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 

Desperate Cavalry Charge Of The Third Iowa Cavalry At Pea Ridge

By the result of this charge, in which fifty out of two hundred and thirty-five men were place hors de combat in five minutes, I am reminded of the celebrated Balaklava charge, the valor with which our brave men rushed into the jaws of danger and death without quailing, being equally conspicuous with that of the gallant 600.

The Third Iowa in column of fours, as soon as the bugle sounded the charge, galloped down the narrow road leading along a fence on the south, with thick brush on the opposite side.  After going about three hundred yards in rear, and beyond the battery, a galling fire was poured in on them by a large body of McCulloch’s infantry, concealed in the brush in front, and to the right of the cavalry.  The latter wheeled and fired on the enemy, who were only a few yards distant.  At the same moment a large body of rebel cavalry made a charge through the woods and brush in the direction of our battery, and through the line of the Third Iowa, which had already sustained a heavy loss from the enemy’s deadly fire.  The rebel cavalry charged over the fence into the field on the left of the prairie, and were pursued by our cavalry.  A running fight ensued, in which the rebels suffered a very heavy loss.  Lieut. Col. Trimble was wounded at the first fire of the infantry, but succeeded in getting off the field.  The men being now without a commander, still pursued the enemy with great coolness, dealing powerful blows on their opponents, as the dead and wounded rebels (82 in number) left on the field, bear ample proof.  After the rebels were completely routed, the Third Iowa moved around the new position where the other detachment of cavalry had fallen back, and where Col. Greusel’s brigade was drawn up in line.  Here Col. Bussey rallied the First Missouri Cavalry and the Benton Hussars and formed a line on the east side of the field.

It has since been ascertained that Churchill’s regiment, armed with Mississippi rifles, gave the murderous fire on our cavalry. – Cor. Mo. Dem.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 27, 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

From Missouri and Arkansas

ST. LOUIS, March 8.

I learn that a fight took place at Chain of Rocks, on Cuivere River, Lincoln county, Mo., between 100 rebels and a company of Col. Krekel’s cavalry.  The former were attacked by the latter and completely routed, with a loss of fifteen killed and wounded.  They were nearly surrounded and in danger of being all captured, but by desperate exertions managed to make their escape with the loss mentioned.  Col. Krekel had three men wounded, one of them mortally.  He had sent to St. Charles for an additional company of infantry to pursue the enemy.

It has been suggested that the party thus beaten and put to flight by Col. Krekel were organized horse-thieves and Jayhawkers from Calhoun county, Illinois, and Lincoln county, Mo., who were in search of plunder.

Correspondence from our army at Cross Hollow, Arkansas, dated March 1^st says:

“Price, whose retreat is acknowledged on all hands to have been ably conducted found refuge in the Boston Mountains. – From two deserters who came into camp yesterday, it is ascertained that he is encamped on the Cave Creek road while McCulloch is posted one mile and an half distant on the Lees Creek road.  The latter has burned down a beautiful little village, near the Indian frontier, known as Cane Hill.  The supplies of the rebel army are obtained from Van Buren.

“It is stated on good authority that Price and McCulloch had a violent quarrel before leaving Cross Hollows, in the house now occupied by Col. Carr.

“Major Cartright, of the Federal army says that Colonel Coffin, of Dade county, Mo., is in the vicinity of Pineville with five hundred men, and that he is recruiting forces there for the purpose of capturing our trains.

“The train which had gone forward this morning was within one mile and a half of Keitsville, when that place was attacked.  Capt. Montogmery very prudently turned it back, and covered the retreat to Cassville.”

Major Wright also sends word that he learns from reliable sources that there are 400 rebels at Stockton and 150 at White Horn, both places in Cedar county, Mo.  There are also 1,000 at King’s Point and 90 near Milville, in a fort, in Dade county, Mo.  These parties are committing depredations and swearing vengeance against the Union men.

– 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

Southern News

FORT MONROE, Feb. 27.

A flag of truce to-day took over fifty people to Craney Island.

We have the following Southern news:

A meeting of the cotton and tobacco planters took place at Richmond on Wednesday evening, to take into consideration the voluntary destruction of the cotton and tobacco crops, in view of the fact that the efforts of the enemy were mainly directed towards robbing the South of the accumulation of these two great staples.  A number of speeches were made, and a committee was appointed to prepare business for an adjourned meeting this evening.

In Congress, on Wednesday, Senator Sims of Ky., offered some resolutions, declaring that the people of the Confederate states will to the last extremity maintain and defend their right to self government and the government established by them, and to this end will pledge their last man and last dollar for the prosecution of the war until their independence is acknowledged; and will submit to any sacrifice and endure any trial, however severe, and firmly relying on the justice of their cause and humbly trusting in the Providence of God, will maintain their position before the world and high heaven, while they have a voice to raise or  an arm to defend.  The resolutions were referred to the committee on military affairs.

A resolution was offered providing for compensation by the government, for cotton and tobacco burned to prevent their falling into the hands of the United States.

The Raleigh Register, of the 26^th inst., says that two men were brought to this city on Monday as prisoners, on a charge of having piloted the Yankees to Roanoke Island.  They were committed to jail.

The same paper in an editorial begins by saying that it would be criminal as well as idle to deny that the present state is the most gloomy period that the South has witnessed since the commencement of the war, and goes on in an earnest manner to call on the people to stand by their country, and fight to the last.

All the prisoners taken at Roanoke have been released on parole.  Quite a number of them arrived at Raleigh on Monday, and they state that one hundred and fifty were left at Weldon, to come on Tuesday.

Five regiments of volunteers for the war are wanted to fill up the quota of North Carolina, and Gov. Clark has issued a proclamation appealing to the patriotism of the citizens of the State to fill up these regiments.

The Norfolk Day Book of yesterday has the following telegraph:

RICHMOND, Feb. 26.

The Lynchburg Republican has a special dispatch from Bristol, Tenn., stating that the enemy occupied Nashville on Sunday.

The number of confederate prisoners taken at fort Donelson is about 7,000.  The number killed was 500, and wounded 1500.  The admitted loss of the Federals is from 6,000 to 10,000 killed and wounded.  Gen. Floyd has saved all his command, except the 20^th Mississippi regiment and the Grays and Jackson’s battery, which were taken.

RICHMOND, Feb. 27.

Schleiss’s new and extensive cotton and woolen factory was burnt on Tuesday night.  The loss is heavy.  The cotton factories at Columbus and Augusta have temporarily suspended, in consequence of material injury to their canals by the recent freshet.

AUGUSTA, Feb. 26.

The Savannah Republican, of this morning, says that the communications with Fort Pulaski has been effectually closed by the Federals who have erected three batteries of heavy guns.

MEMPHIS, Feb. 24.

Our latest advices from Nashville state that the federal troops have not yet occupied the city.

The scouts of Gen. Buell’s army have appeared at the north side of the Cumberland river and it is supposed their appearance is preparatory to an early advance of the main column.

Generals Price and McCullough [sic] are both preparing for battle.  The former is at the side of Fayetteville and the latter is at Boston Mountain with a force of cavalry.

It is reported that 9 federal gunboats were seen on Sunday at Mayfield and 15 transports.  No immediate action was expected.

MEMPHIS, Feb. 25.

Late advices from Knoxville, State that the Confederates at Cumberland Gap expect an early engagement.  The Federals are frequently in sight.

LYNCHBURG, Feb. 25.

A portion of the bridge which connected the island on which the south side depot is situated with the north Virginia and Tennessee R. R. depot, was destroyed yesterday, by coals falling from the locomotive.  Two spans were burnt, which will prevent the running of the south side cars into the city.

NEW YORK, Feb, 27.

The Post publishes extracts of a letter from Richmond, dated, over a month since, from a person still a resident of the South and with excellent opportunities of knowledge.  He says the rebel army on paper is 400,000, but in the field not quite 200,000, and part of them indifferently armed.  He says the rebel army on the whole line of the Potomac is only about 69,000, and thinks the Southern troops whose term of enlistment expires on the 1^st of May, will not reenlist if they can possibly avoid it.

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

Ben McCulloch

Ben McCulloch is finally dead.  This time there is no mistake.  The fact is confessed by his own friends, and made the subject of a special order.  His “last moments” are described as having been ludicrously tragic.  He would not believe that his time had come – swore and raved terribly – vowed that it wasn’t in the power of the Yankees to kill him.  Finally feeling himself going, and being told he had but a few minutes to live, he exclaimed, “Ho, Hell,” turned his face away and expired.

His death rids the earth of a great scourge.  He was a man of infamous principles and infamous life.  Few had done more to foster lawlessness – few had done more to corrupt the people.  He was one of the leading spirits of the rebellion in the Southwest; and his voice and example were potent in spurring his half savage followers to deeds of violence and brutality.

And yet we are told he had little of the ruffian in his appearance.  In his normal moods he was the

 – “Mildest mannered man

That ever scuttled ship or cut a throat.”

He was soft of speech, [illegible] and could enact the polished gentleman to the life.  It was only when his passions were aroused that the desperado shone forth. – Albany Evening Journal.

– Published in The Cedar Falls Gazette, Cedar Falls, Iowa, Friday, April 11, 1862, p. 1

Price Again Cleaned Out By Gen. Curtis

Special to Chicago Journal.

ST. LOUIS, February 25.

Dispatches received at the headquarters of the Department [of the] West this morning announce that the army under General Curtis had again routed General Price, together with the forces sent to his assistance by the Confederates under command of Ben. McCulloch, at Cross Hollows, Arkansas.  This was the place at which Price was expected to make his last determined stand.  It is forty miles from the Missouri boundary line, and a point at which desperate resistance might well be made.

Gen. Curtis forced Price to leave behind him all his military stores, and also his sick and wounded.  Previous to his abandonment of the ground, he ordered all his camp equipage to be burned, and it was done.

General Curtis in his dispatch to Gen. Halleck, says: “Most of our provisions for the last ten days have been taken from the enemy.  Price burned the extensive barracks at Cross Hollow, to prevent our troops from occupying them.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 1

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

COLONEL JOHN FRANCIS BATES

FIRST INFANTRY.

John Francis Bates was the first colonel of the first regiment furnished by the State for the War of the Rebellion. He was born the 3d day of January, 1831; and is a native of Utica, Oneida County, New York. His parents were poor, and, thrown upon his own resources in acquiring his education, he defrayed his expenses for six years at the Utica schools, by sweeping the school-room and by building fires. Two years, he subsequently passed in the office of the Utica Daily " Gazette," and then became a book-keeper and salesman in a mercantile establishment of that city. From 1852 to 1855, he was engaged in the insurance business in New York City, since which time he has been a resident of Dubuque, Iowa. In Dubuque, he has been an insurance agent, a land-broker and a county politician. He was elected in 1858 to the clerkship of the District Court for Dubuque County, and was holding that office at the time of entering the volunteer service. After the expiration of his term of service, he was again elected to that office.

The 1st Iowa Infantry was the only Iowa regiment furnished by the State for the first call of the President. It was the only three-months Iowa regiment in the war. But, though its term of service was short, it made a brilliant record, and what sacred memories cluster about its name!

During the long four-year's bitter struggle that is now about to close, Iowa, in practical patriotism, in the promptness with which she has filled her quotas, and in the general efficiency of her troops, stands second to none of the loyal States. I will not say first, where all have done so well; but a press of the metropolis of our sister Empire State gives "All honor to the enterprise and gallantry of Iowa. She has, uncomplainingly and unselfishly, borne more than her share of the onerous burdens of the war; and in the field her sons have carried the Stars and Stripes well in the front, and made the name of Iowa soldiers synonymous with heroism and invincibility."

The 1st Iowa Infantry was the oldest of her sister regiments, and how much her example at Wilson's Creek had to do in making her junior sisters "heroic and invincible," it is impossible to say; but we believe that no State, whose military sun rose in such splendor as did Iowa's, would allow it to set in disgrace. All honor to the 1st Iowa Infantry!

To know the counties from which this regiment was made up will be matter of interest, as it also will to know the names and subsequent history of many of its officers and enlisted men. The members of the regiment had their homes in the counties of Dubuque, Muscatine, Scott, Johnson, Des Moines, Henry and Linn. Muscatine gave companies A and C; Des Moines, D and E; Dubuque, H and I; Johnson, B; Henry, F ; Scott, G; and Linn, K.

Of Company A, Captain Markoe Cummings was subsequently lieutenant-colonel of the 6th Iowa Infantry; Lieutenant Benjamin Beach, a captain of the 11th; First Sergeant H. J. Campbell, major of the 18th; and private Robert B. Baird, quarter-master of the 35th.

Of Company B, Lieutenant Harvey Graham was subsequently lieutenant-colonel of the 22d Iowa Infantry; and Sergeants Charles N. Lee and J. H. Gurkee, captains in the same regiment.

Of Company C, Lieutenant W. Pursell was subsequently major of the 16th Iowa Infantry; First Sergeant W. Grant, a captain of the 11th, and Corporal A. N. Snyder, a captain of the 35th.

Of Company D, the facetious, jolly captain, Charles L. Matthies, was subsequently lieutenant colonel of the 5th Iowa Infantry, then colonel, and then brigadier-general.

Of Company E, Lieutenant J. C. Abercrombie was subsequently lieutenant-colonel of the 11th Iowa Infantry; private W. J. Campbell, a captain of the 14th; private C. A. Cameron, a captain of the 39th; and private A. Roberts, lieutenant- colonel of the 30th.
Of Company F, Captain Samuel M. Wise was subsequently major of the 17th Iowa Infantry; Lieutenant George A. Stone, colonel of the 25th; private J. S. Clark, a lieutenant of the 34th; private C. W. Woodrow, a lieutenant of the 17th; and private T. J. Zollars, captain of Company F, 4th Iowa Cavalry.

Of Company G, Captain Augustus Wentz was subsequently lieutenant-colonel of the 7th Iowa Infantry, and was killed at Belmont; and private Ernest Arp, a lieutenant of the 12th Missouri Infantry.

Of Company H, Sergeant Charles Schaeffer was subsequently a major of the 5th Iowa Cavalry, and a staff officer of General Curtis; private T. Groetzinger, a lieutenant in the 27th Infantry.

Of Company I, Captain F. J. Herron was subsequently lieutenant-colonel of the 9th Iowa Infantry, then brigadier-general, and then major-general; Sergeant Samuel F. Osborn, a lieutenant in the 21st; private N. E. Duncan, adjutant of the 12th; private David Greaves, a captain in the 21st; private D. B. Green, a captain in the 3d Missouri Infantry; and private C. A. Reed, an assistant-surgeon of the 9th Infantry.

Of Company K, First Sergeant John H. Stibbs was subsequently a captain, then lieutenant-colonel of the 12th Iowa Infantry; Sergeant Edward Coulter, a captain in the 20th ; private G. C. Burmeister, a captain in the 35th; and private Jackson D. Furguson, a lieutenant in the 12th. He was killed at the battle of Shiloh.

In its line officers and enlisted men, this noble old regiment has been represented in a majority of the Iowa regiments, since formed; and, from these officers and men, it has furnished officers of every grade in the army, from a second lieutenant to a major-general. Its example at Wilson's Creek was not the only influence it had on the military history of the State.

The 1st Iowa rendezvoused at the city of Keokuk, and its camp was Camp Ellsworth. War, at that day, was a novelty, and there was no end to the curiosity that a boy, dressed in uniform, excited. And an officer—my! One who visited the camp of this regiment at Keokuk discourses thus:

"Their mode of life was a great novelty to us; those sentinels marching to and fro, so stern, so mute! All within ten feet of their beat was forbidden ground. What did all this signify ? Their officers were putting on style, we said, and the men were learning to be soldiers pretty easily. Then there was a gate, where stood sentinel No. 1. Through this, all who went in or out were compelled to pass. And there stood the officer of the guard — how magnificently attired! If men's merits were to be judged by their appearance, we would have supposed him a hero of twenty battles. But we forgot to salute him. What daggers he looked at us! We asked him to let us pass in.

'Where do you belong?'

'To the Third Regiment!'

'What do you want here ?'

'To see some friends.'

'Sentinel, pass them in, sir.'"

Farther along the author says:

" We plied them with all manner of questions, in reply to which they told us prodigious stories of what they had already seen and suffered for their country's sake. If we were to believe them, they were suffering greatly now. They had been in the service six weeks and a half, and the government had furnished them no clothing, and not a cent of pay! Besides, they were half-starved; and the rations furnished them were not fit for a dog! And their officers treated them shamefully too."

Thousands will recognize this as a true picture of their early soldiering.

If in the spring of 1861, a soldier in rendezvous was a novelty, he was on the eve of his departure for the field, still more so. He became an object of veneration; and, as he moved through the streets, he stirred in the hearts of the citizens the deepest emotions. "Brave, noble boy! He is going to defend our rights and the glory of the flag; and will probably never return." Big tears started in many a manly eye that had never known weeping before.

The 1st Iowa Infantry received orders from General Lyon to report at Hannibal, Missouri, on the 12th of June, and the next day the regiment left on transports. The 2d Iowa Infantry under Colonel, now Major-General Curtis, left only the day before for the same destination. The good people of Keokuk were wild with excitement, and lavish of their hospitalities; and when all was in readiness and the boats were about to drop out into the stream, a vast assemblage stood on the wharf, waving and weeping their adieus. But how all was changed in one year's time! The same people wished the 15th and 17th Iowa on their departure for the field, "good riddance;" they still admired the soldier's intrepid spirit; but they had become impatient of his mischievous conduct.

Colonel Bates was at first assigned to duty with his regiment on the line of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad. His section extended from Hannibal to Macon City. The character of these services appears in the sketch of Colonel Wilson G. Williams, and need not be repeated. The duties, which were arduous, and which required the greatest vigilance, were discharged with much credit, and the regiment became popular with the loyal citizens of Missouri.

Early in July, Colonel Bates was relieved from guard duty on the railroad, and ordered to report to General Lyon at Brownsville. Soon after, the long and tedious march over the Missouri prairies in the direction of Springfield began.

At that day, the people of the entire State of Missouri were in a state of anarchy. The great dividing lines were being drawn, and both the Federal and Confederate authorities were, In the same district, and often in the same county, recruiting their forces. Everything seemed to threaten civil order in Missouri. We know little of the terrors of civil war in Iowa. Citizens upon our southern border only have had a foretaste. All business pursuits were not only suspended, but no one at night could rest soundly, for fear of the knife, bullet or torch of the assassin.

Harris, Green and others, had large rebel forces even north of the Missouri river. Near Springfield, the enemy were concentrating. They boasted that they would capture St. Louis, which was Fremont's excuse for his elaborate fortifications around that city. General Lyon resolved to march on and disperse the enemy, though his force consisted of not more than six thousand men, and the enemy claimed more than treble that number. He marched from Springfield on the First of August, in the direction of Dug Springs, and at that place encountered the enemy in force; but after slight skirmishing they retired. He followed them into Northern Arkansas; but not bringing them to a stand, and fearing for his own safety on account of being so far removed from his base, he fell back to Springfield. On this march, the 1st Iowa Infantry had several skirmishes with the enemy. So soon as Lyon began retracing his steps the enemy followed, and on his arrival at Springfield, or soon after, they had reached Wilson's Creek. Why did General Lyon fight the battle of Wilson's Creek? Why, if necessary, did he not fall back in the direction of Rolla, and await reinforcements? General Lyon fought this battle, I believe, for the same reasons that would have controlled any other brave, resolute general at that stage of the war. He believed that the enemy, though strong in numbers, were weak in that strength which arises from a sense of being in the right, and on the side of law and order. As a bailiff with his posse disperses a crazy, lawless mob, so he believed he could triumph over the combined rebel forces; and, had he not fallen, he might have done so, though probably not.

The battle of Wilson's Creek was not great in its proportions— only great in results. In the South West, it demonstrated the falsity of Southern boasting, that one of the chivalry "could whip six northern mud-sills;" indeed it well nigh demonstrated the converse of the proposition. It resulted in establishing military prestige in the South West in favor of the federal arms — a prestige which was never after lost.

Wilson's Creek is a tributary of White River, and, at the point where was fought the celebrated battle which bears its name, is about twelve miles west-south-west of Springfield. In the vicinity of the battle-ground, the country through which it runs is hilly and barren, and, to a considerable extent, covered with dense scrub-oak. To the west and south-west of Springfield, the stream is crossed by two roads, the one west leading to Little York and Mount Vernon, and the one southwest to Fayetteville, Arkansas. The distance between these two roads at the points where they cross the creek is between three and four miles. Nearly mid-way between these the battle was fought.

On the afternoon of the 9th of August, 1861, Lyon, with all his forces, was at Springfield, and the enemy in their camp on Wilson's Creek. That afternoon, in council with his officers, he determined to move out against them, and his plan of attack was as follows:—Sigel, with a small force, going down the Fayetteville road, was to move on the enemy and attack them in rear, while Lyon, with the chief part of the troops, was to move west over the Little York and Mount Vernon road, and attack them in front. The attack was to be made at day-light of the 10th instant. Sigel, though successful in surprising the enemy, was afterwards defeated and narrowly escaped capture. This was early in the day. Lyon's command, therefore, did the chief fighting at Wilson's Creek. The First Iowa Infantry was under Lyon, and the movements of this officer I will therefore trace.

About six o'clock in the evening of the ninth instant, Lyon ordered his troops under arms, and without music, marched quietly out from Springfield. His course for nearly two miles was the same as that followed by Sigel. Continuing his course westward till arriving in the neighborhood of Wilson's Creek, he then took a blind or by-road to his right; for a portion of the enemy were encamped near the junction of the main road with the creek, on the bluffs south-west of the stream; and these, to make his surprise the more complete in the morning, he wished to avoid. Before midnight, and without disturbing the enemy, he gained the bluffs south-west of the creek, and at a point some three miles distant from their main camp. His position was on their left flank, and their vedettes and pickets were not far distant. There he bivouacked till three o'clock in the morning. Sigel, on the other hand, halting in the low ground on the north-east side of the creek, rested till about the same hour, with only the high bluffs of the creek separating him from the enemy.

At three o'clock, Lyon put his troops under arms, and with his skirmishers thrown out, moved down the bank of the creek in the direction of the enemy. The enemy's pickets and their reserves were encountered and driven in, about five o'clock, and very soon after quite a strong force was met on a high point, some quarter of a mile north of where they were forming their main line of battle. These were engaged and partially driven back by the First Kansas Volunteer Infantry and a battalion of Regular Infantry under Captain, afterwards, General Plummer; and near this spot, let me say, was done the principal fighting of that day. The Reverend John S. C. Abbott represents the fighting as having taken place on the north-east bank of the creek, but Mr. Abbott was misinformed. He was also misinformed as to the spot where General Lyon fell. That General was shot some four rods in rear of the First Iowa, and was not at the time leading a charge.

The First Iowa Infantry first formed line of battle on the ground in question, and on the left of Dubois' Battery, which it was ordered to support. After taking position, Lieutenant-Colonel Merritt, commanding the regiment, and who it is but just to add distinguished himself by his coolness and courage, at once sent out as skirmishers companies D and E, commanded respectively by Lieutenants Keller and Abercrombie.

The topography of the Wilson Creek battle-ground is nearly as follows: Between the Federal and Confederate forces was a ravine, penetrating the bluffs of the creek in a semi-circular course from the west. Its bed and its sides were partially wooded as before stated — enough so, to afford cover to an attacking party. On the north bank of this ravine was Lyon, and on its south bank, McCulloch. Price had in the bed of the ravine, artillery supported by infantry. Between these guns and those of Dubois, an artillery duel opened. For a time the infantry engaged each other at long range; but presently the First Kansas, stationed down the hill, were assaulted and repulsed, when instantly the First Iowa was ordered forward to relieve them. Advancing, the regiment met the First Kansas retreating in confusion. They dashed through Colonel Merritt's line, and threw it into disorder, and at the very instant he received a galling fire from the enemy. Orders were given to re-form, but the din of fire-arms and loud talking drowned Colonel Merritt's voice, and he was left with only two companies. With these he continued to advance. At this juncture, the Black Horse Cavalry made their appearance on our right and rear. They had gained their position by moving through ravines, under cover of timber.. They were commanded by one Captain George S. Laswell, a former resident of Ottumwa. Led on by this man, they were about charging Totten's Battery, when the two companies under Colonel Merritt, about-facing, delivered a fire that emptied several saddles, and placed the rebel captain out of battle; and thus the fight went on.

In the meantime, rebel infantry had been pushed up the ravine, and appeared on our extreme right. They advanced rapidly up the hill, delivering a continuous fire, but were repulsed. They reformed and advanced again, and were a second time repulsed. During the second advance, Lyon fell. I should state that before this happened, Major A. B. Porter, with companies A, F, D, and E, of the First Iowa, had been sent to the rear to watch the Black Horse Cavalry.

Sigel had, a long time ere this, been defeated, and a portion of the rebel troops that had repulsed him were now advancing up the north-east bank of the creek. To check these, the Regulars were sent across the creek ; but in that quarter there was little fighting. The battle was of more than five hour's duration. The First Iowa was at the front five hours. Of the retreat Colonel Merritt says:

"About twelve o'clock, M., the order was given to retire from the field, which was done in good order. As we retired over the hill, we passed a section of Totten's Battery occupying a commanding point to the right, and supported on the right by companies A, F, D, and E, of the Iowa troops, under command of Major Porter, and on the left by one company of Regular Infantry under command of Colonel Lothrop. This command sustained our retreat with great coolness and determination, under a most terrific fire from the enemy's infantry. After the wounded were gathered up, our column formed in order of march, and, the enemy repulsed, the battery and infantry retired in good order. Thus closed one of the most hotly-contested engagements known to the country."

Such, briefly, was the battle of Wilson's Creek. Though imperfect in detail, I believe that, so far as it goes, it is correct. Compared, however, with the brilliant accounts of our modern war-historians, it would not be recognized as the same engagement. It was the first battle of importance fought in the South West, and, becoming the theme of exciting comment in almost every paper in the loyal and disloyal States, gradually increased in proportions, till it was in print one of the most sanguinary battles of modern times. And it was in fact a severely contested and bloody fight; for the loss of the 1st Iowa Infantry alone was more than one hundred and fifty. This regiment however suffered more severely than any other of the troops, and was admitted by all to have borne itself with conspicuous gallantry. Captain Alexander L. Mason, a native of Indiana, and a resident of Muscatine, was the only commissioned officer killed. He fell in a charge at the head of his company. Captain Frederick Gottschalk and Lieutenants H. Graham and William Pursell were wounded. The loss of the regiment in killed was only eleven, though several died afterwards of their wounds. Colonel Bates was not present in the engagement, though I am advised he made an effort to be. He was left sick at Springfield.

The following is the roll of honor, as given by Lieutenant- Colonel Merritt:

"It is with great pleasure that I acknowledge valuable aid and assistance from Major A. B. Porter, Adjutant George W. Waldron, who was wounded in the leg, and Sergeant-Major Charles Compton; and to express my unbounded admiration of the heroic conduct displayed by both officers and men. No troops, regular or volunteer, ever sustained their country's flag with more determined valor and fortitude. They have covered themselves with Imperishable honor, and must occupy a conspicuous place in the history of their country."

In this connection, it is proper to state that the term of service of every line officer of the regiment expired on the afternoon of that evening in which they marched out to Wilson's Creek; but not one of them claimed exemption from the coming battle. The same can not be said of officers of some other troops. The term of service of the enlisted men of the 1st Iowa Infantry expired four days after the battle.

Wilson's Creek was a drawn battle; for, though the Confederates kept the field, they did not make pursuit. They had been severely punished; but I doubt if that alone deterred them, for, in numbers, their strength exceeded that of the Federals more than four to one. They had not yet nursed their treason to that fanatical point which made it synonymous with patriotism, and they were cowards.

After the fall of General Lyon, Major, now General Sturgis, assumed command of the Federal forces and fell back to Springfield, and soon after to Rolla. In the meantime General Sterling Price, who had succeeded McCulloch in command of the rebel forces, occupied the country, and in the latter part of the month, moved north and laid siege to, and captured Lexington.

The term of service of the 1st Iowa Infantry had now expired, and, returning to their homes, they were welcomed as the first heroes of the State in the war. Wherever they appeared, they were looked on with wonder. They had gained more distinction in that solitary battle than is now accorded our veterans of twenty battles; but they are the sires of our military prowess, and who would detract from their hard-earned glory ?

Colonel Bates is a fine looking man. He is five feet nine inches in hight, and has a well developed and pre-possessing person. He has a social disposition, and makes a warm friend and a sleepless enemy. I do not admire his political course, and may be prejudiced against him; but this certainly must be conceded—he is entitled to much credit for surmounting the obstacles of poverty and a deficient education, and for making himself what he is.

The Colonel, I think, was not popular with his regiment. He would allow no foraging. In restoring the seceded States to their proper functions in the Union, and in establishing within their limits a respect for the laws of the Government, he believed more in moral suasion than in corporal castigation. His officers and men charged him with being too kind to the rebels, though they gave him credit of being sincere in his convictions. After leaving the service, he continued to act and vote with the so-called Peace Party.

SOURCE: Stuart, A. A., Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 22-34

Retrospective

If it is too much too say that three months ago darkness and gloom shrouded the Union cause, that at home the National credit was tottering, and abroad we were treated with a scarcely disguised contempt, it is, at least, true that with the opening of the year some distrust and much despondency pervaded the public mind. But in these three months a change as cheering has come over our affairs as the events are remarkable by which it has been accomplished. Let us briefly review them:

Order No. 1 of President Lincoln marked the inauguration of a new era, illustrated in the East by the gallant Burnside and Shields, and in the West by a succession of victories hardly surpassed in the history of any campaign on record. On the 19th of January last occurred the affair at Mill Spring, the harbinger of a new day. In that fight the right wing of the rebel army in Kentucky was destroyed, the position at Bowling Green was flanked, and Tennessee opened to invasion. February 6th, Fort Henry was taken, and we were enabled to command the communication of the rebel strongholds at Bowling Green and at Columbus. Nine days later the rebels evacuated Bowling Green, and it was occupied by Gen. Mitchell without firing off a gun. February 16th, Fort Donelson fell; on the 25th of the same month Nashville was occupied by Union troops. March 4th, the evacuation of Columbus afforded us another bloodless but most important victory. On the 13th New Madrid was evacuated by the rebels, whose retreating footsteps were pressed upon so closely that vast quantities of camp equipage and supplies of all kinds fell into our hands. March 10th, came the news of the hard fought field of Pea Ridge, in which the combined forces of McCulloch, Price and Van Dorn, sustained a final defeat, and Missouri was redeemed. Up all this comes the news of the reduction of Island No. 10, and the victory at Pittsburg, which though it may have been well night missed by the delays of a dilatory General, will prove, let us trust, in the end a signal advantage.

In contemplating the series of events, of which this is only the merest outline, it seems more like a skillfully arranged drama than like a campaign prosecuted under great difficulties, so rapid and harmonious have been the movements, undisturbed by a single serious reverse. It is only when we reckon up its visible, tangible results, and attempt to form some idea of the consequences sure speedily to follow, that we can at all realize the real nature of the stupendous game that has been played before our eyes. In brief, the result of the campaign thus far are Some 25,000 prisoners; untold amounts of military stores and equipments; hundreds of guns; innumerable flags and every species of trophy, the loss of which inspires discouragement, and the gain, elation in the minds of soldiers; the complete demoralization and partial dispersion of armies, which must number in the aggregate at least 200,000 men; the final liberation from the rebel occupancy of Missouri, Kentucky and Ten – [sic] We have no definite figures yet, but five hundred, I should think, would cover the whole number. We have, however, a large number of their wounded, who are doubtless regarded as prisoners of war, though not included in this estimate. They carried off what wounded they could on Sunday, but on Monday they were forced to leave many to fall into our hands.

Our tents, too, are badly damaged, and much of the camp equipage is destroyed. The rebels occupied all our camps but one, on Monday [sic] night. Trunks were plundered, and private property was mostly destroyed; much however, was left uninjured, especially the camps were not burned, as would certainly have been done if the rebels had not expected to hold what they had gained, and to use at their leisure the spoils they had gained. But on both Sunday and Monday the battle raged through the camps, and of course the tents were riddled with balls. Many of those exposed are thus rendered worthless.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862, p. 3