The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1862-04-22

the possession OF the boat. The captains
of the steamers having all been at thei
posts during the day, Immediately with
drew their fastenings and put out int
the stream. The War Eagle, rather slow
in the movements of its crew, was over
run by the towards, who refused to re
turn 10 the landing until they were salts
fed there was no intention on the par
of the steamers to 60 away and leave
them in the land of the secesh.
How different was the action of thi;
regiment from that of score Of others
might mention who stood manfully II
the fight amid a shower of balls such a;
seldom fall in any battle of modern times
especially on this side of the Atlantic
1t must not be forgotten that in thi:
fight there were engaged troops that had
not tasted mouthful of food since the
previous night, and who, in the trying
peculiarities of the occasion knew moth,
ing save the great work in which they
were engaged.
At the same time / would say that il
[ were a connoisseur in the art of war,
and felt no interest in the result, l could
not pay too high compliment to the
bravery and perseverance OF the rebel
troops. 1t seemed that they had staked
their entire prospects and hopes of sue,
cess upon the issue of to-day. and they
could not make up their minds to retire
General Beauregard had promised
them they should drink tonight of the
waters of the Tennessee river. Having
unlimited confidence in the great hero oi
Bull Run, they believed him and felt
that it must be verified. They disputed
every foot Of ground in the face of our
soldiers, and charged time and time aga
in upon our lines, only to meet with re-
pulse after repulse at every effort. The
first days trial was unsatisfactory, and
they retired few miles in the rear to
await the coming day for second at
tempt.
MISCELLANEOUS.
1t is useless to attempt to chronicle all
the various incidents of the day, as they
are told in every circle. All agree that
it was not only the hottest work they ever
experienced, but also that at several
times the danger was most threatening
IL regard to the driving in of our lines.
Those who were present at the differ
ent onslaughts made on our left wing, de-
clare that they could not but fear, at
every instant, that it would give way be-
fore the pressure. Nothing but the
strongest determination on the part OF
both officers and privates, and the good
service of the gunboats, prevented the
worst fears on our part from being real
lied.
| do not think it proper at this time &c
record the statement made as 10 the dam
age done to our troops. Such and such
a regiment was said to be badly cut up,
and 10 certain extent, those commands
which were in the first attack surprised
by the enemy, did suffer considerable
loss, yet not 50 heavy as was at first sup.
posed. Regiments able TO muster on
the previous evening, at dress parade
some six hundred men, when an eiforl
was made TO collect them tonight, did
not count one third that number.
Later in the evening. however, they
came in singly or in squads, until their
number was considerably augmented
Certain officers were stated TO have been
killed who were afterward found TO be
but slightly wounded, the shock having
been sufficient TO throw them from their
horses, aud these not returning TO camp
had given foundation to stories of their
riders death.
Ii is known that Gen. Prentiss was
taken prisoner in the early part of the
day. Col. Peabody, Acting Brigadier
in the Sixth Division. was killed soon af.
ter the fight began, Major Powell of the
e5th Missouri, falling mortally wounded
near him. | merly refer to these a
this place, because they occur to me as
write.
Many Of the regiments who have sus,
taineG the brunt Of the entire day fight,
have not tasted one mouthful of food
since last night, nor can see how they
are TO be supplied with any tonight
They are beyond their camps. and can.
not in the darkness, be reached by wag-
ons laden with stores, of which there is
au endless quantity here. Even if such
stores were in their possession, they have
no means to cook with, their camp ket.
ties having been left behind. and the
beating rain being sufficient to extingu.
ish any FIRE which they might kindle
No order had been given 10 keep cooked
rations on hand previous to the fight,
besides il was but little expected that
any would be needed in so short peri.
cd.
THE SECOND DAYS FIGHT.
PIrrsBuRo, April 7th.-During al
the horrors OF last night the steamers
lying at this point, which were not toS
heavily laden with stores or too mucl
filled with wounded. were engaged in
ferrying the troops belonging TO Nelson.
division from the opposite shore. Every
load was greeted with cheers from those
on shore, and returned Justify by thos,
who had so opportunely arrived to take
part in tho battle OF to-day. As la,
boats reached the shore the troops i'm
medialely left. and. without music. tool
their way to the advance on the leit win.
of our forces. They had received march