The daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1863-1864, 1863-10-30
The Affair at BulltOWn-..Full
Particulars.
+ Army Correspondence of the Richie Press

4
The rebels, about 700, under command
of Col. Bill Jackson, attacked US before
daylight on the 18th instant. Our force
consisted of detachments of the 9th and
llth West Va. infantry; in all l6O mon;
commanded by Capt. VIM. Il. Mattingly OF
the 9th infantry. The enemy had us COM
pletely surrounded when they were discov-
cred by our pickets, and were so near that
several of the pickets were cut off when the
alarm was given, and some were taken pris-
ners, while Others succeeded in making
good their escape
Doubtless it would be we'll here TO de.
scribe our position, which is we'll known to
many of your readers. The intrepchments
were built by Gen. Rosecrans in 1861, and
are on two eminences, known as the upper
and lower works. The upper intrenchments
are situate On bluff, the base of which is
bounded on the South by the little Kama
wha River, with road along the bank; on
the east by little stream, along which
runs the Weston Pike; on the west by a
ravine over which the timber has been fell
ed and lays very thick. The bluff is circu-
lar and its sumt is about 25Ofeet almost
perpendicular from the level of the plain, on
the sou b and east. On the north and west
q ridge descends to broad bench, below
which are the lower intrenchments, and be-
yond is slight descent, and then gradu-
al ascent to considerable height; all clear
ed land.
As soon as the action commenced Capt.
Simpson, with companies g, + and h OF the
llth infantry took position in the lower
defenses, upon which the rebels advanced
with strong force in the centre and both
tanks, evidently to cut this portion Of our
men off; but seeing the danger to which he
was exposed, the Captain ordered his men
to fall back to the upper works which was
performed in double-quick time, and seeing
this the rebels supposed our men were re.
treating, and raising a most hdeous yell
which made the woods resound, as if all the
demons of Lell had broken loose, they fol-
lowed our boys at run. Having reached
the top of the bluff, the Yankees performed
something which perfectly astonished the
would be victorious soldiers of the c. S. A;
for, coming to an "about face" they deliv-
cred terrific fire, which killed seven and
wounded several Ills was foo much for
Jeff's boys, and they showed their backs.
We then took shelter behind the main
reastwork on the top Of the bluff. The
enemy were now playing on us with two
howitzers, which did but little damage
The firing was general and incessant till .
o'clock, when the enemy raised flag OF
truce and cessation of hostlities took
place. Col. Jackson sent in demand for
Us to surrender, representing to Capt. Mat
tingly superiority of his force, and desire
to stop the further and useless effusion of
blood" The Captain, though seriously
wounded, Indignantly refused to comply
with the demand, and sent jackson word,
"that if be could take US out Of the works,
he was welcome to do so-but nary sur
render" Upon which, the fight again com
msnced, bang went the mountain piece,
and at it we went, without intermission till
1l4 clock, when we sent out flag ftruce
for surgeon to dress the Captains wound,
which was done. The surgeon refused to
dress the wounds of some of their own
wounded, in our hands, "till they were
whipped"
This truce lasted near two hours during
and neither party seemed in hurry to
commence the action, as reiuforcements
were expected on both sides which not
coming to hand, about 10 o'clock, the sharp
crack of an Enfield told that the truce wa;
at end, and the firing continued till 4
o'clock when the enemy slackened his fire
and withdrew, leaving US alone in our 'glo
ry."
The rebels lost 25 killed, 50 wounded anC
10 prisoners, together with several stand o
arms Capt. Mattingly, on our part, very
dangerously wounded; had thigh broker
by a Minnie ball Lieut. John Holt, Co
III" llth Infantry, wounded slightly in th'
shoulder, and men reported captured ant
in the enemy's hands, among whom wer
Sergeant John Holt, Salathid Stonaker
Musician, Salem V. Ayers and Lsbau J
Bennett, privates; known to belong to Co
G, 1lth Infantry a number of our me-
were grazed by balls, in some instance
piercing through their clothing so close a
to draw blood.
Our men and officers all did their dut
well but especially did the detachment {
the lIth Infantry, distinguish itself. Cap
Mattingly of the 9th proved himself her
and it is to be hoped be will speedily reco'
D er from his wound.
f Our officers who were here, all prove
themselves worthy Of their positions.
:, We pursued the rebels next day, rel
IL forcements having reached US, and ga
'f them another fire, killing and woundlI
7. several, but being tired and hungry o
a men returned to camp, satisfied witn I
;, result. Our cavalry are still in pursuit
the rstresting foe.
n Yours truly,
HECTOR.