The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1862-08-21
Siege of BIoomneid Missouri.

! MEsSRS EDITORS Il take the liberty Of
sending you short sketch Of the startling
events which have taken place here within a
few days. Col. Daniels accompanied by all
the men of our First Wisconsin Cavalry, able
to bear arms, or the fatigue Of the march left
this post for Arkansas some three weeks ago,
leaving behind small portion of garrison at
Cape Girardeau, also few men at Bloomfield,
with about 40 sick in hospital and some 10 or
20 men at Camp Torrey on West Prairie, dis
tant about 20 miles south Of this post, part OF
whom were sick or disabled. Soon after his
departure, signs of uneasiness were discover
ed among portion Of the inhabitants, whose
proclivities, as.well as former anecedents, were
peculiarly and decidedly secesh Some days
ago band of Guerillas, under Capt Allen,
crossed the St Francis River at Browns Ferry
and marching stealthily through the swamps that
infesl this region succeeded in surprising Camp
Torrey. which was in no condition Of defense
besides the enemy numbering 100 men,
Most of the men escaped, and after suffering
some hardship, arrived sale at this post; the
sick were taken prisoners, and after being
sworn were turned loose on parole, -.hey then
destroyed al the property, which was not much
Gas Capt. Hyde had ordered every thing sent up
to this post except the rations,) and taking one
wagon load of plumber with them departed
Among the articles saved by the timely action
of Capt, Hyde was IL pound iron gun which
has since proved ofsignal service 10 US. We
a. af,tyt o.
party under charge of Sergeant Spencer Of Co.
D, Is in number, stationed to guard the Ferry
at Chalk Bluff, by which Col. Daniels entered
Arkansas. We were however relieved by
their appearance on the evening Of the day at
ter the capture of the camp. They had OBJ
tanned timely information Of the attack on the
camp, and by timely retreat by ciIcuitous
route, guided by Union citizen, they reached
US in safety. Our force here was now increas-
ed somewhat, and Capt Hyde, assisted by
Lieuts. Hilliard and johnson, Immediately
commenced preparations for the vigorous de-
Tense of this town. The loyal inhabitants of
the county of Stoddard, were summoned to re-
port themselves with what arms they might
have, according to an order issued by General
Schofeld. On Saturday last a number came
in, and were enrolled to the number Of IS, and
elected r. Walkers good Union man Captain
This, we thought, was doing pretty well for
two days notice. They were then notified to
come in again on Wednesday Both, for further
ued TO come in, of parties being seen in the
woods adjoining the town, and who appeared
to be armed.
All communication was now cut off from the
regiment, and it became dangerous TO send par
ties to the Cape We did, however, dispatch
messages every day for reinforcements, arms
and ammunition, in the hope that some at least
might reach the Cape. The only return we
received from that point small mail,
box of shells for the gun, and II Belgian rifles,
but no cartridges. On Saturday night the at
tack was commenced by general firing ON the
pickets, and yells of the most tiendish kind, our
men stood to their arms at once, and by the
exhibition of firmness and bravery, drove the
enemy back into the woods. All night the
alarm was kept up by constant fusillade
against the pickets. Sunday some sklImlsh-
ing took place, and at night our pickets were
driven in. Monday was a rehash OF the pre-
vious dag, but on Tuesday the fight commenced
in earnest Lieut. johnson turned out with a
number of sick men from the Hospital, and
greatly aided in the defense. Some shells
were finally thrown from the gun in different
directions where the enemy were knwn to be
congregated and from which a general ske-
daddIe took place, and it is to be noted that
the rebels have not revisited those haunts since
| in the day time. Our boys as soon as enemies
make their appearance mount and charge al
once, but away goes Butternut for the swamps.
| Our skirmishers have been near enough tc
hold conversation with them, TO the effect that
| it must be very uncomfortable for them to be
| lying out, while we are enjoying good quar-
tiers in the town, and inviting them in to Sc
,lect supper. They are said to be commanded
by Capt. Allen formerly of the regular army
Capts. Joe Miller and Limback, assisting
force, varicusly represented at from three tC
six hundred; our force numbering when the
attack commenced As men fit for duty, about
the same number sick in hospital.
July Goth came in Capt Walker Of th'
State Militia with the pasture guard; in I
short time, also came his father, who had beer
taken prisoner The day before, robbed of hi
! horse. saddle and bride. He managed to es
cape from the custody of eight men during tn
night.
Tt. oval men of the surrounding counfr