USA > Iowa > Polk County > Des Moines > Reunion of the Second Iowa Cavalry Veteran Association, 1895 > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
25
Seventh Reunion Second Towa Cavalry.
the only thing of the kind I ever witnessed and I suppose our boys had liberal allowance of hospital bourbon or they would not have done so mhuman a thing We went across the country to the west until we struck the road from Chewalla to Ripley, and followed this after the retreating enemy to the latter place, and there ended, on the 6th, the last of our fighting and skirmishing in connection with the battle of Corinth.
After singing "Rally Round the Flag." Miss Lilly gave one of her best recitations, when Captain Freeman being introduced, gave some very interest- ing reminiscences of our services under General Ed Hatch and Gen. Sheridan. His talk was highly appreciated by his comrades as he spoke of Hatch and Sheridan, and our operations under these intrepid leaders; spoke of the engage- ment at Booneville under the command of Col Sheridan and described it as it appeared to him. His remarks were listened to with much interest
Following Captain Freeman Gen. B A Beeson made a vigorous talk about. the battle of Booneville bringing many incidents back again to the memories of those who participated, but had long since forgotten them, spoke of Bagler Ashbaugh commanding the boys to charge. He closed by saying That was the day of days for us for Gen. Chalmers was whipped and defeated "
Song. "Tenting on the Old Camp Ground."
Captain Budd talked of the time and events which happened on Shoal Creek and the critical situation of the regiment at different times during that cam- paign. Few meu in the regiment enjoy a reunion more than does Captain Budd Col. Egbert spoke of the army. "The experience gained there has had a beneficial influence on our lives. We should be among the very best citizenship because of having served in the army of the nation It has made us broader and wider in thought and life, Are we improving the knowledge gained? Are we making the fullest preparation for the great life beyond this one? Are we preparing for the gathering around the white throne and for the associations of those who have in life stood for God, freedom and right?" Col Egbert is always an interesting talker.
HI J. Bennett gave an account of his life while a prisoner of war and ex- periences in the swamps; spoke of the regiment, its work and the history it had made in the war. It was his ambition to get into a good regiment and he had succeeded .
Hon. Isaac Brandt, of Des Moines, was introduced and spoke of the splendid fighting qualities of the Iowa soldiers and among all the zd lowa Cavalry stood at the front. He brought back memories of the days of 1861 when every handlet was excited and the boys were rushing to the front. tle was not a soldier but as a citizen had during and since the war never found any labor so congenial and pleasant to him as when doing something for those who saved the nation It was Mr. Brandt who secured for the regiment the full payment of rent for the two days use of the tabernacle for which the regiment felt very kindly
The banquet closed with the song "shall we meet beyond the river," comrade
26
Seventh Reunion Second Iowa Cavalry.
J. A Gillespie, of the Deaf and Dumb Institute of Omaha, accompanying the song in the dumb language. It was one of the most impressive features of the reunion and many of the boys gave way to tears. The time had now arrived for parting and what shall be said. The reunion was closed so far as further meetings in the hall was concerned and there remained only the good byes to be said. Each shook hands with the other, gave to each a hearty "God bless you" and in a short time the old comrades separated for their various trains The Seventh Reunion of the 2d Iowa Cavalry was at an end
OUR
COUNTRY
-
Miscellaneous Matter, Resolutions, Letters, Etc.
Your secretary was authorized to correspond with the New York World and secure if possible the original report of the Charge at Farmington which is herein given for the first time.
CHARGE AT FARMINGTON, MISS., BY THE SECOND IOWA CAVALRY, MAY NINTH EIGHTEEN SIXTY TWO.
The following discription of this famous charge is taken from the New York World of May 17th, 1862. The special correspondent, with Gen. Halleck's Army in front of Corinth, after giving the various movements in detail, leading up to the order of Gen. Pain to the Iowa regiment, begins with
FRIDAY'S ADVANCE TO FARMINGTON, and says:
Early on the morning of Friday the cavalry pickets came in reporting the ene- my in large numbers. Orders had been sent to hold the road if possible, and it ยท was not until they were crowded back by the skirmishers of the enemy that they yielded the ground. Word was sent back that the rebels were making a sortie. with theintention, probably, of flanking our force and capturing the whole brigade. Upon this an additional brigade was ordered up to their support, when the skirmishing became general.
STRENGTH OF THE ENEMY
Before proceeding with the details of the fight I ought to mention that four heavy guns were heard on the previous night, sounding as if at various distan- ces. At about midnight another series was heard in the direction of Corinth so as to indicate that the enemy was signaling. Some were inclined to interpret it to the blowing up of works. All these, themes vanished this morning when the compact masses of troops were seen filing off to the right and left of the road near the town. Previously we had taken a few prisoners, who had repre- sented the strength of the enemy at upward of a hundred thousand and rein . forcements constantly arriving, but these stories were not generally believed Now, however, they were confirmed: Trains could be heard rumbling during the night, and the cheers of the troops indicating that comrades were arriving.
AN INVESTMENT AND SIEGE PROBABLE.
It appears to have been the purpose of General Halleck to move slowly and cautiously up to the enemy's works, feeling, perhaps, that time was as good an ally for us as for Beauregard. The condition of the roads impeded us at the outset, but since the improvement there has been but a very gradual advance The army requires to be put in working trim, which is most likely the case with the rebels. By giving the enemy time to entrench himself, we do but render the event more certain, since we can reduce him with certainty in an in- vestment and siege, while a slight accident might defeat us in the field
THE ARTILLERY.
At ten they opened with artillery. Hearing the report of the cannon we start- ed for the front, passing long files of men drawn up on either side, orderlies flying in hot haste up and down the roads, indicative of something important
28
Seventh Reunion Second Iowa Cavalry.
The firing became more rapid, close and sustained From the number of shots fired we estimated at least three batteries on each side. At eleven the Second Iowa Cavalry was ordered to the front, to be ready for emergencies They reached the ground at twelve and were instantly formed in the rear of our line of infantry, where they remained subject to a screaming ball of short intervals. The brigade of Gen. Palmer with a supporting brigade of Ohio reg- iments, was formed on the brow of a hill, stretching across a cleared place half a mile across. The artillery on both sides was pouring out a storm of flame and sulphur The confederates seemed to have in the clearing at Farmington a dense column of infantry, and on the left a battery of four pieces; in the cen- ter a section, and on the right our ten pieces were mounted, nearly opposite the road, as it emerges from the swamp at about two thousand yards distance. The exchange of shots was rapid and well sustained fron eleven to twelve.
WE GIVE GROUND
It soon became evident from the movements of the enemy that they intended to get between our position and the only road out by a flank movement on our right and left After the lapse of an hour and a half their batteries opened again at an angle so as to deliver a cross fire Their cavalry had disappeared. Ours was ranged in along the edge of the woods. Gen Paine, who was.in com - mand of the whole, wisely deemed it best to withdraw from the ground. To do this without leaving anything on the field was a nice task. It was 2 o'clock and the enemy was spreading his lines out through the inclosing woods. The artillery of the enemy was raking our collected force with shot and shell. Our wounded were being carried off in teams and ambulances as they fell. Further resistance without support was useless.
THE HEROIC CAVALRY CHARGE.
In this extremity Gen. Paine, excited at the time; gave the order for the bat- teries to fall back to the road and the infantry to follow. To cover this retreat and stop this hail of hurtling balls and shell, the cavalry was called upon The regiment of Second Iowa Cavalry, under command of Col. Hatch, and Majors Love and Coon, and three small companies of regulars, under Lient. Gordon, were ordered to charge upon the batteries ! The order was a rash one but it was an order. Five hundred, in all, to charge a battery in the face of ten thousand ! But they did it, and thanks to the bad gunnery of the enemy. they nearly all returned to tell the tale; many of them, alas, speaking by gaping wounds and riddled, tattered garments.
THE BRAVE IOWA CAVALRY.
Lieut. Gordon, who is himself a conspicuous character in more than one charge of cavalry, says the sight transcended all belief. The brave lowans who had but recently left their plows afield, now called upon to face death and ride to the cannon's mouth, with the true spirit of heroes filed up the ravine, and on reaching the top of the hill spread out, galloped up to the batteries, de- molishing like lightning a line of skirmishers in their way.
"Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left .of them, Volleyed and thundered."
Truly enough for the whole of the guns were sweeping the plain with sharp- nell and canister. Luckily the depression was too great. The balls whistled and flew into the ground all around and beneath them. The morality of the horses was fearful -- ninety three of the number being wounded and killed, Col Hatch's anxiety for his men to follow him had now changed into an anxiety to recall them. Onward they charged, right up to the batteries, slashing and hewing down the gunners with their sabers, dead to the call of their gallant leader, who saw that the object was accomplished, the guns limbered and si-
29
Seventh Reunion Second Iowa Cavalry.
lenred, and the enemy on the right in disorder, while on the left he was clos- ing in
THEY COVER THE RETREAT
Orderlies sent to the different companies rallied the men Slowly and de- liberately they rode back over the field. The enemy was silent on the left. Our artillery and infantry had passed into the woods, and were falling back to the main body. The route was strewed with dead horses. The wounded were belped on to the horses of their contrades, while the unhorsed took to the woods on the left Gordon, who more prudently, but with equal coolness re- mained in the rear, saw the desperate charge and cared for the sufferers, burying two on the field with sabers while still under fire Taken altogether, this is one of the most magnificent feats of the war. No cavalry charge since that of the memorable Light Brigade is comparable with it. In these days, when cavalry is beginning to be looked on with some distrust, it is creditable to see one regiment which will not flinch in its duty .even at the risk of certain death.
INCIDENTS.
Lieutenant Colonel Miles, of the Forty eighth Illinois Regiment, had his leg shot off by a cannon-ball on the field. ITis limb has since been amputated, and at last accounts he was sinking rapidly from the loss of blood Colonel Hatch had a ball through his hat, and his stirrup broken by the force of a shell which killed the horse on his right Men can be found everywhere with bullets and grapeshots showing as trophies. One man had a rifle-ball lodged in his pocket; another in his coat-collar. Thousands of hairbreadth escapes are re- lated, and there is abundant evidence of their truth
THE RETIREMENT
It was at this moment of the retreat through the swamp road that we met the crowd of stragglers, then the ambulances and wounded, and finally the artillery, driving through the narrow defile that we met the crowd. Further progress was impossible, as the retreat was being effected in comparative good order. but at quick pace. The enemy, finding we were leaving the field to them, ele- vated their pieces and fired several shells over the woods with the hope of pitching them into our retreating columns Several of them came whistling over our heads, until finally one of them split off the limb of a large tree in front of us, when we joined in the crowd and made vestigia retrorsum. We found a new line of battle formed on emerging this side of the woods with four heavy parrotts in position, and could not help believing that they could have returned the shots with good effect at long range Not a shot was sent in re- sponse.
The new line was formed, Col. Morris placed in the gap, and a couple of brass pieces masked, but the enemy did not dare to make his appearance. Stragglers who came in shortly after report that the rebels advanced to the swamp road and then retired to their old position The end and sum of the whole matter is, then, that they occupy Farmington to-night instead of our- selves.
Gen. Paine, Capt. Keserek, of the Missouri battery, and Gen. Palmer, who witnessed the charge, are loud in their praises of the officers and men.
LOSSES.
The Second Towa is the principal sufferer in the fight, taking the brunt of the fight and nearly all the glory. The regulars had three killed and some ten or twelve wounded. The losses of the infantry cannot be arrived at with ac- curacy as I write.
30
Seventh Reunion Second Iowa Cavalry.
REPORT OF COL. HATCH.
CAMP NEAR FARMINGTON, Miss., May 10. LIEUT MARDEN, A. A G BRIGADE: - I had the honor to report, complying with orders to report, with Second Regiment to Gen. Granger. Did so, receiv - ing instructions from Gen. Pope to report to general commanding the advance. i reported at 12 o'clock to Gen. Palmer, who ordered me to throw out two companies to the left of the Farmington road, and hold the balance of com. mand in reserve Our infantry, who had held the feld above us. being driven into the brow of the hill, Gen Paine ordered the regiment to charge the enemy s batteries. Moving the column to the top of the hill, ordered Major Coon. with companies H, G and C of the Second Batallion, and Major Love with the Third Batallion, to charge the batteries on our right. Major Hepburn those on our left, in echelon of squadrons, deploying the columns to the right and lefi When we passed the infantry columns we attacked their skirmishers and sup- ports, driving them in, killing and wounding some . No effect was produced on the battery on our left Near the main Farmington road the battery and supports were protected by a rail fence. Major Coon gallantly attacked the battery near the building known as the cotton mill, Company F, Lieutenant Reilley, alone attacking two guns in battery on our extreme right. The center battery was fairly carried. the enemy limbering up his guns without taking them off the field
Finding our horses badly blown for a long charge over rough ground, going a distance of twelve hundred yards, and the infantry in great force, ordered all companies on the right to retreat to the right and rear forming on the swamp road, and those on the left to then join their command. The conduct of men and officers was in every respect commendatory Captains Lundy and Egbert and Lieutenants. Owen, Horton, and Schnitger all had horses killed onder them There were about four hundred men in the charges. Our loss will scarcely es- ceed fifty killed and wounded; fifty horses, as many wounded and unservice- EDWARD HATCH, able
Lient Col Commanding Second Iowa Cavalry
LETTERS FROM COMRADES
The following letters are self explanatory :
SMITH CENTER KAS , Sept 28, '95. Comrade Anderson :-- I hoped to be able to attend the meeting of the Asso- ctation this fall, but circumstances render it impossible. I should like to take the old comrades by the hand, and look into their faces once more, but that is about all I could do, as my hearing is so far gone, that I could scarcely hear their voices. I send my dues as I want a copy of the procee lings. May God bless you all. N. M. MADDEN .
BEAUMONT, KAS., Sept. 27. '95. T. T. Anderson, Indianola, lowa :-- Your card requesting my attendance at our regimental reunion is received. Nothing would give me greater pleasure but my health is such that I cannot leave home. My kindest regards to all and wish yon all a happy time: Respectfully,
C. C. RICHMIRE. RED CLOUD, NEB., Sept. 22, '95 T T. Anderson, Dear Comrade: -. I enclose $1.00. keep me in good standing. And tell the boys when you meet at Des Moines, that on account of the sick. ness in my family, I cannot be with them. But I promise myself, if it is the with of God, to be with them at the next reunion Tell them that Comrade D,-
31
Seventh Reunion Second Iowa Cavalry.
vid Lutz of Co. I, died at Salt Lake City, July 14, '95, at the home of his son. Thus one by one they are answering to the roll call in the great beyond.
Fraternally yours, A. G WILLIS. CUMBERLAND, IA., Nov. 12, '95.
T T. Anderson, Dear Comrade :- I saw in the Register that the 2nd Iowa Cavalry held a reunion at Des Moines in October, and I had intended to attend the reunion myself but could not leave home at that time. It would have given nie much pleasure to have met my old comrades again in this life, but fate was against me. Now I would like to have a report of the reunion if the report is printed in book form Will you be so kind to write and tell me where I can obtain a report and the name of the secretary of the association, that I may correspond with him about the matter. I don't suppose you remember me but you was the last man I saw of our Co when we came home from the army. We cime on the same hack out of Des Moines to the place where you got off t have lived in Cass county most of the time since the war. I feel an interest in all of the boys of old Company D and would like to know of their where- abouts. If you will give me the desired information I will feel under many ob- ligations to you. Yours in F C. and L. G. L EDWARDS
COLLYER, KAS , Oct. 13, '95.
T. T. Anderson, Dear Sir :- We received your card of June 25th and out of respect and considering it a duty to an ever kind and loving husband, tolet his comrades know the loss his wife and family have sustained. we have the sad news to tell that Elias H. Parsons, of Co. D 2nd lowa Cavalry, died on the 27th day of March, '91, of lung trouble caused by army service. He is buried in the Union Cemetery at Collyer. He was senior vice commander of Collyer Post, G A R , No. 107, at the time of his death and commander in 18go He leaves a wife and four children. Yours truly, his widow, JANE PARSONS.
. SOLON, IOWA, August ist, 1896.
T. T. Anderson :- Dear Sir. I received your card and see that you will hold your nest reunion in Des Moines. I am very sorry to tell you the sad news of the death of my husband. I know he would gladly have gone to see his dear old comrades once more; but our Heavenly Father called him to another home the 25th day of February, 1895. after a sickness of five weeks: But I hope his dear comrades will all meet him at a greater reunion than hu: man can prepare in this world Respectfully Yours,
MRS. JACOB LUENBERGER. GHI.MAN, IOWA, July 6th, 1895.
T T. Anderson .- Dear Sir. It is with a sad and broken heart that I write these few lines in answer to your kind card that you sent to my dear husband in regard to the zd lowa Cavalry reunion. He is dead; he died April 22. '95 While I have lost a dear, kind and loving husband you boys have lost a com- rade that always was ready to respond to all the calls.
MRS. ROBERT ANDREWS.
IOWA FALLS, lowA, September 20th, '95. T T. Anderson .-- Dear Comrade: Tell the boys I am sorry not to be with them. I cannot come. God bless you all. L. FRANCIS STODDARD. PACHECO. CAL , Sept. 25. '95
T T. Anderson --- Dear Comrade: I very much regret not being able to a1- tend the meeting of the boys in Des Moines but it will be impossible for me to make the journey this year. Enclosed you will find two dollars. Hoping to meet the boys at the next reunion and sending my best regards to all. I am HUGH BATES.
ASH GROVE, Mo., Sept. 30th, '95.
Mr. T. T. Anderson. - Dear Comrade: I delayed writing because I thought I would be able to meet the comrades of the old regiment. Tell the boys 1
32
Seventh Reunion Second Iowa Cavalry.
revere their old compaionship and wish above anything I could be with them at this time but I cannot. There is one who I trust is with the boys until the last roll call when they will take their place in the ranks never to fall out again under their Eternal Commander. God bless you all. Your Comrade,
A. J. TWADDELL. AMES, IA., Aug 26, '95.
Dear Comrade Anderson :- Your card received in regard to our reunion of the 2nd Iowa Cavalry. There is nothing that would be more pleasing to me than to meet in reunion with the old boys. I intend to meet with you if possi- ble to do so. If I am not with you on the days appointed you have my best re- gards, you and all of the boys of the old regiment.
God bless you all.
Yours truly, E. PURVIS. NORTH BRANCH, KAS., Oct. 4. '95.
Comrade Anderson -- Your card at hand. Will say that drouth stricken Jay- hawkers are too hard up to get so far from home. I would like to be with you but will have to succumb to the financial debility that oppresses this nation Wishing you a good time, I remain as ever. DD PEARSON
COBDEN, ILLS., Sept 30th, '95.
Comrade Anderson .- Your card of invitation to reunion of 2nd lowa Cav at Des Moines was received in due time. I was in hopes to be with you at that time and expected to do so until to day. Financial troubles interfered with my arrangements and so I will be with you in spirit I shall live in hopes that I may meet my old comrades at the next reunion of the Reg't. I attended a re- union of the 6th Ills. Cav. at Carbondate, Ill., not long since, where I was most royally treated as one of them. Representatives of the 7th and oth Ill. Cav. and 7th Kansas were also taken in and done for in the same royal style. Now comrades allow me to wish you a joyous time and I can only wish I was with you for the first time since the war. My kindest wishes to you one and all. Comrade, deal kindly with the absent ones, who are unable to be with you and enjoy the hospitality of Des Moines. 'Tis more of a disappointment to me than it can possibly be to any one who is present. If convenient, please send me copy of proceedings of the meeting, and greatly oblige
Yours in F., C. & L., ELWOOD FINLEY
COLUMBUS CITY, IA , July 7, '95. My Dear Old Comrade, Tom :---- Yours of June 25th at hand. Will be glad to meet with you at Des Moines this fall, and hope to be there if everything is favorable with me and mine.
P. M. AXTEL.
MERLIN, OREGON, Sept. 15, '95.
T. T. Anderson, Dear Comrade - I received your card of invitation some time ago inviting me to be with the old comrades at Des Moines and rally around that dear old flag once more, and to tell over again our army trials and hardships that we were called to undergo during those stormy days of that great rebellion of '61 to '65. Oh, how I would like to be with you on these days and clasp hands with a comrades love, but many that we bade good bye in '65 have answered the last roll call. Give the comrades of Co. D a comrades love and tell them that it is with sadness that I am compelled to miss roll call with them Money and distance keeps me from being with you. Yours in F C and L
ROBERT E. BARRICKMAN.
MAPLE GROVE, Mo., Sept. 22, '95. T. T. Anderson, Dear Sir -Your card has been received. I am sorry to say that I cannot be with you. Reason: too poor. Have been compelled to con tribute $4.oo per month that the poor government might live. I have given up all hopes of ever being able to meet with my old comrades again. My health is poor. I am not able to do much of anything. If I remember right you were
33
Seventh Reunion Second Towa Cavalry.
Regimental Bugler at the time of our final discharge. . I was Bugler of Com. pany I. I still have my old bugle, but scarcely wind enough to blow it. C F. ZIEGLER
DoTI, Kas., Sept. 28, '95.
Dear Comrade of the old 2d .- I received your kind invitation to attend the reunion at Des Moines, Oct 2-3 I am sorry, but I can't afford it now We of the west have short crops again this year, and change is not as plentiful as I wish it was, for if I had it I would certainly squander some of it to meet my old comrades. I have not met a comrade of the 2d lowa for many years. Hoping you will have the best time you ever had. Tell the boys for me that I hope to meet with them at some future reunion. With best wishes for all of you, I re- main yours as ever.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.