Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1862-03-27

through Lieut.. Col. Swayne's horse, from
which he had but moment before alighted.
No one in Company ID receiving any injury.
Our men lie down at night on their arms,
in the position occupied by them during the
evening, the officers 6srbid to sleep, not
knowing how soon we might be attacked
under cover of night by the rebels. The
men, however, worn out by excessive labor
and the loss Of sleep the previous night,
soon fell into sound sleep, from which
they were awakened about 10 O clock by one
Of the most terrific thunder storms I ever
saw or heard Of, followed by a heavy, ,dss1ch-
ing rain, flooding the ground we occupied
with water, and compelling the men to stand
on their feet with their overcoats and
blankets wrapped around themselves and
guns to protect them. The storm and rain
continued for several hours, during which
there was considerable stir among the re-
bells, of their steamboats, being con-
stantly employedin making short trips to and
from the town, occupied was then thought
in bringing fresh troops to the town and
forts, and about IL o'clock three rockets
were sent up over the boats, signal for
some purpose. Almost Immediately after,
their pickets commenced firing all around
the place, and our troops were ordered to
divest themselves of their blankets and coats
and prepare for an attack. All was silent
as the grave in our ranks, and every man
had his gun firmly clinched, his printing re-
newed, and ready to give the enemy warm
reception, if he should have the temerity
to make the attack. No attack was made,
however, and the night passed slowly and
solemnly away; and with daylight came
fresh troops to relieve our Brigade, part
of which had been On constant duty for
about twenty-four hours. We returned to
our camp, about two miles distant, followed
shortly afterward by the word that the ene-
my during the night had taken Fren ,h leave
leaving everything they had behind them.
Thus ended the siege of New Madrid.
The fort and town were Immediately oc-
cupied by our troops, and our teams have
been engaged all day in hauIng away tents,
stores, and supplies. The rebels had been
evidently panic stricken during the night,
as they went off in such haste, and with
such precipitaney as to be unable to take
with them any of their personal baggage.
or eat the suppers that were found in some
OF the officers quarters cooked and on the
table. Their horses were left saddlcd and
bIidied, and everything in and around tbt
town and fort gave evidence that the netion
to leave was suddenly taken and speedily
executed.
The fort is very perfect and complete
affair, mounting thirteen guns, with two
large magazines underneath filed with
ammunition, which they did not take time to
destroy and which, with the guns, have
fallen into our possession. The guns were
spiked, but our men had the files all reno.
we'd before night, and the larger guns placed
in position to sweep the river; and if any
of the boats at No. 10 Island shall attempt
to go down the river, when they are forced
to evacuate that position, they may fine
some little trouble in getting by.
Their gunboats were considerably injured
by our guns, but to what extent have moi
been able to learn. Their light artillery wal
all thrown into the river, which isvery higl
at present, and will fall into our possession
as soon as it goes down. We got large 10
of Sugar and Molasses, about two hundred
tents, all their mules and horses, caml
equipage, &c. '.f ....l
The loss on our side was 4 killed and l.
wounded, as follows: Killed, d,-lOth Iowa
l, IA Captain; lst Infantry, (Regulars,
2; 43d Ohio l. Wounded 9th Ohio, 8
43d Ohio, 4 lst Infantry, 4.
The enemies loss was much heavier, bu
we are unable to ascertain its exact extent
We have found fifteen killed and twent.
wounded, besides quite number of nev
made graves. f'.l 81. D44ai.'t
The enemy crossed the river during tn
night, and it is thought the gunboats wen
; up the river to No. 10 Island They ma
have quietly dropped down during the nigh
past, our guns, asit was, during part c
the night, very dark. ~ y ;t'l.''.''
Our men acted with great eoolness an
= courage during the entire day, and our Reg
iment was complimented on several occI
: sions by General Stanley. Their coolnel
! may be inferred from the fact that durin
q the day, whilst our men were lying on tb
a ground, to prevent their attracting the a
tention Of the enemy, nearly one-fourth ,
i the entire Regiment went to sleep and sleI
= soundly, Notwithstanding the incessant ca'
= nonading; and at no time during the engage
. ment did they manifest any signs Of fear.
y The whole affair was certainly very we
.e planned and executed, and reflects great cree
g it upon Gen, Pope and the officers and me
% under his command, although some new
,r paper critics may attempt to censure Gel
u Pope for suffering the enemy to escape
m This escape might have been prevented
le an assault; but, on the presumption th'