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Twenty-fifth Infantry
MISSOURI
(3-YEARS)
Twenty-fifth Infantry. -- Cols., Everett Peabody, Chester
Harding, Jr., Lieut.- Col., Robert T. Van Horn, Majs., James
E. Powell, Fred C. Nichols.
This regiment was first organized in June, 1861, from the
Home; Guard battalions of Majs. Peabody, Van Horn and Berry,
and was first known as the 13th Mo. infantry. Late in the
fall it was reorganized and designated as the 25th.
In the meantime it had been engaged in guarding the Hannibal &
St. Joseph railroad, until a good portion of it was
surrendered to Price's forces at Lexington by Col. Mulligan.
After the exchange of prisoners the reorganization took place
and it was ordered to Pittsburg landing, Tenn., arriving there
in time to take part in the battle of Shiloh.
It was in the campaign against Corinth, Miss., and in the fall
of 1862 was sent home to recruit. It was then on duty in
Missouri until the fall of 1863, when it was consolidated with
the 1st regiment, Missouri engineers, the order for the
consolidation being dated Nov. 22, 1863.
Source: The Union Army, vol. 4, p. 265
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Shiloh after battle report:
Report of Lieut. Col. Robert T. Van Horn,
Twenty-fifth Missouri Infantry.
HDQRS. TWENTY-FIFTH REGT. MO. VOLS, FIRST BRIG.,
SIXTH DIVISION, ARMY OF WEST TENNESSEE,
Near Pittsburg Landing, April 9, 1862.
CAPT.: I have the honor herewith to submit a report of the part
taken by the regiment under my command in the battles of the 6th and
7th instant. The regiment occupied the right of the First Brigade,
commanded by Col. Peabody, acting brigadier-general, and had the
honor of opening the fight on the 6th, the attack being made on its front
at 3 o'clock in the morning. By order of the acting brigadier-general
three companies-Capt.'s Schmitz, Company B; Eveans, Company E,
and Dill, Company H-under Maj. Powell, were dispatched to engage
the enemy's advance, which was successfully done until reinforced by
the Twenty-first Missouri, under Col. Moore. The fighting now
became general and heavy, and I was ordered to support with the whole
regiment. The enemy had now reached within the distance of half a mile
of the encampment, where they were checked and held until near 7
o'clock, when our force fell back to the line of encampment, where
another stand was made. The fighting was very severe until 8 o'clock,
when we were compelled to fall back still farther behind our
encampments on the division, which had by this time formed in line of
battle on an elevation in our rear. My regiment had by this time become
badly cut up, but they rallied and took position on the right of the
Twelfth Michigan, with the loss of several of my most valuable officers.
The fighting now became most determined, and continued with little
intermission for three hours. The enemy, being thrice repulsed, finally
moved to our left.
It was in this part of the engagement that Maj. James E. Powell, a
most valuable officer and brave soldier, fell mortally wounded, and
Sergt. Matthew Euler, color-bearer, was killed, clinging to the staff until
it had to be disengaged from his grasp by Sergeant Simmons, who took
his place. My command was after this detached to colonel Hildebrand,
acting brigadier-general, where it remained, without taking any decisive
part in the engagement for the remainder of the day.
On the 7th I was placed with the First Missouri Battery near the river,
except one company, under Capt. William Millar, who was attached
to the Seventh Iowa (Col. Crocker), where, I am gratified to state,
this brave officer rendered efficient service.
I beg particularly to mention Capt.'s Wade, Millar, and Donnelly, and
Lieut.'s Bradshaw, Newberry, John H. Millar, and Singleton, for
bravery displayed in the most trying periods of the fight: but where
so many did well it is difficult to discriminate. I mention these as
coming particularly under my own observation. I must also be permitted
to bear testimony to the distinguished bravery of Maj. James E.
Powell, who fell in the hottest of the battle, cheering on his men. He
was an officer in the Regular Army.
I have to report Surg. John T. Berghoff as missing, but whether a
prisoner or not it is impossible to say, as he has been in camp once
since the battle. He was at the hospital in front on yesterday, but
supposed to be cut off by rebel pickets.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. T. VAN HORN,
Lieut.-Col., Comdg. Twenty-fifth Missouri Volunteers.
Capt. HENRY BINMORE,
A. A. G., Sixth Div., Army of West Tenn.
Source: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 10. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 10
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