USA > Iowa > Lee County > Keokuk > The Second Iowa Infantry at Fort Donelson, February 15, 1862 : together with an outline history of the regiment from its organization at Keokuk, Iowa, May 27, 1861, to final discharge at Davenport, Iowa, July 20, 1865 > Part 2
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give them cold steel. Do not fire a gun until you have got on the inside, then give them h -!! Forward, my boys! March!" and we started at quick time. Determination beamed from every eye, was written upon
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THE SECOND IOWA INFANTRY
every face. On we pushed-came to the fence at the bottom of the ravine, which in a second fell and we crossed over. Then came the skirt of woods. Up the hill we pushed-about such a one as that which leads down Fox valley, north of Bloomfield. "Steady, boys!" shouted the colonel. "Steady, boys!" repeated the officers. We emerged from the woods, when, without command, we started on double quick. Now came the toil. Over brush and logs we went. We had scarcely emerged from the woods, when the devils open on us. The first volley sounded like a crash of thunder, and the balls flew round us like hail, but not a waver could be seen in our lines. Major Chipman fell wounded in the thigh. Captain Slaymaker fell mortally wounded, and as his boys passed. he waved his sword and said, "Charge, boys, charge!" These were his last. Captain Clontman was shot dead by my side. Up, up, we climbed. Not a word was spoken, save by the officers, who cheered on their men. Captain Moore, in front of his company, led us on; while Lieutenant Weaver passed quickly from right to left, reminding us of our duty, and charging us to "keep cool."
Nearer still we drew, and thick and fast came the bullets. A rifle ball pierced Sergeant Dunn through the head and he fell. Andrew Patterson was shot through the head and fell dead. We were now on the open ground, right at the breastworks. "Right over, boys!" said the colonel. The "boys" gave a yell, and they did go over. Not a shot was fired until we were over -- then, my heavens, how our muskets rattled-and at every volley we could see the devils tumbled. They immediately gave us their broad backs as a mark, and many of them bit the dust, for our boys are marksmen.
James M. Duckworth climbed upon top of the intrenchment, and when in the act of bringing his gun to his shoulder, a ball struck him in the right side of the neek, ranging downward through the lungs. He extended his hand to Captain Moore and asked to be helped down. The boys rolled him down in the trench, and the poor fellow died. Joseph Rhodes and William Drake fell in the inside of the breastworks, both mortally wounded. They survived but a few moments. Drake died shouting for the Union.
Immediately after the left wing had gained the intrenchment, Lionten- ant Colonel Baker brought up the right wing and the two united made a second charge across the next ravine, driving the enemy behind his next line of intrenehments, distant about 500 yards. The object of this was to take a battery already mentioned, but there was none to take. The enemy now had the advantage. They were behind their intrenehments-besides they opened a battery upon us which was planted on a distant hill to our right. We fell back to the ontworks. It was while we were falling back that Joseph Neidy was killed. He was shot through the head. He fought like a lion.
By this time a battery had come to our support, and we stood and watched the gunners play upon them. Night was now drawing near. General Smith rode up and asked us if we could hold our position until morning. Colonel Lauman replied, "That we could hold it till doomsday."
17
AT FORT DONELSON.
I should have mentioned earlier, perhaps, that our regiment was supported by the 7th and 14th Iowa, and the 25th and 52d Indiana.
We were drawn up under cover of the earthwork, a few yards to the right of the place where but a short time before so many of our regiment had fallen, to live through a night of intense suffering. It was freezing cold-our blankets were four miles away, and we could have no fire. It was a dreadful night. But morning dawned at last and we saw white flags waving on the enemy's works. We were relieved about 9 o'clock, and when marching from the field, General Smith rode up and told us that the fort had surrendered. Then such a shout of joy as went up, no mortal ever heard. Regiment after regiment came pouring down from the hillsides, with flags and banners waving. Our regiment marched into the fort first, and we had the satisfaction of seeing our flag waving first on the enemy's ramparts-a post assigned us.
I might tell you many things more had I time. I might name those who are entitled to notices of merit, but if I mention one I must all, for all did nobly. Colonel Tuttle received a ball through his glove and cuff, Colonel Baker and Lieutenant Weaver each one through their caps. Cap- tain Moore is one of the few who was not touched.
Now, my dear sir, if you see proper I have no objections to your laying before your readers the poor account I have tried to give of the events with which our regiment was more intimately connected during the siege and surrender of Fort Donelson. I herewith transmit, for publication, a list of Co. "G" killed and wounded. Our engagement lasted three hours. We are ordered to hold ourselves in readiness to march. I presume to Clarksville.
Remember me to all the friends and believe me, Truly yours, JOHN A. DUCK WORTH.
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THE SECOND IOWA, INFANTRY.
SECOND IOWA INFANTRY
Outline History from Organization at Keokuk, Iowa, in May, 1861, to Final Discharge at Davenport, Iowa, July 20th, 1865.
LIST OF STATIONS.
Keokuk, Iowa, (rendezvous,) from May 24 to June 13, 1861.
Hannibal, Mo., June 14, 1861.
St. Joseph, Mo., from June 15 to July 26, 1861.
Arsenal, St. Louis, Mo., from July 28 to August 1, 1861.
Bird's Point, Mo., from August 2 to August 14, 1861.
Pilot Knob, Ironton, Mo., from August 17 to August 27, 1861.
Jackson, Mo., from September 1 to September 8, 1861.
Fort Jefferson, Ky., from September 16 to September 23, 1861.
Bird's Point, Mo., from September 24 to October 27, 1861.
Benton Barracks, Mo., from October 29 to December 23, 1861.
Military Prison, MeDowell's College, St. Louis, Mo., December 23, 1861, to February 10, 1862.
Fort Donelson, Tenn., from February 14 to March 6, 1862.
Pittsburg Landing, (Shiloh,) Tenn., from March 19 to April 28, 1862. Camp Montgomery, near Corinth, Miss., from June 15 to Oct. 4, 1862. Rienzi, Miss., from October 6 to November 20, 1862. Corinth, Miss., from November 20, 1862, to May 31, 1863. La Grange, Tenn., June 1 to November 1, 1863.
Pulaski, Tenn., from November 11, 1863, to April 29, 1864. East Point, Ga., from September 8 to September 25, 1864.
Rome, Ga., from September 27 to November 11, 1864. Savannah, Ga., from December 21, 1864, to Jannary 28, 1865. Goldsboro, N. C., from March 24 to April 10, 1865. Raleigh, N. C., from April 14 to April 29, 1865. Petersburg, Va., from May 7 to May 9, 1865.
Richmond, Va., from May 10 to May 13, 1865.
Alexandria, Va., from May 20 to May 24, 1865.
Washington, D. C., from May 24 to June 1, 1865.
Louisville, Ky., from June 6 to July 12, 1865. Mustered out July 12. Davenport, Iowa, July 15 to 20, 1865. Date of final discharge.
LIST OF ENGAGEMENTS.
FORT DONELSON, February 14th and 15th, 1862 .- On Saturday, the 15th. at 2:30 p. m., the regiment, led by Colonel James M. Tuttle, made an assault upon the works constituting the right of the enemy's line, carried them, and remained in possession until the place was surrendered next morning.
,
4
19
THE SECOND IOWA INFANTRY.
SHILOH, April 6th and 7th, 1862 .- The regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel James Baker commanding, became engaged with the enemy at 2 p. m. of the 6th, the right wing suffering severely. On the 7th, the regiment har- ing reported to Brigadier-General Nelson, by his order, at 1 o'clock p. m., charged in line upon a force of the enemy who held the camp of an Ohio regiment, and drove them from it.
ADVANCE ON CORINTH, May Ist to 29th, 1862 .- Lieutenant-Colonel James Baker commanded. On the 24th the regiment supported the skirmish line when making an advance, which resulted in a brisk skirmish of an hour's continuance; and, on the same day, covered a working party while build- ing a bridge for the passage of artillery.
CORINTH, October 3d and 4th, 1862 .-- On the afternoon of the 3d, the regi- ment participated in the fierce engagement of "White House." Colonel Baker was here mortally wounded. On the 4th it was engaged during the assault made by the enemy upon the division in front of the town. Here Lieutenant-Colonel N. W. Mills was mortally wounded.
LITTLE BEAR CREEK, ALABAMA, November 28th, 1862 .-- The regiment, Colonel James Weaver commanding, was engaged in an encounter between a detachment of the 2d Division, 16th Corps, Brigadier-General T. W. Sweeny, and the enemy under General Roddy.
TOWN CREEK, ALA., April, 1563 .- The regiment, Colonel Weaver com- manding, participated in an encounter between the division commanded by Brigadier-General G. M. Dodge and the enemy under Generals Roddy and Forest.
RESACA, Ga., May 14th and 15th. 1864 .- On the 15th, at Lay's Ferry, the regiment, Colonel Weaver commanding, participated in the fighting which accompanied the crossing of the river by the division. The regiment was the first one thrown across the river after the pontoons were laid, and this movement of the division, by threatening the enemy's communications, caused Resaca to be evacuated the next morning.
ROME CROSS-ROADS, May 16th, 1867 .- The regiment participated in this engagement, being deployed as skirmishers on the left of our line.
DALLAS, GA., May 27th, 28th and 29th, 1864 .- The regiment, Lieutenant- Colonel N. B. Howard commanding, assisted, on the 27th, in establishing and intrenching onr most advanced line with severe skirmishing. On the 28th, it participated in the defense of that position, when furiously assaulted by the enemy. On the 29th, assisted in the defense of the position during a sharp night-attack by the enemy.
KENNESAW MOUNTAIN, GA., June-10th to 30th, 1564 .- The regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Howard, participated in the siege of this position.
NICK-A-JACK CREEK, GA., July 4th, 1564 .- The regiment formed the right of the line of skirmishers of the 16th Corps, and became engaged in the afternoon and evening.
IN FRONT OF ATLANTA, July 22, 1964 .- The regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel N. B. Howard commanding, participated actively in this engagement, holding a position between the two batteries of the division, being pro-
20
THE SECOND IOWA INFANTRY.
tected by a light breastwork. It captured a considerable number of prisoners and one stand of colors.
SIEGE OF ATLANTA, July 20th to August 27th, 1864 .- On the 4th of Au- gust, the regiment, commanded by Major M. G. Hamill, had a heavy skirmish while re-establishing the picket line of the division. Maintain- ing its position in the front line for eighteen days constantly under cannon and musketry fire. It participated actively in the entire siege.
ADVANCE ON JONESBORO, GA., August 30th, 1864 .- The regiment, Major Hamill commanding, while supporting Kilpatrick's cavalry, in conjunction with the 7th Iowa, encountered the enemy and repulsed him.
JONESBORO, GA., August 31st, 1864 .- On extreme right of army. Regi- ment held in reserve close up to 81st Ohio on front line and under spent fire of rebel attack, whose advance was handsomely repulsed.
EDEN STATION, GA., December 7th, 1864 .- The regiment, Lieutenant- Colonel Howard commanding, was the first thrown across the great Oge- chee on the pontoons laid for the passage of the Army of the Tennessee; and, after skirmishing along a causeway for a mile, formed in line, and assaulted a barricade; drove therefrom a battalion of the enemy, and occu- pied the station.
LITTLE OGECHEE, GA., December 10th to 20th, 1864 .- The regiment took part in the operations against the enemy's position along this river.
SAVANNAH, GA., December 21st, 1861 .- The regiment entered the town on this day with the corps.
COLUMBIA, S. C., February 15th and 16th, 1865 .- The regiment partici- pated in the operations which resulted in the capture of this place.
LYNCH'S CREEK, S. C., February 26th, 1565 .- The regiment, being the advance of division and corps, was compelled to ford the stream three- quarters of a mile in width, and encountered the enemy's cavalry before completing the crossing. Lively skirmishing followed for three hours, when, other regiments and artillery being brought across, the enemy re- treated.
BENTONSVILLE, N. C., March 18th to 21st .- The regiment, Colonel How- ard commanding, participated in the operations which resulted in the de- feat of Johnston at this place.
N. B. HOWARD, Colonel Commanding 2d lowa Infty.
21
THE SECOND IOWA INFANTRY.
TOTAL ENLISTMENTS AND TOTAL CASUALTIES IN 2D IOWA INFANTRY.
Fully one thousand officers and enlisted men were mustered into the United States service May 27th, 1861, for three years unless sooner dis- charged. During the four years and two months it served, fully one thou- sand more men were added to its ranks as recruits and by the consolida- tion of three companies of the 3rd Iowa Infantry.
TABLE OF CASUALTIES (FIFTY PER CENT).
Killed and died
of wounds.
Wounded.
Died of Dis-
ease.
Discharged for
disability.
Resigned.
Captured.
Total.
Officers
12
26
3
31
-
2
78
Enlisted men
89
291
118
356
916
Total
101
317
152
359
31
34
994 .
ORGANIZATION OF CO. "F," 2D IOWA INFANTRY.
SHOWING THE SPONTANEOUS RESPONSE TO THE CALL TO ARMS BY PRESIDENT LINCOLN AFTER THE FIRING UPON FORT SUMTER, IOWA TENDERING THREE REGIMENTS, ONLY ONE BEING ACCEPTED.
At a meeting held at the Court House in Keosauqua, Van Buren county, Iowa, on the 24th day of April, A. D. 1861, for the purpose of forming a volunteer company in response to the recent Proclamation of the Gov- . ernor of this State, the following proceedings were had, to-wit:
On motion, Major Henry King was elected President, and Captain J. H. Bonney and Captain J. M. Shaw, Vice-Presidents, and T. W. Rich- mond and George F. Wright, Secretaries.
J. M. Tuttle being called upon, stated the object of the meeting to be for the purpose of raising a company of Volunteers to enter the active military service of the United States for the purposes specified in the re- cent Proclamation of the Governor of this State and the President of the United States and to make immediate tender of their services to the Gov- ernor for that purpose.
Thereupon the following agreement for enlistment was produced and the persons whose names are attached thereto came forward and signed the same.
"Whereas, the President of the United States has made a requisition upon the Executive of the State of Iowa for one regiment of militia to aid the Federal Government in enforcing its laws and suppressing rebellion. Now, therefore. I, Samuel J. Kirkwood, Governor of the State of lowa, do issue this Proclamation, and hereby call upon the militia of this State im- mediately to form, in the different counties, Volunteer Companies with a view of entering the active military service of the United States for the purpose aforesaid. The regiment at present required will consist of ten
22
THE SECOND IOWA INFANTRY.
companies of at least 78 men each, including one Captain and two Lieu- tenants, to be elected by each company. Under the present requisition only one regiment can be accepted, and the companies accepted must hold themselves in readiness for duty by the 20th of May next at farthest. If a sufficient number of companies are tendered, their services may be re- quired sooner. If more companies are formed and reported than can be received under the present call, their services will be required in the event of another requisition upon the State. The nation is in peril. A fearful attempt is being made to overthrow the Constitution and dissever the Union. The aid of every loyal citizen is invoked to sustain the General Government. For the honor of our State let the requirement of the Presi- dent be cheerfully and promptly met.
"IOWA CITY, April 17, A. D. 1861.
SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD."
We, the undersigned citizens of Van Buren county, in compliance with the within and foregoing Proclamation of the Governor of the State of lowa, do hereby volunteer and agree to form a company_and do hereby form a company subject to the order and control of the State and National Government for the purposes specified in the Proclamation of the Gov- ernor and the Proclamation of the President therein referred to.
[ Eighty-six men immediately stepped forward and signed the roll ].
The persons so volunteering then proceeded in due form to elect from their number officers for said Company.
Whereupon James M. Tuttle was duly elected Captain, George F. Wright First Lieutenant, and A. Wilkin Second Lieutenant of said Company.
The Captain of said Company was then anthorized to tender the ser- vises of said Company to the Governor forthwith.
T. W. RICHMOND, HENRY KING, President.
GEO. F. WRIGHT, Secretaries.
Filed with the Governor at Des Moines, Iowa, April 26th, 1861.
NOTE .-- A patriotic and explicit letter written by the late Hon. D. N. Richardson, Secretary of the Soldiers Monument Commission, and. as it indicates, was written in answer to one of inquiry as to who first suggested and was responsible for the plac- ing of the "Fort Donelson" bas relief upon the monument, from one in a position to know.
F. M. DRAKE, CHAIRMAN.
D. N. RICHARDSON, SECRETARY.
IOWA SOLDIERS AND SAILORS MONUMENT COMMISSION.
MEMBERS.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
F. M DRAKE, GOVERNOR OF IOWA.
C. H. GATCH.
JAMES HARLAN, MT. PLEASANT.
CORA C. WEED.
CORA C. WEED, MUSCATINE.
D. N. RICHARDSON.
H. H. TRIMBLE, KEOKUK.
OFFICE AT THE STATE ('APITOL,
H. H. TRIMBLE.
D. N. RICHARDSON, DAVENPORT.
E. TOWNSEND, CEDAR FALLS
DES MOINES.
J. F. MERRY, MANCHESTER.
C. H. GATCH, DES MOINES.
DAVENPORT, April 1, 1836.
CAPT. V. P. TWOMBLY, Des Moines, Iowa.
DEAR SIR: I have your letter of March 30th, 1896, respecting the bas relief of "Fort Donelson." I went to Chicago on the 30th of March, am but just returned, which will account for late answer.
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THE SECOND IOWA INFANTRY.
The bas relief of "Fort Donelson" was a part of Mrs. Ketcham's original design, and so was accepted by the Commission and the 24th General As- sembly, when the appropriation of $150,000 was made for building the monument.
Its appearance in the original design formed one of the prominent rea- sons for the acceptance of the design as a whole. It was a most notable event of the war, the capture of Donelson -- and the Second Infantry of Iowa took the brunt of it. The Commission believed that an imperishable picture of it would meet the approbation of every soldier and inhabitant of Iowa, and it was an Iowa monument that the state was nudertaking to build. In every respect it would "perpetuate an expression on the part of the people of Iowa, of their appreciation of the patriotism, courage and distinguished soldierly bearing of their fellow citizens as manifested dnr- ing the war of the rebellion." (I quote the words of the original act under which the Commission went to work.) It was especially endorsed by Gov. Kirk wood, who thought that the picture would be one of the most promi- nent features of the monument. (It is now thought that should be laid aside for a picture representing rebels opening fire on Smter!) Great Father of us all, the bare thought is an ontrage! . In what respect does Beauregard and his guns and gunners stand for the patriotism, courage and distinguished soldierly bearing of Iowa soldiers? Can it be possible that the Iowa soldiers monument is to be subjected to such an indignity ? Can it be possible that lowa soldiers are asking for it? Can it be possi- ble that the appearance of a picture of the Donelson charge creates an en- vious feeling in the breast of any fowa soldier or any American ?
No; the Donelson Bas Relief was not placed on the monument by any special act of the Commission; it was a part of the glorious whole. God put it in the mind of the designer; the Commission and the 24th General Assembly accepted the thought with heartfelt unanimity. The record shows just that.
Yours truly,
D. N. RICHARDSON,
Secretary.
CORPORAL TWOMBLY, 1861.
CAPTAIN TWOMBLY, 1865.
1
250
VOLTAIRE P. TWOMBLY
Born February 21, 1842, near Farmington, Van Buren county, Iowa. Educated in common schools of Keosauqua, Iowa.
Enlisted April 24, 1861, under first call for troops.
Mustered May 1, 1861, into service of the State by Judge George G. Wright.
Mustered May 27, 1861, into United States service as a private in Co. F, 2d Iowa Infantry.
Promoted 7th Corporal October 1, 1861, and detailed on color guard.
Promoted 5th Sergeant February 16, 1862, and honorably mentioned by Colonel Tuttle in his report of operations of the regiment in battle of Fort Donelson, February 15, 1862.
)
Promoted 4th Sergeant March 4, 1862.
1
Battle of Shiloh April 6 and 7, 1862, as Color Sergeant.
Promoted 3d Sergeant April 2, 1862.
Promoted 2d Lieutenant August 1, 1862. 1987710
Wounded in battle of Corinth, Miss., October 3, 1862.
Atlanta Campaign May 1 to September 1, 1864.
Promoted Ist Lieutenant and Adjutant June 25, 1864.
Wounded in battle of Jonesboro, Georgia, August 31, 1864.
Promoted Captain Co. K (consolidation of Cos. F and K), November 10, 1864.
"March to the Sea."
Served on staff of 3d Brigade, 4th Division, 15th Army Corp, as Aet- ing Assistant Inspector General, from January, 1865, to July, 1865.
March north through the Carolinas, Columbia, S. C., Bentonville, N. C., Goldsboro, N. C., Raleigh, N. C. Surrender of Johnston's Rebel Army March 15.
Grand review of the armies at Washington, D. C., May 24, 1865.
Mustered out of service (close of war) July 12, 1865.
Finally discharged at Davenport, Iowa, July 20, 1865.
Student in Business College, Burlington, Iowa, September 1 to Decent- ber 1, 1865.
Flour merchant at Ottumwa, Iowa, December, 1865, to December, 1867.
Married Chloe A. Funk, of Keosauqua, May 1, 1866. (The girl I left behind me).
Milling business at Pittsburg, Van Buren county, January, 1868, to April, 1876.
United with Congregational church, Keosauqua, April, 1869.
Merchant at Keosauqua, Iowa, April, 1876, to December, 1879.
Charter member W. C. Harper Post No. 79, G. A. R., Keosauqua, 1879. County Treasurer Van Buren county, January, 1880, to January, 1884. Mayor of Keosauqua from March, 1884, to December, 1884. (Resigned), Treasurer of State of Iowa, January, 1885, to January, 1891.
Companion, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. October, 1887.
President Home Savings Bank, Des Moines, Iowa, June, 1891, to Jan- uary, 1901.
业ょ
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THE SECOND IOWA INFANTRY.
HEADQUARTERS 2D IOWA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. CAMP MONTGOMERY, NEAR CORINTH, MISS., July 29, 1862. CAPTAIN A. WILKIN.
DEAR SIR: I had some days since a consultation with General Tuttle in reference to vacancies of 1st and 2d Lieutenants in your Company, since which I received a commission (subject to my approval) for Chas. Parker as 1st Lieutenant. I delivered the commission to "Charley" and he has been duly installed.
The General and I would urge the claims of Voltaire Twombly for 2d Lieutenant. He is a model soldier, intelligent and temperate, his conduct at Fort Donelson proves his coolness and bravery and entitles him to pro- motion.
Should this selection meet your approbation, you will at your earliest convenience forward (with this) a recommendation to the Governor.
Accept my best wishes for a speedy recovery from your wounds and an early return to your regiment.
Your friend, - (Sgd.) JAMES BAKER, Colonel Commanding.
BURLINGTON, IOWA, August 29, 1862.
HON. S. J. KIRKWOOD.
DEAR SIR: It gives me pleasure to recon mend to you for appointment as 2d Lieutenant, Co. F, 2d Iowa Infantry, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of William Brawner, mortally wounded at Pittsburg Landing, Sergeant Voltaire P. Twombly, Co. F, 2d lowa Infantry.
Sergeant Twombly is the only one of the Color Guard of the 2d Iowa Infantry left after the fight at Fort Donelson. You will remember him from this circumstance.
Yours truly, (Sgd.) ABE WILKIN, Captain Co. F, ed Iowa.
STATE OF IOWA, ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE. DES MOINES, December 3, 1896.
It is hereby certified that the above are true copies of letters on file in this office.
HENRY H. WRIGHT, Adjutant General.
27
THE SECOND IOWA INFANTRY.
RECORD AND PENSION OFFICE, WAR DEPARTMENT. WASHINGTON CITY, March 12, 1897.
CAPT. VOLTAIRE P. TWOMBLY, Late of Co. K, 2nd lowa Vols., Des Moines, la.
SIR: I have the honor to inform you that by direction of the President and in accordance with the act of Congress approved March 3, 1863, pro- viding for the presentation of medals of honor to such officers, non-com- missioned officers, and privates as have most distinguished themselves in action, the Assistant Secretary of War has awarded you a medal of honor for most distinguished gallantry in action at Fort Donelson, Tennessee, February 15, 1862.
In making the award the Assistant Secretary nsed the following lan- guage:
"This officer, then a corporal, took the colors after three of the color guard had fallen -- one killed and the others seriously wounded -- and al- though almost instantly knocked down by a spent ball, immediately rose and bore the colors to the end of the engagement."
The medal has been forwarded to you today by registered mail. Upon the receipt of it please advise this office thereof.
Very respectfully, F. C. AINSWORTH, Colonel U. S. Army. Chief Record and Pension Office.
The thirty-fifth anniversary of the Battle of Fort Donelson (February 15, 1862) was celebrated by Kinsman Post No. 7, Department of Iowa, G. A. R., in February, 1897, with an open meeting, at which Comrade Twom - bly, Past Post Commander, was invited to give an account of the battle, which he did, using a fine map prepared for the occasion by his pastor, Comrade Rev. Clinton Douglas. For this occasion Kinsman Woman's Re- lief Corps secured a very beautiful three-foot silk flag, fully mounted with fringe, cord and tassel on a nice staff, which was presented to Comrade Twombly by Corps President Mrs. Jennie Trout in the following words:
COMRADE TWOMBLY :
Thirty-five years ago you performed a deed of valor, which, without doubt, has had its influence on the destinies of our country. You, sup- ported by other brave men, planted the stars and stripes on the enemy's works at Fort Donelson. That you are a living hero, and not a dead one, and that you are here tonight to celebrate the thirty-five anniversary of that event, is no discredit to you. Allow me, in behalf of Kinsman Woman's Relief Corps, to present to you this silken banner, emblem of our glorious country, as a slight token of our appreciation of the part you took in that event, and thus share with Kinsman Post the honor conferred upon you.
DES MOINES, IOWA, February 15, 1897.
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