, 1862-03-25
:. COL. KNOBELsDoRF REPORT.

:-:z CAMp PEA R1paB, Ark, March II, 1a61
GKE. adax1, Commanding 1st and "a Divisions:
eR-I have the honor to report the. eetion
Of this regiment from the 9Th to 9Th Of March,
inclusive. The regiment, stationed at Camp
Cooper, near Benfonyle, received marching /
orders ct II ?: N. Of the 5th, and at O'Clock
a. m. Of the 9Th commenced aretrogade move
ment towards Sugar Greek Hollow.
Other marching orders were received: Go.
+, under command Y~!3,s Of Lieut.. Hickey, weTe
grinding -four for the use Of the regiment. A
messenger Waa Immediately sent for them, md
they made very rapid march, reaching the
regiment In time TO march with Us, bringing !
also quantity Of flour. The regiment, with
and arrived at Sugar Creek Hollow at 1:a, N.
We had hardly stacked our anus before infor-
mation was received that the 18th Missouri
regiment had been cut of by the enemy, and
ne were ordered by you to hasten back to
the regiment going double quick some miles,
but as the enemy had retreated, we were or.
dered back and took position On the bluff west
Of the Hollow. Contrary to Ill expectation,
the eIemy attacked our forces the next mor1l-
ing on the northwest side Of our lines and the.
together with the 18th Illinois, 17th Missouri,
and part Of Waeae's Battery, were held in re-
serve until one o'clock p. u, when we we're
all ordered by you:to the field and to the res.
cue. Companies Cand A, nnder command o.
Capt Kussel, we're previously ordered to stir:-
and secure the march OF the reserve to-
the battle field. Capt. Russell succeeded, by
skil1fnl management, in taking many prisoners
and driving back scattering bodies Of the enc.
my who Threatened our .1eft flank Eight
companies proceeded, donble.auick, 70 the
field, they we're ordered by Bdgadies- General
Davis to take position on the Right Of the road,
where the hardest fighting had been done a
| line OF sklrmlshers was Immediately thrown
promptncss, passing over the dead and wound
ed, who lay in every direction. Finding the
enemy were retreating, followed them
rapidly, taking number Of prisoners aud
keeping up lively skirmishing fire. After
| pursuing them over mile, I took position on
high ridge commanding the surrounding
ground. At this moment you arrived with
| artillery and other forces and ordered Us for
ward in pursuit Of the enemy. Night over
| taking us, we were ordered into an open field
on the left, and slept On our arms in front and
near the enemy. Early the next morning, to-
gether with other regiments, We changed pc
sition aud went towards the headquarters Of
General Curtis, near Pea Ridge. At seven
O'Clock on tile morning Of the 9Th, We
took position On the left Of Colonel Carr's
regiment fronting the northeast. After taking
our position aud throwing ont skirmishers, the
enemy commenced . heavy fire on our right
flank, forcing Col Cars regiment and the
| two batteries they were supporting to retire.
Part Of the infantry broke through our line,
but OUT men behaved with the greatest cool
| ness, and did not fall back until ordered to do
so. Gen. Curtis then ordered me to take 4
new position, supporting the LIST Iowa and one
other battery, The order was obeyed with
promptness, and as the batteries advanced the
regiment also advanced in line Of battle on the
open field, exposed to the fire from the enemy q
| hat e17 a fnEfanf
the support Of Woefle's and and Hoffmann's
| batteries, stationed Oh the open field in front
Of the high ridge occupied by the enemy,
which was done with the greatest alacrity.
Having taken this position, companies 4,
sapport s., 3 a our = forces wi 1 %hieh Ware % then co
storming the ridges, which was done
in the most spirited manner, our
companies joining with other regiments in
driving the enemy from their strong position,
whilst the balance of the regiment followed as
reserve. The enemy having been driven for
ward, VIC pursued them soma four miles OF
the road toward kcitsville. Arriving at the juno
ton Of the Bentonyille road, was ordered
after being Joined by two companies Of the 36th
illinois Regiment, and one company Of ths
the enemy On the Bentonville road. At sever
o'clock the next morning, I marched towards
Bentonyille, going within five miles Of tue
place. Having no orders to proceed further
and Col. E!hs'6 Cavalry Regiment having over
taken me, returned to within one mile Of ths
Ke1tsyille road, aud the next day Joined you
command, leaving two companies to guart
| the road. =
Owing to the GOODNESS and discipline Of th,
soldiers and the fortunate positions whicl
were selected, our loss was very small, being
only one man killed, two wounded and seven
teen missing. All officers and soldiers be
hayed with the greatest spirit and courage.
would especially mention the nalues Of Capt
A. A. Barrett, acting major, Capt. J. Russell
Capt. L. II. Sabin, Capt. Max Crone Of th
Potomac Army, who volunteered for the oc
casion, Adiutant Jas. 8. Ransom and Lieut.
Davis, WHO displayed great energy ami
courage.
The regiment has taken in this engagemcn
over one hundred and fifty prisoners, anon
them one Acting Drigadier General, one Colo
mel, one Major, one Chaplain, three Captain
and two Lieutcn:ants. They have also cap
tured one stand Of colors, two hundred an
! thirty stand Of arms md sixty horses.
, Very respectfully yours,
CHAs. KSouELsDoRFr, Col Cong.