The regiment remained in the vicinity of Fort Heiman during the winter, making many incursions into the surrounding country and having several sharp fights with the enemy. In March it was sent to garrison Fort Donelson, remaining three months and then joined the army of General Rosecrans at Murfreesboro. For a long time it was in active service in Tennessee and Alabama, frequently in skirmishes with the enemy. On the 9th of October, 1863, Colonel Lowe met with Wheeler’s Cavalry at Sugar Creek where thirty of the enemy were killed and about one hundred taken prisoners. The regiment was on active duty in Tennessee during the remainder of the year and, before the 1st of January, 1864, more than three-quarters of its members had reënlisted, becoming veteran volunteers. Toward the last of the month they were granted furloughs and visited their homes. During the month of February, Companies G, I and K were sent to Minnesota, where they were formed into an independent battalion under the command of Major Brackett and did not again join the regiment.
THE ROUSSEAU RAID
In July General Sherman’s army was in the heart of the Confederacy resting in northern Georgia. At this time he was planning a raid for the purpose of destroying the communications of the Confederate army at Atlanta with the southwest. Major-General L. H. Rousseau was chosen to lead the expedition. His army was about 3,000 strong and with it was the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, in command of Major Baird, Lieutenant-Colonel Patrick having command of a brigade. The expedition started from Decatur in light marching order, without wagons and with but a single ambulance to each regiment. Going by way of Sommerville and Ashville to the Coosa River, Rousseau’s army dispersed General Clayton’s command which disputed his passage. It pushed on rapidly by Talladega destroying railroads, store house, iron works and bridges.
