Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-29
HEADQUARTERs ADVANCE GUARD, G. A. Kr.,


fight at WoodsOnvils before our readers this morn.
ing:
HEADQUARTERs ADVANCE GUARD, G. A. XII
Cave City, Dec. 70, 1861.
SR:-At o'clock A n ON the I7th ipstsns 7
moved towards WOodsonville for the purpose Of
breaking up the railroad from the vicinity of that
place southwark, my force consisted of HOO in
fantry and pieces OF artillery.
When within two and half miles of Woodson>
vile, concealed from the enemy's view l halted
the column and ordered forward Col. Tsrry's Ran
gers, TO occupy the heights at my right left and
front; and hs Phifers cavalry 10 watch the cross.
ings of Green River still further to my left These
orders having been executed, and no force of the
enemy or pickets aVa, I advanced the column till
the righI reached the railroad. This brought me
within three quarters Of a mile of the river and
the enemy, bat still concealed except small body
of csvsiry upon the extreme left. Here q company
of rangers was detached TO observe the enemy
from ROWletts knob, which was to my right. across
the railroad A strip of timber bordered the river
parallel to tae line held by my csvalTy. Fields
were between body Of the eneuly's infantry. "a
skirmIshers moved through the timber, BY their
right, on my left. They we're fred upon by a small
body Of my csYalry and retired. The firing ceased
for about half an hour, and | went in person to
select O suitable place for camp leaving Col Terry
in command, with instructions to deeoy the enemy
up the hill where / could use my infantry and ar
tillery with effect and be ont Of the range Of the
enemy s batteries.
Before returning to the column the fire from tho
skirmishers recommended. The enemy appeared
in force upon my right and centre Col Terry at
the head of IS Rangers, charged about 900, routed
and drove them back, but fell MORALLY wounded. A
body Of the enemy, of about the same size attacked
the Rangers, under Capt. Farrell upon the right of
the turnpike, and were repulsed with heavy loss.
The enemy now began crossing by regiments, and
moving about on my right ard left TANKS, Three
Of alTlka LAT All hat
talon were tkrown out as skirmishers on my LETT,
engaged the enemy's right, and drove them to the
river. l now ordered forward Capt. SWift's bate
ry and the I'd Arkansas regiment TO support it.
holding the 9Th Arkansas regiment in reserve The
artillery opened fire upon the enemy in the field I'D
jIcent TO the railroad and drove them to the bank
of the river Firing now ceased on both sides. The
enemy made no further attempt TO advance, bu;
knowing that he had already crossed the river II
force more than double my own, and had the means
Of crossing additional forces, withdrew my com
mand, by way Of the turnpike, two miles and a
half, and took position to meet the enemy, if dis
posed to advance, There being no indications oil
such an intention, l returned TO my camp here
reaching this place at O'Clock P. N.
My loss in this stfAir was as follows:
Kuled--ol. Terry and three men of his regi
mens.
Dangerously wounded-Lieut Norris and three
men (TeXas Ringers
Slightly wounded-Capt Walker sDd three mel
| Texas Rangers and two men Of first Arkansa
battalion
Iestimste the enemy's loss 81 IS killed and Ief
on the ground wounded. unknown. 1 have eigh
prisorers-Others were taken toe badly wounde,
/ to be moved, and we're lett at citizens houses.
! The troops uuder NY command who were en-
gagged, displayed courage in excess. The other
were as steady as veterans.
Respectfully,
I. G. HRDWlN, Brig Gen.
To Lieut.. D. G.. WHITE, AGt'g Asst Adj Gen Is
Division Central Army Of Kentucky.