Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1864-06-03
FROM RED RIvER-TRE ssTH IOWA.

= N-~O~- --Ar-S NV AsAA--A Ike eSSLAA AOtNA
F. W. Evans, Chaplain of the 35th Iowa regi-
ment on the date of April Nth, writes many in
terestng facts in regard to the battle of Pleasant
Hill, Miss; and as we cannot publish the letter
entire, We make some extracts. He says two
days after leaving Grand Ecore, we learned that
General Banks, with a part of the 18th and 9Th
army corps, had had hard battle and been re-
pulsed. We were ordered to be ready to move
early the next morning. At half past one A. NJ
we were aroused by drum beat, and an order
was given to extinguish camp fires. We then
learned the particulars of the repulse of Banks,
at Walnut Hills, 16 miles from where we were
encamped, with loss of % guns train Of over
100 wagons loaded with ammunition and pro-
visions, and heavy loss of killed, wounded
and prisoners. Itwas thought retreat was or
dered. To this our brave boys were strongly on
posed as they were anxious TO meet the foe and
wrench from them the victory they had won the
day before. Gen. A. f. Smith in command of
that portion of the 10th corps to which we be-
long, and Gen. Mower commander of our divis-
ion, were both anxious to make stand, and
await an attack from the rebels at Pleasant
Hill This was agreed upon, and at O'Clock
P. M. we formed in line of battle in an opeu
field, surrounded by timber and lying on the
side of hill. Our forces were formed in two
lines of battle, on the right was an Indiana bat
terry, ON the left Vermont battery In about
an hour after the lines were former skirmishinc
commenced. The rebels made furious charge
and broke the first line, and advanced on the
second line. While the rebels were charging
up the field the troops in the second line were
prepared for them, waiting orders; not shot
was fired until the rebels had advanced within
200 yards Ofthe main line; then a volley opened
on them from the whole length of the line and
the two batteries, and charge was ordered and
it was so determinedly made and with such ir-
resistable force the rebels were obliged to give
way, and in short time our gallant boys were
masters of the field. The musketry during the
battle was vastly heavier than any at Vicksburg
) or jackson. -nlfii f-. 'ti!4sT
But what shall say of the glorious old S5th
Iowa. No language is sufficient to afford her
need Of praise. The regiment was in that
! part Of the battle where shell and bullets fell
thickest and the battle ragged the longest. The
47th Illinois, companies 35th Iowa, and 7com-
panies 33d Missouri were all of the troops of the
division that were engaged. The loss was 49,
of which the 35th Iowa lost 81 Of the six color
guard four were shot down Capt. Blanck Co.
A, and his first Lieutenant were both Instantly
killed by the same shell, and the men called for
leader. Lieut.. Col. Keeler, who was in COM
mand of the regiment sent them his acting Ad-
jutant who led them bravely. Lieut. Col. Kee-
Ter had the scabbard of his sword broken by
shell; he received great praise from all quarters
for his manly daring in leading his regiment
J where danger seemed to thickeu most. An Of
, ficer in one of the other brigades remarked TO
me, 81 was struck with the appearance of Col.
Keeler when l saw him, he was in frontof his
f regiment; Keeler is noble, brave man" Well
may the boys love and admire him, for he is a
brave man. Near the close Of the battle, which
lasted two hours and fifteen minutes, Gen. Mower
) while passing the regiment enquired aWhat
regiment, boysH" They responded "rbe 35th
Iowa" ''You are brave boys nobly have you
done your duty. They responded by three
cheers for "Old fighting Joe Mower" which
seemed to please the General The next morn
ing, notwithstanding our glorious victory, Gen.
Banks ordered a retreat. Generals Smith and
Mower demonstrated, but Banks was infexible.