The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1862-09-29

most direct read for Iuka. Knowing tina
the way would be clear ! concluded to g,
too, When only two miles on the road
courier came in telling us that luka wal
ours after hard struggle, and that Price
whole army was routed completely. w,
started up at rapid pace. leaving th,
I'd behind. and made the distance min.
miles, on foot ali the way, learned som.
| particulars. and went at once to the bat
tle-held, which was about two and hal
mics to the right of the town Long
trains of ambulances filled with the wound.
ed pointed to the spot where the grea,
struggle had been. Unmistakable signs
of terrible struggle were to be seen on
every side, and the wounded and dying
| were being taken care OF as fast as ii was
possible, and the killed being buried.
Battle fields and scenes of this kind are
getting to be too common to attempt to
describe one in detail No ccrans, with
force of about 5000 men, met and at
tackled Price with % 0C0 men, or about
28 regiments, il is said. The ground was
very uneven and covered with heavy
timber and thick underground. The bat
tie lasted one hour aud forty minutes,
and from what was accom- plished, with The
opinion of those ON the ground, Ijudge il
to be the hardest contested battle vet
fought. Our loss. cannot DO less than
$40. of which the iowa troops, who were
III the thickest of the fight, lost most,
estimated at about 100 killed and goo
wounded. The loss on tho side of the
enemy is greater than our own; put it
down at about 700. | have no idea how
they arrive at the number, but ii seemed
to me, In passing over the field, that more
bodies dressed in grey were to be seen
then in blue Our troops are veterans. If
it were not SO VIC would hive been badly
beaten and driven from the field. The
enemy had every advantage. both in num-
bers and selection of ground. Our artil-
lery was taken at the commencement of
the fight, three pieces being discharged
only three times, when they were taken
from us by storm. When rushing upon
our slender columns of infantry they
poured volley after yoIley into our ranks.
fighting desperately for more than All
hour, and at times SO close upon us that
our men could quick them with their ba-
yonets. Still they obstinaiely resisted
the oyerpowering force until the enemy
retired, leaving US in possession of the
field, and their dead and wounded on the
ground. The engagement was expected
to be renewed in the morning, but the
enemy during the night began moving
south. and soon after daylight, the rear
guards were seen leaving the town. We
gave them parting salute, and Iuka was
again in our hands every house hos
ptal, and the suffering beyond human,
and, should think, beyond
human endurance.
The 9th, 10th, 10th and 18th Iowa
regiments were Engaged. The 9th suffer
ed the most in killed, losing 33. They
fought on the right with an entire brig
lde. but well supported. The 10th and
10Th were in the next greatest. sufferers,
Ind lost many men. Ii is impossible for
ne to give any particulars now. | will
1--WE the names as soon as possible. Col.
Chambers was wounded in the shoulder
md back Of the neck by two shots, then
AIKEN prisoner. 1t is said that he fought
and with his own hand killed
Brig. Gen. Little. His Adjutant Laurence
s killed the Colonel is new in Iaka.
My time was limited for taking obser-
1atlons, as very soon after getting there
he medical director started me to Cornth
~ special train. to bring up hospital
stores. They are much in need of every
hing. Our citizens cannot send too
much of these goods to our brave BOYS
Dr.. Maxwell is on hand and doing . noble
work he certainly is one of the efficient
mes, and is beloved by everybody. He
vas intending to return home to attend to
Important business, but cannot do 80 now.
too shall remain as long as | can be of
my service to the boys, and from appear
nces they will soon again be called upon.
No sooner were they fairly over this con-
est, than the order came to march, and
o-night they lay in this place; to.mor-
ow morning at 3 o'clock they will take
Up their march for Corinth, where an
'ther struggle is expected. Col. Croker
8 left in command of Iaka. The 18th.
9th and 18th are in his-brigade STILL
When left Iuka. firing was heard in the
direction of Prices resreating forces. He ,
nay yet be overtaken, and ought to have ,
'cen at Iuka, but the rcinforcemcnts did
'ot como up in time. 1t may not be the ,
aHlt of any one, bnt il did seem a pity
hat men should lie still in hearing dis.
ance of the conflict, waiting for orders to
each them, then after it is too late they
ome, but the worst is done.
/ give a list of the killed in the Fifth
owa. My time is limited the cars are
eady. You will present my regards to ,
II. Excuse haste, omissions, &c, and