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PREFACE
The great Civil War of 1861-5, has been told in many excellent
publications and the elaborate record of the Adjutant-General's
Office The dramatic story has been well written by Stuart, Ingersoll
and Byers, in addition to the numerous regimental histories. The
complete history of the patriotism, devotion to country, sacrifices
and heroic endurance of mothers, wives, sisters and near friends of
the men who marched to southern battle-fields can never be written.
The names of a few officers who were prominent in the great
conflict, of the regiments organized, the battles fought, find a
place in history. The names and deeds of more than 75,000 common
soldiers, like the nameless graves of wars' victims, scattered over
the hills, valleys and plains of the South, are recorded only in the
memory of friends or comrades who survive.
This volume embraces but a brief history of the events connected
with that most momentous war of modern times and the more important
acts of the higher officials in civil and military affairs. No State
in the restored Union is richer in noble men and women whose
devotions to duty in camp, hospital and battle-field has never been
excelled in any war or country. No State developed more brilliant
officers or braver solders.
Iowa has always honored the memory of the Grand Army of the
Republic, its survivors have filled the highest positions in civil
life. Our people have no sympathy with the mercenary spirit which
for years, has sought to impeach the integrity of veterans on the
pension roll. It is a record of honor that the people of Iowa will
ever regard with grateful hearts and sustain with unswerving
fidelity. It is little enough that money can do to compensate, in
any degree, the men who offered their lives in defense of their
country, and for years endured sacrifices and sufferings that
entitle them to the lasting gratitude of their countrymen. There are
no more sacred pages in Iowa history than those which record the
brilliant deeds of Iowa soldiers.
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