The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1862-08-21
Latest from New orlean.


Ram arkansas.
BY the arrival at New York of the
steamers North Star and Roanoke, with
New Orleans dates to the 10th inst, we
have fnll particulars of the defeat of
the rebels at Baton Rouge and the des-
truction of the Arkansas.
Itappears that Breckinrige with from
s 900 to 10000 troops attacked upon
our forces under Gen. Williams, but
were repulsed after about hours hard
fighting, with terrible slaughter.
Mines battery thrice repulsed the
foe with great slaughter, Breckenridge
lost his right arm by cannon ball.
The fight took place on the edge of the
town, Gen. Williams being unwilling
to expose the women and children.
He captured large number Of prison
ers, including Captain Blunt, Breck.
inridge's Aid.
Our loss was $50 killed, including a
large proportion of officers. The rebel
loss, according to the prisoners state
ments, was immense. Among the
killed was Gen. Lowell.
Gen. Williams had three horses shot
under him. He was killed whilst rally
ing the 2lst Indiana, who had just lost
field piece. The gun was retaken,
but Gen. Williams fell.
The wounded are about as follows:
2lst Indiana, 81; l4th Maine, 10 4th
Wisconsin, 10; eth Michigan, 25 eth
Vermont, Is !; 3Oth Massachusetts, IL ;
10th Connecticut, 81.
Among the prisoners is General
Allen, Of Mississippi, MORALLY
wounded.
Anon the wounded is Lieut., Col.
Keith, 2lst Indiana.
The following is the official report
of the battle, by Col. CahiIl, common.
ced after the death of Gen. Williams.
He states the rebel force at about 10
regiments:
"After fight of four hours of great
severity, the enemy were repulsed.
Gen. Williams was killed by rifle ball
through his chest.
"During the battle our forces were
forced to retire about quarter of a mile
from the original position, and the
enemy were able temporarily to occu-
py the camp Of the 2lst Ind, 7th VT.
and 18th Me. regiments, and to destroy
much of the baggage and camp equip
age. They were however, driven out;
hut our numbers being mnch lesseneh
by sickness, and the men on the field
being much exhausted by the fatigue
and heat, it was deemed not expediant
not to pursue.
"The enemy has retired several miles,
and is still retiring. | am expecting
that it is possible they may receive
reinforcementS, and am disposing OF
my troops in the strongest positions.
"Our force engaged was less than
$500. The enemy had at least 5000,
with IL or ii field pieces and some
cavalry.
'''rhe ram Arkansas approached with
the intention of engaging our gnnbOats,
but grounded at distance OF six miles,
and to-day (ihe 6th) was engaged by
the Essex and destroyed.
"Brigadier General Clark and his
Aid, Lieut.. Yerger, delivered them
selves to us as prisoners of war. l
have also thirty captured. Breckin.
ridge, on the 9th, asked permission in
writing to bury his dead. Col. Cahill
replied: Our men are engaged in the
work, which will soon be accom-.
plished.'
Gen. Butler issued a general order
announcing in eloquent language the
death of Gen. Williams, and also a
congra,ulatory order to the troops ON
their successful engagement, i'm which
he says: "The enemy lost three brig.
adiers inkilled, wounded and taken pris
oners, and many Colonies and field
officers. He has more than 1000 killed
and wounded. You have captured
three peices Of artillery, six caisson's,
two stand Of colors and a large number
of prisoners"
| A letter from Baton Rouge states
that the fight between the Essex and
Arkansas was fair stand.up fight.
Porter lay 800 yards distant pouring
solid nine inch shot into the Arkansas
till a breach was made, when an incen
diary shell was exploded in the breach
setting her on fire. The rebel crew
left her, and she soon exploded. The
funeral of General Williams took place
at New Orleans on the 9th, and wal
very impressive.
Probably the General Lowell, repor
ted killed is Colonel Lowell and no
Ma or General Mansfield Lowell, VIII.
is understood to be at Richmond.
A letter from surgeon reports tina
, he saw eighty. three dead rebels in on,
small corn field at Baton Rouge.
Lieutenant NorcrOss, of the 3Otl
Massachusetts, arose from sick bed
joined his company in the thickest d
the fight. and with his own hands saved
TOUR feld-pieces about to be taken
The rebel wounded state that Gen
Ruggies was killed. A rebel stated
, their loss at 800 Mines Battery saved
the day, when two thirds Of its mem
l,ro mara an tho c..e lief