Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1861-10-30
The Figl.l ID Frederick,own.

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We are pleased to have it in our power to lay
before cur readers the true state of the ease IN
regard 10 the recent engagement between the
Federals and the Missourians under JEFF. Thonp.
son. We have our information from an eye
witness, "a gentleman of undOubted veracity.
1t seems that by some previous arrangement
there was a simultaneous movement Of two col.
umns Of the enemy-Oue from Cape Girardeau,
the other from Pennington, or some place on
the Iron Mountain railroad. These columns
were both moving in the direction Of Frederick.
town Gen. Thompson advanced his army
from Greenville, on the road that led to the same
place. BY good fortune Thompson captured a
messenger, bearing a dispatch from the com
mander of the Cape Girardeau force TO the com
mander of the other column, by which he ascer-
talned that it was proposed to unite these forces
around Fredercktowu, where it was supposed
Thompson was then eneamped Being thus
put upon his guard, the daring leader determined
to cut of the enemy advancing from the Cape,
and then turn his attention to the force ap-
preaching from the opposite direction. He laid
bis plans accordingly. But alas!
The best laid schemes Of men or mice
Gang Oft a glee.
When the scouts reached the read by which
the enemy must pass, it was discovered that
they had gone on, and were at Fredericktown
Thompson then moved his army up to a small
stream, the ST. Francis, about three-tourths Of a
mile from the town, and putting his army, about
eleven hundred strong, in line of battle, boldly
awaited the assault. This was not made. how
ever, until the junction Of the two wings Of the
enemy. When this took place, the entire force
moved against the Spartan band standing ready
to receive them. Our brave soldiers received the.
shock like a wall ofadamant, aud pouring in a
terrible and rapid discharge, from cannon and
musketTy, caused the enemy TO recoil IN dsmay.
In a c~oTntield, around which Thompson had
placed the right wing Of his army, the dead men
lay like a swarth before the reaper. At this
point, Col Lane, who was in command of the
right wing, was killed, falling at the head Of his
regiment.
When the enemy retTeated, Gen. Thompson
found himself Restrained from pursuing by pru-
dental considerations, but ayailed HIMSELF of the
occasion to tail back aGrd-saho-a ll4o1nnle5Lla
position . few hundred yards in his rear. To.
this point he was afterwards pursued by large
force Of the enemy's cavalry, acting on the idea
that he was TetTeatiug. So soon, however, Us q
sufficient number of the foe had turned the crest
of an intervening hull, a party Of as brave men as
ever touched finger to the Tigge speedily made
them understand their mistake. At the discOy-
cry Of this band Of heroes uadeT the command of
our neighbor and friend, Major Thomas Brown,
they halted, and those in the rear not under
standing the matter, closed up and huddled
themselves together until they were literally
hacked. Then our Missouri bOya turned loose
anon them with their deadly rifle and shotgun.
The effect was terrible Every saddle was emp
tied, not a man escaping. Terror, dismay and
fear seized those in the rear, and they fed back
to the town. This ended the fight.
This army under Thompson did not exceed
100, while that Of the foe exceeded 5000. This
rendered an attack upon their encampment mad
ness, and, therefore, a return to Greenyille was
ordered.