Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1848-06-21
VOL. 7.---N0. 10.

.heir commands. 1t more than once oc-
Cured during the fight, that some of our
Ulcers, through mistake entered the en-
emy's lines; and the British officers in
like manner entered ours. The merito-
rious officer in command of our regiment,
at the commencement of the battle, lost his
position in the darkness and confusion, and
was unable to regain it until the action
was over. In this manner, for short
time, the regiment was without COM
mander, and its movements were regula-
ted by the platoon officers, which inereas-
ed the eoniusion and irregularity Of the
advance. In their critical situatio1,, and
in the heat Of the battle, Capt. Butler, as
the senior officer present, ASSUMED COM
mand OF the regiment, and led it on mest
| gailantly to repeated and successful
charges, until the Sight ended in the COM
]plete rout OF the elemy. We were still
pressing on their rear, when an officer Of
the generals staff rode up and ordered the
pursuit discontinued, Captain Butler urg-
ed its continuance, and expressed the con-
fdent belief Of his ability to take many
prisoners, if permitted 10 advance. But
the order was promptly repeated, under
the well-founded apprehension that our
troops might come in collision with each
other-an event which had unhappily &C.
Cured at a previous hour of the fight
No corps on that field was more braveiy
led to battle than the regiment command
ed by Captain Butler; and no other officer
Of any rank, save the commander-in-chief,
was entitled to higher credit for tho
achievement of that glorious night. "
A short time before the battle of the 9Th.
of January Captain Butler was detailed to
command the guard in front of the en-
campment. A house standing near the
bridge, in advance OF his position, had
been taken possession of by the lighttr
Of the enemy, from whence they annoyed
our guard. Captain Butler determined to
dislodge them and burn the house. He
accordingly marched to the attack at the
head Of his command, but the enemy re-
tired before him. Seeing them retreat, he
halted his guard, and advanced himself,
accompanied by two or three men only,
for the purpose Of burning the house. 1t
was an old frame building, weather board
ed, without ceiling or plaster in the in
side, with single door opening to the Brit
ish camp. On entering the house, he
4 found soldier Of the enemy concealed in
one corner, whom he captured and sent to
the rear with his men, remaining alone in
the house. While he was in the act Of
kindling fire, detachment Of the enc
my, unperceived, occupied tie only door.
The first impulse was to force, with his
single arm, a passage through them; but
he was instantly seized in violent man.
ner by two or three stout fellows, who
pushed him back against the wall with such
force as to burst off the weather boarding
from the wall, and he fell through the
opening thus made. In an instant he re-
covered himself, and, under heavy fire
from the enemy, he retreated until sup
ported by the guard, which he inmediate-
ly led on to the attack, drove the British
light troops from their strong position, and
burnt the house in the presence Of thet
armies.
witnessed on that field many deeds of
daring courage, but none Of which more
excited my admiration than this.
Captain Butler was soon after in the
battle Of the Sth Of January, where he
sustained his previously high and well
earned reputation for bravery and useful
ness. But that which preceded it, was
but a slaughter Of the enemy, with trivial
loss on our part, and presenting few in
stances Of individual distinction.
Ca, tain Butler received the brevet rank
of major for his gallant services during
that eventilul campaign, and The reward Of
merit was never more worthily e lowed.
Soon after the close OF tie war, he was
appointed aid-de-camp to General Jackson
in which station he remained until he re-
tired from the army. Since that period |
have seldom had the pleasure of meeting
with my valued friend and companion in
arms, and know bat little of his career in
civil lie. But in camp, his elevated prin-
ciples, his intelligence and ger erous feel
ings, won for him the respect and con-
fidence Of all who knew him; and where
he is best known, Will venture to say he
is still most highly appreciated for-every
attribute which constitutes the gentleman
and the soldier.
! AIN, sir, very respectfully,
r. X. CALL,
Mr.. WILLIAM TANNER.
(Conc!uded neat aceeh.