New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-11-18
The Battle Of Belmonf-A True Account OF
the Object and the Result.
From Oar Own Correspondent |

CAIRO, Nov. IL, 1861.
Having returned from the toilsome expedition into
Missouri and getting little refreshed in civilized
land am prepared to give you correct account
of the battle of Belmont, which derive from some
of the most prominent participants, and from the
Headquarters of the command.
First, as regards tho causes which led to it, Not
long since General Grant received telegraphie dis
patch from the headquarters of the Western army,
at ST. Louis, that JEFF. Thompson was encamped at
Indian Ford, on the st. Francis River, sone sixty
miles from Cape Girardeau, and about twenty from
Bloomfield, and that forces from Columbus were
marching across the country with fine artillery TO
Join JeG which united force intended 10 march and
cooperate with Price in the West. Whether this
was well founded is not quite certain but in conse-
quence, General Oglesby's army, which accompa-
MED, and Of which have given account, was
sent to attack, The next day Colonel Wallace, who
also was marching to join us, sent word that the
enemy was landing large force at Belmont, with
the intention of cutting of Colonel Oglesby. Con-
ference being lad with st. Louis, orders were re-
ceiyed thence for General Grant to march down the
Missouri, and make an attack on Belmont, and also
that General Smith, from Padueah, should advance
u
which movements, it will be seen, were solely con-
Quoted with the view of saving Colonel Oglesby s
command 1t has been stated that the combined
movement of all these bodies Of troops was to take
Columbus but this was not the case, and IL not 9th
erwise than have above stated. IL should be borne
in mind that in consequence OF the heavy dram upon
the forces in Cairo General Grant was left with but
"A trihe over three thousand men.
On the 9Th our forces in four transports and tive
eunboats landed three miles above Belmont, which
place il opposite Columbus and consists of three OF
four g.houses, and was on the morning of the 1tl
occupied by 900 of the rebels best men, armed with
tie most improved muskets Our forces consisted
OF five incomplete regiments, and certainly not NOR,
than 5000 men if many, the marine force on the
puiboats included. These were COL Beauford's 2.th
Col. Logans I'D, Col. Fouks -, IL. Doughcrty
I'D and Col. Humans eth Iowa. Of these, Dough.
erty's and Col. Lanmans regiments did the principa
pant of the lighting. have the particulars of Col
Lanmans share in the action which received from
himself except one Circumstance which he was tot
modest to give; this have from Jonathan Robbins
adjutant OF Gen. Grant.
The troops landed at Soclock and marched I'LL ten
when the battle commenced. The rebels We're lyinl
concealed amid az much as 20 acres of fallen tim
Der, chopped down for the purpose, beyond which
their tents were pitched, but they had no earth
works. The abatis or fallen timber formed Al
exceedingly strong position, which could not b
approached by cavalry and the infantry could onl!
advance by degrees, gaining not inch by inch, bu
tree by tree. The rebels had several guns in position
but their firing was such that our men bad only T.