The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1862-05-28
Army Correspondence.
The War in Western Virginia.
From THE 25TH OHIo-THE BATTLE OF
MCDOWELL.
FRANKLIN, VIRGINIA, |
May l3, 1852. (

May l3, 1862.
DEAR SPIRIT: / write this on my knee,
while seated on lofty precipice, near the
mountain top, doing picket duty. From
my position, an hour ago, saw General
Fremont and staff enter our camp, and at
this moment droves of reinforcements are
coming in. Our present position is one
of immense natural strength, and woe to
the Secesh who attempt to take it, uLless
they have three or four times our number,
which, by the way, would be huge army.
You have doubtless heard of the fierce
aud bloody engagement at Mcdowell on
the Sth inst. II was one of those acci
dental battles which sometimes appear to
come off without anybody designing it,
a few hundred rebels had been seer
all day on the mountain top. apparently
reconnoitering Capt Hignmah had been
throwing a shell among them. scattering
them, but withou, driving them off Abou,
4 O'Clock, Col, Richardson, with the 25 h
Ohio, aud Col Mclean, of the IS h,
were ordered MP the mouaIain t, skirmi,h
there, Tae mouo ain was very high aud
very steep. but our men moved up in ex
cellent order, the 25th in I'D vance Just
as they arrived al tue brow of the mount,
ain. most terrific volley Was fred into
them They never felt red, but m wed on
few PAGES, and op,ned 6re in return
The Is L soon arrived, and the fr ng ali
along the line made one continual roar
The rebels engaged, -outnumbered our
forces three or four To one, in addition to
which they had several thousand 10 re-
serve. Those who witnessed the engage
ment from the valley believed it iDposs
ble that any troops could siaGd the mur
derous fire which our men endured. and
were momentarily expecting them to re
two regiments engaged and held in check
four or Eve thousand of the enemy. jus,
before dark, the 82d Ohio went to the
support of our men. followed soon after
bv the Sd Va, the 32d and 55th Ohio
The battle then raged with rtdouble ia
ry, as the rebel reserves had come to their
assis ance. After dark there was per
feet sheet of fame all aloug the noun ain
top. 1t would have been beautiful
sight if it had not been so sad
About 8 O'Clock the firing gradually
ceased. aud our torcers retu rus ta camp.
the 25tn having fi5e j away their en.ire
supply of am nnnition.
The conduct of the 25th has been the
constant theme of enthusiastic praise
since the battle. Ger er lis S mex ard
Milroy speak in terms OF Sh most unanal
fled commentator of all the gAliantry
aud courage Of all the troops engaged,
and especially of the 25lh. Every officer
and maa engaged did his whole duty 81
far as is known. not one faltered.
Lieut.. Manning had temporary com
mand of company G, and conducted him
self in most exemplary manner 81
likewise did Lieut.. Alex Sinclair.
Col Richardson, of course, behaved
gallantly and fearlessiy.
The following is list Of the killed
and wounded in the four companies in
your neigborhooa. If I were in camp
I could give full list of the entire
regiment .ea
a Company A, Killed, none.
Wounded, Lieut. Higgins slightly in
the hand 90 90
Corp. w. H. Spear, severly in lest arm
Samuel Beall severely in left shoulder
Wm. F. Bloor, slightly in hand.
Hiram III Hahn, severely in left hand
George N. Iden, sl ghtly il. left shoulder
u. c. Dorson, lightly. in >houl Ter.
Henry Lsmeert, slightly in hand. Z
Samuel McCrum, severely in hand.
Robert II. Miller, dangerously in left
arm and shoulder. -
Henry Meek. severely in thigh.
james Rnssel, severely in left arm.
George w. Verbeck. seriously in left knee
Henry G. White, severely ia right hand
and cheek
Company B. killed. William briggs.
Wounded, Sergt Geo w. Martin, slight
81 ly in arm. es5 r45 20
Slater B Brock, severely bnt not dan
gerouslv in right shoulder.
Charles d. Troy. slightly 10 head.
Corp. Charles TWiuum Sigh ly ia hand
Ma; hau Morris, very slightly in breast.
Wesley B. SAL Ger, slightly in ca t OF leg
Samuel Trigg, very slightly IN leg
Company G. killed, James b. McPees.
Wounded. Corporal Samue' Hlcaeson.
severely in left leg
Jacob II. B,iey, slightly in leg.
Sylvanus Williams, severely in left arm
Joau fisher. slightly in rieh arm
Company l. killed. nons.
Wounded Serg T ters slightly in wrist
Corporal Houston. severely in arm.
Corporal Wesr. slightly in thigh.
w FL Brown. sign ly 10 wrist
Thomas Swar;wood. dangerously 10 hip
w II M:Bride. slightly in arm
Asbury Stephens. severely in ann.
Samuel Brooks, slightly in hand.
Howard ulilstt. severely In hand and arm