The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1862-03-12
HEADQUARTERS Array OF SOUTHWEST,
Pea Ridge, Ark, March 9.

HEADQUARTERS Array OF SOUTHWEST, I
Pea Ridge, Ark, March 9.
On Tuesday, 9th inst, the enemy COM
menced an attack on my right wing, follow
ing the ear guard of the detachment undeI
Sigel to my main lines, ON Sugar Greek
Hollow, but ceased firing when he met my
endorsements, about A P. NJ.
During the night became convinced he
had moved on so as to attack my right or
rear; therefore, early on the 7th, ordered
changes of front to right
This brought my line across Pea Ridge,
with my new regiment resting on the head
of Cross Timber hollow, which is the head
of Big Sugar Creek.
also ordered an immediate advance of
cavalry and light artillery, under Col. Os-
terhaus, with orders to attack and break
what supposed would be the reinforced
line of the enemy.
This movement was in progress, when
the enemy, at IL A. NJ, commenced the at
tack on my right. The fight continued
mainly at these points during the day.
The enemy having gained a point hotly
contested by Col. Carr at Cross Timber Hol-
low, but was entirely repuIsed with the
fall of commander McCullock in centre, by
the forces under Col. Davis. The plan Of
attack on the centre was calamity carried
forward by Col. 0sterhaus, who was imme :
diately sustained and superseded by Col
Davis entire division, supported also by
Sigels command, which had remained till
near the close Of the day on the left.
Col. Cars division held the right undera
CALLING and continuous FIRE all day.
In the evening, the firing having entirely
ceased in the centre, and there having been
none on the left, l reinforced the right by a
portion of the second division under AS
both.
Before the day closed we were convinced
the enemy had concentrated his main forces
on our right Therefore commenced anoth-
er change of front forward SO as to face the
enemy, where he had deployed on our right
flank in strong position. The change had
been only partially effected but was fully in
progress when at sunrise on the 9Th our
right and centre renewed the firing, which
was Immediately answered by the enemy
with renewed energy, along the whole ex-
tent of his line.
The left, under Sigel, moved close to the
hills occupied by the enemy, driving him
from the heights and advancing steadily to-
wards the heads of the Hollow. / immedi-
ately ordered the centre and right wing for
ward, my right turning the left of the
enemy and cross firing on his centre.
The charge of the infantry, extending
throughout the whole line, completely rout-
ed the whole rebel force, which retired
amid great confusion, but rather safely,
through the deep, impossible defiles of the
cross timber.
Our loss is heavy. The enemy's loss can
never be ascertained, for the dead are scat
tered over a large field, and their wound
ed, too, many of them are lost, ana must
perish.
The foe is scattered in all directions, but
think his main force bias retired to Boston
Mountains.
Sigel follows towards Keittsville, while
my cavalry is pursuing linn towards the
mountains, securing the country and bring
ing in prisoners, and trying to find the
rebel Major General, Van Dorm, who had
command of the entire force at this battle
at Pea Ridge.
have not as yet statement of the dead
and wounded, so as to justify report but
/ will refer you to my dispatch which |
will forward very soon.
The officers and soldiers have displayed
such unusual gallantTy that hardly dare