The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1862-04-17

their way TO the rivers bank as on the
previous day. having had slight ex-
perience of what they might again ex-
pects if brought under the powerful
guns of the Tyler and Lexington, whose
black hulks steamed slowly along the
stream, keeping careful watch for any
signs they might be able to gather as
to the exactslocation of the enemy in
the dense forest which stretched away
to their right.
Notwithstanding the continued re-
buff of the rebels whenever they had
made their assaults, up to eleven
o'clock they had given no evidence of
retiring from the field. Their firing
had been as rapid and vigorous at
times as during the most terrible hours
of the previous day, yet not so well d.
rected, nor SO long continued TO one
point of attack. 'ssh = Ieiaa'i g .ass .a.itt
Still further reinforcenents now be-.
gan to arrive, the steamers Crescent
City, Hiawatha, Louisville, John Wal
ker and others, having left Savannah,
loaded to the guards with troops be-
longing to Gen. Buelps command.
These Immediately mounted the hill
and took position upon the right of the
main center under Gen. Wallace.
Generals Grant, Buell., Nelson. Sher-
man, and Crittenden, Il learn, though
| have not seen him. were present
every where, directing the movements
for new stroke on our part against
the foe. Gen. Wallace's division, on
the righthand been strongly reinforced
aud suddenly both wings Of our
army were turned upon the enemy
with the intention of driving the i'm
mense body into an extensive rayine.
At the same time powerful battery
had been stationed near an open field
known as the "battalion drill around"
for Sherman's division, and this, loaded
with canister, poured volly after volly
upon the somewhat Disguised rebels.
The cannonading of the day previous
had been mostcly confnd to shell and
heavy ball, }. but it was evident that the
change now made was having telling
effect. rss-...
The fire from the rebels was not, so
vigorous, and they began to evince a
desire to withdraw. They fought as
they slowly moved back, keeping up
their fire from their artillery and mus
kets along their whole column, and APP.
parently disdaining any motion which
could be considered as approximating
to retreat. 30 s
1t was row q matter, settled beyond
dispute, that the enemy were retreat
ing. They were making but little FIRE,
and heading their entire column for
Corinth, by both roads leading in that
direction. From all divisions of our
line they were closely pursued, a gal.
ling fire being kept npon, their rear,
which they still returned at intervals,
but with little or no effect. I {
/ have neglected heretofore to men,
ton that, from Sunday noon until night
and from Monday morning up to the
time have now reached, in this out
line description of the battle, not less
than three thousand cavalry bad re-
manned seated in their saddles on the
hilltop overlooking the river, patiently
and earnestly awaiting the arrival of
the time when an order should come
for them to pursue the flying enemy.
That time had now arrived, and cour-
Ter from Gen. Grant had scarcely de-
livered his message before the entire
body was in motion.
Those who have never witnessed a
charge of so large force Of horsmen,
should have been there to have witness
sed the wild tumult of the eager riders,
and apparently equally excited steeds.
The enemy had been driven beyond
our former lines, and were in full re-
treat in the direction of Corinth.
In regard to this result, | think, we
may believe that the rebel leaders were
not as confident of success this NOR
ming as when the contest of yesterday
began, for / am informed tonight, by
one of the captured, that "Beauregard
had last night ordered that two hum
dred empty cars be sent TO Corinth du-
ring the early part of the day."
Whether this is true or not, or wheth-
er it was preparatory to the safety of
his troops in case of defeat, leave your
readers to decide for themselves. One
thing is certain his promise to his
troops, that they should drink of the
waters Of the Tennessee tonight has
proven failure. They must for the
present slake their thirst from some of
the creeks which flow into that river
from southerly direction.
In my previous letters / have men,
toned that the diarrhoea had prevailed
most extensively among our troops,
none of whom were accustomed to the
soil, climate or water of this section of
Tennessee. This had weakened some
of the regiments so far as numbers
we're concerned; the hospitals having
been tolerably well filed with the sick
previous to the attack.
Through the health of the men was
yet there were many who
had not yet been discharged as fit for
duty. These were on the sick list at
the time the enemy SO suddenly made
their appearance within the camps on
the front lines. Many of them left
for the river, an order being issued for
the immediate evacuation of the hospi-
tails, and it was pitiful sight to see
the poor invalids, scarcely able to drag
one foot after another, vending their
way slowly to some place of safety.