The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1862-03-18
COL. TUTTLE,s REPORT.
HEApouARRxRs 2p Iowa INpAr

Port Donelson, Tenn, Feb. 18th, 1852.
Col. J. G. Laamaa, Cpmssaadsn9 FowvtA Brigade
COLONEL have the honor to report TO you the
part which my command took In the capture of this
place. The Second regiment Iowa Infantry Vol
untecrs were transported up the Cumberland river
on Steamer McGill, and landed about three miles
below the Fort, on the 14th instant and immedi-
Atsly marched to the Headquarters ofGen. Smith
where arrived about IL o'clock, a. M. OF the same
day, and was by Gen. Grant assigned to General
Smiths Division, and by Gen. Smith to your Brig
AIDE. When arrived at the top Of the hill, near.
~ opposite the right Of the cnemy's works. in pur-
suance Of An order from you, deployDd companies
A and B - skirmishcrs. They immediately cross
cd . ravins In front OF our line, snd skirmished
until night, whom they were called in. In the
meantime, tho regiment was assigned position on
the extreme left Of our forces, whore We spent a
cold and disagreeable night without tents blan-
kets. Wssremained in this position until o'clock
p. m, Of the next day, when we we're ordered to
The Notifications Of the enemy in front by nd
rancing the left wing of the regiment, supported
short distance in the rear by the right wing. ]
took command ofthe right wing in person aud pre-
ceeded In line Of battle steadily up the hill until
reached the Notifications without firing . gun
On scaling the works, We found the enemy fleeing
before US, except : fsw who we're promptly put to
the bayonet Then gave the order to fire, which
VS. responded to with fatal precision, until tho
right wing, with Lieutenant Colonel Baker arrived,
headed by Gen. Smith, when we formed in line OF
battle sgain, under CALLING dre, and charged on
tho oncAmpment across the ravine, In 'front.' the
envy still rctreating before W. After We reached
the summit Of the hill beyond the rayine, We made
= stand, aud occupied it for over an hour. In the
mcautimc, the enemy were being reinforced and
one of our own res.mcnts poured = disastrous FIRE
updn in the rear. Our ammunition being near
ly exhausted, ordered my command To fall back
70 the cntrenchmenss which they did steadily and
In order. am not able to name the regiment that
fred upon our rear, but do know that the greater
part Of the casualties received at that point
from that source-for / myself saw several of my
men fall, who know we're shot from the hill be-
hind us.. We then took our position behind the
entertainments, and soon Afterwards, owing to an
injury received, reported among the casualties
Of the engagement. retired from tho Geld, leaving
Lieut. Colonel Baker in command until the follow
ing morning. During The night, our picksts, who
were ported In the snemys camp, were fired upon
several timcs, but with that exception al remained
quiet until morning, when the enemy gave signal
for parlsy, which WAS suecseded BY the joyful in
tslliEence that they had surrendered the Fort We
were then ordered by Gen Smith to take the post
Of honor, In marching to the Fort whore Ne plan
ted our colors upon the battlsments beside the
White Flag Of the enemy, for which generous con-
siderAtion he has our hearty thanks. When come
10 speak Of those who particularly distinguished
fo1 SSo.Iass a1S h.1v SsJ, SO many *
Ampies oscnr 70 me that seems invidious 10 make
distinctions: OF those few who were in the most
responsible positions, Lieutenant Colonel Baker,
MAtUr chtpmKB; knt Adjutxut Tutlis, u ray that
they cool and bravo would not do them justice
They were gallant TO perfection. Lisut-C Ba-
ksr had : ball 70 pcs through his eap, and came
out near his tsmple. Major Chipnan was among
the Arss 70 fail severely wounded, while chcerins
on his mon Of the left wing, and refused 10 be
carrisd from tho hsld, but waived his sword and
zsxhofted men 70 press forward Gspts. 6laynaksrs
and Clontman fall dAAd 1t the hsad Of their conn
paaiss hslOss thsy reached tho intrenc hmspts -
ness thsn also fill Lisutsnant Hsspsr. His death
was ~ = atsss and gallant soffisr. Captains