USA > Iowa > History of the Thirtieth Iowa Infantry Volunteers : giving a complete record of the movements of the regiment from its organization until mustered out > Part 8
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HISTORY OF THE THIRTIETH IOWA INFANTRY.
wear out quickly, so that when we reached Bentonville, about one- fourth of the men were barefooted. But we were healthy, had been successful, and had accomplished more than any one had hoped for in the beginning. Our severe labor, hardships and ex- postre were forgotten in the pleasure of having taken part in the most magnificent of all our campaigns.
The remaining history of the regiment is briefly told. On the 10th of April, we started to Raleigh, N. C., where we found Gen- eral Joseph E. Johnston sueing for terms for his army that had been so unfortunate in battle as to be driven from one place to another, until now they were ready for peace. When the terms had been made Johnston surrendered his army to Sherman on April 26, 1865. His army numbered 29,924, a larger army than Lee surrendered to Grant on April 9th.
One year ago we had started from Chattanooga, Ten., had marched through Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina But now our campaigns were ended and we were ready for the homeward march.
CHAPTER VI.
GOING HOME.
On April 30th we began our homeward march from Raleigh, N. C., and up through Virginia, over some of the noted battle fields of the Army of the Potomac, passing through Petersburg. We camped a short time at Manchester, ou the James River, in front of Richmond. We visited Libby prison, a large, three-story brick building, where so many of our brave boys were starved to death. It was the filthiest place I ever saw. You could see the gray- backs" crawling on the walls and floors. It was no wonder that so many of our brave soldier boys died there. We also visited the state house, where the rebel congress was held. While in camp at this place, during a heavy rain and thunderstorm, Thomas B. Coll. man, of Company D, was killed by lightning. From Richmond we marched up through Fredericksburg, where we crossed the Rapa- hannock river. We next marched by Mt. Vernon, and with fe- versed arms we passed General Washington and Mrs. Martha Washington's tombs. Washington's old home is kept in fine shape by the goverment. It is situated on a high hill and overlooks the Potomac river, which winds out into a bay. It is a fine place to look at the vessels coming and going in the Atlantic ocean.
We next camped near Alexandria, and on the 23rd day of May we moved up close to Long Bridge, and waited until the Army of the Potomac returned from their review, which they had passed that day. After they had all crossed, we marched over and camped near the capitol building for the night, as our division, the first of the 15th army corps; was to lead the parade that Sherman's army was to make the next day, May 24th. The day was beautiful, and if ever there was an army determined to make a record on re
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view, it was that of Sherman's. Promptly at the time set all was in readiness, and at the report of the signal canon, we started marching down Pennsylvania avenue, past the capitol building, and president's mansion, on through the city.
This was one of the happy events of our lives. The troops were hardy, being enured to fatigne, and they appeared as able and fit for duty as they had ever been in their lives. I doubt if any nation could ever umster a like number of men, who, taken man for man, officer for officer, would be equal to this army on the field of battle, or in any capacity in which an army might be required. I will never forget how the boys kept step, file dressed, with heads up, and elastic step, as they marched down Pennsylvania avenue, thence past the reviewing stand. We thought it the grandest day of our lives, knowing that we were being watched by the boys of the Army of the Potomac, and thousands and thousands of citizens of our own country and of other nations. We were indeed proud to be where we were, and the thought of going home gave us vim to carry us through. Then came the camp at Crystal Springs. where active preparations began for our return home.
The muster ont occurred June 5, 1865, and the journey toward our beloved lowa was soon begun. It proved to be a journey with a very sad feature to it. On June 8, 1865, about one and a half miles east of Summit Hill, on the Pennsylvania railroad, the train upom which the regiment was traveling, met with an accident re- sulting in the death of Sergeant C. P. Bradshaw, of Co. H, and the wounding of five members of the same company, three members of Co. E and one of Co. C. It seemed doubly sad that death and severe injury should come to those poor fellows who had lived through three years of danger and hardship, and had apparently got safely through all their trials.
We waited here until a train was sent from Pittsburg, Pennsyl- vania. On our arrival at Pittsburg we were marched to a hall and treated to a fine dinner by the khid people of that city. Abont 1 o'clock p. m., boarding another train of box cars, we made no change until we reached Chicago. At this place we got second class coaches to Davenport, lowa, reaching there June 10th. There we turn a over our arms and our regimental flag. We received our discharge and were paid off on the 15th of June. 1865, Our regiment, as an organized body was no more. and we started for our respective homes.
During the service of the regiment its commanders were: Colonel Chas. H. Abbott. Colonel W. M. G. Torronee. and Lieutenant
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HISTORY OF THE THIRTIETH JOWA INFANTRY.
Colonel Aurelius Roberts. The brigade commanders were Briga- dier General John M. Thayer, James A. Williamson and Colonel George A. Stone.
We were, practically, during the entire period, in the first divi- sion of the 15th army corps, which was conananded by Major Gen- oral Frederick Stele, P. J. Osterhans and Charles R. Wood. From the start from Helena, Arkansas, in 1862, to the final muster out in 1865, the regiment was never from under the command of Gen- oral Sherman, except for three days, before mentioned, when we were with General Hooker at Lookout Mountain.
We were in thirty-two general engagements. In the first, second and fourth Colonel Abbott was in command; the third, fifth and sixth ' Colonel Torrence, and in the remainder Colonel Roberts. In ad- dition to these there were many skirmishes which were in reality figlits, and in an extended history would merit considerable attention.
The fifteenth army corps marched 7,989 miles as follows: From October 26th, 1862 to October 10th, 1863, 5, 700 miles, as shown by the report of Colonel Torrence given on page 35.
In General Sherman's campaigns in 1863, 1864 and 1865, they marched:
Miles.
Memphis to Chattanooga, 330
Chattanooga to Knoxville and return
230
Chattanooga to Huntsville, etc. and return 210
Chattanooga to Atlanta 178
Pursuit of Hood and return to Atlanta 270
Atlanta to Savannah 285
Savannah to Goldsboro' 123
Goldsboro' to Washington, D. C. 333
Total 2,289
Number of miles traveled as shown above 5,700
Total number of miles marched 7,989
The data of the marches in Sherman's campaign is taken from Memoirs of General Sherman, on page 380, from table thereon.
Our regiment had more field officers killed in battle than any other Iowa regiment. It had officers of all grades, killed and wounded, 9. The Iowa troops had 222 commissioned officers killed and died of wounds, and of that number the 2nd, 5th, 9th and 30th infantry lost 42, nearly one-fifth of the entire loss of the regiments. Of the regiments enlisting in the fall of 1862, the four loosing most
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IHISTORY OF THE THIRTIETH IOWA INPANTRY.
heavily were the 22nd, which lost 267, the 21th 260, the 28th 262 and the 30th 264. Those having the greatest total casualities were the 28th which had 692 and the 30th 689. We took 973 men into the service and afterwards received 57. Had 73 men killed in bat- tle, 273 died of disease, 343 wounded and 19 captured.
The regimental flags, of which we had two, were sent to the capitol building at Des Moines where they were kept until moyed into the new building in 1905, when Governor Cummins had all the regimental flags put into glass cases. Strange to say that in the ceremonies there were but two of the old color bearers to carry their colors on that memorable day; they were the color sergeant of the 25th and myself of the 30th. There were no other of the 30th there.
Even in the face of these glorious results which I have so imper- fectly sketched for you, when all the north was ablaze with joy, the eroakers were again heard from. During the war, in our dark- est hours, these croakers had comforted us with the assurance that the rebellion could never be subdued by force and they kindly ad- vised a compromise, but when it was all over they said, "What are you to do now with this great army? Here are over a million men used for years to the license of the camp and field and now, flushed with great victories, they cannot safely be discharged upon society," and they pictured the terrible results which, in their opinion, would follow the disbanding of the Army of the Tennessee, or Sherman's army, and the removal of the restraints of stern mili- tary discipline.
What was done? Let us recall that scene. In front of the White House in Washington, on May 24th, 1865, a reviewing stand was - erected, covered with stars and stripes and the flowers of that bright May day and the names of our great battles for the preser- vation of the union. The streets were thronged with thousands of spectators, every window was filled and even the roofs of houses were covered with enthusiastic multitudes. On the reviewing stand was the president of the United States, his cabinet officers, General Grant, General Sherman and other generals of the union army and many titled personages of this and foreign lands.
The order was given, cannon boomed as a signal to start, and the bugles sounded and drums beat and we filed down Pennsylvania avenue in review, with the steady measured tread that betokened the veteran army. The comrades of the union army came march- ing down Pennsylvania avenne with a gleam of magnificent vie- tories on their bayonets and with shot-torn, blood stained banners.
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HISTORY OF THE THIRTIETH IOWA INFANTRY.
the irresistable columns that had tasted of death on a hundred hard fought fields, swept past the reviewing stand, amid the wildest en- thusiasm of the multitudes, quietly wheeled into Fourteenth street and, like the dew before the morning sun, that great and powerful army disappeared forever as an organization, making not so much as an unpleasant ripple on the great tide of civil life.
My comrades of the 30th Iowa, not only you, but all the people of this country may justly be proud of that record. It was a record such as the army of no other nation under the sun could have made. On the enduring esenteheon of our national fame, there is emblazoned no grander victory than that of complete self- government. It was the splendid rounding up of all our vic- tories, the final and convincing truth that a ^Government of the people, by the people and for the people" should not perish from off the face of the earth.
What was said of the immortal Washington can surely be truth- fully said of our grand old army of the Tennessee: "The first in war, the first in peace and the first in the hearts of his country- men."
There are now only a few left of the once proud and strong 30th. A few years after the close of the war a regimental reunion asso- ciation was formed and nearly every year since a meeting has been held at one of the towns where members of the regiment live. These meetings are always enjoyed by the boys who are permitted to attend and should be kept up as long as a few of the members can get together.
Let us remember that we are passing one by one, over the river and valley of death, and we too shall soon pass to the great beyond to meet our loved ones who have gone on before. Therefore, comrades, let us one and all live such lives that when we are at last summoned by our Great Commander we can answer, "Here," and that we may hear the welcome words, "Enough, come up higher; enter into the joys prepared for you from the foundation of the world."
CHAPTER VIL.
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND ORDERS.
The following is Colonel Charles H. Abbott's report of the battle of Arkansas Post:
HEADQUARTERS THIRTIETH TOWA INFANTRY,
THIRD BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, ARKANSAS POST, ARKANSAS, January 13. 1863. GENERAL:
In compliance with your orders of the 12th inst. I here- with respectfully submit a detailed account of the action of my regiment in the engagement of the 11th inst. Not being immed iately present with my regiment during the engagement in conse- quence of a very serious illness, I take the liberty of copying from the report of Lieutenant Colonel W. M. G. Torrence, commanding in my absence, which I trust you will find quite satisfactory. Agreeable to orders I have the honor to report to you the part the regiment took while acting under my command in the battle of January 11th, 1863. After disengaging my troops of everything in the way of luggage which might be disposed of, by order of General Thayer, I gave directions to follow close up by the right flank of the first batallion, third brigade, thirteenth army corps, and form line of battle on its left, at a designated point if practic able, and if not to form a line of battle in the rear and advance as it advanced, halt as it balted, in every move to act in conjunction with it, but after striking a double quick I very soon found it in. possible either on its left or rear, and halted my command and al lowed the first batallion to file by. This being done, I instantly formed line of battle and moved forward through the timber. over logs and brush, as best I could, until within 150 or 175 yards of the
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HISTORY OF THE THIRTIETH JOWA INFANTRY.
enemy's breastworks, forming on the extreme left when I came to an open space of ground. Here I halted, giving instructions to fire, lie down and load and fire lying down, which they did for a space of about two hours, during which they did but little more than silence and keep silent some small artillery pieces planted by the enemy at that part of the breastworks, together with the mus- ketry in the hands of the enemy in the rifle pits. During said time no change of position was made. save one, when by a flank move- ment I shifted farther to the right; this secured me a stronger hold of the enemy's left. Here we remained until the order was given all along the lines to cease firing, as the enemy had hoisted a white flag. After firing ceased on the right, the enemy rose up in great numbers from the rifle pits in full view. I was about moving my command forward (when to my great astonishment and mortifica- tion two of my best line officers were wounded by the enemy, viz: Captain Uley Burk, Co. I, in the hand, and Lieutenant Alexander, of the same company, in the left arm, neither of which wounds are considered dangerous) and was thus engaged when General Thayer in person directed my color sergeant to advance and plant our colors on the enemy's works, which was promptly done. At the same time General Thayer gave orders for the regiment to come inside of the breastworks and prevent straggling parties re- treating by their left rear. Soon after the entire regiment was de- tailed to conduct the prisoners up to and inside the fortifications where General Sherman had them taken up to his headquarters. This latter proved more ardious than it would have been but for the tardiness of the regiment detailed by the orders of the general commanding to be placed under Colonel Vance of the 77th regular Illinois Volunteers, who had orders to take charge of the prisoners for the night. It was after midnight before the regiment was re- lieved. There is nothing further which I deem it my duty to men- tion, save that both officers and men acted well for new troops. I might mention to you with great propriety a few striking instances of cool and commendable courage displayed by some of the mien, they having fallen under my immediate notice, during the action. But I forbare mentioning any save one and that is the case of James M. Smith, a private of Company C, a single young man not yet arrived at his majority, who has for some time past been doing the duty of adjutant owing to the indisposition of the adjutant. I have been familiarly conversant with him for the last two months and find him to be a young man of irreproachable moral character and altogether deserving of public confidence. His conduct on the
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HISTORY OF THE THIRTIETH IOWA INPANTRY.
battle field in the late engagement was such as to secure implicit confidence in his courage and ability, and justly the belief that he is entirely capable of filling a more important position than he now does.
Hoping this will meet with your approval, I remain, General, your obedient servant,
CHARLES H. ABBOTT, Colonel 30th Iowa Volunteer Infantry. To Brigadier General John M. Thayer,
Commanding 3rd Brigade, Ist Division, 15th Army Corps.
The following is Colonel Charles H. Abbott's report of the battle at Haines Bluff:
HEADQUARTERS THIRTIETH IOWA INPANTRY,
THIRD BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, ARKANSAS POST, ARKANSAS, January 12, 1863. GENERAL:
Agreeable to your order of the 9th inst., I have the honor to submit my report of the part my regiment took in the action of the 28th and 29th of December, 1862, at Haines Bluff, near Vicks- burg, Mississippi, On the morning of December 28th, by your or- order, Imoved my regiment forward toward the point of attack, and took position immediately in the rear of the 4th lowa infantry,. supporting the battery in our front, where we remained until about 4 o'clock p. m., when we were by your order remanded to the river, with orders to embark on the transport, Stephen Deca- tur, and drop down to Johnson's plantation. On the morning of "the 29th we were ordered to disembark, and by you placed in po- sition in rear of 4th lowa infantry, with orders to keep close up and follow them. When we had advanced to within range of the enemy's guns, and they, having discovered our position, began shelling us, we were ordered by your aid, Captain Richardson, to lie down and make ourselves as secure as possible under the levee, the 4th Iowa infantry being in a like position in our front on the opposite side of the levee; in which position we remained until of- dered by your Aid-de- Camp to fix bayonets and advance. following the 4th Iowa infantry which had got ten or twelve rods in advance.
I immediately put my regiment under a double quick, and I had advanced but a few rods when I was met by Brigadier General Steele, who checked us and ordered me to leave my horse, cross the next bayou in any way we could get across, and take my regiment
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HISTORY OF THE THIRTIETH IOWA INFANTRY
to the right into the woods, and deploy as skirmishers. I put my. regiment again under a double-quick, and advanced to the extreme right of the Ith division. I then advanced my regiment in line of battle to within a few rods of the fallen timber, in which was heavy firing of musketry. I then ordered them to lie down; order- ed the right and left flanking companies forward as skimishers into the timber. They went in and soon reported that the 13th U. S. infantry already occupied the ground and were engaged with the enemy, who were in rifle pits. I then ordered those compan- ies back to their position in the regiment. The 3rd Wisconsin bat- tery, immediately upon our right, was supported by a part of the 13th United States infantry, while the skirmishers of the 13th U. S. infantry, on our front was unsupported. I sent my or- derly to Gen. Steele for further orders, who returned with orders to remain where we were. While my orderly was absent to see General Steele, a captain, representing himself as an Aid-de-Camp of General Smith came to us and inquired what regiment we were, and told me the position of my regiment was all right, lying on the ground in front of the enemy. We had three men severely and one slightly wounded.
We remained under fire from about noon until about four o'clock when we were ordered to return. I accordingly marched my regiment near the position occupied by General Steele, and reported to hin, and then to you, who came up soon after. I was ordered by you into camp in the rear.
With sentiments of high regard, I remain, General, your most obedient servant,
CHARLES H. ABBOTT, Colonel 30th Iowa Volunteer Infantry To Brigadier General John M. Thayer,
Commanding 3rd Brigade, Ist Division, 15th Army Corps.
Congratulatory letter from Samuel J. Kirkwood, Governor of lowa:
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, IOWA CITY, lowA, July 11th, 1863. TO THE SOLDIERS OF IOWA IN THE ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE:
You have just passed through one of the most memorable campaigns of history, and are now rewarded for all your toils, pri- vations and sufferings, by beholding the foul emblems of treason trailed in the dust, to give place to the glorious banner of liberty over the city of Vicksburg. The eyes of the world have been up-
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HISTORY OF THE THIRTIETH IOWA INFANTRY.
on you, and your brave and worthy comrades from other states, in admiration of your fortitude, patience, and indomitable bravery, watching the progress of your work, as one of those great events which shape the destiny of a nation.
Yon yourselves, have probably been unaware of the moment- . ous results consequent upon your failure of success. Despots the world over, have earnestly desired the former, while the good, the generous and the nobly brave have prayed Almighty God to give you victory. But while the world has been thus ob- servant of you, all lovers of liberty in lowa have beheld, with an intensity of gaze unknown to others, the deeds of her rising sons. Many thousands of her citizens are bound to you by kindred ties; while everyone has felt that the name and standing of this state was in your hands, that she was honored in your honor and shared in your glory.
The brightest hope of all is realized. You have not only fully maintained the lofty reputation of your country and your state, but have added greatly thereto, and shown to the world that who- ever insults the flag of our beloved country must meet the bravest of the brave. The state of Iowa is proud of your achievements, and renders you her homage and gratitude, and with exultant hearts claim you as her sons. Her tears flow for the brave men fallen, and her sympathies are warm for the sick, wounded and suffering.
You have made it a high privilege to be a citizen of Iowa, to share your renown; and it will be a proud remembrance to you while life shall last, and a rich legacy to your children, that you were members of the Army of the Tennessee.
SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD, Governor.
General Logan's report of the first battle before Atlanta, fought on July 22nd, 1864:
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, BEFORE ATLANTA, GA., July 21, 1861. GENERAL:
I have the honor to report the following summary of the re- sults of the battle of the 22ud inst .: Total loss in killed, wounded and missing, 3,521, and 10 pieces of artillery lost .. We have bur- ried and delivered to the enemy, under a flag of truce sent by them, in front of the seventeenth corps, 1,000 of their killed. The num- ber of their dead in front of the fourth division of the same corps,
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HISTORY OF THE THIRTIETH IOWA INFANTRY
including those on the ground now occupied by our troops, Gen- eral Blair reports, will swell the number of their dead on his front to 2,000. The number of dead buried in front of the 15th corps, up to this hour, is 360, and the commanding officer reports at least as many more unburied. The number of dead buried in front of the 16th corps was 122.
We have over 1,000 of their wounded on our hands; a largo num- ber of their wounded having been carried off during the night of the engagement by them.
We captured 18 stands of colors and have them now; we also captured 5, 000 stands of arms.
The attack was made on our lines seven times, and was seven times repulsed. Hood, Hardee and Wheeler's cavalry engaged us. . We have sent to the rear 1,000 prisoners, including 37 commissioned officers of high rank. We still occupy the field and our troops are in fine spirits. Our total loss is 3,521. The enemy's dead thus far reported buried or delivered to them, is 3.222. Total pris- oners sent north, 1,017; total prisoners wounded on our hands, 1000,, estimated loss to the enemy, 10, 200.
Very respectfully your obedient servant, JOHN A. LOGAN, Major General.
To Major General W. T. Sherman,
Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi.
The following is General Sherman's report of the battle before Atlanta on July 22nd:
FROM MAJOR GENERAL W. T. SHERMAN'S OFFICIAL REPORT.
On the morning of the 22nd, somewhat to my surprise, this whole line (the entrenched position that the enemy held on the 21st) was found abandoned, and I confess I thought the en- emy had resolved to give us Atlanta without further contest. But General Johnson had been relieved of his command, and General Hood substituted. A new policy seemed resolved on, of which the bold attack on our right was the index. Our advancing ranks swept across the strong and well finished parapets of the enemy, and closed in upon Atlanta until we occupied a line in the form of a general circle of about two miles radius, when we again found him occupying in force a line of finished redoubts which had been prepared for more than a year, covering all the roads leading mto Atlanta, and we found them also busy in connecting those re-
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