Page:History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century Volume 2.djvu/25

 PREFACE HE history of the important part taken by Iowa statesmen, volunteer soldiers and citizens in the great Civil War of 1861-5, has been told in many excellent publications and the elaborate records of the Adjutant-General’s Office. The dramatic story has been well written by Stuart, Ingersoll and Byers, in addition to the numerous regimental histories. The complete history of the patriotism, devotion to country, sacrifices and heroic endurance of mothers, wives, sisters and near friends of the men who marched to southern battle-fields can never be written.

The names of a few officers who were prominent in the great conflict, of the regiments organized, the battles fought, find a place in history. The names and deeds of more than 75,000 common soldiers, like the nameless graves of wars’ victims, scattered over the hills, valleys and plains of the South, are recorded only in the memory of friends or comrades who survive.

This volume embraces but a brief history of the events connected with that most momentous war of modern times and the more important acts of the higher officials in civil and military affairs. No State in the restored Union is richer in noble men and women whose devotion to duty in camp, hospital and battle-field has never been excelled in any war or country. No State developed more brilliant officers or braver soldiers.

Iowa has always honored the memory of the Grand Army of the Republic, its survivors have filled the highest positions in civil life. Our people have no sympathy with the mercenary spirit which for years, has sought to impeach the integrity of veterans on the pension roll. It