The history of Boone County, Iowa, containing biographical sketches war records of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men, history of the Northwest, history of Iowa, map of Boone county etc., Part 60

Author: Union Historical Company, Des Moines, pub
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Des Moines : Union historical company
Number of Pages: 708


USA > Iowa > Boone County > The history of Boone County, Iowa, containing biographical sketches war records of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men, history of the Northwest, history of Iowa, map of Boone county etc. > Part 60


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Thus far Boone county had recruited and sent to the front three compa- nies, which wholly, or in part, were recruited in the bounds of the county. The favorite company of Boone county, however, was recruited by Dr. De Tarr, R. J. Shannon and W. L. Defore, during the summer of 1862. These gentlemen visited the various sections of the county, held war meetings and made speeches. Great excitement prevailed everywhere, and when the company was ordered into the service, August 11, 1862, a large concourse of people from all parts of the county assembled at Boonesboro. Public exercises appropriate to the occasion were conducted at the court-house square, and a flag was presented to the company by the ladies of Boonesboro. The leading citizens of the county conveyed the soldiers in wagons to Iowa City, where they took the cars for the place of rendezvous at Dubnque. This company was mustered into the service in October, 1862, and became company D of the Thirty-second Iowa infantry. Recruits from Boone county · were represented in various other companies and regiments. Considering the sparsely-settled condition of the county at that time, there were few, if any, counties in the State which responded more promptly to the re- peated calls for volunteers than did Boone county. The resources of the county, however, finally became exhausted, and it was necessary to order a draft. A draft was ordered in all the townships of the county. Extraor- dinary efforts were then made by the local committees of the various town- ships, whereby the quotas were raised in all the townships except Cass and Pilot Mound. In these two townships it was necessary to draft men in order to fill the contingent. As far as is known there was but the one draft and that only in those two townships. The following record of regiments in which Boone county soldiers served, together with a full and accurate list of names, is compiled from the adjutant-general's report:


Thank Champhin


479


HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.


THIRD INFANTRY.


The Third infantry was made up from nearly every part of the State. It was emphatically a Hawkeye regiment. It rendezvoused at Keokuk, and was mustered into the United States service June 10, 1861. When it embarked on board the train, for the field, July 1, it was magnificently equipped with burnished old Springfield rifles of " 1848." Not a cartridge, not a ration of food, not a round of ammunition, not even a field officer above the rank of captain. This was but the prelude to what subsequently proved the saddest history of all the regiments which Iowa sent to the war. It moved to Northern Missouri, and its first night in the field was near Utica, where, supperless and tired, they threw themselves on the damp ground, without even establishing a picket post, trusting alone in Providence. Near midnight of the 3d they were first introduced to the "Gray-backs." It's first engagement was at Hagar's Woods, where, under the command of Col. Smith, of the 16th Illinois, they met the enemy. The force consisted of about 450 men, supported by a six-pounder swivel gun, manned by Sergeant Fishbeem. Moving out from Monroe, on the line of the railroad, they came on the enemy's scouts, who at once opened fire upon them. Mr. Fishbeem hurried his artillery to the front, and quickly sent the enemy flying in all directions, when Col. Smith, under cover of night, retired. The next movement was from Macon City to Kirksville, to ront the enemy, who, under Green, were in camp on Salt river, which was successfully accomplished, under command of Lieutenant-colonel Scott.


At Blue Mills Landing, Sept. 17, 1861, the regiment fonght its first hard fight, which though unsuccessful, was unequaled for bravery and prompt- ness to action, in the whole history of the war in Missouri. It remained in Northern Missouri until October 18, 1861, when it went to Quincy, Illi- nois, whence after a few weeks it moved to St. Louis; thence out along the North Missouri railroad, where it remained until March, 1862, when it sailed for Savannah, on the Tennessee river. March 17, it disembarked at Pittsburg Landing with the Fourth division under General Hurlbut. It was assigned to the First Brigade, commanded by Colonel Williams. In April following, the regiment took part in the ever memorable battle of Shiloh, making for itself an imperishable record. The divisions of Hurl- but and Smith were in camp in front of the landing. Prentiss, McCler- nad and Sherman with their divisons, held the front, from right to left. While the Third were eating breakfast on the morning of the 16th, they were startled by firing at the front, which was soon followed by the call " to arms." Leaving their breakfast unfinished, the Third was quickly in line, and marching to the front, under command of its major, its colonel being in command of a brigade, and its Lieutenant-colonel sick, and absent. It moved at quick-step to the front, at the right of its brigade, but the left of the entire army. To its right were the first and second brigades, and Wallace's division in which were the Twenty-seventh, Twelfth and Four- teenth Iowa regiments. This position the Third held until four o'clock in the afteroon, until the troops on their right and left had been utterly routed. The Eighth, Twelfth and Fourteenth Iowa were captured. It was at this position the enemy hurled its forces for five hours, in unsuc- cessful attempt to break it, but which was finally accomplished by flank


30


480


HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.


movements. It has always been a marvel how the Third got through the circling lines of the enemy. Of the 450 officers and men of the regiment, engaged in this battle, more than two hundred were killed and wounded. The correct historian attributes to stubborn valor of Iowa troops the sav- ing of Grant's army from capture at Shiloh. During the siege of Corinth the Third was present, but took no active part, After the fall of Corinth, the regiment went with Sherman to Memphis, and led the van into the city July 21. September 6, the regiment moved back toward Memphis, and October 5 took part in the battle of the Hatchie, with two killed and sixty wounded. Little of importance transpired with the regiment for several months subsequent. May 18, 1864, it left Memphis for Vicksburg, and its days of rest were ended. It shared in the capture of that strong- hold, and then set out with Sherman against Johnson, who had planted himself at Jackson, where an unsuccessful attempt was made to dislodge him July 12. The regiment returned to Vicksburg, thence sailed to Natchez and joined Sherman in his march to Meridian. Soon after its term expired, when it re-enlisted as " vets," came North on a furlough, in the spring of 1864. It returned to the front, and joined Sherman in his march to the sea, and at Atlanta, July 22, was put in the front and lost heavily. Its color-sergeant was killed and the colors captured. Subse- quently, some of the regiment who had been taken prisoners at Atlanta, saw their colors borne through the streets by a squad of cavalry. They rushed upon them, re-captured the colors and tore it in shreds. The regi- ment became decimated to 318 men and July 8, consolidated with the Second, and on the 12th was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky. It literally fought itself out of existence. Boone county was represented in this regiment in company E.


For list of casualities, see page 184.


· COMPANY E .*


Samuel B. McCall, first lieutenant; wounded at Shiloh, April 6, 1862; promoted captain June 26, 1861; mustered out June 18, 1864; ap- pointed captain and C. S. U. S. V. March 11, 1865, and brevet major U. S. V. July 25, 1865.


John H. Smith, second surgeon; killed at Shiloh April 6, 1862.


Thomas Mulvana, fifth surgeon ; wounded at Blue Mills, Mo., Sep- tember 17, 1861; killed at Shiloh April 6, 1862.


Henry M. Groves, fifth corporal; promoted to third corporal Sep- tember 1, 1862; reduced to ranks June 16, 1862.


William H. Cummings, musician.


PRIVATES.


Atkisson, William K.


Atkisson, James, promoted to wag- oner.


Barrett, George W., wounded July 12, 1863, at Jackson, Miss.


Bennett, Jesse, discharged Decem- ber 15, 1862.


Chambers, William C., promoted to eighth corporal . May 27, 1862; wounded at Shiloh April 6, 1862. Castine John, wounded at Shiloh; transferred February 16, 1864, to invalid corps.


Gilmore, David B., promoted to third corporal November 1, 1861; killed July 12, 1863, at Jackson, Miss. Hope, John H.


*Enlisted May 21, 1861.


481


HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.


Harris Lewis, captured February 27,


1864, near Pearl River, Miss.


Harlan, Michael T., discharged De- cember 18, 1861.


Kirkendall, John W., discharged July 10, 1862.


Mullen, Guilford, promoted to fourth corporal April 6, 1862.


Mitchell, James H., discharged May 3, 1862.


Mitchell, James, died at Quincy, Ill., November 17, 1861.


Martin, Nathan G.


Marsh, Samuel, wounded at Meta- mora, Tenn., October 5, 1862; discharged December 20, 1862, for wounds.


Paynes, James R.


+Pardee, Bartley N., wounded at Blue Mills, Mo., September 17,


1861; wounded May 18, 1863, on steamer near Island No. 82.


Paxton, William K., promoted to sixth corporal October 16, 1862. Ross, Albert C. Ramsey, M. Kennedy.


Ramsey, George, Jr.


Spurrier, William A., promoted to sixth corporal June 26, 1861; died at Saylorville November 23, 1861. Spurrier, Joseph J., promoted to sixth corporal November 16, 1861; wounded at Shiloh April 6, 1862; promoted to fourth sergeant April 6, 1862.


Walker, Martin V., died at Macon City, Mo., September 18, 1861. +Ward, Obed. R.


Zenor. Samuel P., wounded and captured at Shiloh April 6, 1862.


TENTH INFANTRY.


This regiment was organized at Camp Fremont, Iowa City, in August, 1861. It was mustered into service September 6, 1861, embarked Septem- ber 24th for St. Louis, arriving on the 27th, where it was armed, clotlied and equipped. October 1st it moved to Cape Girardeau, to aid in protec- ting that point from the menaced attack of Pillow and Hardee. November 12 it moved to Bird's Point, where it did scouting, general and picket duty until March 4, 1862, when it moved to New Madrid. While at Bird's Point the loss from exposure and measles was ninety-six. It took active part in the capture of New Madrid, on March 13th and 14th, which, with a brilliant movement on Tiptonville, April 7th and 8th, resulted in capturing the force of Island No. 10, of about six thousand prisoners. April 10th it moved with the army of the Mississippi to Pittsburg Landing, disembark- ing at Hamburg, April 21st, where it served in Pope's command during the siege of Corinth, on the left of the army. After the surrender of Cor- inth, it pursued the enemy to Boonville, when it returned and remained in camp, at Corinth and Jacinto, until September 18th, when it was ordered to engage General Price, then supposed to be near Inka, which was a disas- trous blunder for the regiment and brigade. The pursuit of the enemy on the 20th, the bloody battle of Corinth, October 3d and 4th, and the pur- suit of the rebels to and beyond the Hatchie, form the next chapter in their history. November 22d it moved to Moscow, Tennessee, where it joined Grant's march down the Mobile and Ohio railroad; December 22d it marched, with its division, from Lumpkin's Mill, Mississippi, to Memphis, as guard of a provision train, which completed, the regiment went to White Station, where it passed the winter guarding the railroad. March 4th it joined the Yazoo Pass expedition, which was abandoned after an unsuccess- ful effort of several weeks to get in the rear of Vicksburg by a flank move- ment. It was a tedious and perilous expedition. It next joined in the


+Veteranized in company A, second consolidated veteran infantry, January 1, 1864.


482


HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.


Vicksburg campaign, commencing at Milliken's Bend, and terminating in the fall of Vicksburg. It was in reserve at the battle of Port Gibson; at the battle of Raymond, May 15, it was in the second line; on the 14th fought at Jackson, driving the enemy. On the 16th, at Champion's Hill, the enemy was met in force, the Tenth being on the left of the brigade, exposed to heavy flank movement and murderous fire of the enemy. Out of 1,300 engaged of the brigade, 500 were killed; the Tenth lost thirty-four killed and 124 wounded, which attests the obstinacy with which the brigade held its grounds and turned the tide of battle. On the 19th of May the regiment took its position in the line, in front of Vicksburg, where it re- mained until June 22d, when it was moved to Black river, where it remained till the fall of Vicksburg, when it was sent to Jackson, Mississippi, in pur- suit of Johnson; returned to Vicksburg, July 19th. September 29th the division was ordered to Memphis to join Sherman's march to Chattanooga, leaving Memphis, October 10th, and arriving at Chattanooga November 19th, after a march of thirty-two days. On the 25th the Tenth was a part of the heroic force who stormed Mission Ridge, and earned a noble record. This, and the battle at Champion's Hill, are regarded as the hardest battles fought by this regiment. December 4th the regiment moved to Larkins- · ville, Alabama, thence to Huntsville, arriving January 9th, 1864. February 1st the regiment re-enlisted as veterans, and remained at Huntsville, mak- ing sorties with Roddy's cavalry until June 15th, when it started north on a veteran furlough. In July it returned to the front, arriving at Kingston, Georgia, August 1st. While here it was transferred to the second brigade. September 28th, the non-veterans were mustered out, the regiment was filled up, and then joined Sherman's march to Savannah. January 19th, the regiment was moved from Savannah into South Carolina, and joined the expedition on Columbia, thence to Goldsboro, entering the latter city August 22d, after severe fighting, having marched five hundred miles from Savannah in an inclement season of the year. Many of the soldiers were nearly naked and without shoes, but all were contented and joyous, satisfied in the consciousness of duty done. The regiment traveled eight thousand, one hundred and seventy-five miles, served in ten States of the Confed- eracy, and fought in eighteen pitched battles besides numerous skirmishes. Up to the battle of Mission Ridge, not a man had been taken prisoner on a battle-field. The regiment was mustered out as veterans at Little Rock, Arkansas, August 15, 1865, having served months beyond their term of enlistment, and for which they received high commendation from the · de- partment.


For list of casualities see page 184.


COMPANY D .*


William P. Berry, captain, enlisted July 11, 1861; resigned March 1, 1862.


William J. Wheeler, first lieuten- ant; enlisted July 11, 1861; re- signed March 29, 1862.


William Rankin, second lieutenant;


reported but not commissioned; enlisted July 11, 1861; discharged December 20, 1861.


John (Josiah) Fritz, first sergeant; enlisted August 1, 1861; died at Mound City, Ill., November 11, 1862.


Stephen G. Moffatt, second sergeant; enlisted August 3, 1861; promot-


*This company enlisted in 1861, unless otherwise stated.


483


HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.


ed to first lieutenant March 30, 1862; mustered out December 26, 1864.


Isaac Stover, third sergeant; en- listed August 1, 1861; promoted to first lieutenant March 30, 1865, but not mustered; was mustered ont as first sergeant; wounded at Mission Ridge November 25, 1863.


George Meyers, fourth sergeant; en- listed August 3, 1861.


*Alanson O. Eberhart, fifth ser- geant; enlisted August 19, 1861; promoted to second sergeant Feb- ruary 1, 1864; to captain March 30, 1865, but mustered out as first sergeant.


Paschal D. Robertson, first corporal; discharged January 21, 1862.


Reuben Parcell, third corporal; died March 8, 1863, at Memphis, Tenn.


Jerome B. White, fourth corporal; promoted to sergeant; wounded May 16, 1863, at Champion's Hill, Miss .; died June 18, 1863, of wounds at Champion's Hill; en- listed August 17, 1861.


Alexander Draper, fifth corporal en- listed August 24, 1861; discharg- ed November 10, 1862.


Oliver Lewis, seventh corporal; en- listed August 3, 1861; discharged November 11, 1862.


PRIVATES.


Blunk, Moses, enlisted August 24; discharged October 13, 1862.


*Coe, Samuel, enlisted August 20. Doren, John V., enlisted August 18; died December 24, 1861, at Bird's Point, Mo.


*Eads, James R., enlisted August 15.


*Goodman, Jacob, enlisted August 12.


Hornbuckle, George W., enlisted August 26; promoted to second sergeant; killed at Chattanooga,


Tennessee, November 25, 1865; wounded at Champion's Hill, Mississippi, May 16, 1863.


Hurst, Andrew, enlisted August 13; discharged December 11, 1862. [Reported also Anderson Hurst.] *Hull, James, enlisted August 24. *Holcomb, Charles L., enlisted Sep- tember 2.


Hagan, John B., enlisted August 12; discharged June 26, 1862.


*Joice, Peter, enlisted August 12; wounded September 19, 1862, at Iuka, Miss.


Jesse, Samuel, enlisted August 12. Miller, Robert G., enlisted August


12; discharged January 26, 1862. Madden, Malen M., enlisted August 16; died at Mound City, Ill., De- cember, 7, 1861.


Myers, Delany, enlisted August 26; discharged May 6, 1862.


Marks, David, enlisted August 12. Needham, Melvin, enlisted August 12; discharged January 26, 1862. *Noland, Nathaniel, enlisted August 29; promoted to corporal Febru- ary 1, 1864.


Price, Israel, enlisted August 13; promoted to second sergeant Jan- uary 1, 1864.


*Robertson, Robert, enlisted Au- gust 12; promoted to second ser- geant January 1, 1864.


Starr, Edgar, enlisted August 20; transferred to invalid corps Feb- ruary 15, 1864.


*Shockey, Henry, enlisted August 13.


*Stone, Henry J., enlisted August 26; wounded May 16, 1863, at Champion's Hill.


*Stine, Isaac, enlisted August 12; promoted to corporal January 1, 1864.


*Sanford, John H., enlisted August 29.


Templin, William, enlisted August 24; promoted October 21, 1861; resigned March 29, 1862.


*Re-enlisted in the Tenth veteran regiment, January 1, 1864.


484


HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.


Upton, Jonas H., enlisted August 12; discharged April 6, 1862. Wilson, Edward, enlisted August 18.


*Wheeler, William J., enlisted Au- gust 19.


ADDITIONAL.


Blunk, Moses, enlisted August 24; discharged October 13, 1862.


*Kirby, George W .; enlisted Sep- tember 30.


*Gaston, Larne, enlisted October 28; wounded (date and place un- known); also reported, Gaston Lame, and Lame Gaston.


McCall, John, enlisted September 29; wounded at Mission Ridge, Tenn., November 25, 1863.


*McAanully, James L., enlisted October 28.


Noland, Albert C., enlisted Febru- ary 23, 1864; died April 16, 1864, at Huntsville, Ala.


Needham, Sylvester, enlisted Feb- ruary 23, 1864.


*Phipp, William D., enlisted Sep- tember 30; promoted to corporal January 1, 1864.


*Radcliff, William, enlisted Septem- ber 30.


Sprague, William D., enlisted Feb- ruary, 29, 1864.


Sanford, Alonzo L., enlisted Febru- ary 23, 1864.


Smith, Oliver, enlisted July 21, 1864.


FIFTEENTH INFANTRY.


This is one of noblest regiments of the State, and to have been a mem- ber of it is honor enough for any soldier. Its history is long and eventful -beyond the limits prescribed in this book. It was organized in February, 1862, mustered in March 14, and joined Grant's army at Pittsburg Land- ing in April, where it went through its " bloody baptism," losing in two days over one- fourth its number. Briefly, its history may be summed. up in nine divisions:


I. Pittsburg Landing-Battle of Shiloh.


II. Siege of Corinth .- Summer and fall of 1862-Bolivar-Iuka-Bat- tle of Corinth, October 3d and 4th-Pursuit of Rebels to Ripley-Return to Corinth October 13.


III. Winter Campaign, 1862 .- Grand Junction-Holly Springs-Ox- ford-Abbeville- Yockena Station-Return to Lafayette - Memphis - Front of Vicksburg-Milliken's Bend-Providence-Canal digging, to connect the Mississippi with bayous Macon and Tensas.


IV. Vicksburg Campaign .- Milliken's Bend-Holmes' Plantation- Grand Gulf-Haine's Bluff-Warrenton-Mechanicsville Expedition- Rear of Vicksburg-Black River Expedition-Messenger's Ferry-Jack- son-Return to Vicksburg.


V. Fall and Winter, 1863-4 .- Expedition to Monroe, La., in August; to Jackson in October; to Redbone in December; Meridian in February, 1864; Veteran furlough in March and April; thence to Huntsville, Ala- bama.


VI. Summer Campaign of 1864. - Huntsville-Decatur-Rome - Ackworth-Sherman's March -- Battles of Big Shanty, Noonday Creek, Brushy Mountain, Kenesaw, Nick-a-jack Creek, Atlanta, July 20 to 28- Jonesboro-Lovejoy-Atlanta.


VII. Fall Campaign of 1864 .- Reconnoisance to Powder Springs-


*Re-enlisted in the Tenth veteran regiment January 1, 1864.


485


HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.


Pursuit of Hood to Reseca-Gaylesville-Marietta, March to the Sea- Savannah, November and December, 1854.


VIII. Winter Campaign through the Carolinas .- Beaufort -- Battles of Garden Corner and Poctaligo, Jan. 14; Salkahatchie, Feb. 3; Orangeburg, Feb. 12; Columbus, Feb. 13; Fayetteville, March 11; Bentonsville, March 20; on to Goldsboro. This was one of the most arduous campaigns in the history of the regiment. It marches by night through swamps for hours, waist deep, amongst dense forests and snags, will never be forgotten. For its promptness and heroism it received the special commendation of com- manding officers.


IX. Closing Campaign .- Northward to "finish the job"-Raleigh- Review by Gen. Grant April 23, Jones' Station-Surrender of Johnson- March to Petersburg-Richmond-Washington-Louisville-Muster out July 24, 1865-Home again at Davenport July 29. Out of 1,763 men who were members of the regiment during its organization, 1,051 were absent, killed, died, or crippled for life; proof of valor, patriotism, and love of country. It suffered more casualties than any regiment sent from the State. It carried its battle-flag 7,898 miles, and it now hangs in the State arsenal, torn in shreds by leaden hail, a cherished relic of heroic deeds. For list of casualties, see page 184. Boone county was represented in Co. B.


COMPANY B.


Boudinot, Lucius, enlisted October 10; promoted hospital steward February 22, 1862; discharged June 4, 1862.


-


Boudinot, Wm. A., enlisted Novem- ber 1; captured near Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864.


Barnes, Martin V. B., enlisted No- vember 5; wounded and missing at Shiloh April 6, 1862.


Benbow, Barclay, enlisted October 10; appointed wagoner April 15, 1862.


Bushnell, Drayton, enlisted January 24,1862.


Dyer, William, enlisted January 27, 1862; discharged June 17, 1862.


Hurst, John H., enlisted October 22. Hamilton, Joseph H., enlisted Octo- ber 30; discharged December 27, 1862.


Hamilton, William S., enlisted Oc- tober 30; died at Keokuk January 9, 1862.


Hughes, George T., enlisted Novem- ber 1; wounded July 22, near Atlanta, Ga.


Torr, Wilford H., enlisted Novem- ber 6; wounded May 1, 1862; died June 12, 1863, at St Louis.


Waldo, Joseph A., enlisted October 12; promoted to sixth corporal Sep- tember 8, 1862; to first corporal November 1, 1862.


Waldo, William W., enlisted Octo- ber 12; discharged February 8, 1862.


SIXTEENTH INFANTRY.


The Sixteenth rendezvoused at Camp McClelland, Davenport, which place it left for the field March 20. 1862. Its first battle was at Shiloh, April 6, being stationed at the right of the Fifteenth Iowa. At this battle the horses of all field and staff officers were killed, showing the enemy struck for high prizes. Immediately after the battle of Shiloh, the Iowa brigade was organized which continued to the close of the war, and won no little renown. The Sixteenth


486


HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.


was the junior regiment, but it was a plncky one. It has one chapter in its history distinct from that of the brigade. On the 13th of September it was detached and sent to reinforce Col. Murphy of the Eighth Wiscon- sin, who was protecting stores left at Iuka, and on the 16th it joined Rose- cranz and was in the fierce engagement at Iuka on the 16th. This was the second battle of the regiment, and its prowess won the highest praise from Gen. Rosecranz, and they went back to their brigade the heroes of the day. It lost its commanding officer at Iuka. Its next battle was at Corinth, Oct. 4, where it again lost its commanding officer, and suffered greater disaster than any other regiment of the brigade. The succeeding history of the regiment is made up of the pursuit of the rebel army to the Hatchie, and return to Corinth; the trip down the Mississippi to Young's Point and the operations around Vicksburg; the march to Mechanicsville, up the Yazoo; the expedition to Jackson, and the escape of Johnson; the raid to Monroe, Louisiana and to Meridian, Mississippi; the long and tedious march from Clifton on the Tennessee to northwestern Georgia in the spring of 1864; and the memorable Atlanta campaign, all of which, with the Iowa brigade, the Sixteenth helped to make.


It is probable that in all of Sherman's grand army of 98,997 men, none were more conspicuous for bravery and efficiency than the Sixteenth on the memorable 22d of July. Sherman had swung his army across the Chatta- hoochie, and around Atlanta by a grand right wheel. The Iowa brigade formed the left of the fourth division, which was the left wing of the army. The Sixteenth was at the extreme left of the line, with the Fifteenth and Eleventh at the left and in front. They received orders to hold the position, as on that would depend the safety of the entire division. Scarcely had they received the order when the enemy came upon them like a whirlwind, with bayonets fixed and pieces at charge. The Iowa boys waited until they had got within a few rods when they poured into thein volley after volley of musketry, until their guns became so hot they could not handle them, and the cartridges would flash as they were dropped in place. The enemy went to the earth like grain before the reaper. The Eleventh and Fifteenth were overpowered and retired, leaving the enemy between them and the Sixteenth, and there was nothing left but to surrender, and thus was added the Sixth Iowa regiment to be captured entire. The privates were kept prisoners until September, 1864, when they were exchanged. The officers were held until the following spring. At Atlanta the regiment was under fire from June 14, to July 22. November 15 it started for Savannah, arriving December 10, where it took part in the siege of that city. January 6th, 1865, it moved to Beaufort, S. C., and was engaged in the campaign in the Carolinas, arriving at Raleigh April 16, where it remained until May 2, when it joined the tri- umphal march to Washington, and the grand review May 24, 1865; whence it went to Louisville, Ky., where it was mustered out July 19. The casu- alities will be found on page 184.




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