prisoners and rejoined his regiment with loss of one man killed. When this
regiment commenced its forward movement as the enemy developed his main line on
our left, the Third Iowa was immediately directed to charge this other position,
and this gallant regiment pressed forward vigorously, Captain McKee and Wilson
with about fifty men penetrating the line, capturing some prisoners and holding
the position ........ The Fourth Iowa, which was now immediately in front
of the enemy's lines, was dismounted, except four companies, and, in charge of
Captain Abraham, Company D, were pushed into the enemy's works near where the
detachment of the Third Iowa had secured a lodgment. In obedience to
instructions, when inside the works Captain Abraham moved directly toward the
bridge, not stopping to secure the prisoners, who, after being made to throw
away their arms, were left where found. Near the end of this line of rifles pits
was a work with six 12 pound Howitzers, which Captain Abraham at once assaulted,
capturing the garrison and armament together with four 10 pound ]Parrot guns,
gunners and caissons, which were in position and firing near this fort. Without
halting, a portion of his command rushed over the bridge (a covered one),
capturing two 12 pound Howitzers, caissons, etc., on the east end. These two
guns were loaded with canister, but the gunners could not fire without killing
the rebels flying over the bridge with our men, The capture of this bridge was
in itself a great victory, as it had been fully prepared for sudden and compete
destruction. The enemy were unable to fire this structure, which, being saved,
enabled our forces to occupy Columbus and march immediately upon Macon. Any
delay at the Chattahoochee would have prevented our forces reaching Macon before
the armistice went into effect. The capture of Columbus involved the fall of
Macon ....... There have been very many instances of individual
heroism, while almost every one did all he could. If in this report some persons
seem to have done more than well, it must not be inferred that others would not
have done equally well if they had been fortunate in securing opportunities.
During the campaign this brigade has taken in action three thousand one
hundred prisoners, including two hundred commissioned officers, eleven stands of
colors, thirty-three guns, twenty- five caissons, three thousand five hundred
stands of arms, and a large number of horses, wagons and mules ........ As
a testimony of my respect and appreciation of their ability and services, and
because of gallantry in presence of the enemy, I respectfully recommend as
follows: That the rank of Major by Brevet be conferred upon the following named
officers: ....... John D. Brown, Captain Company L,
Third Iowa Cavalry. This officer was wounded severely in the battle of Big Blue,
Mo., October 23,1864; he has twice, on the present expedition, attacked, with
his company, a force of the enemy greater than his own, and each time completely
routed him, once capturing more than his own command numbered. George W.
Johnson, Captain Company M, Third Iowa Cavalry. This officer, once with two and
again with one company, charged a superior force of the enemy with great
gallantry, touting them each time, and killing, wounding, and capturing quite a
number. His courage, good conduct and gallantry have been frequently
observed ....... Samuel J. McKee, Captain Company
B, Third Iowa Cavalry. This officer has several times led his company gallantly,
and was the first officer to enter the lines of the enemy at Columbus, himself
and men having to work their way through an abatis in presence of the enemy,
securely posted behind entrenchment's, and only a few yards distant. With two
companies he met and repulsed the enemy at Fike's Ferry, Cabawba River, killing
and wounding some, and capturing thirty animals.
Your obedient servant,
E. F Winslow, Brevet Brigadier General, Commanding.
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