The New York herald., 1862-04-17

mile from the forks was . clear nsld,
through which the road passed, and imme-
diateiy beyond II space OF two hundred yards OF
fallen timber, ana beyond that extensive camp Of the
enemys cavalry could be After o reconnaissance,
ordered the advance companies the Ohio Seventy
seventh Colonel Hdebrand 10 deploy skirmishers,
and the regiment itself TO forward into line within
intervals of hundred yards In this order advanced
cautiously until the skirmishsrs engaged Taking
1t for granted that this disposition would clear the camp
held Colonel Dckeys Fortieth Illinois cavalry ready to
charge The ensmy's cavalry came down boldly to the
charge breaking through the line Of skrmshers when
the regiment Of infantry without cause broke, threw
away their guns and fed. Tho ground was admirably
adapted defence OF infantry against cavalry neng
miry and covered with fallen timber. Az the regr
ment Of infantry broke, Colonel Dickeys cavalry
began to charge with their cabnes and fell into dsor-
der instantly sent orders to the rear for the brigade
to form in line Of battle, which promptly executed
The broken infantry and cavalry rasd this line, and
the onemy's cavalry up to 1t, our cavalry in
turn charged and drove them from the field. then ad
vanced the ertiro brigade upon the same ground and
sent Colonel Dickeys cavalry mile further tho road
On examining the ground which had been occupied by
the Seventy seventh Ohio we found fifteen dead and
about twen yfve wounded sent for wagons, and had
oil the wounded carried back to the camp, and the dead
Here we found much ammunition for field pieces,
which was destroyed; also, two caissons, and
q general hospital, with about two hundred and
eighty Confederates wounded and about nifty
of our troops. Not having the means Of bring
ing them of, Colonel Dickey by my order, took sur
render signed by the medical director Lyle and all the
attending surgeons and pledge to report themselves to
you prisoners Of and also another pledge that
our wounded would be carefully attended to. and
surrendered to tomorrow, soon as ambu!ancss
| could go out.
l enclose the within document and request you te
be sent out wagons for the wound
cd Of tomorrow also that wagons be sent out te
bring in the many tents belonging to us, which are
pitched all along the road for miles did not destroy
| them, as knew the enemy couldn't move them. TIT
roads are very bad, and strswn with abandoned
| wagons, ambuances and timber boxes. Tho enc
| my has succeeded in carrying off the guns
but has crippled his batteries by abandoning tn
hind timber boxes Of at least twenty guns am satisfied
that the enemy's infantry and cavalry passed Lick cree
this morning. travelling all last night, aud that he lei
behind oil his cavalry, which has protected his retreat
But the signs Of confusion and disorder mark the Who'll
road. The check sustained by at fallen timber
delayed advance that night came upon us beor
the wounded provided for and tho dead buried
troops being tagged out by their three days har
lighting, exposure and prvation, ordered thom back
camp, where all now are have the honor TO be yor
| obsdient servant,
W. I. SHERMAN, Brigadier General,
! Commanding Division.