The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1862-03-20
The Battle of Pea Ridge-FulI and
Interesting Particulars.

4uJc1CBt44k AKb4Cu1AIBs
LcOrrsspOndsnce Of the Missouri DenOcratl
PEA RIDGE, Ark, March IL, 1852.
THREE DAYS OF HARD TIGHTINe--THREE
BATTLES AND GLORIOUS VICTORY.
After three days hard fighting against
$4,000 rebels, commanded by their ablest
generals, we have won victory decisive of
important resnfts. We have killed three
generals, stampeded the rebel army, and
produced q moral effect in the first battle on
Arkansas soil that win be of great advan-
tage 20 EDUCATIONAL cause. The enemy
himself offered battle, choosing his own
ground. and we have whipped him out and
utterly demoralized his forces.
For some days prior TO the battle, Gen.
eral Curtis, wfose headquarters was at
Usage Springs, Sstermined to retire and
occupy stronger l0sition on Sugar Creek,
in anticipation that the enemy, after Prices
retreat, would probably rally and attempt
to roll back the tide setting against him.
About the first of the month, General Davis
repaired with the Third Division to Sugar
Greek. Colonel Carr remained at Cross
Hoilows, twelve miles in faOnt, while Gem
efal Sigel was encamped on the extreme
right, at Camp Cooper, near Bsntonville,
fourteen miles to Sugar Greek and twelve
TO Cross Hollows-our lines thus forminga
triangle.
COL. WANDERERS EXPEDITION.
On the 4th inst, Col. vandever with a
detachment of cavalry, part of Col Phelps
regiment, and part of his own regiment.
was sent on an expedition to Hantville to
reconnoiter the country, and camp Mitchell
in the vicinity. which was ascertained to be
evacuated, the rebel regiments having gone
to Join Price. s :
Captain Stevens, of Bowen's battalion,
took 10 quantity of sugar and other pro-
visions, together with three secession flags
and q snare drum. A
The salt found in camp was distribuied
among Union families
Colonel Vandever learning from the re-
port of prisoners taken, that the rebels in
Overwhelming force were marching 70 at
tack Gen. Curtis, LETT for Sugar Greek.
making forced march of forty-one miles.
reaching the latter place next day in safety
via War Eagle Creek.
FIRST NEWS OF THE REBELS ADVANCING.
On Wednesday, the 9th, Gen. Curtis re-
ceiVed reliable intelligence that the rebels
were advancing, and intended TO make an
attack the next morning. They were re-
ported to have seventy pieces of artillery.
and force numbering from $4,000 to sO.-
GOO men, Their pickets were at Elm
springs, eight miles distant. Several of
our foraging parties in that direction were
taken in.
In pursuance of his original design Can
eral Curtis ordered Colonel Carr and fsansrai
Sigel to move Immediately and form a ;nnc.
ton with General Davis at Sugar CraeL
Colonel Carr moved his Division across ~.
divide the same night. Owing to a lack of
transportation some of our stores and n
Hunts medical chest, containing the snr0i.
cal Instruments, were left behind and de-
stroyed. - s s -
sIeEL WITH HIS REAR GUARD CUTS HIS WAY
THROUGH THR ENEMY. q Eafn !
Early Thursday morning SieePs division
was moving from Camp Cooper, beyond
Bentonville, for Sugar Greek His rear
guard composed of the Twelfth Missouri In
fantry, Captain jerks battalion of cavalry.
attached to the Fhirty-sixGh Illinois. two
companies Benton Hussars, and six pieces Of
nylng artillery, (Alberts batteryl. left
camp al A. n. The main column march.
co tnroagh bentonville without observing
any inuicAtlons OF the enemy, General al.
gel and stat, together with The rear e,,,srd
arrived at Bentonville in an honr a,,5 /
half While resting here a black line s,a,
observed on the prairie towards the sonth
which at first attracted no particular atteD
ton. ESigel, with his glass, soon becam,
convinced that the line was in motion.
Soon secesh dags were seen moving on Ben
tonviIIe, and the prairie became black wit
the rebel masses of cavalry and infantry
The rebel cavalry moved up rapidly, an
deploying to the right and left, snrronnde,
the town. Clouds of cavalry were still oh
served advancing at rapid speed.
Sigel moved forward the rear guar
across ravine on the margin of the town
and the opposite side of the raEine was Oc
cnpied BY the rebels, who came rushing q
with yell. Noticing that they had form
ed on his rear, be detached four companie
Of cavalry to hold them in check. Open