The Wyandot pioneer. (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1853-1868, 1861-11-01

retreat of the Federal soldiers and prevent
any communication with the fort when
the camp was attacked. The plan was
well and ably laid, and from the over
whelming force Of the rebels their success
seemed almost certain. Col. Wilson at
that time had but three hundred men in
his camp. The shades OF ght had en-
vcloped all things in impenetrable dark
ness, while the loose sand, with which
the island is covered, served to deaden
the sound of the feet of those who were
s,eallhily approaching his small aud ex-
posed force. AT 4 o'clock on the morn
ing of the 9Th inst. the attack commenced
The picket was instantly killed. three balls
having lodg ged in his body. Col. Wilson
and his men instantly turned out, and
measures were taken to repel this three
fold attack. Detachnents of men were
detailed to meet the fanking columns.
while another body prepared to meet the
men with loud cries of 'No quarter to
Wilson's men, He penetrated to the
ColonePs quarters. The conflict was one
of the most desperate and stubborn en-
counters which has taken during the war
Ii ragged from 4 O'Clock in the morning
till half past eight. Col. Wilson's quar-
ters w,re totally destroyed, as were those
OF his men.
About five O'Clock re endorsements OF
regulars came to their assistance, Capt
Hits and Capt. Robertson S companies,
and two companies under Major Arnold,
in all about one hundred and fifty men.
Capt. Dobie, with Company A, OF Col.
Wilson's regiment, also came up at the
same time. The total number of the Un
ion troops at this time was about four
hundred and fifty men-none Of the com
panies on Santa Rosa Island, either regu-
lars or volunteers. being full. AS the
day began to break the rebels saw that
the chance to carry out their original plan
OF annihilating Colonel Wilson s regimen
was gone, and as the Union forces at this
lime made several brilliant charges, the
| rebels commenced to retreat. They were
| followed to the place OF their emb arkation
a distance OF about eight miles up the Is
! land the Union troops pressed them close
| charging on them with fixed bayonets
until all had embarked. The large scow
(mentioned above, } containing about two
hundred and 6fty Of the rebel soldiers,
was completely riddled by rifle balls. and
sunk with all on board. A volley was fir
ed into the steamer Times and did i'm
menss execution, killing and W. unding
one hundred and fifty more. Gen. An
derson at this time received second shot
making one in each arm. 1t is probable
he will remember Wilson and his men
tor sometime to come. Ten Of Wilson S
regiment were killed outright, sixteen
taken prisoners and nine wounded The
regulars suffered a loss Of thirty in killed
wounded and prisoners. The rebels sus
tanned loss Of between three and four
b indred in killed, wounded and prise oners
Among the former was Capt. Bradford
OF the Georgia Volunte RS, who was kill
ed by rifle ball. Gen. Anderson, the
commander Of the rebels, and Lieutenant
Sayres were wounded the former il both
arms, and the latter, in the leg, which
the doctor says will have to come Off
Col. Brown had to provide quarter in the
fort Tor thirty prisoners, three of whom
are officers in the Georgia volunteers
Three doctors were also taken prisoners,
but released the next day. Wilson's men
buried twenty ond of the rebel soldiers.
but their bodies were exhumed and given
up the next day, a boat with flag OF
truce being sent in for them.