Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-10-23
FROM PILOT KNOB.
Interesting Details of the Recent Engage.
menta.
Especial Correspondence of the Missouri Democratl
Pilot KNOB, October 2O-7 P. NJ.

ments.
rsrecial Correspondence of the Missouri Democratl
Pilot KNOB, October 30 P. NJ.
s. - +
jeff Thompson is described by those who
saw him at Blackwelps, as a tall, slim, wiry
man, with long, sharp, Roman nose, sal
low complexion, and long brown hair. He is
quick spoken, and don't seem to be very par
tlcular about the language he uses; in fact,
some of his phrases are more forcible than
elegant, and if used by others would be con-
sidered profane. 1t seems to me this looks
like and speaks like jeff Thompson.
After burning the bridge at Big River,
proceeding down the road they were met at
BlackW ellis by Captain Lippincotts Com.
papy, where the gallant fight took place.
The casualties here were as follows: Killed.
none. W. H. Kigour, wounded in three
places, by rife ball and buck. shot. the
former passing through the right side and
touching the right lung. He told me, how
to get well. o. H. Brewster, in the arm and
leg; John Matthews, thigh and spent ball in
the arm; Thomas Crawford, rifle ball in the
arm, badly shattered; John Phelps, flesh
wound in thigh. Lieutenant Nixon was
made a prisoner, and lost his sword. He
delivered it to Thompson. He has been re-
leased on parole.
The rebels lost seven killed. the number
wounded not known. Two of their dead
were carried off in a wagon, the others were
left on the field. When asked what would
be done with them, they replied that they
were among friends and would be cared for.
VIM. Manning was one of the rebels killed.
The peculiar effect of Secession sentiments
on mems characters and acts is remarkable.
A First Lieutenant in the Missouri Twenty
fourth, who has lived twenty-four years near
Springfield, and is well acquainted in his
county, says that of all the Secessionists Of
his acquaintance, but one is an honest man.
If they won't steal themselves they will
favor it in others. With the loss of respect
for our Government, seems to be coupled the
loss of all desire for truth, morality or justice;
and the very same testimony is borne by
Colonel Lawson and others, equally. entitled
to credit, with whom have talked.
Colonel Carln, on hearing of the destruc-
ton of the Big River bridge, and suspecting
IL to be part of plan to cut him of from st.
Louis, and then to overwhelm him with su-
perior numbers, ordered Captain Hawkins's
Independent Missouri Cavalry Company to.
ward Fredericktown to reconnoiter. On
Wednesday evening, at Turkey Greek Post
Office, eight miles this side of Fredericktown,
he encountered rebel pickets, and through
out the day skirmishing was kept up with
varying success.
Wednesday evening, Major Gavitt, First
Indiana Cavalry, with six companies, was
ordered out 10 assist Captain Hawkins He
proceeded on the road to Fredericktown,
thirteen miles, and came up with Captain
Hawkins who informed him that the enemy
was probably too strong for them.
A messenger was sent back to Colonel
Carlin with this information, who sent for
ward to their assistance Colonel Alexrnder's 8
Illinois Twenty first with one cannon. THIS
last moved Wednesday night, and while they
coming up, Major Gavitt and Captain Haw.
kins advanced on the rebel pickets, and
charged them three different times in con-
siderable force. Captain Hawkins s nlbeing
in advance, suffered the most. Their casu.
alties ware as follows:
First Lieutenant T.. Francis, severe wound
from pistol in the side of the head; VIM.
Tbacker, mortally wounded in the abdomen;
John II. Mason, severe wound in thigh; his
horse was shot in four places; John L.
Green dangerously wounded in the neck;
Adam NJ, Gibson in the side; Peter Phillips,
slightly in the knee.
Captain Hawkins horse was shot in four
teen places, which Eeems TO indicate some
pretty sharp work. The Captains company
is made up Of men who have been driven
from their homes by the terrorism in this
part of the State, and they fight like men
who have wrongs to right. They were the
ouly cavalry in the valley till the arrival OF
the Indiana First and have done most excel
| lent service.
Finally the rebel pickets were routed and
driven in, and the morning being dark and
| foggy, our cavalry rode up to within two
| hundred yards of battery stationed half 8
mile west OF town, and just across bridge
| from our men, and took their position in I
field to the right of the road, and held it til
eight o'clock.
During this halt, Sergeant McReynolds
Company G, Indiana Cavalry, in making al
observation of the enemy's position, wa
dangerously if not fatally wounded. The fog
beginning to clear away, revealed the enem
in force too formidable TO attack, and it wal
| thought best TO fall back on Colonel Alex
ander, who was then four miles in the rear
! After uniting the forces, an advance wa
made till within half a mile of the position
| held by the cavalry in the morning. Her
another council was held, and IL was decided
| to fall back 10 the Knob. This new turn o
affairs emboldened the enemy, and they
pursued, firing on our men for some dis
| tance.
Major Gavitt, who was covering the rear
ordered brisk march of half mile at |
turn In the road, which for a short time con
eeaied him from the enemy's view. Throw
ing out TWO companies of infantry and two
OF cavalry, on either side of the road, in tn,
brush, and planting the gun so as 10 SWEEP
the road, he ordered q brisk retreat of thu
force in the road, with the intention of draw
ing the rebels into the ambuscade. The in
fsntry fred little too soon for the best effect
yet not less than thirty saddles were emptied