15th IOWA INFANTRY HISTORY - CIVIL WAR Transcribed & submitted by Diane Korten, korten@ne.uswest.net ----------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other gain. Copying of the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 15th IOWA INFANTRY HISTORY US Civil War The organization of 15th Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry began prior to 5 September 1861. The precise date is unknown. The entire ten companies of which the regiment was composed, were ordered to Keokuk, Lee County, Iowa where they were mustered into the service of the United States Army, on dates ranging from 1 November to 22 February 1862. The regiment was mustered out at Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky on 24 July 1865. The Chicago Tribune in writing about the 15th Iowa Infantry noted that: In every fight Iowa bears a distinguished part... Brave, willing and with rare power of endurance, they have made a record for that young State that will never fade... At Pittsburg, the Iowa regiments engaged did nobly... In the encomiums that are heaped upon Indiana and Illinois, for they too have done nobly, let Iowa not less heroic and patriotic be remembered. (Chicago Tribune, Wednesday, 16 April 1862). The 15th Regiment Infantry was ordered to Benton Barracks, St. Louis, St. Louis County, Missouri on 19 March 1862. The Regiment then joined the Army of the Tennessee at Pittsburg Landing, Hardin County, Tennessee. They joined the Department of the Tennessee July 1862 and served in this command until December 1862. The Regiment returned to the Army of the Tennessee and served in that army for the duration of the war. The Infantry Regiment was ordered to march to Washington, D.C. on the 29 April 1865 and took part in the Grand Review of Western Armies staged on 24 May 1865. The Regiment did gallant service on many hard fought fields. The 15th Iowa Infantry participated in the battle at Shiloh (Pittsburg Landing); the siege of Vicksburg; stood with Sherman on Lookout Mountain and accompanied him on his March to the Sea; participated in the capture of Atlanta, Savannah, Goldsboro and Raleigh until the war finally came to an end. 15TH IOWA INFANTRY ASSIGNMENTS Mar-July 1862 3rd Brigade, 6th Division, Army of Tennessee July-Nov 1862 3rd Brigade, 6th Division, District of Corith, Department of the Tennessee Nov-Dec 1862 3rd Brigade, 6th Division, Left Wing, XIII Corps (old), Department of the Tennessee Dec 1862-Jan 1863 3rd Brigade, 6th Division, XVI Corps, Army of the Tennessee Jan-Sep 1863 3rd Brigade, 6th Division, XVII Corps, Army of the Tennessee Sep-April 1864 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, XVII Corps, Army of the Tennessee April 1864-July 1865 3rd Brigade, 4th Division, XVII Corps, Army of the Tennessee 15TH IOWA INFANTRY CHRONOLOGY September 5, 1861- February 13, 1862 -- Ordered into quarters at Keokuk, Iowa November 1, 1861- February 22, 1862 -- Mustered into the service of the United States March 19, 1862 -- Left Keokuk and was conveyed by steamboat to St. Louis, Missouri, then marched to Benton Barracks April 1, 1862 -- Marched to St. Louis, Missouri where they embarked on the steamer, Minnehaha, with orders to report to General Grant at Savannah, Tennessee April 6-27, 1862 -- Stationed at Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee April 6-7, 1862 -- Arrived at Pittsburg Landing at six o'clock on Sunday morning, the first day of the battle; Shiloh, Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee April - May, 1862 -- March from Shiloh, Tennesse to Corinth, Mississippi.(See: Major W. Belknap's Description of the March) May 5-9, 1862 -- Stationed at Monterey, Tennessee April 29 - May 30, 1862 -- Siege of Corinth, Mississippi May 30 - June 27, 1862 -- Stationed South of Corinth, Mississippi June 27 - July 27, 1862 -- Stationed at Corinth, Mississippi September 14-17, 1862 -- Stationed East of Corinth, Mississippi September 10 - October 1, 1862 -- Stationed at Iuka, Mississippi October 2-3, 1862 -- Stationed West of Corinth, Mississippi October 3-4, 1862 -- Corinth, Mississippi (battle) October 9-11, 1862 -- Riply, Mississippi (pursuit) October 13 - November 2, 1862 -- Stationed South-west of Corinth, Mississippi October 31, 1862 - January 10, 1863 -- Operation on the Mississippi Central R.R. from Bolivar, Tennessee to Coffeeville, Mississippi. (Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign) November 7-27, 1862 -- Stationed at Grand Junction, Tennessee December 1-4, 1862 -- Stationed at Tallahatchie River December 4 - December 18, 1862 -- Stationed at Abbeville, Mississippi December 19-20, 1862 -- Stationed at Yekena Station, Mississippi December 22-30, 1862 -- Stationed at Holly Springs, Mississippi December 31, 1862 - January 11, 1863 -- Stationed at Lafayette, Tennessee January 13-18, 1863 -- Stationed at Memphis, Tennessee January 24 - February 8, 1863 -- Stationed at Duckport, Louisiana February 9 - March 21, 1863 -- Stationed at Lake Providence, Louisiana March 21-26, 1863 -- Stationed North of Lake Providence, Louisiana March 26 - April 21, 1863 -- Stationed South of Lake Providence, Louisiana April 21-26, 1863 -- Stationed at Milliken's Bend, Louisiana April 28 - May 11, 1863 -- Stationed at Holmes' Plantation, Louisiana May 12, 1863 -- Raymond, Mississippi (engagement) May 13-20, 1863 -- Stationed at Grand Gulf, Mississippi May 14, 1863 -- Jackson, Mississippi (engagement) May 16, 1863 -- Champion's Hill, Baker's Creek, Edward's Depot (Midway Hill), Mississippi (battle) May 17, 1863 -- Big Black River Bridge, Mississippi (engagement) May 18 - July 4, 1863 -- Vicksburg, Mississippi (siege) May 19, 1863 -- Vicksburg, Mississippi (assault) May 21, 1863 -- Vicksburg, Mississippi (assault) May 26 - June 4, 1863 -- Expedition from Haines' Bluff to Mechanicsburg, Mississippi May 24-25, 1863 -- Stationed at Mechanicsburg, Mississippi May 27-28, 1863 -- Stationed at Haines' Bluff June 1-23, 1863 -- Stationed at rear of Vicksburg, Mississippi June 27 - July 13, 1863 -- Stationed at Fox Plantation, Mississippi July 3, 1863 [Co. G] -- Messenger's Ferry, Big Black River, Mississippi (skirmish) July 4, 1863 -- Vicksburg, Mississippi (surrender) July 5-10, 1863 -- Jackson, Mississippi (advance) July 18-20, 1863 -- Stationed at Clinton, Mississippi July 20-22, 1863 -- Stationed at Bolton's Cross Roads, Mississippi July 23-25, 1863 -- Stationed at Bovina, Missippissi July 25-27, 1863 -- Stationed at Black River railroad bridge July 28 - August 20, 1863 -- Stationed Northeast of Vicksburg, Mississippi August 20 - September 2, 1863 -- Expedition from Vicksburg, Mississippi to Monroe, Louisiana. August 21-23, 1863 -- Stationed at Goodrich's Landing August 27-29, 1863 -- Stationed at Monroe, Louisiana September 4-11, 1863 -- Stationed Northeast of Vicksburg, Mississippi September 11 - October 11, 1863 -- Stationed South of Vicksburg, Mississippi October 14-20, 1863 -- Expedition from Messinger's Ferry, Big Black River, toward Canton, Mississippi October 12-21, 1863 -- Stationed at Black River railroad bridge October 22 - February 2, 1863 -- Stationed South of Vicksburg, Mississippi December 24-25, 1863 -- Stationed at Redbone, Mississippi February 3 - March 2, 1864 -- Expedition from Vicksburg to Meridian, Mississippi (Sherman's Meridian Campaign February 18-20, 1864 -- Stationed at Meridian, Mississippi February 26 - March 1, 1864 -- Stationed at Canton, Mississippi March 4-13, 1864 -- Stationed South of Vicksburg, Mississippi March 23 - April 27, 1864 -- Stationed at Keokuk, Iowa (Veterans on furlough) May 1-2, 1864 -- Stationed at Bird's Point Landing, Missouri May 2-4, 1864 -- Stationed at Paducah, Kentucky May 6-16, 1864 -- Stationed at Clifton, Tennessee May 19-21, 1864 -- Stationed at Pulaski, Tennessee May 23-25, 1864 -- Stationed at Huntsville, Alabama May 26-27, 1864 -- Stationed at Decatur, Alabama June 5-6, 1864 -- Stationed at Rome, Georgia June 6-7, 1864 -- Stationed at Kingston, Georgia June 8 - September 8, 1864 -- Atlanta Campaign June 8-10, 1864 -- Stationed at Acworth, Georgia June 10 - July 2, 1864 -- Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia June 10-19, 1864 -- Stationed at Big Shanty, Georgia June 19 - July 2, 1864 -- Stationed at Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia June 27, 1864 -- Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia (assault) July 2-5, 1864 -- Operations on the line of Nickajack Creek, Georgia July 5-16, 1864 -- Stationed at Nick-a-jack Creek, Georgia June 15-17, 1864 -- Combats about Lost Mountain (Bushy Mountain), Georgia July 5-17, 1864 -- Operations on the line of the Chattahoochee River, Georgia July 20-21, 1864 -- Bald Hill (Leggett's Hill), Georgia (engagement) July 22, 1864 -- Atlanta, Georgia (battle) (See: Map ) July 23 - August 25, 1864 -- Atlanta, Georgia (siege) July 28, 1864 -- Ezra Church, Fulton County, Georgia (battle) August 25-30, 1864 -- Flank movement on Jonesborough, Georgia August 31 - September 1, 1864 -- Jonesborough, Georgia (battle) September 2-5, 1864-- Lovejoy Station, Georgia (engagement) September 29 - November 3, 1864 -- Operations against Hood in Northern Georgia and Northern Alabama October 15-16, 1864 -- Snake Creek Gap, Georgia (skirmish) November 15 - December 10, 1864 -- Campaign against Savannah, Georgia (Sherman's March to the Sea) December 10-21, 1864 -- Savannah, Georgia (siege) January 14 - April 26, 1865 -- Campaign of the Carolinas January 14-15, 1865 -- Pocataligo, South Carolina (skirmish) February 3-5, 1865 -- Salkahatchie Swamps, South Carolina (skirmish) February 8, 1865 -- Rivers's Bridge, Salkahatchie River, South Carolina (actions) February 9, 1865 -- Binnaker's Bridge, South Edisto River, SC (skirmish) February 11-12, 1865 -- Orangeville (Orangeburg), South Carolina (skirmish) February 15-16, 1865 -- Columbia, South Carolina (skirmish) March 3, 1865 -- Thompson's Creek near Cheraw, South Carolina (skirmish) March 11, 1865 -- Fayetteville, North Carolina (skirmish) March 19-21, 1865 -- Bentonville, North Carolina (battle) March 24, 1865 -- Goldsborough, North Carolina (occupation) April 10-14, 1865 -- Raleigh, North Carolina (advance) April 14, 1865 -- Raliegh, North Carolina (occupation) April 26, 1865 -- Bennett's House, Durham Station, North Carolina (surrender) April 29 - May 20, 1865 -- March to Washington, D.C., via Richmond, Virginia May 24, 1865 -- Passed in review before the President at Washington, D.C. June 1, 1865 -- Ordered to Louisville, Kentucky. The troops were conveyed by rail to Parkersburg, on the Ohio river, and thence by steamboat to Louisville, where they arrived June 12th and remained in camp. July 24, 1865 -- Mustered out of service at Louisville, Kentucky July 29, 1865 -- Reached Davenport, Iowa by rail, then marched to Camp Kinsman for final discharge. 15TH IOWA INFANTRY MONTHLY MEMORANDA March 1862: The 15th Regiment Iowa Vol. Infantry was organized in Keokuk, Iowa on the 19 March 1862; left for St. Louis, Mo., by order from Department head-quarters. Was furnished with guns, etc., on the 26th March, and is now under marching orders to join Maj.-Gen. Grant's army in Tennessee. April 1862: The regiment changed its former station at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., on the 1st day of April 1862, by order from Department head-quarters. It arrived at Pittsburg Landing on the morning of April 6th and immediately went into the battle-field at that place, with the results of a loss of 22 killed, 156 wounded, some of whom have died since, and 8 wounded and missing. Total loss 186. May 1862: The regiment was assigned to the 3rd brigade of the 6th division of the Army of West Tennessee and has changed its station with said division, from camp near Pittsburg to camp No. 8, near Corinth, Miss. July 1862: During the month of July, the regiment was stationed at Corinth, Miss., on Provost- Guard duty, by order of Maj.-Gen. Ord, commander of that post, Major Wm. W. Belknap, 15th Iowa, acting as Provost-Marshal. On July 27th, the regiment received orders to join its brigade (3rd brigade of 6th division, army West Tennessee), Col. Crocker of the 13th Iowa commanding, and to march under command of Brig. Gen. Tuttle, commanding 2nd and 3rd brigades of said division, to Bolivar, Tenn., to re-enforce Brig.-Gen. Ross's forces at that place. Arrived in this camp at Bolivar, July 31st 1862. September 1862: The 15th Iowa being at Bolivar, Tenn., was assigned to garrison and defend Fort Engleman and its environs from 2nd to 11th Sept. On the 12th it received marching orders with the 11th, 13th and 16th Iowa Vols., Col. Crocker commanding brigade. Arrived at Corinth Sept. 14th. Formed part of the forces under Maj.-Gen. Ord on the 17th, marching to Iuka; after the battle it was ordered to resume its march to Corinth. October 1862: The regiment arrived in Corinth the 2nd day of October and was ordered to camp two miles west of the town, near Fort F, next to the railroad towards Chawalla. October 3rd, early in the morning, it was formed in line of battle to meet the approaching attack of the combined forces of Van Dorn and Villipigue. In the engagement of that date the 15th Iowa lost 12 in killed, of whom 3 were commissioned officers; 65 wounded and 6 missing in action. Total 83. The next day, in supporting Battery Phillips, it lost 2 more in wounded. On the 5th and subsequent days, formed part of the forces chasing the enemy beyond Ripley. On the 13th it returned to the camp in front of Battery Phillips. November 1862: The regiment left Corinth on the 2nd day of November, with same brigade, and same division, (Brig.-Gen. John McArthur commanding division), forming a part of the expedition under Brig.-Gen. Hamilton, commanding Army Corps, to Grand Junction, La Grange, Holly Springs, etc., in the direction of Jackson, Miss. December 1862: The regiment marched with the same brigade and same division across the Tallahatchie river on the 4th of December, to Abbeville; camped near that place till December 18th, on which day it marched to Oxford, Miss., and to Yokena Station, arriving at the latter place December 19th. On the 21st of December it was marched back to Abbeville, on the 22nd to Holly Springs, where it camped to the 30th of December; on which day it was moved towards Moscow, arriving at Lafayette on 31st. February 1863: General Order No. 210, War Department Adjutant-General's Office, Washington, D.C. December 18th, 1862 having placed Maj.-Gen. J. B. McPherson in command of the 17th Army Corps, the sixth division, Brig.-Gen. McArthur commanding and seventh division, Brig.-Gen. J. F. Quimby commanding, both heretofore under command of Gen. Hamilton, were assigned to constitute part of the said 17th Army Corps, by General Orders No. 6 from head-quarters Department of Tennessee, dated Memphis, Tenn., Jan. 20th, 1863. February 8th, the 2nd and 3rd brigades of the 6th division having received orders to embark at once, the 15th and 16th Iowa Infantry were placed on board the steamer Maria Denning, Feb. 9th. The fleet with the said two brigades started and arrived at night of the same day at Providence, on the Louisiana shore, about seventy-five miles above Vicksburg. February 10th both brigades disembarked and found the 1st brigade of same division in camp at that place. The 3rd brigade, consisting of the 11th, 13th, 15th and 16th Iowa Infantry, went into camp on the north side of the lake called Lake Providence, 1 miles west of the town, on the plantation known as that of Gen. Sparrow, who is a member of the rebel congress at Richmond, Va. February 23rd, Gen. Logan's division, as part of the 17th Army Corps, also Maj.-Gen. McPherson commanding said army corps, arrived from Memphis, Tenn. The work of connecting the Mississippi river by a canal, with the lake, which owing to incessant rains was suspended for several days, is again progressing rapidly towards its completion. The health of the regiment, as well as of the division, generally, is greatly improved. March 1863: The regiment kept its former station in camp on the north bank of Lake Providence, La., till the 21st day of March, when owing to widespread and increasing inundation caused by the opening on the evening of March 16th of the levee, at the mouth of the canal, which gradually overflowed the country north of the lake, and close around the camp, the regiment and the whole brigade were compelled to move camp four miles north of Providence. This camp, however, being on a low cotton field, had to be abandoned on the 26th of March on account of its wet, muddy and unhealthy situation, and the brigade was brought on board transport-vessels five miles south of town and encamped behind the levee guarding the high waters of the Mississippi. May 1863: Remained in former camp at Holme's plantation until the 11th inst., when the regiment and brigade took up the line of march, which continued until near noon on the 13th, when they arrived at Hard-Times landing, Mississippi river. After some delay, we boarded the steamer Moderator and crossed the river to Grand Gulf, where the regiment went into camp on the river-bank. Remained here until the night of the 19th, when orders were received to embark on transports at once. Obeyed orders and were under way for Young's Point at daybreak on the 20th and reached there about 12 p.m. After some delay the troops were landed, marched across the point and immediately embarked on the steamer Crescent City, which shoved off towards Haines's Bluff at dawn on the 21st. Landed at Haines's Bluff and remained until 3 p.m. when orders were received to return immediately to Young's Point on same steamer, which point was reached about 5 p.m. Here the troops debarked and as soon as two days' rations could be issued to them, marched across the point-route to same place as the evening previous. Here embarking on transports the troops were quickly landed at Warrenton, Miss. and immediately took up the line of march for a position near the rebel lines. Marched three miles and bivouacked for the night, resuming the march at early dawn on the morning of the 22nd, arriving in position about 10 a.m. near the left of Gen. McClernand's corps. The 16th and 11th Iowa were thrown forward as skirmishers, but were withdrawn at nightfall and the brigade proceeded toward Gen. McPherson's head-quarters, which was reached about 10 a.m. on the 23rd. Remained here until 3 p.m. when the brigade was ordered to resume the position vacated the evening previous. Arrived about 5 p.m., when the 11th Iowa was thrown out as pickets and the 13th, 15th and 16th Iowa were put into camp a mile distant. At 3 p.m. on the 24th, the 15th relieved the 11th on picket and was relieved at 5 p.m. of the 25th by the 41st Illinois, of Gen. Lauman's division. On the 26th, the division, being replaced by Gen. Lauman's division, was marched to Gen. McPherson 's headquarters, where it was attached to the expedition being fitted out by Gen. Blair to scour the country toward Yazoo City. Early on the morning of the 27th, the troops were on the march and reached Mechanicsville about 12 p. m. of the 29th. Here the enemy opposed our march. The troops were deployed in line of battle, and skirmishers thrown forward to engage the enemy. The enemy gave way, and night found us 1 miles beyond the town. Bivouacked for the night at 7 p.m. On the 30th, our mission having been performed, the troops were marched toward Vicksburg and arrived in the vicinity of Haines's Bluff late in the evening of the 31st of May, tired, sore and hungry. June 1863: Remained in camp near Snyder's Bluff until June 4th. Marching orders were received and the regiment and brigade marched to the rear of Vicksburg, near Gen. McPherson's head-quarters, and encamped on a high hill covered with cane-brake. On the 11th of June the camp was again moved 1 miles, to a more healthy and convenient location. On the 20th, an artillery fight was had along the whole line, lasting from 4 a.m. Infantry all in line of battle and marched to front. On the 23rd, the regiment and brigade moved 12 miles to the rear, near Bear creek. On the 27th, moved 4 miles and encamped near Fox's plantation. The 15th Iowa was sent immediately on a scout to Messenger's ferry, 4 miles distant. Returned at 8 p.m. The present is a good and healthy camp, well provided with shade. Weather very warm, heat oppressive. July 1863: Remained in camp at Fox's plantation until the 13th of July, when the brigade moved by Messenger's ford on Big Black river to Baker's creek, where a camp was made and occupied until the 16th, when it was order to Clinton to guard a wagon train of ammunition going to Jackson. Remained in camp at Clinton until the 20th, when the 15th and 16th regiments moved to Bolton's Cross Roads. Camped here until the 22nd, when the whole division was ordered to return to Big Black river bridge. Reached Baker's creek on the 22nd. Moved to Bovina station, two miles west of Black river. Moved to the railroad bridge on Black river on the 25th, where Col. Chambers commanded the post. On the 27th, moved six miles toward Vicksburg, being relieved from duty at the bridge by Gen. Thayer's brigade. On the 28th, reached camp near Vicksburg and now occupy the valley lying between Sherman's and the rebel position, three quarters of a mile from the Mississippi. September 1863: Sept. 1st -- In camp today at Bayou Macon, La., being part of an expedition under Brig.-Gen. John D. Stevenson, returning from Monroe, La. 2nd -- Moved this morning at 1 a.m., marching 22 miles to Goodrich's Landing. Arrived at 8 p.m. 3rd -- Embarked at 10 a.m. on steamer David Tatum and arrived at old camp north of Vicksburg this day at 4 p.m. In camp here until the 11th, when the regiment and brigade moved south of the city. 20th -- Colonel Belknap having returned, took command. Nothing of importance has transpired since. Weather quite cool; health of command improving. October 1863: Remained in camp below Vicksburg until 11th Oct., when the regiment and brigade marched to Big Black bridge, distance fifteen miles, leaving camp and garrison equipage in camp below the city. Garrisoned the post of Big Black bridge while the expedition toward Jackson, under Major-Gen. McPherson, was being made. On the 21st, the expedition having returned, the regiment and brigade returned to the camp below Vicksburg, which they still occupy. Nothing of importance has since transpired. The weather is pleasant and the health of the command improving. November 1863: No change of location of camp; no marches performed; health much improved; weather fine; troops in good condition; plenty of duty to perform. December 1863: Remained in camp 1 miles below Vicksburg until the night of the 24th of December, when the 11th and 15th Iowa were ordered to re-enforce the garrison at Red Bone Church, twelve miles to the south-west. The march was performed from 11 p.m. on the 24th, to 3 a.m. on the 25th. Remained at Red Bone until 2:30 p.m. of the 26th, when the line of march was again resumed and the troops arrived in the old camp at 5 p.m. same day. No enemy was discovered and there were no casualties. Col. William W. Belknap, 15th Iowa, commanded the expedition. Companies F and K being on guard at Ordnance Depot, did not accompany the expedition. February 1864: The regiment formed a part of the expedition under General Sherman to Meridian, leaving camp at Vicksburg, Miss. at 8 a.m., Feb. 3rd, 1864 and marched with the column to Meridian, and back to Canton, arriving Feb. 26th, 1864 where it was immediately assigned to duty as Provost-Guard of Canton, with Wm. W. Belknap as Provost-Marshal. The regiment was guard for the Pioneers Corps in building the pontoon bridge over Pearl river at Jackson, Miss. Feb. 5th, on the way to Meridian and also protected the working party in building the bridge across the Pearl at Radcliffe's Ferry, on the return trip, Feb. 25th. The regiment was not actively engaged in any of the skirmishes during the march, though frequently in close proximity thereto. The distance marched is about 256 miles. There were no casualties. May 1864: Having arrived at Cairo from veteran furlough, the 15th was temporarily brigaded with the 11th Iowa and 53rd Indiana Veteran Volunteers, constituting 2nd brigade forces's detachment 17th Army Corps and went into camp at Bird's Point, Mo. On May 2nd, the regiment was ordered to Paducah, Ky., and remained there until May 4th, on which day the whole of Force's detachment left for Clifton, Tenn., landing at that place on May 6th. Per special Field Order No. 3, Head-quarters Detachment 17th Army Corps, May 14th, the 11th, 13th, 15th and 16th Iowa regiments were organized into a brigade and designated the 1st brigade, 4th division, 17th A. C. On May 16th, the detachment of the 17th Corps, commanded by Brig.-Gen. Legget, took up the line of march for Huntsville, Ala. via Pulaski, Tenn., arriving at Huntsville May 24th. Special Order No. 57, Head-quarters 4th division 17th A.C., May 23, changed the appellation of 1st brigade 4th division, to that of 3rd brigade 4th division. On May 25th, the 15th Iowa, and all other troops belonging to the 17th Corps, at Huntsville, left there for the seat of active operations, prosecuted by Major-Gen. Sherman, in Georgia via Decatur, Ala. and Rome Ga. Number of days marched in May was 14. Distance marched 209 miles. August 1864: The position of the regiment, on the first of August, was in the reserve line of works, 250 yards in the rear of the first line, that of the brigade being on the left of the division; the corps being in the center of the Army of the Tennessee, to-wit: between the 16th corps on its left, and the 15th corps on its right. The army of the Cumberland being the left wing, and that of the Ohio being the right wing, of the Army of the Military Division. On the 3rd, the regiment was ordered to take a new position and build its line in front and 400 yards in advance of the former foremost line of our works, in an open wide field, and some 100 or 150 yards in rear of our picket line. By this advance the direction of the line of brigade was changed from a west-south-west, to a due south-easterly direction. The work assigned to the regiment was completed on the morning of August 4th and occupied by the regiment. From that date to August 23rd, the regiment was kept in the front line; it changed positions, however, to the front and advance five times, until on the 16th its position was 300 yards from the rebel pickets, 600 yards from the rebel first line of breastworks and 3 quarters of a mile from the main rebel fortification and deserted forts running in a S.S. westerly direction from Atlanta along the railroad to East Point. On the 26th, at 8 p.m., the regiment, with same brigade, and 4th division 17th Army Corps, which has was followed by the 16th and 15th Army Corps, was marched in the rear of the Army of the Ohio, turned S.S. westerly direction on the Sand Town road, to within 5 miles of the Chattahoochee river, when it changed direction to due south. Halted at 4 a.m. on the 27th. Resumed march at 8 a.m. in same direction. After the building of several bridges and cutting new roads through the timber, struck the Montgomery railroad at noon on the 28th near Fairburn, where a rebel cavalry brigade under Ross, was met, and fought and driven eastward. After fortifying the position then taken east of said railroad, a general railroad destruction was ordered; this was duly executed and completed that night and next day for 8 miles. On the 30th, the three Armies were ordered to move in three columns east towards the Macon railroad. The Army of the Tennessee marched on the extreme right, to-wit: the 16th and 17th corps on one road and the 15th on a parallel road and near by. Met the enemy 5 miles west of Jonesboro and drove them, after some resistance, toward the railroad. On the 31st, the lines advanced and fortified their positions; the 16th corps became the extreme right, the 15th the centre and the 17th the extreme left of the Army of the Tennessee. The 15th Iowa with same brigade, having been in rear of the train, arrived at the front at 3 p.m., while fighting on the right was going on. Was ordered into position at once, which was changed four times that evening. The last position assigned to it at 1 a.m. on the morning of Sept. 1st, was on the extreme left of the Army of the Tennessee, where it fortified and finished its line by daylight on the right of Battery F, 2nd Illinois Artillery. Distance marched since the 16th of August, 52 miles. Casualties in August, 3 killed, 16 wounded, 1 missing. Total 20. September 1864: The regiment with same brigade, and division of the 17th corps, being the extreme left of the Army of the Tennessee, then in front, and west of the railroad near Jonesboro, was kept in the same position during the brisk artillery skirmish fire, towards noon, when the Army of the Cumberland was as coming into line and joining the left of the brigade, and the 23d corps advancing on the east-side of the railroad from Rough and Ready towards Jonesboro; during the severe engagement all along the line, the enemy's forces were gradually pushed towards Jonesboro. The regiment, with same brigade and division was taken from its position and marched around to the extreme right of the whole line, to re-enforce and relieve the cavalry posted there; the whole line constantly pushing southward to and past Jonesboro. At night, after crossing Flint river, the regiment was S. W. and within about one mile of said town, where it took and maintained position in front of the extreme left of rebel forces under their brisk fire up to 10 o'clock. On the 2d, under the same formation, the whole line advanced, and the enemy was pushed to Lovejoy's Station, six miles south, when the circular of Gen. Sherman announced to our troops that during the previous night enemy had evacuated Atlanta, and that the 20th corps, under Gen. Slocum, had taken actual possession of the same. The regiment re-enforced the skirmish line on the extreme right, and the brigade and division gradually formed on its right. In the evening it took up position on the right of the 3d division 17th corps, on the crest of a chain of somewhat elevated ground in a wide open prairie, where the command was constantly exposed to a cross fire from the enemy's skirmishers. On the 5th, the whole army being ordered to return to Atlanta, the regiment with its brigade and division resumed march at 8 o'clock p. m. the 17th corps forming the extreme left column, 15th corps left center column, Army of the Cumberland right center column, and the Army of the Ohio, the extreme right column. On the 9th, the Army of the Ohio made its camp at Decatur, the Army of the Cumberland at and around Atlanta, while the Army of the Tennessee was ordered into camp at and around East Point; the regiment, with its brigade, division and corps, being on the east side of the railroad, where the position was fortified by a new line of works which were completed by the 12th. The several corps, divisions, brigades and regiments, then went to clothing, arming and re-equipping their commands. The men now enjoyed their first rest, since the commencement of the campaign in the spring. Distance marched by the regiment in the month, thirty-five miles. Ordered on Sept. 30th to be in readiness to move at a moment's notice. October 1864: On the 1st, the regiment received marching orders at noon; moved at 2 o'clock p.m. on reconnoitering expedition with same third brigade, Lt. Col. Abercrombie and fourth division, Brig.-Gen. Belknap commanding, which was followed by Gen. Fuller's first division, the whole under command of Gen. Ransom commanding 17th Army Corps. Direction, S. S. W. along the Montgomery railroad toward Fairburn. Object of reconnaissance, to find out the whereabouts and strength of Hood's army on the left bank of the Chattahoochee. On the 2d, started from bivouac 5 o'clock a. m., the regiment in front of the whole corps. Met the enemy at 7 o'clock. The regiment deployed a heavy line of skirmishers, who drove the rebels till 10 o'clock, when it was relieved by troops of the first brigade, same division. At the same time, the 1st Minnesota Battery, of three-inch rifled guns, opened at long range, which threw the enemy into flight. On the 3d, command returned to its former camp near East Point, after marching twenty-four miles, and same day received orders to send all surplus baggage to Atlanta, and be ready to move on short notice. On the 4th, the regiment moved at 5 o'clock a. m., with the whole corps. The 1st Division, 16th Corps, having been permanently attached to the corps, crossed the Chattahoochee at Vining station on pontoon bridge, to four miles south of Marietta, having marched eighteen miles. Next day changed camp to three miles south-west of Marietta. On the 7th, the regiment moved, with same brigade and division on a reconnoitering; expedition in south-west direction, with one brigade of Kilpatrick's cavalry and four pieces of light artillery. Passed Powder Springs, the 15th Iowa being in the lead of the column, and arrived at the outer rebel works south of Dallas at 7 o'clock in the evening. From appearances and information received, it having been ascertained that the enemy left on the same day early in the morning for the north, the regiment, with the whole division, returned next day. Distance marched, thirty-six miles. On the 9th, the regiment, with its brigade, division, and corps, followed by the 15th Corps, moved through Marietta to Big Shanty, ten miles, while others troops reconnoitered on the flanks. On the 10th, the regiment was detailed to escort the corps supply-train, two hundred and forty-seven wagons, all in charge of Lieut.-Colonel Joel, Chief Quartermaster of the 17th Corps. On the 12th, arrived, through Allatoona, near Kingston, thirty-four miles. On the 13th, overtook the rest of the corps west of Kingston, after a march of thirteen miles, and after one hour's rest the 17th and 15th Corps of the Tennessee Army being ordered to move at once, the regiment marched in front of the entire column fourteen miles, to Adairsville, where it was put on the cars with same brigade and division, and arrived at 2 o'clock in the morning at Resaca, sixteen miles. Distance made by the regiment on this day, forty three miles. On the 14th, at 4 o'clock a. m., took and kept position in the north-west fort at Resaca, while the other two divisions arrived in the afternoon of the same day, followed by the 15th and 14th Corps. On the 15th, the regiment moved at 5 a. m., with same brigade and division, followed by the rest of the corps, to Snake Creek Gap, where the rear of the enemy's army was met at 10 o'clock a. m., showing a stubborn resistance to our progress. After considerable skirmish and artillery fighting, done principally by the first division, an energetic charge dispersed the enemy and the gap was gained at 1 o'clock p. m. After considerable time lost in removing the obstructions, which heavily blocked up the passes sometimes for miles and on the roads and bridges intervening, the command pushed on the heels of the fast-retreating enemy to south of Gaylesville, sixty-eight miles, where it arrived on the 21st of October, and went into camp. Here the surplus impedimenta were sent north, and the march resumed, on the 29th, southward, the command arriving at Cave Springs next day, twenty-nine miles. Distance marched by the regiment during October, two hundred and sixty-two miles. During the last two weeks the troops foraged liberally on the country, and, notwithstanding the rapid marching, the men were in vigorous health and in the best of spirits, equal to all emergencies. November 1864: Major George Pomutz was relieved from command of 3d brigade by Gen. W. W. Belknap, formerly in command of the 4th division, the latter by Gen. Giles A. Smith, just returned from leave of absence. The regiment marched from its former camp at Cave Springs, to Dallas, eighteen miles, next day to New Hope Church, twelve miles, next day to five miles south of Marietta, marching thirteen miles. On the 5th, marched to north of Marietta, marching six miles and went into camp. Regiment received official communication from the War Department Office dated October 17th and Oct. 22d 1864, with information that Lieut.-Colonel Grier, Superintendent of Draft Rendezvous, at Davenport, Iowa, has been directed to assign and forward 500 white drafted men to the 15th Iowa. Notice also received of their being on the way to join the regiment. Presidential election was attended to by the regiment, Mr. Joseph Clark, of Marion county, Iowa, State agent, being present. 9th: the regiment was paid up to, and including 31st of August, 1864, by William Penn Clark, Paymaster U. S. A. 11th: Capt. James S. Porter, 15th Iowa, rejoined regiment with 249 recruits from Davenport, Iowa, besides 30, left en route in hospital. 12th: Regiment with brigade ordered to proceed to Big Shanty, and to thoroughly destroy the railroad from that point to Marietta, which was done with a will. Distance twelve miles. 13th: Regiment with brigade and division resumed march at 9 a.m., through Marietta to Proctor's Creek, west of Atlanta. Distance eighteen miles. 14th: marched through Atlanta to south-east of said place, twelve miles. Here the regiment was joined by 189 recruits from Davenport, who arrived at late evening from Atlanta, with no officer in charge of them, and no descriptive or muster-rolls with them. They were armed during march. Total distance marched till 15th, is 91 miles. On the 15th, at 6 o'clock, a.m., the regiment in same brigade and division, started on the great expedition of Gen. Sherman towards Savannah; the Tennessee Army, 15th and 17th corps, forming the right; the Ohio army, 14th and 20th corps the left. The 17th corps was generally in the right center column, and the 1st, 3d, and 4th divisions thereof alternately taking the lead of the corps each successive day; the same was done by brigades in the division, and by the five regiments in the brigade, (the 82d Illinois Infantry having been added to the 3d brigade), known heretofore as the Iowa brigade of the division. The 17th corps marched on the McDonough road in a S. E. direction from Atlanta, between thc Augusta railroad and the Macon railroad; the divisions of the corps generally in one continuous column, sometimes, however, separated by several miles on parallel roads. The regiment being with its brigade and division, passed Monticello on the 20th November, Gordonsville on 21st, Toombsborough on the 28th, and Oconco river on the 26th. Here we met the enemy, who, after some skirmishing and artillery fire was driven away. Oct. 30th the regiment arrived on the very swampy south bank of the Ogechee. The distance from Atlanta, through the windings of the several roads marched on, is two hundred and fifty eight miles. The country marched through, was at first rocky, gradually changing to sandy. The streams, clear at first, were latterly found yellowish, and turbid, the banks low, and from the Oconee to the Ogechee the streams invariably swampy, muddy, and in some places nearly impassable, though there were but few rainy spells during the march. The temperature warmer than in October last. Veterans and recruits in good health. Men were supplied principally by liberally foraging upon the country, and mules and horses exchanged for better ones. Total distance marched by the regiment in November from Cave Springs is 349 miles. December 1864: One the 1st, the regiment crossed the Ogechee river, marched up to Sebastopol Station, on the Georgia Central railroad (five miles), and destroyed the same; arrived on the 2d at Millen; on 5th, crossed Little Ogechee, where the first rebel fortifications were found, emptied by the advance cavalry. Arrived on the 7th at Oliver Station, where rebel works were also emptied by our advance cavalry. On the 8th, passed Eden Station and on the 9th, arrived at Pooler's station, known as station No. 1. Here the 1st division of the 17th Corps, Gen. Mower commanding, being in the lead, he was met with lively skirmish and artillery fire, the latter coming from a car on the railroad track, which, however, after killing and wounding thirty-one of our army, were driven back by our advancing lines. On the 10th, the 4th division being in the advance, its Ohio brigade, Col. Potts, and Iowa brigade, Gen. Belknap, met the enemy five miles from Savannah, on the Millen and Savannah big road, close on the right of the Georgia Central railroad. The roads were crossed, and line of battle formed on the left of the railroad. Moved forward, and arrived at the junction of the Charleston railroad, three miles from Savannah, under a heavy artillery fire, coming from their forts, and two guns moving on the track towards our line, and retreating several times. Here the enemy had the advantage of the ground, it being swampy on both sides of the road, the latter being a straight line formed on both sides of the railroad, and heavy skirmish line sent forward, who, by well aimed shots, silenced their guns before evening; meanwhile the 3d and 1st division formed on our right. On Dec. 11th, the regiment, with same brigade, and division, was relieved at noon by the 20th corps, and was moved by a circuitous route around the Ogechee Canal to the S. S. E. of Savannah; arrived on the 18th, and formed on the right and rear of the 8th division, and kept up the heaviest cannonading in front, till evening, when news of Fort McAllister being taken electrified the whole lines. Dec. 16th, regiment, with brigade moved to King's Bridge on the Ogechee river, where, in the course of the afternoon, the first boats of Admiral Dahlgren's fleet arrived through the Ossibaw Sound with a load of much needed subsistence, heavy guns, and the first mail for six weeks. On the 19th, the regiment with brigade moved at 2 a.m. to the left of the two other divisions of the 17th army corps, to fill gap on the road connecting the 17th corps and the 14th corps in front of a rebel fort that kept up a sweeping fire on said road. The command arrived under cover of the thick fog at 5 ½ a.m. in front of the rebel fort, formed in line of battle, and sent a heavy line of skirmishers to the front. At 8, the skirmishers were advanced; they drove the enemy's skirmishers to the other side of the pond encircling the fort, and established their line to within three hundred yards of the fort, while an almost constant fire of the enemy's artillery, with grape, canister, round and rifled shot were pouring down upon the line. Next day the line was fortified, and orders for a general assault next morning. Received notice on the 21st, however, that the enemy was discovered evacuating the fortifications. The skirmishers with the brigade moved forward, and found the tort, with its cannon and piles of ammunition, deserted. Arrived at Savannah at 11 a.m. and was ordered into camp in the precincts of the city. On the review of the corps by Gen. Sherman, on the 29th, the regiment was praised for its appearance, cleanliness. and regularity of movements. Total distance marched from Dec. 1st, to 21st, is 160 miles. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other gain. Copying of the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged. -----------------------------------------------------------------------