The Luce Brothers

Sons of William S. & Huldah (Rogers) Luce



Alonzo Luce, William S. Luce
Samuel M. Luce, Isaac D. Luce, and Richard R. Luce

Alonzo Luce – Company B, 19th Illionios Infantry: enlisted June 12, 1861. He was mustered in 5 days later at Chicago, Illinios and was there mustered out July 9, 1864.

Richard Rogers Luce – Company E, 93rd Illinois Infantry: enlisted August 13, 1862 at Tiskilwa, Illinois, where he was mustered in two days later. He was mustered out on June 23, 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky.

William S. Luce – Company K, 9th Illinois Cavalry : enlisted October 17, 1861 at Princeton, Illinois and was mustered in on October 26, 1861 at Chicago, Illinois. He was wounded at during an engagement at the Waddell Farm in Jackson County, Arkansas on June 12, 1862 and was mustered out on Decemer 10, 1864 at Nasvhille, Tennessee.

Isaac D. Luce - Company B, of the 112th Illinois Infantry: enlisted & mustered in on March 13, 1865 at Peoria, Illinois. He was transferred to Company F, 65th Illinois Infantry on June 19, 1865. He was mustered out on July 13, 1865,

Also pictured is the youngest brother, Samuel M. Luce, however he was too young to see military service during the Civil War.

Cowards

The friend who sent us Liet. [sic] Jackson’s letter for publication says, “In another letter, Lieut. Jackson speaks of one or two cowards, but says he will mention no names, so we are left in the dark as to who they are, excepting what we hear from other sources. We think they should be published as an example.”

Now, we think entirely different. No man is a coward by his own choice or election. – Cowardice, although considered an unworthy trait of character – certainly an unfortunate one – is a natural result of the peculiar organization of the despised being who is afflicted with it; he can no more control the de[illegible] of it in the face of danger than [illegible: an infant?] can keep from crying when in pain: it is a fact, it cannot be of his own willful making and is not a crime; and therefore we should pity rather than abuse the miserable creature whose physical deficiency makes him a coward. Thus far we differ with “civilized” society. We have not the heart to abuse a man because he can’t help running when another points a loaded gun at him and means to shoot. Although it is an unfortunate thing for our army that there are so many of that kind of men in it, yet there are cowards at home, as well as in the army, of a different manner and character – a kind of moral coward – who willfully take advantage of every opportunity to strike at the heart of loyalty, by continually finding faults and magnifying them, in the character and conduct of the only loyal and brave. Such persons do more injury to the cause of the Union that the man who runs from bullets can possibly do.

When we have a little more time and space we propose showing up these moral cowards in their proper light. They are the persons to make “examples” of, and not the poor fool who is a coward against his own will.

– Published in the Stark County News, Thursday, February 5, 1863

Letter from the Sixth Iowa

Altoona [sic], Ga., June 18th, 1864.

Mr. Caverly:–

I saw young Gregg, who lives near your place yesterday. He is in the Field Hospital, near this place. He is severely wounded, but not dangerously so. J. A. Johnson, of Co. B, 6thth Iowa, son C. R. Johnson of Hopeville, was slightly wounded on the 15th inst. No other of the Clark Co. boys hurt as I know of. I have not been with the Reg. for some time. I am on special duty in the Subsistence Department, though I hear from the boys occasionally.

I saw Adjt. King and the other boys of the 15th a few days ago. They were all well. I am now acting as commissary for Field hospital of the Army of the Tenn. at Altoona [sic] Ga., twenty miles from the “Front,” which is at Big Shanty on the Western Atlantic R. R. – More anon.

E. F. Alden

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, July 9, 1864

Gen. Halleck to Gen. Pope

New Madrid, April 8: – The following message was sent by Gen. Halleck to Gen. Pope at New Madrid this evening on receipt of the news of the glorious victory resulting in the evacuation of Island No. 10 and capture of nearly all of the army of the enemy:

Headqquarters, St. Louis, April 8.
To General Pope:

I congratulate you and your command on your splendid achievement. It exceeds in boldness and brilliancy all other operations of the war. It will be honored by future generations. You deserve well of your country.

{Signed}
H. W. Halleck
Major General

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Thursday, April 10, 1862

Letter from Lieut. Jackson

A friend in Elmira has sent us an interesting letter from Lieut. Wm. Jackson of Co. B, 19th Ill., to his brother, for publication. On account of its length, and our want of space, we can only give the following extracts from it:

In Camp Near Murfreesboro,
Jan. 10 1863;

My dear brother;

I am thankful to God that he as spared me through this bloody contest. Our company suffered severely. We were in the engagement five different times. I know what it is to drive the enemy and what it is to be driven by them, which is no pleasant thing I can tell you. We went into the battle, Dec. 30th, with thirty-nine enlisted men and two commissioned officers, myself and Hunter; Capt. Murchison was with the wagons, lame with Rheumatism. We lost one man killed, and one slightly wounded: J. L. Kinion killed, and George Dugan wounded in the hand.

Dec. 31st, Capt. Murchison joined us. The enemy pressed on our right flank and drove Gen. Johnson back. We were the reserve and in the center. Gen. Negly’s division was small, consisting of only two brigades; but we disputed every inch of ground with them, while Gen. Johnson’s division was falling back in disorder. Column after column advanced on us and we were outflanked [at] every position we took. We were forced to stand in front of the enemy’s batteries to save our artillery and cowardly men, who were falling back through the woods in great disorder; but the old Nineteenth stood up to it like soldiers.

We suffered severely that day: Capt. Murchison was bruised on the back by a tree that was shot down by a shell; Lieut. Hunter was wounded in the right thigh by a musket ball. Serg’t. Robinson, wounded in the right shoulder; William Douglas, wounded in the foot. C. W. Leason and James O. Imes were killed instantly by a shell. J. M. Leacox was slightly wounded in the arm while taking Hunter off the field. Columbus Morgan was mortally wounded by a shell; he fell into the hands of the enemy and was taken to Murfreesboro and died on Jan. 7th 1863. I saw him before he died; he was a gallant soldier. T. W. Oziah was slightly wounded in the [?] by a piece of shell; G. T. Sharer was severely wounded in the right thigh and had his arm broken; Thomas Turnbull had the thumb shot off his right hand by a shell. Corporal J. L. Kennedy was taking Morgan off the field and was taken prisoner, and we have not herd of him since. Wednesday was a bloody day!

We took four guns from them and the colors of the 19th were planted on a rebel gun for once, and I stood with my hand on it. They had another battery about forty rods from it, and they threw shells at us by the wholesale, but we brought the battery off with us. We lost heavily on that day also; Col. Scott was wounded in the thigh. Capt. Chandler, Co. F, was killed; Lieut. Wood, Co. C. wounded in the hand; Lieut. Wood, Co. H. was mortally wounded and has died since. Captain Garrett was wounded slightly in the leg – Corporal George Ryerson of our company was killed; Walter Clark got a buck shot in his knee, very slight; Corporal Worth had a buck shot through his finger. We had a glorious victory on that night! The loss in our company was very heavy. We lost in the regiment some 115 or 120; there are 14 killed.

Elmira need not be ashamed of the boys she sent to the war. Our brother, Dave, and James Turnbull were with me all the time. They did not get a scratch; they are two good boys. Our wounded are all in Nashville; Capt. Murchison is there, and I am left all alone with the company. Robert Turnbull was in Nashville during the battle unwell. John Thornton was with us and fought like a tiger.

We suffered a great deal during the battle. It rained nearly all the time. We had to stand in mud and water to the knees; but it is all over now, and we are resting quietly in camp.

Wm. Jackson, Lieut. Co. B.

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, Thursday, February 5, 1863

Gen. Halleck to take the Field

St. Louis, April 8. – In response to a serenade to night, Gen. Halleck said that Beauregard with an immense army advanced from Corinth and attacked the combined forces of Grant and Buel [sic]. The battle began day before yesterday and continued till late in the afternoon, with a terrible loss on both sides. We have gained a complete victory, and driven the enemy within his fortifications.

He also announced his departure for the field to-morrow morning.

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Thursday, April 10, 1862

Col. Ingersoll Will Speak in Toulon

On Saturday of this week Col R. G. Ingersoll will address the citizens of this county, at the Courthouse, in Toulon, on topics connected with the political issues now before the people. Col. Ingersoll is well known as one of the most eloquent and logical speakers in the state, and will not fail to interest his hearers. He will speak at Wyoming on Saturday evening.

We trust our people will all turn out and give the gallant Colonel a fitting reception.

On the same day, the Ladies of the Aid Society will give a dinner, the proceeds of which are to be appropriated for the benefit of the Families of Soldiers. This is a worthy object, and as winter is fast approaching and many of the Soldiers’ families in our county are illy prepared to survive its storms and frosts with any degree of comfort, we trust every one will assist in this laudable work.

– Published in Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, Thursday, November 12, 1863

“Bad Off”

The “Democratic” party of Iowa is in a truly deplorable condition – no chance to steal from the Government, and whisky up two dollars a gallon! Only think of it! The whole party of the State couldn’t raise enough of the ‘Great Principle” to build a platform, at Des Moines, on the 7th of June. Verily, the glorious old party is “bad off.” And if “suthin don’t be did” soon she’ll be “wuss.” She could get along without any “stealins” if whisky was plenty and cheap, or whisky might “go as high as it had a mind to” if the party could get both arms into the public treasury – she wouldn’t keen for expenses then. But no such good fortune is hers. Heavily-taxed whisky and no stealings! Alas, Democracy!

[Council Bluffs Nonpareil

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, July 9, 1864

From Before Atlanta

We have been permitted to peruse a letter from Francis Stickney, of the old 31st (Gen. John A. Logan’s old regiment) to his parents in this place, under the date of the 26th ult., from which we extract the following.

You have perhaps heard, before this time, of the heavy battle of the 21st and 22d. I was in and through it, both days in the thickest of the fight, and came out without a scratch. I am now nurse in the hospital. Our regiment lost very heavily – one hundred and seventy, killed wounded and missing. The rebels moved around our left flank and attacked us in the rear. On the 22d, they charged our works five successive times, but were repulsed with great slaughter. We covered the ground with their dead. Part of the time it was a hand to hand fight with the bayonet. When night came, they gave it up and returned to their works.

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, August 11, 1864

Obituary: Thomas Alexander Trent

Thomas Trent Passes Away

Old Pioneer died at His Home in Osceola on Friday Evening at the Ripe Age of Over 91 years

Was a Civil War Veteran

Funeral services Were Conducted at the Home on Monday Afternoon. Interment at Maple Hill.

The death of Thomas A. Trent at his home on South Main St. on Last Friday evening at 6:30 brought sadness to the hearts of many. Mr. Trent had only been sick for about ten days suffering from a cold. He had been able to sit up and read his newspaper the day before he passed away.

The funeral services were conducted at the home on Monday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock by Rev. C. S. Burnette. A large number of sorrowing friends and relatives were at the last rites. Burial followed in the Maple Hill cemetery.

The ball bearers were: Chas. Edwards, Harry Talbott, Verne Hicks, Will Temple, Loyd Simmons and L. W. London. Those who sang at the funeral, Mrs. Ed. Banta, Miss Tot Scott, Dr. E. W. Paul and William Beard.

At the time of his death, Mr. Trent was 91 years, 5 months and 10 days of age. If he had lived until June 28th, he and his wife would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.

In addition to his wife, Mrs. Mary E. Trent, he was survived by the following children: Chas. W. Trent, Custer, South Dakota; Wm. W. Trent, Denver, Colorado; James L. Trent, San Jose, California; Mrs. C. E. Whitlock, Denver; Mrs. H. S. Lauder and Mrs. Emily Trent of Osceola. One son, Thomas A. Trent, Jr. died about six years ago.

Thomas A. Trent, was born in Owens county, Indiana, on Oct. 6, 1834, his parents being William and Susanah Dyer Trent. He removed to Iowa when he was but 17 years of age and has lived here continually ever since. He was married to Mary E. Parrish on June 28, 1857, at the home of the bride six miles northwest of Osceola. The nuptial rites were performed by Rev. B. C. Johnson of Osceola. Many friends were present at the wedding.

When Mr. Trent and his wife first moved to Osceola the limits of the town were marked by streets one or two blocks distant from the business section. Now the blocks extend many times that distance.

When the Civil War broke out Mr. Trent joined the Union forces to fight for his country and was assigned to the 39th Iowa, Company D, under Capt. L. D. Bennett. C. W. Neal and Aaron Lewis of this city were also members of the same regiment. The three men saw services together during three years and at the close of the war returned to Osceola where they became members of Post 173, Department of Iowa, Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Trent remained a member of the G. A. R. to the time of his death. He was at one time a member of the Blue Lodge of the Masonic order.

Mr. Trent was a good citizen and stood high in the community and the county where he lived so long. His death brings sadness to the many friends who knew and loved him. His passing away takes another member of the “thin and fading line” of the old soldiers who risked their lives in their country’s cause. Peace to his ashes.

- Published in The Osceola Tribune, Osceola, Iowa, April 22, 1926

Notice

State Of Iowa
Adjutant General’s Office
Davenport, April 1, 1864

Papers throught the State are requested to publish gratuitously the following. – The procuration money at present paid is ten dollars for raw recruits, and fifteen dollars for veterans.

N. B. Baker
Adjutant General of Iowa

–––––––

{By Telegraph from Washington}

April 1, 1864 – 12:35 p.m.

To General N. B. Baker: –

Present procuration money will be paid for recruits until further orders.

Chauncy McKeever, A.A.G.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, April 9, 1864

Veteran Reserves

An order has been issued from the Provost Marshal General’s office, at Washington, which states that the name of the organization authorized by the War Department as the Invalid Corps is changed to that of the Veteran Reserve Corps, and that all orders relating to the Invalid Corps will remain in force as at present with respect to the Veteran Reserve corps. This is a change of name which will no doubt be hailed with great pleasure by the gallant soldiers in this corps, and will greatly increase its present high and well deserved popularity. Three years of hard fighting have given our brave soldiers of the Union armies a just title to be called veterans, in the noblest and truest sense of the term. – We have now Veteran Volunteers and Veteran Reserves; nobly have they earned their name, and proudly will they protect the title and gloriously wear its honors. – [Phila. Inquirer

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, April 9, 1864

A Letter from Adjutant E. H. King

Headquarters 15th Iowa Inft. Vols
Vicksburg Miss. Jan 23d, 1864

Mr. Caverly:–

It seems as but yesterday since visiting you last, and I am quite surprised to find upon examination that the last was written Jan. 4th, 1864. That and the two days immediately succeeding, [s]ufficed to consume the effervescence arising from the almost unanimous, and quite uneffectual enthusiasm of the men in the first stages of “Veteran enlistments.” And now that the men have “cooled off” and things have resumed the even tenure heretofore unbroken and not likely soon to be broken again, one may not unreasonably retrospect the doings of the past few weeks, and grasp, if he can, the reasons for the action taken, the importance of the movement, and the results likely to accrue from it. I would not have you understand, Mr. Editor, that I am about to enter upon a discussion of the merits of Veteran Soldiers, or speak words of pacification to mothers, fathers, brothers or sisters for those who have reenlisted in the Regiment for an additional term “three years or the war.” The mind of each, having the good of the country in view, will suggest this. But I do wish you to understand, that having thus acted, somewhat upon the spur of the moment, –not without good and potent reasons either, –we are still willing to scrutinize the work and prepare the mind more thoroughly for performing the grave and noble task before us. And having given the matter a reinvestigation, and having stamped the mind with every interest involved, to reenter the arena, full of terrible responsibility, with that courage, consistency and [s]eriousness so becoming to christian and patriotic [men]. Reenlistments have been pretty general throughout the Corps. Every Regiment in the third Brigade (ours) has enlisted, and vies with the others as to which shall first obtain the furlough.

The work of preparation for war goes bravely on. For four days the 3d Division (General Legetts) has been drilling for a prize, - a banner prepared by the Divisions commanders, – culminating today in a drill by the best reg’s in each of the three Brigades; viz:– 17th Ill., 124 Ill. And the 78th Ohio, terminating with the presentation of the banner by Maj. Gen. McPherson to the 124th Ill., –the judges having awarded to it the title “Exesitr” [my best guess] written conspicuously on the flag. The drill to day was very exciting, and the Regiments performed the manouvers [sic] in line and the manual of arms in splendid style. Large crowds of soldiers, citizens, fair damsels and scores of sombre hue, were in attendance, and manifested the liveliest interest in the performers.

Rumor, – twin sister to the father of lies, – says an expedition will leave Vicksburg for [illegible] in [illegible] of the State within a few days, with the express purpose of occupying Jackson, organizing a State government for Miss., and thrashing or otherwise punishing the rebel hordes infesting the country.

It is positively known that the Regiment will be paid within a few days, as some of us saw the Pay Master to day and he told us so. Nothing will be received with more thankfulness than the money now due for services rendered.

The Men in the Regiment enjoy excellent health. Isaac Haner arrived this P. M. from a visit somewhere; he has been detained for many weeks by sickness. He is a good boy and we welcome him among us.

The members of Co., “I” have all enlisted and are anxiously waiting an opportunity to pay their friends in Clark and elsewhere a visit.

The weather has been for a week past the finest imaginable. The clear enlivening sunlight never shone more benignantly on any people.

Secession only blighte[d] this fairland and sunny clime, and the return of peace will inaugurate a return to the same brilliance and prosperity enjoyed previous to the rebellion.

Enjoying this pleasant sunshine we read with dismay and horror of the ice and snow and frost and wind in Iowa Our sympathetic natures stand aghast at the thought of frozen existence, icy fettered streams and crystal covered landscapes.

But my letter is growing too lengthy and I will close. The Sentinel of the 9th ins. Is just received. Its columns are always heartily welcome.

Adieu!

E. H. King

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Oscoela, Iowa, February 20, 1864

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

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

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

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

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

Mr. Cole’s Appointment

The new Supreme Judgeship, made by the present Legislature, has been filled not to the entire satisfaction of all localities, – for that, where there are other aspirants for the same office, would be impossible – but, we think, to the very general satisfaction of the Unionists of the state, and particularly so to those who are acquainted with the ability and moral rectitude of the person appointed. To the people of this portion of the state, Mr. Cole is known as one of the most able debaters, both upon the stump and at the Bar. The thousands who listened to him during the fall campaign, in this state, will not hesitated [sic] to pronounce him a man who looks to the bottom of the subject he undertakes to handle. He sees the weak and strong points of his question, and handles them accordingly.

Politically, he took a decided stand in the favor of the union at an early day in the rebellion, and labored with zeal to bring the Democratic party to which he belonged, to a patriotic support of the Government in its struggle for life. – Finding the Copperhead element in that party sufficiently strong to run the machinery their own way, he left it, and joined hands with the party whose deeds as well as professions showed them to be for the Union.

As a jurist he stands among the first in the state, and his character is above suspicion. Such men deserve honor.

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

6th Iowa Infantry: Special Requisition

No. 40
–––––––––6th Iowa SPECIAL REQUISITION Co D
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

For:
(46) Forty Six Uniform Coats
109 One Hundred & Nine pairs Pants
63 Sixty-three Hats
63 Sixty-three Bugles
63 Sixty-three Eagles
63 Sixty-three Feathers
63 Sixty-three Cords & Tassles
25 Twenty-five pairs Shoes
135 One Hundred & Thirty-five Shirts
99 Ninety-nine pair Drawers
48 Forty-eight Blouses
86 Eighty-six pair Socks
(24) Twenty-four Knapsacks
(7) Seven Haversacks
(17) Seventeen Blankets
(1) One Order Book
(1) One Description Book
(1) One Clothing Book
(4) Four Sibley Tents complete
(2) Two Wall Tents & Flies complete
(7) Seven Camp Kettles
(5) Five Mess Pans
(10) Ten Canteens

I certify that the above requisition is correct; and that the articles specified are absolutely requisite for the Public Service, rendered so by the following circumstances:

My company is destitute and in need of the above mentioned articles

M. M. Walden
Capt.Comdg Co “D” 6th Iowa

Quartermaster U. S. Army will issue the articles specified in the above requistion

Jno. M. Corse
Lt Col. Commanding

Received at Memphis Tennessee the 15th day of August 1862 of 1st Lieut. Jas. Brunaugh Quartermaster U. S. Army 6th Iowa Infantry all of the articles specified in full of the above requisition

(Signed Duplicates)

M. M. Walden
Capt. Comdg Co “D” 6th Iowa

6th Iowa Infantry - Losses

Hick's Brigade – W. S. Smith's Division – 16th Corps.
(1) Col. John A. McDowell
(2) Col. John M. Corse; Bvt. Major-Gen.
(3) Col. William H. Clune

Total Enrollment: 1102
Total Killed: 152, 13.7%
- Officers: 8
- Men: 144
Total Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c: 128, 11.6%
- Officers: 2
- Men: 126
Total Regimental Loss: 280, 25.4%

Breakdown By Company:

Field & Staff Officers - Total Enrollment: 14
Killed: 2
Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c.: 0
Total Loss: 2

Company A - Total Enrollment: 104
Total Killed: 14
- Officers: 0
- Men: 14
Total Died of disease, accidents, in prison, &c.: 15
- Officers: 0
- Men: 15
Total Loss: 29

Company B - Total Enrollment: 109
Total Killed: 15
- Officers: 1
- Men: 14
Total Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c.:
- Officers: 0
- Men: 14
Total Loss: 29

Company C - Total Enrollment: 97
Total Killed: 16
- Officers: 2
- Men: 14
Total Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c.: 17
- Officers: 0
- Men: 17
Total Loss: 31

Company D - Total Enrollment: 120
Total Killed: 15
- Officers: 1
- Men: 14
Total Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c.: 10
- Officers: 1
- Men: 9
Total Loss: 35

Company E - Total Enrollment: 105
Total Killed: 19
- Officers: 0
- Men: 19
Total Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c.: 12
- Officers: 0
- Men: 12
Total Loss: 31

Company F - Total Enrollment: 116
Total Killed: 16
- Officers: 1
- Men: 15
Total Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c.: 14
- Officers: 0
- Men: 14
Total Loss: 29

Company G - Total Enrollment: 108
Total Killed: 14
- Officers: 0
- Men: 14
Total Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c.: 15
- Officers: 0
- Men: 15
Total Loss: 29

Company H - Total Enrollment: 104
Total Killed: 9
- Officers: 0
- Men: 9
Total Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c.: 11
- Officers: 0
- Men: 11
Total Loss: 20

Company I - Total Enrollment: 115
Total Killed: 19
- Officers: 0
- Men: 1
Total Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c.: 10
- Officers: 0
- Men: 10
Total Loss: 29

Company K - Total Enrollment: 110
Total Killed: 13
- Officers: 1
- Men: 12
Total Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c.: 10
- Officers: 1
- Men: 9
Total Loss: 23

Total of killed and wounded, 572; died in Confederate prisons (previously included), 14.


BATTLES: K. & M.W.

Shiloh, Tenn: 63
Jackson, Miss. (May 14, 1863): 1
Vicksburg, Miss: 1
Jones's Ford, Miss: 2
Jackson, Miss. (July 16, 1863): 6
Guerrillas: 3
Missionary Ridge, Tenn: 13
Resaca, Ga: 7
Dallas, Ga: 10
New Hope Church, Ga: 1
Big Shanty, Ga: 4
Kenesaw Mountain, Ga: 9
Atlanta, Ga: 10
Ezra Chapel, Ga: 8
Lovejoy's Station, Ga: 1
Griswoldville, Ga: 8
Columbia, S. C: 1
Bentonville, N. C: 1
Goldsboro, N. C: 2
Place unknown: 1

Present, also, at Athens, Mo.; Siege of Corinth, Miss.; Chulahoma, Miss.; Holly Springs, Miss.; Ezra Chapel, Ga.; Jonesboro, Ga.; East Point, Ga.; Coosaw River, S.C.; Savannah, Ga.

NOTES. – Organized at Burlington, Iowa, July 17, 1861, moving to Keokuk on August 2d, and to St. Louis on the 19th. In October it participated in Fremont's Missouri campaign against Price, and during the winter of 1861-2, the regiment guarded the railroad from Sedalia to Tipton. In March, 1862, it moved to Pittsburg Landing, where it was assigned to Sherman's Division, Colonel McDowell being placed in command of the brigade. The battle of Shiloh occurred soon after, in which the regiment was commanded by Captain John Williams, its casualties in that battle amounting to 52 killed, 94 wounded, and 37 missing; a total of 183, out of less than 650 engaged. The Sixth continued in Sherman's Division during the Siege of Corinth, after which McDowell's Brigade moved to Memphis, remaining there several months. The regiment passed the winter of 1 862-3 at LaGrange, Tenn. Under command of Colonel Corse, the regiment distinguished itself on the skirmish line at Jackson, Miss., July 1 6, 1 863, its gallantry there eliciting a special complimentary order from General William S. Smith, the division commander. At Missionary Ridge, the regiment was in Ewing's Division, Fifteenth Corps; its loss there was 8 killed and 57 wounded. Colonel Corse received a serious wound in that battle, and soon after was promoted General for his gallant services. He afterwards made a national reputation by his gallant defense of Allatoona, where he received the historic dispatch signalled from Sherman, to " Hold the Fort, etc."

SOURCE: Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War 1861-1865, p. 406

Letter from the 7th Iowa Cavalry

Fort Kearney
Feb. 17th, 1864

Mr. Editor :–

It seems somewhat strange that something from the Seventh Iowa Cavalry does not oftener appear in your columns. The Seventh by some has been lightly spoken of. But by old regulars, I am authorized to say that it will compare favorably with almost any other regiment in the field for good discipline, or in any other respect, though I must say there is yet room for improvement. As far as fighting is concerned the Seventh has not played much of a hand. We may yet have a change to show our fighting propensities, and I do not know of a boy in the regiment who would not welcome the day that sends us South. The companies are scattered almost from one end of Nebraska Territory to the other. Companies G and F being stationed at Cottonwood Springs, A, D and H at Fort Reamey [sic, should read Kearny], and the other companies on the Missouri River at different points above Omaha City. I don’t suppose there is another regiment in the field that guards more territory than the Seventh Iowa Cavalry. Its daily performed line of duty, too, is excessive. The civil law being of little force, the ordinary duties of the civil authorities are naturally devoted upon the military. Co. B, I understand, has recently had some difficulties with the Indians up about St. James, but I have not been able to learn the result.

A Word on our career since leaving Iowa. After crossing the muddy Missouri River we were stationed in camp for a few days, near the village called Omaha City. After having recruited our horses &c. we found that we were to be scattered to the four winds over Nebraska Territory. It fell to the lot of three companies A, D and H, to go to Fort Kearney. About the last of August, all things being ready, we gathered up our traps, turned our horses’ heads to the far west and commenced our wearisome journey. Not however without first getting the example of Lot’s wife, casting our eyes back towards home and its endearments. Our march was not accompanied with anything very adventurous. I might however say that we were one night aroused by the sound of the sentinel’s carbine and the report was instantly afloat though camp that the Indians were upon us. The boys were instantly under arms, falling into line with the speed scarcely imaginable for new troops. But no Indians. Nothing of the kind could be found, and after an hours scouting through the brush on the Platte, the boys returned to camp much dissatisfied at their novel disappointment. We arrived at Fort Kearney in due time and found it a very commodious home for the soldiers, though somewhat lonesome. The boys soon made themselves quite proficient in hunting, as the buffalo were quite plenty here at that time. Most of the boys have become excellent riders. The Nimrodian laurels belong to on John A. Guy who soon became so will skilled that while riding at full sped he brought down two large buffaloes in fifteen minutes time.

Platte River is about one mile wide, sometimes exceeding that, but seldom falling short of it. The channel is so shallow that it can be forded in almost any place. It is interspersed with numerous low islands which are covered with thick underwood and grape vines forming a good retreat for wolves &c. The one thing most remarked about this river is that in the summer season while it has plenty of water with heavy current, in others there is none. At the crossing at Fort Kearney when we came here, there was not a drop of water in the channel, but in a few weeks after our arrival the water came down with all the violence of a mill race, yet no rain had fallen to produce this effect.

The health of the three companies stationed here is very good. Some few cases of fever have occurred, but thanks to the care of Dr. A. J. Willy, none have died. The moral condition of the soldiers here is not as good as it might be. We have not been favored with a chaplain, from what reason I am not able to say. I suppose Uncle Sam thought we were coming out west where there was no danger, and consequently would not need a spiritual overseer. The post is at present under the command of Major H. H. Heath, who spares no pains to keep the soldiers under him in good discipline causing a thorough inspection of arms once a week. The horses and horse equipage are in excellent condition, although the former have several times been jaded by extensive scouting.

Solic[i]ting pleasant dreams for the Editor, his subscribers, and the good citizens of the very interesting and business city of Oceola, I am yours, and a prisoner yet.

Soldier.

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

A Good Time At Hopeville

We are informed that friend Newton, the P. M. at Hopeville, gave quite an extensive and expensive supper to the returned soldiers, and their friends, last week. About one hundred and twenty-four persons were present, who did justice to the turkeys, chickens, and other eatables beneath which the table “groaned,” and which they left with satisfied appetites, to “trip the light fantastic toe” at the Hotel kept by Mr. Pounds, where they had a little more room for the enjoyment of that pleasant exercise, and where they “danced all night till broad daylight and went home with the gals in the morning.” All Present had a fine time.

Success to Mr. Newton! He is the soldier’s friend, and we hope he may long live to enjoy the blessings of that land, and those institutions which the soldiers are fighting to protect.

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

Not That Kind of Patriots

A delegate from Iowa offered a resolution in the Cleveland Convention of factionists, to the effect that the delegates there in attendance shall pledge themselves to accept or hold no army contracts, and no office of trust, honor, or profit under the Government, during the next Presidential term. It was a good test of their vaunted disinterested patriotism and love of liberty, and the result was significant. They smothered the resolution of the patriotic gentleman from Iowa instanter [sic]. A convention of men who have been seeking offices and fat contracts, and who are opposing the present Administration because they didn’t get the offices and contracts they sought would be the very last to take such a pledge. It is offices and contracts they are after and nothing else. [Chicago Journal.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, June 18, 1864