The Wyandot pioneer. (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1853-1868, 1862-10-24
About EIGHT o'clock


vicinity. threw out skirmishing parties on
our right and left, extending toward the
centre OF our column, which was strongly
posted behind the late fortiications erect
ed in front of Merritnans Landing these
Notifications are composed of re-boXes,
which Mr.. Mprtman, having emptied Of
goods, has piled in front Of his store,
forming nice barricade); our forces
still occupying the building in reat of tie
Notifications. There were several vol
!eys (of oaths) discharged on both sides,
but ito loss sustained by either party
fter feeling the strength OF our position;
and sscertaining the number of our forces,
which news, presume, was conveyed to
the enemy by spies (Unionists who voted
Democratic tickets), the eretny ordered
up their heaviest batteries to the attack,
consisting of one 24-inch mortar; and one
smooth-tore $50 lbs. Cohklin Ia new
casting in this vicinity, and probably not
much in Use auywhere) }, all well and ably
t,anned:
The mortar battery was placed in posi-
ion so as to shell US, let our forces occu
py whatever part Of the Qualifications they
might; wonderful strategy on the part
of the enemy, and was admirably execu-
ted. Such a movement would be a laurel
in Stonewall Jackson's career. There
Has much manmuvring on both sides,
With a.. occasional volley of musketry.
Our batteries were soon in position under
OUT Bomb-proof covering. The enemy
opened with the mortar battery, pouring
upon us most terrific shower of shell
and other fiery missiles (such as we made
the war-were aboliii6iists, &c }. Our
batteries replied with terrible effect, and
for While it seemed ss though Erebus
had opetied her yasnirg gulf to swallow
up the contending forces. In a shor,
time the mortar battery was silenced
Meanwhile the big Conklin gun had been
admirably Served along our left. but that
portion of our line being occupied by old
veterans, and the Shot all being composed
of gas, exploded, doing no material in
jury. After silencing the mortar battery
by our fire, the enemy ordered charge,
using hand grenades "a Democrat struck
at Unonist, who warded off the blow),
thus endeavoring to drive us from our
position but the fuses being only quar-
tel second, exploded in the air and did no
harmj and bur forces being prepared fo'
the assault, tile enemy was met and re
pulsed on his own ground. At this crit
ical period of the ENGAGEMENT, the enemy,
almost ihstantaneouSly, brought thei.
Conklin battery to the right of our posi-
ton, and placed it so as to rake lis by
flank FIRE, but ot,r forces ston silenced
this battery, and the enemy was forced
to retire. A truce was now asked, and
granted! Hostiiities having ceased, we
had few leisdre moments to look after
our dead. and care for the wounded. But,
wonderful to tell after all the terrible
firing, exploding of shells, aud hhrling of
hand grenades, not single drop of blood
or the slightest bruise was received by
either party. 1t certainly was one of the
most miraculous escapes on record! Slight
>kirmiShing was kept up on both sides
during the day, (cohtentions on political
matters), but no injury sustained. Late
in TIE evening, TIE enemy attacked our
position at Potter's Landing, chad some
political disputes at Potter's store}, and
quite brisk cannonading was kept up
by both armies for some time but the
enemy withdrew, and all remained quiet
until this morning, When one of the most
terrific engagements took place that has
occitrred during the war. Our forces
were little expecting an attack, SO early,
after the severe drubbing the enemy re-
ceved oil Yesterday, and it might be said
we were taken by surprise. One Of the
| HolSS1 Coi pS vi liS cueIIf dttdCheu Il small
force in the building, in the rear Of orr
late Notifications at Merrirnan's tandinp;
the rest Of otir forces being on duty; little
expecting SO tiurderous an attack.
The action commenced, as usaal; with
terrific cannohadihg (quarreling). We
replied manlully, and soon one of thei,
largest guns WAS disniounted. The enemy
then ordered a charge with traied arms
"a Democrat jumped on 4 Unionist).
using in connection the gretades as be-
fore, several exploding in the air as usual i;
but, after much maneuvering, they at
last brought them to bear, and one of or
men wss slightly wounded. We, at this
time, resorted to the same destructive
missile; and SO expert were our men in
the use Of those weapons. that terrible
execution was done in the enemy's ranks.
They were Beaten back at all points. They
Immediately rallied. ard; as With a suber-
| b,,1,.b aH,rt ,L attached