Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-03-31


their own way.--MiIlcaukee Neios.
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Indiana Volunteers at Pea Ridge
OFFICIAL Report.
REPORT OF COZ. PArrIsoN, OF THE FIRST BRIGADE.
HEADoUARrERs lsr BRIG Sd DrvIsIox,l
March 10.
To Col Jef. c. Dauis. Commanding Third Di-
UisiOn Southwestern Army:
SIR: In accordance with your order, and as is
customary in such cases, have the honor to sub
NIT the following report of the part taken by the
brigade under my command in achieving the
complete victory over the enemy in the late bat
ties fought on the 9TH and 6th inst. at Leetown
and Elkhorn Tavern, in Benton county, Ark.
On the morning of the 9th, in obedience to
your command, moved my brigade, consisting
OF the 18th Indiana regiment, under Lieut.. Col.
Washburn, the Sth Indiana under Col. Benton,
the 22d Indiana under Col. Hendricks, and the
lst Indiana battery of six field pieces under Capt.
Klaus, and took possession of the hills on the
north side of Sugar creek, and Immediately west
of the principal telegraph road from Springfield
to Fort Smith, the 22d occupying the left on the
ridge next the road the Sth, with Klauss battery.
in the center on another prominent point, and the
18th upon the next ridge to the right, each point
being separated by deep ravnes extending back
considerable distance in the direction of the
Cassville road. Col Benton and Lieut. Col
Washburn, in compliance with orders, set their
respective commands at work, throwing up i'm the
course of five hours quite a respectable breast
work, which, in case of an attack from the direc-
ton of Cross Hollows. would have been an ex-
cellent defense.
On the night of the 9th the brigade bivouacked
in this position Nothing of moment transpired
until about 10 o'clock of the 7th, when the firing
of artillery was heard mile or two to our right
rear; also heavy firing heard in the direction of
Cassvlle, Immediately in our rear.
The 22d, having in the meantime been ordered
by you to reinforce Col. Vandevier near the viii
lage of Leetown, the left wing of the Sth under
Lieut.. Col. Skunk, and Capt. Klaus with one
section and half of his battery, were ordered
to support Col. Carr, whose DIVISION in coniunc-
ton with Gen. Asboth's, was then engaged with
Prices force near Elkhorn tavern. About 2 p
NJ. received your order to proceed with the 18th
TO the scene of action, which order was executed
with dispatch by Lieut. Col Washburl On ar
irving l found the 22d in line of battle on the
left and rear of Davidson's Peoria battery, which
was in position in the southeast corner of a large
open field. We Immediately formed on their
right. Here | took command of both regiments.
Col. Whites brigade being warmly engaged with
the enemy in the woods on the right of the clear
land, | was ordered to his support. Moving in
through the timber to small hill, found the
18th Illinois retiring in disorder, having been
overwhelmed by vastly superior numbers and
murderous fire from the Louisiana, Arkansas and
Cherokee troops. closed up nv line as soon as
the 59th passed through, and, advancing through
the field, changed my line of battle by wheeling
to the left until got about parallel with the
right side of the large field first named; then,
pressing forward, / found the enemy rushing up
~ 81
Illinois having retired to change his line) having
taken two guns, which they turned on my com
mand with some effect Here they received a
full volley from US, which threw them into the
utmost confusion, when they abandoned the guns
taken and retreated from the field, a part Of them
passing to our right rear, and large force taking
Immediately through the line of the 22d, which
gave way by order of Col Hendricks, and retired
from the Geld, leaving the 18th alone. About
this time Col. Hendricks fell, having received
two mortal wounds.
About the time the enemy found that i had
them fanked. Col. White rallied the 37th, and
nobly seconded my efforts TO retake the battery.
That portion of the enemy which passed my left
flank poured desperate volley on the rear of the
18th, which was rendered comparatively harmless
by having the men fall fiat down. The left wing
was promptly faced by the rear rank, ana return
ed the fire with terrible effect on the enemy while
the right wing fired to the right front on those
who were rapidly retreating in that direction.
We then passed through to the open ground in
front. having secured complete victory over
force three times our number Of the best Louis
lana and Arkansas troops, assisted by a large
body OF Cherokee Indians, many Of whom paid
the penalty of their base ingratitude TO the Gov
ernment that has SO bountlully provided for their
welfare
After some little time the 22d returned and took
their position on the right of the 18th, where
we biyouacked ON the same ground where we
first formed. Thus ended the battle near Lee
town, in which the enemy lost Generals Nc
Cullough and Mcintosh. with many other Off
GERS of distinction.
About 10 p. Nj. your orders were received di-
recting me to move my command to the support
of Col. Carrs division, who had been warmly en-
gagged all day with Prices forces At IL we
moved, returning to the main road, thence north
TO the cleared land south of Elkhorn tavern where
we took position on the right side OF the road,
the left of the 18th resting on the road and the
right of the 22d closing up to the right wing q.
the 6th, which had rendered gallant service du-
ring the day under Lieut.. Col. Skunk, ia con-
junction with the right wing of Klauss battery.
which / found in position opposite the center of
my command. Here we bivouacked on the edge
of the brush until morning.
At 7.30 A. NJ, the fire was opened by David
sons and Klauss batteries, which in short time
was answered. by tremendous fire Of grape and
canister from masked battery in point of
scrubby timber not over one hundred and ifty
yards from my line. Klauss battery, after firing
few rounds, were forced 10 retire. the 22d and
9Th likewise falling back in haste. The 18th re
NAMED in ambush unobserved as yet by the enc
my, their FIRE passing over, until deemed it ad-
vsabie to bring them 70 the rear. which order
vas executed without loss and in good order.
now reformed the 22d and 9th and directed my
line Of battle parallel with and about three hun
dred yards from my first position in the woods;
but on receiving orders from you / changed my
line OF battle BY throwing the right back little,
in which position we cautiously advanced until
right resteg. on the clear land adjoining our first
position. Here 1 received a message that the
masked battery bad retired; that had TO change
position to get out OF the line Of FIRE of our bat
teries. which were then moving forward, the enc
my having given away. HIRE We passed TO the
'front.' by file from the right until we were on the
ground pounted out for near the brush con-
cealing the enemy's batteries, when fO nv sur.