Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1862-01-02
WHOLE NO. 269.

which must have resnltei in great slsught-
er on both sides. Capt. NJ. was safely
got off the field. and. though having re-
ceived a severe wound. will recover.
Young Joseph Gordon. son of Major j.
w. Gordon, was literally as brave as IL
on and as gentle as lamb. he fell early
in the action. and close up to the eBemy's
works. He was the pet of the regiment,
and no death could have occurred that
would have caused more heartfelt sorrow
among officers and men than did his. He
hal very narrow escape the day before.
Two companies were sent out TO repair .
bridge over Green Briar River. so that the
army could more readily cross oxer. He
was one OF the fourteen men sent IN ad-
vance of these two companies. as an sd
vance guard. Soon after they had cross.
cd the first branch of the river, they were
fircd into by about 100 of the enemy. who
were concealed in the bushes about so yards
from thsm. Seven of the fourteen fell.
killed and wounded A rebel officer i'm
mediately came ont from his hiding place.
waved his sword. and called on them to
surrender. Young Gordon, in answer tc
to the summons. at once raised his gun and
fired at him. The rebels, knowing there
were $50 men but short distance behind.
did not stop for further parley. but quickly
made way with themselves. Our young
friend came out of this little skirmish un-
harmed He was reserved to die on o
broader field in defence OF his country, and
after. as his comrades say. he had made at
least one of its enemies bite the dust.
Our loss is not correctly known. The
18th Indiana suffered the most. The loss
of the 9th was ten killed aud twelve wound
ed; some of them perhaps fatally. The
result Of the fight was not defeat. but
simply failure to drive the enemy from
their entertainments.
My Maine object in writing you this let
ter is to call your attention to the fact that
the troops engaged in this battle were not
half officered-that is, had not by one
half as many officers with them as should
have been. The 32nd Ohio, Col. Ford.
had not a single field officer present-Col.
Jones. had only one present--Col. Jones
himself-who. by the by. did all man
could do to rally that part of his regiment
which fed The 18th Ind. COL Sullivan.
had but one--Maj Dobbs. The 2nd Va.
only one-tho Major. Col. Moody and
Maj. Milroy, Of the 9th Ind. were both on
the ground and did good service. OfCap-
tains and I.ieutenants at least one-hslf
were not present. heard of one or
two companies that had not single COM
missioned officer present. Some ofthe Of
! ficers it was sail. were at home. and 9TH
ers remained in camp because they did not
choose to so out Gen. Milroy. who is
one of tho bravest and best of men. did his
duty nobly and galantly. If all of the
other officers of the brigade had done theirs
as well, it is believed by many that the OBJ
ject ofthe expedition woald have been gain
ed.
These are the facts leave you to COM
ment on them as they deserve. But ir
: does seem to ME that when man accepts
military office in the service and defense
of his county. during active duty ne
should do so. with understanding that he
would not be permitted to return home or
absent himself from his post for neither
pleasure or business. II any should be
permitted to return home. let it be tue pri-
Yates; they only act for themselves. An
officers responsibility too great to spare
him moment from the active discharge
of his duties The enemy, as heretofore
published. abandoned their camp the
next day. leaving our men in possession.
Ind. Jour. m s.iss, rfs.yt--fs