Page:History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century Volume 2.djvu/469

 at home to save the next harvest, most of them being farmers. I most respectfully submit to you whether there is any necessity now to hold these old men under such heavy sacrifices. They have received the commendation of their former post commanders. At this post they have very heavy duties, which to perform would even have been difficult for an equal number of young men. The high patriotism displayed by these men in devoting a few years of their old age to their country’s service is unparalleled in history, and commands the respect of every true republican.

I therefore most respectfully recommend that the Thirty-seventh Iowa Volunteers may be mustered out of the service immediately, with the honors and acknowledgments of their services due to the noble spirit with which they gave so glorious an example to the youths of their country. Very respectfully, etc., J. WILLICH, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

General Willich’s request was granted and the regiment was mustered out. The command was disbanded; the patriotic survivors returned to their homes. Many members of this noble regiment had broken down under the hardships of the field and camp and survived but a short time. Their superb patriotism can never be forgotten in the annals of Iowa. To the latest generation the story of the services and sacrifices of the “Gray-Beards” in the War of the Rebellion will be an inspiration to the young.

THE THIRTY-EIGHT IOWA INFANTRY

This regiment was raised in the old Third Congressional District; four companies in Fayette County, two in Winneshiek, two in Bremer, and the remainder in Chickasaw and Howard. They went into camp at Dubuque in August, 1862, numbering eight hundred thirty-two men. The regiment was not fully organized until early in November. The field officers were Colonel David H. Hughes; Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph O. Hodnutt; Major Charles Chadwick, and Adjutant H. W. Pettit. Having remained in camp some time for drill the regiment was first sent to St. Louis, where its equipment was received. On the 2d of January the regiment was sent to New Madrid with orders