The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-03-14
BATTLE AT PEA RIDGE.
COMPLETE ROUT OF THE REBELS.
Death or Gen. McCulioch.

ST. LOUIS. March IL.
The following is the official report OF Gen.
Curtis to Gen. Halleck:
"HEApo'Rs OF THE ARMY oFTHE SOUTHWEST,
Pea Ridge, Arkansas, March 9th, 1862 !
General: On Thursday, the 9th inst, the
enemy commenced an attack on my right
wing, assailing and following the rear guard
of a detachment under General Sgel to my
main body on Sugar Greek Hollow, but ceased
firing when he met my reinforcements, at
about 4P.x. During the night became
convinced that no had moved on no as to
attack my right or rear, therefore, early on
the 7th, ordered q change OF front to the
right, my right, which thus became my left,
still resting on Sugar Creek Hollow. This
brought my line across Pea Ridge with my
new right resting on Head Cross Timber
Hollow, which is tho head of Big Sugar
Creek. also ordered an immediate advance
of the cavalry and light artillery under Col.
Osterhaus, with orders to attack and break
what supposed would be the reinforced line
of the enemy. This movement was in pro.
gress, when tho enemy, at III A. M, COM
menccd an attack on my right. The fight
continued mainly at these points during the
day, the enemy having gained the point held
by the command OF Col. Carr ut Cross Tim
Der Hollow, but being entirely repulsed with
the fall of the commander, McCulloch in the
centre, bv the forces under Col. Davis.
The plan ofattack on the centre was CALAMITY
carried forward by Col. Osterhaus, who was
Immediately sustained AMI supported by Col
Dayis's entire division, supported also by Gen.
Sgel's command, which had remained till near
the close of the day on the LEFT. Col. Cars
division held the right under Calling and con-
tinuou, 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 aportion
of the % division under General Asboth Be-
fore the day closed was convinced that the
enemy had concentrated his main force on the
right commenced another change OF front
forward SO as TO force the enemy where he had
deployed on my right flank in strong position.
The change had only been partially effected,
but was in full progress, when, Mt sunrise on
the sth, my right and centre renewed the
firing, which was Immediately answered
by the enemy with renewed energy along
the whole extent OF his line NY ien'
under Gen. Sigel, moved close to the hills oc-
cupied by the enemy, driving him from the
heights and advancing steadily towards the
head OF the Hollows. Immediately ordered
the centre AMI right wing forward, the right
turning the left Of the enemy and cross hiring
on his centre. This final position Of the enemy
was in the arc of circle A charge Of infantry
extending throughout the whole line complete.
ly routed the whole rebel force, which retired
in great confusion, but rather safely through
the deep, impossible defles Of Cross Timber.
Our loss is heavy. That Of the enemy can
never be ascertained for their dead are scattered
over large fell Their wounded too, may,
many Of them, be lost and perish. Their force
Is scattered in all directions, but think his
main force has returned towards keittsyille,
while my cavalry is pursuing him towards the
mountains, securing the country, bringing IN
prisoners. and trying to hnd the rebel Major
General Van Dorm. who had command OF the
entire force Mt this. The Battle Of Pea Ridge.
I have not rs yet statements OF the dead and
wounded 81 as TO justify report, but will
refer you to despatch which will forward
very soon.
such unusual gallantry that l hardly dare
10 make distinctions. must however,
name the commanders OF divisions. Generai
Sigel calamity commanded the right and drove
back the len wing Of the enemy; General
Asboth, who was wounded In the arm in his
gallant efforts to reinforce the right Col. aud
Acting Brig. Gen. Davis, who commanded the
centre, where McCullodh fell, on the 7th, and
pressed forward the centre on the Sth Col.
and Acting Brig. Gen. Carr Is also wounded in
the arm, and was under the continuous hre o Z
the enemy during the two hardest days Of the
struggle. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, and
Missouri may proudly share the honor Of the
victory which their gallant heroes won over the
combined force OF Van Dorm, Price, and Me-
Culloch at Pea Ridge, in the mountains Of Ar.
kansas.
Ihave the honor to be, General,
Your obedient servant
SANuEL r. CURTIS, Brig. General.
SrRiSorIELp, March 10.
Especial despatch to the st. Louis Republi'
can. A messenger who arrived this morning
at O'Clock reports that the battle at Pea Ridge
lasted from Thursday night or Friday morning
TO Saturday evening. and that our loss was
about $50 killed and wounded. The rebel loss
was about 1000 killed and wounded, and 1000
taken prisoners. Among them was Chas. Nc
Rae, Of an Arkansas regiment.
aaporol Ratreat Of tho Robola