The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-05-29

our right resting upon the road This position we
pea Tor about an hour when we were ordered TO march
across the road for the purpose OF supporting apoton OF
Capt Brags's battery, which directed 10 take up an
elevated position ON the right Of and one fourth OF
mile rom the road Here we remained until the morn
ing OF the ODD, resting AS soon as the reg
ment had reached the point designated, Col Mckee d
eced picket be Stationed for the purpose OF watching
pass running behind the mountains on our right,
through which IT was thought, by Major Mansfield OF
the engineer corps that the enemy might endeavor to
turn our flank This was done by myself, under the SUI
pervison of MAJOR Mansfield, and the picket remained
during the night keeping up vigant watch. Two other
pckes were thrown out in advance, and the foot OF
the mountain. just before daylight, on the morning OF
the 3d. firing was heard in the direction of the foot OF
the mountain, which, in few moments, was found to
proceed from the pckets OF the enemy ltbeing near
daylight and Col Mckee being convinced that the action
would be commenced on the left he directed 10 with
draw all the pckets leaving two or three men OF each
with orders remain until after daylight, and then to
Join their companies AS we expected, the action dad
commence on the left BY rapid discharge of musketry
from the enemy, which returned by our troops.
q believe the Kentucky cavalry, which had been DIS
mounted, and perhaps some others( We kept our po-
ston, watching the acton on the left most anNlousy,
until about o'clock, when received orders 10 march
in douhe-qulck time to the ett, We did so; and as
had crossed the road received orders omarch
up small hill, Immediately in our 'front.' in line OF battle,
Tor the purpose OF supporting portion OF the second I'M
nols regiment, under command OF Col bsse which had
been engaged with the enemys infantry for few MN
ules. This order obeyed by Col Mckee with great
alaerty who led the regiment into action in the most gal
liant manner. We the top of the hull IN very
few seconds, where the men poured IN wel-dreced ana
most destructive fire which was returned by the enemy
for a'few minutes, when they reueaed We pursued
them until became exposed TO the fire OF battery OF
the enemys artillery posted the foot of the noun
tain the left, when we were recalled In this charge
our loss very slight-tha OF the enemy beng
Iwoportionably heavy. Alter we were recalled we
ordered to take up position under the brow OF
HILL 10 protect us from the lire OF the enemys artillery,
which kept up for some time. Here we renamed
for an hour two, the men keeping up hire whenever
they could see OF the enemy within range OF their
pieces We then ordered to march across the heads
OF two ravnes, Tor the purpose OF supporting IN con-
junction with Colonel Bissells command, a portion OF
Captain Washingons battery, which was endeavorng to
silence the artillery OF the enemy which was posted at
the foot of the mountain. Here remained for some time,
sustaining very heavy fire OF artillery when the sec
ton of artillery supporting having advanced
somewhat nearer that of the enemys, we We're informed
that about TO be charged by large body OF cav
airy. Colonel Mckee Immediately formed the regiment
column, doubled the centre, and marched forward,
intending to form square on the hill Tor the purpose OF
charged, we Were ordered to advance (st in column
for the purpose of assisting the Illinois troops under
command OF Colonies Hardin and Bssel who were ad-
vancng on large body OF the enemys infantry, which
was at that time III retreat We advanced IN double
quick tme the order having been given 10 depoy the
column as well as il could be done whilst in motion
This deployment executed very handsomely, and we
continued to advance for near half mile across several
very deep and rough aylnes before we could gain posi-
ton from which we could with any effect return the re
of the enemy Scarce had fifty OF the regiment reached
the contemplated position, when was discovered that
almost surrounded by an immense force OF m
iantry, who poured most destructive fire upon our
already exhausted troops H9re deemed proper TO
retreat, which did not however, until we found
those on our left in retreat-a the men who could load
their pieces keeping up a fire as they rereaied We
moved down the ravine towards the road, under ire
mendous cross-re, which did great execution. Just as
reached the mouth OF the ravlne, we discovered
large body of the enemys cavalry coming over the hull
on our left, in hot pursuit AT this time had come TO
the conclusion that all lost when my ears were
greeted by report from Captain Washingons battery
which was still al the breastwork in the road We stop
ped TO the effect OF the shot, and had the exquisite
satisfaction OF seeing the cavalry dispersed ~ shell
which fell in the midst of them, dong much execution
Captain Washington continued TO fire upon them rs long
he could them, and under the protection OF his fire
we arrived the breastwok perfectly exhausted The
thanks of regiment are due to Captain Washington
and his officers for the timely assistance they rendered
Ii during this last charge and retreat that the
gallant Coils Mckee and Clay fell together with near forty
oil the men Captain w. T. Willis also fell here fight
ing bravely and most shocking mutlaed after he
killed. We arrived 1.-THE breaswork at about half
past four O'Clock, when received orders to occupy the
HILL lust the left of the breastwork, with SIX compa
MES OF my regiment, four under command OF Captain
Thompson being stationed al the breastwork as support
for Captain Washlngions battery; Here we remained
until morning. when it found that the enemy had re-
treated during the night Before and during the action,
Of the Kentucky cavalry, who bad lost their horses,
Joined my regiment and fought with great bravery until
was ended cannot close this report without stating that
the regiment under my command behaved, through
out the entire action IN the most gallant manner. Oil
GERS non-commissoned officers and privates seemed to
vie with each other and came out of the action having
fully sustained the reputation OF their State Tor herolsm
and undaunted bravery
have the'honor to be, very respectfully, your obedien
servant,
CARY H. FRY,
Major commanding I'd reg't Ky. volunteers
Lieut., j. Mcdowell,
A. A. A.. General