Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, September 24, 1862

7¼ Oc got to Davenport attended to some buisiness with the Adgt Gen'l got my Commission as 2nd Lieut & was mustered in by HB Hendershot 1 Oc started in the steam packet Kate Cassel for Keokuk my boil broke

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 90

Diary of Benjamin F. Pearson, Sunday, August 10, 1862

11 Oc I attended church Brother Whitman preached text Rev 6th 17th v Delay closed both local preachers I started my report with Mr T M Fee to N B Baker Adj't Gen'l of the State of Iowa

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 86

Diary of Benjamin F. Pearson, August 13, 1862

I sent my report to the Adjt Gen'l

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 86

Diary of Benjamin F. Pearson, July 31, 1862

7 Oc we started in Sol Fenton's waggon to Iconium to our appointment Mr. Tanneyhill G Udell & I spoke evening we returned & I attended our prayer meeting I recd a commission from N B Baker Adj't Genl of Iowa to raise a company of volunteers

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 85

Nathaniel B. Baker to Rush Clark, February 19, 1862

STATE OF Iowa, ADJUTANT GENERAL’s Office

February 19th, 1862.

HON. Rush CLARK,

Speaker of the House of Representatives.

SIR: I have just received the following despatch from Chicago:

CHICAGO, Feb. 19th, 1862.

To ADJUTANT GENERAL BAKER:

The Second Iowa acquitted themselves with great bravery at Fort Donelson — led the best and most successful charge —have suffered terribly. Besides the Second, there were the Seventh, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth and Fourteenth Iowa Infantry in the fight. The friends of Cols. Tuttle, Lauman, Perczel, Hare, Wood and Shaw, will rejoice that the glory of the fight and the victory belongs, and is attached to their names, and to the brave officers and soldiers under them. 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 men.

N. B. BAKER.

Adjutant General of Iowa.

SOURCES: Henry Warren Lathrop, The Life and Times of Samuel J. Kirkwood, Iowa's War Governor, p. 207; Iowa House of Representatives, Journal of the House of the Ninth General Assembly of the State of Iowa, p. 342

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, June 5, 1863

We remained in line of battle all night. Our brigade lay in bivouac all day. The Governor of the State of Iowa made a speech to the Iowa Brigade. Adjutant General Baker and Congressman Wilson of Iowa spoke also. The Sixteenth Iowa went out on picket. Skirmishing has been going on all day, and our men are digging rifle-pits.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 120

Adj. General's Report

The Adjutant General advertises to-day for ten copies of the Adjutant General’s Report.  We hope he will get them, but we have our doubts.  What streak of economy every induced the Legislature to order only 1,000 copies of that report we never could imagine, especially as several thousand copies of far less important documents were ordered almost without question.  The Legislature, however, made amends for it, to some extent, but providing for a more complete report at the close of the war.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1

Iowa Legislature

(Special to the Hawk-Eye.)

– Des Moines, Jan. 24.

Nothing important in the Senate.

HOUSE. – A resolution was introduced requesting Adjutant General Baker to furnish the House with the names of all the members of the Governor’s staff – compensation of each, and from what funds paid.  Adopted.

Mr. LANE, of Scott, presented a resolution instructing the Committee on Ways and Means to inquire into the expediency of transferring the School Fund monies to the State as a loan, and provides that the State shall pay the annual interest thereon.

Mr. HARDIE, of Dubuque, tried to get up the tabled resolution instructing the committee to report a license law.  Negatived, 77 to 15.

The vote on the special order of 2 P. M. for assuming the Federal tax, vote in favor of the bill stood, ayes 90, nays 2. Kellogg, [of] Decatur and Hardie, of Dubuque, voting against the bill.  The bill provides for the collection of $450,000 each year for the years 1862 and 1863.

The House adopted the bill making the issues of the State Bank of Iowa and Us demand notes receivable of taxes – ayes 71, nays 19.

A provision was also adopted that the bill expires by its on limitation February 1st, 1864.  A good day’s work.

(Special to Burlington Hawk-Eye.)

DES MOINES, Jan. 24, 1862.

Hon. C. C. Carpenter, of Ft. Dodge, has received the appointment of Brigadier Quarter-Master under Brigadier General McKean, in Missouri, secured through the influence of Hon. James W. Grimes.

T. H. S.

DES MOINES, Jan. 25.

HOUSE. – A communication from the Governor in answer to the resolution of the House asking how regimental officers were appointed, was received and read.  The paper is an able one, citing the law of Congress on the subject, and fully justifying the course.  Ordered to be printed.

Also, a resolution of the House, asking how many acres of Railroad land had been certified to the Secretary of the Interior showing there has been seven hundred and twenty sections certified to the Dubuque and Pacific Railroad, by the Governor and his predecessor, and the same amount to the Mississippi and Missouri Railroad.  He has no official notice of the length of the Burlington and Missouri Railroad, and has certified no land to that company.  Passed.

SENATE. – A resolution was presented asking the attention of Congress to the neglected condition of Iowa troops and their want of more surgeons, nurses and hospital stores.

Mr. HARDIE of Dubuque presented a petition forty feet long asking the repeal of the prohibitory and establish a license law.

The Military Committee reported back Mr. Delavey’s resolution asking a reduction of the salaries of commissioned officers, abolishing sutlers, and all except one band to each Brigade.  It will pass.

The Senate spent most of the Session discussing the Post Master question for the Assembly.

The Ways and Means Committee reported back Senator Gue’s bill fixing juror’s fees at one dollar and twenty five cents, and collecting six dollars cost to be paid by the losing party.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 4

Colonel Grenville M. Dodge to Samuel J. Kirkwood, Governor of Iowa, March 10, 1862

PEA RIDGE BATTLE GROUND, March 10th, 1862.

Gov. S. J. Kirkwood: We have fought a hard battle here, lasting two days; the first day's fight was terrible; it was mostly with the Fourth division, composed of Fourth and Ninth Iowa infantry, First and Second Iowa batteries, Thirty-fifth Illinois and Twenty-fifth Missouri. The loss in the division was 600 killed and wounded, mostly among the Iowa troops; they saved the day and made the victory the next morning easy; this division was opposed to Generals Price, Rains and McIntosh, with 15,000 infantry and 18 pieces of artillery. The Fourth division had only some 4,000 engaged, while our other forces were fighting McCullough, and the re-enforcements sent to us went to the First division, but we held the ground, whipped the enemy and Iowa got the glory of the fight. The Fourth Iowa lost 160 out of 548 engaged; Ninth Iowa lost 220 out of 700 engaged; First Iowa battery lost 16 out of 110 engaged, and Third Iowa battery lost 18 out of 140 engaged; they also lost 3 of their pieces. The second day we attacked early in the morning with our entire army, driving everything before us, and the enemy fled in all directions in great confusion, leaving several pieces of artillery, great quantities of small arms and at least 500 prisoners. Gen. Van Dorn attacked with 40,000 infantry and 70 pieces of artillery; we had 12,000, and 50 pieces of artillery. The fighting was terrible, especially among our troops. The Fourth Iowa fought all day steadily, and did not give an inch, although they had at one time concentrated upon them 12 pieces of artillery and six regiments of infantry; our ammunition gave out at night; when we fixed bayonets and charged across the field the enemy did not dare again meet us. It was a trying time for the Fourth; no ammunition and still under a galling fire. Every one gives great credit to the Iowa troops. No man from Iowa flinched. I saw some troops run; one or two parts of regiments came to our support, but fell back at the first fire. In my brigade there was not a field officer except one but was wounded. Lt.-Col. Herron, of Ninth Iowa, in Vandever's brigade, was wounded and taken prisoner. Our Iowa batteries did noble service; mine had two officers wounded in the morning. The Third Iowa cavalry suffered terribly in a charge; had 47 killed. They were put into it by a Dutchman, and out of all military usage. Lt.-Col. Trumbull was severely wounded in the charge. They had very few wounded; a large part of my wounded was from canister and grape; those of the Ninth Iowa from bullets. I was better protected from bullets, though under a hotter fire than any of them. I posted my men behind an open field and made the enemy cross it to reach us. They poured their grape and canister from 12 to 18 guns into us all the time, but could not get them to bear as well as on the Ninth Iowa. I never saw men fight as the Iowa troops did. I have sent a list of the killed and wounded to Adjt. Gen. Baker to have it published. A large number of my wounded will die; several have already, and it is impossible to get any accommodation; many lay on the field all night.

G. M. DODGE,

Colonel Fourth Iowa Infantry.

SOURCES: Samuel H. M. Byers, Iowa In War Times, p. 121

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, August 22, 1861

Received orders this morning to get ready for review. At 1 o'clock in the afternoon we marched down into town and through the streets for a while and then back to camp. General Baker, Adjutant General of Iowa, is in charge of the camp. Our camp was named for General McClellan in the East.

Source: Alexander G, Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 5

A Well earned Tribute to the Iowa 2d

ST. LOUIS, February 19, 1862.

Adjutant General BAKER:

The 2^nd Iowa Infantry proved themselves the bravest of the brave.  They had the honor of leading the column which entered fort Donelson, Kentucky [sic].

H. W. HALLECK, Major General.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 3

Adj. Gen. Baker’s Report

A correspondent of the Cincinnati Daily Gazette, writing from Columbus, Ohio, speaks thus of the late report of Adjutant General Baker:

“The Adjutant General of Iowa Makes a valuable Report by publishing the names of all the privates in the Iowa Regiments.  He has printed the muster-rolls, showing the letter of the Company, number of the Regiment, name and age of the solider, place of birth, place of residence and when enlisted.  Is not that just, as well as patriotic?  These are retrenchment times, to be sure, but have not the heroes of the ranks as good a right to immortality in print as the commissioned officers? – In the Ohio Adjutant General’s Report only the names of commissioned officers are recorded.  Should not Ohio do as great honor to its sacrificing soldiers as the young state of Iowa?”

The value of this Report may be also estimated by the eagerness with which it is sought by the people in all parts of the State.  The military affairs of Iowa were in a worse condition than those of any other Free State at the commencement of this war.  The Governor and Adjutant General had to build from the “boots up,” but with the co-operation of the General Assembly and the people they have brought a force into the field which will compare in all honorable respects with the troops of any section of the Union.  A complete history of these military movements may be found in Gen. Baker’s Report and it is a matter of pride to us that the book, is properly appreciated outside, as well inside of the State. – Des Moines Register.

– 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

Adj. Gen. Baker . . .

. . . passed up on the Northerner on Thursday evening on his way to his home in Clinton county.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 12, 1862, p. 1

Adjutant General's Office

Of the State of Iowa,

DES MOINES, March 24, 1862.

ARRANGEMENTS WITH STEAMBOATS.

Capt. W. A. W. Galt, of the Ad. Hine steamer has made arrangements with this department to convey all sick, wounded or disabled, furloughed and discharged soldiers at one half fare.  When it is considered that the fare includes subsistence, this is a very generous arrangement.

It is hoped this department will soon be able to report further arrangements with other steamboat lines for the conveyance of soldiers at reduced rates.

In order to prevent imposition on officers of steamboats, who may be disposed to make as liberal arrangements as that above named, and in order that solders may receive the benefits of the same, officers are requested, in granting furloughs or discharges, to note the cause of furlough or discharge at the bottom thereof, and sign the same, as those arrangements are made for the benefit of the soldiers.  The State has no pecuniary interest in the matter.  The soldiers of the classes referred to pay their own fare.

Soldiers should present their furloughs or discharges for examination at the offices of Clerks of steamboats in order to procure tickets at the reduced rates.

N. B. BAKER,

Adjt. Genl. Of Iowa.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 29, 1862, p. 1

Adjutant General's Office

Of the State of Iowa.

Des Moines, March 17, 1862.

The United States Disbursing Officer at Davenport has forwarded to me amounts allowed on certain bills.  The residences of the following named persons are unknown to me: D. Wilson and J. W. Kerr.

Claimants, or agents of claimants, are requested to give information at this office.

N. B. BAKER,

Adjutant General of Iowa.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 29, 1862, p. 1

Adjutant General Baker Returned Yesterday

It will be remembered that he was called away, two weeks since, by sickness in his family.  He reached his home to find every member of his family sick, one of whom, his second daughter, aged about fifteen, expired on the first day of this month.  General Baker was the only member of the family that was able to be present at the funeral.  The bereavement was sudden and unexpected the General brings back with him evidences of sleepless vigils and painful anxieties.  There was considerable improvement among the sick of his family, when he left to resume the cares of his office at Des Moines. – Des Moines Reg. 11^th.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 14, 1862, p. 2 

The Sixteenth Regiment . . .

. . . had a dress parade on Saturday morning in honor of Adjutant-General Baker, who paid a visit to Camp McClellan.  The Adjutant-General expressed himself highly pleased with the appearance of the regiment, which he thought equaled, if not surpassed, that of any regiment which has left this State.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 10, 1862, p. 1

Grenville M. Dodge, Colonel 4th Iowa Infantry, to Nathaniel B. Baker, Adjutant General of Iowa, August 2, 1861

 Head-Quarters fourth Regiment Iowa Volunteers,

Camp Kirkwood, near Council Bluffs, Iowa, Aug. 2, 1861.

G E N Baker

Adjutant Genl.

State of Iowa

Dear Sir

Under instruction of the Governor of Iowa, I provided to Washington & provided for the state 2000 muskets & accoutrements these arms were given to the state in the pledge of the state through the Governor that 1000 stand of these arms should be sent to the 4th Reg. Iowa Volunteers for their use until furnished further arms from the U.S. the Government thinking that we might be obliged to move on the border before we were ordered away (which has proved true).  I have also received notice of the shipment of those arms to be together with a letter from the Governor carrying out the agreement with the war department.  Those arms I understand have been taken and disturbed by the former Adj. General by what authority I know not.  Today the war department notifies me that their guns will be used by my regiment for the present, and instructs me if necessary to take them out of the state the same instructions given by the Governor.  I ask an examination of this matter.  I do not like to be [found] to distribute the first order issued to me by the war department especially when I pledged the war department by directions of the Governor that the arms should be used as directed by them.  I trust the arms will be sent me including enough at least (say 700) (I have 200) with accouterments so that my command can be armed.  You will receive report in few days of the command that went to the Missouri line for protection of our border. 

I am very Respectfully

Your obt servant,

G. M. Dodge

Col. Comd. 4th Reg. I. V.

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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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