USA > Iowa > History of the Nineteenth Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry > Part 2
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Laborer.
Henry L. Easling,
Farmer.
H. B. Edmondson,
do
Alex. Fix,
do
Robt. Forbes, jr.,
do
James L. Fry,
do
Henry V. Gaddis,
do
Jackson Gillaspie,
66 Isaac R. Gaddis,
Harry Gilbert,
Cooper.
Farmer.
Apothecary.
Farmer. do
Carpenter.
Farmer.
do do
Francis Johnson,
" Russell Johnson,
Oliver Johnson,
John Jameson,
Carpenter.
Farmer.
Laborer.
Farmer.
do
Jon. J. Lee,
do
1
do
Machinist.
John H. Homblin,
Geo. W. Humbert,
"' Wm. M. Holliday,
John W. Hughes,
" Wm. R. Houtz,
" Martin Hornbaker,
Robt. H. Johnson,
do
do
Geo. Klise,
John Kelly,
George Lonnon,
Francis M. Lonnon,
37
NINETEENTH IOWA INFANTRY.
NAME. Private Jerome Long,
OCCUPATION. Farmer. do
1
John Lorton,
" Wm. Mckinney,
" Lawrence McGinnis,
Joseph Martin,
Carpenter.
.. Joseph Miller,
Farmer. do
: Isaac Merritt,
John Newlon,
Engineer. Farmer.
" Harrison O'Hara,
do
6:
Stephen Price,
do
Wm. J. Price, do
Jas. M. Peters, do
Thos. Pender,
do :
" James Patterson, do
Henry Patterson, do
" John Roth, do
James Robb,
do
Israel Row,
do
Robt. S. Robinson, do
Thos. J. Smith,
do
Henry Stewart,
do
Wm. Short,
do
Geo. Spraker,
do
6: Wm. T. Spraker,
do
Amos Sherrod,
do
John W. Swartz,
Farmer.
Clark Stewart,
do
Geo. P. Stevens,
do
Ferguson Teal,
do
John White,
do
John H. Webber,
do
Henry S. Ward,
do
-
1
.
Laborer. do
Wm. Orr,
38 HISTORY OF THE COMPANY "K."
Enrolled in Henry County. . NAME.
Captain, S. F. Roderick,
1st Lieut., Richard Root,
2d Lieut., J. W. Roberts,
Farmer.
Clerk.
Teamster
« Wm. Murphy,
George Cramer,
Farmer.
Carpenter.
Teacher.
Farmer.
do
. do
Lorenzo P. Serviss,
do
James M. Cubbison, Benj. F. Harland,
do
Musician, Chas. Pensyl,
do
Wagoner, Jas. L. Serviss,
do
Private Francis HI. Alter,
do
Wm. G. Anderson,
do
. do
66 Robt. M. Bailey,
do
John T. Burdett, do
Wm. T. Birge, do
Doctor F. Brown, do
Robt. S. Brown,
do
Chas. Blowers, do
James C. Bailey, do
Charles Crocker. do
OCCUPATION.
Cooper. 1
1st Serg't, D. H. Roderick, Serg't, Eleazer B. Doane,
Carpenter
" H. H. Way, Corp. D. II. Walker,
Stokely D. Wright,
Elliot H. Dickerson,
" Noble E. Dawson, do
John D. Trobridge,
do
James Baxter,
4
39
NINETEENTH IOWA INFANTRY.
NAME.
OCCUPATION. Farmer.
Private Charles Cady,
" Eli A. Cook,
do
Jefferson Creekbaum, do
" David Davis,
do
Wm. F. Daly,
Mason.
Ithamar Doane,
Farmer.
16 Wm. Erwin,
do
John O. Eslinger, do
Samuel Evans, do
Charles Fox,
do
Andrew G. Farley,
do
John French, do
Henry M. Gabbert, do
Preston II. Grant, do
" Jacob Grimes, dc
Harvey B. Grant, do
do
Z. L. Hodson, do
Samuel HI. Horsey,
do
John S. Hamilton,
do
" Thos. Holcomb,
do
S. H. Humphrey,
Carpenter.
Wm. Huey,
Farmer.
Harvey C. Horsey,
do
Robt. C. Ives,
do
do
Wiley Jay,
do
Robt. G. Johnson,
do
James C. Jay,
do
Wm. E. Kenyon,
Blacksmith.
Reuben F. Kaster,
Farmer.
Brant Loyd,
do
" Jacob George,
Robt. Jennison,
40
HISTORY OF THE
NASCE.
OCCUPATION.
Private Orrel J. Langdon,
Farmer.
Marion McCoy,
do
" Ed. H. Murray, do
Wm. R. Macy,
do
Jonas B. Morris,
do
Madison M. Moore,
Carpenter.
" Levi A. McBarnes,
Farmer.
" Jesse McDonald,
do
Thos. M. Pritchard,
do
Wm. H. Rosskelly,
do
Thos. Savage,
do
Orrel H. Straw,
do
Samuel F. Stover, do
"' Davis Sharp, do
Eli Stewart, do
Alex. Simpson, do
Wm. J. Spring, do
" Thos. Smith, do.
James M. Stewart,
do .
John Terrell, do
John Wood, do .
Harrison Woods,
do
Joseph Weeks,
do
Wm. A. Williams,
do
" Chas. Woodcock,
Mason,
Elsha Wright,
Farmer.
Charles Wood,
do
" Solomon Luce,
do
41
NINETEENTH IOWA INFANTRY.
..
CHAPTER II.
From the formation of the Regiment to the 4th day of September, the time was occupied in drawing cloth- ing, arms and equipments, camp and garrison equip- page, and in receiving the farewell visits of our friends.
The 4th day of September, we marched down through the streets to the wharf where lay the stea- mer "Theodore L. M'Gill," on which we were placed. The levee was thronged by our friends come to bid us a last adieu and see us leave our State.
The boat moved slowly out from the crowded wharf, and with.sad hearts and moist eyes we watched those faces fade in the dim distance, and knew that our be- loved State would know very many of us "no more forever.""
Our passage down the river was pleasant, although we were somewhat crowded owing to the size of the regiment.
We were nine hundred and eighty strong, and all aboard. The following day we landed at St. Louis, and with our "knapsacks strapped upon our backs," marched out to Benton Barracks, a distance of five miles, and being our first attempt at marching, many fell out as we passed through the streets, and showed a decided preference for riding in street cars, to walk- ing under such a load.
Often from soldiers out before us, we had heard flattering accounts of Benton Barracks, and no word of praise too much had been said, for all that should be, was, and all undesirable things, were not, in that . 6
42
HISTORY OF THE
memento of care to the soldier from John C. Fre- mont.
The time here was well spent in drilling, until Sept. 11th, when we marched through a driving rain to take the cars for Rolla, Mo.
The rain kept pace with our train, and when near midnight we climbed off our cattle cars in Rolla, we found that, however uninteresting a time we were hav- ing, we could not say it was drj.
We learned too that unpracticed hands, putting up wet tents on a muddy side hill in Egyptian darkness, was not rapid work.
On the 13th inst, moved out to Sigel Springs, where we took a long breath ere starting to Springfield- walking one hundred and twenty-five miles, seeming an herculean task to our uninitiated minds, or rather " soles."
We were brigaded here with two other regiments, the brigade consisting of the 20th Wisconsin Infantry, Col. Pinckney; the 94th Ills., Col. W. W. Orme ; and the 19th Iowa Infantry, Col. B. Crabb, Brig. Gen. Frank J. Herron, commanding.
On the morning of Sept. 16th, after having fallen in for the march, Col. Crabb told us in a few well- chosen remarks, that from some misunderstanding at the war department, he was not our Colonel. At once a committee of three-Captains Bruce, Paine and Roderick, drafted resolutions asking that Col. Crabb be our Colonel ; signed by all the officers, and voted upon favorably by the men, after which we took up our line of march, going into camp at the end of ten miles.
1
43
NINETEENTH IOWA INFANTRY.
At Waynesville we were joined by Capt. T. H. Stanton, of Co. "C," who had been detained by his duties as a member of the State Legislature. His presence was felt to be quite an acquisition by his company and the regiment.
The country was fine and peaches abundant, and well appreciated by the boys, for although strict orders were issued about jayhawing, yet peaches were held as contraband and confiscated accordingly.
The march on the 20th inst. was fatiguing, though we traveled but fifteen miles; the weather was so hot and the roads so dusty, that we stacked arms very willingly, not half the regiment coming in. No wa- ter but a stagnant pool in which the half decayed car- casses of many hogs and mules were but partly hid- den by a thick green scum, and there was no remedy but to use it, which we did, boiling and straining it first. Some on first coming in flushed and exhausted, rushed to the water side, and heedless of the corrup- tions, pushed away the scum and drank. though each swallow of the rotten liquid seemed to. choke them ; others lying down by the pond washed their hands and face to satisfy their inward longing.
The succeeding day found us determined to go to better water before stopping, and at the end of twenty- two miles, Niagua Creek gave us the much wished for water.
At Mill Springs rations were seanty, and peachies formed the principal part of our subsistence for one day,-A fine place to camp, with the best of water. Here we were rejoined by Col. Crabb, who was hailed with joyful cheers as he rode into camp. He assumn- ed command, and by two o'clock the next day we en- .
14
HISTORY OF THE
tered Springfield, once a pleasant town in a fine tract of country, but showing the marks of war. Camping near town by Fort No. 1, we rested a few days, then were put at work on the fort.
Having drawn rations in the shape of flour, some of the boys took their rations out to a good lady to bake for them, and the following day on calling for the biscuits, found them in diminutive cakes; for the baking of which, was asked ten cents per dozen. Af- ter she had refused to take the whole batch as part pay for her work, they paid her, feeling devoutly thankful that pious Union ladies were scarce about there.
'Rain for four or five days and nights prepare the roads for us, and when they are in a properly soft stage we have orders to leave, which we do on the 11th of October, camping after a tedious wade at Camp Curtis, alias Twin Springs, alias Camp McCulloch, alias Double Springs, rejoicing in more names than a Spaniard.
The name Twin Springs seems most apt, for two springs a few yards apart, sends forth water sufficient to supply the largest army.
The houses are many of them burned,-a high stone chimney marking many a spot where once stood somebody's home.
Near our camp was the old Wilson Creek battle 'ground, and on the spot where Nathaniel Lyon fell, is a heap of stones, to which each visitor adds one from the rocky hill-side.
The march to Cassville was hard, for the limestone hills covered with small rough stones were severe on the feet.
45
NINETEENTH IOWA INFANTRY.
Here at Cassville, Lieut. Col. McFarland came to us. At sight he seemed to inspire the men with respect, and on further knowledge with love. The votes of the Regiment were taken in this camp. On the night of October 16th, the long roll was beat, and " such a get- ting," not " upstairs" but into line with a glare of fire in the town a half mile to the South, and all for prac-". tice too, just to get the boys used to alarms. Such things oft repeated makes the soldier cooler and more collected when the wolf does come. October 17th we left Cassville, only marching four miles, to an old orchard, which made a fine camp; but we enjoyed it only one night-leaving early in the morning-pass- ing through Keitsville-a mournful looking village. About 3 P. M., we passed the State line, and found ourselves in Arkansas. The Missouri State Militia showing themselves a little fractious, were taught that often might and right, go hand in hand. While de- layed here by the Missouri brethren, Gen. Herron re- ceived a dispatch that caused us to turn back for two miles, taking another road-as hilly and rough a one as we had ever yet seen traversed by wagous.
After a long and wearisome march of thirty-eight iniles, over hills and vale, we camped at Sugar Creek; but could not rest well, as we had to lie on our arms all night, and in line. The following day the regi. ment fell in hastily, hearing sharp firing near by, but learned it was only a picket detail discharging their pieces on their return to camp.
16
HISTORY OF THE
-
CHAPTER III.
Here a party of Indians passed us on their way to Gen. Blunt's Army. Some were on foot-some on horseback and others-wee ones-swinging in baskets from the saddle-both sexes, old and young, in no kind of order, enjoying life too, apparently,-on the principle, I suppose that "ignorance is bliss."
On Monday, October 20th, we brought in sheep, apples, potatoes and many other good things from the country around, and were preparing a sumptuous feast when an order to move at once was received, and striking tents, throwing away our half cooked surper, we moved out.
That night we met the 11th Kansas Infantry with a large provision train, for the Western Army, (Blunt's). Marching along at night for most of the night, and all the next day, we stopped at 5 o'clock that evening, on the bank of White River to cook supper. Having no Hard Tack, we had to use flour, and very little of it at that. Perhaps some economical house- keeper may wish to know how cheap bread (?) can be made. A few spoonsfull of flour, and cold water to mix, salted to the taste, then kneading it as much as is needed, make it into a long roil about the thickness of the forefinger (ours were not very long) roll it around a stick like the threads of a screw, then hold it in the blaze till you deem it a healthy black-to be served with hunger, and the least possible morsel of very fat and very old pork. At dark we were again in line, and on the move-the river had to be crossed the first
1.
47
NINETEENTH IOWA INFANTRY.
thing, and we stripped off our clothes, it being so deep, cold too, and in the bottom were many little sharp stones that make one think of walking on needles. After going a short distance on the road, we turned off into an old field, built fires of the rails and dried ourselves for in spite of all care and precaution, we had got wetted somewhat.
It was 10 o'clock before we thought worthwhile to lie down, not knowing whether we would go on or not. Then being told we would stay there a few hours, we wrapped our blankets around us, and for a short time, forgot that we were cold hungry soldiers; but before day we were reminded of the fact, and by day- light were again on our way.
Company "C," was dependent on charity for ra- tions, as their wagon was not seen after the first night's march, till we got to Cross Hollows. When within ten miles of Bloomington, commonly known as Mudtown, we loaded our pieces, threw off our knap- sacks and doublequicked into the town, where hastily the whole command was thrown in battle array, await- ing the arrival of an enemy; but none making their appearance, we marched five miles farther to Cross Hollows, and went into camp. We had marched from the evening of the 20th to the 23d, at noon, eighty- five miles with our knapsacks and forty rounds-the rations were not in the least burdensome, over a rough rocky road, macadamized by nature, and were but thirty miles from our camp, at Sugar Creek. The boys aptly termed it " the Grand Rounds." Company "C," had not yet heard of their wagon containing , tents, rations and cooking utensils, so were paupers ;
1
48
HISTORY OF THE
but at night, nature spread a snow white covering over them.
Remained in this camptill Nov. 4th, doing not much duty but picket, and unluckily for the inhabitants the boys here formed quite a taste for inutton. One night a few rapid shots were heard and the regiment was in line at once, the alarm was caused by Peasly, of Com- pany "E," who hearing voices on the hill above camp, had taken his gun and slipped up casily till getting aim at a man, he fired ; the intruders returned the fire, and this little passage at arms had no other ef- fect than to make the regiment stand nodding in line a few hours.
Our next move was a backward one-to Pea Ridge, through choking dust that penetrated every pore. Camped on the field, and early on the morning of the 5th resumed our march, passing down a valley where the rebels had fallen timber to obstruct Curtis' march, and there were obliged to cut themselves out as they skedaddled southward. The dust was three or four inches deep and the wind blew almost a gale, raising choking clouds. The men suffered severely from heat and dust. Reached an old camp in the orchard near Cassville and staid over night, but being very short of rations struck tents quite early in the morning, and moved on rapidly.
I quote from a letter in the Wapello Republican : " Men gave out by dozens, dropping by the roadside, -horses and mules dropped dead. We reached our camp on Crane Creek about 9 o'clock at night, after a march of thirty five miles. Here we found our provis- ion train awaiting us, and you may rest assured there were many thankful hearts in the division. Those
49
NINETEENTH IOWA INFANTRY.
who had fallen out came in the next day-the 7th ---- during which we rested and refreshed ourselves after our fatiguing march, as we did also on sabbath.
"On Sunday the 9th, we buried two men from our regiment, the first that have died under the treat- ment of our own surgeons, and only seven out of the entire regiment since its organization. The two that died here were Samuel P. Dalzell of Capt. Bird's Company, (F,) and Thomas Ogden of Capt. Taylor's Company, (G). They received every attention that kind friends and willing hands could give, but they died, and now repose on the verge of a hill on the 4
west bank of Crane Creek. They were dressed in uniform and placed in nicely made coffins, a flag was placed on each, and the members of their messes with reversed arms marched beside them, followed by their respective companions and the regiment, to their graves-the drums muffled and plaing a dead march. They were buried-a prayer said-a salvo fired, and the men returned with sad and thoughtful faces to their quarters.
"They will rest calm and peacefully there as in their own loved Iowa. So mote it be."
Here Capt. T. H. Stanton of Company "C," left us to assume the duties of a higher rank. We parted from him sorrowfully, feeling that in him we had lost a good officer and a noble man.
7
50.
HISTORY OF THE
CHAPTER IV.
On Monday the 10th, we struck tents and started in a north-east course, and after a march of about twenty miles camped on James River. At this camp occurred the original of a much told anecdote. Among the many things brought into camp by stragglers, were chairs, feather-beds, a clock and a spinning-wheel. Men who had taken articles useless to them were " sent for" and reported at the Colonel's headquarters, where among other things, the following is said to have trans- pired :
Col. "Why did you take that spinning wheel ?" Man. " Got it to wind the war up, Colonel."
The Colonel not feeling as if that was a success, tried another.
Col. " What did you steal a clock for?"
Man. "To see how long that fellow will be in winding up the war."
It has also been told that he asked why a grindstone was taken, and was told "it was thought there were men in camp who needed their wits sharpened," but I don't believe that of course.
The succeeding day moved on to Ozark, on the Findley river, where we found Totten's division. A heavy rain fell, and at night we had a heavy frost. Here in the valley of the Findley lay the two divis- ions, and from a neighboring hill the city of tents miles long, with hum and bustle peculiar to camp, pre- sented an enlivening panorama.
On the 14th, moving on we camped at White Oak Springs, where we lay till the 18th, when we struck
51
NINETEENTH IOWA INFANTRY.
tents, and the heavens opened at the same time, and both the rain and ourselves kept going-the rain much the fastest, till we camped again, which was three or four days. That march through darkness and mud and falling torrents of chill November rain will be re- membered often as we sit in warmth and comfort list- ening to the storm without. On this trip some forty or fifty sick men were sent back in charge of Ass't Sur- geon L. M. Sloanaker, and doubtless many think of that as one of the most disagreeable experiences of their soldier life, as sick and weak they wended their feeble way back to Ozark,-one man perishing on the road.
Of the people of the country, we saw no men, and the sallow-dejected unintelligent females inspired no feelings of admiration.
Traveling for days over rocky ridges, you see noth- ing but stone cropping out of the hills from top to bottom The fields have stone fences, and all over the fields are heaps of stone, in fact, " stone is the princi- pal product of the hardest country I ever visited. 5 .0
November 22nd, we moved six miles to camp Curtis or Twin Springs, and again enjoy all the luxuries a soldier may possess. Here we had battallion drill a few times. The time passed most pleasantly, until December 3d, when we received orders to move. At 3 o'clock, P. M. started-all our sick being left and af- terward sent to Springfield.
Carrying our knapsacks and forty rounds, we marched fifteen miles to Crane Creek, and again mov- ing on, the next day we traveled thirty-five miles to Cassville. The following day thirty miles, stopping at Sugar Creek, and early the morning of the 6th, we
52
HISTORY OF THE
were up and away, halting only long enough to cook supper in a cornfield, seven miles from Faretteville.
Here, before starting on, Lieut. Col. McFarland commanding the regiment, (Col. Crabb had taken command of the Post of Springfield,) in a few im- : pressive and fitly spoken words told the men they might prepare for a battle. It is greatly to be regret- ted that those few sentences were not preserved. The only record kept of them, was in the hearts that by them were nerved to stand in battle's front and die, rather than give an inch,-the last Godlike utterance of one of nature's noblest men. That night we lay in Fay- etteville around fires in the streets, and tired as we were, we admired the pleasant little town that looked so still and quiet with an army slumbering in its streets.
At 5 o'clock, the morning of Sabbath, December 7th, the army was moving out in a Southward direc- tion, and in about six miles we were met by parts of the 1st Arkansas Cavalry, riding back in hot haste, many of them without hats or coats, carbines had been thrown down, and everything that might impede their flight, altogether their retreat partook of the nature of a panic, one man had actually been wounded that I saw and a few others we heard of.
Our brigade was at once put in fighting trim, the men throwing off their knapsacks, overcoats, haver- sacks, and many thoughtlessly their canteens.
The rebels had taken the 1st Arkansas Cavalry by surprise, capturing a train and some prisoners. Where we were met by the flying cavalry men, a line was formed and the Batteries taking position, shelled the woods in advance, while listening for some manifesta-
1
NINETEENTH IOWA INFANTRY. 53
tion of the presence of the opposing force, one of the 1st Missouri Light Artillery was taking cool and steady aim at a man he had discovered in a treetop on a hill side, near a mile away, and following the noise of the screaming shot, we beheld the tree cut off below the man, both limb and Reb. toppling over into the val- ley below. Moving on, the enemy were discovered, posted strongly beyond Illinois Creek on the brow of a long slope, running back from the Creek. A short distance from the point where the road, crosses the Creek was an old field in the right of the road and in the immediate front a prairie sloping back from this Creek, making quite an elevation in a thousand yards, which was about the width of the open ground. On the opposite side of the prairie from the Creek, was a heavily timbered hill, on which the enemy were well and strongly posted, estimated at twenty-five thousand men, under Gen. T. C. Hindman.
In the old field to the right of the road, the second brigade was formed, and Murphy's Battery, Company "F," 1st Missouri Light Artillery was moved across the Creek and, up the Creek through the woods to high ground to the right of the second brigade. The Rebel Batteries having such exact range of the ford, rendered it impossible to cross the infantry, until Col. Houston had cut a road through the woods, about a half a mile off, and the batteries of Captains Murphy and Backoff, and Lieutenants Faust and Borries had taken position, and opened so warm a fire, that under its cover the Infantry crossed and took position.
The fire of our batteries were so deadly and effec- tive, that in two hours, nearly all the rebel batteries `were silenced. The Infantry moved across the open
#
54
HISTORY OF THE
prairie, under a terrible fire of grape and canister. When within one hundred yards of the ridge, the 20th Wisconsin and our own Regiment were ordered to charge a battery stationed on the brow of the hill, in front of a farm house.
The charge was made in gallant style, the enemy driven back, the battery captured ; bat rallying, the rebels hurled regiment after regiment of infantry against those two and they fell back, leaving dead and wounded on the field around the battery, the 20th Wisconsin, two hundred and eight, our Regiment one hundred and ninety, among them was Col. McFarland, who fell at the head of the Regiment, as the brave man should fall, in his armor.
Following the two retreating regiments, the rebels made a charge en masse on our batteries, Faust's and Backoff's and Lient. Borrie's. Gen. Herron, in his „report, says: "Never was there more real courage and plick displayed and more down-right hard fighting done than at this moment by the above named batter- ies; advancing to within one hundred yards of the guns, the rebels received a fire that could not be with- stood, and retreated in disorder, receiving as they ran, a terrible fire, causing a great slaughter among them."
After this, the 19th rallied and supported the bat- teries. Companies " A," "B," and "O," were out as skirmishers, and were not in the charge, so the heavier loss was sustained by the remaining seven Companies. Capt. Bruce, of Company " A," commanded the skir- mish line, Capt. Jordan commanding Company " B," and Sergeant Tom MeGannon Company "C."
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