Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-10-16

but the promptness ana energy Win which ne
was met, seemed to deter him from the attempt
Before ii A. NJ, the engagement had become
general along our south line, the heavy pressure
being upon the west or right. The men we're
cool and eager for the expected assault The
FIRE was rapid and continuous on the part OF the
enemy, who kept himself under cover OF the
woods.
Between 2 and 3 IL slackened, and by three il,
had almost ceased, and supposing the enemy had
Withdrawn from the wood which fronted our en-
tire south line, and being anxiously TO occupy the
farther edge of il, that might be advised OF, and
check a renewed attack, Company A, oOth In.
diana, Capt Barrell was thrown out as skirmish-
ers, to feel through it. They soon became hotly
engaged with the enemy, who attempted TO turn
their left haHk | Immediately ordered Capt
Carothers. with Company G, of the same regi
ment. 10 his support The order was promptly
obeyed, and the Company gallantly deployed
under a CALLING fire. This was a brilliant little
affair In il Lieut.. Burton, of Company g, fell
severely wounded, nobly doing his duty Find
ing that the enemy still occupied the woods in
force, our men were withdrawn under fire from
The works should also mention that Company
A Goth Indiana, was thrown out as skirmlshers
upon the left early in the engagement, and there
remained for some time doing excellent service.
with loss of one man wounded. BY AZ the
firing on both sides had nearly ceased. there being
only an occasional shot from our guns AS oppor-
tunty offered to prevent the planting of batteries
by the enemv.
Between five and six O'Clock flag of truce
from the enemy was seen approaching. | sent
Col Wilder TO receive il. Ii covered a note from
Gen. Bragg, commanding the enemy's forces. as
serting that were surrounded py overwhel-
ming force all hope of reIniOrcements cut OIL,
and demanding a surrender 10 save the loss OF
human life which must result from carrying the
works by storm | promptly and peremptory
declined, but when Col. Wilder returned. after
the delivery of my reply. and informed me that
so far as he had been able to observe, the force
against us was truly overwhelming. and especial
ly in artillery, and being only senior officer OF
equal rank with several others in the works, some
of whom had had greater experience. |, at hs
suggestion. deemed il my duty to call a council
of war of these officers | desired also TO gain
time in hopes of relief from this place from
Bowling Green. | therefore sent note to Gen.
Bragg. asking a further suspension of hostilities
to give me time for such consultation. He con
scented 10 such suspension till O'Clock L. NJ
This was point gained, as by that time it would
be too late for further attack, except by assault
which felt able to repel.
BY this time | had got telegraphic communica-
ton with Louisville. and Immediately telegraphed
Gen. Gilbert in substance that we had held the
enemy, said to be Bragg's and Folks whole
NY. at bay all day; that evidently fresh columns
were being moved against US. and whether
should be able 20 continue 10 hold our position
without assistance remained TO be seen; that
should do the best We could. | received an
answer ordering me TO turn the command over TO
Col. Wilder | replied that, under the circum-
stances, regarded the order as unjust, but should
obey IT,
In the meantime the council had been convened,
consisting Of Coils. Owen, Wilder, King, Emer
son and Mlrray, Capt. Conkle and myself. The
unanimous conclusion was that If they had the
force claimed, viz: over 5000 men, and sixty
pieces OF artillery, besides cavalry, it would be
useless sacrifice of human lie to resist, and
especially as by their artillery they could in
spite of US occupy the nights north of the river
which completely covered our works. But it
was also unanimously resolved that We should
be permitted by some competent officer or Off
GERS have actual observation of their strength.
or that we should demonstrate it by actual trial
OF
At the conclusion of the council formally re
linquished the command to Col. Wilder, who has
reported the further proceedings.
! at once telegraphed Gen. Gilbert in substance
that | had relinquished the command, and
that should take my musket and 90 into the
trenches; that as senior. under the crcum-
stances, / would not as an officer fight under
junior.
was Immediately ordered by him to report to
Col. Wilder under arrest. which did. II is but
just that | should add that did not object to
serving under Col. Wilder. Between him and
myself had existed and vet exists the friend
Is relations. We had in all things agreed, and
praise from me would add to his reputation as
officer. The proper authorities must judge
from subsequent EVENT. whether my telegram to
Gen Gilbert such evidence of weakness as
justified my removal from command. or whether
twas simply evidence that | saw our peril and
was not afraid TO look 1t in the face To that
authority shall also appeal for the business OF
nv arrest. OF the GOODNESS and determined
bravery of the men | can not speak too highly.
Of officers, when all did their duty well, especial
praise seems almost out of place; vet some of
had better opportunities than others to dis
play tact, GOODNESS and courage.
Justice requires me 70 acknowledge nv obliga-
tons Lieut.. Col. Edward King, of the 18th
Regulars but now Colonel of the 6Sth Indiana
volunteers He had position about midway of
the south line of the works west of the railroad
Six companies of his regiment were held as a
support in hollow near by. the assault being an
tcipated in that direction. His experience, cool
ness, and close observation, even when she'll and
musket balls flew thick and fast, were invaluable,
aud cannot he too favoraby mentioned.
Colonel Owen was in command of the field
works on the left Fort CrBig) with discretionary
authority. need scarcely say that it was trust
worthily confded.
l should also mention the excellent conduct of
Adjutant Jno. r. Simpson, of the 5Oth Indiana
and Lieut.. PompeIa of the Goth Kentucky, who
acted my aids. On Sunday, they boldly re-
connoitered the woods along march to guard
u. against surprise. On Tuesday they did their
duty with quiet fearlessness that deserves favor
able notice
Our loss was l oficer-Lieut. Burton-and S
privates wounded; one private mortally, and
Lieut.. Burton dangerously. musket ball passing
through both legs, and shattering the bone of
one. The enemy's loss was over one hundred
said to be one hundred and FIVE.
The forces under nv command during this af-
fair were those mentioned by Col. Wilder in his
report, and the reinforcements thereto herenbe-
fore noticed.
| an respectfully,
[Signedl c. L. DUNHAM,
Col Com'd'g L. 5. Forces at Green River
y. B. 1t Is probably but just both 10 Major
General Gilbert and myself, 70 add that, since my
arrival in this city, he has informed me that,
within few moments after issuing the order di-
recting me TO report 10 Col. Wilder under arrest,