The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-08-22
Later from New Orleans.
Tho Robol Dofoat at Baton Rouge.

Destruction Of The Arkansas The Enemy
three times Rcpulsed by MINIS battery
Breekimide's Right Arm Shot Array
Rebel General LoreH Riiled-Breekinridgc
Asks Permission 10 Buryhs Dead-Cdpt.
Kelly, Mass. 3Oh killed.
Tho steamer North Star and Roanoke
from New Orleans 18th, have arrived at n.
York, bringing the particulars OF the defeat
of the rebels at Baton Rouge and tho des-
truction Of the Arkansas.
A letter from Baton Rouge says Minis
Battery thrice rcpulsed tho foe with great
slaughter. Breckenridge lost his right arm
by cannon ball. The fight took place on
the edge of the town, Gen. Williams being
unwilling to expose helpless women and
children. We captured large number OF
prisoners, including Capt Blunt, Breckin-
ridges Aid. Gen. Williams, who was killed,
behaved like hero. Minis men are entl-
tied to impcrishablo glory. The loss OF the
enemy must have been severe, as our men
charged and rechargod upon them.
Another account says the rebel troops
were yariousy estimated ut from 5000 to
$4,000, under Generals Lowell and Breckin.
ridge. The combat was obstinate. Our loss
was $50 killed. including II large proportion
of officers. Tho rebel loss, according to tho
prisoners, was immense. Among the killed
was Gen. Lowell.
The ram Arkansas was just above Baton
Rogue, but did not take part in the conflict.
Later accounts state that tho Arkansas
was aground above Baton Rouge, where the
Essex and the other gunboats went to her
and set her on fire. when she room alter blew
up.
Tho Official report of Col. Cahill. COM
manding the post after the death OF Gen.
Williams, states that the rebel force was
about ten regiments. After fight Of four
hours of great severity the enemy were re-
pulsed. Gen. Williams was killed by rifle
ball through the chest. During tho battle
our forces were obliged to retire about a
quarter of u mile from their original posi-
ton, and tho enemy were able temporarily to
occupy the camps of tho 2lst Indiana, 9TH
Vermont and 18th Maine regiment, and to
destroy much Of the baggage and camp equip
age. They were, however. driven out, but
our numbers being much lessened by sick
ness and the men on tho field being much
exhausted by fatigue and heat, il was deemed
expedicnt not to pursue the rebels.
The enemy has retired several miles and is
still retiring. am expecting 1t Is possible
that they may receive achievements, and
am disposing OF the New York troops in the
strongest positions.
Our force engaged numbered less than
$500. Tho enemy had at least 5000 with
with IL or IA field pieces and some cavalry.
The ram Arkansas approached with inten-
ton Of engaging our gunboats, but ground
cd at distance Of six miles, and to-day 1.-THE
9th inst.) was engaged by tho Essex and
destroyed.
Brig. Gen. Clark and his aid. Lieut.. Ter
ger, delivered themselves TO US rs prisoners
Of war. have also 20 wounded prisoners
and about 30 captured.
Breckenridge. on the 9th, asked permission
in writing to bury his dead. Col. Cahill
replied that our men were engaged in tho
work, which will soon be accomplished.
Among tho prisoners taken is Gen. Allen
Of Miss, mortally wounded.
We CLEAN the following few names Of the
killed and wounded from newspapers.
Killed-Col. Roberts, 9TH Vt, Capt. Kelly,
30th Mass. Wounded-Lieut. Col. Keith,
2lst Ind, Lieut.. Howe, 3Oth Mass.
Gen. Butler has issued congratulatory
order to the troops on their successful en-
gagcment, in which no says: "Thc enemy
loN three Brigadior Generals killed. wound. |
ed and prisoners, and many colonies and
field officers. lie has more than one thous-
and killed and wounded. You have captured
three pieces of artillery, six caissons, two
stand Of colors and large number OF pris-
oners."
A letter from Baton Rouge states that the
fight between the Essex and Arkansas was n
fair stand up fight. Porter lay three humid |
red yards distant, pouring solid nine-inch
shot into the Arkansas until breach was
effected, when an incendiary shell was ex-
ploded in the breach, setting her on fire.
The rebel crew then left her, and sho soon
exploded.
. Most likelythe Gen. Lowell reported killed
is Col. Lowell, and not Maj. Gen. Mansiicld1
Lowell, who is understood to be at Rich
mond.
The rebel wounded state that Gen. Rug |
Giles was killed. One rebel stated that their
loss was 500. Minis battery saved the day
when two. thirds of its members were on the
sick list.
The secessionists in Baton Rouge fred on
our wounded as they were being brought in.
consequently their houses were being pulled
down.
Breckenridge, on the morning Of the fight,
made speech, promising his men to have
band playing in the State House at 0 A. NJ.