Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-03-26
To Col Jef C. Dauis. Gamma
riSion Sonfhrestern irmn:

To Col Jef c. Darius. Commanding Third Di-
rision Southeastern Army:
Sir: In accordance with your order, and as is
customary in such cases, | have the honor to sub
NIT the following report of the part taken by the
brigade under my command i'm achieving the
complete victory over the enemy in the late bat
ties fought on the eth and 9Th inst at Leetown
and Eikhorn Tavern. in Benton county, Ark
On the morning of the 9th. in obedience to
your command. moved my brigade, consisting
OF the 18th Indiana regiment. under Lieut. Col
Washburn, the Sth Indiana under Col Benton,
the Did Indiana under Col. Hendricks, and the
LIST Indiana battery OF six field pieces under Capt.
Klaus, and took possession of the hills on the
north side of Sugar creek and Immediately west
OF the principal telegraph road from Springfield
to Fort Smith, the ODD occupying the left on the
ridge next the road; the eih with Klduss battery
in the center on another prominent point. and the
18th upon the next ridge to the right each point
being separated by deep ravines extending back
a considerable distance in the direction of the
Cassvie road. Col. Benton and Lieut. Col.
Washburn, in compliance with orders. set their
respective commands at work. throwing up in the
course of five hours quite respectable breast
work, which, in case of an attack from the direc-
ton OF Cross Hollows. would have been an ex
cellent defense.
On the night of the 9th the brigade bivouacked
IN TINS position NOthlng Of moment transplred
until about 10 O'Clock OF the 9TH, when the firing
OF artillery was heard a mile or two to our right
rear: also heavy firing heard in the direction of
Cassviile. Immediately in our rear.
The 22t, having in the meantime been ordered
bv you 10 reinforce Col. Nandevier near the vii
lage of Leetown, the LETT wing of the 9Th under
Lieut. Col Skunk, and Capt Klaus with one
section and half of his battery. were ordered
TO support Col. Carr, whose division, in cOnlunc
ton with Gen. ASboth's. was then engaged with
Prices force near Elkhorn tavern About Z
NJ | received your order to proceed with the 18th
TO the scene OF action, which order was executed
with dispatch by Lieut.. Col Washburn. On ar
irving | found the 22d in line of battle on the
left and rear of DAvidson's Peoria battery. which
was IN position IN the southeast corner OF large
open field We Immediately formed on their
right. Here took command of both regiments.
Col. White brigade being warmly engaged with
the enemy in The woods on the right OF the clear
land. WAS ordered To his support Moving in
double quick time by the right flank, and passing
through the timber to Il small hill | found the
18Th Illinois retiring in disorder, having been
oVerw hemei by vastly superior numbers and a
murderou> ire from the Louisiana. Arkansas and
Cherokee troops | closed up my line soon as
the 59th passed through. and, advancing through
the fed, changed my line of battle by wheeling
to the lett until | got about parallel with the
right side OF the large field first named; then,
pressing forward. found the enemy rushing du
on David>on'S battery, (Col White with the 37th
Illinois having retired to change his lne) having
taken Two guns, which they turned on nv com
mand with some elect Here they recei,e e., a
fall vblley from u. which threw them into the
utmost confusion. when they Abandoned the gun,
taken AMI retre,ted from the field a part of them
passing 10 our right rear and a large force taking
Immediately through the line of the Odd. which
4. . A
from tie te.d. leaving the 18th alone About
tins time Col. Hendricks fell. having received
two mortal wounds
About the time the enemy found that | had
them hsnked. Col. White rallied tie 9th. aud
mobly seconded my efforts 10 rettke the battery
That portion OF the enemy which passed my leit
flank poured desperate volley on the rear of tie
lcih. which was rendered comparatively harmless
by having the men fall Hat down. The left wing
was promptly faced by the rear rank. and return
Ell the ire with terrible effect on the enemy Will,
the right wing fired TO the right front on those
Who we're rapidly retreaiing in that direction
We then passed through TO the open ground IN
front. having secured a complete victory over
force three time our number of the best Louis
lana anu Arkansas troops, assisted by large
body OF Cherokee Indians. many OF whom paid
the penalty of their base inerattude to the Gov
eminent that has 50 beautifully provided Tor then
welfare
After some little time the - returned and took
their position on the right OF the 18th where
We bivouacked on the same ground where We
hrst formed Thus ended the Battle near Lee
town. in which tho enemy lost Generals Ne
CuIloagh and Mcintosh, with many other OH.
Gers OF distinction.
About 10 T. NJ YOUR orders were received al
recting me 10 move NV command 10 the support
of Col Cars division. who had been warmly en-
gagged all day with Prices forces Al - We
novel returning 20 the main road. thence north
q the cleared land south of Elkhorn tavern "a her,
We took position on the right side OF the road
the LETT OF the 18th resting on the road and IA,
right OF the 22d closing up 10 the right wing o
the eth. which hal rendered gallant service dG
ring the day under Lieut. Col Skunk. l.. con
junction with the right sing Of Klaus battery