The Smoky Hill and Republican union. [volume] (Junction City, Kan.) 1861-1864, 1862-03-20

The principal loss of life was on boarl
the Cumberland, where it is thought on.
hundred and City must have been killed
or drowned. According to report Of thu
officers of the Minnesota, one hundred and
fifty we're lost on her.
One rebel gun beat was cut in two BY
the Cumberland.
A special dispatch from Sugar Creek,
where the army of the Southwestis station
ed, says:
After contest of three days, We have
beaten the enemy at Sugar Greek Hollow.
Their forces consisted of Van Dorn's,
Prices, McCulloci's and Froe:'s command.
They were forced 10 retreat in wild con-
fusion, with loss of considerable number
of cannon, -four, muskets, ammunition and
caissons. Their force is variously estimated
at from twenty to thirty thousand.
McCulloch is ascertained to be mortally
wounded, as we'll as Mcintosh and Rector,
the latter son of the Governor of Arkan-
sas, McIlae and number of other promi
nent prisoners, besides large number of
rank and file.
Gen. Curtiss' official dispatch to Genera.
Halleck says tie attack by the enemy coml
menced on the 9th inst. on my right, and
continued until four o'clock. On the morn
ing of the 7th l ordered an advance oe the
cavalry and light artillery under Col. Os-
terhaus, with orders to attack and break
what supposed would be the reinforced
line Of the enemy's centre. This move
ment was in progress when the enemy, at
l in the morning, renewed the attack on
my right. The fight continued mainly at
these points during the day, the enemy
having gained point hotly contested by
Col. Carr at Cross Timber Hollow, but was
entirely repulsed with the fall of their
commander, Gen. McCulloch, by our forces
under General Davis.
The plan of the attack on the centre was
gallantly carried forward by Col Ostcrhaus,
who was sustained by Col Davis entire
Division also By General Sigers command
which bad remained till near the close of
the day on the left.
Before the day closed I was convinced
the enemy had concentrated his main force
on my right. l therefore commenced
change of my front forward so as to face
the enemy. where he had deployed on my
right flank in a strong position. The
change had been only partially effected, but
was fully in progress, when at sunrise, on
the 9th, my right and centre renewed firing
along the whole line, my left, under Gen.
Sigel, moved close to the hills occupied by
the enemy, driving him from the heights,
advancing steadily towards Head Hollow.
| Immediately ordered the centre and right
wing forward, our right turning the left of
the enemy and cross firing his centre.
This final position enclosed the enemy in
the area of circle. A charge of infantry
extending throughout the whole line, COM
pletely routed the whole rebel force, which
retired in great confusion through deep
impossible defiles.
Our loss is heavy. The enemy's loss
cannot be ascertained, for the dead arc
over large. field. The foe scat
cred in all directions, but l think the
main force retired to Boston Mountains.
General Sigel follows them towards Keitts-
lille, my cavalry pursuing him towards the
securing the country and bring
ng in prisoners.
The battle between General Curtis and
he combined rebel forces under Van Dorm,
Price, McCulloch and Mcintosh, lasted
hree DAYS. 1t resulted in a Federal vic
ory. Our loss is 1000 killed and wounded.
That Of the enemy much larger. A large
lumber of prisoners we're captured.