Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1861-1862, 1862-01-30
From tie RnozvilIs Register Of the 2Sh.
THE FISHING CREEK DEFEAT.

We have conversed with gentleman who left Gen.
Crittendens forces last Friday morning, who gives the
following details of the battle and falling back of our
forces His statements may be relied on as be had every
opportunity Of knowing the facts
The attack made upon the Federals at Fishing Greek
vss determined upon in q council Of war, at which all
the repmental commanders were present, and was Ap-
Az one time during the 6ght We had every reason to
believe that the day ours, aud our subsequent de-
feat may be attributed to the mstakng OF regiment Of
the enemy for the 18th Mississippi, and consequent or.
der from Gen. Zollcosr to cease firing. Gen. Zoicoi
fer riding forward towards the enemy was shot and Tell
MORALLY wounded throwing the regiments imme-
d;Gtely around him into some confusion, which, a Is
always the case with imperfecty drilled troops, vas
difficult to suppress The gallant Zolcoer in the very
hour of death did not forget his duty to bis command
and be was heard to utter he fell from his horse,
va, mistaken. they are the enemy, charge them Had
this command been heard by his men and tney nAu
charged we probably would have had victory Instead
Of defeat to chronicle Our men continued from TINS
tim. 10 fall bAck-the enemy who were IN superior
force pressing their advantage until further attempts TO
y we're useless and our brave little army vas ordered
TO make their way back to the camp, keeping IN the
woods AZ much possible 70 prevent the artillery from
damaging The fight ragged nearly three hours with
any cessation, CONTINUAL Fohey nA'nB oeen A'f'
I'D BY both armies.
Gen Crittenden and staff were, during the greater
mart of the fight immediately in the rear OF the attack
inc force and in front Of his reserve and depored him
..f a. brave and gallant soldier He 1t was 10 person
Who conveyed to Col Cummings of the 18th Tennessee
regiment In the heat Of the fight the news OF Gen. Zol-
lcoers fell and that senior Colonel the command OF
the brigade fell upon him.
Our loss in the battle is about 100 killed, and 800
wounded ard taken prisoners. Drs. Gift, Morton,
aud Dulaney volunteered remain In the hospital with
the wounded.
The enemy appearing 10 greater force in front OF our
works on the afternoon, council OF war was again as
sembled and il determined to abandon position II
we're madness to attempt 10 defend.
The forces having all crossed during the night took
up our line Of march for Monticello where the army wac
ted until Tuesday morning. when order Was In meas
ure again restored and the march continued GU IN the
direction Of Carthage, on the Cumberland river.
II but lust TO say that all the different field and sts
officers conducted themselves with great bravery and
cheerfully suffered all the privations their com usnds
were called upon TO endure. To mention either indi-
yidus cases. or partcuarize regiments who are entitled
to praise we're wrong for all did what they believed TO
be their duty The greatest loss fell upon the 10Th Mis-
sssppi and the left wing Of Col Battles 10Th Tennessee
regiment they being in more exposed position tnan
some Of the other regiments.
The loss of property is great but does not reach the
exaggerated reports hrst brought In and IL ale" weeks
| the army will again be ready for the heid.
| war NoyENISrs-Gen. Crttenden, IL Is saii, is nov
At Livingston with the main body OF bis forces, but will
probably 20 10 the Cumberland river convenient for OBJ
tanning guppes The enemy is reported to have crossed
the river in large FORGE AID portion OF them had ad
yanced TO Monticello on TuesdaY last and tasen posses
son of that place the wounded OF Gen. Oritteaien:
force left in the hospital there falling into their hands