Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 11.
Frank Moore, Ed.

The defeat of the enemy at Columbus gave us possession of the gunboat Muscogee, alias Jackson, a very formidable ram. She was nearly ready for active service, her armament six seven-inch Parrott guns, engines, a portion of her ordnance and other supplies being on board.

The fruits of our victories have been materially increased by having mounted columns always ready to take advantage of opportunities offering. This has been shown to have been the case at Selma.

At Columbus the four companies Fourth Iowa cavalry, which were pushed over the bridge (mounted) immediately after it was in our possession, captured five hundred prisoners, and completed the disorganization of the enemy. During this march we have destroyed the Hannan and Briarfield, or Bibb iron works, near Montevallo, several railroads and station houses, four steamboats and one foundry at Montgomery, a large distillery above Columbus, and great quantities of corn, meat, and other supplies, gathered up for the Confederate government.

As a testimony of my respect and appreciation of their ability and services, and because of gallantry in presence of the enemy, I respectfully recommend that the rank of Major by brevet be conferred upon the following named officers:

Lot Abraham, Captain D Company, Fourth Iowa cavalry. This officer has frequently displayed great courage, handled his command in a very gallant manner at Columbus, and captured a four-gun battery at Selma, repulsing the enemy in his attempt to recover it.

Asa B. Fitch, Captain Company H, Fourth Iowa cavalry, when the enemy assailed our column in flank, near Montevallo, March 31, this officer, who commanded the color company, had the colors unfurled, and with his company and the colors dashed ahead, leading the attacking party with great gallantry. He has many times acted with judgment and gallantry. I consider him one of the best officers in my command.

John D. Brown, Captain Company L, Third Iowa cavalry. This officer was wounded severely at the battle of Big Blue, October 23, 1864; has twice on the present expedition attacked, with his company, a force of the enemy greater than his own, and each time completely routed him, once capturing more men than his own command numbered.

George W. Johnston, Captain Company M, Third Iowa cavalry. This officer once with two, and again with one company, charged a superior force of the enemy with great gallantry, routing them each time, and killing, wounding, and capturing quite a number. His courage, good conduct, and gallantry have been frequently observed.

R. B. M. McGlasson, Captain Company I, Tenth Missouri cavalry. He led two companies of his regiment through the enemy's lines to the bridge at Columbus, and though surrounded came out losing only one man.

Samuel J. McKee, Captain Company B, Third Iowa cavalry. This officer has several times led his company gallantly, and was the first officer to enter the lines of the enemy at Columbus, himself and men having to work their way through abattis in presence of an enemy securely posted behind entrenchments, and only a few yards distant. With two companies he met and repulsed the enemy at Fike's Ferry, Cahawba river, killing and wounding some and capturing thirty animals.

And the rank of Captain by brevet upon Ferdinand Owen, First Lieutenant Company I, Tenth Missouri cavalry,who when his company reached the bridge at Columbus, gallantly led it over, and immediately upon a rebel battery of two guns while completely surrounded by the enemy.

And the rank of First Lieutenant by brevet, upon Lloyd H. Dillon, Second Lieutenant Company C, Fourth Iowa cavalry, who has repeatedly acted in the most gallant manner. He was severely wounded at Guntown, June tenth, 1864. At Selma, he led his company, which he was commanding, upon the enemy, killing several with his pistol and sabre. At Columbus he was among the first men to rush upon the enemy, and over the bridge into the city.