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THREE YEARS
IN THE SERVICE.
A RECORD OF THE DOINGS
OF THE 11TH REG. MISSOURI VOLS.
BY D. McCALL,
A PRIVATE OF CO. B.
SPRINGFIELD:
STEAM PRESS OF BAKER & PHILLIPS.
1864.
RECORD OF THE DOINGS
OF THE
11TH REG. OF MISSOURI VOLUNTEERS.
Being anxious to serve my country, I walked to Springfield, Illinois,
a distance of twenty-five miles. I arrived there early in the evening,
and took up lodging with a German that night, which was on the 14th
day of July, 1861. There were several recruiting officers enlisting
men for cavalry or infantry. Andrew J. Weber was enlisting a company
for an infantry regiment, which I joined. There were then about thirty
members. After remaining here, for a few days, boarding at the Owen
House, we got on board the cars, which were in waiting, to carry us to
our destination.
Sorrowful were the scenes at parting from friends to go from their
homes to defend their rights and liberty, many to fall victims of this
unholy rebellion. As I was a stranger to the company, I had no regrets
at leaving, as my friends were far away. The cars blowed their whistle,
and amid the cheers of the people, and waving of handkerchiefs, we left
Springfield. Our destination being Missouri, we arrived at night at a
place called Illinoistown, opposite St. Louis, and here we remained
all night, and next morning we all went down to the river and washed.
We were then ordered to fall in to go across the river. Company C
accompanied us, commanded by Captain Moses Warner. The two companies
fell in and formed in four ranks, and the command was given, and we
started to the river; we soon arrived on the bank. There was a ferry
boat in waiting to carry us across, we marched board, and the boat soon
landed us below St. Louis, where the command was formed in line, and
it was soon on its way to the arsenal. We arrived there early in the
day. The day was warm, and the streets were dusty, which made it quite
disagreeable marching. We were not molested on the way. Most of us were
without arms. The people lined the sidewalks as we passed.
When we arrived at the arsenal rations were issued to us, and we eat
what we got with a good relish, as we had eat nothing since leaving
Springfield the day before. Most of the boys were without money. After
staying here for a few hours, the command was ordered to fall in and
we were went from here to Marine Hospital, where we remained several
weeks. It was here we experienced the duties of a soldier. We quartered
in a long low building, with straw and plank to lay on. Provisions were
good enough, such as they were, and as we had no conveniences prepared,
we labored under difficulties to get enough to eat.
Commenced drilling, and drilled eight hours a day. Our progress was
very slow at first, as our commanders were not very proficient in
drill. But we soon learned to keep step and the other changes. This
continued until one day we marched down to the arsenal, were sworn in
as a regiment, and drew our arms. We had previously no arms but some
old flint lock muskets, most of them without bayonets. After drawing
our equipments we returned to quarters, and in a few days the order
came to prepare for marching.
The regiment marched to the bank of the river, stacked arms, and there
we remained until evening, awaiting the boat, which arrived at last,
and the bugle sounded, and the order came to go on board the boat. We
fell in and marched about a mile, when we got on board of the boat
awaiting us at the landing. Everything being ready, the boat soon left
the landing, and she headed down the river. Next day we landed at
Cape Girardeau, Missouri, August 7th, 1861. The regiment soon landed,
stacked arms, and men were detailed out of each company to unload the
boat. It was hard work, as we had to roll the barrels and hogsheads up
a very high hill. But we were strong and healthy, soon put every thing
on shore.
We carried our things into an old mill, which was deserted. This was
to be our quarters for a while--company B on one side of the room,
company C the other, in the second story. The regiment was under
command of Col. David A. Bayles, a captain in three months' service.
He was severe on us. We had to drill eight hours a day, and there was
a great deal of fatigue duty to do. The situation of Cape Girardeau
when we arrived:--The city is built on the bank of the Mississippi
river, and back of it was very high bluffs, and it was defended by the
8th Missouri and 20th Illinois regiments, some Missouri home guards,
cavalry and infantry. There was one small fort, partly finished, no
guns mounted, every street was strongly guarded, sentinels standing on
every corner, and no person allowed to pass without a written permit
from headquarters. Patrols patrolled the town night and day. The
citizens treated us quite civilly as long as we remained here.
We were here but a short time when the report was brought to
headquarters that a rebel force was marching on us with a heavy siege
piece. The report we found to be true, as a deserter informed us
afterwards. The alarm soon spread through the camps, and all was in
commotion. Every man was ordered under arms, and three companies of
the 11th Missouri regiment were ordered to go out and act as picket.
Company B was one of the companies detailed. It was early in the
evening when we buckled on our belts, order was given fall into line,
and our three companies formed in column and marched three miles, where
was a heavy piece of timber. Here we deployed as skirmishers along
the fence, which was built very high, and awaited the rebels until
morning. Woods were on each side of the road. There was nothing worth
mentioning occurred to us during our stay there, but the evening being
far advanced, every one was roused to his feet; some were fast asleep,
while others preferred walking up and down to sleeping, a shot was
fired, and then several followed in quick succession. The sound came
from camp. After a volley was fired, everything became silent, and all
was still again, and we returned to camp, when we were informed that
they were ordered out on the top of a high hill, a short time after
the three companies left, and there they remained in line of battle,
on the ground, with their arms by their side; as the night was quite
dark, they could not distinguish friend from foe; they were attacked
and had a skirmish, after several volleys were fired on each side,
and three men were badly wounded. If there were rebels they had all
disappeared in the morning. Plenty of tracks were visible of men and
horses near where the firing was, and the supposition was that there
was a considerable force there.
Men were busy all that evening throwing up entrenchments and placing
guns in position, and thus continued night and day for some time.
One evening the order came to prepare for marching. We were soon in
line, the command was given, forward, and off we started. Took the
Jackson road and marched quite close to it, and the command halted
to examine the front, and we were soon ordered forward, the town was
quickly surrounded, cannon placed on both ends of the street, and a
sentinel guarded every door and window, and the citizens when they
arose in the morning, found themselves prisoners in the hands of the
federal soldiers. All the stores were shut. It is a very good place
for a town, and was at one time a smart place for business. There were
several stores and groceries, a saddler's shop, and a fine place for
fruit, and the soldiers fared well for a while on peaches and apples.
The merchants would not sell goods to the Union boys, and they helped
themselves. There were but few men in town, as they left when they
heard of our coming, and did not wait for us to make our appearance, as
this was their place of resort a short time before. After getting what
apples and peaches we wanted, and frightening the citizens by firing
several salutes and breaking some windows, we left.
A great many of the citizens of the surrounding country came in to see
the soldiers, and were detained until we left next morning. When the
regiment was ready to return to camp, the report came that General
Prentiss was coming into town with a brigade of infantry, and the
regiments were formed in open order, and at length the expected visitor
arrived with his staff. He rode down through the lines, and back again
to the head, and made a short speech to us. He said never take a word
of insult from a rebel; if any one offered you any insult, shoot him
down, for that was the way to end the rebellion. With a few more
remarks, of not much import, he closed his speech, and the column was
soon in motion, and we arrived at quarters early in the evening, much
pleased with our trip.
Then commenced the work of building forts. Spades, shovels and
wheelbarrows came into requisition, and all men fit for duty were
compelled to work, throwing up breastworks until four strong forts were
completed and mounted with heavy siege guns, 24-pounders; the timber
was cut down all around within a mile of the fort. All kinds of reports
were flying through camp.
One evening we were ordered to fall in, and without much ceremony some
few companies were marched up through the town, until they reached an
old two story building on the corner of a street. Halt, was heard along
the line, and they stopped for a short time waiting for further orders.
They were soon ordered forward, and marched into the house, up into
the first story, and a lookout was placed at each window. I was one
detailed for duty. The night was beautiful, and I could discern objects
for some distance, but nothing disturbed the quiet of that still
evening but the heavy snoring of the soldiers as they lay in deep sleep
all around me. Some, perhaps, were thinking or dreaming of loved ones
at home, of friends that were far away; so the night passed off without
an enemy disturbing us, and in the morning we returned to camp. Several
parties of soldiers were sent out to search for rebels, but they never
encountered any, as they always evaded our scouts.
A man from Perryville, Perry county, came to the Cape asking Bayles to
send a force to meet the rebels said to be advancing on it. About 300
men was ordered on board the old Illinois steamboat, and company B was
chosen and parts of other companies volunteered to go. After getting on
board, the old ark began to recede from shore. After numerous delays we
found ourselves at Sandford's Landing, fifteen miles from Perryville,
and this must be reached as quick as possible. After ascending a very
high hill with the utmost difficulty, we started on our way. Two
citizens took the oath of allegiance on the road, and were let go where
they pleased. Company B was detailed to skirmish through that broken
country, and we were put in advance, and was made to halt if we got too
far ahead, and wait until the rear came up. In the evening company B
was made the advance guard, and they encamped near a large spring of
cold water, which was very acceptable to us, as we did not get much
good water after leaving the river. Here a citizen of Perryville was
made a prisoner. He was lurking near this spring, was well armed, but
made no resistance, and he was soon disarmed. We found him quite an
influential man among the citizens, and was then captain of a rebel
company. He was owner of a hotel in town. We arrived within sight of
the town, and were ordered to divide off into small squads and advance
from all sides, and take the town by surprise. The order was quickly
obeyed, and the band struck up the tune of Yankee Doodle, with drums
beating and colors flying, marched into the court yard before the
citizens could get away. There was a German ball in progress, but it
was soon stopped and the people returned to their homes. Whisky flowed
quite freely, and the officers and men had a good time generally with
the ladies of the town. Beef was furnished to us by the people, and it
was quite a treat to us to get to eat at a table. There were plenty of
apples and peaches, also sweet potatoes, we found in great abundance.
There was plenty to eat here, and the people would invite the soldiers
to dine with them.
Next morning we drew our uniforms, and one of the men by the name of
Ford, was drowned while in the river washing himself before changing
his clothes. This was the first death in the company. A whole brigade
followed this young man to his lonely resting place. The next death was
one of Grant's staff, and the next was a John Headly.
About the middle of October we were ordered to prepare for marching,
as we were to go out to meet Jeff. Thompson's forces, said to be at
Fredericksburg. When we started the rain was falling sufficient to
make it pleasant marching, during the whole of the trip. A brigade
of infantry was encamped near the town, which informed us that Jeff.
Thompson had left; so our brigade started in pursuit, consisting of
the 17th Illinois, 5th Indiana cavalry, and one battalion. We met the
rebels and repulsed them after a fight which lasted about twenty-four
hours, which resulted in a loss to the rebels of about 600 in killed,
wounded and prisoners. We came very near being surprised and our force
taken. We were marching as if it were to our destruction, when an old
negro warned us of our danger. He informed Plummer where the rebels
were posted. They had planted two batteries so that when we got close
enough they could rake our ranks. Plummer ordered up a battery and
opened on them where we supposed the rebels were. Blank cartridges were
fired from our side, and they replied with shot and shell, doing no
damage, as they shot over us. The 17th Illinois and part of the 11th
Missouri were ordered forward, and they advanced and poured in a heavy
volley of Musketry, and the enemy could not stand it and fled, and
left us masters of the field. The 1st Indiana cavalry made a charge,
and Major Gavitt was killed with 250 men either killed or wounded.
Infantry loss was slight. The 17th and 20th Illinois charged and took
a battery. Col. Lowe was killed on the rebel side, and Thompson's army
all dispersed. We followed them 12 miles, and they burned a bridge,
so we could not follow them any farther. That was the death-blow to
Jeff. Thompson's forces. There were about 3,000 rebels engaged. On our
side about 1,700. The battle lasted six hours, and the rebels were
completely routed.
The battle was fought on the 21st day of October, 1861. Nothing worth
mentioning occurred to us until the 25th day of February, 1862, when
we were ordered to prepare for leaving Cape Girardeau, where we had
been encamped for over six months; where we had spent many days on
fatigue duty in throwing up breastworks, and when we left there were
four forts, strongly fortified, mounted with siege guns, and no force
the rebels could send against it could take it, and I think we left it
secure from invasion.
On the 26th the regiment got on board the steamer Empress, we landed
at Commerce, and after staying there a short time we took up our line
of march in pursuit of the enemy, said to be retreating from before
us. Our advance had a short skirmish with part of Jeff's forces. Our
cavalry routed them, and took four small cannon, with a few prisoners.
The skirmish was a short distance from Sikestown. Jeff. escaped, but
lost his horse and a white feather out of his hat. The next morning we
resumed our march. Rain fell that day, and made it hard marching for
us, and at length we found ourselves opposite New Madrid. We formed our
line of battle and advanced within two miles of the rebel's stronghold,
and they commenced shelling us with their heavy guns, but there was
little damage done our side, and after remaining under fire for some
time, we moved back and bivouacked for the night, as we did not think
it advisable to storm the works then, as the rebels were protected by
gunboats, and we could not hold them if we should gain possession of
them. The weather was quite cold and some snow fell.
After staying here a short time we were ordered to move, and we were
soon in motion again. We marched nearly all night, and at last came
to a halt, and were ordered to lay down without any fire and make
ourselves as comfortable as possible, and there we remained until
morning. Such a night as we passed there will long be remembered by me.
Some of us had no blankets, and we left our knapsacks at Sikestown.
There was some snow on the ground; we waded through water over our
shoes, and had to sleep with wet feet; but very little sleep we had
that long night. We were four miles from a place called Point Pleasant,
and at daylight were on the march for this place. We double-quicked
about two miles. There were a few boats tied up at the landing, which
our sharpshooters soon drove from there, and they all escaped. Some of
the crews were killed.
After Plummer's men drove the rebels from the town, they took
possession, and then commenced the work of plunder. Stores were broken
into and everything of value was taken. One warehouse was filled with
corn, sugar and molasses. Whisky and medicines in abundance, as there
were several drug stores, and the boys helped themselves to what they
wanted. Our camp was about a mile from the town, and most everything
of value was carried off. It was in a low swampy piece of ground, we
had no tents, and had to lay on the ground in water, at times the rain
pouring in torrents upon us. A detail was made to go and dig rifle
pits. The enemy had a gunboat, and they tried to drive Captain Weber
and his working party away, but were unable to make the workers desist,
and they soon had sufficient protection from the shot and shell that
was continually falling around them. Batteries were planted, and they
got a siege gun in operation, the enemy's gunboats found it not good
policy to venture within reach of our guns; but they planted batteries
on the opposite side of the river, and then could not make us leave. We
had come to stay for a while, and we were determined on it. New Madrid
was soon stormed and taken, and gunboat ran the blockade, and came down
the river puffing and blowing, dismounting all the enemies batteries
and scattering them in every direction, as if they were nothing but
chaff.
After dismounting all the rebel batteries, we were ordered to get ready
to move, and soon were in motion again. Mud was over our shoe tops, and
it was very hard marching. After a while we arrived at New Madrid. I
must mention an occurrence that transpired while at Point Pleasant. One
night there was a heavy thunder shower, accompanied with wind and rain,
and a good many trees were blown down, and several of the 7th Illinois
cavalry men killed and wounded.
One evening a detail of men was made to go and haul a siege gun and
plant it below camp about four miles at a place called Tiptonville. The
work was performed by morning, the boys having hauled it through mud
and mire by hand, and in the morning was ready to go into operation,
and that one gun whipped five boats, and made them get out of reach of
its shot, and no boats could pass there then, so they had to remain
above. When we arrived at New Madrid boats were busy transporting
troops across the river, the object being to attack Island No. 10; but
while this was being done they evacuated, and about 4,000 prisoners
were taken near Tiptonville. As they were trying to escape a floating
battery came down the river and created quite an excitement amongst the
men until they discovered what it was. Some men boarded with a skiff
and found that there was no danger.
Several steamboats floated down passed our camp, and the rebels tried
to sink them by cutting holes in them, but still they floated down to
us, and our men soon put them in working order. The floating battery
sunk near Tiptonville. We took possession of Island No. 10, and got
all the heavy siege guns and an immense quantity of provisions, plenty
of small arms and ammunition. After remaining at New Madrid for a few
days, we took steamboats, steering our course down the river. Gen.
Pope was in command at this time. Plummer was our Colonel. We passed
several small towns on the way, and arrived at a place called Mosquito
Landing, in Arkansas. It was well worth the name, for a worse place for
mosquitos I never saw. There was no peace for us--a continual singing
in our ears by these torments.
We were within about three miles of Fort Wright, and our mortars and
gunboats commenced throwing shot and shell into the rebel works. We
could plainly see the smoke and hear the report of our guns as they
exploded. After remaining here for a short time we were ordered back up
river to opposite Hamburg Landing, where we disembarked, and took up
our line of march towards Corinth, where the rebels were making a stand
to dispute our progress into the State of Mississippi. Our advance had
a fight almost every day, but they drove the rebels before them at
every skirmish. They could make but a poor resistance to our advance,
and we gained very rapidly on the rebels, and drove them back step by
step, until they arrived within about four miles of Corinth. Here a
long line of rifle pits were dug, and heavy siege pieces were got into
position. We encamped within about six miles of Corinth, and had our
grand guard line established to within about three miles of Corinth.
Pickets were shooting at one another most of the time, until the 8th
of May, 1862, when a brigade of Infantry and some cavalry were ordered
out to reconnoitre, when the rebels were drove inside their works.
After the day had drawn to a close, and the dew was falling heavily,
we retraced our steps, and rested for the night a short distance from
Farmington.
Early the next morning our ears were saluted with the heavy boom of
cannon. The rebels had planted several batteries during the night, and
the 22d and 50th Illinois had barely time to throw off their knapsacks,
for the rebels were pouring the shot and shell into them, and they
had to take the cover of a heavy piece of timber. The rebels tried to
dislodge them, but were unable to do so. The brigade was ordered to
take a position on the left, and it was done as soon as possible. We
could see the rebels as they charged in heavy masses on our men. They
advanced with a yell and a rush, but were obliged to fall back from the
heavy fire of our men, who were pouring heavy volleys of musketry into
their columns. As their regiments were thrown into confusion the 2d
Iowa cavalry made a charge, and drove the rebels back, but there were
too many of them and they had to fall back with heavy loss. Their was
but little artillery used on our side, as the object was not to bring
on a general engagement. It was on this day that the Lieut. Colonel of
the 47th Illinois was killed. He was very well liked by the regiment,
and they suffered a great loss in his death.
The 11th Missouri regiment was formed in line of battle within a short
distance of a rebel battery which was shelling our men with pretty good
effect, but they never fired a shot at us. Their object was to flank us
and take all prisoners. Our Colonel at this time was Joseph A. Mowers.
Plummer was promoted to a Brigadier General, and he recommended Mower
for our Colonel, and he was accepted by the regiment as a fit man to
command it. He was riding up and down the lines surveying with an eagle
eye the operations of the enemy, when he perceived their intention
was to flank us, and he ordered us to about face in retreat, and we
double-quicked about two miles, came to a halt, and formed our line,
waiting to receive the rebels if they made their appearance. But they
did not think it advisable to venture into the timber where we were
posted. We remained there until evening, and then returned to camp.
An advance was made along our whole line, and that night we planted
several batteries, and next day dug rifle pits at Farmington. Our line
of rifle pits extended along the whole line, a distance of fourteen
miles. Two companies had to lay in the pits in case of an attack, but
we were not molested.
On the 24th of May five companies of the 11th Missouri and some
artillery were ordered out to drive in the rebel grand guard, and our
gunners shelled the rebel camp awhile. They had to leave and go inside
their works; we made a charge, and the rebels fled before us about half
a mile. Companies H and F were thrown out as skirmishers. We passed
through some heavy timber, and when we came out into view the rebels
poured a heavy volley into us, but it passed over our heads and done
us no injury. Company H was skirmishing in advance a short distance,
when three of them were wounded, the whole regiment was ordered to
fire. We fired one round and the rebels fell back. One man came in and
give himself up. But few prisoners were taken. One rebel was carried
from the field by our men, and he died before they could get him to the
hospital.
Our General did not think it good policy to venture too close at this
time, so we returned to camp.
It was in front of Corinth that Col. Worthington was killed. He was
doing duty on guard, and the orders were very strict. The sentinels
were ordered to allow no one outside of the lines after night. He gave
the order himself, and that night he was killed by one of his own men.
He belonged to the 5th Iowa infantry.
On the 28th another advance was made, and this day company B lay in
between the fire of two batteries--ours and the rebels'--for two hours,
as they had to fire right over them. They had skirmished to within 200
yards of the rebel works, and there they were ordered to lay down, and
the shot and shell flew all around them, but not a man of company B
was injured. A long line of rifle pits were dug and our men soon had
protection from the enemy's shot and shell, as they were doing their
best to drive them back, they held their position and could not get
the federals to leave. They made several charges on our batteries, but
were repulsed at every point, and were obliged to retire and leave us
masters of the field. We lay in the pits all of the 29th, and on this
night the rebels evacuated.
The attack was to be made along the whole line on the 30th. Everything
being ready, the ball was to be opened on the morrow by Gens. Halleck
and Pope, when the rebels evacuated, and we took possession. Our ears
were startled by hearing a sound like the report of a hundred cannon
being fired at once. It was the rebels blowing up their magazine before
leaving. Our men took possession on the morning of the 30th, and
started in pursuit of the retreating rebels. We followed them about
twenty-five miles, to a place called Booneville. About 20,000 prisoners
were taken altogether.
Col. Ellett, with a strong force of cavalry intercepted the cars at
Booneville with about 2,000 men on board, and an immense amount of arms
and ammunition, which was burned and the railroad destroyed.
When the rebel magazine was burning a heavy smoke arose, and the sky
was dark with dense columns of smoke as it curled upwards from the
burning timbers, and at last came the explosion. We thought that our
men had made the attack--but no, the birds had flown, and left us
nothing but their cage.
After remaining at Booneville several days, we returned to Corinth,
and took our camp on Clear Creek, about four miles from that place.
There we formed a camp of instruction. It was a very hard march from
Booneville to our present camp. Our brigade was commanded by the
Colonel of the 8th Wisconsin regiment of volunteers. Our Colonel
drilled us in the battalion drill in the morning, brigade drill in the
afternoon. We had our drills for several weeks.
At last we received marching orders, and all was bustle until we were
on the move again. We marched from Clear Creek to Burnville, and from
Burnville, we went to Iuka, where there are several fine springs of
water, and was, in times of peace, a great resort for the aristocracy
of the South, to spend their summer. From there we went to Tuscumbia,
where we remained for some time. Tuscumbia was a flourishing town a
short distance from the Tennessee River. Our gunboats threw a few shell
into it and raised quite an excitement in town. There was no business
carried on, only by a few sutlers. There was a fine spring and we had
plenty of water, apples and peaches in great abundance; also sweet
potatoes and corn. The negroes brought into camp watermelons, and we
had a good supply of them for some time.
From here we were ordered back to Iuka, having received information
that a force of rebel cavalry was in Russelville. We took up our
line of march with two pieces of artillery, to go into the mountains
in search of these marauders. We traveled all over the hills of
Tuscumbia, but did not encounter an enemy, as the 3d Michigan cavalry
met them and defeated them before we could get to their assistance,
near Russelville. We passed through Russelville and Frankfort, and
here rebel cavalry cut off some of our stragglers, and two were taken
prisoners. At length we arrived at Iuka. After remaining there a
short time we moved out about eight miles from there and throwed up
breastworks. Several of the boys were out about one mile from the camp
gathering watermelons, and six of them were taken prisoners. Our men
went out in pursuit but they fled before them.
One evening six companies of the 11th Missouri went out to reconnoitre,
and went out ten miles when we got intimation that the rebels were
in strong force in our front, and came to a halt, and were ordered
to lay down and rest our weary limbs. We remained here until about
two o'clock, when we were ordered back to camp, where we arrived at
day-light and found everything ready to move. When we returned we
encamped at Burnville one night, and next day we returned to Camp Clear
Creek, and we did not get rested before we were ordered back again
to Burnville. We marched all night and at length we arrived again at
Burnville, where we encamped for the night. Next day the 8th Wisconsin,
11th Missouri, 16th Iowa, and a battery of artillery and a battalion
of cavalry, Berges' sharpshooters, acted as skirmishers, going in
advance. We arrived to within about two miles of Iuka, we formed our
line of battle and the command was given forward, guide centre, and
the 11th moved forward, Colonel Mower at their head. He was in command
of the expedition. We advanced to within a mile of Iuka. They disputed
our advance, but we steadily moved on. Several shots were fired at the
rebel cavalry, but they did not offer us battle, they did not know our
numbers. After maneuvering around for several hours we started back,
as we supposed, to Burnville, and got about two miles when we were
ordered back again, to attack the pursuing rebels who intended to cut
us off, but in this they were foiled by the Generalship of Col. Joseph
A. Mower, and we drove the rebels into their stronghold. We could hear
their bugle sound quite distinctly, and their intention was to send a
force of cavalry and cut us off from Burnville. They burned a train of
cars, killed several of our cavalry and tore up the road, but did not
venture into Burnville. After going quite close to Iuka we retraced our
steps, and after kindling numerous fires to deceive the enemy, we left,
and they supposed that we were encamped close to them, and great must
have been their chagrine and mortification when they surrounded the
fires in the morning, to find the bird had flown. After building the
fires we returned to camp at Boonville without molestation, where we
stayed all of one day and next day until in the afternoon, when we were
ordered to march again, and that night we encamped a short distance
from Jacinto. It was here that we first saw Rosecrans. He had taken
command of our division.
We were on the move again early next morning, and came to a halt at
our old camping ground, about eight miles from Iuka, where we got our
dinner. Skirmishing commenced with the enemy's pickets here, and two
of our cavalry were killed at a white house a mile from our camp. The
property was owned by a widow woman, and was burned by the infantry.
We skirmished with the rebels to within two miles of Iuka, where we
came to a halt, and what was it broke the stillness of this pleasant
afternoon, the 19th of September, 1862? It was the heavy roar of
cannon and musketry. The rebels occupied a strong position in front of
Iuka, the 5th Iowa infantry was attacked by the rebels, as they were
a support to the 11th Ohio battery; the rebels charged upon them and
in spite of the heavy fire of artillery and musketry they drove our
men from their guns and took possession of them. The 5th contested
the ground bravely, as their thinned ranks could testify. Their loss
was about two hundred killed and wounded. About this time our brigade
came up and our regiment was ordered to the front. We formed in
four columns. After loading our guns we marched to the regiment in
double-quick; distant from a piece of timber about half a mile, and
here we right-flanked and marched in line of battle until we gained
the cover of the timber, and a heavy growth of underbrush. The rebels
were advancing to meet us, and said they were our friends and begged
us not to fire on them, and we labored under this mistake for some
time, but company C, commanded by Capt. Warner, being in advance of
the regiment, saw the rebels coming and charged bayonets, and took
eleven prisoners, including a Lieutenant. They were sent to the rear.
The rebels approached so close that they used their revolvers, as
the smoke of powder made it quite dark where we were, they did no
damage but scorched some of the boys' faces with the powder. When we
discovered the rebels in such close proximity to us we were ordered to
fire, which order was obeyed with alacrity, and volley after volley was
poured into their advancing columns. They throwed column after column
against our lines to break them and cut their way out, but were unable
to break our ranks. They tried three times and were as often driven
back, as our fire was undiminished until our ammunition was expended,
when we were ordered to fall back. After enduring the fire of the enemy
for an hour and a half we fell back, by order of commander, and the
10th Missouri took our place. During this time our men charged the
rebels and retook our battery and two more guns. We lay on our arms
all night; after getting ammunition and filling our cartridge-boxes we
laid down to get some rest for our weary limbs; having no blankets,
and as the air became quite cold, we had to keep ourselves in motion
to keep from freezing. Our shirts were wet from the sweat, and when
we laid down we expected every moment to renew the attack. A heavy
volley was fired and every man sprung to his gun, but as there was no
more firing we lay down again and tried to get some sleep, but that
was out of the question, the air was too cold for that. That night
General Price left. The attack was to have been made next morning, and
an order to that effect was sent to General Rosecrans from Grant, but
it was intercepted.--We were sent by the way of Jacinto, and General
Grant had to go straight to Iuka, which was not half as far as we had
to go, and if it were not for that accident General Price, with all of
his force, would have been captured; as it was, they discovered we were
too strong for them, and thought it the best policy to get away as soon
as possible; so that night they left and next morning we started in
pursuit. General Grant threw out his skirmishers and made his advance
into the town, but they soon found the rebels had fled, and they went
into town with their colors flying. When we passed through the town
almost every house was filled with sick or wounded soldiers, which they
left behind in their haste to get away. We followed them all day but
they had too much the start of us, and at night we encamped, and in the
morning were on our way back again. After marching night and day we
arrived at Jacinto, where we rested for a short time; but we did not
remain here long. We were soon ordered to move again, as there was not
much rest for us. From Jacinto we went to Rienzi, and there encamped
for some time, and got pretty well rested.
One evening when we were thinking of laying down and having a good
night's sleep, we were ordered to prepare for marching, so, early in
the evening we got started, and after marching until the night was far
advanced, the command was ordered to halt, and here we remained until
next morning. There we made our coffee and got plenty of good apples.
After getting our breakfast we started again and came to a halt at
the Hatchie River, where we remained until nearly night, when we were
ordered to fall in and were soon on our way back. After following this
road for some time we turned to the left, in the direction of Corinth.
We marched all night until we came to a place called Cossouth, near
which place we encamped one night, and next morning started again, and
went within a mile of Corinth, and were ordered to meet the advancing
enemy, who were said to be driving our men before them. We came to a
halt, stacked our arms and supposed we were to have a rest, when the
order in stern command came along our lines to fall in. We suffered
greatly for want of water. We marched in quick time and could hear the
heavy roar of cannon as we advanced. All at once we came to a halt,
and formed our line of battle. What was it that made it so still? all
at once everything seemed quiet. It was a calm before an approaching
storm, for the rebels were advancing in solid column, and poured a
heavy volley of musketry into our ranks, and one hundred of the 8th
Wisconsin was either killed or wounded. Our loss was slight, one noble
young man in company B, was killed. He was shot in the head and died
without a struggle; and we had to leave him on the field. They shot at
us at long range, but some of their skirmishers advanced quite close
to us, and some of the 11th went out to meet them, and the firing was
quite brisk for some time. The rebels did not advance any farther
at this time. They got a cross fire on the 8th Wisconsin, and they
suffered most in the brigade. The rebels had the advantage of position
and numbers. Their intention was to outflank us but they were unable
to do so, as we could fall back under the heavy siege guns, commanded
by McWilliams. After holding the rebels in check for some time we fell
back, the 11th went inside of Fort Robinette and there lay down, and
made ourselves as comfortable as possible.
About two o'clock in the morning, the boys having built a number of
fires along the line, the rebels advanced a battery to within five
hundred yards of us and commenced shelling with grape and canister.
The order was given to put out the fires, as the rebels were getting
the range of us pretty well, and we had to lay close to the ground
for fear of being hit. Several guns were injured as they stood in the
stacks, and one of company A, was slightly injured. One man in the
27th Ohio was killed by the bursting of a shell, as the whole Ohio
brigade lay right in front of us and we were behind them as support.
They shelled us and most every shot went over us, and went crashing
through the town, a building being a poor protection from balls. Some
of them wasted their strength against the trees in the timber, whilst
others exploded above us, and we could hear the grape shot as it
fell all around us. It was singular that no more were injured as two
brigades lay inside the works of Fort Robinette. Our gunners replied
at intervals, until at length day began to dawn, when our artillerists
could see where to direct their fire, and they soon stopped the rebels'
guns.--They killed most all the rebels' horses and one gun was taken as
a prize, and the Captain taken prisoner. There was eight brass field
pieces, and it was almost impossible to get away with their battery.
After the rebels' battery was silenced everything became silent except
the occasional shot from the rebel sharpshooters. Their bullets would
whistle over us and sometimes strike an officer or private and wound
him, but not dangerously, as they were at too great a range to do us
much damage, the strength of the balls being spent before they reached
us. Sleep did not visit General Rosecrans that night. He was busy
planning and placing batteries in position to give the rebels a warm
reception if they made their appearance, as it was their intention to
make a desperate effort to recover Corinth and drive Rosecrans out, and
he was planning how he could best draw them on so he could bring all
his guns to bear upon them. We were laying down in the rear of the Ohio
brigade as a support to them, and the rebels could use no artillery
upon us as they could not get a suitable position to use it. The timber
was all cut down in front of us for a quarter of a mile, and the rebels
had taken possession of a heavy piece of timber in our front, but on
the right of us was an open space of ground where we had a battery
planted.--Some of the rebel sharpshooters stationed themselves in
trees, the better to see our skirmishers and pick them off. Our men
soon discovered where they were, and many a rebel paid the penalty of
climbing a tree, being picked off by our sharpshooters. Several were
shot out of the tops of trees by the cannon. Our batteries were so
fixed that they could rake any part of the field, our artillerists
kept up a continual fire from their heavy siege pieces shelling the
woods where the rebels in strong force were supposed to be preparing
to attack us. At length we saw the long lines of the rebels advancing
upon us. Col. Mowers selected two companies of the 11th Missouri to act
as skirmishers. Mowers was riding a very fretful horse when he started
out, he having his beloved Rock shot under him the day before, a horse
that had carried him many a mile and never appeared tired, and that
horse would go without flinching wherever his master required him,
but he was killed at last, and he had to take another horse.--When
we saw him riding at the head of the skirmishers we thought he would
be killed or taken prisoner. He galloped on regardless of the many
bullets aimed at him, until he was wounded and taken prisoner, but he
gave warning to his men and they went back inside the fort, and the
rebels came on in solid column. As they emerged from the woods their
colors were thrown to the breeze and proudly waved o'er these sons
of the South. They steadily advanced to take a battery on our right,
and our men were waiting in line of battle to receive them. There was
nothing to cover them, and volley after volley of musketry was poured
into their advancing columns. As one man fell another took his place,
and still they went on, tiring as they went, reached the battery,
drove our men from their guns and turned them on our men. But they did
not enjoy their triumph long, for a shell from a 64-pounder exploded
right amongst them, spread death and destruction all around when they
were thrown into confusion, our men rallied and drove them from the
guns at the point of the bayonet. Some of the rebels went into town
and began to plunder everything they could lay their hands upon. Three
were killed in the Provost Marshal's office. It was here that the 5th
Minnesota did good service. Many a rebel was made to bite the dust from
the deadly aim of the 5th Minnesota rifles, and they were at length
compelled to yield and fly before the impetuous valor of our men. All
this passed much quicker than I can write.
How was it with the rebels? They were creeping upon us like snakes in
the grass, firing as they came, led on by the brave Col. Rogers, of the
2d Texas cavalry. The 63d Ohio, also the 27th, was doing its best to
keep them back, but still they came on and planted their colors on the
fort, when the 11th was ordered to charge. They rose and fired a volley
into their ranks and charged bayonets, but the rebels could not stand
the cold steel. They broke and fled in all directions. Col. Rogers was
ordered to surrender as prisoner of war, but he would not, but kept
shooting with his revolver and giving command to his men, when one of
the regulars shot him in the side with a revolver, and one of company B
shot him through the breast. He reeled from his horse and fell to the
ground within a short distance of the outer edge of the ditch. Several
other officers were killed and lay close to him. A horse was laying
dead and a man by his side; another laid a little in the rear; he had
been struck by a shell in the head, and lay with his hand grasping some
hair and brains; his head was nothing but a shell, the brains were
scattered all over the ground. But few ever reached the woods that made
the charge, and their loss must have been terrible. A good many came
in and gave themselves up, as it was dangerous business to attempt
reaching the timber. They would start up every little while from where
they lay concealed, but few could escape our bullets. Many would rise
up and cry for quarters; these would come in and be sent to the rear as
prisoners. You can judge for yourself how bloody now was the conflict
here and along the whole line. Twenty-five dead lay in the ditch, and
we had to remove them in order to take their place, so that if the
rebels returned we would be prepared for them, as we had gathered up
the rebels' guns, we were well supplied. Two of the boys had fifteen
guns, and most of them had two.
The battle was over by 12 o'clock. Our loss was slight compared to the
enemy's. Their loss was about 4,000 killed, wounded and prisoners.
Whole ranks were cut down by the cannon shot, every gun that could be
brought to bare was used; the rebels could not stand such a decimating
fire, they broke and fled in confusion. We laid in the ditches all
night waiting the rebels' return, but they never made their appearance.
After the battle was over General Rosecrans came through the lines, and
was cheered most heartily, as he had proved himself more than a match
for Price and his staff. Defeated 40,000 rebel troops under Price with
half that number, and gained a decisive victory over them.