Croft, marched toward Paris, Tennessee, and, being joined by Captain Bullis’ Battery of Light Artillery, pushed on, attacked a body of about six hundred Confederates, posted west of the town and after a short but sharp engagement, defeated them with considerable loss. Captain Bullis of the Union battery was mortally wounded. Early in May, Major Boernstein with one hundred and fifty men marched beyond Paris and, while in camp near Lockridge’s Mills, was suddenly attacked by Colonel Clayborne with overwhelming numbers. The little party made a brave resistance but was overpowered and soon cut to pieces. Captain Nott was thrown from his horse and seriously injured but escaped with eleven of his men. Captains Haw and Van Minden were wounded and captured. Major Boernstein was mortally wounded and died the next day. He was a gallant soldier and an accomplished gentleman and his death was universally deplored in Iowa where he was widely known. More than half of his men were killed, wounded or captured.
On the 25th of June the regiment was assigned to our State and became the Fifth Iowa Cavalry. Colonel Lowe was continued in command and, as Major Kelsay had died of disease, Brackett was the only major remaining in the regiment. On the 25th of August Fort Henry was attacked by a force of confederates under Colonel Woodward. Major Hart in command, telegraphed Lowe for reinforcements. Taking six companies of the Fifth Cavalry, Colonel Lowe hastened to the rescue but upon his arrival, found that the enemy had been defeated and had retreated up the river. Early the next morning Colonel Lowe started in pursuit and soon overtook the Confederates making a vigorous attack. Lieutenant Summers riddled with bullets, fell from his horse surrounded by enemies who attempted to bayonet him, but, fighting with his saber and revolver, he refused to surrender. When finally disarmed and captured he was found to have seven Minié balls and a bayonet wound in his body.
