SURRENDER OF VICKSBURG--OUR DIVISION MOVES WITH
SHERMAN'S ARMY AGAINST JOHNSON--DISASTROUS CHARGE OF
COLONEL PUGH'S BRIGADE--THE BLAME IMPUTED TO GENERAL
LAUMAN--HIS PARTING ORDERS--OUR LOSSES--CONCLUSION.
The first indication of the enemy's desire to capitulate, was a flag
of truce which was seen to approach our lines from a point near Fort
Hill. The firing immediately ceased at that point, and gradually died
away to the right and left. The enemy's troops became more bold,
and began to appear along their rifle pits. Ours likewise began to
show themselves, and before noon the works of either side were lined
with their respective uniforms, blue and grey. In some cases the
antagonists mingled, and many of the enemy came into our camps, but
General Grant ordered them to be sent back. So thick was the smoke,
that it was not before 11 o'clock that the fleet saw the signal to
cease firing. About one o'clock the flag of truce went back, and the
firing again began at that point, and was soon resumed along the
line, and within an hour the fleet again opened. About three o'clock
another flag of truce came out; the firing again ceased, and the
troops of either side appeared on their works much more readily than
before. Orders soon after came for the firing to be permanently
discontinued. Our troops lay in their rifle pits all night, in the
highest spirits. Daylight found the rebels in plain view all along
their works, and our boys likewise coming out of their holes to see
what they could see. It was the Fourth of July. At eight o'clock a
national salute was fired with blank cartridges from the batteries
along our entire line. About ten o'clock, from the position of our
regiment, with a field glass, the enemy might be seen to take down
his flag from Fort Hill, and hoist a white flag in its stead. Then
two men started, each with a bundle of white flags, and proceeded
either way, hoisting them along the works. As each flag was raised,
the men in front of it would cheer frantically, and all along our
lines the boys from the tops of their works began to sing national
airs, while the rebels from theirs listened in gloomy silence. Soon
the late combatants mingled together, the rebels streaming through
all our camps. Their salutations were characteristic of their
situation. "Boys," they would say, shaking hands, "this is strange;
yesterday we were trying to kill each other, now we are meeting as
friends." For the most part the rebels seemed quite disheartened; and
many of them, speaking of the war, used an expression which seemed to
have become proverbial among them: "This is the rich man's quarrel,
but the poor man's fight." Thus they mingled together, victor and
vanquished,--smoked, played cards, and, over pots of hot coffee,
discussed the war and related their adventures, like old comrades
who, after a long absence, had just met.
But the troops of our division were not allowed the privilege of
mingling long with their late foes. Our division was among the
troops assigned to Sherman by orders from General Grant, with which,
in the event of the success of the proposed assault on the sixth
of July, he was to take the field immediately against Johnson.
He was found in force around Jackson, strongly entrenched. It
was not attempted to carry his works by assault; this was deemed
impracticable, and the operations of a siege commenced.
The line of siege was formed on the eleventh, Hovey and Lauman,
of Ord's corps, being on the extreme right. On the morning of the
12th, the 33d Wisconsin was sent across the Mississippi Central
Railroad to Pearl River, and the 28th Illinois took their places
in the 1st Brigade. Thus it seems as if fate had decreed that this
gallant regiment, which had suffered side by side with ours in the
disastrous bend of the Hatchie, should under the same generals suffer
useless butchery now. In its first battle, the Third Iowa had fought
for honor, but with some hope of victory; and now, in what was
probably to be its last one, it was to fight for honor, but without
hope;--nay, even to advance upon death itself, without the least
encouragement of success.
Having disposed his divisions, General Ord ordered the generals
commanding them to advance their lines. The left of our 1st Brigade
was at that time considerably behind the right of Hovey. The troops
moved forward as steadily as upon review, without hesitating or
swerving, or showing any signs of precipitancy. It was a sight
calculated to captivate the eye of a spectator, and fill with pride
the heart of any general. What wonder? Were they not veterans,
imbrowned by long exposure, and at home amid the elements of battle?
Colonel Pugh's skirmishers soon became hotly engaged. He reported
the fact to General Lauman, who ordered him to continue to advance.
He pushed back the enemy's skirmishers, till he came within sight
of his main works, formidable in appearance, his guns pointing
through embrasures, and his field of fire level and unobstructed
(even the corn-stalks being cut down), affording no possible cover
to an advancing line. The colonel now reported in person his
position to General Lauman; but the general still ordered him to
advance. He returned, and swept with his eye the field. There was
the enemy's long line of works, showing the mouths of his defiant
cannon, and near him the remnant of his gallant brigade, now only
eight hundred strong, which he was ordered to destroy. It must have
been a harrowing moment to him. What was he to do? His order was
imperative, and he was too true a soldier to question, much less to
disobey it. To advance partially and then retreat, would seem to
exhibit cowardice, and would be worse than to refuse to advance at
all. To advance within musket range, and halt and engage the enemy,
would be to court destruction without preserving honor, and without
the possibility of injuring him. Besides, he was not instructed
to halt at all. He gave the order to his men, and the line moved
steadily forward, without support or diversion on the right or left,
or a single shell having been thrown to test the enemy's strength,
or prepare their way. From regimental commanders to the rank and
file--all were astonished. At first they supposed it was to be a
general charge of the line, but their eyes soon undeceived them. A
terrible realization of their situation came over them; but no one
faltered or looked back. They had won too much glory on former fields
to sully that record now. They must preserve honor, though they lost
all else.
The enemy opened with fourteen pieces, and two brigades of infantry
rose from their concealment, and poured a converging fire upon
them. Colonel Pugh gave the command to charge; the men raised the
shout and sprang forward through that thick storm of death. A few
moments, and all was over. The line crumbled into broken bands,
which arrived within pistol-shot of the embrasures, and halted and
staggered and were swept away. Those who escaped had scarcely time
to notice who had fallen. Back in the woods, where the advance had
first commenced, they rallied--all that was left, but less than half
the number that had advanced into that terrific fire. The Third Iowa
had saved both its flag and banner; and now, of the two hundred and
ten that advanced in the charge, but ninety could be rallied around
them. Nearly all who were not there were killed, wounded or captured.
General Lauman wept when he gazed on this remnant of his old brigade.
Gen. Ord immediately relieved him of his command, and ordered him to
report to Gen. Grant, at Vicksburg.[3]
Under the excitement of the moment, most voices were loud in imputing
this disaster to him. No one could believe that he intended that this
handful of men should charge unsupported a portion of the enemy's
works. But all attributed it to his misunderstanding the orders of
General Ord. Thus in common opinion the fault rested with these two
generals. Either the one had communicated his orders unintelligibly,
or the other had culpably misunderstood them. As generals are not apt
to solicit the arbitrament of public opinion upon their conduct, and
commonly keep their own secrets, we are only able to form conjectures
in this matter. Calm reflection, however, can not but allow that
it was unfair to lay the whole blame to a general, who, on all
previous fields, had behaved with the gallantry and merit that had
distinguished General Lauman. It is notable, that after there had
been time for reflection, those of the division loudest in condemning
him did not belong to the 1st Brigade. Nor is there a more striking
instance of the ingratitude of common opinion, than in the case of
those, who, in censuring him for this affair, forgot the general of
Belmont, Fort Donelson, Shiloh and the Hatchie.[4]
The casualties of this affair were deplorable. Each regiment was
literally torn in pieces. In proportion to their numbers the 53d
Illinois suffered most, to say nothing of losing their gallant
Colonel Earle, who was struck by a volley of canister while riding in
advance of his men. Our own regiment lost one hundred and thirteen,
sixteen being killed, fifty-seven wounded, and forty missing and
taken prisoners. A number of the wounds were mortal. Among those who
lost their lives were some of our best names. The Ruckman brothers,
the one Captain, the other 2d Lieutenant of Company B; 1st Lieutenant
Hall, of the same company; and 1st Lieutenant McMurtry of Company
D; 1st Sergeants Woodruff of Company B, and McClure of Company I;
Sergeants Gilmore and Dent of Company E, Follett of Company F, and
many other gallant names were among the sacrifices of this needless
blunder. It would gratify me to mention the whole list of casualties
in full--it would be a _roll of honor_ indeed--but as I could not
obtain those of our other battles, I have refrained from giving this.
Besides, their names deserve better memorial than mere mention in
such a book as this. Among the severely wounded were Colonel Brown,
Captain Geary, and Lieutenant Abernethy,--officers whose conduct here
and on former fields, needs no eulogy from such a pen as mine. But I
will not further dwell upon this affair--the saddest chapter of all
my "recollections."
After the capture of Jackson, our regiment returned with Sherman's
army to Vicksburg, and with the division was soon after ordered to
Natchez, where it was stationed till winter, when it again returned
to Vicksburg, and was stationed for a while in rear of that place, at
Hebron. It has just returned to Vicksburg from Sherman's remarkable
expedition to the Alabama line.
Comrades of the 3d Iowa! Thus far I have endeavored to follow you in
this narrative through your campaigns and battles, to describe, as I
saw them, some of the scenes you saw, and, as I felt and understood
them, some of the hardships you suffered. I am as sensible as you
can be, of how partially I have succeeded. To me, who came among you
curious to see some of the pictures of war, your sufferings have
seemed unreal, your exploits like romance. None but those who have
been soldiers can ever understand these things. I am aware that I
am addressing the 3d Iowa only in name--that I am addressing but
a remnant of the gallant band that assembled under our regimental
flag at Keokuk, nearly three years ago. Of the others, many have
been promoted, and are now serving honorably in other corps; one
who commanded us in our most memorable battle, is Governor of our
State; many have been taken from the service by wounds and disease,
and many have fallen and perished--where? We may ask the cemeteries
of almost every hospital in the West; the fields of Blue Mills,
Shiloh, Matamora, Vicksburg and Jackson; the prairies of Missouri,
and the woods of Tennessee and Mississippi, whose hostile soil has
received them to its bosom; and the soil of their once happy homes
to which the ashes of some of them have been removed. But they are
not dead--we can not call them dead; for they live, and will live in
affectionate remembrance as long as lives a member of the 3d Iowa.
And of those who suffer from wounds received or diseases contracted
while serving with us, let no one say that he has found one who, for
relief from those sufferings, would be willing to give up the grand
memories of the past, and the consciousness of honor merited--though
it be not recorded--by hazard, hardship and gallant service in a
glorious cause.
In taking leave of you, I would I could pay a sufficient tribute
to those of you who have heretofore served and still serve in the
grades of enlisted men. The people do not seem to understand this
matter. They are not convinced that military rank alone is not
an evidence of merit. They seem to have forgotten how many army
officers of different grades, at the outbreak of the rebellion,
betrayed their commands, and rushed to the standard of the traitors,
while the private soldiers--whose services, considered menial, had
neither been honored nor paid--through obloquy, persecution and
imprisonment, remained true to their country and their trust. They
will not believe that preferment comes less by actual merit than
by favoritism, intrigue or accident. They are slow to understand,
that the hardships you suffer the commissioned officer does not
always suffer in common with you. But be assured they will one day
understand these things; and when they come to make a final award
of honors to their gallant defenders, it will not be asked of any,
"Was he a captain or a colonel?" but rather, "Did he do his whole
duty in the place assigned him?" They will count your motives, in
engaging in the war, unimpeachable. You have not served for money;
you have not expected your toils and sufferings to be thus requited.
You have not served for spoils; for you knew that the war would be
conducted on civilized principles, and that there would be no spoils
to divide. You have not served for the "bauble reputation;" for
you well know how poor a chance you have had of gaining that. With
whatever merit you may have served the operations of the war, your
names have seldom been mentioned in official reports; officers alone,
with few exceptions, enjoying the privilege of being able to have
their names thus recorded among the military archives of the country.
No: your motives have been higher and worthier than these. You have
suffered most and have sought and received the fewest rewards. What
you have not achieved in the gaining of money or personal reputation,
you will one day receive in honor. History will dwell with delight
upon the skill and resolution of the generals who have led you to
victory; it will dwell with delight both upon them and you. But
if it admire their conduct as splendid, it will reverence yours as
sublime. Nor think your services will be thankless. Time, which metes
out justice to all, will see your sacrifices acknowledged and your
merits recognized. The hearts of the great people that compose the
Republic will go out in praise and gratitude to you. Public honors
will come to reward your now humble services. Posterity will record
you, as being among those who offered all they had, that the nation
and liberty might live, an "all unclouded glory;" and on your names
will attend, "The tears and praises of all time."
Comrades!--Your friends are gratified to learn, that what remains
of the 3d Iowa has re-enlisted as a veteran regiment. Fields of
honor are yet before you, and it is for you to participate in the
last glorious deeds of the war. This thought should afford you no
ordinary gratification; for to have fought both on its first and last
fields will be counted no common honor. Your past record is one of
glory; there are no fears that you will not continue to deserve it.
Committing this book to you, and assuring you that though absent and
serving in another corps, I am still with you in the memories and
feelings of the past, I bid you an affectionate farewell.
FOOTNOTES:
[3]
HEADQUARTERS, 4TH DIVISION, 16TH ARMY CORPS, }
IN THE FIELD, Near Jackson, Miss., July 12th, 1863. }
FELLOW SOLDIERS:--Having been relieved from the command
of the 4th Division by Major General Ord, the command
is turned over to Brigadier General Hovey.
To say that I part with my old comrades with sorrow and
regret, is simply giving expression to my heartfelt
feelings.
I shall ever remember the toils and hardships we have
endured together, and the glory which the Old Fourth
has won on hard fought fields, and the glory which
clusters around their name like a halo--with pride and
satisfaction.
And now, in parting with you, I ask a last request,
that in consideration of your past fame, you do nothing
in word or deed to mar it, but that you give to your
present or future commander that prompt obedience to
orders which has always characterized the division, and
which has given to it the proud position which it now
enjoys.
Officers and soldiers, I bid you now an affectionate
farewell.
J. G. LAUMAN,
_Brigadier General_.
[4] General Lauman entered the service as Colonel of the 7th Iowa
Infantry. He commanded his regiment in the battle of Belmont, where
it suffered most, and distinguished itself above all others. Its
conduct won special mention in General Grant's official report. In
this action Colonel Lauman was severely wounded. At Fort Donelson
he commanded the brigade of Smith's division, consisting of the 2d,
7th, 12th Iowa, and the 25th Indiana regiments, which performed the
most gallant and successful achievement of that engagement, the
carrying by storm of the enemy's works on our left--which compelled
his surrender the following morning. At Shiloh he commanded the 3d
Brigade of the 4th Division. Since then he has been with us most of
the time in this narrative. His personal courage was of the first
order; and his humanity and kindness towards his men were conspicuous
upon all occasions. Those who complain of such a general do not
deserve to be under so good a one.
* * * * *
Transcriber's note:
Obvious typographical errors were corrected, but valid or consistently
used archaic spellings were retained (for example: "height(s)" was
used for high altitudes, while "highten(ed)" was used for increases
in intensity).
Hyphenation variations were standardized, but "reform" (as in change
or correct) and "re-form" (as in re-position) were retained.
In a few cases, the wording of chapter headings varied between the
Contents list and the actual chapter headings. The differences were
retained.
Variant spellings of "Yockono," "Yockona," "Yacoma," and "Yacomo" were
standardized to "Yockona."