Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1861-11-15
The BATTLE OF BELMONT.

Vealed tnat we were pound down stream
of course to Columbus After moving
down some eight or ten miles, we stopped
and lay by until near daylight, when we
moved down to a point some three miles
above the Columbus batteries, the gun
boats Lexington and Tyler lea ling the way.
Here our fleet, consisting of five noble
steamers and two gunboats, went to the
shore on the Missouri side, and our forces
were soon disembarked and formed in or
der. By order of Gen. McClerland, the
Illinois 9th, under Col. Buferd, took the
leading and attacking position. In few
minutes the whole msved eff from the riv-
er. 1t was well known what was to be
done. The whole camp at Belmont was
to be taken and destroyed
Scarcely were the troops out of sight of
the boats, when our gun boats dropped
down a little in the stream, and opened fire
on the Columbus batteries The response
was prompt, and for near two hours little
was heard but the roar of heavy guns
Many shot fell near US, some short, and
others beyond, and not few fearfully
near us. Shells were seen to burst at
great heights others, after drinking the
water. Their large shot, eighteen inches
long and terminating in cones, were projec-
tt d from rifed cannon. These made hor-
rid music as they passed near US. One
struck the river bank within few feet of
the stern uf the boat on which your cores
pendent had been left in charge Only
one shot struck the gunboat Tyler and
killed one gunner; two others were seri-
ously wounded. The firing went on, how
ever, until most of the rebel batteries
were silenced. We have since learned
that our guns had done great execution
In the meantime, the attack on the reb-
ell camp was brought on by Col. Buford,
according to programme, with great spirit.
Every regiment fell into its place, and the
whole movement was sustained with Wig
or worthy Of veteran troops. The enemy
proved to be choice body of troops, well
armed, and numbering from four to six
thousand. They fought desperately; but
in an incredibly short time, the work was
done. The enemy had surrendered, or
abandoned their artillery, and were in full
flight. Over two hundred were taken pris-
oners, Their flag pole was cut down,
their colors taken possession Of and their
eneampment enveloped in flames The
number of guns, pistols, sabres, ard hor-
ses taken, was very great.
just at this time, however, feet of
boats was observed approaching from Co.
lumbus with over three thousand men,
At the same time terrific fire of ball and
| shell opened on our men from the Colum-
bus batteries. Our field pieces opened
on the feet of boats, doing fearful work
Nothing, however, delayed their progress
In few minutes we were in a hotter bat
tie than before. Our men fought nobly
but they were already fatgued, and be-
tween the storm of shot from tie heavy
batteries of Columbus, which caused then
to falter. It was found the place coule
not be held. In truth, this had not beer
intended. Many of the prisoners had es
capped, and our men were falling fast
Gradually, the regiments drew off in gooc
order, until all were safe but the 9th
First on the field, Col Buford was thu
last to retire. His peril was imminent
The way of retreat between him and ou
boats was closed, and he was obliged t,
find another route. All but the 27tl
reached the boats in order. The wounded
had been coming in some time before
Scarcely had all embarked when the enc
nay appeared in strength on the shore, will
several pieces of artillery. It was judged
best for the boats to push out into th
stream. At that moment, the best mu
sic Of the day set in. The two gunboat
turned their heads to the shore, and, eacI
with six heavy columbiads, began to pou
their death dealing missiles among the foe
Besides these, we had on board Taylor
splendid brass Chicago battery-all bro
safely away-together with two fine brass
pieces which we had borrowed of the en-
envy at Belmont These had plenty O
canister and sharpnel, and never did boy.
make better use of ammunition For hal
an hour, it was believed that we averaged
a gun for every second, while our men
standing bravely on the hurricane decks
kept up an incessant fire of musketry,
For half an hour, as we moved slowly III
the stream, the enemy hung on the shore
endeavoring to form, and get their guns in
to position. But our columbiads were to-
much for them, Several times at the fasl
of one of them, observed a dozen mel
and horses turn somersaults together Sew
eral times their guns were observed to tax
position, and in a moment more were oh
served ten feet in the air, bottom upper
most. Never did fellows fight, or try t.
fight, more bravely. They seemed actu
ally to court death at the very muzzles o
our heavy guns and vast numbers of then
sought 1t not in vain. But gradually the,
fell back, and abandoned the pursuit
Such bravery was worthy of success.
In the meantime the gallant 9th wa
!, supposed to have been cut off and mad
prisoners. We came away with sad hearts
But our sorrow was of short Duration
The detour which Col. Buford had foun,
necessary to get off the field had throwl
him back near mile from the river. Oh
, hearing the heavy firing at the boats, ht
, judged it prudent to keep back, and move
parallel with the river, for shot and shell
, as we suspected, were thrown toward him
but as we suspected, were thrown toward
, him, but, as we hoped, passed entirel,
over the heads of his regiment Whel
our firing ceased, he judged that the enc
my Lad fallen back, and ventured to ap
proach the river. His signal was readil,
| understood opd at q ,,oip+ G,.o ,,,;lo