USA > Iowa > History of the Fifteenth Regiment, Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, from October, 1861, to August, 1865, when disbanded at the end of the war > Part 22
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WILLIAM E. STRONG, Lieut .- Col. and Inspector-General 17th Army Corps.
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Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry.
April 8th tlie regiments of McArthur's division were drawn up in line by battalions in mass, in front of the 2d brigade headquar- ters, where the soldiers were addressed by General L. Thomas Adjutant-General of the army, explaining the newly-inaugurated policy of the government in regard to arming negroes and organ- izing them into regiments and brigades for the purpose of putting down the rebellion. General McPherson then followed, and after- wards Generals McArthur and Crocker, (the latter promoted Brig- adier-General Nov. 29, 1862), all of whom expressed their full acquiescence in this much-needed measure of the government. Then Colonel Reid took the stand and addressed the soldiers for nearly an hour, considering the measure in all its practical bearings and most forcibly explaining the necessity of the step, either as a war policy against the rebel masters, who, while fighting the bat- tles of the rebellion against the government, had to depend on their negroes left at home to take care of their families and raise crops for the sustenance of the rebel army, or as a measure to give the greatest and most efficient help to the Union army by enabling the government to withdraw the white soldiers from the many south- ern garisons and the marshy and swampy places, leaving such places in charge of negro troops acclimatized to a low and marshy ground, by which white troops will soon be enabled to concentrate their numbers and then penetrate into the interior of the states in rebel- lion.
Finally, he considered it as a matter of justice to a large class of negroes themselves, who, having left their masters, have come within the Union lines, and are anxious to show their loyalty by their acts; and in conclusion the Colonel predicted that within the short space of a year the benefits of that measure would be so de- veloped in all their bearings that all further opposition to it will of itself cease, and that those who did oppose it will try to deny their ever having done so.
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The prediction was fulfilled before the year was out. The ques- tion thus being brought home to the understanding of the men, all declared themselves to be in favor of the measure, including those few who were known to have been influenced by small county papers that were regularly sent into the camps of soldiers by the well-known party at home, whose motto was that the "War is a failure."
What means the above party resorted to in order to lead the sol- diers astray and to create confusion in the army, it must be for- ever remembered, that ever since the issuing of the President's proc- lamation of January 1, 1863, which was destined to commence a new era in the history of this country, as well as in that of the civ- ilization of the human race, letters arrived by scores in every camp, with every mail, conveying the treasonable doctrine that the war was now verging into an "unconstitutional abolition crusade against the southern slave-holders with the sole object of freeing the negroes from their obligations towards their rightful owners," and therefore openly persuading and inciting soldiers to desertion. Moreover, commissioned officers of high rank, who formerly used to belong to the party now advocating an "armistice with the rebels," were known to declare their views in antagonism with the proclamation, at the same time, however, all remaining in the army, drawing pay, and receiving honors under the government.
The commissioned officers of the 3d brigade, (11th, 13th, 15th and 16th Iowa), while in camp at Lake Providence, having been invited to meet at the headquarters of the 11th Iowa, gave expres- sion to their sentiments in regard to the President's proclamation of January 1st. They almost without exception strongly endorsed the same, directing the chairman ( Colonel Reid, of the 15th), and Secretary ( Lieutenant-Colonel Sanders, of the 16th), to forward the resolutions to the Governor of the state.
Those few who were trying to modify the strong language of the resolutions, conveying an unqualified endorsement of the meas-
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ure, were ably answered by Lieutenant-Colonels Shane (13th ) and Sanders (16th) and Colonel Reid. Here it was that General Crocker, in the course of his remarks, declared that since the war began he entered the army as a Union man, and fought and will fight for the Union; that he had no intention to put on a coat with one sleeve blue and the other gray; therefore, he would not vote now half Union, half " butter-nut."
The resolutions passed without further remarks. On the next and subsequent days the resolutions were read at dress parade in each of the regiments. With few exceptions, the men of the 15th Iowa expressed their satisfaction with the same.
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PART VII.
VICKSBURG CAMPAIGN. APRIL TO END OF JULY, '63. MILLI- KEN'S BEND. COLONEL HUGH T. REID PROMOTED BRIGA - DIER-GENERAL. LIEUTENANT-COLONEL. WM. W. BELKNAP IN COMMAND. HOLMES' PLANTATION. GRAND GULF. HAINES' BLUFFS. WARRENTON. EXPEDITION TO MECHANICSVILLE. RETURN TO REAR OF VICKSBURG. CENTER OF McPHER- SON'S LINE. EXPEDITION TO BIG BLACK RIVER. MESSEN- GER'S FERRY. INTERVIEW BETWEEN GENERAL U. S. GRANT AND GENERAL PEMBERTON. THE CORRESPONDENCE BE- TWEEN THEM. JULY 4TH, 1863 VICKSBURG SURRENDERS. GENERAL J. B. McPHERSON'S CONGRATULATORY ORDER. IOWA'S WAR GOVERNOR CONGRATULATES HER SONS IN THE ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, ETC.
The cutting of the canal connecting the Mississippi river with Lake Providence and the bayous Tensas and Macon, and through the latter with the Tensas river, running in a general southerly course towards the Red river, brought the country along these streams under water for several miles in width, from Providence, west of the Mississippi, down towards the Black and Red rivers; and if the wide spread inundation did not answer as a safe channel for steamboat navigation to the south of Vicksburg, it completely answered as an extensive watery barrier against any and all incur- sions of rebel forces from west of Vicksburg, thus greatly securing the government depots and immense amount of commissary, quar- termaster and ordnance stores accumulated at Young's Point, for the ensuing decisive campaign.
Against the middle of April all the preparations for the siege and capture of Vicksburg being completed, the three army corps under General U. S. Grant, 15th army corps; General Sherman,
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17th corps; General McPherson, 13th corps, General McClernand, were under orders to move. Osterhaus's 1st division of the 15th corps took the advance across the marshy country west of and along the Mississippi river towards New Carthage.
The regiment, with its brigade, left Lake Providence on April 21st, arriving that night at Milliken's Bend, La., where several changes in command were taking place. Colonel Hugh T. Reid, being promoted Brigadier-General, was assigned to the command of the 1st brigade, 6th division, at Lake Providence, and Lieuten- ant-Colonel Belknap returning from staff duty as provost marshal of the corps, took command of the 15th Iowa.
General Crocker, heretofore in command of the 3d brigade, being assigned to command Quinby's 7th Division, 17th Corps; Colonel Wm. Hall, of the 11th Iowa, took command of the 3d brigade, by seniority, (Colonel A. Chambers, of the 16th Iowa, senior Colonel in the brigade, being absent with leave).
April 26th was exceedingly warm. The regiment, with the 3d and 2d brigades of 6th division marched. On the 27th it rained furiously. The 28th was a beautiful day, but men, artillery and trains floundered in the mud, which was deep and expansive, most of the day, and camped at Holmes' plantation, guarding the lines of communication from Milliken's Bend to Perkins' plantation, forty- three miles in length, until May 11th, when regiment and brigade took up the line of march, which continued until near noon on the 13th, when they arrived at Hard Times Landing, on Mississippi river.
After some delay the 15th Iowa marched on board the steamer Moderator, one of the few steamers that successfully ran the block- ade, and crossed the river to Grand Gulf, where we went into camp on the bank of the river. Remained here until the night of the 19th, when orders were received to embark on transports at once, and we were under way for Young's Point at day-break on the 20th, and reached there about 12 M. The troops landed, marched
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across the point, and immediately embarked on the steamer Cres- cent City, which shoved off for Haines' Bluffs at dawn on the 21st. Landed at Haines' Bluff, and remained until 3 P. M., when orders were received to return immediately to Young's Point on same steamer, which point was reached at 5 P. M. Here the troops de- barked, and as soon as two days' rations could be issued to them, marched across the point route to same place as the evening previ- ous. Embarking on transports the troops were quickly landed at Warrenton, Miss., and immediately took up the line of march for a position near the rebel lines. Marched three miles and bivouacked for the night, resuming the march at early dawn of the 22d, arriv- ing in position about 10 A. M. near the left of General McCler- nand's corps. The 16th and 11th Iowa were thrown forward as skirmishers, but were withdrawn at nightfall, and the brigade pro- ceeded toward General McPherson's headquarters, which was reached about 10 A. M. on the 23d. At 3 P. M. the brigade was ordered to resume the position vacated the evening previous. Ar- rived about 5 P. M., when the 11th Iowa was thrown out as pickets. and the 13th, 15th and 16th went into bivouac at 3 P. M. On the 24th the 15th relieved the 11th on picket and participated in the heavy skirmishing with the enemy opposite. On the 25th, at 5 r. M., the 15th was relieved by the 41st Illinois, of General Lauman's division.
May 26th the brigade and division, being relieved by General Lauman's division of McClernand's corps, were marched to Gen- eral McPherson's headquarters in the centre of the besieging Fed- eral lines, where they were attached to the reconnoitering expedi- tion under General Frank P. Blair, for the purpose of scouring the country in the rear of Vicksburg and towards Yazoo City .
The expedition started early on May 27th, and reached Mechan- icsville about 12 M. of the 29th, when the enemy was met. The troops forming line of battle and skirmishers thrown forward to engage the enemy; after short skirmishing the enemy gave way
ALEX CHAMBERS. COL 15TH IOWA VOLS. BRIG. GEN'L U.S.VOLS.
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and were pursued two miles beyond the town, where the brigade encamped for the night.
Next morning the enemy, having entirely disappeared, and our mission performed, the troops were marched toward Vicksburg, * and arrived late at night of the 31st at Haines' Bluff, tired, sore and hungry .
While in camp here Colonel A. Chambers, of the 16th Iowa, having returned from the north, took command of the brigade on June 2d. On the 3d Lieutenant-Colonel Belknap received a com- mission as Colonel, Major Hedrick as Lieutenant-Colonel, Adjutant Pomutz as Major, and Lieutenant E. H. King, of I Company, as Adjutant. June 4th, regiment and brigade marched to the rear of Vicksburg, taking position in the centre of General McPherson's line, on a high, steep and narrow ridge, covered with canebrake, the regiments furnishing heavy details daily to the skirmish line, and at night for advancing the trenches and working in the same.
On the night of June 5th a heavy detail from the 3d brigade (three hundred men under Major Pomutz, of the 15th), advanced beyond the trenches to a high hill protruding westward to within one hundred and fifty yards of the massive rebel forts and main line of fortifications, separated from the hill by a deep and wide ravine, full of dense cane and underbrush. The men, after fixing bayonets and sticking their inverted muskets into the ground, were at once put to " lively work with the spade."
An advance line of breast-works and trenches was built on the western slope of the hill, and a fortification erected on its top for the artillery, when, by day break, the rebels from the opposite line were very much increasing their lively attentions to the working detail by concentrating their direct and cross-fires from the several curves of their line upon the party on the hill, and inciting them to
*May 30th was one of the hottest days we experienced, anywhere in the south, marching nearly all day through an immense corn-field in the Yazoo bottoms without water, and not a tree within a half mile of the road. Scores of men were prostrated by the great heat, several companies at night having only men enough to make 2 or 3 stacks of arms.
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progress in their work with as much energy and rapidity as Yankee soldiers were known to be capable of .
By daylight the skirmishers occupied the advanced breast-works built during the night, and by order of General Ransom, who was present the whole night, the work on the fort was suspended. The next night the fort was finished and named Fort Ransom. It proved to be a very important point in helping most efficiently the advances and approaches of the next fort on its left, General Lo- gan's, the peculiar shape of the protruding hill enabling Fort Ran- som to open a terrific flank fire from its battery of eight guns upon the massive rebel Fort Hill.
While in this camp Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood, of Iowa, ac- companied by General N. B. Baker, Adjutant-General, Dr. J. C. Hughes, Surgeon-General of the state, and ex-Governor R. P. Lowe and Hon. James F. Wilson, representative in congress, made a visit to the Iowa regiments then around Vicksburg, the state being represented by twenty-nine regiments in the extensive siege line of General Grant's army .
Soon after the party had arrived in the camp of the 3d brigade, the line was formed by battalions in mass on a rugged, broken ground in rear of the camp, and the Governor addressed the four regiments of the command, speaking words of encouragement, cheer and patriotism to the men, and assuring them of the liveliest inter- est, anxiety, satisfaction, and gratitude on the part of the loyal cit- izens of Iowa, whose eyes were turned with pride to their soldiers, so nobly fighting the great battles for the government. He was ably followed by the Adjutant-General and Representative Wil- son, and the visit was a source of universal good feeling and great satisfaction to the officers and men, who had not seen visitors from Iowa (in such force ) since they left the state for the field.
During their stay around Vicksburg the party were frequently going to the front line of the trenches and breast-works, while a
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lively musketry and artillery fire was going on from both sides, to see the progress of the siege and to gather "war mementoes" in the shape of balls, bullets, shot and shell, of which a great deal were lying scattered in every direction on the ground, and more were constantly arriving from the rebels. Judge Lowe, of the supreme court, can ever proudly cherish the recollection of his patriotic act, in having contributed to the reduction of Vicksburg. He fired a ten-pound Parrott gun against the strong rebel fort in front with his own hand-once. Surgeon-General Hughes performed several fine surgical operations during his stay.
June 11th the camp of the regiment and brigade was moved to the right and rear, near division headquarters, while heavy details from the regiment and brigade were out daily on the skirmish line and in the trenches at night.
On June 20th a terrible cannonading commenced at 4 A. M. along our whole line. The 15th, 13th and 16th Iowa were placed on the left of Brigadier-General Ransom's brigade, in order to co-operate in any movement that might be required-(the position was near Fort Ransom, built for the most part by the 3d brigade). No movement of the Infantry taking place, however, the command re- turned to camp in the evening.
At night, on June 22d, orders were received to be ready to move at a moments notice, it being understood that Johnston, with a rebel force variously estimated at from thirty to fifty thousand men, was fast approaching from Canton to the Black river, for the pur- pose of attacking the besieging force in rear and raising the siege. Next morning early, 23d June, the regiment and brigade started, and arrived near Bear creek, 12 miles to the rear, and at Fox's plan- tation on 27th, near Messenger's Ferry, the 15th Iowa being sent forward to obstruct the ford.
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REPORT OF COLONEL WILLIAM W. BELKNAP.
Headquarters Fifteenth Iowa Infantry Vols. - Camp near Fox's Plantation, June 28, 1863. 5
LIEUT. O. D. KINSMAN, A. A. A. General Third Brigade, Sixth Division, Seventeenth A. C.
SIR :- In obedience to orders received from Colonel Alexander Chambers, 16th Iowa Infantry, commanding 3d brigade, I pro- ceeded on the morning of the 27th, with the 15th Regiment Iowa Infantry to Messengers Ferry, on Black river, with instructions to obstruct the ford at that point, and to remove within our lines Mrs. Messenger and family, together with all other persons upon the place not too ill to be moved. On arriving at Messengers, Brigadier General McArthur, who with Colonel Chambers was with the expedition, sent a portion of his escort company under Lieutenant Tripp across the river to examine the country and disperse a squad of rebel cavalry, (which was observed on the opposite side of the crossing,) being protected by two companies of the regiment: D, 1st Lieutenant Buchanan, and E, Captain Rogers. Company K, Captain Hedrick, was at the same time sent about a half mile up, and Company C, Captain Miller, about the same distance down the river.
The few rebels, some fifteen or twenty, as far as could be seen, immediately disappeared, and on the return of General Tripp, Company G (1st Lieutenant Bye) was ordered to obstruct the ford, Company I, Captain Reid, being detailed to protect the working party.
The bottom of the river being extremely soft, and there being no trees of any size for some distance to be used for the purpose, the obstruction at that point was deemed impracticable, especially as it was found that for a long distance the river could be crossed with little difficulty, and the working party was with- drawn.
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Mrs. Messenger and family, together with four other families of white persons on the place, numbering in all fourteen persons, and the colored people, were removed and brought within our lines, the rear guard under Captain Edwards leaving there only three black persons who were unable to travel. Four wagon loads of property being also brought.
On the departure of the regiment for camp, which we reached about 8 o'clock in the evening, a small squad of rebels again made their appearance on the opposite side.
In addition to this report, I inclose herewith, for the information of the brigade commander, a slip from the Vicksburg Sun, of May 4th, 1861, which paper was found at the residence of Colonel Messenger, with the extract inclosed marked.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. W. BELKNAP, Colonel 15th Iowa, Commanding Expedition.
On the 30th of June, at night, dispatches were received from the brigade next on the right of the 3d, conveying intelligence of the enemy's arrival to the east of Black river, and of his prepara- tions opposite Messenger's and Bridgeport Ferries. At midnight Major Pomutz, picket officer, was sent with the 13th Iowa and one section of artillery at once to reconnoiter towards Messenger's Ferry, and take possession of and hold the same. The object was thoroughly accomplished, the picket lines established and the artil- lery placed in a fortified position. At daylight of July 1st, the enemy's advance emerged from the timber beyond a wide field sloping down towards the Black river. A brisk skirmishing ensued for a while, which subsided towards the middle of the day. In the evening the firing became spirited from both sides, with evidences of the enemy intending to force the passage of the river at Messengers, as well as at the lower Bridgeport Ferry. Therefore next day (July 2d) the whole brigade moved forward, taking posi- tions along Black river, near Messenger's Ferry.
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On the 3d of July, in afternoon, General W. T. Sherman re- ceived an official communication from Vicksburg, announcing the offer of Pemberton to surrender the place and his army to General U. S. Grant. While this intelligence electrified the men of the brigade, just preparing to receive an attack of the enemy, the rebel forces across the river being ignorant of the state of affairs, made serious demonstrations opposite the Messenger farm. To repel their approach Major Purcell of the 16th Iowa, was ordered to cross the river with men of his regiment, and keep the enemy from approaching the ferry, until relieved. Major Purcell, how- ever, having been pushed back towards the river, recrossed the same to the western side, for which, and especially for not having reported the same during the whole afternoon, while quietly sitting in camp, he was placed under arrest by Colonel Chambers, of the 16th' Iowa, commanding brigade, subsequently court martialed at Savannah, Ga., upon application of his regimental officers, dis- missed the service by orders from department headquarters.
The interview between Generals Grant and Pemberton took place under a large oak tree, a spot untrodden by either army dur- ing the siege. General Grant was attended by Generals Mc- Pherson and A. J. Smith. General Pemberton by General Bowen and Colonel Montgomery. After introduction of the officers, General Pemberton said:
" General Grant, I meet you in order to arrange terms for the capitulation of the city of Vicksburg, and its garrison. What terms do you demand? "
" Unconditional surrender," replied General Grant.
" Unconditional surrender," said Pemberton, " Never, so long as I have a man left me! I will fight rather."
"Then, sir, you continue the defence; " coolly said General Grant . " My army has never been in a better condition for the prosecution of the siege."
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THE CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN GENERALS GRANT AND PEMBERTON.
Headquarters, Vicksburg, July 3, 1863.
GENERAL :- I have the honor to propose an armistice for hours, with a view to arranging terms for the capitulation of Vicksburg. To this end, if agreeable to you, I will appoint three commissioners to meet a like number to be named by yourself at such place and hour to-day as you may find convenient. I make this proposition to save the further effusion of blood, which must otherwise be shed to a frightful extent, feeling myself fully able to maintain my position for a yet indefinite period.
This communication will be handed you under flag of truce, by Major General J . S. Bowen.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant General.
MAJ. GENL. U. S. GRANT, commanding U. S. forces, etc.
Headquarters Department of the Tennessee, In Field near Vicksburg, Miss., July 3, 1863. 5
GENERAL :- Your note of this date is just received, proposing an armistice for several hours for the purpose of arranging terms of capitulation through commissioners to be appointed, etc.
The useless effusion of blood you propose stopping by this course can be ended at any time you may choose by an uncondi- tional surrender of the city and garrison. Men who have shown so much endurance and courage as those now in Vicksburg, will always challenge the respect of an adversary, and I can assure you will be treated with all the respect due to prisoners of war.
I do not favor the proposition of appointing commissioners to arrange terms of capitulation, because I have no terms other than those indicated above.
I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
U. S. GRANT, Major General.
LIEUT. GEN. J. C. PEMBERTON, Com'd'g Confederate forces, etc.
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Headquarters Department of the Tennessee, -
Near Vicksburg, Miss., July 3, 1863. 5
GENERAL :- In conformity with agreement of this afternoon, I will submit to the following proposition for the surrender of the · city of Vicksburg, public stores, etc. On your accepting the terms proposed, I will march in one division as a guard, and take poș- session at 8 A. M. to-morrow. As soon as rolls can be made out and paroles signed by officers and men, you will be allowed to march out of our lines, the officers taking with them their side-arms and clothing, and the field, staff and cavalry officers one horse each; the rank and file will be allowed all their clothing but no other property. If these conditions are accepted any amount of rations you may deem necessary can be taken from the stores you may now have, and also the necessary cooking utensils for pre- paring them. Thirty wagons also, counting two two-horse or mule teams as one, will be allowed to transport such articles as can not be carried along.
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