COLONEL GEORGE AUGUSTUS STONE

TWENTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.

George Augustus Stone is a native of New York State, and was born in the town of Schoharie, on the 13th of October, 1833. In 1839 his father removed with his family to the then Territory of Iowa, and settled in Washington county. Here young Stone resided, attending common school a principal portion of the time, till 1849, when he removed to Mt. Pleasant. After completing his studies at the Mt. Pleasant schools, he was received into the banking house at that place, and, in 1851, was appointed cashier of the bank, which position he held till the spring of 1861. Early in the spring of 1861 he assisted in recruiting Company F, 1st Iowa Infantry, Captain Samuel M. Wise, and on its organization was elected its first lieutenant. He served with his regiment in Missouri during its three month's term of service, and took part in the battle of Wilson's Creek.

Lieutenant Stone's term of service in the 1st Iowa expired in August, and, in the following October, he was commissioned a major in the 4th Iowa Cavalry, with which regiment he served till the 10th of August, 1862, when he was promoted to the colonelcy of the 25th Iowa Infantry.

In November, 1862, Colonel Stone's regiment arrived at Helena, Arkansas, whence it sailed, in the latter part of December following, on the expedition against Vicksburg by way of Chickasaw Bayou. Chickasaw Bayou was its first engagement. Its second was Arkansas Post, and there, like the 26th Iowa, it suffered severely, losing in killed and wounded more than sixty. The regiment was attached to Hovey's Brigade, of Steele's Division — the division which did the fighting and captured the strong-hold. It served as a support to the 76th Ohio, and just in rear of that regiment charged through an open field in the face of a withering fire from the enemy's artillery and musketry. Passing the enemy's obstructions, it advanced to within one hundred yards of their works; and in that position engaged them for nearly three hours, and until the garrison surrendered. So cool and gallant was its conduct, that a Texan colonel, captured with the garrison, remarked: " I was almost sure those were Iowa troops."

Five commissioned officers were wounded in this engagement — Captains Palmer and Bell, and Lieutenants Stark, Orr, and Clark. Nine enlisted men were killed, among whom were Sergeant Zickafoose, and Corporals Wilson and James W. Thompson. Adjutant S. P. Clark, who was wounded severely in the leg, was conspicuous for his cool and gallant conduct "He earned and received the praise of the entire regiment." Privates Hiram Payne and B. F. Weaver, who bore the colors of the regiment, earned and received equal praise.

After the Deer-Creek-Sun-Flower-&c. expedition, the 25th Iowa marched with Sherman, via Jackson, to the rear of Vicksburg; but, like the 26th Iowa, failed to meet the enemy till it arrived before the doomed city. Being in the same division with the 26th Iowa, its services before Vicksburg were nearly the same as those of that regiment. In the charge of the 22d of May, it was one of the front regiments in the charging line, and, with its colonel in the advance, moved against a strong fort on the north side of the city. It passed unfalteringly through the galling fire that met it as it moved upon and along the hights in plain view and within shot range of the enemy, but was unable to carry the rebel works, and after holding its position till night was, with the balance of the division, ordered to retire to the position it occupied in the morning. On that day, Private Isaac Mickey, of the enlisted men of the regiment, most distinguished himself.

An account of the march on Jackson, Mississippi, and the evacuation of that city by Johnson, after the fall of Vicksburg, having been given in other parts of this volume, I need simply state that the 25th Iowa took part in those operations. After the termination of that expedition, the regiment returned with its division to the Big Black River, where it remained till the 23d of September following, when it moved with General Sherman on the march to Chattanooga. The 1st Division of the 15th Corps, to which the 25th Iowa was attached and which was commanded by Brigadier-General P. J. Osterhaus, was the only one that engaged the enemy on this march. The fighting, which was not severe, took place at and between Cherokee Station, Alabama, and Tuscumbia, and, to give an idea of its character, I quote from the official statement of Colonel George A. Stone:

"On Sunday evening, October 25th, at Cherokee, our division received marching orders for 4 A. M. next day; and accordingly the division moved at the hour indicated, in the direction of Tuscumbia, in light marching order, and in fine fighting condition. The 1st Brigade, Brigadier-General C. R. Woods commanding, had the advance, and ours, the 2d Brigade, Colonel A. J. Williamson commanding, the rear. General Osterhaus' orders were very imperative and strict concerning the tactical arrangement of battalions, as the enemy, but some three miles in front of us, was composed entirely of cavalry, and our equal fully in numerical strength. About two miles from camp we met the enemy's skirmishers, and here formed line of battle, the 1st Brigade on the right, and the 2d on the left, with one of the other divisions of our corps as a reserve. My position was on the extreme left, and, n accordance with orders, I formed a square to repel cavalry, first, however, having covered my front properly with skirmishers. Our skirmishers pushed the enemy so vigorously and our lines followed so promptly, that, after a short resistance, he fell back to another position some four miles to his rear, and made another stand. The same disposition was made again by our division, the same sharp, short fighting, and the same result — the retreat of the enemy. We continued this skirmishing during the entire day, and renewed it on the 27th, literally fighting them from Cherokee to Tuscumbia. We entered the town at 3 P. M. on the 27th."

The 25th Iowa in these operations lost only one man — Sergeant Nehemiah M. Redding — who was killed on the skirmish line. Other regiments suffered more severely. In this connection I should state that there had been fighting on the 21st of the same month, on the entrance of Osterhaus' Division into Cherokee Station. It was in the affair of that day that the lamented Colonel Torrence, of the 30th Iowa, was killed.

Returning to Cherokee on the 28th instant, Colonel Stone marched thence with his regiment back to Chickasaw Landing, and crossed the Tennessee with his division, on the 4th of November. The march from that point to Chattanooga was continued without incident. The division of Osterhaus not arriving till the evening of the 23d of November, and being too late to operate with Sherman above Chattanooga, was ordered to report to General Hooker, who, on the following day, was to assault the enemy on Lookout Mountain. For the part taken by the 25th Iowa in the engagement on and around Lookout Mountain, on the 24th of November, I again quote from a statement of Colonel Stone:

"At 9:30, A. M., I had orders to go to the front, just under a point of rocks on Lookout Mountain, to support the guns of Battery I, 1st New York Artillery, now in position, and two of which guns were protected by being hastily casemated. This position I retained during the day, and on account of the admirable place for defense, and the inability of the enemy to sufficiently depress his guns, I found at dark I had not lost a man.

"Nothing could exceed the grandeur of this battle from the point at which we viewed it. [The position of the 25th Iowa was at a point on the north end of Lookout Mountain]. Every gun from Raccoon Mountain to Moccasin Point was in plain view, and our lines of infantry so close that acquaintances were easily recognized. At 12 M., the grand attack began, and soon the smoke of the battle hung over and enveloped the mountain, like a funeral pall; and the whole battle, like a panorama, passed around and before us."

This was the first battle whose progress the 25th Iowa had witnessed without being engaged; and the recollections of that afternoon will never be effaced from the memories of the regiment. But the scenery of the following night was even more terribly magnificent; for the fighting continued around and up the mountain until long after mid-night.

In the engagement on Lookout Mountain, the regiment suffered no loss: nor did it, in that of the following day on Mission Ridge. In the latter it was not engaged, being detached, with the 26th Iowa, for the purpose of anticipating an attack, which it was supposed two regiments of rebel cavalry designed making on the left. But it followed in pursuit of General Bragg's flying forces to Ringgold, and engaged the enemy there in their strong works, on the morning of the 27th of November.

Ringgold, which is planted among the broken, irregular hills of Northern Georgia, is about twenty-five miles south of Chattanooga. On a line of these hills the enemy had taken up an intrenched position in considerable force, which, contrary to the expectation of General Osterhaus, they held stubbornly. To dislodge them it became necessary to deploy the division so as to carry the works by assault. The position of the 25th Iowa, in the assaulting line, was at the front and on the extreme left in an open field. On the hill in its front were the enemy, protected by abattis and breast-works. A point of this hill, which was rocky and in places precipitous, extended down to the field where the 25th stood in position. Up this the regiment was to charge. On rugged points, both to the right and left, the enemy's infantry were posted, so as to rake by a right and left flanking fire the assaulting party. In front of the regiment were two rebel colors, defended doubtless by two rebel regiments. This then was the position of the 25th Iowa, when the advance was sounded.

The contest now began along the whole line, and lasted for about an hour; when the enemy, no longer able to withstand the cool, steady valor of their assailants, fled from their works and hastened on to Dalton.

The loss of the 25th Iowa at Ringgold was twenty-nine wounded. None were killed. Of the twenty-one officers who entered the fight, seven were struck.

After the battle at Ringgold, the 25th Iowa marched back to Chattanooga, and thence, via Bridgeport, to Woodville, Alabama, where, with its brigade, it went into Winter quarters. It remained in Winter quarters, however, only about a month; for, on the organization of General Matthies' temporary Division to march to the relief of Knoxville, it was assigned to that command, and on the 11th of February, 1864, broke camp and again took the field. It was rumored when the division left Bridgeport, that it was to march only to Chattanooga, where, being relieved by other troops, it would be permitted to remain on guard-duty. But there was in store no such good fortune; for, on the morning of the 16th instant, it resumed the march eastward in the direction of Cleveland.

It was now the season of the year when the Southern Winter was breaking, and the alternating rain and sunshine, and cold and heat did not contribute to the good nature of the troops; and, as they trudged on through the mud, their minds soured at what they called the injustice of the commanding general. "He don't care a d—n, as long as he can ride a horse," and "If I could catch him a-foot, if I didn't give him an appetite for his hard-tack," and other like expressions were not unfrequently heard on this march. No veteran infantry trooper will wonder at these spiteful ebullitions; for it should be remembered that these troops were all of the 15th Corps, who, during the three past months, had marched nearly four hundred miles, and fought in three hard battles.

After the march to Cleveland, which resulted in nothing of special interest, the 25th Iowa returned to Woodville, where it remained till its division left for the front to join General Sherman in his grand campaign against Atlanta. The events of that campaign, in which the 25th Iowa took an honorable part, will be found elsewhere, as will also the history of Sherman's march from Atlanta to Savannah, and from Savannah to Raleigh, North Carolina.

In the operations of General Sherman in his march from Savannah to Raleigh, the capture of Columbia, South Carolina, is conspicuous. The credit of this affair belongs to the Iowa Brigade of the 15th Corps, to which the 25th Iowa Infantry was attached.

The question as to who was entitled to the honor of having first planted the American Flag on the Capitol buildings at Columbia, has been in some doubt. It is claimed by Justin C. Kennedy of the 13th Iowa, and by Colonel George A. Stone. The following I believe to be correct history: The 15th Corps' Iowa Brigade, commanded by Colonel G. A. Stone, forced the enemy back and captured the city; but in the meantime, Lieutenant-Colonel Kennedy, with a few men, crossed the Congaree in a rickety boat, and, hurrying on to the city, succeeded in first gaining both the old and new Capitol buildings. The banner of the 13th Iowa, in the hands of Colonel Kennedy, was the first to wave from the buildings; but the first American Flag was that belonging to the 31st Iowa, which was planted by the hands of Colonel Stone. But Iowa's brave sons should not allow jealousies to sully their fair lame. It is enough for the State to know that her soldiery received the surrender of Columbia.

For several weeks after the battles around Chattanooga, Colonel Stone commanded the Iowa Brigade. He also commanded this brigade on the march from Savannah to Goldsboro and Raleigh. He is an excellent young officer — prompt, precise and sprightly. He is a middle-sized man, with black hair, and merry, brown eyes. In appearance, he is quite youthful I never saw him but once, and that was while I was in the service, and just after he had succeeded to a brigade command. A stalwart captain was riding by his side, and both were enveloped in ponchos; for it rained in those days about Bridgeport. The captain I took for the commander, and the colonel for an aid, or orderly.

The colonel is proud and ambitious, and is happily free from that self-importance — a sort of pseudo-dignity — which seems to afflict army officers conversely in proportion to their merit.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 407-14

About Loafers

The loafer bears the same relation to the genuine man that the shadow does to the substance, and thus there are loafers of all grades and hovering about the borders of all avocations. There is the Celtic loafer at the sunny street corner, loitering [stolidly] at his own expense, or that of Biddy, but quite willing to loiter at the expense of any one else who shall be so misguided at to hire him. There is the military loafer, who remains in camp till there is some prospect of active service, and then suddenly falls ill or discovers that he is too young or too old, or otherwise unfit for military duty. There is the loafer of the rural districts, who likes to drive team and trade cattle and go to mill, and is sure to be present at all the town meetings and auction sales, bidding for goods which he cannot buy and voting heavy taxes on property which he never owns. Then there are loafers in the dry-goods line, on each side of the counter, with no positive wish either to buy or sell, but with only a languid desire to kill time and be impertinent to each other, or a desire that usually attains fulfillment. There are literary loafers that haunt libraries and newspaper offices, turning over books and papers and asking questions of the man that is busiest; for all though nature is said to abhor a vacuum, the nature of the loafer delights in it, and to block the wheels of business and obliterate the traces of thought is his especial pleasure.

One of the mission schools in New York is infested by the “religious loafer,” who calls because he has nothing to do, and can have a chair, morning paper, warm office, write a letter, “borrow” a stamp and perhaps get an invitation to dinner. The same individual sometimes appears as a supernumerary delegate at conventions, or a colporteur of tracts and Bibles where the good books lie in the parlor and are vended across the way. It was one of this class who once advertised for board in some family where in some family where his Christian deportment would be accepted as an equivalent for the demolished beef and bannocks. If he is a clergyman he extemporizes on the pulpit, droning forth any quantity of religious platitudes to the drowsy cares below. If he is a layman, he happens in to talk about the deplorable lethargy of the church, a lethargy for which he is to a certain extent responsible, since on one can look at him without feeling disposed to yawn; or he interrupts all the avocations of time by talking cheerily of eternity, forgetting there is no devise in the grave, we are to do with our might whatsoever our hands find to do. The loafer, whatever may be his especial department, never willingly finds anything to do except to eat or drink and enjoy the good of other men’s labor. He has something of the reptile in his nature, for he is torpid and fond of basking in the sun, can live a long time without food, and thrives upon the general disgust. His chief and social utility is to point the contrast between idleness and labor, and to consume the bad tobacco and worse whisky that might weaken the energies of the more effective men.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

The reunion of the Third Iowa Cavalry . . .

. . . held Wednesday and Thursday of last week at Centerville, was a success in every way. The attendance was 131 and the old soldiers enjoyed the event very greatly. This was the 22nd annual reunion of the Third Iowa Cavalry. The 27th was the 50th anniversary of the day on which the regiment was mustered into service at Camp Rankin, on the Bluffs at Keokuk. Since that day 50 years ago the regiment has passed through experiences that can never be duplicated even in their minor portions by any other generation of men. They fought against men of the same country from the south and won; they endured untold hardships, suffered loss of large numbers of comrades, laid down their arms to return to vocations of peace and industry, and today many of their number have their names known from one end of the land to the other as men prominent in the professions, politics and business. And now after 50 years they were able to assemble 131 sturdy, courageous, spirited men, many of whom would even today offer themselves in their country's service if need be.

General John W. Noble, of St. Louis, was present at the reunion. He is over eighty years old but stands erect, is clear of eye and still takes an active interest and part in the affairs of life. Captain Thos. H. Brown, of Chicago, formerly of this county was also in attendance. Those attending from Decatur County were: Captain John D. Brown, J. W. Honnold, E. J. Sankey, Abe Blakesley, of Leon; F. M. Hamilton, of Davis City; J. M. Thompson, of Van Wert.

The colonels of the regiment were Cyrus Bussey, afterward major general; Henry C. Caldwell, later judge of the United States circuit court, and John W. Noble, of St. Louis.

John W. Noble was born at Lancaster, Ohio, October 26, 1831, the birth place of General Sherman. General Sherman's and General Noble's fathers were fast friends and the two sons were like brothers. General Sherman always calling General Noble by his first name.

During the war, General Sherman wished to make General Noble one of his staff of aids but the latter replied that he had been entrusted with the sons of parents who were in the Third Iowa, and there he would remain to care for them.

The things that the Third did in the four years of service cannot be told in one issue of a newspaper, or even in a book.

In 1861 the regiment was mustered into service and re-enlisted again in 1863 and 1864. The Third Iowa regiment lost more men, killed and wounded in battle than any other cavalry in the state of Iowa and any but five or six infantries. Eight hundred men were lost through disability from the ranks. But in 1864 re-enlistment was so strong that when the last battle was fought
on the 16th day of April, 1865, that nearly 1,000 men were mustered out of service at the close of the war.

At Pea Ridge the Third fought the Indians and confederates, at Little Rock and Vicksburg they fought. The regiment was divided during this time but in Mississippi was re-united where some raiding took place. In all there were nearly 3,000 men in the regiment from the commencement to the close of the war including those killed and wounded. At Columbus in '65, the last battle General Noble's army took the battery and entire line.

– Published in the Decatur County Journal, Leon, Iowa, October 5, 1911 and transcribed by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert

COLONEL EBER C. BYAM

TWENTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.

Eber C. Byam was born in Canada West, in the year 1826. All that I know of him prior to entering the service is, he was a Methodist preacher. He was made colonel of the 24th Iowa, on the 7th day of August, 1862, and served with his regiment till after the fall of Vicksburg, when he resigned his commission.

The history of the 24th Iowa up to the time its brigade reported to Carrollton, Louisiana, in the summer of 1863, will be found substantially in the sketches of Colonels Miller and Connell, of the 28th Iowa. It fought at the battles of Port Gibson, and Champion's Hill, and took part in the siege of Vicksburg. At Champion's Hill, its position was to the right of the 28th Iowa; and, like that regiment, it was among the first troops to engage the enemy. Its loss in that engagement was terribly severe, and was chiefly sustained while charging, capturing and holding a rebel battery in its front. The act was daring in the extreme. Leaving its place in the line, it advanced on the battery without any support, and without any disposition being made to protect its flanks. It accordingly became an object of the enemy's concentrated fire, which in a short time disorganized it. It retired to the rear in disorder, and took no further part in the engagement. The loss of the regiment in the engagement I have been unable to learn.

The 24th Iowa reached Carrollton, about the middle of August, 1863, where it remained one month in camp, and then left with its division on an expedition up the Teche. For a history of this march, the object of which I never knew, I refer to an account, given by the chaplain of the 28th Iowa.

"On the 13th of September, we received orders from General Banks to move, which proved to be over the railroad, west from New Orleans, or rather Algiers, to Brashear. * * We commenced moving up Bayou Teche on the 3d of October; and, after a slow march which gave ample time to forage through a beautiful country, abounding in beef and sweet potatoes, orange groves and sugar plantations, reached Opelousas on the 23d instant, a distance of one hundred miles. It is needless to say that when the luxuries of this clime got in our way we ate them. The authorities would sometimes interdict them; yet, it required a fine taste to tell the difference, while the ingenuity of the men seemed fully up to the exigency of possessing themselves of any thing they needed as food. No enemy of strength being found, this expedition was evidently at a terminus. * * * *

"On the first day of November, General Franklin commenced a retrograde movement, and we began falling back in the direction of Franklin. No sooner had we commenced falling back than the enemy began to harass our rear and flanks. We reached Carrion Crow Bayou, on the second day, and remained here till the 7th instant. One brigade of the 4th Division, under command of General Burbridge, being left at Grand Chateau, four miles in our rear, were, on the 3d instant, attacked by the enemy. The regiment, with a part of our division, was ordered out to his assistance. We went promptly at double-quick for three miles; for it was apparent that the enemy were pressing him severely, that they had already turned his left flank, and were gaining his rear. This brought our troops directly facing the foe, who were already flushed with success. Teams and numerous attendants were stampeding to the rear, and great danger of confusion and disaster was imminent. Our division was hastily put in line, and the command to charge given, when the whole command went in at double-quick, with fixed bayonets. This the enemy could not stand, and they fell back in confusion, leaving their dead and wounded. In the meantime the rebels had sent a force to attack our camps, and the firing of our pickets soon became spirited. A detachment of the 24th Iowa was thrown out to their support. The sick and lame, to the last man, were ordered out, and hobbled into the ranks; but, after a brisk engagement with our pickets, the rebels retired, leaving two of their men dead. Our teams, which had been hurried out with our camp equipage, returned, and all was again quiet.

"On the morning of the 9th of November, we moved toward Vermillionville; but when within six miles of that place, the enemy made demonstrations upon our rear, and the command halted. Our brigade was formed to receive the attack, but the enemy came no further than our skirmishers, and we continued the march and went into camp near Vermillionville, in a drenching rain."

In this connection the author speaks of an incident, like examples of which have been often witnessed at new encampments. I allude to the tearing down of rebel buildings by the soldiers and the construction of chebangs with the material. The rebels called it vandalism, but I have often witnessed the operation with admiration. Two-story dwellings, with outhouses, have been utterly demolished in ten minutes time. While witnessing the performance one could think of nothing but an unfortunate caterpillar, dropped by accident in an ant-bed.

The 24th Iowa remained at Vermillionville till about the 20th of November, when it fell back to the rebel Camp Pratt, and the next day to New Iberia, at the head of navigation on the Teche. Here the regiment remained till the middle of December, and then returned to Berwick, and in a short time proceeded to Madisonville, on Lake Pontchartrain. At Madisonville the regiment went into quarters, and remained until General Banks organized his Red River Campaign. The 24th joined in that celebrated failure, a history of which will be found in the sketch of Colonel Connell and the 28th Iowa.

The 24th Iowa reached Morganzia Bend, on the 22d of May, 1864, after the nine days' exhausting march from Alexandria. Here it remained till about the middle of June, when, with its brigade, it was ordered down to Carrollton and thence west to Thibadaux, to anticipate General Dick Taylor, who, with a large force, was reported to be moving on Brashear. But nothing came of this expedition, and on the 6th of the following July the troops struck tents and moved back to Algiers.

Early in July a portion of the 19th Corps as re-organized was summoned to the Eastern Department, and preparations were made for its hasty departure. Grant needed these troops at Petersburg, and Sheridan, in the valley of the Shenandoah; and there was little now that required their services on the Gulf. Steele was in danger of being driven from Little Rock, and a portion of the 19th Corps was dispatched to his assistance: the balance took boats for Fortress Monroe. The 24th and 28th Iowa left New Orleans for the last named place on the 22d of July. The 22d Iowa with its brigade had left for the same destination several days before. This was an eventful passage in the history of these regiments, and, when well out in the Gulf the news was broken to them that they were going to the Potomac, it was hailed with universal acclamation. No Iowa soldier had as yet trod the soil of Virginia. All his fame had been earned in south-western departments, and he was impatient to measure his bayonet with those of the boasted Virginia veterans.

For these troops this was the first ocean trip. They had made short journeys on the Gulf, but none of sufficient length to make them familiar with that detestable, though invigorating sickness, which is certain to overwhelm all new voyagers. They were not more fortunate than others; for, says the chaplain of the 28th Iowa, when the sickness was on them, they were at first afraid they would die, and then afraid they would not. The hardest feature of the journey was the crowded condition of the boats; this, with the hot weather and the meager supply of fresh water, put many on the sick list, and, as soon as land was made, in the hospitals.

After touching at Fortress Monroe, the fleet proceeded to Alexandria, where the troops were debarked and transferred by ferry to Washington. From Washington they were ordered by General Augur, to the Shenandoah. The 24th and 28th Iowa were the first Iowa troops in the National Capital, and their march down Pennsylvania Avenue is thus referred to by Chaplain Simmons, who has published a history of his regiment.

"About noon of the 3d, we started from the depot, passing down Pennsylvania Avenue, with our battle-worn colors floating over the column. * * The fame of Iowa troops had been long talked of in Washington, and now, for the first time, its people looked on living Iowa regiments. Much interest seemed to be manifested by the citizens. The boys caught the enthusiasm, and their soldierly deportment evinced their appreciation, and called out from the public press honorable mention. I can not fail to mention that citizens of Iowa thronged to greet us. Many others, gentlemen, ladies and children, mingled in the throng, to lavish their sympathies upon these brave men. Men of position and influence gave their congratulations; children mingled with the soldiers; and the ladies — God bless them — blushed not to smile their sympathies upon our war-worn veterans."

From Washington, the 24th Iowa, with its brigade and division, marched by way of Snicker's Gap to Berryville, where they formed a junction with Sheridan. Sheridan as elsewhere stated was at the time falling back before Early; and, after the arrival of the 19th Corps, he continued his retrograde movement till he arrived first, at Charlestown and then, near the hights of Harper's Ferry, where he threw up fortifications. After resting five days in this position, he moved forward to Charlestown, and two weeks later again advanced, encountering the enemy near Berryville. Early fell back across the Opequan to near Winchester, and both armies fortified. This was on the 8th of September. Eleven days later, the advance was resumed down the rugged Berryville pike, and the enemy encountered, when was fought the desperate battle of Winchester or Opequan Creek, the first of the series which utterly demolished the invincible cohorts of Early.

The 22d, 24th, and 28th Iowa fought together in this engagement ; and their services on the field were nearly the same. I have been unable to obtain the official report of Colonel Wilds, the commanding officer, of the 24th Iowa, and therefore append an extract from the report of Lieutenant-Colonel B. W. Wilson of the 28th. The two regiments fought side by side:

"Early on the morning of the 19th, we broke camp near Berryville, and proceeded with the rest of the brigade on the Winchester pike. After crossing the Opequan, I formed in line of battle, my regiment occupying the extreme left of the brigade, and, on receiving orders to advance, immediately moved forward, and was soon warmly engaging the enemy. The 1st Brigade of our division being in advance was pressed back through our lines; yet we moved steadily forward for almost fifty yards, under one of the hottest fires of shot, shell and canister I ever witnessed. Here I was ordered to halt. At this point the fighting was most terrific; yet I am happy to say that none showed a disposition to either shrink from duty, or to fall back. * * We followed the retiring foe beyond Winchester, where night overtook us and we lay down to brood over the events of the day."

As stated in the sketch of Colonel Graham of the 22d Iowa, the first successes of the 19th Corps were changed into reverses, threatening to make the contest a defeat, almost before it had become a battle. In the midst of the confusion that followed the well-nigh disastrous repulse, was an example of coolness and courage on the part of an officer of the 24th Iowa, which is thus recorded by one who took part in the engagement:

"One instance of coolness and discipline, which contrasted curiously with the general panic, was noticed by Captain Bradbury of the 1st Maine Battery. * * Through the midst of the confusion came a captain of infantry — William T. Rigby of the 24th Iowa—leading a sergeant and twelve men, all marching as composedly as if returning from drill. 'Captain, you are not going to retreat any further, I hope?' said Bradbury. 'Certainly not,' was the reply. 'Halt; about-face. Three cheers, men; hip, hip, hurrah!' The little band cheered lustily. It was the first note of defiance that broke the desperate monotony of the panic. It gave heart to every one who heard it, and made an end of retreat in that part of the field. In a few minutes, the platoon swelled to a battalion, composed of men from half a dozen regiments."

On the 20th instant, Sheridan pressed the pursuit, and, passing through Strasburg, found the enemy entrenched on Fisher's Hill. They were again encountered and so severely punished that their retreat became a hopeless rout. Sheridan followed them to beyond Harrisonburg, and then fell back to Cedar Creek, where he arrived on the 10th of October, and where he fought, on the 19th instant, the remarkable battle bearing that name.

I give below Lieutenant-Colonel Wright's account of the part the 24th Iowa sustained in the battle of Cedar Creek. After having stated preliminarily, that his regiment was, at 5 o'clock in the morning of the 19th, in line of battle and ready to march with its brigade on a reconnoissance, the colonel says:

"At ten minutes past 5 o'clock, firing commenced on the picket line of the 8th Corps. Supposing it to be only a reconnoissance by the enemy, it created but little alarm. In a few minutes heavy firing commenced on the left and front of the 8th Corps. It was not yet day-light, and a dense fog, which had settled to the ground, rendered it almost impossible to distinguish objects at any distance. Soon after the firing commenced on the left, the brigade was ordered to move by the left flank, until the left of the 24th Iowa rested on the pike.

"Colonel Wilds ordered me to ride to the left of the regiment, and lead it to the place indicated, but before reaching the pike, I was ordered to halt, and take position, as we were already receiving the enemy's fire. * * The fog was so dense that it was impossible to tell what was in front of us, and as the 8th Corps was falling back at the time, our fire was reserved until the enemy had pressed his columns close up to and charged the battery on the right, one piece of which was captured. We held the position, however, until Colonel Shunk, discovering that the enemy had thrown a column across the pike on our left, ordered the brigade to fall back about five hundred yards, and take position parallel to, and facing the pike. This was done in good order, and the position taken and held, until it became necessary, in the opinion of General Grover, to fall back, in order to prevent being cut off entirely. (Up to this time the regiment had lost six men killed, and about forty wounded.) The order was given to fall back as rapidly as possible in the direction of the camp of the 6th Corps. The enemy came in heavy force on our left, and captured four officers and about forty men. The brigade fell back about one mile, and formed between the 1st Brigade, General Birge, and the 6th Corps, which was on the left. Previous to this time, Colonel Wilds had been wounded, and carried from the field. I had also received a bruise on my hip from a piece of shell, and a wound from a musket-ball in the left arm near the elbow, which sickened me so that I could not ride for near an hour, and the regiment was commanded by Captain L. Clark, during my absence.

"Soon after I returned to the regiment, which was then in the position above mentioned, the enemy made a flank movement to the left of the 6th Corps, rendering it necessary for it to fall back, and we were ordered to retire by the right of regiments to the rear. We moved in this manner nearly three miles, halted, took position, procured ammunition, and prepared to renew the battle. After we had rested about half an hour, Major-General Sheridan came on the field, having been absent since the morning of the 18th. He ordered the 8th Corps to take position on the left of the pike between Middletown and Newtown, the 6th Corps the centre and the 19th Corps the right. Sent two divisions of cavalry to the right, and one to the rear.

"The 4th Brigade was formed on the extreme left of the 19th Corps, connecting with the right of the 6th Corps. In this position the troops were ordered to rest, and throw up some temporary works.

"About 12 o'clock I was ordered to move the 24th Iowa to the extreme right of the 19th Corps, and protect the flank. I immediately moved to the place indicated, took position, and threw out a skirmish line. In this position I remained until 8 o'clock P. M., when I received orders to call in my skirmishers, and take my place in the line, as it was going to advance. My skirmishers had just reported when the advance was sounded. In order to get my position in the line, I had to double-quick about one mile, and during the greater part of this distance, we had to pass through the fire of the enemy's guns, which overshot our advancing columns, the shells exploding in the rear. About 3 ½ o'clock, I got my place in the line, which steadily advanced, driving the enemy from every position taken until we reached the camp we left in the morning. Here we halted, and made some coffee (those of us who were fortunate enough to have any), the first we had tasted since the evening of the 18th. We found one wounded officer there, who had hidden among the rocks during the day, and quite a number of our wounded men. Every thing was taken from our camp, leaving the men and most of the officers without haversacks, blankets, or shelter tents.

"At 8 o'clock P. M., the regiment moved forward, with the brigade, to a point near Strasburg, to protect the parties that were sent out to collect the property abandoned by the enemy in his hasty retreat. There we bivouacked for the night, without fires, the men suffering severely for want of blankets and proper clothing to protect them from the excessive cold."

"On the following morning (20th) the remainder of the 2d Division came up, and we went into camp about one mile from Strasburg.

"It would appear invidious to mention individual cases of gallantry during the day, when all, both men and officers, did their whole duty. I can not close, however, without referring to the bravery of our lamented Colonel Wilds, who was wounded soon after day-light, and died November 18th. In him we lost a noble, brave, and efficient officer."

Each of the three Iowa regiments were conspicuous in the battles of Opequan, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek. In those of Winchester or Opequan and Cedar Creek, the 24th suffered severely. In the battle of Opequan, the 24th Iowa lost two officers and nine men killed, and four officers and fifty-six men wounded. Captain J. B. Gould and Lieutenant S. S. Dillman were killed; and Captain S. J. McKinley, Lieutenant and Adjutant D. W. Camp, and Lieutenants W. W. Edgington and R. S. Williams, were wounded. At Fisher's Hill, the loss of the regiment was only one officer and four men wounded. The regiment lost, at Cedar Creek, seven men killed; six officers and thirty-nine men wounded, and two officers and thirty-nine men captured. The wounded officers were Colonel John Q. Wilds, Major Edward Wright, Captains A. B. Knott, R H. Pound and A. M. Loomis, and Lieutenant C. H. Kurtz. Colonel Wilds was thirty-nine years of age; was a native of Pennsylvania, and entered the service from Mount Vernon. Before going to Virginia, he had commanded his regiment for several months. The 24th Iowa is known as the "Methodist Regiment."

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 397-406

The Richmond Examiner says:

“A gentleman who has just returned from extensive rambles in Louisiana and Texas, says the sugar planters are feeding their molasses to their hogs, and are going to raise meat from the cane, and that none of the planters are making any attempt to raise crops of cotton. Very few of the plantations have overseers, most of them having gone to the war.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

Rebel Schooner Dixie, Captured

NEW YORK, April 24. – the rebel schooner Dixie, formerly a rebel privateer, captured off Georgetown, S. C., In attempting to run the blockade, bound to Nassau, N. P., loaded with cotton, spirits turpentine, &c., by the U. S. steamer Keystone State, who placed a price crew on board, arrived at Philadelphia yesterday, p.m.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

Republican Caucus

WASHINGTON, April 23. – At a Republican caucus held to-night at the Capitol, about fifty members were present, Colfax, in the Chair and McPherson, Secretary.

A general debate ensued on the confiscation bills, in which Messrs. Train, Blair Covode, Hickman, Olin and others, participated. The discussion was somewhat of the character of that which had recently taken place in the House. – The sense of the caucus seemed to be in favor of discriminating against the leading Rebels in the Confiscation of all kinds of property.

It was unanimously agreed to refer all the bills pending in the House to a Select Committee of 7 members, as moved to-day, by Representative Olin.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

Rebel Steamer Captured

PITTSBURGH LANDING, April 23. – The gunboat Tyler, while reconnoitering up the Tennessee river, captured the rebel steamer J. Robb [sic], near the mouth of Crane creek. This is one of the boats which eluded our first expedition up this river after the fall of Fort Henry. Her name has been changed to Lady Tyler.

Weather rather more pleasant.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

From Fort Pillow

FORT PILLOW, April 22. – The Rain has ceased and the sun shines for the first time in a week.

For three days not a gun has been heard in this vicinity, both commandants being to save their powder until something can be accomplished by its destination. This lull may presage a storm to come, though at present that storm seems far distant.

The enemy are reported to have 14 gunboats off the Fort, together with the Manassas Ram – the latter and seven of the former having arrived on Sunday.

Hollins [sic] has returned from New Orleans with the McCrea.

The Decota to-day takes one hundred bales of cotton to Cairo, the first shipment up the Mississippi river since the breaking out of hostilities:. There is reported to be much more in this vicinity

– Published in The Burlington Weekly-Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

Secretary Welles to go to Spain

PHILADELPHIA, April 24. – The Inquirer says that Secretary Welles is to take the mission to Spain. His successor in the Navy Department is not known certainly.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly-Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

The Flood Subsiding

BOSTON, April 22. – Advices from the interior report that the freshet has reached its height and the waters are now receding. Railroad travel is resuming gradually.

HARTFORD, April 22. – The river is now rapidly falling after having reached a height lacking only 14 inches of the great flood of 1854. – Trains are now running regularly throught to Springfield.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly-Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

More Batteries

NEW YORK, April 24. – Messrs. Rowland & Co., at Continental Iron Works, at Green Point, have already laid the keels for three more marine batteries, similar in construction to the Monitor, though much larger. In a very few days not less than 1200 hands will be employed in the construction of these batteries. Each Battery will be furnished with two turrets, each to have guns of the heaviest caliber. They will be of much greater power than the Monitor and calculated for ocean service.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

The Battle at Elizabeth City

WASHINGTON, April 23. – Capt. Cutting of Gen. Burnside’s staff, arrived here to-day with dispatches to the Government. He states that Gen. Reno commanded the National forces at the lat reconnaissance to Elizabeth City.

Capt. Cutting gives the following particulars of the affair:

On the 17th inst. Gen. Reno left Newbern and proceeded to Roanoke Island, from which place he took about 2,000 men and proceeded to Elizabeth City (which is situated on the Pasquotank river) where a strong rebel force was reported to be entrenching themselves. On Saturday an advance was made upon the rebels. The enemy opened fire with artillery as soon as our troops made their appearance, and from all appearances thought they had us in a trap of our own making. Our troops immediately formed and charged on the enemy, who ran at the first fire. We immediately took possession of the town, and after remaining a few hours, retired to the main army.

Our force was about 2,000 under Gen. Reno, and three boat howitzers under Col. Zoard. – The force of the rebels consisted of a Georgia regiment of 1100 men, a portion of Wise’s Legion, and batteries or artillery. The enemy was totally routed, with a loss of about 60 men. Our loss is about 12 killed and 48 wounded. – Col. Hawkins of the N. Y. Zouaves received a slight flesh wound in the arm. His adjutant was reported killed.

Information received from Union sources is that the guns of the national forces under Gen. Burnside were probably opened on Fort Macon yesterday or to-day.

Gen. Porter commands our forces.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

The letter we publish from Washington . . .

. . . will give our readers a fair idea of the feelings there in view of the brave deeds of our Western army in contrast with the quiet scarcely yet broken on the Potomac.

We trust that the time draws nigh in which the residents of Washington may rejoice with the people fo the entire country over the brilliant and heroic achievements of Gen. McClellan and the well appointed army under his command.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Wednesday, April 16, 1862

From Fortress Monroe

FORTRESS MONROE, April 23. – A small boat arrived today from Norfolk containing several refugees. They report the Merrimac at the Gosport Yard, having iron plates put over her port holes. She is expected out again in a few days. She was aground the last day out as was generally supposed.

Nothing was said in Norfolk about the bursting of a gun, and it is doubtless incorrect.

Captain Buchanan is thought to be alive. He was wounded by a rifle shot in the thigh.

The steamers Jamestown and Beaufort went up the James river on Friday and the Yorktown on Sunday to obtain coal. They took in tow a number of schooners loaded with iron to be rolled into plates at [Tredegar] works, Richmond.

Four gunboats have been constructed at Norfolk, and four more are being constructed. Some of them are to be plated.

The engagement between Burnside’s droops and a Georgia regiment took place Saturday. The Union troops numbered 500. The rebels were the 3d Georgia [regiment], Col. Wright. The fight was on the canal above Elizabeth City. – The rebels lost 15 killed and 35 wounded. It is said they run on being attacked. They were poorly equipped and lacked muskets and ammunition.

A refugee who visited Richmond last week states there are few troops there or at Norfolk, having mostly gone to Yorktown. 14,000 are said to have passed through Richmond in one day for Yorktown.

One of the refugees was a sailor on the steamer Fingal. He left Savannah on 1st of March and reports great consternation there. The Fingal and other vessels were in the harbor.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

BREVET BRIGADIER-GENERAL S. L. GLASGOW.

THIRD COLONEL TWENTY-THIRD INFANTRY.

Samuel L. Glasgow is the youngest officer of his rank from Iowa. He is a native of Ohio, and was born in Adams county of that State, on the 17th of September 1838. His education is academic, and was acquired at the South Salem Academy, Ross county, Ohio. In the fall of 1856, he left his home in Tranquillity, and, coming to Iowa, settled in Oskaloosa, Mahaska county, where he studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1858, and soon after removed to Corydon, Wayne county, where he opened a law office. He practiced his profession in Corydon till the spring of 1861, when he entered the service. Corydon is his present home.

In July, 1861, Mr. Glasgow assisted in enlisting Company I, 4th Iowa Infantry, of which he was elected and commissioned first lieutenant. He served with his regiment in Missouri till the 4th of January, 1862, when ill health compelled him to resign his commission. In the following Summer having recovered his health, he recruited a company for the 23d Iowa Infantry; and, on reporting to his regiment at Des Moines, was made its major; on the first of the following December he was promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy. Colonel Kinsman was killed in the charge of his regiment at Big Black River Bridge, on the 17th day of May, and, two days later, Lieutenant-Colonel Glasgow was made colonel, or rather the 19th day of May, 1863, is the date of his commission. For his gallantry at Milliken's Bend, Louisiana, where he saved the place from capture and the black troops from massacre, and for general good conduct since, he was in the spring of 1865, promoted to brevet brigadier-general. For one so young he has had a brilliant military career.

Since entering the service in 1862, General Glasgow's military record has been made with his old regiment. He has served with it constantly. At Port Gibson, its first engagement, he commanded it; for at that time Colonel Kinsman was under arrest, though for what cause I have been unable to learn. That day he distinguished himself, fighting his regiment almost from morning till night, without rest or food. He engaged the enemy on the left. Brigadier-General E. A. Carr, of Pea Ridge fame, commanded the 14th Division, and in his roll of honor he speaks thus of the 23d Iowa and its brave young commander: "The 23d Iowa, with its gallant commander, Lieutenant-Colonel S. L. Glasgow, behaved admirably."

The battle at Milliken's Bend, Louisiana, was the first in which Colonel Glasgow commanded his regiment with his new commission. These briefly are its antecedents. After Joe Johnson's defeat at Jackson, and Pemberton's at Champion's Hill and Big Black River Bridge; after Sherman had gained Haines' Bluff, and formed communication with the outside world by way of the Yazoo; Pemberton's grand army was shut fast in the very trap which for months the rebel papers had declared was set for Grant. This was all very mortifying, and the least that could now be done was to raise the siege. The enemy, however, boasted that they would capture Grant's army. To this end, Johnson, with troops sent him from nearly every corner of the Confederacy, was to strike the Federal army in the rear, while Holmes, at the same time or a little before, was to capture different points held by the Federal troops along the Mississippi River. Then, with the Mississippi blockaded, and his supplies and reinforcements cut off; with a valorous army in his rear, and a co-operating one in his front, Grant must surrender. This was what they boasted; but, had they released their friends, they would doubtless have felt amply compensated.

Among the points on the Mississippi to be attacked were Young's Point, Milliken's Bend and Lake Providence. Milliken's Bend was the only point where the fighting was severe.

How the 23d Iowa happened to be in the affair at Milliken's Bend is explained thus: The regiment, after the engagement at Big Black River Bridge, had been detailed as a portion of the troops to guard prisoners north, and had made its trip, and returned to Young's Point. On the afternoon of the 6th of June, word came from Milliken's Bend that the place was being threatened by the enemy; and, that evening, Colonel Glasgow received orders to proceed with his regiment to that point; for it was garrisoned by only a few colored troops. Arriving that night, the colonel reported to the commandant of the place, and was advised to retain his regiment on the boat, which he did. The commandant anticipated no serious attack.

When day-light broke a strange sight met the eye of the regiment. Standing on their boat they first saw commotion among the Federal troops on shore, and then looking across the broad, open fields that stretch back from Milliken's Bend for some half a mile, they saw emerging from the timber and at full run a long, rebel line of battle. Instantly Colonel Glasgow prepared to debark his regiment, a task always attended with irksome delay.

Back a few rods from the river bank is the Mississippi levee. The black troops were already stationed behind it; but between the enemy and the 23d Iowa there was a race to see who would first reach the place. The regiment, after landing, started on the run by the right flank and the right of it reached the levee just as the enemy came up on the opposite side. The left was still back, and as it came up the enemy poured into it a most deadly fire. The struggle which now followed, was of the most desperate character and the conduct of the 23d Iowa was gallant beyond description. The conflict became hand-to-hand, and to give an idea of its fierceness I will state that the person of Colonel Glasgow was bespattered with the blood and brains of his slaughtered men, beaten out with the clubbed muskets of the enemy. The contending forces were separated only by the levee and several hand-to-hand encounters took place on its top. In one instance, a powerful man of the 23d Iowa named John Virtue assaulted a rebel with his bayonet. The parties met on the top of the levee, and after a few parries each pierced the other through. They stood thus struggling when another soldier of the 23d Iowa, named Thomas McDowell, rushed on the rebel and beat his brains out with his musket. Virtue afterward died of his wound. The above is an actual occurrence. And thus the fighting continued until the arrival of the gun-boats from below, when after a few shots the enemy fled to the woods. The 23d Iowa lost in this engagement twenty-three killed and thirty-four wounded. Captain J. C. Brown and Lieutenant Downs were killed; and among the wounded were Major Houston, Captain Dewey and Lieutenants Carlton and Dewey. The regiment went into the engagement with not above one hundred and ten men. Its losses were frightful. At the same time the enemy attacked Milliken's Bend, other commands also attacked the posts at Lake Providence and Young's Point. At Young's Point there were but a few shots fired. A squad of one hundred or more convalescents were kept constantly on the march from one point to another, and thus threw the enemy from their reckoning. They thought the place was held by a large force, whereas there were few troops except these convalescents.

A few days after the fight at Milliken's Bend the 23d Iowa re-joined its brigade in rear of Vicksburg, where it remained until the fall of the city, and then marched under General Sherman on the second trip to Jackson. Next, it sailed with its brigade to Carrollton, Louisiana, and from that point marched on the expedition via Bayou Boeuf, Brashear City, Berwick Bay and Opelousas to Vermillionville. A history of this march will be found in the sketch of the 24th Iowa.

For a history of the voyage to the Texan coast in the fall of 1863, and to show the character of services of the 23d Iowa and the other Iowa troops of that division while stationed in that outside country, I quote from the history of one of the regiments of the 2d Brigade, (afterward of the 1st):

"On the 20th November proceeded down the river and crossed the bar into the Gulf of Mexico, at 9 A. M., of the 21st. On the 26th, after a stormy and perilous voyage, arrived at the mouth of the Rio Grande, and off Brazos Santiago, Texas. Here an attempt was made to land a portion of the troops at Point Isabel. The ship drawing too much water to cross the bar, five companies of the 11th Wisconsin were landed in small boats, but during the undertaking — a somewhat hazardous one — a storm arose, and the ship was compelled to put to sea again, leaving that portion of the troops landed at Point Isabel. On the evening of the 27th, we arrived off Mustang Island, seventy miles from Matagorda Bay, and the storm having somewhat abated, succeeded in landing the troops safely. On the 29th, proceeded on the expedition against Fort Esperanza, commanding the entrance to Matagorda Bay, crossed St. Joseph's and Matagorda Islands, and arrived at our destination December 1st. The enemy, having blown up their magazines, and abandoned their works the night previous, we encamped near the port of Saluria. December 2d, crossed Pass Cavallo, at the entrance of the bay, and went into camp on the Peninsula, at De Crou's Point. Remained at this place until January 3d, 1864, when proceeded to Indianola, up the bay, a distance of forty miles. The enemy occupied the town, but fled at the approach of the Union army. We were quartered in houses at Indianola about three weeks, when the brigade was ordered to Old Indianola, where it went into winter quarters. While at Old Indianola, the 1st and 2d Brigades were consolidated, and formed the 1st Brigade of the 1st Division ; the former commanded by Brigadier-General Fitz Henry Warren, and the latter successively by Generals Washburne, Dana, and Benton.

"On the 13th day of March, the troops evacuated the town and returned to Matagorda Island. All other troops of the 13th Army Corps having left the Island, the 1st Division under command of General Dana was assigned to the defenses of the coast at this point. * * * * * *

"On the 21st of April, was ordered to embark on board the steamers, and proceed on an expedition, under command of General Warren in person, to Port Lavacca, a distance of seventy miles from the mouth of the bay, and thirty miles above Indianola; the object of which was to obtain lumber for the completion of the forts, and other works already constructed on the island. We arrived in front of town at noon on the 23d instant, when the enemy, consisting of one company of Wall's cavalry, seeing the approach of the steamers, fled to the country. Port Lavacca is beautifully situated on the west bank of Lavacca Bay, and contained before the war nearly two thousand inhabitants."

On the receipt of the news of disaster to Banks up the Red River in the latter part of April, 1864, the Texan coast was abandoned by the chief portion of the Federal troops, they being ordered to report to that officer; for Banks had caught the bear, and he wanted reinforcements "to help him let go." The fleet bearing the command proceeded up the Red River as far as Fort De Russey. Here the river was found obstructed and the troops returning to its mouth disembarked. They remained in camp till Banks was about to work his way through to Simmsport when they proceeded to the latter place. But the history of these operations, and of those in which the 23d Iowa took part during the following Summer and Fall are void of much interest. Colonel Glasgow and the 23d Iowa have more recently distinguished themselves in the operations around Mobile. Leaving Morganzia on the 5th of January, 1865, the colonel proceeded with his regiment to Kennerville about twenty-five miles above New Orleans, and then prepared for the coming Spring Campaign. The 23d Iowa operated under Granger, and marched to the rear of Spanish Fort from Mobile Point, crossing Fish River at Danley's Mill or Ferry. With the 19th Iowa, 20th Wisconsin and 94th Illinois the 23d held the extreme left of the Federal line and in pushing its approaches toward Spanish Fort led every regiment of its division. Indeed General Granger issued orders I am told for it to cease work till the balance of his troops could dig their way up.

To show the zeal with which the officers and men worked, I give the following:

The country in which the left of Granger's command operated was a level sandy plain, and no one could rise from the trenches without being exposed to the fire of the enemy's sharp-shooters. In front of Colonel Glasgow's line, which was not more than seventy-five or eighty yards from the enemy's works, was a rail pen near which he was desirous to start a trench, to meet another, being dug on the left of his line.

To R. W. Cross, a gallant young officer, and some half-dozen of his men was entrusted this dangerous work. I need not add that it was successfully accomplished, only one man was wounded. The party were obliged to run nearly fifty yards under the enemy's fire, before reaching cover; the captain and each man carried a gun and shovel.

There is little more of special interest in the history of the 23d Iowa. After the fall of Mobile it accompanied the Federal forces to Texas. It will probably soon be mustered out of the service.

Without regard to his age, General Glasgow is one of the bravest and best officers of the volunteer service. He is tall and slender in person, has black hair and eyes, and a lively intelligent countenance. He is a much better looking man than his portrait represents.

I am told that in battle he is gallant in the extreme: that, if there is a charge to be made, he never sends, but leads his men. At Spanish Fort, he was anxious to assault the enemy, whom he believed to be evacuating the place; (which afterward proved true) but the brigade commander would not consent. " The ground is full of shells, and we shall be all blown to pieces." " Who cares for the shells?" replied Glasgow, "my regiment will follow me."

He is the model of a gallant, chivalric young officer.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 389-96

What a Memphis Paper Says --- Report of another Reliable Gentleman (?) &c.

CAIRO, April 23. – A gentleman has just arrived from Memphis with the Memphis Appeal of the 17th inst., from which I am allowed to extract the following:

In an editorial, devoted to the needs of the Mississippi valley, while acknowledging the danger of the success of the Federal flotilla, advises the employment of every one, black and white, to the extend of his ability, for defense, and advocates the construction of the most approved description of gunboats. Whatever can be done with wood and iron, and brain and muscle, must be done and done expeditiously.

The fearful mortality of Confederate officers in the recent battle of the west is explained by the fact that the enemy have organized bodies of sharpshooters whose assigned duty it is to pick all of the mean appearing on the field with plumes or epaulettes.

The Appeal advises the organizing of similar bodies of men in rebeldom.

The Federals had made no demonstration on the line of the Memphis and Ohio Railroad between Memphis and Union City; this road is operated to Taunton, Gibson county, only about 10 miles from Humboldt.

Capt. Bankhead, commanding Bankhead’s Confederate battery, when into the Shiloh battle with six pieces, and brought out twelve.

A report was current at Memphis by way of Corinth, that the Federals had abandoned Tennessee.

Gen. Prentiss, surrendered himself prisoner to private Simons, of Capt. Bethel’s company of the 22d Tennessee regiment, who conducted him to Col. Freeman; the Colonel received his sword and returning it introduced him to his regiment; when the regiment discovered the quality of their captive they vociferously cheered him. – Gen. Prentiss acknowledged the compliment by doffing his hat, and in a polite, set manner said: “Boys you have a right to cheer, for you fought like tigers.”

The Appeal says that the Confederate losses are enormously exaggerated. The killed will not exceed one thousand and their wounded five hundred, and their prisoners eight hundred, and ascribes their defeat to whisky found in the federal encampment on Sunday night.

Beauregard was not wounded, as reported by the Federal press.

The Remains of Gen. A. S. Johnston, after laying in state two days in the city Hall, were on Monday, the 14th inst., placed in the fault of the St. Louis Cemetery of New Orleans.

Our informant left Memphis the 17th, and on a pass managed to reach Humboldt, when he received safe conduct to Trenton, the present terminus of the Memphis and Ohio Railroad; from here he walked to Union City and Hickman. – There are no forces of either belligerents at Union City. From Hickman he came to this city on the Desoto. He represents that the existence of a Union sentiment at Memphis is all bosh.

Since the passage of the conscription bill by the Confederate Congress, all males between 18 and 35 have joined the army. There is no impressments; the people enter upon this service with zeal and ardor.

Business is almost entirely suspended, except in that class of goods needed for the army. – Confederate money is current, and readily taken at par in exchange for goods. There is no other money afloat.

Three gunboats were being constructed at Memphis, two of which, the Arkansas and Beauregard, would be finished in a week; the other would require a month to complete it. – The Arkansas is plated with two thicknesses of railroad iron, placed transversely, and is alone considered more than a match for the combined Federal flotilla. The Beauregard is a wooden boat with 30 inches of compressed cotton placed between heavy wooden timbers 18 inches thick, making a resistance to our shot of over five feet of wood and cotton. This they also consider impregnable. The rebels are thoroughly informed as to the construction of our boats, and think they have discovered and averted their weak pointes. Their boats are built upon a different model – are long and narrow, furnished with engines of enormous power, with all the modern improvements, and provided at the prow a la Merrimac.

He reports 18,000 in the rear of the Chickasaw bluffs, and throwing up intrenchments to provide against anticipated attack in the rear. The country back of the bluffs is now inundated.

Gen. Bragg is at Corinth. Gen. Price is to take command of Fort Pillow.

At Memphis the burning of the city is still discussed. The general impression seems to be that it will not be attempted. Cotton, tobacco, molasses and sugar is gathered in enormous piles upon the levee, and will be consigned to the flames upon the appearance of the federal fleet above Memphis.

The steamer DeSoto, just arrived from below, brings the first shipment of cotton from the valley of the Mississippi to northern ports since the war commenced.

Island No. 10 is to be fortified in accordance with plans from the War Department.

The DeSoto brings no intelligence of interest. The firing was resumed on Tuesday slowly and moderately; when the steamer left an expedition was being planned from the fleet to make a reconnioisance somewhere in the vicinity – destination unknown.

The 2d Illinois volunteers arrived from camp Dubois; they were assigned to this post in obedience to the request of Gen. Strong. Another regiment will speedily follow.

Now news from Pittsburg.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

SEE THE “X.”

We will hereafter mark an X on papers to indicate that the time of subscription is nearly or quite expired; and when subscribers wish to continue they will remit immediately.

The City Council [equ]alizes today.

Harry Hills says he sells cheaper than any other man in the city. Try him.

SPRING OPENING. – The ladies will be pleased to learn that Miss King will be ready to-morrow to exhibit her new supply of spring and summer bonnets. They are invited to call.

THE RIVER. – The river opposite continues to fall slowly. The Warsaw is the regular packet for St. Louis, and the Jonny Whipple for Davenport, this morning.

THE DES MOINES. – After the late heavy rains the Des Moines was rising again on Tuesday – over a foot at Des Moines and about six inches at Eddyville. The locks are still overflowed.

The K. Ft. D. M. & M. R. R. is repaid so that trains run through on time from end to end. Large freight trains come in daily.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Wednesday, April 16, 1862

COLONEL WILLIAM H. KINSMAN

SECOND COLONEL, TWENTY-THIRD INFANTRY.

William H. Kinsman, the successor of Colonel Dewey to the colonelcy of the 23d Iowa Infantry, was born in Nova Scotia, in the year 1832. More of his early history I have been unable to learn, except that, when about twenty years of age, he went to sea, and passed some three years in voyaging. He inherited nothing from his parents; nor did he ever receive any pecuniary assistance from his friends; but, by his diligence and economy, he collected a few hundred dollars, and, with this to defray his expenses, he entered the Columbia County Academy, New York. In 1857, he left that institution, and went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended one course of lectures in the law school of that city.

Early in 1858, he left Cleveland to seek a location in the West, and in May of the same year arrived in Council Bluffs, having crossed the entire State of Iowa on foot. In Council Bluffs he was a total stranger, and, what seemed worse, had no money; but he had energy, integrity and ability — a most excellent inheritance, and a sure guarantee of success. Soon after arriving at Council Bluffs, he obtained a situation in the law office of Clinton & Baldwin, where, passing his time as student and clerk, he remained till the fall of 1858. In 1858, he was admitted to the bar of the Pottawattamie District Court. For a short time after, he taught school in Council Bluffs, and at the same time wrote for the press of that city; for he had no means and could not afford to practice his profession.

In the winter of 1858-9, was the Pike's Peak gold mines excitement, and he resolved to visit that new region. That he was moneyless, by no means discouraged him: he could make the journey on foot. He therefore packed his scanty wardrobe in a knapsack made for the occasion, and, bidding his friends good-bye, left Council Bluffs for Denver, on foot. He made the trip, visited the mines and all the interesting and important localities of the country, and in the following Fall returned to Council Bluffs. If we except the experience he gained, he came back no richer than he went; but he lost nothing, and thousands were less fortunate than he. While absent in the mines, he corresponded with his friends through the Council Bluffs "Nonpareil;" and his letters, during this time, constituted a new feature of interest in that live and valuable paper.

Mr. Kinsman was in Council Bluffs at the outbreak of the rebellion, and at once volunteered. He also assisted in raising the first company that went out from Pottawattamie county. On its organization, he was elected its 2d lieutenant: I believe that General G. M. Dodge was its- captain. This company was afterward assigned to the 4th Iowa Infantry, and made Company B, of that regiment. At Rolla, Missouri, he was promoted to a captaincy, and with that rank fought at the battle of Pea Ridge. He was detached from his regiment in that engagement, and, with two companies (his own and one from the 24th Missouri Infantry) deployed as skirmishers, covered the left wing of the army. For his vigilance and firmness he was afterward handsomely complimented by Colonel, now General Dodge. Captain Kinsman was appointed by the President, in July 1863, assistant adjutant-general to General G. M. Dodge; but declining the commission he continued with his regiment until the 2d of the following August, when he was promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the 23d Iowa Infantry. He joined the regiment at its rendezvous in Des Moines, and served with it till the death of Colonel Dewey, when he succeeded to the colonelcy.

During the winter of 1862-3, the 23d Iowa Infantry was attached to the Army of South East Missouri; but in the early Spring it broke camp and proceeded to Milliken's Bend, whence it marched on the exciting campaign that resulted in the capture of Vicksburg. The close of that campaign Colonel Kinsman was destined never to see. On this march the 23d Iowa was attached to the division of Carr, of the 13th Army Corps, which first crossed the Mississippi River at Bruinsburg, and led the advance through the enemy's country to the rear of Vicksburg. Port Gibson was the regiment's first battle; and in that engagement its loss was thirty-one killed and wounded. Six were killed. Among the wounded were Captain Henry and Lieutenant Ballard.

With its division the 23d Iowa was in reserve at Champion's Hill; but at Big Black River Bridge, on the 17th of May, 1863, it most signally distinguished itself. It lost many brave officers and men, and among others its noble colonel.

How General Pemberton, under orders from Joe Johnson, left Vicksburg with nearly his entire army to strike and crush General Grant; and how Grant, divining his plans, turned back on him at Champion's Hill, and with a force less by one-half than the enemy's, not only defeated, but put him to total rout, is well known. On the heels of the battle of Champion's Hill was that of Big Black River Bridge. Its account will be read with interest. I will first quote from the official report of General Grant:

"At day-light on the 17th, the pursuit was renewed with McClernand's Corps in the advance. The enemy was found strongly posted on both sides of the Black River. At this point on Black River, the bluffs extended to the water's edge, on the west bank. On the east side is an open cultivated bottom of near one mile in width, surrounded by a bayou of stagnant water, from two to three feet in depth, and from ten to twenty feet in width, from the river above the railroad to the river below."

"Following the inside line of this bayou, the enemy had constructed rifle-pits, with the bayou to serve as a ditch on the outside, and immediately in front of them. Carr's Division occupied the right in investing this place, and Lawler's Brigade, the right of his division. After a few hours' skirmishing, Lawler discovered that, by moving a portion of his brigade under cover of the river bank, he could get a position from which that place could be successfully assaulted, and ordered a charge accordingly. Notwithstanding the level ground over which a portion of his troops had to pass without cover, and the great obstacle of the ditch in front of the enemy's works, the charge was gallantly and successfully made; and in a few minutes the entire garrison, with seventeen pieces of artillery, were the trophies of this brilliant and daring movement."

It is to be remembered that the direction of Grant's march was from the east. The general course of the Big Black River is nearly south-west; but, just above the railroad bridge, it runs nearly east and west. At the point where the bayou of which General Grant speaks puts out, the river bears round to the left, and forms a great bend, at the lower point of which the bayou again unites with the river. The enemy were behind this bayou, and had the river on their right and left, and in their rear. Near the middle of this bend, the river is spanned by the railroad bridge and on its farther side the high ground, which comes squarely up to its bank, was held by the enemy and defended by artillery.

Along the bank of the river on the side where the Federal troops were in position was a belt of timber, in which the right of Carr's Division rested: the 23d Iowa was the extreme right regiment. With this exception, the country in front of the enemy was open. The 21st and 23d Iowa regiments made the charge, supported by the 22d Iowa and the 11th Wisconsin.

The position of the two leading regiments just before advancing on the enemy's works was in the timber and nearly parallel with the river bank; and the movement was to be effected by a grand and rapid right wheel, which, as soon as the open field was gained, would throw the troops under a most murderous fire of musketry and artillery. Eighteen cannon were in position on the east side of the river, in addition to those on the opposite bluff. The infantry force of the enemy could not have been less than five thousand; for over two thousand were captured. Had they not fled like base cowards, how could there have been a survivor in the two leading regiments? This then was the position, and the determination and valor which carried it could have been scarcely less than that which sealed Fort Donelson.

Colonel Merrill of the 21st Iowa, and Colonel Kinsman of the 23d, were to lead their regiments, and, at the request of Colonel Merrill, Colonel Kinsman, who held the inner line, was to give the former notice of the moment to move. Soon all was in readiness, and notice was dispatched by an orderly.

Placing himself now in the front and centre of his regiment, Colonel Kinsman said: "Captains, lead your companies, and I will lead you." The shout was now raised, and the heroes started on the double-quick, with their guns thrown forward, as is usual in a charge. What a moment of agony was it till the enemy opened fire! But the storm of death was not long deferred. There was a sudden crash along the whole rebel line, and instantly a purple cloud of smoke enveloped the enemy's breast-works. All anxiety was now gone: the killed and wounded dropped upon the ground, while the others, closing up their ranks, pressed on to victory.

Colonel Kinsman had not advanced far till he was struck by a minnie ball in the abdomen, which felled him. Immediately rising, he said: — "They have not killed me yet," and still moved on; but he had advanced only a few yards further, when he was shot again — this time through the lungs. He fell, mortally wounded; but he said to his regiment as it passed him: — "Go on, go on, I can not go with you further."

Beneath a tree, and near where he fell, Colonel Kinsman died. "Bury me," he said, "on the battle-field, and tell my friends I did not falter." And thus fell Colonel Kinsman — of the Iowa colonels the third, who, at that time, had been killed in battle. The country was not his by birth, nor the cause by inheritance; and yet he gave his life in their vindication. What a lesson is his example and devotion to the base men who have struck hands with the Nation's fratricides! How they will covet the glory that will bear his name down to posterity! He died to save the country — his, only by choice.

But, though Colonel Kinsman fell, his regiment did not falter; for his last command had been, "Go on, go on." The enemy, apalled [sic] by such bravery, broke in confusion. They all had to cross the bridge, and before that could be accomplished two thousand of them were captured, Colonel Kinsman and Colonel Merrill each led their regiment in the charge: the former was mortally, and the latter severely wounded. Many other brave men fell. The loss of the 23d Iowa alone was more than one hundred. But the enemy had been routed, and a safe and unmolested passage secured over Big Black River. From that time forward, the history of the 23d Iowa has been made under Colonel Glasgow.

I never saw Colonel Kinsman, but learn that he was a man of middle size, erect, and well formed. He had fine, brown hair, blue eyes, a full, high forehead and regular features. The expression of his countenance was frank and pleasing. He was of a very sociable and sensitive nature, and made a fast friend. In civil life, he never bent his energies long in any one direction; some prophesied he would meet with great success at the bar. As a soldier, he stood among the first the State has sent to the war.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 383-8

A Scamp About

A deserted wife advertises her husband in a Rock Island paper. The gentleman it seems is 33 years old, has black hair, black eyes, weighs 140 pounds and is know as J. L. Markey and is supposed to be in Keokuk with his kitchen girl, who ran off with the gay Lothario. His inamorta has black eyes, black hair, heavy eyebrows, and is lame in the right foot. The Keokuk authorities are requested to arrest them.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Wednesday, April 16, 1862

The Wounded Coming

We learn that Col. Rankin received a dispatch yesterday from St. Louis, notifying him that a large number of wounded solders were on the way here, and to have the Hospital in readiness. It was also reported that Col. Reid, Major Belknap and others were expected here tonight.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Wednesday, April 16, 1862

The 17th Regiment

The last Company of the 17th was mustered in yesterday, and the regiment is now full. It is ordered by Gen. Halleck to Pittsburg, and will leave on Friday morning. – Keokuk Gate City, 17th.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 19, 1862, p. 2

The [facetous] editor of the Dubuque Herald says . . .

. . . that if the President approve[s] of the act to emancipate the slaves in the District of Columbia, it will be “inconsistent with every declaration of his life on the subject of which this act treats!” Father Mahony seems to have had an idea that ‘Old Abe’ was something of a secessionist. We refer him to the President’s message we published yesterday. Mahony is alarmed; he says if the president sign[s] this “entering wedge,” there is “no hope for the preservation of the Union, except it be by the direct intervention of the people for its salvation. For “Union” in this sentence, read “Slavery,” and you have our pro-slavery contemporary right on the record.

– Published in Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 19, 1862, p. 2

From Southern Missouri

DESOLATION OF THE COUNTRY.

(Special Cor. To the Missouri Dem.)

Rock House Creek, Mo., April 6.

The advance guard of our army, under Gen. Osterhaus, camped at this point last evening, having marched twenty miles from their old camp at Cross Timbers. – The people in this vicinity are mostly Union, there being but three secessionists on this road from Cassville to Flat Creek. I stopped with a good Union man last night and found several of his neighbors present, all anxious to be informed whether our army was going to leave them to the tender mercies of the secessionists. – They said no money could hire them to endure the constant annoyance submitted to last summer. They were obliged to leave their families and crops suffering, and shelter themselves for days and weeks in the bush to get out of reach of the rebels. Bands of outlaws frequently came down from Cassville and would rob Union men of everything in their houses; blankets, bread, bacon, &c., and if they caught the owner he would be taken to Cassville under a strong guard. In consequence of uncertainties of the future and unquiet state of the country, but a few are making any preparations to put in crops. Farms are laid waste and fences burned up along the main road, and Union men are discouraged. The secessionists have mostly gone South with their negroes. Some Union people have not only abandoned the idea of making crops, but are setting there waiting, intending to forsake all and emigrate to a place of safety.

The wounded are doing well at Cassville. The Court House and all prominent stores are being used as hospitals, it being a fortunate circumstance for them that the owners of the principal buildings had stampeded from the town.

On the 30th and expedition consisting of cavalry and two mountain howitzers reconnoitered the country about Huntsville. At the latter place it was found that a force of rebel cavalry, whom we intended to bag, had made good their retreat.

The flag planted by Gen. Curtis at Keitsville was ruthlessly torn down, but was recently brought in, and when last seen was floating over the Provost Marshall’s office at Cassville.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Tuesday, April 15, 1862

Another Act of Justice

Mr. Sumner’s bill, to remove all disabilities of color, in persons employed in carrying the mails, was taken up a few days since and passed without debate, yeas 24; nays 11. The Pittsburg Gazette says truly, that never, certainly of late years, ahs a bill opposed to the prejudice of race met with such a reception as this. It was introduced quietly, quietly referred to the Post Office Committee, reported back by Senator Collamer, and passed, as if it were a measure affecting only white people.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 19, 1862, p. 2

COLONEL WILLIAM DEWEY

FIRST COLONEL, TWENTY-THIRD INFANTRY.

William Dewey, the original colonel of the 23d Iowa Infantry, and a son of the late Hon. Charles Dewey, a former Judge of the Supreme Bench of Indiana, was born on the 26th day of March, 1811, in the town of Sheffield, Massachusetts. He was educated at the West Point Military Academy, but was not, I think, a graduate of the Institution. After leaving West Point, he studied law in the office of his father, and was admitted to the bar in Indiana, in about the year 1836. He practiced the law for a few years, and then abandoned that profession for medicine, which he studied at the St. Louis Medical College. He completed his medical studies in about the year 1842, and soon after came to Iowa, and settled in Wapello county.

In 1850 Colonel Dewey served as one of the commissioners, who were appointed from Iowa to settle the boundary line between Missouri and this State; after which he removed to Sidney, Fremont County. He practiced medicine in Sidney, till the summer of 1861, when, in connection with Colonel H. T. Reid, he assisted in recruiting and organizing the 15th Iowa Infantry. He was made lieutenant-colonel of that regiment, on the 6th of November, 1861, and, early in the following Spring, accompanied it to Pittsburg Landing. The 15th Iowa reached the Landing on Sunday morning, the 6th of April, just as the battle was opening, and was ordered to report to General Prentiss. All order however was lost before it reached the front, and, really, the regiment fought on its own account and independently of the orders of General officers.

Lieutenant-Colonel Dewey served with the 15th Iowa during the siege of Corinth, and until the 1st of August, 1862, when he was commissioned colonel of the 23d Iowa Infantry. He soon joined his regiment at its rendezvous in Des Moines.

The 23d Iowa was first stationed at Patterson, Missouri: indeed, that was the only point at which it served during the life of Colonel Dewey; for he died at that place on the 30th of November, 1862, of erysipelas. His affair at Pittman's Ferry, on Currant River, is the only one that approached to any thing like an engagement during his colonelcy of the 23d Iowa, and that resulted in little more than a long, fatiguing march.

The colonel was a tall, slender man, with gray eyes and spare features. He was not at first popular with his regiment. He was strict and exacting in his discipline, which did not accord with the democratic notions of his men.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 381-2

The Old North State Proposes to Surrender

BALTIMORE, April 24. – It is reported that Gen. Burnside has received proposals from the Governor of North Carolina for the surrender of the state.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

Latest from Cairo

CAIRO, April 23. – It is reported that the Mound City hospital is to be suspended until after the waters subside. Sewers to be opened &c., the sick and wounded to be transferred to other hospitals.

A Steamboat expedition across the bottom above the city has succeeded in effecting a junction with the railroad at the Iron bridge some six miles above Cairo. Very little change in the state of water.

The steamer Tigress just arrived from Pittsburg Landing. Officers of the 12th Iowa on board report the water lower than a month ago. The have but twelve effective men left, of their regiment.

Arrivals from Com. Foote bring nothing interesting. Nothing new from the army.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

From the Rappahannock

WASHINGTON, April 23. – The King Phillip has arrived at the Navy Yard this morning, and reports the Vicksburg as having cautiously passed through the five sunken obstructions below that town.

Our Flotilla has captured seven rebel schooners, one of them with a valuable cargo of dry goods, medicines, and saltpetre, and also two small steamers.

It is further stated that the rebel pickets are occasionally seen on the south side of the river.

Our troops still command the possession of Fredericksburg, the residents of which are entirely free in their usual business pursuits.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

From Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY, April 19. – The Legislature of the State of Deseret assembled in this city on the 14th, in accordance of the proclamation of Governor Young. The Governor’s Message is patriotic. Two Senators have been elected.

SALT LAKE CITY, April 22. – The Indians have stolen the stock from nearly every station between Laramie and Bridger, killed several men, burned a station and threaten the destruction of the Overland Mail Company’s property. The Company, in consequence, are concentrating their employees and property at a few stations for protection and have abandoned all attempts to carry mail for the present.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

From New Mexico

(Correspondence of M. Republican)

FT. UNION, NEW MEXICO, April 13. – Colonel Slough, after the battle of [Apache Canyon], fell back and took position at Bernal Springs, 45 miles south of Fort Union. This was deemed the strategetical [sic] point, being within supporting distance of Ft. Union, and in a position to harass the enemy, and to form a junction with Col. Canby when he shall leave Ft. Craig, 200 miles south. We had been there one day, when Col. Canby sent from Fort Craig, his Assistant Ad’jt General, with preemptory orders to Col. Slough to fall back with his column to Ft. Union, which was immediately observed.

It would seem that we crippled the enemy in the Apache [Canyon] more than was believed at first. We have reliable information that we killed over 100 men, including 6 officers, and wounded over 200.

We have now prisoners at Ft. Union 21 officers and 82 privates.

The enemy fell back to Santa Fe and are again, it is believed, concentrating in their old position at Albuquerque.

Yesterday an express arrived from Colonel [Canby], stating that he would leave Ft. Craig on the 31st of March.

If the enemy is still in the vicinity of [Albuquerque], with ordinary traveling Col. Canby is in their immediate vicinity and his column 180 miles from [Albuquerque] will only leave this morning. He will be unsupported by this column, and with 900 regulars will have to encounter their forces unless he can slip by and join the column which leaves here this morning.

It is understood that Kit Carson with a regiment of New Mexican volunteers, 700 strong will remain and garrison Fort Craig. It is rumored that Colonels Stute and Busler of the rebel army are advancing into New [Mexico] with 800 additional men.

Important events will probably occur before the next Express leaves for the States.

A well authenticated report has since reached here that the Texan forces, 2,000 strong, are entrenching themselves at Santa Fe. Colonel Canby having strengthened his command up to 1200 is fifty miles south of Santa Fe. This may enable our two commands to act together, and make us 2400. If this is the case we will have one of the bloodiest battles of record.

The enemy’s artillery numbers about 18 Pieces, ours 12 pieces.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

National Cemetery

Washington, April 13.

The Military committee of the House have a report ready, establishing a National Cemetery in the District of Columbia.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Tuesday, April 15, 1862

The River

DUBUQUE, April 23. – River rising three inches in twenty-four hours – six feet below high water mark.

CLINTON, IOWA, April 23. – The Mississippi fell five inches since it commenced falling – is now at a stand.

ROCK ISLAND, April 23. – The river has fallen six inches during the last twenty-four hours. – [Weather] cold and cloudy.

CLINTON, Iowa, April 24 – the river has raised 1 inch since yesterday.

DUBUQUE, April 24. – River still rising; rose 1 inch in the last 24 hours.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

COLONEL HARVEY GRAHAM

SECOND COLONEL, TWENTY-SECOND INFANTRY.

Harvey Graham was born in the year 1827, in the State of Pennsylvania. He is an old resident of Iowa City, and entered the service from that place; but, of the time he first came to the State, I am unadvised. He is a mill-wright by trade.

Colonel Graham's connection with the volunteer service dates from the beginning of the war. He was one of the first men from Johnson county to enter the army, in the spring of 1861. He was the 1st Lieutenant of Company B, 1st Iowa Infantry, and commanded his company at the battle of Wilson's Creek, where he was slightly wounded. On the organization of the 22d Iowa Infantry, he was commissioned major of the regiment, and, a few days later, was promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy, vice John A. Garrett, promoted to the colonelcy of the 40th Iowa. He served with his regiment as lieutenant-colonel till the resignation of Colonel, now Governor Stone, when he was commissioned colonel.

Subsequently to the fall of Vicksburg and up to July, 1864, the history of the 22d Iowa is much the same as are those of the 21st and 23d Iowa Regiments. It served in Louisiana, and on the Texan coast. But in July, 1864, it was one of the three Iowa regiments that were transferred to the Shenandoah Valley. At the time it sailed for that destination, there were other Iowa troops under orders for the same place; but the unsettled condition of affairs in Arkansas demanded their services, and the orders, as regarded them, were revoked.

The following is from the history of the 22d Iowa, which appears in the Adjutant-General's Reports for the year 1865:

"The 13th Army Corps having been temporarily discontinued by the War Department, the 22d Iowa was ordered to report to General Reynolds at New Orleans. Embarked on transports, reached New Orleans July 6th, and was ordered into camp at Algiers, Louisiana. Here was assigned to the Second Brigade of General Grover's (second) Division, 19th Army Corps. The Second Brigade consisted of the 131st and 159th New York, 13th Connecticut, and 3d Massachusetts Cavalry, and was afterward joined by the 22d Iowa and 11th Indiana, and was commanded by Colonel E. L. Molineaux, of the 159th New York.

"The 19th Army Corps, as reorganized, comprised three divisions: 1st, General Dwight's, composed of Eastern troops exclusively; 2d, General Grover's, of five Western regiments and the remainder Eastern troops; 3d, General Lawler's, of Western troops. The 1st and 2d Divisions having been ordered to report to Washington, D. C., the 22d Iowa, with the 131st and 159th New York, embarked on the 17th of July on the steamship Cahawba, and, after a voyage void of incident, arrived at Fortress Monroe on the 24th of July, and anchored in Hampton Roads. Weighed anchor on the 25th at eight A. M., and proceeded up James River. Dis-embarked at Bermuda Hundreds Landing, and after marching seven miles joined the forces of General Butler.

" The 22d Iowa, and 131st and 159th New York, being the only regiments of the division ordered to this place, the other portion of it having gone direct to Washington, they were temporarily attached to General Terry's Division of General Birney's Corps, and placed on duty in the trenches extending across the peninsula from the James to the Appomattox, occupying a portion of the line in General Butler's front until the 31st, when orders were received to report at Washington. Marched at two o'clock A. M., and reached Bermuda Hundreds Landing at day-light; embarked on transport Wenona, and steamed down the James river to Fortress Monroe and from thence up the Potomac to Washington, arriving at noon on the 1st of August.

From Washington the regiment marched to the Shenandoah, joining Sheridan at Berryville, at mid-night — August 18th. Sheridan was at the time falling back before Early; and, for a month after the arrival of the 19th Corps, he did little more than watch his opportunity and maneuver in the face of the enemy. Nor were his maneuvers fruitless; for, during this time, he parried Early's second contemplated raid into Pennsylvania. Finally, the rebel Kershaw's Division leaving Early for Richmond, Sheridan promptly assumed the offensive. He was at the time lying intrenched, near Berryville, while Early was on the west side of Opequan Creek, and near Winchester. The advance was begun before day-light on the morning of the 19th of September, over the Winchester and Berryville pike, and the enemy encountered across the Opequan, shortly before ten o'clock. The 6th Corps led the advance, or rather followed close on the heels of the cavalry, sent forward to open up a crossing over the Opequan.

The battle of Winchester or Opequan, says a captain of the 19th Corps who fought on the same ground with the 22d Iowa, was after this plan:

"A narrow ravine, winding among hills so steep and thickly wooded as to be impassable for any troops but light infantry, debouches into an irregular, undulating valley, faced on the south by an amphitheatre of stony hights, laid, with regard to each other, like detached fortifications. The object of Sheridan was to pass through this ravine, deploy in the valley, amuse the enemy's right, fight his centre vigorously, and turn and force his left. The object of Early was to allow us to deploy up to a certain extent; then to beat in our attacking columns, and throw them back in confusion on the line of advance; lastly, to ruin us by pushing his strong left through our right, and reaching the gorge, so as to cut off our retreat. To effect this final purpose, his line was not drawn up at right angles to the pike, but diagonally to it, so as to bring his left near to our vital debouching point."

The 6th Corps, as already stated, encountered the enemy about ten o'clock. Emerging from the ravine, they swung rapidly down against the enemy's right, in two lines of battle, and gained the position assigned, without much hard fighting. The position of the 19th Corps was in the centre, and the ground it was to take and hold involved the severest fighting of the day. It was to break back the rebel centre, and secure a position that would enable the 8th Corps to move up and against the enemy's left. It was the key to all positions — the place of supreme importance, which, if not taken, would insure a repulse, and, if not held when taken, would insure disastrous defeat.

The fighting had already begun, as the 22d Iowa neared the Opequan; and, as they pressed on at a rapid pace through the narrow, crowded highway, wounded men, lying pale and quiet upon their bloody stretchers, were frequently met. Soon the creek was reached and crossed, and line of battle formed, when the struggle with the 19th Corps began. The fortunes of the 22d Iowa in this battle were, I am told, the same as those of other regiments of its division. It was at first successful, driving the enemy back under one of the most destructive fires ever witnessed, and was then in turn as signally repulsed. Finally, it rallied, and when the enemy's left was assailed by the intrepid Crook, joined in pressing their centre to total rout. It was a dear, but most signal victory. I again quote from the history of the regiment: "It would be impossible to make any discrimination among officers or men for gallant and meritorious conduct in this action. The regiment never fought better. Not a man faltered or fell back, although it required more than momentary excitement to charge over a mile, and subjected to a heavy fire. None lacked the courage and determination to do so. Captain D. J. Davis, of Company A, and Captain B. D. Parks, Company E, were instantly killed at the head of their companies, and at the post of honor. Sergeant-Major George A. Remley, as noble as he was brave, was pierced with three balls, and fell dead. Lieutenant-Colonel E. G. White was slightly wounded in the face by the explosion of a shell. Lieutenant James A. Boarts was severely wounded in the head by a Minnie-ball, and has since died. Lieutenants Jones, of Company A, and Hull, of Company K, were both captured. Colonel Graham, Lieutenant-Colonel White, Major Gearkee, Captains Mullins, Humphrey, Cree, Clark, Shocker, Hartley and Morsman, and Lieutenants Turnbull, Davis, Needham, Messenger and Chandler, are all entitled to great praise for their gallantry throughout the battle in encouraging and rallying the men to the colors. Surgeon Shrader was on the field during the engagement, and was indefatigable in his exertions to care for the wounded. Quarter-master Sterling, Hospital-Steward Ealy, and Commissary-Sergeant Brown rendered efficient service in carrying off the wounded, and conducting the ambulances to different parts of the field, and can not be too highly commended. The total loss of the regiment in this action was one hundred and nine killed, wounded and missing."

Next came the pursuit and the engagement at Fisher's Hill, and then the pursuit to Harrisonburg. At Fisher's Hill, the regiment took a conspicuous part, charging in company with the 28th Iowa, and 128th New York, the strong works of the enemy, and capturing a six-gun battery and many prisoners.

The bloody and well-nigh disastrous affair at Cedar Creek, is thus given by Adjutant Samuel D. Pryce, the regiment's excellent historian:

"On the night of the 18th instant, the 22d Iowa, with the brigade under Colonel Mollineaux, was ordered to be ready to move at five o'clock on the coming morning, on a reconnoissance in the direction of Strasburg, to ascertain the force and develop the lines of the enemy. Accordingly, at the hour designated, the brigade was in line ready to move, when the enemy suddenly attacked the extreme left flank of the army, consisting of the 8th Corps, taking them completely by surprise, and routing them from their works, and before day-light had succeeded in throwing their entire army in the rear of the 6th and 19th Corps. At this juncture, the 22d Iowa was detached, and double-quicked one-half mile to save a battery from capture, and also to protect it until it could take up a new position. We had not, however, reached to within two hundred yards of the ground, when it was ascertained that the enemy had possession of the guns, and were charging over their works. The regiment opened fire, and held its ground against the force, checking their advance, but were obliged to fall back and join the brigade, to save being isolated and captured. In this retreat, the regiment retained its organization, and rallied four times alone, each time checking the advance of the enemy. The army fell back gradually for three miles in the direction of Winchester, when, General Sheridan arriving on the field, the troops re-formed, and preparations were made to retrieve the disaster of the morning. General Sheridan rode along the line, reviewed the troops, and then ordered an advance on the enemy's lines. In the advance, the Western regiments were formed together in one line, and the duty of changing the fortune of the day confided to their intrepid courage. The enemy met the advance with stubborn resistance, but were compelled to give way before the tremendous fighting of General Grover's Division of the 19th Corps. The enemy fell back to a line of breast-works, thrown up by them in the morning to provide against a reverse, where they attempted to make a stand to resist the fierce and determined attack of the Western troops, who, with a deafening cheer, again charged them, routing them from their breast-works, and driving them in confusion in every direction. The disaster of the morning had been turned into a victory, and the army, inspired with success, pursued the routed enemy, driving them through the camp occupied in the morning, and over Cedar Creek, capturing thousands of prisoners, and a great portion of their trains and artillery. The cavalry took up the pursuit, making heavy additional captures, rendering the defeat of the enemy the most disastrous during the campaign. The total loss of the regiment in this hardly-contested battle was seventy-seven killed, wounded and missing.

Among the wounded of the 22d Iowa, in the battle of Cedar Creek, were Captains L. F. Mullin, A. B. McCree and Charles Hartley, and Lieutenants E. F. Dudley and N. C. Messenger. Captain G. W. Clark was captured.

When Sherman left Savannah and Beaufort, on his march northward, the 22d Iowa, with its division, left the Shenandoah Valley for Eastern Georgia; but all the chief points of interest in the regiment's history have been already given.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 375-80