MILITARY RECORDS
Civil War Era Newspaper Items - January through April 1862
Contributed by Elaine Rathmann
The Davenport Daily Gazette
January 7, 1862Benton Barracks, near St. Louis
Editor Gazette:-- I am not desirous of enrolling myself among the numerous list of "Army correspondents" now in existence, but write in this instance so that the 14th Iowa Infantry may for once be represented in the columns of the Gazette.
As you are aware, we left Davenport on Nov. 27th, 1861, and arrived here Nov. 30th, where we are still stationed. The entire regiment regret that we did not take the field immediately after leaving Davenport, as undoubtedly it would have been better for the regiment in many respects. Were it not for the crowded stated of the Barracks, we would have been comfortably quartered here. The Barracks are divided into divisions, and each of them in four blocks, one of which was originally intended for two companies whereas four now occupy them. In this manner they become exceedingly crowded. The ventilation, until recently, has been very poor-lately they have constructed ventilators on top of the Barracks, rendering them much more comfortable and healthy. If a hundred and eighty men are placed in a room poorly ventilated, which is not large enough for half that number, you can readily imagine how foul the atmosphere must be. This, and the changeable weather, has in a great measure caused so much illness among the men. Another great cause is in the fault of the men themselves. They have their daily rations issued them, which in quantity far exceeds the amount they would eat at home, yet they devour the entire quantity as though the Government required it and between meals they patronize apple-pie and pop-corn peddlers to an extent that would astonish one who has not been a personal observer. This error is more particularly to be found among new troops who have but recently left their homes. If all new troops will bear in mind the injurious effects of this course, they will avoid a great deal of illness, and some of them will prolong their lives. To exclude the peddlers is an utter impossibility, unless they exclude all citizens, and particularly washerwomen, who conceal pies in the bottom of their baskets and hide them with washing they bring in.We have had as many as a hundred and forty-five men on the sick list, though never had over thirty-five of that number sick enough to go to the regiment hospital. We have lost only fifteen men altogether since the organization of the regiment, and one of those by a fall while at Camp McClellan. You will readily discover that the mortality in this regiment has been much less than in other regiments, which have lost from forty to sixty in the same length of time. The regiment numbers about six hundred men and seven companies, three having been detached and are now at Fort Randell, D. T. We attribute this comparatively small loss to our good physician and the manner which our hospital arrangements are conducted. The hospital is under the direct supervision of our Col., who visits it frequently, and attends personally to the wants of the sick, without leaving it entirely for his chaplain to attend to. We have also an excellent physician (Dr. Staples, from Dubuque) who is busy from before reveille in the morning until taps at night. At the hospital we have two ladies, who have frequently received the compliment of keeping the cleanliest hospital in and about the city. We have not yet sent one of our sick to any of the general hospitals in and about St. Louis, but have kept them at our own, a large brick building just outside the lines.
Colonel Shaw has provided the regiment with their tents, which they have pitched in the Fair Grounds, a short distance from the Barracks. The latter are occupied by men who are unfit for duty yet not sick enough to go to the hospital. Since we have been in tents the health of the regiment has greatly improved.
That Sanitary Committee that was sent from Iowa must certainly have forgotten that such a regiment as the Iowa 14th was in existence, for they did not visit our hospital; if so, it was without the knowledge of the Colonel, Surgeon or Chaplain. I notice by a report from that committee, published in a Keokuk paper, that they had provided the Iowa 14th with a box of hospital stores. This certainly must be an error, for we have never received anything from them, and if they forwarded it to the regiment, it never reached its destination. All articles we have ever received from any source whatever have been from the Ladies' Aid Society in St. Louis, who have kindly provided us with hospital shirts, slippers, &c. The officers of the regiment contributed freely to the wants of the sick in furnishing those delicacies which the Government does not. Should they overlook anything, the Colonel himself orders it furnished. The Surgeon General for the State of Iowa was down here recently, and called on our Surgeon; he remained a few minutes, stating that he could not visit our hospital, as he was going away next morning though it is positively known that he was in the city for several days afterward. If you desire, you can publish the following list of deceased members of our regiment, since its organization up to date, with cause, residence, &c:
Dec. 26, 1861--Jef. Morris, Measles, Co. D, Henry Co. Jan. 4, 1862-A. W. Balluff, Pneumonia, Co. D., Henry Co. Jan. 5, 1862-Sam'l Edwards, Pneumonia, Co. D., Henry Co. Jan. 10, 1863-Nap. B. Henry, C** Fits, Co. D., Henry Co. Jan. 14, 1863-Robt. Goodacre, Typ'd Fever, Co. E., Jasper Co. Jan. 13, 1863-S. C. Grooms, Pneumonia, Co. E., Jasper Co. Jan. 24, 1863-Noah Kinney, Lung Fever, Co. E, St. L., MO. Dec. 10, 1862--Geo. W. Pitt, Pneumonia, Co. F., Linn Co. Dec. 22, 1862-H. J. Chapman, Lung Fever, Co. F., Henry Co. Dec. 29, 1862-Leroy Bowen, Typ'd Fever, Co. G., Marshall Co. Dec. 29, 1862-J. J. Aldridge, Pneumonia, Co. G., Marshall Co. Jan. 6, 1863-Chas. Wheslen, Pneumonia, Co. G., Marshall Co. Jan. 9, 1863--*. Haymaker, Lung Fever, Co. H., Jones Co. Jan 8, 1863--*. Heil****, Lung Fever, Co. I., Henry Co. Nov. 24, 1862-G. Rekhard, Fall at Camp McClellan, Davenport, Co. I., Henry Co. Nearly all of the above cases, were first taken with measles, terminating as above: All with the exception of four whose bodies were sent home, were buried in the Wesleyan burying ground, about two miles southwest from camp. Friends of the deceased can secure the bodies of their friends and gain any information they desire, by addressing Mr. John A. Smithers, Undertaker, No. 113 Chestnut street, St. Louis, Mo., who has a complete register of each death that has occurred in and around the city. Persons making application should be careful to state the name of the deceased, also company or Captain, and regiment, and if possible the date of death.
To-day, the Iowa 12th, col. Woods, and the Mo. 13th, Col. Wight, left the camp for Cairo. The Iowa 1st, 2d and 3d cavalry are here, also the 14th, sit in these barracks. We do not know when we will leave, and our destination is as uncertain as our departure. With kind regards for all at home, I am
Yours respectfully,
N. N. T.,
14th Iowa Infantry.~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ WANTED! For the U. S. Regular Army
Able Bodied Men, of good moral character, between the ages of 13 and 23,
without wife or child.
Pay per month, $13, With Clothing and Rations, and the best Medical Attention.
Captain S. A. Wainwright
Recruiting Officer for 13th U. S. Infantry
Office-S. E. Corner of Brady & Second street, upstairs.
Davenport Daily Gazette
Friday, January 24, 1862Local Matters
A Scott Co. Soldier Dead.-Hiram Hall Blackman, son of Mr. L. S. Blackman, of Buffalo township, a private in Co. E., 2d Iowa Cavalry, died of measles on the 12th inst. at St. Louis, in the 24th year of his age. His father has telegraphed for his body, which is expected home to-day for interment.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Adjutant General's Office of the State of Iowa, Des Moines, January 11th, 1862. There is now an opportunity to raise two companies for the 16th Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Persons desiring recruiting commissions for that purpose will make immediate application to me at Des Moines, presenting such recommendations as they deem proper. -- N. B. Baker, Adjt. Gen'l of Iowa.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Married
In this city, on the 22d inst. by Rev. L. Buttervield, Mr. W. L. Carroll and Miss Amanda A. Howland, all of this city. By Elder James Challen, on the 22d inst., at the bride's father's , Long Grove, Alexander W. Brownlie to Miss Elizabeth Thomson, all of Scott county. There were about 60 of the relations of the families present.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Mortality of Iowa Soldiers.
The following list comprises the names of Iowa Volunteers who have died in the vicinity of St. Louis at the dates named.-For further information, apply to John A. Smithers, 113 Chestnut street, St. Louis.
Jan. 11 - James B. Sterns, Co. A. 6th Iowa. do John B. Kuhne, 2d Iowa cavalry. do Jan. 12 - Jos. J. Hilbert, Co. C., do J. R. Lamb, Co. C. 7th Iowa. do John Hanly, Co. A. do John S. Lee, Co. D., 12th Iowa. do John Rutter, Co. G. 3d Iowa. do Hiram Blackman, Co. E. 2d Iowa cavalry. do James Himord, Co. C. do Jan. 13 - Jasper Coyner, Co. D., 12th Iowa. John L. Jacques, Co., D. do Robert Goodacre Co. E.,14th Iowa. do Jan. 14 - Wm. P. Hatfield, Co. M, 3d Iowa. do Willis Brown, Co., G. 3d Iowa. do Leslie Moore, Co. A., 2d Iowa cavalry. do Abraham Patterson, Co. F. do Henry Haradon, Co. D. 12th Iowa. do Jan. 15 - Daniel Conger, Co. C., 12th Iowa. do J. H. Sarnes Co. K, 2d Iowa cavalry. do Samuel Hennington, Co. E 12th Iowa. do Jan. 16 - Moses Armentrout, Co. E. 2d Iowa cavalry. do Samuel M. Johnson, Co. H., 11th Iowa. do Bartholomew Pierson, Co. I, 13th Iowa. do Charles Kant **ooke, Co. F., 2d Iowa cavalry. do Jan. 17 - Hy**** Kinnan, Co. F, 2d Iowa. do Franklin Fies, Co. A, 2d Iowa. do Isaac V. Dean, Co. H, 2d Iowa. do Henry Jones, Co. C,12th Iowa. do Granville Russell, Co. C, 12th Iowa. do Jan. 18 - Hugh Linn, Co. A, 2d Iowa. do J. Galvin, Co. 11th Iowa. do Hebadrick C. Groom, Co. E 14th Iowa. do Warner N. Gray, Co. I., 2d Iowa cavalry. do David M. Cockerham, Co. D, 2d Iowa. do
Davenport Daily Gazette
Saturday Morning
January 18, 1862Local Matters
The following persons were yesterday unanimously elected commissioned officers in "Baker's Light Guard," 16th regiment: E. M Newcomb, 1st lieutenant; Frank N. Doyle, 2d lieutenant. This company is from Dubuque, has 53 men in camp, and will probably be full in a week or two, as several squads are now ready to come in.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ The 16th regiment has just received from the East its complete uniforms, overcoats and equipments-all of the best quality. These will be assigned to the soldiers as fast as they are mustered in. As we have before said, this will be the best equipped regiment formed in Iowa and put into service. Additions of men are daily being made to the regiment.
Davenport Daily Gazette
Wednesday Morning
January 22, 1862Captain Jack Slaymaker, of company C., 24 Regiment Iowa Volunteers, is now on visit to his friends in this city. This is the first opportunity he has had of visiting his old home since he left with his company months ago, and we hope he will have a good time. There is no better officer or man in the 2d regiment than Capt. S., and we are glad to have him once more with us.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Death in Camp-Night before last a young man named George Bradford, a private in Capt. Palmer's company, died at Camp McClellan. He was one of the best soldiers in the company, and highly estimated by his officers and companions. He was not thought to be dangerously sick till just before his death. He lived in Muscatine county. His remains will be taken home to-day. There are now but few sick in the hospital, and none dangerously so.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ A Visitor in Camp-Day before yesterday Judge Williams, of Muscatine, visited Camp McClellan, more especially to see the Muscatine boys there, we presume. The Judge is a gray-haired and very affable old gentleman and well known in this region. He rather astonished the boys in camp. He first got a violin, and uniting his voice to its melody sung some first rate songs. He then visited the Band quarters, and taking a drum not only beat it in style, but beat all the drummers in camp. He then convinced them that he was also rather ahead in the fife. No other instruments lying around loose, he did not give further exhibition of his musical genius. The judge was a drummer-boy in the war of 1812. During his visit to camp, he joined the band, and played the fife when they 'beat off'. The Judge's visit was apparently a delightful one to himself and to the whole camp He will be welcome again.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Died.--We learn that Hiram Blackman, a son of L. Blackman, Esq., of this city, a private soldier in company E., Second Cavalry, died the 12th last, in St. Louis.
Davenport Daily Gazette
Thursday Morning
January 23, 1862Local Matters
The Ladies of the Davenport Soldiers' Aid Society return their thanks to Rev. Mr. Kynett for his interesting and instructive lecture upon the condition of the sick and wounded soldiers of Iowa, whom he has lately visited at their different hospitals. The thanks of the Society are also tendered to Mr. R. B. Hill for the use of the hall, and the editors of our daily papers for their kindness in advertising the lecture. -- Sec. Soldiers' Aid Society.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ An Astonished Trio-On Tuesday an amusing circumstance occurred on Brady street. A horse marked alike for venerable age and scant sides, was attached to a rough device of a sleigh containing an old man and woman. In descending the hill the horse kept at a deliciously slow gait until in crossing the railroad track, when some part of the harness gave way and roused him into unwonted activity, frightening the driver, who, in attempting to control him guided him on to the sidewalk and through the window of a millinery store. The shock of the glass and the sight of a new bonnet hanging just in front of his nose, was too much for horse flesh, and backing out he became quiet. It was hard to tell which of the three was the most astonished.~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Drowned-Miss Mary E. Deeds, an estimable young lady of Carroll County, Illinois engaged in teaching school in Lyons, Iowa, was drowned one day last week while crossing the Mississippi from Fulton to Lyons, by falling into an air hole.~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Edward Jones, aged nine years, was drowned at Fort Madison on Sunday last, while sliding with other boys on a sled down the slippery bank of the river.~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Iowa 8th Regiment.
-We commence on our second page a history of the 8th Iowa regiment from the time they left Benton Barracks. It is carefully written and furnished us by our friend, Rev. C. G. Van Derveer (sic), chaplain of that regiment. It will be continued through three numbers of the Daily, but be furnished complete in our Weekly edition. To some of our readers, those who have no immediate interest in the welfare of Iowa troops, the letters we publish from the various regiments of our State, may not possess so much attraction, but if they could only perceive the avidity with which these letters are sought, especially by those whose boys have gone soldiering, they would admit with us that our space could not be better occupied. As the 8th regiment has not yet been reported through our columns, we take pleasure in laying before our readers the truthful statements of the Chaplain. Our war correspondents are all reliable, and generally write over their own names.
The Eighth Iowa Leave St. Louis
The 8th Iowa, under command of Lieut. Col. Geddes, left Benton Barracks on the 9th of October last. A finer appearance could not be made by a regiment than was presented as we marched up Fourth street to the depot of the Pacific, R.R. with "fixed bayonets," pipes piping, drums beating, and our beautiful regimental colors floating in the breeze. It was said that every regiment which had marched up that noted street, previous to ours, had been saluted by the report of pistolry. But our commanding officer, who is as brave as he is humane and gentlemanly, was not deterred from making an honorable exit by the rumor, being determined, if necessary, to give the St. Louisan's a practical illustration of the skill our boys have acquired in "bayonet exercise," if we were fired upon. This display of skill in the manual of that most useful instrument-was, however, rendered unnecessary, as no pistol shots were heard. Our destination-so said the order received by our commanding officer-was Jefferson City, whither we were to proceed and await further orders. To give a little excitement to our trip, we were informed by a dispatch that concealed batteries were placed along the railroad near Gasconade bridge, with the intent to fire upon us as we passed; also that the said bridge was burned, and that the little town of Hermann was occupied was occupied by rebels, who would dispute our further progress in case the batteries did not demolish us, and we should escape a fall into the Gasconade. With such comforting reflections as the above-mentioned dispatch would inspire, we at last started with our long train. As night began to draw her dark folds around us, the order was given to load our pieces. Our commanding officer took his position in the front of the train near the engineer, that he might see what was going on. The event proved that this precaution, though certainly warranted by the dispatch, was not necessary.
Jefferson City.
We arrived at Jefferson city safe and "in food order." Here, by a delay in sending us word whither to proceed, we were compelled to wait all day. And what a day it was! Cold and rainy; and as our men were in open cars they suffered from the wet and cold. While waiting orders, I took the opportunity, in company with a brother officer, of visiting the State House; and a fine building it is, though as yet unfinished. Situated on a high bluff, it commands an extensive view of both sides of the Missouri river.
The Eighth Iowa Arrive At Syracuse.
About 10 p.m. we left Jefferson City and came into Syracuse. At this place we remained 10 days. Here the various regiments in camp were reviewed by Gen. Fremont and Secretary Cameron, and brigaded. Our brigade consisted of the 8th and 6th Iowa, 7th Missouri, a batallion of regular infantry and some regular cavalry. Col. Steele of our regiment was then appointed, and has been ever since acting as Brigadier General. Here too the measles first made many in that weak condition, which proved so disastrous to them-fatal to some-during our hard march to and from Springfield.
Leave Syracuse-Southern Movement
On the afternoon of Oct. 21st, we left Syracuse. Our brigade formed a part of the 5th division-the reserve of the "grand army of the Mississippi'-one more under command of Brigadier General McKinstry, then acting Major General, now safely quartered in the arsenal at St. Louis. We left Syracuse poorly furnished with transportation-so poorly that the boys were forced to pack their knapacks-- with half rations, we marched on, making fair day's marches till on the evening of Oct. 24th, we went in camp about 3 miles north of Warsaw.
The Eighth Come on To Warsaw-Incident.
We remained at our last camp one day, and on the afternoon of the second day came on to Warsaw. We arrived at this "secesh" town about dark, too late to pitch tents. Our regiment lay along the road close by the house of one Judge Wright, who is a wealthy man of decidedly secession proclivities, so at least I was informed by citizens of the town. Still, the Judge had procured a "safe guard" from Gen. Fremont, and consequently his property was invio' able. The field and staff officers of our regiment, as did several officers of the 6th Iowa, obtained permission of the Judge's wife to sleep on her parlor floor. When I entered the parlor, I found my friend, Lieut. Col. Cummins, of the 6th Iowa, seated by the center table, conversing with a young lady who was making a pair of slippers. The Colonel introduced her as Miss W., daughter of the Judge. She made no attempt to conceal her secession sympathies and very willingly showed the slippers on which she was working a secession flag. Dame Rumor says the young lady's accepted lover is a Lieutenant in the rebel army, and that the slippers were intended for his solace and comfort after the forced marches, to which the rebels invariably betake themselves when any large number of our men approach their vicinity. As our regiment was delayed some hours in crossing the Osage I had an opportunity of conversing with the young lady and her mother. I have, in our marches through this state, improved as I could opportunities of conversing with the citizens, so as to learn their feelings about the present war. Miss W. openly and defiantly avowed her principles. She declared the object of the war to be the abolition of slavery. I endeavored to show her by the acts of the administration that the perpetuity of the Union was the object of the war-that slavery, though the cause of the war, was a side issue in its settlement, and the abolition or non-abolition of slavery would depend upon future developments. In reply to her inquiry, "You think slavery is right don't you?" I answered "No." This led to further conversation, in the course of which I remarked to the effect, that I did not see that a dark skin necessarily deprived a man of that manhood which God had given him, but that the ignorance and stupidity imputed to the Negro were rather the effect of his bondage. To this, Miss W. replied, "If that is the way you talk I won't have anything more to say to you," and left me to my musings. And then I was reminded of Senator Sumner's famous speech on the "Barbarism of Slavery."
Pomme De Terre-Camp Starvation
We left Warsaw October 26th, and marched over a hilly country, whose chief product is rocks, eight miles to Pomme de Terre river. The boys fared very hard here for want of rations of which we were destitute except beef; of this we always had plenty. The popular camp name of this encampment is "Camp Starvation," though it is frequently called "Pancake Hollow" and "Slapjack Creek," suggested by the kind of meal here served out. This seemed to be wheat, ground straw and all of it threshed it could scarcely have been passed through a "fanning-mill," as the meal was full of straw from one to three inches in length-of this mixture cakes were made, not very palatable, or healthy as the increased number of those who came every morning to the Surgeon's tent, plainly indicated. Still it sustained life if it did produce sickness.
Davenport Daily Gazette
Friday Morning
January 24, 1862Report
Of the Sanitary Condition and the Number of Deaths in the 12th Reg't Iowa Infantry, form their arrival at St. Louis to the 15th January, 1862.
Camp Benton, Mo., Jan. 16th, '62.
After much exposure to cold at Dunleith, and traveling by rail two nights and one day, the Iowa 12 arrived opposite St. Louis on the morning of the 1st December.
The men stood nearly all day upon the river bank, in a chilling wind. In the evening they were marched to Camp Benton, the streets being excessively dusty and were quartered in an unfinished building, which had been begun, and has since been finished and used as a stable. There were no stoves, and no means of warming these quarters. There was a very limited supply of straw. The weather continued cold, and snow fell on the 3d. After remaining in the stable a week or more, we were ordered into barracks which had been recently used as a convalescent hospital. The officers and men were diligent in repairing and renovating the new quarters, which began to be comfortable when we were ordered into other barracks less perfectly ventilated and in a part of the camp less thoroughly drained. The weather became warmer and the ground muddy. The men's shoes were bad. Coal stoves were crowded into one apartment, originally intended for but one. All these causes conspired to develop and aggravate catarrhal affections. So nearly universal were coughs, colds and sore throats, that many attributed it to an epidemic of influenza.
The camp was at the same time full of the contageous (sic) measles, and the 12th did not long escape its attack. A large number were liable to it from having been recruited on the frontier than if taken from older and more densely populated districts, and quite a number have had it for the second time.
The disease, ordinarily considered a mild affection, has, under these proved dreadfully fatal-fatal-the mortality resulting, in almost all cases, from the after consequences either upon the lungs or the bowels.
After being in Camp Benton a week or more without any hospital accommodations at all, we were assigned a new brick building outside the lines as a Regimental Hospital, capable of accommodating 25 to 30 patients. On the 10th of December the worst cases were selected and taken there. After it became full those most seriously sick were taken to the different general hospitals in the city, while the mild and middling cases were retained for treatment in the quarters. The Regimental Hospital, though at first scantily furnished was soon well provided for through the Aid Societies of Iowa and the Aid Societies of St. Louis acting in concert with the Sanitary Commission and Surgeon Gen. Hughes. Many generous friends-both ladies and gentlemen-whose names we do not know, have visited our sick and contributed to their comfort. We have had a faithful corps of nurses, and our Hospital Steward, S. C. U. Hobbs, and his wife as Matron have been indefatigueable in their labors. Assistant Surgeon Zinley has been very efficient, though laboring under circumstances of great difficulty. We were supplied with good articles of medicine, but the variety of articles is limited, and some that would have been specially serviceable were not furnished.
At first we all labored under an erroneous prejudice against the general Hospitals and kept our patients out of them as long as possible. They are indeed-under the supervision of the Sanitary commission-excellently managed institutions, having all the advantages that money can purchase and a benevolent skill can apply. We have now no new cases of measles. Some of our men are now having mumps and a few pneumonias. But the general improvement in health is very great. Our men are under marching orders and well armed, are in good spirits, save the sadness at the loss of so many comrades. Our Regimental Hospital is now broken up and our stores packed for transportation.
It will be seen by the following list that we have lost twenty nine men up to the 15th instant. All of whom have died from the effects of measles except three, or at least all but three have had measles since coming to Camp Benton.
Name Co. Hospital Complaint Died John W. Brows A Regimental Measles Dec. 19 Neal McKenzie A Good Sam'rit'n Measles Dec. 31 D. D. Cantonwine A Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 4 Joseph Hace A 4th St. Milit'y Fever Jan. 10 Jasper J. Milner B Regimental Measles Dec. 24 Thos. Stack B Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 11 George Calico B Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 12 William Forbes C Pacific Measles Jan. 7 Leroy Lewis C Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 8 Elijah Classen C Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 16 Donald Conner C N. House Refge Measles Jan. 18 Wm. U. Webster D Regimental Pneumonia Jan. 6 Wm. D. Daly D Pacific Measles Jan. 9 Jasper N. Conner D Pacific Measles Jan. 18 John G. Jackson D Regimental Measles Jan. 19 John R. Lee D N. House Refge Measles Jan. 17 Henry Harridon D Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 15 Franklin Cooley E N. House Refge Measles Jan. 11 * *********hoff E Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 7 Sam'l Belsh F Regimental Measles Jan. 3 Thos. Hinkle F Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 4 Hiram E. Hatfal F Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 7 Geo. W. Felier H Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 8 Joseph Noggies H N. House Refge Measles Jan. 11 Sylvester Barker H Pacific Measles Jan. 11 A. Hufsmith H 4th St. Military Unknown Jan. 11 A. Codley I N. House Refge Measles Jan. 1 Joseph Bryan I Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 6 Job Main K Good Sam'rit'n Measles Dec. 31 C. C. Park 12th Reg't Surgeon
The Eighth Iowa Regiment
(Continued)Approach to Springfield.
On October 31st we were ordered to pack up our "traps" and start for Springfield. That night we camped near Quincy. We were ordered to be ready to march by daylight, and by forced marches to join the main army at Springfield as soon as possible. About 40 of our men who were not equal to the march, with some from the 6th Iowa, were left here under the charge of our excellent 'Hospital Steward'. The rest of us started on. We made about 29 miles that day and camped, or rather lay down, (for we didn't pitch our tents that night,) about a mile from Bolivar. Many of the men had fallen out of the ranks, and stragglers were coming in nearly all night. Next morning we again began our march, and that day made about 26 miles. It was on the evening of this day that we received the official announcement of Gen. Fremont's recall. This information occasioned some regret among our officers and men, for we had hoped that after his immense preparations Gen. F. would do something. We also thought it rather unfair to remove a General just as he started out on the prosecution of his plans. But so far as I saw, there was in our Brigade, and so far as I have been able to discover by diligent inquiry, in our division, no manifestation of feeling which the most fervid imagination could construe even into the appearance of mutiny. This night, too, we went into camp with a very small regiment-many of our men having given out by the wayside. Most of those who had fallen back came in before morning.
The 8th Arrives at Springfield-Prospects of a Battle
Next day, Nov. 3, we marched into Springfield. Our Brigade camped about a mile west of the town. Here we found "the army of the Mississippi." All around the town were innumerable tents, and the whole scene was one of great novelty and interest to a citizen soldier. It was reported that Price's pickets were only seven miles from us. The afternoon of the day we arrived at Springfield, an order came in camp to prepare to march immediately after Price. This order was most willingly obeyed. Our boys were drawn up on the color line and their guns inspected; the horses of the field and staff officers were saddled; hospital wagons got in readiness to move; those too unwell to go were drawn up in line, addressed by the commanding officer and entrusted with the care of the camp. We all thought the long-wished for time had at last come-we waited, expecting every moment to hear the order to march. The plan was to march out to the pickets or as near Price as we could get that night, and make a night attack, or wait till the morrow to give him battle, as the case might demand. About sundown an order came down not to advance, but to lie on our arms all night. So our horses were reluctantly unsaddled, and we turned into our tents and blankets, a regiment of disappointed men. That was the first, the last and the nearest approach we have yet made to a battle. From all the information I can obtain, it is doubtful if we were within 40 miles of Price at any time on our march. He was kept perfectly posted, by secessionists along the route, of all our movements, and of course retreated towards Arkansas whenever he heard of the approach of any number of our troops proportionate to his own. His policy is not to risk a general engagement of our army whenever he may find the chance. Price is an admirable "bushwhacker." We remained in camp near Springfield six days.
A Visit to Wilson's Creek Battle-Ground
During our stay in Springfield, it was determined by the "powers that were" that a detachment of one company from each of several regiments should go over to Wilson's Creek battle-ground, and bury any of the dead who might have been left uninterred after the battle. Co. D, whose youthful and gallant Captain had served as a private in that very field in the heroic Iowa 1st, was detailed from our regiment. It was my good fortune to fall in with Major Dubois on my way over, and have from him an account of the part his battery commanded the famous "corn filed," and saved Plummer's noble little band of regulars from annihilation by the fierce charge of the Louisiana and Mississippi regiments. These regiments, the bet drilled and armed in Price's army-the Louisiana regiment carrying, it is said revolving rifles, five shooters, marched out of the brush that concealed them, and charge on the regulars with terrible effect. But a few shells from Dubois' well directed battery sent them back to the brush and cleared the field. We first visited the "corn field;" here we found the uninterred body of a regular belonging to Co. C, Plummer's battalion. He was shot through the right breast, and probably fell dead without a sensation of pain. From the "corn field" we rode over to the bluff opposite, where Totten's battery was placed, and a battalion of regulars under co. Steele, and the Iowa 1st and Kansas 1st fought. Col. Steele was with us on the ground and identified his last position; he was standing near two oak saplings, which spring from the same root, and remembers a musket ball striking one of them scarcely two inches from his head, and knocking the bark into his eyes. These saplings he succeeded in finding and from them readily located the Iowa 1st and Kansas 1st. These troops were under fire from Gen. Wakeman's battery, one of the best commanded and most efficient in the rebel service. Judging from the marks on the trees, he must have poured grape and round shot into our ranks with tremendous fury. We passed down through the range of that battery, the same ground taken by the Iowa 1st, and not a sapling but was cut off by round shot and perforated by grape. To one inexperienced, the wonder is how troops ever stood under such firing; it would seem as if every man must have been shot. But our brave volunteers did stand under it most nobly, like veterans. Gen. Wakeman was killed and his battery silenced. Then had they only known it, so say the officers who were on the ground-they might have gained a complete and glorious victory. If the regulars, 1st Iowa, and Kansas 1st had been ordered to charge with the bayonet upon the rebels as they retreated from the gorge, the rout would have been complete, and our forces left in possession of the field-as it was both armies seem to have retired at the same time and the battle was a drawn one. The spot was pointed out where the heroic Lyon fell and the tree to whose root he was carried to die. We saw the remains of Gen. Lyon's gray charger, and a cave in which it is said the rebels cast 80 of their dead. Passing over this recent field of carnage, seeing bits of uniforms here and there and bones of men scattered among skeletons of horses, gave the more vivid idea of the terrible reality of war than any of the written descriptions I have ever seen. After satisfying our curiosity on the field of battle, we rode over to the house occupied by Ben. McCullough as his headquarters. Near this house and just on the bank of Wilson's Creek-a beautiful, retired spot-we saw perhaps in hundred graves, where the rebels killed in the battle or died from wounds had been buried. Some graves were marked by boards bearing the name of the deceased, and among them we read the name of one Col. Brown. The declining sun warned us that it was time to return, so we turned our horses toward camp, a good ten miles distant, gratified and instructed by our day's excursion. While encamped near Springfield, Gen. McKinstry was called to the St. Louis Arsenal, and we were placed under command of Gen. Sturgis.
Retrograde Move-Leaving Springfield
Saturday, Nov. 9, we were ordered to march-which way we were not informed; consequently there were conflicting opinions in camp, some affirming we were to march south, others north. The matter was settled when the head of our column turned toward Warsaw. Before we left camp we vuried, with suitable religious service and the usual military honors, H. E. Hartwell, of Co. B. He was the first of our men who died with his regiment. Our march back to Sedalia was somewhat hurried. Some days we made 20 miles or more, and this, for the condition of our regiment at that time was pretty hard. We managed to press several teams into service, and by this means carried the boys knapacks, and gave many of the weak ones a chance to ride. Thursday, Nov. 14, we camped 6 miles this side of Warsaw, and then and there, for the first time since we left Syracuse, drew full rations. On the march up we buried three men besides the one interred near Springfield. Poor fellows! All was done for them which our limited means would permit, but the 'all' for a sick and dying man on a rapid march is very little.
The Davenport Daily Gazette
January 30, 1862Mortality of Iowa Soldiers
The following list comprises the names of Iowa Volunteers who have died in the vicinity of St. Louis at the dates named. For further information apply to John A. Smithers, 113 Chestnut street, St. Louis.-
Jan 15- James Mason, Co. E, 12th Iowa. Henry D. Lynes, 3d Iowa Cavalry. Jan. 19- Napoleon B. Henry, Co. D, 14th Iowa. Marshall Lazelle, Co. F, 12, Iowa. Jan. 20- John H. Scott, Co. K, 2d Iowa Cavalry. John Sohn, Co. B, 12 Iowa. Thomas Jordan, Co. F., 11th Iowa. Jan. 21- James M. Hughes, Co. A., 12th Iowa. Barney Clawson, Co. I., 2d Iowa. Mather, Co. D., 12th Iowa. Thomas Brattain, Co. C. 2d Iowa. Jan. 22- Hiram Halleckm, Co. E., 7th Iowa. James C. Taylor, Co. F., 2d Iowa Cavalry. Jan. 23- Henry McDougal, Co. E., 7th Iowa. D. H. Sawin, Co. A., 12th Iowa. Lewis P. Mills, Co. K., 2d Iowa. Jan. 24- Capt. C. C. Tupper, Co. G., 12 Iowa. Ira H. Phillips, Co. H., 12th Iowa. Jackson Jewell, Co. B., 2d Iowa Cavalry. Jan. 25- George Mason, Co. E., 12th Iowa. John Eing, Co. F., Iowa Cavalry. While the 7th Iowa Regiment was on the way to Cairo, an assistant surgeon was run over by the cars at Du Quoin Station, and died of his injuries last Wednesday.
Davenport Daily Gazette
Wednesday Morning
April 9, 1862
Alfred Sanders, PublisherLocal Matters
Our streets are in an awful muddy condition. Yesterday several teams were stalled on fourth street between Iowa and LeClaire. This thoroughfare should be placed in better condition.
Lt. Col. Herron, of the 9th regiment, who was wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of Pea Ridge, and several others of the wounded, passed up the river yesterday on the Hawkeye State, bound for Dubuque.
Colonel Galligan arrived in this city on Monday evening. He has resigned his commission. He is improving in health; his hand, we learn, is partially paralyzed from the effect of the wound received at Pea Ridge.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Returned-Lieut. Huntington, of Co. B, Sergeant Hall, of Co. C, and fifteen recruits for the army, left here yesterday on the Metropolitan for St. Louis. Thence they will proceed to the Tennessee river to join their regiment, which is destined soon to participate (if it has not already done so) in one of the most terrific battles of the war, or one of the most extensive pursuits of a flying enemy.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Teachers' Examination-At the teachers' examination held on the 29th ult. There were 55 applicants. Of this number, 3 received first grade certificates, 7 second grade, 15 third grade, and 20 fourth grade; while 10 were rejected altogether. The County Superintendent has raised the standard for the lower grades. The percentage of correct answers to questions propounded is now as follows: first grade 90; second grade 80; third 70; fourth 60. The Superintendent informs us that many of the candidates exhibited an astonishing amount of ignorance for persons thinking themselves competent to teach others. The penmanship in many cases was execrable. The orthography was very faulty. Of fifteen words, one applicant only spelled two right. Many were wrong in the majority of cases. The word 'psychology' was a desperate puzzle, the initial p being left out by many; one spells it 'sicologay'; vacillation, pneumatics and others were also desperately handled. The word 'beaux,' singularly enough was always spelt right by the ladies. Omnipotent is made to mean 'not present,' 'high,' 'all seeing.' In geography the most blunders occurred. Labrador and Cuba Island were respectively said to be the first land to be discovered by Columbus. The points of the compass were sadly mixed up in many craniums. The revolution of the earth from north to south was said to cause the change in seasons; so was the tipping of the earth from north to south and south to north! These may be considered specimens of the brilliant answers to the questions propounded given by many of the applicants. Some of them, it is evident, think that almost anybody can teach school, but Mr. Gorton's way of treating them is likely to dispel the idea, and at the same time give our schools better teachers.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Late News
Island No. 10 Captured.
Davenport, April 9--2 p.m.The telegraphic operator here has just received a dispatch from the operator at Bureau Junction announcing that Island No. Ten surrendered last night, with several thousand men, and all the enemy's transport, guns, &c.
The Carondelet Brushing Around
Other Gunboats Run the Rebel Blockade
Gen. Pope's Division Cross the River.
Speedy Termination of the Siege.We have glorious news to-night from New Madrid. Last night the gunboat Pittsburgh ran the blockade in safety under a terrible fire from the rebel batteries. Four steam transports and five barges were also got through the slough from Phillips Landing, above Island No. 10, by Col. Bissell's corps of engineers.
This morning, under fire of the gunboats, silencing one of the rebel batteries, a company of men under Capts. Lewis and Marshall crossed the river and spiked a battery. Another force took three other batteries, spiked the guns and threw the rebel ammunition into the river.
At eleven o'clock, in the face of a fire from other batteries, Geo. Paine with four regiments and a battery of artillery, crossed the Mississippi to the Kentucky shore. Subsequently, the division of Gen. Stanley and Gen. Hamilton crossed, and also Geo. Granger with his cavalry. They are strongly posted and ready for any emergency.
The spectacle of so large a body of troops crossing in the teeth of the enemy's batteries, was truly magnificent. The praises of Gen. Pepe are upon every tongue.
It is believed here that forty-eight hours will decide the fate of Island No. 10.
It is hardly credible, but reports thus far agree that not a single casualty occurred during the whole of the magnificent affair.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ From New Madrid Direct
New Madrid, April 7There was heavy cannonading this morning in the direction of Point Pleasant, commencing at about 9 o'clock and continuing with scarcely any intermission until this hour (4 p.m.) At noon, as the roar of the cannon was heard, I repaired to New Madrid and discovered the Carondelet steaming down the river, belching forth shot and shell at a line of rebel batteries on the Kentucky shore, opposite the lower fort. The fire was vigorously returned from their batteries, most of which fell short and did no damage. The Carondelet was aided by our battery established on the Missouri shore, between the lower fort and Point Pleasant, some of whose shot did splendid execution.
It is said that the guns on Wattrous Point, the most northern battery, are silenced and destroyed. Whether true or not, we have o means of determining. We only know that after a shell from our guns struck their entrenchments, there was an immense cloud of dust raised, and the rebels were seen running about in wild confusion, and the guns afterwards maintained a mysterious and obstinate silence. At this moment, standing on the river bank below the upper fort, I can see the Carondelet steaming below the point at a distance from here apparently of 10 miles. She must be approaching Riddle's Point.
Besides the rebel batteries above mentioned, there are two heavy guns opposite Point Pleasant and the same number opposite Riddle's Point. A man who has just returned from that point, informs me that the rebels have collected some fifteen gunboats, prepared to dispute the passage of the Carondelet. One of these is just visible in the distance, slowly poking her horns around the point, evidently intending to engage the Carondolet.
An express has just ridden post haste for Gen. Pope's headquarters with some message of importance, the purpose of which is not yet known, but probably relating to the passage of the Carondolet.
The smoke from the chimneys of the rebel transports is plainly discernable from any point of observation.
Things are working in this region and you may be prepared to hear of stirring movements at any moment.
Davenport Daily Gazette
Friday Morning
April 11, 1862Local Matters
Off for Tennessee.-Drs. Maxwell and Gamble, and Messrs. Burwell and Brown, started on the eastern train yesterday morning on their way to the Tennessee river. They will probably arrive at their destination on Sunday next-none too soon for the suffering.
"Any more news?" queried a little girl of us yesterday. "Yes," we said, "Beauregard got his arm shot off!" "Good," she replied, "we've got that much of him, anyhow."-Grown folks generally wish it was his head, and are not so disposed to be thankful for small favors.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Child injured.-Yesterday morning a little girl, child of Mr. John Birkel, Second street, near Brady, fell down a pair of stairs and struck against a bowl which she was carrying, cutting a horrible gash in her face, four or five inches long, extending across the forehead, around the right eye and on to the cheek. Dr. McCortney dressed the wounds , which in some places extended to the bone, and the little sufferer is doing well, though she will be badly scarred.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Iowa Troops.-Gen. Grant has eleven Iowa regiments under his command, and it is probable that nearly all of them were in the fight. Yet the telegraph says nothing of their having any officers killed or wounded--circumstance from which we might drive "some" consolation were it not that past experience assures us we mustn't expect to hear from Iowa troops till after the big States have had their bloviation; then, perhaps, will come the tardy admission that some Iowa regiment turned the tide of battle. Won't somebody start a mud-turtle express, so that we can hear from Iowa boys, on occasions of future battles, in advance of the ordinary modes of communication? Who'll commence it?
The War News
It is said to be the intention of the Confederate government to abandon Virginia unless the people of that State render more aid of men and money.
All men suspected of being for the Union are robbed of property with impunity, and no redress can be had. In consequence of this most Union men are very quiet.
During the embarkation of our troops from Liverpool Point, a large number of Maryland slaveholders lined the shore on horseback, said to be looking for lost slaves. No slaves from Maryland or Virginia were allowed to go aboard our transports. Some free Negroes were taken as servants. There were about 800 fugitive slaves left at Liverpool Point and Mattawoman Creek, without any protection. Slave owners threaten to make trouble.
For the Tennessee
St. Louis, April 10.Two steamers fitted as floating hospitals left here yesterday for Tennessee river. Large contributions of all kinds and supplies are being made to-day to furnish two more which will leave this evening. The Western Sanitary Commission are moving earnestly and energetically with the matter, and an effort will be made for speedy relief of our wounded soldiers at Pittsburg landing.
Evansville, Ind., April 10
The steamer Charley Bowen left here at 11 a.m. for Pittsburg landing with a delegation of surgeons and nurses and a full supply of hospital stores form Indianapolis. They will take on board another delegation of surgeons and supplies from Posey county, Ind. at Mt. Vernon.
The Spoils of Island No. Ten
A special to the Republican from Island No. 10 says two hundred hogsheads of sugars, several hundred barrels of molasses, eighty cannon, 400 wagons, 126 horses, 600 mules, 6,000 stand of small arms, 30 pieces of light artillery and a great quantity of blankets, clothing &c., have fallen into our hands. The total number of prisoners captured is 5,000, one Maj. Gen. (McCall) and Brig. Gens. Gault, Walker and Schannon. The prisoners are being embarked for Illinois as rapidly as possible. About 56,000 solid shot and immense quantities of ammunition were taken.
Davenport Daily Gazette
Monday Morning
April 14, 1862Local Matters
Twenty little ladies met at the house of the editor Saturday, and scraped lint all the afternoon for our wounded soldiers. At these little sociable gatherings there is always great rivalry between the tongues and fingers of the young ladies.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Lieut. Col. Price.-the following is the copy of a dispatch from Mr. Hiram Price to Judge Dillon, in relation to Lieut. Col. Milton M. Price, of the 13th Iowa. Jno. F. Dillon-Have heard from Milton, He is wounded in the shoulder, but not dangerously.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Anxiety of our Citizens-Never have we seen so much anxiety manifested by our citizens as has been exhibited by them since the news of the battle at Pittsburg reached them. Men and women have thronged our office, day and night anxiously inquiring for news. All of them appear to have had husbands, sons or brothers in the great conflict. As hour after hour and day after day have passed, and still no tidings of the loved ones been received, the anxiety of some minds has amounted to anguish. We have seen tears come into the eyes of strong men, as they have spoken of their sons or brothers being in that conflict and the probability that they many be even now needing assistance and unable to obtain it. It is a fearful suspense, and we truly hope that our community, from which so many brave men have gone to fight the battles of the nation, may soon be relieved from its anxiety.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Young Spellitich.-A few days ago we made mention of the bravery at Fort Donelson of Stephen Spellitich, a young Hungarian, of this county, a private in Co. C, 2d Iowa Infantry, and that a request was made of the War Department that he be presented with the rifle he had captured. The following letter will show that the request has promptly been granted: Headquarters Dept. of Mississippi; St. Louis, April 1st 1862. Hon. J. B. Leake-Sir, With the approval of the Secretary of War I have directed to be presented to Stephen Spelletich, of Co. C. 2d Iowa Infantry, the rifle which he so heroically captured at the battle of Fort Donelson. Very respectfully your obedient servant, H. W. Halleck, Maj. Gen.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Rev. C. G. Van Derveer.-We are gratified to learn from Mr. John N. Rogers, who has received a dispatch to that effect from Mr. Burwell, the Rev. Mr. Van Derveer, of this city, the Chaplain of the Eighth regiment, came safely out of the battle at Pittsburg Landing.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Married
On the 9th inst., by Rev. L. N. Butterfield, Mr. Sylvester M. Close and Miss Emma M. Blackman, of this city.
Davenport Daily Gazette
Tuesday Morning
April 15, 1862The War News
Further about the Pittsburgh Battle.
The 15th lose about 600 men.
All The Field Officers Wounded.
8th 19th and 14th Regiments Taken Prisoner.
Only 115 of the 12th Iowa Escaped.
Aver Loss, 21 Killed and 100 Wounded in each Regiment.
1000 Prisoners Taken, and 2,500 Lost.To Chas. H. Eldridge, Davenport.
Thirteenth regiment has 40 killed, 160 wounded, 1 Lieut. Co. B, dead. Sixteenth suffered much. Col. Chambers slightly wounded. Lt. Col. Sanders all right. Eleventh regiment also had 40 killed, one hundred wounded. Lt. Compton killed; Maj. Abercrombie slightly wounded. Several of 3d and 12th regm'nts wounded are on their way to St. Louis. Lieut. Col. And Major of the 12th are sick in hospital. The fifteenth Iowa, on Sunday morning, had one thousand and forty-five. On Monday four hundred and seven answered to call. Col. Reid is shot in back of head. Lieut. Col. Dewey wounded badly in the shoulder. Major Belknap lightly wounded. Capt. Hendricks killed. Reported here that part of the eighth, twelfth and fourteenth are prisoners. -- A. H. White.
The body of Gen. Wallace, accompanied by his staff and Col. Dickey, arrived on the steamer Woodford this evening. She brought down some prisoners on their way to St. Louis.
A special train, with the body of Gen. Wallace, will leave this evening for Ottumwa.
Col. Hugh F. Reid, 15th Iowa, from Keokuk, paralysed by ball in back of his head; Lieut. Col. Dewey, badly wounded in the shoulder; Maj. Belknap, slightly; Capt. Hendricks, killed. This noble regiment had just arrived on Saturday with 1, 015 men. After the battle only 407 answered to their names. They had received their guns at St. Louis, and left Keokuk only two weeks; were in Prentiss' division.
Nearly all of the 58th Illinois and 12th, 14th, and 8th Iowa were surrounded and taken prisoners while maintaining their ground, and fighting like heroes.
Col. Wood of the Iowa 12th is wounded and gone to St. Louis. Only 115 men of his regiment were not taken prisoners, these were in the hospital on Friday.
The Iowa 14th reported not taken prisoners.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Late News by the Mails
The following list of killed and wounded we obtain from private dispatches to the Muscatine Journal.
The following is the list of casualties in Co. F, 11th regiment, from Washington county:
Killed.-G. I. Barnes, M. A. McLand, H. H. Riley.
Wounded.-Lt. Miles, mortally; S. McKinney, severely in leg; H. J. Coulter, slightly in hand; J. Cochrane, severely in leg; D. Gibson, severely in thigh; S. S. Lyttle, severely in breast; J. Williams, slightly in eye; Taylor Thomas, slightly in hand; Taylor Keiting, slightly in hand; A. J. Scott, slightly in hand; Wiley Wicher, slightly in leg; J. Rolston, slightly in hand; W. P. Shelton, slightly in leg; Moses Rose, slightly in breast; Alex Keating, slightly in head; J. Morton, slightly in head; D. Jones, slightly in head; Theodore Campbell, slightly in shoulder; Sergt. Jackson, slightly in side.The following is a list of the wounded in Co. H, 2d Iowa regiment, also from Washington:
Killed.-None.
Wounded.-Lieut. Schofield, severely in thigh; Thos. Curran, leg off below the knee, H. Russel, slightly in hand; ---Hamilton, slightly.Eighth Iowa Regiment.
Taken prisoners, 419; 215 more left under Adjt. Rankin.
Lieuts. Dawson and Plum safe.Company C.
Killed.-James H. Young
Wounded.-David J. Palmer, slightly.Seventh Iowa-Company H.
Wounded.-G. W. Hoag, mortally; --Walcott, slightly, Sergeant Hope, slightly.
Thirteenth regiment not heard from.
Lieut. Crosley, 3d regiment safe.
Capt. A. R. Z. Dawson, safe.~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Wounded Iowa Soldiers
From a special dispatch to the Chicago Tribune, we gather the following names of Iowa soldiers who were wounded at Pittsburg, and are now at St. Louis:
Iowa Regiments.-3d-Co. D., R. C. Crandell, P. B. Holverson; Co. H, Patrick Larkin; Co. G., W. H. Swan. 6th-Co E., T. Smith, F. H. Sewell; Co G., James Calhoun; Co. H. Wm. Spain; Co. K, E. R. Clark; Co. H, J. T. Lynn, 12th-Co K. , John Moulton, F. Keyser; co. E, Benj. Eberhart, A. Biller, Jacob Howsey, C. Johnson; Co. F, A. Crippen, Jos. Pate; Co. B, Cornell Denny; Co. C, William Giving; Co. D, Isaac G. Clark, Sergt. J. M. Clark, R. Caldwell, E. H. Bailey; Co. F, Sam'l Witenberg, Co. H., W. W. Crist; Co. K, G. W. Garrity; Co. G., Jas. Brown, As. S. Fuller, 16th-Co. E., C. Veal.
The following are at Mound City Hospital: Iowa-Emory Spery, 3d. Co. B; McCallister, 13th, Co F; Thos. Import, 6th co. C; Jacob Fredrick, 8th, Co. B; Peter Kountz, 6th, Co. D; Jno A. Hughes, 11th co. D; Jno W. Sullivan, 2d Co F; Stephen Cousins, 3d Co. A; Louis Castor, 13th Co. D; Joseph R. Hall, 3d, Co G; Gratus Nuddle, 5th, Co D, badly; L. Stahl, 15th Do K; S. Griffin, 12th Co R; H. McGatherson, 3d, Co D; John Meckly, 2d Co. A; Stephen Smith, 13th Co. a; Jesse Hampton, 13th Martin Reapion, 13th, co H; Jno Angle, 8th Co D; Isaac K. Story, 8th, Co F; J. Moore 3d, Co B; Jos. J. Hart,--Co F.; George Ready, 6th Co G; Thos. F. Lewis, 8th Co D; J. Williams, of the 6th, and J. McDonald, of the 16th, are also wounded.
Davenport Daily Gazette
Wednesday Morning
April 16, 1862Late News
List of killed and Wounded in the 11th Iowa, at the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, April 6th and 7th, 1862.
Col. HARE, Acting Brigadier, wounded severely in right hand.
Lt. Col. HALL, commanding the regiment, wounded in ankle, slightly.
Maj. ABERCROMBIE, wounded in head, slightly.Company A.
Killed.-Wm. FIELDMAN; Jno GEODOCKE; Geo. W. CALLENDER.
Wounded.-1st Lt. J. W. ANDERSON, head, slightly; Sergt. SHELLABARGER, arm; Corp CORWIN, foot; Corp J. M. TAYLOR, back, slightly; Corp R. LIVINGSTON, hand. Privates.-C. ENSTLER, finger lost. R. THETMAN, back; J. S. STRETCH, head, severely; J. OAKES, shoulder; L. W. GATES, finger; H. VANKIESSILD, leg slightly; C. KINGSLAND, hip, slightly; E. FORTMAYLOR, shoulder, severely; C. GESLER, leg, slightly; Wm. REID, leg.
Three killed; 15 wounded.Company B.
Killed.-Corp Wm F. HOUGH, Hardin Co.
Wounded.-Slightly-Capt Chas. FOSTER, wrist; Orderly AKERS, thigh; Corp R. V. HERSEY, hand. Privates.--Daniel DALE, hand; Addison GARWOOD, hand; C. N. HAMMOND, neck; John RATAN, hand; David STAFER, abdomen, severely, Martin DENBOW, neck; Geo HAWORTH, thigh; John W. RAMSEY, arm; Wm. N. Street, arm; Jas. FITZGERALD, arm; Thos. C. SMITH, shoulder.
One killed; 14 wounded.Company C.
Killed-Sam'l FRITZ.
Wounded.-Corp Gerodes WYNCOOP, wrist, slightly; Corp Jos. W. MOORE, leg, slightly. Privates.-Severely, A. E. CAMPBELL, shoulder; G. W. LIVINGSTON, shoulder, dead; Wm. HARP, jaw; Henry MILLER, neck; Wm. EDMONDSON, arm; Jas. C. DUNCAN, arm. Slightly.-S. H. CALDWELL, shoulder; Jas. W. WATTS, head; John H. PATTEN, foot; David CUMMINS, head; Jos MANNERS, head; Thos. REID, shoulder; Chalmers REYNOLDS, head.
One killed; 15 wounded.Company D.
Killed.-Sergt. Henry Sibert. Private-Thos. CAREY; Peter CRAVEN; Wm. LEVERICH; Wm. WHITE.
Wounded.-Sergt. Beecher CHATFIELD, ankle, slightly; Corp John HUGHES, face severely; Corp Walter G. ROGERS, breast and back; severely; Corp Alex THOM, hip, slightly. Privates-Severely, F. M. EDGE, hand; Jno MILLSOP, arm; R.R. McREA, mouth. Slightly, B. F. HERR, foot; Christian HERR, neck; Chas. LAPORT, wrist; Oregon PRESCOTT, breast; S. N. RUCKER, thigh; Ira SHIFFLETT, hip; J. J. HAMLIN, both arms.Company E.
Killed-1st Lt. J. F. COMPTON; Sergt. E. McLONEY; Privates T. M. HAINES, U. FRINK, G. CROOKS, John BUCKMAN.
Wounded-Slightly, Corpl J. M. DANIELS, in hand; Privates B. ROSSART, side; A. H. HATCH, shoulder; E. MOONEY, shoulder; C. RANKIN, shoulder; M. MUSENEY, leg; G. SIMMONS, knee. Severely, F. DWIGGINS, in hip; E. CRISMAN, arm broken.
Six killed and eleven wounded.Company F.
Killed-Corpls G. I. BARNES and Martin A. McLAIN; Private H. H. RILEY.
Wounded-Seriously, 1st Lt. J. D. MILES; Sergt. N. S> McKINNEY, leg; Privates S. S. LYTLE, shoulder; T. CAMPBELL, shoulder; Jno WILLIAMS, head; W. WHICHER, leg. Slightly--, Sergt. E. G. JACKSON, side; Corpl Jackson COULTER, arm; Privates Taylor THOMAS, hand; John KETING, finger; W. P. SHELTON, leg; Isaac MARTIN, hand; John RALSTON, hand; David JONES, hand; Alex CAPEN, foot.
Three killed. Sixteen wounded.Company G.
Killed-Privates Wm. BLACJ, Theodore PALLET, Mortimer HOBART.
Wounded-2d Lt. G. W. BARR, arm, seriously; Corpl Geo. McNEELY, hand, slightly; Privates Clinton HALL, neck seriously; Osco CONNER, leg, severely. Slightly, Larson CROOKS, bruised; Wm. LINKINS, bruised; C. DAILY, hand; M. J. MILLER, knee.
Three killed. Eight wounded.Company H
Killed-Henry C. ADY; Finley H. HEWAL; WM E. MIKESELL.
Wounded-Slightly, 1st Lieut. Geo. D. MAGOON. Severely, Corpl Wm HERR, head; Corpl. Thos. G. LEWIS, shoulder. Lightly, privates Wm. A. GORDON, thigh; Warren Evans, leg; Jas. M. ALLEN; Conrad KRAUSE; Wm RICHARDS, head. Severely, Jno ZOELINA, foot;August KRAUS, face. Slightly, B. K. WINTERMUTE, arm and leg.
Three killed and sixteen wounded.Company I
Killed-Sergt. E. DANIELS; privates Madison RAYBURN, John HESTER.
Wounded-Slightly, 2d Lt. A. B. WILES, neck; Sergt. J. E. CROWDER, finger. Severely, Corpl Wm. HALL, leg, R. L. MILLER, arm; Privates Jno TAHLMAN, since dead; Thos McKEAUGH, breast; G. F. GREENHOW, head; A. WILSON, leg; Wm CRAIG, leg; A. BEALL, lef; H. HINKHOUSE, leg; H BARNHOLDT, foot; J. B. SULLIVAN, arm; P E. SHAW, thigh and arm; P. C. Ebermin, shoulder and ahnd. Slightly, John TATTON, shoulder; Wm H. GARD, shoulder; Riley PENNEL, leg; John LEACH, arm; Chas. HOOPER, shoulder; Wm. ETHERTON, hand; M. KIEF, abdomen; S. MATTERN, leg; John WESSON, head; Peter E. DAVIS, shoulder; Orlando McGRUE, nose.
Three killed and twenty-six wounded.Company K
Killed-Private N. BOGART.
Wounded-slightly, Capt John C. MARVIN, leg. Severely, 2d Lt. O. P. KINSULAW; Sergt. Chas. MASON, arm and side; Corporal John DANCE, arm. Slightly, L. DAVIS, leg. Seriously, Privates S. GEARBART, wrist; J. WILKINSON, arm side and hip. Slightly, John ELDER, arm and side; B. FLUHARTS, leg; M. LATTIMER, foot; R. SMITH, hand.
Missing-Private Wm. W. MITCHELL.
One killed, eleven wounded, one missing.The wounded are either on the boats, or in hospitals at Savannah, and are as well taken care of perhaps as is possible in the circumstances. But doubtless great numbers have died, and will die, who might have been saved if they could at once have received the surgeon's attention, and the nursing of home.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Iowa Soldiers
The following are additional to the names already published of killed and wounded Iowa soldiers at the battle of Pittsburg:
Wounded
Killed.
11 Regiment-Co. A. -Wm FIELDING, John JODYKE and George CALLENDER, of Muscatine county. Co. H-Henry ADY, Atalissa. Co. J-George DANIELS. Co. B-Lieut E. D. DUNCAN, Jasper co. Co F-Lieut WATSON.
8th Regiment-Co H-J. T. LYON.
11th Regiment-Col A. M. HARE, Muscatine; Lt Col Wm. HALL, Davenport; Mjor ABERCROMBIE, Burlington; Lt. MOSS, Co. F.
13th Regiment-Major SHANE, Benton Co; Adj HAHN.On Steamer Louisiana, Bound for St. Louis
3d Regiment-Co. A-Patrick LARKIN,--Newson. Co. D-b. HOBSON.
12th Regiment-Co. E-Jacob HOWREY.
Co. F-Samuel WETHERBY, C. L. Johnson.At Mound City Hospital
2d Regiment-Co. A-W. H. ROBINSON, Co. E-B. ROSS, John DUNCAN, CO. G-H. D. St. JOHN. Co. I-Fred FILLEY.
3d Regiment-Co. E-W. C. CHAMBERS.
6th Regiment-Co. A-M. HOWE. Co. E-Solomon KELLOGG, Thos. B. BAKER, Co. H-a. W. HUFFORD.
8th Regiment-Co. A-John DOUGAL, Bo. B-J. N. GARDNER, W. JAYNE. Co. H-J. CRAIG.
11th Regiment-Co. C-G. W. SIMMONS, Wilson SIMMONS.
12th Regiment-Co. G-Ole OLESON.
13th Regiment-Co. C-J. DEBAULT, Co. E-E. CLARK, Co. G-Lieut D. R. SHERMAN.
Co. H-Lieut E. SHURTZ.
14th Regiment-Co. E-Jno L. MILTON.
15th Regiment-Co. J-D. BURCKLEY.
16th Regiment-Co. G-Patk. BOYLE.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ The Des Moines Register says that fourteen men of the 4th Infantry, wounded at the battle of Pea Ridge have died since the battle.
Captain Granville Berkley of company F, 2d Iowa Cavalry, was mustered out of the service on March 29th.
Samuel M. Wise, a Captain in the Iowa First Infantry, has been commissioned Maj. Of the 17th Regiment , Col. Rankin.
The 17th regiment has been formally accepted by the War Department. It has 900 men now in camp at Keokuk, and 200 more are on the way there.
The Daily Gazette
City of Davenport
Thursday Morning
April 24, 1862A Thrilling Adventure
A letter from Fortress Monroe says:
We learn from Gen. Wool that there was an accident of a most thrilling nature at General McClellan's headquarters yesterday. Gen. Fitz John Porter ascended in a balloon, for the purpose of making a reconnaissance. When high up, the rope broke, and off floated the balloon, directly over the enemy's entrenchments. The officer was considered to be inevitable lost. The hearts that were wrung with the hardness and strangeness of his fate, were suddenly cheered as well as amazed with the spectacle of the return of the balloon over our own camps. It had ascended to a counter current of air, and was wafted with all its precious freight, back to safety. Once again over his own troops, the soldier aeronaut pulled the valve and discharged the gas from the balloon, and came down to earth "by the run," entirely unharmed. What he saw is for military use, and not for publication.
Pittsburg Landing
April 15, '62List of Killed and Wounded of 8th Iowa Infantry in the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, April 6th, 1862.
Killed.
Co. A-Nelson Howard, Geo. Heller, Augustus Haun.
Co. B-Robt. Moody, Wm Penrose, Zalmon W. Kelly.
Co. C-James H. Young.
Co. D-Samuel Smith.
Co. E-Jno H. Patterson.
Co. F-Capt. Wm. F. Hogan, Geo. Johnson, Calvin L Bland, Jas. Carlyle, Timothy Hensley, Thos. V. Lane, Jno D. Monical, Wm. M. Torrence.
Co. G-W. Pratt Bush, Thos. F. Greenlee, Jas. Paterson.
Co. H-Isaac Noel, Jeremiah Pattie.
Co. I-Thos. R. Robb, Jno Badger, Henry C. Gordon, Chas. M. Lane, Jno Murphy.
Co. K-A. C. Heinsecker, Jno McQueen, A. Thompkins.
Total, 33.Wounded.
Co. A-Dan'l. Welsh, Jno R. McDougal, Jerome Lucas, Alex H. Swearengen (since died.)
Co. B-Lieut. E. Tichenor, Jno Tichenor, Jno Christian, Luther McCullough, Jacob Walker, Rudolph Murray, Jno A. Rown, Wilbur R. Lockwood, Whittaker Haynes, Wm. C. Logan, Wm. H. Golden, Hiram Barber, S. A. Walker, Henry Somman, Jno Moody, Amos Merritt, Christopher Quinn, Christian Lemberg, N. Frylinger, Orlando R. Fluke, J. Newton Pursell.
Co. C-David J. Palmer, Jas. Marshall, David Parish.
Co. D-Jas. Gardner, Julius Gardner, Leonard Blakesley, Mason Ogan, John A. Angler.
Co. E-R. F. Wolf, J. R. Pearsall, B. F. Banty, W. McFarland, M. H. Dean, Wm. Wolf, Albert Bremer, Lemuel Kincade, Frank McConnell, Sabine Fowler, F. M. Baufman (since died.)
Co. F-Robt. D. Hagin, Wm. Conger, Benj. F. Cox, Geo. W. Hodson, Wm. Kreger, Wm. W. Cronkrite, Sam'l M. Shrekley, Benj. F. Stevenson, Adolph Seible, Isaac M. Williams.
Co. G-John Johnson, Jonathan Sprague, Jacob Harr, Geo. W. O'Neal.
Co. H-Capt. Fred S. Palmer, Lieut. D. J. Craigle, Lt. Chas. Wells, Jacob Fredericks, Johnathan Platz, Elias M. blizzard, Jacob L. Billings, Marion F. Crull, Luther Colwin, Henry H. Lower, Chas. McDevitt, Stephen D. Rohrer, Solomon Wilcox, Merton D. Groves, Joseph F. Lyon.
Co. I-Chas. E. Fox.
Co. K-Lieut. W. T. Hayes, G. McHenry, Sam'l Reynolds, L. Thorp, Edgar Brass, Michael M. Ryan, Geo. Beck, John L. Guthrie, Edward Groves, M. Littleton, J. Story, A. Vandervort.
Total, 86.Yours &c.,
C. G. Van Derveer,
Chaplain 8th Iowa InfantryIowa 2d Regiment
Company A
List of killed and wounded.Killed-W. W. Clark; Geo. W. Friend.
Wounded-Severely: Sergeant John Mackley, John Kepple, Joseph Conley, W. Robinson, Lightly: John Hoff, Ephraim Wiley, Thomas Feban, Wm. Douglas, Joseph Collins.Company B
Wounded-Severely: Capt. R. M. Littler, M. L. Thomas, A. Post. Slightly; B. Farrell, D. J. Scott, Jules Meridith.
Company C
Wounded-Severely: E. Corcoran, W. H. Satliff, Jefferson Wooster, Slightly: Sergt. H. C. McNeal, Chas. Rowan.
Company D
Missing-Austin Rush, James Crystal.
Wounded-Severely: j. H. Looby, Wm. Riddle, R. D. Barrett, Slightly: N. M. Mills, Sergt. Wm. Houston, Corpl. B. Houston, Robert Byle, John Sharp.Company E
Killed-Sergeant Amos Weimer, John C. Haverstick, Elijah Newby.
Missing-Daniel Walmer.
Wounded-Severely: Daniel Brown, Chas. Reed, John Duncan, Theodore Borggs, Reuben Coop, Slightly: Capt. T. J. McCullough, Lieut. D. B. Wilson, Henry A. Millen, James Ross, Elwood Williams, J. M. Hughes, L. T. L. T. Webster, J. J. McKee, Thos. Patton, Marion York.Company F.
Wounded-Severely: Capt. A. Wilkin, Lieut. Brawner, Sergt. W. Miller, J. W. Sullivan.
Company G
Missing-Herman D. St. John.
Wounded-Severely: Capt. S. A. Moore, Chas. E. Dunn. Slightly: John Denmuth, Davis Proctor, Burr Vurmilia.Company H
Wounded-Severely: Lieut. Scolfield, Thos. Curren, Henry Russell, J. N. Hammill.
Company I
Killed-Corporal Cooly.
Wounded-Severely: Capt. H. P. Cox, Sergt. S. L. Tull, Corp. N. Rodgers, John Luellen, John S. Herwick, Geo. G. Whittier, Wm. F. Granger, Corp. F. Dailey, G. F. Cook, H. A. Smiley, Wm. H. Laird, W. F. Robins, Wm. Robins, Charles Reader, George Meecher.Company K
Killed-Lieut. John E. Molby. Lightly: W. H. Henderson
A.Axline
Chaplain 2d Iowa Reg't Infantry
The Daily Gazette
Davenport, Iowa
April 28, 1862To the Editor of the Gazette:--Several days have now elapsed since the memorable battle of Pittsburg Landing. I presume from various sources you have received descriptions of the fight. Many reasons, in the form of attendance on the wounded, hunting for acquaintances in other regiments, and fatigue, have prevented an earlier communication. I shall now attempt a brief account of the battle, not attempting to a full description, but confining myself rather to the brigade to which the 8th Iowa was attached, and more especially to the regiment which I had the honor to serve. The information I shall give may be relied on, as it is gathered from personal observation partly, and still more from others, who being combatants and actually in the engagement are better qualified to give a correct account.
Commencement of the Engagement
The enemy’s advance lines were I sight of our outposts as early as Friday afternoon, April 4th. The fact that a battery was planted near our lines was communicated to Gen. Sherman, who commanded the division on our extreme right, and in the advance. He had received orders from Gen. Grant “not to bring on an engagement,” and supposing the design of the enemy was to induce skirmishing and endeavor to learn something of our strength, paid no attention to the battery or the skirmishing of pickets. Evidently our commanders were not expecting an attack, but soon as Gen. Buell’s column should come up, intended an advance. Saturday was quiet except skirmishing. On Sunday, April 6th, the attack was made, and found us entirely unprepared. Our line of encampment was somewhat in the form of a crescent. The enemy attacked us by what is termed the letter V movement. The apex of the letter V rested on our center. The two lines, extending back obliquely, were admirably formed for flanking us on both wings. We who were camped near the river, heard heavy cannonading early on the morning of the 6th for an hour or two before we were ordered out. Meantime, several of our advance regiments were driven back - some had scarcely time to form a line of battle at all; others, overpowered by numbers, retreated in good order, loading and firing as they fell back. The first regular line of battle was formed about 9 a. m. This was the first I saw, and I believe, from what I can learn, it was the first formed by our main army. I shall now write more particularly of the part taken by the Iowa 8th, which was in this line.
Position of the Eighth Iowa Infantry
Between 8 and 9 a. m. on Sunday, our brigade - third brigade, second division - was ordered out. This brigade consisted of the 8th Iowa, 52d Illinois, 7th, 37th and 50th Illinois regiments, under command of Col. Sweeny,, of the 52d Illinois. The 8th Iowa occupied the right center of the brigade, and in the line of battle the brigade was posted in the right center of the brigade, and in the line of battle the brigade was posted in the right center of the line. On our left was Gen. McClernand’s division and I think Gen. Hurlbut’s. On our right the Iowa brigade, formerly Col. Lauman’s, but during the battle under command of Col. Tuttle, 2d Iowa. Shortly after the line of battle was formed, the 52d Illinois moved off to the right, and was soon followed by the 7th Illinois. The design of this movement I have never learned, but it left our right entirely unsupported, and an open space between us and the regiments which filed off. On the right of the 8th Iowa two cannon were placed. Of these guns our gallant Colonel took command for a short time, and so pointed them as to rake the enemy. Col. Geddes was for many years an artillery officer in the British regular service. He saw these guns were not worked to good advantage, and riding up to the man in charge gave directions. The man said, “If you can manage these guns better than I, do so.” The Colonel replied, “I can,” and immediately took command. With what effect the check which the advancing enemy received best tells, and more than vindicates the Colonel’s action. On the left of the 8th was another gun, so pointed as to prevent an oblique movement of the enemy on our left flank and to protect the regiments on our left. All this while the enemy were pouring a tremendous volley from cannon and small arms into our lines. Two guns had been taken from one of our batteries early in the morning. These guns were now in front of our regiment. Their recovery was determined on. (sic) Our men had been lying down allowing the enemy’s fire to pass over them; meanwhile Col. Geddes was riding along the line or directing the two guns on our right, smoking his pipe and giving orders with the same coolness as if on battalion drill. It is also due to Lieut. Co. Ferguson and Maj. Andrews to say that they conducted themselves with the utmost coolness and bravery. The recovery of the lost guns being determined upon, the Colonel ordered the 8th Iowa to charge. A more brilliant or successful charge need never be made. Forward after their gallant commander, whom every man loved as a brother and trusted as one more than human, rushed our noble Iowa boys. The guns were seized by our brave boys, and with their own hands hauled off from the enemy. In this charge most of our brave fellows, who were killed in the battle, fell; but they fell not in vain. I was over the ground on Tuesday morning, when we were gathering up their bodies. I passed over to the place into which they had discharge volley after volley from their trusty Springfield and Enfield rifles. Never have I anywhere seen - at Wilson’s Creek or on this battle ground, over all of which I have ridden - bushes and small trees so completely cut and riddled by rifle balls, as was the spot where our boys took good aim and true, and nowhere on the whole field did I see the rebels shot dead, lie thicker than among these riddled bushes. Other regiments fought nobly, heroically, but we of Iowa may justly be proud to point to that charge of our 8th, and fearlessly challenge any and all to show, on any part of the bloody field, evidences of cooler bravery or more terrible execution. It is with feelings of profoundest sorrow that I have to record, but a few hours after this brilliant and successful charge.
The Capture of the Gallant Iowa 8th
The 8th Iowa, after re-taking the captured guns, returned nearly to their former position. Their right, as already observed, was unsupported. It became necessary now to change front by flanking on the left, both to get the guns they had in charge in good position, and to avoid as far as possible the raking fire of the enemy. Meantime, the enemy’s fire had taken great effect on the right and left of our line, which was gradually falling back. The 8th Iowa did not fall back with the line, but held its ground some time longer. How this happened , is to me not yet fully explained. I am, however, fully satisfied no blame whatever, can be attached to Col. Geddes. He did his duty nobly, heroically. In the charge, his horse was shot under him by a grape, but he sprang from his back and still led his men onward. I conjecture, and , from the circumstances, with the utmost probability, that Col. Geddes was not fully aware of his position. He was placed in position by his commanding officer. His duty was to maintain that position as long as possible, or until ordered elsewhere. Comparatively early in the action, Col. Sweeney, who commanded the brigade, was severely wounded. After he left the field, no order, so far as I can learn, was given to Col. Geddes to change his position. He had no time to inquire who was tailing back on his left. When overpowered by numbers, he fell back in good order, bringing on the artillery in his charge, until after falling back a mile, or perhaps more, from his first position, he found his regiment entirely surrounded. Nothing now could be done but surrender. I was informed, though I cannot vouch for its truth, that Col. Geddes tendered his sword to the Right Rev. Bishop, Maj. Gen. Leonidas Polk. However this may be, the officer who received the Colonel’s sword handed it back to him. Their swords were returned to all our captured officers, and they were treated in a very gentlemanly manner. The officer who received and then returned their swords to our officers, complimented them upon their bravery - “You are brave men; you have fought bravely, but fought too long.” Said he. Both Col. Geddes and Lt. Col. Ferguson received flesh wounds in the leg, and both were taken with their regiment. A horse was offered Col. Geddes, but he remarked, “I will walk with my boys.” Where our battalion is by this time, we of course do not know. No information has been received. I presume they are somewhere in Southern Alabama or Mississippi, where they can be kept till the close of the war.
Maj. Andrews was severely wounded by a spent ball striking him on the head. He was carried from the field some two hours before our regiment was taken, and thus escaped. His wound, though very serious, was thought by the surgeons not to be dangerous. He started for his home in charge of an attendant several days since.
Capt. Hogan, of Co. F, was killed; Capt Palmer, 1st Lieut. Craigie, and 2d Lieut. Wells, of Co. H, were wounded. But I sent you a list of the killed and wounded of the 8th Iowa, as far as ascertained.
The Last Stand Made Sunday Evening
All day long the enemy had driven us back. The roar of cannon, whizzing sound of shells and cracking of rifles and musketry had been incessant. I have never read of any engagement in which the discharge of firearms on both sides was so constant and so long continued. Usually such firing settles the battle in three or four hours. We who were with the wounded heard this firing, and knew the enemy were slowly driving our men back to the river. Thousands of our men, for some reason or other, came in by detachments from the field to the river, all declaring that their regiments were cut to pieces. No effort on the part of officers could induce these men to return. They seemed to be entirely unmanned, and for the time at least, were acting as arrant cowards. I had occasion about 4 1-2 p.m. to go from our hospital tents over toward the road leading up from the landing - as I returned I heard a cavalry officer giving orders by the authority of Gen. Buell. I inquired of him, and found Gen. Buell had really arrived on this side of the river, and that Gen. Nelson’s division was then crossing. I put the spurs to my horse and hastened to give circulation as best I could, to this most welcome news. We near the river, who saw how things were, had spent an afternoon of torturing anxiety. The fear of personal danger, though balls and shell often whistled and sung in most unpleasant proximity to my ears, was quite lost in the apprehension that our entire force and armament would be taken. Already the enemy had advanced within half a mile of the color lines nearest the river, and we had the ground left only for one stand. This was most nobly made. Two siege guns and a large iron howitzer were placed along our line in the rear. In front of these was all our available artillery and the infantry which had been under fire all day. Next the siege guns lay the first brigade - perhaps more - of Nelson’s division. It was near sundown when the enemy made their last assault. For half an hour the cannonading and musketry was terrific; but our men stood firm, while our 64 pounders and howitzer poured into the enemy’s line a fire they could not stand. About dusk the enemy withdrew, and quartered themselves in our tents, all of which they had left standing. The enemy expected to capture us - tents, camp furniture and all, so they destroyed nothing of these, though the officers were robbed of trunks, clothing, &c. That night all our troops slept or rather lay on their arms in line of battle. All night the gunboats Lexington and Tyler threw a shell about every fifteen minutes into the camp of the enemy. By the way, these gunboats did good service, and the rebels are very much afraid of their shells. Where I lay out on the bank of the river, I could see the flash and hear the report of the gun on the boat, listen to the shell as it went singing over the timber, and then hear it burst with a report like a 24-pound howitzer. Sunday night it rained very hard for an hour or two, but as it was warm our boys got along very well. It was hard on the poor wounded fellows who lay out.
Monday’s Battle
During Sunday night all of Gen. Nelson’s Division had crossed the river; also McCook’s and I believe Crittenden’s; Gen. Lew. Wallace was also on hand with his large Division. Our men who had been in the fight on Sunday were in good spirits. Soon as we could see on Monday morning, fresh troops were ordered in the advance - Nelson on the left, McCook the centre, and Wallace on the extreme right, I think. Soon the battle began - the cannonading, and musketry was again terrible, Gen. Buell was on the field near Nelson’s Division, a little to the left, where balls and shells were falling thick and fast. The place where he stood was shown me by an officer, who received more than one order from him in person; and also a tree just behind the hero, which was riddled by a shell. Of Gen. Buell’s history I know little, but that he is a noble, brave and eminently capable General is abundantly proven by his conduct on Monday. I have heard military men speak with admiration of his management of the enemy when the flanking operation was attempted. Gen. Buell had his forces so placed that when the enemy fell back to change front and flank, he was held fast, and lost just the distance he had fallen back from his first position.
For two or three hours in the morning the enemy stood well up to the work. They demonstrated on Sunday and Monday that Southern troops lack neither valor nor determination. Their loss on Monday must have been very great, for we pursued them with terrible firing. On Sunday I think our loss was great as theirs, but on Monday, form all I can learn, we must have slaughtered them. All our troops fought nobly on Monday; there was no running to the river, but all stood up to the work. When the sun set on Monday evening, he went down over one of the most glorious victories, as it was undoubtedly the severest battle ever won on this continent. Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston, who planned and commanded on the rebel side in this battle, was killed on Sunday. Johnson, the Provisional Governor of Kentucky, was wounded and captured. When taken he remarked that there was no more chance for Secessia; she had staked her all in this battle and lost. I believe this Gov. Johnson has since died. It was reported that Beauregard was killed, then that he was wounded. I believe him alive, well and in command, and expect we shall have his skill to combat in our next battle. I can form no correct idea of the number killed and wounded on either side. I suppose we will soon know with respect to our loss from the official reports of Surgeons and Adjutants. Gen. Prentiss was wounded and taken prisoner early on Sunday. Gen. W. H. L. Wallace, of Illinois, was badly wounded, and died soon after he was carried to the boat. The 8th, 12th, and 14th Iowa and 58th Illinois were taken prisoners. The loss of these noble regiments casts a shadow over what would otherwise be a most glorious victory.
The Present Condition of our Army
Yesterday I rode out beyond our advance lines to the pickets. I found, as they used to say about the army of the Potomac, “all quiet along the lines.” There is occasional skirmishing on our outside cavalry pickets, indicating that a portion of the enemy are about somewhere. An attack was somewhat expected the first of the week. Now the indications seem to be that we shall advance as soon as the roads will permit. Troops are still coming in, and those camped far back are moving toward the advance. Our advance divisions are now so arranged as themselves to form a kind of pickets. Batteries are in a position of defence, and from appearances, by five minutes after the “long roll” - ominous sound to the soldier - is beaten, an hundred thousand men would be in line of battle, and all in a position to support each other. Evidently Gen. Halleck does not intend another surprise. We are pretty well prepared for an attack. Our misfortunes of the 6th have taught us a lesson; all now looks fair for success. There is, I think, good reason to hope that before the summer is ended, rebellion will be effectually crushed out in the southwest. Let us hope the grand army of the Potomac, or Rappabannock, I believe it is now, may also speedily be successful in fulfilling its part of the great work.-- C.
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