Theodore G. Weeks & Nathan W. Doty

Were the first of this company [Co. D, 2nd Iowa Infantry] to fall in battle. In the charge at Donelson the Second Iowa was led by as brave a man as ever led soldiers into battle, and braver soldiers never followed a leader. Mills says, in a letter written to his brother in Des Moines shortly after the battle : —

"Colonel Tuttle loomed up tall in front, waving his sword and stepping firmly and proudly. Men were seen dropping out of the ranks killed and wounded. Theodore G. Weeks, the ardent fellow, was killed by a ball in his head when he got to the inside of the earthworks. The line was there reformed, and we fired awhile at the retreating rebels. We then advanced to the main entrenchments. Here the fight was desperate and we lost many good men Sergeant Nathan W. Doty, who had won a great many friends in the regiment by his intelligence and amiability, was killed near by me."

When the remains of Weeks and Doty were brought home they were buried with most imposing ceremonies. The Mayor and City Council of Des Moines took charge of the solemn exercises. All the business houses of the city were closed, and business was suspended from 11 A. M. to 3 P. M., and both Houses of the General Assembly, then in session, adjourned in honor of the occasion; and the members, accompanied by the Governor of the State and his staff, and the United States and State officers, and the officers of both Houses, attended the funeral in a body, and with the lodges of Freemasons and Odd Fellows and Good Templars, and the military, and the largest concourse of citizens ever assembled in Des Moines, listened to the eloquent eulogy pronounced by Hon. D. O. Finch, in honor of the dead.

To show the interest that was then felt in the martyred soldiers, and the honor then thought not unworthily bestowed upon them, I will here present an account of the entire proceedings of that day, commencing with a complete programme of the exercises, premising that, if these two noble, generous, and patriotic youths who gave their lives a willing sacrifice — the first offered of the residents of this community — merited, as they certainly did, these solemn honors, should not the 280 martyrs from this city and county also receive from our hands some handsome mark of our appreciation of their services and sacrifices?

HONOR TO THE BRAVE.

The funeral of Nathan W. Doty, and Theodore G. Weeks, members of Company D, 2d Iowa Regiment, who were killed at the battle of Fort Donelson, will take place at Ingham's Hall, Tuesday, March 11,1862, 12 o'clock M.

ORDER OF EXERCISES.

Voluntary

By the Choir

"Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden,

And I will give you rest — I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn of me;

For I am meek and lowly of heart,

An ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

His yoke is easy and his burden is light.”

Prayer	By Rev. Thompson Bird
Reading	By Rev. Edward W. Peet
	XVth Chapter Of Corinthians
Voluntary	By the Choir

"As for man his days are as the grass; his days are as the grass;

As a flower of the field so he flourisheth; so he flourisheth;

For the wind passeth over it and it is gone; it is gone;

And the place thereof shall know it no more, shall know it no more."

Funeral Oration	By D. O. Finch
Prayer	By Rev. J. M. Chamberlain
Voluntary	By the Choir
	"Unveil thy bosom, faithful tomb; Take this new treasure to thy trust, And give these sacred relics room To slumber in the silent dust; And give these sacred relics room To slumber in the silent dust. "Nor pain, nor grief, nor anxious fear Invade thy bound — no mortal woes Can reach the peaceful sleeper here, While angels watch his soft repose. "Break from his throne illustrious morn! Attend, O earth! his sovereign word; Restore thy trust — a glorious form Shall then arise to meet the Lord; Restore thy trust — a glorious form Shall then arise and meet the Lord."

Chief Marshal J. N. Dewey will form the procession.

Assistant Marshal.	CHIEF MARSHAL.	Assistant Marshal.
	BRASS BAND.
	MILITARY ESCORT.
	PALL BEARERS – CITIZENS.
Body Guard,		Body Guard,
Soldiers	HEARSE.	Soldiers
of Second Iowa.		of Second Iowa.
	MOURNERS.
	ASSISTANT MARSHAL.
	CLERGY AND ORATOR.
	GOVERNOR AND STAFF.
	ASSISTANT MARSHAL.
	LIEUTENANT – GOVERNOR AND SPEAKER OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
	OFFICERS OF UNITED STATES AND STATE OFFICERS.
	MILITARY COMMITTEES OF SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
	MEMBERS OF LEGISLATURE.
	MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF DES MOINES.
	ASSISTANT MARSHAL
	STRANGERS.
	MASONS.
	ODD FELLOWS.
	GOOD TEMPLARS.
	CITIZENS ON FOOT.
	ASSISTANT MARSHAL.
	CITIZENS IN CARRIAGES.
	CITIZENS ON HORSEBACK.
	ASSISTANT MARSHAL.

ORATION.

"There is that in the holy solemnity of the occasion which has called us together, which renders any near approach by me to the expectations which the subject would naturally inspire, a moral impossibility.

"The mere contemplation of death, upon the basis of theory alone, is attended with such manifold evidences of a dreadful something, that it causes a tremor to creep over the frame of old and young, rich and poor, Christian and infidel. We read the heart-rending details of the distant battle-field, of pools of brains and streamlets of blood, and an increased horror fills our souls, the cold sweat stands from the brow, and untold agonies centre round the heart. But alas! when we enter the chamber of death itself, and behold in the cold forms of dear friends now dead, living evidences by which conceptions are converted into realities — what language can express, what tongue can speak the intensity of anguish which fills our souls! We would all, dictated by nature, fetter the tongue, drop the pen, and let the heart speak in its own deep and impressive language, the silent but potent tear, as it glitters at the outlet of its unsearchable caverns.

"A few months since, these two noble specimens of enlightened humanity were among us. Health was emblemized by their ruddy cheeks, mirth beamed in their eyes, jollity danced on their lips; and each exterior emblem was a talisman of the social virtues and honest purpose which drew around them, when living, the host of friends who now attest their due appreciation of their merit by performing these last sad duties to their tenantless clay. That they were good boys, we knew; that they were worthy the respect of the society in which they moved, none doubted then, and none doubt now. And yet how little did we know of them then!

''When, on the wings of the lightning, sad messages were borne to us that combinations and conspiracies were forming for the purpose of destroying this fair fabric of government, the mourning which only mantles the hero's brow, decked not less theirs than that of the veteran. And when at last the long-dreaded period arrived when our flag, hitherto respected by the world, was insulted in the home of its birth; when, within sound of the last resting-place of Marion and of Sumter, it was wantonly and maliciously assailed; when, as it were, the reverberations of the foulmouthed cannon whose missiles had rent the emblem of our nationality, struck the ears of Weeks and Doty, it affected them as it did all true patriots. The smile gave way to the frown, the merry song gave place to the justifiable oath, and they were among the first to place their lives subject to the order of the government.

"No nobler men have engaged in the holy cause of our country than the company of the Second Iowa Regiment of which those we now mourn were members; and I think I may say, without disparagement to any member of that company, that those we mourn would compare favorably with any of their companions.

"We know not ourselves, and very little indeed do we know of those around us, until by the application of immutable tests, we become enlightened as to both. We cull glittering sands with joy, but we turn with disgust from the dross left in the crucible. We tread daily upon jewels because they chance not to sparkle as we pass. We live near neighbor to the great and do not know it; we court and praise cowards in our daily intercourse with the world and know it not.

"How fortunate indeed are they who have bequeathed to friends a name, a character of which there can be no doubt, which has passed through the furnace of severest trial, and been left a spotless legacy to his race. Such are the characters our friends have bequeathed, not alone to those in whose veins circulate the same blood, but to us all. We all claim a share in the rich legacy to which, by their unwritten and unspoken will, we are justly entitled. Their will was their blood, and it was shed for the country, and as loyal citizens of it, no surrogate can by edict deprive us of our rightful inheritance.

"The memory of the departure from our city of that noble band, will not soon be effaced from the minds of our people. How the heart almost choked the 'God speed' in the throat of the fond father. How the tear-dimmed eye of the doting mother spoke the gentle 'good-by.' How endless seemed the sister's fond embrace when, breaking from the joys of home, the endearments of congenial companionship, and all the ties that cement the soul to familiar scenes, they left our midst to mingle in carnage and in blood. What noble emotions must have struggled in their bosoms for mastery over the selfish inclinations of human nature, and how grand indeed the bloodless victory, evidenced by the baring of their youthful breasts to the bayonets of the traitors, that the godlike principle of self-government might yet survive the most gigantic rebellion ever inaugurated by human ingenuity or urged to success by human power.

"Influenced not alone by the enthusiasm of the moment, these young men, possessed of intelligence and forethought, entered upon the arduous struggle before them with full conviction of the high duty which beckoned them from the unruffled bosom of civil life to the more hazardous field of war. It was after a calm deliberation upon the momentous issues involved in the fearful contest, and beholding as they did but one right and one wrong, fidelity upon the one side to the cardinal principles of free government, and upon the other the most accursed treason against not only the letter of constitutional law, but against the spirit, aye, the vital spirit of our institutions, they chose as only true men can choose, buckled on the armor of the soldier, and exposed themselves to the chances of war. While we all accord credit, but few, if any, who have not themselves experienced, can truly comprehend the magnitude of that great moral victory fought on the battle-field of the soul.

"Upon the one side are hung out as inducements to the young mind, all the allurements of comparative ease, the elegancies, the luxuries in many cases, and in all, the indescribable pleasures and comforts of home, the companionship of parents, brothers, and sisters, and not unfrequently, that of souls wedded by spiritual ties not weaker in their claims and more irresistible in their effects; and upon the other, a deadly conflict, to enter which, by all past experience, the mind as well as the body is wholly untutored. Fatigue, labor, and total absence of bodily comfort or mental recreation, encounter them at every step; and last, but not least, the grim monster, Death, stalks boldly into their midst. He comes not to the brow when moistened by the tears of love. He comes not to the well attended sick bed, where half his terrors are shorn by seraph voices, and ministering angels whisper the soul to kindlier regions, but he comes with stolid step, and with unassuaged pestilence; he treads the funeral bier with iron heel, and drives the unwilling soul into the immediate presence of God who gave it. When we fully contemplate the inducements on the one side, and the seeming terrors on the other, how can we find language to express our admiration of that patriotism which enables the youth to forego all the pleasures of the one, and willingly yoke himself to all the perils of the other.

"Your hearts speak the eulogy which lips cannot utter, and the tear only — the angel's pen, can translate the soul.

"We witnessed their departure, and now we welcome the return of the clay which then enveloped their noble souls. But who shall truly write of the intervening time? Who paint the joys, the woes? Who follow with the pen their weary limbs in the midnight march? Who tell the thoughts which occupied the mind of the lonely sentinel, as for long and tedious hours he paced his accustomed beat with no witness to his fidelity but God and the stars? Who conceive the dreams of home, of friends, of victory, of honor, which have sometimes tortured, sometimes consoled their frozen couch? And where the pen that can truly paint the glow of laudable pride, when they have gazed upon the bright stars of a vindicated flag? Such tasks, I have not the presumption to undertake; but the record which in their humble way they have impressed upon the historic page, warrants me in saying that they were incapable of any neglect of the responsibilities which attached to their position.

"Exposed to all the changes of season, to the miasmas of the low lands, and the cutting breezes of the mountain, to contagions, and diseases of the most dangerous and the most disgusting nature, without a murmur they performed their duties in the tedious campaign which resulted in redeeming our neighboring State from the pestilential breath of secession. The contagions which affected the body entered not the pure atmosphere of the soul. Warded off by a devotion as patriotic as it was deep, bodily ills were made to yield to spiritual determination, and they were called to a field of more arduous, more hazardous duty, and to a service of more intense importance to our cause and our country; and in this new sphere the already signaled valor of the Hawkeye soldier became a fully solved problem, and its result is recorded in the history of the most tempestuous days of our Republic. At Wilson's Creek, the Iowa First had demonstrated that the Iowa soldier was not a soldier for fun. They remained by the gallant Lyon, when by all law and by all obligation of contract, they could have returned to their homes and their friends. They were patriots. Love of country, and the highest sense of honor, prompted them to remain. To what purpose, you all know. They led one of the most gallant charges, and covered one of the most brilliant retreats of which the military history of the world can boast.

"The gallant Iowa Seventh at Belmont added another wreath to the brow of the Iowa soldier. For miles, over hill and dale, through woodland and swamp, they fought their way to the goal of their hope, and on their weary return cut their pathway of death through fresh foes. Their gallant dead have a choice niche in our memory, and the surviving brave are among the dearest objects of our individual and our State pride; but by mandates of fortune, it was reserved for the Iowa Second to crown the wreath.

"Fort Henry had yielded to the patriot band, — but Donelson frowned with her huge breastworks, her hundred eyes with leaden balls, her rifle-pits and loud-mouthed batteries, upon Freedom's advancing host. This was the barricade to the land of Jackson, where those who had inherited the true spirit of his noble words and more noble example, were waiting deliverance from a worse than Egyptian bondage. This must be overcome. Sage commanders so ordered. The six starred flag floating from the bulwark, and flaunting a falsehood to every breath of American air that bent its uncomely stripes, appealed not in vain to determined hearts. The siege was laid. For three long days was waged a bloody warfare against advantage. So thick were strewn the dead and dying that the very earth might have been deemed the mother of misery and the generator of death. On the afternoon of the third day, victory or a failure hung upon the result of one mighty effort. The breastworks must be stormed and the intrenchments gained. Where could attention with more propriety be turned? Where could confidence more implicitly rest at this critical and trying moment, than upon the well-drilled delegates of that State, whose representatives had never failed upon any battle-field to prove themselves fully equal to the great exigencies of the most important occasions.

"The Iowa Second were ordered to the front — the object of intensest desire pointed out. In the concentrated intensity of the hour, was centered the hopes of millions. The scale of destiny was balanced for the moment. To falter was to dishonor for the time, perhaps forever, the flag and the cause; one quivering nerve might unnerve the whole; one faltering voice, one tremulous accent might shatter hope; but fear not. With an alacrity unexcelled save by the undaunted courage which beamed in every eye and sat firmly on each determined feature, they sprang to the post of honor and of danger. With fixed bayonet, with rapid, yet regular tread, they bent themselves to the mighty work, on, up the rugged hill-side, over rock and fallen tree, over dead and dying, amid the buzzing cloud of death's leaden messengers, still on they go. Many pause, but only at the order of Deity; but those spared this invitation to himself, still press forward; the point is won; the breastworks are mounted; the intrenchments are gained; the enemy is forced to retire; peal upon peal of enthusiastic joy roll out upon the evening air; the exultations of victory are heard by Weeks and Doty, and the shouts of triumph inspire the last emotions of their souls, as, just inside the intrenchments of the enemy, they sink to the sleep of the brave dead. From the heat of this deadly charge their souls took flight to the bosom of a God who invites to his mansion the souls of the virtuous and the brave. What a death! Who would not release his claim to the last two thirds of the allotted period of life, thus to live, and thus to die? These young men, one not yet having arrived at the age of majority, and the other having just entered the period of manhood, are about to fill, and fill well, the veteran's grave.

"You relatives, and we friends, mourn that we no more this side of eternity can enjoy their companionship; but could they now witness the imposing ceremonies which attend the march of their ashes to their narrow house in the cemetery, to which they have oft with mourner's tread followed the loved dead — could they listen to the silent eulogy which each heart is paying to their fearless patriotism — could they witness the pride with which the citizens of our State lisp their names, as a portion of her representatives upon the battle-field of constitutional liberty — could they witness the conscious pride which keeps company to the mournful tear, as it courses the cheeks of the denizens of our own city when we reflect that they were part of us, they would never again hazard a reappearance upon earth, and take the risk of finding in the vicissitudes of the future another as glorious spot to die.

"Why then should we mourn? By the prayers of the loyal, let us wing away their souls, and with willing hands we will consign what remains to our own earth. As an emblem of the purity in which they lived, we will enshroud their bodies in virgin white, and as a symbol of the glory which crowned their death, we will wrap their coffin with the noble banner in the defense of which they died, deposit them in the quiet grave, and by example teach those who may come after us to moisten with patriot tears the sod which covers the mortal remains of these youthful martyrs to Freedom.

"They have erected their own monument, and it is located in our hearts. This manifestation of our respect is highly appropriate. Let it go forth that to the brave living and honorably discharged, Iowa extends her most cordial welcome, and as to these, so will she always do honor to the ashes of the brave dead. And by our acts at home, as by those of our soldiers in the field, it will become as proverbial as it is true, that this is not the home of cowards, or the asylum of traitors.

"These imposing ceremonies cannot fail to leave deeply impressed upon our minds lessons of the greatest magnitude. By them we are again reminded of the feebleness of that thread upon which hangs our hopes of continued earthly joys. By them we are reminded that the time is unimportant, when compared with the manner in which we live; that in fact it is quite immaterial at what time and in what manner the grim monster, Death, approaches us, so that he finds us bent to the performance of sacred duties, and engaged in godlike pursuits.

"May our hearts not reject the lessons so laden with holy consolations, and my fervent prayer is that when death shall come to our eyes, — whether with leaden messengers we may be borne down beneath the chastening shadow of our flag, or whether by slow and stealthy step he creeps to our languishing sick-bed, — it may find our minds filled with as holy desires as those which must have actuated the souls of Theodore G. Weeks and Nathan W. Doty, as they sacrificed themselves upon their country's altar on the bloody field of Donelson."

Thus may the brave ever receive honor in this capital! Des Moines and Polk County will, I trust, ever cherish and revere the memory of the fallen from this community; and I hope that the people of no section of the Union will ever neglect or forget the patriot dead.

Doty was born in Lockport, Niagara County, N. Y., July 1, 1839. His father moved to Michigan, where Nathan was sent to the University and received a good education, — could read and speak the German language with facility, having learned it at school. "He was always," says his mother, "thirsting for knowledge." He loved the study of history — was well informed on almost every subject — would converse with the most learned — had great argumentative powers — and he wrote beautifully. His letters, written when he was a boy at school, were greatly admired by persons of good taste and education. It could hardly be credited that they were written by one so young.

He loved the green fields, the prairies and hills, and beautiful rivers. He says, writing from Keokuk, June 1st, 1861 : "We are now in our new quarters, which are the best in the city . . . It is a most lovely day, and as I sit here on the top verandah, my eye roams over some of the finest scenery I ever beheld. We have a fine view of the old Mississippi for several miles, as it moves along, glittering in the bright sunlight; the prairies of Illinois rolling far away in the distance — the bluffs of Missouri covered with trees and verdure of every kind — so delightful! — I am almost willing to say that I could live here always and cheerfully put up -with the privations of a soldier's life."  His heart was all aglow with love of his country. "I am determined," said he to his mother, "to see this Rebellion crushed or die in the cause." He had just returned from a short furlough to his home in Michigan, when the battle of Donelson occurred. He says: —

"LOCKPORT, Jan'y 10, 1862.

"Dear C– : I am all right in our old home. I made up my mind that I would like some better to come and see the folks here than to go to Des Moines, inasmuch as I had not seen this place in five years. I left home in Colon yesterday noon and arrived here this morning at 4 o'clock — have not yet been out of town; but shall go soon and visit all the folks. I shall go back to Colon in two weeks and expect to start for the regiment in one week from that time. "

Little did he think that so soon after his visit to his "old home," he must pass to his home where the angels dwell. On the l5th of February, 1862, he fell fighting bravely for the "old home," with the "God bless you" of his many relatives and friends still warm in his heart.

It is sometimes said of those who die on beds of tranquillity at home, "They died happy." Doty died triumphant. Just at the moment he was struck, he was urging on his comrades, crying, "On, on boys, the day is ours!" The ball passed through his heart. He did not speak afterwards; but (says Captain Marsh, in whose arms he died), "A bright smile beamed on his countenance."

He said to his mother when he parted from her for the last time, "I will put my trust in God." He left home with gloomy forebodings; but he said he would rather the greatest evil should befall him than miss going with his regiment. If he had delayed at home a half a day longer he could not have been at the battle of Donelson. He reached St. Louis just as the regiment was embarking.

Colonel Turtle says in a letter published in the "Iowa State Register," shortly after the battle of Donelson, "I don't know how reports will reach you at home, but here we are all covered with glory. Sergeant Doty was amongst the bravest of the brave, and died like a hero."

The following tribute written by D. C. R. appeared shortly after the death of N. W. Doty : —

" 'Onward, hurrah, onward, my boys,

The Second Iowa leads the van.'

And marching, bravely, firmly on,

Young Doty fell. No coward heart,

No faltering there; the cannon's roar,

The whistling bullet, bursting bomb,

Had not a sound to pale his lip

Or blanch his cheek.  How sweet the smile

That o'er his features calmly spread,

As victory seemed within his grasp.

Why weep ye, friends?  His soul has fled

To realms of beauty, there to raise

New anthems to his Maker's praise."

Weeks was born in Hendricks County, Indiana, on the l5th day of August, 1842. The following well written account of this boy was prepared by his father, Dr. John G. Weeks, and recorded in copies of the Bible purchased with the back pay due Theodore at the time of his death. These were presented by Dr. Weeks to each of his surviving children to commemorate their fallen brother.

DR. WEEKS' ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE OF HIS SON.

. . . . "Upon the appearance of President Lincoln's first proclamation calling for volunteer soldiers to aid in putting down the Rebellion of 1861, he embraced the very first opportunity to enlist as a private soldier, very much to our surprise, as he had lost two fingers from his right hand, thus rendering him forever free from any military service under a draft. He insisted so strongly that it was his duty to go, that we gave our consent, though he was under our control, being still a minor. On the mustering of his company at Keokuk, Iowa, he was rejected by the U. S. mustering officer for disability. Still determined to serve his country he, with the assistance of an officer (General Crocker), appealed from the decision of the mustering officer to the War Department of the United States. While awaiting the decision of the Department a much better position, pecuniarily, came within his reach, but he declined, saying that he would only go into the army to fight for his country. The decision of the Department was favorable to his wishes, and he was mustered into the service of the United States. This is the only instance that has ever come to our knowledge of an appeal to the War Department for the privilege of serving in the capacity of a private soldier.

"Shortly after entering active service he wrote in his journal, 'The world owes fame and position to all who earn it; and I will have just so much of its emoluments as I can win by honorable means, and no more; for I would rather live and die in obscurity than sacrifice the noblest attribute of man, my honor, till now untarnished. This is my platform, and, by the help of One who controls the actions of all, I will never accept any other.' After several months' service, Sept. 13th, 1861, he wrote, 'I am determined to remain in the service of my country until her rights are established and her wrongs avenged, and if the chances of war require my life, it shall be a willing sacrifice on the altar of Liberty!'

"After months of trials and hardship and severe sickness, he is found doing his duty with his regiment at Fort Donelson. At the time of the order for the Second Iowa to make the ever memorable charge upon the enemy's works, he was at his place and ready for duty. Without a word spoken to any one he went forward with his regiment under the terrible fire of the enemy, up the hill and into the enemy's outer works. Here, after about a half hour's engagement, he was instantly killed by a rifle-ball in his temple. He fell at the age of nineteen years and six months. He was not permitted to know that he aided materially in gaining one of the greatest victories of the war. He died for his country!

"In his pocket Bible found after the battle, his captain, (who was afterwards himself mortally wounded in the battle of Corinth), wrote the following tribute to his memory: —

" 'Fort Donelson, Feb. 20,1862.

" 'I wish here to record my testimony that the owner of this Book, during his connection with my company, was a good soldier, always ready to do his duty, as he understood it. He was ever active, energetic, and intelligent, and died bravely in his place, while fighting with his company and regiment at the charge of the Second Iowa, which was followed by the surrender of this fort to the Union forces.

"'NOAH W. MILLS,

“'Capt. Co. D., 2d Iowa Infantry Volunteers.' "

The following reminiscences concerning Theodore Weeks may not be uninteresting in addition to what has been given.

During the night before the charge, the men were lying on the ground before little fires they had made to keep themselves from freezing. Some one said to Theodore: "Weeks, you are burning your coat." "O," he replied, "that is no matter; I shall not want it long."

He was very strong and active, and had saved two men from drowning by his expertness in swimming. There were few better marksmen. He could fire right and left, and was selected as a sharp-shooter. He was popular among his companions; every one was his friend. He enlisted at the first meeting in Des Moines to raise troops; was very temperate in his eating and drinking, and exemplary in his deportment. A chaplain who conversed with him a short time before the battle of Donelson, says: "Weeks thought earnestly of religious matters, and his conduct was that of an exemplary Christian."

SOURCE: Leonard Brown, American Patriotism: Or, Memoirs of Common Men, p. 31-48

MT. PLEASANT, Iowa, May 28, 1862.

Editor Hawk-Eye

The Philomathian Literary Society of the Iowa Wesleyan University respectfully ask the publication of the following resolutions, passed at a meeting held in honor of a late deceased member:

WHEREAS, in providence of an all wise God our Friend and Brother Lieut. R. W. HAMILTON formerly a fellow student and member of our literary association, a private in the First Iowa Regiment of Infantry wounded at the battle of Wilson’s Creek and since a Lieutenant in the 15^th Iowa Regiment has fallen in the bloody contest between the Union and Confederate forces at Pittsburgh Landing while bravely defending our country against the attack of a traitorous enemy therefore,

Resolved, That while we acknowledge a Divine Providence ruling all things and the justice of the noble cause in which he was ardently engaged we cannot suppress a deep but resigned sorrow, we lament the loss to society of one so highly esteemed – to ourselves of one whom we shall ever remember as a friend and bother.

Resolved, That we do earnestly sympathize with the friends and relatives of the deceased in this their irreparable loss.

Resolved, That our Hall be decked in mourning for thirty days.

Resolved, That these resolutions be published in the Burlington Hawk-Eye, The Osceola Republican, and that a copy of the same be furnished to the friends of the deceased.

I . N. ELLIOTT,

W. I. BARR,

J. S. CLARK,

Com. Philomathian Society.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 3

Officers of the 16th Regiment

A correspondent of the Dubuque Times – in whose initials we recognize Mr. Frank Doyle, formerly a printer of that city – thus speaks of the officers of the 16^th Iowa regiment:

“In appointing the field officers for our regiment, Gov. Kirkwood made the very best selection.  Col. Chambers is a West Point graduate, a good business man, a strict disciplinarian, always at his post, perfectly temperate, and a brave officer if I can judge correctly.  Lieut. Col. Add. H. Sanders is not liked by all in the regiment, but he is really loved by every one – we love him as fondly as our lives, and he is deserving of our respect and love.  He is always attending to business, and while doing so he finds time to speak a pleasant word to everybody; no matter whether a ‘Gigadier Brindle’ or a ‘high private in the rear rank.’  When he has no particular business on hand, he is found at the hospital speaking words of sympathy and pleasantry to the unfortunate sick, or providing them with some little delicacy. – This is why we love him.  Major Purcell has been tried upon the battle field, and found to possess the qualifications for an officer.  He was 1^st Lieutenant in Col. C, 1^st Iowa, and was wounded at Wilson’s Creek.  He has recently recovered from the injury.  He is somewhat bashful, and would seem rather reserved until you become a little acquainted, when you find him one of the best natured and must sociable men in the world.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 8, 1862, p. 2

Iowa on the Battle Field

A correspondent of an Eastern journal thus speaks of our State, in connection with the bravery of her sons on the field of battle at Pea Ridge, and of the German Patriotism:–

Opposed to them were the gallant sons of Iowa, descended mainly from the Puritan fathers.  Immortal Iowa! what a page in the volume of American history is reserved for thee!  Long, long will a nation remember how her champions of freedom, like their sires of the Revolution, ragged and barefooted, remained after the expiration of their term of service, to lay their lives  a sacrifice upon the altar of their country at Wilson’s Creek; how they left their mark upon the foe at Belmont; how they scaled the heights of Donelson; and last but not least, how they crushed, with the might of Spartans, the advancing hordes at Sugar Creek, in the wilds of Arkansas. – There, too, stood the patient, courageous sons of Germany, face to face with an insolent and unprincipled foe, contending for those principles of liberty and justice for which they have until now striven in vain.  Honor to these men and their great leader for the part they sustained in this momentous day.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 29, 1862, p. 2

Iowa Items

Some citizens of Des Moines, it will be remembered, in order to secure the location of the State capitol at their village, agreed to furnish capitol grounds and building free of charge to the State.  They borrowed the money from the school-fund for the purpose, and now, being unable or unwilling to pay, come forward, and ask that they be released from the payment of some $44,000, on the ground that they have furnished the State with a capitol!  If they succeed in this effort, we suggest that these “responsible” citizens of Des Moines had better try to get the different State asylums to their city, on the same terms, and wind up with the State Prison, so that said “responsibles” can finish their career as near home as possible.

At the municipal election in Muscatine last Monday, about 800 votes were polled.  George Mason was elected Mayor for the third time, John Wiley re-elected Treasurer, and Marx Block chosen wharfmaster.  No party lines were drawn.

Dr. Thompson, of Muscatine, on Monday last, extracted from the hip of Mr. Newton Brown, a ball, or rather the piece of one, which he received at the battle of Wilson’s Creek.  The ball entered the leg a little above the knee.

A soldier died very suddenly in Dubuque last Friday, from, it is supposed, congestion of the lungs.  A person thought he recognized him as one John Garon, formerly a resident near Dubuque; he is supposed to have been one of the regiment of Mechanic Fusiliers, recently disbanded at Chicago.

The Dubuque Herald says that Messrs. J. Throp, Wm. Canfield, and another miner, after laboring in the lead region for five weeks, have at last truck a lead at the depth of twelve feet from the ground.  They took out in three days, 3,000 bounds of mineral, which they sold at $34.50 per thousand – being $11.50 a day for each man.

It has been proposed in our Legislature to change the names of Floyd and Jones counties respectively to Baker and Lyon.  It was ascertained, in the course of debate, that Floyd county was named in honor of a sergeant in Lewis and Clark’s expedition, and consequently is not intended to perpetuate the name of the traitor secretary.  The Anamosa Eureka says that George W. Jones, then surveyor-general, gave his own name to Jones county, which then contained about two hundred inhabitants.  The Eureka is anxious that the county should be purged of the traitor’s name, and something more honorable be given it.

MORMONS IN LEE COUNTY. – The Keokuk Constitution says there is now a Mormon church in Des Moines township, in that county, which numbers thirty members, who have a preacher and hold regular meetings every Sunday, and have preaching and prayer meetings one a week.  They are followers of young Joseph Smith.

WOLVES. – During the first two weeks of February, twelve wolves and one wild cat were killed in this vicinity.  It was not much of a time for wolves either. – Montezuma Rep.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 10, 1862, p. 2

From The 11th Iowa Regiment

FULTON, MO., Feb. 15.

EDITOR OF THE GAZETTE. – Dear Sir:  A sad shooting affair occurred at the Post office in this place last evening – the parties, a Mr. Overton and a Mr. Williams – two prominent citizens, and both good Union men.  They were in the inner room of the Post office, when an altercation took place concerning the position of the Postmaster, and some other local matters.  Revolvers were drawn by both at nearly the same instant, and both fired – one twice and the other once.  Mr. Overton was shot through the groin, and Mr. Williams through the breast.  Two men of our regiment were present – waiting for the mail – and assisted instantly in seizing the combatants, but too late.  Both men are alive today, but neither is expected to recover.  One of the balls passed through the glass of the boxes and seriously injured a colored man in the outer room.  No one else was hurt, though quite a number of persons were present. – This sad occurrence causes great rejoicing among the secessionists.  First intimation some of us had of the affair, was the shouting and cheering of the prisoners confined in the third story of our quarter[s], to whom the news was foolishly reported by one of our officers.  It was nearly 11 o’clock, and most of the prisoners were asleep, but all were aroused, and so great was their joy that they actually rolled on the floor and jumped over each other.  The killing of two such men – each by the hand of the other – is an event, in their estimation, of almost as great importance as a rebel victory.  To the Union people of this city and county, scarcely any event could have been more sad that the mutual destruction of two such men.

Speaking of our prisoners, we have now twenty-six among whom are one merchant, one minister, three doctors, and one major formerly of Price’s army and wounded at the battle Wilson’s Creek.  Some of them are desperate men, who would kill every one of us if they could.  Others are mild, and would shrink from shedding human blood, but all probably have aided rebellion in some way.  Arrests are made almost every day, but when there is no clear proof of complicity with rebels, the oath is administered, heavy bonds required in doubtful cases, and the prisoners are discharged.  A military commission has been appointed, whose duty it will be to examine and decide the fate of those held in confinement.  This board consists of five officers of the 11th Iowa and the 3d Iowa cavalry and will be in session next week.

This week two brigades from Sedalia and Otterville have passed through this place, on their way to St. Louis.  The traveling was terrible and the progress very slow – not more than ten or twelve miles per day, and men and animals giving out at that. – The first cavalcade was two hours passing a given point, and the last two and a half.  What could have been the motive for sending these troops on such a march, when a railroad and a river were both at hand, and when their destination would seem to demand dispatch, is a mystery.  Major Generals ought to know what they are about.  Perhaps they do.

This week two of our men died in one day with small pox – the first deaths by this disease in the regiment – and on the same day another man died very suddenly of laryngitis.  One of our number also died at St. Louis last week making thirty in all.  The names of the four above mentioned are Wm. Sheets and Marcelon Smith, of Co. G; Sylvester Britt, of Co. C; and Richard Garland, of Co. I.  We have three men very sick, two of whom have been in the hospital a long time, and are thought to be gaining slowly.  The other is in a critical condition, but may recover.

SABBATH EVENING, Feb. 15. – Overton and Williams are both dead – a sad, very sad result of passion, and of carrying deadly weapons.  A thick gloom has settled down on this community, as both these men were highly respected in this city and county. – Mr. Overton was a druggist, and Mr. Williams a hardware merchant.  The former was an elder in the Presbyterian church.

This afternoon, by invitation of several of the prisoners who are Methodists, the Chaplain of the cavalry – who is also a Methodist – preached in the prison room.  He gave them a very good discourse on the character of Daniel, and closed with some pretty strong Union sentiments.  A majority, perhaps, received the exhortation with apparent meekness, but some raved.  One of them – a doctor – remarked to me at the close, bitterly, that “if the Nebuchadnezzar of this country” – naming President Lincoln – “could be sent to eat grass like the ox for seven years, the trouble of the nation would be at an end.”  I might have replied that Jeff. Davis more nearly resembled the tyrant king than does our good President, but not choosing to hold any discussion with such men I did not.

We have heard the report of heavy guns this afternoon in the direction of Jefferson City, and the presumption is that Fort Donelson is captured.  But as we are 25 miles from telegraph we must wait for the news till to-morrow.  Our isolation is a serious drawback to the comfort of our otherwise comfortable position.  But if Uncle Sam needs us here, we must try and be contented.  Inactivity and want of excitement are in some respects harder to bear than fatigue and danger, but if the former are to be our allotment – as now appears probable – in sustaining our most excellent Government, we will endeavor to endure and bear patiently.  The glory of this endurance will be less than that of the battlefield, but the service may not be less important, while the agonizing suspense of friends at home will be far less.

Yours truly,

CHAPLAIN,

11th Iowa.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 2

Our Brave Western Boys

Our Illinois regiments must be wary, or the Iowa regiments will bear off the honors of the campaign.  At Wilson’s creek, under the gallant Lyon, the Iowa First did prodigies of valor.  At Belmont, the Iowa Second did the main part of the work that redeemed the disasters of the day.  And at Fort Donelson, that same regiment coming to the aid of Illinois, was the first over the entrenchments, and bayonet in hand in the thickest of the fray!  And wherever else Iowa has fought, she has shown that her brave sons are doing all that gallant soldiers and fervid patriots can do.  Thus far she has a record that any State might envy. – Chicago Tribune.

Our contemporary labors under a few mistakes, though it is not one to ascribe bravery to the Iowa soldiers.  It was the Iowa Seventh that so signalized themselves at Belmont, and the Iowa Second that was the first, the very first, over the entrenchments at Fort Donelson, leading all other regiments.  Wherever in a battle the fight is the hottest, and the leaden hail thickest, there the brave Iowa boys may be found fighting for the country they love so well.  God bless them all; may that country richly reward the novel fellows for the services rendered in her hour of peril.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 2

Frank B. Johnson . . .

. . . of the Illinois 57^th Regiment, died in this city yesterday.  Mr. Johnson was a resident of Burlington.  His parents live here.  He was a member of Capt. Abercrombie’s company of the glorious Iowa First, and fought at Wilson’s Creek.  Enlisting again in the Lancers, when that Regiment was disbanded he enlisted in the Illinois 57^th, and while fighting in that Regiment at Pittsburg Landing he lost his foot, which was shattered by a ball.  But his death did not result from his wound.  It was caused by exposure which brought on disease of the lungs.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 2

Colonel John H. Stibbs

Colonel John H. Stibbs, Brevet Brig. Gen, U. S. V. was born in Ohio March 1, 1840; was one of the first men in Iowa to sign a muster roll for the War of the Rebellion. His name was second on the roll of Company K 1st Iowa Infantry in which company he served as 1st Sergeant at Wilson's creek and all the marches of the 1st Iowa. Within a week after his discharge from the three months' service, he was at work recruiting a company for three years service and succeeded in enlisting a full company of which he was elected Captain. The company was accepted and mustered into the United States service as D, 12th Iowa Infantry. Captain Stibbs was in command of his company at Fort Donelson and Shiloh, and with them was captured and shared the fate of the prisoners of war. Upon the reorganization of the regiment he was commissioned Major, and upon the resignation of Lieutenant Colonel Edgington was promoted Lieutenant Colonel September 25, 1863. From that time he was continuously in command of the regiment until February, 1865. The history of the regiment during that time is his history. He received special mention and was breveted Colonel for services at Nashville; was mustered Colonel of the regiment September 18, 1865; breveted Brig. General April 20,1866, and mustered out April 30, 1866. From February 1865, he served as a member of Court martial that tried Captain Wirtz and some other military prisoners. After leaving the service he was employed as agent of the Quartermaster's Department and afterwards as Special Division Inspector of Pension office at Chicago where he is now employed.

SOURCE: David W. Reed, Campaigns and battles of the Twelfth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 246

The Gallant Iowans

Iowa is a young State, but it is the home of heroes. With the present war she has begun a war history that yields in splendor and honor to that of no State in the Union, and no country on the globe. Her soil is the birthplace of a new chivalry, and she has become the mother of a new race of heroes. Her soldiers boast little and she has no industrious penny-a-liner to boast for them. Her soldiers are as modest as they are brave. They are not fierce braggarts. They are as gentle and tractable as children.

But when the storm of blood begins they are the guiding and governing heroes of the tempest. Where the harvest of death is to be reaped, they are the foremost of the reapers. Where a perilous assault is to be made, somehow or other there is always an Iowa regiment, or the wasted shadow of and Iowa regiment, to lead it. It was so at Wilson’s Creek; it was so at Belmont, it was so at Fort Donelson, it was so at Shiloh; it will ever be so throughout the war.

All our Western troops have been heroes, but the Iowa troops have been heroes among heroes. The “Iowa First,” “Iowa Second,” “Iowa Fourth” and “Iowa Seventh,” are bodies of men who would have given an additional luster even to Thermopylae, Marathon, Austerlitz or Wagram, and all Americans may be proud of Iowa. – St. Louis News

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 2

First Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry

In the great drama of the War of the Rebellion, Iowa soldiers played a conspicuous part. The first hostile shot was fired in Charleston Harbor on the morning of April 12, 1861. A few days later President Lincoln issued his proclamation calling for 75,000 men for the suppression of the armed rebellion against the government of the United States. In response to this call, the First Regiment of Iowa Volunteers went forth as the vanguard of the mighty host that followed from the State under the subsequent calls of the President.

In this first chapter of the history of the different military organizations which Iowa sent into the field during the progress of that great war, it is deemed proper to copy here that first proclamation of the President, the brief telegrams from the Secretary of War having reference thereto, and the patriotic response of the Governor of Iowa which so promptly followed.


PROCLAMATION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
APRIL 15, 1861.

Whereas, The laws of the United States have been, and now are, opposed in several States by combinations too powerful to be suppressed in an ordinary way, I therefore call for the Militia of the several States of the Union to the aggregate number of 75,000, to suppress said combination, and execute the laws. I appeal to all loyal citizens for State aid in this effort to maintain the laws, integrity, national union, perpetuity of popular government, and redress wrongs long enough endured. The first service assigned forces will probably be to re-possess forts, places and property which have been seized from the Union. The utmost care should be taken, consistent with our object, to avoid devastation, destruction and interference with the property of peaceful citizens in any part of the country, and I hereby command persons composing the aforesaid combinations, to disperse within twenty days from date.

I hereby convene both Houses of Congress, for the 4th day of July next, to determine upon measures for the public safety, as its interests may demand.

(Signed) ABRAHAM LINCOLN,
President of the United States.

By W. H. Seward,
Secretary of State.


TELEGRAMS FROM THE SECRETARY OF WAR, APRIL 16, 1861.

Washington, April 16, 1861.

To His Excellency Samuel J. Kirk Wood,
Governor of Iowa:

Calls made on you by tonight's mail for one regiment of militia for immediate service.

SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.

Washington, April 16, 1861.

To Samuel J. Kirkwood :

It will suffice if your quota of volunteers be at its rendezvous by the twentieth (20th) of May.

SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.


PROCLAMATION OP THE GOVERNOR, APRIL 17, 1861.

Whereas, The President of the United States has made a requisition upon the Executive of the State of Iowa for one regiment of Militia, to aid the Federal Government in enforcing its laws and suppressing rebellion;

Now, therefore, I, Samuel J. Kirkwood, Governor of the State of Iowa, do issue this Proclamation, and hereby call upon the Militia of this State immediately to form in the different counties, Volunteer companies with a view of entering the active Military service of the United States, for the purpose aforesaid. The regiment at present required will consist of ten companies of at least 78 men, each including one Captain and two Lieutenants to be elected by each company. Under the present requisition only one regiment can be accepted, and the companies accepted must hold themselves in readiness for duty by the 20th of May next at farthest. If a sufficient number of companies are tendered, their services may be required. If more companies are formed and reported, than can be received under the present call, their services will be required in the event of another requisition upon the State. The Nation is in peril. A fearful attempt is being made to overthrow the Constitution and dissever the Union. The aid of every loyal citizen is invoked to sustain the General Government. For the honor of our State, let the requirement of the President be cheerfully and promptly met.

SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD.
Iowa City, April 17, 1861.


Long before the issuance of these proclamations of President Lincoln and Governor Kirkwood, the organized militia companies of Iowa had tendered their services to the Governor in anticipation of the impending war, the official correspondence showing that the first of these companies offered its services early in the month of January, 1861, the others following rapidly during that month. It will thus be seen that all was in readiness for the prompt response which was made to the Governor's proclamation.

The ten companies, which were to become the first regiment from Iowa, were ordered into quarters by the Governor, April 24, 1861, and reached the designated rendezvous at Keokuk on different dates from May 1 to May 8, 1861. Here they were mustered into the service of the United States, May 14, 1861.

The facts thus shown — from the official records — prove that the regiment was in rendezvous twelve days before the date indicated in the second telegram from the Secretary of War, and that it was mustered into the service six days prior to that date. The State of Iowa is thus entitled to the credit of having filled its quota in advance of the date stipulated in the proclamation of the President under date of April 15, 1861. May 23d, the regiment received arms and accouterments, and on May 28th — the tents and camp equipage having arrived — went into its first camp. Previous to that date, it had been quartered in buildings.

The short time that intervened before the regiment was engaged in active service was utilized to the utmost. The Field, Staff and Line officers — with a few notable exceptions — were taking their first lessons in the art of war, and in the study of the rules and regulations for the government of the United States Army, of which the regiment was now a part, and found little time for rest or recreation. Company and battalion drills were in progress many hours each day, and far into the night the officers were engaged in the study of the movements, the manual of arms, and the rules of discipline, so necessary to be learned and taught to the men under their command. How well these lessons were learned in so short a time was demonstrated in the brief but severe campaign in which the regiment was soon called to participate under the leadership of that thoroughly trained and gallant officer, Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon, of the regular army.

The regiment left Keokuk on the 13th day of June, 1861, and was transported by boat down the Mississippi to Hannibal, Mo., thence by rail to Macon City and Renic, and thence marched across country to Boonville, a distance of fifty-eight miles, in less than two and one-half days, an extraordinary march for these men fresh from their Iowa homes, and not inured to the hardships of a "soldier's life. The regiment joined General Lyon's little army at Boonville, Mo., on the 21st day of June. Here it remained until July 13th and on that day took up the line of march with the other troops composing General Lyon's command. From this date to the close of its term of service, the history of the regiment is identified with that of the little army commanded by General Lyon, on the march, the skirmish line, in camp and bivouac, and in battle.

The day the gallant Lyon gave up his life on the battlefield of Springfield, August 10, 1861, practically ended the active military history of the First Iowa Infantry. A few days later the regiment proceeded to St. Louis where it was mustered out of the service on the 21st day of August, 1861. The subjoined summary of casualties shows a loss of over 17 per cent of its total number at muster in, and is convincing evidence of its arduous service in the field, which lasted less than two months. The loss of the regiment at Wilson's Creek was 13 killed, 141 wounded and 4 missing, and constituted by far the greatest part of its total loss during the campaign.

In order that a correct understanding of the discrepancy between the loss at Wilson's Creek and the subjoined summary of casualties during the campaign may be had, it should be here stated, that, while this regiment was on the skirmish line on the right of General Lyon's command at Dug Spring, August 2, 1861, and again at McCulloch's store, August 3, 1861, and rendered important service on both occasions, its position was such that before it could be brought into action the enemy was in full retreat, and in those affairs no casualties are reported. During the campaign, therefore — according to the official records — the regiment lost twelve men in addition to the loss at Wilson's Creek, making a total, as shown in the summary, of 170.

It can be justly claimed for this regiment that — considering the short length of its service — its record compares most favorably with that of the other regiments which were subsequently organized in Iowa, and mustered into the service for three years, or during the war. The history of the service of each soldier of this regiment — as shown in the paragraph opposite his name in the subjoined roster — reveals the fact that a very large number of the officers and enlisted men of the regiment, who were mustered out of the service, August 21, 1861, re-enlisted as fast as opportunity offered in the Iowa regiments which were subsequently organized, and that many of them received commissions. Some of these officers attained high rank before the close of the war, and all reflected honor upon their State by their heroism in the numerous battles in which they were engaged.

This brief history of the regiment has been compiled in accordance with the provisions of chapter 223, laws of the Thirty-second General Assembly of Iowa, and under that portion of section 2 of the act which makes provision for "brief historical sketches of the organization, service and engagements of all Iowa regiments."

Within the limitation thus imposed, the compiler of this historical sketch considers that the publication of the official report of the commanding officer of the regiment in the battle of Wilson's Creek, and the official orders of the Department Commander, and of the Congress and the President of the United States, commendatory of the conduct of the officers and soldiers engaged in the battle of Springfield, constitute a fitting and appropriate closing of this sketch. These reports and orders are copied from Series 1, Volume 3 of the official records of the War of the Rebellion, published under the direction of the Hon. Elihu Root, Secretary of War.


REPORT OF COL. WILLIAM H. MERRITT, FIRST IOWA INFANTRY.

Sir: I have the honor to submit the following- report of the part taken by the Iowa troops in the late hotly contested battle of Wilson's Creek :

At 6 o'clock P. M., of the 9th inst., the First Regiment of Iowa Volunteers, under command of Lieut. Col. William H. Merritt, Col. J. F. Bates being sick, united with the forces at Springfield under command of General Lyon, and commenced the march to Wilson's Creek, twelve miles distant. Arriving within three miles of the enemy's camp, and in close proximity of their pickets, the order was given to halt.

The troops lay on their arms until 3 o'clock A. M. of the 10th inst., when they advanced upon the enemy's lines. About 5 o'clock A. M. our advanced skirmishers engaged the enemy's pickets and drove them in. The First Missouri and First Kansas Volunteers and a battalion of regular infantry, under command of Captain Plummer, with Totten's Battery, very soon engaged a considerable number of the rebel forces.

Du Bois' Battery took position a short distance east of where the enemy were being engaged, and the Iowa troops were drawn up in line of battle on its left. A brisk fire was commenced and kept up for thirty minutes. The enemy responded promptly with a battery in the ravine, but their shots passed over our heads. Detailed Company D, First Lieutenant Keller commanding, and Company E, First Lieutenant Abercrombie commanding, to act as skirmishers in advance of my line. Ordered to advance over the hill, engage the enemy, and relieve the First Regiment Kansas Volunteers. In advancing to engage the enemy, met the First Kansas retreating in confusion. They broke through our line on the right, separating companies A and F from the balance of the command. While in this confused state received a murderous fire from the enemy's infantry. Gave the command to fall back and reform the line. The din of firearms and the loud talking of the retreating troops drowned my voice, so the command could not be heard on the left. Led the two companies, A and F, over the hill, halted them, and ordered to about face and fire on a squadron of the enemy's cavalry advancing to charge on a section of Totten's Battery. The fire was executed with promptness and effect, and after receiving the discharge from the battery, the enemy retired in double-quick time, leaving a number of dead and wounded on the field.

Ordered companies A and F to hold their position until further orders, and then returned to companies I, H, K, G and B who had been left facing the enemy's line. Found our troops advancing under a galling fire from the enemy's infantry. After repulsing the enemy, they fell back in good order. Ordered Major A. B. Porter to proceed to the rear and take command of the four companies, A, F, D and E, of the Iowa troops there stationed. Held our position in front for five hours, alternately advancing and retiring, as the approach and repulse of the enemy made it necessary to do so. In every charge the enemy made, we repulsed them and drove them into the ravine below.

About 12 o'clock M. the order was given to retire from the field, which was done in good order. As we retired over the hill, we passed a section of Totten's Battery, occupying a commanding point to the right, supported on the right by companies A, F, D and E of the Iowa troops under command of Major Porter, and on the left by one company of regular infantry, under command of Captain Lothrop.

This command sustained our retreat with great coolness and determination under a most terrific discharge from the enemy's infantry. After the wounded were gathered up our column formed in order of march, and the enemy repulsed, the battery and infantry retired in good order.

Thus closed one of the most hotly contested engagements known to the country, commencing at 5 :20 o'clock A. M. and concluding 12 :20 o'clock P. M., in which the enemy brought to the field 14,000 well armed and well disciplined troops and 10,000 irregular troops, and our own force amounted to about 5,000 troops in the early part of the engagement, and considerably less than 4,000 troops for the concluding four hours of it.

It is with great pleasure that I acknowledge valuable aid and assistance from Major A. B. Porter, Adjutant George W. Waldron — who was wounded in the leg — and Sergeant Major Charles Compton, and to express my unbounded admiration of the heroic conduct displayed by both officers and men. No troops, regular or volunteer, ever sustained their country's flag with more determined valor and fortitude. They have crowned themselves with imperishable honor, and must occupy a conspicuous place in the history of their country. A list of the killed, wounded, and missing, will be found attached to this report, together with such notices of individual prowess as were observed on the field.

Before concluding this report, I must bear testimony to the gallant and meritorious conduct of Captain A. L. Mason of Company C, who fell in a charge at the head of his company.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. MERRITT,
Lieutenant Colonel Commanding.

Major J. M. Schofield,
Acting Adjutant General.
Loss: Killed, 12; wounded, 138; missing, 4; total, 154.


Major S. D. Sturgis, who, after General Lyon was killed, was the senior officers in command of the Union Army, makes special mention in his report of the zeal and courage displayed by certain officers, including the names of Lieutenant Colonel Merritt, Major Porter and Captain Herron of the First Iowa.



CONGRATULATORY ORDERS FROM MAJOR GENERAL J. C. FREMONT.

Headquarters, Western Department,
Saint Louis, Mo., Aug. 25, 1861.

General Orders, Number 4.

I. The official reports of the commanding officers of the forces engaged in the battle near Springfield, Mo., having been received, the Major General commanding announces to the troops embraced in his command, with pride and the highest commendation, the extraordinary services to their country and flag rendered by the division of the brave and lamented General Lyon.

For thus nobly battling for the honor of their flag, he now publicly desires to express to the officers and soldiers his cordial thanks, and commends their conduct as an example to their comrades wherever engaged against the enemies of the Union.

Opposed by overwhelming masses of the enemy, in a numerical superiority of 20,000 against 4,300, or nearly five to one, the successes of our troops were nevertheless sufficiently marked to give to their exploits the moral effect of a victory.

II. The general commanding laments, in sympathy with the country, the loss of the indomitable General Nathaniel Lyon. His fame cannot be better eulogized than in these words from the official report of his gal'ant successor, Major Sturgis, United States Cavalry:

"Thus gallantly fell as true a soldier as ever drew a sword; a man whose honesty of purpose was proverbial; a noble patriot, and one who held his life as nothing where his country demanded it of him."

Let all emulate his prowess and undying devotion to his duty.

III. The regiments and corps engaged in this battle will be permitted to have "Springfield" emblazoned on their colors, as a distinguishing memorial of their services to the Nation.

IV. The names of the officers and soldiers mentioned in the official reports as most distinguished for important services and marked gallantry will be communicated to the War Department for the consideration of the Government.

V. This order will be read at the head of every company in this department.
By order of Major General Fremont.

J. C. KELTON,
Assistant Adjutant General.


THANKS OF UNITED STATES CONGRESS.

Headquarters Of The Army,
Adjutant General's Office.

Washington, D. C, December 30, 1861.

General, Orders, No. 111.

The following acts of Congress are published for the information of the Army:

Joint resolution expressive of the recognition by Congress of the gallant and patriotic services of the late Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon, and the officers and soldiers under his command, at the battle of Springfield, Mo.

Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

I. That Congress deems it just and proper to enter upon its records a recognition of the eminent and patriotic services of the late Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon. The country to whose service he devoted his life will guard and preserve his fame as a part of its own glory.

II. That the thanks of Congress are hereby given to the brave officers and soldiers who, under the command of the late General Lyon, sustained the honor of the flag, and achieved victory against overwhelming numbers at the battle of Springfield, in Missouri; and that, in order to commemorate an event so honorable to the country and to themselves, it is ordered that each regiment engaged shall be authorized to bear upon its colors the word "Springfield," embroidered in letters of gold. And the President of the United States is hereby requested to cause these resolutions to be read at the head of every regiment in the Army of the United States.

Approved December 24, 1861.

III. The President of the United States directs that the foregoing joint resolution be read at the head of every regiment in the Army of the United States.

By command of Major General McClellan.

L. THOMAS,
Adjutant General.


Shelby Norman, a fair-haired boy of seventeen, was one of the first to enlist in Iowa. He was a private in Company A in the First Iowa Infantry. As the regiment approached the battlefield of Wilson's Creek, young Norman fell, pierced through the brain. Those near him heard the dull quick thud, a sure sign that the bullet had reached its victim. "The whistling bullet never heard by the one it hit, and which never hit the one who heard it."

Recognizing the historic fact that young Norman was the first Iowa soldier, in the First Iowa Regiment, to give his life for his country, it was determined by the commission having in charge the erection of the Iowa Soldiers' Monument at the State Capital, to place a bronze statue of this heroic soldier on the monument to represent the Infantry arm of the service.

There stands the form and features of this typical young soldier of Iowa, and there it will stand for ages to come, an inspiration to the patriotism of the young men of our State.

To the dead and the living of this splendid regiment — Iowa's first contribution to the Grand Army of the Republic — the compiler of this sketch makes a soldier's salute, before proceeding with his work of recording the history of the long line of Iowa regiments which followed it, and in nearly every one of which one or more representatives of the First Iowa Infantry found opportunity to lengthen the record of his patriotic service to his country.


SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES.

Total Enrollment 959
Killed 13
Wounded 141
Died of disease 7
Died of wounds 5
Missing in action 4


SOURCE: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Vol. 1, p. 3-9