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CHAPTER XIX.

VOYAGE TO PENSACOLA, FLORIDA - OPERATIONS AGAINST MOBILE - "POOR WHITE TRASH" - ASSAULT AND CAPTURE OF FORT BLAKELY - OCCUPATION OF MOBILE BY OUR FORCES - ON DUTY AS PROVOST GUARD - PROMOTIONS AND CHANGES - MUSTERED OUT - RETURN HOME - CONCLUSION.

The reader who has followed me thus far in my efforts to portray some of the scenes incident to the services of a regiment passing continually through successive campaigns, will doubtless pardon me if I now accompany my comrades, and endeavor imperfectly to sketch their gallant participation in the closing scenes of the struggle. Their record, in common with that of their associates in arms, is now become a record of glory - marred by no blot of shame, and belongs therefore to the public and to posterity. My only regret is that some more able writer than myself had not assumed the task.

I need not follow them in detail on the various marches, campings, embarkations, etc., which characterized their movements from Duval's Bluffs to Mobile Bay, and final landing on the coast of Florida, because they were all similar in character to those heretofore described.

I am under obligations to Lieut. J. WILKINS MOORE, of Company G, the popular correspondent of the Davenport Gazette, for information which enables me to give

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the subsequent services of the regiment up to the time of its muster out of the service and arrival at home.

The forces in the field, operating against Mobile were under command of Major-General STEELE. The 20th Iowa were placed in the 3d Brigade of the 2d Division 13th Army Corps, under command of Col. MOORE, 83d Ohio; the Division commander was Brig. Gen. C. C. ANDREWS.

The 20th of March, 1865, found them moving north from Pensacola, Florida, on a road running parallel with the line of the Mobile and Great Northern Railroad - through rain and mud - building bridges, wading creeks, and throwing corduroy roads across swamps and bayous - until the 25th of March, when indications of resistance by the enemy was first detected.

On the 25th they moved at daybreak, and about 10 o'clock, A. M., skirmishing was heard in advance (which continued throughout the day,) between a portion of the cavalry of Gen. STEELE'S forces and a force of rebels under command of Brig. Gen. CLANTON. The rebels were defeated with a loss of several killed and wounded, and a large number of prisoners, among whom were Gen. CLANTON himself; and sixteen other officers. Our regiment resumed its march on the 26th and encamped in vicinity of Pollard, a station on the Mobile and Great Northern Railroad. The 2d brigade, however, moved into that place, where they captured a telegraph operator, and destroyed some three miles of railroad track; they also burned the rebel commissary buildings in the

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town, after which the greater portion of the troops returned to camp. A cavalry force consisting of detachments from the 1st Florida, 2d Maine, 2d New York and 2d Illinois, returned the same evening from an expedition in the direction of Montgomery, having penetrated as far as Evergreen Station, where they captured two trains of cars loaded with supplies destined for the garrison at Mobile, together with 150 rebel soldiers.

On the 27th the 3d brigade moved to "Canoe Station" where eleven prisoners were captured. The troops were here placed upon half rations. On the 28th the 20th Iowa were detailed on fatigue duty and returned some three miles on the route of march of the previous day, where they were put to work building corduroy roads to enable the artillery and wagon trains to reach camp. They were relieved, however, at noon, and were turned to Canoe Station, after having the following complimentary order read to them:

HEADQUARTERS 2D DIV. 13TH ARMY CORPS, IN THE FIELD, March 28, 1865.

[General Orders No. 8.]

The General commanding appreciates the ready and generous efforts of the troops in promoting this difficult march. These labors. assure future success, and every patriot will feel grateful to the soldiers who have endured them. The General particularly thanks Lieut. Col. J. B. LEAKE, commanding the 20th Iowa Volunteers, for the rapid and valuable services of his regiment this morning, showing by the amount done how much

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can be accomplished by officers giving their personal interest and attention to their duty. By order of Brigadier-General C. C. ANDREWS.

GEORGE MONROE, A. A. G.

On the 30th the brigade marched six miles - working all day on corduroy roads to enable the artillery and wagon trains to move. On the succeeding day, however, they came upon high ground, where less inconvenience was experienced from mud, and marched eighteen miles - encamping at Stockton, a short distance from the Tensas River. The march was resumed on the 1st of April, at a late hour, and continued until 10 o'clock at night, when they bivouacked on the ground where a heavy skirmish had just previously taken place between our cavalry and a strong rebel force - resulting in the defeat of the enemy and capture of 77 prisoners by our cavalry.

On Sunday, the 2d, they broke camp and moved at half-past 4 o'clock in the morning. At daybreak heavy firing was again heard in front. They pushed forward in the direction of the firing until 9 o'clock, when they came upon the field of action and the brigade was immediately formed in line of battle. The cavalry were hotly engaged, and ambulances were busy going and returning from the front, loaded with wounded men. Everything now indicated a general engagement The men were ordered to lie down, and all loud talking prohibited. After remaining here inactive about an hour, they again formed in line and moved forward by column of companies four hundred yards, when they halted, and compa-

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nies B, D, E, G and K, were thrown out as skirmishers, and moved towards the front - the remainder of the regiment being held in reserve.

The enemy opened heavily on the skirmish line with artillery - shells plowing through the timber and exploding among the tree-tops in all directions, but doing little damage among the troops; the line steadily advanced, however, driving the enemy's advance and pickets before them. After moving forward about two miles, they suddenly came in view of the rebel fortifications, when a halt was ordered.

The investment of the fortifications around Mobile on the eastern shore of the Bay was now complete. Fort Blakeley which stood now only 900 yards in advance of our line of skirmishers, was the only formidable work which interposed between our forces on that side and the city of Mobile. Whether this was to be at once assaulted or taken by a regular siege, however, was yet unknown.

The country through which they had marched since leaving Pensacola, was very sparsely settled, and the inhabitants rude and uneducated - many of them possessing little knowledge of the world beyond the limits of their own immediate locality. They had, previously to the arrival of our troops, formed opinions from reports put in circulation among them by the more wealthy planters, as to the barbarous, blood-thirsty, and uncivilized character of "Yankees," which caused them to leave their rude habitations and flee from the approach of the Federal troops as they might have done from wild

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beasts. These apprehensions being relieved, however, as to their personal safety, was followed by the usual manifestations of dislike to Northern men, characteristic of the large proportion of this rude uneducated class of people in the poorer region of country in the South. This "poor white trash" forms a large element in the population of the rural districts of Alabama, as also in Louisiana and Texas. They receive much less consideration from the wealthy class of citizens than the negroes - being regarded even by the latter as an inferior race. Many well authenticated instances are known of these men voluntarily selling themselves and children to the planters, as slaves, and afterwards intermarrying among the negroes until their descendants, by good conduct, after assuming proper shades of color, finally arrive at the dignity of being classed among the "colored population," into whose society they were then received, with proper restrictions. This circumstance will explain to some extent the frequent appearance among the actual negroes of the South many individuals whose skins and features are destitute of any semblance to the African.

Some instances are known, also, of the children of these men being forcibly, seized by slaveholders, and held in bondage, - any attempt on the part of the parents for their recovery being overawed by the absolute power exercised by their kidnappers. Facts are abundant to prove that in some localities in Alabama the greater portion of the slave population is made up exclusively of descendants of these and degradedese miserable and whites.

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The appellation given them by the negroes - "Poor white trash!" - is therefore peculiarly appropriate.

The 20th Iowa was relieved from picket duty on the same evening by the 34th Iowa, who had two men wounded while moving up to their position in front.

On the 23d the troops commenced throwing up entrenchments which were completed within nine hundred yards of the rebel works. The camp of the 20th Iowa being within easy range of the enemy's guns, was frequently shelled, but aside from the annoyance attending the necessity for constant watchfulness on these occasions, they suffered but little from the effects of the fire.

On the evening of April 4th the 2d brigade sent forward a large detail to advance their line of pits, which was accomplished under a heavy fire from the enemy's batteries and with a loss of only one man - a member of the 114th Ohio - who was wounded slightly in the arm.

On the morning of the 8th, the troops of the 2d brigade were roused at an early hour in consequence of a furious fire opening from the enemy's batteries. An attack by the rebels being apprehended, the brigade formed in line of battle and advanced to the front. While moving up private GEORGE BOLTON of Company K, 20th Iowa, was severely wounded by a musket ball. After gaining an advanced position, however, the firing partially ceased, and no indications being seen of the enemy's intention to leave their works, the brigade returned to camp.

On the evening of the same day Spanish Fort, at the

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mouth of the Tensas River, which Gen. GRANGER had been investing, was taken by assault, and with it 500 prisoners and 18 pieces of heavy artillery.

Indications along our line in front of Fort Blakeley now plainly indicated that an attempt would speedily be made to capture the works by assault, unless the success of Gen. GRANGER at Spanish Fort had the effect of compelling its surrender. The morale of our troops was never better than at this time, and the men all looked forward to the movement with an eagerness which gave assurance of complete success in case an assault was made. On the afternoon of the 9th preparations were observed going forward on the right and left of the line, for a general advance, but no movement took place until near sunset, when the reserve troops fell into line and formed in rear of a heavy force of skirmishers which were organized under command of Lieut. Col. WM. H. BALDWIN, 83d Ohio. After a short delay in completing preparations, the signal was given, and the skirmishers bounded forward with a cheer. The enemy opened on them immediately from all their batteries. But they pressed steadily forward, amid the storm of shots, without wavering or hesitation, sending up cheer upon cheer as they advanced. The nine hundred yards space intervening between their own and the rebel lines was soon passed, when the reserves were startled by a shout - "they have reached the works!" Looking over the top of the pits, the skirmishers were seen on the enemy's works, engaged In an almost hand to hand contest, and

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without awaiting the command the reserve line sprang from the pits and pressed forward. No hesitation or wavering was visible as they threaded their way amid torpedoes, wire fence, abattis, and a perfect storm of shells, until the fort was reached, when they dashed up the glacis and planted their colors on the works.

The troops participating in the charge were composed of the 2d division 13th Army Corps, 2d division 16th Army Corps, and one division U. S. colored infantry. The colored troops behaved with marked gallantry in the assault; although repulsed in their first assault they rallied under a heavy fire and charged the second time, and with complete success. The 20th Iowa, owing to the visible trepidation which marked the enemy's fire, met with no casualties - the shots for the most part passing entirely over the regiment. One shell, however, passed through the flag, which was carried in the charge as usual by Sergeant ANDREW I. GRACE, of company C, who had carried the colors of the regiment on every campaign, battle, skirmish, and siege in which it had participated since leaving Iowa. The second division lost in the charge but 250 killed and wounded.

With the fort 3,500 prisoners were captured, including Brigadier-General COCKRELL, and a large number of other officers. The rebel gunboat Nashville was lying in the river opposite the fort when it was captured, but without firing a shot she hoisted a white flag and made her escape under it.

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With the capture of this fort our troops secured complete possession of all the enemy's defences on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, which compelled Gen. MAURY to evacuate the city, and on the 12th it was entered and taken possession of by Gen. STEELE.

On the evening of the 9th following the assault and capture of the fort, Gen. CANBY sent the following brief despatch to Gen. STEELE:

HEADQUARTERS MIL. DIV. WEST MISS.,

IN THE FIELD, April 9th, 1865.

GENERAL STEELE:

General CANBY says, thanks and God bless you and your brave men, and the good cause for which we fight.

[Signed,] C. T. CHRISTENSEN,

Lt. Col., A. A. G.

On the 14th the 20th Iowa having received orders to enter upon duty as Provost Guards, embarked on transports and crossed over to the city, where they went into camp. While here the following promotions occurred:

Sergt. JOHN N. COLDRON was promoted to the rank of' 1st Lieutenant.

Lieut. CHARLES E. SQUIRES, of company D, was promoted to the rank of Captain; and 1st Sergeant GEORGE W. THOMPSON, was also promoted to be 1st Lieutenant of the same company.

First Lieutenant EDWARD E. DAVIS of company E, was promoted to be Captain; and 1st Sergeant MENDON

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F. WELLER, of the same company commissioned as 1st Lieutenant.

Many changes had also occurred among the non-commissioned officers, but owing to the difficulty of procuring correct information on this subject, I have been under the necessity of omitting their names. I regret this, from the fact that our regiment was particularly fortunate in having an unusually efficient corps of non-commissioned officers.

On entering upon their duties in the city as Provost Guards the excitement consequent upon the change of rulers had measurably subsided, and was accepted by the citizens in a spirit of seeming good will and friendliness. This resulted in securing them against scenes of pillage usually attending the entrance of an army into a captured city, and placed our men at once upon terms of friendly relations with the inhabitants.

"The city itself, for beauty of architecture in its buildings, and superior location, will bear favorable comparison with any other of like dimensions - offering as it does attractions alike to the man of business and the pleasure-seeker. Its connection with all parts of the country by railroad, steamboat, and sea vessels, is surpassed by no other in the land." "Many years since a Spanish officer complained that the inhabitants of Mobile were "a gay, frolicking, devil-may-care set of people." For himself he said he "desired a church to be sent out from Spain, and erected in Mobile, but he believed the inhabitants would be de-

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lighted not to have one." In the last hundred and odd years, however, which have elapsed since these words were spoken, the city has materially improved in this respect. There are now about twenty places of public worship in the city, and among them many church edifices which would be creditable to any city in the Union, whilst all are neat, well built, well preserved, and well attended by - ladies. Charitable institutions are numerous - among them are the "Protestant and Catholic Orphan Asylums," in which the orphan children of the city are taken, nursed, clothed, and trained for useful callings. The Female Benevolent Society "own a row of twelve brick houses, called the "Widows' Row," designed to rescue the "lone ones from the pangs of poverty and desolation." The "Samaritan Society" and "Can't-Get-Away-Club," are specially devoted to the sick and suffering. The city owns a Hospital - a large and commodious edifice - which is attended by highly competent and skillful physicians. The Government, also, has a "Marine Hospital," located in the city limits. Besides those named above there are numerous others, whose objects are all charitable.

"Within the city is a school edifice, which in cost of construction, extent and adaptation, will compare favorably with any edifice of the kind in the Union. It is two hundred feet long, three stories high, and eighty feet wide. The building is situated on Government Street, within the enclosure of an entire block, surrounded by a heavy and substantial iron railing, and shaded

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by a grove of' live oaks. The architectural display in its facade and lofty dome makes it one of the chief ornaments of the city.

"We could, if space permitted, dwell on the Marine and Fire Insurance Offices, Chamber of Commerce, the Iron Foundries, the Cotton Factories, the Dry Dock, Saw Mills and Ship Yard. We could with delight linger along its beautiful avenues, shaded by live oaks, and lighted with gas, or again, with a fast horse, flit away on the shell road and visit the lovely suburban villas on the route to Spring Hill, or on the plank road, along the margin of the Bay, and brace ourselves against that "wind from the sweet South stealing and giving odor," but we are admonished that we have occupied space enough, and so bid farewell to the beauties of Mobile.

"Almost simultaneous with our arrival we entered upon our duties as Provost Guards in the city, and for a time did our duty in such a manner as to win from the citizens many testimonials of their appreciation of our good conduct. We therefore hoped we should be allowed to remain among them until the expiration of our term of service, but the fates apparently willed it otherwise. We received orders on the 22d of May to report at our Brigade Headquarters without delay, and consequently marched out of the city on the 23d, thus escaping from the effects of' the terrible explosion which occurred two days afterwards. So terrible was this explosion, that eight entire blocks of buildings were blown down, and every house in the city more or less injured. We visited

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the locality shortly after the explosion, and witnessed a scene of devastation and ruin it would be difficult to describe. Two-thirds of the buildings blown down were on fire, while every two or three minutes shells were exploding, sending their fragments in all directions. Added to the flames of the demolished buildings, many steamers lying at the levee, and from 8,000 to 10,000 bales of cotton were also burning, which rendered the scene still more grand and awful. Thousands of men worked hour after hour among the debris and brought forth one after another of the writhing and dead victims. Some had legs blown off; some an arm; some with heads crushed, and some in such a condition as to present anything but the semblance of a human being. The scene was agonizing beyond expression.

"A few days subsequent to the explosion of the Magazine our regiment was again marched into the city where we remained until we were mustered out of service. This important event in our history did not occur however, until we had been three times ordered to prepare for a journey and another campain in Texas, and had the orders as often countermanded. But notwithstanding the hindrances thrown in our path we were finally mustered out on the 8th of July. On the 10th of the same month we marched down to the river and embarked on board the Alice Vivian, and about sundown were Fairly started on our journey homeward.

"Many felt regret at leaving Mobile in consequence of having there formed pleasant associations with its citi-

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zens, and although we were starting for our loved homes in "God's country," yet we bade farewell to Mobile and Its friendly citizens reluctance. Once out of sight and far away upon the Bay, however, the thought that were at last going home chased away all thoughts that were tinged with regret.

"Our journey north was without any incident worthy of note, save one which commenced in Cairo, Ill., and ended in Clinton, Iowa. It is a well known fact that when soldiers are so situated that they can procure other than Government rations they will do so, even though they incur personal risk thereby. The 20th Iowa was no exception to this general rule. On our arrival at Cairo a large number of our men desired to go ashore for the purpose of getting eatables. Permission could not be obtained at headquarters by the company commanders, for any of the men to go ashore for any purpose whatever. The consequence was that many company commanders, knowing the situation of their men in regard to rations, themselves took the responsibility of granting them permission to go into the city - provided the guards allowed them to pass off the boat. The men passed the guards without hindrance. Once ashore they started out through the city in search of such provisions as they deemed necessary for their use on the journey home, expecting to return, however, in time to get on board the boat before she was prepared to start. This they failed to do, and on their return to the wharf found the boat gone. They immediately repaired to the Soldiers' Home

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and obtained an order for transportation to Clinton, Iowa, and left Cairo by the first train. They reached Clinton a few hours in advance of the regiment. Col. DYE deeming his authority disregarded in this matter and his orders disobeyed, on his arrival at Clinton placed them under arrest. His authority not having yet ceased as commander of the regiment, he was no doubt justified in the exercise of the power to inflict this punishment, yet the policy of doing so at that time is certainly questionable. The intimate and friendly relations he had borne to the regiment during three years hard service in the field, by whom his orders had always heretofore been strictly obeyed, was seriously disturbed by this unlooked for asperity. Yet the fates seemed to have decreed that on the same spot where we first encountered annoyance from "Red Tape" on our entrance into the army, we should bid farewell to the service under another exhibition of it.

"After leaving Cairo we proceeded by boat to St. Louis, at which point we were transferred to cars, and without delay sped along through the fertile fields of Illinois towards our rendezvous at Clinton, Iowa, greeted by a hearty welcome from the citizens along the route.

"On our arrival at Clinton we were met by a delegation of the citizens who, although the rain was pouring down in torrents, led us to a table spread with a whole-some repast. This considerate kindness, in consequence of our fatigue and scanty fare on the journey from St. Louis, will long be held in crateful remembrance by the

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recipients of the bounty. After partaking of supper we went into camp a short distance from the city, where we remained until July 26th, when the business of paying off and discharging the Companies was commenced. This was completed on the 27th, when the disorganization of the 20th Iowa was perfected, and we immediately dispersed for our homes."

Having copied the remarks by the Davenport Gazette on the occasion of the regiment's departure to the field, I append the following notice of its return by the same Journal:

"ARRIVAL OF THE TWENTIETH. - The levee was alive with anxious relatives and friends, who thronged the shore the moment the boat landed, and grasped the returning soldiers as fast as they emerged from the gang-way plank. Tears of joy were shed, not only by many of the mothers, and wives, and daughters, and sweet-hearts, but also by a number of the bronzed veterans. About 75 of the boys landed here, a number having left the boat at Princeton and Le Claire, and some having come overland by private conveyance. The intention was to receive them with an address of welcome, but it was found impossible to keep them together long enough for the purpose. They were snatched away, dragged along, carried off in all directions, and marched up town as soon as they touched terra firma. Rev. W. WINDSOR had been selected to receive them, but seeing the condition of things, concluded that the boys were receiving a reception indeed, and no words of his could add to the

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pleasure of the occasion. They had all they could attend to in receiving the congratulations of their friends.

"Col. LEAKE had with him the flag presented to the regiment by the ladies of this city over two years ago. It looked quite different now from what it did then. Its tattered folds were mute but unmistakable witnesses of many a hotly contested engagement. It had been pierced by numerous bullets and shells, but always waved in triumph wherever carried by the regiment.

"The crowd was about to disperse when Col. LEAKE was seen approaching. Three cheers were immediately given for him and Judge DILLON was prevailed upon to make a few remarks. He willingly acquiesced, saying that although it was not in the programme he could not refuse to speak when beholding the glorious banner, now torn to shreds, which had been borne aloft by the gallant Twentieth in so many fierce contests. He awarded just praise to the members of the regiment for their bravery, and complimented Col. LEAKE for the heroic deeds he and his command had performed.

"Col. LEAKE replied in a telling speech. He was glad again to meet with his fellow-citizens. He knew they rejoiced at the return of the regiment, but he assured them they could not feel more happy than he and his boys did at again arriving among the loved ones at home. His speech was lively, humorous and very appropriate to the occasion.

"At the conclusion of his remarks more cheers were given, and the band played a patriotic air while the

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crowd dispersed. The reception was indeed the most enthusiastic yet given to any of the returning soldiers, and will long be remembered by all.

"The following lines of welcome were composed impromptu by a gentleman of this city upon learning that the regiment was about to arrive:

"WELCOME, WELCOME HOME.

We saw the brave boys of the 20th leaving,

For scenes that would last them, for life or for years;

We saw them, with sadness, the farewells receiving,

Of friends who resigned them with sobbing and tears.

They left us with hearts that with ardor were burning,

To join in the fray and vanquish the foe;

With hearts beating high, with the hope of returning,

When peace should appear and its blessings bestow.

They went to the front, they did the hard fighting,

Their foes though so brave, found it needful to yield;

But they yielded like soldiers, their praises uniting,

Of the Iowa boys, who carried the field.

We see them returning, all covered with glory,

Though many we miss, who were noble and brave;

But their country shall write them a name in her story,

And the dust shall be hallowed that makes them a grave.

To each we extend the warmest of greetings;

We welcome you back, to your homes and your fires;

Bespeaking for all the fondest of meetings

With wives, or with sweethearts, with children of sires.

H. P. H."

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The following beautiful lines of welcome, from the pen of the gifted poetess MRS. TIRZAH T. M. CURRY, were published in the same paper on the day following the arrival of the regiment at Davenport:

WELCOME TO THE TWENTIETH IOWA INFANTRY.

Ring out a welcome! Lo! they come,

Our heroes from the war.

They bear their banners seamed and rent;

They wear the victor's scar!

Three times the harvest moon hath smiled

On fields of golden grain,

Since they went forth at duty's call,

Our freedom to maintain.

And fairer hands have bound the sheaves

And gathered in the corn,

While hearts all true and hopeful looked

And waited for the morn.

The morn has come. Our hearts go out

To meet the "boys in blue,"

As homeward, homeward, still they come,

The loyal, brave and true.

Paeans for those who bear aloft

Our banner without stain!

Dirges for those who sleep to-day

Amid the honored slain!

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Oh! hallowed field of Prairie Grove,

Where nineteen heroes fell!

They sleep beneath one spreading tree,

Which marks their slumber well.

And other fields and hill-sides fair

Are hallowed by the dust

of those we sent with blessings forth,

High hope and holy trust.

Some feet grew weary on the march

Across Missouri's plains;

Some fainted on Arkansas' hills

Where desolation reigns.

And some in dungeons, dark and damp,

And noisome, pined for home,

While others breathed their lives away

Where sea waves fret and foam.

All did their "life work," nobly, well,

Each fills a patriot's grave,

Each grave a precious legacy

To the land they died to save.

Then Paeans to those who bear aloft

Our banner without stain!

Dirges for those who sleep today

Amid the honored slain!

DAVENPORT, JULY 28, 1865.

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In taking leave of my comrades, I should not do justice to my feelings did I fail to address directly those who served in the ranks as enlisted men. In awarding honors to the gallant defenders of our national existence posterity will not stop to enquire "was he a Captain," or "Colonel," or "General," but the meed of praise and gratitude will rest alike upon all who have done their duty in this great crisis. When a few years shall have elapsed, you, my comrades, whose brave exploits and patient endurance of the vicissitudes and hardships incident to the weary march and the rude hospital, and whose unflinching determination on the battle-field, have so often come under my own observation, will be understood and appreciated. The public will also, if they do not already, understand these things. When the simple test of merit shall rest alone in the question, "did he do his whole duty in the place assigned him?" rank and distinction will weigh but little in the award of honors. You have not thus exposed your lives in defence of your country for wealth or for honor. You, who have suffered the most, endured the greatest hardships, and sacrificed more in your lofty devotion to your country's weal, will one day receive in the gratitude of those whose safety and prosperity you have thus secured, more than you have lost in making the sacrifice. Serving as enlisted men, you have also the proud satisfaction of knowing that your motives were unimpeachable - and the public already well know that preferment comes less from actual merit than intrigue. In making its award of honors,

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history will not fail to contrast your lofty devotion to your flag and country with the dastardly behavior of those officers who, in the outbreak of the war, betrayed their commands and deserted to the enemy. Your past record is unsullied by one act of disloyalty - one thought of treason. Believing that your future lives and actions as private citizens will be such as to add lustre to your glorious career as patriot soldiers, I bid you an affectionate farewell.