Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1862-08-20
Big Battle of Baton Rouge.

The latest accounts of the battle Of
Baton Rouge, La. between our forces I'M
der Gen. Williams. and rebels under
Breckenridge, prove that We gained a de
cisive victory. instead of being defeated,
as first reported. Gen. Williams was kill
ell. Gen. Breckenridge had an arm shot
off. The rebel ram Arkansas was blown
up. News from Orleans 10 10Th y vs. Gen.
Butler had Issued IL General Order an
nouncing in eloquent language the death
of Gen. Williams. and also n COngratula-
tory Order 10 the troops on their success
full engagement in which he stys, the en-
envy lost three Brigadiersi in killed, wound
ed and taken prisoners. many Colonels
and field officers. He has more than loco
killed and wounded. We have captured
3 pieces of a%rtiller d caissOns, . stand of
~colors, and a large number bf prisoners.
4 letter from Baton Rouge states that
the fght between the Essex and Arkan-
sas was "a fair stand up fight. Porter lay
300 Yards distance pouring solid nine iuch
shot into the Arkansas till q breach vas
made, when an incendiary shell was ex-
ploded in the breach setting her on fire
The rebel crew left her, and she soon ex-
ploded.
A letter from Baton Rouge says Minis
Battery thrice repulSed the foa with great
slaughter.
Breckenridge lost his right arm by 4
cannon ball.
The contest took place on the edge of
the town-Gen. Williams being unwill-
ing to expose the women and children
We captured Il large number Of prisoners,
including Capt. Blunt. one Of Breckin-
ridges aids.
Gen. Williams. who was killed.. behay-
ed like 4 hero.
The enemy's loss must lave been Sc
we're n our men charged aad re-charged
upon them. We have taken three guns.
Another account says the rebel troops
we're estimated at 5000 or 5000, and were
commanded by Generals Lowell and
Breckenridge. The combat was most OBJ
stinate.
Our loss is $50 killed-including a large
proportion OF officers. The rebel loss, &C
cording to prisoners statements. was i'm
mense. Among the killed was Gen. Low
ell.
The ram Arkansas was Just above BATON
Rouge. but dared not take part in the
conflict.
Later account stata that the Arkansas
was aground when the Essex and other
gunboats went to her and set her on
fire and she blew up. Tho transport
steamer Lewis Whiteman ran into the
gunboat Oneida 80 miles above New Or
leans on the night of the 9th and trans
port sunk. She had the body of Gen.
Williams with an escort of six Of his body
guard ; also 40 of ours and 3 confeder-
ates wounded. The body was recovered,
SO wounded soldiers and three of the
body guard saved. The report of Col.
Cshill in command after the death of
Gen. Williams, stated that the rebel force
was about 10 Regiments. After a fight
of 4 hours with great severity the enemy
were repulsed. Gen. Williams was killed
by q rifle ball through his chest. During
the battle u forces were obliged TO re-
tire about a quarter Of a mile from our
original position and the enemy were
able temporarily TO occupy the camp of
the 2lst and It'll Vermont, and 18th
New England Regiments, and to des-
troy much of our camp equippage. They
were however driven out, but our num-
bers being much lessened by sickness
and the men on the field being much
exhausted By fatigue and heat, it was
deemed expedient not to pursue.
The enemy have retired several miles
and still retreating. l am expecting it
is possible they may receive reinforce
ments, and are disposing of my troops
IN the strongest position. Our force en-
gagged was less than 2500. The enemy
had at least 5000, with twelve or four
teen field pieces and some cavalry.