The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1862-10-07

to drive them from one point to another,
which they contested for more than six
miles, killing three and wounding a
number, when these companies were
relieved by the 26th Missouri Infantry,
Our loss was one Sergeant severely
wounded.
The skirmshers soon came on to the
main force of the enemy in strong po-
siton, and received a voley from one or
more regiments. My regiment was orr
dered into line on the right of the 18th
Ohio Battery. l was informed that e
large force was moving on nay right,
which compelled me to change front, and
| had just got into position on the crest
of hill, when the enemy in strong force,
two Brigades as l learn, under command
Of Gems Green and Morton. made their
appearance in front and poured terrific
fire of musketry into my line, which was
promptly returned. u
The firing continued for about half an
hour, when found the enemy were pres.
sing my left near the battery, that having:
been silenced, and | ordered CHARGE.
which was executed in the most gallant
manner, every officer and man moving
forward in almost perfect lines. The
enemy gave way before US, and we pour
ed a most deadly fire into them, causing
them to retreat over the hill. But they
soon returned with renewed yigor on my
front and left, cheering, and were recei-
we'd with steady fire by the gallant
boys of my regiment, holding their posi-
ton under the most terrific FIRE possible.
| again gave the command .foraCard, and
the enemy were again driven over the
hill, but not until they had come so near
as to boldly reach out for the colors OF
my regiment, they showing the stars and
stripes, and saying, "don't fire at US, we,
are your friends" AT this juncture the
left wing was suffering terribly from a
cross fire, coming from the left of the
battery, nearly every officer being either
killed or wounded. At this moment
four companies of the Goth Missouri
came up to the support Of my left, and
nobly assisted in holding the ground un.
til found the ammunition was exhaust
ed, when | ordered my regiment to re-
tire by the right flank to field about
100 yards distant, which was done in
good order, at which time the 1lth Mis-
souri, Infantry advanced in line OF battle.
and my regiment retired by the right Of
companies to the rear, passing the 5th
Missouri Infantry, advancing. then
took position near the road, under the
direction of an Aid de camp, where
distributed ammunition to my men and
remained until morning, firing having
ceased for the night.
The casualties in my regiment we're,
four commissioned officers killed, and
eleven wounded, and thirty four enlisted
men killed and one hundred and sixty
eight wounded, out Of four hundred aud
eighty two who went into battle.
In commanding my regiment before
the enemy, l was nobly assisted by Lieut..
Col. Sampson on the right. and Adjutant
Patterson, acting major on the left, and
Lieut.. w. S. Marshall, acting adiutant,
all of whom behaved most gallantly, re-
peating my commands, and steadying
and cheering on my brave boys through
out the engagement.
The long list of killed and wounded Of
both officers and men, is ample proof
how nobly and well they stood at their
posts. High praise is due to ALL A
grateful country will reward them for
their deeds of daring.
fSigned,) G. L. MATHIES,