Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1862-03-12
gg 91legrarh.
Official Account of the Battle in
ST, Louis, March LITTLE following is
the official report of Gen. Ourtiss:
HEADQUARTERS ARMx SOUTHWEST,

1uS onC'Al report OF Gen. OurtiSs %
HEADQUARTERS Army SOUTHWEST,
PEA RIDGE, Ark, March 9th. +
General '-On Thursday, the 9Th instant,
the enemy commenced an attack on my
right, assailing and following the rear
guard of detachment under Gen. Sirel
to my main lines, on Sugar Greek Hollow,
but ceased firing when he met my rein
forcements, about p. b. During the
night became convinced he had moved
on, so as to attack my right or rear
Therefore, early on the 18th, ordered a
change of front to right on my right,
which, thus becoming my left, still resting
on Sugar Greek Hollow. This brought
my line across Pea Ridge, my new right
resting on the head of Cross Timber Hol-
low, which is the head of Big Sugar Creek.
l also ordered Immediately an advance of
cavalry and light artillery, un Ter Col. Os-
terhRus, with orders to attack and break
what supposed would be the reinforced
line OF the enemy. This movement wasiu
progress, when the enemy, at IL A. M.,
commenced an attack on my right The
light continued mainly at these points dur
ing the day, the enemy having gained tho
point held by the command of Col. Carr,
at Gross Timber Hollow, but were entirely
repulsed with the fall of commander
McCulloch in the centre, by the forces I'M
der Col. Davis. The plan of attack on the
centre, by Col. Osterhaus, who was imme-
diately sustained and superseded by Col.
Davis entire division, was supported also
by Sigels command, which had remained
till near the close of the day on the left
Col. Oarr's division held the right under a
Calling fire all day.
In tue evening, the firing having entire.
ly ceased in the centre, aud the right being
al, HnkN 7
n portion of the I'd Division, under Asboth.
Before the day closed, l was convinced the
enemy had concentrated his main force on
the right, and therefore commenced anOth.
er change of front forward, SO as to face
the enemy when he had deployed on my
right flank in strong position. The change
had been partially effected, but was fully
IN progress, when, Mt sunrise on the 9th,
my right and centre renewed the firing,
which was Immediately answered by the
enemy with renewed energy along the
whole extent Of his line. Ny left, under
Sigel, moved close to the hills occupied by
the enemy, driving him from the heights
and advancing steadily toward the head of
the hollow
Immediately ordered the centre and
right wing forward, the right turning the
left of the enemy and cross firing on his
centre. The charge Of the infantry extend
ed throughout the whole line and com.
Pletely routed the whole rebel force, which,
retired with great confusion, but rather
safely through the deep impossible defiIes
of cross timber. Onr loss is heavy. The
enemy's can never be ascertained, for the
dead are scattered over large field. Their
wounded too, many of them-will be lost
and famish. The foe is scattered in all d.
rections, but think his main force has re-
turned to Boston mountains. Sigel follows
toward Keithville, while my cavalry is pur-
suing him towards the mountains, scour-
ing the country and bringing in prisoners
and to find rebel Mai. Gen. Van Dorm,
who had command of the entire force at
yet statement of the dead and wounded, so
as to justify report, but l will refer you
to dispatch will forward very soon.
The officers and soldiers have displayed
such unusual gallantry, hardly dare to
make distinction. l must however, name
Commanders of divisions, Gen. Sigel gall
lantly carried the right aud drove back the
left wing of the enemy. Asboth was
wounded in the arm in his gallant effort to
reinforce the right. Colonel and acting
Brig. Gen. Davis, who commanded the CEN
tire where McCulloch fell on the 7th and
pressed forward the centre on the sth.-
SoI. anu acung brig. zen. Carr Is also
wounded in the arm, aud was under the
continuous fire of the enemy during the two
hardest days of the struggle. The Illinois,
Indiana, Iowa, Ohio aud Missouri may
proudly share the honors of the victory;
which their gallant heroes won over the
combined force Of Van Dorm, Price aud
AcCulloch at Pea Ridge, in Arkansas
mountains.
I have the honor to be, General, your
obedient servant,