Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1862-03-27
THE FIRST DAYS FIGHTING.

great Arkansas battle, we take the follow
ing description of the desperate three day S
fight:
THE FIRST DAYS FIGHTING.
AS I have said, the rebels, before they
began the now memorable battle in Ben
ton Co., Arkansas, on Thursday morning,
March 9th, 1862, were entirely confident
of success, and their chief concern how
how to destroy or capture our whole force.
Gen. Curtis anticipated an attack from
tie South, and accordingly had the trains
placed on the North, under the protection
of General Sigel, with a body ofeight hun
dred men-the principal Federal encamp-
ments and main lines being to the east
ward, near the head and on both sides of
Sugar Creek. Meantime, the rebel forces
were moving in full strength from Benton
vile, whence they had proceeded from
Cross Hollows, and with rapid marches
were endeavoring to cross the creek, and
by placing themselves on the North to cut
off their retreat.
An advance of about two thousand cav
airy reached the desired position, aud made
fierce onslaught on Sigel, hoping to take
possession of our large and valuable train.
Sigel proved himself the right man in
the right place. He gallantly met the en-
envy, and while be repelled their charge,
prevented them from seizing upon our
wagons. The brave and accomplished Off
Ger seemed ubiquitous. He rode rapidly
here and there; giving orders and observ-
ing the point of attack and the situation
of the enemy, at the same time cheering
and encouraging the troops.
Often he was in the thickest Of the fight,
and yet he was always cool, calculating
and skillful; exposing himself as com
mon soldier, and yet preserving the calm
judgement and fixed purpose of Com,
mander-in Chief. ..-.....
Sigel's desire was to keep the commu'
nication open between himselfand the mali,
camp, and the enemy's designs to cut of
this avenue for reinforcemeuts. They
closed round him with tumultous shouts
and believed they had accomplished then
purpose, when Sigel rushed in upon them
with his brave followers and compelled
them to give way. Sigel could not relin.
quish the trains and so he fought on, and
exborted his men to renewed hope and
courage by bis example. Ja>1
For two hours the strife went on with
great ardor on both sides; but it seemed
as if: the Federalists would soon be com
PEELED to yield. There seemed no hope
for them. They must become exhausted
and doubtless they must have done so, had
their destiny been in less powerful and ex
pert hands than Sigel's. it ~
The waves of opposition rolled around
Sigel's courageous band once more, and
again. the traitoreus shout went up 10 the
sky, and swept like a note of victory along
the rising hill. Many stout loyal heart
doubtless sank when that cry was heard
but .Sigel had no thoughts of failure. He
was fighting for his adopted country and
the salvation of bis little band, and order
ing three companies of his men to charge
bayonets, the rebel cavalry was dispersed
and the way was open once more. 'a
q Still no reinforcements came, and oul
gallant soldiers appeared eontending as
forlorn hope. l+i's sa.i ''
About the trains the din of strife rost
louder than before, and the rattle of mus
kerry and the booming of cannon awok'
the surrounding echoes. '@I
The enemy were losing ground. They