The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1861-07-16
col. SMITHS Expeditions.

From the Hannibal Messenger OF Satur-
day last, We CLEAN some further information
in regard to Col. Smiths expedition. tap
pears from the statement made 10 that paper
that the Col. left Palmyra on Monday night,
with about 400 men, and went BY railroad to
Monroe City, where they formed in march
ing line. hut terrible storm coming up and
continuing for some time, they concluded to
90 back to the cars, which they found thor
oughly drenchcd, and remained in them oil
night, sleeping but little.
On Tuesday morning they took up the line
OF march In southwest direction. After
marching some time. they came into an am
huscace Of horsemen, who were fred on and
fed without returning tie fire. Then halt
vas ordered, and breakfast and dinner taken
together, after which they marched on
through smoky Town. in the direction OF
Florida. Reaching some timber, they were
fired upon BY body Of rebels, Capt. MEAL
lister receiving severe wound in the breast,
and els Illinois soldier getting slight wound
IN the arm. An Iowa bcy-name not given
was also wounded, bus not severely. The
rebels we're fred on and they fed as usual,
leaving one Of their number MORALLY wound
cd.
Not being acquainted with the route, aud
not knowing the number OF bis foes, COL
Smith ordered his force to march bacx 70 al
opening where they encamped for the night.
Intelligence. was received during the night
that al attack would be made on Monroe
City next day. Col. Smith therefore gave
orders to march back as soon as possible
On arriving In sight Of Monroe, Wednesday
forenoon, they saw the smoke rising, and
found tia. the depot and care bad been
burned about an hour before. Without some
explanation, it seems strange that the COL
should have left them wholly unguarded.
When within two miles OF Monroe they
were ncair fred on by a large bodysof horse
men, who were again put to fight by one
shot from the cannon. The Col. then took
possession of the Seminary, large two story
building, ard the boys sler. on their arms
IT they SLEPT at ali--in the yard on Wednes
day night. The next morning they fortified
byothro~ing up dirt on both sides Of the
yard frncr. tHrgs bugiius of h0rsemeu i11v-
cred oil round them 81 night and the next
day, being careful to keep out OF musket
range.
About O'Clock Thursday .. m. the rebels
brought up cannon, with which they sue
ceeded in sending about three balls through
the building. Our boys being short Of shot,
hred back bolt pins, from the burnt cars,
and made scattering among the rebels ev
cry time.
The siege-sach as it was continued until
late Thursday afternoon, when Capt Purk
maps cavalry arrived pos, hsste from Quin
o., and speedily dispersed the rebels, a. here.
tofore stated.
The only damage on our side was mans
bat was taken CT his head by q cannon shot
Gaming through the breastwork Of dirt; one
Iowa boy accidentally shot h mself in the side
OF the head while locking over the breast
work, and another was accidentally shot in
the hani by eomrade. Names not given.
We can not but admire the enterprise OF
the Hannibal and Qainey paper, in gather.
ing UP and printing the details OF this affair.
10 the course Of u month they viii DO apt To
find out All about 1t. Doubtful, though.
O. The seceshers arc aroused throughout