The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1861-08-21

By far the best account of the fight at
Springfield which we have seen is from the
pen Of Wilkie, the graphic correspondent OF
the Dubuque Herald. We have not space for
the entire article which occupies four solid col.
umns OF the Herald, but make such liberal ex.
tracts as our space will permit. promising that
for the number engaged it was the severest
battle ever fought in America:
Everybody who was in Springfield was up
long before daylight and awaiting with fever.
ish anxiety the event of the day Daylight
came sowlv--minutes seemed hours, aud yet
nothing was heard from the direction OF the
enemy. About ten m nutes past five the heavy
boom Of artillery rolled through the town like
the muttering of a thunder storm upon the hor-
lion, and sent thrill through every heart ike
n shock OF electricity. Instantly mounted
my horse and set out Tor the scene of the action,
which was fully twelve miles distant, and as |
neared it, the explosions of the artillery became
one continuous roar that only now and then
was broken enough to distinguish the sound OF
single guns. At times for 10 minutes the
whole earth was shook with one continuous
tremendous peal that seemed the prolonyed
howl OF a hundred thunder-stOrms mingled in
one--then it would sacken for a moment, and
perhaps single gun would be heard then a
half dozen in succession so quick that each
succeeding sound Tapped on the preceding one;
and then the tapping on would become indis.
tinguislable, and the whole would be merged
again in one terrific volume -~rr>'s
TWAS like an old-fashi"ned "fugue" tune
where the parts were tremendous voices OF
heavy 'rdance-a single voice would lead off a
note or so, then another would join and another
III quick succession till all the sulphurous vol.
ces Ill one sublime chorus were r,.verberatinc
over the hills and across the prai les with vol :.
umc that shook the earth like Niagara. Near.
ing the ground the regular volley of muske.
try were heard mingling their sharper tones in
the grand concert, while at all moments there
san incessant crashing of guns that was never
silent Tor moment, but sounded like II coatip.
uons discharge Of huge fire.cr,ckers. Still
nearer ami the words of command were heard.
with now AMI then the crash OF heavy bodies
OF Cavalry tearing over the grounL-the dull
thud OF bullets as they buried themselves in
trees, or their fierce whistle they tore high
IN the air-the savage music of round shot,
and the peculiar fixing whirr of shells, and
the sharp crack of their bursting MACE up Il
scene. the like of which must be witnessed to
be appreciated, to the extent OF one half of its
terrible awful character.
AS approached the battlefield, and when at
distance of two miles, squads Of men could
be seen galloping madly hither and thither,
while out Oh the prairie were scores OF saddled
horses grazing pea 'efully, whose rider had left
them, in many cases forever. / met also men
getting away from the fatal timber over which
hung thick smoke, as it hell itself were fam
ing wlthin-some Of them limped painfully
along. others were supported upon the arms
OF comrades-some were hatless, and with locks
clotted and countenance CHA tly with blood.
while few had helped themselves to horses.
ana all were making their way as fast as they
could towards town.
Both OF the forces arrived on the grounds
designed Tor the respective attacks of each. a
little after sunrise ; and instead of making n
surprise as was expected, they found the enc.
my all prepared tor them, having been notified
by their vIdettes, who ran in without firing a
shot-at least this WIS the case on the side ap
preached by the forces under Gen Lyon.
AT the west en- of the enemy's line, the ra-
", VINE takes short turn and runs TO the north
Inc enemy was in the ravne. his flank exten.
tended up to the point where the rarine makes
ITS turn--risht on the west bank of the bend.
and commanding the ravinc to the east-Cup.
lotten's Battery was Stationed. A little back
OF Captain Totten, and little more to the left
was DUBOIS ARTERY, also commanding the IA.
vine, ana sweeping it, in connection with the
other battery with 4 cross fire. On the right of
the batteries, and facing the south bank Of the
Iavine, the First Missouri reg iment was station.
co. "hie to the rear. on ground that sopcu
i.om tue brow OF the rayine dow to the spring.
the Iowa and Kansas regiments were stationed
as reserve Following down the right bank
OF the ravine, at distance Of one hundred and
nifty yarsis, one passed over. space covered
win stunted undergrOwth Of oak. and
r. t1,n Iu,fo s,, n: IL, A.
posted in great strength. Following down the
right bank OF the ravne, at Il point about half
way between the brow and foot OF the hill. one
reached the first battery OF the enc nv, and a
nttie iurher on, and more to the left, another.
heephg ohdOwn the rav,ne for three -fourths
OF mile or SO, the baggage of the enemy was
PASSED., ana their camp-aiOut two miles down
the ravine, ran south again for short distance.
and here was posted another portion of the
enemy, and right here Gen Siegel commenced
his attack.
Inc engagement was opened by throwing in
'front.' OF me Missouri regiment company or SO
OF regulars, who acted as skirmishers. A few
voiieys from them ELECTED heavy return from
the enemy in the timber in front, beneath
which the regulars fell back in good order al.
though, considerably cut up. A rush from the
enemy followed when Captain Totten opened
on them with his four pieces with round
shot and canister, His pieces were we'll
served, and their music was soon after Joined
by Dubois, whic. was replied to by two bat
terIes Of the enemy at the end OF about five
minutes. Scarcely were the batteries at this
point in full working order, when the roar of
conflict came up from the point to be attacked
oy >iegel showing that he too was at work--a
circumstance that met with tremendous cheers
on the p,r of the Federal forces, The can
monde from sixteen pieces on one side and
twenty one on the other wa. as can easily be
Imagined, none Of the lightest. and it was
Kept up with scarcely moments intermission
Tor nearly four hours
Inc ball was thus fairly opened on both sides,
and thenceforth the work was serious to the
last degree. The enemy directed Their batteries
upon the Federal Artillery, and upon our right
line. firing shell and round shot " i,h immense
rapiditY but pQac aim=-pea rlx al tla daaaaaa.,o