From The 11th Iowa Regiment

2 MILES WEST OF BATTLE GROUND,

PITTSBURG, TENN., April 28.

EDITOR GAZETTE:– On Friday last the Iowa 11th and 13th struck tents and marched out about 3 miles to a new camping ground, to the front and in line of battle with the army here.  Shortly afterwards the Iowa 15th and 16th arrived, and moved to our left.  These four regiments constitute the third brigade of the 6th division of the army of the West.  The division is under Gen. McKean, and this brigade is commanded by Col. Crocker of the 13th Iowa, and is the first and only brigade made up wholly of Iowa troops.

The Colonel commanding the brigade has the entire confidence of all who know him.  Col. Crocker is a good officer; at the head of his troops and in the thickest of the fray on Sunday, he gallantly lead the regiment, until Col. Hare’s injuries compelled him to leave the field, and the command of the brigade devolved on Col. Crocker, and no one who witnessed the heroic endurance with which his command still held the foe at bay, until night closed the scene can fail to appreciate the skill and honor his heroism and that of his men.

Our New Iowa brigade will do no discredit to our gallant State.  The best feeling prevails between the different regiments, and we all feel happy to be brigaded with a regiment that has so nobly vindicated the courage of our State, as the 13th, and under so noble a commander as Col. Crocker.  I might give thrilling incidents of the conduct of both officers and men of the 13th in the late engagement, as narrated to me, but prefer to leave this to others, who say and partook of the action with them.

We all concluded on Monday that among the most beautiful and moving things in history of poetry, were “Buell’s lines on Beauregard.”

On Saturday our regiment had scarcely settled down in our new quarters, and dried off the rain of the day before, from clothing and accoutrements, when we were visited, on half hour notice, by. Gen. Inspection, (who is at no time a very welcome visitor to the soldiers) by Gen. Halleck, Inspector General.

Gen. Pope’s army has arrived, bringing up the Iowa 2d Cavalry and the 4th and 10th regiments of Infantry.  Your readers may think it a vastly pleasant time here to visit friends and enjoy this warm spring weather – birds singing overhead, and the pleasant breezes blowing through your evening tent, as you sit around the supper table, narrating thrilling incidents and “hair-breadth escapes.”  In reality it is almost as difficult to visit one’s friend outside the division to which we belong, as though States intervened.  Gen. Halleck has issued orders, forbidding company officers or men leaving their own division (except on duty) under any pretext, without leave from headquarters.

Mr. Editor, as one who had some little part in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, I am vexed to see those who took no part in Sunday’s fight, saying we were whipped that day.  I desire to deny the assertion.  Borne back by numbers, but with unconquered will, 20,000 brave men of the morning army fought through this day and lay on their arms at night to renew the fight next morning, and with Lew. Wallace’s division we would have won the battle on Monday.  No army is beaten while it can raise such a force and with such feelings as animated out brave men.

The sun shines once more warm and drying.  Skirmishers are out ahead and little encounters of pickets and skirmishers are of daily occurrence.  Look out for large events ere long.  Our army has all confidence in Gen. Halleck.  The health of our men is improving and we were ready to act at any time.

We have already buried over 3,000 of the rebel dead, from the late battle, and we are still finding them were their wounded were abandoned in their flight of Monday night.  Our present camp is near where Gens. Johnston and Beauregard lay the night before the battle.

Yours truly,

Co. B, 11TH IOWA.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 5, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, April 30, 1862

We were routed from our beds of leaves at 4 o’clock and moved on two miles farther in the direction of Purdy, when we received word from General Wallace that we were not needed. We marched back to camp, arriving here about noon, in a heavy rainstorm, soaked to the skin and covered with mud. We had lain all night with rifle in hand, in a heavy timber, on beds of leaves, without blankets, and some of the boys caught cold. The Eleventh Iowa was inspected today for pay. Thus ends this month in old Tennessee.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 47

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, April 29, 1862

We received orders this afternoon to march out towards Purdy, about twelve miles, to be in readiness as a supporting column to General Wallace in command of the right. He was expecting to be attacked by the rebels and sent for reinforcements. We went in light marching order without knapsacks, and we have to lie on our arms at night.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 47

The Battle At Pittsburg

FURTHER PARTICULARS

__________

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

The Great Battle

FUTHER PARTICULARS

CAIRO, April 9. – No official accounts have been received from the great battle near Pittsburg.  A few persons who witnessed most of it have arrived, and as many of their reports are as follows they differ somewhat from the first report to you:

The Federal army was posted between two streams about four miles apart that runs into the Tennessee nearly at right angles.  It is about two miles east of Pittsburg.  The left front was commanded by Gen. Prentiss, who had several raw regiments and in his rear was Gen. Sherman with his division.  The right front was headed by Gen. McClernand, with Gen. Smith in his rear.  Gen. Hurlburt [sic] was in the center, somewhat in the rear of the front line.

Beauregard attacked Gen. Prentiss’ division at 4 o’clock on Sunday morning, surprising them and driving them and Sherman’s Corps near the river, till protected by the gunboats, and taking Prentiss and two regiments prisoners.

While driving in Prentiss and Sherman, a large force of the enemy got in the rear of Gen. McClernand’s division, completely cutting it off from the main army.  Gen. McClernand put himself at the head of his troops and cut his way through the rebel hosts and rejoined the army.

The fight had now become desperate, and Gen. Grant assuming command, the enemy was driven back and the Federal forces occupied at the right nearly the same position they did in the morning.  The fight lasted fifteen hours.

During the night Major General Lew Wallace came up from Crump’s Landing with 19,000 troops, and in the morning the battle was resumed with great fury; neither party seemed disposed to yield, and between 10 and 12 the fight was terrific.

Soon after noon General Buell d crossed the Tennessee and attacked the enemy in the flank with 40,000 men, and the rout soon became general.  Buell pursued with 12,000, mostly cavalry.  The last rumor was that he had taken Corinth.

Our informants can give no accounts of our loss, further than it is terrible.  Eight hundred wounded are reported on the steamer which will be brought down.

Col. John Logan (not the General) is reported wounded in the shoulder.

The enemy took 36 pieces of our artillery on Sunday.  They are reported all returned and 40 of the enemy’s on Monday.

Gen. Strong certainly expects Gen. Halleck here in the morning, en route for Tennessee.

It was Gen. Cowan McCall that was taken by Gen. Pope’s forces.

Gen. Strong has received notice of a large number of physicians, nurses and hospital stores coming from Chicago, Springfield, St. Louis and other places.

Several barges of ice are ordered up the Tennessee for the wounded.

The Silver Wave is expected up from New Madrid to-night with a load of rebel prisoners.

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

Great Battle In Tennessee!

THE MOST BLOODY ENGAGEMENT DURING THE WAR.

Beauregard Defeated and His Army Cut to Pieces!!

GEN. A. S. JOHNSON KILLED

Rebel Loss 35,000 to 40,000!

Federal Loss 18,000 to 20,000!

__________

(Special to Herald.)

PITTSBURGH, via FT. HENRY, April 9, 3.10 A. M. – One of the bloodiest battles of modern days has just closed, resulting in the complete repulse of the enemy, who attacked us at day break Sunday.  The battle lasted without intermission during the entire day, and was again resumed on Monday morning and continued until 4 o’clock in the afternoon, when the enemy commenced their retreat and are still flying towards Corinth, pursued by a large force of our cavalry.

The slaughter on both sides is immense.  We have lost in killed and wounded and missing from 18,000 to 20,000.  That of the enemy is estimated from 35,000 to 40,000.

It is impossible in the present confused state of affairs to ascertain any details.  I therefore give the best account possible from observation, having passed through the storm of action during the two days that it raged.

The fight was brought on by a body of 300 of the 25th Missouri regiment of Gen. Prentice’s [sic] brigade attacking the advance guard of the rebels which were supposed to be the pickets of the enemy in front of our camp. – The rebels immediately advanced on Gen. Prentice’s division on the left wing, pouring volley after volley of musketry, riddling our camps with grape, canister and shell.  Our soldiers soon formed into line and returned their fire vigorously and by the time we were prepared to receive them, had turned the heaviest fire on the left and center of Sherman’s division and drove our men back from their camp and bringing up a fresh force opened fire on our left wing under Gen. McClernand; this fire was returned with terrible effect and determined spirit, by both infantry and artillery along the whole line for a distance of over four miles. – Gen. Hurlburt’s [sic] division was thrown forward to support the centre when a desperate conflict ensued; the rebels were driven back with terrible slaughter, but soon rallied and rove back our men in turn from about 9 o’clock, the time your correspondent arrived on the field, until night closed on the bloody scene, there was no determination of the result of the struggle; the rebels exhibited remarkably good generalship at times – engaging the left with apparently their whole strength, they would suddenly open up a terrible and destructive fire on the right or center; even our heaviest and most destructive fire on the enemy did not appear to discourage their solid columns.  The fire of Maj. Taylor’s Chicago Artillery raked them down in scores, but the smoke would no sooner be dispersed than the breech would be again filled.

The most desperate firing took place late in the P. M.  The Rebels knew that if they did not succeed in whipping us then, that their chances for success would be very doubtful, as a portion of Gen. Buell’s forces had by this time arrived on the opposite side of the river, and the other portion was coming up the river from Savannah. – They were, however, aware that we were being reinforced, as they could see Gen. Buell’s troops near the river bank a short distance above us, on the left, to which point they had forced their way.  At five o’clock, the rebels had forced our left wing back so as to occupy fully two-thirds of our camp, and were fighting their way forward with a desperate degree of confidence in their efforts to drive us into the river, and at the same time having engaged our right.

Up to this time we had received no reinforcements, Gen. Lew Wallace failing to come to our support until the day was over, having taken the wrong road from Crump’s landing, and being without other transports, than those used for Quartermaster’s and commissary stores, which were too heavily laden to very any considerable number of Gen. Buell’s forces across the river, those that were here having been sent to bring the troops from Savannah.  We were therefore, contesting the field against fearful odds with a force not exceeding 38,000 men, while that of the enemy was upwards of 60,000.

Our condition at this moment was extremely critical.  Large numbers of men were panic stricken, others worn out by hard fighting, with the average per cent. of skulkers, had straggled towards the river, and could not be rallied. – Gen. Grant and staff, who had been ceaselessly riding along the lines during the entire day, perceived that Buell’s batteries of grape and shell were about arriving, now rode from right to left inciting the men to stand firm until reinforcements could cross the river.  Col. Webster, Chief of Staff, immediately got into position the heavy pieces of artillery, pointing on the enemy’s right, while a large number of the batteries were planted along the entire line from the river bank northwest to the extreme right, two and a half miles distant.

About an hour after dusk a general cannonade was opened upon the enemy from along our whole line, with a perpetual crack of musketry.  Such a roar was never heard on this continent.  For a short time the rebels replied with vigor and effect, but their return shots grew less frequent and destructive, while ours grew more rapid and more terrible.

The gunboats Lexington and Taylor, which lay a short distance off, kept raining shell on the rebel hordes.  This last effort was too much for the enemy.  At six o’clock the firing had nearly ceased, the day closing on all the combatants, who rested from their awful work of blood and carnage.  Our men rested on their arms in the position they had at the close of the night, till the forces under Maj. Gen. Wallace arrived and took position on the right, and met Buell’s force on the opposite side, and Savannah being now converted to the battle ground, the entire right of Gen. Nelson’s Division was ordered to form on the right, and the forces under Gen. Crittenden were ordered to support him in the morning.

SECOND DAY’S BATTLE.

Gen. Buell having arrived the previous evening, the ball was opened at daylight simultaneously by Gen. Nelson’s Division on the left and Major General Wallace and Davis on the right.

Gen. Nelson’s forces opened a most galling fire and advanced rapidly as the rebels fell back.  The fire soon became general along the whole line, and began to tell with terrible effect on the enemy.

Generals McClernand, Sherman and Hurlburt’s men, though terribly thinned from the previous day’s fighting, still maintained their honors won at Fort Donelson, but the resistance of the rebels at all points was terrible and worthy a better cause, but they were not enough for our braves, and the dreadful destruction produced by our artillery which was sweeping them away like chaff before the wind, but knowing that a defeat here would be a death-blow to their hopes and that their all depended upon this great struggle, their Generals still urged them on in the face of destruction, hoping by flanking us on the right to turn the tide of battle.  Their success was again for a time cheering as they began to gain ground, on appearing to have been reinforced, but our left, under Gen. Nelson, was driving them, and with wonderful rapidity, and by 11 o’clock, Gen. Buell’s forces had succeeded in flanking them and capturing their batteries of artillery.  They however again rallied on the left and recuperated, and the right forced themselves forward in another desperate effort, but reinforcements from General Wood and Gen. Thomas were coming in regiment after regiment, which were sent to Gen. Buell, who had again commenced to drive the enemy.

About 3 o’clock p. m. Gen. Grant rode to the left, where the fresh regiments had been ordered, and finding the rebels wavering, sent a portion of his body guard to the aid of each of the five regiments, then ordered a charge across the field, himself leading.  As he brandished his sword and waved them on to the crowning victory; while cannon balls were flying like hail around him.  The men followed with a shot, that sounded above the roar and din of artillery, and the rebels fled in dismay as from a destroying avalanche, and never made another stand.

Gen. Buell followed the retreating rebels, driving them in splendid style, and by half past five o’clock the whole rebel army was in full retreat to Corinth, with our cavalry in hot pursuit, with what further result is not known, not having returned up to this hour.

We have taken a large amount of their artillery and also a number of prisoners.  We lost a number of our forces, taken prisoners yesterday, among whom is Gen. Prentiss.  The number of our forces taken has not been ascertained yet.  It is reported at several hundred.  Gen. Prentiss is reported wounded.

Among the killed on the rebel side was their General-in-Chief A. Sydney Johnson [sic], who was struck by a cannon ball in the afternoon of Sunday.  Of this there is no doubt, as the report is corroborated by several rebel officers taken to-day.  It is further reported that Gen. Beauregard has his arm shot off.

This afternoon Generals Bragg, Breckinridge and Jackson were commanding portions of the rebel force.

Our loss in officers is very heavy.  It is impossible at present to obtain their names.  The following were among the number:

Brig. Gen. W. H. D. [sic] Wallace, killed.

Col. Pegram, acting General, killed.

Col. Ellis 10th Illinois, killed.

Major Geary, 15th Illinois, killed.

Lieut. Col. Conard, 72d Ohio, mortally wounded.

Lieut. Col. Kisul, 41st Indiana, mortally wounded.

Col. Davis, 46th Illinois, mortally wounded.

Gen. W. T. Sherman, wounded in hand by cannon ball.

Col. Sweeney, 52d Illinois, Acting Brigadier General, wounded; received two balls in his only arm, having lost one in Mexico, also a shot in one of his legs.  Col. Sweeney kept the field until the close of the fight, and excited the admiration of the whole army.

Col. Dave Stuart, 55th Ill., Acting Brig. Gen. shot through the breast on Sunday, returned on the field on Monday.

Col. Chas. Crofts, 31st Ill., Acting Brig. Gen. shot through the right shoulder, not dangerous.

Col. Haynes, 48th Ill., Col. J. C. McHenry, 17th Ky., Lieut. Col. Stout, 17th K., wounded slightly; Lieut. Col. Morgan, 25th Ind., wounded severely; Lieut. Col. Ransom, 11th Ill., wounded in head badly; Col. Mason, 71st Ohio, wounded slightly; Maj. Eaton, 18th Ill., acting Col. wounded fatally; Maj. Nevins, 11th Ill., wounded slightly; Capt. Cumming W. Carson, Gen. Grant’s scout had his head shot off by a cannon ball; Capt. Preston Morton wounded mortally – since died; Capt. Dillon, 18th Ill., Capt. Mace, 5th Ill., Capt. Carter, 11th Ill., Maj. Page 57th Ill., killed.

There never has been a parallel to the gallantry and bearing of our officers, from the Commanding General to the lowest officer. – Gen. Grant and staff were in the field riding along the lines in the thickest of the enemy’s fire during the entire two days of battle, and all slept on the ground Sunday night, during a heavy rain.  On several occasions, he got in range of the enemy’s guns and was discovered and fired upon.  Lieut. Col. McPherson having his horse shot from under him along side of the General.  Capt. Carson was between Gen. Grant and your correspondent when a cannon ball took off his head and killed and wounded several others.

Gen. Sherman had two horses killed under him.

Generals McClernand and Hurlburt each received bullet holes through their clothes.

Gen. Buell remained with his troops during the entire day, who, with Gens. Crittenden and Nelson road continually along the line encouraging their men.  Gen. Buell’s advance will probably reach near Corinth by to-morrow evening.

STILL LATER.

CAIRO, April 9. – Further advices from Pittsburgh Landing, give the following about the battle:

The enemy made the attack at 4 o’clock Sunday morning.  The brigades of Sherman and Prentice being first engaged.  The attack was successful and our entire force was driven back to the river where the advance of the enemy was checked and our forces increased by the arrival of Gen. Grant with troops from Savannah and inspired by the report of the arrival of two divisions of Buell’s army.  Our loss this day was heavy, and besides the killed and wounded, embraced our camp equipage, and 36 field guns.  The next morning our forces, now amounting to 80,000 assumed the offensive and by 2 o’clock in the afternoon had retaken our camp and batteries together with some forty of the enemy’s guns and a quantity of prisoners, and the enemy were in full retreat, pursued by our victorious forces.

The casualties are numerous.  Gen. Grant wounded in the ankle slightly; Gen. W. H. Wallace killed; Gen. Smith severely wounded; Gen. Prentice prisoner; Col. Hall 16th Ill., Killed; Cols. Logan, 32d Ill., and Davis of 51st Illinois wounded severely; Major Hunter 32d Ill., killed; and our loss In killed and wounded and missing not less than 5,000.  Col. Peabody, 25th Mo., also severely wounded.

From New Madrid we learn that Gen. Pope has 3 Generals, 7 colonels and 5,000 men prisoners, 100 guns, camp equipage and stores in great quantity.

VERY LATEST.

CAIRO, April 9. – It is reported by an officer who left Pittsburg Monday evening, that our forces occupy Corinth, and that Beauregard’s arms were shot off by a cannon ball, and the body of Gen. A. S. Johnson was found dead on the field.  Nothing later.

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

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, April 9. – HOUSE. – The house proceeded to the consideration of the Senate bill to increase the efficiency of the Medical Department of the army.  The debate involved the question of incorporating surgeons of the volunteers with the regular staff, thus giving a board for selection.  This was agreed to.  The bill as amended on the recommendation of the Military Committee was passed.

The bill to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia came up on its second reading, to which Mr. VALLANDIGHAM objected.  The question then recurred under the rule, shall the bill rejected, which was decided in the negative 45 against 93.  The bill was then referred to the Committee on the Hole on the state of the Union.

The Pacific Railroad bill was taken up.  Mr. PHELPS of California, spoke in its favor.  Mr. KELLEY also advocated the bill.  Adjourned.

SENATE. – Messrs. HOWARD, CHANDLER, SHERMAN and TRUMBULL presented petitions in favor of emancipation.

Mr. HOWE presented a memorial from the legislature of Wisconsin, for the establishment of a national armory and depot in that State.

The bill relating to fixing the salaries of District Attorneys was taken up and after discussion was passed, 20 to 19.

The Senate went into Executive session.

Adjourned.

WASHINGTON, April 10. – HOUSE. – Mr. VALLANDIGHAM, from the Committee on Public lands reported a substitute for the Senate joint resolution giving construction to the act of 1856, granting lands to Wisconsin for railroad purposes.  It authorizes a change of location so that the road may be constructed from Appleton to some point on Green Bay at or near the mouth of Fox river.  Passed.

Mr. ARNOLD introduced a resolution expressing gratitude to Almighty God for the glorious triumph of our arms over the rebels and traitors and recognizing the brilliant victories at Island No. 10 and at Pittsburgh Landing, the hand of that Divine Power which has so signally blessed us as a nation; that the gratitude of Congress are due to Com. Foote, Generals Pope, Grant, Buell and Halleck, to each and every gallant soldier, officer and sailor, for the gallantry, endurance and patriotic devotion to the country; their names shall always be cherished and honored by a grateful people.  While Congress honors the brave who escaped death, they would not forget the wounded and dead who fell in their country’s cause.  Congress extends it sympathy to the widows and children and promises relief.

Mr. PORTER, suggested that the name of Maj. Gen. Lew Wallace be added.

Mr. COX thought it proper to include General McClernand and the other officers.

Mr. RICHARDSON had anticipated this difficulty; it was usual to insert only the names of the commanding officers, as they could not embrace the names of all who distinguished themselves.

Mr. ARNOLD consented that the resolution should be referred to the committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. STEVENS from the committee on Ways and Means reported back the Senate amendment to the emancipation bill.

The House concurred in that appropriating thirteen millions to be expended under the direction of the Secretary of the Navy for the construction of iron clad vessels of war as a substitute for the original item.

SENATE. – Mr. Sumner presented a resolution from the Legislature of Massachusetts in approval of the resolutions in accordance with the President’s message in relations to emancipation.

Mr. LANE of Indiana presented a petition for the abolition of slavery in the States.  He said that the petitioners were asking what Congress had no power to grant, but that he was willing that citizens should be heard on the foolish requests.

Mr. WILSON gave notice that he should introduce a bill to amend the act approved in September, 1850, supplementary to the act respecting fugitives from justice and persons escaping from the service of their masters, approved February 12, 1793.

On motion of Mr. LATHAM, the bill to establish a line of steamships from San Francisco to ______ was taken up.  He spoke at length in favor of establishing such a line.

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

The Great Tennessee River Expedition

Arrived at Savannah – Scenes at the Landing – Where the Expedition is – Furthest South of any of our Armies, excepting the Sea Coast Expeditions – Union Men Enlisting – Condition of the Troops – Rank of the Generals of Division – Smith Wallace – A Balaklava Hero.

(Special Correspondence of the Cincinnati Gazette.)

SAVANNAH, Tenn., March 12.

THE FLEET ARRIVES AT ITS FINAL DESTINATION.

The greater part of the Tennessee river expedition arrived at Savannah, Hardin county, Tennessee, on the evening during the night of the 11th inst.  As the sun rose over the canebrakes that line the river banks, it is disclosed such a scene as neither that nor indeed any river on the continent ever witnessed before.  For nearly two miles up and down the stream lay the fleet.  More vessels were constantly arriving, the channel was filled with them, flying about in search of landings near their respective brigade headquarters, and the air was heavy with the murky smoke from hundreds of puffing chimneys.

The shores were covered with the disembarked soldiers, eagerly rushing everywhere and scrutinizing everything, with a genuine Yankee determination to see whatever might be worth seeing “away down here in Dixie.”  They early found the canebrakes, and the number of fishing poles carried aboard the boats to be sent up North and used in more peaceful times, was something astonishing.  Cotton fields were more distant, but long before noon plenty could be heard describing how the fields looked, and exhibiting scraps of cotton and handfuls of seed they had confiscated as specimens from the adjacent warehouses.  Officers were galloping over the bottoms, trying to get an idea of the country – not a few privates deemed it their duty to give the mules a little exercise by beating them into a jog trot through the country, too.

Half a dozen regiments were brought out on dress parade, and the delighted inhabitants of the pleasant little country town of Savannah crowded into the streets or peeped out behind the curtains of the second-story windows to see the unwonted sight, and convince their halting faith that, beyond peradventure, the Yankees were there at least to defend them in their ill concealed preference for the Union cause.  Conspicuous among the troops were the noted Eleventh Indiana and Eighth Missouri, of General Lew. Wallace’s division, whose steady tread and precision of movement was unexcelled by any equally numerous body of regulars our old army ever boasted; and amid all the shouldering and presenting of arms, the flashing swords, waving of banners, prancing of gaily caparisoned horses, and shouting of orders, there came wailing up thro’ this pomp and circumstance of glorious war the unutterable sorrow of the dead march in Saul, as with reversed muskets and measured tread of a squad of his companions bore a brave Buckeye boy to his lonely grave on the banks of the Tennessee.  Poor fellow, he had left Paducah, all life and hope; had sickened on the river and now – well, in a few minutes a regiment was deploying by companies almost over his grave.

A CONSULTATION.

Gen. Smith’s headquarters boat was landed at the Savannah wharf boat about 3 o’clock on the afternoon of the 13th, his yawl came across to Gen. Lew Wallace’s headquarters, on the opposite side of the stream, and the two Generals had a brief conference.

The group was one worth studying.  The two Generals – between whom certain newspapers have sought to foster rivalries and jealousies, though I happen to know that the most cordial feeling has existed between them all the time – presented a marked contrast.  Smith must be fifty, if not fifty-five years of age, has been twenty years in the regular army, and has allowed the regular army ways to become stereotyped with him – has grizzly hair and a noble white moustache, with a lion-like front, massive head, and imposing general physique.  Wallace does not look over thirty-five, is rather slight in figure, with black hair, full beard and moustache, a keen sparkling eye, and quick active movements.  A thorough tactician, and one of the very best drill officers in Indiana, he has not forgotten the arts of civil life, and though of few words and, when occasion demands, stern as the sternest, is a perfect pet among his men, who pride themselves especially on belonging to “Lew. Wallace’s fighting crowd.”  By their side sat a young aid of Smith’s you caught yourself fairly staring at.  His general appearance was that of a bedizened captain of a fancy city company in peaceful times; but you ceased to smile as you caught on the flashing decorations that crossed his breast, the word of glory forever – “Balaklava.”  He rode with the six hundred – what better title to immortality could any man show?

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 4

Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant to Congressman Elihu B. Washburne, January 23, 1862

Head-Quarters District of Cairo,

Cairo, January 23, 1862.

THE bearer, Captain A. S. Baxter,² who goes to Washington by my order, in hopes of doing something for the relief of this much distressed portion of our Army, is at present my District Quartermaster. I am at last satisfied that I have an efficient and faithful servant of the Government in Captain Baxter, and anything that you can do to further the object of his mission will not only be regarded as a personal favor to myself, but will serve to advance the cause you and I both have so much at heart. Captain Baxter can tell you of the great abuses in his Department here and the efforts I have put forth to correct them, and consequently the number of secret enemies necessarily made. I am desirous of retaining Captain Baxter in his present position, and if promotion to a higher grade is necessary to enable me to do so, I would very much desire that the promotion be given.

__________

² While the world was honoring General Grant on the seventy-fifth anniversary of his birth, Algernon Sidney Baxter (1819-1897), one of the earliest members of his staff, was dying. He was a son of the Chief Justice of Vermont, and at the age of seventeen went to Boston, the Mecca of most New England boys. When the war began he was a merchant in St. Louis, where he became acquainted with Grant. He immediately abandoned business for the army, serving on the General’s staff at Fort Donelson and Shiloh, with the rank of captain. At Shiloh, Baxter carried to General Lew Wallace that celebrated dispatch which has caused so much dispute. Grant, in his “Personal Memoirs,” says: “Captain Baxter, a quartermaster on my staff, was accordingly directed to go back and order General Wallace to march immediately to Pittsburg by the road nearest the river. Captain Baxter made a memorandum of this order. . . . General Wallace has since claimed that the order delivered to him by the captain was simply to join the right of the army.”  Baxter’s condition of health compelled him soon after to leave the service, when he entered Wall Street, pursuing a successful career in the great metropolis, where he died at the age of seventy-eight. He was the last survivor of those who served on Grant's staff in the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh.

SOURCE: James Grant Wilson, Editor, General Grant’s Letters to a Friend 1861-1880, p. 3 & 111-2

Gen. C. F. Smith's Operations

The army under Gen. C. F. Smith, (Paducah Smith, as he used to be called) which left Fort Henry several days ago, for an expedition up the Tennessee river, has disembarked at Savannah, 14 miles north of the State line.  Reports say that Gen. Lew. Wallace’s division had marched across to Purdy, McNairy County, which is six miles west of Savannah, burning a bridge and taking up the track of the railroad connecting Corinth, Mississippi, with Jackson, Tennessee.  The bridge destroyed we take to be a structure over the Hatchie river.  The railroad referred to must have been lately put in running order by the rebels, as it was still unfinished but a short time ago.  The destruction of the bridge and track seems to have been very timely, preventing a train of the Confederate troops, which Gen. Johnston was sending to the relief of Island No. 10, from going up.

We suppose the next move of Gen. Smith will be overland to Corinth, which is about twenty-two miles from Savannah, on the Memphis and Charleston railroad.  The distance from Corinth to Memphis, we observe is stated in some of the newspapers to be sixty miles, but the time table of the road itself makes it ninety-three.  The possession of Corinth will cut the communication between Johnston’s and Beauregard’s forces, and this will be all that Gen. Smith will need to do until the rebels fall back upon Forts Pillow and Randolph.  The Confederates are already hemmed in on three sides, so far as the Mississippi Valley is concerned, and it is a gone case with them. – Mo. Repub

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 2

The Wounded at Fort Donelson

CAIRO, Feb 26. – The casualties at the battle of Fort Donelson will run up much higher than was first supposed.  At least five hundred were killed outright, and our wounded will amount to over two thousand.  The wounded of both parties were picked up together and have not yet been separated.  The rebels are cared for the same as our own men, and to get a complete list of our men will require some time.

Most of our sick and wounded have been sent to Paducah and Mound City.  Those remaining here will be transferred as soon as it is advisable to do so.

Col. John A. Logan is quite feeble, but is not considered to be in a dangerous condition.

Col. Morrison is rapidly convalescing.

Capt. Hanna, of the 8^th Illinois died from the effects of his wounds at Ft. Donelson.

Gen. Hurlbut is Commandant of the post at Fort Donelson, and Gen. Lewis Wallace at Fort Henry.

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

Reliable Details of the Fight

Special to the Chicago Tribune.

CAIRO, April 10.

We are just beginning to get some reliable details from the great battle at Pittsburg.  From several gentlemen who were on the field afterwards on in the fight, the following are gathered and sent.  Our informant left the battle field on Wednesday morning at 5 o’clock:

The rebels Attacked Prentiss’s brigade 4 o’clock on Sunday morning, while they were at breakfast.  It consisted of the 61^st Illinois, 16^th Wisconsin, 24^th Indiana and 71^st Ohio.  The rebels were said to be 120,000 strong.  Prentiss had no artillery.  His brigade was cut to pieces, and forced to retire, with Prentiss and many other prisoners.  At 12 m. the entire line was fiercely engaged, but in full retreat.

At 4 p. m. the enemy had taken Swartz’s battery – 6 guns, Dresden’s, of 4 guns, Waterhouse’s battery, 2 rifled Ohio 56-guns, and another Ohio battery.  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, and the army seemed utterly demoralized.

Gen. Mitchell’s [sic] division, about this time arrived on the opposite shore with 15,000 men, who were ferried across during the night.

The gunboats Lexington and Tyler 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. – They set the woods on fire, and many of the rebels were burned.  At 7 the firing generally ceased.  At midnight the rebels attempted to plant a battery within three hundred yards of our siege guns, but they were driven back by the gunboats 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 low figure.  It was undoubtedly tremendous.  During the night the rebels were reinforced by Price and Van Dorn from Arkansas, with a very large force.

Gen. Lew Wallace came up from Crump’s Landing with the 18^th and 23d Ind., 44^th Ill., 8^th Mo and Willard’s battery, and in the morning fiercely attacked the left 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 gallant 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 seamed 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.  Gen. Buell followed the fugitives taking thousands of prisoners and smiting without mercy those who would not surrender.  He was reported to have taken Corinth with all the immense stores of arms and ammunition.  Carson, the scout had his head torn off on Monday by a round shot.

The rebel troops were mostly from Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi, with many from Georgia and Alabama.  They fought like tigers.  Our informant could ride through the battle field where our forces were posted, but the dead were so thick in the enemy’s line that they could not do it.  They assure us that the rebels surprised our camps 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 already won on Sunday.

Gen. McClernand cut his way through the enemy that had surrounded him.  Most of his troops behaved with great gallantry; but the 53^rd Ohio was ordered to the rear in disgrace for refusing to fight.

Capt. Harvy of Bloomington, Illinois is among the killed.

Our informants were assured by those who know the man, that John C. Breckenridge was taken Prisoner.  They saw him pass to the General’s quarters.

It is impossible to get lists of the killed and wounded.

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

XXXVIIth Congress – First Session

WASHINGTON, April 10.

SENATE. – Mr. Sumner presented resolutions from the Legislature of Massachusetts, in approval of the resolution in accordance with the Presidents message in relation to emancipation.

Mr. Lane, of Indiana, presented a petition for the abolishing of slavery in the States.  He said the petitioners were asking what Congress had no power to grant, but that he was willing that citizens should be heard in foolish requests.

Mr. Wilson gave notice that he should to-morrow introduce a bill to amend the act approved in Sept. [1860], supplementary to the act respecting fugitive[s] from justice and persons escaping from the service of their masters, approved Feb. 12^th, 1793.

On motion of Mr. Latham, the bill to establish a line of steamships from San Francisco to Shanghai, was taken up.  He spoke at length in favor of establishing such a line.

HOUSE.  Mr. Vallandigham, from the committee on public lands, reported a substitute for the Senate’s joint resolution giving construction to the act of 1856, granting lands to Wisconsin for railroad purposes.  It authorizes a change of location, so that the road may be constructed from Appleton to some point on Green Bay at or near the mouth of Fox river. – Passed.

Mr. Arnold introduced a resolution expressing gratitude to Almighty God for the glorious triumph of our arms over rebels and traitors, recognizing in the brilliant victories at Island No. 10 and Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., the exhibition of that divine power which has so signally blessed us as a nation; that the gratitude and thanks of Congress is due to Com. Foot, Gens. Pope, Grant, Buell and Halleck, to each and every gallant soldier, officer and sailor, for the gallantry, energy, endurance, patriotic suffering and devotion to their country.  Their names shall be always cherished and honored by a grateful people – While Congress honors the brave who escaped death, they would not forget the wounded and dead who fell in their country’s cause.  Congress extends its sympathy to widows and children, and promises relief.

Mr. Porter suggested the name of Major General Lew Wallace.

Mr. Cox thought it proper to include Gen. McClernand and other officers.

Mr. Richardson had anticipated this difficulty.  It was usual to insert only the names of commanding officers, as they could not embrace the names of all who distinguished themselves.

Mr. Arnold consented that the resolution should be referred to the committee on military affairs.

Mr. Stevens, from the committee on ways and means, reported back the Senate’s amendments to the naval appropriation bill.  The House concurred in that appropriating $13,000,000 to be expended under the direction of the Secretary of the Navy for the construction of iron-clad steam vessels of war as a substitute for the original item.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 11, 1862, p. 1

Special to the Chicago Tribune

CAIRO, April 9 – 10 P. M.

No official accounts have yet been received from the great battle near Pittsburg.  A few who were witnesses of most of it have arrived, and a summary of their report is as follows; it may differ somewhat from the first reports sent you:

The Federal army was posted between two streams, about four miles apart, that run into the Tennessee nearly at right angles to it, about two miles each from Pittsburg.  The left front was commanded by Gen. Prentiss, who had several raw regiments, and in his rear was Gen. Sherman with his division.  The right front was held by Gen. McClernand, with Gen. Smith in his rear.  Gen. Hurlbut was in the center, somewhat in the rear of the front line. – Beauregard attacked Gen. Prentiss’ division at 4 o’clock on Sunday morning, surprising them and driving them and Sherman’s corps near the river till protected by our gunboats, and taking Prentiss and two regiments prisoners.  While driving in Prentiss and Sherman, a large force of the enemy got in the rear of Gen. McClernand’s division, completely cutting it from the main army.  Gen. McClernand put himself at the head of his troops, and cut his way through the rebel hosts and rejoined the army.

The fight had now become desperate, and General Grant assuming command, the enemy was driven back, and the federal forces occupied at night nearly the same positions they did in the morning.  The fight lasted fifteen hours.

During the night General Lew. Wallace came up form Crump’s Landing with nineteen thousand troops, and in the morning the battle was renewed with great fury. – Soon after noon, Gen. Buell had crossed the Tennessee and attacked the enemy in flank with 40,000 men, and the rout soon became general.  Buell pursued with 12,000 men, mostly cavalry, and the last rumor was that he had taken Corinth.

Our informants can give no account of our loss further than that it is terrible. – Eight hundred wounded are reported on one steamer on their way down.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 11, 1862, p. 1

Herald’s Dispatch

PITTSBURG, Tennessee, via

FORT HENRY, April 9 – 3:20 A. M.

One of the greatest and bloodiest battles of modern days has just closed, resulting in the complete rout of the enemy, who attacked us at daybreak Sunday morning.

The battle lasted without intermission during the entire day, and was again renewed on Monday Morning, and continued until 4 o’clock p.m., when the enemy commenced their retreat, and are still flying toward Corinth, pursued by a large force of our cavalry.

It is impossible in the present confused state of affairs to ascertain any details.  I therefore give you the best account possible from observation, having passed through the storm of action during the two days that it raged.

The fight was brought on by a body of 300 of the 25^th Mo. regiment of Gen. Prentiss’ division attacking the advance guard of the rebels, which were supposed to be the pickets of the enemy in front of our camp.  The rebels immediately advanced on Gen. Prentiss’ division, on the left wing, pouring in volley after volley of musketry, and riddling our camps with grape, canister and shell.  Our forces soon formed into line and returned their fire vigorously, and by the time we were prepared to receive them they had turned their heaviest fire on the left and centre of Sherman’s division and drove our men back from their camps, and bringing up a large force opened fire on our left wing under Gen. McClernand.

This fire was returned with terrible effect and determined spirit by both infantry and artillery along the whole line for a distance of four miles.

Gen. Hurlbut’s division was thrown forward to support the center, when a desperate conflict ensued.  The rebels were driven back with terrible slaughter, but soon rallied and drove back our men in turn.  From about nine o’clock to the time your correspondent arrived on the field until night closed on the bloody scene, there was no determination of the result of the struggle.

The rebels exhibited remarkably good generalship, at times engaging the left with apparently their whole strength.  They would suddenly open a terrible and destructive fire on the right or center.  Even our heaviest and most destructive fire on enemy did not appear to discourage their solid columns.  The fire of Major Taylor’s Chicago artillery raked them down in scores, but the smoke would no sooner be dispersed than the breach would again be filled.  The most desperate firing took place late in the afternoon.  The rebel’s knew that if they did not succeed in whipping us then their chances for success would be extremely doubtful.

A portion of Gen. Buell’s forces had by this time arrived on the opposite side of the river, and the other portion was coming up the river from Savannah.  The rebels became aware that we were being reinforced, as they could see Gen. Buell’s troops from the river bank a short distance above us on the left, to which point they had forced their way.

At 5 o’clock the rebels had forced our left wing back so as to occupy fully two thirds of our camp, and were fighting their way forward with a desperate degree of confidence in their efforts to drive us into the river, and at the same time heavily engaged our right.  Up to this time we had received no reinforcements.

Gen. Lew. Wallace failed to come to our support until the day was over, having taken the wrong road from Crump’s Landing, and being without other transports than those used for Quartermaster’s and commissary stores, which were too heavily laden to ferry any considerable number of Gen. Buell’s forces across the river, three that were here having been sent to bring the troops from Savannah.

We were therefore contesting against fearful odds.  Our force not exceeding 38,000 men; that of the enemy was upwards of 60,000.  Our condition at this moment was extremely critical.  Large numbers of men were panic stricken, others worn out by hard fighting, with an average per cent of skulkers had straggled towards the river and could not be rallied.

Gen. Grant and staff who had been recklessly riding along the lines during the entire day amid the unceasing storm of bullets, grape and shell, now rode from right to left, inciting men to stand firm until our reinforcements could cross the river.

Col. Webster, chief of staff, immediately got into position the heaviest pieces of artillery pointing on the enemy’s right, while a large number of batteries were planted along the entire line from the river bank to the extreme right, some 2 1-2 miles distant.  About an hour before dusk a general cannonade was opened upon the enemy from along tour whole line, with a perpetual crack of musketry.  Such a roar was never heard on this continent.  For a short time the rebels replied with vigor and effect, but their return shots grew less frequent and destructive, while ours grew more rapid and more terrible.

The gunboats Lexington and Taylor, which lay a short distance off, kept pouring shell on the rebel hordes.  This last effort was too much for the enemy and ere dusk the firing had nearly ceased.  When night came on all the combatants rested from their awful work of blood and carnage.  Our men rested on their arms in position they had at the close of the night, until the forces under Maj. Gen. Wallace arrived and took position on the right, and met Buell’s forces from the opposite side, and Savannah being now converted to the battle ground.

The entire right of Gen. Nelson’s division was ordered to for on the right, and the forces under Gen. Crittenden were ordered to his support early in the morning.

SECOND DAY’S BATTLE.

Gen Buell having arrived the following evening, in the morning the ball was opened at daylight simultaneously by Gen. Nelson’s division, on the left, and Maj. Gen. Wallace’s division on the right.  Gen. Nelson’s force opened a most galling fire and advance rapidly as they fell back.  The fire soon became general along the whole line, and began to tell with terrible effect on the enemy.

Generals McClernand’s, Sherman’s and Hurlburt’s [sic] men, though terribly jaded form the previous day’s fighting, still maintained their honors won at Donelson, but the resistance of the rebels at all points was terrible and worthy of a better cause; but they were not enough for our undaunted bravery and the dreadful desolation produced by our artillery, which was sweeping them away like chaff before the wind.  But knowing that a defeat here would be a death blow to their hopes, and that their all depended on this great struggle, their Generals still urged them on in the face of destruction, hoping by flanking us on the right to turn the tide of battle.

Their success was again for a time cheering as they began to gain ground on appearing to have been reinforced, by our left under Gen. Nelson was driving them and with wonderful rapidity, and by eleven o’clock Gen. Buell’s forces had succeeded in flanking them, and capturing their battery of artillery.

They, however, again rallied on the left and recrossed, and the right forced themselves forward in another desperate effort, but reinforcements from Gens. Wood and Thomas were coming in regiment after regiment, which were sent to Gen. Buell, who had again commenced to drive the enemy.  About 3 p.m. Gen. Grant road to the left where the fresh regiments had been ordered, and finding the rebels wavering, sent a portion of his body guard to the head of each five regiments, and then ordered a charge across the field, himself leading.  As he brandished his sword and waved them on to the crowning victory, while cannon balls were falling like hail around him, the men followed with a shout that sounded above the roar and din of the artillery, and the rebels fled in dismay as from a destroying avalanche, and never made another stand.

Gen. Buell followed the retreating rebels, driving them in splendid style, and by half past five o’clock the whole rebel army was in full retreat to Corinth, with our cavalry in hot pursuit, with what further result is not known, not having returned to this hour.  We have taken a large amount of their artillery, and also a number of prisoners.  We lost a number of our forces who were taken prisoners yesterday, among whom is Gen. Prentiss.

The number of our force taken has not been ascertained, yet it is reported at several hundred.

Gen. Prentiss is also reported wounded.

Among the killed on the rebel side was their General-in-Chief, A. Sidney Johnston, who was struck by a cannonball on the p. m. of Sunday.  Of this there is no doubt, as the report is corroborated by several rebel officers taken to-day.  It is further reported that Gen. Beauregard had his arm shot off this afternoon.

Gens. Bragg, Breckinridge, and Jackson were commanding portions of the rebel forces.

Our loss in officers is very heavy.  It is impossible at present to obtain their names.  The following were among the number:

Brig. Gen. W. H. L. Wallace; Col. Pegram, acting brigadier general; Col. Ellis, 10^th Ill.; Major Goddard, 15^th Ill; killed.  Lt. Col. Camarard, 72d Ohio, mortally wounded, since died.  Lt. Col. Kyle 41^st Ind.; Col. Davis, 46^th Ill; mortally wounded.  Gen. W. F. [sic] Sherman, wounded in hand by a cannon-ball.  Col. Sweeny, 52d Ill., acting brigadier general, received two shots in his only arm, having lost the other in Mexico; also a shot in one of his legs.  He nevertheless kept the field till the close of the fight, and excited the admiration of the whole army.

Col. Dave Stewart 55^th Illinois, acting Brigadier General, shot through the breast on Sunday, returned on the field Monday.  Col. Chas. Crufes, 31^st Ill., acting Brigadier General, shot through the right shoulder, not dangerously.

Col. Haynil, 48^th Ill., wounded slightly.

Col. J. C. McHury, 17^th Ky., ditto.

Lit. Co. Stout, 17^th Ky., ditto.

Lieut. Col Morgan, 25^th Ind., wounded severely.

Lieut. Col. Ransum, 11^th Ill., wounded badly in head.

Col. Mason, 71^st Ohio, wounded slightly.

Maj. Easton, 18^th Ill., acting Colonel, wounded fatally.

Maj. Herios, 11^th Ill., wounded slightly.

Capt. Irving W. Carson, Gen. Grant’s scout, head shot off by cannon ball.

Capt. Preston Morton, wounded mortally, since died.

Capt. Dillon, 18^th Ill., killed.

Capt. Mane, 5^th Ill., killed.

Capt. Carter, 12^th Ill., killed.

Maj. Page, 57^th Ill, killed.

There has never been a parallel to the gallantry and bearing of our officers from the Commanding General to the lowest officer.  Gen. Grant and Staff are in the field, riding along the lines in the thickest of the enemies [sic] fire during the entire two days of battle and slept on the ground.  Sunday night during a heavy rain on several occasions he got in range of the enemy’s guns and was discovered and was fired upon.

Lieut. Col. McPherson had his horse shot from under him along the side of Capt. Carson.  He was between Gen. Grant and your correspondent, when a cannon ball took off his head and killed and wounded several others.  Gen. Sherman had two horses killed under him, and Gen. McClernand shared like dangers; also Gen. Hurlbut – each of whom received bullet holes through their clothes.  Gen. Buell remained with his troops during the entire day, who with Gens. Crittenden and Nelson rode continually along the line, encouraging their men.  Gen. Buell’s advance will probably return from Corinth by to-morrow evening.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 10, 1862, p. 2