Iowa Legislature

(Special to Burlington Hawk-Eye)

DES MOINES, Feb. 19, 1862.

The following communication was received from Adjutant General Reed [sic], and read in the House with great cheering:

ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE, Feb. 19.

Hon. C. C. CLARK, Speaker, SIR:  I have just received the following dispatch from Chicago:

To Adjutant General BAKER:  The Second Iowa acquitted themselves with great bravery at Fort Donelson, led the last and most successful charge, and have suffered terribly.  Besides the Second there were the 7^th, 10^th, 12^th and 14^th Iowa regiments in the fight.

The friends of Colonels Tuttle, Lauman, Persell, Wood and Shaw will rejoice that the glory of the fight and victory belong, and are attached to their names, and to the brave officers and soldiers under their command.

Another glorious page has been recorded in the history of Iowa, by her gallant troops in the field.  With great respect, I have the honor to rejoice in the glory of Iowa, and the triumph of Union arms.

(Signed)

N. B. BAKER, Adj’t General.     

The assembly immediately passed a joint resolution ordering the Governor and Adjutant General to procure flags to be presented to the Iowa Regiments, with such inscriptions thereon of their glorious achievements, as they may determine.

A joint resolution by Mr. Lane, of Scott, passed both Houses, tendering the thanks of the General Assembly and the people of Iowa, to our troops engaged at Fort Donelson, for their bravery.

A resolution was also adopted, authorizing the Governor to send three persons immediately to Cairo and Donelson, to look after our sick and wounded.  In obedience to this resolution, Gov. Kirkwood, Surgeon General Hughes and Dr. S. C. Brownell, of Des Moines, start to-morrow.

The bill restricting and defining the duties and powers of city courts was passed.

Also the bill for the issue of Auditors warrants, the particulars of which were sent yesterday.

SENATE. – Mr. WOOLSON presented a petition from the citizens of Henry county asking protection from quacks who have been appointed in the army.

Mr. Potter of Story and Mr. Esteb of Wayne, both democrats, appeared and were sworn in.

Mr. HATCH of Polk, Presented a bill to locate the Deaf and Dumb Asylum at Des Moines, which was referred.

The report of the Auditing Board was received and referred.

Mr. Jennings presented a bill defining the duties of Boards of Supervisors, providing that their powers may be delegated to the Clerk of the Board and that Supervisors shall have no hand in any contracts.

T. H. S.

DES MOINES, Feb. 20.

SENATE. – The President announced a special Committee on Senatorial and Representative Districts, Mr. Gue, of Scott, as Chairman.

A special Committee of five was appointed to examine into the expenditure of the annual appropriation to the Agricultural College and Farm for seeds, &c.

Mr. McCRARY, of Lee presented a petition from the Dean of the State Medical Department, asking aid from the State.  Referred to a special Committee with Mr. Shaffer, of Jefferson as chairman.

Mr. NEAL presented a bill providing that no publication shall be made of constable sales, or sheriff sales under three hundred dollars.  Publications over that sum two weeks, at option.  Referred to the Special Committee of Five.

Mr. Smith, of Jasper, presented a bill repealing the act for the sale of the State bonds.  Referred to the committee on Ways and Means.

HOUSE. -  The House passed a resolution instructing our Congressional delegation to use their influence to have Adjutant-General Baker appointed a Brigadier General.

The Military Committee reported a bill authorizing the Governor to pay the expenses of all the wounded Iowa soldiers on their return home, out of the contingent fund.

Both Houses adjourned over to give their Railroad and Des Moines river land Committees an opportunity to hold a joint session.

Information has been received at headquarters by Gen. Baker that 38 were killed and 150 wounded in the 2^nd Iowa.  The telegraph indicates that Captains Slaymaker of Davenport, and Cloutman of Ottumwa, were killed, and Major Chipman, Lieut. Holmes, of Davenport and Lieut. Ensign of Des Moines, wounded.

In the 12^th Regiment were 3 killed and 24 wounded.  In the 14^th regiment 6 killed and 50 wounded.  No particulars of the 7^th yet received.

Senator Udel of Appanoose county, and Representative Kellogg of Decatur, accompany the Governor, besides those sent you last night.

T. H. S.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3

Lt. Holmes . . .

was yesterday morning taken home to his father’s residence on Main street, corner of Locust.  He is wounded in the leg above the ankle, the ball striking and fracturing the large bone of that limb.  Mr. Shields did not find Lieut. H. till some three days after he arrived at Cairo, when he found him in St. Louis, where he had been taken.  Mr. S. had him removed to a hotel and properly cared for.  He is improving and hopes to rejoin his company before two months have elapsed.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 3, 1862, p. 1

Arrival Of Lieut. Holmes

This gallant officer arrived last evening on the eastern train.  He is still suffering severely from his wound, and was conveyed to the residence of Mr. Jos. Shields.

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

From The Iowa 2d Regiment

FORT DONELSON, Tenn.,

Feb. 20 1862

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

N. A. H.,

Company C, 2d Iowa.

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

Killed and Wounded in Company C

A private letter received in town from Fort Donelson, gives the following names of the Killed and severely wounded.

KILLED.

Capt. J. S. Slaymaker,

George Howell,

Edward Peterson,

____ Myers,

C. H. Lenhart.

SEVERELY WOUNDED.

Lieut. W. H. Holmes,

Sergt. H. B. Doolittle.

Total loss – 5 killed and 25 wounded.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

The Second Regiment at Fort Donelson

The following letter has been kindly handed to us for publication.  It is from a Sergeant in the late Captain Slaymaker’s Company at Fort Donelson, to his sister [of] this city.  The letter was evidently written in haste but fully confirms what we have before heard of the desperate valor of the Second regiment on that occasion, and the severe loss suffered by one of our own companies. – It is as follows:

FORT DONELSON, Feb. 15th, 1862.

DEAR SISTER: I was in my first battle – the first of the Second Regiment.  We took a fortress, driving out the sharp-shooters, armed with six-barreled revolving rifles.  In fifteen minutes after we received the order we were across their breast works.  We drove them at the point of the bayonet.  The battle lasted two hours and a half, but seemed very short to us all.  Capt. Slaymaker, George Howell, Peterson, Myers, and Lenhart were killed; Lieut. Holmes and Doolittle severely injured.  Total loss five killed twenty-five wounded.

Two bullets passed through my clothing but did not draw blood.

I am tired.  We landed here on Friday morning, and it is now Sunday night, and I have not slept.  We have 10,000 prisoners. – The Second to-day had the greatest honor, and was the first to plant the red, white and blue in the enemy’s stronghold.

Mr. Morrison, flour dealer on Brady street, received a letter last evening from his son, James, also a member of Capt. Slaymaker’s company, in which he states that Lt. Holmes was struck in the leg by a musket ball, and is feared the limb will require amputation.  Capt. Slaymaker was killed while bravely leading on his men, shouting “Come on, my boys; give it to them!” a spent ball stuck him, and the noble soldier perished.  Mr. Morrison was slightly wounded in the foot.  He states that it is thought there are not more than two hundred sound men left in the regiment fit for duty.  All honor to the brave Iowa Second!  Its first meeting with the enemy has been a terrible but glorious one.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

Capt. Holmes

We were pleased to meet this gallant officer down town yesterday. He is rapidly recovering from the effect of his wound, though he is yet on crutches. He hopes to be able to rejoin his regiment in about thirty days. The others who were wounded at Fort Donelson, we believe are all recovering.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 22, 1862, p. 1