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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
September 19 - 29, 1862
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Friday
Morning
September 19, 1862
(Part 1)
Military
Appointments.
The following appointments have been made, and commissions issued therefore:
Colonel.--George
M. O’Brien, Dubuque, 42d inf. From Sept. 16.
Lieutenant
Colonels.--John O’Neil, Dubuque, 42d inf. Sept 16. Major Harvey Graham, 22d
inf., vice Garrett, promoted. Sept 17.
Majors.--Capt.
Jabez Banbury, 6th inf., vice Robertson, resigned. July 14. George W.
Howard, Chickasaw Co., 27th inf. Aug. 10. N. B. Mathews, Dubuque, 42d
inf. Sept 16.
Surgeons.—Arad
Parks, Sigourney, 33d inf. S. B. Olney, Fort Dodge, 32 inf. G. L. Carhart, Mount
Vernon, 31st inf. John E. Sanborn, Dubuque Co., 27th inf.
W. S. Marsh, Mt. Pleasant, 25th inf.
Assistant
Surgeons.—Oren Peabody, 22d inf. James D. Gray, Keokuk Co., 25th
inf. Emanuel H. Reigart, Tipton, and Stephen M. Cobb, Muscatine, 35th
inf. D. H. Kauffman, Indianola, and H. W. Jay, Charlton, 34th inf.
John Y. Hopkins, Oskaloosa, 33d inf., Lucius French, Anamosa, and Christopher I.
Dawson, Jackson county, 31st inf. W. L. Nichols, Fort Dodge, and
David F. Eskin, Glenwood, 29th inf. E. J. B. Stotler,
Marshalltown, and W. P. Lathrop, Vinton, 29th inf. David C.
Hastings, Buchanan county, and Albert Boomer, Delhi, 27th inf. H. M.
Farr, Henry county, 25th inf.
Adutuants.—H.
M. Pettit, Dubuque, 1st Lieut. 38th inf., Sept. 10. John
J. Lambert, Dubuque, 1st Lieut. 42d inf., Sept 16.
Quartermasters.—Albert
J. Twogood, 1st Lietu. 31st inf., Sept. 10. William
Ireland, Dubuque, 1st Lieut. 42d inf., Sept. 16.
Conditional
Second Lieutenant.—James G. Dawson, Jones county, 31st inf. Robt.
J. Shannon, 32d inf. Walter S. Johnson, Appanoose county, 36th inf.
Sergt. George E. Dayton, of 1st cav., for 6th cav. Chas.
E. Moss, Keokuk, 6th cav.
Death of Lieut. Thos. A. Spottswood.
A telegram having been received by the members of the Twenty-first regiment, while encamped on Rock Island, announcing the death of Lieut. T. A. Spottswood, at Dubuque, where he had been left sick with measles, a meeting of the commissioned officers was held on the steamboat. Henry Clay yesterday, Sept. 18th, at one o’clock P. M., to express their feelings regarding the solemn event. After appropriate addresses by Lieut. Col. G. W. Dunlap, Gen. N. B. Baker, Rev. Mr. Sloane, Chaplain, and others, the following persons were appointed a committee on resolutions: Fist Lieuts. W. A. Roberts, P. M. Brown, A. R. Jones, and Major Van Anda, who reported the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:
Whereas, We have learned with deep regret and sincere sorrow of the decease of our brother officer and soldier, Lieut. Thomas a. Spottswood, 2d Lieut. Co. F, 21st regiment Iowa volunteers, therefore
Resolved, That in his death we have lost a friend whom we loved, a citizen whom we respected, a soldier and a patriot worthy of our high esteem.
Resolved, That we deeply sympathise with the relatives and friends of the departed in this their sad bereavement, and with the officers and soldiers of Co. F, who, by his decese, have lost a faithful officer, a true and generous friend, and an efficient soldier.
Resolved, That we deeply sympathise with the relatives and friends of the departed in this their sad bereavement and with the officers and soldiers of Co. F, who, by his decease, have lost a faithful officer, a true and generous friend, and an efficient soldier.
Resolved, That these resolutions be sent to the Dubuque Times, Dubuque Herald, and the Davenport, Gazette, for publication.
G. W.
Dunlap, Chairman
W. A. Robert, Secretary.
Friday
Morning
September 19, 1862
(Part 2)
Twenty First Iowa.—This regiment, as we have stated, encamped on Rock Island Wednesday night, and the ruins of the old military post there were again, after a quiet of more than a quarter of a century, enlivened by the tread of armed men. Three companies quartered for the night within the building of the old fort, recalling to mind the ancient time when it was garrisoned against another though hardly more savage foe than the one we have now to contend with; while suggesting the hope that the prostration of that enemy was not more complete than will be that of those now arrayed in arms against their country.
During
the morning yesterday, a dispatch from Gen. Pope authorized the regiment to
proceed on its way southward. They accordingly embarked again, and about 4
o’clock in the afternoon were on their way to St. Louis. Their further
destination is unknown.
Postage Stamps Not Currency.—The following official communication from the Post Office Department to C. H. Eldridge, Esq., Postmaster of this city, settles a vexed question:
Post Office Department
Finance Office, Washington, Sept. 15.
Postmaster, Davenport, Iowa:
There
is no legal warrant for the use, as currency, of postage stamps, sold by
Postmasters, nor are the latter required to redeem them. Hence you are
instructed to limit sales to such amounts as a re absolutely required for postal
purposes.~~A. M. Zevely, Third Asst. P. M. General.
The Draft.—The Governor has addressed the following circular to the drafting commissioners of the several counties. It will be seen that everything is to be got ready for a draft, in case the same should be ordered, which the Governor considers imminent:
Executive
Office, Iowa, Sept. 16, 1862
Sir:--I have recently been instructed by the War Department, that the excess of volunteers over the quota of this State of the first Three Hundred Thousand men will be credited to the State on her quota of the second Three Hundred Thousand; and that if the State has filled both quotas by volunteering, no draft would at present be made except to fill the old regiments.
There are now, in process of organization two independent regiments at Dubuque—one the Irish regiment, under Colonel O’Brien, and a Cavalry regiment, under Colonel Wilson; also, a regiment in the southern part of the State, under colonel Summers. I will endeavor to procure credit to the State for these regiments.
Still the danger of a draft is imminent. The order may reach me on any day to commence the draft to fill the old regiments. You will therefore perfect all your arrangements for the draft. Heave everything done that is required of you by the instructions heretofore sent you, so that you will be ready to commence the draft on one day’s notice, and await such further instructions as may be sent you. You need not attuned from day to day, as heretofore, but be ready to act when required.
You
will ascertain and strike from your list of men liable to draft, all men in your
county who may enlist in any of the old regiments or is either of the regiments
named.
Samuel
Kirkwood, Governor.
Another
View.—Der Demokrat of yesterday administered a fitting rebuke to our other
cotemporary for its fulsome eulogies of Gen. McClellan at the expense of other
officers who have nobly distinguished themselves in the service. It closes thus:
“McClellan’s register of sins is open to the world. He cannot be
whitewashed, and although he may yet play a principal role in the political
arena, his place in the field will appear at zero in the history of this war.”
Died.
On
Thursday, Sept. 18th, Wm. Henry Davis, son of James H. and Elizabeth
Davis, born Nov. 13, 1860. Disease, consumption. Funeral from the residence this
afternoon at two o’clock.
In Orfordville, Wis., on Monday morning the 15th inst., Orlana W., wife of Asa M. Mamblett, aged 40 years.
Friday
Morning
September 19, 1862
(Part 3)
Late
News by the Mails.
The
Twentieth Regiment.
Rolla, Mo., Sept. 15, 1862
Editor Gazette.—The Twentieth left Benton Barracks Sunday morning, the 14th inst., and after the hours of delay that seem inseparable from military operations, took cars on the Pacific Railroad. We reached this place at 8 o’clock in the afternoon. Our baggage was behind, and so tired were we that we marched upon a bare knoll, near the depot, and lay down for the night. It had been oppressively warm through the day, and the night without being cold, was clear and pleasant.
At early dawn to-day the camp was aroused, streets laid off, tents pitched,--for the first time by us,--and real camp life begun. The phase of it offered us is far from tempting; no shade, no water convenient, with dust and dirt everywhere. We find relief in our troubles in the expectation that we do not stay long, and the arrival of the tents, drawn for our special benefit, will be the signal for our instant departure. We are to have large tents of a French pattern, imported for Government use.
Our destination may be inferred from the start we have made. As to our accompanying forces, &c, &c. I can say nothing.
Our health is good. Company D
left Anderson and Harding in the hospital in St. Louis, and L. E. Hunt will be
left here.~~D.
THE WAR
NEWS
Another Desparate Battle
McClellan Victorious
The Rebels driven North via Antietam Creek
Our Forces Capture Whole Batteries
Loss Heavy on Both Sides
Longstreet and his Division taken Prisoner
Another
Terrible Battle
Herald’s Dispatch
Washington, Sept. 17.
At three o’clock this p. m., intelligence was received that since 5:30 this morning the fiercest and most sanguinary battle of the whole war has been I progress. All the corp d’armee which McClellan had taken with him to Frederick were massed at the point indicated and the engagement is believed to have been between the whole of the two armies.
There is reason to suppose the losses on each side very great, as requisitions for medical stores and arrangements for wounded men, to be sent to Robersville immediately, are larger than have ever been made at any time.
Information has been received that McClellan destroyed the aqueduct at the mouth of Antietam Creek and the bridge across that creek upon the road leading to Sharpsburg, thus cutting off the retreat of the rebels in the direction of Shepardstown.
Later reports from Hagerstown this afternoon state that the rebels are retreating in great confusion and disaster and subsequently heavy and rapid firing was heard in the direction of Williamsport, which induces the belief that McClellan has pursued the retreating rebels to that point, and that they made a stand there to cover their passage across the Potomac.
The reconnaissance made by Col. Davies’ cavalry, who made a dashing foray towards Hanover Junction, from Fredericksburg, and now under command of Heintzelman, show that since Friday last the rebels have evacuated Leesburg, and that a force of 10,000, with 30 pieces of artillery, and a supply train two miles in length, has gone in the direction of Harper’s Ferry.
Information has been received here, which, however, is not deemed altogether reliable, that a large rebel force is marching northward upon the other side of Bull Run Mountains. Measures were promptly taken to ascertain the truth of the report.
A gentleman of this city, who is conversant with the region about Harper’s Ferry, says that the Potomac can be forded at Shepardstown, at Antietam Creek, at dam No. 4, and at Harper’s Ferry.
A letter was received to-night
from Lieutenant Russell, 96th Pa., who states their loss at the
battle of the pass of the Blue Ridge, to be 156. Major Martin and Lieutenant
Dougherty were killed.
Washington
Sept.17.
Times Special
Very little is positively known here in regard to to-day’s fighting, except the fact that the contest is still going on. The Government has preserved silence in regard to whatever information it possesses, but we learn from some official sources that the tenor of the advices is favorable to the Union cause. Private dispatches, believed to be correct, inform us that the enemy had destroyed the turnpike bridge over Antietam Creek, and had thrown up rude earthworks to defend the fords of said stream.
Later.—We learn that the rebels have been driven steadily back towards the Potomac, and it was believed the fighting was done mainly by the rebels’ rear guard, which was contesting the advance of our troops and covering the retreat of the man body.
A special train with medical stores and surgeons leaves here to-night for Frederick. Heavy firing was heard to-day in the direction of Drainesville, which tends to the belief that one of our columns may have encountered a force in that neighborhood. If so, our knowledge of the force and its leaders leaves us in no fear of the results.
Monday
Morning
September 21, 1862
The Indian Troubles.—Mr. E. M. Knight, writing to the Des Moines Register from Esterville, Emmett county, Sept. 6th tells of a visit he had made to the scene of the late Indian outbreak. He found the new made graves of the murdered, and in the houses were trunks and boxes broken open, and also their contents. I appears, form good authority, that the outrages were perpetrated by a portion of Ink-pa-du-cha’s band, who have been stealing horses for the last eight years through the border counties. The citizens up there think they can protect themselves if properly armed. The letter concludes as follows:
“I am afraid that too many designing persons on our border wish a large body of State troops quartered among them for speculative purposes. I have it from good authority that some of our border men affirm that in case a large body of troops are not quartered among them, that they would be justified in inciting the Indians to continue their depredations. Such men should be attended to at the earliest moment, and placed in “durance vile” during the remainder of their lives.”
This
is not at all improbable; it has been the case too frequently on the frontiers
to doubt that it may be done again.
Takes
the Prize.—A correspondent from Warren county in this State, informs us that
Whitebreast Township, in that county, has furnished one hundred and twenty
volunteers for the war. We are of the opinion that Whitebreast is the banner
township of the Union.
From
the 2d Cavalry.
Camp at
Rienzi Miss.,
Sept 13, 1862
Editor of Gazette:--We are now encamped in the woods at New Rienzi without company tents, and precious little to eat except what we can arrest, found running loose within our lines, such as pigs, goats, sheep &c., more commonly known in the army as slow deer; a very fair substitute in place of any thing better. The reason of our being short of provisions is, that it is deemed unsafe to bring or keep on hand any quantity of commissary stores at this place, for Price is reported to have sent word several times that the intended to dine at Rienzi on certain occasions, and we being well aware he has not much to eat at home, fear our share would come up minus after his lean host has once satisfied their rapacious appetites. We keep on hand, however, a more substantial food for him, which we will issue in double ration if he shows his head. There are now at Rienzi five regiments, 3 of infantry and 2 cavalry (2d Iowa and 7th Kansas) all of which are under command of Col. Duboise. The health of our regiment is excellent, there being only a few in the hospital. Our hospital I now at Corinth, and the sick have recently been sent there; they are doing well, being well cared for. The weather is still quite hot, but a change is evidently approaching; the nights are becoming quite cool. We feel as if we “have seen the elephant,” and have out-generaled the climate, if we haven’t the rebels, and as fall weather is approaching we feel no more fear of malignant diseases than we should at home. Our fruit season is now nearly passed, and we shall all have to bid farewell to luxuries, such as pies and dumplings, which for some time have graced our rustic tables; but “Uncle Sam” must send us some of his new onions and potatoes, and we will try and be content therewith until fruit season comes again. Last night a beautiful shower of rain fell, which was welcomed by all, notwithstanding many of the boys felt the efficiency of it by way of a sound “ducking;” they being without tents and having little protections from the showers, except what they derived from the trees and their talmas.* Twenty-four of our wagons loaded with tents, officers baggage &c, were sent to or near Corinth yesterday; it being supposable they would be safer there than at this place, also rendering a hasty retreat less troublesome, provided we be forced to make one. Our pickets now extend in every direction from this place, and are very carefully and strongly posted. Reconnoitering parties are continually out and find a few rebels, but no great force has yet been seen near this, and we have but little idea of the force advancing. Two companies were out to-day and reported seeing quite a number a short distance this side of Boonville, 6 or 8 miles from this place. We are waiting anxiously for them, being assured they can’t easily surprise us, for our regiment is in the saddle half expecting to climb into it.
I was told of quite a little joke to-day, at the expense of the 2d Iowa. It has been very apparent during the fruit season, that we have had rather the best of the infantry. As they were in the back ground, we in front got all the good fruit—they what they could catch, it being at our option whether we let them outside our lines or not. They were yesterday indulging in the “ardent,” and one of them drank the following toast: “Success and long life to our western army, except that d—d 2d Iowa Cavalry, for they are always ahead of us, and leave nothing behind.” I’ll wager a shilling though that they will always be glad to have us in front when “rebs” are about, for if we don’t leave much to eat behind, we usually keep the rebels back, while the infantry are lounging in camp.
With
our best wishes for the good people of Iowa. I am yours, &c., Union.
*Talma—a
large hooded cape or cloak.
Acts
of the Special Session.
The
following is a synopsis of the most important enactments of the late Special
Session of the State Legislature:
Also, the passage of a law organizing one company of mounted men in each
county on the southern border, part of which shall keep a continual scout along
the line, and prevent any guerrilla incursions—those only being paid who do
service.
The
Assembly indefinitely postponed a proposition to exempt from military duty,
Quakers, and others conscientiously opposed to bearing arms.
Wednesday
Morning
September 24, 1862
(Part 1)
THE
WAR NEWS
Rebel Loss at Iuka 261 Killed—
Ours less than 100.
Bragg
Demands Surrender
Of Louisville.
He
Doesn’t Get It!
Special
to the N.Y. Tribune
Washington, Sept. 22.
A reconnoitering party, under command of Maj. Deems, of Sibley’s staff was pushed beyond Chantildi yesterday. Thirty-nine stragglers were taken prisoners and paroled. No pickets of the enemy were to be seen. A quantity of rebel knapsacks, camp equipage, and a large silk rebel flag, which bore evidence of service, belonging to the Beauregard Rifles, were also captured.
Twelve hundred of our wounded arrived here by railroad, form Frederick, to-day. There are now fully, 2,000 in the city, the capitol and new hospitals being crowded. Room will be made for at least 2,000 more.
Yesterday 100 wagon loads of
sanitary stores and provisions were sent to Frederick for the relief of the
wounded.
Special
Dispatch to the Herald.
Washington, Sept. 22.
It is stated on good authority that Burnside was offered the command of the army of the Potomac, but in declining the honor, he asserted the pre-eminent fitness of McClellan for the position.
It is supposed that the wound received by Richardson through the shoulder and breast will prove fatal. The wound of Dana is below the knee, and from a musket ball.
Gen. W. H. French, and his son
William, reported wounded, are well, uninjured and on duty.
The
Battle at Iuka
Seven Iowa Regiments Engaged.
Adjt.
Laurence Killed
The Fifth, Tenth, Sixteenth, and Seventeenth Iowa regiments were attached to Rosencrans’ army at the fight at Iuka. Loss of the four regiments, one hundred and fifty killed and wounded. Col. Chamber, of the Sixteenth Iowa, wounded in right shoulder. His Adjutant, Laurence, was killed. The Eleventh, Thirteenth, and Fifteenth Iowa regiments, were also engaged. Loss is very slight. The Iowa regiments did most of the fighting.~~C. C. Cadble
It will soon be seen from the above that while seven Iowa regiments participated in the fight, but four of them bore the brunt of the battle; the 11th, 13th and 15th being only slightly engaged. Lieutenant George Laurence, Adjutant of the 16th, killed in this fight, was formerly a member of company E, First Iowa; at the time of his enlistment in that regiment at Burlington, he was 24 years of age; he was a native of Canada. Previous to his promotion to the adjutancy; he was First Lieut. of company E, 16th regiment. He was highly esteemed among his comrades as a true man and a brave soldier.
We are still in doubt as to whether Col. Chambers is a prisoner or not. We had hoped to have received a dispatch giving full lists of the wounded and killed, but go to press without.
Wednesday
Morning
September 24, 1862
(Part 2)
From
the 2d Cavalry
On the 3d of September, the regiment was ordered to march on the 4th to Boonville, with 4 days rations. The regiment had a few days previously moved from their camp outside the entrenchments into the town, as also the 2d Michigan and 7th Kansas, forming the brigade.
On the night of the 4th, three regiments of infantry, including the 2d Iowa Infantry, left for Kentucky, and on the 5th, the 2d Michigan left the brigade and started for Louisville, Ky.; thus taking away the most efficient regiments in this army, (except the 2d Iowa); and also Col. Sheridan, acting Brigadier.
While
the regiment lay in the woods at Booneville, watching for an advancing foe, on
Sunday the 7th, Gen Granger left, and during the day, a new Colonel
somebody, took command. I went to the regiment that afternoon with
Tuesday, Sept. 9th.—Col. Hatch returned with the regiment safe and sound to camp, and then up again went the tents of the 2d cavalry; and perhaps somebody found somebody had been scared, and nobody hurt. All the rations had been sent to Corinth and our regiment not being able to transport ten days rations, “on a run,” had returned them there; ad a return train having delayed its coming, rations were short, and would have been shorter had it not been for several herds of goats which had been picking about in perfect security, until this particular season of the year caused great mortality among them!
In the great “hurly burly,” the rail road from this place to Booneville was destroyed to prevent Price running his army in some night on a hand car.
The men and horses of our regiment are very much exhausted from constant fatigue. We have had no forage for ten days, except as we foraged upon the country.—Some squadrons have been on picket six nights in succession, and some officers on duty eight nights out of nine in succession.
Yesterday morning, at one o’clock, the regiment left camp with supporting infantry and artillery, to capture a body of rebel cavalry near Booneville. Arriving at Boonville at day-break, they found that the enemy had “left the day before,” &c.
To-day col. Hatch had brought into camp the rebel Lieuts. Wilson and Deboit, who were wounded in the fight of July 1st, near Booneville. To-morrow Colonel Hatch returns with them under a flag of truce, perhaps to visit Gen. Price, &c They are as full of secesh as the Devil is of lies, though respectable looking. Their intelligence may be inferred from a remark of one of them to me, “That the Southern Confederacy were fighting for Freedom,” &c. I reckoned, then, I had better quit.
The 1st of September Sergeant Meade and private J. C. Scripture, of company I, returned a Lieutenant to Col. Faulkner at Ripley, under a flag of truce. As they were to start to return again the next morning, they told Sergeant Meade that he could return, but they would have to keep his man a few days, but not to be alarmed about him. He has not yet returned.
As to our regiment, except that commission, we are all right, and ready to stay here, go to the Gulf, to Virginia, or if ordered, even to “fall back to a new base of operations.”
Well, we have heard from the army of Virginia, and what do we think? It is not military to “tell anything,” but I have heard some so presumptuous as to ask, “Have we no Generals?”
I
remain peacefully Yours, ~~Diff
From
Camp Kirkwood.
Camp Kirkwood, Sept. 20th, ‘62
Editor of Gazette: Agreeable to request, I embrace the present opportunity to contribute my mite for the benefit of the patrons of your paper. We are now being initiated into the mysteries of camp life, and while some are complaining of the strictness of orders and discipline of the camp, others are well pleased. And while there are some that can not stand the fatigue of a soldier, there are some with whom it well agrees. At present there is considerable sickness in camp, owing to change of life and habits, and partially to the low damp ground upon which our camp is situated. The frequent showers and sudden changes of weather have been hard on those who are nor have been unused to exposure; but most of the men think that as soon as we get a little seasoned, we shall stand it first rate. There has been but one death since we came into camp. The men are getting along finely on drill, and since our uniforms were furnished they present a fine appearance, and look almost like veterans.
The officers are all well liked, especially our Colonel, Milo Smith, who goes around among the men like a father, and is looked upon as nearly akin to us all.
We had a very pleasant time at Camanche, at the county fair, on Thursday the 18th inst. , and while there were presented with a splendid banner from the society. There were also two sword presented at that time, one to Capt. Johnson, and the other to Lieut. McDill. The presentations were accompanied with appropriate speeches and responses. The regiment met with great applause from the spectators, as did also the band, which under the instruction of Albert Linton, drum major, is progressing finely.
We have been looking daily and hourly for the pay-master, Capt. Hendershott, and report says he is to be here next week; we hope it is so, for the boys are getting somewhat impatient, as the Colonel has promised that when we are mustered into service and paid off he will give us furloughs, so that we can go home and settle up our affairs. There are a few in the regiment who refuse to be mustered into service and are now in the guard house, but I think a few days will bring them to terms.
~~Do Know
Thursday
Morning
September 25, 1862
Important
Orders from Gen. Pope
The Frontier to be Protected
Adjutant General Baker has received orders from Gen. Pope, through Gen. Elliott, chief of staff, to dispatch six companies of infantry to Jackson county, Minnesota, without delay. The officer placed in command of these troops is to select such points as will best afford protection to the people, and at the same time allow concentration fro defense in case of attack; and he is there to prepare quarters for the shelter and protection of the force at his disposal. These troops are to be provide with provisions and ammunition sufficient to last one month after their arrival. The officer in command is to report to the headquarters of the Department, at St. Paul, immediately after selecting his positions, the most practicable mail and wagon road by which supplies and communications can reach him. Stores, forage, fuel, &c are to be procured as near to the locality s possible, and is to be provided by the Adjutant General, together with transportation, arms, &c.
It will be seen that the execution of this order will provide the very best possible means of security to the Iowa frontier. The troops will be in the service of the United States and though placed in Minnesota, where State troops could not be taken, they will be as a wall of steel to Emmett, Dickinson, and adjoining counties. With the company of cavalry already mustered into the United States service at Sioux City and now fully equipped, and the arms provided for the home guards, our frontier will be well secured.
Gen.
Baker has not yet decided whether to take the six companies from the 26th
or 27th regiments, probably the former. Not having any fixed
ammunition at command, Gen. B. will be compelled to furnish such as can be
had—powder, lead and caps. No time will be lost in getting these troops to the
field of operations, and the settlers who have abandoned their homes in terror
may be assured of security. Gen. Pope has also issued instructions to Capt.
Hendershott to do all in his power to facilitate the mustering and equipping
these troops.
Twenty-Second
Iowa Regiment.
From our Regular Correspondent
Benton Barracks
St. Louis, Sept. 20, 1862
The 22d Iowa was mustered into the United States service on the 9th inst. At Iowa city, and on the 15th inst. It left by rail for Benton Barracks. We left Camp Pope at one o’clock a. M., on the 15th inst., and by one o’clock P.M. of the same day we were on board the steamer Metropolitan, for Montrose, where we took the cars around the rapids for Keokuk, which place we reached in the forenoon of the 16th inst. We remained at Keokuk until Wednesday morning, the 17th, in consequence of the non-arrival of the steamer Sucker State. And oh! What a drenching rain we had that night. About 10 o’clock A.M. Wednesday morning the Sucker State sounded her whistle and swung off into the river, bearing upon her decks a thousand of Iowa’s noble sons, to the scenes of conflict between rebellion and loyalty. We bade adieu to Iowa—many of us doubtless, for the last time. We had a pleasant trip to St. Louis, and it was with much interest the boys made close observation of the towns and people along the borders of Missouri.
We reached St. Louis on Thursday morning, the 18th inst., and at once marched through the city to Benton Barracks, some four miles north of the landing.
Soon after the boat reached the St. Louis levee, a soldier by the name of Rogers, of Co. D, from Albia, Monroe county, dove into the river after his bayonet, which he had dropped. The second attempt was his last—he never arose again.
There are some seven thousand soldiers in Benton Barracks at present, including the 21st and 22d Iowa reached here yesterday, and left this evening for Rolla.
I am informed that there are some eight hundred rebel prisoners in the McDowell College, St. Louis, including a large number of rebel sympathizers who refuse to be enrolled for service and take the oath of allegiance. When our regiment passed through the streets of St. Louis it was the subject of favorable remark by the people generally as well as the recipient of many demonstrations of “God speed and protect you.”
Gen. Schofield left here yesterday to take command of the Missouri forces now concentrating in the southwest of this State. He is highly spoken of in military circles.
I learn that the 21st and 22d regiments are to go into Gen. Herron’s brigade at Springfield. A fight is expected thereabouts.
We have just received marching orders for Rolla to-morrow morning. The boys in high spirits, anxious for a brush.
Major Graham has just received his commission as Lt. Col. Of the 22d, vice Garrett, promoted. Nine-tenths of the commissioned officers of our regiment recommended, in writing, Lt. J. B. Atherton, our present Adjutant, for the majorship; but Gov. Kirkwood refuses to commission him, because he is not a Captain.
The health of our boys is good—only eleven in the hospital.
Again,
from Rolla,
Frank Forest.
Monday
Morning
September 29, 1862
(Part 1)
From
the 2d Cavalry
Camp at Corinth, Miss.
September 23, 1862
Editors Gazette:--I give you hastily a few items of news from this vicinity. The trains with all stores, equipage, &c, of some forty regiments are in ‘Corrall’ at his place and are intended to be used in barricading the town should an attack be made on this point. For a week past there has been a general movement of troops; Gen. Rosencrans’ division is moving to the northeast from Rienzi to attack Price’s army at Iuka, on flank and rear, while Grant’s went from Corinth directly eastward to meet him in front.
On Saturday, the 20th Price being at Iuka, Gen. Rosencrans had come up, and expected Grant’s division to make an attack in front at 2 p.m. About 10 a.m. the 5th Iowa, Rosencrans’ division, commenced driving in the rebel pickets, and at 4 p.m. an attack was made on Price’s army. The troops behaved splendidly. The 5th Iowa was in the thickest of the fight. The rebels fought with bravery and determination, but could not avail against the gallant ‘Yankee boys.’ The rebels charged on an Ohio battery, killing all the horses but 5, and succeeded in capturing the guns, only 20 of the men remaining unhurt. The 5th Iowa in turn, charged the rebels and retook the battery. The 5th were in the centre and were very much cut up; one company going in with forty-five men and coming out with only ten; I could not get the letter of the company. The 17th, 10th, and 16th were also in the fight; Col. Chambers is reported missing.
On Saturday the 2d Iowa cavalry came across Falkner’s cavalry in the rear of Price’s army drawn up in line of battle. The 2d dismounted, and the rebels poured in a volley, when the 2d opened and they took to their heels leaving five killed and four mortally wounded. The 2d pursued capturing ten prisoners. Price finding he could not withstand the assaults of the ‘mud sills’ gave way, leaving the field in our possession. Our loss was seventy-five killed on the field, and about three hundred wounded. The rebel loss was one thousand killed and wounded. Sunday morning the 21st, the 2d cavalry pursued the retreating rebels harassing their rear and taking prisoners. After passing over a rise of ground the ‘rebs’ had formed in line, and after col. Hatch, and the head of the column had passed the ridge, opened with a volley of musketry and a shower of grape from a masked battery. Capt. Kendrick of company E, had his sabre bent double by a cannon shot, and Captain Egbert had his horse shot under him; the captain was injured internally by his horse falling and is now in the hospital at Iuka. Nelson Lovell of Co. C, was wounded in the neck severely. Henry Melchord, of Co. C, in the shoulder; and John Shaffer of Co. A, wounded in the shoulder, slightly; these were the only casualties to our regiment. The 2d then fell back over the ridge and formed in line of battle and were soon joined by some sharp shooters and a battery, when the ‘rebs’ got up and ‘dusted.’ Price was making for Kentucky, intending to cross the Tennessee river at Eastport, but Gen. Rosencrans was too close after him. Price was expecting, and was prepared for an attack from Grant’s army, but was not aware of Gen. Rosencrans’ close proximity. He had felled trees, and placed obstructions in the roads which detained Gen. Grant’s division and rendered it impossible for him co-operate in the attack. As it is, Price has been badly whipped and is skedaddling southward.
There are rumors of a fight at Bolivar, forty miles west, yesterday; no particulars.
Corinth is being well fortified, and ‘king cotton’ is being turned to good account in the operation.
Captain Gilbert has been promoted to Chief of Cavalry on Gen. Rosecran’s staff; an admirable selection. I am going to the regiment to-day and may learn further particulars, if so I will communicate them.
In
haste, ~~ Diff.
P.S.
Col Chambers is reported in the hospital at Iuka, wounded. The rebels left
twelve guns at Iuka, being in too much of a hurry to remove them. Col. Hatch for
efficient services, has been placed in command of the cavalry brigade, than whom
none is more worthy.~~Diff.
Thrilling Incident and Hairbreadth Escape.—A correspondent of the St. Louis Democrat, writing from Benton Barracks, says:
“A case of miraculous preservation came to my notice a few days since in the person of Captain B. F. Crail, of company F, 3d Iowa cavalry, who, in one of the recent skirmishes with Porter’s guerrillas, had a ball pass through his cap, in uncomfortable proximity to his head; another cut a hole through his cravat. In a later skirmish near Santa Fe, Missouri, a bullet struck him in the right breast and was removed soon after. While in the same engagement another bullet struck him on the other side, over the heart, passed down and lodged in the stomach, where it has remained until day before yesterday, when it was extracted by Dr. McGugin, the gentlemanly and efficient surgeon in charge of the convalescent hospital in Benton Barracks.
Monday
Morning
September 29, 1862
(Part 2)
List
of the Wounded Iowa Soldiers in the Battle at Iuka, Mississippi
Office
of Davenport Gazette,
Sept. 27th, 10 o’clock A.M.
Mr. F. O. Parker arrived in this city this morning, direct from Corinth, having left there on Thursday morning. Through the kindness of Mr. P. we have received from Col. I. M. Gifford, the following full report of the wounded among the Iowa regiments at the battle of Iuka:
Fifth Iowa
