The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1862-01-08
Army Correspondence.
SEDALIA, Mo Dec. 22nd, 1861.

IA anu ! I'll Ouio ISeSiueutS, tuo Ao"d
Cavalry Regiment. Merrills Horse and
twelve pieces of Artillery, all under the
command of Brig. Gen. Pope. The di-
rection marched on that day was south,
but on Monday it was changed to south
west and moved with the utmost rapidity
in order to cut off body of men near
Wafrensburg on their way to reinforce
Price Twenty-eight miles we're made by
three O'Clock, but the Rebels hearing of
our approach struck off from the road
across the prairies and escaped all but
about one hundred and Fifty overtaken by
our cavarly, together with q few wagons
aud mules, all of which we're captured and
brought into camp. Tuesday We only
marched few miles, and camped await
ing the return of our Cavalry which was
still in pursuit of the scattered rebels.
In the evening four men who were acting
as scouts, and lived in Warrensburg. at
tempted to GO home, but were fred on from
the brush, and had to return. Between
us and the town was large bridge which
was thought expedient to guard, which
duty was assigned to the 1st Nebraska
Regiment and cheerfally performed. We'd
nesday morning still found our cavalry
absent; and we moved short distance
and camped about three miles from War.
rensburg in low prairie covered with
high grass which caught 6re soon after
the tents were pitched, and came near
burning everything up, but was fortu-
nately quenched before much damage was
done to anything except long string of
fence belonging to an old Secesh. Our
cavalry came in about noon, having the
success already mentioned. Dnring the
aight, prisoner who was sent out under
8 guard to bring load of wood, attempt
ed to escape, when the guard fired, hitting
him in the neck. and almost instantly
killing him A hole was dug. and coffin
less and shrowdless he was pitched into it
aud covered over aud left to his rest, with
very little ceremony.
On Thursday we moved on through
Waynesburg, which is quite aourishing
looking little town, aud is the county seat
Of johnson county. Most of the inhab-
itants. however, are secessionists, and ma
ny houses were closed. doubtless owned by
them; bat several good Union men reside
here, whose buildings were gaily orna
mented with the Stars and Stripes.
About two o'clock our advanced guard
came up with the long.looked-for enemy,
who were strongly posted in q wood near
Milford, aud Immediately engaged them.
but were obliged to fall back and await
the arrival of the main forces. When
they came up, the rebels, after a few
rounds, saw the folly of fresisting, and sur.
rendered Our loss was two killed and
fourteen wounded. Their loss is unknown,
but is supposed to be much greater. The
engagement was q slight one, but the re-
suit was important. The prisoners nun
bered about one thousand three hundred.
among whom we're no less than three colo.
nels and seventeen captains. One thous-
aad stand of arms was given up. togeth,
er with sixty-four wagons heavily lsdened
with provisions and camp equipments, one
thousand horses and mules and q consid
erabie amount of ammunition, also graced
the victory; but the most amusing part Of
the capture consisted of about twenty five
or thirty con.rabauds. of many differen,
hues, who were along with their masters
as walters aud cooks. No account wal
taken of them by the commander, and
they wandered from one camp 6re to az
other. telling many tales to the great mer
rimen. of the boys
! The honor of conducting the prisoners
from the battlefield to camp was awarded
to the Twenty Ohio Regiment
aud coveted duty was never more noblJ
performed.
: Friday morning found US on our way
to Sedalia. The weather, which hereto
fore had been pleasant, during the pas
night changed, and to day the wind wal
high aud cold, and overcoats, for the frs
time during the march, were brought int
requisition.
Nothing worthy of note happened to
, day, and seven miles from Sedalia W.
camped in the woods for the eight, wit
fac prospect of snow and wintry wealth
er.
On Saturday. seven days out. We ar
rived, having completed one of the mos
brilliant movements yet performed i
) Missouri
OBITUARY.
On our arrival in camp our JOY wa
l dampened by the news Of The death of on
y fellow soldier. George c. Horton. of Sun
: mertieId, Noble county. Oaio. We le
him sick on our departure, but thougt
him not dangerous, and his death to I
Il was sudden and unexpected. Young an
l. full of ardor, be was among the first ,
y respond to the call of his country; al
n during his short stay with us. We ev'
n found him noble friend. true patri'
q and brave soldier Among the thou
'e ands 10 camp his death and sileutdepar
o ure were uauoticed; but what grief IL
. sorrow it will caase around the ires:de