The more we share the more we have to share
MILITARY: Civil War History FIFTH REGIMENT. The cavalry regiment originally known as the "Curtis Horse"—which title was subsequently changed to the "Fifth Iowa Cavalry"—commenced its organization at Benton Barracks, near St. Louis, Mo., on December 20, 1861, pursuant to the following order: HEADQUARTERS ST. LOUIS DISTRICT, St. Louis Mo., Dec. 20, 1861. Special Orders No. 70. I. Pursuant to Special Order No. 74, of the Department of the Missouri, to carry out special instructions from the Secretary of War, directing the organization of a cavalry regiment to be called the "Curtis Horse," the following detachments and companies are united for that purpose, viz.: Nebraska Battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel M. T. Patrick—four companies. Detachment of Iowa and Minnesota troops, known as the command of Captain Schaffer de Boernstein—three companies. Detachments under same command, twenty-seven men, company of Osage County Mounted Rifles, commanded by Captain Kidd—one company. Other detachments and companies may be attached hereafter, not to exceed twelve companies. II. The following field officers are designated, and will be mustered into service, pursuant to order No. 48, War Department, and will be respected and obeyed accordingly: W. W. Lowe, Captain U. S. Army, as Colonel; M. t. Patrick, as Lieutenant Colonel' Carl Schaffer de Boernstein, as Major. The remaining field officers will be appointed upon the completion of the regimental organization; the staff chosen by the field officers and captains of the command, except when otherwise prescribed by law, or by orders of the War Department, relating to military organizations. By order of BRIIGADIER GENERAL CURTIS, Commanding, N. P. CHIPMAN, Major and A. A. General. TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL PATRICK, Immediately after the issuance of the foregoing order, two companies from Minnesota, under command of Captains A. B. Brackett and D. M. West, and one company of the Irish Dragoons, from Illinois, under command of Captain P. Naughton, were ordered to report for consolidation, with the regiment, thus completing its organization. The four companies designated as the Negraska Battalion were lettered respectively A, B, C and d, and constituted the First Battalion. The three companies and detachment of Minnesota troops were lettered respectively E, F. G and H, and constituted the Second Battalion. The Osage Mounted Rifles, and Captains Brackett, West and Naughton's companies, were lettered respectively I, K, L and M, and constituted the Third Battalion. The subjoined roster shows the original field and staff and company organization, and the subsequent changes which occurred on account of death, promotion, resignation, discharge, or from whatever cause. It also gives the personal record of each officer and enlisted man in so far as such record could be obtained from the archives of the office of the Adjutant General of the State of Iowa, and of the War Department at Washington. Great effort has been made to make this revised roster of the regiment as nearly correct as possible, but there may be some names that are not correctly spelled and some records that are not complete, also some that are not entirely correct. The compiler believes that such errors and omissions have been reduced to the minimum, and that, in the main, the roster will be found correct. The regiment was composed of companies and detachments from the States of Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and the then Territory of Nebraska. In the official history of the organization and service of the regiment, by First Lieutenant William T. Hays, a brief history of each company is given, prior to the date upon which it joined the regiment. The compiler, in preparing this condensed historical sketch, has endeavored to include, so far as the limitation of space to which he is subjected would permit, the leading features embraced in the history referred to. Company A was recruited at Omaha, Neb., by M. T. Patrick, and a Sidney, Iowa, by William Kelsay, some thirty men from the latter place. It was mustered into the service of the United Stated at Omaha, Sept. 14, 1861. Company B was recruited at Omaha, Neb., by J. T. Croft, and in Mills County, Iowa, by Milton S. Summers. About thirty of its men were from Iowa. It was mustered into the service at Omaha, Sept. 21, 1861. Company C was recruited at Nebraska City, Neb. Ter., and in Page County, Iowa, by Captain J. M. Young and Alfred Matthias, and was mustered into the service at Omaha, Oct. 3, 1861, Company D was composed of men recruited in Omaha, Neb, by William Curl, and thirty- five men, from Missouri, recruited by William Aston, and was mustered into the service at St. Louis, Nov. 12, 1861. Company E was enlisted at Dubuque, Iowa, by Captain Carl Schaffer de Boernstein, for the Fremont Hussars, and went into quarters at Camp Aston, near St. Louis. It was mustered into the service October 25, 1861, and subsequently assigned to the "Curtis Horse" Regiment. Company F was enlisted at For Madison and Burlington, Iowa, by Lieutenant William A. Haw, for the Fremont Hussars, and was mustered into the service at St. Louis, Oct. 28, 1861, and subsequently assigned to the "Curtis Horse" Regiment. Company G was enlisted at St. Paul and Fort Snelling, Minn., by Captain Von Minden, was mustered into the service at Fort Snelling, Minn., Oct. 9, 1861, and subsequently assigned to the "Curtis Horse" Regiment. Company H was composed of a detachment of twenty-seven men, enlisted at Bellevue, Iowa, by Lieutenant L. Millar, for the Fremont Hussars, was subsequently recruited to the number of fifty-five men, and, with William T. Hays as First Lieutenant, was mustered into the service Jan. 9, 1862, as a half company. The company organization was completed at Fort Henry, Tenn., Feb. 11, 1862, and it was assigned to the "Curtis Horse" Regiment. Company I was enlisted in Blue Earth and Scott Counties, Minn., by Captain D. M. West, and was mustered into the service at Fort Snelling, Minn., Nov. 2, 1861, and assigned to the "Curtis Horse" Regiment. Company K was enlisted at St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minn., by Capt. A. B. Brackett, and was mustered into the service at Fort Snelling, Minn., Oct. 28, 1861, and assigned to the "Curtis Horse" Regiment. Company L was enlisted at St. Louis, Mo., by Captain P. Naughton, and mustered into the service at Jefferson City, Co., Sept 1, 1961. The company was then known as the "Irish Dragoons," of the Irish Brigade, commandec by Colonel Mulligan. This company was part of the command of Major Zagonyi at the time of his memorable charge into Springfield, Mo., and, for their gallantry on that occasion, were presented by the ladies of Springfield with a beautiful silk flag, with "Springifled" emblazoned on it. Their Captain was severely wounded in the charge, their First Lieutenant killed, and one corporal and four privates wounded. The company was subsequently assigned to the "Curtis Horse" Regiment. Company M was enlisted in Osage County, Mo., by Captain J. K. Kidd, and was mustered into the service at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., Sept. 14, 1861, as the "Osage Independent Mounted Rifles." It joined the "Curtis Horse" Regiment at Benton Baracks, Jan. 4, 1862. Under the energetic leadership of Colonel Lowe, who was a trained soldier of the Regular Army, the regiment became quite efficient in drill and discipline before the close of January, 1862. The Government was not at that time able to procure the best quality of arms for the new regiments, and the "Curtis Horse" was compelled to take the field with one-half the men armed with the Hall carbine and the old pattern of heavy cavalry saber, and the other half with the Remington revolver and heavy saber. With this poor armament, but otherwise fairly well equipped, the regiment left Benton Barracks on Feb. 8, 1862, marched to St. Louis, and there embarked on transports and was conveyed to Fort Henry, Tenn., where it arrived and went into camp near the fort on February 11th. On February 14th, the First Battalion, under command of Major Kelsay, reported to Colonel Morgan L. Smith, and went into camp at Fort Heiman, Ky. On February 15th, pursuant to orders from General Grant, Lieutenant Colonel Patrick, and Captains Wes, Von Minder and Haw, with one hundred men, marched up the Tennessee River and destroyed the bridge of the Memphis and Ohio Railroad, thus preventing the rebel reinforcements reaching Fort Donelson. The detachment returned to camp on the morning of the 16th, having marched seventy-five miles in twenty-four hours. After the fall of Fort Donelson, the regiment was actively engaged in scouting, and captured some prisoners and horses, but did not encounter any considerable body of the enemy during this period of its operations. Major William Kelsay, the commander of the First Battalion, died of typhoid fever on February 28, 1862, and was buried with military honors at Fort Heiman, Ky. He was a brave and efficient officer, and his death was deplored by the regiment, and especially by the First Battalion, with which he was most closely identified. On the 11th of March, 1862, Captain J. T. Croft, commanding the First Battalion, in pursuance of orders from General Grant, marched with two hundred fifty men twelve miles in the direction of Paris, Tenn., and there awaited the arrival of Colonal Patrick, with the Second and Third Battalions of the regiment, and the battery commanded by Captain Bullis. The movement was for the purpose of dispersing a rebel force, known to be in the vicinity of Paris and engaged in securing conscripts for the rebel army. At 11 o'clock A. M. Captain Bullis arrived with his battery, and Captain Croft moved forward without waiting for the arrival of the other two battalions. Within two miles of Paris, six of the rebel pickets were surprised and captured. The First Battalion and battery arrived at Paris at 5 o'clock P. M. and entered the town, driving the rebel pickets back to the position of the enemy, who, to the number of five hundred, were found posted on a ridge, half a mile west of the town. Two guns were placed in position on a hill within range of the enemy's position, and opened a vigorous fire. After a few rounds had been fired, Captain Lower, with Companies A and B, made a charge upon the enemy's lines, but encountered fallen timer, behind which the enemy was posted, and was compelled to fall back under a severe fire and rejoin the main force. The guns were then all placed in position, and, after a heavy and rapid fire had some time been directed against the enemy's position, his line was seen to waver and give way. The whole time occupied in the in the engagement was thirty-five minutes. As it was learned that reinforcements were marching to the aide of the rebel force, Captain Croft decided to retreat until he could rejoin the other two battalions of the regiment. The next day he met Lieutenant Colonel Patrick, who had crossed the river the day before with the Second and Third Battalions, about three miles from Fort Heiman. The battle of Paris was the first experience of any portion of the regiment under the fire of the enemy. The casualties were: four killed, five wounded, and one captured. Total ten. Among the killed was Sergeant Major Martin Stowell, of the First Battalion. Captain Bullis, who commanded the battery, was mortally wounded and died the next day after the battle. A few days later the First Battalion moved to the camp of the other two battalions, and the regiment was again united. On March 27, 1862, in compliance with an order from General Grant, Companies C, I and M, under command of Major Brackett, were conveyed by steamer in Savannah, Tenn., and were employed with the Army of the Tennessee during the succeeding five months. This detachment arrived at Savannah on March 29th, and went into camp. It rendered important service to the Telegraph Corps, putting up the line from Savannah to Waynesboro, a distance of twenty-five miles, where it met the advance of General Buell's army, and was subsequently employed as escort to the Telegraph Corps during the advance of General Grant's army from Pittsburg Landing to Corinth, the detachment was sent on a scouting expedition to the west of that place. At Cypress Creek it found the railroad bridge burned and nine locomotives partially destroyed, also the ruins of a commissary train. A six-pound brass cannon had also been abandoned by the enemy at that place. Major Brackett's detachment scoured the country in the vicinity of the destroyed bridge, and captured one hundred and twelve prisoners. With two of the locomotives which were the least injured, and which were put in running order, and with the brass cannon, and the prisoners, the detachment returned to Corinth on June 2d. On June 5th, a detail of Twenty- five men of the detachment went to Purdy with a locomotive, captured seven cars found at that place and returned with them to Corinth the same day. On the 12th of June the detachment marched toward Humboldt, where it arrived on June 15th, and went into camp. While at Humboldt, Major Brackett acted as Post Commander, and Captain Young as Provost Marshal. These officers rendered valuable assistance to Colonel Hawkins, in raising his regiment (the "Second West Tennessee Cavalry"), which was composed of loyal citizens of that portion of the State, and which afterwards rendered valuable service in the Union army. The detachment also rendered important service in the capture of many rebel soldiers, large quantities of sugar, tobacco and other property, which was turned over to the commissary department, as contraband of war. General Mitchell having arrived at Humboldt with his division, the detachment was relieved from duty there and rejoined the regiment at Fort Heiman on the 29th of August, 1862. On the 9th of April, 1862, a detachment, consisting of twenty-five men each from Companies E, F, G and H, under command of Major Schaffer de Beornstein, marched to Henry Station, where a large amount of supplies had been accumulated and were ready for shipment to the rebel army at Memphis. The Major confiscated as much of the flour and hams as he could convey to the camp of his regiment and then set fire to the depot, thus destroying the remainder of the rebel stores. He succeeded in rejoining the regiment without coming in contact with the enemy, although a considerable force had been reported in the vicinity of the station, and the Major had anticipated a fight. But this gallant and intrepid officer was not so fortunate in his next expedition. On May 3d, in accordance with orders from Colonel Lowe, a detachment under command of Major Schaffer de Boernstein, consisting of Companies E, Captain Nott, F, Captain Haw, and G. Captain Von Minden, left Camp Lowe to reconnoiter beyond Paris and the neighborhood of the Obion River. On May 6th, at 5 o'clock P. M., the detachment went into camp near Lockridge's Mills, Company F camping half a mile from the other two companies on the road towards Dresden. Pickets had been thrown out, and the usual precautions to guard against a surprise had been taken. Supper was being prepared, when the pickets were fired upon and driven back to the reserve, which, in turn, was driven to the camps, the rebel force making the attack upon both camps at the same time. The men formed in line of battle and made a gallant, resistance, but were soon overpowered by the greatly superior force of the enemy. Finding themselves so completely outnumbered that further resistance was useless—after twenty-four of their number had been killed and wounded and thirty-eight had cut their way out and escaped—the remainder of the detachment, hemmed in on every side, surrendered themselves as prisoners of war. Major Carl Schaffer de Boernstein was mortally wounded and died near the scene of the action on the next day. Captain William A. Haw, while bravely endeavoring to cut his way through the ranks of the enemy, fell at the head of his company, severely wounded in the head, back and side, and was taken prisoner. Captain Nott, although severely wounded, escaped with eleven of his men, and after suffering almost incredible hardships, reached the Union lines at Paducah, Ky. Captain Von Minden was also wounded, and captured, with fourteen men of his company. The force o of the enemy numbered over 2,000 under command of the rebel Colonel Clayborne. With such a great disparity in numbers, it is simply marvelous that any of the Union soldiers could have escaped being killed, wounded or captured. The prisoners were all sent to Jackson, Miss., and, with the exception o the officers, were shortly afterwards paroled, and rejoined the regiment on June 7th. They were subsequently exchanged. The officers captured—Captains Haw and Von Minden and Lieutenant Von Bredenburg—were held in captivity until October 15th, when they were paroled, and were exchanged in December. They had not sufficiently recovered from their wounds and the hardships to which they had been subjected in prison to be able to rejoin the regiment until in January, 1863. Upon learning of the disaster that had occurred to the detachment, Colonel Lowe started in pursuit of the enemy, with the remaining force of his own regiment, four companies of the fifty-second Indiana Infantry, the fourth Minnesota Infantry and a section of artillery. When within four miles of Paris, however, a peremptory order was received from General Halleck to abandon the pursuit, as the rebel force under Colonel Clayborne had retreated to Jackson, Tenn., and the force under Colonel Lowe was not large enough to risk an advance so far into the interior of the State. The troops imder Colonel Lowe then returned to camp. Since the 13th of March, Companies K and L had been on detached service guarding the telegraph line from Fort Henry to Smithland, Ky. These companies returned to the regiment on the 8th of June. The duties performed by the regiment, at this period of its service, were to assist the civil authorities in the administration of the laws, to prevent recruiting for the rebel army, and in scouting in the surrounding country. The disloyal element of the population predominated and was constantly endeavoring to give aid and comfort to the rebel cause. The officers of the regiment had a difficult task to perform. It required the exercise of good judgment and patience to protect the loyal citizens against their disloyal neighbors and to conform to the military orders which were issued from General Halleck's headquarters. On the 25th of June, 1862, the regiment, which up to that date had been known as the "Curtis Horse," was assigned to the State of Iowa and given the designation of the "Fifth Iowa Cavalry." And this was its official name for the remainder of the term of service. On that date the regiment had an aggregate strength of 857, officers and enlisted men. During the greater portion of the remainder of the summer of 1862, the duties performed by the regiment were of the same nature as those heretofore described. No considerable force of the enemy appeared in the vicinity of Fort Heiman, where the regiment was encamped. Lieutenants William T. Hays and Robert W. Peckham were detailed as recruiting officers, and sent to Iowa July 21st. On the 26th of August, the rebel Colonel Woodward, with 600 men, made an attack upon Fort Donelson, but was repulsed by the garrison of three companies of the Seventy-first Ohio, under command of Major Hart. Upon the approach of the rebel force the Major telegraphed to Colonel Lowe for reinforcements. The Colonel promptly moved with six companies to his regiment, and arrived at Fort Donelson at 9 P. M>, at which time the enemy had been repulsed and had fallen back up the river. On the morning of the 27th, at daylight, colonel Lowe started in pursuit. After marching about six miles, the enemy's pickets were discovered near the mines of the Cumberland Iron Works. Companies B and D were deployed as skirmishers, and were soon engaged with the enemy. A deep and muddy creek stopped the advance of Company D, but Company B, under command of the gallant and intrepid Lieutenant Milton S. Summers, found a bridge, over which he crossed, under the fore of the enemy, and pushed forward. The enemy then opened fire with their one piece of artillery. Lieutenant Summers immediately gave the order to charge, and, although the gun was supported by three companies of infantry, well protected on the right by the steep bank of the river, and on the left by a strong fence and heavy timber, it was captured, and the infantry supporting it broke and fled. Flushed with this success Lieutenant Summers and his men dashed forward and came headlong upon the main body of the enemy, 400 strong, posted in the cellars of the burned houses, and among the ruins of the Iron Works. Colonel Lowe had advanced with the remainder of his force and engaged the enemy, but, having only 130 men, he found it impossible to dislodge him, and did not succeed in removing the gun which had been captured on account of the horses attached to it having been killed or disabled. The caisson and ammunition was destroyed and the gun was dismounted and abandoned. Colonel Lowe then retreated to Fort Donelson. The regiment lost in this engagement five killed and nine wounded. First Lieutenant Milton S. Summers led the charge, and, getting in advance of his men, was surrounded by the enemy. He fought gallantly, killing on of his assailants and wounding another severely with his saber. After he had been wounded in the thigh by a bayonet and had received seven balls in his body, he drew his revolver and emptied it among his foe. He refused to surrender, and was only taken prisoner after he was mortally wounded. He died the next day. Lieutenant Hays says of him: "A more gallant officer never drew sword for his country." Second Lieutenant E. G. McNeely was also severely wounded and captured. On the 5th of September, Colonel Lowe again left Fort Donelson with the fifth Iowa Cavalry, thirteenth Wisconsin Infantry, eleventh Illinois Infantry, and a battery of artillery, in pursuit of the rebel forces under Colonel Woodward. The command crossed the Cumberland River and made a vigorous march for three days, but the enemy rapidly retreated and would not risk a general engagement. Beyond the capture of a considerable amount of rebel stores at the town of Clarksville, no important results were gained by the expedition. During the month of October the forced of the enemy, under Colonel Woodward and Napier, made several demonstrations against Forts Henry and Heiman, but, no attack was made. The Fifth Iowa Cavalry was constantly called upon for scouting duty, to watch the movements of the enemy and prevent a surprise. On the 1st of November the regiment, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Patrick, joined the command of General Ransom, consisting of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, a detachment of the Thirteenth Wisconsin Infantry, a detachment of the Eighty-third Illinois Infantry, one company of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry and one section of Floyd's Battery. With this force, General Ransom marched against the enemy, who had been threatening to attack the forts. The pursuit was pushed vigorously, the Fifth Iowa and the company of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry taking the advance. On the 6th of November Lieutenant Colonel Patrick's command captured a portion of the enemy's supply train. November 7th, the enemy was found in line of battle at Garrettsburg, Ky. After a brief skirmish, the enemy retreated two miles, with the cavalry and artillery in pursuit, closely followed by the infantry. The enemy again took position and was vigorously attacked by General Ransom's troop[s, and, after a brief engagement, was driven from the field with a loss of seventeen killed, eight-five wounded and sixty prisoners. Lieutenant Gallagher and Private Roach of Company L, Fifth Iowa Cavalry, were among the killed in this engagement. It was the first time in which the regiment had gone into action with force properly proportioned to that of the enemy, and the result clearly showed that, where the contending forces were nearly evenly matched, the Union troops were able to vanquish their rebel foes. In his official report, General Ransom highly complimented the Fifth Iowa Cavalry for its conduct on the march and in the engagement. The regiment returned to Fort Heiman November 11th. During the remainder of the month, and in December, the regiment was employed in building winter quarters at Fort Heiman and in scouting through the surrounding country. The month of January, 1863, was not marked by any event of special importance. The regiment was actively engaged in scouting, but there is not record of any encounter with the enemy during the month. On the 3d of February, Captain Von Minden, of Company G, with twenty-eight of his men, while engaged in scouting near the Cumberland from Works met the advance of the rebel General Forest's command, then marching to attack Fort Donelson. The captain and his men fell into an ambush, which had been skillfully planned by the enemy, and the little detachment, being completely surrounded by a greatly superior force, had no alternative but to surrender. The rest of the regiment promptly marched from Fort Heiman to reinforce the garrison at Fort Donelson but, upon its arrival, found that the rebel force had failed in their attack upon the fort and had retreated. On February 6th, the regiment returned to its headquarters at Fort Heiman, where it remained until March 5, 1863, upon which date orders were received to evacuate Fort Heiman, and the regiment moved to Fort Donelson, where it was stationed until the 5th of June, 1863, in the performance of duties much the same as those in which it had previously been engaged. The record shows but two occasions in which portions of the regiment came into conflict with the enemy during this period of its service. The first of these was upon the 10th of April, when Company H, which had been upon a scout, in which it had discovered a considerable force of the enemy, near Waverly, was returning towards Fort Donelson, closely pursued by a party of rebels. Upon nearing the fort the rebels abandoned the pursuit, and were returning toward Waverly, when they were met and attacked by Company M, of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, which had also been on a scout. In the fight which ensued the rebels were quickly defeated, with a loss of three killed and twenty-one captured, including their commander, Major Blanton, and Surgeon Smith, while the loss of Company M was one man wounded. In this fight the rebels were evidently surprised and taken at a disadvantage, and the situation, which had several times existed in previous conflicts, were reversed. On the 19th of May, Lieutenant Colonel Patrick, commanding seven companies of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry and other troops from the garrison at Fort Donelson, went upon an expedition lasting five days, during which a large quantity of bacon and other supplies belonging to the enemy were captured. Upon the return march Company A, of the fifth Iowa, had a skirmish with the enemy, in which Captain Paul had his horse killed under him and himself received a slight wound. The rebels were pursued for some distance, but made their escape. On the 5th of June, 1863, the regiment left Fort Donelson and entered upon a larger field of operations. It marched to Nashville, and thence to Murfreesboro, where it was assigned to the First Brigade of the Second Division of the Cavalry Corps, Army of the Cumberland. General Rosecrans had then commenced his grand movement against the rebel General Bragg's army. For the next three months the Fifth Iowa Cavalry was engaged in heavy scouting duty about Lebanon and Murfreesboro. On the 25th of June the regiment was a dense thicket of Cedars, when it encountered a force of the enemy, which it drove before it for over a mile, and developed the position of the main force of the enemy, which was the purpose of the reconnaissance upon which it had been sent. In this encounter the loss to the enemy (as subsequently reported) was thirty killed and wounded, while that of the Fifth Iowa was but two men wounded. The regiment was highly complimented by the General commanding for its prompt and effective action in this affair. On the 26th of July the regiment moved to Lebanon and Silver Springs, and from that date until the close of the month had captured forty prisoners. On July 31st it returned to Murfreesboro, and during the month of August was engaged in guarding trains from that place to the front. On September 6th the regiment, except Companies I and K, left Murfreesboro for McMinnville, Tenn., where it arrived September 8th, and remained until the 26th, during which time detachments were sent to Sparta, Woodbury and Tracy City, upon scouting expeditions. In one of these, Lieutenant D. H. Stevens, of Company B, was wounded. From September 26th to the close of the month the regiment was again on the march and, on September 30th, was in camp near Winchester, from which place it again took up the line of march to watch the movements of the rebel force under the command of General Wheeler, which had crossed the mountain for the purpose of destroying bridges and otherwise rendering the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad useless for the transportation of troops and supplies for the Union army. The regiment moved from Winchester to different points along the line of the railroad and, on October 6th, had a skirmish with the enemy, in which it had one man—Henry Perkins of Company K—mortally wounded. On October 9th, in another skirmish with the enemy, E. W. Sloan of Company H, was wounded. The pursuit was kept to the Tennessee River, but the relief General Wheeler, by marching his cavalry day and night succeeded in getting across the river and making his escape, after losing about one hundred and fifty of his men, killed, wounded and captured. In this pursuit, the entire Second Cavalry Division, under command of the First Brigade, and Lieutenant Colonel Patrick commanded the regiment. From the Tennessee River the Second Cavalry Division turned in pursuit of the rebel General Roddy's cavalry, then in camp at Athens, Tenn. Lieutenant Colonel Patrick, with the fifth Iowa and a detachment of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, marched all night on October 17th, reaching Athens at sunrise, to find the rebel force had withdrawn across the river. Lieutenant Colonel Patrick then returned with his command to Maysville, having marched seventy miles in twenty- four hours. While no general engagement had been fought, the designs of the rebel General had been frustrated and the Union line of transportation protected and kept open for the passage of troops, supplies and munitions of war. From October 17th to November 14th, the regiment remained in camp at Maysville, giving the men and horses a much needed rest before again resuming active operations against the enemy. On the 14th of November, Major Young, of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, commanding a select force of 400 men from the Fourth United States Cavalry, Seventeenth and Seventy- second Indiana Mounted Infantry, and fifth Iowa Cavalry Division, moved from Maysville to prevent a flank movement of the enemy across the Tennessee River. Major Young marched with his command across the mountains in rear of Huntsville, by way of Blevins' Gap, to avoid the spies of the enemy. On the march a drove of hogs—which was being driven towards the enemy's camp—was captured, and, on arriving at the Tennessee River, the ferry boat was captured, and many valuable horses, which had been secreted by the enemy on the adjacent islands, were also captured. Destroying the ferry boat, the command marched to Triana, where the enemy had taken the precaution to keep all the boats on the opposite side of the river, to be sent over only when preconcerted signals were given, to indicate that Union troops were not in the vicinity of the landing. As the destruction of these boats was one of the main objects of the expedition, volunteers were called for to cross and secure them. Sergeant Phelps—of Company G—and eleven men from the Fifth Iowa Cavalry were selected from those who volunteered, and, by means of rowboats and canoes, and under cover of sharpshooters, they crossed the river and captured two large ferry boats without losing a man. With these boats a party of thirty men started down the river, While Major Young's command marched down along the river bank to co-operate with them. Eight large boats were captured during the night and, at daybreak, the object of the expedition was accomplished, the boats were destroyed, and the command started on the return march to camp, where it arrived November 17th. The result of this expedition— in which the fifth Iowa Cavalry bore such a conspicuous part—was the capture of a rebel Captain and eight of his men, nine large ferry boats captured and destroyed, two hundred fine mules and horses captured, one mill—used by the enemy—destroyed, and negroes brought into complete the organization of a regiment, then in camp at Maysville. Of this ecpedition General elliott, Chief of Cavalry, said: "The success of the scout under command of Major J. M. Young, fifth Iowa Cavalry, shows that he has been energetic, and shows good judgment in the management of his command". The report of Major Young also received acknowledgment, as follows: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 30, 1863. BRIGADIER GENERAL GEORGE CROOK, Commanding Second Cavalry Division, Maysville, Ala. GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the report of Major J. M. Young, fifth Iowa Cavalry, of his expedition through the country situated between the Memphis and Charleston Railroad and the Tennessee River, between the 14th and 17th inst. The Major General commanding directs that you tender his thanks to Major Young for the brave, energetic and prudent manner in which the expedition was conducted. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Brigadier General and A. A. G. On November 25th, the regiment, with its brigade and division, marched in Huntsville, Ala., and went into camp. On November 27th, the Fifth Iowa, and seven companies of the fourth United States Cavalry, with Lieutenant Colonel Patrick in command, started upon an expedition, lasting eleven days, which accomplished important results in the capture of hogs, cattle, a ferryboat and other property intended for the use of the rebel army. There was some skirmishing with the pickets of the enemy at Guntersville on November 29th, in which no casualties occurred, and during the remainder of the expedition, which covered a considerable extent of territory, there is no record of any encounter with the enemy. Upon the return march, Companies F, G, H and I, of the Fifth Iowa, were left at Dodsonville, under the command of Major Brackett, where they remained and performed the duty of patroling the country along the Tennessee River for a distance of forty miles, until relieved on the 21st of December, when they marched to Huntsville and rejoined the regiment. While the detachment was on duty at Dodsonville— on the 19th of December—Major Brackett sent Sergeants McGuire and Ireland, and Private Ireland of Company H, to Paint Rock with dispatches. When within four miles of their destination the party was captured by a band of twenty-one rebel soldiers, and their arms, money and other property, together with most of their clothing, taken from them. Private Ireland, who had charge of the dispatches, managed to secrete them, so they were not discovered, but, fearing their subsequent discovery and the penalty of being executed as spies, the three prisoners kept a constant lookout for an opportunity to escape. That night the rebels camped upon the mountain-side near its summit, carefully guarding their prisoners. The next morning, leaving two of their number on guard, with orders to shoot the prisoners should they attempt to escape, the rest of the band went down the mountain to watch the road over which the Unions troops might be expected to pass. The prisoners awaited their opportunity, and, at the first moment their guards slightly relaxed their vigilance, sprang upon and succeeded in partially disarming them. In the struggle which ensued both the guards were killed and the prisoners escaped. The bodies of the two rebel soldiers were found where they fell, the next day, their companions having fled and left them unburied. Major Brackett reported the affair, congratulating the men upon their good fortune in escaping, and thanking Private George Ireland for his preservation of the official dispatches. On December 24th the regiment, with its brigade and division, left Huntsville and marched to Pulaski, which place was reached on December 28th, and the troops went into camp there. On January 1, 1864, (more than three-fourths of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry having re-enlisted as veteran volunteer,) preparations were made to leave the field by turning over horses, arms and equipments, and on January 7th, the regiment started for Nashville, the first part of the journey being made on foot and the latter part by rail. The regiment arrived at Nashville on January 10th, and went into barracks. It remained there until January 29th—having been re-mustered and paid in the meantime—and, on the date last mentioned, embarked on steamer and was conveyed to Cairo, Ill., arriving there January 31st. On February 1st, Companies L and M were furloughed at Cairo and embarked on steamer for St. Louis. On the same date, Companies G, I and K received their furloughs and left by rail for Minnesota. On the same date, Lieutenant Colonel Patrick, with the remaining companies of the regiment, left Cairo on a special train for Davenport, Iowa, where they received furloughs on February 3d, with orders to report at Davenport on March 5th. On the 25th of February, 1864, Companies G, I and K were re- assigned to the State of Minnesota, by Special Order No. 91, of the Secretary of War, and organized as an independent battalion, with Major Brackett in command. The subsequent history of this battalion is, therefore, disconnected with that of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry. The remaining companies of the regiment reported at the rendezvous at Davenport, March 5, 1864, and went into quarters at Camp McClellan, and there awaited further orders. On March 17th, Lieutenants Hays and Langdon were detailed on recruiting service, under orders from the War Department, to raise three new companies for the regiment to replace Companies G, I and K, transferred to the State of Minnesota. On March 22d the nine companies then composing the regiment left Davenport by rail and arrived at Nashville, Tenn., March 31st and went into camp near that city. During the month of April, 1864, the regiment lay in camp near Nashville, doing picket duty dismounted, as horses could not be procured. On May 5th, all the portion of the regiment for which arms had been procured left Nashville, under command of Major Beard, and proceeded to Pulaski, where it was assigned to the duty of guarding the Nashville and Decatur Railroad. About this time Colonel Lowe was assigned to the command of the Third Cavalry Division, and Major Young and Lieutenants Hinds and Watson were detailed as members of his staff. Lieutenant Colonel Patrick remained with the unarmed portion of the regiment at Nashville, awaiting a supply of arms and horses. During the month of June, 1864, Lieutenant Colonel Patrick obtained some 360 horses, a few carbines, and horse equipments sufficient for the whole regiment. On July 9th all the companies of the regiment were reunited in Decatur, Ala., and on the next day—horses and a sufficiency of arms having been procured—the regiment became a part of the cavalry division commanded by General Rousseau, which had just been organized and was ready to start upon an expedition through a region of country which had not before been penetrated by Union troops. The command consisted of the Eighth Indiana, Second Kentucky and Ninth Ohio Cavalry, composing the First Brigade, under command of colonel Harrison of the Eighth Indiana; and the Fifth Iowa, Fourth Tennessee Cavalry and a section of artillery, composing the Second Brigade, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Partick of the Fifth Iowa, with Major Beard command the regiment. Major General L. H. Roussean, an able officer and a good disciplinarian, was in command of the division. The whole command numbered somewhat less than 3,000 men. The men were well armed, lightly equipped and provided with ration of bread, bacon, coffee and sugar to last five days or longer, if necessary, with what could be procured in the country through which were to march. No wagons accompanied the expedition. There were three pack mules to each company to convey rations ammunition, etc. and but on ambulance to each regiment. Thus equipped for rapid marching, the command of General Roussean moved out of Decatur on July 10, 1864. Limitation of space will not permit a detailed description of this or the other notable expeditions in which the Fifth Iowa Cavalry participated in the closing campaigns of the war. In summing up the results of the expedition under General Rousseau, Lieutenant Hays says: July 22d at daybreak the march was resumed, and at noon the command reached our pickets at Sweet Water Bridge, and arrived at Marietta at sunset and went into camp, the men and horses nearly worn out with the almost continuous march of thirteen day and nights, during which time the command marched 380 miles, entirely in the enemy's territiry, destroyed 35 miles of railroad, five large depots filled with cotton and supplies for the rebel army, one shot and shell manufactory, one locomotive and train of cars, and captured many valuable horses and mules, inflicting a loss on the enemy estimated at twenty millions of dollars. All this was accomplished with a loss to us of one Captain and four privates killed and eight privates wounded. All the above loss was in the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, except one many of the Eighth Indiana Cavalry, wounded; which shows the prominent part of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry bore in what may well be termed the most successful raid of the war. Among the killed was Captain William Curl, of Company D, and among the severely wounded was Captain J. C. Wilcox, of Company H. The entire loss of the two brigades, in killed, wounded and missing, did not exceed thirty men. It will thus be seen that the Fifth Iowa Cavalry sustained nearly one-half the casualties of the entire command, and took the most conspicuous part of any regiment engaged in the expedition. The next expedition in which the regiment participated began with the accomplishment of most brilliant results, and ended most disastrously. On July 23d, the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, with the other troops composing the command of Colonel Harrison, marched to the relief of General Stoneman, whose force had been picketing the Chattahoochee River from Sweet Water to Nick-a-Jack Creek. The command marched all night, arriving at the river at noon the next day. The enemy was posted on the opposite side of the river. The Fifth Iowa Cavalry was ordered to report to General McCook. The regiment marched up the river six miles, crossed on a pontoon bridge, and reported at General McCook's headquarters, when it was ordered to proceed to Vining's Station and draw three days' rations, and then rejoin the command. The rations were drawn, the regiment joined the command of General McCook and, at noon of July 26th, started with that command on the memorable raid to the rear of Atlanta. The object of the raid was the destruction of the enemy's communications on the Atlanta and Macon Railroad, the objective point being Lovejoy's Station. All the afternoon and the following night the march was continued down the Chattahoochee River, and, at sunrise on July 28th, the command had reached a point opposite Campbellton, where a force of the enemy was posted, where a pontoon bridge was laid across the river, upon which the troops crossed and pushed rapidly forward, reaching Palmetto Station, on the Atlanta and West Point Railroad about dark. Here about 600 of the enemy were stationed, who, after a slight skirmish, were driven off, and the depot fired, the telegraph wire torn down and the railroad track torn up for a short distance. After completing the work of destruction the troops moved on, the Fifth Iowa Calvary acting as rear guard, and the march continuing until a train of 500 wagons, containing the extra baggage of the rebel army at Atlanta, was over-taken and captured, together with the 250 officers and men who were guarding it, and 2,000 fine mules and horses. The wagons, which were loaded with it, and 2,000 fine mules and horses. The wagons, which were loaded with various kinds of army property, were burned with their contents. After destroying the train the command marched to Fayetteville, where it arrived at daylight on the morning of July 29th. Halting only long enough to feed and rest the horses, the troops pushed forward to Lovejoy's Station, the objective point of the expedition, and, upon arriving there, destroyed a portion of the track of the Atlanta and Macon Railroad and burned the depot. The results of the expedition had thus far been eminently successful and the damage inflicted upon the enemy very great. The commanding General of the rebel cavalry now concentrated his forces rapidly for the purpose of intercepting and cutting off the retreat of the Union troops engaged in this daring raid, and the return march was replete with disaster to General McCook's command. After leaving Lovejoy's Station the troops marched rapidly, with the Fifth Iowa Cavalry in advance and the Eighth Iowa Cavalry as rear guard. The troops had marched but a few miles, however, when the rear guard was fiercely attacked, and the Eighth Iowa lost two officers and seven men killed, and fourteen men wounded in the fight which ensued. Part o the command turned back to assist the Eighth Iowa, and the enemy was pulsed. In the meantime, the Fifth Iowa, marching rapidly in advance came to the bridge over Flint River, and found the enemy in the act of firing it. After a brisk encounter the enemy was driven off, and the regiment crossed the bridge, accompanied by the artillery-—two Parrott guns, which were quickly placed in position to cover the bridge, the Fifth Iowa taking position in support of the guns. In a short time the rest of General McCook's command arrived, closely pursued by the enemy, but succeeded in crossing the bridge, which was then destroyed. The Fifth Iowa Cavalry again took the advance on the road leading to Fayetteville, but, after marching for two miles, was ordered back to the main command, which had not moved. Again the regiment was ordered to advance on the same road, and again ordered to return after going about the same distance. Three precious hours were lost by this vacillation and delay. Finally, at dark, General McCook sent four companies of the Fifth Iowa to the rear, with orders to remain and report the movements of the enemy. The balance of the regiment was placed in front, with Company H, commanded by Lieutenant Hays, in the advance, with orders to charge, if he encountered the enemy, and keep the road clear for the advance of the rest of the command. Soon after the march was resumed, the advance encountered a force of the enemy. A charge was promptly made and the rebels were repulsed and driven away, without scarcely interrupting the march of the main course. The march was continued during the night, but slow progress was made on account of the difficulty of keeping the prisoners and the large number of captured horses and mules well under guard. At 10 A. M., July 30th, the advance reached the town of Newnan, where a force of 1,000 rebels had taken position. Major Beard, with five companies of the Fifth Iowa and two companies of the Eighth Indiana, charged into the town, but was unable to dislodge the enemy. General McCook then ordered the Fifth Iowa and Eighth Indiana to remain in line of battle and hold the enemy in check, while he moved with the rest of the command, and the prisoners, around the town to the left. The movement occupied two hours, and compelled the command to march at least five miles out of a direct course, thereby enabling the enemy to concentrate a large force to resist the further advance of the column. About four miles from Newnan this force was en-countered. The two Parrott guns were placed in position and shelled the enemy vigorously. The enemy made three separate charges upon the guns, fighting desperately for their possession but each charge was repulsed, and the guns continued their fire until the ammunition was exhausted. The guns were then spiked, the wheels cut down and, thus rendered useless, they were abandoned. General McCook found his command completely surrounded by a greatly superior force under the command of the rebel General Wheeler. The situation was most desperate. Orders were given to each regiment to charge and cut its way through the enemy's lines. After desperate fighting and heavy loss, all the regiments, except the Eighth Iowa, succeeded in cutting their way through the rebel forces. The Eighth Iowa, being ordered to cover the rear, was cut off by the enemy and nearly all captured. The regiments which succeeded in getting through the lines of the enemy did not all get together again, but reached the Chattahoochee River at different places. General McCook, with the Fifth Iowa, Eighth Indiana and Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, arrived at Philpot Ferry about midnight and commenced crossing the troops on the ferry boat. The Eighth Indiana had succeeded in getting across when the enemy appeared in force and attacked the remainder of the command. Finding themselves opposed to overwhelming numbers, most of the men abandoned their horses, and a considerable number of them escaped by swimming the river. The mounted men, under General McCook, continued to retreat, and reached Marietta five days later. The dismounted men took to the woods in small parties and many were captured, while some escaped and reached the Union lines at different points, after suffering great hardships from hunger and exposure. They were constantly pursued, and it was marvelous that any of them succeeded in avoiding capture. The loss of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry in this raid was very heavy. First Lieutenant Andrew Guler, of Company E, was killed; First Lieutenant William T. Hays, of Company H, was taken prisoner, and 119 enlisted men were killed, wounded and captured. The scattered remnants of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry were collected as they came in, at a camp near Sandtown, where they remained until August 18th. At this time the effective force of the regiment was but ninety men. With this remnant of the regiment, Major Young joined the Third Cavalry Division, under command of General Kilpatrick, in an expedition against the enemy, on the line of the Atlanta and West Point Railroad. General Kilpatrick, with the main force, moved directly against the enemy at East Point, while the Fifth Iowa and Third Indiana, under Lieutenant Colonel Kline, of the latter regiment. Made a dash on the railroad at Fairburn, burning the depot, mills and storehouses, tearing up two miles of track, and returning with the loss of but one man wounded, and bringing in six prisoners. On the 26th of August the regiment again left its camp at Sandtown and, with the Third Indiana, made another rapid movement, marched all night, struck the railroad near Bear Creek Station, captured a commissary train, tore up a couple of miles of track, and, by hard marching all the following night, returned to camp. Several of the men, exhausted by their previous hard marching, halted for rest on the return march and were captured by the enemy. On the 28th of August the regiment, now greatly reduced in numbers and with Major Young in command of the brigade (relieving Lieut. Col. Kline of the Third Indiana, who was compelled to relinquish the command on account of sickness) again moved, with the Third Cavalry Division, to the rear of the enemy at Jonesboro. In this movement the regiment lost heavily in proportion to its number engaged. Lieutenant Peter McGuire was killed, eight men were wounded and ten missing. The regiment was highly complimented by General O. O. Howard for its gallantry in action. On the 1st of September the regiment with its brigade covered the retreat to Jonesboro and East Point, going into camp at the latter place. Here it was joined by the veterans and recruits of the Fifth Iowa Infantry, then consolidated into two companies, I and G, under command of Captain Albert G. Ellis. Under an order of the War Department, dated August 18, 1864, these companies, constituting the remnant of the Fifth Iowa Infantry, had been transferred to and consolidated with the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, on account of the fact the neither regiment had a sufficient number of men left to maintain a separate regimental organization. These veteran soldiers of the Fifth Iowa Infantry had a splendid record of three years' hard service, which was continued with the Fifth Iowa Cavalry to the close of the war. The arduous campaign around Atlanta had so completely worn out the horses of the regiment that only thirty were fit for service at the time the consolidation with the Fifth Infantry took place. The regiment was therefore ordered to Nashville to be remounted and completely equipped. On October 1, 1864, the consolidated regiment moved by rail towards Nashville. The water of the Chattahoochee River was at flood stage and the bridge was unsafe, but fortunately it stood until the train conveying the regiment had passed over it. Within twenty minutes after the train crossed, the bridge was swept away by the rushing waters, and the regiment proceeded on its way, saved from a great disaster. At Marietta the train lay all night and the next day, waiting for repairs to be made to the road, which had been damaged by the enemy, and a train loaded with supplies for the Union army captured. Information having been received that the construction party engaged in repairing the track had been attacked and driven off by the enemy, permission was obtained by Major Young to take his regiment and protect the working party until the repairs were completed. Accordingly the regiment proceeded to the point where the work was to be done. Upon its approach, the rebel force retreated and, by 10 o'clock at night, the road was repaired and the train moved on. On October 3d, at noon, the train conveying the regiment crossed the Etowah bridge at Allatoona and, in the afternoon, that bridge was swept away. That same evening when within four miles of Dalton, the track was found torn up for a considerable distance. The regiment promptly proceeded to repair the damage, one-half the men going out on picket duty while the other half worked all night and until noon the next day, when the damage was repaired and the train was again under way. The regiment reached Nashville without further mishap on the 6th of October, and went into camp near the city. It remained there until October 27th, when it moved by rail to Louisviile, Ky., where Major Young succeeded in procuring 500 horses and, on November 3d, the regiment began its march on the return to Nashville, where it arrived on November 14th. It was soon after supplied with 500 Spencer carbines, and otherwise fully equipped for a renewal of active operations against the enemy. On the 22nd of November the regiment was again upon the march and, on the 24th, was within four miles of Columbia, Tenn., which was threatened with an attack. The Fifth Iowa formed in line of battle about a mile from Columbia, awaiting the attack, but the enemy retired and moved towards Pulaski; the Fifth Iowa followed, taking the advance, with orders to develop the enemy's position and report to General Stanley. The movement was successfully executed and Major Young, who was in command of the regiment, was complimented by the General for the promptness with which his order was executed. It was discovered that the rebel General Forrest was approaching with a strong force, and four companies of the Fifth Iowa were sent across Duck River to watch his movements. About three miles from the river the advance guard of the rebel cavalry force was discovered and the detachment retreated across the river and rejoined the regiment, which soon became engaged with the advance of the enemy, and, by hard fighting, successfully resisted his passage of the river until dark. It was then discovered that the enemy had crossed the river in heavy force, above, and that the Fifth Iowa, Sixteenth Illinois and Eighth Michigan Regiments were penned up in a bend of the river with a line of the enemy in their rear. A charge was at once ordered by Major Young and, with his regiment in the advance, the three regiments cut their way through the enemy's lines, and at 11 o'clock at night reported at Major General Wilson's headquarters. The General complimented Major Young and his regiment for the gallant manner in which they had led the charge and extricated the command from its perilous position. The loss of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry in this encounter was fifteen men, killed, wounded and missing. From November 29th to December 1st the regiment took part in the operation of the cavalry corps which was co- operating with the army under command of Major General Thomas, and during the battle of Franklin, and after the battle, rendered important service in covering the rear and flanks of the army. There is no record of casualties in the Fifth Iowa during these operations. On the 1st of December the regiment was in camp at Edgefield, on the Cumberland River, opposite Nashville. On December 2d Lieutenant Colonel Beard assumed command of the regiment. On December 12th the entire cavalry corps moved across the Cumberland River for the purpose of taking part in the movement of General Thomas against the rebel army of General Hood, then investing the city of Nashville. On the 15th of December General Thomas assumed the offensive, and the battle of Nashville was fought, during which Lieutenant John W. Watson of Company H, Fifth Iowa Cavalry, was killed. The regiment joined in the pursuit of the defeated enemy, and during the pursuit had several skirmishes, the most notable of which occurred on December 25th, at the town of Pulaski and at the bridge over Richland Creek. In these encounters the regiment lost twenty men, killed and wounded. The pursuit was continued until the last troops of General Hood's shattered rebel army had been driven across the Tennessee River. On December 31, 1864, the Fifth Iowa Cavalry went into camp on the bank of Elk River. There is no record of any important operation in which the regiment took part during the remainder of the winter. Major J. M. Young was promoted Colonel of the regiment January 25, 1965, to succeed Colonel W. W. Lowe, who was mustered out and received an honorable discharge from the service January 24, 1865. The last great movement in which the regiment participated was the cavalry raid, under Brevet Major General James H. Wilson. The part of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry in that famous raid is thus described in the official report of Colonel Young: HEADQUARTERS FIFTH IOWA CAVALRY, Macon, Ga., April 24, 1865. GENERAL: In accordance with instructions from your headquarters I have the honor to report, that during the campaign of the Cavalry Corps, M. D. M., commencing from Chickasaw Bluffs, Ala., on the morning of the 23d of March, 1865, and now arrested at this place, the Fifth Regiment of Iowa Veteran Volunteer Cavalry has marched five hundred and eight-two miles. On Tuesday, the 28th ult., the regiment being in the advance, skirmished very slightly with a few of the enemy, from Five Mile Creek to the town of Elyton, capturing two of them, belonging to the Alabama Cavalry (Colonel Patterson commanding), near the town. This Confederate regiment had been hastily withdrawn from the Huntsville and Decatur Roads, on which it expected we would have advanced, and had passed through Elyton but a few hours previous to our advance entering. No loss or accident during the day. On Friday, the 31st ult., at Montevallo, about 11:30 o'clock A. M., the enemy showed themselves in some force, in line. The Fifth Iowa Cavalry being in advance, and with one and one-half companies, which, with the non-commissioned staff and orderlies, comprised about sixty men, in all, in column on the main riad to Randolph, charged the enemy, breaking their lines, and following them up so closely as to frustrate their attempts to rally. After running our horses for about one and a half miles at the full charge, the heat and exhaustion were so great as to compel us to dismount. Our force proceeded on foot, driving the enemy one or two miles further, when we were relieved by the First Brigade of the fourth Division. In the charge (mounted) several of the enemy were ridden down and otherwise wounded; our force, however, was too small to guard the prisoners to the rear. As fast as they surrendered, they were faced about and ordered to the rear. Many undoubtedly took this opportunity to escape after surrendering. Twenty of these prisoners were received at corps headquarters. They belonged to Forrest's command, and some were of his provost guard. Proud of the honor on initiating his this campaign, so promising in important results, the regiment vied with itself in giving eclat to this first meeting with the enemy in force. The regiment lost one man mortally wounded (since dead). Saturday, April 1st, the regiment took part in the battle at Ebenzer Church. Arriving at a critical time, it was hastily dismounted by companies, as they arrived, and these were thrown successively against the enemy, where they rivaled one another in pressing forward, and in their bravery and daring. Some of the men of the regiment were picked up after the fight, utterly exhausted, having charged about two miles on foot and wading Bogler's Creek, pursuing the enemy. The regiment captured one piece of artillery with limber chest and horses. The capture of prisoners were completely ignored in the eagerness of the men to press forward so long as there was an enemy in front still showing resistance. Shortly after the complete rout of the enemy, we were relieved by the First Brigade, Fourth Division, charging in, mounted. Sunday, April 16th, Companies A and F, under special direction of Brevet Major General Upton, opened the assault upon Columbus, charging upon the enemy's right, and drawing their infantry and artillery fire. The regiment took a slight part in this engagement, by driving in the enemy's outposts and skirmish line in their front and center. We then lay down, under fire from the enemy's artillery, and awaited further orders. Companies E, L and M, being my advance skirmish line, were ordered forward without my knowledge by the A. A. G., and took part in the general assault, which resulted in the capture of the enemy and place, without loss or accident. Each and every individual member of the regiment, both officers and men, have, during this campaign, seemed to contest with each other in bravery, daring and coolness, for the honor and glory of the regiment and the success of the cause; but neither opportunity nor accident offered to any individual the occasion for such distinction as would justify special mention. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. MORRIS YOUNG, Colonel Commanding Fifth Iowa Cavalry. TO BERVET BRIGADIER GENERAL ALEXANDER, Commanding Second Brigade, Fourth Division, C. C. M. D. M. INDORSEMENT. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE FOURTH DIVISION C. C. M. D. M. East Macon, Ga., April 24, 1865. Respectfully forwarded. It is with great pleasure I endorse every word Colonel Young says about the gallantry and good conduct of his regiment. Braver soldiers never drew a saber. [Signed] A. J. ALEXANDER, Brevet Brigadier General Commanding. Official: A. N. CANFIELD, Lieutenant and Acting Adjutant Fifth Iowa Cavalry. The loss of the regiment in this—its last raid—was eleven men, killed and wounded. On the march from Columbus to Macon Intelligence of the cessation of hstilities was received. The regiment went into camp at Macon. After the capture of Jefferson Davis, Colonel Young, in command of detachments from the fifth Iowa and the Seventh Ohio Cavalry, marched as a guard to the ex-President of the Confederacy, his family and the rebel officers who had been captured with him, to Augusta. On his return march, Colonel Young took possession of the books and assets of the Bank of Tennessee. The asset consisted of $8,000,000 of Federal money, including nearly $1,000,000 in gold and silver, which was turned over to the Government of the United States upon the arrival of the command at Atlanta. The Fifth Iowa Cavalry was stationed at Atlanta until about the first of July, when it moved to Nashville, and thence to Macon, Ga. About the last of the month it returned to Nashville, where, on the 11th of August, 1865, it mustered out of the service of the United States. The regiment was then furnished with transportation to Clinton, Iowa, and, upon its arrival there, was disbanded and the officers and men returned to their homes, there to resume the duties of citizens of the country they had fought to save. The States of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Missouri were all honored by the service of this splendid regiment, but, from the date it was assigned to the State of Iowa and officially designated as an Iowa regiment, it became the duty of the Adjutant General of this State to keep the record of its operations and achievements. From that record, and from such other information as could be deemed reliable and authentic, this historical sketch has been compiled. The regiment occupies an honorable place in the history of the War of the Rebellion. Its surviving members and their posterity can well entertain a feeling of pride in the record of its heroic service. When the last member of the regiment shall have answered the final roll call and joined his comrades "on Fame's eternal camping ground," a grateful people will cherish the memory of the brave men who, through storm and sunshine, on the march, in bivouac, and battle, amid all the dangers and hardships that beset the life of the soldier, remained true and loyal to their flad and country and, by their valor, saved the Government of the United States from disruption and destruction. SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES. Total Enrollment 1,625 Killed 47 Wounded 56 Died of wounds 9 Died of disease 132 Discharged for wounds, disease or other causes 259 Buried in National Cemeteries 27 Captured 217 Transferred 17 Mustered into the service of the United States on dates ranging from September 1, 1861, to February 11, 1862, by Mustering Officers of the United States Army, at St. Louis, Mo., and other localities. Reorganized and consolidated with the Fifth Infantry, Aug. 8, 1864, as the Fifth Veteran Cavalry Consolidated. REGIMENTAL BAND. Thayer, William A. Age 22. Residence New York, nativity New York. Enlisted Aug. 29, 1861, as Band Leader. Mustered Aug. 29, 1861. Transferred to Company A, May 18, 1862. COMPANY "K" O'Brien, Edward. Age 28. Residence New York, nativity New York. Enlisted Nov. 1, 1861. Mustered Nov. 1, 1861. Died of disease Oct. 14, 1862, Ft. Heiman, Ky.