Battle of Fort Donelson

Official Report of Col. Lauman.

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

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

FORT DONELSON, Feb. 18^th, 1862.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Second Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers

Killed,                                                         41

Wounded,                                                 157

Total,                                                         198

25th Reg’t. Indian Infantry Volunteers

Killed,                                                         14

Wounded,                                                 101

Total                                                          115

Seventh Reg’t Iowa Infantry Volunteers

Killed,                                                           2

Wounded,                                                   37

Total                                                            39

14th Reg’t Iowa Infantry Volunteers

Killed,                                                           3

Wounded,                                                   23

Total                                                            26

Birge’s Sharp Shooters

Killed,                                                           1

Wounded,                                                     3

Missing,                                                        1

Total,                                                             5

RECAPITUALTION

Killed,                                                         61

Wounded,                                                 621

Missing                                                         1

Total                                                          383

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

I remain respectfully,

Your ob’t servant,

J. G. LAUMAN,

Col. Com’ng. 4^th Brig. 2d Division

To Brig. Gen. C. F. Smith

Commanding Second Division

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

Army Correspondence

FORT DONELSON, NEAR DOVER

Stewart County, Tenn., Feb. 19, 1862

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

H. S.

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

Norton P. Chipman

Norton Parker Chipman

Norton P. Chipman, a man of state and national prominence and for many years an honored and influential citizen of California, was born in March, 1839, at Milford, Union county, Ohio, a son of Norman and Sarah (Parker) Chipman, both natives of Vermont and of old families of that state. The Chipman ancestry was identified with progress and development during the colonial days, and our institutions and social and political fabric have been strengthened by men of the name since their arrival from England during the first half of the seventeenth century. Nathaniel Chipman, an early member of the American family, wrote a treatise on the principles of government which anticipated many of the forms of the present Constitution of the United States.

Norman Chipman, father of the distinguished Californian, was a pioneer settler of Union county, Ohio, and for some years conducted a general mercantile business at Milford. The family moved to Illinois in 1848, and a year later to Van Buren county, Iowa, residing in different parts of the latter state until the time of the Civil war, at which time the Chipman residence was in Washington of that state.

It was from Washington, Iowa, that Norton P. Chipman enlisted for service in the Union army. He became a private of Company H, Second Iowa Infantry, under Colonel Samuel R. Curtis, who was afterward promoted to major general. By the choice of the members of his company, Mr. Chipman was elected second lieutenant, and Colonel Curtis soon afterward appointed him adjutant of the regiment, in which capacity he served in the Missouri campaign up to the time of the appointment of his colonel as brigadier general, at which time he became, by appointment of Governor Kirkwood, major of his regiment. Major Chipman fought at Fort Donelson and was wounded there. He returned to his regiment shortly after the battle of Shiloh. While participating in the siege of Corinth he received his promotion to the colonelcy and as aide de camp on the staff of Major General Halleck. He was ordered to report for duty to Major General Curtis, his erstwhile colonel, then at Helena, Arkansas. He was made chief of the staff and served with General Curtis until ordered to report to the secretary of war at Washington, early in 1863, and his remaining war experience was at the national capital, where he was a not less useful figure in the struggle for the Union though in a less conspicuous department of activity. At the close of the conflict he was brevetted brigadier general. Among other important duties assigned to him at Washington, was service as judge advocate of the military commission which tried and convicted the Andersonville rebel prison-keeper, Henry Wirtz, and he also served as judge advocate in other military trials.

At the close of the war General Chipman resigned his connection with the war department and entered upon the practice of law at Washington. When the District of Columbia was reorganized with territorial form of government he was chosen by the people as their delegate to Congress, serving two terms, and was the first and only representative given the District, whose form of government was soon afterward changed.

In 1875, after the close of his congressional term, he came out to California and located at Red Bluff, Tehama county. He entered upon the practice of law and various business enterprises, and was soon an influential figure in that part of the state. In April, 1897, he was appointed commissioner of the supreme court of California, which post he has since held. Before becoming identified with the courts of the state he was an active leader in the affairs of the Republican party. The industrial development of the great state has been a cause especially dear to him, and for many years he has been president of the California State Board of Trade, which is the most influential organization endeavoring to promote immigration of high-class settlers and the increase of state wealth and resources.

General Chipman was married at St. Louis, during the course of the war, in 1865, to Miss Mary Isabel Holmes, a daughter of Robert Holmes, who was a prominent merchant of that city, a strong Union man and a member of the constitutional convention which formed the new state constitution. There were two children of this marriage. One is deceased, and Alice is now the wife of Mr. Chester S. Smith of San Francisco.

General Chipman is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity and with the Union League Club, of which he was president for one year. He is a member of the Ohio Society. One of the foremost members of the Grand Army of the Republic, he was adjutant general of the order at a very early period in its history, when General Logan was commander in chief. He took an active part in forming the present rules and regulations and ritual governing the Army. He wrote the order in 1868 which created Memorial day, now so generally observed throughout the Union, in both north and south.

SOURCE: Leigh Hadley Irvine, Editor, A History Of The New California: Its Resources And People, Volume 2, p. 727-8

PHOTO CREDIT: Library of Congress, Washington, D. C.

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

The Iowa Second

This regiment, although it has seen hard service, being the first of the three years volunteers in the field, has never been under fire until the three days fight at Donelson.  We know that its officers and men have been exceedingly anxious to face the rebels in battle.  In this wish they have now been gratified, and right worthily have they sustained the good name of our State and the high character awarded to our Iowa boys for valor at Wilson’s Creek, Blue Milles and Belmont.  Col. Tuttle and his Regiment led the bayonet charge which dislodged the rebels from their entrenchments, and planted their flag over the captured works.  All honor to Col. Tuttle and the gallant Iowa Second – to the living, the wounded and the dead.  A grateful people will never forget either.

The officers of this regiment are James M. Tuttle, James Baker, Lieut. Colonel, Norton P. Chipman, Major, Thos. J. McKinney, Adjutant, Captains Houston of Keokuk, Littler and Brewster of Davenport, Dykeman of Des Moines, McCulloch of Fairfield, Wilkin of Van Buren County, Weaver of Bloomfield, Cowles of Washington, Cox of Lyons, and Cloutman of Ottumwa.

Gov. Kirkwood, if he has not already done so should take such steps as will insure the best possible care of the wounded of this and other Iowa regiments at Fort Donelson.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 2

The Storming of Fort Donelson

It turns out just as we anticipated it was the brigade of Col. Lauman, acting Brigadier General, consisting of the 7^th, 2^nd and 14^th Iowa and the 25^th Indiana which made the gallant charge up the hill over the enemies [sic] breastworks, driving him out of the upper position of his fortifications at the point of the bayonet and deciding the fortunes of the three days’ bloody struggle.  It was this brigade which first planted the stars and stripes upon the rebel works which they carried, restored the flagging spirits of our army, and held the ground which they had taken.

Although the accounts which we get are all Chicago accounts and colored almost as highly as those of the battle of Belmont, being written by the same persons yet, it evidently was not considered wise this time to omit all mention of the most gallant achievement of the three days fighting or of the persons who participated in it.  We find in the Chicago Tribune the following reluctant mention of this decidedly most brilliant bayonet charge, in its execution and result, of the war:

In the afternoon Gen. Grant saw that something should be done to restore the spirits of our disheartened troops, and ordered General Smith to make an assault on the west wing of the enemy’s works.  Gen. Smith, as quick as horseflesh could bear 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 Colonel Lauman’s brigade, the 2d and 7^th Iowa, and the 11^th and 24^th 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 outer works.

Gen. Smith behaved like one inspired for nothing less than continual victories.  He could be seen riding along the lines with his had swinging on top of his sword amid 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 2^nd 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 where they lay on their arms all night and prepared to follow up their success in the morning.

These Chicago reporters are subsisted and paid out of the means of Uncle Sam, by Chicago and Illinois Generals and Colonels, for the express purpose of puffing the aforesaid Generals and Colonels, and they do it without rime [sic] or reason, monopolizing the telegraph lines to the end.  We are surprised that any mention was made at all of Col. Lauman and our Iowa troops.  They tell us that such and Illinois Regiment fought like tigers, but were compelled to fall back – Col. So and So acted like one inspired – the Illinois _th fought with desperate courage until their ammunition became exhausted – the _th Illinois, being cut to pieces were compelled to fall back, which they did with good order, gallantry, etc., etc.  But it being necessary to do something to revive the flagging spirits of our army, the Iowa Brigade, under General Lauman, marched into the rebel fortification and ran up the stripes and stars.  That is all, recited in the fewest possible words, no praise being awarded except to Grant and Smith.

At 2 o’clock, we received the following dispatch, for which we paid the moderate sum of five dollars.  It confirms what we said above:

CAIRO, Feb. 19, 1862

EDITOR HAWK-EYE: – Col. Lauman’s brigade were the first inside the breast works at Fort Donelson.  The casualties of the 7^th Iowa are light, only one man (M. C. Stewart,) company D, is known to be killed.  No more than 15 (fifteen) are wounded, none dangerously.  The Second Iowa is badly cut up.  Two of their captains are killed – one is Captain Cloutman.  Major Chipman is wounded in the thigh.

J. R. N.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 2

Capt. R. M. Littler

DAVENPORT, March 10, 1862.

EDITOR OF GAZETTE:  Upon my arrival in your city on Saturday last, I was greatly shocked at the reports in circulation denouncing Capt. Bob. Littler and his gallant conduct in the late battle at Fort Donelson. – Whilst I know these reports to be totally groundless, I cannot imagine how a man can be so fallen in his own opinion, as he certainly must be, and in the opinion of the world, as to give utterance to such base and cowardly fabrications.  I do not wish to enter into any lengthy detail upon the subject, as I deem it unnecessary, for, by his own statement in your last issue, he gives ample chance for investigation.  But, in justice to Capt. Bob, his friends, his company and his regiment, I will give a statement of the facts, as they came under my observation.

On the afternoon of the 15^th of February, when the 2d Iowa made the charge on the enemy’s breast-works, Capt. Bob. Littler was in the hottest part of the fight.  When the enemy opened fire upon us, Maj. Chipman and Capt. Littler were almost side by side.  Our men were falling all around.  I saw Maj. Chipman fall, and heard Capt. Littler give the order to his men, “Close up men; close up.”  In a moment we were inside their breast-works, and all mingled together.  Federals and rebels.  ‘Twas then I first lost sight of him, for there was no time then to see what the next man to you was doing; it was every man for himself, fighting for life or death.

Sometime after, I should judge about an hour, when the firing had somewhat ceased, I again saw him supporting one of his men who was wounded.  I approached him and passed some few remarks with him concerning the battle, and knowing that he was very sick when he went on the field, scarcely able to stand up, I requested him to leave it.  I told him, as surgeons were scarce, he could be of more service taking care of his wounded men than he could be on the field.  I did not again see him until towards dark, when the firing had ceased and I had supported a wounded man to our camp near the field. – There I saw him binding a handkerchief around one of the men.  He remained with the men, doing all he could to relieve their sufferings, until after dark, when they were removed to the hospital.  I then procured some blankets for him to lie down upon, and bidding him good night left for my own quarters.

From his conduct that day, I say he is no coward, but proved himself a brave man.  The very man I should like to again enlist under in case of another war.  These, sir, are the facts.

JULES MEREDITH,

Principal Musician, 2d Iowa Infty.

I certify to the above.

F. M. SUITER,

Orderly-Sergeant Co. B.

The above statements are correct in every detail, as near as I could learn while at Fort Donelson, and the day I left Capt. Littler was officer of the day.

DR. G. W. McCARN

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 11, 1862, p. 1

Incidents, Etc., of the Battle

A correspondent of the Chicago Tribune gives the following incidents, etc., as occurring at the battle of Fort Donelson:

One of the boys of the 11^th Illinois stood behind a tree, and fired forty rounds, each time taking a bite of hard-bread and a sip of coffee between firing.  One man in the 2d Iowa had two balls through one leg, splintering the bone in each place, yet begged of a comrade to place him against a tree, saying he was good for forty rounds more, and did sit and fire his whole ammunition at the rebels.

The Second Iowa Regiment charged on the enemy on his extreme right, and forced him from his breastworks at the point of the bayonet, the rebels giving way and cheering lustily, shouting, “Bully for the Iowa boys.”  This regiment has fourteen balls through its flag, its flag-staff twice shot off, and had three color bearers killed successively.

Among the wounded on that glorious field day was Capt. L. M. Rose, Company G, Eleventh Illinois, whose name has not before been reported.  He was formerly the editor of the Effingham (Ill.) Gazette.  He received four wounds by bullets; one in each hip, in the left shoulder, and left hand.  The wounds on the left hip and shoulder were occasioned by spent balls.  Capt. Rose and Major Chipman, of the 2^nd Iowa, who was wounded in the thigh, laid two days in the woods before they were discovered, and the first night upon the ground in a drenching rain storm, suffering inconceivable pain.

It is astonishing what a quantity of artillery they had, from the small 6-pounder to the large 128-pounder, the whole amounting to over one hundred and sixty pieces, and their ammunition was of the best kind, consisting of the most improved shells, chain and grape shot, solid shot and elongated shells and balls.  They had ammunition enough to have stood a two months’ siege.

They also had all the tents that our army required to use after the victory, and of the most approved style, many of them being of the Sibley pattern.  They had built over three hundred log houses, they are very comfortable, having good board floors, chimneys and fire-places made of sticks and mudded up inside.  The houses are about twelve feet square, built in rows, chinked, and them bottomed with long split oak shingles.  Their roofs are of the same material and altogether the houses are as comfortable as one could wish.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 4, 1862, p. 2

Honor to the Brave

Col. Lauman commanding the brigade that stormed Fort Donelson, prefaces his official report, of which we publish the list of killed and wounded, of the Iowa 7^th, and 14^th regiments – having already published the official list of the gallant 2d regiment – with the following tribute to officers under his command:

“Captains Slaymaker and Cloutman fell just as they entered the enemy’s fortifications.  Cloutman was instantly killed and Slaymaker died gallantly shouting to hi men to go forward and consummate the work.

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

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 1, 1862, p. 2

From The Iowa 2d Regiment

FORT DONELSON, Tenn.,

Feb. 20 1862

EDITOR GAZETTE:– Last Thursday morning we found ourselves on the Cumberland river slowly approaching the scene of contest.  At ten o’clock we stopped to wood.  Col. Tuttle said “come boys” and in a moment a lively scene presented itself as officers and men all turned out to prevent our being delayed while wooding.  We all feared we would be too late to participate.  In a few moments we were on our way up the narrow deep stream, the trees on the bank putting forth their buds in the warm sunshine.  We thought we had seen the last of cold weather this winter.

Thursday night we arrived at our destination and felt grateful that we were allowed to remain on board till morning, as it had stormed, rained and snowed and frozen up in a manner that would have done credit to an Iowa climate.  We marched at once to the left wing of the assailing army, taking two days rations and leaving our knapsacks and blankets aboard the McGill.  You that have seen the cold blustering weather of Iowa can imagine our reflections as we flocked around our fires?  We had no axes and could not find much loose wood.  All night long it snowed and blowed and we bade sleep good-bye.  We were half frozen, and in the best kind of a humor to hurt somebody.

The next day passed gloomily away till about one o’clock when Col. Lauman and Gen. Smith appeared and the order was given to “fall in.”  We were informed that it was expected that the left wing of the 2d Iowa should take the outer works at a charge bayonet without firing a shot.

The order was given and we marched out in an open field and ranged in line of battle for the breastworks, half a mile distant.  We kept a good line until we were half way up the hill to the breastworks.  Here the timber had been felled and formed an almost impassible obstacle to a line of infantry.  Their fire opened upon us, when the boys rushed forward over logs and through the brush up the hill in a manner that would have given a gymnast credit.  Their fire was well aimed and took effect on many of our brave comrades.  George Howell, of company C, was the first to fall, and others followed rapidly.  Capt. Slaymaker fell some 25 yards from the breastworks and died most gloriously, flourishing his sword over his head as he raised upon his elbow, cheering his men forward, telling them to “Charge, Charge, go on, go on, give it to them,” until he expired.  Not for one moment did the column falter, but on they rushed leaping over their dying comrades regardless of their sufferings, of danger, of every thing but the  success of our arms.  Revolving rifles poured a shower of bullets into our ranks by direct and flank fire, from behind their embankments.  In fifteen minutes from the time we had the order to fall in our men were over the works, fighting a hand to hand fight with the few of the enemy that dared brave our bayonets.  The right wing soon came up and fired at us after we had carried their embankments.  Other regiments followed, but as we were in the advance I cannot tell anything of them.  Lieut. Holmes fell on the inside of the breastwork while in advance of the men and was carried from the field.  Sergeant Doolittle fell while gallantly carrying the colors with the advance.  Corporal of company I, raised the banner to support it but a moment, when he fell.  Corporal of company F, grasped it and raising it aloft, feeling at the time that he was sealing his death warrant.  It was a courageous action in one so young to hold his life so cheaply.

In a few moments the enemy had retreated through the woods to an inner work. – Some of the bravest lingered and fired from behind trees.  Numbers of men and officers had fallen.  We were reforming one line when Gen Smith. Came up and told the men, “that we could go through,” and asked if we would go.  He was answered by cheers, and away we went on the run across the hollow to the top of the next hill.  Here we halted and opened a fire on them taking aim and picking off the rebels from behind the trees.  The Col. was stunned by a cannon ball.  Maj. Chipman had been wounded in the beginning of the engagement and the few remaining officers could not control the men if they had wished to. – The enemy had adopted the Indian style of fighting, and the 2d soon convinced them that that was a game that was understood by all parties.

No one is conscious of such music as we heard that day, except those who have been on the battle field.  The cannon ball, grape shot, Minnie ball and musket ball, each as a tone of its own.  Not for a moment did it cease, and many a note was sounded much closer to our ears than was agreeable.  Yet all were cool, loading and firing with precision.  Men fell dead without a groan while their comrades fought on as if it were an every day affair.  Lieut. Bing held his ear close to a soldier’s mouth to hear what he had to say, a Minnie ball whistled between them, cutting the Lieut’s hair.  The sentence remained unfinished.  The artillery was brought up and our men were withdrawn to the breastworks, while our cannon opened on their batteries. – Then we carried off our noble Capt.

We held our position till night when hostilities ceased.  The 2d remained all night and thought that that was the severest part of our work.  All needed sleep, but there we stood, no supper and shivered and stamped our feet all night long.  It was a beautiful night, with the full moon in a clear sky, but so cold that our whiskers were gray with white frost and filled with ice.  It was a long night, but not for a moment would we think of leaving what had cost us so dear.  Our left wing made the charge.  We alone had driven them from their works and held them until reinforcements could be brought up.

The 7th Iowa, 14th Iowa, 25th Indiana, and 52d Illinois were on hand, but the enemy did not attempt to make a charge on us.  Our presence, after one bayonet charge, was all that was required to hold the position.  The enemy was completely discouraged.  Sunday morning we prepared to try the next fortress, having replenished our cartridge-boxes.  Cheer after cheer went up from the enemy’s camp.  Far away over the hills we heard their shouts, and supposed that reinforcements had forced through the lines above us to their relief.  Judge of our surprise when an officer came, as fast as his horse could run, shouting, “They have surrendered!”  Shout after shout went up as he passed, loud enough to wake the dead.  Would that it had but for a moment, that they might know that they were not sacrificed for Liberty’s cause in vain.  What joy filled our hearts when we were ordered to lead the army into the fort, and plant our banner on its ramparts.  It was a greater honor than we had dared hope to win; and when we beheld it flying aloft of their white flag, we experienced the greatest pleasure imaginable.  The Confederates appeared joyous, and received us with cheers, and as we filed back past our troops, regiment after regiment cheered for the 2d Iowa.

Sunday night we slept soundly in the log huts within the fort.  Our killed all died in a few moments, with the exception of Capt. Slaymaker, all were buried on the battle-field, on the top of the hill.  Their graves are marked by a board, bearing name, camp, and regiment.  Our men all died bravely.  Not a shriek nor groan mingled with the din of battle.  They dying quietly expired, and the wounded were borne from the field without the least exhibition of their great suffering.  Their bravery detracted much from the horrors of the scene.  It was not like the many descriptions of battles that I have read.  But for the pools of blood we might have supposed our comrades were sleeping.

Sunday morning I for a few moments left the company as they stood on the breastworks, and strolled over the battle ground.  It wanted some hours of day and the full moon shone peacefully upon the [corpses].  I have read of the glaring eyes and gaping mouth of dead soldiers, but here lay my friends asleep; the eyes are closed, the mouth retains its natural position.  This is not like the dead of our homestead.  I could not but kneel by some of those that I thought must still be alive, but their foreheads were cold; they slept the sleep that knows no waking.  There in the silent repose lay friend and foe side by side.

One of the rebels, a religious character, saw their fire take deadly effect on our little band of 300 men, saw them rush boldly into what appeared certain death.  His heart failed him and he was convinced that they were in the right or they would not face death in that manner.  He surrendered, when he might have escaped.  While planting our flag on the fort a negro remarked to his master, “Why massa, you said these ar’ folks is Yankees and they jes looks like you is.” From what he had heard he supposed we were men in the form of demons.  We have possession of Clarksville, and the 2d will move their [sic] tomorrow.

N. A. H.,

Company C, 2d Iowa.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862, p. 2

The Steamer J. D. Perry . . .

. . . brought up to St. Louis the bodies of Capts. Slaymaker and Cloutman, and the wounded person of Major Chapman, all of the Iowa Second.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 1