The Van Buren press., 1861-08-28
Incidents of the Late Battle at
Oak Hills.

We gather the following incidents. connected
with the battle at Oak Hills, from different persons
| who were the ground, and took part in the bat
tie Of the 10Th inst
The Louisiana regiment formed in line of battle
IN quick order at the first shot from the enemy
and throughout the battle did most effective duty
Capt. Hinson, of the regiment, supposed to
have been killed by shot from Reeds Arkansas
battery He was most accomplished and gallant
officer
| The Sd Arkansas regiment, under Col. Gratiot
formed before the first shot Of the enemy fired
they were held as reserve and support to Wood
rufs battery, until late 10 the action when with
part of the 5th Arkansas regiment, they were
marched upon Cen Lyons column, and advanced
| TO within forty yards of him, before the enemy
opened fire upon them they sustained a heavy
fire from the whole of Lyons attacking column
for thirty five minutes without cessation display
ing coolness and courage under it equal to old
veterans, when the enemy driven from their
strong position, and retreated, and the battle was
won. Woodruif's battery, at this time and place,
did great execution upon the enemy and helped
materially, to turn the tide of battle.
Segel displayed. at one time, Confederate flag,
and from this cause, and other circumstances. it
was at times, with great difficulty that our troops
could distinguish the enemy, and in some instanc-
es they probably fired upon their friends.
1t is reported that the Kansas regi,acst marched
under black flag, meaning. undoubtedly. tras
they would show quarter.
There was not a bayonet charge made by our
troops during the battle the enemy always retreat
ing under the fire Of our men.
II
cheering of our men; they say it sounded to them
as if I" devils incarnate F" were after them.
At one time during the battle, Gen. McCulloeh
brought up body of Missourians to the charge
upon the enemy, ordering them to holI their fire
until orders from him when within the proper
distance, ne gave the order and great execution
was inflicted upon the enemy.
Col. Churchill's regiment, at one time, in follow
ing Seigel's command, came upon a portion of them
in open field, and left about seventy-five of
them dead in that locality
Capt Sturgiss before the battle, shaved off his
whiskers, and otherwise disguised himself. and
kept out of harms way much as possible He
reported, at Springfield, that he had killed Gen
McCulloch, and exhibited a fine embroidered belt,
which he said he had taken from him the belt he
Col. Churchill, but by whom is not known
Maj Harper, of Col. Churcilll's regiment, was
taken prisoner during the battle. but escaped with
five others
Negro. belonging to Ben. Griffith of Sebastian
county after killing two Hessians. carried of from
the field his master who was wounded.
Reid's battery did terrible execution upon the
Dutch in SeiseI's command
The federal troops had the advantage in NUM-
bers engaged and in position a good portion of
their force being regular troops.
During the battle, Col Chrrchill's regiment was
repulsed by the enemy some three times but again
rallied and charged them at each time some Of
Col Churehill's men. vino were wounded and left
upon the field, Were bayoneted by che Hessians ::
the next time the enemy came round, the wounfed
men RAISED and fired at them with their pistols
The Hessians said, in Springfield that there was
Use in fighting the Arkansians for they KEEP; on
firing At them after tliey were dead.
Pat Lynch, of the Yas "a Froitiar Guards
had eight ten bullet hols 'l--z-I, his clothing.
and his left nipple grazed By q ali, without sus
tanning further INJURY marrow escape. Many in
the same company, had their muskets battered By
balls
Instances of personal prowess and gallant deeds
performed by brave soldiers on the battle field
should be gathered up and noticed By those having
eoSnizanee of them, and we hope it NAV be done