The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1862-01-31
Our Military Correspondence.


DEAR DEMOCRAT: Brigade left this
place Tau sday, Jan OH We expected 20
find the Rebels IN force three m,les up tho
river. but We found their publications.
abandoned They had thrown up en-.
bankmcnts and dug rifle pits along the
road. tor milo One high hill was YER,
strongly fortified tho fort contained ten
port holes. We marched ten hundred
picked men toward Prestonburgh, com.
manded by Col. Garfield. We marched ali
day. only stopping n moment for dinner
Toward nigh. we began to soc signs of tho
enemy. Fresh tracks were to he seen
also, several baggage wagons were left by
tho ROADSIDE. 1t was apparent that the
Rebels were before us, and using every
means TO escape us.
When we were within fvo miles of Pres
tonburgh, wo had to pass through marrow
1efle in The hills. The road on eitbof side
was covered with a thick growth of timber
As our advance guard were passing through
suddenly they came to blockade OF fallen
| trees and. as they sat upon their horses
considering what to do. n volley of musket-
ry greeted them. Tho balls went whiEz,ng
over their heads. Scouts were sent out
upon both sides of the ravino, but found
nothing. We listened We could boar tho
! clatter OF horses hoots, and concluded that
! the rascas were fering. The RAIN now
began to tall IN torrents. and il was dark as
pitch. The Colonel ordered as to halt, and
encump for tho night. Geauga boys, you
who are at home. sleeping IN your feather
beds. how would you fancy sleeping upon
the ground, IN cool, RAINY. January night
Not fire was lighted. We lay upon the
ground IN Tho rain all night. but heard
|
At three O'Clock in the norning, we were
up and after them again. Al noon, we
came IN sight of the Rebel pickots. Scv.
eral shots were frod. One prisoner was
taken. From Inn We learned their strength
and position. Wa halted and prepared to
give them battle, but some timo previous q
dispatch had been sent back 10 camp, or
derlDg tho rest OF our troops forward. At
two o'clock. tho battle opened. The rebels
were posted upon tho bulls. except their
artillery and cavalry. which were in u
ravInc. Tho cannon (four in numbcr)
commanded the hills and road for some
distance. C''s A and T. Of tho 42d, aud
A, OF the 40'h, advarc'd up the hillside,
aud attacked the rif1eEon. As we crepl
slowly up, VIZ heard u rebel officer command
"DrpiOy up The hill !" As we gained the
HIT All Ulcer, followed by several dragons.
passed. up the ravine We fred upon them.
Suddenly. with a wild cry. tho enemy came
rushing down from u rocky point ah"ve,
upon US, They cheered for jeff Davis
loudly, Our boys were forced back Ii few
rods but without loss. On, on, they came
bu' 500. they turned, for volley from Our
rifles sent several OF their spirits home
thew tell TO rise no moro.
the hill wound around in the shape of a
horseshoe. The Rebels had possession oi
two thirds OF the hill aud we were under u
heay, cross fire all the time. For an hour
II was doubtful whether we or they would
hold the hill. AT tho end of an hour, We
were reinforced by threo companies. At
this period. their batteries opened upon us
The shot and she'll camo crashing through
the trees Nuw aud ,heu stray shot
passed clear over our heads. with terrift Ing
scream, such as always accompanies q
fl,Iug ball. But the cannon did no injury
save 10 irighIGD us. De achnients of oul
troops were sent out upon the noighbOrine
hIlls When ihos opened uron them, the
Rebels were obliged to retreat
The firing had been incessant for three
hours. Darkness began to gather around
us. Gradually tho firiog ceased. We gath
cred our dead aud wounded, and carried
."o"" =" We "Ouro HrAT Oys "uoTo Oui
Surgeons cared for them. We lost two
kiiled and ton wounded. The Rebel l0sl
was eighty killed and a large number
wounded. Thoy lost one field officer. tive
Captains and one Lieutenant. Co. A bad
two men wounded-Privstes Hall and
Leach. OF Portage Co. One was wounded
through his arm the other. through his
leg Neither is seriously injured. Almost
: in the first part of the eugapemOnt one
Carlton. of Co. f, was shot through his
] right leg. shattering it terribly. He ha:
since suffered ampulation. He stood be-
, side me when no fell. A moment after We
were obliged to fail back TO the main body
tried TO carry him back, but he was toe
heavy, and. rather than both bo taken
prisoners. left him He cravltd behind a
log, and, as The enemy came on. he shot