Justin C. Kennedy, Lt. Col. Commanding, 13th Iowa Infantry to Nathaniel B. Baker, Adjutant General of Iowa, April 27, 1865

Head Quarters 13^th Iowa Inf. Vet. Vol.

Near Raleigh, N.C. April 27, 1865

N. B. Baker

Adjt. Genl. of Iowa

Sir,

I have been shown the report of Col. Geo. A. Stone, 25^th Iowa Vol. Comdg. 3^rd Brig. 1^st Div. 15^th A. C. published in the Mt. Pleasant “Home Journal” of April 14, 1865. Of the part taken by them in the capture of Columbia, S. C. in which appears the following sentence: “Preceding to the State House with Captain Pratt I planted the first United States flag on that building.” Begging Col. Stones pardon, I am obliged to say he did no such a thing. I planted the first United States flag on the capital building of South Carolina myself. A detachment of my regiment the 13^th Iowa Vet. Vol. Inf. with Lieutenants Goodsell and McArthur of Genl. Belknap’s Staff were the first to into Columbia, S.C on the morning of February 17, 1865 and the colors of the 13^th Iowa were hoisted over the capital building from half to three-fourths of an hour before Col. Stones Brigade reached the building and I defy contradiction to that fact.

For further proof, I respectfully refer you to the report of Brigadier General Wm. W. Belknap, commanding Iowa Brigade of the 17^th Army Corps. for the part they acted in the memorable campaign of the Carolina’s. Also, the congratulatory letter of Brvt. Maj. Genl. Giles A. Smith to General Belknap for the capture of Columbia, which was published in the Army and Navy Journal of April 8, 1865 – and his official note to Maj. Genl. Blair of Feb. 17, 1865 which said:

“The colors of the 13^th Iowa were suspended over the capital at eleven o’clock this forenoon. National salute is now being fired by Captain Clayton 1^st Minnesota Battery to commemorate this event.”

I have these statements and particularly refer you to these official documents out of justice to the brave men of my regiment. They crossed Congaree River, a swift and turbulent stream opposite the city, in flat boats not to get ahead of anyone for the detachment that first crossed and entered Columbia, were entirely ignorant of the approach of the 15^th Corps. The hazardous undertaking was accomplished merely as an act of duty for we thought Columbia could be captured in that way.

I am, General,

very respectfully

your Obt. Servt.,

J. C. Kennedy

Lt. Col. Comdg. 13^th Iowa Infy.

13^th

Raleigh N. C.

Apr 27/65

Lt. Col. J. C. Kennedy

States that Col Stone of the 25^th Iowa is mistaken in saying that he was the first to plant the stars and stripes on the capitol at Columbia S. C.

Filed May 26 1865

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