Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1862-03-19
THE ARKANSAS FIGHT.
Gen. Curtis Official Report.
HEAD-ouARrERs Army OF sorru wrsr

Pea Ridge, Arkansas, March. 9.
GESERAL:-On Thursday the 9th inst
the enemy commenced an attack on nv
right, attacking and following the real
guard of detachment under Sigel to INV
main lines on Sugar Creek Hollow but
ceased firing when he met my reinforce.
ments at about p. m. During the night
| become convinced he had moved on So
as to attack my right and rear therefore
early on the 7th | ordered change OF
front to right on my right, which thus
brought, my left still rested on Sugar
creek Hollow: This brought my lines
across Pea Ridge, with my new right rest
ing on the head of Cross Timber Hollow.
which is the head of Big Sugar Creek.
also ordered an advance of cavalry and
light artillery, under Col. Osterhaus, with
orders to attack and break what suppos-
ed would be the reinforced line of
the enemy. This movement was in pro-
gress when the enemy, at III a. m, COM
menced an attack on my right The
tight continued mainly at these points
during the day. The enemy having gain
ed a point hOtly contested by Carr at
Cross Timber Hollow, but were entirely
repulsed with the loss of their
commander, McCulloch, in the centre, by
the forces under Col. Davis. The plan
OF attack on the centre was gallantly car
RED forward by Col. Osterhaus, who was
lmmediately sustained and supported by
Col Davis's entire division, supported al
SO by Sigels command, which had remain
ed hll near the close of the day on the left.
-ccL Cars division held the right under
CALLING fire all day.
In the evening the firing having en-
tirely ceased on the centre, and there
having been none on the left, reinforced
the right by portion of the second di-
vision under Asboth Before day closed
l was convinced that the enemy had con-
centrated his main force on the right. /
therefore commenced another change of
front forward, so as to face the enemy
where he had deployed on my right flank
In strong position. The change had been
only partially effected, but was fully in
progress when at sunrise on the 8th, my
right and centre commenced the firing,
which was Immediately answered by the
enemy with renewed energy all along the
whole extent of the lines. My left un-
der Sigel moved close to the Hills occu-
pied by the enemy, driving him from the
heights, and steadily advancing toward the
head OF the Hollows. / Immediately or
dered the center and rightwings forward,
the right turning the left of the enemy,
and cross firing on his centre. This final
position enclosed the enemy in an area of
a circle. A charge of infantry, extend
ing throughout the whole line, completely
routed the whole rebel force, which re-
tired in great confusion, but rather safely, |
through deep and impossible defle of
cross timber. Our loss is heavy. The en-
emy's can never be ascertained, for the |
dead are scattered over large field, and
their wounded too may, many of them,
be lost aind perish. The foe is scattered |
in all directions, but l think his main |
force has returned to the Boston Noun !
tains. Sigel followed towards Keitville,
while my cavalry is pursuing him to-
wards the mountains, securing the coun-
try, bringing in prisoners, and trying to
and inc reoei MAJOR Gen. Van Dorm, who
had command of the entire force.
have not as yet the statements of the
dead and wounded Jas to justify report,
but will refer to you. a dispatch | will
forward very soon. Officers and soldiers
have displayed such unusual gallantry /
hardly dare to make distinctions. / must
however, name the Commanders of Divis-
ons; Gen. Sigel calamity carried the
heights and drove back the left wing of
.he enemy. Asboth, who was wounded
n the arm, in his gallant effort to reinforce
he right; Colonel and acting Brig. Gen.
Davis, who commanded the center where
McCulloch fell, on the 9Th, and pressed
onward the center on the 8th. Col. and /,
lcting Brig. Gen. Carr. is also wounded in
he arm, and under the continuous fire of
he enemy during the two hardest days of
he struggle. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,
]hio and Missouri, may proudly share the
lonor of the victory which their gallant
heroes won over the combined forces of
Van Dorm, Price and McCulloch, at Pea
aaidge in the Ozark Mountains of Arkan-
as.
have the honor to be, General, your
'bedient servant.
SAMUEL R. CURTIS,
Brigadier General.