Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1861-11-12
Battle OF Belm0nt-netter from Gen
. Grant, -

The Cincinnati Gazette publishes the follow
ing from private letter from Gen. GRAST to
his father, written on the. night of the 7th:
Day before yesterday left Cairo with about
5000 men 10 FIVE stehmere, conveyed by two
gunboats, and proceeded down the river to
within about twelve miles of Columbus. The
next morning the boats were dropped down just
out Of range Of the enemy's batteries, and the
troops debarked. During this operation our
gunboats exercised the rebels by throwing shells
into their camps and batteries. When all
ready, we proceeded about one mile toward
Belmont, opposite Columbus, when / formed
the troops into line, and ordered two companies
from each regiment TO deploy as skirmishers,
and push on through the woods and discover
the position Of the enemy. They had gone but
q little way when they were fred upon, and the
ball may be eaid 10 have fairly opened {, -
t. The whole command, with the exception of a
small reserve, was then deployed in like man
ner and ordered forward. The order was obey
ed with great alscrity, the men all showing
great courage. j can say with great gratifca-
ton that every Colonel, without single ex-
cepuon, set an example to their commands that
Inspired q confidence that will always insure
victory when there is'the slightest possibility OF
gaining one. Il feel truly proud to command
such men. rzal3 s.s.1 "
From here We fought our way from tree to
tree through the woods to Belmont, about two
and halt miles, the enemy contrasting every
foot of ground. Hero the enemy had strength
ened their position by telling the trees for two
[or three hundred yards, and sharpening their
Limbs, making sort of abatis. Our men
charged through, making the victory complete,
giving us possession of their camp and garrison
equpage, ARTILLERY and everything else.
. We got great many prisoners. The ma
ljority, however, succeeded in getting aboard
their steamers and pushing across the river
i We burned everything possible and started
back, having accomplished all that we went
for, and even more. Belmont is entirely GOV.
cred by the batteries from Columbus, and Is
worth nothing as military position-cannot be
held without Columbus.
The object of the expedition was to prevent
the enemy from sending force into Missouri
to cut off troops had sent there for special
purpose, and to prevent reinforcing Price.
Besides being well fortified at Columbus, their
number far exceeded ours, and il would have
been folly TO have attacked them. We found
the Confederates well armed and brave. On
our return strsgglers that had been left in our
rear (now frout) fred into us, and more recross-
ed the river and gave US battle for full mile,
and afterward at the boats when we were en-
barking. Aa ~
There was no hssty retreating or running
away. Taking Into account the object of the
expedition, the victory was complete. IL has
given US confidence in the officers and men Of
this command, that will enable us to lead them
In any future engagement without fear of the
result. Gen. McClesnand (Who by the way
acted with great coolness and courage through
out, and proved that he is soldier as we'll Of
statesman) and myself each, had our horses
shot under US. Most of the field officers me-
with the sane loss beside nearly one.third o.
them being themselves killed or wounded. Al
near as can ascertain, our loss was abou
two hundred and fifty killed, wounded and miss.
ing. ~, Z ,ar -.v c-taal2 .eaw q,
General GRANT may have accomplished all he
attempted, but to us IL looks as though We hai
paid pretty dearly for all he accomplished.
Twas bloody fight and costly victory, Il
indeed victory il may be called. f''''is