Page:History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century Volume 2.djvu/489

 Milton F. Collins, Major John L. Murphy, Adjutant T. W. Pratt.

The regiment performed every duty required of it faithfully, was well drilled and soldierly in appearance. Upon returning to Iowa the members addressed a memorial to the people of the State on the subject of equal political rights, which received the earnest attention of the thoughtful and fair-minded citizens. A few years later the State removed the unjust discrimination and granted the race full citizenship.

THE FIRST IOWA CAVALRY

The first regiment of cavalry raised in Iowa was recruited from the State at large. Six companies were in camp at Burlington as early as July, 1861. Others were soon ready and in August the regiment was organized. Fitz Henry Warren, one of the most able and accomplished public men of Iowa, was commissioned colonel, Charles E. Moss was lieutenant-colonel, E. W. Chamberlain, James O. Gower and W. M. G. Torrence were the majors, while J. C. Stone was adjutant. The regiment numbered 2,200 men when it embarked for Saint Louis early in October. The first and second battalions were soon sent into the field. The third remained at Saint Louis under Colonel Warren. The eight companies sent into the field were employed most of the winter in patrolling the State which was infested with guerillas and many were hunted down and shot be the First Cavalry. Four of the companies, with a detachment of the First Missouri Cavalry, attacked and routed a party of the enemy under Poindexter at Silver Creek in January. The same companies in February, made a raid on Warsaw and captured several Confederate officers. In similar services the eight companies spent the winter almost constantly in the saddle on either side of the Missouri River everywhere protecting Union men. Early in March the