The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1862-03-15
The Great Three Days Battle at
Pea KiiRs. Arkansas.

On Thursday, the 9th inst. flc enemy
commenced an attack on my right, ASA ling
and following the rear guard Of the dctach-
nients Under Gen. Sigcl, to my main lines on
Sugar Creek Hollow, but ceased firing when
he met my rcinforccmentS, about O'Clock
J.. NJ.
During the night became convinced that
he had moved Oh 80 rs to attack my right or
fear Therefore. early on the 9Th, | ordered
a change of front to the right on my right.
which, thus becoming my lift, still rested Oh
Sugar Greek Hollow. This brought my line
across Pea Ridge, with my new right resting
on the head Of Cross Timber Hollow, which
Is the head OF Big Sugar Greek. also
ordered an advance Of cavalry and light artI.
1ery. under Colonel Ostcrhaus, with orders to
attack and break what We supposed would be
the reinforced line of the enemy. This move
m"nt WAS in progress when the enemy, at II
O'Clock A. NJ, Commenced an attack on my
right. ,
Tho fight continued warmly at these points
during the day, the enemy having gained the
point held in command by Colonel Carr, ut
Cross Timber Hollow; but were en- ircy
rrpul.-d, with the fall Of the Rcbc! command
er, McCulloch. in the centre, by the forces
under Col. Jrti. G.. Davis, of Missouri.
The plan Of attack on the centre was gal
1antly carried forward by Col. Ostcrlaus, who
WAS Immediately sustained and superseded hy
Col Davis entire division, supported also by
Gen. Siscls command, which had remained,
Till near the close of the day. on tn, left.
Col. Cars division held the right under a
CALLING and continuous fire all day.
In the evening. the firing having entirely
ceased in the centre, AMI the right being now
oh the left, l reinforced the right by por-
ton of the second division under General
Asboth. Before the day closed was con
WINGED that the enemy had concentrated his
main force on the right: Therefore | COM
menccd another change of front forward, so
As to face the enemy where he n I'd d ploycd
on my right LINK in strong position. The
change had been partially effected, but was
JULY III progress, when, at sunrise on the S,h
my right and Centre renewed firing, which
was Immediately answered by the enemy
with renewed energy, along the whole extent
Of his line.
My left, under Gen. Sigcl, moved close to
tn. hills occupied by the enemy driving him
from the heights and advancing steadily
toward The head Of the llolows. | immrd.
ate!y ordered The centre and right wing for
ward, the right wing turning the let of the
cntmr, and cross firing in his centre. This
final position placed the enemy in the arc OF
"a circle. charge of infantry. extending
throughout the whoc line. completely routed
the entire Rebel force, which retired in con-
fusion, but rather safely, through the deep,
impossible delcs of Cross Timhrrs.
Our loss was heavy. That Of the enemy
Can never be ascertaincd. for the dead arc
scattered over large field. Their wounded 4,
ton. may. many OF them. perish.
The foe is scattered in all directions, but
] think his main force has returned to the
Boston Mountains. G'n. Sige follows the
cucmy toward Kcithsvillc while my cavalry
is pursuing him toward the mountains, scour-
ing the country, bringing in prisoners, and
trying to find the Rebel Maj r-Gencral Van
Dorm, who had command OF the entire force
of the enemy at this battle at Pea Ridge
have not, as yet. statements Of the dead
and wounded. so as to justify Il report but |
will refer you to y despatch which | will for
ward very soon.
The officers and soldiers under my com
mand have displayed such unusual gallantry,
that hardly dare To make a distinction. |
must however. name the commanders OF the
divisions: Gen. Sigcl, who calamity carried
the right and drovs back the left wing Of the
enemy, and Gen. Asb"ih, who was wounded
in the arm III his gallant effort to reinforce
the right; Colonel and Acting Brigadicr-
General Davis who commanded the centre
when McCuluch fell, on the 9TH. and pressed
towards the centre on the Sth Colonel and
Acting Brlgadirr General Carr, who is also
wounded in the arm, and was under the con-
tinuons fire of the enemy during the two
hardest days Of the struggle.
Illinois. Indiana, Iowa. Ohio and Missouri
may proudly share the honor Of the victory
which their gallant heroes won ovrl the com
1incd force OF Van Dorm, Price and McCul-
l"ch. al Pea Ridge, in the mountains Of
Arkansas. have the. honor to be. General,
your servant, SAMUEL X. CURTIS,
Brigadicr. General Commanding.