Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-03-31
INDIANAPOLIS, IND, MONDAY, MARCH 81, 1862.

prise found that there had been mistake in
supposing it Withdrawn, as perfect shower Of
canister belched, forth from the thick brush IN
front. which fortunately was aimed too high
Lieut.. Col Washburn being forward promptly
gave orders 70 change front forward and form
line along the fence, which was rapidly executed,
our own batteries and that of the enemy in the
meantime playing over Us.
An order to charge and take the battery was
now given, which was received with cheers, the
line advancing steadily, with fixed bayOnets, in
creasing the speed to double quick, our men
cheered with undaunted spirit, which caused the
rebels to hastily Withdraw their battery, and gen.
eraI stampede ensued. We now deployed to the
right, the 18th being in the advance, and the Sth
and 22d being separated by Colonel Whites brig
ade, which, in the excitement consequent upon
the unexpected attack from. and subsequent
charge on the battery, had formed on its left; in
this position the two brigades pushed on the enc
my, in full retreat, frequently giving them a
heavy fire from muskets and rifles, the chase be-
ing kept up through heavy fallen timber, passing
which we got into open timber, and moved rap
IDLY forward; the enemy now having passed out
of sight, and the. men being exhausted, gave up
the chase, but advanced steadily up to the Hunts
vile road, when / halted on the 18th, and await
ed the arrival OF the rest of the brigade, which
came up in short time. Colonel Benton arrived
with the right wing of the sh,sand the balance
of Klaus battery, who had been left to hold the
crossing at Sugar Greek, no doubt thinking their
lot hard one at not being permitted to take a
more active part in the achievement of so gio-
rous victory. This was the first time my CON-
mand got all together since the engagement first
commenced.
During the Engagement of both the 7th and
Sth, Captain Klaus rendered the most efficient
service, being several times the first day unsup
ported by infantry, consequently in great danger
ofbeing cut off by the enemy.
/ cannot close this report without noticing the
promptitude with which nearly all the officers
executed the commands given, but more particu-
larly would / return thanks for the efficient aid
rendered by Lieut.. Colonel Washburn, Major
Thomas and Captain Short, acting Major of the
18th, to Colonel Benton and Lieut. Colonel Skunk
of the Sth: also TO my acting Assistant Adjutant
General, Lieutenant George s. Marshall and Lieu
tenant VIM. F. Davis, aid de camp, who both
rendered prompt and efficient service in deliver
ing orders on the field.
The officers of the line tried to emulate each
other in forwarding the good cause in which we
are engaged, and the men deserve the praise and
congratulation Of the whole country for the cour
age and efficiency exhibited on all occasions in
the face OF desperate and INSCRIPTIONS foe.
In consideration of the calling fire to which
my command was frequently exposed, am hap
py to say but little loss, comparatively, was sus-
tanned. every advantage being taken to save the
men from exposure by lying down and otherwise,
to which the accompanying list of killed, wound
ed and missing will bear testimony.
The following officers have been fayorably no.
ticed by their respective commanders in regiment
al reports. VIZ:
Captains Jonathan H. Williams. John G. jerks,
and Dr. g. W Gordon, of the 18th, and Lieut..
Colonel David Skunk, of the Sth.
Many others, no doubt, deserve particular at.
tention, who have escaped the observation of my
self and their immediate commanders.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS PATTIsoN,
Col. Commanding lst Brig, Sd Division.
Number killed, wounded and missing in the
d hriOada al division.