USA > Iowa > Delaware County > Manchester > Reunion of the 12th Iowa V.[eteran] V.[olunteer] infantry 1st-8th, 1880-1903 > Part 11
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Let us go back for moment to Grand Guff from which point that Iowa Army of Grant started for the interior of Mississippi, the ultimate object be- ing the capture of that strongest of all strong points, which the rebels held at . that time, throughout the confederacy. We look over the history of France, and see the dashing effective campaigns of Napoleon, and wonder at the au- dacity of the plans of the great French General, surrounded as he was by his famous and trusty marshals.
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And yet, my dear comrades, no general of ancient or modern times, wen into a great campaign against such fearful odds, and discouraging circumstances as did our great general in the Vicksburg campaign. We marched rapidly to Jackson and Clinton, thus being placed exactly between two hostile armies, one of which was greater in number, and the other nearly as large as ours; but you know better than I can tell you the fighting qualities of that devoted 40,000 of which you were a part, that astonished the civilized world, with victory up- on victory from the day we left Grand Gulf till Vicksburg was ours with its vast munitions of war, and thirty-eight thousand rebel prisoners.
The 15th army co p. under W. T. Sherman, in which was the 12th Iowa, arriving at Jackson, after a rapid heavy march in the rain, about 4 p. m., struck 1. E. Johnson's rebel army a stunning blow, destroying Jackson with vast con- lederate supplies while the rebels were on the full run, completely demoraliz- ed. Our army was quickly concentrated at Champions' Hill, and thrown, like an avalanche of dynamite, against the Vicksburg army under Gen. Pemberton, who quickly withdrew his fragments of tom divisions and brigades within the intrenchments of Vicksburg.
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Come with me now for a moment, to our victorious army as it lay with its mighty arm stretching for six miles right and left around the doomed city. Every man that wore the blue in that devoted army, measured up to the full standard of a fighting veteran; in our rear, on Black River, was Johnson, stealth- ily, yet cautiously approaching us, bringing reliel to the besieged garrison of Vicksburg, retreat for us was annihilation to our army; advance for our army on to the enemies works meant the loss of one brave boy in every third of our army.
During the evening of May 21, '63, prior to that famous charge, and while the army lay quiet on their arms, orders were passed around among the var- ious commands that at the hour of one o'clock p. m., of the 22d, the enemies' lines and torts were to be stormed by a grand charge of the whole army. Little did our comrades who now sleep in heroes' graves in that field, dream that night, of the awful slaughter that awaited them, or that another twenty- four hours from that time, the whole northwest of our country would be a scene of wide spread grief and mourning. The hour came for the dreadful work, and 40,000 men plunged forward into the smoke and carnage of battle, into the jaws of death; 500 cannon belched forth their iron missiles of death. The clay clad hills of Vicksburg shook and trembled in the mighty storm of battle. The yellow earth-works of the enemy, assumed a grey appearance, as the storm of musketry, shot, shell and hand grenade rent the air, and are hurled full in the faces of our stealthily yet rapidly advancing divisions. Down steep hill sides, through brush felted and sharpened timber, now our flags were at a stand still, and now advancing on the enemy. Here and there in places our lines were on the enemies' works, and flags flying defiantly in the - face of the enemy, until night threw her sombre curtains on the scene, did the work of death go on. Never did brave men fight with such desperation for the flag they love. Never did brave men strike harder for union and liberty, and yet that grand bleeding army of veterans was not discouraged, but persistent- ly held their ground gained at such expense of heroic blood until July 4th, fol- lowing, when the whole army of the confederate Gen'l. Pemberton, uncondi- tionally surrendered, With the fall of Vicksburg, the fall of the confederacy began. The monster reptile, (Secession) was cut in two never to be united ; but I have spoken too long, and will say no more.
Col. Henderson then spoke on the sentiment:
THE OPPOSING ARMIES OF 1861-65-Their relations then, and now.
At the very opening of my remarks I want to say that I hope every sol- dier present, though not a member of the 12th regiment, will feel, as we do, that he is a part of this reunion. (cheers) That's right comrades, I knew I was voicing the sentiment of every member of the old Twelfth. I have had my heart warmed by the greeting of these old soldiers, and I wanted to thank the good people of Manchester for not discriminating against any soldier, and for their most generous welcome to us all.
I have had some other little incidents to warm my heart: There is a man in this audience who is a real type of the true warm hearted people of this conn- ty. I shall tell you what he did; but I will not mention his name, as he re - quested that nothing be said of his action. He came quietly up to our treas- urer and asked if he might be permitted to contribute a little to this reunion. He don't live in Manchester. He put his hand in his pocket, as he had done many a time before for the soldiers and their families, and pulled out, not cents or dimes but an X, and handed it to the treasurer. I have known him for twenty years. He was always among the first to volunteer aid to the soldiers. That is the kind of a man Charles Crocker is, ( mention no names) a repre- sentative man, one whose big heart always thrilled in sympathy with the sol- diers. (applause.)
One other little incident which might seem to be personal. There are
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those here who are the only living representatives of those who wore the blue. For the first time we have had with us a young man, whose father we called Tom. Before the battle of Shiloh be conducted a prayer meeting in the camp of the 12th. I have been warmed to see the boy. This is his first vacation. After his father's death the little fellow took the farm and worked winter and summer. He made my heart swell with emotion when he said he never bad so enjoyed himself before. Pardon me if I do not speak his name. Ile is like Crocker, a type of many others. I have seen the grayheaded old men of your city-and mothers and sisters, drawn here by that influence which brings chil- dren to a common hearthstone.
Now as to the opposing armies, their relations then and now. I do not need to speak of those old victories, and the armies then. I am quite sure the soldiers cannot be found who better understand those armies than the soldiers before us. You all know them well; they were great armies, both of them. History will never place two such armies face to face again. Americans all- from many states, but every one of the common family. He who says the con- federate army was not brave will be laughed at by those living, and in history.
One army -- that which we aided, was impelled, was elevated by patriotism. The other was blinded by sectionalism, and infuriated by passion. We knew then and now that we were right; let that never be forgotten by Americans. They know now' that they were then wrong I am glad to-day, let us accept the situation as it is.
More than this I do not think this the proper time or occasion to say. A few words as to those two armies now. Here I will not express the sentiments of all but I believe it is the honest sentiment of most of you.
Take the Union army now. How do you feel about the past? Is there bitterness about the past, boys ? There is no bitterness in the heart of the union soldier towards the armies they opposed. We cannot afford it-can - not afford to keep up bitter feelings. My good friends, these boys fought to unite and keep united this country. We laid down many of our comrades to unite it, and we cannot afford to divide it. We fought to make it the flag of America, and we want every man to be a brother that comes under its folds. Is there bitterness in your hearts now? Let us be just, my comrades and fellow citizens. From '61 to '65 there was bitterness in many hearts. I will not venture to tell the story. You all remember those times. No one need blush for Donalson. After the capture of the rebels, one of our men, shot through the head and unable to speak, attempted to cross a low place near the landing. Standing on the other side, was a long row of captured rebels. Our boy got stuck in the mud, beside the rebel line. Hle extended his hand for help. One near him said harshly, "Not by a damn sight." That was one side. Right beside the wounded comrade stood another, who sprang to his aid and helped him with both hands, then said to the other, "you are a pretty soldier." The true qualities of a man will stand ont any where, and every-where as Burns has said:
"A man's a man for a' that."
My friends, bitterness should no longer be in our hearts. 1 am seated now in a legislative body, made up largely of confederate soldiers and officers. I forget these men ever stood in battle array against me. They speak to me as kindly as I could wish. We treat each other as friends, not enemies. I do not know a member of the 12th, who would clinch his hand when another open palm is stretched out to meet it. That is the feeling of the old 12th. Now, my friends, I am not making these utterances from any mere sentiment. I have said that you were right when you fought. Forget it not. You fought to save your country. When principle demands a soldier, whether in peace or war, be a soldier. When friendship is asked, be a friend. Your motto was "Crush the opposing army." We are now comrades. Let the two armies be lost in the heart of the whole American people. These are my sentiments and yours. My
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good friends, there are many of you who will have no marble over your last rest- ing place to speak for you; but the records will show you were the vol- unteers of the 12th. You would not exchange that little record of honor for the fame of the Caesars, or the blood bought statue of Napoleon.
We are getting old. We have given the spring time of our life to our country. The breath of autumn comes to fan our cheeks. Soon these little flakes silvering our hair will be turned to snow. Not far distant, our reunion will be held in the tents of the immortal. Living thus let us cultivate those qual- ities as true citizens of America that will show we are great and generous soldiers; not for fame or blood; but that we were volunteers when called upon to save our country, and to defend it to the last.
The boys then sang "My Country, "Tis of Thee," while stand- ing upon their feet. Judge J. N. Weaver, of Algona responded to the toast:
"GREENBACKS AND GRAYBACKS-The first we could not keep with us, the last were hard to drive away."
As to Greenbacks, I do not know why your committee should have se- lected me to respond. I am incapable of handling the subject. I never have handled it very much. It may be that because of the intimate connection of the greenback question and a distinguished namesake of mine, you have thought appropriate to put down as a part of the program, Weaver on Green- backs. But as distance lends enchantment to the view, I may be allowed to draw upon my imagination, so far as to say that greenbacks are a good thing, and actually, it I had my choice today, as between greenbacks and gray backs, 1 would take greenbacks.
I suppose graybacks are good in their place; but I have never been able in my limited investigation of the natural order and eternal fitness of things to find any plan to assign to the graybacks; I say I have not. The grayback himself seems to assume that providence has marked out a field of artillery for him, and no granger more assiduously tickles the soil of his field than did our late comrade, the grayback. There is after all I find but little of the imagina- tive when we come to think of the grayback, except so far as actual experience may seem to bring on the fear of impending doom. Regarding the grayback himself, "tell me not in mournful numbers life is but an empty dream." With him, "life is real; life is earnest." He is all business, and he "always carries his point;" unless he gets settled upon one of the boys, in which case he im- poses that necessity upon the other fellow. Now I do not wish to offend the sensitiveness of any of the ladies present by the use of any improper or un- becoming language; but this subject warms up as I advance, and I must say, that if there is any living thing or creature of similar size on earth, that is a more absorbing subject, more insinuating, sneaking, puney, "cussed" and devil- ish without a rival; anything that can inflict more mortal agony and excrucia- ting pain to the square inch, and generate a tendency toward profanity, more than the original grayback, I have failed to discover hun, and he has failed to wake me up. Screens will defeat the designs of the mere mosquitoe. The grayback, as we had him, was every where present in spite of all obstacles. My toast says the graybacks "were hard to drive away." It may be that the committee in using the term graybacks had in mind the other kind, "the John - nies." If that is true, I am sorry, for my interpretation has engendered a good deal of bad blood . But which ever was intended, that part of the toast is lit- erally true, for they were both hard to drive away, and the 12th lowa, many times found to their sorrow, that the Johnny grayback was hard to drive away, and many of them found themselves in the position of Paddy, in the old story, when he caught the tartar. Paddy said, "I have caught a tartar." The cap. tain said, "bring nim along then." Paddy said, "He won't come." "Then you
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come," said the captain. "Be-jabers he won't let me," said Paddy. Right there, I might add, we did have the advantage of the other grayback, for we could bring him with us.
I would like to say of the greenbacks, that they were hard to get, between pay days especially, and we couldn't keep them. They, unlike the graybacks would get away from us. We couldn't keep them. They went a good ways with us, if it didn't take long for them to go. They were then the promises written down and printed of the government we had sworn to preserve and de- fend, to pay us, sometime. We thought Uncle Sam's note was as good as his bond and they were, and proved so to be. If the Union had been destroyed, these greenbacks would have been worthless and valueless. If it was saved, the promise would be redeemed. The time did come when we caught the john - ny tartar, and though we did not always drive him away, we did finally bring him with us, and he is here to stay. The Union was restored, the pledge of the government was made good.
In response to the sixth toast:
"THE CITIZENS OF MANCHESTER --- Their Hospitality and Loyalty-Making their Homes our Homes, and our Reunion a Success."
R. P. Clarkson said: 1
Friends and Comrades: The good people of Manchester have establish- ed themselves deeply and firmly in the hearts of every member of the Twelfth Iowa Infantry. We had such a pleasant meeting, were so kindly greeted, and so hospitably entertained at our first reunion, four years ago, that the more mention or thought of Manchester bas carried us back in imagination to the happy homes of those who so kindly greeted us and who labored so patrioti- cally and sympathetically to make our reunion a success. Time, in its never halting rounds has brought us back to our second quadrennial, and again have the people of this beautiful city captured our hearts by their unexcelled kind- ness and continued great interest in all matters concerning the 12th lowa.
Altoona, Pa., Wooster, Ohio, and Manchester, lowa, are three places that will always live in the hearts and memories of the members of the 12th lowa, but the fist shall be last, and the last shall be first with us always. The kind treatment received from the good people of Altoona and Wooster, as we were returning from rebel prison hells, forms two of the bright links in onr war his- tory, but the unexcelled hospitality and heartfelt sympathy we have received from Manchester friends, throughout the war and at our reunions, have en- deared them to us forever, and the reunions made so grandly successful mainly by their patriotic labors and cheering presence, will always be remembered as the happiest events in our regimental history.
Manchester has truly become a Merca, to which the surviving members of the Twelfth lowa make quadrennial pilgrim iges to renew our patriotism, greet our comrades, "light our battles o'er again," and enjoy the boundless hospital- ity of the cleanest and one of the most beautiful cities in lowa. This city was the home of Company F, one of the very best companies in the Twelfth lowa. They were a grand company of gallant men, and it gives us great pleasure to see so many of them still reported present, fit for duty and full of rations. Sadly we miss those who have joined the phantom army, and now wait the coming of the reserves in the world beyond; but nothing gives us greater pleasure than the heartfelt embraces and vigorous salutations we receive from those who still "hold the fort" at Manchester.
I voice the unanimous sentiment of the 12th lowa in saying that the mem- bers of Company F, members of W. A. Morse Post, and all the good people of Manchester are enshrined in our hearts and memories for their boundless hospitality, happy homes, pretty ladies, bright babies and brave men. No
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other city has so strong a hold upon our affections and friendship. Our hearts are yours, our time is at your service, and our homes are always open to re- ceive you. May health, happiness, and prosperity always remain with you. Think of us when you are happy and be happy all the time.
Gen. Stibbs corrected an error of Comrade Clarkson, concern- ing the names of places where the returning prisoners were en- tertained and subsequently wrote a letter on the subject which is here given in full:
CmcAGo, May 23, 1884. R. P. Clarkson, Esq., Des Moines, Iowa:
DEAR Diek .- During the proceedings at the reunion, yesterday, I made an attempt to correct a statement of yours; but as you know, the subject proved too difficult for me to handle, and I was unable to finish my story. I regretted it sincerely, for there was a bit of inside history in what I tried to tell, that would have been new and interesting to many of our comrades.
When I was released from prison in 1862, being a captain at that time, I together with other officers of our regiment, was sent to Washington, D. C., and there furloughed for thirty days. We knew nothing, then, of the where- abouts of our enfisted nien, and I went at once to visit my parents, at Wooster, Ohio. Within an hour after I reached home, I received a telegram from my brother Joe, telling me our boys were at Annapolis. Md., and asking me to come and take hun from the hospital. I started on the first train, and found the poor fellow a living skeleton, debilitated beyond recognition. He died afterwards, from the effects of his imprisonment, and I am sure my comrades will approve my assertion, that no braver, better boy than he, ever shouldered a musket in defence of his country,
When I reached Annapolis, I found the boys so anxious to get nearer home, that I determined to take them west, and when It was announced that I had secured an order to take them all to St. Louis, Mo., there was a joyful shout over the good news, and every sick man who had strength enough to stand on his feet, came torth from the hospital, all insisting that they were sound as a dollar, and fully able to stand the journey west. But I soon jound that I had as many as seventy-five men m the party who were too weak to sit up in their seats, and in no condition to subsist on the army rations provided.
At Baltimore we were given a supper at the Soldier's Rest, and a good, big lunch for each man to carry with him.
The next evening, in response to my telegram, the ladies of Altoona, Pa., came to our tram and provided us with a bountiful supper, and the following morning 1 sem, from a station on the fine of the P. & F. W. R. R., a telegram insubstance as follows:
" To the President of the Ladies' Soldiers' Aid Society, Wooster, Ohio.
I am coming on No. 4, in charge of 250 returned prisoners, many of whom are sick. Can you give us a breakfast?"
I did not know into whose hands this telegram might fall; but I felt sure it would be some one who would recognize my name, and that it would at least result in the furnishing of a breakfast for my sick men. We were but two hours' run from Wooster, when my message was sent, and there was but little time for preparation; therefore we were surprised beyond measure at the reception given by the generous people. As I learned afterwards, the mer- chants had closed their stores, workmen left their shops, and every body had rushed home pell mell, to gather up whatever conkl be found in the way of eatables.
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It seemed as though the entire city had turned out to meet us. Gallons upon gallons of good, hot coffee were furnished us, together with an abundant supply of delicacies of every description and a store of substantials that lasted us throughout the remainder of our journey.
The conductor came to me and said he was already four hours late, and could not hold his train to have our men fed; but that he would carry forward and return a committee of citizens, who might be detailed for that purpose. Accordingly, fifty or more ladies and gentlemen boarded our train with their supplies, and distributed them as we journeyed on, and at Mansfield they were transferred to the east bound tram and returned. This fact, no doubt. accounts for your confusion of names, and caused you to remember Mansfield as the place where we were entertained.
While at Wooster my time was fully occupied; I had but a moment in which to greet my parents, and deliver to them poor, sick Joe, and assure them that as soon as my boys were disposed of, I would be back home for a short visit, and as we were about to start I called upon a friend and said to him: "Ex- plain to me George, the secret of this demonstration. I did not even hope for more than a breaklast for my sick men, and am amazed at this outpouring of my old friends and acquaintances. Tell me who is the President of your Aid Society?"
The answer which came to me as the train moved off, was "Your mother.',
I do not wonder that the old veterans of the 12th lowa remember with love and gratitude, the generous people at Wooster, Ohio; and I think that after reading this you will not wonder that the recollection of this affair, caused my feelings to get the better of me for a moment, when I tried to correct you yes- terday. Very truly your friend,
J. 11. STIBBS.
In response to the toast:
IOWA AT SHILOH .- Heroes of the Hornet's Nest and Hells Hollow. They held their line of battle throughout the day on the memorable sixth of April, 1862; they sacrificed themselves, but saved the remainder of Grant's army from capture or entire destruction.
Col. Geddes spoke as follows:
Comrades and Fellow Citizens :- In responding to the toast, "Iowa at Shi- loh,"l feel that this large audience is not critical, and I know it is sympathetic, I consequently feel satisfied that it will treat any shortcomings on my part with tenderness and consideration.
The name Shiloh always conveys to my mind and my heart the vibrations of a melancholy cadence which the lapse of twenty-two years had failed to efface or even lessen: and as long as historic literature exists, it will ever be enshrouded with the glamour of heroic romance. The desperate and deter- mined resistance made by a few isolated Iowa regiments for ten consecutive hours, to the persistent onslaught of the flower of the southern army, in selt- sacrifice and patriotic devotion equals in pathos, the classic record of Spartan valor in the Pass of Thermopyla.
In no pitched battle of the war was lowa so largely represented as there. Eight thousand five hundred of her sons faced the foe in the cause of free- dom and the Union on that bloody field, 1,200 were killed and wounded and 1,100 consigned to the tortures of a long imprisonment in the dungeons of the South. It brought desolation to thousands of happy Towa homes, and although time may allay it can never wholly remove the sad wounds young lowa received there.
!
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I do not wish in this presence to criticize the action of those great gener- als whom we all ievere, and whose subsequent gallantry and distinguished leadership placed the martial prowess and glory of our country on the highest pinnacle of fame. But there were others on that field, that day, the 6th of April, 1862, who are entitled, as American citizens, to justice. Yes, my com- rades, to exact justice. No matter how subordinate your position in that grand old army, you are entitled to all. Yes, to all that the truth will reveal, and nothing more, and you desire nothing more.
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