Daily national Republican. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1862-1866, 1862-11-21
-s1lptal1 eFFs1iFsH.


GEN. LANn'sl nI.AO1k TnOOPs.
wehave already published cue account ofthe
fight dsscrfUed below. We publish this second
scccdat because VI impose the public will rel
ish all the details Of this first trial In this war
of the fighting qualities Of the negro on land
Correspondence Of the Kansas state Journal
MOUND Crrr, Linn County,
November 1, 1862.
During the past few weeks reports were oc-
casionally reaching this place that rebel force
were or had gathered on an island IN the Marias
des Cygnes river, about tweaty miles east OF us,
and some eight miles from the State line in Mis-
souri,. Rumors were reaching US that our town
was In danger, unless they were dislodged or
driven away, and that Mound City would soon
share the same fate of Olathc and Shawneetown.
Picket guards were kept out every night by our
citizens, and thefts, robberies, and murders were
almost nightly taking place along the line, the
horses of Union men taken and the provisions,
clothing, and bedding taken from their fam
lilies. fNA' 'NN y.
Several urgent requests were made to the mil
itary authorities at Fort Scott for aid, and on
Sunday last Major Henning ordered Capt. Sea-
man, with a force OF four or i've companies OF
blacks, (infantry, y consisting OF some go men,
who, on Sunday evening last, marched from
this place and on Monday arrived at the farm
Of one old Toothman, q noted secesh, living on
the north side of the river and directly north
and opposite the island about two miles. Here
the captain threw up some Qualifications the
rebels showing themselves almost continually
around him, and their pickes guards approach
ing TO within quarter Of mile Of his camp.
On Wednesday, October 2Sth, u about 3 O'Clock
u. m. Cant. Seaman ordered Capt. Armstrong
with about 20 men to reconnoiter along ravine
and on the brow Of q ridge about half mile
from camp, to try and draw out therebels from
their hiding place, for the purpose Of giving
them battle. Capt. Armstrong proceeded ac-
cording to orders, but falling 70 draw out the
enemy, proceeded on beyond where designated.
Ii was observed from camp that the secesh were
gathering, and from observation, 1t was feared
that their intention was to mako charge be-
tween the camp and Captain Armstrong; band
and endeavor to cut him of. Capt. Seaman or
dered Lieut. Gardner with some 20 men to his
relief, and to call Capt. Armstrong back as
quick as possible. Capt. Crows, of Leaven-
worth, volunteered TO accompany Lieut.. Gard
ner. This band had not proceeded but short
distance when the rebels, about 90 In number,
well armed with revolvers and sabres, and
mounted on very feet horses, made dash for
the blacks under Captain Armstrong; charging
down upon them with the yell of demons. The
blacks Immediately faced them. Not man
hinched; but met them heroically, loading and
firing their guns, until their ranks were broken
by the rush of the enemy's horses among them,
when 1t was thrusting and cutting with bayonet
and sabre, when Capt. Seaman rushed with his
men to the rescue, and the enemy retreated, car
rying their dead and wounded with them.
Capt. Crews was shot dead. Lieut.. Gardner
fell severely wounded, and eight blacks were
killed and eleven wounded. Individual instances
there were among the blacks Of the most cool
and undaunted courage.
Lieut.. Gardner, when wounded and lying In.
sensible upon the grass, was approached by one
tba VhfN liar. tad NIT he halt frnu