Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-03-17

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General Sigel to my main lines on Sugar Greek
Hollow but ceased firing when he pet my rein
iorcements at about r. NJ. During the night
became convinced that he had moved on so as
to attack my right or rear. Therefore. early on
the 7th inst. ordered change of front to right,
my right, which thus becoming my left. still
rested on Sugar Creek Hollow This brought
my line across Pea Ridge with my new right rest
ing on the head OF Gross Timber Hollow, which
is the head of big Sugar Creek also ordered
an immediate advance of cavalry and light artil-
lery under Colonel 0sterhaus, with orders to at
tack and break what supposed would be there
Endorsements of the enemy This movement was
in progress, when the enemy at III A. NJ, com
menced an attack upon nv right The fight
continued mainly at these points during the day:
the enemy having gained point hoty contested
by Colonel Carr, at Cross Timber Hollow; but
were entirely repulsed with the fall of their Com
mander, Mccullough in the centre by the forces
under Colonel Davis.
The plan of attack on the center was gallant
" carried forward by Col. Ostefhaus, who was
Immediately sustained and superseded by Col.
Davis's entire division, supported also by Sigel's
command, which had remained till near the close
Of the day on the left.
Col. Cars division held the right under gall
ing and continuous fire all day
In the evening, the firing having entirely ceas
ed on the center, and there having been none on
the left, reinforced the right by portion of the
second division under Asboth Before the day
closed was convinced that the enemy had con-
centrated his main force on the right; therefore
commenced another change of front formed 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 pro-
gress when at sunrise on the Sth my right and
center renewed the firing, which wasimmediately
answered by the enemy with renewed energy.
All along the whole extent of the line my left,
under Sigel, moved close TO the hills occupied BY
the enemy, driving him from the heights and ad
vancing steadily toward the head of the hollow.
Immediately ordered the center and right wings
forward-the night turning the left of the enemy
and cross firing on his center. This final position
enclosed the enemy in an of circle.
A charge of infantry extending throughout the
whole line completely routed the whole rebel
force, which retired in great confusion. but rather
safely. through deep and impossible defle of
cross timber.
Our loss is heavy. The enemy's can never be
ascertained for the dead scattered over laIg
field, and their wounded, too, may many of them
be lost and perish.
The foe is scattered in all directions, but il is
thought his main force has returned to Boston
Mountains.
Sige follows towards Ketsville, while my cav
airy is pursuing him towards the mountains,
securing the country, bringing in prisoners and
trying to find the rebel General VandoIn who had
command Of the entire force.
have not as yet che statements of the dead
and wounded so TO Justify report, but refer
you to dispatch will forward soon.
Officers and soldiers have displayed such I'M
usual gallantry that hardly dare 10 make dis
tinctions. ! must. however. name the command
ers of divisions. Gen. Sige calamity carried the
nights and drove back the left wing of the enemy.
Asboth was wounded in the arm in his gallant
effort to reinforce the right Colonel and acting
Brigader General Davis who commanded the
center where Mccullough fell on the 7th and
pressed for ward on the 9Th. Colonel and acting
Brigader General Carr is also wounded in the
arm and was under the continuous FIRE of the
enemy during the two hardest days of the severe
struggle.
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio and Missouri may
proudly share in the honor of the victory which
their gallant heroes won over the combined force
of the enemy at Pea Ridge in the Ozark Noun
tains of Arkansas.
have the honor to be. General, your obedi-
ent servant, SAMUEL r. CURTIS,
Brgadier General.