Page:History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century Volume 2.djvu/212

 took part in the brilliant campaign, which drove Pemberton’s army back into the city. The Fourth was in the assault of the 22d and met with severe loss in the general defeat; then, for forty-seven days, it was employed in the siege, as the lines were gradually closed. The regiment lost about eighty men during the siege. It was there to rejoice in the final great victory, which resulted in the capture of the stronghold and the entire Confederate army defending it, by far the most damaging blow inflicted upon the enemy up to this time. After the surrender, the Fourth joined Sherman in his movement against General Johnston’s army, capturing Jackson, the Capital, and driving Johnson out of the State. Colonel Williamson was now in command of a brigade in which was the Fourth Iowa. The regiment was in Osterhaus’ Division in his expedition to Corinth, Iuka and Cherokee, and took part in several engagements. In November, the division joined the army at Chattanooga. In the Battle of Lookout Mountain the Fourth was on the extreme left of Hooker’s command. When the battle opened, the division moved across an open field to Lookout Creek, where it was for some time exposed to a severe fire, but finally moved on up the mountain, where the fight was warm. As night came on, the regiment held its position on the mountain prepared to renew the battle next day. When morning dawned, it was discovered that the enemy had withdrawn to Missionary Ridge. Early in the morning, the Fourth, Ninth and Thirty-first were sent to Rossville Gap, and placed in a good strategic position, turning the Rebel left. They were attacked by a heavy column of the enemy and a fierce battle ensued in which the Fourth bore an active part until the Rebels were routed. It joined in the pursuit on the 26th, and at the Battle of Ringgold, the next day, fought with great gallantry, saving two railroad bridges, which were set on fire by the retreating army. After these battles the Fourth moved to Woodville on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad and went into winter quarters. On the 25th