Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Tuesday, October 13, 1863

Election passes off pleasantly. the regt vote for Stone 292, for Tuttle 46. Unwell most of day

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 499

Diary of 5th Sergeant Alexander G. Downing: Monday, December 26, 1864

Everything is quiet this morning, though for a while last night there was quite an excitement in town when a fire broke out. We are still lying in camp, with no particular duty to perform, though we are expecting orders every day to move down the river to Ft. Johnson, below Savannah. We are on half rations now, but today got large quantities of fresh oysters, all we can make use of. They were in the shell and were hauled into our camps by the wagon load, and sold to the boys by the peck or bushel. Governor Stone of Iowa arrived in camp today from Morehead City, North Carolina. He came to issue commissions to the officers of veteran regiments, and also to see that the sick and wounded Iowa soldiers in the field hospitals of the South were receiving good care.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 241

Diary of Corporal Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, August 2, 1864

We had a refreshing rain last night. Governor Stone of Iowa arrived at the hospital this morning, having come from the front, with an order from General Sherman granting a thirty-day furlough to the sick and wounded from the Iowa regiments here in the hospital. Those able for duty are to be sent to the front. News came from the front that the Iowa Brigade was badly cut to pieces in the battle of the 22d of July. Many of them were taken prisoners, including almost all of the Sixteenth Regiment. Among the killed are the major of the Thirteenth and the lieutenant colonel of the Fifteenth.¹ There is no news from General Grant's army.

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¹ Later I learned that while the brigade's loss was great, yet Company E's loss was light. By a flank movement the brigade advanced a short distance upon Atlanta. — A. G. D.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 208

Senator James W. Grimes to Elizabeth Nealley Grimes, September 28, 1863

West Union, Fayette County, September 28th

My course has finally brought me to this place, and my face is at last turned homeward, though I have many angles to make, and about three hundred miles to travel before I reach there.

Stone will be elected by a very large majority; larger, I think, than was ever given to any candidate for Governor. You may be interested to know that the people seem to be unanimously in favor of my reelection to the Senate. So far as I can learn, no Senator or Representative will be elected by the Republicans who is not pledged to my election. Of course this makes me proud, for I have not electioneered for it.

SOURCE: William Salter, The Life of James W. Grimes, p. 238

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, October 13, 1863

This is election day for the soldiers of Iowa, they having been given the right to vote while in the army. No one is permitted to electioneer for his favorite candidate and those who persisted in doing so were arrested and put in the guardhouse. General Tuttle, the commander of a division, is from Iowa and is the candidate for governor of the State on the Democratic ticket, against Colonel Stone, formerly of the Twenty-second Iowa Regiment, who is the Republican candidate for governor.¹

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¹ Stone was elected, even without the soldier vote, by a large majority. Mr. Downing has the distinction of having cast his first vote while in the service. — Ed.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 147

James M. Tuttle

JAMES M. TUTTLE was one of the most conspicuous officers among the Iowa volunteers taken from private life in the Civil War. He was born in Summerfield, Ohio, September 24, 1823. Coming to Iowa in 1848 he located at Farmington, Van Buren County. He served six years in various offices and when the Rebellion began raised a company and was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the Second Iowa Infantry. On the 6th of September, 1861, upon the promotion of Colonel Curtis, Tuttle succeeded to the command of the regiment. At the Battle of Fort Donelson he led the Second Iowa in the thickest of the fight and it was the first to pierce the enemy's lines. This charge was one of the most brilliant feats of that great victory. At the Battle of Shiloh Colonel Tuttle commanded a brigade which fought most gallantly at the "Hornet's Nest." On the 9th of June he was promoted to Brigadier General. In 1863 General Tuttle was nominated by the Democratic State Convention for Governor. He issued an address to the voters of the State but was defeated by Colonel Wm. M. Stone, the Republican candidate. He remained in the army until the spring of 1864, commanding a division a portion of the time. In 1866 he was the Democratic candidate for Congress against General Dodge, Republican, but was defeated. In 1872 he was elected to the House of the Fourteenth General Assembly. In 1882 he became a Republican and was elected the following fall by that party to the Legislature. He died in Arizona, October 24, 1892.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Gue, History of Iowa, Volume 4: Iowa Biography, p. 269-70

William M. Stone

WILLIAM M. STONE, sixth Governor of Iowa, was born in Jefferson County, New York, October 14, 1827. In 1834 his parents removed to Coshocton, Ohio, and for two seasons he drove horses on the canal and when seventeen was apprenticed to a chairmaker. At twenty-one he began to read law and in 1851 was admitted to the bar. In 1854 he emigrated to Knoxville, Iowa, and began practice. He purchased the Knoxville Journal and took editorial charge of it. Mr. Stone was a delegate to the convention which organized the Republican party and was nominated for presidential elector in the Fremont campaign of that year. He was an eloquent public speaker and won wide reputation. In April, 1857, he was elected judge of the Eleventh District. When the Civil War began he raised a company for the Third Infantry and was commissioned major of the regiment. He was taken prisoner at the Battle of Shiloh and after his release was appointed colonel of the Twenty-second Infantry. He resigned in August, 1863, having been nominated for Governor by the Republican State Convention. He at once entered upon the campaign and was elected over Colonel James M. Tuttle the Democratic candidate, by more than 38,000 majority. He was reëlected by a reduced majority and during his term his private secretary in the absence of the Governor appropriated to his own use funds belonging to various counties of the State. An investigation by the General Assembly exonerated the Governor from any knowledge of or participation in the transactions. In 1877 Governor Stone was elected to the House of the Seventeenth General Assembly. In 1888 he was chosen one of the presidential electors and upon the accession of President Harrison he was appointed Assistant Commissioner of the Land Office at Washington and later was promoted to Commissioner. Governor Stone died in Oklahoma Territory, July 18, 1893.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Gue, History of Iowa, Volume IV: Iowa Biography, p. 253

The following are among some of the Iowa officers who . . .

. . . were taken prisoners at the battle of Pittsburg: Major Stone, of the Third Iowa; Capt. O’Neil, company A, Third Iowa; Lieut. Knight, company I, Third Iowa; Lieut. Waggoner, Company K, Third Iowa; Lieut. Merritt company G. Third Iowa and Capt. Bell, company H, 8th Iowa. – {St. Louis Democrat

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

William M. Stone to the Adjutant General Of Iowa

Stone & Ayres,
Attorneys at Law and Collection Agents,
Knoxville, Marion County, Iowa

Knoxville, Iowa, Feb 25, 1879

Adjt. General of Iowa

Sir:

Will you be kind enough as to send me certified copy of my military history in [materiale] use in Washington city. What I especially desire is the dates of my commissions as captain, co. B 3D infantry, and as Major of said regiment and the date of my commission as Col. of the 22nd infantry, and the date of my mustering in as such and the date of my discharge or resignation at Vicksburg in August 1863 and any reference to my wound received on the 22nd day of May 1863 which may appear on your records. Be kind enough to comply herewith at your earliest convenience.

Very Truly Yours,

W. M. Stone

Third Iowa Regiment

We received a letter last evening from Capt. Foster, of the 11th regiment; written at the close of the second day’s battle at Pittsburg. He was struck by a spent ball and only slightly injured. The facts he writes us are embodied in the letters of the Chaplain. Capt. Foster informs us that Major Stone and Col. Williams of the 3d regiment are among the wounded. This is the first news we have had from that regiment. Lieut. O’Neill, of the Washington Guards, is also dangerously wounded and a prisoner.

– Published in the Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday, April 18, 1862

COLONEL WILSON G. WILLIAMS

FIRST COLONEL, THIRD INFANTRY.

Colonel W. G. Williams, of the 3d Iowa Infantry, was born in Bainbridge, Chenango county, New York, in the year 1823. He is a descendant of one of the earliest settlers of Connecticut. His father, on the maternal side, was a resident of Danbury, Connecticut, and, at the capture and burning of that place by the British under Governor Tryon, was taken prisoner. Colonel Williams, while young, removed with his parents to Utica, New York, then a small village, where he passed his youth, and received a good academic education. On attaining his majority, he removed to New York City, and was, for several years, engaged in the importing business. He came West in 1855, and, locating in the city of Dubuque, opened soon after, a mercantile house. After following this business for several years, he sold out his interest to a younger brother, and purchased a farm in Dubuque county, on which he has since resided.

At the outbreak of the war, Colonel Williams was among the first in the State to tender his services to the Government. He was for a long time unsuccessful; but finally, through his own persistency, and aided by the earnest endeavors of his friends, he was commissioned colonel of the 3d Iowa Infantry.

He retained this rank until November, 1862, when he resigned his commission and returned to his farm in Dubuque county.

The 3d Iowa Infantry, which was made up from nearly every part of the State, was rendezvoused in the city of Keokuk, and mustered into the United States service, on the 10th day of June, 1861. It has the saddest, and, all things considered, the proudest .record of all the troops furnished by our patriotic State. Strife for position has been the bane of this war, especially with the Federal army; and I need not add, what was the first source of discontent with the 3d Iowa Infantry. This proved a great misfortune to the regiment. Like the 1st, 2d, 4th, 5th and 6th Iowa Infantry regiments, the 3d first served in Northern Missouri. It went to the front under Captain R. G. Herron, a brother of Major-General Herron; for Colonel Williams was left behind, not yet having received his commission. The regiment arrived at the pretty, and just before that time, flourishing city of Hannibal, in the last of June, and two days later, left on the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, which it was to assist in guarding.

It entered the field under many disadvantages. It not only had no commanding officer above a captain, (for neither Lieutenant-Colonel Scott nor Major Stone had yet received their commissions) but it was without transportation and equipments. It was armed with the Springfield musket of the pattern of "1848," but had no cartridge-boxes, belts or bayonet- scabbards. When it went on board the train for the West, on the morning of the 1st of July, 1861, it did not have even a cartridge—only burnished guns and bayonets; and its route lay through that section of the State in which the rebel Thomas Harris was organizing his forces. But what was the greatest matter of surprise to the regiment, it was sent off without rations. It was stationed along the road in detachments, in the vicinity of Utica, and that night was the regiment's first night in the field. It was tired and sleepy, and the detachment at Utica threw themselves on the wet ground and slept, without even establishing a picket-post. Lieutenant S. D. Thompson, of the 3d Iowa, who has written a history of the regiment, quaintly remarks that they trusted in Providence.

The history of the 3d Iowa Infantry, while stationed in Northern Missouri, is extremely interesting; but I can not give it in detail. I shall give only those points which are of chief interest. The regiment first formed line of battle, at the beat of the long-roll, about midnight of the 3d of July, at Utica; and at Brookfield, early in August, first made the acquaintance of "gray-backs." Its first affair, which approached to anything like a battle, was that of Hager's Woods, in Monroe county, and its last, while stationed in Missouri, that of Blue Mills Landing. This last, though terminating unsuccessfully, was a most gallant affair, and will be given in full hereafter. In the affair of Hager's Woods, the expedition was under Colonel Smith, of the 16th Illinois, and numbered about four hundred and fifty men. Besides detachments from the 3d Iowa and 16th Illinois, there was one company of Hannibal home-guards. One Sergeant Fishbeem commanded the artillery, which consisted of a six-pounder swivel. This force moved from Monroe on the line of the railroad, and. came on the enemy's scouts in Hager's Woods, who, firing on the Federal advance, wounded three men. Hurrying his artillery to the front, the incorrigible Fishbeem sent the enemy flying in an instant. Night soon came on, and Colonel Smith retired.

The march from Macon City to Kirksville, comes next in order. The object of this expedition was to intercept and rout the forces of Colonel Martin Green, which were, at that time, reported in camp on Salt River. The line of march from Macon City was taken up at midnight, of the 15th of August. The expedition was accompanied by Fishbeem with his "unfailing six-pounder;" but how Green with his rebel command, having been routed by Colonel Moore and some Iowa home-guards at Athens, on the Des Moines River, subsequently made good his escape south, is well known. This was the result of a blunder, for which one, who subsequently became distinguished, wan responsible. It was positively asserted at the time, that, had General Hurlbut used more powder and fewer proclamations, the result would have been different. On this expedition the 3d Iowa had one man shot by rebel citizens.

Before Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, with his detachment of the 3d Iowa, had returned from Kirksville, Colonel Williams, with the balance of his regiment, left on an expedition to Paris, in company with six companies of the gallant 2d Kansas. On arriving at Paris, the enemy was reported in large force near that place—more than three to one. The country in the vicinity was reconnoitered, and a portion of the scouts were captured. Colonel Williams became alarmed, and beat a hasty retreat to Shelbina, the point on the railroad from which he had marched. In his retreat on Shelbina, Colonel Williams had exercised good judgment; for he had only reached the town, when, on looking to the rear, he saw first, dense clouds of dust, and then the head of a column of cavalry, emerging from the timber. These proved to be the forces of Green, and numbered not less than three thousand. Having formed in line of battle, the enemy sent in a flag of truce; but to Green's demand to surrender, Colonel Williams replied, " go to h---."

The enemy's artillery was now in position, and they began throwing shells into the town; it moreover appeared that they were about surrounding the place, to force a surrender. Colonel Williams had sent for reinforcements; but they had failed to come, and now, calling a council of war, it was determined to escape on the railroad, while there was yet opportunity. For his conduct in this affair, Colonel Williams was put under arrest by General Hurlbut. In this matter, even the Colonel's enemies thought that General Hurlbut acted unjustly; for his conduct merited approbation, rather than censure. It was said that the Colonel was drunk at Paris; but the general, with his own weaknesses, would hardly have put him under arrest for that. After much delay, the papers were lost, and the case never came to trial. That which most annoyed the Colonel's regiment in this matter, (for it had no love for him) was its fears that his arrest would be a reflection on its own conduct; but in this its apprehensions were needless; for no one ever questioned the courage of the 3d Iowa Infantry.

The battle of Blue Mills Landing, on the Missouri River, in which the 3d Iowa, under Lieutenant-Colonel John Scott, so distinguished itself, was fought on the 17th of September, 1861. It terminated unsuccessfully; but it also discovered, on the part of the 3d Iowa and its gallant commander, a spirit of fortitude and promptness to duty, unsurpassed in the record of any engagement.

It will be remembered that, at the time General Price was besieging Colonel Mulligan in Lexington, Missouri, in September, 1861, Colonels Boyd and Patton, with their rebel commands, marched against and captured St. Joseph. At that very time Generals Pope and Sturgis were at or near Macon City, with the ostensible purpose of organizing means for the relief of Mulligan. From the movements which followed, it seems that the aim of these officers was two-fold: to attack Boyd and Patton, and re-capture their long train of plunder, and afterwards to concentrate near Lexington, and raise the siege of that city. In pursuance of these plans was fought the battle of Blue Mills Landing.

Lieutenant-Colonel Scott left Macon City, with his regiment, for Cameron, on the 15th of September, 1861. His orders from General Sturgis were, to leave Cameron, march south to Liberty, and act against the enemy in co-operation with Colonel Smith of the 16th Illinois; and here I should state that Colonel Smith was to march south, in the direction of Liberty, from a point on the railroad some twenty-five miles west of Cameron. These, then, were the forces which were to attack Boyd and Patton, and either capture, or compel them to destroy their train of plunder. In the meantime, General Sturgis, with about eleven hundred men, marched from Macon City, in nearly a direct course for Lexington.

Passing through Hainsville and Centreville, Lieutenant- Colonel Scott arrived at Liberty, at about eight o'clock in the morning of the 17th instant. Here he expected to find Colonel Smith; but, disappointed in this, he dispatched a courier to him, with the request that he come up with all speed; for he knew that the enemy were in the vicinity, since, on entering Liberty, Lieutenant Call, in command of the van-guard, had driven their pickets through the town and forward to the main body. From eight A. M. until one P. M., the time was passed in the most harrowing suspense. From the citizens the numbers of the enemy had been learned, and, although their sympathies were with the rebel party, yet, from the honesty of their deportment, their statements were doubtless correct. All told, Scott's force was not more than five hundred and fifty, and that of the enemy was not less than three thousand. But why did not Colonel Smith come up? was the ever recurring question with Lieutenant-Colonel Scott. It was eleven; he would certainly be up by twelve; but twelve, and even one P. M. passed, and still no signs of his coming. The enemy were probably crossing the Missouri, only four and a half miles distant, and would soon be beyond reach. Lieutenant-Colonel Scott hesitated, for he was to act with Colonel Smith. But just then six distinct artillery reports were heard in the direction of Independence. The citizens, too, said there was fighting on the opposite side of the river. The enemy were being attacked near the crossing, on the opposite side of the river, by forces from Kansas .City, was the conclusion of Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, and he hesitated no longer. Besides, his regiment had not forgotten the affair at Shelbina, and were earnest in their demands to be led against the enemy. Such were the considerations influencing Lieutenant-Colonel Scott to fight the battle of Blue Mills Landing.

It was now nearly two o'clock, and the colonel dispatching another messenger to Colonel Smith, ordered his command to "fall in." Lieutenant Call, with his advance-guard, composed of volunteer mounted Missourians, encountered the enemy's pickets two miles south of Liberty, and was pursuing them rapidly down the road, when he suddenly found himself ambushed. A murderous volley from the enemy emptied five saddles, and four men were killed dead. Their ghastly bodies, lying by the road-side, were soon passed by the infantry troops; but the sight only nerved them for the pending conflict. Finally, the enemy were encountered in the dense timber bordering the Missouri, and about one mile from the Landing. Their position was in a semi-circular, dry slough, whose arc, near its centre, was crossed by the road leading to the Landing. They were consequently well concealed, and the Federal skirmishers came on them unexpectedly.

Lieutenant-Colonel Scott was still marching by the flank, when his skirmishers, who were only a few yards in advance of the head of the column, discovered the enemy. Not only the skirmishers, therefore, were within range of the enemy's musketry, but nearly the whole column; for, as I have said, the dry slough, in which the enemy were concealed, swung round on both the right and left flanks. Rising to their feet, the enemy delivered one concentrated fire, and then began to advance, first on the right, and then in the centre and on the left. They looked for instant and total rout; but in this were disappointed. By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, his cannon (for he had one piece) was brought forward, and discharged twice almost in the teeth of the enemy; but the gunner and horses were instantly either killed or wounded, and the piece rendered useless. In front, the enemy were repulsed and retired to their cover. In the movement against the right, they had also been repulsed; for, after receiving the first volley, the column had deployed, a part to the right, and a part to the left of the road. For half an hour, the fighting was most desperate; and, in spite of every effort, the enemy were held in their places of concealment; but now the Federal troops began gradually to give ground. During all this time, Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, with his color-guard, Lakin, had been in the extreme front, cheering the men and watching the conflict. The colonel's orders had been neither to advance nor retire; for, to advance would result in the capture of his command, and, to retire precipitately, might be equally disastrous. He therefore sat on his horse and watched — a mark for the enemy, and a sign of hope for his men. They gradually yielded their position, and he watched, cheered and followed. The enemy pursued for a time, and then returned to the Landing.

With the exception of his caisson, Lieutenant-Colonel Scott lost nothing. The gun was dragged from the field by Captain Trumbull and Lieutenant Crosley. Thus closed the battle of Blue Mills Landing. That night Colonel Smith came up, but declined to renew the engagement before morning; and before that time, the enemy had crossed the river, and were en route to join Price before Lexington.

Of all the battles that have been fought in Missouri, that of Blue Mills Landing ranks second to none in point of gallantry. "Major Stone, Captains Warren, Willet and O'Niel, were severely wounded; and also Lieutenants Hobbs, Anderson and Knight. The latter refused to retire from the field, after being three times wounded, and remained with his men till the close of the engagement." "Scott's horse was hit several times, and several balls went through his clothes. Eight balls went through the flag, in the hands of Lakin, and a ninth one struck the staff." Sergeant Abernethy, who commanded the twelve skirmishers, also deserves special mention for his gallantry.

General R. D. Atchison made the official report of this battle, on the part of the enemy. He was not, of course, present in the engagement, but that makes no difference; for he would not have told the truth any way. In speaking of the results of the battle he says:

"The Federal troops almost immediately fled, our men pursuing rapidly, shooting them down until they annihilated the rear of their army, taking one caisson, killing about sixty men, and wounding, it is said, about seventy. Our men followed them like hounds in a wolf-chase, strewing the road with dead and wounded, until compelled to give over the chase from exhaustion, the evening being very warm."

But no rascal of his pattern, would tell the truth against himself; and he goes on to say:

"Colonel Saunders, Colonel Patton, Colonel Childs, Colonel Candiff, Colonel Wilfley, Major Grease, Adjutant Shackelford, and all other officers and men, so far as I know, behaved gallantly."

With all these commands, (and why the commanders if not the commands?) the enemy could have had scarcely less than four thousand in this engagement. Indeed, with this number of men, the Federal troops should have been handled as roughly as is declared they were by the rebel historian, Pollard; for, after asserting that the jay-hawkers numbered five thousand five hundred, and the " loyal Missourians" only five hundred, he goes on to say: — " Charging the jay-hawkers with shouts of almost savage ferocity, and fighting with reckless valor, the Missourians drove the enemy back ten miles, the conflict becoming a hand-to-hand fight between detached parties on both sides;" and such history as that has sustained the rebellion.

The 3d Iowa Infantry remained in Northern Missouri until the 18th of October, 1861, when it left for Quincy, Illinois. Here it remained a few weeks, and was then ordered to Benton Barracks, St. Louis. From Benton Barracks, it was sent out on the Northern Missouri Railroad, where it remained till March, 1862, when it sailed for Savannah, on the Tennessee River. It took a distinguished part in the battle of Shiloh.

I have stated that the case of Colonel Williams, with reference to his conduct at Shelbina, never came to trial, the papers having in some way been mislaid or lost. He was therefore released, and restored to command in November, while his regiment was at Benton Barracks. "Immediately on assuming command, he arrested a number of officers, his personal enemies, without the knowledge of the commandant of the post." For some reason, which I do not understand, this, too, was deemed an offense, and he was again put under arrest by General Halleck; but, on a hearing of the charges in this case at St. Louis, he was acquitted, and again restored to his command. He re-joined his regiment while it was stationed on the Northern Missouri Railroad; and, on its departure for the front, left in its command. From this time on, till the date of his leaving the service, he was much more popular with his regiment. It was claimed that his experiences had worked great improvement in his conduct; but whatever is said against Colonel Williams, it must be admitted that, from the first, he was a fine disciplinarian. It was doubtless this, with his naturally overbearing disposition, that made him so unpopular with his regiment.

But few outside of our State are aware of the important part the Iowa troops acted in the battle of Shiloh. On that bloody, chaotic field, as at Fort Donelson, the chief credit and glory- belong to their banners. The disposition and conduct of the troops in this engagement, and the particular part sustained by those from Iowa, are given elsewhere. On the first day's fight, they saved Grant's army from capture.

The 3d Iowa Infantry disembarked at Pittsburg Landing, on the 17th of March, 1862, with the 4th Division, commanded by General Stephen Augustus Hurlbut. On the re-organization of that division by brigades, the regiment was assigned to the First, which was commanded by Colonel Williams, as the ranking officer. The brigade was composed of the 28th, 32d and 41st Illinois, the 3d Iowa and Burrow's Battery of light artillery. It was a fine body of troops, and Colonel Williams was proud of his command.

The part taken by the 3d Iowa at the battle of Shiloh, I will endeavor to give briefly, after first premising that the divisions of Hurlbut and Smith (the latter commanded in the battle by W. H. L. Wallace) were in camp between the front and the Landing. The divisions of Prentiss, McClernand and Sherman held the front, from left to right, respectively.

Early in the morning of the 6th of April, while eating its breakfast, the 3d Iowa Infantry was startled by firing at the front. Similar firing had occurred in the past few days, and it created no alarm. But it soon appeared that the firing now was not wholly the work of the pickets, for with every instant it continued to increase in volume and rapidity. Couriers, too, were now seen hurrying in every direction; and soon the call "to arms" was sounded through the camps of both Hurlbut and Wallace. Leaving its breakfast unfinished, and buckling on its armor, the 3d Iowa was soon in line and in march to the front, under its major; for its colonel was in command of the brigade, and its lieutenant-colonel sick with typhoid fever, and absent. Marching down the road, Major Stone was directed to the left, and ordered to the support of Prentiss. In front, the battle was now raging with the utmost fury, and from the 3d Iowa's camp-ground to that point the distance was but little more than a mile. The regiment moved on at quick-step, but had not proceeded far before encountering the stragglers and the wounded; and that was the hour when began that babel of confusion which, with the exception of a few hours, reigned supreme throughout that terrible day. To those who have never seen five thousand men frightened in battle, and fleeing from a victorious enemy, no idea can be gained, by words, of the wildness of the scene, I care not how glaring the picture, nor how accurate the language. With the unsuccessful party, not only the human, but even the brute creation become overwhelmed and crazed with terror. With the Union Army, this hour was just dawning on the Shiloh battle-field.

But the 3d Iowa moved on, paying little heed to the tales of of [sic] these frightened, disorganized men, and arrived safely at the front. The regiment had sought the front for glory, and it was resolved now to win it. Its position was at first in an old cotton-field; but this was soon abandoned for one further to the rear in the skirt of the timber, with the cotton-field still in front. It held the right of its brigade, but, with this exception, held the left of the entire army. To its right were the 1st and 2d brigades of its division, and then came the division of Wallace, in which were the 2d, 7th, 8th, 12th and 14th Iowa regiments. This is the line which was held till four o'clock in the afternoon; and this the position where was done such magnificient fighting. This line broken, and this position lost, and there was no other successful stand made until the frightened troops had reached the Landing. It was on this line, too, that the 8th, 12th and 14th Iowa were captured, as also was the 58th Illinois. While retreating from this line, Major Stone was captured. This was the line which the enemy had tried so hard, but unsuccessfully, to break for five long hours. When they had accomplished this, not by attacks in front, but by flank movements, the day was so far gone that they could not push their successes to full victory; and hence, I say, the Iowa troops saved Grant's army from capture at Shiloh.

As to the conduct of the 3d Iowa in this part of the field, I can only say: It held its position, when the troops on both its right and left had been driven back, and utterly routed. So fully did it win the confidence of its commanding general that, riding up to Major Stone, he said: "I look to the 3d Iowa to retrieve the fortunes of this field;" but, already, the fortunes of that part of the field were past retrieving. It is a wonder how the regiment escaped capture; but, like the 2d and 7th Iowa, it by some means worked its way through the circling lines of the enemy.

While stationed in the skirt of the timber above alluded to, Colonel Williams was badly injured and taken from the field. A solid shot struck his horse just behind the saddle, killing it instantly, and completely paralyzing the colonel. He did not recover from the effects of the injury for many months: indeed it was on account of this injury, I am informed, that he finally tendered his resignation.

Out of the four hundred and fifty officers and men of the 3d Iowa who were engaged in the battle, more than two hundred were either killed, wounded or captured. Captain Hobbs, an unassuming, but noble-hearted man, was killed. He was the idol of his company. Of the other officers, O'Neil, Knight, Merrill and Wayne, were wounded and captured; Trumbull, Ogg, Weiser, Tullis and Hamill were wounded. Sergeant Lakin, who bore the battle-flag of the regiment at Blue Mills Landing, again flaunted it in the face of the enemy at Shiloh. With a few exceptions, every member of the regiment fought gallantly. In the second day's fight, the 3d Iowa was commanded by Lieutenant Crosley; but, in the operations of this day, it did not suffer severely.

Colonel Williams, recovering partially from his recent injury, was returned to the command of his regiment, and, after the fall of Corinth, marched with his division to Memphis, where he was soon after prostrated by sickness. On the 27th of November, he resigned his commission, as I have already stated. After leaving the service, he was appointed a brigadier-general, but his appointment failed confirmation in the Senate.

I never saw Colonel Williams but once, and that was late in the fall of 1862, when he was on his way to re-join his regiment, after a leave of absence; but his person and manners impressed me so strongly that I am still able to recall them. He has a dark complexion, dark eyes, a large head, and a rather low and retreating forehead. In person, he is short, and heavy set, with full chest and large, square shoulders. He is not attractive in his personal appearance.

While sitting by himself, he looked grum and uncompanionable; but his whole manner changed as soon as he was addressed. I saw that he was fond of amusement, and all its concomitants: indeed, there have been few officers who would not occasionally indulge in a game of cards, et cetera.

As a commanding officer, I judged him to be precise and exacting; and I have since learned that this was his character. While in command of his regiment, he was tyrannical, and, by a majority of both the officers and men, sincerely hated.

SOURCE: Stuart, A. A., Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 83-96

William Milo Stone

GOVERNOR OF IOWA.

William M. Stone was born in Jefferson county, New York, on the 14th day of October, 1827. At the age of six years, he accompanied his parents to Coshocton county, Ohio. In that State he grew up and gained a meager education. He began life at the age of thirteen, as a hired hand upon a farm. Two years later, he was hired as a team-driver on the Ohio canal, and at the age of eighteen was apprenticed to a chair-maker, which business he followed till he reached his twenty-fourth year. That same year he was admitted to the Coshocton bar. Since 1854, he has been lawyer, editor, judge, captain, major, colonel, and governor. Commencing lower down than thousands of his competitors, he has left them all gaping and staring after him, and wondering how he did it, and—there I shall leave them. All declare he is the luckiest man they ever knew.

The extent of Governor Stone's early education, was two terms, or Winters, at a common country school. His knowledge of law was gained through the assistance and encouragement of James Matthews, Esq., of Coshocton county, Ohio— later, his father-in-law. While following his trade, he had access to this gentleman's law library, and prosecuted the study of his chosen profession with such zeal and energy as to be able, in 1851, to exchange the chair-shop for the court-room. He began practice as a partner of his former preceptor, and continued with him till 1854, when he removed to Iowa, and established himself at Knoxville, Marion county. During his first year in Knoxville, he practiced his profession; but in 1855, purchased and began the publication of the Knoxville "Journal." As editor of that paper, if I am rightly informed, he was the first man in Iowa to suggest the call of a convention to organize the Republican Party, then only in embryo. He was not only the first to suggest the call of a Republican Convention in the State, but was a delegate to that convention, when called; and was nominated one of the Presidential Electors. Indeed, the beginning of Governor Stone's career as a public man, in Iowa, bears date at Iowa City, the 22d of February, 1856.

During the Presidential canvass of 1856, he visited the principal part of Southern Iowa, in company with our first Republican representative—Major-General Samuel R. Curtis. In that exciting canvass, he gained considerable note as a public speaker, which, with his genial, off-hand address, put him fairly before the people. In February, 1857, one year later, a judicial convention was called at Des Moines, to put in nomination a candidate for district judge of Stone's district. Stone was present in the convention, and through the influence of his friends, secured the nomination. From that time he became a rising man in the State. He was elected to the judgeship with a flattering majority; and, having served that term with credit, was, in 1858, re-nominated and re-elected with increased majorities. He was the incumbent of this office, and holding a session of his court in Washington county, at the time the news reached him of the firing on Fort Sumter. He immediately adjourned his court, declaring at the time, that the country demanded of him and the people other and more important services.

Returning to Knoxville, Judge Stone raised a company, of which he was elected captain; was assigned to the 3d Iowa Infantry in May, and, on the 25th day of June following, was promoted to the majority of his regiment. He accompanied his regiment into Northern Missouri as captain, and in command of his company, (B)—for he did not receive his commission as major till after his arrival at Chillicothe. While connected with the 3rd Iowa Infantry, Major Stone fought at the battles of Blue Mills, (where he was wounded) and Shiloh. In the last named engagement he commanded his regiment, and was made prisoner. Something of his sojourn in Dixie, as a prisoner of war, may be seen in the sketch of Brevet Brigadier- General J. M. Hedrick, then a captain of the l5th Iowa. In nearly all cases, Stone was the spokesman of the party; and his cheerfulness and wit contributed not a little in keeping his fellow prisoners in spirits. What, I believe, afforded the most amusement were the arguments between himself and the belligerous Colonel Shaw, of the 14th. Stone could advocate any thing, and Shaw would always take the opposite. They would often drag their discussions into the small hours of morning, while the other prisoners, congregated about them, would watch and listen attentively, except when giving occasional attention to a straggling gray-back. I imagine that I can see them now congregated together. I can see them, attired in their cleanest linen, and seated in old rickety chairs, and on benches and boxes, exhausting the whole calendar of attitudes.

But Major Stone was even lucky as a prisoner of war. In June, 1862, after some three months' captivity, he was selected as one of three Federal officers, who, being paroled by the rebel War Department, were dispatched to Washington to aid in arranging a cartel of exchange between the belligerent parties. The first mission was unsuccessful, and one of the parties, at least, (Stone) returned to Richmond and surrendered himself to the rebel authorities. Jefferson Davis, pleased with his conduct and with what he had done, sent him back to Washington to renew his efforts. His mission this time was successful, or at least was so represented; but, however that may be, it is certain that a general exchange came off in the following Fall.

His experience as a prisoner of war, gave Major Stone much notoriety, and put within his reach any position that ordinary desires might covet. Accordingly, after securing his liberty and returning to his home in Knoxville, he was tendered the colonelcy of the 22d Iowa Infantry, which he accepted. He was made colonel of that regiment in August, 1862, and served with it till August 14th, of the following year, when he resigned his commission with the almost certain promise of succeeding to the highest honors within the gift of his State.

Though Stone made a good record as colonel of the 22d Iowa, there is nothing strikingly brilliant about it. He first served with his regiment in Missouri, and was for several weeks commander of the post at Rolla. His regiment served as the provost-guard. In the early part of 1863, he was ordered South to take part in the experiments against Vicksburg; and immediately moved down the Mississippi, to Milliken's Bend, Louisiana. Attached to Carr's Division of McClernand's Corps, (the 13th) Colonel Stone joined in the brilliant march of Grant's army across the country to opposite Bruinsburg on the Mississippi, and thence to the rear of Vicksburg. A full account of this march, and of its incidents, will be found elsewhere. On this march the 22d Iowa first met the enemy.

In the battle of Port Gibson, the first of the campaign, Colonel Stone commanded the brigade to which his regiment was attached; or rather, he commanded it during the forenoon of the engagement. Early in the forenoon, he had become so completely exhausted as to be compelled to turn his command over to Colonel Merrill of the 21st Iowa. During the time he acted on the field, he conducted himself with much credit. In this engagement, too, the 22d Iowa reflected on itself much honor. Colonel Stone's Brigade led the advance from Bruinsburg, and was, of course, the first to encounter the enemy among the rugged hills south of Port Gibson. This was not far from the hour of mid-night. So soon as the enemy were encountered in force at Thompson's Hill, Major Atherton, the unfortunate, who was in command of the 22d Iowa, hurried the regiment to the front, and deployed it in line to the left of Captain Griffith's Battery. There the regiment rested on their arms that night. Until about ten o'clock of the following morning, the regiment acted as an artillery support, and was then led forward to charge the rebel line, which it did with gallantry, quickly routing the enemy, and promptly occupying the ground just before held by them. In the severe fighting of the afternoon, the 22d Iowa was in the front, and joined in three distinct charges against the enemy's line, each of which was successful. The following is from the official report of the regiment's conduct in the action:

" Throughout this series of engagements, the officers and men of the regiment behaved with great coolness and gallantry. I found them always ready and eager to obey the order to move on the enemy. So well did the entire command acquit themselves, I can not, without seeming invidiousness, enter into particulars. It is sufficient to say, they acted nobly, and well sustained the honors already earned by Iowa soldiers. Great care was taken to shelter the men from the enemy's fire, which the unevenness of the ground enabled us to do, with comparative success. And yet, the loss of the regiment, being greater with but one exception than that of any other in the brigade, shows plainly where they were during the long and hotly contested engagement. Too much praise cannot be awarded to our surgeons, White and Peabody."

The loss of the 22d at Port Gibson was two men killed, and fourteen wounded. Lieutenants D. J. Davis, W. M. DeCamp, J. T. Whittington, D. N. Henderson, and John Francisco were among the latter. Lieutenant Davis was adjutant of the regiment.

In the official report of the Division Commander (Carr) is paid the following compliment to Colonel Stone:

" Colonel William M. Stone, 22d Iowa, who succeeded to the command of the 2d Brigade, took his place with the extreme advance guard at night, during the advance upon the enemy, exposed himself freely, and exerted himself so much that he became completely exhausted in the afternoon, and was compelled to relinquish his command to Colonel Samuel Merrill, 21st Iowa, for above an hour. By his bravery and the admirable management of his brigade, he reflects new honor on his noble State."

In speaking of his division general, Colonel Stone, in his official report, is equally complimentary.

Soon after the action at Port Gibson, General Lawler was assigned to the command of the 2d Brigade, when Colonel Stone again assumed command of his regiment. There is little of special interest in the Colonel's military record, or in that of his regiment, from the date of the Port Gibson battle to the 22d of May following. The 2d Brigade of the 14th Division did the magnificent fighting at Black River Bridge; but both the 22d Iowa and 11th Wisconsin regiments were in reserve, and suffered little. The 21st and 23d Iowa regiments are entitled to the credit of that brilliant affair, and none will be found to dispute it with them.

That which most distinguished Colonel Stone in the service, was the part he sustained with his regiment in the memorable charge at Vicksburg, on the 22d of May. In that charge he was for the second time wounded.

The nature of the country in the immediate vicinity of Vicksburg, and the character of the enemy's works were such as to insure almost certain defeat to the assaulting army, provided the rebel garrison were not reduced to a state of total demoralization. It was precisely this that General Grant counted on, as appears in his official report; and, when we reflect that he had been a witness to the enemy's shameful defeat and flight at Big Black River Bridge, were his inferences unreasonable?

In the march from Big Black River to the rear of Vicksburg, Sherman followed the Bridgeport road, McPherson the Jackson road, and McClernand the same road as McPherson, till he reached Mount Albans; then, turning to the left, he gained the Baldwin Ferry road. This threw Sherman on the right of the investing line, McPherson in the centre, and McClernand on the left. The 22d Iowa, being attached to the command of McClernand, was therefore on the south side of Vicksburg. The general character of the ground over which the charge was made, and the kind of obstructions to be overcome, I have given elsewhere. I give below an extract from Major Atherton's official report, showing the particular part the 22d took in the murderous assault.

"At four o'clock A. M., the regiment took position opposite the enemy's works, preparatory to the charge, where we were sheltered by the crest of a hill, and companies A and B deployed as skirmishers. We lay upon our arms until ten o'clock A. M., the appointed hour for the charge, when we formed in line of battle on the summit of the hill, and immediately pressed forward. From our first appearance upon the hill, we were exposed to a terrible fire from the enemy, concealed within their forts and rifle-pits. The men maintained their line and advanced like veterans to the ravine in front of the enemy's works, and made a charge upon the fort situated to our right. While here we were exposed to a murderous fire from the front, and an enfilading fire from the right and left, the enemy's works being so constructed as to effect this result. The column pressed forward, stormed the fort, took possession of the same and its inmates, and held it till dark. We maintained our position during the day, receiving and returning the enemy's fire—they concealed in their forts and other defences, and we, in a great measure, without any shelter. A continuance of the contest was deemed unadvisable, and we retired under cover of the night."

In this action, the 22d Iowa lost heavily. Colonel Stone was wounded, and Lieutenant-Colonel Graham taken prisoner. Captain James Robertson and Lieutenant M. A. Robb were among the killed. They were both good men, and their loss was deeply mourned in the regiment. One of the severely wounded was Sergeant Leonidas M. Godley. When near the enemy's works, he was shot above the knee, and his leg badly fractured. He lay under the enemy's guns till after midnight, when he was rescued by the enemy and taken into Vicksburg. He still lives to tell the story of his prison-life in the beleaguered city. The chief hero of Grant's army, that day, was a member of the 22d Iowa—Sergeant Joseph E. Griffiths. " No troops," says General Grant in his official report, " succeeded in entering any of the enemy's works, with the exception of Sergeant Griffiths, of the 22d Regiment Iowa Volunteers, and some eleven privates of the same regiment. Of these, none returned except the Sergeant, and possibly one man."

The charge of the 22d of May, at Vicksburg, was Colonel Stone's last engagement. Having received early in the fight a gun-shot wound through his left fore-arm, he retired from the field, and a few days later left for his home on leave of absence. Fortune was again favoring him.

Soon after arriving at his home in Knoxville, the Republican Gubernatorial Convention assembled at Des Moines. He attended it, and in a contest between himself, Honorable Elijah Sells, and General Fitz Henry Warren, received the nomination; then, returning to Vicksburg, he resigned his commission, and at once entered upon the vigorous canvass, which resulted in his election. Such rapid and uninterrupted success has never before fallen to the lot of any man in Iowa.

His administration of the Executive Department of the State, has been characterized by that shrewdness and energy which has marked his whole political course. Thus far, it has been a popular one; and, in this respect, contrasts favorably with that of his predecessor. Though not so able a man as Ex-Governor Kirkwood, his prospects for the future are now much the brightest. His conduct as governor has been criticised, to my knowledge, only in one particular. His visits to the army were pronounced by some buncombe expeditions, but the soldiers did not, I am informed, so regard them.

Governor Stone is about six feet in hight, and slender and erect. He has a Grecian face, a large, straight nose, large, full, gray eyes, and spare features. His appearance is intelligent and prepossessing. The chief elements of his success are, I believe, an easy, entertaining address, untiring industry, and unlimited self-confidence. These, sustained by a vigorous constitution, and driven by an iron-will, have enabled him to accomplish whatever he undertook. He rarely loses his temper, and seldom discovers an immodest desire for distinction.

As a public speaker, Governor Stone is fluent and forcible, but not polished—just what one would expect, when he remembers that all his early oratorical efforts were made at the bar. He has the happy faculty of forgetting himself in his theme. Many were witnesses of this fact at Des Moines, when himself and General Warren addressed the delegates the evening before the convention. Colonel Stone's wound was still troubling him, making it necessary for him to carry his hand in a sling; but, after entering upon his speech, he forgot that he had but one well arm, and, drawing it from the sling, began twirling it in violent gesticulations.

Governor Stone's past successes have not only disappointed his enemies, but surprised his friends. He is the most remarkable public man in Iowa, and his future, as promising as that of any man in the State.

SOURCE: Stuart, A. A., Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 7-15

Republican County Convention

The union men of Clark County will assemble in Delegate Convention, at the Court House in Oceola, on Saturday, August 27th, 1864 at 1 o’clock p.m. for the purpose of nominating candidates for the offices of Clerk of the District Court, County Treasurer, and County Recorder, and to transact such other business as may properly come before the convention.

The several Townships will be entitled to one delegate for ever ten votes, and one for ever fraction of ten over [five] cast for Wm. M. Stone for Governor, at the last general election, which will give the following representatives:

Liberty Tp., 5; Fremont, 5; Washington, 2; Madison, 1; Troy, 1; Ward, 3; Oceola, 13; Jackson, 6; Franklin, 7; Green Bay, 4; Knox, 8; Doyle, 11.

The several townships will hold their meetings to select delegates on Saturday, August 20th 1864. The Union men in the several townships are requested to take measures to have a full representation in the County Convention.

By the order of the County Central committee.

W. G. Kennedy, Chairman.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, August 20, 1864

The “Lost, strayed or gone into matrimony” Printer...

...has turned up at his old post again, and feels much obliged to D––l, alias that Quaker in the south-west corner of the Court House for advertising him. It would be consoling to think we were worth advertising, but we are deprived of that comfort, for, it was all done at our expense, and no reward offered at that, for our safe return.

The writer was mistaken in regard to the cause of our prolonged absence. – The facts are these: As soon as Adjt. Gen. Baker learned that we were from Oceola, he ordered our arrest, saying that three individuals, one a Quaker with a long nose, were lately there from Oceola, who drank all the Lager Beer in the City, which disarranged the whole machinery of the Legislature, and he (the General) was determined not to have the thing repeated. Our protestations that we were strictly temperate availed us nothing; we were put in the “Lock-up.” Every Beer Saloon in the City was double guarded and inspected every thirty minutes by the General in person.

Gov. Stone (as a return for having voted for him) procured our release, and we left the City, pretty well persuaded that we should, in future, notice in whose wake we travel to the Fort.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, March 12, 1864

From the Sixth Iowa.

Camp Sherman; Miss., Sept. 7, 1863

Editor Hawk-Eye: I wish to say, through the columns of your paper, a few words in reference to the approaching election for Governor of Iowa. It is not the promptings of a scheming politician that impresses me to write, but the honest conviction of a soldier’s duty; one who has worn his cartridge box and supported his musket on long and toilsome marches, and upon then tented field.

That which I wish to say is this, that the Sixth Iowa, as American citizens, believe it to be their duty to vote against General Tuttle in the coming election. Though his ticket may be headed by the flag of our country, and the columns of your paper filled with eulogies upon his valorous deeds, we cannot and will not support him. Had he have been the chosen candidate by the loyal masses of our beloved State, their wishes would not have been opposed by us. But we do not find such to be the case. Even from his own “so-called” letter of acceptance we find none but the dissatisfied spirit. And the Southern sympathizing Convention that met at Des Moines July 8th, called him into the field and from such only can he expect support. If Gen. Tuttle expects to blind the eyes of the soldiers by his letter of acceptance, and hide the fact that his hopes rest upon the success of that anti-war party, whose leaders met in Convention at Des Moines he is mistaken, for we know with the defeat of that party his hopes must parish. We do not wish to abuse Gen. Tuttle, but wish him and his friends to know that we understand the modus operandi by which they propose to make him Governor. We, like General Tuttle, entered the field from duty, and that duty we owe to our country will compel us to vote for Wm. H. Stone. I do not give this as the feelings or opinion of one man; but the whole regiment. I have heard them express themselves freely on the subject and I have heard but one man say he would vote for Tuttle. The Des Moines Convention, in preamble, tell us they have a right to have their policy passed upon by the people. Tell them to wait till the second Tuesday in October and that shall be done. But enough of this.

The health of the Regiment is improving, after resting from their toilsome marches and successful campaign. At present we are camped on Black River, sixteen miles from Vicksburg. Or position is the 4th Division (commanded by Gen. J. M. Corse,) 15th Army Corps, commanded by General Sherman.

Moses

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa