The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1862-03-12
official Renort from Gen. Curtis. a zss:asa
ST.. LOUIS. March IL.

The following is the official report of Gen.
Curtis to Gen. Halleck
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE coUTHWESr,
PEA RIDGE, Ark, March ,:
GEN On Thursday, the oth INST, Vne enemy
commenced an attack on my rlgh1 wing u.s.
sailing and following the rear guard VI
detachment under Gen. Sigel, to my main ines
on Sugar Creek Hollow, but ceased hrlng when
he met my reinforcement. about 4 T. M: IA
ring the night became convinced that ne hao
moved on 50 far rs to attack my right or rear
therefore, early on the 7th, ordered II ch"nge
of front to the right, which thus became my lett
still resting on Sugar Greek Hollow. Inns
brought my line across Pea Ridge, with NY new
right resting on Head Cross Timber Hollow,
which IS the head Of Big Sugar Creek. also
ordered an Immediate advance OF the cavalry
and light artillery under Col. Osterhaus, with
orders to attack and break what supposed
would be the reinforced line of the emmy.
This movement was in progress, when the
enemy at ii \. NJ. commenced an attack on
nv riaht. The fight continued mainly at these
points during the day, the enemy having gained
the point held by the command OF Col. Carr at
Cross Timber Hollow, but was entirely repulsed
with the fall OF the commander, McCulloch, in
The centre, by the force under Col. Davis The
plan of attack WAS CALAMITY carried forward by
COL Osterhaus, who, Immediately sustained and
supported by Col. Davis entire division, sup
ported also by Gen. Sigel's command, which had
remained till near the close of the day, on the
left.
Col. Davis division held the right under d
CALLING and continuous fire all day. In the
evening it having entirely ceased in the center,
and the right being now on the lett, reinforced
the right by portion of the 2nd division under
Gen. Asboth. Before the day closed, was con-
vlnced that the enemy had concentrated his main
force on the right, commenced another change
of front forward SO as to face the enemy where
he had deployed on my right flank in a strong
position.
The change had only been partially effected,
but was in full progress, when at sunrise on the
Sth my right and center renewed the firing,
which was Immediately answered by the enemy
with renewed energy along the whole extent of
his line. My left under Gen. Sgel moved close
to the hills occupied by the enemy driving HIM
from the heights and advancing steadily towards
the head OF the Hollows. Immediately or
dered the center and right wing forward, the
right turning the left of the enemy and cross
firing on his center. This final position of the
enemy Was in the arc of "a circle. A charge of
infantry, extended throughout the wholeilne,
completely routed the whole rebel force, which
retired in great confusion, but rather safely
through the deep impossible defles Of Cross
Timber.
Our loss is heavy. The enemys can never be
ascertained for their dead are scattered over a
large telc. Their wounded, too, may many of
them be lost and perish. The foe is scattered
in all directions, but think his main force has
returned to Boston Mountains.
Gen. Sigel follows him towards Keitsvillo,
while my cavalry is pursuing him towards the
mountains, securing the country, bringing in
prisoners. and trying to find the rebel Major
General Van Dorm, who had command of the
enemy's force at this battle of Pea Ridge
have not as yet got statements of the dead
and wounded 50 as to justify report, but will
refer you to dispatch which | will forward
very soon.
The officers and soldiers have displayed such
unusual gallantry. that hardly dare to make
any distinction. | must however name the COM |
manders of divisions. Gen. Sigel pallantly
commanded the right, and drove back the left |
wing OF the enemy. Gen. Asboth was wounded |
In the arm, in his galent effort to reinforce the
right. Col. and acting Brigadier General Davis
commanded the center where McCulloch fell on |
the 7th.and pressed forward the center on the 8th
Col. and acting Brigadier General Carr is also
wounded in the arm, and was under the contin. !
uous fire of the enemy during the two hardest
days OF the struggle.
Illinois. Indiana, Iowa. Ohio and Missouri, |
may proudly share the honor of victory which
their gallant heroes won over the combined
forces Of Van Dorm, Price and McCulloch at
Pea Ridge. in the mountains of Arkansas.
have the honor to be, General,
Your obedient servant,
SAMUEL r. CURTIS,
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