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Iowa in the Civil War |
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Iowa in the Civil War |
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Articles
from the Davenport Daily Gazette
October 20 - 21, 1862
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Monday
Morning
October 20, 1862
(Part 1)
Iowa
Valor at Corinth
Interesting Particulars of the Fight
Iowa Officers and Iowa Regiments Nobly Perform their Duty
Corinth,
Miss., Oct. 14, 1862
Editor of Gazette:--Acting in concert with the delegation from Muscatine, and with Dr. Hughes, Surgeon General of the State of Iowa, we yesterday sent off for Iowa, upwards of two hundred wounded soldiers, belonging to the Iowa regiments that were engaged in the late battles at this place. They are first to report at the hospital at Keokuk. Quite a large number are still here, who are unable to be moved as yet. Some of these will be removed a soon as the surgeons think it safe and advisable, while others are so slightly hurt that they will soon be fit for duty without removal; and there are others still, who linger only to find in death a release from suffering. As to those who have been and will be sent, our people will have the satisfaction of knowing that they will be nursed and cared for within our own State and away from the excitement and the vicissitudes of war.
The smoke of the late battle at Corinth has at length blown away, and something can now be discovered of its proportions. It lasted during the greater part of two days. At Chewalla, on the Memphis and Charleston railroad, about nine miles northwest from Corinth, the Union forces had a small out-post of about six hundred men. On Thursday evening, Oct. 2d, this small force was attacked and driven towards Corinth, by the advance of the rebel forces under Fan Dorn, Price and Lovell. It was manifest that the enemy intended to advance upon Corinth from the westward. On the following morning (Friday) forces were sent out to check the advance of the rebels, and these came in collision about five miles from town. Over all this intervening space of five miles, the ground is rolling and is covered with an open growth of pretty heavy timber; and over this space the tide of battle swayed alternately all day Friday. The ground was bravely contested in every favorable position by our troops; but the rebel legions kept pouring in, and our inferior numbers kept fighting and falling back; then fighting and advancing, and again falling back at the word of command, till the fighting ceased at nightfall, at the distance of perhaps a little less than a mile from our forts and defenses which are adjacent to the town on the west. No better fighting was ever done than was done by a portion of our forces on that day. All along that track of miles, the trees attest how frequent must have been the crack of musketry, and hw terrible the scream of the shells. It was not the short, hot work of the stormed intrenchment (sic), but it was the steady valor which endures for hours, without either food or rest, and in the teeth of greatly superior odds. We believe that every regiment of Iowa infantry that has ever been sent to Tennessee, except the 3d and the 6th, took part in the engagement of that Friday, an the roll of lost on that day shows how tenaciously they contested the ground with the enemy. Col. Crocker of the 13th was in command of the Iowa brigade, made up of the 11th, under Lieut. Col. Hall, the 13th, under Lieut. Col. Shane, the 15th, under Col. Reid, and the 15th, under Lieut. Col. Sanders. These regiments fought during the latter portion of Friday with just that steadiness of valor which those who know the men and the officers had expected that they would display. During this part of the fight Lieut. Col. Sanders was badly wounded, but we are told by his brother officers that he continued nevertheless to lead and direct his regiment till the fighting ceased for the day.
The 2d and 7th Iowa infantry were also there; brigaded with the 57th Illinois. Their loss bears them witness. On that day fell Col. Baker and Lieut. Col. Mills, both mortally wounded and since dead; also Lieut. Bing. Lieut. Huntington and Lieut. Snowden—all now dead; also Suiter and Speed were wounded, and many others whose names swell the loss of the 2d regiment on that day among the scores. Col. Rice, of the 7th went through the whole fight safe, but the killed and wounded of his regiment on the first day is about equal to that of the 2d.
The remnants of the 8th, 12th, and 14th regiments were also in the first day’s battle, and it was here that Lieutenant Tichenor, of the 8th was killed. The 5th, 10th and 17th also had their place in the line, but were not prominently engaged that day.
The fight ceased for the night of Friday, but before daylight on Saturday morning it was manifest that the rebels had not been by any means idle, for shot and shell began to “drop around” from a battery which they had planted during the night. They had also, during the night thrown a heavy force around to the north of the town. In their approach, both on the north and the west, they found fortifications which they must carry before they could obtain or hold the town. After sharp cannonading for several hours in the morning, which our forces replied to with spirit and with great destruction to the rebels, the latter formed and advanced for a charge to carry the works, which have been mentioned, on the north and west. And then followed the hottest and fiercest fight of all. They made the attack from both directions at the same time, and our artillery with the infantry supporting it, piled them in rows as they advanced. But the rebels braved this fire and advanced till they stormed the batteries, and for a moment fought hand to hand with the men within the breastworks, and forced back a few paces our supporting infantry. At this point (and while other batteries were playing with great effect upon the rebels,) our infantry forces rallied, and made a charge upon the enemy which no pluck could withstand. They broke at all points and fled in total rout, pursed by our troops across the fields and grounds over which they a few moments before had so boldly advanced. In this last victorious charge, our 2d and 7th Infantry were especially conspicuous, and our other regiments were less so, only because they were not in that part of our line where the fiercest attack was made.
And this ended the battle of Corinth. The fleeing enemy were pursued for days by our army, and arms munitions, baggage, stores and prisoners were among the trophies of the pursuit. The regiments have now just returned to this place, and are looking somewhat way-worn for their expedition: but yet they are in remarkable health considering the hardships they have endured. They are to-day enjoying the luxury and novelty of voting down here in Mississippi. In the battle and in the subsequent pursuit, the troops from other States bore themselves bravely; but they have trumpeters from their own States who sound their special praises. Their newspaper correspondents often overlook the courage and pluck or our boys from Iowa. The rebels however, have never been permitted to overlook them.
Col. Williams, of Gov. Yates’ staff, arrived last evening to look after the wants of the Illinois volunteers, who were wounded in the late battle. We do not hear as yet whether he has made any arrangements to remove them to Illinois.
We do not give a complete list of the killed and wounded in this letter, for the reason that you have undoubtedly seen the lists as published, and they take up a large amount of space. The official reports will soon appear, and can be obtained by any who may desire.
We can not forbear to add that the 17th Iowa, which was disgraced (by its Colonel) at Iuka, gloriously redeemed itself at this battle of Corinth. And further, it is told of col. Rice of the 7th, that in the charge upon the forts on Saturday he captured a rebel banner, and winding it around his body, dashed at the head of his regiment directly upon the ranks of the rebel battalion. Lieut. Col. Parrot, of the same regiment was wounded, and after a respite of an hour, returned again to the battle.~~Sanitary.
Monday
Morning
October 20, 1862
(Part 2)
Return of Lt. Suiter.—Lieutenant Frank M. Suiter, Of Co. B, 2d Iowa, arrived here on Saturday from Corinth, which place he left on Thursday. Lieut. S. has been reported slightly wounded, which was done on the first day of the recent battles. A more severe wound, which he received next day, has hitherto been unnoticed. This time the ball passed through the leg just below the knee, but happily breaking no bone. He is doing well, and yesterday went to his home, near LeClaire.
The whole regiment suffered
severely having over one third of the whole force either killed or wounded. Col.
Baker was shot in the stomach, Lieut. Col. Mills in the foot, Lieut. Huntington
near the right lung, all resulting fatally, Lieut. H. living till about 9
o’clock in the evening, having been shot near the beginning of the fight. The
regiment is now in command of Maj. Weaver and Co. B under Sergt. Oliver C.
Lewis, company B, took 46 officers and men, of whom one officer (Lt. Huntington)
was killed, and seventeen wounded, several of them severely, though it is
believed none of them dangerously except Burril Seymour, who was shot both in
the shoulder and head, but it is thought he will recover. J. A. Quinn, of Long
Grove, was among the first wounded in the fight, receiving a bad wound in the
knee.
Coroner’s
Inquest.—A Coroner’s Jury has been in session in this city for the past
three or four days, presided over by Dr. J. J. Tomson, Coroner, to investigate
the circumstances connected with the death of Jesse D. Herrick, a member of the
31st regiment, whose body was found near the river above New Boston,
Ills. And was brought here on Wednesday last. The evidence adduced, showed that
the deceased was last seen on the night of the 23d ult., in company with another
man; and that afterwards no traces of his whereabouts could be found, until his
body was discovered as before stated. The inquest has adjourned to wait further
developments.
The
Sixteenth Iowa At Corinth
List of Casualties.
The following is a list of the casualties in the 16th Iowa, from the battle of Corinth. The regiment was engaged Friday afternoon, and did some hard fighting, but fortunately the fight was in the timber, and the casualties are slight. We learn the regiment had last week 421 men reported for duty, and 491 in camp:
Killed.
Private Peter Kiem, Company E.
do Chas.
H. Harle, Company C.
Wounded
Lt. Col.
Add. H. Sanders, severely.
1st Lt. Jesse H. Lucas, Co. C, severely.
Sergt. J. Claussen, Co. B, slightly.
Corp. H. Muller Co. B, severely.
Private E. Joobe Co. B., severely.
do Jno.
Bravend, Co. C, slightly.
do A.
H. Hettinger, Co. C., severely.
do D.
T. Weld, Co. C., severely.
Corp. Jas. S. Gillispie, Co. E, severely.
Corp. Phillip McMeamer, Co. E, severely.
Private M. O. Halleck, Co. E, mortally.
do Jackson
A. Kuder, CO. E, slightly.
do Briggs
Olds, Co. E., slightly.
do Ernest
Amberg, Co. G, severely.
do Wm.
Diedrick, Co. G, slightly.
do William
Scheib, Co. H., severely.
do
M. Cottenbaugh, Co. H., severely.
do H.
H. Barger, Co. I, severely.
Missing.
Capt. C. W. Williams, Company D.
Private H. laudweir, do B.
do C.
Davonann, do
B.
do N.
Banse, do
C.
do Nicolaus
Moringer, do G.
do Owen
Russel, do I.
Deserters!
The following named soldiers enlisted for Old Regiments, have deserted from Camp McClellan Davenport, Iowa:
Werrill Morgan, born in Tippencanoe county, Ind, 23 years old, and by occupation a farmer, enlisted Aug. 30th at Ottumwa, by Lieut. A. A. Stewart. Grey eyes, dark hair, dark complexion, five feet ten inches high.
William H. Edwards, born in Morgan county Ohio, 21 years old and by occupation a farmer; enlisted August 30th at Ottumwa, by A. A. Stewart, Lieut; has blue eyes, light hair, light complexion; 5 feet 8 inches high.
Frank Forney, born in the city of Wurtemberg Kingdom of Germany; aged 23 years; by occupation a cooper, enlisted at Davenport, Iowa, August 11, has hazel eyes, dark hair and dark complexion; height, 5 feet 7 inches.
J. L. Braden, born in Decatur county, Indiana, aged 23 years; by occupation a farmer; enlisted at Davenport, Iowa, Aug. 16, has hazel eyes, black hair and dark complexion; height, 5 feet 10 inches.
W. J. Totten, born in Gallapolis, Ohio; aged 3* years; by occupation a farmer; enlisted at Keokuk, Iowa, August 31; has blue eyes, brown hair and fair complexion ; height, 5 feet, 5 inches.
William B. Jones, born in Orange county, New York; aged 24 years; by occupation a carpenter, enlisted at Iowa City, Iowa, July 31, has black eyes, sandy hair and dark complexion; height 5 feet, 5 inches.
John Houghton, born in Hardin county, Ohio, aged 19 years; by occupation a farmer; enlisted at Davenport, Iowa, Sept 20th, has grey eyes, light hair and light complexion; height, 5 feet, 61/2 inches.
Any one apprehending any one or all of said soldiers, will be paid all reasonable cost of transportation and subsistence, together with a reward of five dollars when said deserters are returned to the Commanding Officer of Camp McClellan.
R.
M. Littler, Capt. 2d Iowa Inft. Com’d’g Camp McClellan. Davenport, Oct. 4,
1862.
State Items
A company of 103 men has been recruited in Dubuque for the Irish Regiment, and the following officers chosen:
Captain—James Brown
1st Lieutenant—Thomas Duffy
2d Lieutenant—Patrick Murray
Orderly Sergeant—William Jones.
Tuesday
Morning
October 21, 1962
(Part 1)
From
the Twentieth Regiment
In Bivouack, Near
Newtonia, Newton Co., Mo.
October 9, 1862
Editor of Gazette.—I will endeavor to narrate the events that have occurred to us since my last letter.
We reached Springfield September the 24th and as mentioned previously, encamped some two miles outside the city. Troops were at work on several forts variously located about the place, so as to insure it to us through all reverses that can possibly occur to our arms. It was reported for a time that the Twentieth was to be ordered out on spade and pick drill, but a better fate awaited us, or a fate more in consonance with our desires.
On September 29th we marched from Springfield at noon, and at 8 o’clock in the evening, after passing through Little York, we encamped at Pond Springs, five miles from the battle field of Wilson’s Creek and about 12 to 14 miles from our previous camp. Several other regiments accompanied us, and every preparation was made to remain some time. Our brigade was to remain some time. Our brigade was organized and is in fair operation; it is commanded by Col. Dye, who being detached from our regiment, leaves Lieut. Col. Leake in command. Lieut. Lake, our Adjutant, is now A. A. G., and his former position filled by Lieut. Stark of Co.C.
Sept. 30th.—Pleasant weather, many of the boys outside camp lines are shooting and foraging on their own accounts. They bring with them an abundant supply of peaches, apples, &c., gathered form neighboring orchards, which are in every case known (by the boys) to belong to absent secesh. However, we are not peculiar in this respect. Reports come in that when beyond cannonading can be heard in a southwest direction. Rumors of battles being fought were prevalent at once and the expectations of those unaccustomed to camp life were in a continual excitement. Orders came in the evening to cook three days rations and prepare for marching.
Oct. 1st.—Wagons were loaded and everything done for leaving camp except striking tents, which were left standing until the last moment, when almost with the order that commanded it, down they came and were soon tied on the wagons. We marched at 12 o’clock at noon precisely an dwindling across a magnificent rolling prairie for a few miles found ourselves on the road to Mount Vernon. From the summit of the ridges or swells in the prairie we could look to the front and rear and see our advancing columns, miles in length, winding across the country. The scene was very impressive and gave as it were, a glimpse at the pomp and circumstances of war.
Our destination and the purpose of our moving were unknown; consequently speculations were rife, and every person met was certain to receive a perfect storm of questions about the road, the camp, water and about all of everything relative to the fight, which every one believed had occurred. Stray items of information were gradually gathered, and soon it became known that a reconnoitering force of Gen. Blunt’s command had engaged with the enemy at Newtonia, and had been repulsed. The forces were very unequal, and success with the stronger party. We stopped for the night on limited camping ground, b a stream of good water and eight miles from Mt. Vernon.
Oct. 2nd.—We continued our march through Mt. Vernon, which is an insignificant village with a good brick court house, to a place twelve miles beyond, where we found a very large spring of good water, and a field overgrown with rank prairie grass, in which, though tentless, we soon disposed ourselves for sleep. We move in light marching order, that is, every many carries only his provision, and a blanket to sleep in, and is thus able to act independent of tents and wagons.
Oct. 3d.—Unexpectedly, we remained in camp, and about noon had the camp regularly laid off, tents pitched and things put in shape for life once more. At 5 o’clock orders came to prepare three days rations and with them in our haversacks, to be ready at 7 p.m., to march. Flour had to be made into bread, and our beef was eating grass yet, but we went to work with a will and formed in line at the time given to move. Various delays occurred, and it was 9 o’clock before the command was given to move. Our column comprised several thousand troops, and as is always the case, some little time occurred in getting things into proper trim for a steady advance. The sky was clear and the moon nearly full, and the boys felt inspirited by the prospect before them of burning powder, and obeyed every order promptly. We marched some twenty-five miles by morning, and were more soldierly in our conduct than in any march made previously.
The country is like the best of Iowa, and so much like Jersey Ridge that it as almost equivalent to a transfer home. At the occasional halts, we fell to the ground hurriedly, and were at once in deep sleep, which refreshed us much, though lasting for only five or ten minutes.
Oct. 4th.—We took some of the enemy’s pickets prisoners early in the morning; passed through Jollification, and as we approached Newtonia were urged into a double-quick, to bring us rapidly into the supposed battle. The road was soon strewn with blankets, overcoats, etc. from which the men had unburdened themselves. Our regiment came up creditably, and after a toilsome march in line of battle was halted in the chosen position, where we remained until night. Men were sent back after the thrown-away clothing, but most of it was lost.
We learned that there had been some thousands of the enemy at Newtonia, but at our approach they had skedaddle. Various indications of the fight on Tuesday were visible, and a large stock of wonderful things to all be gathered up.
Just before dark, we came about two miles to this place, where we have remained, with the following experiences.
Monday last, we received orders to prepare three day’s rations, with which to march at 10 o’clock yesterday morning, but we awaited the signal to move until after noon, when with “Forward—March” the entire command moved northward, much to our surprise, as we had counted on a journey Dixie-ward. Our eyes were soon open to he prospect before us. Within two miles from the camp, we formed in line of battle—infantry, cavalry, artillery, and baggage train all in position—to meet or repulse a foe. Skirmishers were thrown out, advances made, and other maneuvers gone through with intended as a brigade or division drill, to familiarize us with things to come in the future. After some three hours of this fatiguing exercise, we found ourselves on the ground of our camp, where we yet remain with wagons loaded, in readiness for instant departure. That we are expected to move is evident; but the event that will bring the order is unknown to us, as is everything else relative to our destination. The enemy are reported to be at Pineville, the county-seat of McDonald county, and between us and the Arkansas line. I am inclined to believe that we shall never catch them this side of the Pea Ridge region, and not there in a fair fight.
I will say that we are a long way from anywhere, and they can confer a great favor on us by mailing to us postage stamps, and a thousand and one little conveniences that will come for three cents postage, and that can not be had here for either love or money. Needles, thread, pins, court plaster, writing paper, and old (or new) copies of illustrated papers, magazines, etc., etc. don’t neglect to write to us. We labor under many inconveniences, and you should be glad to send us five letters for each one you receive.~~D.
Tuesday
Morning
October 21, 1962
(Part 2)
Military
Appointments.
The following appointments have
been made, and commissions issued therefor:
Surgeon.
B. Taylor Wise, 5th cavalry; Sept 27.
Assistant Surgeons.
Sergt. Kelsey S. Martin, Blackhawk co, (now of Co. E,) 5th inf. Oct. 1.
J. C. Morrison, of Iowa City, (now additional assistant surgeon,) 13th inf. Oct. 8.
Adjutants
Corporal Thomas G. Ferrely, Marion, (14th inf.,) 1st lieut. 26th inf. Aug. 10.
Sergt. Theodore Sydenhand, 1st lieut. 2d cavalry. Oct. 1.
Quartermasters
John C. Lockwood, Louisa co., 1st lieut. 30th inf. Vice Samuel Townsend, declined Oct.15.
Captains
Lieut. Obed Caswell, Ohio, co. D, 5th inf., vice Branbury, promoted. July 14.
Paul McSweeney, Dubuque, Co. B, 9th inf. Aug. 25.
Ellsworth N. Bates, Cedar Rapids, Co. A, 20th inf. Aug. 25.
Ed. Coulter, Cedar Rapids, Co. B, 20th inf. Aug. 25.
Mark L. Thomson, Scott co., co. C, 20th inf. Aug. 25.
Dolphus Torrey, Davenport, Co. D, 20th inf. Aug. 25.
Chester Barney, Davenport, Co. E, 20th inf. Aug. 25.
Nathaniel M. Hubbard, Marion, Co. F, 20th inf. Aug. 25.
Joseph B. Leake, Davenport, Co. G, 20th inf. Aug. 25.
Charles Altman, Davenport, Co. G, 20th inf. Aug. 25, vice Leake, promoted to Lieut. Colonelcy. Aug. 26.
Rufus H. Lucore, Marion, Co. H, 20th inf. Aug. 25.
Charles C. Cook, Cedar Rapids, Co. I, 20th inf. Aug. 25.
Sylvanus B. Byram, LeClaire, Scott co., Co. K, 20th inf. Aug. 25.
William D. Crooke, Clayton co., Co. B, 21st inf. Aug. 18.
Jesse M. Harrison, Dubuque, Co. C, 21st inf. Aug. 20.
Elisha Boardman, Elkader, Co. D, 21st inf. Aug. 22.
Jacob, Swivel, Dubuque, Co. E, 21st inf. Aug. 22.
Leonard, Horr, Dubuque, Co. F, 21st inf. Aug. 22.
W. A. Benton, McGregor, Co. G, 21st inf. Aug. 22.
Joseph M. Watson, Manchester, Delaware co, Co. H, 21st inf. Aug. 23
David Greaves, Dubuque, Co. I, 21st inf. Aug. 23
Alexander Voorhies, Hopkinton, Co. K, 21st inf. Aug. 20.
Charles N. Lee, Iowa City, Co. A, 22d inf. Sept. 10.
John H. Gearkee, Iowa City, Co. B, 22d inf. Sept. 9.
Adam T. Ault, Newton, Co. C, 22d inf. Sept. 10.
Robert M. Wilson, Albia, Co. D, 22d inf. Sept. 10.
Hiram C. Humbert, Agency City, Co. E, 22d inf. Sept. 9.
Alfred B. Cree, Iowa City, Co. F, 22d inf. Sept. 10.
Isaac V. Dennis, Iowa city, Co. G, 22d inf. Sept. 10.
John C. Schrader, Johnson co, Co. H, 22d inf. Sept. 9.
James Robertson, Iowa City, Co. I, 22 inf. Sept. 9.
George W. Clark, Iowa City, Co. K, 22d inf. Sept 9.
Algernon S. Patrick, Co. L, 5th cavalry. Aug. 1.
Lieut. David A. Walter, Osage co., Mo., Co. M, 5th cav., vice Kidd, resigned. Sept. 11
First Lieutenants
