USA > Iowa > Roster and record of Iowa soldiers in the War of the Rebellion : together with historical sketches of volunteer organizations, 1861-1866 > Part 48
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The campaign against Price was one of the most brilliant and effective of the closing campaigns of the western armies, and during its entire progress the. Third Iowa Cavalry performed most arduous and conspicuous service.24 Major B. S. Jones, who commanded the regiment during this period of its serv- ice, gives a carefully detailed account of all its movements in his official re- port.23 His report is dated at Benton Barracks, Mo., November 28, 1864. Major Jones assumed command, and left Memphis with his regiment on the morning of September 2, 1864. At that time the available mounted force of the regi- ment was 483 men and 15 line officers, and formed a part of the brigade com- manded by Colonel Winslow of the Fourth Iowa Cavalry. The command marched to Cape Girardeau, Mo., arriving there October 5th, and, embarking on transports, proceeded to St. Louis, where it arrived on October 10th. The next day it started on the march up the Missouri Valley, marching rapidly and al- most constantly until October 22d, on which date it joined the forces under Major General Pleasanton, then engaged in conflict with the enemy near Inde- pendence. Mo., participated in that battle, and in the battles of the Big Blue and Osage Rivers, which quickly followed, the first being fought on the 23d and the second on the 25th of October. In all three of these battles the Third Iowa Cavalry distinguished itself, boldly charging the enemy and capturing many prisoners. The following extracts are made from the concluding portion of the official report of Major Jones, referring to the conduct of his regiment in the battle on the Osage River, and the closing scenes of the campaign:
The enemy, having been routed from his position on the river, was followed up at a gallop for several miles, by Winslow's brigade, in the following order, Tenth Missouri, Fourth Iowa, Third Iowa, Fourth Missouri and Seventh Indiana Cavalry, when he attempted to make a stand, formed on the open prairie, in two lines of battle, supported by eight pieces of artillery. My command was formed in line of battle, with the brigade in column of regiments, in their order of march, and con- stituting the left center of our whole line. We charged the enemy, breaking his right and center, killing, wounding and capturing many of his men. Among the captured were Generals Marmaduke and Cabell, the former by Private James Dunlavy, of Company D, and the latter by Sergeant C. M. Young, of Company L, both of the Third Iowa Cavalry. Companies C, D and E captured three pieces of the enemy's artillery. The whole of my command did nobly on that field, as also on others, and the highest commendations are due to every man and officer. The remainder of this day was one continued charge upon the enemy, and his complete rout. We rested on the open prairie over night, near Fort Scott. On the 26th of October we rested, with our brigade, at Fort Scott. Early on the 27th, again joined in the pursuit of the enemy, and continued through Arkansas and the Indian Territory to a point on the Arkansas River, forty miles above Fort Smith, without again seeing the enemy.
24During this expedition Colonel Noble was in command of a portion of his own and other regiments, which remained in Memphis.
"Report of Adjutant General of Iowa, 1865, Vol. 2, pages 960 to 963 inclusive.
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HISTORICAL SKETCH
From there we returned to this place, having marched, since September 2d, 1,650 miles, participated in three general engagements, marching through a country desti- tute of forage, it having been devastated by the enemy, and many times without food for my men, having had only three-fifths rations from the 28th ult. to the 7th inst., and not any bread from the 7th to the 12th inst., in consequence of the destitution of the Indian Territory through which we marched, and the great distance from the base of supplies. We suffered a total loss of six men killed, and two officers and forty-one men wounded, several of whom have since died. I append a list of casualties.
During the absence of Major Jones and his command, that portion of the regiment which had been left at Memphis, consisting of eleven commissioned officers and three hundred and nine enlisted men, under the command of Colonel Noble, took part in an expedition under General Grierson, passing over much of the ground over which the regiment had previously marched and fought, but not meeting any considerable force of the enemy, the main ob- ject of the expedition being the destruction of the railroad and rolling stock and military stores and other property belonging to the rebel army. This was accomplished in a very effectual manner, and the scattered forces of the enemy, which endeavored to rally and oppose the advance of General Grierson's command, were easily overcome and dispersed. In his official re- port Colonel Noble gives an account of the vast amount of property destroyed, and describes the various movements of his command on this expedition.28 The casualties were: Private Nelson Pringle, Company K, wounded and captured January 1, 1865; Private James Barr, Company B, mortally wounded January 4, 1865, and one man missing name not reported. On the 5th of January, 1865, Colonel Noble entered Vicksburg with his command and em- barked on Steamer "E. H. Fairchild." He concludes his report with the statement that his command arrived at Memphis on January 11, 1865, where he received orders to proceed to Louisville, Ky., the portion of the regiment under command of Major Jones having already departed for that place. At Louisville the regiment was once more united and received a supply of Spencer carbines, a remount of fresh horses and the other equipments necessary to put it again in perfect marching and fighting condition.27
While these two portions of the regiment were engaged upon the expedition as heretofore described. the men and officers who had not re-enlisted and whose term of service had expired were mustered out of the service and re- turned to their homes in Iowa. The names of these soldiers will be found in the subjoined roster, with the dates of their honorable discharge by reason of expiration of term of service. They had, in fact, become veterans, although not so officially designated. They had faithfully served the full term of three years, many of them were not in physical condition to be again mus- tered into the service, and all of them had earned the right to retire with honor and without being subjected to criticism by comparison with their comrades who preferred to serve until the end of the war. Therefore, while those who remained have the official right to the title of Veterans, and are so designated in the roster, the lack of that title should not be considered as a disparagement to those who did not re-enlist when their original term of three years had expired.
The reunited Veterans, under command of Colonel John W. Noble, re- mained in camp at Louisville while preparations were being made for the next and last great campaign in which they were to engage. The regiment was assigned to the First Brigade of the Fourth Division of the Cavalry
26Report of Adjutant General of Iowa, 1865, Vol. 2, pages 963, 4, 5.
27Report of Adjutant General of Iowa, 1866, continuation of history of the regi- ment, page 116.
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THIRD CAVALRY
Corps, commanded by Brevet Major General James H. Wilson. The division was under the command of Brevet Major General Emory Upton, and the brigade-consisting of the Third and Fourth Iowa and Tenth Missouri Cavalry -was under the command of Brevet Brigadier General Edward F. Winslow. The three regiments numbered about two thousand four hundred men and officers. It was especially fitting that these regiments, which had so long been associated together, should be retained in the brigade and commanded by an officer under whom they had fought so often and in whom they had implicit confidence. It was evident that this last struggle was to be a desperate one. The cavalry forces of the enemy were under the command of Lieutenant General N. B. Forrest, of whose ability and courage no troops on the Union side had better knowledge than those composing Winslow's Brigade, which had so often fought the rebel forces under command of that intrepid Southern leader.
The regiment with its brigade marched from Louisville to Chickasaw Landing on the Tennesee River, where the first active operations of the campaign commenced on March 21. 1865, and ended at Macon, Ga., with the close of the war. There was no engagement during this great campaign, in which Winslow's Brigade participated, in which the Third Iowa Cavalry was not conspicuous. The brigade commander recognized the meritorious conduct of Colonel Noble and his gallant regiment and highly commended them, as will be seen by the following extracts taken from his official report : 29
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, FOURTH DIVISION, C. C. M. D. M., MACON, GA., April 21, 1865.
MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of my command since leaving Chickasaw Landing, Tennessee River, March 21st last. The distance marched, direct, has been four hundred eighty-eight miles, while the scout- ing, expeditionary, flanking, and foraging marches swell the number of miles to an average of six hundred to each regiment. Though much of this has been over a mountainous and partially sterile region, we have found sufficient corn, and if it were not for the long, hard marches, often extending into the night, our animals would now be in exceedingly good condition. Those worn out have been abandoned or turned over to the negroes, and their places supplied with captured horses and mules. The general conduct of officers and men has been excellent. . We had slight skirmishing before entering Montevallo, March 30th, one man of the Fourth Iowa Cavalry being slightly wounded. March 31st, my brigade moved in rear of the divi- sion, when, a few miles south of Montevallo, it passed to the front, and the Tenth Missouri Cavalry, being dismounted, the enemy, an Alabama brigade, was at once
pushed out of position. Two men of the Tenth Missouri were wounded. While this regiment mounted, the Third Iowa Cavalry, Colonel J. W. Noble commanding, took the advance and one company charged the enemy on the road, at a time when its column was in retreat. A portion of the enemy being separated from their main force, Captain Johnson, with two companies, was sent to the right, and, charging, captured quite a number. Several of the enemy were killed and wounded. This officer acted with vigor and gallantry. The enemy were driven in great confusion to Randolph. leaving many animals and a number of men along the road and seventy-five prisoners in our hands. Colonel Noble led his regiment, which behaved admirably, and his Adjutant lost his horse in the first charge.
Moved April 1st in rear of the division and, when at Mapleville Station, heard firing in front ; receiving soon afterwards orders to push forward rapidly, two i gi- ments, Third Iowa Cavalry leading, were hastened to the battle-ground of Ebenezer Church, arriving just as the engagement was being decided. Captain Arnim, Com- pany I, was thrown out on the left of the road and directed to charge a line of the enemy formed on the bank of the creek four hundred yards from the head of mnv column. This company, having to throw down a fence under a severe fire, had one
28Report of Adjutant General of Iowa, 1866, pages 342 to 347 inclusive.
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HISTORICAL SKETCH
officer, Lieutenant J. J. Veatch, and several men, wounded, losing also about fifteen horses. Captain Arnim and his company behaved in a gallant manner, as did also Captain Alonzo Clark, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, A. A. Q. M., who voluntarily alded in conducting this movement. The column moving forward, the enemy quickly retired. and the Third Iowa Cavalry was sent in pursuit, following the enemy to Plantersville, five miles. Captain John D. Brown, Company L, charged his men over a deep stream, capturing more of the enemy (a color company) than his command numbered. This officer had been sent with his company to Mapleville early in the day, and, meeting a body of the enemy, charged it, capturing several and scattering the others. Sergeant John Wall, guidon bearer of Company K, after being wounded in the hand, retained the saddle, carried his colors and, in a subsequent engagement, captured a rebel officer.
We arrived near Selma, April 2d, at 2 P. M., dismounting in battalion lines until 5 o'clock. At that hour, in obedience to orders from the Brevet Major General com- manding the division, I dismounted my command and, leaving every eighth man to hold horses, formed the Third Iowa on the right and the Tenth Missouri on the left of the Plantersville road, in line, about half a mile from the rebel works and fronting them. Seven companies, Fourth Iowa, were preparing to move to the left of the Tenth Missouri, when the Second Division on my right attacked .in force, and soon gained possession of the fortifications in its front. Observing this attack, the dis- mounted regiments were immediately advanced, and when the Second Division ob- tained possession of the outer works, the Fourth Cavalry, which had not yet left their horses, came forward at a gallop in column of fours, and at once pushed into the city, companies going in various directions to complete the discomfiture of the enemy. About this time the Third Iowa and Tenth Missouri were directed to remount, but the road being blocked by subsequent movements this was not fully accomplished until a late hour. The mounted companies secured four guns, three stands of colors and about one thousand prisoners : several hundred of the enemy were killed and wounded and many were drowned in attempting to escape. April 3d, by direction of Brevet Major General Wilson, I assumed command of the city, while my brigade, Colonel Noble commanding, made a march to the rear, through Summerfield to Johnson's Ferry, returning on the 6th inst. With the army this brigade moved from Selma, April 10th, arriving at Montgomery on the 12th, near which city we remained until the 14th.
Major Curkendall, with six companies of the Third Iowa Cavalry, was here detailed as provost guard, and did not rejoin the command until after the capture of Columbus. This brigade reached the point of attack before Columbus about 7:30 P. M., and at 8 o'clock was disposed in the following order: Six companies of Third Iowa Cavalry, Colonel Noble commanding. dismounted in line at right angles to the Somerville road, with the left resting thereon, two hundred yards from one line of the enemy immediately in front and about two hundred and fifty yards from the main line on our left : the latter formed behind fortifications running parallel with the Somerville road ; the Tenth Missouri Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel F. W. Benteen com- manding, on the Somerville road, four hundred yards in rear of the Third Iowa, in column of fours mounted, and the Fourth lowa, Lieutenant Colonel John H. Peters commanding, in the same order, on a by-road three hundred yards from the point of its intersection with the Somerville road, being thus to the right and rear of the Third Iowa two hundred yards.
The moment we were ready to attack, the enemy opened fire in front with small arms, and on the left with shell, canister and musketry, when the Third Iowa was directed to charge, and in five minutes we were in possession of the rifle pits in our front. Supposing the captured works to be a portion of the enemy's main line, the Tenth Missouri Cavalry was ordered forward at a gallop, and two companies pushed at once for the bridge, nearly three-fourths of a mile distant, securing it, with about fifty prisoners. This detachment passed in front and to the rear of the enemy's line unhurt, but the officer, Captain R. B. McGlasson, finding his position untenable, re- leased his prisoners and rejoined his regiment with loss of one man killed. When this regiment commenced its forward movement as the enemy developed his main line on our left, the Third Iowa was immediately directed to charge this other position, and this gallant regiment pressed forward vigorously, Captains McKee and Wilson with
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THIRD CAVALRY
about fifty men penetrating the line, capturing some prisoners and holding the posi- tion. .
ยท The Fourth Iowa, which was now immediately in front of the enemy's lines, was dismounted, except four companies, and, in charge of Captain Abraham, Company D, were pushed into the enemy's works near where the detachment of the Third Iowa had secured a lodgment. In obedience to instructions, when inside the works Captain Abraham moved directly toward the bridge, not stopping to secure the prisoners, who, after being made to throw away their arms, were left where found. Near the end of this line of rifle pits was a work with six 12-pound Howitzers, which Captain Abraham at once assaulted, capturing the garrison and armament together with four 10-pound Parrott guns, gunners and caissons, which were in position and firing near this fort. Without halting, a portion of his command rushed over the bridge (a covered one), capturing two 12-pound Howitzers, caissons, etc., on the east end. These two guns were loaded with canister, but the gunners could not fire without killing the rebels flying over the bridge with our men. The capture of this bridge was in itself a great victory, as it had been fully prepared for sudden and complete destruction. The enemy were unable to fire this structure, which, being saved, enabled our forces to occupy Columbus and march immediately upon Macon. Any delay at the Chattahoochee would have prevented our forces reaching Macon be- fore the armistice went into effect. The capture of Columbus involved the fall of
Macon. There have been very many instances of individual heroism, while almost every one did all he could. If in this report some persons seem to have done more than well, it must not be inferred that others would not have done equally well if they had been fortunate in securing opportunities.
During the campaign this brigade has taken in action three thousand one hun- dred prisoners, including two hundred commissioned officers, eleven stands of colors. thirty-three guns, twenty-five caissons, three thousand five hundred stands of arms, and a large number of horses, wagons and mules. As a testimony of my respect and appreciation of their ability and services, and because of gallantry in presence of the enemy, I respectfully recommend as follows: That the rank of Major by Brevet be conferred upon the following named officers : John D. Brown, Captain Company L, Third Iowa Cavalry. This officer was wounded severely in the battle of Big Blue, Mo., October 23, 1864; he has twice, on the present expedition, attacked, with his company, a force of the enemy greater than his own, and each time completely routed him, once capturing more than his own command numbered .- George W. Johnson, Captain Company M, Third Iowa Cavalry. This officer, once with two and again with. one company, charged a superior force of the enemy with great gallantry, routing them each time, and killing, wounding, and capturing quite a number. His courage, good conduct and gallantry have been frequently observed. . . Samuel J. McKee, Captain Company B, Third Iowa Cavalry. This officer has several times led his company gallantly, and was the first officer to enter the lines of the enemy at Columbus, himself and men having to work their way through an abatis in presence of the enemy, securely posted behind intrenchments, and only a few yards distant. With two companies he met and repulsed the enemy at Fike's Ferry, Cahawba River. killing and wounding some, and capturing thirty animals.
Your obedient servant, E. F. WINSLOW, Brevet Brigadier General, Commanding.
The regiment marched with its brigade and division from Columbus to Macon, arriving at the latter place just after the rebel forces which had oc- cupied it had surrendered unconditionally. The war was now practically ended, but the services of the Union troops could not at once be dispensed with. The rebel soldiers, having been paroled, were rapidly returning to their homes. The country was in a state of destitution, the civil authorities incapable of exercising proper control, and it was necessary, for the preserva- tion of order and the protection of life and property, that the military power should be exercised for a considerable length of time. Early in May the regiment with its brigade and division proceeded to Atlanta, where head- quarters were established, but detachments were sent into the surrounding
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HISTORICAL SKETCH
country. The duty was irksome and the men were anxious to return to their homes, but it was late in the summer before their services could be safely dispensed with. On the 2d of August orders were received directing the assembling of the Third and Fourth Regiments of Iowa Cavalry at Atlanta for the purpose of being mustered out of the service. On the 9th day of August. 1865, the Third Iowa Veteran Cavalry was formally mustered out of the service of the United States, at Atlanta, Ga. It was soon after provided with transportation to Davenport, Iowa, and, upon reaching that place, the regi- ment was disbanded and the men departed for their homes.
In the long list of Iowa regiments, the outlines of whose history the compiler of this sketch has attempted to describe not one has been found to surpass the glorious record of patriotic service rendered by the Third Cavalry. Its full and complete history would occupy a volume larger than that which contains this brief and imperfect sketch. Not many of those who marched, fought and suffered in its ranks remain upon earth, but to those who may live to peruse what is here written will come the assurance that the State, which sent them forth in the strength of their young manhood, to fight the battles of their country, has made such provision as was possible to per- petuate the memory of each brave and faithful soldier of the old regiment. These men of the Third Iowa Cavalry have left the impress of their lives upon the history of their State and Nation, not only as brave soldiers in time of war but as good citizens in every honorable avocation of life. Some of their num- ber have been highly honored since the close of the war, and have achieved fame and distinction in the high places to which they have been assigned, but, to each one who faithfully served his country in her hour of greatest need, posterity owes a debt of gratitude which can never be fully repaid .??
"'It is a remarkable fact that, at the time this historical sketch was completed (July 1. 1909), the three men who had served as Colonels of the regiment-Bussey, Caldwell and Noble-were still living, and that all three had been honored with com- missions by Benjamin Harrison, President of the United States-Caldwell, as Judge of the United States Court of Appeals: Noble, as Secretary of the Department of the Interior, and Bussey, as Assistant Secretary of the same Department.
[From the time the Third and Fourth Towa Cavalry were assigned to the same brigade, at Helena, Ark., in the winter of 1862, until the close of the war, the history of the two regiments is closely identified. For the greater part of that period they marched and fought together, and re-enlisted about the same time as "Veteran Volun- teers." Their dead, and those of the enemy they encountered, lie upon many battle- fields, from the plains of Kansas to the mountains of Georgia. The historical sketches of the operations of each of these regiments for the period mentioned will, therefore, be found largely of the same general character, as they were compiled from the official reports of the officers of each regiment, who were so often associated in the same expeditions and engagements. ]
SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES.
Total Enrollment.
2,165
Killed
66
Wounded 166
Died of wounds
31
Died of disease
230
Discharged for wounds, disease and other causes
350
Buried in National Cemeteries 175
Captured 145
Transferred 33
THIRD REGIMENT IOWA VOLUNTEER CAVALRY
Term of service three years.
Mustered into the service of the United States at Keokuk, Iowa, Sept. 14, 1861, by Captain Charles C. Smith and Lieutenant Ira K. Knox, of the United States Army.
Mustered out Aug. 9, 1865, Atlanta, Ga.
Roster of Field, Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Staff Officers at muster in of organization, together with subsequent appointments from civil life.
FIELD AND STAFF.
Cyrus Bussey. Residence Bloomfield, nativity Ohio. Appointed Colonel Aug. 10, 1861. Mustered Aug. 10, 1861. Promoted Brigadier Gener- al April 10, 1864.
Henry H. Trimble. Age 34. Nativity Indiana. Appointed Lieutenant Colo- nel Aug. 26, 1861. Wounded severely March 7, 1862, Pea Ridge, Ark. Resigned Sept. 4, 1862.
Carleton H. Perry. Residence Keokuk, nativity Vermont. Appointed First Battalion Major Aug. 26, 1861. Resigned for disability Nov. 18, 1862.
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