Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-10-03

time, Seigil's battery had been moved in front of Sharp's house and in rear of Churchill; and this reminds me of another metaphorical expression of Gen. Scott, when he was about going to Mexico, when he feared fire in his front and fire in the rear; Churchill and his regiment experienced tho realfu and but for the relief afforded by the noble Louisiana regiment, in capturing Sigel's guns, and the splendid execution of Woodruff $ and W eight man s batteries, they must have been pieces. As it was, they suffered considerably more than any other regiment, having not more q think ) than 6DO men iii the field, out of which the loss in killed on the field, and deaths since of wounds is over 50, and l5o or l60 wounded. In reference to | this regiment, 1 think two individuals who fought Independently, deserve special mention: MT. | John C. Bush, of Drew county, man of sixty | five. and a Mr. Emanuel, of Jelferson county who fought side by side in the Chicot cavalry, and, according to all accounts, did much service as any two men in the army Of Mr. Bush 1t has been said by good authority that he was among the first on the field, and the last to leaveit.
 It must not be supposed that feel any dsposi- tion to give undue prominence to any particular regiment. It 50 happened that learned more of I
 Churchill's than any other and full and complete l study of that field would occupy more time than would give to it. The Louisiana regiment was always in the right place at the right time. Col. | Hughes Missouri regiment suffered more than any other, except Churchill's, Other regiments would have done and suffered much, had they been placed in the same perilous positions; but it was not their fortune to be so placed. 50 flr as the result of battle is concerned, the reserve is as important as that portion of the army actually en- 1 gagged, because the knowledge of their presence | must have it's effect upon the enemy Full justice | has been done to Gen. Pearce's command, and altogether the State of Arkansas has great reason to be proui of her officers and men. It is a "con summation devoutly to be wished " thu they vii respond again promptly to the call of their coun l try through their brave General, McCulloch. One word as to the results aud consequences O this hard fought field of " Oak Hils:" lst. It i believed that it caused great change ln the feel ings of the Cherokee nation, and produced nearl unanimous feeling among the Indian tribes ol our western border. 2l It has given protection and feeling of safety throughout this state. we had lost that battle, 1 do not at present SC what was to prevent victorious army from ove running our state It relieved Hardee and Pillov from any apprehcnsions on their rear; and, last, has created joyous feeling throughout the Con fcderate States, and cast dsmay into the ranks 1 our enemies. While tens of thousands assemble at Richmond, to mingle congratulations, and liste to the eloquent expressions of Wiglall, Pryor. an 1 others, what must have been the feeling, i'll tha 1 corrupt city of Washington, when the news wen up to Lincoln and bis cohorts, of the death c } Lyon, the flight of Sigel, and the slaughter thousands of his men? In regard to the actu; loss of the enemy, cannot of course speak. 1 can only express the opinion that it must have bee very great, and very much greater than their of cers will ever acknowledge. l am inclined ! think they don't know themselves, even if th' would tell the truth. 1 can only speak of what saw, and was credibly informed
 Is isited the ground % days after the battle, al saw eyl dent signs of numerous dead bodies havi been very recently taken up to be buried. l " told that :lr.e sympathizers with the enemy had be- engaged sese1al days in the duty which ought bbaye been performed three weeks before. l sa bmvsef only teo dead bodies left tunburied, but W told of six or eight more, which could have sec | had been so disposed, and which any one cou have easily found. My impression is, that larg number must still remain without burial. TT scene was to me exceedingly repusive, and VI only made tolerable by the reflection that 1t " the scene of an unparalleled victory in the mo 1 righteous of causes.
 have seen and heard many complaints aga' { ten. McCulloch; all which, I think ,re wrong the hurry of preparing his report to be N"' Richmond. it is my impression he may have m ,d 1 some slight mistakes, through inaivertence. Tn Generals report seems to me plain. straobt forward statement of the facts, showing disposi ton to do no injustice to any one. He does nor justice to Gen. Price, than the latter has done t him: for, if recollect right, Gen. Price no wher in his report speaks in any terms of compliment Gen. McC. At the same time, I think nustic has been done to Gen. P. in the public prints i charging him with claiming the victory with th aid of portion of the Confederate army" H only says that he held the enemy in check, with tn aid Of portion, etc. He gives the credit of tn victory to the " distinguished gallantry of tb combined armies" He speaks particularly of Ger Pearce, Col. Herbert and Col. Churchill, and the commands, and says they entitled to the lastin gratitude of every true Missourian.
 will only add my belief that the name of BeI McCulioch--his reputation a fghter-and tn c0oness he displayed every part of the tielo contributed largely to the result
 Respectfully. etc.,
 R. M. GAINES.