Civil War History: Iowa and as it pertains to Clinton County, Iowa
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sharing this information with us.
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Roster and Record of Iowa Soldiers in the War of the Rebellion Together with
Historical Sketches of Volunteer Organizations 1861-1866:
Vol. 1
1st -8th Regiments-Infantry.
Published by authority of the General Assembly, under the direction of Brig. Gen. Wm.
H. Thrift, Adjutant General. Des Moines; Emory H. English, State Printer, E. D. Chassell,
State Binder; 1908
TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT IOWA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
The official reports of the Adjutant General of Iowa show the Company A, of the
Twenty-first Regiment of Infantry, was ordered into quarters at Clinton, Iowa, on the 23d
day of May, 1862, and that it was there mustered into the service of the United States on the
4th day of June, 1862, while the other nine companies of the regiment were ordered into
quarters at Dubuque, Iowa, on dates ranging from July 28 to August 23, 1862, and were
there mustered into service, on dates ranging from the 18th to the 25th of August, 1872. The
wide discrepancy in the dates of the muster in of the first company and those which followed
is explained in a foot-note to the Original Roster of Company A, stating that the company
was originally raised for the Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, but was subsequently transferred to
the Twenty-first. The mustering officers were Captains George S. Pierce and H. B.
Hendershott of the Regular Army, and the term of service was for three years from the date
of muster. The official reports also show that, when the muster in of the ten companies was
completed, their aggregate strength was 964 enlisted men and company officers, and, with
twelve Field and Staff officers and four additional enlistments, the total number was 980.
The subjoined roster shows the name and record of service of every enlisted man and
commissioned officer, who was at any time a member of the regiment. The roster has been
carefully compiled from the official records in the office of the Adjutant General of the State
and, where these records do not show the complete service of any officer or soldier, a list of
such names has been sent to the War Department, in Washington, in the hope that
information might be obtained which would enable those engaged in making up these
revised rosters to make them complete. In some instances the records were found to be
incomplete, as shown from the lists returned from the War Department and must, therefore,
remain so, but in most cases the necessary information has been obtained to complete them.
It is believed, however, that the subjoined roster is as nearly correct as it is possible to make
it from the official records. No doubt there are some errors and omissions, but every effort
has been made to reduce them to the minimum. This sketch of the hstory of the regiment
has also been complied from the official reports and returns, as made to the Adjutant General
of the State. The compiler was an Iowa soldier, in one of its infantry regiments, and in the
preparation of this work has endeavored to cover as many of the leading events in the history
of this, and all other Iowa regiments, as the limitation of space to which he is restricted will
permit. It would have been easier task to have written a longer history and to have gone
more fully into detail, but the necessity for condensation has had to be kept constantly in
mind; and, in this regard, each regiment has been given only the amount of space which the
extent of its leading operations and length of service seemed to demand.
The Field and Staff and company officers of the regiment, as well as the m en they
commanded, were, with but few exceptions. Entirely without experience as soldiers, but all
utilized the time which was spent at Camp Franklin (near Dubuque) to the best advantage, in
learning their respective duties and imparting such instruction as they could to the men
under their command. The regiment was supplied with Enfield rifles (one of the best guns in
use at that time) and was otherwise very well equipped for active service before leaving the
State. In these respects it was more fortunate than some of the regiments which had
preceded it. Both men and officers were apt in acquiring the rudiments of a military
education. They were given ample opportunity to learn, in the practical school of experience
in the field, more rapidly than if they had been detained longer in their first camp, for the
reason that they were soon brought into contact with other troops, and the spirit of
emulation, which naturally prevailed, caused both officers and men to embrace every
opportunity to improve their knowledge of their duties as soldiers. The company and
regiment drills and the enforcement of discipline were alike somewhat distasteful and
unpleasant to many soldiers, in the first few months of their experience, who subsequently
come to appreciate the value and necessity of both.
On the 16th of September, 1862, the regiment embarked on transports and proceeded
down the river to St. Louis, but, being detained at Davenport and Montrose, did not reach its
destination until the 20th. The short march from the landing at St. Louis to Benton Barracks
was a severe trial to the endurance of the men. The weather was intensely hot and the march
was made to rapidly. The men were heavily laden with knapsacks, blankets, arms and
accounterments, and upon that four-mile march endured greater suffering than upon a long
day's march thereafter, when they had learned to live without the things contained in those
knapsacks, which then seemed to be necessities, and to disencumber themselves of pretty
much everything except the rifle and its ammunition, and a single army blanket. They were
having the common experience of soldiers at the commencement of their service, and
experience which, alas, proved fatal to many.
On the evening of September 21st, the regiment marched to St. Louis and, going on
board a train of cars, (such as were used to transport freight and stock,) proceeded to Rolla,
Mo., where it arrived the next day and went into camp. Here the scourge of disease which
attacked so many of the men of the new regiments, and which in so many instances either
proved fatal or unfitted men for further service in the field, prevailed to such an extent that
over 200 men of the regiment were on the sick list. On the 18th of October the regiment
moved to Salem, Mo., twenty-five miles from Rolla, where it was assigned to a brigade of
which the other regiments were the Ninety-ninth Illinois and Thirty-third Missouri Infantry,
with detachments of the Third Missouri and Third Iowa Cavalry, and a section of the First
Missouri Artillery, all under the command of Brigadier General Fitz Henry Warren, formerly
Colonel of the First Iowa Cavalry. Colonel Merrill was assigned to the command of the
post. Here the regiment remained until the 3d of November, when those of its members who
were able for duty again took up the line of march. About 200, including Colonel Merrill,
were sick, and were left in hospital at Salem. After marching thirty-two miles the regiment
went into camp at Hgouston, where ir remained but a few days, when it marched about forty
miles to Hartville, where it arrived on the 15th of November.
On the night of November 24th, the wagon train of the brigade, while moving from
Houston towards Hartville, guarded by a small number of troops, was attacked by a
considerable force of the enemy, who killed and wounded a number of the guards and
captured the remainder, and then destroyed the wagons and such of the stores as they could
not carry away. This affair occurred only sixteen miles from Hartville, and the Twenty-first
Iowa promptly moved to the place where it occurred, but the enemy, being mounted, had
disappeared. The regiment then returned to its camp, having made a night march of thirty-
two miles in nine hours. Early in December the regiment returned to Houston, where it
remained in camp until the 8th of January, 1863. During this time it became more efficient in
drill, more appreciative of the necessity for disipline, and in every way better fitted for the
work which lay before it—an active and aggressive winter campaign, in which the fortitude,
bravery and endurance of men and officers were to be put to the severest possible test.
On the 9th of January, 1863, General Warren received orders to send reinforcements to
the garrison at Springfield, eighty miles from Houston. About 700 men, consisting of
detachments from the Twenty-first Iowa and Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry, (about two
hundred and fifty from each regiment,) and two hundred cavalry, with one section of
artillery, all under command of Colonel Merrill of the Twenty-first Iowa, were detailed for
the expedition. Lieutenant Colonel Dunlap was in command of the detachment of the
Twenty- Twenty-first, and, as the battles were ensued were the first in which any portion of
the regiment had participated, the compiler feels impelled to quote his entire official report.
While these were the first of the many hard fought battles in which it was engaged, and in
several of which it suffered greater loss, nevertheless, when the greatly superior number of
the enemy against whom it fought and the fact that its men and officers had never been
under fire are taken into consideration, it may truthfully be said that the soldiers of the
Twenty-first Iowa demonstrated in these battles that they were the equals of any of the
splendid regiments of Iowa that had preceded them to the field. Lieutenant Colonel
Dunlap's report is therefore given in full as follows:
HOUSTON, MO., Jan. 17, 1863.
GERNERAL: I have the honor to report to you the part taken by a detachment of the
Twenty-first Iowa Infantry Volunteers, under my command, in the battles of Wood's Fork
and Hartsville, on the 11th inst. Perhaps these two engagements should occupy two reports,
but, as they occurred so near together, I have though proper, with your permission, to
combine both battles in one report. In obedience to your order, I left Houston, with other
forces under Colonel Merrill, on Friday the 9th inst., t about noon, to march to Springfield,
with the object of reinforcing that place. The first night we encamped for a short time at
Beaver Creel. At 12 o'clock at night we moved on, and when within a few miles of
Hartsville, we were drawn up in line of battle, as information had been received that the
rebel Colonel Porter had occupied the place the evening before, and might be there yet. We
remained in line of battle until daylight, when it was ascertained that Porter had evacuated
the town the night previous. We them moved on to Hartsville, when we halted until the
afternoon, getting a little sleep for the men, and a bite to eat.
At 2 o'clock P.M., we moved on towards Springfield, Colonel Porter being in advance
of us, and reached Wood's Fork at dark, when we camped for the night in line of battle. At
3 o'clock next morning, in accordance with orders from headquarters, I was ready to march.
A few moments afterwards firing was heard from the pickets, and word came in that a heavy
force was in front of us. I immediately got my command in line of battle, and ordered the
companies o send their blankets and overcoats to the wagons. I then sent out Companies A
and B, under Captains Johnson and Cook, respectively, as skirmishers. In this position we
remained until nearly daylight, when I was ordered to move my command half a mile in
advance. I went down on the double quick, and formed on the left of the road. The fight
here lasted until 9 o'clock, when the enemy withdrew.
Soon afterwards, with the remainder of the force, I commenced a movement towards
Hartsville, guarding the train as we advanced. When within two miles of the town, I was
ordered to form my men and bring them forward on the double quick. I did no, and arrived
on the edge of the town simultaneously with the Ninety-ninth Illinois and the artillery, on the
brow of the hill on the left of the Springfield road where the artillery was stationed, my left
reaching nearly to the Lebanon road. It was now nearly 11 o'clock (Sunday morning) when
we got into line. My position was a very favorable one, being on the edge of the hill
descending into the town, and sheltered by underbrush and small trees. The enemy's
artillery opened on us immediately. I caused all my men to lie down during the engagement,
except a few skirmishers, and to do their firing in this position, except when firing volleys or
repelling the charges of the enemy. In a few moments they charged on us in large force, and
was we repelled them with great loss on their part. Several times, with short intervals, they
repeated the charge with reinforcements of fresh troops, and every time they were driven
back in disorder. Failing in these charges, the formed a line on the opposite side of the town,
so near to us that we could distinctly hear the command of their officers, and opened on us a
brisk fire of musketry, their artillery at the same time pouring into us a heavy fire; we
returning the fire with the most terrible effect. In a short time, a large body of mounted men
poured into the town and made a charge, with terrible yells, upon our artillery at my right.
When they approached within a few rods, simultaneously with the Ninety-ninth Illinois we
poured into their ranks a full volley, causing them to reel and fall back in confusion and
disorder. We continued our fire with so much heat as to empty many saddles, and create
such a panic in their ranks that they could not be rallied until they got over the opposite hill,
nearly half a mile distant. Their sharpshooters filled the Court House, and the dwelling
houses in the town, who became very annoying to my command. I sent a request to Colonel
Merrill, to have the artillery turned upon the town, but, not being able to find him, I ordered
Lieutenant Waldschmidt, commanding the artillery, to shell the town and drive the rebels
from their hiding places. He immediately commenced firing on them with briskness, and
after a few rounds he retired from his position, as I supposed to cool his guns or repair some
slight accidents, but he did not return, and, as I afterwards learned, he received orders to
retreat by the Lebanon road. The firing now ceased on my right and left and, as I supposed
some strategic movement was going on, I ordered my command to increase the vigor of their
fire, in order to attract the attention of the enemy, while the remainder of our force changed
their position. We kept up a brisk fire for about half an hour, when, hearing nothing from
the balance of our line, I sent our skirmishers to the right and left to ascertain their
whereabouts and found they had retired from the field, probably toward Lebanon.
I had received no orders and, being only 220 strong, in front of 4,000, I was somewhat
embarrassed as to the best course to pursue. To retreat then would be to disclose our
weakness to the enemy and expose us to destruction; to stay seemed like embracing death. I
determined, however, to hold my position until dark, r lose every man in the attempt, and in
this I was sustained by the whole command. I then extended my line as much as possible, by
scattering my men to the right and left, with instruction to maintain a vigorous fire, in order
to prevent the enemy from ascertaining that our force had gone, at the same time pouring
into them a hot fire from the main body. After this the enemy made three charges on our
front, in one instance coming up in four ranks, but each time was driven back in a valorous
manner by the Twenty-first Iowa. They now withdrew to the other side of the town, and the
second time they formed a line, not with as strong a force as before, however. My attention
was now called to the hill beyond their line, and, to my surprise as well as infinite delight, I
discovered the rebels rapidly falling back on the road leading north. First their train went
over the hill, followed by long lines of cavalry. Their retreat continued until sundown, by
which time their whole force had gone, except a light rear guard. I kept a brisk firing on the
town, and a few moments before dark the rebels had vacated the place and left us in
triumphant possession of the hard fought battlefield.
Not deeming it safe or prudent ot remain with so small a command in the vicinity of
so large a force of the enemy, even while they were retreating, I concluded to withdraw.
When we gathered up what loose things we could, about an hour after dark, I left the town
and the scene of our victor, taking the road to Lebanon, presuming that to be the way our
forces had gone. There was not a mounted man left with us on the field, nor a live horse to
be found in the vicinity. My horse having been shot in the early part of the engagement, it
was impossible to send a messenger to ascertain the whereabouts of the army. Believing,
however, that our troops must have retreated in this direction, I moved on hoping to soon
join the main force, As the night was cold, and our blankets and overcoats had been left in
the wagons, we could only make short rest until we reached the train. We continued to
march until 3 o'clock the next morning, when we came up with our train and force, camped
at Osap Fork, 35 miles distant from Hartsville. Finding that the Colonel commanding had
gone on to Lebanon the night before, I gave the troops a couple of hours' rest and some
refreshments and, taking command of the force, put it in motion for Lebanon, which place
we reached in the early part of the next day. In conclusion allow me to sum up as follows:
Between Friday afternoon and Monday morning, the Twenty-first Iowa Regiment
marched 100 miles, fought two battles, one of three and the other of eight hours' duration,
during the latter of which there was scarcely one moment's lull in the galling fire of artillery
and musketry. And for three hours, and until the enemy fled from before us, 250 of them
held their position against the combined force of the rebels, 4,000 strong. Owing to the
sheltered position that we occupied, and the fact of the enemy firing over us, as the men
were principally kept on their faces, the number of casualties was comparatively small. I
make special mention here of no one as having distinguished himself more than another.
Every man was brave, cool and active, and every one was a hero. Too much praise cannot
be accorded to the men for their conduct during the whole of this long and severe
engagement. Annexed to this report, find a full and complete list of the killed, wounded and
missing of my command.
I am, General,
Very respectfully, your obedient servant.
C. W. DUNLAP.
Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Detachment Twenty-first Iowa
Infantry Volunteers.
To BRIGADIER GENERAL FITZ HENRY WARREN,
Commanding Forces at Houston, Mo.
According to General Marmaduke's official report, the rebel force in these battles
numbered 3,000 men, whole the entire force under colonel Merrill's command was less than
1,000. Considering the fact that this was the first experience of the Twenty-first Iowa under
fire, and the great disparity in numbers, it may safely be said that nowhere during the war
was greater heroism displayed or more gallant fighting done than by the men and officers of
the Twenty-first Iowa at the battle of Hartville. In his official report Lieutenant Colonial
Dunlap does not mention that he himself was wounded, but such was the fact, he having
been wounded in the hand and breast. In his complimentary order, General Warren says:
"To Colonel Merrill, in command of the force, I am under high obligations for his prudent
firmness and good dispositions of his troops. Nothing could have been finer than their
steadiness and discipline. Lieutenant Colonel Dunlap, Twenty-first Iowa, was conspicuous,
much exposed, and wounded. He is worth of high praise."
That portion of the regiment which was left at Houston, together with all the other
troops at that place who were able for duty under command of General Warren marched
promptly to the support of Colonel Merrill's command, upon learning that he had met the
enemy and after a hard fought battle was retreating towards Houston; but, upon finding that
The enemy by a flank movement was likely to fall upon and capture the camp and military
stores, counter-marched and returned to Houston, having marched through mud and rain
sixty-four miles in twenty-four hours. All these movements were alike creditable to the
officers who directed and the men who executed them. The loss to the Union troops
engaged was 7 killed, 64 wounded, 5 prisoners and two missing, while that of the Twenty-
first Iowa was 3 killed, 15 wounded and 2 captured, about one-fourth that of the entire
command, which would no doubt have been much heavier but for their strong and sheltered
position. The rebel loss was very heavy, more than 300 killed and wounded, including a
large number of officers, among whom were three colonels of regiments.
Upon its return to Houston the regiment rested in camp until the 27th of January,
1863. In the meantime, General Warren having been assigned to another command, Colonel
Merrill succeeded him in command of the brigade which now marched in the direction of
West Plains, where it arrived on the 30th of January. A force of about 10,000 troops had
been concentrated at that place, under the command of Brigadier General Davidson. The
Twenty-first Iowa was now assigned to the Second Brigade, Second Division of the army,
with Colonel Stone of the Twenty-second Iowa in command. On the 8th of February the
army took up the line of march for Iron Mountain. The weather was cold, the troops
insufficiently clad; the shoes of many of the men were worn out, and they suffered as greatly
as did the troops of Washington at Valley Forge, in the days of the Revolution. The roads
were in a horrible condition, and on many days the distance covered was not more than five
or six miles. Rations were scarce, and the pangs of hunger were added to the other hardships
endured upon this long march, which ended at Iron Mountain on the 25th of February, where
the troops went into camp and rested until the 9th of March, upon which date the march was
resumed, the troops arriving at St. Genevieve, on the Mississippi River on the 11th of March.
Upon its arrival at that place, those of the enlisted men who gad broken down under their
sufferings and were unfit for active service were sent home on furlough, and, for the same
reason, several of the officers received leave of absence. It may well be said of those who
had endured such great suffering and privation, and who, after a brief season of rest, were
ready to enter upon another arduous campaign, that they had become thoroughly seasoned
soldiers, endowed with that high degree of physical strength, endurance and courage that
enabled them to so quickly recover from the almost incredible sufferings to which they had
been subjected,--sufferings from which some of their less robust comrades were a long time
disabled, while many of them were permanently unfitted for further service. Some of them
died while on the way to their homes, and others after they had reached their homes; some
recovered and rejoined the regiment, while others, who survived, never fully regained their
former health and strength.
On the 26th of March, 1863, a detachment of the regiment, commanded by Major Van
Anda, embarked on transports at St. Genevieve, and proceeded down the river to Milliken's
Bend, La. A few days later two other detachments, under command of Lieutenant Colonel
Dunlap and Captain Crooke, on different transports, followed, and, on the 6th of April, all the
men and officers of the regiment who were able for duty were again in camp together. The
Twenty-first Iowa was now assigned to a brigade consisting of the Twenty-first, Twenty-
second and Twenty-third Iowa and the Eleventh Wisconsin regiments of infantry, with
Colonel Harris of the eleventh Wisconsin commanding. This was the Second Brigade of the
Fourteenth Division of the thirteenth Army corps. Brigadier General Carr commanded the
Division and Major General McClernand, the Corps.
The great Vicksburg campaign was now fully under way, and in the subsequent
operations which culminated in the surrender of that rebel stronghold, the Twenty-first Iowa
rendered most conspicuous and gallant service. The full details of its movements and
service in the campaign can not be given in this brief sketch, but the compiler will endeavor
to condense from the official reports the description of the part taken by the regiment in the
most important of its operations and engagements.
On the 29th of April the regiment moved from its encampment to Hard Times Landing
and, on the 30th, embarked on transports and moved down the river to Bruinsburg, Miss.,
where it landed and moved out on the road to Port Gibson. The road had been obstructed by
the enemy and the troops made slow progress. At 7 P.M. skirmishers were thrown out and at
1 A.M. the enemy's pickets were encountered and driven in and, soon after, their skirmishers
were driven back upon their main line. There was some artillery firing from both sides and
exchanges of shots by sharpshooters, after which the soldiers rested in line of battle until
daylight, soon after which the battle began. The part taken by the Twenty-first Iowa is thus
described by Colonel Merrill:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that, in the late battle of Port Gibson, of April
30th and May 1st, we lost in wounded sixteen men, including five non-commissioned
officers. The officers and men, with two or three exceptions, behaved with singular courage
and bravery. It is known to you that we had the honor of being the leading column of this
great army, and of drawing the first fire at Port Gibson. At the Widow Daniel's plantation,
some nine miles from Port Gibson, we were ordered by General Carr to take the advance. I
ordered Company A, commanded by Captain A. R. Jones, and Company B, commanded by
Captain William d. Crooke, as advance skirmishers, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel
Dunlap, supported by Companies D and F, commanded by Major Van Anda; next was a 12
pounder field piece, from that excellent battery, the First Iowa; all supported by the balance
of my command. I am happy to report that in the skirmishing of these companies singular
fortitude and bravery were exhibited during that long and tedious night's march, and
especially are Company B and Captain Crooke deserving of mention, as having received the
first fire of the pickets and returning it with great coolness. Our advance was fired upon by
the rebel picket about one mile from the town of Port Gibson, Our column was rapidly
advanced, and soon received the raking fire of the enemy's batteries, which were seven in
number. As soon as the battery of the First Iowa could be brought to bear, Company E,
commanded by Captain Swivel, was ordered to its support. They have received the
commendation of all for their faithfulness. Sergeant B. Krist, of this company, captured a
rebel orderly while carrying dispatches.
General Carr next ordered a company to stand as picket guard; Company G,
commanded by Captain Benton, performed this duty till morning. Next came an order for
two skirmishing companies to deploy in front of the enemy, and in fact between the enemy
and our own artillery firing. I called for volunteers from my four remaining companies.
Captain J. M. Harrison, of Company C, being the only commissioned officer of his
company, although advanced in years and in feeble health, at once volunteered to take the
advance; and, with his company and company K, commanded by Captain Voorhees,
performed this dangerous duty faithfully. During the severe and continued firing of May 1st,
so generally and heartily were my orders obeyed by officers and men, that I am at a loss to
give particulars. Captains Boardman and Watson have my warmest thanks. They are cool
and brave officers. I can say the same of all the other officers whose names have been
mentioned. Many incidents of courage and bravery could be spoken of but it would render
this report entirely too long. It is but just to say that the Twenty-first remained for two hours
in the rear of the Eighty-first Ohio, to support that regiment in making a charge on the
enemy's batteries; but for some reason it was, I regret to say, abandoned. My regiment
remained on the field after all had retired, and it was nearly eight o'clock before we camped
for the night, thus showing that we were first in battle, and last to leave the field. I am under
many obligations to my field officer and staff for their faithfulness and aid. Lieutenant
Colonel Dunlap received a wound in the foot.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL MERRILL,
Colonel Twenty-first Regiment Iowa Infantry,
TO COLONEL STONE, Twenty-second Iowa, Commanding Brigade.
In his official report of the conduct of his brigade, at the battle of Port Gibson, Col. W.
M. Stone makes special mention of Colonel Merrill and the officers and men of his
regiment, for the brave and efficient manner in which they obeyed his order. The loss of the
brigade was 15 killed and 79 wounded. General E. A. Carr, the division commander, in his
report speaks in the highest terms of the conduct of Colonel Stone and the officers and men
of his brigade. He gives the total loss of the division in the battle of Port Gibson as 263,
killed and wounded.
Early on the morning of May 2d, the regiment, in company with the other troops of its
brigade and division, took up the line of march in pursuit of the enemy. At Bayou Pierre a
halt was made until the bridge which had been destroyed by the enemy could be rebuilt. On
the 4th th march was resumed and the enemy followed from point to point to within seven
miles of Jackson, when the counter march towards Vicksburg began. More or less skirmish
fighting had occurred, in which the regiment did not become engaged, as it was not in the
advance.
On the 16th of May the battle of Champion's Hill was fought. In ths battle the division
to which the Twenty-first Iowa belonged was held in reserve until near the close of the
engagement, when it engaged in a movement to flank the rebels on the right; but, before the
position to which it had been directed was gained, the enemy had retreated, and beyond the
capturing of a considerable number of prisoners by the skirmishers of the Twenty-first,
Twenty-second and Twenty-third Iowa regiments, the division could not claim to have had
active participation in that hard fought battle. It had, however, stood ready and eagerly
waiting the order to advance, while listening to the roar of battle, and when it did at last
receive the order, and promptly obeyed it, the enemy had been vanquished and was in full
retreat. Every true soldier will bear witness to the truth of the statement that it is more trying
to be held in reserve while a great battle is in progress, every moment expecting to be called
into action, than to be in the thick of the engagement. In the one case he knows that his
comrades are bravely fighting, while he is standing idle; in the other, he has the stimulus of
active participation, knowing that, whether he falls or is spared, he will share in the honor of
having bravely followed the flag. In both cases he has fully discharged his duty, but he can
not help a feeling of regret that the command to which he belonged did not have its share in
the glory of active participation in the battle, instead of having been held in reserve. But
there was plenty of fighting in the Vicksburg campaign to satisfy the lust of battle in the
heart of the braves and most valiant soldier.
On the 17th of May, the Twenty-first Iowa led the advance in pursuit of the retreating
enemy. The retreat ended at Black River, where the enemy had taken a strong position and
were prepared to make a desperate resistance to the passage of that river. The part taken by
the Twenty-first Iowa in the battle which ensued is described in the official report of that
gallant officer, Lieutenant Colonel Dunlap, who, a few days later, gave up his life while
bravely leading his men in that terrible charge upon the enemy's works at Vicksburg. His
report is here given in full.
In Camp near Black River, Miss., May 18, 1862.
CAPTAIN WILSON, A. A. General:
I have the honor to report the position of the Twenty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry in
the memorable battle of Black River Bridge, May 17, 1863. The Twenty-first was formed in
line of battle on the right, and immediately in front of the enemy's fortifications, with the
gallant Twenty-third Iowa Regiment on our right. Important maneuvering and skirmishing
took place from this position until late in the afternoon, when orders were received to
charge, and carry the enemy's intrenchments at the point of the bayonet. The order was
obeyed. The right moved out of the woods in good order, and charged on the run, across the
open plain in front of the enemy's works, a distance of about eight hundred yards, driving
the enemy in utter confusion from their breastworks and rifle pits, and entering in triumph
the stronghold of the rebels. The enemy was strongly posted on our right, as well as in front.
The bullets came in showers from the flanks, and, combined with those coming from the
horde of rebels in rifle pits in front, made an awful hailstorm, through which it seemed a
miracle that a single man passed uninjured. Colonel Merrill, commanding the regiment in
the first part of the charge with devotion and bravery, fell severely wounded, while gallantly
leading his regiment against the enemy. The Twenty-first captured a great many prisoners.
This brilliant charge proves very destructive to the regiment, and our loss was very heavy.
An official list is herewith transmitted. Officers and men, with but one or two exceptions,
behaved coolly and bravely, and their conduct reflects great credit upon themselves and their
State, and creates a feeling of pride and gratitude on the part of their friends. I cannot, of
course, make mention of all those who distinguished themselves on that battlefield, as that
would be to copy the roll of all present. Major S. G. Van Anda received the highest credit
for the coolness and bravery with which he conducted the charge, the left being in front,
through the storm of leaden hail. Much of the success of the charge is owing to his gallant
conduct and daring example. Captain Harrison was one of the first officers on the enemy's
works. Captains Swivel, Voorhees, Watson, Boardman and Crooke behaved with great
coolness. Lieutenants Roberts, Childs and Dolson received the praise of all who saw their
bravery. Lieutenant Howard of Company B, acting Adjutant, received a mortal wound while
gallantly performing his part in this gallant charge. We lost many of our bravest men but it
was a great undertaking, and the object accomplished was the most important of the war. To
Captain Wilson and Lieutenant Jackson, of the Staff, too much praise cannot be given. Their
conduct was brave and noble, and they are held in the highest respect by every officer and
soldier of the command, for the faithful manner in which they performed their duties.
I am, Captain, Your most obedient servant,
C. w. DUNLAP,
Lieutenant Colonel Twenty-first Iowa.
The loss of the Twenty-first Iowa at Black River was 6 killed and 63 wounded. The
troops remained on the field until May 19th, engaged in the burial of the dead and collecting
the arms and other material of war captured from the enemy, and taking a very brief rest
after these duties were performed. The regiment then marched to the position to which it
was assigned as part of the investing force in the siege of Vicksburg. It had only become
fairly adjusted to its position in the trenches when the order came for that desperate and
disastrous charge, on the 22d of May, 1863, in which the valor and heroism displayed was
not surpassed upon any battlefield of the war. The gallant Lieutenant Colonel Dunlap was
suffering from the wound he had received at Port Gibson and might, with the utmost
propriety, have refrained from participating with his regiment in that terrible and –as the
event proved to him and so many of his brave comrades—fatal assault. His impetuous
nature would not allow him to remain in camp while the brave men and officers of his
regiment were responding to the order to assail the impregnable stronghold of the enemy,
and he followed, where his physical infirmity would not permit him to lead, and, after
struggling up the height to the position which the regiment had gained but could not hope to
hold, he yielded up his life beneath the flag he loved and honored. Major Van Anda, who
had been actively in command of the regiment from the time it formed in line for the attack,
displayed the highest qualities of a leader. His official report describes the conduct of his
regiment, and is here given in full:
BATTLEFIELD NEAR VICKSBURG, MISS., May 25, 1863.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the action taken by the Twenty-first Regiment Iowa
Volunteers, in the battle on the 22d of May, 1863, in the rear of Vicksburg. The Twenty-
first Regiment received orders to be ready to charge on the enemy's works, at 10 o'clock
a.m. At the hour, precisely, I formed the regiment in the rear of the gallant Twenty-second
Iowa, within Twenty rods of the enemy's rifle pits. In this position, we were partially
covered from the enemy's fire by the hill immediately in front of their works. I then gave
orders to fix bayonets, and charge the fire of the enemy from both flanks, as well as the
front, was terrific. Many of our officers and men fell on every side; but, with a
determination that knew no fear, the enemy's works were gained, and they were routed from
their stronghold. This position we held till after dark, pouring continually a destructive fire
into their ranks. Being unable to hold our position longer, we, withdrew under cover of
darkness, carrying with us many of our killed and wounded. The loss of our regiment in this
terrible struggle was severe. Many of our officers were either killed or wounded. An
official report is herewith furnished you. Lieutenant Colonel C. W. Dunlap was shot
through the head and instantly killed. He was wounded at the battle of Port Gibson, and was
unable to keep up with the regiment, but came up after the charge. In the death of this brave
soldier and gallant officer, the regiment has sustained an irreparable loss. Out total loss is 12
killed, 80 wounded, and 13 missing, supposed to be killed or taken prisoners. Of the officers
and men of my command, in this terrible charge, I can only say that every man did his duty.
Captain J. M. Harrison, of company C, was seriously wounded while at the head of his
company, cheering on his men. Lieutenant W. A. Roberts, Acting Adjutant, was
dangerously wounded while driving the enemy from their works. Lieutenant S. Bates,
Company I, was left on the field, and has since been taken prisoner. Captain D. Greaves was
seriously wounded while leading his company over the brow of the hill, in the face of the
enemy's fire. Lieutenant G. H. Childs, Jr., was wounded in the breast, at the head of the
regiment, his company being on the right. Many other officers were wounded. How any
man ever returned alive from that terrible fire, I cannot imagine. Company A. Captain
Jones, and Company B, Captain Crooke, were sent out as sharpshooters, and did effective
service.
Hoping the conduct of the Twenty-first Regiment Iowa Volunteers, in this battle, will
meet the approbation of the General commanding the brigade, I remain, Captain,
Your most obedient servant,
S. G. VAN ANDA.
Major Commanding Twenty-first Regiment.
TO CAPTAIN WILSON, A. A. General, Second Brigade, Fourteenth Division.
The loss of the regiment, as stated in the report, was about forty per cent of the
number engaged. From the 22d of May to the 4th of July, the officers and men of the
Twenty-first Iowa who had survived the assault and were able for duty shared in the
hardships and dangers incident to the prosecution of the siege, with the exception of a brief
interval of about 48 hours, during which they were engaged in a forced march to repel an
expected attack of the enemy from the rear, which was not made. Upon that march they
suffered intensely from heat and thirst, but upon their return their hearts were cheered by the
glad sight of the white flags waving over the ramparts of Vicksburg, in token of the
surrender of that rebel stronghold.
On the morning of July 5th, the regiment marched with the troops which composed the
army under the command of General Sherman, in pursuit of the rebel army commanded by
General Johnston. Its heavy losses in battle and from disease had so sadly decimated its
ranks that the Twenty-first Iowa now numbered less than 200 men able for active duty. The
casualties among officers had been heavy. Colonel Merrill and Major Van Anda had both
been wounded, Lieutenant Colonel Dunlap killed, and the regiment was, for the time being
without field officers. The command, therefore, devolved upon the senior Captain, William
D. Crooke, who was soon afterwards promoted to Major, to succeed Major Van Anda, who
was at the same time promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. There was but one other Captain—
Jacob Swivel of Company E—who was able to accompany the regiment at the time it left
Vicksburg, all the others having been disabled by wounds or sickness. On the 10th of July
the regiment reached Jackson and was assigned to its place in line of investment of that city.
It took part in the operations of the short siege which ensued, during which it had one man
killed, six wounded and four taken prisoners. On July 17th, Jackson was evacuated by the
enemy, and the next day the regiment started on the return march to Vicksburg, where it
arrived—after an exhausting and toilsome march—on July 24th. There it remained until
August 13th. In the meantime there was much sickness which, in many cases, proved fatal.
The subsequent operations of the regiment extended over such a wide extent of
territory that, to describe it movements in detail, would occupy more space than is covered
by the preceding pages. The most conspicuous and important events during the remaining
period of its service can, therefore, only be described. On August 13th, 1863, the regiment
left Vicksburg, and, embarking on transports, was conveyed to New Orleans, where it
arrived on the 16th and went into camp at Carrollton. The change of location proved very
beneficial to the health of the men and officers. Early in September the regiment was
conveyed by rail to Brashear City, about eighty miles from New Orleans. There it remained
in camp until the close of the month, and then proceeded to Berwick City across the bay;
halting there for a few days, it proceeded to Bayou Teche, and thence to Bayour Vermillion.
At the latter place it remained until early in November, performing guard and picket duty.
The health of the regiment continued to improve. On November 7th it moved eastward,
halting at New Iberia, Berick City and Brashear, and arriving at Algiers, opposite New
Orleans on the 21st. The next day it embarked on the steamer "Corinthian" and, after a
voyage of four days, disembarked on St. Joseph Island, Texas. During these movements the
regiment was under the command of Major Crooke. During its service of nearly seven
months in Texas the regiment was stationed at different places. In the winter of 1864 it was
part of the time at Matagorda Island, Saluria Point, De Crow's Point, Port Cavallo, Old
Toown, Frort Esperanza and Indianola. While at the latter place, on February 13th, a
detachment of the regiment, while on a scout, was attacked by a force of rebel cavalry and,
in the engagement which ensued, 13 men of the detachment were captured by the enemy and
taken to the rebel prison at Tyler, Texas, where they were confined until the following June,
when they were exchanged and returned to the regiment. On the 12th of February, while the
regiment was encamped at Old Town, (Old Indinaola,) Colonel Merrill returned and
resumed command, although he had only partially recovered from his wounds and, in justice
to himself, might have consistently refrained from going upon duty in his enfeebled
condition of health.
From the 13th of March to the time of its departure for New Orleans in June, the
regiment was encamped at Fort Esperanza on the desolate Matagorda Island, where it was
engaged in strengthening the fortifications and doing garrison duty. On the 10th of June the
right wing of the regiment, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Van Anda, embarked for
New Orleans, where it arrived on the 14th and went into camp. The left wing, under
command of Major Crooke, withdrew from Fort Esperanza on the 14th of June, (after
destroying the fort, in obedience to orders,) and, embarking, proceeded to New Orleans,
where the regiment was reunited on June 18th. It then marched to Carrollton and thence to
different points, performing provost guard duty and protecting the railway until the 9th of
July, when it returned by rail to Algiers and went into camp. At the place the old Enfield
rifles, with which the regiment had been supplied upon entering the service, were exchanged
for new Springfield rifles, which were then considered the best infantry arms in use. Several
of the regiments—with which the Twenty-first Iowa had long been associated—had been
ordered to join General Grant's army in Virginia, and had already gone there, and the
regiment was in daily expectation of receiving an order to follow them. In this, however, it
was doomed to disappointment.
On the 26th of July the regiment, under orders, embarked and proceeded to Morganza
Bend, where it landed the next day and was assigned to the Second Brigade of the Second
Division, Nineteenth Army Corps. There it remained, encamped in an unhealthy location,
for more than a month, during which time many were taken sick and, from the effects of
which sickness, a number of the men died. On the 3d of September, the regiment again
embarked and moved up the river to Natchez, thence to Vicksburg, and, on September 8th,
disembarked at the mouth of White River, Ark. A few days later it again embarked and
moved up the White River to St. Charles, where it landed on September 11th and occupied
the fortifications which had been abandoned by the rebels. There it performed garrison duty
until October 21st, when it proceeded to Devall's Bluff, where it remained until the 13th of
November, when it again embarked and moved up the river to Davall's Bluff. There it built
log cabins for winter quarters, but did not occupy them but a few weeks. On the 22d of
November it was ordered to Memphis, and, again embarking on transports, was conveyed to
that city, where it arrived on the 28th of November and went into camp. On the 21st of
December the regiment marched from Memphis, as part of an expedition into the interior of
Tennessee, accompanying a force of cavalry under command of General Grierson, who
continued the march to Nashville with his cavalry command, after leaving the infantry at
Moscow. No enemy was encountered on the expedition, and the regiment returned to
Memphis, arriving there on the last day of the year 1864.
On the 1st day of January, 1865, the regiment embarked on steamer, at Memphis, and
proceeded down the river to New Orleans and went into camp at Kenner, a few miles above
the city, where it remained until February 5th, on which date it embarked on an ocean
steamer and proceeded to Dauphin Island, at the entrance of Mobile Bay. On the 17th of
March the regiment moved from Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan, by steamer, and, landing
there, joined the army, under command of Genera Canby, on the march towards Mobile.
After a toilsome march, a junction was formed at Fish River with the Sixteenth Army Corps,
commanded by General A. J. Smith. The combined forces then moved forward. The
objective points were Fort Blakely, Spanish Fort and the city of Mobile. In the subsequent
operations against these defenses of the enemy, the Twenty-first Iowa bore an honorable
part, as shown by the official report of Lieutenant Colonel Van Anda, which is here given in
full:
HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT VOLUNTEERS, NEAR
BLAKELY, ALA., April 11, 1865.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the position of my regiment during the siege and
capture of Spanish Fort and Blakely, Ala. On the 26th of March, under orders of Brigadier
General Slack, my regiment was ordered to the advance of our division, and four companies
thrown forward as skirmishers, the remaining companies in reserve. We moved rapidly
forward for about three miles to the creeks, over very broken and difficult ground, when,
observing indication of the presence of the enemy, our line was halted to allow the column
to close up. About 10 o'clock, I withdrew the four companies of skirmishers, and sent out
two others in their place, formed my regiment in line of battle, and again moved forward.
My skirmish line almost immediately fell in with the enemy's advance, and was engaged
until dark. Two of my men were slightly wounded. About 8 p. m. I was again ordered
forward, and advanced in line of battle preceded by two companies as skirmishers, under
company of Major Boardman. About 9 o'clock we drew the fire of the enemy in our front,
which was vigorously returned by my skirmishers. In this advance I lost one man killed.
Under orders from Major General Granger, I remained in position on the field, and was
relieved at midnight by the Forty-seventh Indiana.
On the 27th we moved to our position on the left of the First Brigade in the siege
operations against Spanish Fort, having closed upon the enemy, and our skirmishers under
command of Captain Voorhees having driven him into his fortifications. On the night of the
28th the enemy made an assault on our lines; Captain J. L. Noble was near the line with a
working party, when, with great bravery and presence of mind, he rallied his men and
supported the skirmish line, driving back the enemy in great disorder. We remained in
position, taking an active part in the siege operations until the 30th, when we were
withdrawn, with our division, to escort a supply train for Major General Steele. I proceeded
to Holyoak Mills and remained in camp there until the 2d of April, when we were ordered
forward to Blakely. I moved at 7 o'clock P. M., marched five miles, and bivouacked near
the Biminet, and at daylight on the morning of the 3d took up position in the rear of Blakely,
immediately on the right of General Gerard's forces. During the operations against Blakely,
my regiment entered the rifle pits on the night of the 7th, at dark, but met with no casualties,
although our skirmishers and working parties were very much exposed during the night,
when the enemy advanced upon our lines, and my whole regiment was under a sever fire
from his artillery, which for two hours threw shells incessantly along our rifle pits. My
regiment was relieved at dark, and almost immediately ordered to the support of Major
General smith's forces, in the contemplated assault on Spanish Fort. I proceeded to the
Bliminet, and was then ordered back to my position behind Blakely, which I regained at 3
o'clock on the morning of the 9th inst. My regiment, having been on duty nearly forty-eight
hours, took no part in the successful assault on Blakely on that day. I am under many
obligations to the officers and men of my regiment, for their soldierly conduct during the
campaign. Surgeon D. W. Chase, Acting Major E. Boardman, Adjutant George Crooke,
Sergeant Major J. Dubois, and commanding officers of companies, have behaved with much
coolness and judgment in every engagement. To the commanding general of the brigade and
his staff officers, Captain Massie and Lietuenants Curtis and Kinney, I am under many
obligations for their uniform kindness and courtesy.
I have the honor to remain, Captain.
Your obedient servant,
S. G. VAN ANDA,
Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Regiment.
CAPTAIN M. D. MASSIE, A. A. A. G.
General Cnby issued an order announcing the general results of the campaign,
summarized as follows: "The capture of the enemy's works at Spanish Fort and Blakely:
the surrender of Mobile; the capture of more than 5,000 prisoners, 12 flags, nearly 2oo
pieces of artillery, several thousand stand of small arms, and large stores of ammunition and
other material of war."
From the commencement of this last campaign to its close, the Twenty-first Iowa was
one of the factors that led up to the important results accomplished. Shortly after the fall of
Blakely it marched into the city of Mobile, where it remained but a short time, when it
marched to Spring Hill, a few miles west of the city, where it found a beautiful and healthful
camping ground, where it remained until May 26th, upon which date it again broke camp
and, embarking on transports, proceeded to Lakeport, La. From there it ascended the
Mississippi River to the mouth of Red River and debarked at Grand Ecore on June 5th. On
the 21st of June the regiment again embarked on transports and was conveyed to Baton
Rouge, La., arriving there on the 23d. Orders were there received from the War Department,
transferring the recruits, whose terms of service had not expired, to the Thirty-fourth Iowa
Infantry. The remainder of the regiment was mustered out of the service of the United
States, July 15, 1865, at Baton Rouge, La. The regiment was then conveyed by transport to
Clinton, Iowa, where it arrived and was finally disbanded, July 28, 1865.
The Twenty-first Regiment of Iowa Infantry stands in the front rank of the long line of
splendid regiments which the State sent into the field to do battle for the preservation of the
Union. The valor and devotion of its officers and men were unsurpassed. Since the close of
the war it s survivors have shown equal devotion to duty as good citizens. Its gallant
Colonel was twice chosen as Governor of the State of Iowa. In the generations to come,
those who can trace their lineage to the men who belonged to the Twenty-first Iowa may
well claim kinship which as heroic a race of men as the world has ever known—the men
who helped to save the Government whose principles must, sooner or later, be adopted by
the people of all countries who are capable of self-government and appreciation of the
blessings which it confers—that form of government that inspires its citizens with a
patriotism like that which animated the soldiers of the Union Army from 1861 to 1865.
Colonel Samuel Merrill was Governor of Iowa from 1868 to 1872.
SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES
Total Enrollment 1181
Killed 41
Wounded 165
Died of Wounds 32
Died of disease 160
Discharged for wounds, disease and other causes 180
Buried in National Cemeteries 89
Captured 41
Transferred 56
TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT IOWA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
Term of service three years
Mustered into service of the United States at Dubuque, Iowa, June 4 to Aug. 24, 1862,
by Captain George S. Pierce, U. S. A. Mustered out of service July 15, 1865, Baton
Rouge, La.
COMPANY "A"
Dolphin, John. Age 44. Residence Clinton, nativity Ireland. Enlisted June 7, 1862.
Mustered June 11, 1862. Mustered out June 10, 1865, Shreveport, La.
COMPANY "C"
Dunham, Charles F. Age 21. Residence Lyons, nativity Ohio. Enlisted Aug. 15,
1862, as Second Corporal. Mustered Aug. 20, 1862. Taken prisoner. Paroled Jan.
11, 1863. Promoted First Corporal Feb. 24, 1863. Taken prisoner Feb. 22, 1864,
Lavocca, Texas. Mustered out July 14, 1865, Baton Rouge, La.
COMPANY "A"
Gegauff, Joseph. Age 44. Residence Clinton, nativity Germany. Enlisted June 6,
1862. Mustered June 11, 1862. Deserted Feb. 6, 1863, Rolla, Mo.
Grosvenor, Rufus L. Age 42. Residence Clinton, nativity New York. Enlisted Aug.
10, 1862. Mustered Aug. 10, 1862. Promoted Hospital Steward Aug. 20, 1862.
Mustered out July 15, 1865, Baton Rouge, La.
Lawton, Russell P. Age 18. Residence Clinton, nativity Iowa. Enlisted June 9, 1862.
Mustered June 11, 1862. Mustered out June 11, 1865, Shreveport, La.
Lynch, Michael. Age 26. Residence Clinton, nativity Ireland. Enlisted June 28,
1862. Mustered Aug. 22, 1862. Died Aug. 17. 1863, St. Louis, Mo. Buried in
Jefferson Barracks, (St. Louis,) Mo. Section 7, grave 82.
McMaster, Wallace. Age 18. Residence Clinton, nativity New York. Enlisted June
8, 1892. Mustered June 11, 1862. Killed in action May 22, 1863, Vicksburg, Miss.
Mayse, James. Age 27. Residence DeWitt, nativity Ohio. Enlisted June 9, 1862.
Mustered June 11, 1862. Discharged for disability July 30, 1863, Benton Barracks,
(St. Louis,) Mo.
Neville, Lewis L. Age 18. Residence DeWitt, nativity Iowa. Enlisted June 24, 1862.
Mustered June 24, 1862. Transferred to Company F, June 4, 1865.
COMPANY "F"
Neville, Lewis L. Age 18. Residence DeWitt, nativity Iowa. Enlisted June 24, 1862.
Mustered June 24, 1862. Mustered out June 26, 1865, Baton Rouge, La., expiration of
term of service. See Company A.
COMPANY "A"
Sampson, Askel S. Age 18. Residence DeWitt, nativity Norway. Enlisted June 19,
1862. Mustered June 11, 1862. Mustered out June 19, 1865, Shreveport, La.
Welch, James. Age 30. Residence Clinton, nativity New York. Enlisted May 10,
1862. Mustered June 11, 1862. Promoted Fourth Sergeant Dec. 31, 1863. Mustered
out June 10, 1865, Shreveport, La.
Wheeler, Thomas s. W. Age 18. Residence DeWitt, nativity Iowa. Enlisted June 10,
1862. Mustered June 11, 1862. Mustered our June 10, 1865, Shreveport, La.
Wood, Phillip D. Age 24. Residence DeWitt, nativity Pennsylvania. Enlisted June
10, 1862. Mustered June 11, 1862. Wounded fatally Nov. 24, 1862, Beaver Creek,
Mo. Died of wounds Nov. 24, 1862, Beaver Creek, Mo.
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