The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-10-03

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that they had been forced back, the rattle
Of musketry to the front, the right or the
left, with the roar of artillery and the
bursting of shells, all conspired to a high
stage of excitement As we hurried along
good-looking officer came riding from
the woods and, with cOuntenance all
triumph and enthusiasm, called to us to
give cheer, and added, owe have them
in tight spot. Give us cheer" | was
atterward told it was Gen. Banks.
Gen. German seemed active and cheered
Oh his brigade, while Col. Sully was promt-
ly in his place, directing every movement
of the Minnesota First, and Major Morgan
was decidedly cool and brave. Finally,
when we had passed the narrow forest Of
large white oaks, the rebel infantry ap-
peared bearing down upon us in immense
columns. The enemy had been driven
from the fields for more than mile back,
and large reinforcements had been brought
up to regain it, and these were their adj
vancing columns. The position of Germans
brigade was that the 10Th Massachusetts,
occupied the right, the Minnesota First, I'd
and 34th New York in the order named, to
the left. 1t appears that to the left of the
Saith, gap interviewed between it and the
next brigade in line. The rebel column
moved directly upon the 34th, and in so
doing exposed itself to the cross fire from
the Minnesota First, which must have slain
large numbers. The movement which re-
suited in thanking our brigade on the left,
was hid from our view by hill, but it is
enough to know that when the Minnesota
First were hotly engaged with both infantry
and artillery in front, the I'd and saith New
York had both gone away, and the enemy
Appeared on the hill just occupied by our
left flank. Our fire was Immediately di
rected upon them. Such fire as we re-
ceived, never before imagined.
When the Second New York gave way,
Capt. Russell's sharpshooters, to the left
of the Minnesota First, supposed it gen.
eral order to retreat, and for moment
fell back, but when informed to the con-
trary, cOolly returned to their untenable
position, and resumed fire. Seeing we
were completely fanked, COL Sully gave
the order to fall back. The retreat was
executed in good order, and frequently
halted to dress on the colors. In about
one minutes time before we commenced
to retreat, three-t0urths OF al the casual
ties in the Minnesota First occurred.
Falling back about half mile, artillery
came to our support, the regiments were
rallied for another stand, ana our regi-
ment was formed for the support of the
artillery. The shell fell thick at this time,
and, as we lay waiting further movements,
your correspondent was ordered from the
field in consequence of a wound in the
leg, which untitled him to march in quick
time. have since heard that the regi
ment was not again opposed to infantry.
The loss in the Minnesota First YOU may
have heard ere this reaches you. At least,
cannot give it in full The company to
which | belong Russell's Sharpshooters),
went into the fight with forty four men, of
whom twenty-one are said to be wounded.
| can only give the names Of nineteen, viz.
Sergt. A. J. Underwood in leg, flesh wound.
Sergt. VI. II. Billings, by piece of shell strik-
ING foot.
Corporal Dwellc, flesh wound in thigh
Corporal -- Edridge, slightly.
John Coates, slightly
Charles FltZSlmmOnS, in arm. slightly.
James Wilson, in left arm.
James Chamberlain, in right arm. slightly.
Charles 7. Widstrand, in leg flesh wound.
William Scott, through back of neck, near
base of brain; severe, but not dangerous.
Finger FmglesOn. in arm.
- Lockrem, in LEG.
Jas. Benton, severely but character Of wound
unknown.
George Bancroft, through shoulder, severely.
o. H. Quie, in foot.
WILDER Coleman, through calf of leg.
- Ousten, in arm.
MOZier, right fOrc-fingcr shot off.
ID. b. Borden in arm, near shoulder.
Of the above, all are doing well in hospi-
tai A lucbier set of wounds were never re-
ceived. Half a company wounded and
none killed.
In the balance of the regiment, Captain
Holzbum, Company X, was killed. and
Captains Smith, Pomeroy, and Adams,
and Lieutenant Shepley, wounded. The
regiment suffered severely, but the above
is all | am enabled to give.
Gen. German behaved well, as also did
''my son Dick" of whom all speak well.
will write again when | go back to the
regiment, which | hope will be in few
days. SHARrsHooTER.