The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1862-03-17


PEA RIDGE, NEAR SUGAR CREEK, ARE, !
March 9th, 1862.
During the past three days We have hac
some terrible fighting against fearful odds
On Wednesday, General Curtis, Com
nander-in Chief, whose headquarters wa
at Camp Haleck, received reliable informa
ton that the rebels, under Van Dorm, Nc
Intosh, McCulIoch, Price and Pike, were
marching on us with a large force of con-
fedeTate rebels and confederate. Indians
All prisoners taken give the rebel force al
from 80, 900 to 10000. Gen. Curtiss then
ordered Cars division to move from Gross
Hollows to Sugar Greek to take stronger
position, which he had previously selected
in case of attack. Col Carr marshed in
the night and Joined Gen. Davis who had
previously taken position, before break OF
day, in good order. 1fs.s
Gen. Sigel, at Bentonville, was also or
dered to reioin Gen. Curtis at the same
point. Sigel's rear cut their way through
the enemy at the latter place, and kept up
the fight for six miles.
The rebels, on Friday morning having
made a detour from BentoRville, got heavy
force directly on our rear and right, occu-
plying the heights and brush on both sides
of the Fayetteville road.
COl- OdTE uLFAsloH WAS sent 10 uiSiouge
them.
The Eattle commenced at 104 A. NJ, and
ragged for eight hours, until darkness put an
end to the contest. They played on us from
masked batteries. -
At night we occupied a position nearer
our camp. TIE carnage was dreadful on
both sides.
simultaneously with the action on our
right, fighting took place opposite cur front
near Leetown, between General Davis
and another large body of the enemy. The
latter were forced from the field, and has
tened to form a junction with the rebels on
eur right. -
The numerous instances of gallantry and
heroic devotion which occurred, cannot be
mentioned in this Communication.
The movement Of the enemy caused
change of our line. rr@ IA
The battle was resumed next morning
Saturday, about 81 o'clock, our guns
opening on the enemy.
Gen. Carr formed in the center, with Da-
Wis on the right and Sigel on the left. ~
The line of battle, which extended over
two miles, was magnificent sight, The
enemy occupied an open wood directly in
front, perfect hive of them. They also
covered high bluff more to the left where
battery was planted. They had another
battery playing on as from more central
position, and also battery of IL riled
pieces on the Fayetteville road. We opened
upon them with FIVE batteries planted at
different points along our whole line, The
cross fire producing such tremendous effect
as caused the enemy to falter in dismay.
Soon after 10 A M, Gen. Curtis gave the
order to advance, aud the infantry becoming
engaged, poured in such murderoHs fire of
musketry that the enemy fed from the field
in all directions. The victory WIS decisive.
Under the eye of Gen. Curtis, Command
er-in-Chief Gen. Sigel followed the flying
enemy for several miles. Col. Busy, with
a cavalry force, is in pursuit. towards
Boston Mountains, after the main body.
We captured FIVE (5) canon.
1t is impossible to give our loss st this
time, or any reliable estimate of the enemy's
loss. We have taken prisoners Acting
Brig. Gen. Hebert, the commander at Cross
Hollows; also, Col. Mitchell, Adj't Gen.
Stone, Col. Price, and Majors and Captains
in abundance.
The loss OF valuable officers on our side
is deeply deplored. We have four general
hospitals established for the relief of the
wounded.
The rebel McIntosh is reported dead, and
also McCulloch, who was known to be NOR
tally wounded.