The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-10-22
TENTH voLUME--NUMBER 4s7.

Hughes Regiments then took possession Of the
boats, one of which richly freighted with val
liable stores. Gen. McBride's and Gen. Harris
divisions meanwhile gaantly stormed and occu-
pied the bluffs Immediately north of Anderson's
house. The possession of these heights. enabled
our men to harass the enemy so greatly, that re-
solving to regain them, they made upon che house
successful assault; and one which might have
been honorable to them had it not been accompa-
MED by an act of savage barbarity-the cold biood-
ed and cowardly murder of three defenceless men,
who had laid down their and surrendered
themselves prisoners. The position thus retaken
by the enemy was soon regained by the brave
men who had been driven from it, and was thence
forward held by them to the very end of the con-
test.
The heights to the left of Anderson's house.
which had been taken, as before stated by Gener-
ais Mcbride and Harris, and by part of Gen.
Stems command, under Col. Boyd and Mai Win
ston, rudely fortified by soldiers, who
threw up breastworks as well as they could with
their slender means. On the morning of the Goth
inst, l caused number of hemp bales to be trans
ported to the river heights where movable breast
works were speedily constructed out Of them by
Generals Harrsis and Mcbride, Colonel Rives and
Major Winston, and their respective commands.
Capt Kellys battery (attached to Gen. Stems di-
visonl was ordered at the same time to the posi-
ton occupied by Gen. Harris force and quickly
opened very effective fire, under the direction of
its gallant captain upon the enemy. These DEM
nsrations, and particularly the continued advance
of the hemp breastworks, which were as efficient
as the cotton bales of New Orleans, quickly at
tractcd the att ntion and excited the alarm
of the enemy who made many daring attempts to
drive us back. They were, however, repulsed in
every instance by the unfiiuching courage and fix
ed determination of our men.
In these desperate encounters, the vetrans Of
McBrides and Slakes divisions fully sustained
their proud reputation while Col Boyd and Maj.
Winston and their commands, proved themselves
worthy to fight by the side of the men who had
by their courage and vaor won impershable hon
in the bloody battle of Springfield.
A bout two clock in the afternoon of the goth,
and after fifty-two hours of continuous firing,
white flag displayed by the enemy on that
part of their works nearest to Col. Green's posi-
ton, and shortly afterwards another was displayed
opposite to Col. Rives'. / Immediately ordered
cessation of all firing on our part, and sent for
ward one of my staff officers to ascertain the OBJ
ject of the flag, and open negotiations with the
enemy if such should be their desire. 1t was
finally, after some delay, agreed by Col Marshall
and the officers associated with him for that pur-
pose by Col. Muigan, that the u. S. forces should
lay down their arms and surrender themselves as
prisoners Of war to this army These terms hav-
ing been made known ratified by me and inn
madiatrly carried into effect.
Our entire loss in this series Of engagements
amounts to twenty-five killed and segenty-two
wounded. The enemy's loss was much greater
The visible fruits Of this almost boodless victo-
ry are great-about three thousand FIVE hundred
prisoners, among whom are Coils. Muligan, Mar
SHALL Peabody, White, Grover, Major Van Horn,
lis other commissioned officers, five pieces of ar
tillery and two morars, over 5000 stand of infan-
try arms, large number Of sabrcs, about $50
horses, many sets of cavalry equipments, wagons
teams, ammunition, more than $4,000 worth of
commssary stores, and large amount of other
property. In addition to all this, obtained the
restoration Of the Great Seal Of the State Of the
public records, which had been stolen from their
proper custodian, and about 100000 in money
of which the bank of this place had been robbed,
and which | caused to be returned to it.
This victory has demonstrated the fitness Of our
citizen soldiery for the tedious operations of a
sege, as well as for dashing charge. They lay
for fity-two hours in the open air, without tents
or covering, regardless Of the sun and rain, and in
the very presence of a watchful and desperate foe
manfully repslling every assault, and patiently
awaiting my orders to storm the Notifications. No
General ever commanded a braver or better army.
1t is composed of the best blood and bravest men
of Missouri
Where every one, officers and men, behaved so
WE'LL as is known to your Excellency, (who was
present with the army during the whole period
embraced in this report.) it is impossible to make
special mention of individuals, without seemingly
making nvidious distinctions But | may be
permitted to express my personal obligations to
my volunteer aids, as well as to my staff, for their
efficient services and prompt attention to all my
orders
STERLING PRICE,