TROUBLE ON THE RAILROAD

The rains have washed away the embankment in some places on the M. & M. RR. And the branch. The train going west yesterday morning made slow progress, being compelled to repair the road as it went along, so that by the time it got to Wilton the train coming east had arrived there. There was no train from Muscatine to the junction at all yesterday.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 17, 1862, p. 1

Review: The Rebel and the Rose

The Rebel and the Rose:
James A. Semple, Julia Gardiner Tyler

and the Lost Confederate Gold
By Wesley Millett & Gerald White

Did you know that John Tyler, the 10th President of the United States, was a member of the Provisional Congress of the Confederate States of America, and was later elected to the Confederate House of Representatives but died before he could take office? Did you know his widow, Julia Gardiner Tyler, former First Lady of the United States and New York socialite, was a Confederate sympathizer? Or also a number of John Tyler’s sons held prominent positions in the Confederate government and fought in the Confederate Army? I must confess my historical ignorance on these topics, and ask myself why didn’t I learn these things in my high school American History class or even in my American History survey classes in college? The answer is of course obvious, they weren’t taught, or for that matter even mentioned. Little nuggets of knowledge like these are often what make history so much fun. Which leads me to my next question: “Why isn’t this stuff taught in high school and college American History survey courses? Can you imagine how much more excited students of history would be if they knew a former President and his family took up arms against the United States?

So, how then, you may be asking yourself, did I come to learn about these gems of historical minutia? I’m glad you asked! I read “The Rebel and the Rose: James A. Semple and Julia Gardiner Tyler and the Lost Confederate Gold,” written by Wesley Millett and Gerald White. “Lost Confederate gold???” you ask. Ah, yes I see I’ve gotten your attention. And yet the story of what happened to the Confederate Treasury after the fall of Richmond is another subject not touched on in history classes, but also barely mentioned in many books written about the Civil War. But an Indiana Jones movie it is not. Tracking down a lost treasure isn’t as glamorous or dangerous as Hollywood would have you believe.

Wesley Millett and Gerald White, the authors of “The Rebel and the Rose,” spent twelve years researching their book in attics, archives, and libraries, and searching the internet to piece together the story of the end of the Confederacy, and the collapse of its government, all the while keeping meticulous track of what happened to the Confederate treasury. Their book reads much more like an adventure novel than a history text, and it is filled with tales of treasure and defeat, an illicit and forbidden love affair, and the desperation of the Confederate Government on the run, which as it travels south and west slowly begins to disintegrate until finally Jefferson Davis himself is captured by the Union Army.

“Okay you’ve got my interest,” you say, “But who is James A. Semple, what does he have to do with the lost Confederate gold and what is his relationship with Julia Gardiner Tyler?” I’m glad you asked. James A. Semple was a very efficient & competent Bureau Chief in the Confederate Navy. Semple’s estranged wife, Letitia, was the daughter of John Tyler and his first wife, Letitia Christian. James & Letitia Semple spent most of their married lives apart, and permanently separated during the Civil War, though they never divorced. Letitia hated her step-mother, Julia Gardiner Tyler, and while the two of them shared an antagonistic relationship, Julia never held it against James. James Semple and Julia Tyler grew very close and the evidence indicates they may have had a brief love affair.

As I read the book, I began taking notes on who was related to whom. Eventually I ended up creating a genealogical chart to keep track as the Tyler, Gardiner & Semple families are all inter-related to each other in a number of ways, and the more I delved into the genealogy the more fascinating and complex this story gets.

During the Confederate government’s flight from Richmond, Semple was eventually put in charge of the Confederate treasury. He successfully avoided capture by the Union Army, and for the next two years would travel between various points in the South to New York and Canada.

Millett & White have done an exemplary job tracking the movements of the Confederate government after it left Richmond and of the treasury and the various disbursements from it, accounting for nearly all of it. “So what happened to the Confederate Treasury and where exactly is it now?” you may ask. Is there a little bit of Indiana Jones lurking inside you? Take off that fedora, put down that whip, brush the sand off your clothes, then read the book and find out for yourself.

ISBN 978-1581825831, Cumberland House Publishing, © 2007, Hardcover, 336 pages, Photographs, Map, Endnotes, Appendix, Bibliography & Index. $24.95

Reading Aid: The Tyler, Gardiner & Semple Families

BREVET MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN M. CORSE

SECOND COLONEL, SIXTH INFANTRY.

John M. Corse is the only military prodigy the State has furnished in the War of the Rebellion. For his family and intimate friends I am unable to speak, but I have knowledge positive that, with all others, his brilliant military career has created the greatest surprise. In civil life, though possessing large self-esteem, he was looked on as having only ordinary ability; and, therefore, his promotion in the army to nearly the highest rank in the volunteer service, was wholly unlooked for.

General Corse is a native of Pennsylvania, where he was born in about the year 1833. When young, he accompanied his parents West and settled with them in Burlington, Iowa; where he has since resided. He was at one time a cadet in the West Point Military Academy, New York; but had spent, I think, hardly two years at the institution, when he was politely informed that, should he tender his resignation, it would be accepted. At all events, he left West Point, and returned to Burlington, where he entered the book-store of his father. Not long after he became a partner in the business, and was thus engaged at the outbreak of the war.

He entered the service as major of the 6th Iowa Infantry, and, up to the time of its arrival at Pittsburg Landing, has a military history similar to that of his regiment. During the siege of Corinth, he was a staff-officer of General Sherman — I think, his inspector-general. From the time of their first meeting, he was held in high esteem by that general. He "was mustered a lieutenant-colonel the 21st of May, 1862; and, on the resignation of Colonel McDowell, was made colonel of his regiment, and returned to its command. From that time forward, he grew rapidly popular.

During his colonelcy and after, the history of the 6th Iowa is one of great interest. It is the same as that of Sherman's old Division. It was the only Iowa regiment in that division. On the assignment of General Sherman to the command of the 15th Army Corps, its division was commanded by General William L. Smith, who, during the siege of Vicksburg, joined the army of General Grant in rear of the city. "Smith's and Kimball's Divisions, and Parke's Corps were sent to Haine's Bluff. * * This place I [Grant] had fortified to the land-side, and every preparation was made to resist a heavy force." After the fall of Vicksburg, the 6th Iowa marched with Sherman to Jackson, where it made itself conspicuous — with the exception of the 3d Iowa, more conspicuous than any other Iowa regiment. On the morning of the 16th of July, Colonel Corse was put in command of the skirmishers of the 1st Division, 15th Army Corps, and ordered to report to Major-General Parke, commanding the 9th Corps. The 6th Iowa was included in the colonel's command; and, to show the part taken by the regiment in the advance of that morning, I quote from his official report:

"I assumed command of the line formed by the skirmishers of the 6th Iowa; and, at the designated signal, the men dashed forward with a shout, met the line of the enemy's skirmishers and pickets, drove them back, capturing eighteen or twenty, and killing as many more. Clearing the timber, they rushed out into the open field, across the railroad, over the fence, up a gentle slope, across the crest, down into the enemy's line, when two field-batteries of four guns each, pointing west, opened a terrific cannonade. The enemy were driven from two pieces at the point of the bayonet, our men literally running them through. In rear of the batteries, two regiments were lying supporting the gunners, and, at our approach, they opened along their whole line, causing most of the casualties in this gallant regiment. With such impetuosity did the line go through the field that the enemy, so completely stunned were they, would have precipitately fled, had they not been re-assured by a large gun-battery, nearly six hundred yards to our right, which enfiladed the railroad line of skirmishers. Startled at this unexpected obstacle, which was now in full play, throwing its whirlwind of grape and canister about us until the corn fell as if by an invisible reaper, I ordered the bugle to sound the 'lie down.' The entire line fell in the corn-rows, and I had the opportunity to look round. * * * * Feeling that I had obtained all the information I could, I ordered the 'rise up' and ' retreat,' which was done in the most admirable manner, under the fire of at least three regiments and seven guns— three of these enfilading my line. But few of those who had so gallantly charged the battery got back. I cannot speak in too extravagant terms of the officers and men of the 6th Iowa on this occasion. * They awakened my admiration at the coolness with which they retired, returning the incessant fire of the enemy as they slowly fell back."

The loss of the 6th Iowa in this encounter was one killed, eighteen wounded, and nine missing. The conduct of the regiment filled the general commanding the division with admiration:

“Head-Quarters, First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps,
"In Front or Jackson, Mississippi, July 16th, 1863.

"Colonel Corse, commanding 6th Iowa Infantry:

"The valor of your noble regiment has been conspicuous, even amidst the universal good conduct that has marked the operations of all the troops of the 1st Division, during our advance upon Jackson, and since our arrival here. I can not too highly commend the gallantry you have displayed in two successful charges you have made. The true heart swells with emotions of pride in contemplating the heroism of those who, in their country's cause, charge forward under the iron-hail of half a dozen rebel batteries, and, exposed to a murderous fire of musketry from behind strong intrenchments, capture prisoners under their very guns. Such has been the glorious conduct of the 6th Iowa this morning; and those who shared your dangers, and emulated your valor, will join me in tendering to you and the brave men under your command my warmest thanks and most hearty congratulations.

" Most truly yours,

" William Lov'y Smith,
"Brigadier-General commanding 1st Div., 16th A. C."

In October, 1863, the 6th Iowa, with its division, (which in the meantime had been transferred to the l5th Corps) marched to the relief of Chattanooga. Under General Hugh Ewing it fought on Mission Ridge. Its position was just to the left of the two brigades of General John E. Smith; and, with those troops, it fought for the possession of that point which covered General Bragg's line of retreat. It was so far to the left that it escaped the flank movement of the enemy from the railroad tunnel, and lost few, if any prisoners. The regiment, however, suffered severely in killed and wounded. Eight fell dead upon the field, one of whom was the gallant Captain Robert Allison. Major Ennis, and Captains Calvin Minton, L. C. Allison and G. R. Nunn were wounded. The total number of killed and wounded was sixty-eight.

If foraging in the enemy's country is always a labor of danger, it is also sometimes attended with sport. Apropos, the 6th Iowa Infantry was one of the most expert and successful foraging regiments in the service. At all events, it was, in this respect, the banner regiment from Iowa; and I am aware how high is the compliment I am paying it. If that sergeant is still living, (I did not learn his name) he will recognize the following: Hugh Ewing's Division led John E. Smith's in the march from Chickasaw on the Tennessee to Bridgeport. That of which I speak occurred between Prospect Station and Fayetteville. We were marching along leisurely through a beautiful, highly-improved country, when, of a sudden, there was great confusion in the front. It would remind you of a crowd running to witness a show-day fight. A sergeant of the 6th Iowa, with a squad of one man, two mules and a revolver, had left his regiment on a foraging excursion, and returned with a whole train, ladened with the fruits of the land. He had fresh apples and dried apples, sweet potatoes and pumpkins, bed-clothes, and butter-milk in canteens: all were loaded on old rickety wagons, drawn by half-starved mules, and driven by American citizens of African descent. To share these spoils was the cause of the confusion. "He had got them for his boys," he said; but precious few of them did his boys ever get.

At Fayetteville, the 6th Iowa was infantry, and, only two days later, when they passed us in the woods near Winchester, nearly half the regiment was cavalry. "What in the d—1 do you go a-foot for?" they said to us; but they lost their horses before reaching Chattanooga, and, like us, fought at Mission Ridge on foot. The regiment was as reckless in battle as it was on the march.

General Corse was severely wounded at Mission Ridge, and disabled for several months. His intrepidity there, and his previous good conduct, secured his promotion to the rank of brigadier-general. When partially recovered, he was, I think, ordered on duty in Indiana. In a short time he was placed on General Sherman's staff, and in August, 1864, was assigned to the command of a division. That passage in his military history which will make his name distinguished hereafter, is that which records his defense of Allatoona, Georgia. At the time in question he was in command of the 4th Division, 15th Army Corps, one of the divisions comprised in General Dodge's command during the march on Atlanta. An account of the defense of Allatoona will be found elsewhere. I give below simply the correspondence of Generals French and Corse, and the congratulatory orders of Generals Howard and Sherman:

"Around Allatoona, October 5th, 8:16 A. M.
"Commanding Officer U. S. Force, Allatoona:

"Sir: — I have placed the forces under my command in such positions that you are surrounded, and, to avoid a useless effusion of blood, I call on you to surrender your forces at once, and unconditionally. Five minutes will be allowed you to decide. Should you accede to this, you will be treated in the most honorable manner, as prisoners of war.

"I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours,

"S. G. French,
"Major-General commanding forces C. S."

[the Reply.]

"Head-quarters Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps,
Allatoona, Georgia, October 5th, 8:30 A. M

"Major-general S. G. French, C. S. A.:

"Your communication demanding surrender of my command, I acknowledge receipt of, and respectfully reply that we are prepared for the useless effusion of blood whenever it is agreeable to you.

"I am very respectfully your obedient servant,

"John M. Corse,
"Brigadier-General commanding 4th Division, 15th A. C."

How needless was the effusion of blood the following orders of Generals Howard and Sherman will show:

General Field Orders No. 18.

"Head-quarters Department And Army or The Tennessee,
Near Kenesaw Mountain, October 16th.

"Whilst uniting in the high commendation awarded by the General-in-chief, the Army of the Tennessee would tender through me its most hearty appreciation and thanks to Brigadier-General J. M. Corse for his promptitude, energy and eminent success in the defense of Allatoona Pass, against a force so largely superior to his own; and our warmest congratulations are extended to him, to Colonel Tourtellotte, and the rest of our comrades in arms who fought at Allatoona, for the glorious manner in which they vetoed 'the useless effusion of blood.'

"O. O. Howard,
"Major-General.

Official"


Special Field Orders, No. 86.

"HEAD-QUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In The Field, Kenesaw Mountain, October 6th.

"The General commanding avails himself of the opportunity in the handsome defense made of ' Allatoona,' to illustrate the most important principle in war, that fortified posts should be defended to the last, regardless of the relative numbers of the party attacking and attacked.

"Allatoona was garrisoned by three regiments commanded by Colonel Tourtelotte, and reinforced by a detachment from a division at Rome, under command of Brigadier-General J. M. Corse on the morning of the 5th, and a few hours after was attacked by French's Division of Stewart's Corps, two other divisions being near at hand, and in support. General French demanded a surrender, in a letter to 'avoid an useless effusion of blood,' and gave but five minutes for an answer. General Corse's answer was emphatic and strong, that he and his command were ready for the 'useless effusion of blood,' as soon as it was agreeable to General French.

"This answer was followed by an attack which was prolonged for five hours, resulting in the complete repulse of the enemy, who left his dead on the ground amounting to more than two hundred, and four hundred prisoners, well and wounded. The 'effusion of blood' was not 'useless,' as the position at Allatoona was and is very important to our present and future operations.

"The thanks of this army are due, and hereby accorded to General Corse, Colonel Tourtelotte, officers and men for their determined and gallant defense of Allatoona, and it is made an example to illustrate the importance of preparing in time, and meeting the danger when present, boldly, manfully and well.

"This Army, though unseen to the garrison, was co-operating by moving toward the road by which the enemy could alone escape, but unfortunately were delayed by the rain and mud, but this fact hastened the retreat of the enemy.

"Commanders and garrisons of posts along our railroads are hereby instructed that they must hold their posts to the last minute, sure that the time gained is valuable and necessary to their comrades at the front. " By order of

" Major-General W. T. Sherman,
" L. M. Dayton,
"A. D. C.
OFFICIAL."

At Allatoona General Corse was again wounded. A musket- shot struck him in the cheek, and, for a time, rendered him insensible. Colonel R. Rowett of the 7th Illinois, as ranking officer, succeeded him in command; and the fighting continued as before with great fury. At twelve o'clock M., Sherman had reached the summit of Kenesaw, and from that point signaled to the garrison: — "Hold on to Allatoona to the last; I will help you." Not long after the enemy retired, having failed to draw their one million and a half of rations.

For his brilliant defense of Allatoona, General Corse was made, by brevet, a major-general. Since that time, he has remained in command of his division. He joined Sherman in the march from Atlanta to Savannah, and from that city to Raleigh. They say Sherman calls him, "my pet.”

Subsequently to the engagement at Mission Ridge, the 6th. Iowa Infantry has been commanded a chief portion of the time by Lieutenant-Colonel J. A. Miller. During the winter of 1863-4 the regiment was stationed with its division along the line of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, between Bridgeport and Huntsville; but in the Spring was ordered to the front and served through the Atlanta campaign. It fought at Resaca, Dallas, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, before Atlanta and at Jonesboro; and lost in killed and wounded, in the months of May and June, an aggregate of one hundred and six. Lieutenant Rodney F. Barker, of Company A, was wounded in the first day's engagement at Dallas. On the 28th of May, the day following, Lieutenant F. F. Baldwin was killed, and Lieutenant and Adjutant Newby Chase mortally wounded. The former was killed while saving two guns of the 1st Iowa Battery from capture, and the latter, shot in the throat and mortally wounded, while on the skirmish line. A correspondent of the regiment says: " Better men never drew swords." Lieutenant-Colonel A. J. Miller was severely wounded in this same engagement at Dallas. Indeed, three of the four regimental commanders of the 2d Brigade, 4th Division, were struck, two of them being killed—Colonel Dickerman of the 103d Illinois and Major Gisey of the 46th Ohio. The total loss of the 6th Iowa at Dallas, was seven men killed, and fifteen wounded.

On the 15th of June the regiment joined its division in the brilliant charge near Big Shanty, and, two days later, took part in the unsuccessful charge at Kenesaw Mountain. In that of the 15th instant, Lieutenant J. F. Grimes, acting adjutant, was killed. At the opening of the campaign, the 6th Iowa arrived before Dalton, nearly four hundred strong; and by the middle of July had suffered a loss of fifty per cent. The last services of the 6th Iowa Infantry were performed in the marches from Atlanta to Savannah, and thence to Raleigh.

General Corse is a small man. He is not above five feet eight inches in bight, and weighs less than one hundred and twenty-five pounds. He is small in stature, and, to look at him, a stranger would not think his mind and body much out of proportion. He has more ability than he seems to have. He has sharp features, a dark complexion, large, dark eyes, and black hair, which he usually wears long. In his movements, he is dignified and somewhat consequential, carrying a high head, and wearing a stern countenance.) (I speak of him as I saw him in the service.) Before he entered the service, his neighbors in Burlington told on him the following story. I do not suppose it is true, but possibly it illustrates his character. When he became a partner with his father in the book business, the story goes, there had to be a new sign made. The father suggested that it read, " J. L. Corse & Son;" while the future general insisted that it should read, "John M. Corse and Father."

I omitted to mention in the proper place that, in I860, the general was a candidate for the office of Secretary of State.

Perhaps I ought to omit it now, for I venture to say, he is not proud of that passage in his history; he was the candidate on the old Hickory ticket, with a certain prospect of being defeated.

In battle I believe General Corse to be as cool a man as ever met an enemy. His defense of Allatoona shows that. He has always seemed to act on the principle suggested by General Jerry Sullivan: "Boys, when you have fought just as long as you think you possibly can, then fight ten minutes longer, and you will always whip." General Corse has richly earned his distinguished reputation, and the State will always be proud of him.

SOURCE: Stuart, A. A., Iowa Colonels and Regiments, pp. 153-162

STRUCK BY LIGHTNING

During the heavy thunder shower yesterday, the lightning struck the house of Capt. Frazer, on Locust street, near Farnum, tearing up son of the shingles, and doing some other unimportant damage. The House of Mr. B. Kennedy, on Third street, below Warren, was also struck and a portion of the cornice torn away. No person was injured in either of the houses.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 17, 1862, p. 1

Another Great Battle

We are on the eve of another great battle upon which hangs the fate of the Mississippi Valley. Gen. Halleck is in command of an army of immense proportions, having under him Generals Buell, Pope, Lew. Wallace, and a hose of others. On the other side Beauregard, Bragg, Hardee, the ablest rebel Generals, make their last desperate stand, the fate of the C. S. A. clearly depending upon the result. We shall await the result with confidence, though there is much at stake, and much anxiety must be felt.

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

FROM THE 16TH REGIMENT

Mrs. W. P. Campbell received a letter yesterday from her brother, W. G. Fearing, of the 16th regiment, in which he says, “Our regiment got badly cut up the first day, there being about one hundred and thirty killed and wounded.” This don’t look much as if the 16th regiment ran! He says, “The same boys that went through the siege at Fort Donelson, say that it was but a skirmish compared with this battle.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 17, 1862, p. 1

Twelfth Iowa

PITTSBURG LANDING, April 12.

Col. J. H. TUTTLE [sic], Com’g 1st Brig., 2d Division Dep’t of the West:

SIR: I have the honor to transmit to you the following report of the killed, wounded, and missing of the Twelfth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in the engagement at this point on the 6th and 7th insts, viz:

Wounded, Col. J. J. Wood, severely in leg and hand, not dangerously. Missing, Adjutant N E Duncan, Jr, QM JB Dorr, and Sergt Maj Geo H Morisey.

COMPANY A – Killed, 2d Lieut G W Moir; privates C H Johnson, R G King, W Fairbanks, Wounded, E S Swain, severely in shoulder; W H Stoltser, head, mortal. Missing, Capt. S. R. Edgington, Orderly Sergt T B Edgington, Sergts F C Fountain, G W Reed, G W Rulow, Corporals B F Ibuch, J H Edgington; privates J Bronhard, S B Brown, F C Comwell, E C Coombs, G H Cobb, N Collins, R P Clarkson, T Dorman, J D Hall, S Hall, M Kidwiler, R E Kellogg, Wm Lefler, Seth Macy, W G McPherson, J Morgan, G W Moore, R F Quivey, W H Richards, R S Sprague, J Whitson, A J Wickham, A M Wickham.

COMPANY C – Killed, Corp Thomas Henderson, private Charles Pendleton. Wounded, Corp P R Ketchum, wounded and missing; privates G W Grannis, do; F W [Mame], do; Henry George, ball in the knee; Chas Larson, mortally (since dead; A P Monger, severely in the thigh; D W Reed, do. Missing, Captain W W Warner, Ord Sergt G W Cook; Sergts Gilbert Hazlet, Emery Clark, James Stewart, Henry G Grannis; Corp’ls S F Brush, J F Hutchings, D D Warner, P R Woods; privates E J Aboott, James Ayers, E H Adams,S C Beck, J W Ballinger, John Bysang, G Burroughs, A C Bushned, Henry Beadle, E Comstock, Henry Clark, H O Curtis, James Carmichael, Simeon Gifford, Wm Hamlin, Wm Jordan, Isadore Jordan, A K Ketchum, Wm Kent, Wilson King, W Scott, John Quivey, Wm E Sirner, T N Smith, Chas Sigman, Samuel Stone, Albert Utter, R D Williams, Chas Wallace, V B Wait.

COMPANY D – Killed, 1st Lieut J D Ferguson; privates Daniel Luther, James P Ayers. Wounded, Sergt J. M. Clark, slightly in the hip; Corp Jos Stibbs, slightly in arm, missing; Corp H C Moorhead, slightly in head, missing; Corporal H Panborn, slightly in arm, missing; privates J G Clark, severely in thigh; R C Carvele, slightly in arm; Ed H Bailey, slightly [in him]; Frank Reuchin, severely in leg, missing. Missing Capt. J H. Stibbs, 2nd Lieut H H Hale, Orderly Sergt R Hilton, Corp H W Ross, Corp J L Boughton; Privates L M Ayers, Edward Butolph, Samuel Bumgardner, Thomas Barr, J W Burch, S Burch, P Brennan, D L Conley, D Conley, F Dubois, S H Flint, W A Flint, A J Frees, C Ferrerbend, H Grass, P Gisshart, A Hill, R L Johnson, Eli King, Wm Lie, Jno Luther, T J. Lewis, Wm B Luntz, J Lanagan, E B Martin, A J Miller, D W Minor, R McClain, J Nicholas, J O Startwell, D Livets, J Scott, L Snell, R K Soper, A A Stewart, H M Sarpenning, W H Trowbridge, W Whiteneck, J J Whitman, J Wegner, J Craft, F Curren, B P Zuver, A McIntyre.

COMPANY E – Killed, Privates Wm L Pawley and J W Fuller. Wounded, Anthony Biller, bruise in ankle; Charles Johnson, in back; Jacob Howery, in hip; Benj Eberhart, right eye; Thomas Porter, in leg; Sam’l J Leity, neck and leg; J P Thompson, leg broken. Missing, Capt Wm Haddock, first lieut John Elwell, second lieut Robt Williams, sergeants Jas Stewart, C P Collins, corporals C V Surfus, J F Smith. – Privates, M V B Sunderlin, D Craighton, Harvey Smith, Nelson Strong, Stephen Story, Hiram Hoisington, John Abraves, Allen E Talbot, Milton Rood, Oliver Sharp, John Koch, A B Perry, Joshua Bird, D C Morris, Isaac Watkins, Wm H Sherman, J Margurety, Seth P. Crohurst, W Richamond, Joseph Johnson, Thos Porter, Elias Moon, G L Leber, Wm O Bird, John L Cook, Geo Holden.

COMPANY F – Killed, corporal Abner D Campbell. Wounded, orderly sergeant H J F Small, both thighs, severe flesh wound; corporal Thomas C Nelson, right hand; privates A Crippen, right breast, dangerous; Geo King, right arm, severe, Perry G Kinney, arm and side; Jos Pate, leg broke, dangerous; Sam’l Plattenburg, foot, severe. Missing, 1st lieut J Wilson Gift, 2d lieut Wm A Morse, sergeants Reuben E Eldridge, R W Ferrill, P F Haskell, E S Winshell, corp’ls John Bremuer, Henry M Preston, Wm A W Nelson, Isaac Johnson, Abner Dunham; privates Wm H Barney, Henry Bender, Seamons Clapp, David Clark, F W Coolidge, Ed Douglass, Jos E Eldridge, John P Eaton, Jos S Girton, Geo E Hunter, Luther Kaltenback, Wm Kaltenback, Michael Kircham, David N Lillibridge, L D Lyon, J F Lee, Wm W Mann, A L Manning, Wm. K Mason, John A McCullough, Thos McGowan, E M Overocke, Thos Otis, Geo Pate, R C Palmer, J W Potter, Geo Parkes, Ira Roberts, Cornelius Steers, Justus Schneider, Thos H Sparks, Chas B Toney, Allen Ware, R L Weeden, Orry Wood, Joshua Wigger, G Woolbridge, Hardy Clayton, Christopher C A E F Stribling.

COMPANY G – Wounded, A S Fuller. Missing, Capt L D Teusley; 1st Lieut J F Nickerson; Sergeants A A Burdick, A E Anderson, R A Gibson, J H Warmeldorf; corporals A Anderson, T Steene, O P Rocksvald, W S Windsor, A W Errett, G O Hanson, J O Johnson, N B Burdick; Privates O H Gorhamer, S McClared, S Miller, C Christopherson, E V Anders, G M Smith, W Wait, H Johnson, H E Johnson, S A Lorenson, A Halverson, John Stiev, C B Kittleson, J Cutlip, O Hamon, L O Ramberg, C Conley, P McCalley, G A Henge, Haldore Hanson, John Olson, Anders Jenson, Henry Stien, F Skinner, O D Miller, Peter Larson, E Aleson, John Larson, Ole Gritto, O H Fundo, Ole Olson, J R Smith, L F Wold, J. M Clark, N Pederson, Ole Gilbertson, N J Davis, G Anderson, G Kittleson.

COMPANY H - Wounded, Corporal Joseph Evans, badly in the head; privates Alex. Presho, in left; E. A Ward, both legs; Corporal D. Moreland, in face and missing; privates J. M. Ward, leg and missing; R. F. Nutting, leg and missing. Missing, First Lieutenant L W Jackson, Orderly Sergeant Samuel G Knee, Sergeants John Van Anda, Squire C Fishael, Corporals B A Clark, Jas Evens, privates John Byrns, A J Price, V V Price, John Mason, J W Ward, James [Crosby], James Shorter, C W Smith, Thos Clendenin, R W Culver, C E Richardson, Lester Patrick, James Nichols, W J Slack, R W Light, A G Gostings, Geo McKinnis, John Newman, Geo W Harnes, W H Collins, Wm Chrismar, Julius Ward, Wm H Cook, R M Grimes, John Sadler, Edward Winch, J G Currie, J W Benedict, F H Kesseler, H L Richardson.

COMPANY I – Wounded, Privates Thos H Wilson, severely in the leg, Joseph H Cobb, slightly in back. Missing, Capt E M Duzee, First Lieut John J Marks, Ord Sergt Chas L Sumbardo, Sergents [sic] Wilber F McCarron, Benton Wade, E B Campbell, Corpls Patrick [McManus], James Stewart, privates Wm Bittner, Albert Belknapp, Robert P Brown, James Brown, John F Campbell, Warren Coats, Wm Cohler, Jesse Dean, Kerrus Petter, Wm H Markham, Michael McLaughlin, Michl Noyle, Weed Nims, David Paup, Jas Robb, David Ryan, Chas Sackett, Wm. Starback, Van Meter Snyder, James Thompson, Stephen McKee, Thomas Murphy, Samuel Gordon, Samuel Van Hook, Augustus W Hatfield, George Tesky, Alonzo Wells, Jas F Zediker, James Bugler.

COMPANY K – Wounded, Sergt B F Hayburst, slight; Corporal L W. Larrabee, shot in the base of the lungs; privates John Moulton, leg, broken and otherwise severely injured; F Kisor, shot through the left shoulder; S. Griffon, shot through the hand. Missing, 2d Lieut J Jay Brown; Sergts S P Collins, R Freeman, Corporals O T Fuller, W H H Blanchard, H C Merriam J Fulton, B E Nash, M E Lathrop, W R Mathis; privates H N Baldwin, A K Blanchard, P Church, C Dolly, D Downer, M Dillon, D Fagan, P Gallagher, C Hichethin, W T Johnston, W Kemp, W B Keith, G F Lunde, J Maine, P J Morehouse, C E Merriam, J J Myers, R R McLair, G W Olmstead, C E Phillips, W S Perry, A Robinson, T Shover, C W Smith, P Wilson, H Waldroff, A Grimes.

RECAPITULATION.*

Company A
Killed 4
Wounded 2
Missing 30

Company B**
Wounded 7
Missing 51

Company C
Killed 2
Wounded 7
Missing 40

Company D
Killed 3
Wounded 8
Missing 49

Company E
Killed 2
Wounded 7
Missing 33

Company F
Killed 1
Wounded 7
Missing 50

Company G
Wounded 1
Missing 53

Company H
Wounded 6
Missing 28

Company I
Wounded 2
Missing 39

Company K
Wounded 5
Missing 37

Total Killed 12
Total Wounded 52
Total Missing 420

Respectfully yours, J. P COULTER,
Lieut. Col Commanding 12th Reg’t Iowa Vols.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 1

* Reformatted. In the original article the “Recapitulation” is in a table format which cannot be accurately reproduced on blogspot.

** Though listed in the “Recapitulation” Company B was not included in the casualty list.

An interesting letter from Lt. Col. Sanders . . .

. . . will be found in to-day’s paper. We have had a letter from him about semi-weekly up to the time of battle, but this one we take the privilege of publishing besides loosing his horse, Add. Had his scabbard and saddle struck by balls. At the time of writing he had not had off his clothes for days, not even his boots for three nights, and has nearly starved! Rather a hard life, that.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 17, 1862, p. 1

WEEKLY GAZETTE

The WEEKLY GAZETTE is published this morning. It contains full particulars, so far as have been received including letters of correspondents, of the great battle at Pittsburg. Send copies to your eastern friends, and post them in respect to the part our brave Iowa boys took in that terrible engagement. Single copies in wrappers may be had at the counting room.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 17, 1862, p. 1

List of Killed and Wounded in the 11th Iowa, at the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, April 6th and 7th, 1862

Col. Hare, Acting Brigadier, wounded severely in right hand.

Lieut. Col. Hall, commanding the regiment wounded in ankle slightly.

Maj. Abercrombie, wounded in head slightly.


COMPANY A – CAPT. GRANT – MUSCATINE

Killed – Privates Geo W Collendar, Geo Gadoke, Wm Fieldman.

Wounded – Lieut Anderson, Sergt Ephraim Shellabarger in arm, Corps. Joseph Taylor in leg, R Livingston in hand, S Theron Corwin in foot; Privates Marian Stretch in hand, Wm Reed in leg, Jesse Oaks in arms and chest, Cyrus Fortwagler fatal, Charles Entsler in finger, L. W. Gates in finger, Henry Van Hessold in leg, Chas Jesler in back, Warren Mecker in foot, Charles Kingsland in leg, Barney Kettman in back.


COMPANY B, OF MARSHALL COUNTY.

Killed - Corporal William F. Hough, Hardin county.

Wounded – Slightly, Captain Charles Foster, wrist, Orderly Akers, thigh, Corporal B V Hersey, hand; Privates Daniel Dale, hand, Addison Garwood hand, C N Hammond, neck, John Rutan, hand, David Shafer, abdomen; severely, Martin Denbow, neck, Geo Haworth, thigh, Jno W. Ramsey, arm, Wm N Street arm, Jas Fitzgerald, arm, Thos C Smith, shoulder.


COMPANY C, OF LOUISA COUNTY.

Killed – Samuel Fritz.

Wounded – Corporal Gerodes Wincoop, wrist, slightly, Corp Jos W Moore, leg, slightly; privates – severely – A E Campbell, shoulder, dead, Wm Harp, Jaw, Henry Miller, neck, Wm Edmondson, arm, G W Livingston, shoulder, dead, James C. Duncan, arm; slightly, S H Caldwell, Shoulder, Jas W. Watts, head, John H. Patton foot, David Cummins, head, Joseph Manners, head, Thomas Reid, shoulder, Chalmers Reynolds, head.


COMPANY D – CAPT. SHROPE – MUSCATINE.

Killed – Privates Henry Seibert, Thomas Cory, Peter Craven, Wm Leverich, Wm White.

Wounded – Severely, Privates B Chatfield, W G Rogers, John Hughes, R R McRae, F M Edy, John Milsap, Samuel Rucker; Slightly, James Wyneer, Perry Duncan, B F Herr, C Herr, C Laport, [G] Prescott, A Thom, W A Sheffier, J J Hawlins.


COMPANY E, OF CEDAR COUNTY.

Killed – 1st Lieut J. F. Compton; Sergt E McLoney; privates T M Haines, C Frink, G Crooks, John Buckman.

Wounded – Slightly, Corp J M Daniels, hand; Privates B Bossart, side, H H Hatch, shoulder, E Mooney, shoulder, C Rankin, shoulder, C Rankin, shoulder [sic], M Wiggins, shoulder, H C McBlhot, side, M Museney, leg, G Simmons, knee; severely, F Dwiggins, hip, E Crisman, arm broken.


COMPANY F – WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Killed – Corps. G. I Barnes and Martin A McLain; Private H. H. Riley.

Wounded – Seriously, 1st Leiut J J Miles; Sergt N L McKinney, leg; Privates S S Lytle, shoulder; T. Campbell, shoulder; Jno Williams, head; Whicher, leg. Slightly, Sergt. E J Jackson, side; Corpl Jackson Coulter; arm; Privates [Maylor Thomas, Hand; John Kasting, finger]; W P Shelton, leg; Isaac Martin, Hand; John Ralston; hand, David Jones, hand; Alex Capen, foot.


COMPANY G – HENRY COUNTY.

Killed - Privates Wm Black, Theodore Pallet, Mortimar Hobart.

Wounded - 2d Lieut G W Barr, arm, seriously; Corp Geo McNeely, hand, slightly Privates Clinton Hull, neck, seriously; Oseo Conner, leg, severely; Lamson Crooks, bruised, slightly; Wm Linkins, bruised, slightly; C. Daily, hand, slightly; M J Miller, knee, slightly.


COMPANY H – CAPTAIN BEACH – MUSCATINE.

Killed – H O Ady, Wm Mikesell, Finley Newell.

Wounded - Lieut Magoon, James Allen, severely in leg, Wm Gordon, in thigh, H Rippey, in leg, B K Wintermut, arm and leg, Wm Kerr, in head, C Krans in foot, A Krans, in jaw, J Zollner, in foot, Madison Kneese, in shoulder, T Louis in side, Wm Richards, in head, D Brookhart, in head, C Kern, slight, in neck, Wm Ady, slight, in face.


COMPANY I – CAPT COMPTON – MUSCATINE.

Killed – Sergt Geo E Daniels; Privates, Madison Reyburn, John Kester.

Wounded – Lieut Wiles, slightly, in back of neck; Sergt J E Crowder, finger severely; corpl Wm Hall, leg; Privates, John Taulman, since died, J W Gard, in elbow, J O’Brien, in face, P C Eberwine, in shoulder, Thos McKeaugh, breast, G F Greenhow, head, A Wilson, leg, Wm Craig, leg, J Peal, leg, H Hinkhouse, leg, H Barnhold, foot, J B. Sullivan, arm P E Shaw, thigh and arm John Gatton, shoulder, Riley Pennel, leg, John Leach, arm, Chas Hoover shoulder, Wm Etherton, hand, M Kief, abdomen, L Mattern, leg, John Wesson, head, Peter E Davis, shoulder, Orlando McGrew, nose.


COMPANY K – CLINTON AND LINN COUNTIES.

Killed – Private S Bogart.

Wounded – Slightly – Capt. John C Marvin, leg. Severely – 2d Lieut O P Kinsman; Sergt Chas mason, arm and side; Cop John Dance, arm. Privates – slightly – L Davis, leg. Seriously – S Gearheart, wrist; J Wilkinson, side, arm and hip; John Elder, arm and side; B Fluharts leg; M Lattimer, foot; R smith, hand.

Missing – Private Wm W Mitchell.


RECAPTITULATION*

Company A:
Killed 3
Wounded 16

Company B:
Killed 1
Wounded 14

Company C:
Killed 1
Wounded 15

Company D:
Killed 5
Wounded 16

Company E:
Killed 6
Wounded 11

Company F:
Killed 3
Wounded 16

Company G:
Killed 4
Wounded 8

Company H:
Killed 3
Wounded 16

Company I:
Killed 3
Wounded 26

Company K:
Killed 1
Wounded 11
Missing 1

Total Killed 29
Total Wounded 149
Total Missing 1
Total 179

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 1

* Reformatted. The Recapitulation is in a table format in the actual newspaper article which cannot be reproduced properly in Blogspot posts.

See Also: List of Killed and Wounded in the 11th Iowa, at the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, April 6th and 7th, 1862, published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 16, 1862 for a slightly different listing.

Eighth Regiment

From letters received by Mr. Enos Tichenor, from the 8th regiment we learn that both his sons were wounded and that all but about fifty of the regiment were captured. We hear it also reported that Lieut. Benton and most of the Blue Grass men were captured. We will probably hear from the regiment direct to-day.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 17, 1862

8th Illinois Cavalry

Organized at St. Charles, Ills., and mustered in September 18, 1861. Moved to Washington, D.C., October 13-17. At Meridian Hill till December 17 and at Alexandria, Va., till March, 1862. Attached to Sumner's Division, Army of the Potomac, December, 1861, to March, 1862, Cavalry 2nd Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, to May, 1862. Stoneman's Light Brigade to June, 1862. Averill's Cavalry Brigade, 5th Army Corps, to July, 1862. 2nd Brigade, Stoneman's Cavalry Division, Army of the Potomac, to September, 1862. 1st Brigade, Pleasanton's Cavalry Division, Army of the Potomac, till February, 1863. 1st Brigade, 1st Division Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, to April, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division Cavalry Corps, Army Potomac, to June, 1864 (Detachment). Regiment Unattached Defences of Washington, D.C., 22nd Army Corps, to November, 1864. 1st Separate Brigade, 22nd Army Corps, Department of Washington, to July, 1865.

SERVICE.--Advance on Manassas, Va., March 10-19, 1862. Reconnoissance to Gainesville Madch 20. Operations on the Orange and Alexandria R. R. March 28-29. Warrenton Junction March 28. Bealeton Station March 28. Rappahannock Station March 29. Reconnoissance to the Rappahannock April 2. Moved to the Peninsula, Virginia, April 23-May 1. Near Williamsburg May 4. Battle of Williamsburg May 5. Mechanicsville May 23-24. Battle of Fair Oaks, Seven Pines, May 31-June 1. Seven days before Richmond June 25-July 1. Ashland June 25 (Detachment). Mechanicsville, Atlee's Station and near Hanover Court House, June 26. Hundley's Corners June 26-27. Garnett's Farm and Gaines' Mill June 27. Despatch Station June 28 (Cos. "E," "K"). Savage Station June 29. White Oak Swamp and Glendale June 30. Malvern Hill July 1. Reconnoissance from Harrison's Landing July 4. At Harrison's Landing till August 16. Malvern Hill July 5. Expedition to Malvern Hill July 20-22. Malvern Hill August 5. Movement to Fortress Monroe, thence to Alexandria August 16-23. Falls Church September 3-4. Poolesville, Md., September 7-8. Barnesville September 9. Monocacy Church and Nolansville September 9. Middletown September 10. Sugar Loaf Mountain September 11-12. Frederick September 12. Middletown September 13. Catoctin Mountain September 13. South Mountain September 14. Boonesborough September 15. Antietam September 16-17. Shephardstown Ford September 19. Reconnoissance from Sharpsburg to Shepardstown, W. Va., October 1. Martinsburg October 1. Pursuit of Stuart into Pennsylvania October 9-12. Mouth of Monocacy October 12. Sharpsburg and Hagerstown Pike October 16-17. Purcellsville and near Upperville October 29 (Detachment). Snickersville October 31. Philomont November 1-2. Upperville November 2-3. Union November 3. Barber's Cross Roads, Chester Gap and Markham November 5-6. Sperryville November 7. Little Washington November 8. Markham Station and Barber's Cross Roads November 10. Battle of Fred- ericksburg, Va., December 12-15. Turner's Mills January 30, 1863. Operations in Westmoreland and Richmond Counties February 10-16. Near Dumfries March 15 and 29. Zoar Church March 30. Chancellorsville Campaign April 27-May 8. Stoneman's Raid April 29-May 8. Rapidan Station May 1. Warrenton May 6. Lancaster May 20-21. Clendennin's Raid below Fredericksburg May 20-28. Brandy Station and Beverly Ford June 9. Aldie June 17. Goose Creek June 18. Upperville June 21. Battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 1-3. Williamsport July 6-7. Funkstown, Md., July 8. Boonesborough July 8. Chester Gap and Benevola or Beaver Creek, July 9. At and near Funkstown, Md., July 10-13. Falling Waters July 15. Chester Gap July 21-22. Lovettsville July 22. Kelly's Ford July 31-August 1. Near Culpeper August 1-3. Brandy Station August 4. Weaversville August 27. Brandy Station September 8. Raccoon Ford and Stevensburg September 10-11. Culpeper and Pony Mountain September 13. Reconnoissance across the Rapidan September 21-23. Liberty Mills September 21. Jack's Shop, Madison Court House, September 22. Mitchell's Ford October 7. Bristoe Campaign October 9-22. Culpeper October 9. Raccoon Ford October 10. Morton's Ford October 10. Stevensburg, near Kelly's Ford and Brandy Station, October 11. Fleetwood or Brandy Station October 12. Oak Hill October 15. Madison Court House October 16. Hazel River October 17. Bealeton October 27. Near Catlett's Station October 30. Advance to line of the Rappahannock November 7-8. Warrenton or Sulphur Springs, Jeffersonton and Hazel River November 8. Mine Run Campaign November 26-December 2. Parker's Store November 29. Jennings' Farm, near Ely's Ford, December 1. Reconnoissance to Madison Court House January 31, 1864 (Detachment). Veterans on furlough January to March, 1864. Camp at Giesboro Point till May. Patrol duty at Washington, D.C., and scout duty at Fairfax, Va., till April, 1865, having numerous engagements with Mosby's guerrillas and the Black Horse Cavalry. A detachment with Army of the Potomac and participated in the Rapidan Campaign May-June, 1864. Craig's Meeting House, Va., May 5. Todd's Tavern May 5-6. Alsop's Farm May 8. Guinea Station May 18. Salem Church and Pole Cat Creek May 27. Cold Harbor June 1-12. Point of Rocks, Md., July 5. Noland's Ferry July 5. Middletown and Solomon's Gap July 7. Frederick July 7. Frederick July 8, (Detachment). Battle of Monocacy July 9. Rockville and Urbana July 9. Near Fort Stevens, D.C., July 11. Along northern defences of Washington, D.C., July 11-12. Rockville July 13. Cockeyville July 18. Philomont July 20. Snickersville July 21. Monocacy Junction July 30. Near Piedmont October 9. Near Rectortown October 10. White Plains October 11. Upperville October 28 (Detachment). Operations at Snicker's Gap October 28-29 (Detachment). Manassas Junction November 11. Fairfax Station November 26. Scout from Fairfax Court House to Hopewell Gap December 26-27. Scout from Fairfax Court House to Brentsville February 6-7, 1865, and to Aldie and Middleburg February 15-16 (Co. "B"). Operations about Warrenton, Bealeton Station, Sulphur Springs and Centreville March 3-8. Duty about Washington, D.C., till July. Ordered to St. Louis, Mo., thence to Chicago, Ill., and mustered out July 17, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 7 Officers and 68 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 1 Officer and 174 Enlisted men by disease. Total 250.

SOURCE: Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1026-7

William M. Stone to the Adjutant General Of Iowa

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

Knoxville, Iowa, Feb 25, 1879

Adjt. General of Iowa

Sir:

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

Very Truly Yours,

W. M. Stone

COLONEL JOHN ADAIR M'DOWELL

FIRST COLONEL, SIXTH INFANTRY.

John A. McDowell is a younger brother of Major-General Irwin [sic] McDowell, who led the Federal forces in the first great battle of the war. Colonel McDowell was born in the city of Columbus, Ohio, the 22d day of July, 1825, and was graduated at Kenyan College, Gambia, Ohio, in the year 1846. While at Kenyan College he devoted much time to the study of military tactics, under the instruction of Professor Ross, a former Professor of Mathematics and Tactics in the West Point Military Academy, New York, and the widely known translator of Bourdon and other mathematical works. Colonel McDowell's experience as an officer began as captain of the Kenyan Guards, an independent military company, which, in its day, attained much celebrity for its proficiency in discipline and drill.

Leaving college with the highest oratorical honors of his class, he entered, in 1847, the office of Judge Swan, and prepared himself for the practice of law. The vast mineral wealth of California was, in 1848 and 1849, attracting thousands of emigrants from the States to that country; and, for young men of enterprise and talent, the prospects seemed nattering. Having completed his legal studies in 1848, he left in the following Spring for California, in company with the 2d United States Dragoons. He arrived on the shores of the Pacific in the following Fall, and without incident, if we except the passage of the Rio Grande. In crossing that river, he came near losing his own life, in his generous efforts to save the life of a friend. Locating in Monterey, he began the practice of law, and soon became a public man; for, in 1851, he was elected mayor of that city. Those were, in California, the days of vigilance committees, and the duties of his office required great caution and judgment; but his management was firm and judicious, and he secured the confidence of the public.

In 1852 he returned to the States, and, the following year, settled in Keokuk, Iowa. During Colonel McDowell's residence in Iowa, and prior to his entering the service, he followed the profession of civil engineering. He was at one time the City Engineer of Keokuk, but, at the outbreak of the war, was Superintendent and Chief Engineer of the Keokuk, Mount Pleasant and Minnesota Railroad.

In the spring of 1861, Colonel McDowell visited Washington for the purpose of obtaining authority to raise a regiment of infantry. Authority was granted by the War Department, and he returned to Burlington, which was to be the rendezvous of his regiment. The 6th Iowa Infantry was enlisted principally from the counties of Linn, Lucas, Hardin, Appanoose, Monroe, Clark, Johnson, Lee, Des Moines and Henry. It was mustered into the United States service on the 17th of July, 1861: its camp was Camp Warren. On the 2d of the following August, Colonel McDowell was ordered to Keokuk, and, during his week's stay there, a portion of his regiment took part in the affair at Athens, between the Union forces under Colonel Moore, and the Confederates under Green. On the 19th instant the regiment left for St. Louis, where, reporting to General Fremont, it was retained for five weeks in camp, at La Fayette Park. The first campaign on which the 6th Iowa marched, was that from Jefferson City to Springfield.

Lyon had been killed at Wilson's Creek, and Sturgis, his successor, had fallen back to Rolla; when, instantly, the rebellious citizens of Missouri, from every quarter, made haste to join Price, their deliverer. Price, strongly reinforced, in council with that mean, cowardly traitor, Claib Jackson, resolved on a march northward. Small detachments of Federal troops withdrew from his line of march; and, on the 12th of September, he laid siege to Lexington. Fremont, in command of the Western Department, having made ineffectual efforts to relieve Mulligan, quit St. Louis, and concentrated an army at Jefferson City, with which to march on Price, and either rout or capture his forces. Some claim more for this fossil hero;—that, after Price's annihilation, he was to march south, and, flanking Columbus, Hickman, Memphis, and a long stretch of the Mississippi, was to enter, in triumph, Little Rock. With him were Sigel, Hunter, Asboth, McKinstry, Pope, Lane, and his royal guard under Zagonyi. Price left Lexington on the 30th of September, and, the 8th of October, Fremont marched from Jefferson City. Such, briefly, is the history of what preceded the first great campaign in Missouri.

Passing through Tipton, Warsaw on the Osage, and thence south, Fremont arrived in Springfield the 29th of October. Price was then at Neosho. And this is all that there is of Fremont's celebrated campaign in Missouri; for he was now relieved by the President, and his command turned over to General Hunter, who forthwith ordered a return in the direction of St. Louis. I cannot forbear adding that Fremont was a better man than Hunter; for, if he had style, he also had pluck and confidence. On this campaign the 6th Iowa Infantry was under Brigadier-General McKinstry, and in three day's time marched seventy-five miles.

During the winter of 1861-2, Colonel McDowell was stationed on the Pacific Railroad, which he guarded from Sedalia to Tipton; but, in the opening of the Spring Campaign, was relieved at his own request, and sent to the front. Early in March he sailed with his regiment up the Tennessee River, and landed at Pittsburg Landing, where he was immediately assigned to General Sherman's Division, and placed in command of a brigade. At the battle of Shiloh his command held the extreme right of General Grant's Army, and was stationed near the Purdy road. The 3d Iowa, it will be remembered, was stationed near the extreme left. The 11th and 13th Iowa, under McClernand, were to the left of Sherman; and the 2d, 7th, 8th, 12th and 14th Iowa, in Smith's Division, commanded by W. H. L. Wallace, and to the left of McClernand. The 15th and 16th Iowa fought on their own hook. The 8th Iowa, however, fought under Prentiss. These were all the Iowa troops in the battle of Shiloh.

The 6th Iowa was commanded at Shiloh by Captain John Williams; and, to show the part acted by the regiment, I quote briefly from his official report:

"On Sunday morning, when the attack was made on General Grant's centre, the regiment was immediately brought into line of battle, and was then moved about fifty yards to the front, along the edge of the woods. Company I was thrown out as skirmishers, and Companies E and G were moved to the left and front of our line, to support a battery just placed there. We were in this position for more than two hours, when we were ordered to fall back to the rear of our camp, on the Purdy road. The battle at this time was raging fiercely in the centre, and extending gradually to the right. The line was slowly yielding to a vastly superior force, and it now became evident that we must change our position or be entirely cut off from the rest of the army.

"The regiment then marched by the left flank about six hundred yards, crossed an open field about one hundred and fifty yards wide, took a position in the edge of the woods and formed a new line of battle, which was succeeded by another line, nearly perpendicular to the former, the right resting close to the Purdy road."

This left flank movement was to the left and rear; but this position was held but a very short time, when the regiment was marched to the rear about half a mile; for McClernand's Division, and the left of Sherman's, had been driven back rapidly. The next position taken by the regiment was in the edge of the woods, and formed a part of that line which, for several hours, held the enemy successfully at bay. At this hour, things looked more hopeful; and, had all the troops that had stampeded and straggled been now in their proper places, Grant would probably have suffered no further reverses at Shiloh. It was in this last position that the 6th Iowa suffered its severest loss. Captain Williams was wounded here, and the command of the regiment turned over to Captain Walden.

Of less than six hundred and fifty men that went into the engagement, sixty-four were killed, one hundred wounded, and forty-seven missing. The 6th Iowa, as a regiment, was not engaged in the second day's battle, and its losses were slight. Among the wounded in the first day's fight were Captain Williams, and Lieutenants Halliday and Grimes. The names of the killed I have failed to learn. " In regard to the bravery, coolness and intrepidity of both officers and men, too much can not be said. Where all did so well, to particularize would seem invidious." The regiment continued with Sherman during the siege of Corinth, and Colonel McDowell in command of his brigade. The 6th was one of the regiments of his command.

After the fall of Corinth, Colonel McDowell marched with his brigade to Memphis, where he remained the balance of the Summer, and during the following Fall. In November, he marched with his division on the campaign down through Oxford, and to the Yockona, after which he returned to La Grange, Tennessee, where he passed the Winter. While on the march from Corinth to Memphis, he was attacked with a disease, pronounced by his surgeon an affection of the sciatic nerve. It had been contracted through exposure and by almost constant duty in the saddle, and was extremely painful; but he continued on duty. Finally, receiving no relief, he tendered his resignation, which was accepted late in the winter of 1862-3.

While stationed at Memphis, he received from General Sherman a recommendation for brigadier-general, which was endorsed, I am informed, as follows: — "I think it but right and just that a gallant officer, who has discharged faithfully the duties of a brigadier for many months, should enjoy in full the rank and pay of the position." On leaving the service, his regiment presented him with a costly silver set, which, in its own language, was " a token of their esteem for him as a man, and their appreciation of his merit as an officer."

Colonel McDowell is a large man, and well proportioned, but a little too fleshy to look comfortable. He is above six feet in hight, and erect; has a mild blue eye, light complexion, and a good-natured countenance. Usually, he seems kind and approachable, but, when aroused, the flash of his eye makes him look, as he really is, a most formidable opponent. He has large self-esteem, a good education and fine social qualities. His conversational powers are remarkable. He is fond of merriment, to be convinced of which you have only to look on his shaking sides: he laughs, like Momus, all over,

Colonel McDowell has fine ability, but is naturally, I believe, inclined to be a little lazy. He is a close observer, and forms positive opinions. His experience in the army destroyed his faith in field artillery. "There are occasions," he once said, " when it is invaluable; but, as a general thing, it is vox proe-ter-er nihil. If you fight to whip, you must fight to kill; and whoever heard of a dead or wounded artillery-man? These things that you hold straight at a man, are the things that hurt."

As a soldier, Colonel McDowell excelled as a disciplinarian and tactician: he was a splendid drill-master, a fact attested by his regiment, which was one of the best drilled in the volunteer service.

SOURCE: Stuart, A. A., Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 147-152

Rain

On Tuesday night and yesterday morning we had the hardest rain of the season. It poured down in torrents, filling cisterns, cellars and overflowing the earth generally. The present may be regarded as one of the wettest seasons known in this locality for years.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 17, 1862

It is very difficult to convince people of facts . . .

. . . but on one subject there is but one opinion, and that is, that Farrand, opposite the Le Claire house, has the largest, cheapest and best stock of hats in this city.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 17, 1862

6th Ohio Sutler's Chit

The Executive Committee of the Soldier’s Relief Association . . .

. . . will meet in the office of Messrs. Putnam & Rogers, LeClaire row, this afternoon at 2 o’clock. Members are requested to be prompt in attendance.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 17, 1862

Lieut. Warner, of the 7th Iowa . . .

. . . was in the city yesterday on his way to rejoin his regiment, after an illness brought on by exposure at Fort Donelson. This regiment, which has been greatly reduced by losses in battle and sickness, sustained its reputation at Pittsburg in the great battle it is not now able to muster [the remaining lines of this article have been cut off]

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 1

Promoted

Major Elliott W. Rice of the 7th Iowa regiment, has been promoted to the rank of Colonel, vice J. G. Lauman, Promoted to Brigadier General.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 17, 1862