Vandalia Whig and Illinois intelligencer. [volume] (Vandalia, Ill.) 1832-183?, 1832-08-15

ward. The enemy occasionally showing itsel
lin front and flank until the advanced columns
composed Of Gen. Dodge's squadron and MAJOR
Ewing's Battalion of Spies halted This steE
was taken in consequence of a scattering and
Diminishing fire heard on the left. 1t was imme
diately ascertained that the close pursuit and da-
ring courage of the scouts from the squadron had
Ibroughtthe enemy to bay-at this point the Ous.
consin was in sight on the right, succession Of
lofty peaks on the left, and less elevated heights
ION the right; the Brigade occupying an uneven
plain; in front lay the second step of the river
thlnly covered with low over-cup oak; on the left
and between the position of the Brigade and the
above mentioned Sacs runs a deep ravine from
left to right, diagonay across the front and boun-
ding the aforesaid step; before this lies marsh
covered with the lost uxuriant growth of grass.
which continues to the margin of the river, being
interrupted only by one slight elevation of sandy
ground.
This was the situation of the country when it
was discovered that the whole force of the enemy
was advancing The right and left columns If
the advance under the command of Gen. Do ge,
and the centre column under the command of
MAJ. Ewing, were Immediately formed in line of
battle, by their respective commanders at this in
slant the enemy in its accustomed manner direc>
led Its attack against the front These troops gal
iantly wifhstood the shock and drove back the
survivors inconfision and dismay. The Brigade
advancing from the right and left and centre, by
heads of Regiments. the line of Battle was i'm
rnedlately completed, under the command of COL
Jones on the left, supported by Col. Collins, who,
as soon as they dismounted, commenced and main
tanned well directed fire against the enemy.
The right wing was commanded by Col. Fry,
who advanced on the right with the first battalion
and occupied position on the high ground above
the marsh and drove back the enemy in its attempts
to flank to the right of us.
The enemy being driven back at all points.
took possession Of strong positions on the sides of
the heights to the left, and in the ravine at their
base. Thus posted they threw great number of
shot against the front and left wing, without the
of being reached by ours; at this juno
ture, ordered the left wing, under Col Jones,
Whose horse was shot under him at this time) and
Collins to advance quickly at charge and take
of the enemv's position, and cover the
the heights, and Maj. James, of the I'd Battalion
I'd Regiment, with two companies of said Batta-
ion, was ordered to charge on the right. BY re-
quest of Gen. Dodge and Maj Ewing, they were
ordered to charge the enemy at the point of the
bayonet, lying concealed in the ravlne. These
movements were effected with the greatest proap-
ttude, and in the most gallant style. In a few
minutes the battle became general, and the enc
my was soon driven from the heights, fleeing
down the precipitous declivites, and took refuge
in the swamps and thick woods and high grass in
the bottoms of the Onisconsin.
Col. Fry, with the first Battalion of his (2d)
Regiment having completely routed the enemy
on our right, was Withdrawn from the position he
then occupied in the battle, and was ordered to
guard the horses and baggage until the issue of
the conflict was determined This important du-
ty was confided to the charge of 1t. Col. Smith,
while Col. Fry was engaged on the lines Mai.
Wood, of the Sd, and Maj. Miller of the 4th Re,
ailments, commanded and sustained the left of
their respective Regiments, while engaged with
the enemy on the charge, and acquitted themselves
in manner worthy of their character as officers
and men.
Having no information of the probable position
OF the residue OF the enemy, and the situation of
the ground, and because of the approach of night,
Withdrew the troops, and about eight O'Clock
went into encampment on the ground whore the
attack was first made by the enemy.
In all these movements received efficient aid
from Col. Mcconnell, who in the absence of nv
FIRST aid-de-camp, performed the duties Of that
station with GOODNESS, promptness and to nv en-
tire satisfaction. Assisted by Mr. johnson and
others, he communicated to the officers of the line
all orders directed to be given, and accompanied
Col' Fry In his charge upon the enemy upon the
right
In short, it is with much pleasure that have
it In my power to say to you that the officers and
men under my command, without single excep-
ton demand and have my sincere thanks, and de.
serve well of their country, for their prompt obe-
dience of orders, and unyelding bravery upon
this occasion.
At an early hour This morning the whole army
was marched on foot Except the 18th Regiment
left to guard the camp under command Of Col
Coins) through the swamps to the bank of the
river, where we expected to find the residue Of
the enemy's force-but they had escaped Bv
means Of bark canoes they were enabled to pass
the river during the night, leaving behind the
principal part of their effects.
We had one man killed, and eight wounded,
none MORALLY. The number of enemy killed and
wounded is unknown,as the dead are scattered
over a1arge tract of country covered with thick
woods and high grass. Between thirty and for.
~ have been fonnd, and others continually being
discovered by our scouts. From appearances,
the wounded, and many of the dead were remov.
ed the night succeeding the battle.
The name of the person killed, is J. 7. Short,
of Randolph county, Illinois.
Signed, &c.