univrecruits

University Recruits

Company C., 12th Iowa Volunteer Infantry

By David Wilson Reed

Published at Evanston, Illinois in 1904

Transcribed by MaryAlice Schwanke

Early in the summer of 1861 the students of Upper Iowa University at Fayette, Iowa, organized a company for drill, calling themselves "University Recruits," and resolved: "That whenever the occasion demands it we will drop our books to fight our county's battles." Several members of this organization entered the service during the summer in the 3d and 9th Iowa, but at the opening of the fall term, Sept. 2, 1861, the company was still intact and daily drills on the campus were at once resumed.

The call of President Lincoln for 3000,000 men convinced the boys that the time had come for them to carry out their resolutions, and at a public meeting in University Chapel in the afternoon of September 15, 1861, twenty-three members enrolled their names and pledged themselves to answer the President's call for troops. One of those who signed the roll, after deliberation asked to be excused "because he had married a wife and could not go." Two joined other organizations, and one was rejected by the mustering officer. Nineteen became members of Company C, 12th Iowa.

Immediately after enrollment all the members left school under an agreement that each should go to his own home on recruiting service and should return to Fayette in one week with recruits obtained. At the appointed time one hundred and one men, the full compliment allowed in a company, reported for duty and on the 28th, just thirteen days after the first name was signed to the roll, the service of the company was accepted by the Governor, and the company was ordered into quarters at the Fayette House, and commenced the regular routine of drill. The election of officers was had with result as follows: Captain, W. W. Warner; 1st Lieutenant, D. B. Henderson; 2d Lieutenant, A. M. Smith; Sergeants, G. W. Cook, Gilbert Hazlet, Emery Clark, James Stewart; Corporals, David Conner, Thomas Henderson, P. R. Ketchum, S. F. Brush, J. F. Hutchins, D. D. Warner, G. L. Darno, James Barr.

Twenty-two students leaving the school in a body made sad havoc with the classes and President Brush undertook to counteract the patriotic tendencies of the students by writing letters to parents urging them to use their parental authority and forbid the enlistment. His efforts were counteracted by the Preceptress, Miss E. A. Sorin, who gave the boys her sympathy; became their champion and remained their true friend during the war. No better record of woman's devoted service to the Union can be shown than was shown by her in her interest for "her boys." Calling the young ladies of the University together she interested them in her plans and they purchased material and with their own hands made a beautiful flag or the company upon which they embroidered the name in full "University Recruits 101." This flag was presented to the company by Miss Sorin in behalf of the ladies of the U. I. U. in a very patriotic and touching address as follows:

In behalf of the ladies of the Upper Iowa University, it has been made my pleasing duty to present to you, our brave Volunteers, the standard of our Union. We feel that to you, who for its honor, have not counted your lives dear unto you, its Stars and Stripes, are a far more eloquent appeal for the right than mortal lips can address; yet, in parting from you we would fain add to its influence a word of sisterly cheer and encouragement.

It has been but a little while since some of you were attentively pursuing your studies, and others quietly attending to your daily vocations, little dreaming thus to change the current of your lives. Why have you gathered here? Our Government, the pride of every loyal American heart, is imperiled. You have listened to the coming storm, and as you have heard it breaking angrily upon our borders, the blood of patriot sires has throbbed more quickly in your veins. Our Country has called as she alone can call and you have nobly responded. We honor you for it. We grieve to lose you, but we should be unworthy of you, did we bid you stay. No! Go like brave men, and may the Great Arbitrator of the fate of the Nation be your leader. As you go remember that not in your own right arm lies the strength that is to save you. Let our praying Washington be your model, and remember always that God only can reward your patriotism with success.

Upon you, the officers, rests a high responsibility. By the voice of your company, you have been placed at their head. Let it be your effort to be to them in all things, leaders of their trust. Set them examples of prompt obedience, prudent courage, and strict virtue. Let it never be said of you that you have, in any respect, been recreant to your duty.

For you, Captain Warner, the only son of fond parents; the only brother of doting sisters, many a fervent prayer will ascent heaven-ward; and not from these only, from whom you could expect no less, but from the aching hearts of those whose sons, brothers and husbands are under your care, will daily be heard the ardent petition that wisdom and courage may be given you, for your post. Be a true friend to you men. Be true to yourself, your cause and your God; and may heaven protect you in the discharge of your duty.

But while we thus bid you all God's speed, our hearts tremble for you. We know that lonelinesss, weariness and pain are before you. In your hours of sadness you will miss the familiar tones of loved ones that have been to chase away your sorrow; in sickness you will miss the loving care that alone can make suffering endurable. At times you may feel yourselves indeed desolate, and unhappy; but be of good courage, warm hearts are praying for you, and, when they are needed, willing hands will be found ready to minister to you wants.

Death too, awaits you. We cannot hope to see you all again; it would be strange indeed, if out lot could be so fortunate. Some must fall, let it be with your faces to the foe. And there is another fear that we cannot shake off. You cannot be exempt from the temptations incident to the camp. You are entering upon the life of peril; will you make it also a life of prayer? There is one who can shield you from the power of temptation, and but one.

Brothers with many of you we have trodden the steeps of science and pursued peacefully – happily – the quiet ways of religion; may we not hope that in our now dividing paths, the remembrance of these pleasure seasons will be with you, as with sunny spots in life's picture. You leave us now; wherever you go, remember there are hearts here that will yearn over you with an interest only less intense than that felt by the home circle you have so recently left. Our prayers and blessings shall follow you in all your wanderings; we shall rejoice in your prosperity and shall be afflicted in your sorrow. May the God of Nations strengthen your arms and encourage your hearts, and, above all, may He grant you that reparation for death which alone can support you in the hour of you extremity. God bless you all, friends, schoolmates, pupils.

Take our flag, and as it floats over you, sometimes give a thought to those by whom it has been presented. Proudly, confidently, we commit it to your keeping. We do not bid you guard it: we know it is safe in your hands. As you have been proud to live under it, if death be your lot, may you die under its folds, and may God protect and prosper you as you defend your colors.

Captain Warner responded very appropriately as he received the flag, but we are unable to find that his response was preserved. The position of 5^th Sergeant was not filled at the time of election of other officers, but was by unanimous vote of the company left to the choice of the donors of the flag, with the understanding that the one elected by them should be color bearer for the company. In a spirited contest, the secrets of which have never been fully revealed to the company, Henry J. Grannis was duly elected Color Bearer. It will not be inappropriate to say here that no election ever gave better satisfaction or proved more completely the wisdom of the electors. Upon the organization of the regiment this company was assigned as Color Company, Grannis was appointed as Color Sergeant and carried the colors of the regiment in every battle in which the regiment was engaged during the war, and no one will say that the flag of any regiment was ever more gallantly born, or that any Color Bearer in any was was more devoted to his trust than was the one elected by the ladies of the U. I. U.

To finish the history of the flag: It was carried as Regimental Colors by the 12^th Iowa and received its first baptism at Fort Donelson, February 13, 14 and 15, 1862, and was carried in triumph into the fort February 16^th. Its bright folds waved over the stubborn line at the “Hornets/ Nest” at Shiloh from morning until late in the afternoon, inspiring its defenders with that heroic courage which enabled them to withstand the repeated onsets of the enemy. The Army of the Tennessee was saved from defeat at Shiloh, but those who contributed most to prevent its defeat sacrificed themselves as prisoners and were compelled to see their flag carried from the field a trophy of war. That those who gave the flag were satisfied with its defense is shown by their acts. One of the donors in an essay read at June Commencement says:

*** We love the Stripes and Stars, Freedom's red, white and blue. In peace we have hailed it with delight as the bond of our Union and the token of our prosperity and now when imperiled, yet triumphant, we turn our gaze upon it with the conscious pride and confidence that right inspires.

*** When we read the returns from the seat of war fraught with news both good and ill, we drop a tear for our lost friends, but we look aloft upon our banner of liberty and many and fervent are the prayers which arise to heaven for its protection. *** As a school our pride in our Country's Flag is no idle boast, our roll has been diminished to augment the strength of our army. We grieve to part with our fellow students, but they loved our country and we bade them adieu, giving them God's blessing and the proudest gift we could bestow: Our Country's Flag. We gave it to them knowing we were trusting it to the care of brave and true patriots. And have they failed to keep the charge? The flag that received its baptism of fire at Fort Donelson and at Pittsburg Landing was waving in the advance for the lovers of freedom to follow, bears witness to the fidelity with which they have kept their trust. All honor to these who faught and fell around it. Nobly did they wrestle with the foe, but as the day wore away, kind heaven for one moment averted her face – the enemy rallied around the lessened numbers, and our school-mates were prisoners. Our Flag wrested from the grasp of those who prized it dearer than life. The sky looks dark, but away in the future the clouds seem breaking and through the rift we can descern the day of triumph for our country.

We tender a heart-felt welcome to those who have returned and our sympathies to those who, enduring the fate of war, tarry beneath a Southern sky, bidding them remember that “Captivity that comes with honor is true liberty.”

It is true that the flag that waved us adieu from yonder hill is ours no longer but the spirit whose utterance it was, is as free as the air of our prairies, and we but wait the word to fling forth again to the breeze:

My Dear Friend:

I wish I could give you what you request, - what I would like for myself - a detailed account of the "inside history of that 'Dear Old Flag;'" but is it not generally true that the people who are making history are unconscious of it, and quite too busy to note its phases? I know of no one who ever thought of preserving a record of the days and weeks immediately preceding and following the muster of the "University Recruits." Events followed each other in such rapid succession; events of such vast importance, that minor details soon grew comparatively faint in outline. For some of us this is truer than for others. Since I left the U. I. U., I have had so much of care and responsibility, that many a picture that I would have been glad to preserve in the freshness of its coloring has been blurred and faded almost beyond recall. So you see it would be quite impossible for me to write the chapter you desire. I will however, give you such points as recur to me, only saying that I can give but few names of the girls specially interested in the making of "Our Flag;" and it seems unfair to leave out one whose heart went in with her stitches in the red, white and blue. Names recalled are: Clara Warner, Susie Sorin, Maggie Kent (Paine), Lizzie Webster, Sue Quigley, Mary Cook, Miss Lovell, Lizzie Morgan (Davis), Lucy Updegraff, Celia Henderson (Drake), Katie Morley, Miss Knapp, Ada Smith, The Barber girls, The Preston girls, Clara Bell (Ellis).

After the memorable meeting in the Chapel, when Warner reminded the young men of their pledge, given to each other, to respond in person to the next call for troops, the girls decided, whether in formal meeting or not, I cannot say, that they would be represented in the flag you should carry with you.

I do not remember dates, but none of us can forget that when the girls sent word to the proper authorities that it was their intention to furnish the Flag, word was immediately returned in the form of a request that they would also nominate the Color Bearer. A meeting was at once called in the Ladies' Hall. The Hall was full. After stating the object of the meeting nominations were called for. Whether these nominations were first made by ballot or viva voce I am unable to say, but after canvassing the subject, its honors and its perils, and the candidates also, two names were selected for ballot: D. W. Reed and H. J. Grannis. Then the electioneering followed. The boys never knew the heart histories unfolded in that little room and I mustn't tell. I can almost feel even now the suspense that awaited the counting of the ballots. I guess I will not tell tales out of school by saying whose hearts were lighter and whose sadder by the announcement that Henry was elected, to what seemed to us the post of pre-eminent danger. I do not remember in what way the action taken was communicated to the company, but I can never forget Henry's visit in person to thank the girls through me for the honor conferred. With swimming eyes he expressed his gratitude and pledged himself to stand by the colors. How well he redeemed his pledge you all know.

I cannot remember whether the presentation was in forenoon or afternoon, but only a few hours before the presentation it was discovered that the flag was larger than regulation size. It was made at Maggie Kent's. The girls assembled there had done their best; the stripes had been carefully cut and precise directions given, but so many fingers were at work that some were at fault and now it must be reconstructed, correctly and quickly, - I think Clara Bell (Ellis) could give the history of that if she would. The work was completed in time, and the beautiful emblem with its embroidered stripe "University Recruits" was ready for the hour. What a stirring hour that was; How bright the sun shone! There are hours you know that are engraved on memory and that was one. I shut my eyes and see Captain Warner before me with the quiet dignity of manner that fell upon him like a mantle in the hour when he set his name to that enlistment roll in the Chapel, and that never left him from that hour. Glancing over his shoulder, I met the fixed gaze of Henderson's eye. I do not see another soul - not even Henry's. Oh! we saw souls in those days, not people. How proud we all were at home when the news came back to us from Dubuque that the "University Recruits" was Company C., and was the Color Company of the regiment. We were sure there were no boys like you. How much prouder were we when we heard that "Our Flag" was first on the Ramparts of Donelson. But O! what a dreadful chill came to our hearts with the news from Pittsburg Landing. Soon, however, gathering what comfort we could under the circumstances, we said: "Our boys are sure to be exchanged and we must have a flag ready for them when that time comes around. The second flag was prepared, and remembering that their had been some difficulty in arranging the starts upon the first field, Clara Warner and I made that part of the work our special business. For a guide we had before us a photograph of Jimmie Lakin's Company of 3d Iowa with its colors flying. This second flag, an exact duplicate of the first was presented to the company and carried to the end of the war.

I was greatly surprised, and honored, when our Veteran Company C at its disbanding, voted "Our Flag" to me. In no way could they have shown their trust more warmly. I carried it about with me for years, never daring to leave it anywhere lest harm might befall it. It was, as you know, sent back and forth, between Grannis and myself, several times in order to be present at each gathering of the Company.

When I left St. Louis, six years ago, I felt that I was going too far away to be convenient to transfer the treasure from time to time as we had been in the habit of doing. It was always my intention to leave the flag, by will, to Henry. And as it seemed to me that I was going to be buried alive in the far West I thought it best to attend in person to the disposition of that piece of property, so I committed it to Henry's keeping. With him there could be no prouder treasure, and there is not a spot on earth where it would be safer.

The return of the flag to Grannis, as mentioned above, was accompanied by the following letter:

San Francisco, Cal., May 4th, 1887

Soldier Friends of Company "C."

In imagination I look into your faces today as you gaze again upon the worn flag that's dear alike to you and me.

While I think of it and you, memory hastily turns the pages of the past. Here is the hushed gathering in the chapel of the University when the gallant Warner presented the muster-roll, with bated breath, we, who were to be left behind, watched one after another deliberately sign the paper that devoted his life to his country.

Another leaf: Under a cloudless sky, whose blue was the emblem of your own truth, it was my signal honor, in behalf of the girls of the U. I. U. to commit to your keeping, your first flag, inwrought with many a fond wish and fervent prayer for your safety and speedy return.

Another, a double page: Donelson: Up the ramparts we see you pressing, and now upon the summit waves "Our Flag" in Henry's hands. Shiloh: Stern fighting, a weary march, aching hearts, here and there outlined are enough to fill them up with pain. You met and endured the chances of war. To those who survived the terrible trials of Andersonville and Libby, in due time came the second trust of loving hearts and ready hands, the Flag before you.

At the close of the war, when as veterans you disbanded at Davenport you did me the honor to vote to me this most precious token of your friendship. With what gratitude I received it, and with what feelings I have preserved it I cannot express. It has been my proudest possession, often has it been exhibited to y friends, both West and East, and with it told the story of Co. "C" It has also been my pleasure repeatedly to sent it by express to your standard bearer for use in your reunions. Notwithstanding this I have often thought I ought to transfer the flag, not my interest in it, that I never will, to its long time bearer, both because he deserves the possession and because when you need it it will be more readily available.

Since circumstances have determined my removal to a distant part of the Union I transfer the flag the more willingly, assuring you that its change of base is influenced only by the motives I have mentioned. Cherishing warmly the memory of your trust, I replace the flag where it ought to be, in the hands of your honored standard bearer, Henry Grannis. No one loves it better, no one more deserves it. God Bless it and you,

Sincerely your friend,

E. A. Sorin.

The "University Recruits" remained in quarters at Fayette House, drilling, until October 16th when, at 8 a.m., the company was paraded on the campus and many assembled friends passed along the line and bade each one good-bye, and the company marched away to the hill south of town where seventeen wagons were waiting to convey the boys to Independence. As the company marched from the campus and until it disappeared from sight over the hill, the friends continued to wave their adieus while some one, more zealous than thoughtful, set the old university bell tolling as if it were a long farewell, as, indeed, it proved to be to many of those who marched so gallantly away that bright October morning.

The company arrived at Independence about 4 p.m. and was lodged at White's Hotel until next morning at 9 o'clock when it was transported to Dubuque by railroad. And was escorted y Companies A and H to Camp Union, where it was assigned to quarters in rough-board barracks.

On October 24, 1861, the Company was duly mustered into the United States service for three years or during the war as Company C, 12th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, total rank and file too.

From that day until late in the fall of 1865 the history of Company C is identical with the history of the regiment. It served constantly with the regimental headquarters and participated in all the battles, skirmishes and marches of the regiment.

Captain Warner was very sick while at St. Louis and was granted leave of absence about January 1, 1862. Lieutenant Henderson commanded the company until the battle of Fort Donelson, February 15, 1862, when he was severely wounded in chin and throat by a musket all and in shoulder by a piece of shell. He refused to leave the field until forcibly carried off by his brother. Others of the Company wounded at Fort Donelson were: W. B. Warner, severely, leg amputated: W. W. Quivey, slightly. Lieutenant Smith commanded the company, after Henderson was wounded, until Warner's return about March 1st.

Captain Warner commanded the company at Shiloh and was taken prisoner with 39 of his company. The casualties in the company at Shiloh were, killed: Corporal Thomas Henderson, Charles Pendleton, and Charles Larson. Missing never heard of, supposed to have been killed, George W. Grannis. Wounded, Sergeant G. W. Cook, slightly in shoulder, Corporal P. R. Ketchum, severely in thigh; Henry George, severely in leg; J. Wilson King, slightly; Frank W. Moine, severely in face; A. P. Munger, severely in thigh; D. W. Reed, severely in thigh. All these wounded were prisons over night but were abandoned or paroled within a few days, except Cook and King who were held as prisoners of war about eight months.

Lieutenant Henderson, returning from hospital April 6, too late to participate in the battle of that day, commanded the remnant of the company on April 7, and during the seige of Corinth. He served as Adjutant of the Union Brigade at the Battle of Corinth, October 2 and 4, 1862, and was severely wounded, causing amputation of the foot. Others wounded at Corinth were: N. H. Spears severely in hand; A. L. Kelley, severely in thigh; Daniel Stone, severely in groin. There was no commissioned officer of the company present with the command from October 4, 1862, to the reunion of the regiment at St. Louis in April, 1863. Lieutenant Henderson resigned in February, 1863, and G. W. Cook and D. W. Reed were promoted lieutenants.

Henderson's farewell to the company and the response were as follows:

Henderson Prairie, Iowa., March 8, 1863.

Dear Comrades:

To me, parting with you is painful; but parting from you without a few words of farewell is impossible.

About seventeen months ago, one hundred of the patriotic young men of Northern Iowa left the comforts of cheerful homes and became a sterling band of brothers, whose earnest wish was to dare, suffer, yes, die in the defense of their beloved country. All of this they have endured, privations, suffering, death, and now that gallant one hundred is cut down to half the original number, having lost here and there a noble heart, in prison, hospital or bloody field. The track of the 12th Regiment is marked by the graves of our gallant band. Disease and wounds have also done their part to disable your comrades and decimate your ranks. Comrades, I can say that wherever duty called "Company C" there is was found. Your past precedent of heroic manliness bespeaks for you laurels in the future that can only deck the brow of the truly brave and upright soldier. And although I must now part with fellow soldiers, who will be ever dear to my heart, yet in spirit I can never be separated from those brave men with whom I have shared the toils of camp and march and the dangers of battle. Is there one of you who falters in meeting the dangers which beset you while supporting our dear old flag and beloved country? I know you, my comrades, and can see plainly in those flashing eyes the answer, "No!" It is useless for e to say how much I am disappointed because I cannot longer remain with you. I have encountered disappointments before, but this is my greatest. To me you are a little band of heroes, brothers, with whom it was my proudest wish to live or die or to return again to a peaceful country and our welcome homes.

Fear not for the future! The Government will be maintained and a happy day awaits you. God bless you all, brave hearts; and grant this one request: remember kindly he who remembers you in love.

D. B. Henderson.

Lieutenant Henderson: Camp Benton, Mo., March 21, 1863

Our Very Dear Friend:

With hearts full of sorrow we have received you words of cheer and farewell. How often have we reverted to those hours of hope when we banded together and offered ourselves for our Country's service. Most severe has been many of the scenes through which we have passed. When first we were called upon to stem the tide of battle on the bloody field of Donelson, we remember it was you who led us in that fearful charge. With that undaunted courage which marks the true officer, you cheered us on, inspiring in us confidence and determination; but you fell dangerously wounded, and we saw you covered with blood, borne from the field, your face still radiant with hope and courage; then more fiercely we rushed on to the conflict to revenge you, our leader. Victory was ours, but it gave us not back Lieutenant Henderson. Since then some of us have never seen you. When you had recovered from your wounds and come back to us, we had bowed to the destiny of war. Another conflict had swept over us, and we were prisoners. A few of our brave boys who remained, you gathered together and led through the tedious marches succeeding. Then a dangerous disease seized upon you and carried you almost to the portals of death; but with a determined spirit you rallied your wasted energies and with renewed vigor rushed again into the dangers of battle.

On that memorable day, the 4th of October, when leading on your band amidst the thickest of the conflict, again you fell with a fearful wound, from which you suffered so many days, weeks and months of most intense agony and finally the loss of your foot.

Our hearts are all very, very sad over your great loss, and filled with deepest regrets when we are conscious that we must lose you from our band; that no more will your joyous face shed its benigned smile upon us. No more will your deeds of valor redound to our glory. No more will your words of cheer stimulate when sorrow and hardship surround us. Your disappointment is great, and ours is also great. We have lost a cheerful companion, a loved fellow soldier, and a brave, efficient officer, one in whom we all felt the fullest confidence. Although you are no longer to mingle in our sports, our hardships and marches, still rest assured we shall ever think of you as when you were with us, and it is a source of great pleasure to know that we shall be remembered by you. We feel conscious that centered in you we each have a friend. You and you many kind offices will ever be remembered by us, and when these days of conflict are over and we return to our peaceful homes we shall know that you stand ready to welcome us with the full sincerity of your noble soul. May God bless you in your affliction with heaven's richest blessings.

We shall all ever remember you in love.

W. W. Warner,
In behalf of Co. C, 12th Iowa.

Captain Warner commanded the company during all of the Vicksburg campaign, and was wounded in wrist by piece of shell June 4, but did not relinquish the command. The other casualties in the company at Vicksburg were: Norton T. Smith killed May 18: Edward H. Adams, wounded severely June 8 leg amputated; Daniel McCall, wounded slightly May 27.

Captain Warner died at Memphis, Tenn., December 12, 1863 and Captain Cook was in command of the company from that time until he was mustered out, December 1, 1864. During the time the company was engaged at battle of Tupelo where its loss was: Sergeant Emery Clark, wounded severely in neck, fel on field for dead, was taken prisoner and confined at Andersonville until the end of the war: Sergeant James Stewart, wounded severely in arm; John W. McCall, wounded slightly.

At the time of musterout of Captain Cook, Lieutenant Reed was acting as Adjutant, this left the company in command of 1st Sergeant W. L. Henderson during the battle of Nashville, Tenn., and never was the company more gallantly commanded that at that battle. The casualties were: Corporal David Connor, mortally wounded; George A. Burroughs, slightly, and Benjamin Delezene and I. L. Jordan, severely wounded.

Soon after the battle of Nashville, D. W. Reed was commissioned Captain and W. L. Henderson was commissioned 1st Lieutenant. Reed was at once detailed as Field Officer of the regiment and acted in that capacity or on detached service, staff duty or court martials, most of the time to the end of the war leaving Lieutenant W. L. Henderson in command of the company at Spanish Fort and other stations occupied by the company including Montgomery, Selma and Talladega.

On the 8th day of October, 1865, an order was received as follows: "Captain D. W. Reed, Company C, 12th Iowa Inft. Vols. is hereby assigned to duty with his company to Garrison Center the county seat of Cherokee County, Ala.

He will report for instructions at these headquarters at 4 p.m. to-morrow. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.

By order of T. C. Moore, Lt. Col. Comd'g.
District of Talladega."

Under this order the company left Talladega Monday, October 9th, by rail to Blue Mountain, and marching from there reached its destination of the 11th. Captain Reed assuming command of the garrison. His general instructions were to collect Government property, which had been scattered through that country during Atlanta campaign; assist planters and the freedmen in adjusting contracts for labor and maintain the peace generally. As private instructions he was directed to secure the arrest of one Daniels, Sheriff of the County, who was accused of having murdered a U.S/. soldier and was in hiding in the vicinity of Center.

Information was received one night that Daniels was at his home. A guard was stationed and at about 4 o'clock in the morning Daniels was arrested as he was leaving the house and brought to the Captain's quarters. On his person was found a silver-mounted revolver, marked "Presented to Lt. Col. Chas. F. Manderson, 19th Reg. O. V. I., by the officers of the regiment." The revolver was taken and inquiry made of Adjutant General of Ohio for the address of Col. Manderson. In answer Reed was informed that said Manderson had been mustered out of service; had left the state for some place in the west, address unknown. Years afterwards Reed saw the statement, "Chas. F. Manderson has just been elected U.S. Senator from Nebraska." He at once wrote to inquire if this was the same Manderson who was Lieutenant Colonel of the 19th Ohio. Receiving answer that it was the same, the revolver was sent to the newly-elected senator, who acknowledged receipt and said, "I am very glad to get the revolver and am now anxious to find its mate. There was a pair of them captured from a baggage train by Joe Wheeler's command in rear of Atlanta." About a year later Senator Manderson wrote: "I have found the other revolver. Yesterday I was called to reception room and was introduced to General Joe Wheeler and Rep. Reves from Alabama, after some inquiry as to my identity Mr. Reves handed me the mate to the revolver you sent me and said he received it from one of Wheeler's men who captured it. General Wheeler told of the raid and capture of the train, and I told them how I was returning to the front from absent, wounded; had left the train and my baggage to take a short cut across the mountains when the train was captured and my baggage with it."

The incidents, altogether, are romantic and would make a chapter by itself. Daniels was taken to Montgomery under guard: turned over to the authorities for trial; what was the result is not known to this writer. While under guard he remarked: "You men belong to the 12th Iowa; I belonged to the 18th Alabama and was one of the guard that marched you off the field at Shiloh; now you have me under guard."

The company enjoyed its stay at Center very much and formed many friendships with the people who were pleased to say that our boys were all gentlemen and treated the citizens much more civilly than some of their own soldiers had been in the habit of doing.

During our stay at Center there was attached to the company temporarily as couriers, five men of Company G under command of that model soldier Corporal Henry Steen. These men by their rue soldierly qualities, their prompt and ready execution of orders their neatness in dress and appearance won the love and esteem of the men and officers of Company C and are always referred to as part of our command.

On the 26th of November the following order was received: "All troops stationed at Center, Alabama, will be withdrawn, with the exception of twenty enlisted men, in charge of a Lieutenant, and two mounted men of Company G, 12th Iowa, to act as couriers. Captain Reed with the remainder of the troops will report at Jacksonville at once to command Post of Blue Mountain."

Leaving the twenty men under Lieutenant Henderson in charge at Center, Captain Reed reported at Jacksonville on the 29th and assumed command of the post which embraced the counties of Calhoun, Cherokee and Randolph, with headquarters at Jacksonville, and garrisoned by three companies, C. E. and F.

The company remained in service at the two points until December 24th, when orders were received to withdraw all the troops, abandon to civil authority all the country embraced within these counties and report to General Cheatlain at Talladega. The company rejoined the regiment and on Christmas day started for Memphis where we arrived January 2, 1866. Company C went into quarters as Provost guard at the corner of Madison and 2nd Street where it remained until January 20th, when it was mustered out and ordered home.

Sketches of personal histories of Company Officers, as far as they can be obtained, are as follows:

William Wallace Warner
George W. Cook
David W. Reed
William L. Henderson
David Bremner Henderson
Henry J. Grannis
Aaron M. Smith