The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1862-08-19
New York, Aug. 10.

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New York, Aug. 10.
The steamers North Star aud Roanoke
from New Orleans, 10th, have arrived
bringing particulars Of the defeat of tn,
rebels at Baton Rouge and destruction o
the Arkansas.
| A letter from Baton Rouge saws MINI,
battery thrice repulsed the foe with prea,
slaughter. Breckenridge lost his RICH,
arm by cannon ball. Fight took place
on the edge of town. Gen. Williams be.
ing unwilling to expose women and chill
dren. We captured largo number OF
prisoners, including Capt. Blunt, Breck-
inridge's aid Gen. Williams, who was
killed, behaved like hero. Enemy's loss
must have been severe, as our men
charged and re-charged upon them. We
have taken three guns.
Another account says the rebel troops
were estimated from FIVE to six thousand.
under Gems Lowell and Breckinridge.
The combat was obstinate. Our loss il
ESQ killed, including a large proportion
of officers. Rebel loss, according to pris-
oners' statements, is immense. Among
the killed was Gen. Lowell.
The ram Arkansas was Just above Ba.
ton Rouge, but dared not take part in the
conflict.
Later accounts state the Arkansas was
aground, when the Essex and other gun
boats went TO her and set her on FIRE and
she blew up. s
The transport steamer Lewis Whitman
run Into the guabeat Oneida, SO miles
above New Orleans. on the night of the
9th, and the transport sunk. She had
the body Of Gen. Williams, with an es-
cort of six Of his body-guard. also AZ Of
ours and 8 Confederate wounded. The
body was recovered, and SO wounded SOL
diers and ) of the body guard saved.
The official report OF Col. Cahill, COM
nenced after the death of Gen. Williams.
stated the rebel force ct about ten reei.
ments. After fight Of four hours OF
great severity the enemy was rcpul.cd.
Gen. Williams was killed by rife ball
through the chest. During the battle our
forces we're forced to retire about q quar-.
ter Of mile from their original position.
and the enemy were able to temporarily
occupy the camp of the 2lst Indiana, It'll
Vermont and f4th Maine regiments, and
to destroy much Of the baggage and camp
equipage. They were, however, driven
out, but our numbers being lessened by
sickness and the men on the field being
much exhausted by fatigue and heat, it
was deemed expedient not to pursue
The enemy has retired several miles, and
IS still retiring. | am expecting, and it
is possible, they may receive reinforce |
ments, and am disposing of my troops in
strongest position. Our force engaged
was less than $500 The enemy had at ,
least 5000, with twelve or fourteen field |
pieces and some cavalry. The ram Ar
kansas approached with the intention Of
engaging our gunboats, but grounded at
. distance of six miles, and to-day (the
5th) was engaged by the Essex and de-
stroyed.
Brig. Gen. Clarke and his aid, Lieut.
erger, delivered themselves to us as
prisoners Of war. l have also 80 cap.
sured.
Breckenridge on the 9th asked permiis
zion, in writing. to bury his dead. Col.
Oahill replied: "Our men are engaged 10
The work, which will soon be accom-
plished."
A passenger from Baton Rouge states
hat our loss in killed is 70, and wound.
ed 2l5. Gen. Williams had three hor-
Ies shot under him, and was killed willis,
rallying the 5lst Indiana, who had Jus.
ost field piece. The gun was retaken,
but Gen. Williams fell.
The wounded are about a. follows
2lst Indiana, 81; l4th Maine, 10; 4th |
10; 9th Michigan, 25; 7th
Vermont, Is; 3Oth Massachusetts,, II;
18th Connecticut, 2.
Among the prisoners is Gen. Allen, of
Misc, MORALLY wounded. Among the
wounded is Lieut.. Col. Keith, 2lst Indi-
ana.
General Butler issued general order
in eloquent language the death
Of Gen. Williams, and also congratula-
tory order to troops on their successful
engagement, In which he says the enemy
lost three Brigadiers in killed, wounded
and taken prisoners and many Colonies
and field officers. He has more than one
thousand in killed and wounded. You
have captured three pieces of artillery,
SIX caissons, two stand of colors and
large number of prisoners.
A letter from Baton Rouge states that
tho light between the Essex and Arkan.
sas was fair stand up fight Porter lay
800 yards distant, pouring solid 9-inch
shot into the Arkansas till q breach vas
made. when an incendiary shell was en-
ploded in the breach, setting her on FIRE.
The rebel crew left her and she soon ex-
ploded.
The funeral Of Gen. Williams took