the Presbyterian Church there. He had the advantages of early religious as well as secular education, attending in his youth the Sabbath School, and in his young manhood becoming a teacher of others in the Sunday School.

At eighteen years of age he entered upon railroad labor, as a civil engineer, and subsequently he engaged in business at Davenport, Iowa, where he still continued his interest in Sunday Schools, being connected with the 2d Presbyterian congregation, in which his uncle, the late H. Y. Slaymaker, was so prominent, and imitating the zeal and generosity of that uncle in liberally contributing for the support of the Gospel in that connection, while that organization continued.

Afterward, the 2d Presbyterian Church enterprise having been suspended, he attended at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. The Rev. Mr. Powers, Rector of that church, says of his character: "Before the war, he taught in my Sunday School and attended my church. I think I can safely assure you that his heart was given to God. He was not communicative on religious subjects, yet I have reason to believe that nearly two years ago he began to draw graciously heavenward. Many things convince me that, in spirit, he was a disciple of the Lord Jesus. His daily life was exemplary, and it seemed that he was waiting to feel settled in his place of residence before he openly connected himself with the church."

His military history began with his enlistment in company C, of the 2d Iowa Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, in which he held the rank of First Lieutenant at the time of mustering, May 2d, 1861, but was promoted to be Captain on the 3d of October, 1861. In a letter to a friend, about the time of his enlistment, he says: "Shall I be one of those destined to be left behind when the conquering hosts return to receive the thanks of their fellow countrymen for the precious service they have rendered? is a question that frequently suggests itself to my mind. One thing I know: I enlisted in this war from principle, and I feel that I am willing to make any sacrifice that is in my power, to assist in our good and just cause. I shall not want to return unless we gain our end."

Nor did he return till borne a corpse from the bloody field of Fort Donelson. Brig. Gen. Lauman wrote on the occasion: “We have had a great victory. * * * * Poor Jack Slaymaker lost his life in one of the most brilliant charges on record. He had, with his regiment, reached the breastworks and passed in, when a ball shot him in the thigh and severed the main artery. He bled to death in five minutes. I enclose a lock of his hair, which I secured myself, that you will hand to his bereaved parents. He was as gallant a soldier as ever carried a sword. After he was wounded, he raised himself on his side, waved his sword and called his men to go forward, then sank down and died. He was a good and steadfast friend of mine, and I mourn him much. It is melancholy to think, that the first time he was under my command should be his last. But he died gloriously. What more can a man do for his country?"

His remains were brought to Davenport, Iowa, and his funeral was numerously attended from St. Luke's Church at 2 o'clock P. M. on the 27th of Feb., 1862.

Such was the heroic patriot, the steadfast friend, the affectionate son and brother, the faithful companion, the constant Sunday School teacher, at home, the Christian soldier abroad.

– Many die  as suddenly,

Few as safe. –

This brief notice, by a friend who knew him, (in connection with the 2d Presbyterian congregation at Davenport, so long sustained by his uncle, H. Y. Slayraaker, with great sacrifice,) cannot better be closed than in the words of the Rev. Albert Barnes to his bereaved parents: "My heart bleeds for you in your loss. Your son was lovely in his life — in appearance, in his manner, in his spirit, in his hopes and promises in regard to future life, in all that could bind the hearts of loving parents to a son. God has done it, whatever be the instrument. It seemed good to God, that he should fall as he has done. "When you gave him to God, you gave him to Him to live as long as He should please, to serve Him in any way He should direct, and then to lie down and die when, where and how God should appoint. 'I opened not my mouth,' said the Psalmist, 'because thou didst it.'"

S. S. H.

SOURCE: Annals of Iowa, No. VI, April, 1864, p. 283-5



Battle of Fort Donelson

Official Report of Col. Lauman.

LIST OF THE KILLED AND WOUNDED IN THE 2d, 7th and 14th IOWA.

HEADQUARTERS 4TH BRIG. 2D DIV. U S A

FORT DONELSON, Feb. 18^th, 1862.

GENERAL – I have the honor to report the following movements of the 4^th Brigade 2^nd Division.

We left fort Henry on the morning of the 12^th inst., arriving near Fort Donelson the same evening.  Immediately on our arrival I received your order to move the 7^th Iowa Infantry to the front to support a battery of Major Cavender’s 20 pounder Rifle Parrott guns, which were placed in a position to command a portion of the rebel works.  I obtained permission from you to associate the Regiment of Birge’s Sharp’s Shooters in the movement, and placed the two regiments in position where they remained during the night.

In accordance with order, on the morning of Thursday the 13^th inst., I moved the left wing of my brigade, consisting of the 14^th Iowa, Col. Shaw, and 25^th Indiana, Col. Veatch, from their encampment towards the enemy, who were entrenched about a mile distant therefrom.

The advance was made steadily and in as good order as the nature of the ground would admit of, until we reached the ravine at the base of the hill on which where the enemy’s fortifications – Here we halted, until the line could be formed, when the 25^th Indiana under Col. Veatch, moved steadily up the hill towards the entrenchments under a most galling fire of musketry and grape until their onward progress was obstructed by the fallen timber and brush wood.  Having, however, succeeded in obtaining an advantageous position they held it unflinchingly for more than two hours and until ordered to fall back out of the range of the enemy’s fire.  The loss of this regiment in killed and wounded was very severe.  The 14^th Iowa advanced at the same time, and took position on the right and across the ravine and did good execution.  Whilst these two regiments were taking the above positions the 7^th Iowa Infantry under Lieut. Col. Parrott, came up in fine style and took position in the centre, between the 25^th Indiana and then 14^th Iowa.

The 1^st Regiment Sharp Shooters, Western Division, Lieut. Col. B. S. Compton, were posted on the hill to the extreme right, except a detachment of about sixty, who were deployed as skirmishers, and rendered most effective service in that capacity and proving by their deadly aim that they are a most valuable arm of the service.  We held this position until night when we fell back to the position occupied in the morning.  On the following day we remained in camp skirmishing with the rebels during the day and night.

On Saturday the 15^th inst. at about two o’clock, I received your order to advance with my whole brigade and assault the heights on the left of the position attacked by us on the previous Thursday.  The Brigade was promptly in motion in the following order.

The Second Iowa, Col. Tuttle, led the advance followed by the 52^nd Indiana, (temporarily attached to my Brigade,) who were ordered to support them.  This regiment was followed closely by the 25^th Indiana, the 7^th Iowa and the Iowa 14^th.  The Sharp Shooters were previously deployed as skirmishers on our extreme right and left.  Col. Tuttle led the left wing of his regiment in line of battle up the hill supported by the right wing advancing at a distance of about one hundred and fifty yards in the rear.  So soon as he came within range of the enemy’s fire he led his men forward without firing a gun up to and charged into the rebel works, driving the enemy before him and planting his colors on the fortifications.  He was closely followed by the other regiments in the order of advance before named.  The enemy were closely pursued and driven behind their upper works. – Night coming on, we held in the position we had gained, and remained under arms until morning intending at the dawn of day to recommence the attack.  In this engagement the 2^nd Iowa suffered terrible.  Captains Slaymaker and Cloutman fell just as they entered the enemy’s fortifications.  Cloutman was instantly killed and Slaymaker died gallantly shouting to his men to go forward and consummate the work.

In the morning, as day dawned we were attracted to the inner fortifications by the sound of a bugle and saw the rebels displaying a white flag.  In instantly dispatched Lieut. Col. Parrott to ascertain the intent of it.  Who reported that an officer wished to see me.  I repaired to the spot and received from him offers of capitulation, which I at once forwarded to you – the result is well known.

It would afford me much pleasure to particularize the various instances of personal bravery displayed on the occasion by officers under my command, but when all behaved so well, it would be invidious to particularize, but I cannot refrain from mentioning, in this connection, the bravery of Col. Tuttle, Lieut. Col. Baker, and Major Chipman, (who received a severe wound in the thigh) of the Iowa Second, Col. Veatch and Lieut. Col. Morgan, of the Indiana 25^th and Col. Shaw, of the Iowa 14^th, also Lieut. Col. Parrott and Major Rice, who led the Iowa 7^th and to whom I return my warmest acknowledgements foe the gallant manner in which they led their regiment in the engagement on the 13^th and 15^th.  They did all that men possibly could do, and well sustained the reputation of the Iowa 17^th.

For the kindness, attention and skill manifested by the Surgeons and Assistant Surgeons towards the unfortunate wounded for so many consecutive hours, I return my most sincere thanks.

The total loss in killed and wounded, is as follows:

Second Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers

Killed,                                                         41

Wounded,                                                 157

Total,                                                         198

25th Reg’t. Indian Infantry Volunteers

Killed,                                                         14

Wounded,                                                 101

Total                                                          115

Seventh Reg’t Iowa Infantry Volunteers

Killed,                                                           2

Wounded,                                                   37

Total                                                            39

14th Reg’t Iowa Infantry Volunteers

Killed,                                                           3

Wounded,                                                   23

Total                                                            26

Birge’s Sharp Shooters

Killed,                                                           1

Wounded,                                                     3

Missing,                                                        1

Total,                                                             5

RECAPITUALTION

Killed,                                                         61

Wounded,                                                 621

Missing                                                         1

Total                                                          383

I herewith append the report of the Colonels of the Regiments attached to my Brigade, to which I invite your particular attention.  With Sentiments of high regard,

I remain respectfully,

Your ob’t servant,

J. G. LAUMAN,

Col. Com’ng. 4^th Brig. 2d Division

To Brig. Gen. C. F. Smith

Commanding Second Division

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

List of Killed and Wounded of the 2nd Iowa Infantry in the battle of Fort Donelson on February 13th, 14th and 15th, 1862.

COMPANY A.

Killed – Private Richard Highram

Wounded – Lieutenant  ____ Tisdale, slightly, Corporal Oli Ramsey, severely; Privates L. Farr, Severely; James M. Patterson, severely, D. W. Underhill, slightly; Douglass Allendorf, slightly; George D. Lawller, severely; Robert Hull, severely, James Haskell, slightly, James Kerr, slightly, Samuel Evans, severely, Corporals Henry A. Sorbendick, slightly, J. J. Goodwin, slightly, W W K. Harper, slightly, Thomas A Stevenson, severely, Privates John Toucher, severely, John Kipple slightly

COMPANY B.

Killed – Color Corporal, S G Paye, Private J. Guthrie

Wounded – Lieutenant J G Huntingdon, in right shoulder, Privates J B Scott, thigh, G W Scott, head, A. W Scott, leg, G Rosenberg, shoulder, A. Drucker, shoulder and arm, George Parkinson mouth, corporal A H. Clark, leg, privates J H Tracey, leg, A. Seimsmiths, thigh, S Todd, shoulder, O E Dyke, shoulder, S H Spencer, leg, J Bertichi, arm, J Wilson, slightly, George Minney, Slightly, John McCrellius, slightly, W H Nicholls, slightly, J H Howe, slightly, H H. Post, slightly, E M. Manning, severely, John Linden, slightly, Corporal A. H. Barnes, slightly; Privates Thomas Morrow, slightly, James Buckeratter, slightly, William Moller, Slightly, Corporal R M Lyth, slightly

COMPANY C.

Killed – Captain J. C. Slaymaker, Privates G H. Howill, C H Lenhart, J Myers, Ed Peterson

Wounded – 1^st Lieutenant W F Holmes, leg broken, 2^nd Lieutenant Alfred Bing, slightly, 1^st Sergeant G F Hall, slightly, 2^nd Sergeant A C McGill, slightly, Color Sergeant A. B Dolittle, severely, Corporals W M Campbell, slightly, W P Wade, slightly, Privates J C Mice, slightly, J G. Greenwauldt, severely, G A. Smith, slightly; Ed. Cockran, slightly, F W Casper, slightly, W H Ralston, severely, W H. McGill, severely, James Hunter, severely, Charles Flurry, slightly, William McLain, slightly, A J Pass, slightly, J W Morrison, severely, G A Bell, slightly, W O Hecker, slightly, A. F Gore, slightly, Fred Herbert, slightly, William Drummond, slightly

COMPANY D.

Killed – Sergeant Nathan W Doty, Private G. Weeks.

Wounded – 1^st Lieutenant E F Ensign, severely, 2^nd Lieutenant G L Godfrey, slightly, Corporal William Regan, severely, Privates W A. Brenton, severely, Caspar S Brady, severely, Jno W Coombs, severely, Peter Dresser, slightly, J. H. Hodyn, slightly, Henry Lawrence, slightly, Andrew Slatter, leg, Thomas Ward, arm, J G Williams, arm, David Yant, arm, William Cady, slightly, P. G Noel, slightly, J Cooper, slightly, J Gordionier, slightly.

COMPANY E.

Killed – None

Wounded – Sergeant Amos Wymer, slightly, Color Corporal John Robinson, Privates G W Morehouse, slightly, M Page, severely, R. Coop, slightly, Sam Daugherty, slightly, Robert Sloan, slightly, Robert Ready, slightly.

COMPANY F.

Killed – 2^nd Lieutenant William C Harper, Sergeant G W Morse, Privates W S Crooks, F G Mets, G B Shuver, W W Vinson, John Vandorn

Wounded – Corporals Samuel Hoofman, groin, James Sprague, neck, Privates F M. Armstrong, groin, Alonzo Bradford, thigh, Chas. S. Coger, arm, J H Duffield, shoulder and neck, H. D Duffield, slightly, James Carr, slightly, Ed Godard, arm, H C Hawk, thigh, John S Marriott, shoulder and arm, John Morrow, slightly, Geo Smith, slightly, Andrew Shrives, head, F B Wilson, head and hip, William W Walker, slightly

COMPANY G.

Killed – Sergeant John Dunn, Privates J M Duckworth, A. J Patterson, A G Niduy, J A Rhodes, William A Drake

Wounded – 1^st Lieut. J B Weaver, slightly, 1^st Sergeant P L Stoner, severely, Corporals G Johnson, severely, John Jones, severely, J A DeSmith, slightly, H D St John, slightly, Privates J W Pyrth, severely, Samuel Fouts, severely, George West, severely, J W Patterson, severely, J H Stevens, severely, Hiram Sloan, severely, Elijah Kinuck, severely, John W. Hurless, slightly, H H Jones, slightly, Thos Colliver, slightly, William Buchanan, slightly; C McMichale, slightly, Ephraim Farrington, slightly, John D Scott, slightly, Elisha Wallace, slightly, Leander Jeffreys, slightly, Sergeant J W Scott, slightly, Corporal Peter J Sharp, slightly.

COMPANY H.

Killed -  Corporal Samuel H Mealey

Wounded – Color Corporal Henry Effner, severely, Privates Andrew Eaton, severely, Sebastian Scoffmir, severely, George B Farley, slightly, Wesley Compton, slightly, William A Fodford, slightly.

COMPANY I.

Killed – 1^st Sergeant W L. Journey, Private Edward Banks

Wounded – Color Corporal Henry Cluncher, severely, Privates Thomas Paine, severely, Jas. H Danner, severely, D McKean, severely, R Parsons, severely F Ruport, severely, Jerome Foley severely, Corporal William Canger, slightly, Privates H A Smiley, slightly, W T Harrison slightly, Gottliff Shendel, slightly, George Cook, slightly

COMPANY K.

Killed – Captain C C Cloutman, Corporal James Berkley, Privates James Blake, William Kirkpatrick, John Hampton, W H. H Whitney, Brass Band, S H Phillips.

Wounded – Privates E G Vaughn, severely, David Cook, severely, James West, arm broke, Corporal S S Sheever leg broke; Sergeant B. H. Hammitt, severely; Privates A S Thompson, severely, Thomas Gallagher, slightly, W H Goodall, slightly T D Holmes, slightly, David Sergent, slightly, Sergeant T M Cook slightly.

RECAPITULATION.

Killed – 41

Wounded 137

Total 198

The above is a copy of the report made to the Medical Director by W. R. Marsh, Surgeon 2^nd Iowa Infantry, and forwarded by him to the Burlington Hawkeye for publication.

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

Army Correspondence

FORT DONELSON, NEAR DOVER

Stewart County, Tenn., Feb. 19, 1862

MR. EDITOR:  A kind Providence has spared me to fulfill my promise of writing a few lines from Tennessee.  I am now sitting upon a camp cot in a tent pitched upon a slippery red clay side hill, in the Redan, or rear Fort, with my portfolio upon my lap, whilst a cold and pitiless rainstorm is raging without.  As we have no stoves you can judge that my position, if not my disposition is not the best in the world for writing a readable article.  I will, however, endeavor to make a few extracts from my diary since leaving St. Louis, which I find covers some twenty odd pages in my note book.

Having been relieved of our prisoners at McDowell’s College, we left for St. Louis on Monday evening on the 10^th inst., on the T  L McGill, a very slow old craft, and arrived at Cairo on the morning of the 12^th.  Here our destination was changed from the Tennessee to the Cumberland.  Left Cairo in the evening and found ourselves next morning some ten or fifteen miles above Smithland.  The day was pleasant and scenery beautiful.  The Cumberland valley, if properly titled, would be one of the richest and most productive in the world.  But alas the effects of our national curse are everywhere seen.  Ill planned houses, dilapidated fences and overtaxed soils are all the improvements with few exceptions that meet the eye.  The women at the little towns and farm houses along the river generally waved some kind of a white rag and the “niggers” universally grinned us a welcome. – Very few “men folks” were to be seen.  Our fine Brass band played as we passed the towns, and its music reverberated from hill to hill, apparently charming the astonished “natyves.”

In the afternoon we overhauled the transports, thirteen in number, and five or six gunboats accompanying them.  They all moved on slowly together, making a grand spectacle never before seen in this stream.  The river was very high and admitted the largest class of steamer, such as the Alex Scott, Memphis, &c.  About 10 o’clock the wind tacked round to the north and it commenced snowing.  In the morning we found ourselves laid up against the west bank of the river.  About two inches of snow was on the ground.  The disembarkation of troops began early and most of the gun boats proceeded up the river to feel for torpedoes and get the range of the guns in the main Fort.  Our regiment, with five or six others, were soon under way to connect with those thrown across from Fort Henry.  After marching four or five miles over hill and dale we struck the left wing commanded by Gen. Smith.  This wing rested on a slough running back about two miles from the river, below the fortified hills.  We were placed in Acting Brigadier General Lauman’s Brigade on the extreme left wing.  It comprised the 7^th and 14^th Iowa, 25^th Indiana and Birge’s regiment of Sharp shooters.  The several regiments in General Lauman’s Brigade had endeavored the day previous to storm the outer Forts and were repulsed with considerable loss, being saved from a general Massacre by the faithful sharp shooters, who clung to the snowy side hills from morning till night and picked off the enemy’s gunners every time they attempted to load their heavy pieces.  The Illinois 17^th and 14^th on the right wing in General McClernand’s division, had also attempted to storm a battery and were repulsed.

Thus matters stood when our regiment, the 2^nd Iowa Infantry, arrived at the scene of action.

The gunboats were to open fire at noon when a general movement was to be made inward by the land forces.  They found the river clogged with felled trees which they had to pull out and it was fully 3 o’clock before they opened upon the fort and 4 o’clock before the firing became general.  Our regiment was chosen to charge the left wing.  The flank companies were sent out as skirmishers but before the general attack was ordered the gun boats ceased firing and the matter was laid over till the morrow.

During the forenoon of the 15^th the enemy made a desperate attempt to cut through the right wing.  Eleven regiments on our side were engaged, some of which were badly cut up.  The 11^th Illinois alone losing 68 killed and a large number wounded.  The enemy’s cavalry broke through and escaped but their infantry were driven back.  I walked over that battle field after the surrender and found it a sickening sight indeed.  The woods were literally strewn with corpses and almost every bush was shattered with balls.  At 3 o’clock in the afternoon our regiment was ordered to charge on the forts.  Col. Tuttle led the left wing in advance, and Lieut. Col. Baker the right, closely following the Colonel.  The batteries were planted on the brest [sic] of a hill which receded in deep hallows and sharp ridges towards the bottom where we had been encamped.  The dense growth of oak on the steep points had been felled down the hill and their limbs trimmed up and sharpened.  Against these we had to charge for nearly half a mile constantly exposed to the enemy’s fire without an opportunity of returning it, as green oak logs were placed on top of the embankments with loop holes through them for riflemen whom it was impossible for us to see.  Our brave fellows began to fall before the leaden storm which rained down upon us.  Capt. Cloutman of company K (Ottumwa) fell pierced through the heart.  Capt. Slaymaker of company C, (Davenport) fell shot through the abdomen, and cheered his men on with his last gasp.  Our excellent Major Chipman, fell badly wounded, and a number of other officers before which the rebels with their six shooting rifles quailed and fled.  We had just cleared about half a mile of those rifle pits when the enemy, in several interior Forts opened on us with grapeshot.  An order now came to charge the Forts and onward we moved to the attack within musket shot.  Here we stood for half an hour torn by grape and musketry, awaiting the cowardly Indiana 52^nd which was ordered to support us but got no further than a deep hollow behind us where their fired up and killed some of our men.  The gallant 7^th Iowa was then ordered forward and broke through these cowards to relieve us.  Our glorious old Colonel, who stood constantly at the head of his men, wept to see them falling around him and gave the order to fall back slowly behind the first batteries we had taken, leaving the field to the 7^th, 12^th and 14^th Iowa regiments all of whom Gen. Lauman had on the field.  But it soon became evident that our small arms were availing but little and all the troops were called back where several pieces of artillery had been brought up and kept up an exchanges of shots with the enemy until dark, when the firing ceased.  Four regiments bivouacked in the trenches.  In the morning the enemy surrendered and we marched in.

I am freezing.  In my next I will give a description of the Fort.

H. S.

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

Iowa Legislature

(Special to Burlington Hawk-Eye)

DES MOINES, Feb. 19, 1862.

The following communication was received from Adjutant General Reed [sic], and read in the House with great cheering:

ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE, Feb. 19.

Hon. C. C. CLARK, Speaker, SIR:  I have just received the following dispatch from Chicago:

To Adjutant General BAKER:  The Second Iowa acquitted themselves with great bravery at Fort Donelson, led the last and most successful charge, and have suffered terribly.  Besides the Second there were the 7^th, 10^th, 12^th and 14^th Iowa regiments in the fight.

The friends of Colonels Tuttle, Lauman, Persell, Wood and Shaw will rejoice that the glory of the fight and victory belong, and are attached to their names, and to the brave officers and soldiers under their command.

Another glorious page has been recorded in the history of Iowa, by her gallant troops in the field.  With great respect, I have the honor to rejoice in the glory of Iowa, and the triumph of Union arms.

(Signed)

N. B. BAKER, Adj’t General.     

The assembly immediately passed a joint resolution ordering the Governor and Adjutant General to procure flags to be presented to the Iowa Regiments, with such inscriptions thereon of their glorious achievements, as they may determine.

A joint resolution by Mr. Lane, of Scott, passed both Houses, tendering the thanks of the General Assembly and the people of Iowa, to our troops engaged at Fort Donelson, for their bravery.

A resolution was also adopted, authorizing the Governor to send three persons immediately to Cairo and Donelson, to look after our sick and wounded.  In obedience to this resolution, Gov. Kirkwood, Surgeon General Hughes and Dr. S. C. Brownell, of Des Moines, start to-morrow.

The bill restricting and defining the duties and powers of city courts was passed.

Also the bill for the issue of Auditors warrants, the particulars of which were sent yesterday.

SENATE. – Mr. WOOLSON presented a petition from the citizens of Henry county asking protection from quacks who have been appointed in the army.

Mr. Potter of Story and Mr. Esteb of Wayne, both democrats, appeared and were sworn in.

Mr. HATCH of Polk, Presented a bill to locate the Deaf and Dumb Asylum at Des Moines, which was referred.

The report of the Auditing Board was received and referred.

Mr. Jennings presented a bill defining the duties of Boards of Supervisors, providing that their powers may be delegated to the Clerk of the Board and that Supervisors shall have no hand in any contracts.

T. H. S.

DES MOINES, Feb. 20.

SENATE. – The President announced a special Committee on Senatorial and Representative Districts, Mr. Gue, of Scott, as Chairman.

A special Committee of five was appointed to examine into the expenditure of the annual appropriation to the Agricultural College and Farm for seeds, &c.

Mr. McCRARY, of Lee presented a petition from the Dean of the State Medical Department, asking aid from the State.  Referred to a special Committee with Mr. Shaffer, of Jefferson as chairman.

Mr. NEAL presented a bill providing that no publication shall be made of constable sales, or sheriff sales under three hundred dollars.  Publications over that sum two weeks, at option.  Referred to the Special Committee of Five.

Mr. Smith, of Jasper, presented a bill repealing the act for the sale of the State bonds.  Referred to the committee on Ways and Means.

HOUSE. -  The House passed a resolution instructing our Congressional delegation to use their influence to have Adjutant-General Baker appointed a Brigadier General.

The Military Committee reported a bill authorizing the Governor to pay the expenses of all the wounded Iowa soldiers on their return home, out of the contingent fund.

Both Houses adjourned over to give their Railroad and Des Moines river land Committees an opportunity to hold a joint session.

Information has been received at headquarters by Gen. Baker that 38 were killed and 150 wounded in the 2^nd Iowa.  The telegraph indicates that Captains Slaymaker of Davenport, and Cloutman of Ottumwa, were killed, and Major Chipman, Lieut. Holmes, of Davenport and Lieut. Ensign of Des Moines, wounded.

In the 12^th Regiment were 3 killed and 24 wounded.  In the 14^th regiment 6 killed and 50 wounded.  No particulars of the 7^th yet received.

Senator Udel of Appanoose county, and Representative Kellogg of Decatur, accompany the Governor, besides those sent you last night.

T. H. S.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3

Further From Ft. Donelson

Two more Rebel Regiments, Captured, &c., &c.

FT. DONALSON [sic], Feb. 19, via CAIRO. – Two more regiments were captured to-day, east of the entrenchments, and a number of troops have come in and delivered themselves up.

About 12,000 stand of small arms have been taken.  Many of the rebel troops destroyed their arms, and large numbers were thrown in the river.  There are two water batteries, the upper one with a heavy rifled gun, 32 pound bore, two 32-pounder carronades.  The lower battery contains eight 32-poounders and one ten inch columbiad, mounted in embrasures.  Two thousand barrels of flour and 1200 boxes of beef, and a large amount of other provisions were found to-day.

All of to-day has been occupied in embarking prisoners and gathering up stores and munitions and burying the dead.  There are a great number of dead rebels still unburied, as it has all been thrown upon our men to do.

Capt. Lagone, aide to Gen. Grant, goes to Clarksville, to-morrow, under a flag of truce with the bodies of two colonels, and to effect an exchange of our wounded prisoners, who have been sent to Nashville.

Gen. Grant received official notice, last night of the creation of a new Military District, of Western Tennessee, of which he is appointed commander, with headquarters at Ft. Donelson.

Gen. Grant’s Staff remains as at present, with Maj. W. W. Leland attached, as chief of commissary.

Osband’s cavalry and Willard’s battery suffered no loss in killed.

Taylor’s battery acted nobly, and was charged on five times on Saturday, each time repulsing the enemy with great slaughter.

Among the killed, are the following officers:

Captain Wilson, Lieutenants Marsh, Sheets, Howell and Monroe, of the 8^th Illinois.  Capt. Shaw, Lieutenants Churchill, Voore, Boyer and orderly Sargeant Bedard, of the 11^th.  Adjutant Kirkpatrick, of the 30^th.

Cols. John A. Logan, M. K. Lawler and Lieut. Col. Ransom, slightly wounded.

Maj. Post, who was reported killed, was wounded and taken prisoner.

Capt. E. T. [sic] Slaymaker, of the 2d Iowa was killed.

The Confirmation of Gen. C. F. Smith, was received with great satisfaction by the soldiers. – His gallant charge of Saturday, has made him extremely popular among his men.

Gen. S. A. Hurlbut reported for duty to Gen. Grant, this evening, and has been assigned to a division.

It is currently reported that Gov. Harris, of Tennessee, has ordered all Tennesseans to lay down their arms.

The greatest indignation exists among the prisoners against Pillow and Floyd.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3

Report Of The Finance Committee

The following is the report proper of the Finance Committee, as presented to the relief meeting on Wednesday evening:

To the donors of the fund entrusted to the Finance Committee:

Your Committee beg leave to report that they have received in all $784.20 voluntary contributions of citizens of Scott county, principally of Davenport, the receipt of which, and disbursement thereof, appearing by the following statement:

That the following is the report of the committee to us, appointed to go to Fort Donelson to render pecuniary aid and surgical aid to the Iowa volunteers, to-wit:

RECEIPTS.

Feb. 18	To am’t received at Le Claire Hall	$323.00
	Collected by Wm. Burris	48.00
	[Collected by] Lisher and Hirschl	68.50
	Collected by T. C. Campbell	44.00
	[Collected by] R. Lowry	76.75
	Amount Rec’d from A. C. Fulton	5.00
	Amount Rec’d from Oliver and Gibson	2.00
Feb. 28	Amount collected by C. H. Eldridge	76.00
Mch. 15	Amount rec’d by R. Lowry, including collection at Metropolitan Hall	77.95
	Amount rec’d from Mr. Douchne	2.00
	Amount rec’d from Dr. Saunders	1.00
Mch. 25	Am’t rec’d of J. C. Todd	5.00
	Am’t rec’d of C. Leslie	60.00	$784.20
Mch. 25	To Balance	28.10
April 2	Rec’d of Dr. McCarn ten dollars, refunded since report	10.00
	Davenport Gas Co. $5, G. E. Hubbell, $1, Capt. Dermody $1, McCosh and Donahue $5, C. S. Watkins 2	14.00
	Total collected	$836.30
	Balance on hand		$52.00

EXPENDITURES.

Feb. 18	Cash handed to Dr. McCarn	$300.00
Feb. 20	Paid to Ladies’ Association	50.00
	1 $5 found to be counterfeit	5.00
	Cash sent by express to Ira M. Gifford	150.00
	Cash paid dispatch to Dr. McCarn	1.15
	Cash paid on dispatch from Dr. McCarn	3.12
	Cash paid Stevenson & Carnahan, bill	6.00
	Cash paid on dispatch from I. M. Gifford	7.28
	Cash paid M. C. Davis, bill wounded soldiers	8.00
	Cash paid on dispatch to I. M. Gifford	1.76
	Cash paid LeClaire House, bill wounded soldiers	.60
Mch. 1	Cash paid to Luse, Lane & Co. for printing	1.00
	Cash paid to Swits, True and Davis	59.20
	Cash paid to L. G. Center	12.00
Mch. 4	Cash Paid to Swits, True and Davis, telegraphs	9.80
Mch 11.	Cash paid to L. G. Center	10.00
	Cash paid to Swits, True and Davis	59.20
	Cash paid L. G. Center for trip to Pea Ridge	50.00
	Cash paid M. C. Davis, bill wounded soldiers	.50
Mch. 22	Cash paid Dr. Maxwell for fare wounded soldiers	6.10
	Cash paid Dr. Maxwell, balance due him	2.45
Mch. 25	F. Jacoby’s bill	2.69
	Cash paid J. C. Todd for boots for Film	3.50	$756.10
	Balance on hand		28.10
			$534.20

That this committee approved of the bill of disbursements rendered by Dr. Maxwell, and have paid him the balance due him on his bill as rendered; that we disapprove of certain items in the bill of Dr. McCarn, being $10 paid out to one of the volunteer officers, and $100 paid out for the expenses of certain persons in going to and returning from Fort Donelson and other places, who were not members of the committee sent, but who went agreeing to pay their own expenses; that Dr. McCarn is entitled to a credit of $43.30 for expenditures in discharging his duty on said committee, and after deducting, that there remains due from him to this committee, of the funds entrusted to him, the sum of seventy-seven dollars and seventy cents, which we have requested that he pay over to us, and which has not been paid.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

R. LOWRY, Chairman.

W. BURRIS,

SAMUEL HIRSCHL,

T. C. CAMPBELL,

Davenport, March 28, 1862.

SUPLEMENTAL REPORT.

The said finance committee would further report to said donors as follows:

After the adoption of the foregoing report, and after Dr. McCarn had been notified by the finance committee of their final report, and shown the same, to-wit: 2d day of April, 1862, he presented to us an additional report, and the following is a copy thereof, viz:

R. LOWRY, ESQ., Chairman Finance Committee. –

DEAR SIR:  I have received the committee’s bill of exceptions to my report; also to that of Hon. R. Linderman.  In regard to the latter, I would state that, although handed in with my report, it was over his own signature, and intended as his individual report, I having had nothing to do either with the receipt of disbursement of the funds referred to, and consequently do not think it necessary for me to reply to this portion of your exceptions.

In regard to exceptions to my own report – 1^st. Amount paid Lieut. Flanagan; I am willing to refund, if the committee insist.  2d. As regards to the amount paid for extra railroad fare, &c., for Messrs. Linderman, Gifford and Burwell: I paid the same, at their request, on their honor to refund the same if objections were made, they having expended large amounts of their own funds in furthering the objects of the mission.  I thought proper not to demand of them the return of the amount paid for the above purpose; which, however, if the committee on reflection should insist upon I will do.  3d. As relates to the railroad fare paid for Page, I consider this one of the objects which the committee was appointed.

Respectfully submitted,

G. W. McCARN, Chmn. Com.

And your committee further report, that at the same time Dr. McCarn presented said additional report, he paid to our chairman the sum of ten dollars; that the one hundred and fifty dollars which said Dr. McCarn states was received by Mr. Linderman was money which this committee sent by the order of Dr. McCarn, as chairman of the visiting committee, by express to Cairo, directed to Ira M. Gifford; that same was so directed by Dr. McCarn’s order, he having gone to Mound City or some other point; and that before Dr. McCarn left Davenport for Fort Donelson he was directed by this committee not to pay the expenses of any persons from the fund entrusted to him except the members of his committee, viz: Dr. Maxwell, L. G. Center and himself, and the passage to Fort Donelson and back to Davenport of Mr. Henry Slaymaker, the brother of Captain J. S. Slaymaker.

All of which is respectfully submitted,

R. LOWRY, Chairman.

T. C. CAMPBELL,

SAMUEL HIRSCHL,

W. BURRIS,

Davenport, April 2, 1862

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 4, 1862, p. 1