The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1862-03-25

lie III ST ShillHloHlliS tllat SHoucu
number of our men were killed and
wounded. At two o'clock the enemy
endeavored TO flank US, when new line
was formed, and the front was changed
along the north side of an open field,
facing the enemy. Three regiments of
rebel infantry and regiment of rebel
cavalry had out flanked our position
They advanced and poured in terrific
fire, while the grapeshot from their bat
teres swept through our ranks crash
after crash. AT this time the ammunition
gave out Of our battery, and this latter
was taken from the field. A section of
German battery was brought into the
field TO take the place of the first Iowa
| battery.
The fighting ragged until our regiments
were badly cut up, when the order was
received to move to an open field mile
nearer to our camp. The enemy pursu-
ed and the canonade did not cease in
that till dark. In abandoning our posi-
ton held in the morning, fears were en-
terained that the enemy would in the
exultation of supposed victory, surprise
our camp during the night. Our men
fought CALAMITY all day, without finch
ing, as is evident by the loss sustained.
The enemy had fifteen thousand to our
three thousand FIVE hundred, disparity
of force almost unequaled. Some Quar-
termaster stores at Elk Horn Tavern fell
into their hands, all of which were used
by them except the dessiccated vegeta
bles and potatoes, they having no idea
for what purposes these articles were
used. Our loss in killed and wounded
was severe. Lieutenant Colonel Chand-
Ter was captured with twenty men. Col.
Carr was wounded in the wrist, and a
grape shot grazed his neck.
Corporal j. III. Rowles, while spiking
gun, was shot in both legs, not mortal
| ly Capt. Hayden, of Dubuque battery
lost two men killed and had eighteen
wounded several MORALLY. Fifteen Of
the Third Illinois Cavalry were wound
ed. Col. Smith, of the Thirty fifth Him
OILS, wounded in the leg and breast.
Col Dodge went into the fight with
Clio men, and at night had 10 killed and
so wounded. Col. Vandever could
count only 175 men. Half his commits
stoned officers were killed or wounded.
Col. Phelps had four horses shot under
him, and half his officers were killed and
wounded.
Lieut.. Col. Heron, of the Ninth Iowa,
was captured, with several of his men.
His horse was shot under him, and his
ankle being fractured by the fall, he fell
into the enemy's hands when our line
fell back, and they started in the direc-
ton of the camp, the command having
been much scattered.
Lieut.. Col Trimble was shot in the
face by mimic ball, the latter entering
the cheek and coming out under the ear
but he was able to leave the field on his
horse. Colonel Bussey rallied the other
detachments of cavalry and got them in
position, when the cavalry returned. OF
two hundred and fifty men composing
the Sd Iowa, which went into the charge,
forty five were killed and wounded. The
enemy having taken three pieces and
pressed us closely, We fell back to large
open field a quarter of mile west oil
Leevile, where the second brigade oil
Gen. Osterhaus' division, under Col
| Greusel, OF the 39th Illinois, had taken
position early in the day. The cavalry
stampede caused confusion, but order
was soon restored by Col. Gleusel, who
commenced throwing shot and shell from
Hotfman's battery on the enemy's caval
ry, just on the point of making charge
The following gives the particulars o
the decisive battle on the Sd day, result
ing in the complete rout of the enemy j;
THE GRAND BATTLE OF THE EIGHT.
The cannonade opened twenty five
minutes past seven, on Col. Carr's Divi
sion, and the portion of the latter engag
ed fell back. Gen. Davis advanced OF
the main road and took position on the
right wing, while Col. Carr moved to the
center, and desultory fire was kept up
for short time. About eight O'Clock
Gen. Sigel's division marched into the
open field aud took position on the lef
wing. His batteries were planted along
the elevations in this portion of the field
with alternate regiments of infantry.
The enemy replied promptly with his
batteries, with little effect, except disab
ling one of Sigel's gnns. The murder
Gus cross fire of our batteries crushed
through the timber with terrific effect
The cannonade was terrible for two hours
and half, during which time the infant
ry advanced slowly under cover of ouI
fire from the batteries. As soon as the
enemy broke, the infantry advanced with
yell in double quick, and fred yolley
after volley of well.aimed musketry. The
Twelfth Missouri rushed forward and
charged OIL battery in the heavy timber
capturing three guns and flag belong
ing to tie Dallass Artillery. The TWEEN.
ty. second Indiana also captured gun
and two cassions.
AT this time Gen. Sigel pushed the en-.
emy's right flank, while Gen. Davis and
Col Carr drove forward his left flank
The flight became general, and the ravine
near the Elkhorn Tavern was thronged
with the flying enemy. The bluffs on
the left, forming natural forlification
where they had several regiments and a
battery posted, were stormed by Colonel
L.: