Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-08-29
Eanort of Gen. Pearca.
HEAD QUARTERS 1sT. Div. ARMY ARK, ( Cqmp WaitmGn, Mo-, Aug. II, '6l.S


 THE HoN. MILITARY BOARD
 Gentlemen: have the honor to submit the fol- l lowing report of the engagement of yesterday- At about o'clock a. m., one of my escort came hurriedly into camp and informed me that the enc my were in force short distance to the east or camp. About the same time Capt. Carroll inform ed me that Gen. McCulloch had received lnior- nation of their approach on tie west. immedl- ately formed the 3d. 4th and 5th infantry Arkansas volunteers, and posted them as follows: 4th ana 5th on the height to the east to support Reed pat | tery which had been ordered to be posted there. Woodruf's battery was ordered to take position on the eminence north of camp, and the 5d infantry | (Gratots) ordered to support it. took position with the 4th and 5th infantry and Reeds battery holding Capt. Carroll's company of cavalry Tn re serve in the ravine. Soon the enemy under Gen. Seicel, appeared in our rear, in the field occupied previously by Col. Churchills regment. The enc my had infantry, cavalry and artillery, but being I some distance off was unable to determine the character of this force, as they displayed no flag until they had marched across the field and had fired several rounds with their artillery. l sent Capt. Jefferson to reconnoitre their position, who was taken prisoner With glass discove vered the stars and stripes' unfurled, and at once ordered Capt. Reed to open, which he did with terrific effect. am informed they lost several killed and wound ed, and several artillery horses were killed by this fire, which enabled the infantry of Col. Hebert's s command to charge and take the battery.
 The movements of the enemy appearing to be directed to our left, ordered Col. F. A. Rector to take command of the 4th infantry and three com panes of the 5th and support the battery and hold his position at all hazards. Col. Mcintosh coming up, informed me that the enemy was pressing our left on the west; ordered two pieces of Reed s battery and seven companies of the 9th to thelr assistance, and went myself and took the 3rd Col. Gratiot commanding, and led it into action. Here was the fercest and most terrific part of the con test-here our volunteers met and repulsed the re- gular troops of the federal army. Col Mcintosh arrived with the artillery and 9th infantry and en- tered into the fight with all the vigor and determi nation of veterans. deem it lost time for me to attempt to sound praises of the brave and chival- rous McIntosh-always in the midst of the fight, cheering and leading his men forward to victory. His name and conduct was host in our behaf.- In this part of the action many of the gallant 3rd fell We mourn the loss of the gallant Captain Bell-the chivalrous and gentlemany Capt Brown the noble and brave Lieut.. Walton. Among our wounded are Lieut.. Col. Jo. Neal 9th infantry; Mai. Ward, Sd infantry. A full report of casual ties is herewith enclosed
 Capt. Woodruff's battery was engaged early in the action against Totten's (federal) battery, and drove it back, and afterwards when the retreat com menced did efficient service by playing their re- tiring ranks. We are pained to have to record the loss of Lieut.. Weaver, of Little Rock, ky can non ball-a severe blow to the service to which he was an honor, and his loss will be seriously felt r the battery. Brave and generous, your State will long remember your services.
 Col. Carroll's cavalry regiment was engaged il a part of the field away from my view, but am in formed that they did efficient service in charging the battery of the enemy. His men and officer: are brave and gallant and under such commander the cause of the South will not suffer.
 The 4th infantry (Col Walkers were placed 1T a trying position, for new troops-grape shot, she and minnie balls flying around them and no chance of returning the fire. They stood their ground like veterans and held their position, the key to the battle; much praise is due Col Rector for the coolness displayed in retaining his command il position, we'll to the officers of the troops unde him for their aid to the same purpose For at thi part of the field was supposed would be the mair fght-and on my return to this part of the battl, ground, finding the artillery withdrawn from tht night, ordered Gen. Parsons battery of artillery to take the position formerly occupied by Reeds and an advance movement to the east by Col Rectors command, supported by Capt. Carroll company of cavalry To give the enemy battle should he desire it, made the dispositions here com pete and effective; but the Lousianians, unde Col. Hebert, had fully satisfed Gen. Seigel, anc he retreated without giving us another opportunity at him.
 Col. Carrolls regiment, though greatly fatigued was ordered to proceed on the Springfield road il pursuit of the enemy, which duty he performed with his usual promptness and ability.
 My thanks are especially due to the officers o thu several regiments for the promptness and abli ty with which they obeyed, and to the men for tht determined manner in which they executed all m. orders. To particularize, would have to send il full rosta.
 I am particularly indebted to Col. Rector for th' ability and zeal displayed during the engagement to Commissary General Wm. P. Grace, who wa with me when I led the 3d into action, and re mained in the thickest of the fight aiding and urg ing the men on to victory.
 Also to my aid, Maj. Cline, during the entire engagement and through the thickest and hotes part of the fght-and also to Saml. Mitchell, B w. Taylor and MT. Dawson for their services ol the field in carrying orders. Vim. Mitchell haC his horse shot in the head--also to Surgeon Gene ral N. M. Smith and the Surgeons of the regi ments for their continued and kind attention to th wounded.
 Our loss has been heavy, but a great victory i ours. Nobly has Arkansas done her duty. Peac to the ashes of the dead, and immortality to th names of the defenders of our lovely South. cannot close without mentioning the praiseworth, conduct of Co.'s. Gratot, Cookery, Walker ant Carroll, as well as Lieut.. Cols. Provne and Neal the former of which, by his ability and energy contributed much towards our success-and tn, latter, who fell, fear, mortally wounded, whil leading the 5th infantry into acton-aso Lieut. Col. Berry and Maj Ward, who were wounded il the charge of the 3d infantry, and Maj. Feather ston, whose gallant conduct causes his name to b