The Battle At Pittsburg

FURTHER PARTICULARS

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CAIRO, April 10. – A man who arrived here to-day says the enemy adopted a ruse to surprise our forces at Pittsburg, by making the first attack.  Their head column not only carried the stars and stripes but wore the uniform of the Federal officers.

Gen. Albert Sidney Johnson [sic] is certainly killed, the body being found on the field.  Persons are here who saw the body and heard the fact communicated throughout the camp.

Gen. Bragg is reported killed, and John C. Breckinridge a prisoner, but the report is unreliable.

Provisional governor Johnson of Kentucky is mortally wounded and a prisoner.

It is also reported that Gen. Prentiss, who was taken prisoner the first day, escaped in the confusion of the retreat, the next.

Our total loss in killed, wounded and missing is about 7,000 and this is the estimate of the military commanders who were in the engagement.  Of these about 2,000 were taken prisoners, the balance killed and wounded in the usual proportion.

Gen. Wallace of Ottawa, was reported killed as it was deemed impossible for him to live but a few minutes before the close of battle, but he was not only living Wednesday, but improving rapidly.

Gen. Halleck passed Cairo on his way to Pittsburg, at 10 o’clock this morning.

About 5,000 prisoners are expected up from Island No. 10 to-night.  Of these 1500 will go to Chicago, 1,000 to Springfield, and the balance to Wisconsin and Columbus, except 25 or 30 officers who will be sent to Fort Warren.

No lists of killed or wounded of any regiment or company have been received here yet.

Every preparation possible is being made for the reception and care of our wounded at this place.

The following is a list of killed and wounded officers so far:

KILLED – Col. C. E. Grier, acting Brig. Gen.; Col. Bllis [sic], 10th Ill.; Lieut. Col. Canfield, 72d Ohio; Col. Kyle, 31st Ind.; Col. Davis, 46th Ill., wounded, since died; Capt. Carson, Gen. Grant’s scout; Capts. Morton and Dillon, 18th Ill.; Capt. Mace, 55th Ill.; Capt. Carter, 11th Ill.; Major Page, 57th Ill.

WOUNDED – Gen. W. H. Wallace, dangerously; Gen. W. Sherman, slightly; Col. Sweeney, Acting Prig. Gen., seriously; Col. Dave Stuart, Acting Brig. Gen., dangerously; Col. Chase Crofts, 33d Ill., Acting Brig. Gen.; Col. Mace, 48th Ill.; Col. McHenry 17th Ky., killed; Lieut. Col. Morgan, 24th Ind., Col. Mason, 71st Ohio; Maj. Eaton, 18th Ill., Acting Col., fatally; Maj. Nevins, 11th Ill.; Col. John Logan, 32d Ill., seriously.

We are just beginning to get some reliable details from the great battle at Pittsburgh from several gentlemen who were on the field afterwards or in the fight.  The following is gathered and sent without any reference to the agreement or otherwise with despatches heretofore given you.  Our informants left the battle field on Wednesday morning at 5 o’clock.

The rebels attacked Prentiss’ brigade at 6 o’clock on Sunday morning, while eating breakfast.  It consisted of the 6th Illinois, Col. Fry, 16th Wisconsin, 24th Indiana and 1st Ohio. – The rebels were said to be 12,000 strong.  Prentiss had no artillery, his brigade was cut to pieces and forced to retreat, with Prentiss and many others taken prisoners.

At 12 M. the entire line was fiercely engaged but in full retreat.

At 4 o’clock the enemy had taken Swartz’ battery of 6 guns, and another Ohio battery, name not given.

Thousands of our soldiers had taken refuge under the bank of the river and utterly refused to fight.  In fact they could not, for officers and men were in inextricable confusion.  The army seemed utterly demoralized.

Gen. Mitchell’s division about this time arrived on the opposite side with 15,000 men, and were ferried across.

During the evening and night the gunboats Lexington and Taylor opened a tremendous fire of shell upon the enemy, and kept it up every half hour during the night, saving the army from utter ruin.  The set the woods on fire, and many of the dead rebels were burned.

At 7 o’clock the firing generally ceased.  At midnight the rebels attempted to plant a battery within 300 yards of our siege guns, but they were driven back by the gun boats and siege guns, supported by three regiments of Mitchell’s Division.

Our informants persist in estimating our loss on Sunday at 3,000 killed and 5,000 wounded.  As a fair fight it was undoubtedly tremendous.

MONDAY – During the night the rebels were reinforced by Prace and Van Dorn from Arkansas, with a large force.

Gen. Lew. Wallace came up from Crump’s Landing with the 11th and 23d Indiana, 44th Illinois and 8th Missouri, and Williard’s battery, and in the morning attacked fiercely the wing of the enemy.  They went into the fight on the double quick, with tremendous shouts, and did terrible execution.  By 10 o’clock they had driven the rebels back two miles.  The battery performed prodigies of valor.

About 10 o’clock the rebels were reinforced, and for a few minutes our boys were forced to yield.  The other divisions of Buell’s army now appeared, and at once became fully engaged, and for two hours all the destructive elements of earth seemed striving for the mastery on that fatal field.

Southern chivalry proved no match for the unflinching courage of the army of freedom, and the rebels fled in all directions.

With some 12,000 troops, mostly cavalry, Gen. Buell followed the fugitives, taking thousands of prisoners and killing without mercy those who would not surrender.  He was reported to have taken Corinth with all its immense stores of arms and ammunition.

Carson, the scout, had his head taken off on Monday by a round shot.

The rebel troops were mostly from Louisiana, Texas and Missouri, with many form Georgia and Alabama; they fought like tigers.

Our informants could ride through the battle field where our forces were posted, but the dead were so thick in the enemy’s lines that they could not do it.  They assured us that the rebels occupied our camp on Sunday night, took care of our sick and wounded, but destroyed nothing, expecting confidently to have our entire army the next day.  They thought the battle almost won.

On Sunday Gen. McClernand cut his way thro’ the enemy that had surrounded him.  Most of his troops behaved with great gallantry, but the 53d Ohio was ordered to the rear in disgrace for refusing to fight.

Capt. Harvey of Bloomington, Ill., is among the killed.

Our informants were assured by those who know him that J. C. Breckinridge was taken prisoner.  They saw him pass to the guard quarters.

It is impossible as yet to get lists of killed and wounded.

The Chicago delegation of physicians and nurses arrived this morning and have gone to Pittsburgh in the hospital steamer Texana.

Dr. McVicker is here awaiting the arrival of Gov. Yates on the steamer from Quincy to see especially to Illinois wounded soldiers.  They will establish a depot and hospital here for our sick and wounded.

No official despatches have been received here this morning.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3

Rebel Vandalism at Bowling Green

From the Louisville Journal, 29^th.

We have seen a gentleman who left Bowling Green since its occupation by the Federal troops, from whom we have received numerous details of the shameful work of the destruction which has been consummated in that  once beautiful town.  When it was found that place was untenable, and it was resolved to evacuate it, the Confederates commenced their incendiarism on Wednesday, the 12^th, about dark, upon the residence of Warner L. Underwood, Esq., which was entirely destroyed.  At 9 o’clock the pork house of T. Quigley & Co. was fired, and all but the smoke house was burned.  There were about $15,000 worth of hides and tallow stowed there belonging to Campbell and Smith, who had been killing cattle for the rebel army, and these constituted their entire profits.  The incindiaries, in their wanton destruction, seem to have spared neither friend or foe, and the property of rebels and Union men was indiscriminately destroyed.  They next went about 2 o’clock at night, to the old Washington Hotel, at the corner of Main and Nashville streets, and applied their combustibles in the billiard room. – This building was completely destroyed, and the flames were extended to six contiguous stores all of which were burned, though the occupants in some instances saved a portion of their contents.  The first store burned was that occupied by More & Kline druggists, belonging to J. T. Donaldson, all good Union men.  Geatty and Gwin’s, shoe dealers, was the next building, owned by Dr. Moore, of Harrodsburg, then the family grocery store of J. D. Hines, a vile rebel, which belonged to Warner L. Underwood. – Then the conflagration extended to the tenement owned by Mrs. C. T. Dunnivan, occupied by Shower and Mitchell, merchant tailors, who saved most of their stock.  The next building was owned by Mr. H. T. Smith, and tenanted by McClure and Fusetti, jewelers, about one third of their stock escaped destruction.  Over this was a lawyer’s office, occupied by J. J. Wilkins, who acted as receiver for the arms seized from citizens by the Provisional Government, and also the office of Dr. W. D. Helm, a good Union man.  Next to the jewelry store was Hugh Barclay’s drug store.  He is a Union man, and succeeded in saving about half the contents of the house, which belonged to Mr. Pendleton, of Hopkinsville.  The House formerly occupied by S. A. Barclay, a strong Union man, but recently used by the Confederates for storing flour, was next consumed but the contents were all previously removed, the property belonged to John H. Graham, of the city.  The livery stable owned by J. T. Donaldson and occupied by W. W. McNeal, was also burned to the ground.  The next morning the saw mill of D. B. Campbell was burned, he has gone off with the rebel army.  The flour mill of Judge Payne, a Union man, shared the same fate as did the pork house of F. F. Lucas, a rebel sympathizer.

The beautiful iron railroad bridge was destroyed on Thursday last, about 11 o’clock.  The mines were exploded in the towers of the piers, but as the iron work did not fall, cannon were brought to bear, and thirteen rounds were fired before the demolition was completed.  On Friday about four o’clock, the planks were torn off the sides of the turnpike bridge, and tallow strewed it to facilitate the combustion.  This was burned about three hours before the division of Gen. Mitchel came up, which fired shells in and around the town wherever the rebels were congregated.  Then commenced the stampede.  The infantry seized the horses of the cavalry and made off in wild haste.  There were some rebel troops in camp at Double Springs, about one and a half miles north of the town, on the river, who were shelled before they had completed preparations for leaving.  They threw away everything and rushed through the town in panic confusion.  Reaching a hill a little south of the town, the Texas Rangers, Morgan’s cavalry, and some of the less frightened flying mass halted, and after some deliberation turned back.  They went to the Fair grounds and there burned the beautiful amphitheater in which a large amount of corn and wagons was stored.  About 16 of the latter were saved.  The large tobacco factory of Hampton, Pritchell & Co., was next destroyed.  They then proceeded to the railroad depot, which contained a vast quantity of shoes, blankets, medicines, one hundred hogsheads of sugar, and all the articles most needed by them, all of which were destroyed except some flour and pickled beef, which was rescued by citizens for their own use.  The destruction of the property belonging to the rebels was very great.  Some estimate its value at a million dollars, but it is impossible to even approximate the amount of the destruction with any certainty.

The machine shop, known as the Round House, was also burned, it contained two damaged engines and two extra tenders.  There was a train of cars loaded with meat, the engine to which had steam on, ready to start, this was fired, but whether by the Federal shells or the rebel torch our informant is unable to say. – All the cars and contents were burned, and the half consumed meats fell on the track between the rails.  The unsated fiends then proceeded to the McCloud House, the principal hotel of the town, broke open the doors with axes, and scattered firebrands within, consuming officers’ trunks, baggage and everything it contained. – The Highland House, a drinking place adjoining was also burned, with Major McGoodwin’s new store, which was filled with Confederate supplies.  A negro house at Samuel Barclay’s nursery, near town was fired about the same time.  Two men applied incendiary brands to the steam saw mill of a glorious Union man, celebrated for his sash and blinds manufactory, and resisted the efforts of the owner to stop the progress of the flames.  The Federal troops on the other side of the river commenced a discharge at the two men, who ran off and Mr. Donaldson was mistaken as a rebel also until he contrived to improvise some flag of truce, when his friends discovered their mistake and was enabled to extinguish the flames with but a trifling injury to the premises.

We cannot enumerate the many losses around Bowling Green, or the depredation committed by marauders in gangs of six to twelve, who pressed every horse and wagon to be found into the rebel service.  At least one hundred horses were stolen from the side of the bridges before they were burned.  The Rev. Samuel W. Garrison lost twelve.  He had a shot gun, rifle and pistol, which he discharged so rapidly at the robbers that they fell back on the main body and reported that they had been attacked by the main body of the Yankee infantry!

When Gen. Mitchel occupied the north bank of Barren river and commenced shelling the rebels the scene of their flight as described to us, was one of the most terrible routs that can be imagined.  The Nashville pike was completely blockaded with cavalry and infantry, all in admirable disorder, and a long line of carriages, carts and all kinds of vehicles.  Officers were hurrying away their wives on foot, and carrying their children in their arms, while the whole non-belligerent portion of the flying crowd were screaming and shouting at the top of their voices in a frenzy of apprehension.

From the best informed sources, we gather that the Confederates have never had 30,000 troops at any one time in and around Bowling Green.  Their regiments are very skeleton like, not averaging five hundred men and Roger Hanson’s which was the fullest in the service, never had more on its muster roll than eight hundred and sixteen.  They have lost nearly five thousand of their troops by sickness who died for want of medicine, proper treatment and bad hospitals, though fifteen houses had been fitted up for their exclusive accommodation all of which were left in the most filthy condition.  For a long time their average sick list has been three thousand.  The Baptist church and the basement of the Presbyterian church were used as hospitals, all the seats and desks were broken up and the building terribly defaced.  A million dollars will not compensate the county of Warren for losses and injuries.  From twenty-five to sixty beef cattle were slaughtered every day in Bowling Green for the use of the rebels and neither Buckner nor Hardee, when in command, where particular about compensation.  If any outrages were committed, and they were generally done at night.  Buckner always promised resolution if the injured individual could identify the trespassers, which being impossible, was a convenient way to pay debts.

With the rebel hordes, every gambler left Bowling Green.  Jack Valentine, one of the principal ones of the fraternity enjoys a captaincy in the Confederate army.  Shinplasters experienced a rapid decline after the evacuation, they were freely offered at fifty cents for one dollar, but no takers.  A number of private dwellings were set on fire during Thursday and Friday, which were put out, but there evidently existed a determination on the part of the rebels to lay the whole town in ashes.  The fine mansion of Judge Underwood on this side of the river was still standing, but to what interior injury it has been subjected, our informant could not say. – Cripps Wickliffe, late Clerk of the Senate, is not dead, as reported, he had been very sick, but after his recovery, he removed to Nashville.

The most serious injury has been inflicted on the citizens of Warren by the Provisional Government, and its infamous exactions.  Some of its officers have made good speculations out of their temporary fiscal agencies.  John Burnham, Treasurer to the Provisional Government, escaped with about twenty five thousand dollars, mostly obtained from the fines levied upon men in lieu of the delivery of a gun.  When weapons were found they were receipted for at from five to thirty dollars in scrip made ‘payable to the proper officer’ and it will bother the holders to find him.  Lewis W. Potter, the Provisional Sheriff of Warren county has also gone off without settling for a lot of taxes which he had collected by coercion.  His Excellency, George W. Johnson, Provisional Governor of the State of Kentucky, has been heard to declare with emphasis, that the Provisional government is played out! – He retires with the grace and dignity to the vicinity of Nashville.  The banking institutions at Bowling Green have not been molested, except that a thousand dollars of the State revenue, deposited in the Branch of the Bank of Kentucky was taken as the legitimate property of the Provisional Government, probably to pay salaries for the puppets in office.  The books, funds and papers of the Glasgow Branch were taken to Bowling Green, but they are in a situation to be restored without injury.

We stated a short time since that an aged gentleman named Samuel Murrell had been misused by the rebel company under command of Capt. Burns, a son-in-law of Judge Joyes, of this city.  This is a mistake, it was George, Mr. Murrell’s son.  Burns boarded with Mr. Murrell, about twelve miles north of Bowling Green, and in a conversation at the table he spoke very insultingly of all Union men, and said if he had his way he would hang or burn every one of them.  Some time after this Burns’ men seized George without any provocation, rode him on a rail, ducked him in a pond, hoisted him up two or three times over a beam in the barn and inflicted every conceivable insult upon him.  He appealed to Captain Burns for assistance, but the rebel cited his dinner table remark and said he was in earnest when he thus spoke.

We have a few glimpses of the whereabouts of some old acquaintances.  Gen. A. Sidney Johnston was one of the last to leave Bowling Green, but left in such a hurry that he forgot his over coat.  He took the pike to Nashville.  Colonel Thomas A. Hunt left for New Orleans, for the benefit of his health, and Alexander Casseday succeed to the command.  Alexander Casseday and John C. Breckinridge are temporarily at the capital of the State of Tennessee.  Young Tom Clay is on Buckner’s staff, and having left with the General for Fort Donelson, is probably a prisoner.  Generals Hindman and Hardee both went to Nashville.  Henry J. Lyons has left for the purpose of visiting California, not finding Secessia an El Dorado.  Ned Crutchfield is at Clarksville.  Buckner is said to have taken 15,000 men with him from Bowling Green to Fort Donelson.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 1

Further Particulars of the Fight

CAIRO, April 10.

A man who arrived here to-day says the enemy adopted a course to surprise our forces at Pittsburg.  In making the first attack their head columns not only carried the stars and stripes, but wore the uniform of the Federal officers.

Gen. Albert. S. Johnson [sic] is certainly killed.  Persons are here who sow his body and who heard the fact communicated throughout the camp.

Gen. Bragg is reported killed, and John C. Brekenridge [sic] a prisoner, but unreliably.

Gov. Johnson, of Kentucky, is mortally wounded and a prisoner.  It is also reported that Gen. Prentiss, who was taken prisoner, escaped in the confusion of retreat the next day.

Our total loss in killed, wounded and missing is about seven thousand.  This is the estimate of military commanders who were in the engagement.  Of these about 2,000 were taken prisoners; balance killed and wounded in usual proportion.

Gen. Wallace was reported killed.  It was deemed impossible for him to live but a few moments at the close of the fight; but he was not only living Wednesday, but improving rapidly.

Gen. Halleck passed Cairo on his way to Pittsburg at 10 o’clock this morning.

Near five thousand prisoners are expected up from Island No. 10 to-night.  Of these fifteen hundred will go to Chicago, one thousand to Springfield, and the balance to Wisconsin and Columbus, except twenty-five or thirty officers, who go to Fort Warren.

No lists of killed or wounded of any regiment or company have been received here yet.  Every preparation possible is being made for the reception and care of our wounded, at this point.  The following is a list of killed and wounded officers so far as known:

Killed – Col. Cleyum, acting Brig. Gen.; Col. Ellis, 10^th Ill.; Lieut. Col. Kyle, 31^st Ind.; Col. Davis, 46^th Ill.

Wounded and since dead – Capt. Carson, Gen. Grant’s scout; Capt. Preston Morton, Capt. Dillon, 18^th Ill.; Capt. Mace 5^th Ill.; Capt. Carter, 11^th Ill.; Maj. Page, 57^th Ill.

Wounded – Gen. W. H. L. Wallace, dangerously; Gen. W. T. Sherman, slightly; Col. Sweeney, Acting Brigadier, seriously; Col. Dave Stewart, acting Brigadier, dangerously; Col. Charles C. Raft, 31^st Ill., Acting Brigadier General; Col. Isham W. Hayee, 48^th Ill.; Col. Henry, 17^th Ky.; Lieut. Col. Morgan, 25^th Ind.; Col. Mason, 71^st Ohio; Maj. Eaton, 18^th Ill., acting Colonel, fatally; Maj. Nevins, 11^th Ill.; Col. John Logan, 32d Illinois, seriously.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 12, 1862, p. 2

Recognition of Rebel Officers

The Pittsburg correspondent of the Cincinnati Gazette, Thus gives the manner in which a couple of distinguished rebel “Johnstons” were recognized:–

HOW SIDNEY JOHNSTON WAS RECOGNIZED:–

Albert Sidney Johnston’s body was not found till Monday evening, was first recognized by Brigadier-General Nelson, who had known him when the one was an honored officer in the old army and the other a lieutenant of the navy. Prisoners had been telling of his death, and describing him as dressed in a velvet suit, and when such a corpse was found inquiries were naturally made as to who knew Johnson [sic]. Gen. Nelson was sent for. He at once declared indeed the dead Commander-in-Chief, and had the body removed to his own tent. Gen. Rousseau was subsequently sent for, and he two [sic] recognized the features. Capt. Chandler, of the regular army did the same; and strangely enough there was a wagon-master there who had been one of Johnston’s teamsters in the famous Utah expedition, who likewise remembered the appearance of the Chief he had followed on that disastrous march to the Rocky Mountains.


FINDING GEORGE W. JOHNSTON [sic].

As a party of our officers were riding over the field on Tuesday, they found a person of more than ordinary intelligence among the wounded. He was dressed in plain citizens’ clothes, but there seemed no reason to doubt that he had been actively engaged in the battle, and that in all probability he was an officer of some rank. The officers were called up to see if he could be identified. Singling out Gen. McD. McCook from the party, the wounded man asked that he might be permitted to see him alone. The rest retired, and a conversation, lasting for some little time, followed between the two. After the interview Gen. McCook explained that the wounded man was George W. Johnston [sic], “Provincial Governor of Kentucky,” who had set in motion at Russellville the bogus Confederacy, and serving as Aid, I believe, on the Generals Staff. He had made some personal requests, the “Governor” was severely wounded in two [places]. He received every surgical attention; but the next day died.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, April 21, 1862, p. 2

Latest from the Pittsburg Battle-Field

Special to the Chicago Journal.

CAIRO, April 14.

It is reported, on good authority, that Beauregard called a council of war of all the best rebel Generals, before the battle of Pittsburg. There were present, Pillow, Floyd, Breckinridge, Hardee, Bragg, Cheatham, Sid. Johnston, Bushrod Johnston [sic], the rebel Provisional Governor of Kentucky, and a few other gentlemen. The following policy was fixed on: If they beat us, they would follow up and drive us North as far as possible; if beaten, they would withdraw their forces from the border States, and make a desperate stand in the Gulf States.

A Federal Wounded soldier, left in our camp and captured by the rebels, and afterwards retaken, reports that he heard Beauregard make a speech to his men on Sunday night assuring them they would capture all our army on Monday. He told them not to destroy anything – tents, provisions or anything that would be wanted. He encouraged them handsomely, as next day’s work showed. This is confirmed by several wounded rebels, taken prisoners.

Van Dorn did not reach Corinth till the fight was over. It is now believed by men, latest returning from Pittsburg, that the rebel force in action was 65,000. This is the testimony of rebel prisoners also.

Our force was not over 45,000.

Col. John Davis, of Freeport, is not dead. He is at Paducah, and says he will recover.

Gen. Humboldt lost twelve hundred and eighty three men, out of seven thousand, on Monday.

The 9th Ill. Regiment could count but 200 effective men on Monday morning. The 11th Ill., 45; the 12th Iowa, 17 men. Lt. Col. Tupper of Decatur, and Lieut. Col. Ross were killed.

Dangerously wounded, Lieut. Col. Phillips, Col. Bane, of 50th Ill., and Major Eaton. He went up by the train this morning.

Col. Fry’s regiment did not stand fire very well.

Dr. Corning, of St. Louis, found one of Matteson’s 64-pound guns deserted. He sighted and fired sixty-five shots with it, doing terrible execution. He had no military experience.

The Gunboats had gone up the river to burn the bridge at Corinth.

Gen. Grant is reported not to have been on the field till 10 o’clock Sunday morning. It is also reported that Buell’s men heard firing forty-nine miles off, and made a forced march of thirty miles on Saturday, reaching Pittsburg Sunday, after marching nineteen miles, in time to succor our troops. Nashville was one hundred miles distant.

It is believed Halleck’s plan was for Grant to land on the opposite side of the Tennessee and stay mostly on transports till Buell came up; then all cross on pontoon bridges and march rapidly on Corinth.

The aid of the gunboats, Matteson’s and Silversparre’s batteries, and the arrival of Buell’s men, saved the day, and turned the tide of victory in our favor.

The rebel loss is not known, but believed to be much larger than ours.

Auditor Dubois and Gen. Cook came down this morning. They report the sick and wounded provided for as well as possible, on the transports and in the barracks at Pittsburg.

Nothing new from above. No battle is expected for several days. Heavy rains make the roads impassible for artillery and army wagons.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 16, 1862, p. 2

From Tennessee

PITTSBURG LANDING, April 14.

A force of 4,000 men on five transports left the Landing on Saturday night, accompanied by the gunboats Tyler and Lexington, proceeded up the Tennessee to a point near Eastport, Miss., where they landed and proceeded inland to Bear Creek bridge and destroyed the two bridges, on the Mobile & Ohio RR. One measured 121, the other 216 feet in length. A Cavalry force of 150 men was found there, who, after having four killed, skedaddled in the most approved southern style. The expedition returned Tuesday night without the loss of a man. This was one of the most successful operations of it’s kind during the war, completely cutting off communications of the main rebel body at Corinth, and the rest of the confederacy, except at New Orleans.

A flag of truce arrived at our outposts yesterday with Gov. Johnson’s son of Ky., asking the fate of his father.

– Published in the Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 16, 1862, p. 1

A Successful Expedition – Two Rebel Bridges Destroyed

PITTSBURGH LANDING, Tenn., April 14. – A force of 4,000, on five transports, left the Landing on Saturday night, accompanied by the gunboats Tyler & Lexington, proceeded up the Tennessee to a point near Eastport, Miss., landed and proceeded inland to Bear Creek Bridge and destroyed the two bridges on the Mobile & Ohio Railroad, one measuring 121 feet, and the other 210 feet in length. A cavalry force of 150 men was found there, who, after having 4 killed, skedaddled in the most approved Southern style. The expedition returned Sunday night, without having lost a man. This is one of the most successful operations of its kind during the war – completely cutting off communication of the main rebel body at Corinth and the rest of the Confederate army, except New [Orleans].

A flag of truce arrived at our out post yesterday with Gov. Johnson’s son, of Kentucky, asking the fate of his father.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862

A Successful Expedition - - - Two Rebel Bridges Destroyed

PITTSBURGH LANDING, Tenn., April 14. – A force of 4,000, on five transports left the Landing on Saturday night, accompanied by the gunboats Tyler and Lexington, proceeded up the Tennessee to a point near Eastport, Miss., landed and proceeded inland to Bear Creek Bridge and destroyed the two bridges on the Mobil & Ohio Railroad, one measuring 121 feet, and the other 210 feet in length. A Cavalry force of 150 men was found there, who, after having 4 killed, skedaddled in the most approved Southern style. The expedition returned Sunday night, without having lost a man. This is one of the most successful operations of its kind during the war – completely cutting off communication of the main rebel body at Corinth and the rest of the Confederate army, except New Orleans.

A flag of truce arrived at our out posts yesterday with Gov. Johnson’s son, of Kentucky, asking the fate of his father.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Saturday, April 19, 1862, p. 4

Latest from Grant’s Army

Special Dispatch to Chicago Tribune

CAIRO, April 15 – M., 1862

Auditor Dubois and Gen. John Cook, of Springfield, left Pittsburg on Saturday, by mail packet Van Patten, and arrived here this morning. General Cook is unwell and going home to recruit his health. From them and from others we learn additional particulars.

Gen. Hurlburt [sic] lost, out of 7,000 men, in killed wounded and missing 1,983. He had a splendid army, choice troops, who fought like Turks. Lieut. Col. Tupper of Decatur was killed.

Colonel Bane, of the 50th Illinois, is dangerously wounded. Lieutenant Col. Phillips is also dangerously, and Colonel Morley slightly.

When the Illinois 11th were mustered on Monday morning they could bring but 45 men into the field. The 9th Illinois (Paine’s old regiment) mustered only 200 effective men, Col. Fry’s regiment were the only Illinois boys that acted badly. They had never been in action before.

The battle was stayed on Sunday by the gunboats and heavy siege guns of Matteson’s and Silversparre’s batteries, and the arrival of part of Buell’s forces.

A council of war was held by Beauregard and 11 principal Generals of the rebel army before the attack on Pittsburgh. If successful they would follow us and try to hold the Border States. If beaten, withdraw to the Gulf States with all their forces.

Van Dorn was not in the fight.

Our Cavalry was not very effectual in following up the retreating rebels. They were hindered by underbrush.

Rebel prisoners say Gen. Prentiss’ men (prisoners) were marched into Corinth in good order.

Gen. Grant was at Savannah, 8 miles below Pittsburg, when the battle opened, and did not arrive till 10 o’clock.

When our informants left Gen. Halleck was organizing the army as fast as possible, and preparing for every emergency.

SECOND DISPATCH

9 o’clock, p.m. – The following rebel officers participated in Beauregard’s council of war: Breckenridge, Bragg, Floyd, Hardee, Cheatham, the three Johnstons (Sidney, Bushrod and the Kentucky provisional Governor.)

The cause of the Sunday repulse is not definitely ascertained. The roads are now impassable from heavy rains.

General Hurlburt [sic] has discovered one of Matteson’s six 64-pound howitzers abandoned, and called on a man near by to work it. He did so, and fired and sighted sixty-five times, mowing down the enemy terribly every fire. The man was Dr. Corning of St. Louis surgeon, and inexperienced in artillery practice. Gen. Hurlburt [sic] thought him an old artillery officer.

A Federal wounded and captured in our tents, Sunday, and afterwards left when the rebels retreated reports Beauregard making a strong speech Sunday night to his officers and men. He assured them that they would make an easy prey of us on Monday; exhorted them to be brave, cool and self possessed; bed them injure nothing they had taken as booty, for it would all be needed in the rapid marches they were about making in pursuit of the federals, who might escape. Rebels taken prisoners on Monday confirm this statement.

Brigadier Gen. Johnston [sic], rebel provisional Governor of Kentucky is killed, and his body is at Paducah.

Different accounts agree in making the rebel force at Corinth estimated from 75,000 to 130,000 of whom 65,000 to 70,000 were in action. Our forces was 45,000 in action.

The Hiawatha brought down 260 wounded to Mound City, to-day at noon. An adequate supply of transports lying at Pittsburgh have been loaded with the wounded ready to come. Some go to Cincinnati.

The Cincinnati Sanitary Commission did nobly in relieving the wounded; so did those of St. Louis.

Orders were found on Gen. A. S. Johnston from Jeff. Davis to press on and attack Grant on Wednesday before Buell would join him by Thursday. Bogus Governor Johnston [sic] of Kentucky, said he did not want to live, as the Confederacy was ruined. He did not want to see it.

Gen. Ruggles was killed. Bushrod Johnston [sic] is also reported dead.

– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday April 19, 1862

The Rebel Governor Johnson Killed

LOUISVILLE, April 13. – The steamer Minnehaha [has] arrived to-day with about 230 wounded from Pittsburgh Landing.

A wounded rebel officer reports that George W. Johnson, Provisional Governor of Kentucky, had a horse shot under him on Sunday, while acting on Breckinridge’s Staff, and was himself killed on Monday, while fighting in a company of the 4th rebel Kentucky regiment.

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Tuesday, April 15, 1862 & in the in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862