The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1888-04-26
MORGANZA.
Whyths 10th Iowa and Goth Ind. We're Captured


EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: At the Re-
union of the 18th Iowa at Washington, Iowa,
Dec. Z 1887, the 25th anniversary of the battle
of Prairie Grove, Ark, great light was thrown
upon some hitherto mysterious experiences OF
our regiment at Morganza Bend, and especially
at the Sterling plantation, where we and the
26th Ind. were taken prisoners Sept %, 1868.
For the benefit of other comrades of our regl-
ment not present and those of the 10Th IND,
viii give you few items for the columns OF
your soldier paper.
At this Reunion in Washington, Gen. John
McNulta. of the 9th H., was our special guest
and orator of the day. His regiment was brl-
gaded with US most of the time during the war.
At Morganza Bend, while our division, under
Gen. Heron, was making a feint upon the
rebel forces l6 or Is miles IN front TO draw at
tentiOn away from the advance OF the lhlr-
teenth Corps up the Teche, our regiment, the
26th Ind, section of the 1st Mo- l. A, and
battalion Of the 9th Mo. Cav, all under com
mand of Lieut-Col. J. B. Leake, of the 2Oth
Iowa, were placed eight miles IN front OF the
division, about halfway between 1t and the
rebel forces, as an outpost.
COMPOSITION on the Sterling farm, surrounded
by growing cane, was so dangerous. liable as
we were to be surprised, that Col. Leake re-
peatedly asked for achievements, but none
were sent.
About noon on the 29th we were surprised
by finding the rebel forces in our rear and all
hope of escape by retreat cut off. We fought,
surprised as we were, two hours and 10 MIN
utes by the watch, and then most of US were
captured. The great wonder of wonders with
Us has been, Why did not our division come to
our relief, they being only seven or eight miles
away?
Gen. McNulta stated some facts in regard to
this matter which old comrades should know,
and which l will endeavOr to repeat.
A few DAYS before this battle Gen. Heron
instructed Gen. McNulta to go on board the
gunboat near at hand on the Mississippi River,
Capt. Dominic commander, and confer with
and instruct spy" This spy went ana
secured the details Of the plan Of the rebel
Generals to cross the Atchafalaya River on the
night of Sept. 2s or % and get between our out
post and the division and capture US. Gen.
McNulta was on the watch, and secured TINS
information and communicated it TO Gen.
Dana as lie had In the meantime taken Gen.
Herrons place.
The night Of the 2sth Gen. McNulta in
structed his pickets in that direction to keep q
/ close lookout and report any movement Of
| troops to him Immediately. At midnight the
I picket came and reported the enemy on the
move The General arose and went out three
miles to personally satisfy himself OF the truth
I of the picket's report. He heard the enemy
/ distinctly, aud came back to camp, hunted NJ
! Gen. Dana, got HIM out oil bed ana reported
! these facts as secured by his own personal OBJ
servation. Gen. McNulta says he understood
/ from Gen. Dana that he would see to the mat
! ter, and he went to his command. Again
after this, he went ont one aad half mile
4 about 4 a. IN, and again heard unmistakabl'
movements of the enemy's troops. he nov
/ hurried back to his regiment and (supposing o
course Gen. Dana was getting the troops II
readiness) "whistled his regiment to arms
He had the faculty of whistling through hi
fingers a peculiar, shrili and, in the night,
most unearthly call. He started with his regl
ment out toward where the enemy was dis
covered. For this he was ordered back by Gen
I Dana and placed under arrest. This was befor
I daylight on the morning of the 29th. We knew
nothing Of the presence of the enemy's force II
our rear until nearly noon that day. 1t seem
that no effort worthy Of the name was made t
apprise US of our danger or check the advanc
ing enemy, or even come TO our relief after W
were engaged. Aud thus we were captures
and spent long, weary 10 months in prison
pens because Of this failure.
Either the commanding General did not be
lieve well-aecredited reports or he was afrai
to risk an engagement in trying to rescue u'
We were very decided in our opinion tina
there could be no reasonable excuse for tn
first view. We were greatly pleased to lear
that brave Gen. McNulta had done what b
could to save US in time of threatened dange
d. D. PROPER, Co. /, 10th Iowa, Topeka
Kan.