Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-04-09

modern days has Just closed, rusutlng "a tie c. III
- s--se-s =. --s1ss.- ~ - uFg-
break Sunday
The battle lasted without intermission during
the entire da' and vas sgain renewed Monday
morning aud continued I'LL o'clock in The alter
uoon. when tile enemy commenced their retreat.
AMI are still diving toward Coriath, pursued BY
large force of our cavalry.
The slaughter on both sales J. iulneuse.
We have lost IN killed. Wounded and missing.
5000 70 10000.
The rebel toss is estimated 81 from 3 600 20
10000
II IS impossible IN the present confused state
Of affairs to ascertain any details. therefore
give YOU the best account possible iiom observe
ton. having passed through the storm Of acton
during the two days THAI it ragged.
The fight was broueh, on BY body Of 800 ni
the 18th Missouri regiment and General Prentiss .
division attacking the advance guard Of The
rebels, which we're supposed to be tie pickels Of
Tie enemy in front OF 0ur camp.
The rebels Immediately advanced on General
Premises division on the ieit wing, pouring vol
ley after vOley OF musketry and Kidding our
camps with grape. canister and shells.
Our forces soon formed into line and returned
their bro vigorously, and by the time we were
prepared to receive them they had turned their
heaviest fire OF the left and center Of Shcrmans
division and drove our men back from their
camps. and bringing up a fresh force opened fire
our left wing under General MeClernand
His fire was returned with terrible effect and
determined spirit by both infantry and artillery
along the whole line, for distance OF over four
miles
Gen Hurlbut's division was thrown forward TO
support the centre, when a desperate conflict
enSUed.
The rebels were driven back with terrible
slaughter. but sOon rallied and drove back our
men IN turn.
From about 9 o'clock. the time your CORES
pondent arrived on the field, until night closed
on the bloody scene, there was no determination
OF the result OF the struggle.
The rebels exhibited remarkably good general
ship; At times engaging the LETT with apparently
their whole strength they would suddenly open a
terrible and destructive fire OF the right and
centre.
Even our heaviest ana most destructive fire on
the enemy did not appear 10 discourage their
solid columns.
The fire of Major Tyler's Chicago artillery I
raked them down in scores, but the smoke would
no sooner be dispersed than the breach would
again be filed.
: issr most desperate firing took place late in the
afternoon.
The rebels knew that 4 they did NOT succeed 4
III whipping US that their chances tor success 4
would be extremely doubtful as a portion %
the opposite side of the river and tho other Dor
ton was coming up tie river from Savannah
They became aware thar We were being rein
forced. as they could see General BueIls troops
from the river bank short distance above rs on 4
the left. 10 which point they had forced our lett
wing back. 10 occupy fully two-thrds of
our eamo. and were fighting their way forward
With a desperate degree Of confidence in their
effort 70 drive Us into the river and at the same
line heavily engaged our right
Up 70 thi time We had received no reinforce
nents. Gen Lew Wallace failing 20 come 70 our
support until the day was over. having taken the .
srOng road from Crump's Landing and being
without other transPOrtatiOns than those used for
Quartermasters and C0mmisSary's stores which
we're too heavily ladened to ferry any considera-
Die number of Bue's force across the river, those
here having been sent to bring the troops from .
Savannah We we're therefore contending against
fearful odds, forces not exceeding $4,000 /
While that OF the enemy was upwards OF 1000 1
Our condition at this moment extremely /
critical Large numbers Of men we're panic
struck. others we're worn out BY hard fighting
rith The average humber OF skulkerS bad stras