Diary of Lieutenant-Colonel John Beatty: August 2, 1861

Jerrolaman went out this afternoon and picked nearly a peck of blackberries. Berries of various kinds are very abundant. The fox-grape is also found in great plenty, and as big as one's thumb.

The Indianians are great ramblers. Lieutenant Bell says they can be traced all over the country, for they not only eat all the berries, but nibble the thorns off the bushes.

General Reynolds told me, this evening, he thought it probable we would be attacked soon. Have been distributing ammunition, forty rounds to the man.

My black horse was missing this morning. Conway looked for him the greater part of the day, and finally found him in possession of an Indiana captain. It happened in this way: Captain Rupp, Thirteenth Indiana, told his men he would give forty dollars for a sesesh horse, and they took my horse out of the pasture, delivered it to him, and got the money. He rode the horse up the valley to Colonel Wagner's station, and when he returned bragged considerably over his good luck; but about dark Conway interviewed him on the subject, when a change came o'er the spirit of his dream. Colonel Sullivan tells me the officers now talk to Rupp about the fine points of his horse, ask to borrow him, and desire to know when he proposes to ride again.

A little group of soldiers are sitting around a camp-fire, not far away, entertaining each other with stories and otherwise. Just now one of them lifts up his voice, and in a melancholly strain sings:

Somebody —— “is weeping

For Gallant Andy Gay,

Who now in death lies sleeping

On the field of Monterey.”

While I write he strikes into another air, and these are the words as I catch them:

“Come back, come back, my purty fair maid!

Then thousand of my jinture on you I will bestow

If you’ll consent to marry me;

Oh, do not say me no.”

But the maid is indifferent to jintures, and replies indignantly:

“Oh, hold your tongue, captain, your words are all in vain;

I have a handsome sweetheart now across the main,

And if I do not find him I’ll mourn continuali.”

More of this interesting dialogue between the captain and the pretty fair maid I can not catch.

The sky is clear, but the night very dark. I do not contemplate my ride to the picket posts with any great degree of pleasure. A cowardly sentinel is more likely to shoot at you than a brave one. The fears of the former do not give him time to consider whether the person advancing is friend or foe.

SOURCE: John Beatty, The Citizen-soldier: Or, Memoirs of a Volunteer, p. 41-3

Diary of Lieutenant-Colonel John Beatty: August 5, 1861

To-day we felt our way up the valley eight miles, but did not reach the rebels.

To-night our pickets were sure they heard firing off in the direction of Kanawha. If so, Cox and Wise must be having a pleasant little interchange of lead.

The chaplain of the Thirteenth Indiana is the counterpart of Scott's Holy Clerk of Copmanhurst, or the fighting friar of the times of Robin Hood. In answer to some request he has just said that he will "go to thunder before doing it." The first time I saw this fighting parson was at the burnt bridge near Huttonville. He had two revolvers and a hatchet in his belt, and appeared more like a firebrand of war than a minister of peace. I now hear the rough voice of a braggadocio captain in the adjoining tent, who, if we may believe his own story, is the most formidable man alive. His hair-breadth escapes are innumerable, and his anxiety to get at the enemy is intense. Is it not ancient Pistol come again to astonish the world by deeds of reckless daring?

We have sent out a scouting party, and hope to learn something more of the rebels during the night. Wagner, Major Wood, Captain Abbott, and others are having a game of whist.

SOURCE: John Beatty, The Citizen-soldier: Or, Memoirs of a Volunteer, p. 44-5

Major Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, Monday, August 26, 1861 – 8:30 p.m.

Somewhere In Tygart's Valley, Near Cheat

Mountain Pass, Virginia,

August 26, Monday evening, 8:30

P. M., after a march of eighteen miles, 1861.

Dearest: — You will think me insane, writing so often and always with the same story: Delighted with scenery and pleasant excitement.

We are camped tonight in a valley surrounded by mountains on a lovely stream under great trees. With the Third Ohio, Thirteenth Indiana, one-half of McCook's Ninth and the Michigan artillery, which Mother remembers passed our house one Sunday about the last of May, and McMullen's Battery, all in sight. Our General Reynolds makes a good impression. We are disposed to love him and trust him. We expect to remain here and hereabouts until the enemy, which is just over the mountain, either drives us out, which I think he can't do, or until we are strong enough to attack him. A stay of some weeks, we suppose.

What a lovely valley! Joe and I will always stick by Ohio River water. It must be in the summer chiefly made up of these mountain streams than which nothing can be purer. Our mails will come here daily. I got a letter from Uncle delivered at my tent within half an hour after it was up, dated 19th and directed as all letters should be, Clarksburg.

We sent back our band to escort in the Germans who were three hours behind us. I built a bridge for them, etc., etc How polite they were. We like them so much.

Affectionately,

R. B. Hayes.

Have the daily Commercial sent me directed, “Maj. R B. Hayes, 23d Ohio Regiment, Clarksburg.”

Mrs. Hayes.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 79-80

13th Indiana Infantry

Organized at Indianapolis, Ind., for one year's service May, 1861, but reorganized for three years and mustered in June 19, 1861. Left State for West Virginia July 4. Attached to Rosecrans' Brigade, McClellan's Army of West Virginia, July 1861. 1st Brigade, Army of Occupation, West Virginia, to September, 1861. Reynolds' Cheat Mountain Brigade, West Virginia, to November, 1861· Milroy's Command, Cheat Mountain District, W. Va., to January, 1862. 2nd Brigade, Landers' Division, to March, 1862. 2nd Brigade, Shields' 2nd Division, Banks' 5th Army Corps and Dept. of the Shenandoah to May, 1862. 2nd Brigade, Shields' Division, Dept. of the Rappahannock, to July, 1862. Ferry's 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 4th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, to September, 1862. Ferry's Brigade, Division at Suffolk, Va., 7th Army Corps, Dept. of Virginia, September, 1862. Foster's Provisional Brigade, Division at Suffolk, 7th Army Corps, to April, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 7th Army Corps, to July, 1863. 1st Brigade, Vogdes' Division, Folly Island, S.C., 10th Army Corps, Dept. of the South, to January. 1864. 1st Brigade, Vogdes Division, Folly Island, S.C., Northern District, Dept. of the South, to February, 1864. 1st Brigade, Vogdes' Division, District of Florida, to April, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 10th Army Corps, Army of the James, Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina, to May, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 18th Army Corps, to June, 1864. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 10th Army Corps, to December, 1864. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 24th Army Corps, to January, 1865. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, Terry's Provisional Corps, Dept. of North Carolina, to March, 1865. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 10th Army Corps, Dept. of North Carolina, to September, 1865.

SERVICE. – Campaign in West Virginia July 7-17, 1861. Battle of Rich Mountain July 11. Moved to Beverly July 13, thence to Cheat Mountain Pass. Operations on Cheat Mountain September 11-17. Cheat Mountain Pass September 12. Greenbrier River October 3-4. Scouting Expedition through the Kanawha District October 29-November 7. Expedition to Camp Baldwin December 11-14. Action at Camp Allegheny December 13. Moved to Green Springs Run December 18, and duty there till March, 1862. Skirmishes at Bath, Hancock, Great Cacapon Bridge, Alpine Station and Sir John's Run January 1-4. Advance on Winchester, Va., March 5-15. Kernstown March 22. Battle of Winchester March 23. Occupation of Mt. Jackson April 17. Summerville Heights May 7. March to Fredericksburg May 12-21, and return to Front Royal May 25-30. Battle of Port Republic June 9. Moved to the Peninsula, Va., June 29-July 2. At Harrison's Landing till August 16. Moved to Fortress Monroe August 16-23, thence to Suffolk, Va., August 30, and duty there till June 27, 1863. Reconnoissance to Franklin on the Blackwater October 3, 1862. Franklin October 3. Zuni Minor's Ford December 12. Expedition toward Blackwater January 8-10, 1863. Action at Deserted House January 30. Leesville April 4. Siege of Suffolk April 12-May 4. Edenton, Providence Church and Somerton Roads April 13. Suffolk April 17. Edenton Road April 24. Siege of Suffolk raised May 4. Foster's Plantation May 20. Dix's Peninsula Campaign June 24-July 7. Expedition from White House to South Anna Bridge July 1-7. South Anna Bridge July 4. Moved to Folly Island, S.C., July 28-August 3. Siege operations against Fort Wagner, Morris Island and against Fort Sumpter and Charleston, S.C., till February, 1864. Capture of Forts Wagner and Gregg September 7, 1863. Stationed at Folly Island October, 1863, to February, 1864. Reenlisted December, 1863. Moved to Jacksonville, Fla., February 23, 1864, and duty there till April 17. Ordered to Hilton Head, S.C.; thence to Gloucester Point, Va. Butler's operations on Southside of the James River and against Petersburg and Richmond, Va., May 4-28. Occupation of Bermuda Hundred May 5. Port Walthal Junction May 6-7. Swift Creek May 9-10. Operations against Fort Darling May 12-16. Battle of Drury's Bluff May 14-16. Bermuda Hundred May 16-28. Moved to White House, thence to Cold Harbor May 28-June 1. Battles about Cold Harbor June 1-12; before Petersburg June 15-18. Siege operations against Petersburg and Richmond June 16, 1864, to December 6, 1864. Mine Explosion, Petersburg, July 30, 1864. Non-Veterans left front June 19. Mustered out June 24, 1864. Demonstration north of the James at Deep Bottom August 13-20. Battle of Strawberry Plains August 14-18. Chaffin's Farm, New Market Heights, September 28-30. Battle of Fair Oaks October 27-28. Detached duty at New York City during Election of 1864 November 4-17. Expedition to Fort Fisher, N. C., December 7-27. 2nd Expedition to Fort Fisher, N. C., January 3-15, 1865. Assault and capture of Fort Fisher January 15. Town Creek February 19-20. Capture of Wilmington February 22. Campaign of the Carolinas March 1-April 26. Advance on Goldsboro March 6-21. Occupation of Goldsboro March 21. Advance on Raleigh April 10-14. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. Duty at various points in North Carolina till September. Mustered out September 5, 1865. Regiment lost during service 3 Officers and 104 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 146 Enlisted men by disease. Total 255.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the 3, p. Rebellion, Part 1123-4

From Winchester

WINCHESTER, March 30. – The following wounded died yesterday and to-day, and were buried:

Michael Martin, 67th Ohio; unknown 29; Wm. Whitney, 13th Indiana; Isaac Jackson, 27th Ohio, died of fever; A. L. Brown, 8th Ohio and one unknown; another unknown – on his clothes were the initials “T. O. W.”  Wallace Calhoun, 7th Ohio; E. K. Bruce, 7th Ohio – his body has been delivered to his friends.

Previous to the forgoing, our losses stood as follows: killed and died of wounds, 103; wounded, 441; missing, 24.

Only a few reports of the detailed regiments, have been yet received, owing to the distant and scattered position of the regiments. – Three or four days will elapse before the full list of names can be received.  The wounded are now contained in two hospitals, and are under the immediate charge of Dr. Bryant, Medical Director of the Division of Gen. Shields.

About 230 sick and wounded prisoners have been sent to Frederick.  Sixty wounded rebel soldiers have been taken from the hospital and placed in the houses of their friends on their parole to report on their recovery to the nearest commanding officer.  Our wounded are reported as generally doing well.  They number about three hundred.

The statement in the newspapers that Major Perkins on the staff of Maj. Gen. Banks was instrumental in planning the battle, is contradicted, although his presence and advice were of great service to Col. Kimball who commands in the field under directions from Gen. Shields. – Medical Director King of the Medical Corps, and surgeon Jackson of the 29th Penn, who were present as volunteers rendered effective and in clearing the field of wounded.  Gustave Arnherm of the Zouaves acted as aid to col. Baum, chief of Shields’ artillery and was seriously wounded in the leg.

The following is a complete list of the casualties in the 5th Ohio: Killed – Privates Pleasant Brown, J. W. Richaus, Chas. Gill, Wm. H. Hagart, Henry Hall, Martin Holley, Henry Schpfer, Peter Hoper, Wm. B. Majors.  Corporals Chas. Talbot, J. B. Shannon, Samuel B. Isdell.  Captain Joel Whitcom.  Sergeant David Johnson.

WINCHESTER, March 31. – The report that the wounded in the late battle near Winchester were neglected, is unfounded.  Surgeon Keney medical inspector, U. S. A., reports that they are well quartered and well treated by the surgeons of the Division, and generally doing well.  Gen. Shields has so far recovered as to be able to start for Strasburgh to-morrow.  Some firing was heard by the officers in Strasburgh yesterday, apparently in the direction of Jackson’s rendezvous.  The cause is not yet known.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 4

The Fighting Near Winchester

FULL PARTICULARS.

WINCHESTER, Va., March 25. – On Saturday at 2 o’clock p. m., the enemy showed themselves a mile and a half from Winchester.  The enemy consisted of 500 of Ashby’s cavalry and two guns.  They drove in our pickets and then skirmished with the Michigan cavalry and a portion of the Maryland 1st.

Gen. Shields brought up his artillery and fired several rounds of shot and shell, drove them back and took several prisoners.

Gen. Shields was wounded in the arm by the first fire of the enemy.

Jackson had been informed by the inhabitants that the town was destroyed by the union troops and he advanced to retake it.

Gen. Shields’ forces slept on their arms Saturday night.

On Sunday morning at sunrise, Jackson being reinforced, he attacked Gen. Shields near Kingston.

The enemy’s force consisted of 500 of Ashley’s cavalry, 5,000 infantry, nine pieces of artillery with a reserve of 18 pieces of artillery.

The fight was kept up till noon, when a charge made by the Ohio infantry, 1st Michigan and 1st Virginia Cavalry on their right, drove them back half a mile when the enemy got their guns in position again in a dense wood, flanked by infantry, they drove us back.  A short artillery engagement ensued.

At 10½ the enemy made a feint on our left, when Gen. Shields ordered Col. Tyler of the 7th Ohio, to turn their left flank, which was executed by our troops by with considerable loss, the enemy being protected by a stone bridge.

The 84th Pennsylvania and 13th Indiana charged their centre and the fight became general.  Col. Murry, of the 84 Pennsylvania was killed.

The enemy retired slowly, bringing their guns to bear at every opportunity.  Our men rushed forward with yells when a panic ensued among the enemy.  Our troops followed and drove them until dark, capturing three guns, three caissons, muskets, equipments, &c., innumerable.  Our troops bivouacked on the field.  Gen. William’s first brigade, Col. Donelly, of the 28th New York, commanding, reinforced Gen. Fields.

Gen. Banks, who was on his way to Washington on Sunday, returned and assumed command.

Gen. Shields’ Division pursued the enemy beyond Newton, shelling them the whole way.

Jackson’s men were perfectly demoralized beyond control.  They threw overboard the dead and wounded to lighten the wagons.

It is noticeable that nearly all the Confederate wounded were shot in the head and breasts, testifying to the superiority of our marksmen.

The loss on our side were chiefly Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana troops.

Those who conveyed the false intelligence to Gen. Jackson, causing this disaster to the rebels have a heavy weight of guilt to shoulder.  It was evidently known to many in the town that Jackson was approaching from the holiday attire and buoyancy of spirits among men and women here.  Gen. Shields’ command being screened from observation on the east side of the town led the informants to believe that all our troops were evacuating and that Jackson could enter unmolested.  Good Judges say the enemy’s loss is over 200 killed 500 wounded and 300 prisoners including an aid to Jackson.  Our loss is about 65 killed and 125 wounded.

On Sunday morning the rebels received reinforcements under Gen. Garnett, amounting to 500 men.  The Union forces did not exceed 1000 men, and with the exception of about 500 were of Gen. Shields’ division exclusively, commanded by acting Brig. Gen. Sullivan, opening a heavy fire of artillery, while the real attack was directed against our right, with the object of flanking it.  Gen. Kimble commanded on the right, where the heaviest fighting was done. – The enemy were strongly posted in woods and behind a stone wall, and the rebel artillery was posted on eminences on both sides of the left wing.  Our whole artillery force was engaged consisting of 24 parrot guns in all.  The combat raged furiously till 3 o’clock p. m., the fighting being done chiefly by the artillery and musketry at a range of not more than 300 or 400 yards, and often much less.

The rebel infantry opposite our right emerged from the woods and attempted to capture David’s Battery by a charge.  The first effort was nearly successful, but the heavy discharges of grape compelled to retire in confusion.  A second and third attempt likewise failed, and the enemy fell back with heavy loss behind the stone parapet.  Gen. Tyler now ordered his brigade to charge the enemies batteries on the left and a most deadly encounter followed.  Twice our men recoiled under the storm, but in the third effort they routed the rebels with tremendous slaughter.

Our loss in these struggles was heavy.  Out of 300 men in the 84th Pennsylvania 26 were killed and 83 wounded.  Many officers were killed and wounded.

The Fifth and Eighth Ohio shared the glory and the loss with the Eighty-forth Pennsylvania.  The enemy’s killed and wounded strewed the ground in profusion and their left wing was utterly broken and their centre wavering.  On their side the Fourth and Fifth Virginia Regiments suffered most.  The former was totally demolished.  Several attempts to rally the right wing failed, and to add to the confusion the Irish Battalion of 150 men, were brought forward, ordered to fire upon our troops refused and a rebel regiment immediately drove this gallant little band forward, but could not compel them to fire upon us.  Forty corpses of the hundred and fifty afterwards strewed the field.  Meanwhile the rebels gave way on their left and center with a loss of 70 killed and wounded and 236 taken prisoners.  Besides these about 1500 muskets were taken and many other valuable trophies.  Our loss does not exceed 100 killed.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 3

From Winchester

WINCHESTER, March 30.

The following wounded died yesterday and to-day, and were buried:

Michael Martin, 67^th O.; Geo Gardiner, 14^th Ind.; Jacob Wolf, 67^th O.; unknown, 29^th O.; Wm. Whitney, 13^th Ind.; Isaac Jackson, 27^th O., died of fever; A. L. Brown, 8^th O.; one unknown; another unknown, clothes marked T. A. W.; Wallace Colburn, 7^th O.; and E. K. Bruce, 7^th O., his body has been delivered to friends.

Previous to the foregoing, our loss stood as follows: Killed and died of wounds, 103; wounded 441; missing, 24.

Only a few of the reports of the detailed regiments have yet been received, owing to the distance and scattered positions of the regiments.  Three or four days will elapse before the full list of names can be received.

The wounded are now contained in two hospitals, and are under the immediate charge of Dr. H. Bryant.

About 230 sick and wounded prisoners have been sent to Frederick.  Sixty wounded rebel soldiers have been taken from the hospital and placed in the houses of their friends, on their parole to report on their recovery, to the nearest commanding officer.

Our wounded are reported as generally doing well.  They number here, about three hundred.

The statement in the newspaper that Major Perkins in the staff of Maj. [Gen.] Banks was instrumental in planning the battle is contradicted, although his presence and advice were of great service to Col. Kimball, who commands the field under directions from Gen. Shields.

Medical Director King, of the medical corps, and Surgeon Jackson of the 29^th Pa., who were present as volunteers, rendered efficient aid in clearing the field of the wounded.  G. Arnheim of the Zuaves Afrique, acted as aid to Col. Baum, chief of Shield’s artillery, and was severely wounded in the leg.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 1, 1862, p. 1

Further Particulars of the Battle near Winchester

WINCHESTER, March 26.

Our pickets are six miles beyond Strasburg.  Jackson is not in sight.

All the fences, trees and ground along the road show the terrible effect of our artillery on the retreating army.

Gen. Shields’ arm has been reset.  He is comfortable, and will probably be able to resume active duties in two weeks.

The following, as near as can be ascertained, is the number of wounded at the battle of Sunday:

In the 7^th Ohio, 45, 29^th O., 3; 5^th, 16; 69^th, 24; 8^th 19.  In 7^th Ind., 11; 13^th, 13; 14^th, 12.  In 84^th Pa., 40; 10^th, 36; 1^st Va., 8; 28^th N. Y., 1; 1^st O. battery, 2; 9^th Pa., 1; 5^th Ct., 2.

The list of the killed is not yet received, but the number is believed to be 105.

All is quiet at Strasburg to-night.

The following is Gen. Banks’ general order relative to the battle of Sunday:

HEADQUARTERS 5^TH ARMY CORPS,

Strasburg, March 26^th, 1862.

The Commanding General of the 5^th army corps congratulates the officers and soldiers of Gen. Shields’ division, and especially its gallant commander, on the auspicious and decisive victory gained over the rebels on the 25^th.  The division has achieved renown against superior forces and a subtle and barbarous enemy.

Signed,

N. P. BANKS

HEADQUARTERS, BRIG. GEN. SHIELDS’ DIV.,

WINCHESTER, Va.,

Brig. Gen. Shields congratulates the officers and soldiers of his division, upon the glorious victory achieved by them on the 23^rd inst., near Winchester, Va.  They defeated an enemy whose forces outnumbered theirs, who are considered the bravest and best disciplined of the Confederate army.  He also congratulates them that it has fallen to their lot to pen the campaign on the Potomac.  The opening has been a splendid success; let them inscribe “Winchester” on their banners, and persevere for other victories.

(Signed)

Brig. Gen. SHIELDS.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 28, 1862, p. 1

From Winchester

WINCHESTER, Va., March 25.

It is currently reported to-night that Gen. Banks has overtaken and destroyed 200 of Jackson’s wagons.

Latest from Strasburg says that Gens. Banks and Shields are there, and Jackson is in sight.  A battle is expected to-day, and preparations are being made to strengthen our forces.

On Saturday at 2 o’clock p.m. the enemy showed themselves, a mile and a half from Winchester.  The enemy consisted of 500 of Ashby’s cavalry, and two guns.  They drove in our pickets, and then skirmished with the Michigan cavalry and a portion of the Indiana 1^st.

Gen. Shields brought up his forces, and fired a few rounds of shell, driving them back, taking several prisoners.  General Shields was wounded in the army by the first fire of the enemy.

Jackson had been informed by the inhabitants that the town was deserted by the Union troops, and he advanced to retake it.

Gen. Shield’s forces slept on their arms Saturday night.  Sunday morning at sunrise, Jackson being reinforced attacked Gen. Shields near Kearnstown.

The enemy’s forces consisted of 500 of Ashby’s cavalry, 500 infantry, and 9 pieces of artillery, with a reserve of 18 pieces of artillery.  The fight was kept up till noon, when a charge was made by the Ohio infantry.  The 1^st Mich. And 1^st VA cavalry on their right, drove them back half a mile, when the enemy got their guns again in position in a dense wood, flanked by infantry, and drove us back.  A short artillery engagement ensued, when Gen. Shields ordered Col. Tyler to turn their flank which was executed by our troops but with considerable loss, the enemy being protected by the stone ledge.  The 84^th Penn. And the 13^th Ind. charged their centre, and the fight became general.

Col. Murray, of the 84^th Penna., was killed.  The enemy retired slowly, bringing their guns to bear at every opportunity.  Our men rushed forward with yells, when a panic ensued among the enemy.

Our troops followed and drove them till dark, capturing 3 guns, 3 caissons, muskets, equipments, &c., innumerable.  Our troops bivouacked on the field.

Gen. Williams’ 1^st Brigade, Col. Donelly of the 28^th N. Y., commanding, reinforced Gen. Shields.

Gen. Banks, who was on the way to Washington, Sunday returned and assumed command.  Meantime, Gen. Shields’ division pursued the enemy beyond Newton, shelling them the whole way.

Jackson’s men, were perfectly demoralized and beyond control.  They threw overboard the dead and wounded to lighten the wagons.

It is noticeable that nearly all the Confederates wounded were shot in the head or breast, testifying to the superiority of our marksmen.

The losses on our side were chiefly Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana troops.  These who conveyed the false intelligence to Gen. Jackson, causing this disaster to the rebels, have a heavy weight of guilt to shoulder.  It was evidently known to many in the town that Jackson was approaching, from the holiday attire and buoyancy of spirits among men and women here.  Gen. Shields’ command being secreted from observation, on the east side of the town, lead the informants to believe that all our troops were evacuating, and that Jackson could enter unmolested.  Good judges say that the enemy’s loss is over 200 killed and 500 wounded, and 300 prisoners, including an aid to Jackson.  Our loss is about 65 killed and 125 wounded.

On Sunday morning the rebels received reinforcements under Gen. Garrett, amounting to 500 men.  The Union forces did not exceed 1000 men, and with the exception of about 500 were of Gen. Shields’ division exclusively.  At half past one the enemy made a feint on our left, commanded by acting Brig. Gen. Sullivan, opening a heavy fire of artillery, while the real attack was directed against our right, with the object of flanking Gen. Kimball’s command on the right, where the heaviest fighting was done.  The enemy were strongly posted in the woods and behind a stone wall, and the rebel artillery was posted on an eminence on both sides of their left wing.

Our whole artillery force was engaged consisting of four batteries of 24 pieces in all.  The conflict raged furiously till 3 P. M. – The fighting being done chiefly by the artillery and musketry, at a range of not more than 300 or 400 yards, and often much less.

The rebel infantry opposite our right now engaged from the woods and attempted to capture Dowe’s battery by a charge.  The first effort was nearly successful, but the heavy discharge of grape compelled them to retire in confusion.  A second and weaker attempt likewise failed, and the enemy fell back with heavy loss, behind the stone parapet.

Gen. Taylor now ordered his brigade to charge the enemy’s batteries on the left, and a most deadly encounter followed, twice our men reeled under the storm, but in the third effort they routed the rebels with tremendous slaughter.

Our loss in these struggles was heavy. – Out of 300 men in the 84^th Penn., 26 were killed and 83 wounded.  Many officers were killed and wounded.  The 5^th and 8^th Ohio shared the glory and the losses with the 84^th Penn.

The enemy’s killed and wounded strewed the ground in profusion, and their left wing was totally broken, and their center wavering.  On their side the 4^th and 5^th Va. Regiments suffered most; the former was terribly decimated.

Attempts to rally the right wing failed, and to add to the confusion, the Irish battalion of 150 men, when brought forward and ordered to fire upon the Union troops refused, and a rebel regiment immediately drove this gallant little band forward, but could not compel them to fire upon us. – Forty corpses of the 150 afterwards strewed the field.

Meanwhile, the rebels gave way on the left and center, with a loss of 70 killed and wounded, and 236 prisoners.  Besides these, about 160 muskets were taken and many other valuable trophies.  Our loss does not exceed 100 killed and 300 wounded.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 27, 1862, p. 2