Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1862-01-08
Prescott, Wisconsin. Jan. 8, 1862.
Camp correspondence.


and marched for this place (Mamford-
WILEY, situated on Green River, and the
county scat of Hart County; the Wis.
lst taking the lead in the line of march.
We arrived here at ten o clock, making
the distance of eight miles in two hours
and ten minutes, stopping once on the
road fifteen minutes.
On the morning of the 18th, the first
advance of our pickets crossed the river.
This advance consisted of three compa-
MES 32d Indiana (German) regiment of
Gen. Woods brigade, which came here
on Tuesday, the 10Th inst. About noon,
two hours after our arrival, these pickets
were charged upon by the rebel cavalry,
400 strong. A brisk fight ensued, upon
which the remainder of the regiment
crossed the pontoon bridge at "double
quick 10 participate.
This brigade, having pitched their
tents. were called out at the tune of the
Long Roll" and in very few mo-
mcnts were on their way to the scene OF
action. Sick and lame, halt and almost
blind, all turned out, and it was by the
most severe discipline of the officers that
there could be a sufficient number kept
back 90 guard the camp. After going
about a milo at "double quick" we
were halted in little hollow in the rear
of a battery, awaiting orders. But, be-
fore it came our turn to try cur hand at
them, the day was won, and We were Or
dcred back to camp, without seeing blood,
although we could see the smoke from
the discharges Of rebel battery, and
hear the musketry of our men.
There was but 800 Of our men actual
y engaged in the fight, while the rebels
had 400 cavalry, one battery, and 200
infantry; with reserve of 5000 in
their rear. The rebels beat hasty re-
treat, fn'ling the fire of our men to &C
curate for them to stand.
About A. NJ. we were ordered out,
again to lie doomed to disappointment.
A force of 5000 made their appearance
Just beyond our pickets, and placed
themselves in threatening attitude, rs
our boys say, in " Dan Rice's awful po-
sition," and it was thought we should
have q warm time. One of our batter
les crossed the river ut n hort notice
and, coming upon tho advance cavalry,
ope FED a cannonade of grape which
tumblcd them right and left from their
horses, In The meantime, the 500 Ger
mans, under Col. Wil'ick, were making
great havoc among them as skirmishers.
But, upon seeing our forces drawn up
IN line of battle, the rebels became in-
timldat,d by our numbers, and beat an
inglorious retreat, leaving two guns and
so of thoir dead upon the field. Our
loss WIS 10 killed, 20 wounded, and 5
missing, four of whom, it is since ascer-
laine'l, were taken prisoners in the first
skirm ISL. Among our loss is one lieut.
enant. He Was shot with sixteen buck
shot and one bullet. The rebols lost to
our knowledge. 104 killed; the number
of their wounded not beng known.
There is much honor due Col. Wilick
and his gallant command. They fought
with an unfaltering jealousy, and showed
themselves a thorough drilled and brave
band.
Ono man, while they were rallied by
tours TO resist charge, being struck at
with sabre, the blow being aimed at
his head, parted the III ow with his mus
ket, and, before the foe could regain his
sword for second stroke, he thrust his
bayonet through the rebels heart, pick
ing him out of his saddle, and quietly
depositing him upon the ground, ready
to serve other intruders to tho best Of
his means.
Another, small man in stature, was
seized by the straps of bis equipage aud
was being carried away at run by a
Texan trooper, and was forced to drop
his gun, retaining, however, his bayonet
in its scabbard. He managed to draw
it out and thrust his captor through, xii
ling him instantly, making good his es
cape to bis comrades. Col. Wallick bat
bali shot through his cap. The missile
struck the eagle in front, glanced slight,
upwards, just clearing the scalp.
The rebels had one colonel killed. HI
had orders with him to take possession
of this place, burn it, and never to let th
railroad bridge be built at any hazard
Gen. Butler says we shall not build thi