Delaware State journal and statesman., 1862-03-14

h0uteu Oy q t"ufyf y fuWHFJ-H HeHNY fsWSsrs
on Both Sides
The following is the official report of General
Curtis of the battle of Pea Ridge in the noun
tnins of Arkansas;
HEADQUARTERS OF THE Army of THE SOUTHWEST,
PEA RIDGE, ARK March ..
General-On Thursday, the 9th inst, the enemy
commenced an attack on my right, assailing aud
following the rear guard Of the de,nc ments
under General Sigel, to my main lines "a Sugar
Greek Hollow, but ceased firing when he met my
reinforsements, about o'clock T.. NJ.
During the night became convinced that he
had moved on 80 us 10 attack my right or rear.
Therefore, early on the 7th, ordered change
of front to the right of my right, which thus be-
ciming my left, still resting on Sugar Greek
Hollow This brought my line across Pea Ridge,
with my new right resting on lie Head of Gross
Timber Hollow, which is the Head of Big Sugar
Creek also ordered an advance Of cavalry mud
light artillery, under Col Osterhans, with orders
to attack and break what we supposed would he
the reinforced line Of the enemy. This move.
ment was in progress when the enemy, ut / |
O'Clock, A. NJ, commenced an attack on my
right.
The fight continued warmly at these points
during the day, the enemy having gained the
point held in Command by Col Carr, al Cross
Timber Hollow; but were entirely repulsed with
the fall Of the rebel commander, Mccullough, in
the centre, by the forces under Col. Jell. C.
Davis, OF Missouri.
The plan Of attack on the centre was gallautly
carried forward by Col. Oserhaus, who was iin
media ely sustained and superseded by Col.
Davis entire division, superseded also by Gen
SigePs command, which had remained Til uear
the close Of the day on the left.
Col Carrs division held the right under n
CALLING and continuous fire all day-
In the evening, the firing having entirely
ceased in the centre, and the right being now on
the left, reinforced the right by portion Of
the second division, under Gen Asboth Before
the day closed was convinced that the enemy
had concentrated his main force on the right ;
therefore commenced another change of front
| forward. 30 as to face the enemy where he had
deplOyed on my right flank in strong position.
The change had been partially elected but was
fully in progress, when, ut sunrise on the Sth,
my right and centre renewed firing, which was
immediately answered by the enemy, with renew.
ed energy along the whole extent Of his line.
My left, under Gen. Sige moved close to the
hills occupied by the enemy, driving him from
the heights and advancing steadily toward the
head of the hollows. Immediately ordered the
centre and right wing forward, the right wing
turned the left Of the enemy aud Cross firing in
his centre. This inal position placed the enemy
in the arc of circle. A charge Of infantry, ex.
tending throughout the whole line, completely
routed the entire rebel force, which retired in
complete confusion, but rather safely, through
the deep impossible deiiles Of fCross 1imbeIs.
Our loss was heavy that OF the enemy uan
never be ascertaiued, for the dead are scattered
over Il large field. Their wounded, too, may,
many Of them, perish.
The foe is scattered in all directions, but
think his main force has returned to the Boston
Mountains. General Sigel follows the enemy
towards Keithsville, while my cavalry is pursu-
ing him towards the mountains, securing the
country, bringing in prisoners, and trying to find
the rebel Major General Van Dorm, who had
command Of the entire force oil the enemy at this
battle of Pea Ridge.
have not as yet statements of tho dead and
wounded, 30 as to justify u report; but will
refer you to a dispatch which will forward yery
soon.
The officers aud soldiers under my command
have displayed such unusual galantry, that /
hardly dare 10 make a distinction. | must
however, name the commanders of the divisions :
Gen. Sigel, who gallanlly carried the right and
drove back the left wing Of the enemy, aud Gen.
Asboth, who was wounded in the arm 10 his
gallant effort to reinforce the right; Colonel aud
acting Brigadier General Davis, who commanded
the centre when Mccullough fell, on the I'm
aud pressed forward the centre on the 9th
colonel and acting Brigader General Carr. wbo
ia also wounded iu the arm, and was under the
a ontinuons fire Of the enemy during the two
hardest days of the struggle
Illinois, Indiana. Iowa, Ohio and Missouri may
proudly share the honor of tue victory wh.eh
their gallant heroes won over the combined forces
Of Van Dorm, Price and Mccullough, at Pea
Ridge, in the mountains of Arkansas. have
the honor to be, General, your servant
SAMUEL X. CURTIS.
Brigadier General COmmAn ding.