The Fourteenth Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry was organized and mustered into the service of the United States under the proclamation of President Lincoln, dated Oct. 3, 1861. The circumstances attending the organization of this regiment were somewhat peculiar. Three of the ten companies which had been assigned to it by Governor Kirkwood — companies A, B and C — were ordered to go into quarters at Iowa City, on dates ranging from the 1st to the 7th of October, 1861, and were there mustered into the service by Capt. Alexander Chambers, of the Regular Army, on dates ranging from the 23d to the 25th of October, 1861. The seven companies — D to K inclusive — were ordered into quarters at Davenport, on dates ranging from September 23 to October 30, 1861, and were there mustered into the service by Captain Chambers, on dates ranging from the 2d to the 6th of November, 1861. It will thus be seen that, when the last company was mustered into the service, the regiment had its full complement of ten companies, three of which were in rendezvous at Iowa City and seven at Davenport.
By an order of the War Department, companies A, B and C were transferred to the Forty-first Regiment of Iowa Infantry and were sent to Fort Randall, Dakota Territory. To fill the vacancy thus occasioned, the organization of three new companies was authorized. In his report for the year 1861, Adjutant General N. B. Baker gives the complete roster of the ten companies originally assigned to the regiment. In his report for 1863 he gives the roster of the regiment with the new companies, A and B, and in his 1864 report, the separate roster of the new company, C, is given [see note 1]. The regiment, therefore, left the State with but seven companies, aggregating 621 men, rank and file. The new companies, A and B, did not join the regiment until the end of its first year of service, while the new company, C, did not become a part of the regiment until in June, 1863, when, for the first time after taking the field, the regiment had its full complement of ten companies. Its service, as an entire organization, therefore begins at the date last mentioned. In the subjoined roster will be found the names of the original Field and Staff and Line Officers of the regiment and, in the alphabetical list which follows, the subsequent changes on account of death, promotion, or from whatever cause, will be found noted. The compiler has adhered to the official records in compiling this historical sketch of the regiment. He has not attempted to go into details except where they are given in quotations from official reports. Under the prescribed limitations, only an outline history of the most important events which occurred during the period covered by its service could be given. At the date of muster into the service, the seven companies (D to K) together with the Field and Staff had an aggregate strength of 621, rank and file. The companies transferred (A, B and C) had an aggregate strength of 267.
On the 28th and 29th of November, 1861, the seven companies of the regiment left Davenport under command of Col. Wm. T. Shaw, under orders to report to the commanding officer at St. Louis, to which point they were conveyed by steamboats, and, upon landing there, marched to Benton Barracks, where troops were being concentrated for instruction and preparation for an active and aggressive campaign. Colonel Shaw had served as a volunteer in the war with Mexico, and, with this previous experience as a soldier, added to his natural genius for military affairs, was well fitted to command his regiment and to instruct his officers and men In matters of drill and discipline. The regiment attained a high state of efficiency during this period of instruction, but suffered much from sickness, which was the common experience of all the troops in the early stages of their service.
February 6, 1862, the regiment marched to St. Louis and, embarking on steamer, proceeded to Cairo and thence to Fort Henry, where it landed and went into camp. On the morning of February 12th it took up the line of march for Fort Donelson. On the next day it was in position in front of the enemy's works, and formed a part of the Fourth Brigade, commanded by Col. J. G. Lauman of the Seventh Iowa Infantry. The regiment performed important service in the short siege which followed and which resulted in the surrender of the fort. Its operations are described in detail in the official report of Colonel Shaw, as follows:
HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH IOWA INFANTRY,
FORT DONELSON, TENN., Feb. 19, 1862.
SIR, — On February 13th, my command, consisting of seven companies, was formed In line of battle by your order, and ordered to advance with the Twenty-fifth Indiana, upon the works in front, and take a battery of two guns. I advanced under a heavy fire of musketry, until I passed the point of a ridge on my right. I then received a heavy fire of grape from guns to the right, which, however, did but little damage, as the range was too high. Perceiving no guns In front, and the line being much broken owing to unevenness of the ground, and the thick fallen timber, I halted my command to place men In the best position to advance, It being impossible to advance In line of battle ; also to protect them as much as possible from the cross fire from my right. I perceived at this time that the forces on my left, under your immediate command, had halted. I waited to see by their movements, whether we were to advance on the guns or the rifle pits, the latter being the direction pointed out to me by you when I was ordered to advance on the guns. After waiting about an hour and seeing no movement on my left, except from two advanced companies of skirmishers, who were retiring behind the main line, I withdrew my left wing, which was most exposed, out of range of the enemy's guns, and remained there until night, keeping a few of my best marksmen sufficiently advanced to keep the enemy from coming outside their entrenchments to annoy my men by their marksmen.
About dark I received an order from you to fall back and take my old position for the night, but, by a subsequent order from General Smith, I took a position one-half mile nearer the enemy. My loss during the day was light, being but two killed and fourteen wounded. On Friday, the 14th inst., we remained In front of the enemy without changing our position. Saturday, the 16th, I remained in the same position until afternoon, we being on the right of our brigade. Towards night the attack on the enemy's works was made by a flank movement of the brigade, commencing on the left. Arriving in front of the enemy's works, I deployed my left wing, and marched them up the hill in line of battle. The right wing, owing to the nature of the ground, moved up by the left flank, and formed inside the entrenchments. After remaining for some time under a scattering fire of musketry, and rather sharp fire of grape and shell, I formed my men behind the entrenchments on each side of two pieces of artillery, which had been placed In position after our entrance Into the entrenchments, where we remained until morning, when the enemy surrendered. My men behaved themselves well during both engagements, holding their fire till ordered, and then delivering it with regularity and precision. I have never seen men behave themselves better, whether under fire or bearing with patience and fortitude the fatigue and hardships necessarily Incident to so long an engagement In such weather. My loss this day was one killed and seven wounded. Where all behaved so well. it is difficult to mention Individuals, without doing seeming injustice to others, but I may mention the valuable services rendered by Sergt. Maj. S. H. Smith, who was shot dead by my side while encouraging the men on to enter the breastworks of the enemy; also, First Lieut. Wm. W. Klrkwood, commanding company K, rendered very valuable assistance in forming the line in front of the enemy's breastworks. Capt. Warren C. Jones, of company I, also rendered valuable service in directing the fire of my marksmen, especially in protecting the retiring of the skirmishers on the 13th Inst.
WM. T. SHAW,
Colonel Fourteenth Regiment Iowa Volunteers.
Col. J. G. Lauman, Commanding Fourth Brigade, Second Division [see note 2].
As will be seen from the above report, the seven companies of the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry conducted themselves with honor at Fort Donelson. Their loss was light, as compared with the Second Iowa Infantry, which was assigned the post of honor in leading the assault upon the fort, but they obeyed the orders given them, occupied the positions to which they were assigned and, in every way, acquitted themselves with credit.
The regiment remained at Fort Donelson until about the middle of March, 1862, when it again embarked and, proceeding to Pittsburg Landing, on the Tennessee river, landed there, and went into camp on the 18th. Here it became a part of the First Brigade of the Second Division. The division was commanded by Brig. Gen. W. H. L. Wallace, and the brigade — consisting of the Second, Seventh, Twelfth and Fourteenth regiments of Iowa Infantry — was under command of its senior Colonel, James M. Tuttle, of the Second Iowa. On the morning of April 6, 1862, the Second Division occupied the center of the line of battle of the Army of the Tennessee, and the First Brigade was the last in line on the left, while the Fourteenth Iowa, being on the left of the brigade, occupied the position to the extreme left of the division. Colonel Shaw's report of the part taken by the seven companies of his regiment in the battle of Shiloh was made to Governor Kirkwood, after he reached his home in Iowa. He was then on parole as a prisoner of war, and, being precluded by the terms of his parole from making the official report to his brigade commander, he submitted it direct to the Governor of Iowa. The report is dated Oct. 26, 1862. On account of its length the compiler quotes only those portions which relate to the principal movements of the regiment in the battle. After describing the first position of his regiment. Colonel Shaw says:
Our line of battle was formed about half past 8 o'clock A. M., about 500 yards from the enemy's artillery, which at once opened a severe fire upon us. • • • In a short time the enemy's Infantry made their appearance, advancing In line of battle. I at once perceived that the line of our brigade was not parallel with theirs, but inclined to It at an angle of about 45 degrees, the left in advance, thus exposing my left flank to the enemy some distance in advance of General Prentiss' line, upon which it should have rested, and about 200 yards from his extreme right. After consulting with Colonel Woods of the Twelfth, who was next to me on the right, I threw back my regiment and the left wing of the Twelfth, so as to bring our part of the line parallel to the advancing enemy and in line with General Prentiss' division, but still failing to connect with it by an interval of about 200 yards. This also improved our position, which had previously been directly upon a ridge, exposed to the enemy's artillery, and gave us that ridge as a partial shelter. The enemy advanced steadily in two lines, about 200 yards apart. I ordered my men to lie down and hold their fire until the enemy were within thirty paces. The effect of this was, that when the order to fire was given, and the Twelfth and Fourteenth opened directly in their faces, the enemy's first line was completely destroyed [see note 3]. • • •
After describing the attack upon and driving back of the enemy's second line, and then being compelled to fall back for want of support and to avoid being flanked by the enemy, Colonel Shaw continues his description of the subsequent desperate assaults by the enemy, of the heroic resistance of the troops composing his brigade and division, and the holding of the center until after the Union troops upon both flanks had fallen back, and proceeds to show the desperate and hopeless situation of his regiment, as follows:
General Prentiss having already surrendered with a part of his command, the Fourteenth was left in advance of all that remained, but, completely inclosed, receiving the enemy's fire from three directions. The regiment still kept its ranks unbroken and held Its position facing the enemy, but the men were almost completely exhausted with a whole day of brave and steady fighting and many of them had spent their whole stock of ammunition. It was therefore useless to think of prolonging a resistance which could only have wasted their lives to no purpose, and at about a quarter to six P. M. I surrendered them and myself prisoners of war. I have only to add that I feel under the deepest obligation to both officers and men of my regiment for their admirable conduct through the day. This was so complete and free from exception, that it would be impossible to mention individuals without doing injustice to the rest. Their steadiness and courage, the accuracy of their fire, and precision of all their movements entitle them to the highest credit, and their general demeanor, both upon the battle field and In the trying scenes through which we passed as prisoners of war, will always be remembered by me with pride and gratification.
The total loss of the seven companies of the regiment engaged in the battle of Shiloh was 273, killed, wounded and captured [see note 4]. It can be justly claimed for the regiment and its heroic commander that no more efficient or important service was performed by Union troops upon that historic battlefield. Prior to the battle the regiment had a considerable number of men sick in hospitals. Those who recovered, together with those who had been absent on furlough and detached duty at the time of the battle, and those who had escaped capture, were subsequently assigned to a temporary organization called the "Union Brigade," in which they served with credit until the regiment was exchanged. The most important service rendered by this detachment of the regiment was at the battle of Corinth, October 3 and 4, 1862, in which it acquitted itself with honor, as shown by the official reports. The officers and men who had surrendered were held as prisoners of war until late in the autumn of 1862. They were at first released on parole and sent through the rebel lines to Richmond, Va., thence to Annapolis, Md., and from there they were conveyed to Benton Barracks, at St. Louis, where they were regularly exchanged, Nov. 19, 1862. They had suffered greatly while in confinement, and it required several months for them to recuperate sufficiently to again become fitted for active service in the field. In the meantime, the detachment which had been serving in the Union Brigade rejoined the regiment, and here two new companies — A and B — also reported for duty.
On the 10th of April, 1863, the nine companies, under command of Colonel Shaw, again embarked on steamer at St. Louis and proceeded to Cairo, Ill., where they landed and went into camp. Here they remained, doing garrison duty and sending out detachments upon various small expeditions to quell threatened insurrection on the southern border of Illinois, which they successfully accomplished. At Cairo, the last company (C) necessary to complete the regimental organization reported for duty, and the regiment — for the first time since taking the field — had the full number of companies to which it was entitled. In the latter part of June the regiment moved to Columbus, Ky., and for the next seven months was engaged in performing garrison duty. This was the most monotonous period in its history. The time was utilized, however, by Colonel Shaw and his officers in perfecting the regiment in drill and discipline. The new companies and recruits were thus brought up to a high degree of efficiency, and were prepared to follow the example of their comrades of the seven companies who had already become thoroughly seasoned soldiers, having twice met the enemy in battle, and having gone through that most trying experience that the Union soldiers were subjected to — long months of confinement and suffering in southern prisons. The regiment was thus well prepared to enter upon the duties of an active campaign.
On the 24th of January, 1864, Colonel Shaw received orders to embark his command and proceed to Vicksburg. Upon its arrival there, the regiment was assigned to the Second Brigade of the Third Division of the Sixteenth Army Corps, with Colonel Shaw as senior officer in command of the brigade, and Lieutenant Colonel Newbold in command of the regiment. On the 4th of February the Sixteenth Army Corps started from Vicksburg on that most remarkable expedition which penetrated to the heart of the State of Mississippi, and inflicted great damage upon the enemy, by the capture and destruction of supplies, railroad track and rolling stock. Starting with but ten days' rations, the Union troops cut loose from their base of supplies and, for the ensuing month, supplemented their scanty rations with such food as could be procured in the country through which they marched. The Fourteenth Iowa sustained its full share of the hardships of the expedition. The regiment was in light marching order. No tents were taken, and the officers and men bivouacked in the open air, all faring alike. It was the inclement season of midwinter and storms were frequent; the suffering from such exposure was, at times, intense.
On the 4th of March, the regiment returned to Vicksburg, having marched over 300 miles. After a brief rest, the brigade and division embarked — March 10, 186 4— at Vicksburg and, three days later, landed at Atchafalaya Bayou, ten miles below the mouth of Red River [see note 5]. On the evening of March 13th, the command started on the march towards Fort De Russey, thirty-five miles distant. Seven miles of the distance were covered in the night, and the next morning, at 6 o'clock, the march was resumed, the Fourteenth Iowa and the other regiments of the brigade commanded by Colonel Shaw being ordered to take the advance. A considerable force of the enemy made a stand at Bayou de Glaize and delayed the advance for a couple of hours, but they were forced to retire, the passage of the stream was successfully accomplished, and the brigade pushed rapidly forward until, at about 4 P. M., it came within range of the guns of the fort. The artillery was ordered forward, and at once opened a brisk fire which was promptly responded to by the guns of the fort. An attack was determined on, and the brigade was put into line and ordered forward. The assault was stubbornly and bravely resisted, but, two hours after the first artillery shots were exchanged, the Union troops held possession of the fort, and its gallant defenders had surrendered. It was a brilliant and remarkable military exploit. In his official report Colonel Shaw makes special mention of the gallant conduct of Lieutenant Colonel Newbold and the Fourteenth Iowa. He also mentions the commanding officers of each of the regiments, and the batteries, and extends his thanks to their officers and men for the promptness and enthusiasm with which they executed all orders, and the good order with which they came into action after so long and fatiguing a march. He also makes special mention of all his staff officers — including Lieutenant Buell of the Fourteenth Iowa — for the prompt and efficient discharge of their duties, and, near the close of his report, says: "I am proud to say that not a single instance came under my observation of any officer or soldier attempting to shun danger or duty during the engagement; and my opportunity was good for observing each regiment as it came under fire."
From Fort De Russey the brigade proceeded to Alexandria, arriving there on the 16th of March, and remaining there until the 26th, when it marched to Cotile Landing on Red River, where it embarked on transports and was conveyed to Grand Ecore, La. Landing there it disembarked and marched to Pleasant Hill, La., where Colonel Shaw received orders to report to Maj. Gen. N. P. Banks, who ordered him to at once march his brigade to the extreme front of the army and relieve General McMillan's brigade, then actively engaged in skirmishing with the enemy. The order was promptly obeyed and, upon relieving the brigade indicated, Colonel Shaw's command at once became engaged on the skirmish line. This skirmish fighting was maintained at intervals for about five hours before the enemy advanced to the attack in force — about 4:30 P. M. — and, from that time until darkness put an end to the battle, the brigade held its ground, retiring only when the order was given by the division commander — Gen. A. J. Smith — just as darkness was closing in and the enemy had succeeded in passing both flanks and was getting in the rear of the brigade. One of its regiments — the Thirty-second Iowa — failing to receive the order to retire was surrounded, but fought its way through the enemy's lines and rejoined the brigade after dark. Out of a total loss of 753, sustained by the five brigades which composed the two divisions commanded by Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith at the battle of Pleasant Hill, the brigade commanded by Colonel Shaw lost 484 [see note 6].
The gallant Lieut. Col. J. H. Newbold commanded the Fourteenth Iowa in this battle and, when the contest was raging most fiercely, fell from his horse mortally wounded. Of him Colonel Shaw says, "He was a brave, Industrious and conscientious officer, whose loss to his regiment is irreparable." Upon the fall of Lieutenant Colonel Newbold, Capt. Warren C. Jones assumed command of the regiment and wrote the official report of its conduct in the battle. He makes special mention of the fall of Lieutenant Colonel Newbold while gallantly performing his duty; of Lieutenants Shanklin and Logan, who were killed, and Lieutenant McMillan, mortally wounded; also of Lieutenant Hazlett who, at the time, was thought to be among the killed, and was so reported, but who recovered and served until the close of the war. He described the splendid manner in which the regiment fought throughout the engagement and concludes his report by saying, "I tender my most hearty thanks to the officers, commissioned, non-commissioned, and privates, for the gallant manner in which they sustained the reputation of the regiment, gained upon the bloody fields of Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth and De Russey." Notwithstanding the heavy loss it had sustained, Colonel Shaw's brigade was ordered by General Banks to cover the retreat of his army, which commenced at one o'clock the following morning and was safely accomplished.
On the 11th of April the brigade reached Grand Ecore, and, on the 13th, crossed Red River and proceeded a few miles above Campti to save the transports from threatened attack and destruction. The enemy retreated upon the approach of the brigade, and the transports were enabled to move to a position of safety. Returning to Grand Ecore, the regiment and brigade went into camp there and, on the 22d of April, after the rear of General Banks' army had passed, again took up the line of march to cover its retreat, and was in the engagement which took place at Cane River on the 24th. On the 26th it reached Alexandria. From the 26th of April to the 2d of May Colonel Shaw's little command, after having suffered the greatest loss of any brigade in the army, was kept constantly in the rear, by order of General Banks, and performed the most important and hazardous service. On the 2d of May it moved out about eight miles, where it formed line and commenced skirmishing with the enemy, driving them back over two miles during the day. There was more or less skirmishing every day until the evening of May 8th, at which time it was ordered to go into camp, the enemy having been driven back seven miles. As their skirmishers were withdrawn, no further fighting was anticipated. On the 9th of May, however, the brigade was again ordered to the rear and right, to protect the approaches to Alexandria.
On the evening of May 13th the regiment and brigade again joined Gen. A. J. Smith's forces and, on the morning of the 14th, were covering the retreat of the army, with the enemy pressing closely in their rear. Marksville was reached that night, and the next morning a heavy skirmish with the enemy began and was continued at intervals until the forenoon of May 18th. The brigade had just crossed Yellow Bayou, when the enemy appeared in force near the opposite bank. Colonel Shaw's brigade, with two others, was ordered to recross the bayou and meet the enemy. The order was promptly obeyed. The enemy was driven from the field with heavy loss in killed and wounded, while 300 of their number surrendered as prisoners of war [see note 7]. The loss in Colonel Shaw's brigade was 48, killed and wounded. The Fourteenth Iowa had one man killed and thirteen wounded in this engagement, as shown by the official report of Capt. L. A. Crane, who was in command of the regiment. While this small command was thus gallantly fighting in the rear, the balance of the army was three miles distant from the action. The brigade remained in line of battle all the next day and until 2 A. M. of the 20th, when it again crossed Yellow Bayou and proceeded on its march to the mouth of Red River. On the 22d of May the brigade embarked on transports and was conveyed to Vicksburg, arriving there on the morning of May 24, 1864.
The compiler is aware that he has given but an imperfect sketch of the operations of the regiment and its brigade during the Red River Expedition. The great importance of that part of its service is fully demonstrated in the official reports, copies or copious extracts from which could not be given on account of the limitation of space assigned to this sketch.
The true value and extent of the service performed by General Smith's two divisions on the Red River Expedition are indicated in the reply of General Banks to General Grant, when the latter ordered those troops returned to Vicksburg. General Banks says in his reply:
You instructed me that if the expedition could not be accomplished within ten or fifteen days of the time designated by General Sherman, the command of General Smith would be ordered to return to Vicksburg, even should it occasion the abandonment of the chief object of the expedition. The time specified I understand to be the 15th or 17th of the month, and I have hopes that within ten or fifteen days of that time our object will be accomplished, when General Smith will return. A large fleet of gun-boats and transports are in the upper river, which cannot possibly descend below Alexandria on account of the falling water. I have in my Immediate front an army of 25,000 men, among them some of the best troops of the rebel government, and commanded by distinguished and desperate officers. The withdrawal of General Smith's command from my forces at this time places me at their mercy, and the army under my command. It will lead to the sacrifice of the army and navy, as well as the abandonment of the expedition.
The official returns show the aggregate strength of General Banks' army, present for duty, was 39,041, and that General Smith's command, present for duty, aggregated 11,620, which, if withdrawn, would have left General Banks an army of 27,421, with which to resist the rebel army of 25,000, which he says confronted him [see note 8]. Nowhere else in his official reports has he given recognition to the value of the service rendered by General Smith's command on this expedition. The humiliating confession which he makes, that he could not save his army without the aid of General Smith's command, shows him to have been utterly unfit for the command of the expedition, the disastrous results of which were justly attributed to his incompetency and mismanagement. The bravery and efficiency of his subordinates could not atone for this. The Fourteenth Iowa, while justly proud of its own record and that of the brigade with which it served on this unfortunate expedition, fully sustained the severe criticism which Colonel Shaw subsequently published, in which he was so completely vindicated by the investigation of the War Department, resulting in the removal of General Banks from his important command.
After a short rest at Vicksburg the regiment moved up the river to Point Chicot, where it assisted in driving back a rebel force which was blockading the river; and from that point proceeded to Memphis and, soon afterwards, moved south with Gen. A. J. Smith's command. It took an important part in the expedition, participating in the battles of Tupelo and Town Creek, Miss., in which it was commanded by Capt. Wm. J. Campbell, whose official report shows that the regiment fully sustained its reputation for bravery and good conduct in battle, and gives the details of its movements in these engagements, In both of which the enemy was defeated and driven from the field. The regiment's loss in the two days' battle was three killed and eighteen wounded. Captain Campbell closes his report as follows: "The officers and men of this regiment, who were in each engagement, have my warmest thanks for the manner in which they conducted themselves during the battles, and on the march during the whole expedition. It is hard to compliment without injustice to some, where everyone is trying to do his duty." [See note 9.]
The regiment now returned to Memphis and enjoyed a well-earned rest of several weeks in its camp near that city. Its next active service was rendered as part of the force which marched to Oxford, Miss. There were occasional skirmishes with the enemy during this expedition, but no casualties are reported in the Fourteenth Iowa. Returning to Memphis, the regiment embarked and was conveyed to Cairo, Ill. Here Gen. A. J. Smith was again prevented from joining General Sherman in his Georgia campaign by an order to proceed to St. Louis with his command and re-inforce the troops there, which were called upon to take the field against the rebel General Price, whose army had again invaded the State of Missouri. The regiment disembarked at Jefferson Barracks, near St. Louis.
On the 25th of September, 1864, a detachment of four companies of the Fourteenth Iowa, under command of Capt. Wm. J. Campbell, was sent to reinforce the troops under command of Gen. Thomas Ewing, Jr., at Pilot Knob, Mo. The service rendered by this detachment is fully described by Captain Campbell in his official report [see note 10]. The engagements in which these companies participated constitute the closing chapter of the battle history of the Fourteenth Iowa. At Donelson and Shiloh the regiment fought as an incomplete organization, and at Fort Davidson, Shepherd Mountain and Leesburg, this little detachment closed the splendid record. General Ewing's command was greatly inferior to the rebel forces, but he made a gallant defense of the fort, and inflicted heavy loss upon the enemy, with comparatively light loss to his own command, until his position was rendered untenable by the enemy obtaining possession of Shepherd Mountain, which overlooked the fort, and compelled its evacuation. General Ewing then blew up his magazine, spiked his guns, and, cutting his way through the enemy's lines, began his retreat towards Rolla. The retreat was conducted with great skill. The detachment of the Fourteenth Iowa had joined General Ewing's command on the morning of Sept. 27, 1864, and Captain Campbell was ordered to occupy the summit of Shepherd Mountain, which he did until compelled by a greatly superior force of the enemy to retreat and join the troops within the fort. The following extract from Captain Campbell's report shows the arduous and important service performed by his command during the retreat:
On the morning of the 28th at 2 o'clock A. M., by order of Brigadier General Ewing, I moved my command in advance, and took up the line of march on the Caledonia road, arriving at Webster, distant thirty miles, where we encamped. On the 29th of September at 1 o'clock A. M., took up the line of march, covering the retreat with my command to Leesburg, distant thirty-six miles. About 10 o'clock A. M., the enemy attacked our rear guard of cavalry and drove them in. I immediately formed in line of battle, and checked the advance of the enemy. The column moved forward, and I covered the retreat with continual skirmishing the entire way. Arriving at Leesburg at sunset, my command was formed in line of battle on the left, facing the enemy, where we remained encamped during the night. On the 30th of September commenced building temporary fortifications which were occupied till the morning of October 2d at 2 o'clock, when we took up our line of march for Rolla, Mo., distant thirty-one miles, where we arrived at 6 o'clock P. M. The officers and men of my command behaved with the utmost coolness and bravery during the several engagements in which we took part. First Lieut. Hugo Hoffbauer, acting Adjutant, has my warmest thanks for the manner in which he conducted himself, and the valuable service rendered by his untiring energy during the several engagements, and while on the march.
The loss of the detachment was three killed and fifteen wounded. In the meantime, the other portion of the regiment was engaged, with other troops, in a toilsome march to intercept another force of the enemy, but, when they reached Tipton, Mo., the enemy was still in full retreat and the pursuit was abandoned. Not coming into contact with the enemy, no casualties resulted except those caused from exposure and hardship on the march. Early in November the two detachments were ordered to return to St. Louis, and from there the regiment was conveyed to Davenport, Iowa, where it was mustered out of the service of the United States on the 16th day of November, 1864.
The re-enlisted men and recruits, whose terms of service had not expired, were consolidated into two companies and designated as the "Residuary Battalion of the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry." The battalion was sent to Springfield, Ill., and was there engaged in various duties, but was not again sent to the front, as its services were no longer required for active duty in the field. These companies were retained in the service of the Government until Aug. 8, 1865, on which date they were mustered out at Davenport, Iowa.
The official records in the office of the Adjutant General of Iowa show that another company was nominally attached to the Residuary Battalion. It was known as company C, was composed of drafted men and substitutes, and received the designation of "Permanent Company at Camp McClellan." This company had no officers. It was mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, May 13, 1865.
The record of service of the Fourteenth Regiment of Iowa Infantry Volunteers is one of the best. Its survivors can justly claim that, during the long years in which they marched and fought and suffered, they never wavered in their devotion to their government and its flag. Their children and children's children may well be proud of the legacy of heroism they have inherited. The compiler of this brief history extends a soldier's greeting to the survivors of the old Fourteenth Iowa, and, on behalf of the State which has made provision for this preservation of the record and roster of the regiment, extends greeting to the families and relatives of those whose memory they cherish and honor, and who will ever be commended as an example and inspiration to all loyal and liberty-loving people of the State.
SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES.
Total Enrollment 1720
Killed 31
Wounded 168
Died of wounds 25
Died of disease 123
Discharged for wounds, disease and other causes 225
Captured 270
Burled in National Cemeteries 71
Transferred 290
[Note 1.] Adjutant General's report, 1861, Pages 327 to 351, Inclusive. Adjutant General's report, Vol. 1, 1863, Pages 507 to 536, Inclusive. Adjutant General's report, 1864, Pages 194 to 197, Inclusive.
[Note 2.] War of the Rebellion Official Records. Series I, Vol. 7, Page 231.
[Note 3.] War of the Rebellion Official Records. Series 1, Part 1, Vol. 10, Page 152.
[Note 4.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Part 1, Vol. 10, Page 101, tabulated return of casualties at Battle of Shiloh.
[Note 5.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 34, Page 343. "Itinerary of operations on Red River Expedition, March 10th to May 20, 1864."
[Note 6.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, "Vol. 34, Pages 313, 366, 368 and 360.
[Note 7.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Part 1, Vol. 34, Pages 359 and 361.
[Note 8.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Part 1, Vol. 34, Pages 169 and 186
[Note 9.] Report of Adjutant General of Iowa, 1865, Vol. 2, Page 1086.
[Note 10.] Report of Adjutant General of Iowa, 1866, Page 196.
SOURCE: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Volume 2, p.721-30
By an order of the War Department, companies A, B and C were transferred to the Forty-first Regiment of Iowa Infantry and were sent to Fort Randall, Dakota Territory. To fill the vacancy thus occasioned, the organization of three new companies was authorized. In his report for the year 1861, Adjutant General N. B. Baker gives the complete roster of the ten companies originally assigned to the regiment. In his report for 1863 he gives the roster of the regiment with the new companies, A and B, and in his 1864 report, the separate roster of the new company, C, is given [see note 1]. The regiment, therefore, left the State with but seven companies, aggregating 621 men, rank and file. The new companies, A and B, did not join the regiment until the end of its first year of service, while the new company, C, did not become a part of the regiment until in June, 1863, when, for the first time after taking the field, the regiment had its full complement of ten companies. Its service, as an entire organization, therefore begins at the date last mentioned. In the subjoined roster will be found the names of the original Field and Staff and Line Officers of the regiment and, in the alphabetical list which follows, the subsequent changes on account of death, promotion, or from whatever cause, will be found noted. The compiler has adhered to the official records in compiling this historical sketch of the regiment. He has not attempted to go into details except where they are given in quotations from official reports. Under the prescribed limitations, only an outline history of the most important events which occurred during the period covered by its service could be given. At the date of muster into the service, the seven companies (D to K) together with the Field and Staff had an aggregate strength of 621, rank and file. The companies transferred (A, B and C) had an aggregate strength of 267.
On the 28th and 29th of November, 1861, the seven companies of the regiment left Davenport under command of Col. Wm. T. Shaw, under orders to report to the commanding officer at St. Louis, to which point they were conveyed by steamboats, and, upon landing there, marched to Benton Barracks, where troops were being concentrated for instruction and preparation for an active and aggressive campaign. Colonel Shaw had served as a volunteer in the war with Mexico, and, with this previous experience as a soldier, added to his natural genius for military affairs, was well fitted to command his regiment and to instruct his officers and men In matters of drill and discipline. The regiment attained a high state of efficiency during this period of instruction, but suffered much from sickness, which was the common experience of all the troops in the early stages of their service.
February 6, 1862, the regiment marched to St. Louis and, embarking on steamer, proceeded to Cairo and thence to Fort Henry, where it landed and went into camp. On the morning of February 12th it took up the line of march for Fort Donelson. On the next day it was in position in front of the enemy's works, and formed a part of the Fourth Brigade, commanded by Col. J. G. Lauman of the Seventh Iowa Infantry. The regiment performed important service in the short siege which followed and which resulted in the surrender of the fort. Its operations are described in detail in the official report of Colonel Shaw, as follows:
HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH IOWA INFANTRY,
FORT DONELSON, TENN., Feb. 19, 1862.
SIR, — On February 13th, my command, consisting of seven companies, was formed In line of battle by your order, and ordered to advance with the Twenty-fifth Indiana, upon the works in front, and take a battery of two guns. I advanced under a heavy fire of musketry, until I passed the point of a ridge on my right. I then received a heavy fire of grape from guns to the right, which, however, did but little damage, as the range was too high. Perceiving no guns In front, and the line being much broken owing to unevenness of the ground, and the thick fallen timber, I halted my command to place men In the best position to advance, It being impossible to advance In line of battle ; also to protect them as much as possible from the cross fire from my right. I perceived at this time that the forces on my left, under your immediate command, had halted. I waited to see by their movements, whether we were to advance on the guns or the rifle pits, the latter being the direction pointed out to me by you when I was ordered to advance on the guns. After waiting about an hour and seeing no movement on my left, except from two advanced companies of skirmishers, who were retiring behind the main line, I withdrew my left wing, which was most exposed, out of range of the enemy's guns, and remained there until night, keeping a few of my best marksmen sufficiently advanced to keep the enemy from coming outside their entrenchments to annoy my men by their marksmen.
About dark I received an order from you to fall back and take my old position for the night, but, by a subsequent order from General Smith, I took a position one-half mile nearer the enemy. My loss during the day was light, being but two killed and fourteen wounded. On Friday, the 14th inst., we remained In front of the enemy without changing our position. Saturday, the 16th, I remained in the same position until afternoon, we being on the right of our brigade. Towards night the attack on the enemy's works was made by a flank movement of the brigade, commencing on the left. Arriving in front of the enemy's works, I deployed my left wing, and marched them up the hill in line of battle. The right wing, owing to the nature of the ground, moved up by the left flank, and formed inside the entrenchments. After remaining for some time under a scattering fire of musketry, and rather sharp fire of grape and shell, I formed my men behind the entrenchments on each side of two pieces of artillery, which had been placed In position after our entrance Into the entrenchments, where we remained until morning, when the enemy surrendered. My men behaved themselves well during both engagements, holding their fire till ordered, and then delivering it with regularity and precision. I have never seen men behave themselves better, whether under fire or bearing with patience and fortitude the fatigue and hardships necessarily Incident to so long an engagement In such weather. My loss this day was one killed and seven wounded. Where all behaved so well. it is difficult to mention Individuals, without doing seeming injustice to others, but I may mention the valuable services rendered by Sergt. Maj. S. H. Smith, who was shot dead by my side while encouraging the men on to enter the breastworks of the enemy; also, First Lieut. Wm. W. Klrkwood, commanding company K, rendered very valuable assistance in forming the line in front of the enemy's breastworks. Capt. Warren C. Jones, of company I, also rendered valuable service in directing the fire of my marksmen, especially in protecting the retiring of the skirmishers on the 13th Inst.
WM. T. SHAW,
Colonel Fourteenth Regiment Iowa Volunteers.
Col. J. G. Lauman, Commanding Fourth Brigade, Second Division [see note 2].
As will be seen from the above report, the seven companies of the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry conducted themselves with honor at Fort Donelson. Their loss was light, as compared with the Second Iowa Infantry, which was assigned the post of honor in leading the assault upon the fort, but they obeyed the orders given them, occupied the positions to which they were assigned and, in every way, acquitted themselves with credit.
The regiment remained at Fort Donelson until about the middle of March, 1862, when it again embarked and, proceeding to Pittsburg Landing, on the Tennessee river, landed there, and went into camp on the 18th. Here it became a part of the First Brigade of the Second Division. The division was commanded by Brig. Gen. W. H. L. Wallace, and the brigade — consisting of the Second, Seventh, Twelfth and Fourteenth regiments of Iowa Infantry — was under command of its senior Colonel, James M. Tuttle, of the Second Iowa. On the morning of April 6, 1862, the Second Division occupied the center of the line of battle of the Army of the Tennessee, and the First Brigade was the last in line on the left, while the Fourteenth Iowa, being on the left of the brigade, occupied the position to the extreme left of the division. Colonel Shaw's report of the part taken by the seven companies of his regiment in the battle of Shiloh was made to Governor Kirkwood, after he reached his home in Iowa. He was then on parole as a prisoner of war, and, being precluded by the terms of his parole from making the official report to his brigade commander, he submitted it direct to the Governor of Iowa. The report is dated Oct. 26, 1862. On account of its length the compiler quotes only those portions which relate to the principal movements of the regiment in the battle. After describing the first position of his regiment. Colonel Shaw says:
Our line of battle was formed about half past 8 o'clock A. M., about 500 yards from the enemy's artillery, which at once opened a severe fire upon us. • • • In a short time the enemy's Infantry made their appearance, advancing In line of battle. I at once perceived that the line of our brigade was not parallel with theirs, but inclined to It at an angle of about 45 degrees, the left in advance, thus exposing my left flank to the enemy some distance in advance of General Prentiss' line, upon which it should have rested, and about 200 yards from his extreme right. After consulting with Colonel Woods of the Twelfth, who was next to me on the right, I threw back my regiment and the left wing of the Twelfth, so as to bring our part of the line parallel to the advancing enemy and in line with General Prentiss' division, but still failing to connect with it by an interval of about 200 yards. This also improved our position, which had previously been directly upon a ridge, exposed to the enemy's artillery, and gave us that ridge as a partial shelter. The enemy advanced steadily in two lines, about 200 yards apart. I ordered my men to lie down and hold their fire until the enemy were within thirty paces. The effect of this was, that when the order to fire was given, and the Twelfth and Fourteenth opened directly in their faces, the enemy's first line was completely destroyed [see note 3]. • • •
After describing the attack upon and driving back of the enemy's second line, and then being compelled to fall back for want of support and to avoid being flanked by the enemy, Colonel Shaw continues his description of the subsequent desperate assaults by the enemy, of the heroic resistance of the troops composing his brigade and division, and the holding of the center until after the Union troops upon both flanks had fallen back, and proceeds to show the desperate and hopeless situation of his regiment, as follows:
General Prentiss having already surrendered with a part of his command, the Fourteenth was left in advance of all that remained, but, completely inclosed, receiving the enemy's fire from three directions. The regiment still kept its ranks unbroken and held Its position facing the enemy, but the men were almost completely exhausted with a whole day of brave and steady fighting and many of them had spent their whole stock of ammunition. It was therefore useless to think of prolonging a resistance which could only have wasted their lives to no purpose, and at about a quarter to six P. M. I surrendered them and myself prisoners of war. I have only to add that I feel under the deepest obligation to both officers and men of my regiment for their admirable conduct through the day. This was so complete and free from exception, that it would be impossible to mention individuals without doing injustice to the rest. Their steadiness and courage, the accuracy of their fire, and precision of all their movements entitle them to the highest credit, and their general demeanor, both upon the battle field and In the trying scenes through which we passed as prisoners of war, will always be remembered by me with pride and gratification.
The total loss of the seven companies of the regiment engaged in the battle of Shiloh was 273, killed, wounded and captured [see note 4]. It can be justly claimed for the regiment and its heroic commander that no more efficient or important service was performed by Union troops upon that historic battlefield. Prior to the battle the regiment had a considerable number of men sick in hospitals. Those who recovered, together with those who had been absent on furlough and detached duty at the time of the battle, and those who had escaped capture, were subsequently assigned to a temporary organization called the "Union Brigade," in which they served with credit until the regiment was exchanged. The most important service rendered by this detachment of the regiment was at the battle of Corinth, October 3 and 4, 1862, in which it acquitted itself with honor, as shown by the official reports. The officers and men who had surrendered were held as prisoners of war until late in the autumn of 1862. They were at first released on parole and sent through the rebel lines to Richmond, Va., thence to Annapolis, Md., and from there they were conveyed to Benton Barracks, at St. Louis, where they were regularly exchanged, Nov. 19, 1862. They had suffered greatly while in confinement, and it required several months for them to recuperate sufficiently to again become fitted for active service in the field. In the meantime, the detachment which had been serving in the Union Brigade rejoined the regiment, and here two new companies — A and B — also reported for duty.
On the 10th of April, 1863, the nine companies, under command of Colonel Shaw, again embarked on steamer at St. Louis and proceeded to Cairo, Ill., where they landed and went into camp. Here they remained, doing garrison duty and sending out detachments upon various small expeditions to quell threatened insurrection on the southern border of Illinois, which they successfully accomplished. At Cairo, the last company (C) necessary to complete the regimental organization reported for duty, and the regiment — for the first time since taking the field — had the full number of companies to which it was entitled. In the latter part of June the regiment moved to Columbus, Ky., and for the next seven months was engaged in performing garrison duty. This was the most monotonous period in its history. The time was utilized, however, by Colonel Shaw and his officers in perfecting the regiment in drill and discipline. The new companies and recruits were thus brought up to a high degree of efficiency, and were prepared to follow the example of their comrades of the seven companies who had already become thoroughly seasoned soldiers, having twice met the enemy in battle, and having gone through that most trying experience that the Union soldiers were subjected to — long months of confinement and suffering in southern prisons. The regiment was thus well prepared to enter upon the duties of an active campaign.
On the 24th of January, 1864, Colonel Shaw received orders to embark his command and proceed to Vicksburg. Upon its arrival there, the regiment was assigned to the Second Brigade of the Third Division of the Sixteenth Army Corps, with Colonel Shaw as senior officer in command of the brigade, and Lieutenant Colonel Newbold in command of the regiment. On the 4th of February the Sixteenth Army Corps started from Vicksburg on that most remarkable expedition which penetrated to the heart of the State of Mississippi, and inflicted great damage upon the enemy, by the capture and destruction of supplies, railroad track and rolling stock. Starting with but ten days' rations, the Union troops cut loose from their base of supplies and, for the ensuing month, supplemented their scanty rations with such food as could be procured in the country through which they marched. The Fourteenth Iowa sustained its full share of the hardships of the expedition. The regiment was in light marching order. No tents were taken, and the officers and men bivouacked in the open air, all faring alike. It was the inclement season of midwinter and storms were frequent; the suffering from such exposure was, at times, intense.
On the 4th of March, the regiment returned to Vicksburg, having marched over 300 miles. After a brief rest, the brigade and division embarked — March 10, 186 4— at Vicksburg and, three days later, landed at Atchafalaya Bayou, ten miles below the mouth of Red River [see note 5]. On the evening of March 13th, the command started on the march towards Fort De Russey, thirty-five miles distant. Seven miles of the distance were covered in the night, and the next morning, at 6 o'clock, the march was resumed, the Fourteenth Iowa and the other regiments of the brigade commanded by Colonel Shaw being ordered to take the advance. A considerable force of the enemy made a stand at Bayou de Glaize and delayed the advance for a couple of hours, but they were forced to retire, the passage of the stream was successfully accomplished, and the brigade pushed rapidly forward until, at about 4 P. M., it came within range of the guns of the fort. The artillery was ordered forward, and at once opened a brisk fire which was promptly responded to by the guns of the fort. An attack was determined on, and the brigade was put into line and ordered forward. The assault was stubbornly and bravely resisted, but, two hours after the first artillery shots were exchanged, the Union troops held possession of the fort, and its gallant defenders had surrendered. It was a brilliant and remarkable military exploit. In his official report Colonel Shaw makes special mention of the gallant conduct of Lieutenant Colonel Newbold and the Fourteenth Iowa. He also mentions the commanding officers of each of the regiments, and the batteries, and extends his thanks to their officers and men for the promptness and enthusiasm with which they executed all orders, and the good order with which they came into action after so long and fatiguing a march. He also makes special mention of all his staff officers — including Lieutenant Buell of the Fourteenth Iowa — for the prompt and efficient discharge of their duties, and, near the close of his report, says: "I am proud to say that not a single instance came under my observation of any officer or soldier attempting to shun danger or duty during the engagement; and my opportunity was good for observing each regiment as it came under fire."
From Fort De Russey the brigade proceeded to Alexandria, arriving there on the 16th of March, and remaining there until the 26th, when it marched to Cotile Landing on Red River, where it embarked on transports and was conveyed to Grand Ecore, La. Landing there it disembarked and marched to Pleasant Hill, La., where Colonel Shaw received orders to report to Maj. Gen. N. P. Banks, who ordered him to at once march his brigade to the extreme front of the army and relieve General McMillan's brigade, then actively engaged in skirmishing with the enemy. The order was promptly obeyed and, upon relieving the brigade indicated, Colonel Shaw's command at once became engaged on the skirmish line. This skirmish fighting was maintained at intervals for about five hours before the enemy advanced to the attack in force — about 4:30 P. M. — and, from that time until darkness put an end to the battle, the brigade held its ground, retiring only when the order was given by the division commander — Gen. A. J. Smith — just as darkness was closing in and the enemy had succeeded in passing both flanks and was getting in the rear of the brigade. One of its regiments — the Thirty-second Iowa — failing to receive the order to retire was surrounded, but fought its way through the enemy's lines and rejoined the brigade after dark. Out of a total loss of 753, sustained by the five brigades which composed the two divisions commanded by Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith at the battle of Pleasant Hill, the brigade commanded by Colonel Shaw lost 484 [see note 6].
The gallant Lieut. Col. J. H. Newbold commanded the Fourteenth Iowa in this battle and, when the contest was raging most fiercely, fell from his horse mortally wounded. Of him Colonel Shaw says, "He was a brave, Industrious and conscientious officer, whose loss to his regiment is irreparable." Upon the fall of Lieutenant Colonel Newbold, Capt. Warren C. Jones assumed command of the regiment and wrote the official report of its conduct in the battle. He makes special mention of the fall of Lieutenant Colonel Newbold while gallantly performing his duty; of Lieutenants Shanklin and Logan, who were killed, and Lieutenant McMillan, mortally wounded; also of Lieutenant Hazlett who, at the time, was thought to be among the killed, and was so reported, but who recovered and served until the close of the war. He described the splendid manner in which the regiment fought throughout the engagement and concludes his report by saying, "I tender my most hearty thanks to the officers, commissioned, non-commissioned, and privates, for the gallant manner in which they sustained the reputation of the regiment, gained upon the bloody fields of Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth and De Russey." Notwithstanding the heavy loss it had sustained, Colonel Shaw's brigade was ordered by General Banks to cover the retreat of his army, which commenced at one o'clock the following morning and was safely accomplished.
On the 11th of April the brigade reached Grand Ecore, and, on the 13th, crossed Red River and proceeded a few miles above Campti to save the transports from threatened attack and destruction. The enemy retreated upon the approach of the brigade, and the transports were enabled to move to a position of safety. Returning to Grand Ecore, the regiment and brigade went into camp there and, on the 22d of April, after the rear of General Banks' army had passed, again took up the line of march to cover its retreat, and was in the engagement which took place at Cane River on the 24th. On the 26th it reached Alexandria. From the 26th of April to the 2d of May Colonel Shaw's little command, after having suffered the greatest loss of any brigade in the army, was kept constantly in the rear, by order of General Banks, and performed the most important and hazardous service. On the 2d of May it moved out about eight miles, where it formed line and commenced skirmishing with the enemy, driving them back over two miles during the day. There was more or less skirmishing every day until the evening of May 8th, at which time it was ordered to go into camp, the enemy having been driven back seven miles. As their skirmishers were withdrawn, no further fighting was anticipated. On the 9th of May, however, the brigade was again ordered to the rear and right, to protect the approaches to Alexandria.
On the evening of May 13th the regiment and brigade again joined Gen. A. J. Smith's forces and, on the morning of the 14th, were covering the retreat of the army, with the enemy pressing closely in their rear. Marksville was reached that night, and the next morning a heavy skirmish with the enemy began and was continued at intervals until the forenoon of May 18th. The brigade had just crossed Yellow Bayou, when the enemy appeared in force near the opposite bank. Colonel Shaw's brigade, with two others, was ordered to recross the bayou and meet the enemy. The order was promptly obeyed. The enemy was driven from the field with heavy loss in killed and wounded, while 300 of their number surrendered as prisoners of war [see note 7]. The loss in Colonel Shaw's brigade was 48, killed and wounded. The Fourteenth Iowa had one man killed and thirteen wounded in this engagement, as shown by the official report of Capt. L. A. Crane, who was in command of the regiment. While this small command was thus gallantly fighting in the rear, the balance of the army was three miles distant from the action. The brigade remained in line of battle all the next day and until 2 A. M. of the 20th, when it again crossed Yellow Bayou and proceeded on its march to the mouth of Red River. On the 22d of May the brigade embarked on transports and was conveyed to Vicksburg, arriving there on the morning of May 24, 1864.
The compiler is aware that he has given but an imperfect sketch of the operations of the regiment and its brigade during the Red River Expedition. The great importance of that part of its service is fully demonstrated in the official reports, copies or copious extracts from which could not be given on account of the limitation of space assigned to this sketch.
The true value and extent of the service performed by General Smith's two divisions on the Red River Expedition are indicated in the reply of General Banks to General Grant, when the latter ordered those troops returned to Vicksburg. General Banks says in his reply:
You instructed me that if the expedition could not be accomplished within ten or fifteen days of the time designated by General Sherman, the command of General Smith would be ordered to return to Vicksburg, even should it occasion the abandonment of the chief object of the expedition. The time specified I understand to be the 15th or 17th of the month, and I have hopes that within ten or fifteen days of that time our object will be accomplished, when General Smith will return. A large fleet of gun-boats and transports are in the upper river, which cannot possibly descend below Alexandria on account of the falling water. I have in my Immediate front an army of 25,000 men, among them some of the best troops of the rebel government, and commanded by distinguished and desperate officers. The withdrawal of General Smith's command from my forces at this time places me at their mercy, and the army under my command. It will lead to the sacrifice of the army and navy, as well as the abandonment of the expedition.
The official returns show the aggregate strength of General Banks' army, present for duty, was 39,041, and that General Smith's command, present for duty, aggregated 11,620, which, if withdrawn, would have left General Banks an army of 27,421, with which to resist the rebel army of 25,000, which he says confronted him [see note 8]. Nowhere else in his official reports has he given recognition to the value of the service rendered by General Smith's command on this expedition. The humiliating confession which he makes, that he could not save his army without the aid of General Smith's command, shows him to have been utterly unfit for the command of the expedition, the disastrous results of which were justly attributed to his incompetency and mismanagement. The bravery and efficiency of his subordinates could not atone for this. The Fourteenth Iowa, while justly proud of its own record and that of the brigade with which it served on this unfortunate expedition, fully sustained the severe criticism which Colonel Shaw subsequently published, in which he was so completely vindicated by the investigation of the War Department, resulting in the removal of General Banks from his important command.
After a short rest at Vicksburg the regiment moved up the river to Point Chicot, where it assisted in driving back a rebel force which was blockading the river; and from that point proceeded to Memphis and, soon afterwards, moved south with Gen. A. J. Smith's command. It took an important part in the expedition, participating in the battles of Tupelo and Town Creek, Miss., in which it was commanded by Capt. Wm. J. Campbell, whose official report shows that the regiment fully sustained its reputation for bravery and good conduct in battle, and gives the details of its movements in these engagements, In both of which the enemy was defeated and driven from the field. The regiment's loss in the two days' battle was three killed and eighteen wounded. Captain Campbell closes his report as follows: "The officers and men of this regiment, who were in each engagement, have my warmest thanks for the manner in which they conducted themselves during the battles, and on the march during the whole expedition. It is hard to compliment without injustice to some, where everyone is trying to do his duty." [See note 9.]
The regiment now returned to Memphis and enjoyed a well-earned rest of several weeks in its camp near that city. Its next active service was rendered as part of the force which marched to Oxford, Miss. There were occasional skirmishes with the enemy during this expedition, but no casualties are reported in the Fourteenth Iowa. Returning to Memphis, the regiment embarked and was conveyed to Cairo, Ill. Here Gen. A. J. Smith was again prevented from joining General Sherman in his Georgia campaign by an order to proceed to St. Louis with his command and re-inforce the troops there, which were called upon to take the field against the rebel General Price, whose army had again invaded the State of Missouri. The regiment disembarked at Jefferson Barracks, near St. Louis.
On the 25th of September, 1864, a detachment of four companies of the Fourteenth Iowa, under command of Capt. Wm. J. Campbell, was sent to reinforce the troops under command of Gen. Thomas Ewing, Jr., at Pilot Knob, Mo. The service rendered by this detachment is fully described by Captain Campbell in his official report [see note 10]. The engagements in which these companies participated constitute the closing chapter of the battle history of the Fourteenth Iowa. At Donelson and Shiloh the regiment fought as an incomplete organization, and at Fort Davidson, Shepherd Mountain and Leesburg, this little detachment closed the splendid record. General Ewing's command was greatly inferior to the rebel forces, but he made a gallant defense of the fort, and inflicted heavy loss upon the enemy, with comparatively light loss to his own command, until his position was rendered untenable by the enemy obtaining possession of Shepherd Mountain, which overlooked the fort, and compelled its evacuation. General Ewing then blew up his magazine, spiked his guns, and, cutting his way through the enemy's lines, began his retreat towards Rolla. The retreat was conducted with great skill. The detachment of the Fourteenth Iowa had joined General Ewing's command on the morning of Sept. 27, 1864, and Captain Campbell was ordered to occupy the summit of Shepherd Mountain, which he did until compelled by a greatly superior force of the enemy to retreat and join the troops within the fort. The following extract from Captain Campbell's report shows the arduous and important service performed by his command during the retreat:
On the morning of the 28th at 2 o'clock A. M., by order of Brigadier General Ewing, I moved my command in advance, and took up the line of march on the Caledonia road, arriving at Webster, distant thirty miles, where we encamped. On the 29th of September at 1 o'clock A. M., took up the line of march, covering the retreat with my command to Leesburg, distant thirty-six miles. About 10 o'clock A. M., the enemy attacked our rear guard of cavalry and drove them in. I immediately formed in line of battle, and checked the advance of the enemy. The column moved forward, and I covered the retreat with continual skirmishing the entire way. Arriving at Leesburg at sunset, my command was formed in line of battle on the left, facing the enemy, where we remained encamped during the night. On the 30th of September commenced building temporary fortifications which were occupied till the morning of October 2d at 2 o'clock, when we took up our line of march for Rolla, Mo., distant thirty-one miles, where we arrived at 6 o'clock P. M. The officers and men of my command behaved with the utmost coolness and bravery during the several engagements in which we took part. First Lieut. Hugo Hoffbauer, acting Adjutant, has my warmest thanks for the manner in which he conducted himself, and the valuable service rendered by his untiring energy during the several engagements, and while on the march.
The loss of the detachment was three killed and fifteen wounded. In the meantime, the other portion of the regiment was engaged, with other troops, in a toilsome march to intercept another force of the enemy, but, when they reached Tipton, Mo., the enemy was still in full retreat and the pursuit was abandoned. Not coming into contact with the enemy, no casualties resulted except those caused from exposure and hardship on the march. Early in November the two detachments were ordered to return to St. Louis, and from there the regiment was conveyed to Davenport, Iowa, where it was mustered out of the service of the United States on the 16th day of November, 1864.
The re-enlisted men and recruits, whose terms of service had not expired, were consolidated into two companies and designated as the "Residuary Battalion of the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry." The battalion was sent to Springfield, Ill., and was there engaged in various duties, but was not again sent to the front, as its services were no longer required for active duty in the field. These companies were retained in the service of the Government until Aug. 8, 1865, on which date they were mustered out at Davenport, Iowa.
The official records in the office of the Adjutant General of Iowa show that another company was nominally attached to the Residuary Battalion. It was known as company C, was composed of drafted men and substitutes, and received the designation of "Permanent Company at Camp McClellan." This company had no officers. It was mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, May 13, 1865.
The record of service of the Fourteenth Regiment of Iowa Infantry Volunteers is one of the best. Its survivors can justly claim that, during the long years in which they marched and fought and suffered, they never wavered in their devotion to their government and its flag. Their children and children's children may well be proud of the legacy of heroism they have inherited. The compiler of this brief history extends a soldier's greeting to the survivors of the old Fourteenth Iowa, and, on behalf of the State which has made provision for this preservation of the record and roster of the regiment, extends greeting to the families and relatives of those whose memory they cherish and honor, and who will ever be commended as an example and inspiration to all loyal and liberty-loving people of the State.
SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES.
Total Enrollment 1720
Killed 31
Wounded 168
Died of wounds 25
Died of disease 123
Discharged for wounds, disease and other causes 225
Captured 270
Burled in National Cemeteries 71
Transferred 290
[Note 1.] Adjutant General's report, 1861, Pages 327 to 351, Inclusive. Adjutant General's report, Vol. 1, 1863, Pages 507 to 536, Inclusive. Adjutant General's report, 1864, Pages 194 to 197, Inclusive.
[Note 2.] War of the Rebellion Official Records. Series I, Vol. 7, Page 231.
[Note 3.] War of the Rebellion Official Records. Series 1, Part 1, Vol. 10, Page 152.
[Note 4.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Part 1, Vol. 10, Page 101, tabulated return of casualties at Battle of Shiloh.
[Note 5.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Vol. 34, Page 343. "Itinerary of operations on Red River Expedition, March 10th to May 20, 1864."
[Note 6.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, "Vol. 34, Pages 313, 366, 368 and 360.
[Note 7.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Part 1, Vol. 34, Pages 359 and 361.
[Note 8.] War of the Rebellion Official Records, Series 1, Part 1, Vol. 34, Pages 169 and 186
[Note 9.] Report of Adjutant General of Iowa, 1865, Vol. 2, Page 1086.
[Note 10.] Report of Adjutant General of Iowa, 1866, Page 196.
SOURCE: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Volume 2, p.721-30
