The Battle of Sugar Creek

Terrible Fighting against Rebels and Indians – the Savages Scalping their Friends – Heroism of our Troops – 12,000 Whip 28,000.

SUGAR CREEK BATTLE FIELD, via Rolla, March 11. – The battle of Sugar Creek Field was the most brilliant achievement of the war.  The enemy approached our forces with double our number, and in consequence of this difference were enabled to attack us on all sides.  The fighting was in some instances desperate, but the superior valor of our troops, and the superior generalship of the Federal army, triumphed over the immense odds.

The Federal force was not over 12,000 while that of the rebels is acknowledged to have been 25,000 including 7,000 Indian savages under command of Albert Pike, of Ark.  Sigel added fresh laurels to his already bright fame.  With two regiments he twice cut his way through seven regiments of the enemy.  His men all fought like heroes, and he escaped unhurt.

The Federal loss in killed and wounded will amount to 1,500.  The enemy’s loss is, beyond doubt, at least 2,400.  McCulloch and McIntosh are undoubtedly dead, and many other Confederate officers were killed and wounded.  Our sharp-shooters picked them off with an unerring arm.  The number of prisoners now in our possession amount to 1,600, and they are still coming in.  Many of them are taking the oath of allegiance and receiving their discharge, satisfied that their cause is a bad one and hopeless.

The Indians fought with a savage fury, and in their frenzy and demoniacal thirst for white blood, killed and scalped friend and foe alike.  Many of the Arkansas troops, scalped and disemboweled by their savage allies, have been found on the battle field.  Their atrocities are frightful.  The remnant of the rebel army has fled to Boston mountain, whither they are being pursued.  They can be pursued no further with our present force and supplies.

JUNIUS.

{Cor. Cincinnati Times.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 4

Colonel Grenville M. Dodge to Samuel J. Kirkwood, Governor of Iowa, March 10, 1862

PEA RIDGE BATTLE GROUND, March 10th, 1862.

Gov. S. J. Kirkwood: We have fought a hard battle here, lasting two days; the first day's fight was terrible; it was mostly with the Fourth division, composed of Fourth and Ninth Iowa infantry, First and Second Iowa batteries, Thirty-fifth Illinois and Twenty-fifth Missouri. The loss in the division was 600 killed and wounded, mostly among the Iowa troops; they saved the day and made the victory the next morning easy; this division was opposed to Generals Price, Rains and McIntosh, with 15,000 infantry and 18 pieces of artillery. The Fourth division had only some 4,000 engaged, while our other forces were fighting McCullough, and the re-enforcements sent to us went to the First division, but we held the ground, whipped the enemy and Iowa got the glory of the fight. The Fourth Iowa lost 160 out of 548 engaged; Ninth Iowa lost 220 out of 700 engaged; First Iowa battery lost 16 out of 110 engaged, and Third Iowa battery lost 18 out of 140 engaged; they also lost 3 of their pieces. The second day we attacked early in the morning with our entire army, driving everything before us, and the enemy fled in all directions in great confusion, leaving several pieces of artillery, great quantities of small arms and at least 500 prisoners. Gen. Van Dorn attacked with 40,000 infantry and 70 pieces of artillery; we had 12,000, and 50 pieces of artillery. The fighting was terrible, especially among our troops. The Fourth Iowa fought all day steadily, and did not give an inch, although they had at one time concentrated upon them 12 pieces of artillery and six regiments of infantry; our ammunition gave out at night; when we fixed bayonets and charged across the field the enemy did not dare again meet us. It was a trying time for the Fourth; no ammunition and still under a galling fire. Every one gives great credit to the Iowa troops. No man from Iowa flinched. I saw some troops run; one or two parts of regiments came to our support, but fell back at the first fire. In my brigade there was not a field officer except one but was wounded. Lt.-Col. Herron, of Ninth Iowa, in Vandever's brigade, was wounded and taken prisoner. Our Iowa batteries did noble service; mine had two officers wounded in the morning. The Third Iowa cavalry suffered terribly in a charge; had 47 killed. They were put into it by a Dutchman, and out of all military usage. Lt.-Col. Trumbull was severely wounded in the charge. They had very few wounded; a large part of my wounded was from canister and grape; those of the Ninth Iowa from bullets. I was better protected from bullets, though under a hotter fire than any of them. I posted my men behind an open field and made the enemy cross it to reach us. They poured their grape and canister from 12 to 18 guns into us all the time, but could not get them to bear as well as on the Ninth Iowa. I never saw men fight as the Iowa troops did. I have sent a list of the killed and wounded to Adjt. Gen. Baker to have it published. A large number of my wounded will die; several have already, and it is impossible to get any accommodation; many lay on the field all night.

G. M. DODGE,

Colonel Fourth Iowa Infantry.

SOURCES: Samuel H. M. Byers, Iowa In War Times, p. 121

Battle in Arkansas!

Price, McCulloch, Van Dorn and Frost Defeated.

McCULLOCH MORTALLY WOUNDED!!

ST. LOUIS, March 11. – The following is Gen. Curtis’ official report of the battle in Arkansas:

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE SOUTHWEST,

PEA RIDGE, ARK., March 9, 1862.

To Major General Halleck:

General:  On Thursday, the 6^th inst., the enemy commenced an attack on my right, assailing and following the rear guard of the detachment under Gen. Sigel to near the main lines on Sugar Creek Hollow.  He ceased firing when he met my reinforcements about 4 P. M.  During the night I heard by scouts that he had marched on so as to attack my right in the rear, therefore early on the 7^th I ordered a change of front to the right and my right, which thus became my left, still rested on Sugar Creek Hollow. – This brought my line across Pea Ridge, with my new right resting on the head of Cross Timber Hollow, which is the head of Big Sugar Creek.  Also ordered an immediate advance of Cavalry and light artillery under Col. Osterhouse, with orders to attack and break what I supposed would be a reinforced line of the enemy.

This movement was in progress when the enemy at 11 a. m., commenced an attack on my right.  The fight continued mainly at these points during the day.  The enemy having gained a point hotly contested by Col. Carr at Cross Timber Hollow, but was entirely repulsed with the fall of their commander, Gen. McCulloch, in the charge of our forces under Col. Davis.  The plan of attack on the centre was gallantly carried forward by Col. Ostrahouse [sic] who was sustained by Col. Davis and the entire division; also by Gen. Sigel’s command which had remained till almost the close of the day on the left.  Col. Carr’s division held the right under a galling and continuous fire all day.

In the evening, the firing having entirely ceased in the centre and there having been none on the left, I reinforced the right by a portion of the second division under Gen. Asboth.  Before the day closed I was convinced that the enemy had concentrated his main force on my right.  I therefore commenced another change of my front, formed so as to face the enemy, when he deployed on my right flank in strong position.  The change had been only partly effected but was fully in progress, when at sunrise on the 7^th my right and centre renewed firing along the whole extent of the line, my left, under Gen. Sigel, moved close to the hills occupied by the enemy, driving him from the heights, advancing slowly towards the head of the hollow.

I immediately ordered the center and right wings forward, the right turning the left of the enemy, and cross fired on his center.  This position enclosed the enemy in an area of a circle.  A charge of infantry extending throughout the whole line completely routed the whole rebel force which retired in great confusion but rather safely, through the deep and impassable defiles of Cross Timber.

Our loss is heavy; the enemy’s loss can never be ascertained, for the dead are scattered over a large field, and their wounded too, may many of them be lost and perish.  They are scattered in all directions; but I think his main wing has returned to Benton Mountains.

Gen. Sigel follows towards Kirtsville, while my cavalry is pursuing him towards the mountains, scouring the country and bringing in prisoners.

Major General Van Dorn had command of the entire force at this battle of Pea Ridge.

I have not as yet the statements of the dead and wounded so as to justify a dispatch, but I will refer you to a dispatch that I will forward very soon.  The officers and soldiers in this command have displayed such unusual gallantry, I hardly dare to make any distinction.  I must however name all of my commanders of divisions.  Gen. Sigel who gallantly carried the heights and drove back the left wing of the enemy.  Brig. Gen. Asboth who was wounded in the arm in his gallant effort to reinforce the right.  Colonel and Acting Brigadier General Davis who commanded the centre when McCullough fell on the 7^th, and pressed forward the centre on the 8^th.  Col. And Acting Brig. Gen. E. Carr, who was also wounded in the arm and was under the continuous fire of the enemy during the two hardest days of the struggle.  Also commanders of brigades, Cols. Dodge, Osterhause and Vandever; while that of Schiffer and Grupel were distinguished for their gallantry  For that of others I must refer to the reports of commanders.  I must also tender my thanks to my staff officers, Capts. J. S. McKenny, A. A. Adj’t., Capt. McStark, and Capt. John A. Hale and Field, and Lieuts. J. M. Adams and Stills, all acting aids, and Lieut. Hooper, my only engineer officer.

All the staff officers did gallant service in carrying orders and aiding in their prompt execution.

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio and Missouri may proudly share the honor of the Victory which their gallant heroes won over the combined forces of Van Dorn, price and McCullough at Pea Ridge, in the Ozark mountains of Arkansas.

I have the honor to be, General,

Your obedient servant,

(Signed)

SAM’L R. CURTIS,

Brigadier General.

A special to the St. Louis Democrat from Sugar Creek, says after a contest of three days duration, we have beaten the enemy at Sugar Creek Hollow.  Their forces consisted of Van Dorn’s, Price’s, McCullough and Frost’s commands, and were forced to retreat in wild confusion, with the loss of a considerable number of cannon, flour, muskets, ammunition, caissons, &c., &c.

Their forces are variously estimated at from 20,000 to 30,000.  McCulloch is ascertained to be mortally wounded, as well as McIntosh and Rector.  The latter is a son of the Governor of Arkansas.  McRae and a number of other persons are prisoners in our hands, and a large number of the rank and file.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 4

Further from the Battle in Arkansas

(Special to Missouri Republican.)

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., March 10. – A messenger who arrived this morning at 3 o’clock this morning, reports that the battle lasted from Thursday morning till Saturday evening, and that our loss was about 450 killed and wounded.  The rebel loss was about 1,000 killed and wounded and 1,000 prisoners, among them Col. McRae of Arkansas.

The messenger reports that McCulloch and McIntosh were present with about 25,000 men.  McCulloch and McIntosh are reported to be wounded.

The attack from the rear was made by McCulloch and met by Sigel, who routed him completely.  His troops were scattered in all directions.  We have also captured a large amount of stores, caisons, small arms, ammunition, &t.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 3

Some months ago . . .

. . . when Capt. J. A. Thompson went under Gen. Fremont’s orders with a flag of truce to the rebel lines on matters referring to the exchange of prisoners, he had an interview with Col. McIntosh who asked after Co. Carr, who was an old class mate and comrade of his.  Said he to Captain Thompson, “Tell Colonel Carr that the first time I meet him in the field I will kill him.”  The remark reported to Col. Carr only elicited the reply, “That remains to be tested.”  At Pea Ridge both Col. Carr and Col. McIntosh were general officers, and the latter was killed, and his forces of Arkansas rebels utterly routed.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 1, 1862, p. 2

From Arkansas

ROLLA, Mo., March 29.

Reliable persons just from the army in the Southwest, say the rebels, some thirty-five thousand, under Van Dorn and Price, have retreated entirely across the Boston Mountains, and are at Van Buren and Fort Smith, receiving supplies from Memphis and Little Rock via Arkansas river, which is high.

The Texan Troops are much disheartened at the death of McCulloch, and the Arkansas Troops feel the loss of McIntosh very much.  The rebels are badly off for shoes and clothing.

Pike’s Indians have mostly returned to the Indian nation.  They were not formidable in battle, being panic-stricken at the effect of our artillery.

Price received his Major General’s commission in the Confederate service on the 16^th.  One regiment of Texans reached Van Buren on the 15^th to reinforce Van Dorn, and more were expected from Louisiana.  The whole rebel reinforcements will not exceed five thousand in the next six weeks.

Lieut. Co. Herron, of the 9^th Iowa who was taken prisoner, was in the hands of the rebels for two weeks.  They were badly frightened and retreated very rapidly, and for the three first days of their flight had nothing to eat.  Their cannon and baggage train might have been easily captured.  Gen. Curtis’ army fell back to Keitsville, to secure forage, Arkansas, North of Fayetteville being entirely out.

Our forces are now camped at the head of Cross Timber Hollow, where the water and forage are plenty.  Our pickets extend into Arkansas and the rebel pickets come north to the top of Boston Mountains. – Fayetteville is unoccupied.  Very little union sentiment has been developed in Arkansas.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 31, 1862, p. 1

Deaths of Gens. McCulloch and Price [sic]

As the manner of deaths and “last words” uttered of distinguished men are often matters of interest to the public, we publish the following extract from the correspondence of an Eastern contemporary, written shortly after the battle of Pea Ridge:–

MANNER OF M’CULLOCH’S DEATH.

Concerning the death of McCulloch and McIntosh there seems to be but one opinion.  Both of them were mortally wounded on Friday, during the heavy fighting by Gen. Jeff. C. Davis against the center column of the enemy.  It will be remembered the rebels gave way, and two of the Southern chieftains made the most determined efforts to rally them in vain.

McCulloch was struck with a minie ball in the left breast – as I am assured by one who says he saw him fall, and after he was taken from the ground – while waving his sword and encouraging his men to stand firm.  He died of his wounds about 11 o’clock the same night, though he insisted that he would recover; repeatedly saying with great oaths that he was not born to be killed by Yankees.

A few minutes before he expired his physician assured him he ad but a very short time to live.  At this Ben, looked up incredulously, and saying, “Oh Hell!” and turned away his head and never spoke after.

I presume if Ben is really dead, the Southern papers will put some very fine sentiment into his mouth in his closing moments; but the last words I have mentioned are declared to be correct by a prisoner.  They are not very elegant nor dramatic, but quite expressive, and in McCulloch’s case decidedly appropriate.

HOW M’INTOSH DIED.

It is reported that McIntosh was struck near the right hip with a grapeshot, while giving an order to one of his aids, and hurled from his horse.  The wound was a ghastly one, and tho’ it must have been very painful, McIntosh uttered no groan, but calmly gave directions for his treatment.  A few minutes after he fell into a comatose state, from which he never recovered – passing through Death’s dark portal while his attendants supposed he still lay beside the golden gates of sleep.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 28, 1862, p. 2 

The Iowa Boys

Just as everybody predicted, at the recent great battle in Arkansas, when Gen. Curtis, of Iowa, met the horde of rebels under the combined generalship of Price, McCulloch, Van Dorn and McIntosh and defeated them, the Iowa boys led in the contest and were the chief suffers.  In the commencement of hostilities, the 1^st regiment organized in our State, carved out a name for Iowa on the plains of Springfield, and ever since it has been the ambition of her sons to keep that name untarnished before the world.  They have done it; the bloody fields of Belmont, Mill Spring, Fort Donelson and Sugar Creek attest their bravery, while Missouri can “rise up and call them blessed” for the noble manner in which they have defended her when basely betrayed by her own citizens.  If the Iowa troops continue to maintain the high stand for bravery and patriotic devotion to their country which have thus far characterized them, when the rebellion shall have ceased and peace once more spreads her banner over us and all the industrial pursuits of the country are resumed, Iowa will be an honored name in the nation, and next to that proudest title ever uttered by mortal man, “I am a citizen of the United States,” will rank the appellation, “I am a citizen of Iowa.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 15, 1862, p. 2

Special to St. Louis Republican

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. March 10.

A Messenger who arrived this morning at 3 0’clo9ck, reports that the battle lasted from Thursday morning till Saturday evening, that our loss was about 450 killed and wounded, and that the rebels lost about 1,000 killed and wounded and the same number taken prisoners, among them Col. McRea of an Arkansas regiment.

The attack was made from the north and west, our army being completely surrounded, and Van Dorn, Price, McCulloch and McIntosh were present, with about 25,000 men.  McCulloch and McIntosh are reported wounded.

The attack from the rear was made by McCulloch, and met by Sigel, who wounded him completely – his corps scattered in wild confusion.

We have also captured a large amount of stores, teams, cannon, small arms and ammunition.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 13, 1862, p. 2

The War News

MANASSAS OURS.

Officers and Soldiers not to Return Slaves.

Battle of Pea Ridge Arkansas.

McCulloch and McIntosh mortally wounded.

Our Blockade in the British Parliament.

BUCKNER AND TILGHMAN IN CLOSE CONFINEMENT.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 12, 1862, p. 1

Official Report of the Battle of Pea Ridge

ST. LOUIS, March 11.

The following is Gen. Curtis’s official report of the battle in Arkansas:

(By telegraph from Springfield, Mo., 10^th, to Maj. Gen. Halleck.)

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY OF THE SOUTH

WEST PEA RIDGE, Ark., March 9.

GENERAL:  On Thursday the 6^th inst. the enemy commenced an attack on my right, assailing and following the rear guard of the detachment, under Gen. Sigel, to my main lines on Sugar Creek hollow, but he ceased firing when he met my reinforcements about 4 p.m.  During the night I became convinced that he had moved on so as to attack my right or rear; therefore, early on the 7^th I ordered a change of front to the right, and my right which thus became my left still rested on Sugar Creek hollow.  This brought my line across Pea Ridge, with my new right resting on the head of Cross timber hollow, which is the head of Big Sugar Creek.

I also ordered an immediate advance of cavalry and light artillery, under Col. Osterhaus, with orders to attack and break what I supposed would be a reinforced line of the enemy.  This movement was in progress when the enemy at 11 a. m. commenced an attack on my right.  The fight continued mainly at these points during the day, the enemy having gained a point hotly contested by Col. Carr at the cross timber hollow, but was entirely repulsed with the fall of their commander, Gen. McCulloch, in the center by our forces under Col. Davis.

The plan of the attack on the center was gallantly carried forward by Col. Osterhaus, who was sustained by Col. Davis’ entire division, supported by Gen. Sigel’s command, which had remained till near the close of the day on the left.  Col. Carr’s division held the right under a galling and continuous fire all day.  In the evening the firing having entirely ceased in the center, and there having been none on the left I reinforced the right, by a portion of the second division under Gen. Asboth.  Before the day closed I was convinced the enemy had concentrated their main force on my right.  I therefore commenced another change of my front forward, so as to face the enemy where he had deployed on my right flank in strong position.  The change had been only partially effected, but was fully in progress, when at sunrise on the 8^th, my right center renewed the firing with renewed energy along the whole extent of the line.  My left, under Gen. Sigel, moved close to the hills occupied by the enemy, driving him from the heights and advancing steadily towards the head of the hollow.  I immediately ordered the center and right wings forward – the right turning the left of the enemy and cross firing on his center.  This final position enclosed the enemy in an area of a circle.  A charge of infantry extending throughout the whole line completely routed the whole rebel force, which retired in great confusion, but rather safely, through the deep and impassible defiles of cross timber.  Our loss is heavy.  The enemy’s loss can never be ascertained, for the dead are scattered over a large field, and their wounded too may many of them be lost and perish.  The foe is scattered in all directions, but I think his main force has returned to Boston Mountians.

Gen. Sigel follows toward Keitsville, while my cavalry is pursuing him toward the mountains, scouring the country, bringing in prisoners and trying to find the rebel Maj. Gen. Van Dorn who had command of the entire force at the battle of Pea Ridge.

I have not as yet the statements of the dead and wounded, so as to justify a dispatch, but I will refer you to a dispatch I will forward very soon.  The officers and soldiers in this command displayed such universal gallantry, I hardly dare to make a distinction.  I must however name all of my commanders of divisions.  Gen. Sigel, who gallantly carried the heights and drove back the left wing of the enemy, Brig. Gen. Asboth, who was wounded in the arm in his gallant effort to reinforce the right, Col. and acting Brig. Gen. Davis, who commanded the center on the 7^th and pressed forward the center on the 8^th, Col. and acting Brig. Gen. E. A. Carr, who is wounded in the arm and was under the continuous fire of the enemy during the two hardest days of the struggle, and also commanders of Brigades, Cols. Doyle, Osterhaus and Vandever, while that of Schoffer and Greusel were distinguished for their gallantry.  For that of others I must refer to reports of commanders.  I must also tender my thanks to my staff officers, Capt. J. S. McKinney, A. A. A. G., Capa., W. H. Stark and Capt. John Ablefeldt, and Lieuts. J. M. Adarus and Stitto, all acting aids, and Lieut. N. Heeper, my only engineer officer.

All the staff officers did gallant service in carrying orders and aiding in their prompt execution.  Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio and Missouri may proudly share the honor of the victory which their gallant heroes won over the combined forces of Van Dorn, Price and McCulloch at Pea Ridge, in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas.

I have the honor to be, General, Your obedient servant,

SAML. R. CURTIS, Brig. Gen.

A special to the St. Louis Democrat, from Sugar Creek says: After a contest of three days’ duration we have beaten the enemy at Sugar Creek Hollow.  Their force consisted of Van Dorn’s, Price’s, McCulloch’s and Frost’s commands, who were forced to retreat in wild confusion, with the loss of a considerable number of cannon, flour, muskets, ammunition, &c.  Their force is variously estimated from 20,000 to 30,000.

McCulloch is ascertained to be mortally wounded, as well as McIntosh and Reiter.  The latter is a son of the Governor of Arkansas.

McRae and a number of other prominent men are prisoners in our hands, besides a large number of rank and file.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 12, 1862, p. 1

From St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, March 10.

The expedition sent out from Sedalia by Brig. Gen. McKean into Bates county has just returned with 40 prisoners of war, recruits for Price’s army, and a quantity of arms and ammunition.

Special to St. Louis Democrat

CROSS HOLLOW, Ark., March 1.

Vigorous reconnoisances are kept up to watch the enemy’s movements and foraging parties are active in obtaining supplies. – Pork and beef are purchased in abundance in the vicinity, and about half the quantity of flour required is obtained in the same manner, and all our forage.

Price, whose retreat is acknowledged on all hands to have been ably conducted, has found refuge in Boston mountains.  From two deserters, who came into camp yesterday, it is ascertained that he is encamped on Cave Creek road, while McCulloch is posted one and a half miles distant.  The latter had burnt the village near the Indian frontier, known as Caul Hill.  The supplies of the rebel army are obtained from Van Buren.

It is stated in good authority that Price and McCulloch had a violent quarrel before leaving Cross Hollow.

At Fayetteville we found all the telegraphic dispatches, up to the time of the evacuation of the rebels.  A dispatch from McIntosh to Herbert, in command at Cross Hollow, urges him to press forward and reinforce Price at Springfield, and all hazards, as that point is important to be held by the Confederates.

Ex-Senator Johnson, of Mo., who opened a recruiting office in Springfield, for the rebels, previous to Price’s departure, was the first to reach Fayetteville, where he stopped several days.

The Clemency of Gen. Curtis and the policy inaugurated in relations to the treatment of citizens of Benton county, is bringing its reward in the general confidence already showing indications of being restored among fugitives, who fled at our approach.

Confederate bills, which were 25 cents discount on our arrival in Benton county, have suddenly become valueless, and the inhabitants themselves refuse to take them.

Major Wright learns that the citizens of Keitsville knew of the intended attack on that place, and communicated the intelligence to the rebels, but kept all intimation of it from Capt. Montgomery.

The afternoon before the fight the ladies of the village left, one by one, and during the attack were all out.

Major Wright also learns that there are five hundred and fifty rebels in Cedar Co., Mo., and 190 in Dade Co.  These parties are committing depredations and swearing vengeance against Union men.

The health of the troops has been good particularly on the march.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 11, 1862, p. 1

Terrible Battle

ST. LOUIS, March 10.

The following is an official dispatch:

To Major-General McClellan, Washington:

The army of the South-west, Under Gen. Curtis, after three day’s hard fighting, has gained a most glorious victory over the combined forces of Van Dorn, McCulloch, Price and McIntosh.  Our loss in killed and wounded is estimated at 1,000; that of the enemy still larger.  Guns, prisoners, &c., captured in large quantities.  Our cavalry are in pursuit of the flying enemy.

Signed,

H. W. HALLECK,

Maj. Gen’l.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 11, 1862, p. 1

From Missouri

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., March 1.

Special to Mo. Republican.

On Wednesday night, Capt. Montgomery of Wright’s battalion, with his company was surprised at Keitsville by 850 rebels, supposed to belong to McBride’s division, but who represented themselves as Texan rangers.  They fired into a house occupied by our men, killing two and wounding one.  One of the rebels was killed and the balance fled, taking with them about 70 horses.  Two wagons loaded with sutler’s stores were burned the same night, at a farm two miles beyond Keitsville.

Cols. Ellis and Wright, with adequate cavalry force, were sent to Keitsville.

Price had burned several public buildings at Fayetteville, including the arsenal, lead factory, several flouring mills and 100,000 pounds of flour.  Many inhabitants along the road have fled, deceived by the lies of Price, that all would be butchered.

Strong Union feeling is exhibited by those remaining.  An old soldier of 1812 brought out a Union flag long kept concealed.

The fear that the combined forces of Price, Van Dorn, McCulloch, McIntosh and Pike will again overrun the country, keeps thousands from avowing their sentiments.  Price, after a hot chase, is cooling off in Boston Mountains, and Ben. McCulloch is on this side.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 6, 1862, p. 1

Glorious News from the Southwest

Special to the Mo. Democrat of the 17^th.

SPRINGFIELD, Feb. 17.

Our army, under command of Gen. Curtis, marched from Lebanon on the 10^th inst., forward in three divisions, the right commanded by Col. J. C Davis, the left by Col. E. A. Carr, and the centre by Ben. Sigel.  The different commands started at daybreak on the 10^th.

Six miles from Springfield a skirmish took place between the advance and a body of the rebels.  Nine of the enemy were killed, and one of our men slightly wounded.

At sunset on the same day, 300 of the enemy attacked our pickets, but were driven back with a loss of over 30.

This was supposed to be the opening of the ball, and 3,000 cavalry and infantry, with a battery of artillery, were sent forward.  The battery was placed on an imminence commanding the supposed approach of the enemy.

Three shells were thrown, to which no reply was made, and our force retired, leaving a heavy picket.

During the night a continual firing was kept up by the pickets.  At three in the morning the enemy advanced in the same order mentioned.

The divisions were formed in line of battle when about three miles from the town, and marched steadily forward.  The third division headed by the Iowa 4^th, entered the town first – at daybreak on the 13^th – taking peaceable possession; the other divisions soon following.

Price had left the same morning at two o’clock, on the Cassville Road, leaving his sick (over six hundred,) and large quantities of forage and wagons behind him.  He had 12,000 effective men, with fifty pieces of artillery, when he left.  Yesterday evening a battalion of cavalry captured one hundred wagons of his train.

Last night firing by pickets was heard in the direction of the retreating foe.  This morning at six o’clock our whole force followed the enemy.  It is reported that Price was merely falling back to meet McIntosh, who was coming up with reinforcements, and on his joining him he would return and give us battle.  The probability is, however, that he is in flight for the regions of the sunny South, where his poorly clad, miserably armed. M. S. G. can find safer grounds for pillage and robbery.  A general rejoicing by the people of the Southwest took place on the news of the retreat of the secesh.  The families residing in and around Springfield express unbounded satisfaction at the arrival of the federals.  Many of them are literally ruined by the robberies of the rebels, who take what they want without price or thanks.  No one believes that Price will return or stand to give us battle.  This expedition will doubtless close the campaign in Missouri.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 20, 1862, p. 2

The Difference

The rebels have lost the following Generals during the war:

Garnett was killed at Carrick’s Ford; Burton and Bee at Manassas; Zollicoffer at Mill Springs; McCulloch, McIntosh and Slack at Pea Ridge; A. Sidney Johnston and Bushrod Johnson at Pittsburg Landing. Then we have captured Tilghman, Buckner, McCall, Galt, and Walker.

On the other hand, so far Generals Lyon and Wallace are the only Generals killed in battle, although Lander died from effects of a wound. Gen. Prentiss is the only prisoner of the same rank in possession of the rebels.

We hope all of the rebel officers will not be disposed of by bullets. There ought to be some left to taste the virtue of hemp.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 1

Battle of Pea Ridge

We have received some information of interest respecting the battle of Pea Ridge, derived from gentlemen of this State who have recently returned from a visit on business to Louisiana. On their way they passed through the confederate Camp, at Van Buren, Arkansas, and remained there for several days. They were well acquainted with many officers and privates, and conversed freely in reference to the prominent events of the late battle at Pea Ridge, and their information is considered entirely reliable.

Generals McCulloch, McIntosh and McRae, and Col. Rives of this State are certainly dead. General Slack was not dead, and hopes of his recovery are entertained. In General Price’s division the number of dead was between 125 and 150 – the wounded between four and five hundred – and a number missing. In the other division no report was know to have been made, and probably never will be. That of Gen. McCulloch had dispersed, leaving no one to report, whilst those of McIntosh and Pike seem to have been overlooked or lost sight of. The army Argus, after a while, will probably contain the names and other particulars in General Price’s division, which will be promptly published on its receipt.

They confirm the desperation of the battle – its long continuance and extremely doubtful result – the superior numbers of the Confederate army, and its final defeat and retreat to Van Buren. Being friends of Gen. Price, they speak in the most delicate manner of his mortification at the result, but the fact of the admitted defeat and retreat is not concealed. All the stories of a second battle, so industriously circulated, are contradicted. None such occurred.

Much conversation was going on in the army in reference to the plan of attack, and events during the battle. Manu of the Friends of Gen. Price allege his non-concurrence, and attribute the defeat a failure to carry out his views. – Great pains had been taken to ascertain the exact size of Gen. Curtis’ column, the number being put down at 15,970 men. That of the Confederates being about 25,000. Gen. Van Dorn considered it an easy matter to practically surround and capture the entire army. The battle as is known, was fought on that theory, and lost.

Gen. Price, it would seem, lacked confidence in the columns of McCulloch and McIntosh, and for that or some other reason desired his Division to bring on and sustain the fight. He stated, it is alleged, that they would stand – stand and shoot until he ordered them to retreat, which he would never do.

The divisions of McCulloch and McIntosh he desired in his rear as a reserve, this line to be opened, at a proper time, for them to charge thro and upon the Federal troops with a huzzah and a yell. A charge of that kind, well directed by fresh troops, upon hard fought and weary men, he insisted, would break their lines and demoralize and destroy them. And whether true or false, this theory is presented in commendation of Gen. Price, and to the prejudice of Gen. Van Dorn as a military commander.

General Rains, it is said, became furious on learning of an order to retreat. He questioned Gen. Van Dorn, and upon receiving an affirmative reply, told him flatly if he was whipped he was the only man in the entire army in that state of mind. Van Dorn required of him to retract which being declined, his sword was demanded and surrendered. But some of the men have a different version of the affair, and they say the real difficulty is deeper than mere words; that Rains had captured a barrel of Van Dorn’s best whisky, and the difference about the retreat was a pretext to enable him to furnish a much more substantial offense. The facts we hope, will come out before a court martial.

General Price received a painful wound in the arm, and was slightly cut by a ball passing along the point of the abdomen. His army numbered only some eight or ten thousand, but he was expecting large reinforcements, and expressed the determination of marching to and occupying the Missouri river. But before General Curtis and his brave and increasing army, he might have some hope of accomplishing this purpose. As it is, his next move will be South – his fate, annihilation of himself and army. – {Mo. Republican.

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