Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1862-04-24

left to them, with many other officers of
skill and courage. On they press, there
fore. Bragg, has long since brought up
his corps, composed for the most part OF
his seasoned Pensacola troops, and most
admirably has he handled them through
out the entire day, Gallant and chivalrio,
yet cool and sagacious, he knows when and
where to plant his terrible blows. Gen.
Polk also was many times in the thickest
Of the fight, and bore himself throughout
the battle, whether in the immediate front
Of the enemy or in bringing up his re-
serves, with the calm courage aud serene
spirit of achristian warrior Only d por-
ton of our reserves were ever brought into
action, there being no necessity for it.
At half past FIVE o'clock the enemy was
lin full retreat, and hotly pursued by the
victorious Coufederates. He fled back to
the Tennessee, and took shelter under his
gun boats and river works, the fire from
which was too heavy for our light field bat
teries Night, too, had come on, and our
army returned to the enemy's camp, and
are nov occupying it. The Federals left
their teats standing, together with all their
camp eqsippags, quartermaster and com.
missary stores, private baggage, medical
supplies and considerable ammunition -
The attack was so furious-itcame so much
like the first clap of thunder when the
storm begins-and the pursuit SO close and
unrelenting, that they had no time to re.
move anything, not even to gather up their
records and half.fnished letters. The o.
mount of property taken is immense. Our
men are now regaling themselves upon the
ample supplies of excellent food everywhere
to be found.
I am unable to speak with certainty of
the number of the enemy's, forces. One
of the prisoners I encountered "a lieuten-
ant, who formerly belonged to the old ar
my,) estimated them at 1900 men
Others put them down at 100000; others,
again, at $4,000 and some at $4,000. Gen.
Prentiss, who was captured about 5 clock,
says the Federal army op this side of the
river YES composed of six divisions, of a,
bout $500 each, which would make the
forces of the enemy engaged about 45, ,OOO.
They probably exceeded this number, with
out including the forces on the other side
of the river. At no time had we as NAV
men engaged as the enemy. Isl.
Nor can ! speak with certainty of the
number of batteries or prisoners we have
captured 1t is too early after the battle,
and too much confusion prevails, for lhe
to get at the precise facts. The number of
prisoners is variously estimated; some say
1000 and others 1000; one report hasjt
that one entire brigade has been captured.
This is, doubtless, mistake. Among the
prisoners are many officers, and the greater
part of the Seventh Iowa Regiment, who
lately petitioned the Federal Congress for
permission to inscribe upon their banner
the victories of Belmont and Doneson.
The number of batteries taken is said to
be eighteen, which, allowing six pieces to
the battery, would make one hundred and
eight guns. It's more probable that parts
of eighteen batteries were taken. Several
stands of colors were also captured-three
by the First Louisiana Regiment alone
I have seen two of them myself, and was
present when they. were brought in and
delivered to Gen. Beauregard. I witness
ed, also, the arrival and presentation Of
General Prentiss, who was taken by Q
staff officer or officers of Gen. Polk, and
conducted to the latter, who sent him, with
his compliments, Immediately to Genera
Beauregard. The following is the substance
of the conversation that ensued after they
had shaken hands:
e., Prentiss.-WeIl, sir, we have felt YOU
power to-day, aud have had to yield.
Beauregard.-That is natural, sir. Yol
could not expect it to be otherwise W.
are fighting for our homes, for our wives
and children, for generations to come afte
us, and for liberty itself Why does you
Government thus war upon us, and seel
US upon our own soil
Prentiss.-Our people have never ye
been able to bring themselves to. consen
to see the Union broken up. Such thinE
has not entered into our calculations, ant
cannot.
Beauregard-The Union is already bro
ken, and the last man, woman and chile
in the South will willingly perish before
it shall be restored. What force have 20,
had engaged to-day?
Preutiss Six divisions, numbering
little over 1000 each-the> whole not a
mounting to more than 10000. Genera
Grant commands, assisted by Gems. Sher
man, McClernard, Hulburt, and myself
Gen. Smith is sick, and has not been upo
the field. My division was the first tc re
ceive your attack, and we were not proper
y supported if we had been, the da
might have gone otherwise. There ha
been mismanagement somewhere. Had
been supported in time, we should hav
broken your centre at the time we stoppe
your advance.
Beauregard.-You are mistaken, Gene
raj. My order of battle was such, that
you had even penetrated the centre Of ou
front line, it would have been to eucounte
certain destruction; We would have cut 20
to pieces. Has Gen. Buell. arrived, an
what are his forces?
Prertiss, (hesitating. .)-I do not kno'
: where Gen. Buell. is or the number of hi
, force. l have heard he was at Nashville