Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-03-12

ST.. LOUIS, March 1.-THE following is the
official report of Gen. Curtis to Gen. Hal
leck -
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY OF THE
SOUTHWEST, PEA RIDGE, ARK, March g.
GenerGl;-On Thursday, the 9th inst, the
enemy commenced an attack on my right
of detachment under Gen. Siegel to my
main lines on Sugar Creek Hollow, but ceased
firing when lie met my reinforcements about
four P. NJ. During the night became con.
WINGED that the enemy had moved on so as to
attack my right or rear. Therefore early on
the 9TH ordered change of front to the
right, nay right which thus became my left,
still resting on Sugar Greek Hollow
This brought my line across Pea Ridge,
with my new right resting on the head of
Cross Timber Hollow, which is the head of
Big Sugar Creek. also ordered an immedi-
ate advance of the cavalry and artillery, I'M
der Col. OSterhaus, with orders 10 attack and
break what supposed would be the reinforced
line of the enemy. This movement was in
progress when the enemy lat IL A. M COM
menced an attack on my right
The fight continued manly at these points
during the day. The enemy gained the point
held by the command of Col Carr at Cross
Timber Hollow, but was entirely repulsed,
with the fall of the commander, McCulloch,
in the center, by the forces under Col. Davis.
The plan of attack on the center was calamity
carried forward by Col. Osterhaus, who was
Immediately sustained and supported by Col.
Davis entire division, and supported also by
Gen. SiegePs command, which had remained
till near the close of the left. Col. Carr's
division held the right, under CALLING con-
tinuous fire, all day.
In the evening, firing having entirely ceased
in the center, and the right being now on the
left, reinforced the right by portion of the
second division under Gen. Asboth. Before
the day closed l was convinced that the
enemy had concentrated his main force on
the right l commenced another change of
front forward, so as to face the enemy where
he had deployed on my right flank in a strong
position. The change had only been partially
effected but was in full progress, when at sun
rise on the 9Th my right and center renewed
the firing, which was Immediately answered
by the enemy with renewed energy along the
whole extent of his line.
My left, under Gen. Sigel, moved close to
the hills occupied by the enemy driving him
from the heights and advancing towards the
head of the Hoows. Immediately ordered
the center and right wing forward, the right
turning the left of the enemy and cross firing
on his center This final position Of the en-.
envy was in the are of circle. A charge Of
infantray was made by us extending through
out the whole line completely around the
whole rebel force. The rebels retired in great
confusion, but rather safely, through the deep
deGIes of Cross Timber.
Our loss is heavy. The enemy's can never
be ascertained, for their dead are scattered
over a large field. Their wounded, too, may
many of them be lost and perish. The rebtl
force is scattered in all directions, but think
his main force has returned to Boston Noun
tains. General Sigel follows them towards
Keithsville, while my cavalry is pursuing
them towards the mountains, securing the
country, bringing in prisoners, and try ing to
find the rebel major general, Van Dorm, who
had command of the entire force at the battle
of Pea Ridge. l have not as yet statements
OF the dead and wounded so as to justify
report but will refer you to dispatch which
will forward very soon.
The officers and soldiers have displayed
such unusual gallantry that / hardly dare TO
make a distinction. must, however, name
the commanders of division. Gen. Sigel gal
lantly commanded the right, and drove back
the left wing of the enemy. Gen. AS both
was wounded in the arm in his gallant effort
to reinforce the right Colonel and acting
Brig. Gen. Davis commanded the center,
where McCulloch iell, on the seventh, and lie
pressed forward the center on the eighth
Colonel and acting Brig. Gen. Carr is also
wounded in the arm and was under the con-
tinuous fire of the enemy during the two hard
est days Of the struggle.
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, and Missouri,
may proudly share the honor of the victory
which their gallant heroes have won, over the
combined force of Van Dorm, Price, and Nc
Cullocf, at Pea Ridge in the mountains of
Arkansas.
1 have the honor to be, general, your ODE.
dent servant, SAM'L r. CURTIS,