Official Reports of the Battle of Shiloh: No. 30 – Col. James L. Geddes, 8th Iowa Infantry

No. 30.

Report of Col. James L. Geddes, Eighth Iowa Infantry.

VINTON, BENTON COUNTY, IOWA,

November 13, 1862.

SIR: In compliance with your request I have the honor to submit for your information a report of the part taken by the Eighth Iowa Infantry at the battle of Shiloh, fought on April 6:

About 8 o’clock on the morning of the 6th I ordered the regiment under arms and formed line of battle in front of my encampment, awaiting orders to proceed to the front. At this time the firing on our advanced line had become general, and it appeared to me evident that we were being attacked in force by the rebel general. After remaining under arms about half an hour, during which time I had ordered the baggage belonging to the regiment to be loaded on the wagons and an extra supply of ammunition to be issued to the men, I was ordered by Colonel Sweeny, Fifty-second Illinois, brigade commander, to proceed to the front. On arriving at our advanced line I was ordered by Colonel Sweeny to take my position on the left of the brigade to which I was attached, for the purpose of protecting a battery immediately in front. Here the regiment remained about one hour exposed to a severe fire from artillery of shell and grape, killing and wounding several of my men.

About 11 a.m. I was ordered by Colonel Sweeny, through his aide, Lieutenant McCullough, Eighth Iowa, to leave my position and take ground to my left and front. This change of position brought my regiment on the extreme right of General Prentiss’ division and left of General Smith's, the latter being the division to which my regiment belonged. I was thus entirely detached from my brigade, nor did I receive any order from my brigade or division commander during the remainder of that day. On arriving at the point I was ordered to defend I formed my regiment in line of battle, with my center resting on a road leading from Corinth to Pittsburg Landing and at right angles with my line. Here I immediately engaged a battalion of the enemy, and after a severe conflict of nearly an hour’s duration, in which I lost many of my men, the enemy were driven back with heavy loss. At this time Captain Hogin, Company F, was shot dead, and Captain Palmer, Company H, severely wounded.

About 1 p.m. General Prentiss placed a battery in position immediately in front of my regiment, with instructions to defend it to the last. The precision of its fire, which was directed by the general in person, made great havoc in the advancing columns of the enemy. It therefore became an object of great importance to them to gain possession of the battery. To this end they concentrated and hurled column after column on my position, charging most gallantly to the very muzzles of the guns. Here a struggle commenced for the retention and possession of the battery of a terrific character, their concentrated and well-directed fire decimating my ranks in a fearful manner. In this desperate struggle my regiment lost 100 men in killed and wounded.

The conspicuous gallantry and coolness of my company commanders (Captains Cleaveland, Stubbs, and Benson on the left; Captains McCormack and Bell in the center, and Captains Kelsey and Geddes and Lieutenant Muhs on the right, by reserving the fire of their respective companies until the proper time for its delivery with effect and the determined courage of my men) saved the battery from capture, and I had the satisfaction of sending the guns in safety to the rear.

In this attack I was wounded in the leg, Major Andrews severely in the head, and do here take pleasure in acknowledging the courage and coolness displayed by my field officers — Lieut. Col. J. C. Ferguson and Maj. J. Andrews — and the able assistance rendered by them on that occasion.

About 3 p.m. all direct communication with the river ceased, and it became evident to me that the enemy were driving the right and left flanks of our army and were rapidly closing behind us. At this time I could have retreated, and most probably would have saved my command from being captured had I been ordered back at this time; but I received no such order, and I considered it my duty to hold the position I was assigned to defend at all hazards.

General Prentiss’ division having been thrown back from the original line, I changed front by my left flank, conforming to his movements and at right angles with my former base, which was immediately occupied and retained for some time by the Fourteenth Iowa, Colonel Shaw. In this position I ordered my regiment to charge a battalion of the enemy (I think the Fourth Mississippi), which was done in good order, completely routing the enemy. We were now attacked on three sides by the rebel force, which was closing fast around us. The shells from our own gunboats in their transit severing the limbs of trees hurled them on my ranks.

It now became absolutely necessary, to prevent annihilation, to leave a position which my regiment had held for nearly ten consecutive hours of severe fighting, successfully resisting and driving back the enemy in every attempt to take the position I was ordered to hold and defend. With a loss of near 200 in killed and wounded I ordered my regiment to retire. On retiring about 300 yards I found a division of the rebels under General Polk thrown completely across my line of retreat. I perceived that further resistance was useless, as we were now completely surrounded. Myself and the major portion of my command were captured at 6 p.m. of that day, and I claim the honor for my regiment of being the last to leave the advanced line of our army on the battle-field of Shiloh on Sunday, April 6.

I cannot conclude this report without bearing testimony to the gentlemanly conduct and dignified bearing of my officers and men during their captivity. Our captors had felt the effects and well knew the courage of my regiment in the field, but had yet to learn they could conduct themselves as well under other and very trying circumstances.

Not having received any reliable information as to the true amount of casualties at the battle and during our imprisonment, I shall forward an official list as soon as practicable of killed and wounded and of such as died in Southern prisons through privation and neglect.

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

 J. L. GEDDES,

 Colonel Eighth Iowa Infantry.

 His Excellency SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD, Governor of Iowa.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume X (Serial No. 10), Part I, pages 165-7

From The Eighth Iowa Infantry

SEDALIA, Mo., March 10, 1862.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAVENPORT GAZETTE. – The time we have been wishing to arrive has, I believe, come at last.  An order has been received by our Col. ordering our regiment to the seat of war.  Orders of this kind are you know, usually exceedingly brief – simply stating the fact, and leaving the point of destination in interesting and exciting obscurity, thus giving ample scope for those in camp who have to speculate on the unseen and unknown, to exercise their speculative features.  I believe the present order commands our regiment to proceed to St. Louis so soon as railroad cars for men, baggage, mules, horses, wagons, &c. shall have been sent here in sufficient number for our removal.  When we reach St. Louis we shall probably learn more definitely where we are bound for.  From what I have been able to learn from authentic sources, it seems a brigade of Iowa troops is soon to be formed, to be commanded by Brig. Gen. McKean, and designed to take an active part in the fighting which is expected to be done in Kentucky, Tennessee or further South.  This brigade is to consist of the 6^th, 8^th, 11^th and 13^th Iowa Infantry, all of which are now stationed at different points along the Pacific RR.  One regiment will probably get off to-morrow evening or the next morning.  Our boys are all rejoiced at the prospect of meeting the enemies of our country and flag in open and fair field fight.  We are quite willing to leave “bush wacking,” for the more honorable civilized mode of warfare.  Remembering the caution, “let not him that putteth on his armor boast himself as much as he that taketh it off;” we make no promises or protestations, further than that we will do what we can to maintain in undimmed brightness, and if we are able add to the luster of that glorious halo which already surrounds the arms of the State of Iowa.  We have full confidence in our field and line officers, none less in the valor and patriotism of our men.

The order to march was received by our Col. – sent on to him by an express from Sedalia – while on

A SCOUTING EXPEDITION.

Information had been brought by refugees that an organized band, variously estimated at from 300 to 1,000, under the command of Jackman and Marchbank, recruiting officers holding the rank of Captain in Price’s army, was stealing, robbing and murdering in Bates Co. and the lower portion of Henry Co.  This information being regarded as reliable, Col. Geddes determined to pay his compliments to these armed marauders in a way they would be likely to remember.  Last Monday morning, Mch. 3d, he left Sedalia for the purpose of executing this determination.  The force which he commanded in person, consisted of the 1^st battalion 1^st Iowa cavalry, under Maj. Torrence, five Cos. 8^th Iowa infantry, under Lieut. Col. Ferguson and Maj. Andrews, three Cos. 26^th Indiana and two of the 6^th Missouri, under Maj. Clark (this battalion was sent up from Otterville,) and one section 1^st Mo. light artillery, under Lieut. Marr.  The weather was exceedingly cold, the wind blowing strong and freezing across the prairies and directly in our faces.  Nothing of interest occurred the first day out.  The second day, in temperature and wind, was like unto the first.  We passed through the village of Belmont, formerly very strongly “secesh,” now almost deserted, and thence onward to  Clinton, the county seat of Henry Co., When near this place the advance guard was ordered to charge on the town, and guard every load leading out.  This order was promptly and well executed.  When the command came up we found about 40 persons “corralled.”  A motley group this; clothed in various colored home-made linsey, divers[e] and curious head rigging in the shape of what were or had been hats and caps, with blankets white and blankets grey thrown over their shoulders and ingeniously fastened about the neck.  We had come upon the town unexpectedly, and with a rapidity which gave the fellows from the country, who were in town, no chance for escape.  Doubtless most of those we caught had been in Price’s army – perhaps some belonged to Jackman’s band. – One man was taken on a Government horse branded U. S., with a Government saddle; two we took along with us and have brought into Sedalia.  The balance, as nothing could be proved against them, were sworn en masse and turned loose. – It was a novel sight, that – forty men, more or less, with uncovered head and right hand uplifted, swear allegiance to the Constitution and the “Old Flag,” and to repudiate the Jefferson D. confederacy.  I fear they will not all keep that oath.  That night we went on to the Deep Water, and lay out in the timber on its bank.  We were well sheltered from the wind, but the ground was frozen hard, and where I lay down not very smooth.  Next Morning we were up by daylight, and by sunrise we were on our way to one Rickey’s store, a notorious stronghold and headquarters of the thieving rebel band where we expected to meet the enemy in force.  In this we were disappointed.  The rebels by some means found we were too strong for them, and ran for their hiding places like rabbits.  As we approached the store, we could see mounted men on all sides, hastening with all dispatch across the prairie to the timber.  They were too far from us, and too near the timber, to send out cavalry in pursuit.  Soon as the command came up to the store, skirmishers of infantry were sent out through the timber, and scouts of cavalry over the prairies in different directions.  Some of our skirmishers had the pleasure of exchanging shots with the rebels, and returned late in the afternoon, with a diversity of fire-arms, and many prisoners.  The cavalry were out all night, and next morning brought in between 20 and 30 prisoners and arms in proportion.  Among the prisoners was Capt. Marchbank.  The scouting party which took him got after Jackman, but he, being acquainted with the country, and well mounted, while our horses were jaded with the three days’ and one night’s hard riding, escaped their grasp.  Next evening our command started from Round Prairie, taking an occasional prisoner and fire-arm as we passed along.  Soon as the men could get at it, skirmishing and scouting parties were sent out.  Cos. C & K had a very interesting skirmish with some rebel pickets, killing one and capturing several of their horses.  We had by this time 60 or 70 prisoners, about as many firearms – rifles, muskets, shot guns, carbines, &c., - three kegs of powder, and several pounds of shot.  The afternoon and evening at headquarters were very busily occupied in examining the prisoners and administering the oath, requiring bonds, and then turning them loose, or remanding them again to the charge of our soldiers for safe conduct to this place. – Thinking that perhaps some of your readers may be curious to know what we make the fellows swear I send you a copy of the

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.

“Without mental reservation, I do most solemnly swear, in the presence of God whom I call to witness my sincerity and fidelity, that I do, and will hereafter continue to bear true and faithful allegiance to the Government of the United States and to the old flag, ‘the stars and stripes;’ that I do, and will forever repudiate all allegiance to, or sympathy with the so-called Confederate States of America; and that I will never aid or abet, or render any assistance or comfort by word or act, or in any way or manner to the so-called Confederate States of America, so help me God.”  This oath was gotten up by one of our number for the occasion, and was taken by no less than thirty-six, whose names and places of residence I have carefully recorded.

While at Round Prairie the order to go South reached our Colonel.  It was his intention to give the rebels in that neighborhood a longer benefit, but the order cut our visit short.

Friday morning we took the back track, bringing along with us several Union refugee families whose neighbors would not allow them to remain.  This action of the refugees – coming away under the protection of our command – excited still more the ire of their enemies, who hung in squads about our rear threatening an attack, which, however, they were prudent enough not to attempt.  This afternoon information was brought Col. Geddes that a band of about 150 rebels were skulking in some timber a little off our line of march.  He immediately sent out a detachment of cavalry who engaged in a skirmish with them, but neither killed or captured any.  In this skirmish a man was slightly wounded in the neck by two buckshot, and his horse was killed.  This was the only casualty in our command.  We went in camp Friday night having marched that day 34 miles.

Saturday we came on to Sedalia.  The command came in about 4 P. M., making 36 miles.  It will be seen that in less and two days we marched 70 miles.  This, I think, will be admitted on all hands, as very good marching for Infantry, even though they did ride in wagons drawn by mules.  The aggregate distance was about 150 miles, exclusive of the extra miles, and they were many – travelled by skirmishers and scouting parties.

We brought in with out about 30 prisoners, who in due time will be tried, and some of them, I think, sent to the penitentiary at Alton.

The country through which we passed was very fine indeed.  I cannot conceive of a better agricultural country.  Our course was southwest through broad rich prairies, well supplied with timber and streams of water.

It has not yet transpired what Infantry regiment will take our place here.  Nearly all the 1^st Iowa Cavalry are now here, the balance will be in a few days.

I hope to write you again before many days, and to have the satisfaction of dating my letter many miles south of Sedalia.  I trust the onward movement may be pressed with activity and vigor, till secessionists are swept from “Secessia” into the Southern Gulf.  Let us nail to the flag-staff a red flag on which is emblazoned in indelible characters the watchword “Forward to victory,” and bear it in advance of the glorious old “Stars and Stripes,” till this revered ensign floats triumphantly over the tomb of Rebellion, and the dishonored ashes of traitors.

Yours, &c.

C.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 15, 1862, p. 1

From The Eighth Iowa Regiment

SEDALIA, Mo., Feb. 25, 1862.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAVENPORT GAZETTE:  While many of our friends and neighbors whose good fortune it has been to be connected with regiments more favored than ours, have been doing honor to their State by their gallantry and veteran bravery at Belmont and Forts Henry and Donelson, we have been discharging our duty in guarding this post.  This duty, though not so exciting so desirable as more active service, is of imperative necessity to the States; so that while no halo of glory from victories ever hangs around our regiment, yet we find solace in the fact, that though the service we are rendering is less distinguished and brilliant that is our choice, still it is an absolutely necessary service.  But even with this fact in our minds, when we read of the exploits of our brother regiments, and with sincerest joy rejoice in their valor and success, we cannot but wish, please Gen. Halleck, that we were among them.

Camp life at a post is very much of a sameness – one day in camp bears a striking similarity to another; so much so, that one cannot remember the days of the week without recurring to the almanac.  This failing of memory is peculiarly prevalent with respect to Sunday – reveille, company drill, battalion drill; dress parade, tattoo and taps, are the regular daily programme.  Occasionally something occurs to disarrange this clock work-like regularity; for instance,

A SCOUNTING EXPEDITION.

Several scouting parties, of which the Iowa 8^th or companies of it, usually formed a part, have been sent out into the adjoining counties.  Our boys like these excursions very much.  They afford excitement and change, and they usually have the satisfaction of quartering at night upon some notorious secesh who is well known to the guide.  The most successful scouting party in which we have participated returned to camp early on Monday morning, Feb. 17^th.  The scout consisted of three companies 1^st Iowa Cavalry, under Capt. Thompson, who had command of the expedition, and companies G and F 8^th Iowa Infantry, under command of Capt. Stubbs.  The scout left Sedalia Saturday afternoon, marched all night, and before daylight reached Warsaw.  They were in pursuit of a battalion of 500 rebels who were en route for Price’s army.  The main body of the rebels had crossed the Osage the evening before our troops arrived.  The officers had remained on this side at the house of Judge Wright, expecting to cross and join the battalion next morning.  But

“The best laid schemes of mice and men

Gang aft aglee.”

The fact that rebel officers were in Judge Wright’s house was communicated to the officer commanding the expedition.  He immediately placed a guard about the house and the first thing the rebel officers knew of the move was a request from the proper authority, that they deliver over their side arms.  The prisoners taken, were Brig. Gen. Price, son of the “old man,” Maj. Gen. Price, the hope and life of secession in this State; Col. Dorsey, Maj. Cross, Surgeon General of the rebel army in Mo., and a staff officer, of Maj. Gen. Price; Capt. Innis, and a dozen or more less distinguished individuals, commonly called privates. – The daughter of Judge Wright, who still retains her dislike to the “Federals,” seemed quite chagrined at this affair, and especially that Brig. Gen. Price should be captured in her father’s house.  She requested the officer who had the Brig. Gen’s. side arms, to give her one of the pistols.  He asked what she wished of it.  Her reply was , “to shoot you.”  Thus much for Missouri feminine chivalry!

This capture all things considered is one of the most important that has been made in this State.  The officers taken are high in rank and influence, and beside, by their timely capture, Maj. Gen. Price has in all probability lost a battalion, who might have rendered him efficient service had they reached the main army.  The honor of this capture belongs jointly to the 1^st Iowa cavalry and the 8^th Iowa infantry.  I see in a notice of the affair, in the “Missouri Democrat,” justice is done Capt. Stubbs, but unfortunately he is reported in print as belonging to the 6^th Iowa.  I have heard too that the same mistake has been made by some of the Iowa papers – perhaps taken from the “Democrat.”  It was the 8^th Iowa infantry who were on hand this time.

CHANGE IN THE FORCES AT SEDALIA.

I presume you have heard through other sources, that various regiments which were here and hereabout, have been ordered away – mostly South.  The force now here is composed of the 8^th Iowa infantry, 1^st battalion, 1^st Iowa cavalry and two sections of the 1^st Missouri artillery.  From present appearances this is likely to be the force at Sedalia for some time to come.

This is an important post which must be held, and if we were removed some other troops would have to take the position immediately.  We would be very glad to give favorable position here to any regiment Gen. Halleck may choose to send and with his permission, hasten down to Fort Donelson, Nashville or any other place where there is a prospect of fighting.

CHANGE IN FIELD OFFICERS.

Col. Fred. Steele, late of the 8^th Iowa, has been appointed Brigadier General of volunteers.  His promotion caused a vacancy in our field officers.  Lieut. Col. Geddes, who has been in command of the regiment ever since we entered the field, and who has shown himself a gentleman and every inch a thorough and experienced soldier was elected Colonel by acclamation; Major Ferguson, who has always shown himself equal to every occasion, was unanimously elected Lieut. Colonel; and Capt. Joseph Andrews, of Co. F, whose well disciplined company proves him an able officer, was elected Major.  The names of these officers have been forwarded to the Governor of Iowa, and I understand must meet his approval; so I suppose the commissions will soon be forthcoming.  It would be easy to say much in praise of these officers, to point to many characteristics of each, which give proof of energy and efficiency, but in their unanimous election to their respective offices they have received from those best qualified to judge a higher testimonial of confidence and esteem for them, as men and soldiers, than any mere eulogium could express.

THE CONDITION OF THE REGIMENT.

Since Col. Geddis [sic] has been in command of this post, our regiment has obtained a full compliment of new “Sibley” tents. – These tents are each provided with a small stove, which warms it very comfortably.  In some of the tents, a small cooking stove, purchased by the “mess” at a trifling expense per man, takes the place of the stoves furnished by the Government, and is very convenient for cooking purposes.  In the tents thus furnished, the boys, to describe their condition in their own language, “live at home.”  In one of my turns through the new camp, I came upon a mess at supper.  I saw fritters and crullers in their rude cupboard, made by some of the boys, and I know by experiment that the crullers were not unworthy the skill of an experienced Hawkeye house-keeper.

The two lost companies, E and K, which for near three months were on de-tached service, and attached to Jennison’s brigade, have returned.  They do not seem to be very favorably impressed with “Jayhawking,” and are as glad to return to their regiment as we are to receive them.  We have now our full compliment of companies, and make a very respectable appearance on dress parade.

On the new camping ground a tall pole has been raised, and from its top floats the glorious “stars and stripes.”  Our secesh neighbors for miles around can look at it, as in obedience to the morning or evening breeze it spreads out its ample folds, symboling prosperity and liberty to all who will return under its shadow.

HOSPITAL AND SANITARY CONDITION.

The change in the force stationed at this post has occasioned a corresponding change in the hospital arrangements.  The sick belonging to the regiments ordered away have been taken to St. Louis.  This left room in the post hospital for the sick of the command remaining at this post.  Consequently our regimental hospital was closed, and our sick transferred to the post hospital.  In the mean time, Dr. Bordie, “Surgeon of the fifth division of the army of the Missouri,” received the information that his nomination had not been confirmed by Congress; this sent him back to private life.  An order came from Gen. Halleck appointing Surgeon Irwin, of the 8^th Iowa, to the charge of the post hospital.  Surgeon I. entered upon the duties of his new position with his accustomed energy and promptness.  He selected for steward, warden, nurses &c., men from our regiment, who had been tried and were found to be qualified for the positions.  We now have in good working order a well arranged, well ventilated and well furnished hospital, one which we would not be ashamed for any of our Iowa friends to visit, containing an upper and lower ward, dispensary, dining room, kitchen, convalescent room, &c.  There is also a room off the dining room furnished with a stove, which is used as a chapel.  Our chaplain preaches there Sabbath morning, and a social prayer meeting is held in the evening.  Those of the citizens who choose to attend are cordially welcomed at either or both services.

The health of our regiment is improving.  We have fewer cases of typhoid fever and pneumonia, and the few bad cases we have are treated more successfully, as we can now make our patients more comfortable and give them proper attention.  We can report fit for duty about 750 men, all of whom would be glad to illustrate their fitness for active service by engaging in the impending battle at Nashville.  It affords me great pleasure to be able to make this favorable statement.  Our regiment has suffered severely from disease.  This suffering was made known to our friends in Iowa.  They kindly sent us supplies when we most needed them, and now we are reaping the fruits of their kindness.  We are to-day a very respectable regiment in numbers and physical strength and courage, and are still recruiting from the hospital.  Last evening Dr. Hoffmeister, assistant surgeon, vice P. B. Clark resigned, arrived and this morning entered upon his duties.  We are favorably impressed with his appearance and from the manner in which he took hold, gives promise, when he has “learned the ropes,” of an energetic and efficient assistant.

Our regiment now presents a very promising appearance, and the scouting parties in which the boys are frequently sent out, afford exercise and excitement which go very far toward making them healthy, cheerful and vigorous.  I am however, fully satisfied that the dose which would most quickly depopulate our hospital and place us firmly on our feet, would be an order from Gen. Halleck to strike tents and march South immediately.

HOW THE NEWS OF RECENT VICTORIES WAS RECEIVED.

We have a telegraph from St. Louis to this place, and very shortly after the fall of Fort Donelson was known in St. Louis, the good news was telegraphed to our Colonel.  Soon it spread through the camp, and in less time that you could think, our rifled cannon were unlimbered, and the glad tidings were heralded in thunder tones form their fiery throats.  Of course we soldiers were jubilant – so were the Union men in and about the town, but I fancy the secessionists could not sing of the sound,

“Harmonious to the ear.”

I suspect it grated somewhat harshly.

The well authenticated news that Gen. Curtis has driven price into Arkansas, was received by the loyal inhabitants of this State with even greater joy than the fall of Fort Donelson.  Price is the life and hope of secession in this State.  While he was in the Southern part of the state, the property of Union men everywhere outside of Federal pickets, was liable to be stolen or destroyed, while secessionists were firm and defiant.  Already there is a change.  The Union men breathe more freely, and secessionist come in by the scores to take the oath.  Many, perhaps the very large majority, do this to recover damages from property they have lost, and it is quite surprising how hard some of them will swear when a horse or a mule is at stake; but if there is a chance of recovering a “contraband,” they will swear to nearly anything, or in any way, till black in the face, for that matter, if thereby the negro can be carried back into slavery.  The sorest spot a slave-holding secesh can be touched, is to take away his negroes.  They will bear the loss of horses, mules, forage, etc., with philosophical patience, but if a slave escapes, then a wound is inflicted which exasperates beyond measure, and admits of no healing but the return of the fugitive.

A commission for investigating the loyalty of the many applicants for damage, and for settling their claims against the government, has been appointed.  Lieut. Col. Ferguson is presiding officer of the commission, and the loyalty of the individuals making claims is examined with great care, strictness and impartiality.  If a man is suspected, after being sworn, he is required to give bail from $1,000 to $5,000 that he will keep the oath.  The bail as much as possible, is taken from secesh, and this arrangement has a wonderful power in making their consciences tender and susceptible to the binding and sacred character of an oath.  I think hereafter even a Mo. Secessionist’s oath may be relied upon, as probably to be kept.

Yours truly, C.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 5, 1862, p. 2

Major Andrews Alive

The information which we derived from a private letter and published Thursday [sic], announcing the death of Major Andrews, appears to have been incorrect. The gallant Major passed through town on the western train on Thursday. He is badly wounded, and has a ball in the right side of his head. He is carried on a couch being unable to move about, but is hoped he will recover.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, April 21, 1862, p. 1


Note: The article erroneously reporting the death of Major Andrews was published under the headline “8th Iowa Regiment,” and extracted a letter written by Orville Fluke of the 8th Iowa Infantry to his father T. K. Fluke. It was published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Friday, April 18, 1862 and not Thursday the 17th.

8th Iowa Regiment

Orville Fluke, of the 8th regiment, writes his father, Mr. T. K. Fluke, of this county, from Pittsburg under the date of the 8th inst. We make a few extracts from his letter. ‘Major Andrews of our regiment is dead. He was mortally wounded in the neck yesterday, and died this morning. One of Co. B just came in and says that Orlando (his brother) was wounded yesterday about noon in the arm, and has been sent down the river. I have also heard that the Captain of Co. F is among the killed.’ ‘The 8th did nobly, and bravely sustained the well earned reputation of our Iowa soldiers. They were in the thickest of the fight all the time. The were supporting a battery all day yesterday. The rebels repeatedly charged upon them to take it, but were driven back. They finally succeeded in flanking them, and as the 8th had not learned any such thing as retreat in their tactics, they were taken prisoners. The enemy then began to retreat and soon fled in confusion, leaving the arms of the 8th on the field.’

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 18, 1862, p. 1