Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1862-02-20

lhe WagonB and formed In line upon the Island
beyond. As each company crossed, It was
formed for battle, and the whole line was In
reaaiues for action In 3 very short time
The ARTILLERY was also drawn across the
stream and planted N 'front.' Of the infantry,
and The cavalry was drawn up on the right.
We now replied to the enemies fire with re-
Peated vollies, and several were seen to fall.
Another company OF rebels was sent down
the hill 10 support those who were firing
from the cOrn1eld and the village, but when
our 6-pounders turned their attention In that
direction, and sent few round shot through
the houses and among the ranks OF the
enemy, they broke and fed as If for their
lives. Our infantry now directed their tre
toward the line on the hill, which was about
three quarters Of a mile distant, and when
the enemy discovered that our rifles, as well
as our cannon, reached them there, they
broke and fed. The last shot ol our artillery
was most effective. Seeing q couple Of horse
men side by side, as II in consultation, the
Captain deliberately sighted his gun at them,
correcting It two or three times TO be aecu-
rsie, and fred. The ball struck the highest
rider on the thigh, crashing through the
horse, and killing also the other horse and
woanding his rider. This was the finishing
stroke Of the fight. Our forces at once
pushed forward over the remaining channels
OF the stream and into the town. Under
orders from Gen. DunninP, Col. Lee had every
house entered and searched for articles con-
traband of war. But few arms were found.
Everything in the houses was left in confu-
sion. In many cases breakfast tables were
found deserted, with the cooked meal un-
touched. Many Of the eitizens had lied
Others of known secession views were ar
rested and held as prisoners. Some horses
and cattle were found, but the most valuable
had been removed.
The fight, from beginning to end, lasted
about three hours, but the heat of the engage
ment did not last over thirty or forty min
utes. We lost none in killed, and had but
two wounded. These were VIM. a. Gone,
Company +, 55th regiment, and James
Townshend, Company ], 5thl Va. regiment,
both being wounded in the head, the former
near the eye, the ball entering the cheek ct
the corner Of the eye, and lodging in the
flesh of the cheek against the bone, and the
latter on the right side Of the head, the ball
cutting the scalp and grazing the SKULL
Both are doing well, and will soon be ready
again for duty. As nearly as we can ascer-
tain, the rebels lest ten or twelve In killed and
an equal number of wounded. Thirty-one
prisoners were taken. A large number OF
fine cattle were driven in by our cavalry,
and will furnish beef for the use Of the loyal
army of the United States instead of for the
rebel hordes of JEFF. Davis. Our men be-
haved we'll. They carried themselves most
gallantly under the CALLING FIRE of the enc
my, as they crossed the river and formed in
line of battle. Not man Ainched. Led by
brave and skilllul officers, in whom they had
all confidence, they stood by their duty,
and never for q moment wavered. Col. Lee
says he can take the 55th any where after
this. he compliments the men highly, and
should they return the compliment it would
be no hattery, but deserved tribute to a
brave and efficient officer.
The battle occurred in the forenoon OF
Wednesday, the town was occupied, all sup
plies that could be found gathered up, and
our backward march began before night. The
return march has been accomplished in Two
days, the regiment at this time, 10 o'clock
P. NJ. of Friday) having just marched into
camp, the band playing a lively air, and
cheer on cheer assembled from those in camp
and those in the ranks. We are as jaded,
tired and fOot-sore body of men as you
may find anywhere, but as glad and proud as
We are weary. Our 6rst battle has been
fOught-the victory gained; in it is pledge
of our future success
We have to thank God that our victory
is purchased at SO small price, and with no
sacrifice OF the precious lives of our men.
Yours, W.