The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1865-07-15

The following from the Muscatine Journdj
we substitute for any remarks that we might
have been disposed to make in connection
with the promotion of our distnguishedtowns-
man. 1t does justice to this veteran officer,
and while we endorse it fully, our municipal
modesty is preserved by letting our neighbors
bear testimony TO the worth and merits of one
Of Keokuk's brave sons
I've are extremely gratifed to learn that W. W
Belknap, of our State who so long and success
fully commanded The Iowa Brigade has re-
ceiyed his commission as Brevet Major General of
Volunteers.
Major General Belknap entered the service early
in 1851, as Major Of the 18th Iowa Volunteers.
That regiment it will be recoected, hurried of
to tho front under orders to join the army at Pitts
burg Landing, Tennessee. 1t arrived there on the
morning Of the first days battle of Shiloh, and
though the men had not yet fired gun, they
promptly provided themselves with arms and ac-
eoutrements. and rapidly marched to the front
where the battle was raging fercely. They went
into action nnder McClernand, and for two hours
and more fought like veterans, losing very heavily
in killed and wounded. The order to fall back
then given. and our raw troops, who had not
vet been taught that maneuyre. retrcated with
considerable more rapidty than they had advanced
or ss Col. Reid, with great nairete, considering
the circumstances remarked, the order IN retreat
having been given, the regiment retreated accord
ingy." The boys of that gallant regiment can
forget their first and only retreat in action
for il tall one Major Belknap here had his
horse shot under him, and was himself wounded
in the arm. He continued with the regiment af-
terwards, being successfully promoted Lieut.. Col
and Colonel In the bloody battle of Atlanta in
July. 1864, he handled his men so skillfully and
fought with such conspicuous personal bravery
that he was promoted Brigadier General of volun-
the spot. were. Iti was n this
ton that he actually drew huge Alabama Col
onel ovcr the rebel work, with the strength of
giant hurling him down the rampant, and sending
him to the rear about the most crest fallen speci-
men Of Southern chivalry which the war has wit
4 messed.
FL The General remained in command of the Iowa
Brigade till after the grand review at Washington
N which the command, by univeral accounts, bore
oh as many honors as any organization in the vast
A army reviewed.
Major General Giles A. Smith, most meritori-
officer by theway, being then ordered to Texas,
Gen. Beiknap took command of the division, be-
ing the ith of the 18th corps to which the Iowa
Brigade has long been attached.
4 Maj Gen. Belknap Is one of the best general Of
Acers Iowa has sent to the field, which, when it 10
considered that we have sent Curtis, and Dodge,
and crocker, aud Corse and Williamson, and the
Rices, and Hatch, aud Heron, and Others of
scarcely less note, is saying great deal. He has
Military talents of high order, which are probably
k1nheritcd from his father, whowas distinguished
En1cer In the regular army, and who won particu-
~ honors and rapid promotion during the Mexi-
"a war. He y vsry Popaiar In the army, and
= more important, his popularity is that
Ass fallowsd long career Of usefulness,
~ bravery, and not fhe result Of "a capsan-
opagOguery, or intrigue of any sort We
that We are extremely gratj6ed at his pro-
nn- His commission = Brevet Major General
- back 70 the 3lst of March.