Iowa and the Rebellion.
A History of the troops furnished by the state of Iowa to the Volunteer Armies of the Union, which conquered the great Southern Rebellion of 1861-65.
by Lurton Dunham Ingersoll
Philadelphia
J.B. Lippincott & Co.
Dubuque: B. M. Harger
1866
History of the Regiment
Preface
The first part of this history is now ready for the public. It has been written under the greatest difficulties. The regiment has been on the march almost constantly for the past seven months, and that, too, without tents or other shelter, so that we have been unable to work except in fair weather.
It is not presumed there are no errors in this work; they are unavoidable, for our records principally have been stored in Memphis, Tenn., for nearly one year.
It would be impossible to enter fully into all the details of incidents of the regiment; these would make a large and interesting volume, which space and time here will not permit. It is intended to give only a general outline of the operations of the whole regiment without regard to individuals.
James I. Gilbert
Colonel 27th Iowa.
Holly Springs, Miss, Aug. 12, 1864
Chapter 1.
The history of the 27th Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers is replete with the noble actions of its members, and incidents of strife in which they have played active and honorable parts. Its organization was consummated in the fall of 1862. It was mustered into service at Camp Franklin, Dubuque, Iowa, Oct. 3d, 1862, by Capt. George S. Pierce, 19th U.S. Infantry. It then numbered 952 enlisted men. Its roster was as follows:
James I. Gilbert, Colonel, commissioned Aug. 10, 1862; Jed Lake, Lt. Colonel, commissioned Sept. 4, 1862; George W. Howard, Major, commissioned August 10, 1862, Charles A. Comstock, Adjutant, commissioned Sept. 16, 1862, Solon M. Langworthy, Regimental Quartermaster, commissioned Sept. 16, 1862, John E. Sanborn, Surgeon, commissioned Sept. 16, 1862, Albert Boomer, Asst. Surgeon commissioned Sept. 16, 1862; David C. Hastings, Asst. Surgeon, commissioned Sept. 16, 1862, Daniel N. Bordwell, Chaplain, commissioned Sept. 21, 1862.
Amos M. Haslip, Capt. Co. A; Jedediah W. Granger, 1st Lieut. Co. A; James A. Lyons, 2d Lieut. Co. A. Samuel W. Hemenway , Captain Co. B; Theodore Groezinger, 1st Lieut. Co. B; Samuel O. Smith, 2d Lieut. Co B; Joseph D. Noble, Capt. Co. C; Henry F. Sill, 1st Lieut. Co. C: Herman C. Hemenway, 2d Lieut Co C; Daniel E. Meyer, Capt. Co D; Silas Garber, 1st Lieut Co D;. John Andrick, 2d Lieut, Co D; Thomas G. Drips, Capt. Co E; T. Allen Olmstead, 1st Lieut, Co E; Samuel Benjamin, 2d Lieut, Co E; William W. Bickford Capt. Co. F; Joseph M. Holbrook, 1st Lieut, Co. F; William N. Boynton, 2d Lieut, Co F; Charles A. Slocum, Capt. Co G; Albert C. Rupe, 1st Lieut, Co. G. Edward A. Reiniger, 2d Lieut, Co. G.: Jacob M. Miller, Capt. Co H; Otis Whitney, 1st Lieut, Co H; Willliam G. Donnan, 2d Lieut, Co H; George R. Miller, Capt. Co I; Edwin A. Sherburn, 1st Lieut Co I; John E. Peck, 2d Lieut Co I: Charlges T. Granger, Capt. Co K: Frank A. Brush, 1st Lieut. Co KP. Samuel M. Elliot, 2d Lieut Co. K.
The company officers' commissions were all dated October 3d 1862.
The companies were recruited as follows: A and B, Alamakee County; C, Buchanan; D, Clayton; E, Clayton and Allamakee; F, Delaware; G, Chickasaw and Floyd; H, Buchanan; I, Clayton and Allamakee; K, Mitchell.
The opportunities of the regiment for drill and discipline before entering upon active duty, were not the best.
As early as October 11, 1862, they moved on transports to St. Paul, Minn; reported to Maj. Gen. John Pope, then in command of the Department of the North West, by whom they were ordered at once to proceed to Fort Snelling, Minn., and encamp temporarily.
The regiment remained three or four days in camp one mile west of the Fort, when Col. Gilbert received orders from Gen. Pope to move with six companies of the regiment to Mille Lacs, Minnesota, one hundred and twenty-five miles northwest of St. Paul, to superintend the payment of friendly Indians in that section. Companies A, F, C, E, G, and B were selected, and moved on the 17th of October, under command of Col. Gilbert. Companies D, I, H, and K remained at the Fort under command of Major Howard.
A few days subsequently, Lieut. Peck, Co. I, and twenty enlisted men, were detailed as escort for Gen. Roberts, who was to superintend the payment to be made by Major Thompson. The expedition was both pleasant and successful. The weather was fine, the roads were good, and the health of the command generally good. The measles had made its appearance in the regiment while we were at Camp Franklin, Dubuque, Iowa, and a number of the men coming down with that disease while on the march were unable to move. These were left in the wilderness, above Princeton, with good nurses, and all so left, were, on our return found doing well; better than those who had suffered from the same disease in hospital. Such as were unable to stand the fatigue and exposure incident to such a march, were left on the return, at Princeton, St. Francis, and Anoka, with attendants.
Our transportation was abundant, and many who otherwise would have fallen by the wayside, were picked up and brought safely through on wagons, as they were lightened by the issue of rations. On the 4th November, the expedition on its return reached Fort Snelling, Minn.
Companies D, I. H, and K, under command of Major George W. Howard, had been ordered away, and had moved by transports direct to Cairo, Ills. Gen. Pope ordered the command down the river. We moved by transports to Prairie du Chien, Wis, thence by cars via Madison, Wis. And Chicago, Ill. To Cairo, Ill., where we were rejoined by the detachment under Major Howard. Our stay in Cairo was brief, only long enough to procure an outfit for an expedition southward.
On the 20th of November, we moved aboard the Emerald for Memphis, Tenn., with orders to report on our way down at Columbus, KY. Remained at Memphis about one week, when we moved as a part of the army under Major General W. T. Sherman, to meet the rebel army, which was strongly entrenched at the Tallahatchie river, below Waterford, Miss., on the M.C. R. R. under Gen. Sterling Price. Gen. Grant, in the meantime was moving down the M.C. R. R. with his base of supplies temporarily at Holly Springs, Miss.
The enemy became apprised of Gen. Sherman's flank movement, and beat a hasty retreat from the formidable fortifications at the Tallahatchie. The force under Gen. Sherman now rested at Hurricane Creek, Miss. Gen. Sherman here bade farewell to the command.
The regiment was then ordered to Waterford, Miss, thence to Tallahatchie river, where it first commenced its work as railroad guards.
The large Union army was principally below Waterford, extending to Oxford, Miss. We had fortified along the road between Waterford and the Tallahatchie, and were in constant expectation of cavalry dash by the enemy, but saw no enemy until Dec. 20, 1862, when a small band of mounted men, calling themselves "Peach Creek Rangers" made a dash on our hospital, then in the residence of Dr. Jones, three miles north of the Tallahatchie river. They captured eleven men, double-quicked them about fifteen miles and paroled them. These all returned to camp the next day. Immediately on the attack, Col. Gilbert formed his regiment to meet any movement of the enemy. No enemy appearing, a small mounted party started in pursuit of the Rangers, but failed to overtake them.
By this time, the enemy, under Van Dorn had captured and burned Holly Springs. Six companies of the regiment moved, with other forces, with all haste to Holly Springs, where they arrived Dec. 21st, and found the place evacuated by the enemy. The remainder of the regiment moved to Holly Springs Dec. 22, 1862. Dec. 25th, we marched to the Tallahatchie river where we remained until Dec. 30th, when nine companies of the regiment moved by cars to Jackson, Tenn. and reported to Col. M. K. Lawler, commanding post. Co. G, Capt. C. A. Slocum, was detailed as guards for our train, and marched, under command of Major Howard to Jackson, Tenn.
On the 31st December, the regiment, save Co. G, was ordered to proceed with two brigades, designed as re-enforcements for Gen. Sullivan, then operating against the rebel Gen. Forrest, near Lexington, Tenn. We moved rapidly until midnight, when we lay down without tents or shelter, and bade farewell to 1862.
Loss in 1862 -- Enlisted men, 69.
Chapter II
Time rolls on and brings with it morn of 1863. The record of 1862 is written.
Disease has thinned our ranks. Sixty-nine men have wasted away, under the exposure and privation incident to soldier's life, while nearly two hundred are now lying in hospitals in seven different States of the Union; and the regiment yet maintains a noble organization.
Long before the morning sun illumes the sky, the 27th Iowa Infantry is ready near Lexington, to meet the foe. As part of the re-enforcements for Gen. Sullivan, it marched rapidly, and on that day met our forces which had met and routed Forrest, killing and capturing a large number of his men. The Union victory was complete, but Gen. Forrest had escaped in the direction of Clifton, Tenn. Col. Lawler, commanding, moved rapidly forward, designing to capture a part of his force before it could cross the Tennessee river. When we arrived at Clifton, the enemy was safely over. Our force then returned via Bethal (?) Tenn., to Jackson, Tenn., where we were rejoined by Co. G.
The regiment remained at Jackson, Tenn., on duty as provost guards, train guards and picket guards until June 2d., 1863. During these six month, short marches for various purposes were made into the country, sometimes by companies, and sometimes by detail from all the companies. None of these, however, were of noteworthy importance here, save one to Corinth, Miss.
The regiment, with a force of considerable magnitude, moved by cars to Corinth, Miss., for the purpose evidently of hold the place, while the troops which had been encamped there should make the successful raid to Tuscumbia, Alabama, under Gen. Dodge. On this expedition, the regiment made its quarters at Corinth some twenty days, a small part, only, leaving once as train-guard Burnsville, Miss. February 3d, five companies were ordered to Henderson Station as railroad guards, where they remained until February 28th, when they returned to the regiment at Jackson, Tenn. May 6th, the companies were placed for guard duty on the road from Corinth, Miss. To Memphis, Tenn., via Jackson, Tenn. C and G at Toon's Station, B and H at Medon Station, K at Butler's Bridge, E at River Bridge, A, F, D and I near Mont Pinson.
When Jackson, Tenn., was evacuated, in the early part of June, the regiment moved by cars to Grand Junction, thence to La Grange, from which point it marched June 6th to Moscow, where it again began duty as guards for the M & C. R. R. It remained at Moscow, Tenn., doing its duty well, never surprised or driven in by the enemy, but in several instances putting to flight the prowling bands of guerrillas that infest that country.
Lieut. Col. Jed Lake had been detailed as commandant of the post at La Grange, Tenn., June 6th. July 19th, Col. Gilbert assumed command of the 3d brigade, 3 division, 16h army corps, with headquarters at La Grange, Tenn., when the command of the regiment devolved upon Major Howard.
August 15th, Col. James M. True, 62d Illinois Infantry, returned from leave of absence and assumed command of the brigade.
August 20th, we marched from Moscow, Tenn. for Memphis.
Our next expedition was to Arkansas. On the 24th of August, our brigade detached from all other force, moved by transports to Helena, Ark., thence by march via Clarendon, on White River to Brownsville, where we joined the Army of Arkansas under Maj. Gen. Fred. Steele. Moved with Gen. Steele's army, and on the 10th of September, 1863, assisted in the capture of Little Rock, capital of Arkansas. Of our brigade, only the battery was engaged, the infantry being held as a reserve. We sustained no loss.
October 12th, Gol. Gilbert assumed command of the brigade, and Lieut. Co.. Lake of the regiment. Our duty, which was chiefly picket, was light at Little Rock. Our brigade was disorganized, the 50th Indiana being sent to Lewisburg.
We remained at Little Rock until November 15th, when we moved by cars to Duvall's Bluff, on White River, leaving the 62d Illinois at Little Rock. At Duvall's Bluff we embarked on transports, moved down White river, and up the Mississippi to Memphis, Tenn., where we reported to Major Gen. S. A. Hurlbut, commanding 16th army corps.
The regiment was ordered into camp in a pleasant grove south of the city of Memphis, and did picket duty the remainder of the year 1863.
Casualties "Accidental deaths" At Cairo, Ill, 2
Died of Disease -- At Jackson, Tenn., 29; La Grange, Tenn., 1; Moscow, Tenn., 8; Brownsville, Ark., 2; Little Rock, Ark., 6; Memphis, Tenn., 14; Cairo, Ill., 2, St. Louis, Mo, 2. Total died 64.
Deserters -- From Keokuk, Iowa, 1; Dubuque, Iowa, 1; St. Paul, Minn., 1; Waterford, Miss, 1. Total, 4.
Three 1st Lieutenants have been promoted to Captains. Eleven subalterns have been promoted. Four Captains and four subalterns have resigned. One subaltern has been dismissed from the service. Four recruits have been taken up on our rolls. One hundred and eight have been discharged for disability. Sixteen transfers have been given. Eight have been tried by general court-martial, and nine by regimental court-martial.
The regiment now numbers twenty-two commissioned officers, and four hundred and eight-six enlisted men present.
It numbers present and absent, commissioned officers, 36; enlisted men, 689. Aggregate, 725.
Chapter III.
The first morning of 1864 finds us quietly encamped in the beautiful groves of Memphis, Tenn. Fifteen months of the rough life of a soldier have told fearfully upon our ranks. Nine of the thirty-six of those who came out as commissioned officers have resigned. Two hundred and sixty-one of those who came out as enlisted men are no longer to be found upon our rolls as such, and the hour of battle have never yet come. With trembling, we look forward to the bloody battlefields of 1864.
The regiment continued to do picket duty at Memphis until January 24th. Jan. 28th, we moved by transports with a large fleet down the river with orders to report at Vicksburg, Miss. Arrived at Vicksburg, January 30th, where we remained until Feb. 3d, when we marched with the large army under General Sherman, in the 2d brigade, 3d division, 15th Army Corps, for Meridian, Miss. The expedition was thoroughly successful, even more -- it was a continued triumph. Returned to Vicksburg, Miss., March 4th 1864.
March 10th, moved by transports from Vicksburg, Miss, with the army under Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith on the Red River expedition. Reached Simsport, on Atchafalya river, March 12th. March 13th debarked, and marched up Bayou Glaize. Reached and assisted in the capture of Fort De Russey, La, March 14.
The fort was a formidable one, and was surrendered by the enemy when a bold and wild charge was made by the 2d brigade, 3d division, 16th Army Corps.
HDQRS. TWENTY-SEVENTH REGT. IOWA VOL. INFY.,
On Board Steamer Diadem, Alexandria, La., March 17, 1864
CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders from headquarters Second Brigade, Third Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, I have the honor to report that while on the march near the town of Marksville, La., on the 14th day of March, 1864, the Twenty-seventh Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry was ordered to halt in the town as provost guards until the army had passed through, after which we were to resume our march. When the column had moved by I assembled the guards and moved rapidly forward, keeping well closed up on the train just in my advance. When cannonading commenced the remainder of the brigade to which my regiment was attached were in the advance, having moved forward while we were on duty as provost guards in the town of Marksville. I immediately sent forward Lieutenant Peck, acting adjutant, to Colonel Shaw, commanding brigade, requesting him that I might be permitted to take my place in the brigade. Lieutenant Peck returned and reported to me that he had failed to find Colonel Shaw. I sent him a second time. The request was granted, and we were directed to move forward. We were ordered to relieve the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, and moved up to do so, but at that moment a simultaneous charge was ordered. It was a long way to the fort (De Russy). The ground over which we must charge was well cleared of trees. Many logs lay on the ground, and several ditches were to be crossed. At the command, "Forward, double-quick, march!" the entire regiment sprang forward with a will, moving too rapidly at times for a long charge, but- all the time under apparent good control. We sprang into the ditch on the east and south sides of the fort, and mounted the parapet in all haste. When the fort was surrendered a part of my regiment, with-others of other regiments, joined in a fire of musketry, and with them united in a wild, ringing, vociferous yell of joy. It was the first time we had ever charged upon an enemy's works, and it has not been reported to me that any officer or soldier failed to do his duty and to do it well. Our list of casualties is as follows: Robert Beck, private, Company G, dangerously wounded in the left breast by accidental discharge of gun. (note by Elaine Johnson--every other source says JACOB Beck)
I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. I. GILBERT,
Colonel, Commanding Regiment.
To Capt. C. I.. GRANGER,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General., 2d Brig., 3d Div., 16th A.C.
General Smith lost no time, but ordered his troops to embark at once, and moved rapidly to Alexandria, LA, which place was speedily evacuated by Gen. Dick Taylor, on Smith's approach.
Gen. Banks' forces, consisting of the 13th and 19th corps of infantry, together with a large cavalry force, had moved from Franklin, and reached Alexandria, soon after it was occupied by Gen. Smith. When the army of Gen. Banks, which had made a long and tedious march had rested, an advance was ordered. Gen. Smith's forces marched to Cotile Landing where they arrived March 27th. At Cotile Landing, Gen. Smith's forces embarked April 2d and reached Grand Ecore, April 4th. Gen. Banks army was marching rapidly up the road, and had already occupied Natchitoches, four miles from Grand Ecore, LA. Here all the forces were prepared for a march across the country, and the transports and gun-boats were ordered up the river with an infantry force aboard under Brig. Gen Kilby Smith.
As early as the 5th, Gen. Banks' army commenced moving out on the road to Shreveport, and on the 7th the forces under Gen. Smith moved. When Gen. Banks was repulsed at Mansfield, the forces under Gen. Smith were pushed rapidly forward, reaching Pleasant Hill, LA, on the evening of the 9th. It soon became known that Gen. Banks' defeat was serious, and fears were entertained by some for the safety of the army.
For a more complete history I insert here my official report of the battle of Pleasant Hill, La., April 9th.
HDQRS. TWENTY-SEVENTH REGT. IOWA VOL. INFY.,
Grand Ecore, La.,
April 11, 1864
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the following list of casualties in the Twenty-seventh Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers at the battle of Pleasant Hill, April 9, 1864, together with remarks:
About 10 a.m. we were ordered into line. Moved 1 1/2 miles on the road to Shreveport and took position on the left center of the brigade, in the advance line, relieving the Fifteenth Maine Volunteer Infantry. Our line was established in the edge of a thick wood. Our men were ordered to lie down. An open field lay to our front. Company B was immediately thrown out as skirmishers. Firing was quite brisk among the skirmishers until 3.30 p.m.,
the enemy's skirmishers appearing at times and falling back. At 3.30 p.m. the enemy advanced in force. Our skirmishers fought well until overpowered and driven in. Immediately they resumed their place in the regiment, when the enemy steadily approached in strong columns. At this point a bold cavalry charge was made by the enemy along the Shreveport road. Our men remained quiet until they had approached to within short range, when a full volley was fired into the rebel ranks. The effect was telling. Riders reeled and fell senseless. Horses were struck as dead as if a bolt of heaven had riven the very air. The scene was an appalling one. Scarcely a man who made that charge but met death on the spot. The enemy had moved up on the left of the advance line in strong force. The line had already broken away to the left, and news came from my left that the enemy was flanking us. Already they were firing in our rear. Several shots had taken effect in the ranks of Companies B and G. The enemy advanced in our front in solid columns. We met them with a determined fire. Volley after volley was fired into their ranks. For two hours the rattle of musketry was incessant and deafening. Several shot and a number of shell struck immediately by us, bursting and wounding a number of men. About 5.30 p.m. the order was given to retire, but was not received by me until other regiments had retired, leaving both flanks of my regiment greatly exposed. We fell back in good order and in line until the enemy was discovered to be flanking us, when the line was broken, and we escaped through a narrow passage, the enemy pouring a sharp fire upon both flanks, and closing in rapidly on our rear. At this point a large part of those reported in the following list were killed or wounded. We immediately formed line in the rear of supporting column and awaited orders.
I am well pleased with the conduct of the men on that occasion. I would like to mention the names of some of the officers and soldiers who distinguished themselves, but all conducted themselves so bravely and so well that I refrain from mentioning any save Capt. J. M. Holbrook, Company F, who, after having received a severe wound, led his company with distinguished gallantry until a second severe wound was received, and the regiment had reformed in the rear of the supporting column.
Killed in Action - Privates Alonzo Thornton, Co. A., shot in neck; John Travis, Co. D., shot in chest; Curtis C. Peers, Co. F., shot in head; William J. Pardee, Co. I, shot in head.
Wounded in Action -- Colonel James I. Gilbert, left hand, slight.
Capt. Jospeh M. Holbrook, Co. F., right hip, slight, and left arm, severe.
1st Lieuts. Jedediah W. Granger, Co. A., left shoulder, slight, and right hip, slight; Samuel O. Smith, Co. B., left lung, mortal, left in hospital on field; Frank A. Brush, Co. K., left leg, severe, left in hospital on field.
Sergts. George W. Griswold, Co. B., right chest and right shoulder, severe; William M. Allyn, Co. E., left foot, slight; Charles O Torrey, Co. F., right hip, severe; Robert Beck, Co. G., left side head, severe, left on the field. George C. Wood, Co. I, left leg, severe.
Corpls, Andrew J. Patterson, C. A, left leg severe; Lucius Dickens, Co. B., right hip, slight; Charles D. Kitcherer, Co. E., left thigh, severe; John T. Benson, Co. E., right hand, slight; Harrison H. Love, Co. H., severe, left on the field; Hans Johnson, Co. I, right leg, severe, left on the field.
Privates James Y. Hawthorn, head severe; Milton D. Miller, right shoulder, severe,; Caleb J. Bishop, scalp, slight; Lemuel Pratt, head slight; William J. Miller, head slight; James Osborn, Co. A, neck, slight. Emil Roese, right heel, severe; Richard Griffin, right shoulder, severe; George B. Goble, left wrist, severe; William G. Coppenoll, left arm, slight; Richard Roese, left hip, slight; Calvin R. Dodd(s) left thigh, slight; Matthias Martte, left knee, slight; John Sires, Co. B., right hand, slight. Frank Backman, abdomen, severe, left on the field; John B. Henerts (?) left jaw, severe, right shoulder, slight; Thos. Gordon, thigh , severe; Henry Kuhlmann, arm and foot, severe; Frederick Sass, back, severe, dangerous, John Schimek, right foot, severe, left on the field; Fred Winch, shoulder, severe, left on the fild; Fritze Duwe, head, slight; Charles Hennrich, right arm, slight; Frederick Schuerman, Co. D., left hip, slight. Lorenzo W. Stevenson, right chest, dangerous; George Storck, left shoulder, slight; (John) Henry Schroeder, right shoulder, slight; Silas W. Angier, back, slight, Charles W. Budd, back, slight; Edward F. Cram, Co. E., right cheek, slight. William H. Horn, right hip, severe; John W. Lelacheur, left shoulder, severe; Edward A. Minkler, right side and hip, severe, left on field; Charles L. Utley, right foot, slight; Malon H. Scarbrough, right arm and thigh, slight,; William J. Mulvany, left thigh and elbow, slight; Harrison W. Perry, rightfoot, slight, James Welsh, Co. F., right thigh, slight. William C. Decker, head, severe, left on the field; March Olmstead, lower jaw shot off; Stacey J. Purdy, abdomen, severe, dangerous; James Noble, left arm, severe; John Wright, right leg, severe; Sylvester Bement, Co. G, left knee, severe. Edward E. Mulick, left hip, severe, left on the field; James (or John) H. Booth, left hand, severe; Alfred Cordell, neck, slight; Michael Harrigan, left hand, slight; James C. Haskins, Co. H., left hand, slight. James H. Coffman, Co I, head slight. Oscar Teman, left shoulder, severe, left on the field; Peter Crisper, head and neck, severe, left on field: Francis C. Coop, left leg, slight; Carolus H. Davis, Co. K, right hand, slight.
Missing in Action -- Privates John E. Randall, Co. A. Hugh W. Andrews, John Boss, John P. Burr, Henry Heiller, William Heine, John F. Seimer, Gottfried Seeman, Co. D. Adam Fisher, Co. E, Herman Colvin, Seymour L. Barnes, Rollin Lewis, Co. F. Samuel Craig, Co. I. Arthur Slack, Co. K.
Recapitulation - killed in action: Privates, 4. Wounded: Commissioned officers 5, Sergeants, 5; Corporals, 6, Privates, 54; Total, 70. Missing in action: Privates, 14. Aggregate, 88.
I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully,
JAS. I. GILBERT,
Colonel, Commanding Regiment.
Capt. C. T. GRANGER,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
Early on the morning of the 10th, before our sick and wounded soldiers could be cared for, Gen. Banks ordered a retreat to Grand Ecore, which was conducted well. Our transports and gunboats, then up the river, were relieved by a force which marched up the east side of the river, under Gen. Smith. Preparations were immediately made for the evacuation of Grand Ecore, and on the 20th, the army fell back to Natchitoches. The enemy followed closely in our rear, and at Clouterville attacked the forces of the 17th corps, but were driven back after a sharp fight.
When Alexandria, LA, was reached on our return, our entire fleet of gunboats was above the falls, and it became impossible to run the heaviest ones over. While Gen. Banks was constructing a dam whereby he might save the fleet, our regiment and brigade were below the town, near Gov. Moore's plantation, almost constantly engaged in skirmishing and fighting. On the 13th of May, Alexandria was evacuated, and the retreat successfully conducted down Red River. Our regiment bore no active part in the continual skirmishing during the retreat. At Marksville, where the enemy appeared in our front, we were under fire for a short time, but suffered no loss.
At the battle of Old Oaks, or Yellow Bayou, LA, May 18th our loss was small considering the sharp fire of the enemy. I append official report:
HDQRS. TWENTY-SEVENTH REGT. IOWA VOL. INFY.,
Steamer Diadem,
May 26, 1864.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my regiment in the battle of Old Oaks, La., on the 18th May, 1864: At about 11 a.m. the brigade to which my regiment was attached, commanded by Col. William T. Shaw, was ordered to move out by the right flank on the Marksville road, which lies parallel with Bayou De Glaize. The brigade moved about 1 mile up Bayou De Glaize, when they were ordered to form line of battle at right angles with the bayou. My post formed the right center of the brigade. We were ordered to advance in line, and moved forward about half a mile, when we were ordered to lie down. We were now about 500 yards in the rear of the advance line of battle. We staid in this position for the space of two hours, subjected meanwhile to the artillery fire of the enemy, which was very heavy. At 3 p.m. we were ordered to move by the left flank at a double-quick about 500 yards, when we formed a line perpendicularly to the rear of our former line, and at this point we were subjected to a very heavy fire from the small-arms of the enemy, but in about fifteen minutes succeeded in repulsing him. We then changed front again by moving by the right flank and filing right, and remained in this position nearly a half hour, when we were ordered to advance. We moved forward about 1,000 yards through a heavy piece of timber, driving the enemy before us, but as we came out on the open ground the enemy opened on us with grape and canister, forcing us to retire. We fell back to our former position in good order, considering the roughness of the ground and the thickness of the underbrush. We staid in this position about one-half hour, when we were ordered to fall back by the flank nearly a half mile, where we lay until sunset. We were then ordered back to the position occupied by the regiment the night before, where we lay all night. The loss of the regiment was 3 killed and 14 wounded. Officers and men of my command behaved with the greatest coolness and bravery. Where all did so well it is useless to particularize.
List of Casualties
Killed in Action -- Privates William S. Conner, Co. A, shot through the breast; Charles Conlon, Co. H, shot through the abdomen; Robert M. Childs, Co. K, shot through the head.
Wounded in Action -- Capt. Charles A. Slocum, Co. G., right thigh slight;
Corps. Thomas R. McLennan, Co. A, neck slight; Solomon W. Bates, Co, B, hand slight.
Privates. Leonard M. Shriber, Co A., nose, severe; William J. Sevoy, Co. A, ankle and knee, severe; Nicholas Betsinger, Co. B., hand, severe; Harrison Botsford, Co. B, hand, slight; Henry A. Bender, Co. E, hand, severe: Charles W. Budd, Co. E, hand, slight; Daniel A. Nelings, Co. E, foot, slight; Alpheus (A) Morse, Co. F, left lung, mortal; Van Buren W. Sargent, Co. F, thighs, severe; Charles Hoover, Jr., Co. H, groin severe; Timothy G. Adams, Co.K, side and back, severe.
Recapitulation -- Killed in action: Privates, 3. Wounded in action: Commissioned Officers, 1; Corporals, 2; Privates 11; total, 14. Aggregate 17.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. I. GILBERT,
Colonel, Commanding Regiment.
Lieut. W. G. DONNAN,
Acting Assistant Adjutants-General.
When the fight had ended, the enemy beat a hasty retreat, and the next day, May 19th, was the first for more than thirty consecutive days, with one or two exceptions, that the roar of artillery was not heard. The regiment moved with the army at once to the mouth of Red River, when the forces under Gen. Smith embarked for Vicksburg, Miss., which place they reached May 24.
There we remained until June 4th, when we moved by transports for Memphis, Tenn. Debarked June 5th, and dislodged the enemy June 6th from his position Ditch Bayou, on Old River Lake, in Chicot County, Arkansas. Major Howard's official report is here appended:
HDQRS TWENTY-SEVENTH REG. IOWA VOL. INFY.
Steamer Diadem,
June 7, 1864.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the part my command took at the battle of Ditch Bayou, June 6, 1864: About 2 miles in the rear of Ditch Bayou, Colonel Gilbert was ordered by Colonel Shaw to take command of the brigade of which my regiment formed a part, and I assumed command of the regiment. After advancing about a mile my regiment was ordered into line of battle. Our position was at the left of our brigade, which was at the left of and at right angles with the Lake Village road. We were then ordered to advance in line of battle. When within about 20 rods of the bayou we were ordered to march by the left flank into a field some 40 rods to our left. General Mower then directed me to deploy two companies of my regiment as skirmishers to find, if possible, a ford across the bayou. I ordered Companies A and B to comply with the order. My regiments was soon ordered to the bayou. In a short time I was ordered to march by the right flank and joined our brigade at the bridge crossing the bayou. Companies A and B joined us here. They were unsuccessful in finding a ford. The fire of the enemy was very light on the left of our position, and I have no casualties to report.
Very respectfully,
Geo W. Howard
Major, Commanding Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry.
Lieut. W. G. Donnan
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
When the enemy was routed, the command moved rapidly to Lake Village and encamped for the night, and thence, June 7th, to Columbia, Ark., where they embarked and moved for Memphis, Tenn, arriving there June 10th.
The regiment remained in camp at Memphis until the 24th of June, when moved by cars to Moscow, Tenn., thence by march to La Grange, Tenn., where it marched, with the army under Major Gen. A. J. Smith, on the epxiedition to Tupelo, Miss., during which it was engaged in the battle of Tupelo, July 14, and the engagement at Old Town Creek, Miss, June 15th; official reports which are hereunto set.
HDQRS. TWENTY-SEVENTH REGT. IOWA VOL. INFANTRY,
In the Field, near La Grange, Tenn.,
July 21, 1864
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the part taken by the Twenty-seventh Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry in the engagementat Tupelo, Miss., July 14, 1864. At 7 a.m. the regiment was ordered to the front to report to Major Fyan, Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry. I had moved up, reported, and taken position in line of battle immediately in the rear of the advance line, when I was ordered by Colonel Moore, commanding division, to move by the right flank to support the right. I immediately complied with the order. We remained in this position a half hour, when I was ordered by General Smith to move to the rear to support the left. I moved to comply with the order, and when back a quarter of a mile was met by an officer of Colonel Moore's staff, who halted my command and ordered me to move to the right of the wagon train. About 1 p.m. I moved with the brigade to the left of the wagon train, where we remained until 4 p.m., when I was ordered by Colonel Gilbert, commanding brigade, to move to the support of the left of the advance line. In this new position we remained until sunset, when I moved again to the left of the train and camped in line of battle. At 9 p.m. I moved in the right center of the brigade to our former position, left advance line, where we remained during the night of the 14th. The men made the fight bravely and well.
List of Casualties
Wounded -- 2d Lieut. William S. Simms, Co. B, back of head, slight; Captain Frank B. Russell, Co. A, left thigh, severe; left in hospital on field; Charles P. Tripp, Co. F, abdomen, severe; Privates James Osborn, Co, A, left ankle, severe; Leonard M. Shriber, Co. A, neck, slight; Edward Conner, Co. A, head, slight; Mahlon H. Scarbrough, Co. F, left thigh, severe; John W. Pratt, Co. G, hand, slight; Nelson W. Eddy, Co. H, right hand, severe; James Conlon, Co H, neck, slight.
Recapitulation -- commissioned officers, 1; corporals, 2, privates, 7; aggregate, 10, all wounded.
I have the honor to be, Lieutenant, very respectfully
Amos M. HASLIP,
Captain Company A, Commanding Regiment.
Lieut. W. G. DONNAN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, 2d Brig., 3d Div. 16th A.C.
HDQRS. TWENTY-SEVENTH REGT. IOWA VOL. INFANTRY,
In the Field, La Grange, Tenn.,
July 21, 1864.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Twenty-seventh Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry in the engagement at Old Town Creek, Miss, July 15, 1864:
We had encamped for the night after a fatiguing march from Tupelo, Miss. The enemy approached on the Tupelo road. At 6 p.m we were ordered out and participated in the long charge through the woods, across Old Town Creek and still on across an open field to the brown of the hill on which the enemy had situated their guns, and from which they had shellout our camp. My position was the left centre of the 2d brigade, commanded by Col. James I. Gilbert. Some of the men were overdone and exhausted in the extreme heat.
List of Casualties
Killed -- Private Henry L. Lewis, Co. I.
Wounded -- Privates William S. Merrian, Co A., right side and arm, mortally, died on march July 16, 1864, D. S. Gardner, Co. A., left leg, severely; Charles Cole, Co. A., right hand, severely; Elijah Shaff, Co. A, throat and arm, slightly; Gilbert R. Parish, Co. C., left breast, severely; Peter Wendell, Co. D., right breast, dangerous; Herman H Mollering, Co. D., thigh, severely; Sergeant John Everall, Co. E, lower jaw, severely; Privates Daniel E. Fox Co. E, thigh, severely; William H. Clark, Co. F, right knee, severely: Steward McKeney, Co. H., left hand, severely, William T. Rich, Co. H., left elbow slightly; Charles Sweeny Co. K, arm and thigh, dangerously, arm amputated; Corporal Peter Fritcher, Co K. shoulder, slightly, Private Peter Cyphers, Co. K, hand, slightly.
Recapitulation -- Killed: Private, 1. Wounded: Sergeant, 1; Corporal, 1; Privates, 13; total 15. Aggregate 16.
I have the honr to be, Lieut, very respectfully
AMOS M. HASLIP,
Captain Company A, Commanding Regiment.
Lieut. W. G. DONNAN,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen, 2d Brig, 3d Div, 16th Army Corps.
On our return we reached LaGrange Tenn, July 21st and Memphis Tenn., July 23. Our gain and loss for the first and second quarters of 1864 are as follows:
| Gain | ||
| Commissioned Officers | 4 | |
| Recruits | 164 | |
| From missing in action | 1 | |
| Total | 169 | |
| Loss | ||
| Commissioned officers resigned | 3 | 3 |
| Enlisted men discharged | 4 | |
| Enlisted men ordinary deaths | 25 | |
| Enlisted men killed in action | 5 | |
| Enlisted men died of wounds | 3 | |
| Enlisted men missing in action | 17 | |
| Enlisted men deserted | 1 | |
| Enlisted men transferred | 7 | 62 |
| Total | 65 | |
| Wounded in Action | 85 |
In addition to this long list, it will be seen, by consulting Capt. Haslip's official report of the last two fights, that one more has been killed in action and twenty six more wounded. This brief history of one year and nine months shows a gain of one hundred and seventy-three, and a loss of three hundred and twenty nine.
We now have an aggregate of eight hundred, thirty-five of whom are commissioned officers, and seven hundred and sixty-five enlisted men. Our gain is good, but what a loss!. Those who have died of disease or have been discharged have gone while struggling to perform the duties of good soldiers, and those who have fallen on the field in deadly combat have shown themselves patriots whose names an approving world will remember with gratitude in the nations's properous career.
In conclusion, I but hope that when the second part of this history shall be written, it will be found that we have done our duty to the last; equally as uncomplainingly, as bravely, and as well as we have thus far; and that our efforts united with those of other Union soldiers in arms, will have been successful in bringing final and lasting peace.
History of the Regiment- Part Second
Introduction
Head-Quarters 27th Reg't Iowa Infantry
Independence, Iowa, October 25, 1865
Part second of the history of this regiment is now ready for publication. It gives an account of the doings of the regiment from the 4th day of August 1864, to the 8th day of August, 1865, when the regiment was mustered out and discharged by reason of the great rebellion of 1861 having been subdued. It contains a history of the pursuit of the rebel army under Gen. Price through Missouri, in October and November, 1864; the siege of Nashville, Tenn., by the rebels under Hood, with the battles of Nashville, fought on t he 15th and 16thk and the subsequent pursuit of Hood's army across the Tennessee river; the operations against Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely, Ala, which caused the surrender of Mobile; and the campaign against Montgomery, Ala, under Major Gen. A. J. Smith, which proved to be the last of the war.
No attempt has been made to perpetuate the bravery and meritorious conduct of individuals in writing this sketch. It would require a large volume for that purpose. But it is believed that the part taken by the regiment as an organization, in the battles of the last year of the war, has been correctly though concisely stated.
Jed Lake, Lt. Col. Com'g Reg't.
August, 1864
Aug. 4th, regiment moved by cars to Holly Springs, Miss, where we remained until Aug. 17, when we marched to Waterford, Miss, and thence, Aug 19 to Tallahatchie river. Aug. 21st marched with the army under Major-General A. J. Smith. Reached Oxford, Miss, the 22d, when the army retreated, arriving at the Tallahatchie the 23d, Holly Springs, Miss, the 26th, and Memphis, Tenn. the 29th.
September, 1864
Left Memphis, Tenn., the 5th by steamer Belle Memphis for Cairo, Ill, where we arrived the 7th. Left Cairo the 14th by steamer Sioux City; reached Jefferson Barracks, MO, the 16th, where we remained until the 25th; when we moved by cars to Mineral Point, MO. Returned to Jefferson Barracks the 29th instant.
October 1864
On the 2d marched from Jefferson Barracks, MO, with the army under Major General A. J. Smith, in pursuit of the rebel army under General Sterling Price. Moved rapidly through Kirkwood, Grey's Summit, Jefferson City, Sedalla, Lexington, and Independence, striking the Kansas line near Santa Fe. Returned via Harrisonville, reaching Pleasant Hill, Mo., the 30th inst.
November 1864
Marched from Pleasant Hill, Oct 31, on our return from pursuit of rebel army under General Sterling Price. Moved via Lexington, Glasgow and St. Charles, arriving at St. Louis, Nov. 18. Moved by transports, 25th; with the army under Major General A. J. Smith, for Cairo, Ill; thence up the Ohio to Smithland, Ky; thence up Cumberland river en route for Nashville, Tenn.
December 1864
Debarked at Nashville, Tenn, the 1st. Marched three miles south of the city, where we were placed on the left of the forces under Major General A. J. Smith, in the advance line of battle in front of the rebel army under General Hood; remained until Dec. 15th, when we advanced with the entire army under General Thomas. In the battles of the 15th and 16th, no loss occurred on the 15th. Twelve wounded on the 16th. 17th marched in pursuit of the enemy. Reach Pulaski, Tenn., the 28th, and Lawrenceburg, Tenn., the 30th.
The following official report is annexed:
HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-SEVENTH IOWA INFANTRY,
Spring Hill, Tenn.,
December 20,1864.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the part taken by the Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry in the battle near Nashville, Tenn., on the 15th instant, and the charge on mountain heights, south of Nashville, on the 16th instant, and the list of casualties.
On the 15th instant, at 7 a.m., I received orders from Colonel Gilbert, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division, Detachment Army of the Tennessee, to send out one company to report to the commanding officer of the Tenth Kansas as skirmishers. I ordered Captain S.W. Hemenway, commanding Company B, to comply with the order. At 8 a.m. I received orders to move the regiment outside of the entrenchments and form in column by division on the First Division, right in front. About 9 a.m. I was ordered to deploy column and move forward. My regiment was on the left of the brigade, our left resting on the right of the Fourth Army Corps. The skirmishing commenced in our front and was pretty sharp for about two hours, out men gradually driving the enemy's skirmishers and the regiment following them in line of battle. From 2 to 4 p.m. the cannonading was very severe on our right and left, but my regiment was shielded by the woods and hills so that the enemy's artillery was not directed at it. At about 4 p.m. Company B joined us, having been relieved as skirmishers. I received orders from Colonel Gilbert, commanding brigade, to wheel my regiment to the right and in the rear of the right of the Fourth Corps. At the same time the charge commenced on the enemy's works. We followed close in the rear of the Fourth Corps till the works were carried, then moved by the flank to the right and encamped for the night. No casualties.
On the 16th instant, at daylight, we formed in line of battle. My position was the left center of the brigade. About sunrise, by orders from Colonel Gilbert, we made a half wheel to the right and moved forward across an open field into the Granny White pike, and thence across another field, under fire of the enemy's guns, in all about a mile. We were then moved by the right flank about half a mile into a ravine, in a corn-field, where we were ordered to lie down. Here the fire of the artillery was very heavy, the missiles from the enemy's battery and our own passing directly over my regiment. One man of Company I was hit on the hip by a spent musket-ball while in this position. About 4 p.m. I received orders from Colonel Gilbert to prepare for the charge. At the command "Forward, double-quick, march!" every man went forward with a will. In passing between a house in our front and the outbuildings, both flanks were thrown back and crowded on the center, but, on reaching the open field about 200 yards in front of the enemy's works, immediately deployed and went over the parapet in good style. The enemy were doing their best to escape, and we followed them through the woods and across an open field and to the foot and up the side of the mountain, until men from the top hung out the white flag in token of surrender.
Every man and officer behaved with great gallantry, and it would be unjust to the others to particularize.
List of casualties.
A. J. Patterson, Corpl, Co. A., wounded left side, slight
Wm. Bandall, Corpl, Co. A, wounded in head, slight
Elijah Shaff, Corpl, Co. A., wounded in left hand, slight
T. F. Sturdervant, private, Co. B., wounded in left thigh, severe
J. D. Beyer, Corpl, Co. D, wounded in left groin, contused.
Michael Thein, Corpl, Co. D., wounded in left arm, severe.
Herman Droge, private Co., D., wounded in abdomen, dangerous
Henry Waterman, private Co., D., wounded in left arm and side, mortal.
Chas. P. Tripp, Corpl, Co. F. wounded in ear and face, severe
James McCanna, private Co. G., wounded in left little finger, severe (finger amputated)
Hugh H. Cornick, private Co. H., wounded in scalp, severe
Alva McGonigil, private Co., H., wounded in right leg, slight
I have the honr to be, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JED LAKE,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.
Lieutenant W.G. DONNAN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General., 2d Brigade, 2d Division D.A.T.
January 1865
Marched the 1st for Clifton, Tenn., where we arrived the 2d; 4th embarked on steamer Havana at Clifton, Tenn., for Eastport, Miss., where we arrived the 5th, debarked and encamped at Eastport the 7th; 9th made reconnaissance to Iuka, Miss., returning the same day.
February 1865
Remained in camp at Eastport, Miss, until the 9th, when we embarked on steamer Tarrascon; reached Cairo, Ill, the 11th; Vicksburg, Miss, the 14th; and New Orleans, LA, the 21st. Debarked 21st and encamped at Chalmette, near New Orleans.
March 1865
Embarked on steamship Empire City at New Orleans, LA, the 7th, for Dauphin Island, Ala, where we arrived the 8th; remained at Dauphin Island until 20th, when we embarked on steamer Starlight; debarked same day at Donnellys Landing, Ala., where we remained until 25th, where we marched with 13th and 16th A. C. arriving at Sibley's Mills, near Mobile, Ala, the 26th.
April 1865
Marched from Sibley's Mills, Ala, 3d to the siege of Blakely. Engaged in siege of Blakely 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th, and on the evening of the 9th participated in the charge of that place, three men wounded; 10th occupied Ft. Blakely with 2d brigade, 2d division, 16th A. C.; 13th marched in direction of Montgomery Ala, arriving at Greenville, Ala, the 22d, and at Montgomery the 27th. Major Howard's official report of the siege and capture of Blakely is hereunto set:
HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-SEVENTH IOWA INFANTRY,
Blakely, Ala.,
April 11, 1865
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry in the charge and capture of Blakely, Ala., April 9, 1865:
At 3.30 p.m. the regiment moved toward the enemy's works, taking position on the right of the Second Brigade, Second Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, in line of entrenchments 250 yards in the rear of the line of skirmishers. Company B was immediately ordered to report to Lieutenant-Colonel Hills as skirmishers. We remained in this position until 5.30 p.m., when the entire line advanced. The regiment moved rapidly forward, not being able to preserve a good line, however, because of fallen timber. When we reached the line of entrenchments from which the skirmishers had advanced when the charge was ordered, a temporary halt was made. Resting but a moment in these entrenchments, we again advanced with rapidity and carried the enemy's works without serious resistance. When the works were carried we again formed line and rapidly pursued the disconcerted foe to Blakely. Here was a large number of the enemy which we assisted in capturing. The enemy's gun-boats were lying in the Tensas River immediately and only a few rods in our advance. From this position we returned to camp without nnecessary delay, Companies E, K and G as guards of prisoners. Company B returned to camp during the evening.
The conduct of both officers and men on the occasion was, so far as my knowledge extends, unexceptionable and commendable. The following is the list of casualties: Sergt. Robert T. Jackson, Company B, wounded severely in the face and neck; Private Albert Tennis, Company C, wounded severely in right hand.
Very respectfully,
GEO. W. HOWARD,
Major, Commanding.
Lieutenant W. G. DONNAN,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. General, Second Brigadier, Second Div., 16th Army Corps
May 1865
Regiment remained in camp near the city of Montgomery, Ala, during the entire month, doing light picket duty and exercising daily in drill.
June 1865
Continued light guard duty in camp two miles from Montgomery, until the 24th inst., when we moved camp four miles from Montgomery, where we did light guard and heavy fatigue police duty the remainder of the month.
July, 1865
On the 14th July, 122 recruits whose terms of service expire subsequent to Oct. 1st, 1865, were transferred from the 27th Iowa Infantry to the 12th Iowa Infantry. On the 15th of July, the regiment received orders from head-quarters 16th A. C., to proceed to Vicksburg, Miss, and there report to the commanding officer for muster-out and discharge. We moved aboard the R. B. Taney and steamed down the Alabama River to Selma, where we debarked and took cars for Demopolis. Arriving at Demopolis, we embarked on steamer and ran five miles down the Tombigbee, where we debarked and took cars for Jackson, Mississippi, and Meridian. The railroad not being in running order from Jackson to Big Black, Mississippi, the regiment made the march without delay and took cars at Black River bridge for Vicksburg, Miss. At Vicksburg we were ordered to St. Louis, Mo. Embarked at once on steamer Commonwealth. On arrival at St. Louis we were ordered to report to Colonel Duncan, Chief Mustering Officer for Iowa, at Davenport. At arrival at Davenport we were ordered to Clinton, where we arrived on the 3d of August, 1865. The necessary papers for the muster-out and discharge were at once prepared, and on the 7th of August the companies were mustered out and discharged, and the field and staff on the 8th. All officers and men were promptly paid by Major Bailey.
The following was the roster at muster-out:
| Jed Lake, Lieutenant-Colonel | T.A. Omsted, Captain, Co E. |
| Geor. W. Howard, Major | G. C. Williams, 1st Lieut. Co. E. |
| Charles H. Lewis, Adjutant | D. H. Hutchins, 2d. Lieut Co. E. |
| Geo. P. Smith. R. Q. M. | J. M. Holbrook, Captain Co. F. |
| John E. Sanborn, Surgeon | W. N. Boynton, 1st Lieut. Co. F |
| David C. Hastings, Ass't Surgeon | J. S. Eisenhart, 2d Lieut. Co. F. |
| Fred F. Kiner, Chaplin | John E. Butler, 1st Lieut. Co. G. |
| J. W. Granger, 1st Lieut. Co. A. | Otis Whitney, Captain, Co. H. |
| John W. Pratt, 2d Lieut. Co. A. | W. G. Donnan, 1st Lieut. Co. H. |
| S. W. Hemenway, Capt, Co. B. | G. W. Smyzer, 2d Lieut. Co. H. |
| S. O. Smith, 1st Lieut., Co. B | Edwin A. Sherburn, Captain, Co. I |
| Henry F. Sill, Captain, Co. C. | John E. Peck, 1st Lieut. Co. I |
| H. C. Hemenway, 2d Lieut., Co. C. | F. H. Robbins, 2d Lieut., Co. I. |
| Silas Garber, Captain Co. D. | C. Z. Granger, Captain Co. K. |
| Alex. Bliedung, 1st Lieut. Co. D. | George C. Babcock, 1st Lieut. Co. K. |
| Chas. Sydow, 2d Lieut. Co. D. | Jesse P. Hatch, 2d Lieut. Co. K. |
| Non Commissioned Staff |
| Pulaski Hughes, Sergeant-Major |
| Augustus L. Payne Quartermaster Sergeant |
| James P. McKinney, Commissary-Sergeant |
| George C. Wood, Hospital-Steward |
| Ralph L. Knight, Principal Muscian. |
The regiment has marched during its term of service over three thousand miles, and has traveled by steamboat and railroad over ten thousand miles. Our first campaign was made to Mille Lacs, Minn, Octo. 13th 1862, to attend the payment of the Chippwa Indians; our last was the capture of Mobile, and the march thence to Montgomery, Ala., where we arrived April 27th, 1865.