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Roster and Record of Iowa Troops In the Rebellion, Vol. 2

By Guy E. Logan

HISTORICAL SKETCH

NINTH REGIMENT IOWA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY

The ten companies of the Ninth Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry were ordered by the

Governor to rendezvous at Dubuque, as part of the quota of the State under the proclamation of

the President dated July 23, 1861, and were mustered into the service of the United States on

dates ranging from September 2d to September 24, 1861, by Capt. E C. Washington, United

States Army.

The Hon. Wm. Vandever, then a member of Congress from Iowa, was given authority by the

President to organize this regiment from the counties composing his district, and he was

commissioned by Governor Kirkwood as its first Colonel. The names of the field and staff and

company officers, at the date of muster in, will be found in the subjoined roster, in which will

also be found notations of the subsequent changes which occurred on account of death,

promotion, resignation, or from whatever cause, together with a paragraph opposite the name of

each line officer and enlisted man, arranged in alphabetical order, showing his personal record of

service in so far as the same could be obtained from the official records in the Adjutant General's

office of the State of Iowa, and the War Department in Washington. That some of these records

are very imperfect, and that they may, in some instances, do injustice to the memory of the

officers and men of this gallant regiment, is a matter beyond the control of those under whose

supervision this great work has been done. Every effort has been made to make this compilation

historically correct, in so far as the limitations as to time and space would permit; but, where the

records of individual service may have been incorrectly given in the official returns and reports,

and no other source of information was available, there was but one course to pursue, and that

was to follow the official records, which, in the main, will be found to be correct.

The last company was mustered September 24, 1861, and, two days later, the regiment, with

an aggregate strength of 977 officers and enlisted men, was embarked on steamboats at Dubuque

and transported to St. Louis, and, upon its arrival there, marched to Benton Barracks, where it

received it first supply of arms, clothing and camp equipage. Here it remained until October

11th, receiving such instruction in military drill as could be given in so short a period of time. It

was then ordered to proceed to Franklin, Mo., at which Place regimental headquarters were

maintained, while companies were detached to different points for the purpose of guarding the

railroad from Franklin toward Rolla, Mo. During the three months in which the regiment

remained upon this duty, it suffered greatly from exposure to the inclement winter weather, and,

like all new regiments, was subjected to much sickness on account of such exposure. On the last

day of the year 1861, the official returns showed a death loss of 17, and 7 discharged on account

of disability, total 24; but on the same date it had gained 38 by additional enlistment, and 4 by

transfers making a net gain of 18, and an aggregate of 995. Of this number however many were

on the sick list, and the hardships which the regiment was called upon to endure, during the

active winter campaign which followed, still further reduced its fighting strength, and when it

first went into battle it numbered but little more than half the aggregate above stated. January 21,

1862 the regiment was again consolidated, the companies on detached duty having been relieved,

and was conveyed by rail to Rolla, Mo., and from there begins its first real campaign against the

enemy. Marching to Lebanon, Mo., it joined the Army of the Southwest commanded by General

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Curtis. Colonel Vandever was placed in command of the brigade to which his regiment was

attached, leaving Lieut. Col. Frank J. Herron in command of the regiment.

Upon the approach of the Union forces, the rebel General Price evacuated Springfield, which

he had occupied during the winter, and began his retreat towards the Ozark Mountains. Then

began that remarkable march of general Curtis' army in pursuit of the enemy. The regiment

started from Springfield on the 14th of February and, in less than one month, had marched over

difficult roads, and much of the time through storms of alternating rain and snow, a distance of

two hundred and fifty miles. Arriving at Cross Hollows, Ark., a detachment of three hundred of

the regiment was sent upon an expedition to Huntsville—forty miles distant—with the purpose

of surprising and capturing a detachment of the enemy stationed there as a guard for commissary

stores; but, upon reaching Huntsville, they found the place abandoned, and learned that the rebel

army under General Van Dorn was marching to the attack of General Curtis' army, which had

fallen back from Cross Hollows and taken up a new position at Pea Ridge. Realizing the danger

of being cut off and captured by a superior force, the detachment of the Ninth Iowa at once

started to rejoin the command and, after a continuous march of sixteen hours, covering a distance

of forty-two miles, it reached the regiment at 8 P. M., March 6th. With only a few hours of rest

after this exhausting march, these men went into the memorable battle of Pea Ridge at 10 A. M.,

March 7, 1862.

The enemy opened the engagement by a fierce attack upon the Union lines, and the Ninth

Iowa was in the thickest of the fight. The first attack of the enemy was repulsed, and the Union

line advanced, but was in turn compelled to retire under a terrific fire of musketry, grape and

canister. Thus the battle raged during the entire day, with alternating temporary advantages for

both Union and rebel forces. There were occasional intervals, during which the men on both

sides availed themselves of the opportunity to replenish their ammunition and to attend to the

removal of their wounded to the rear. The fighting was most persistent and desperate, and in no

battle of the war was the valor of the American soldier—upon both sides—more splendidly

exhibited. While this was the first time the Ninth Iowa Infantry had met the enemy in battle, its

officers and men exhibited the steadiness and bravery of veterans. Had this been the only service

rendered by the regiment, it would have been entitled to the lasting gratitude of every patriotic

citizen of the Union, which it was there defending against those in armed rebellion against it.

At night the survivors lay upon their arms, ready to renew the conflict at the dawn of day. At

daylight the Union artillery again opened upon the enemy, and the fire was promptly returned. In

this official report Colonel Vandever says, "At this point, finding ourselves exposed to a raking

fire from one of the enemy's batteries on our right, we changed direction to the east. About this

time, the First Division coming into position on our left, we joined in the general advance upon

the enemy, the whole cavalry force participating, and the artillery co-operating. The enemy here

broke into disorder, and the fortune of the day was decided in our favor."

The entire rebel army was soon in full retreat, and the battle of Pea Ridge ended in a brilliant

victory for the Union army. At the close of his official report General Curtis especially.

commended Colonel Vandever and the gallant troop of his brigade, and says, "To do justice to

all, I would spread before you the most of the rolls of this army, for I can bear testimony to the

almost universal good conduct of officers and men, who shared with me the long march. the

many conflicts by the way, and the final struggle with the combined forces of Price, McCulloch,

McIntosh and Pike, under Major General Van Dorn, at the battle of Pea Ridge." At the close of

his official report Colonel Vandever says:

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Of the bravery of Lieutenant Colonel Herron, in immediate command of the Ninth Iowa

Infantry, too much can not be said. He was foremost in leading his men, and, with coolness and

bravery never excelled, rallied them to repeated attacks of the enemy. Unfortunately near the

close of the day on the 7th, he was disabled by a painful wound, his horse was killed under him,

and he was captured by the enemy. Major Coyl, also of the Ninth Iowa, acted with distinguished

valor until disabled by a severe wound, and compelled, reluctantly, to leave the field. Adjutant

William Scott also deserves great praise. Lieutenant Asher Riley of Company A, my Acting

Assistant Adjutant General, deserves particular mention. Upon the fall of Captain Drips and

Lieutenant Kelsey, of Company A both distinguished for their bravery, Lieutenant Riley

gallantly took command and remained with the company to the end of the battle. Captain

Carpenter and Lieutenant Jones of Company B also acted with great bravery leading their

company in the face of the enemy, and bringing off one of our disabled guns and a caisson.

Captain Towner and Lieutenant Neff, of Company F were conspicuous for their bravery. Both of

these officers were severely wounded when the command devolved upon Lieutenant Tisdale,

who gallantly led the company through the remainder of the battle. Captain Bull and Lieutenant

Rice, of Company C, also deserve particular mention, the latter of whom was killed near the

close the day, while the former was severely wounded. Captain Bevins of Company E was killed

upon the field, and the command devolved upon Lieutenant Baker, who acquitted himself with

great credit. Captain Washburn and Lieutenants Beebe and Levrich of Company G, Lieutenants

Crane and McGee of Company D, Captain Moore and Lieutenant Mackenzie of Company H,

Captain Carskaddon and Lieutenant Claflin of Company K, and Lieutenant Fellows,

commanding Company I, also Lieutenant Inman, were all conspicuous for bravery, under the

hottest fire of the enemy. I should also mention Sergeant Major Foster and other members of the

non-commissioned staff, who did their duty nobly. Many instances of special gallantry occurred

among non-commissioned officers and men, during the trying events of the battle, which I

cannot here enumerate. Where all did their duty so nobly and well, distinction would be

invidious. I can only say that I feel deeply indebted to every officer and man of my command for

the heroic manner in which they have acquitted themselves.

The loss of the regiment was very heavy. Of the 560 who went into the battle, 4

commissioned officers and 34 enlisted men were killed, 5 commissioned officers and 171

enlisted men wounded, and 1 commissioned officer and 3 enlisted men captured, making a total

loss of nearly forty per cent of the aggregate number engaged.

The compiler of this sketch finds this loss statement in the return of casualties of the Army

of the Southwest in the battle of Pea Ridge, Ark., attached to the report of Major General Curtis,

found on page 205, Series 1, Vol. 8, War of the Rebellion Official Records. In the history of the

Ninth Iowa Infantry by Lieut. Col. Alonzo Abernethy, found on page 174 of the Adjutant

General's report of the State of Iowa, for the year 1866, the aggregate loss in killed, wounded and

captured is given as 240, making nearly 44 per cent of the number engaged. In either event, the

loss was far above the average of the battles of the War of the Rebellion.

After the battle the regiment had only a brief season of rest. Its next experience was a long,

devious and trying march with the Army of the Southwest, through Missouri and Arkansas,

covering six hundred miles and ending at Helena, July 17, 1862. During this march the weather

was very warm and dry, and the troops suffered greatly from the heat, dust and thirst, and, on the

latter part of the march, from insufficient rations. For five weeks of this time the army was cut

off from all communication but fortunately no considerable body of the enemy was encountered

and it at last arrived safely at Helena.

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Here the regiment went into camp, and for the ensuing five months enjoyed comparative

immunity from the hardships and dangers of a soldier's life. It was, however, rendering valuable

service in holding an important post, and the time was not spent in idleness. The officers and

men utilized the time to the best advantage, in perfecting themselves in military drill and

discipline, and, when they again entered upon the duties of active campaigning, they were

splendidly equipped for the hard and continuous service which they were called upon to perform

during the remainder of their term of service. While the regiment was in camp at Helena, a most

pleasing incident occurred, which deserves permanent preservation in this sketch and is thus

described by Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy in his "History of the Ninth Infantry":

At Helena a stand of beautiful silk colors reached us, sent by the hands of Miss Phoebe

Adams, in behalf of a committee of ladies of Boston, Mass., as a testimonial of their appreciation

of our conduct in the battle of Pea Ridge. They were guarded and cherished while in the regiment

with religious care. After having been borne over many a proud field, they were, by the

unanimous voice of the regiment, given back, riddled and torn—one to the original donors, the

other to Brevet Major General Vandever, our original Colonel, who, by his bravery and decision

at Pea Ridge and Arkansas Post, with the regiment, and by his honorable record thereafter in

other fields, won the confidence and love of his regiment.

December 18, 1862, the regiment was again called into active service, this time on the lower

Mississippi, and was assigned to General Thayer's Brigade of General Steele's Division of the

Fifteenth Army Corps. It participated in the battle of Chickasaw Bayou, December 28th and

29th, where it maintained its good record for bravery under the fire of the enemy. Lieutenant

Colonel Abernethy, describing the part taken by his regiment in this battle, says, "The regiment,

though under fire the greater part of the 28th and 29th, was only engaged about half an hour of

the latter day. While the hardest fighting was in progress, we were being transferred from a point

above Chickasaw Bayou to where the main army was massed, reaching there only to go into

position as others were falling back. We were soon withdrawn beyond the reach of the rebel

batteries lining the hills in our front, and next day embarked, The regiment next went into

camp on the Yazoo River above Vicksburg, where it remained until the close of the year 1862.

The official returns show that, during the year, the regiment had gained by additional enlistments

54, and by appointment 2; total gain 56. In the same time it had lost in killed in battle 43, died

from wounds 41, and from disease 37; total number of deaths 121; 178 were discharged for

disability, and 8 had deserted, making a total loss for the year of 307. Its losses up to the 31st day

of December, 1861, had been 24, and its gain by additional enlistment 42. It will thus be seen

that, in the one year and three months that the regiment had then served, it had lost 331 officers

and men, and had gained 98 by additional enlistment. Its losses thus far had aggregated nearly

one-third of those originally mustered and gained by additional enlistment, while it had just

entered upon the second year of its three years' term of service.

Early in January, 1863, the regiment was engaged in the movement against Arkansas Post,

and on January 11th, when the attack upon the fort was made, it was in the reserve line, waiting

for the order to move forward to the assault; but before the order was given, the enemy raised the

white flag in token of surrender, and the regiment had the pleasure of witnessing the fall of that

stronghold without loss to itself. January 24th found the regiment again in camp at Young's

Point, near Vicksburg. About this time, Colonel Vandever was promoted to Brigadier General,

and the officers and men of the Ninth Iowa, while rejoicing in his well-deserved promotion, felt

that they were parting from one of the bravest and most efficient commanders, and that it would

be difficult to determine who should succeed him. There was an excellent list of officers from

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which to make the selection. Captain David Carskaddon of Company K was elected and became

the second Colonel of the regiment.

Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy, in his history of the Ninth Iowa Infantry thus graphically

describes the experience of the regiment for the remainder of the winter of 1863:

The history of the regiment for these two months of February and March is a tale of sorrow.

The health of many of its members was already undermined by a six months' sojourn in the

miasmatic regions of the Mississippi valley, and it seemed that but few could withstand the

debilitating and enervating influence of this insalubrous climate. The smallpox came now, for the

first time, into our ranks. Scores of our number, hitherto stout and rugged, were prostrated past

recovery, and now lie buried in shallow graves about the hospitals which once stood in that

sickly region; while others only recovered completely, long afterwards, in the mountains of

Tennessee and Georgia, or on the sandy plains of the Carolinas. The ordeal of these unpropitious

months was the more grievous because it had all the evils of the battlefield, with none of its

honors.

Every true soldier will admit the force and truth of the above statement. The inspiration

which comes to men in the midst of battle sustains them in the performance of deeds of valor,

but when it comes to the struggle with disease and death, without the tender ministrations of

relatives and friends, far from home and all its comforts, the men who endure and die, as well as

those who endure and live, must be sustained by a fortitude and courage even greater than that

which enables them to perform their whole duty when engaging the enemy in battle.

During the month of April, 1863, the regiment participated in an expedition to Greenville,

Miss., and farther into the interior, in which it met the enemy in occasional skirmishes, but the

object of the expedition was accomplished without severe fighting. Upon its return from this

expedition, it entered upon the campaign which ended in the surrender of the rebel strongholds at

Vicksburg and Jackson. Its movements and operations are described by Lieutenant Colonel

Abernethy, as follows:

On the 2nd day of May, leaving our tents standing at Milliken's Bend, La., the regiment

started in light marching order for Grand Gulf, crossed the Mississippi and commenced on the

8th of May the march in rear or Vicksburg. On the 14th reached Jackson, the State capital of

Mississippi, and took part in its capture. Four days later, after some skirmishing, in which we

lost three wounded, the regiment took position in the outer works which environed Vicksburg.

May 19th, after severe skirmishing, and a final assault, the regiment succeeded in getting and

holding an excellent position, about seventy-five yards from the enemy's works.

On the 22d of May, in line with the whole Army of the Tennessee, the regiment went first up

to the assault. Its flag went down a few feet from the rebel works, after the last one of its guard

had fallen either killed or wounded, and its dripping folds were drawn from under the bleeding

body of its prostrate bearer. In the few terrible moments of this assault, the regiment lost 79

killed and wounded, nearby one-third of the number in action. But that was not all. The assault

had failed, and we found ourselves lying in the ravines, behind logs, contiguous to and partly

under the protection of the rebel earthworks, above which no traitor could raise his head, except

at the expense of his life. There we were compelled to stay until darkness gave us a cover under

which to escape. Here I pause to pay the slight tribute of recording their names, to Captain

Kelsey, and Lieutenants Jones, Wilber and Tyrrell, who fell while leading their companies to the

assault, and to Captain Washburn, who was mortally wounded at the head of the regiment.

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Our loss in the previous assault of the 19th of May was 16 men, and when, on the morning of

Independence Day, the enemy came out and stacked arms and colors on his works, our total

recorded loss in the siege was 121.

After the surrender of Vicksburg, the regiment participated in the siege of Jackson, and, after

the evacuation of that place, took part in the pursuit of the enemy, and lost one man killed in a

skirmish at Brandon. The regiment now went into camp on Black River, Miss., where it

remained until September 22d, when it was ordered to Vicksburg, thence by river to Memphis,

and from there by rail to Corinth, Miss., from which point it took up the line of march to

Chattanooga, and entered upon another campaign which resulted in great success for the cause of

the Union, and a crushing defeat to that portion of the rebel army against which the operations

were directed. After a march of three hundred miles, during which the regiment had some

skirmishes with the rebel General Forrest's troops, it arrived at the foot of Lookout Mountain,

Nov. 23, 1863, and, on the 24th, took part in the battle above the clouds, and, later, in the battles

of Missionary Ridge and Ringgold. Although not in the heaviest fighting in these three

engagements, the regiment accomplished all that was assigned to it. Its losses in killed and

wounded during the campaign aggregated 22. It now marched to Woodville, Ala., where it went

into winter quarters Dec. 29, 1863. During the year the regiment had marched 870 miles, and had

been conveyed 1,300 miles by water and 100 miles by rail. In the same time, it had met with a

total loss of 227 and gained by enlistment 11, leaving an aggregate of 510.

January 1, 1864, 287 men of the regiment re-enlisted as Veteran Volunteers for another term

of three years, and under the terms of their enlistment were entitled to a thirty days furlough, to

begin after reaching the State of Iowa. They left Woodville, Ala., February 4,1864, and reached

Dubuque, Iowa, February 14, 1864, at which point they separated for their respective homes.

March 15th found the veterans of the regiment re-assembled at Davenport, Iowa, accompanied

by 125 recruits. They reached Woodville, Ala., April 10th, having marched from Nashville, a

distance of 125 miles. A new supply of arms, clothing and camp equipage was issued to the

regiment, and on May 1st, with Colonel Carskaddon in command, it took up the line of march for

Chattanooga. In six days it had again reached the scene of military activity, and entered upon

another great struggle for the preservation of the Union. The Ninth Iowa Infantry was constantly

at the front, on the tiring line, and in the trenches, and had its full share in the fighting during the

campaign. The compiler of this sketch is compelled, by the limitation of space to which he is

restricted, to omit the detailed account of the operations of the regiment given by Lieutenant

Colonel Abernethy in his history, from which quotations have heretofore been so freely made.