Description:

12TH IOWA VOLUNTEERS SHILOH BATTLE REPORT BY ITS COMMANDER
A rare manuscript Union regimental battle report for the battle of Shiloh, 2pp. folio, written by Capt. JOHN G. FOWLER as commander of the 12th Iowa Vols., Pittsburg, Tenn., April 22, 1862, to Nathaniel B. Baker, Adjutant General State of Iowa. Captain Fowler's report begins as a chronicle of the ill-fated regiment's actions in the war to date but ends as a plea for help to Adjutant General Baker to allow the regiment time to regroup. Of its service at Shiloh, he writes: "At the late Battle of Pitsburg the 12th, 14th Iowa fought side by side till 4 o'ck P.M. on Sunday. Where the troops on their right and left fell back in confusion they held their ground with heroic tenacity. While other regiments on their right and left were falling back they actually gained eighty rods on the enemy, actually mowing down the rebels. Col Tuttle said that in one place the 12th alone could not have killed less than ninety of the enemy...While thus bravely holding their ground thus preventing a general rout, the enemy closed in on them and after desperate fighting were compelled to surrender...Every able man in our Regt. was in the fight and were killed, wounded, or taken prisoner." To illustrate the regiment's losses, Captain Fowler provides the current morning's report of able-bodied men which included four officers and 181 men (138 of which were listed as sick). The last paragraph finds Capt. Fowler entreating Baker to let the regiment get back to strength before being committed to battle again. He writes in part: "We were daily expecting that our sick and worn out fragment of a Regt. would be sent to some healthy locality to recuperate but to night the accompanying order was sent to us which speaks too plainly for itself what an insult is offered us and through us our State. We ask will the State of Iowa allow it? Or will she look after the welfare of her sons who have stood or fallen by her flag on every Battle Field?" With some toning to the paper and a few old taped repairs; but very legible and in very good condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas), DHL or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. PLease contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items are not shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

February 19, 2014 11:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $3,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000