Gen. Wallace

The Brig. Gen. W. H. L. Wallace, who is reported killed at the lat battle in Tennessee, is supposed by many of our citizens, to be Gen. Lew. Wallace.  This surmise we have no doubt is incorrect.  We think the telegraph has the name right, and that the deceased is the Wallace who, as colonel of an Indiana regiment, has figured somewhat conspicuously around Cairo and Paducah during the past season.  He, we believe, commanded a brigade at Fort Donelson.  Gen. Lew. Wallace won his first star in Western Virginia, and his second at Fort Donelson, which was his first fighting in the western department.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 10, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

From Washington

Tribune Correspondence

WASHINGTON, March 2.

The House judiciary committee will tomorrow report favorably on the Senate bill, making the final awards of the commissioners appointed to audit claims against the government, incurred in the Western department.

The President will nominate as Major Generals, Brig Gens. Grant, McClernand, and Wallace, who commanded divisions at the battle of Fort Donelson, and as Brigadier Generals the Colonels commanding brigades there.  Subordinate officers will also receive proper promotion.

The President, through the Secretary of war, will in his order of the day, accompanying the announcement of these deserved rewards of valor, strive to pay the just tribute to every man; high or low in rank, who contributed to the glorious result. – Flag officer Foote and his brave sailors will doubtless not be forgotten.

Special to the World.

The policy of the government is energetically directed toward supporting the loyal feeling in the attitude of resistance.  Abundant evidence is afforded that the truly loyal feeling exists which, although for some time overpowered and silenced, is now ready to avail itself of the presence of the U. S. forces for its manifestation, in meeting the enemy in battle.

Times’ Dispatch.

Gen. Buell telegraphed to Gen. McClellan, last night, that the rebels have abandoned Murfreesboro and are in full retreat towards the Tennessee river.  Crossing this river will place them in Alabama and free Middle Tennessee of every armed rebel force.  Inasmuch as the enemy retreat along a railroad line, tearing up the rails as they pass, it will be difficult for Gen. Buell to catch them.

It is announced the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers will be opened this week to free and unrestricted commerce, under the order of the Secretary of the Treasury.

WASHINGTON, March 3.

The Secretary of the Navy received a letter to-day, dated Cairo, Feb. 27^th, from Flag Officer Foote, who says, I have the honor to forward a communication from Lieut. Commanding Bryant, the substance of which I have just telegraphed.  The captain of the steamer who brings the dispatch says, that six miles below Nashville, there was a battery which mounted 15 guns, but several of them were thrown into the river before the Cairo arrived.

He also reports a strong Union feeling manifested in and near Nashville, and that Gov. Harris, after vainly attempting to rally the citizens and others, left on Sunday for Memphis.  He also reports that the gunboats were welcomed by the people at Nashville and other points on the Cumberland river, and that on hearing of my arrival, supposing the gunboats would proceed immediately to Nashville, the enemy retreated panic stricken.  The unusually high water of the river enabling the boats to ascend the river is providential.

The following is the enclosure in Flag officer Foote’s letter:

NASHVILLE, Feb. 28.

To Flag-officer Foote, commanding, &c.

Sir: Uncertain that my letter of the 23d inst. reached you, I repeat that I departed from Clarksville for this point by the request of Brig. Gen. Smith, commanding at Clarksville, and arrive here this morning, preceded by several steamboats conveying an army commanded by Brig. Gen. Nelson.  The troops landed without opposition.  The banks of the river are free from hostile forces.  The railroad and suspension bridges are all destroyed.  Very respectfully,

A. C. BRYANT, Lieut. Com.

The following is an abstract of the tax bill reported to-day.  It provides for the appointment by the President of a commissioner of internal revenue, with a salary of $5,000 per annum; his office to be in the Treasure Department, with a suitable number of clerks.  The country is to be divided as the president may direct, into convenient collection districts, with an assessor and collector appointed by the President, for each district, who shall have power to appoint such deputies as may be necessary.

The bill provides for a duty on spirituous liquors of 15 cents per gallon.

The Baltimore & Ohio R. R. is being rapidly rebuilt and will soon be in running order.  About 40 miles of iron and cross ties have been carried off by the rebels.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 4, 1862, p. 1

From Cairo

CAIRO, Feb. 26.

The casualties of the battle of Fort Donelson will run up much higher than was at first supposed, at least five hundred were killed outright and the wounded of both parties were picked up together, and have not yet been separated.  The rebels are cared for the same as our own men, and to get a correct list of our men will require some time.

Most of our sick and wounded have been sent to Paducah and Mound City; those remaining here will be transferred as soon as it is advisable to do so.  Col. John A Logan is quite feeble, but is not considered to be in a dangerous condition.  Col. Morrison is rapidly convalescing.  Capt. Hanna, of the 8^th Illinois died from the effects of his wounds at Fort Donelson.

Gen. Hurlbut is commandant of the post at Fort Donelson, and Gen. Lew Wallace at Fort Henry.

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

Particulars of the Terrible Battle at Fort Donelson

The Troops Engaged.

Daring Bravery of the Iowa Boys.

The 2d and 7th Iowa Charge at the Point of the Bayonet.

They are the First to mount the Enemy’s Works.

The Correspondence relative to the Surrender.

BATTLE-FIELD NEAR FT. DONELSON,

February 16.

A most bloody battle was fought yesterday on the right wing of our force in the rear of the enemy’s works, in which the first and second brigades of Gen. McClernand’s division were engaged.  The fights commenced at daylight by the enemy firing some grape into the 31st & 29th Illinois regiments, which were encamped near the right.  The west brigade, Col. R. I. Oglesby commanding, was immediately drawn up in line, after the following order – the 18th Illinois, Col. Lander, on the extreme right; 8th Ills., Lieut. Col. Rhodes commanding; 38th Ills., Lieut. Col. Dennis commanding, followed by the 29th, Col. Reardon, which supported the right of Stewart’s battery of light artillery, with the 31st, Col. John A. Logan, on the extreme left and supporting the left of Stewart’s battery – all Illinois regiments.

The second brigade, Col. W H. Wallace commanding, consisted of the 11th, Lieut. Col. Ransom in command; 20th, Col. C. Carroll Marsh, and 45th – all Illinois regiments – with McAllister’s and Taylor’s batteries, and four siege guns.  The attacking force of the enemy was about 12,000 men.  The position of the ground was such that not more than one of our regiments could operate at the same time, while the rebels could bring nearly their whole force to bear against us.

The first regiment to receive the rebels was the 18th, which fought with a desperate courage until their ammunition became exhausted, when they were forced to retire with a loss of officers and men, and were replaced by the 8th regiment, which fought with like bravery, but they, too, were driven back after disbursing their ammunition and in turn were replaced by the 18th, which also fell back in turn.  Meanwhile the other regiments were lending such feeble aid as their position would admit.

Lew Wallace was then ordered to reinforce McClernand, and he sent two brigades of his division from the center.

The 31st regiment, Col. Logan, fought like veterans who never had any other occupation, and struggled, defending Capt. Schwartz’s battery, under the most galling fire of the enemy, until every horse at the battery was killed, with the officers who had charge of the guns, as well as Lieut. Col. White.

Capt. Rigby, acting Major, and seven Captains, and a number of Lieutenants, of the 31st had been killed, with Col. Logan wounded.

Being nearly surrounded by the rebels, Capt. Edwin S. Cook, who was left in command, drew the regiment, or what remained of it, off the field; but not until their last round was expended, and they had commenced to drive the rebels before them.

The second brigade now came up and took the place of the retired one and fought desperately, loosing a great number in killed and wounded, when, with the assistance of a portion of Wallace’s division, the 49th and 59th Ohio, with Taylor’s battery, which was stationed on a hill near by us, the rebels came up they opened fire upon them and drove a portion of them back into their entrenchments, while a large portion still occupied the ground they had gained.  The object of the rebels was evidently to cut their way through our troops.

In the afternoon Gen. Grant saw that something should be done to restore the spirits of our disheartened troops, and ordered Gen. Smith to make an assault on the west wing of the enemy’s works.  Gen. Smith, as quick as horse flesh could carry him, rode along his lines, and ordered his men to prepare for a charge, which caused shouts of joy to ring along his lines.  Without a moment’s unnecessary delay, Col. Lauman’s brigade – the 2d and 7th Iowa, and the 11th and 25th Indiana – charged up to the enemy’s redoubt, driving the rebels before them at the point of the bayonet like frightened sheep, and gaining possession of their outworks.

Gen. Smith behaved like one inspired with the determination of gaining continual victories.  He could be seen riding along the lines, with his hat swinging on the top of his sword, in the thickest of the fight, encouraging his men and cheering them on to victory, regardless of the deadly missiles flying around him.

The Colonel of the 2d Iowa was the first to mount the enemy’s works with his men close in his wake.

The storming was complete.  Our troops gained a position inside of their works when they lay on their arms all night, prepared to follow up their success in the morning.

The 7th Illinois, Col. Cook, followed up as a reserve and part of his regiment got into the action, while the balance acted as skirmishers with the sharpshooters.  After Gen. Smith had gained his position inside the entrenchments Gen. Grant sent word of his success to the right wing and ordered Gen. McClernand and Wallace to return their attack, when the 1st and 2d brigades, which had been in the bloody affair in the morning, with McClernand’s division and 2d brigade of Wallace’s division, made a fresh assault upon the enemy, regained the ground they had lost and pushed forward close to the left of their fortifications, and then lay on their arms prepared to act in concert with Gen. Smith’s column this Sunday morning, when a most desperate attempt will be made to carry the whole of the rebels batteries and fortifications.

We will either be in possession of the fort this noon, or suffer the most bloody defeat that ever befell an army.  It is now six o’clock and yet I have heard no firing of any account this morning.  There appears to be a lull that is not understood.

The following are among the killed and wounded.  Killed – Lt. Col. Smith, 48th Illinois; Lt. Col. Cowan, 20th Illinois; Lt. Col. White, 31st Ill.  Wounded – Col. John A. Logan, 31st Illinois, slightly; Col. M. K. Lawless, 18th Ill., slightly; Col. O. Carroll Marsh, 20th Ill, slightly; Col. W. R. Morrison, 49th Ill., slightly; Lt. Col. Ransom, 11th Ill., slightly.

SECOND DISPATCH.

FORT DONELSON, Feb. 16.

Fort Donelson is ours.  The garrison, consisting of 15,000 men, and Gens. Buckner and Johnson, surrendered to Gen. Grant this morning.  Our troops now occupy the fort.

Floyd and Pillow have escaped.  Some say that Floyd was shot by his own men in attempting to do so.  Particulars will follow this as soon as they can be obtained.

The number of cannon captured is 48 field pieces, and 17 heavy guns in position; also, and incalculable amount of quartermaster and commissary stores.

THIRD DISPATCH.

FT. DONELSON, Feb. 16.

The force of the rebels quartered here according to the statement of their Adjutant General, was 25,000.  This whole force, with the exception of four regiments which escaped last night and those lost in action, have fallen into our hands.

The General Johnson taken is Gen. D. B. [sic] Johnson, of Tennessee.

The loss of the rebels in yesterday’s fight, according to their own accounts, range from 8,000 to 10,000.

As many of the prisoners as can be carried will immediately be sent to Cairo, in charge of Capt. W. S. [Hillyer], aid to Gen. Grant.

The following correspondence passed between Gen. Grant, commanding the Federal forces and Gen. S. B Buckner, commanding the Confederates:

GEN. BUCKNER TO GEN. GRANT.

HEADQUARTERS, FT. DONELSON,

Feb. 16.

SIR: – In consideration of all the circumstances governing the present situation of  affairs at this station, I propose to the commanding officer of the federal forces the appointment of commissioners to agree upon terms of capitulation of the forces and post under my command, and in that view suggest an armistice until 2 o’clock to-day.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

Your ob’t serv’t,

S. B. BUCKNER,

Brig. Gen’l C. S. A.

To Brig. Gen’l U. S. GRANT, Brig. Gen’l U. S. A.

LETTER OF INSTRUCITON TO THE BEARER OF THE DISPATCH.

HEADQUARTERS, FORT DONELSON,

February 16th.

Maj. Crosby will take or send by an officer to the nearest picket of the enemy, the accompanying communication to Gen. Grant and request information of the point where future communication will reach him.  Also inform him that my headquarters will be for the present in Dover.

S. B. BUCKNER.

P. S. Have the white flag hoisted on Ft. Donelson, not on the battery.

(Signed,)

S. B. BUCKNER,

Brig. Gen.

GEN GRANT’S REPLY.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY IN THE FIELD,

NEAR FT. DONELSON, Feb. 16.

To Gen. Buckner, Confederate Army:

Yours of this date, proposing an armistice and appointment of commissioners to settle terms of capitulation, is just received.  No terms except unconditional and immediate surrender will be accepted.  I propose to move immediately upon your works.

I am very respectfully, Your ob’t serv’t,

(Signed,)

U. S. GRANT,

Brig.-Gen. Commanding.

GEN. BUCKNER’S LETTER OF SURRENDER.

Headquarters, Dover, Tenn., Feb. 16.

Brig. Gen. Grant, U. S. A. – Sir:  The distribution of the forces under my command incident to an unexpected change of commanders, and the overwhelming force under your command, compel me, notwithstanding the brilliant success of the Confederate arms yesterday, to accept the ungenerous and unchivalrous terms which you propose.  I am, dear sir, your very ob’t servant.

S. B. BUCKNER,

Brig. Gen. C. S. A.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 2

By Telegraph

WASHINGTON, February 17.

Gen. McClellan has received a dispatch fully confirming the capture of Fort Donelson.

ST. LOUIS, February 17.

Dispatches from Gen. Grant to Gen. Halleck announce the surrender of Fort Donelson with 15,000 prisoners, including Johnston [sic], Pillow and Buckner.

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 17.

Further official advices from Fort Donelson say Gen. Floyd escaped during the night with 5,000 men, and the rebels in the fort denounced him as a black hearted traitor and coward.

The enemy are known to have had thirty thousand troops, fifteen thousand of whom are our prisoners.  Five thousand escaped, and the balance are reported killed, wounded or otherwise disabled.

Our loss is not stated, but the slaughter in our ranks is mentioned as terribly severe.

Previous to the surrender our forces en route had most all arrived.

Gen. Halleck intended to leave to-day, but orders for preparations were countermanded on receipt of Fort Donelson dispatches.

The steamer John Warner left to-day with Gen. Hamilton, the 25th Mo. Regiment and 3d Mich. Battery, for the Tennessee river.

The greatest activity prevails at the Arsenal here, backing cartridges and loading shell for shipment down the river.

It is reported on high military authority that Gen. Curtis captured most of Price’s men after leaving Springfield, including his Chief Adjutant.

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 17.

Fort Donelson surrendered at 9 o’clock yesterday morning to the land force.  The gun boats were present at the time.

An immense amount of war material is among the trophies of the victory.

Floyd skulked away the night before the surrender.

The gun boat Carondolet, Capt. Walker, arrived at Cairo with the news.

A large number of our wounded have been brought to the Paducah and Cairo Hospitals.

This city is wild with excitement and joy.  The news was received at the Union Merchants exchange, creating the most intense enthusiasm.  The Star Spangled Banner, the flag of our Union, and Red White and Blue were sung by all present, after which they adjourned and marched to the army headquarters, 120 to 150 strong, where three rousing cheers were given for Halleck and Foote.  Halleck appeared at the window and thanked the people for their hearty demonstrations and said: “I promised, when I came here, that with your aid I would drive the enemies of our flag from your State.  This has been done and they are virtually out of Kentucky and soon will be out of Tennessee.”

More cheers were given for the Union, the Star Spangled Banner was repeated, and the crowd dispersed.

Judge Holt wept for joy when he heard the news.  Many stores are closed, and the city is being decorated with flags, and evidences of great joy are everywhere manifest.

Gov. Yates, Sec. Hatch and Auditor Dubois, of Ills., left for Ft. Donelson this forenoon, to look after the wounded Illinois troops.

A requisition has been made for all the steamboats in this vicinity, to be held in readiness for the transportation of troops and Government stores.

ST. LOUIS, February 17.

The casualties on the gun-boats at Fort Donelson are as follows: St. Louis, 3 killed, including P. R. Riley of Cincinnati.  Two wounded, among them Lieut. Kendall, slightly.  Louisville, 5 sailors killed; 4 slightly wounded and 2 severely, each having both arms shot away.  Carondelet, 4 killed and 6 badly wounded, including Wm. Hunter.  Pilot, 2 severely.  Pittsburg, 2 wounded.

The force en route for Fort Donelson, had mostly come up and were located on the left.

Gen. Lew Wallace, with the 8th Missouri and 11th Indiana arrived Friday.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 1

From Grant’s Expedition

FORT DONELSON INVESTED.

A Battle Progressing.

THE SEVENTH IOWA AGAIN WINNING LAURELS.

CAIRO, Feb. 14.

Capt. C. M. Williard, Co. A. Chicago Light Artillery, left Fort Henry day before yesterday, at half-past ten o’clock, and has just reached this city.

From him we learn that the Artillery left Fort Henry for Fort Donelson between three and four o’clock on the morning of the 12^th, with six regiments of infantry.  Gen. Grant, Staff, and Body Guard left at ten a. m. on the same day.  The rear guard left at two p. m.  The whole force was 40,000 men, with twenty-seven pieces of light artillery.

At four o’clock in the morning of the same day, eleven regiments left Paducah under convoy of the gunboats, to go up the Cumberland river, making the whole force over 50,000 men.  The gunboats expected to reach Fort Donelson at seven o’clock yesterday.  It was designed to attack Fort Donelson with the whole force yesterday afternoon.

Eight regiments of Infantry, two batteries of artillery, and six companies of cavalry (including two of Regulars), have petitioned the United States Senate to confirm Brigadier General Smith, as they would rather serve under him than any other General in the West.  Every commissioned officer in the two brigades signed the application except two.

Ferree, the Chicago Tribune’s correspondent at Paducah, was ordered to leave that place [instantly] on the first boat, up or down.  The first boat happening to be going up the Tennessee river, the “Chevalier” left on the first boat upstream, which was the way he did not want to go, but the order was imperative.

CAMP IN FIELD, NEAR FT. DONELSON,

Feb. 13 – 12:30 P. M.

Fort Donelson is invested by our troops. – Our lines are formed from right to left, from north to south, nearly surrounding the fort.

Heavy cannonading and skirmishing has been going on since 7 1-2 o’clock a. m.  Owing to the extent of our line of action, little can be learned of the result.  I hear however, that the Captain of Company I, 7^th Illinois has been killed.

Gen. McClernand’s division is opening on the right, Maj. Gen. Smith on the left.

We had but one gun boat to play upon the fort until within the last half hour, since when the other gun boats are firing on the fort.

The force estimated within the breastworks from the best information is about 15,000.  No reinforcements can now arrive.  All communication is cut off.

It is now thought that their left redoubt has fallen into our hands.  All the officers are acting with great valor, exhibiting a fearlessness highly creditable to our western army.

Gen. Grant and staff have been riding along the lines all the morning, regardless of the grape that is being showered in every direction.

SECOND DISPATCH

CAMP IN FIELD, NEAR FT. DONELSON,

Feb. 13 – 8 P. M.

The cannonading and skirmishing have continued briskly all day, but have lately discontinued.  A considerable number have been wounded on both sides.

Capt. Walker, of the Carondelet, says he has dismounted three of the enemy’s river guns.  The other gun-boats had not arrived up to six o’clock this morning.

Capt. Brink, with a company of cavalry, went around to the left bank of the river, this afternoon, and reports the gun-boat Carondelet received a 10-inch mortar-ball through her casement, which wounded eight men, but did not injure the boat materially.

The 25^th Indiana, which marched boldly up to the entrenchments had, during the day, forty-two of their men wounded – all slightly.  The 7^th Illinois and the 7^th Iowa, who have been close to the enemy’s fire, lost some men.  Among the killed is Capt. Wendell, of Co. I, 7^th Illinois, and Colonel Morgan of the 9^th Illinois, is wounded.

Birge’s Sharp Shooters have done good service by picking off the connoniers as fast as they appeared at the guns.

The enemy’s rifle shots and grape have been flying thick and fast about here all day.  Some six shots struck around Gen. Grant and staff.  This afternoon while they were riding along the lines, one bullet hit one of the horses of the body-guard near by.

The fort will be stormed in two days, if not surrendered before.

One company has been within 75 yards of the enemy’s entrenchments.

FORT HENRY, Feb. 12.

Gen. Lew Wallace has been left in command of this post and its dependences.

The steamer Illinois, which left here yesterday morning for Paris Landing and the mouth of the Sandy, in charge of Col. Jon Riggins, Jr., aid to Gen. Grant, with two companies of Birge’s sharp shooters, commanded by Capt. Campbell, returned here this evening loaded down with provisions, flour, tobacco, and all manner of stores and goods, the whole camp equipage and baggage of the regiments.

The value of property brought down will exceed one hundred thousand dollars.

The Memphis Avalanche, of the 8^th has the following dispatches in reference to the Fort Henry affair:

NASHVILLE, Feb. 7.

A dispatch from Hon. John Bell, from Fort Donelson, this morning, says that Gen. Pillow was expected at Fort Donelson with 8,000 or 10,000 more troops, by 8 o’clock Saturday morning.

Not many lives were lost at Fort Henry.  Our forces were driven out principally by shells from the enemy’s gunboats.  The Tennessee bridge was burned between five and six o’clock last evening.  Our forces retreating upon Fort Donelson were pursued by the enemy.

It is reported here in Nashville, this evening, that Fort Henry is inundated.

Gen. Pillow has been assigned to the command at Fort Donelson.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, February 17, 1862, p. 1

Late News - By The Mails

Later from Gen. Grant’s Column.

The Enemy will make another Stand.

THEIR STRONGHOLDS NOT TAKEN.


Special to the Chicago Tribune.

CAIRO, April 11.

Our reporter has just arrived from Pittsburg, and furnishes the following:

The attack commenced about daybreak Sunday morning. Taylor’s battery and Waterhouse’s battery opened the fight, supported by the 23d Illinois on the right, the 77th Ohio supporting the left of Taylor’s, and the 53d Ohio supporting the left of Waterhouse’s. These regiments belonged to Sherman’s Division, occupying the extreme right. Both of the Ohio regiments ran – the 77th without firing a gun – leaving Waterhouse without support. He fought half an hour, however, retreating with only three guns. Capt. Waterhouse was wounded in the thigh by a Minie bullet, but not fatally. His battery was very badly cut up. His 1st Lieutenant, Abbott, was slightly wounded in the shoulder, with Chandler and Woodward, and five gunners were also wounded.

Taylor continued the fight, supported splendidly by the 22d Illinois, until he and his support were outflanked on both sides. He then retreated through a cross fire, having but one man killed and seventeen wounded. He lost 12 horses, his forge and battery wagons.

Meanwhile Waterhouse, with his three guns, took up a second position, supported by the second brigade of McClernand’s division, Colonel Marsh commanding, composed of the following troops, viz: the 11th, 17th, 20th, 45th and 48th Illinois. During the forenoon they were compelled to retire through their own encampment with heavy loss into some woods in the rear, where they formed a second line of battle.

McClernand ordered an advance. They advanced 100 rods and came in sight of the rebels, and here commenced on of the most fiercely contested engagements of the day, resulting in the repulse of the enemy, who were driven back through our encampments. The enemy met strong reinforcements and our ammunition being out retired. Another brigade took our place, but were compelled to retreat until within half a mile of the river; at that time our artillery and gunboats opened fire, the latter causing awful slaughter. The enemy were occupying our camp and the gunboats threw shell over our heads, and the ground was literally filled with rebel slain.

When Taylor’s battery took up their second position, it was upon the parade ground of the first division. The rebel battery took position about eight hundred yards in their front, resulting in a splendid artillery duel, which silenced the rebel battery and blew up their caisson. Our boys set up a shout which fairly drowned the musketry. Taylor’s battery, after that, were ordered in the reserve.

The left wing, with Prentiss on the left of Sherman, were drawn back parallel with the right. The gunboat firing was kept up all night.

Poor Carson, the scout, was killed about sunset. He had just come across the river with intelligence that Buell was crossing. He reported to the commanding General, stepped back, and that instant his head was shot off by a cannon ball.

Several Mississippi regiments who had arrived Saturday night at the rebel camp, double quicked to the battle-ground and were immediately repulsed.

Col. Hicks of the 40th Illinois is badly wounded, but not fatally. Lieut-Colonel Kilpatrick, 14th Illinois, killed; Lieut-Colonel Ross, 32d Illinois, wounded, dangerously.

Col. David Stuart was wounded through the left chest, but in spite of his Surgeon’s remonstrances, he went back upon the field.

When the boat left Col. Wallace was still living with faint hopes of recovery.

Col. Sweeney, of the 32nd Illinois, was wounded four times, not fatally, but kept the field until ordered off.

Col. Haynie was also wounded.

Gen. John McArthur was wounded in the foot.

Dr. Roscotton of Peoria, brigade surgeon, was seriously injured. Dr. Young, 48th Illinois, was wounded in the head; Frank W. Rielly, assistant surgeon 48th Illinois had a Minie ball shot through his leg, but his wound is not fatal.


SECOND DAY.

The attack was commenced by Lew Wallace’s division, who had come up in the night from Crump’s Landing, on the enemy’s left. The enemy fought with bulldog courage, and were driven back inch by inch, hotly contesting the ground. Six of our batteries were recaptured, and about thirty of the rebel guns taken. A Michigan battery captured by the 16th Wisconsin on Monday.

At this time, Beauregard was wounded in the arm, in his efforts to recover their battery. He led the attack in person, urging his men on with his sword. He was successful in taking the battery, but it was again taken from him. It was captured and recaptured no less than six times. Co. A, Chicago Light Artillery, was so severely handled on the first day that they were only able to man three guns on Monday. – But with these, after a desperate conflict, they succeeded in completely silencing and capturing a rebel battery of six guns, but they were compelled to relinquish it from lack of horses to draw the guns off. They had to take off their pieces by hand.

Out of seven men who were drawing one, five were struck down, two killed and three wounded. There were in all two killed and thirty-two wounded.

The general retreat of the enemy commenced about dark Monday. Our cavalry followed them up all night until their horses were tired. But for the impassable condition of the roads (it having rained) the rout would have been complete, and would could have carried their entrenched camp at Corinth. This latter will be impossible, for the above reasons, for some days. Their artillery is superior to ours. They have some of the finest ordnance officers in the country. Their small arms are also equal to ours.

Our reporter places the loss of the enemy at 15,000 killed and wounded, and our loss at 10,000 killed and wounded. These will be found moderate estimates. The enemy have taken more prisoners than we.

The 8th Iowa, Col. Geddes, were captured almost en masse. Gen. Prentiss, after he was captured, escaped and came into our camp alone.

The rebels had the very flower of the Potomac army with them. Breckinridge was reported killed on Sunday.

When our reporter left Wednesday morning, our advance, which had been pursuing, had only occupied the ground formerly held by him about seven miles from the enemy’s entrenched camp, which is located half-way between Corinth and Pittsburg.

The enemy are straining every nerve to get in reinforcements, and bloody work must yet occur before we drive them from their position.

The names of the killed and wounded are coming, but are so numerous and scattered as to preclude the getting of anything like a detailed account. Every means of transportation is being used for the wounded, and every facility afforded those who have so nobly come forward to care for them.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, April 14, 1862, p. 1

Another Great Battle

We are on the eve of another great battle upon which hangs the fate of the Mississippi Valley. Gen. Halleck is in command of an army of immense proportions, having under him Generals Buell, Pope, Lew. Wallace, and a hose of others. On the other side Beauregard, Bragg, Hardee, the ablest rebel Generals, make their last desperate stand, the fate of the C. S. A. clearly depending upon the result. We shall await the result with confidence, though there is much at stake, and much anxiety must be felt.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 2

General Wallace was defeated at Monocacy . . .

. . . July 9th, by a large force of rebels. His loss is said to be about 1,000.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, July 16, 1864

From The Iowa 2d Infantry

We are gratified to place before our readers at the earliest moment, the following interesting letter from WM. HOUSTON of Co. D, Second Iowa, directed to his relatives in this place:

Pittsburg Landing, April 9th, 1862.

Dear Father and Mother:

You will doubtless before this reaches you have heard by telegraph of one of the greatest battles ever fought on the American Continent. You knew that our Regiment was here, and would necessarily be in the fight. You must be impatient to learn the result. – Early on Sunday morning the 6th instant, General Beauregard with an immense force under his command, had the impudence to attack us at this place. We had at that time an available force at this place of perhaps 75,000 men, with perhaps 20,000 below near Savannah, all under the command of General Grant.

The enemy came on our outer camp, and surprised some of our Regiments while at breakfast. In fact, it surprised us all to think they would have the impudence to attack us first. The alarm was soon spread over the entire camp. The Regiments were soon formed in line of battle, and moved to the scene of action. The enemy drove some of our outer Regiments at first back into camp, but were soon promptly checked by others, until the fight became general. Such a rattling of musketry and roaring of cannon, I never before heard. It was one continual shower of lead, shells and balls all day! It was first upon our right that the enemy appeared determined to force their way in, but they were met with equal determination on the part of our boys. Failing in this onset the rebels would then turn their fire and hail, first upon the center, then upon the left, only to be repulsed again! After fighting against such odds all day, our men became wearied late in the afternoon, and then the right and afterward the left wing of our army commenced giving way. Both wings were driven in. Our Brigade under command of Gen. TUTTLE in the centre held their position until after both wings were driven in, and we were about to be surrounded. We were then ordered to fall back slowly, but in doing so we were compelled to run the gauntlet for about a mile with the enemy firing on us from both sides. Most of us succeeded in getting in, however. Some were killed and a few wounded, and a few of our Brigade, were taken prisoners, but I presume it is a very few.

Myself and brother were among the wounded this time. He received a ball in the foot which lamed him slightly. I received a wound in the head, but it was not serious. I continued in the fight the next day.

Our troops after falling back, rallied near the river, and held the rebels in check until night came on, when the fight ceased, with the exception of the cannonading which was kept up all night boy our batteries and gun boats, throwing shell in the camp of the rebels. The rebel batteries responded very feebly.

In the meantime while we were holding the rebels in check, Gen. BUELL’S forces arrived on the opposite bank of the river, which was not a moment too soon, I assure you. They crossed over in the night, and early next morning we had a large reinforcement with which to renew the fight. The scale now turned in our favor. Gen. LEW WALLACE commenced the attack on the right and rear, having come up the river at night, and got in the rear. Our forces and Gen. Buell’s reinforcements were in the center and left. We soon began to drive the rebels, but we had to fight for it, for they contested every foot of ground, inch by inch, until late in the afternoon, when we had taken most of their artillery, killed Gen. BRAGG, Gen. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, and it is reported General JOHN C. BRECKENRIDGE. The rebels then gave up all as lost, and commenced a general retreat, with our men and cavalry in pursuit, killing and taking prisoners by scores.

It is reported that while we were fighting the rebels at this place on Monday, General MITCHELL’s division of Gen. Buell’s command crossed the river above, cut off the retreat of a portion of the rebels, and are now taking a great many prisoners, with their baggage, guns, &c. It is said the rebels are so panic stricken that they are throwing away their arms and scattering in all directions. – If such is the case, the war will soon be ended, for their army is so completely disorganized that they never can collect a Corporal’s Guard again.

Many of the prisoners tell us that Beauregard told them before the fight that they must whip us this time, or their cause was gone up, and they might as well give all up as lost. We have learned by letters taken from the rebels, that it was the object of Gen. BEAUREGARD to attack and whip us before the arrival of General Buell’s Division which they seem to have known was coming from Nashville.

It is impossible for me to form any correct estimate of the killed and wounded, but the loss was very heavy on both sides. But the rebels suffered greatly more than we did. – The loss in the Second Iowa regiment was 74 wounded, five killed and 7 missing. The loss of Co. D is 11 wounded as follows: - John H. Looby, severely; William Riddle, severely in thigh; R. D. Barnett in hand; John Furgeson, slightly in arm; Peter Boyle, slightly; Burbridge, slightly; Sharp, slightly in hand; L. B. Houston, slightly in foot; John Price slightly. I have also received a slight wound in the head, but being naturally a little thick-headed, the ball did not succeed in getting in very deeply. A. B. Rush, James Crystal and George Leighton are among the missing of Co D. I do not think any of them are killed. It is probable they were separated from the regiment in the confusion, and have not been able to find their way back.

The Fifteenth and Sixteenth Regiments arrived here just in time to take part in the battle. Iowa has no cause to be ashamed of them; neither has she of any of her troops.

Col. CROCKER is all right. He had a horse shot under him. JOHN WATSON is dangerously wounded. David Winters, Will Goodrell, and Capt. W. T. Smith and all the Des Moines boys in the Fifteenth Regiment are all right and well.

The commissioned officers of Co. D were at their posts, and Gen. Halleck said of the Second at Donelson, they were the bravest of the brave! Our field officers, Gen. Tuttle, Col. Baker, and Adjutant Joel Tuttle, were fortunate in coming out without a scratch. The Adjutant had a horse shot under him.

– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862

The True Hero!

The Question is already agitating the public mind as to who was the hero of the great battle at Corinth. It is asserted by some that General Grant was the man. Others say it was General Buell. Some are inclined to think it was General Halleck, while others stoutly contend that it was General Wallace. But we have the unspeakable pleasure to state, on the authority of a private telegram received by ye Local at this office, that no one of the Generals above designated was the true hero of the battle. They were all heroes in a subordinate sense.

The victory was positively one by “Old Strategy!” He alone did it, and no one participated with him in the glory of the transaction. While quietly snoozing in his pavilion on the banks of the Pottymack, and while his servitors were fanning the musketoes from his lordly brow, his faithful nose smelled afar off the coming battle at Corinth!

He started from his deep sleep, and called for his boots! His voice as like the rushing of many waters in a Des Moines river flood!

Said he, - “Bring the clothes-line here and establish a Telegraph office immeditly [sic] at the side of this bead-post!” The order was obeyed. The operating instruments were brought in, and the machine was put in motion. All right! Old Strategy had engineered the battle at Fort Donelson by Telegraph, when there was a chasm of 100 miles for the lightning to leap over without the aid of wires! Lightning could do it, and “Old Strategy” did it!

Click! click! went the instrument, making the clothes-line vibrate with thrilling commands.

“There!” said “old Strategy,” wiping his benign visage, and ejecting a dark colored fluid from his mouth, “General Prentiss by my orders has attacked ‘em at Pittsburgh Landing. He is giving ‘em fits!”

Click! click! General McClernand was ordered to reinforce General Prentiss!

Click! click! General Hurlburt’s [sic] Division was thrown forward to support the centre!

Click! click! Major Taylor’s Battery from Chicago was ordered by “Old Strategy” to mow down the luxuriant rebels, and the Battery went to mowing!

Click! click! General Grant was directed to ride among the raining bullets for diversion, with his hat off, and he rid!

Click! click! The federal gun-boats Lexington & Tyler were directed to rain shell on the rebels and they rained for an indefinite period.

At this point the Tennessee terminus of the Telegraph went poking into the ribs of General Wallace, informing him that his services were needed in the battle, and that he was lost in the woods! This was a grand stroke of “Old strategy” which was highly appreciated by General Wallace, although his ribs gave evidence of painful abrasion!

Click! click! General Nelson with new reinforcements was advised that it was his duty to go in on his muscle, and he went in with his sleeves rolled up and his collar unbuttoned!

Click! click! It was ordered that the Iowa Regiments should be restrained as long as practicable, because if they were to let loose on the rebels, they had a dangerous disposition to hurt “our dear Southern Brethren!” This order from “Old Strategy” was the only one which was fully disregarded. The Iowa Regiments waded into the battle with the unconquerable devotion for which they are distinguished, and a part of their war-cry was – “Old Strategy be cussed!”

At nightfall Sunday, “Old Strategy” looked fatigued. He retired early to his couch, and slept with the profound quietude which is characteristic of the classic Pottymack! He arose early, threw back his locks from his massive brow, and called for lunch. – Lunch came, and then came the ubiquitous Telegraph.

Click! click! Generals Wood and Thompson were ordered to reinforce. The reinforcements came.

Finding that he possessed such magnetic and irresistible power over the masses, “old Strategy,” taking a good ready about 3 o’clock in the afternoon, gave a thrilling order to the rebels to “skedaddle” with much haste to Corinth! This was sufficient! No sooner did the words electric reach the rebel hosts, than Beauregard’s arm and army went off simultaneously, and the grand army of the Confederacy, gallantly turning their backs on the enemy, made a Bull Run advance on Corinth with the Federal cavalry in full pursuit. Who, then is the hero of the Corinth battle? “Old Strategy,” of course.

– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862

Washington, D. C., July 9.

Official dispatch from [General] Wallace states that a battle took [place] between our forces under his command and the rebels at Monocacy to-day, commencing at 9 o’clock and continuing until 5. Our forces were at length overpowered by superior numbers of the enemy and were forced to retreat in disorder. He says Brigadier General Tyler was taken prisoner and that the enemy’s forces number at least 20,000 men. Our troops behaved well, but suffered severe loss. He is retreating toward Baltimore.

(Signed) [STANTON]

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, July 16, 1864.

[Note: There were several small holes in this article, causing a few words to be partially or entirely missing. The words in brackets are my best guess to the content and meaning of the article.]