USA > Iowa > Delaware County > Manchester > Reunion of the 12th Iowa V.[eteran] V.[olunteer] infantry 1st-8th, 1880-1903 > Part 12
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The sad result of the first day's fight at Shiloh, was caused by a combina- tion of mistakes, arising, as the facts reveal, from culpable negligence or un- fortunate mexperience; I will be charitable enough to base my opinion on the latter hypothesis. My comrades, it was a mistake, a fatal mistake, and in vio- lation of the plainest precepts of war and strategy, to form a camp of instrue- tion between an unfordable and unbridged river and a brave, determined and vigilant foe in close proximity, a foe alert and eagle-eyed, commanded by their most distinguished general, with subordinates of equal genius. How quickly advantage was taken of this mistake, you, my comrades, well know. Citizen soldiers, raw and green as the beautiful prairies they so lately left, were dumped promiscuously on that river landing. Thousands were led to the slaughter that morning, who had never before handled a musket or bit a cartridge. It was a mistake my comrades, when in case of reverse, our re- treat was effectually cut off by a deep, rolling river, not to have some sort of defense behind which our inexperienced men could shelter themselves in case of attack. You know, also, that there was. nothing of the kind of that day. No, your own manly breasts were the defense that met the enemy in the grand swoop of their might on that defenseless camp on the banks of the Tennessee. Like a rock in a mighty, rushing torrent, yon lowa boys stood, as it rushed against, around, but never over you.
It was a mistake that the division of brave men at Crimp's Landing, who with eager ears, listened to the booming of guns, at Shiloh, and knew that their comrades were hard pressed, were not brought there before the sun bad set on the bloody field. Yes, my commades, it was a mistake that cost young lowa, her best young blood, that the division which had lain there for three weeks previous, with ample force of cavalry, should have been ignorant of the nearest road to Shiloh, six miles distant.
The time allotted me on this occasion will not permit me to discuss any more of the causes which led to the disastrous results of that battle. But this I will say, that the Second, Seventh, Eight, Twelfth and Fourteenth lowa Reg- iments of Infantry, at the distance of a mile and a half from the landing, fought and held their position there from eight o'clock until near sundown; held in successful check the right center of the rebel army, and at half past five o'clock in the evening were still fighting a division of the enemy, while its main body was within four hundred yards of the Union army at the landing, with its re- treat completely cut off by the river.
Now, my comrades, in view of these facts-and these are not all the facts -- bad that division of the rebel army not been bekl at bay by these regiments -and that it was held so, I need only to refer you to Gen. Ruggles' report for corroboration-bad it been free to act with the rest of the rebel army at the landing before it was too dark, what I ask you would have been the fate of the crowded thousands huddled together there?
Why has there been so much said and written about the battle of Shiloh? Why, after the lapse of nearly a quarter of a century, does this interest still exist, and as the years roll by, only increase in intensity of pathos? Why is it, my comrades of "lowa's Shiloh Brigade," you cling so fondiy to the memories of that fight, and with a tenacity that throws into the shade, as it were, the many other great battles of the war in which you gallantly participated? Fask you, men of the old Twelth lowa, you who were always est emed by the
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Eighth lowa boys as brothers, and whose associations together were always pleasant, why is it, when you look upon your emblazoned and tattered banner now suspended in lowa's capitol, your eyes linger long and mournfully on that name "Shiloh?" The names of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Vicksburg, Jack - son, Nashville, Tupelo, where you "plucked victory from the arms of defeat," and many other names are there that signal your gallant deeds? Why is it then, I ask that among all these fields that record your devotion to your conn- try's cause you visit and would far rather visit that timber-crested hill on thebanks of the Tennessee? And permit me to inquire why it is that a suffering public- as comrade, Col Shaw, is pleased to call them -are not yet tired of what has been said and written about that memorable battle? My comrades. all these questions may be answered and are answered in a sentence containing only five words; but pregnant with immeasurable meaning- "justice has not been done." But ' truth crushed to earth will rise again," and the truth about Shi- loh is rising, and will yet be written, so to speak, on the canopy of high heav- en, to be seen and read of all men, for all time. Justice will yet be done and after the lapse of twenty two years is being done. Done to you my comrades, who meet here today, and done to those of our number who fell at Shiloh, and today are resting in unknown graves near that Southern river's bank.
And you, my comrades, who lately visited that sacred spot on the field of Shiloh, did you not that day, as you marched over the old familiar roads, or stooped over the graves of your departed comrades, with the crowding mem- ories of the great past, picturing themselves on your minds, feel something of that strange, weird inthience that impressed the heart of the old French sol- dier, who returning after long and varied services in the German wars, battle scarred, worn and weary, came on his homeward march to the banks of the Rhine which separated him from his home in beloved France? As the old soldier gazed upon his native land, his heart was filled with emotions of ten - derness, as his memory recalled two loved comrades who, in the glow of youth- ful ardor and strength of early manhood, thirty years before, had crossed that same stream with him, and whose bones had for many years been bleaching on the battle fields of Germany. Ile was ferried across the river, and as his feet touched his native soil, he took the price of three fares from his purse, and said:
Take, O) boatman, thrice thy fee; Take, I give it willingly, For, invisible to thee, Spirits twain have crossed with me.
Did you not, my comrades, on that visit, feel conscious, like the old French soldier, of an unseen presence there, of some dear comrade of the infinite. He has gone home; has fought his last battle. Ilis discharge has come, and his remains lie buried in an unknown grave. Yes, there were those in that grand old army bound to us by the closest ties of friendship, and there is no friendship so strong and abiding as that found in mutual suffering and danger. No union of hearts more sacred than that which is united by the heart's best blood.
By communion of the banner, ยท Battle scarred and glorious banner, By baptism of the banner, Brothers of one church are we.
"Stripes and Stars, Answer to Bonnie Blue Flag," a song com- posed by Col. Geddes, while in prison at Selma, Alabama, was then sung.
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STRIPES AND STARS.
Answer to "Bonnie Blue Flag."
Music arranged by Henry Werner.
We're fighting for our Union. We're fighting for our trust.
We're fighting tor that happy land where sleeps our fathers' dust ; It cannot be dissevered, the' it cost us bloody wars.
We can not give up the land where Boats the Stripes and Stars !
CHORUS.
Hurrah! Hurrah! for equal rights hurrah !
Ilurrah for the brave old flag that bears the Stripesand Stars.
We treated you is brothers until you drew the sword, With impious hand, at Sumpter; you eut the silver cord,
So now you hear our bugles. We come, the sons of Mars;
We'll rally round the brave old flag, that bears the Stripes and Stars.
We do not want your cotton : we care not for your slaves;
But rather than divide this land; we'll fill your Southern graves.
With Lincoln for our chieftain, we'll wear our country's scars.
We'll rally round that br .ve old dag that bears the Stripes and Stars.
The chairman announced a ten minutes speech, on "A Soldier's Attachment," by Capt. J. F. Zediker, of Co. 1, 12th Iowa. He said he had come 600 miles to attend this reunion, and it seemed as though; ten minutes was a short time in which to say what he would like to say to his old comrades. The attachment of old soldiers for one another, was formed on the field, in the camp and on the march, enduring privations under the summer beats and the chill blasts of winter. Made strong by hunger and thirst, and hardships endured together; by danger and suffering; by the loss of comrades left on the battle field; by sufferings in Southern pris- ons. Is it a wonder that our attachment should be so strong? A few more years, and those who meet at these gatherings will be feeble and few. But let us all, while any of us are left, instill into the minds of our children, the same sentiments of loyalty and patriotism that actuated us.
The Hon. J. W. Shannon, of Dakota, then read the following poem, suggested by Charlie Larson's last words to Col. Hender- son - "It's all Right."
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TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
"IT IS ALL RIGHT."
Rings voice from Orient, old and far, From region battle riven: "Sweet words earth's lovliest daughters are, But deeds are sons of Heaven!"
O men of mighty deeds! that shine With flaming Shiloh's glow, We come with words, and measur'd line, The sweetest that we know, --
As loving "daughters," proud and true, To greet the "sons" whose deeds Have wrought the nation all anew .- Anew have writ its creed.
We love you well ! and yet how tame The warmth we know and feel, Beside these friendships knit in flame 'Midst clang of clashing steel !
We know our alien place at feast, Where vet'rans fire-tried, 'Neath beaming skies of golden peace, Live o'er with martial pride,-
The days when terror's trumpet-blast, . Announced the lurid morn!
Whose noon, with sulph'rous cloud o'ercast; But presaged deadlier storm !-
Where shoulders touched, 'midst mad'ning roar, To close in freedom's name, The gap where murd'rous cannon poured It's all-devouring flame !
Dark days when faltering line was torn, And bravest heart stood still; The joy of vict'ry's sunburst born; The cheers that shook the hills !
The days of tramp and blist'ring toil, The nights of dreams of home, On blanket wet, and crimson soil; Where mangled comrade moaned.
Of famine gaunt, in loathsome cage, Where vicious vermine tooth Tattooed the sears of fiendish rage On flesh of noblest youth !
Ah! who that wrought at home may dare To touch the sandal's hem, Of least who fought, and wear these scars Of scourge and prison den .
How soon must fade the record, rare, Of highest civil fame. Beside the burning line that bears Dear CHARLEY LARSON'S namel
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SECOND REUNION OF THE
"It is all right, if Right prevail!" He said. So spake ye all Who faced, with him, hell's flaming hail, To conquer or to fall.
It is all right with them who died. God knows when work is done, Alike in peace and battle-tide, Where service is his own,
"It is all right, my heroes true !" The State proclaims today; Though blooming boys of gallant blue, Fast join Time's Iron-Grays, ---
Nor Time nor age can luster dim Of names your children bear; Prond glory's page is writ for him, Whose father's name is there
"It is all right! It is all right!" Aspiring masses call, Throughout the world; "in Freedom's fight V'e conquered for us all !"
Oh God! who lead'st the march of man, Thy soldiers, sure, are these. Who fearless fought !- who faithful stand In all the ways of peace.
If loving song and hon'ring cheers May yield the brave delight; Let all Thy Heavens echo here, "It is, dear boys, all right!"
Then was sung, by request of a veteran, "We shall Meet but We shall Miss Him."
Capt. Simpson said he had a message for the 12th lowa. Last Sunday he met Mrs. Nelson Burdick, of Decorah, who had five sons in the army, two in the 12th lowa -Corporal Nelson Bur- dick, her youngest son, who died from disease contracted in rebel prisons, and Lieutenant A. A. Burdick, killed at Tupelo, belong- ing to the 12th lowa. She wanted Mr. Simpson to say to the boys that she loved every member of the old 12th, and that she should ever remember them with the tenderest regard
On motion of Col. Henderson, Comrade Simpson was instruct- ed to return to Mrs. Burdick the assurance of the undiminished regard and affection of the 12th lowa.
Col. Henderson offered the following resolutions:
Resolved, - That the thanks of the members of this reunion are due and are hereby gratefully tendered to Mos. Kate M. B. Wiison, Mrs. A. J. Brown, Miss Carrie C. Toogood; Messrs. A. D. Brown, J. F. Merry, W. 11. Norris, Geo. W. Dunham. R. G. Kennedy and Ben. Keller, for the music so wisely chosen, and beautifully rendered on this occasion.
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Resolved, -- That no special thanks are herein given to Comrade Com- stock's inspiring efforts with the other singers, for the reason that he enjoys it so thoroughly himself, that his efforts carry their own compensation with them.
Resolved, - - That we hereby fender a vote of thanks to Mrs. W. A. Morse, for use of piano, and Messrs. Torrey & Jones for organ.
Comrade Marvin stated that the number of veterans of the 12th present was 166, and a total of 300 altogether. The 12th was di- vided as follows: Co. A, 10; B, 7; C, 32; D, 18: E, 16; F, 28: G, 13: 11, 18: 1, 5; K, to, and were enlisted from New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Nevada, lowa, Michigan. Four Mexican veterans were present and an 1812 veteran.
The ladies, for the excellent dinner furnished, were compliment- ed by cheers and a tiger. Business ensued and it was requested that the names of the wives and daughters and mothers of com- rades be sent to the secretary.
Lieut. J. B. Morgan, Lieutenant Small and Major Reed were ap- pointed a committee to prepare a history of the Union Brigade.
Col. Henderson introduced Major Brodtbeck, who made a few happy remarks.
An incident, worthy of record, is that Mrs. E. C. Lankins came from Denver, Colorado, to attend the reunion. Mrs. Lankins was with the regiment two years. She is the widow of F. F. Lankins, Co. B, 12th lowa, who died at Denver, Col., two years ago.
The order of exercises was then pronounced to be that each must "tell a story, sing a song or stand on his head." Col. Stibbs being called out said he wished to tell a little incident about the major. It was in January, 1862, the boys concluded to present the major with a testimony of regard. They purchased a sword and appointed the orderly sergeants, headed by Morrissey to call upon the major and present it. They made their call in the even- ing, passed over the sword, and it broke the okl major all up. At last he said, "Boys I will ask you to haf some peer;" and call- ing his colored servant, he told him to go out and get some. "How much will you have," asked the servant. There were eleven of the party; the major looked them all over, sized up the crowd, and as he took their measure and his own, he said, "About sev- en kegs." Yes, seven keys for eleven men.
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Ben. Eberhart was called forward to exhibit himself and his "glass eye." He took up another incident of the major, when the 12th were in camp at Dubuque. Our old major liked to pick up the greenies. One day he was riding along, and met a young fel- low, who awkwardly saluted him. Straightening himself up, the major frowned on him and said: "How dare you sahte me?" The fellow said "I wasn't salutin' you; } was salutin' your horse." The major passed on.
11. P. Andrews said: At one time on the march, Major Vandu- zee was in command. You know he was very strict. There were strict rules agamst foraging. This was in Missouri. While marching one day, just a few rods over a fence, Ketchum, (he was corporal) saw a chicken running along. It was too tempting. Ilanding his gun to a comrade, he sprang over the fence and gave chase. The major saw him and in his squeaky voice, he yell- ed out, "Corporal - Ketchum." Ketchum looked over his shoulder, and said, "Yes, sir," but continued the race and brought in his prize. Night came and we went into camp. Every one wonder- ed what the major would do. We expected Ketchum would be reduced to the ranks. A summons soon came by an orderly for Ketchum to appear at headquarters. He entered the tent where the major was writing; saluted him, and at length said, "I am here, sir." "What did you mean by disobeying my order, sir?" "I did not disobey sir," said the corporal. "What do you mean?" sternly demanded the superior. "Well," said Ketchum, "you said Corporal, Ketch 'em, and I did Ketch ,em." "Go to your tent, sir," was the order, and that was all we ever heard of it.
Comrade S. R. Burch said on call for a story: Chaplains Hum- phrey and Bagg were riding out one day. Humphrey, you know, was a great fellow to ask questions. Well these two came to a farm house where they found an old lady, whose negative answer to every question was surprising. She "did not know." At last Humphrey asked her if "there were any Episcopalians round there. Said she didn't know. Our two chaplains turned about and were riding through the gate when the old lady called out, "Say mister, I saw the skun of one hangin' on our neighbor's shed door one day."
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TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
Chaplain Humphrey here remarked he had always noticed the name of the animal depended somewhat upon the complexion of the man who told the story.
Many other reminiscences were related by those present when the lateness of the hour forbade further indulgence.
The president announced that the next reunion of the 12th would take place in 1888, the time and place to be announced hereafter.
The meeting adjourned, pronounced to be the most enjoyable reunion ever held in Iowa or anywhere else. The vets were es- corted to the train, which pulled out in the midst of a fierce storm of rain, thunder, lightning and rousing cheers from those left be- hind.
e
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SECOND REUNION OF THE
ADDENDA.
We here append several interesting letters, &c., which did not properly belong with the proceedings of the reunion, but which the comrades of the twelfth will find will greatly enhance the work.
The first is by Comrade R. P. Clarkson, written to the lost State Register, giving an account of his visit to the field of Shiloh.
ON THE TENNESSEE.
APRIL. 4, 18S4.
At Paducah, Ky., we were kindly greeted by the mayor, city clerk, and many others, who seemed pleased to meet so many Northern people. Col. Huston, the city clerk, was a confederate, but he gallantly admits that the lost cause was fairly and honorably beaten, and he is now an active, fighting Re- publican. He says that all that is necessary to enable the Republicans to carry Kentucky this fall, is for them to "make a school house and cross roads cam- paign like you do in lowa." Paducah is an active business city, and has been very much improved since the war.
We passed Fort Henry, 7 miles from Paducah, Friday night. This is the point where many of us heard the first "lond barking of the dogs of war" when they meant business. Here the gallant Commodore Foote demolished a strongly built and heavily armed fort, in less than half an hour, with his gun- boat fleet, and thus opened the river to the army of the Tennessee. The heavy works on the banks of the river have been leveled down, but the fortifications on the bluff are still intact, and looked grim and defiant in the distance.
The people who gathered at the banks at every landing seemed to be of the free and easy class, too tired to work and too proud to beg. They were generally pleased to see so many "Yanks" in one crowd again and conversed freely in regard to war times and their present political and social condition. There are no school houses on the Ills - not one seen by us between Paducah and Shiloh - but there are still houses in many valleys. The rich send their children to Paducah and other cities to be educated, but the only education that the children, of the poor get is given them by their parents, who are almost universally illiterate. There is a splendid country along the Tennessee, and intelligence and Yankee energy would soon develop it into one of the most prosperous regions of the United States. It bas splendid and boundless tim. ber and limestone, and the soil, with proper cultivation would produce im- mense crops of corn, cotton, peanuts, etc. The climate is mild, as indicated by the fact that steamers run on the river the whole year. Nature has been lavishly bountiful in favors bestowed, but the inhabitants do not realize the possibilities within their grasp.
Conversation with men at the landings developed the fact that three-fourths of the men along the Tennessee were rebels. They talk very freely about war times and boast of the victories they won, but generally close up the conversa- tion with "you 'uns were too much for we 'uns in the long run." There is still considerable hard feeling between Confederates and Unionists, as the people here call the two classes, but the strong general fear of Uncle Sam's wrath, generally keeps the rebel element in subjection. At Shipp's landing, Mr. Win. Hawks stated that he was in a rebel regiment in the rebel center at Ft. Don- nelson, and that on the evening before the fort surrendered, his brigade was
A
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TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
double quicked to the rebel right to dislodge Tuttle, but we couldn't do it and were captured and taken to Chicago, where we were kept in prison for seven months, when we were exchanged and sent to Vicksburg, where Tuttle and bad luck again overtook us, and knowing on the night of the 3d of July that Vicks- burg would be surrendered on the 4th, I slipped out between the pickets of both armies, went to La Grange, Tenn., took the oath of allegiance and re- mained at home during the remainder of the war." This was interesting his- tory to the men of our party who fought under Tuttle.
Mrs. M. M. Sheldon, of Perryville, Tenn., had three sons in the Union army and two in the Confederate. Four of them were in the battle of Shiloh, two in each army. One of the sons died during the war, but four returned, and they fight their battles o'er and o'er every time they meet. They differ on politics, prohibition and all other issues, and the mother says that it seems im- possible for them to agree on anything.
Mr. A. O. Montague, a farmer eight miles from Clifton, Tenn., is on the boat returning home from Paducah. He was a member of the Forty-eighth Con- federate Tennessee, and talks quite intelligently on political matters. In his lo- cality, the Democrats and Republicans are about equal in numbers, and there are no greenbackers. The state of Tennessee has a law prohibiting the sale of all intoxicating liquors within four miles of unincorporated towns, where schools are taught ten months in the year.
About midnight, April 5th, our boats tied up at Crump's Landing for the night. This landing was made famous by the inactivity of Gen. Lew Wallace during the battle of Shiloh. Wallace had 8,ooo men, and was ordered by Gen. Grant to march to Shilob by the Purdy road, on the morning of April 6. He waited until the roar of the battle roused him from his lethargy and then slow- ly marched out on the Purdy road. Nearing the battle field where his men were so badly needed, and which was only five miles from his camp, he coun- termarched to Crump's Landing, and then came up the river road. In this way he did not reach Shiloh until the first day's battle was over. If he had obeyed Grant's orders he would have reached the battle field before noon of the first day's battle, and the Purdy road would have brought him to the rear of the rebel army, which would have enabled our forces to defeat the Confed- erates before noon and to capture a large portion of their army. Wallace was not punished for disobeyance of orders, but he should have been shot. He has no friends in the army of the Tennessee.
Leaving Crump's Landing at 8:15 this morning, with the boats lashed to- gether, we rounded the point below Shiloh, at 8:30; when the stars and stripes at the cemetery first floated in view, the veterans gave three cheers for the old flag, both steamers winstled vigorously and long. And the Audubon band struck up "Home Again." Reaching the old landing at 8: 15 we filed off in two rows like the regulars" and marched up the hill to the cemetery, the band play- ing "Marching through Georgia." At the cemetery gate every head was un- covered and the procession marched barcheaded around the bluff and back to the stand which was decorated with evergreens and draped with the stars and stripes.
The exercises at the cemetery were short but impressive. The day was pleasant, warm and spring like and every veteran seemed to fully realize that he was standing among the graves of thousands of comrades who laid down their lives in defense of a country that has not proved worthy of the great sacrifice.
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