The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1863-03-31
VAN DoRN's VICTORY IN THE WEST.

The Savannah Republican contains lengthy
letter fully confirming the late victory of Gen.
Van Dorm. The description of the contest is not
particularly interesting, so We annex only enough
of the letter to show that there was fight and
the extent of our success. The letter is dated
Spring Hill, Tenn, March 9th, on the day and at
the place where the fight occurred, and the closing
paragraphs are as follows;
The engagement had now lasted thIec hours,
with varied success, and at this time we had grad
ually drove the enemy from the crest of the lower
hills to still stronger position upon the higher
ones-driving them towards the other road, where
Forrest had been directed to come upon his rear.
The f. hting had continued sharply and the gain
inc of each position had required severe strug-
GLE. and occasionally met with repulse, the enc
nv appearng to be determined to hold out and
finally drive us back. Crosby's brigade now came
up in good time and galloped along the pike in
full view of the enemy, and filed off into the valley
at the left of the pike. AT this moment the enc
my's artillery ceased aud Kings battery was plac
ed upon an cmihence their forces five minutes be-
fore occupied, and being well served, forced still
further retreat of the enemy. Crosby now COM
menced advancing around upon their extreme
right, and for a time all firing ceased. Our men
upon the slope of the hills, of which the enemy
occupied the crest little northward, then COM
menced advancing in the finest line Of battle of
the day, but though the enemy were in good posi-
ton and easy range, they fired not shot Pre-
sently FORESTS guns were heard upon their rear,
and the Yankees ran up white flag, when Van
Dorm sent to ascertain the nature of it, and it
learned that the entire force Of the enemy upon
the ground had laid down their arms and surren-
dered Internationally. A wild, joyous shout broke
from our gallant men and the Yankees grounded
arms, and their five Regiments Of infantry, num-
bering 22OO men, marched forth prisoners
They were under the command Of the senior Col ,
! Coburn, from Indiana, who said he was compelled
to surrender by the eowardly retreat Of an Ohio
Regiment of infantry and three regiments of cav
airy, and the battery Of artillery, which we did not
succeed in getting.
The regiments capitulated were from Indiana,
Michigan and Wisconsin. So soon as the surren-
der effected, l rode over every portion of the
field and counted our own and the Yankee dead
and wounded. The disparity in numbers was as
tonishing, for everywhere | found four and five
dead Yankees to one Confederate. The hill upon
the left of the pike which had been so holly
tested, and from which they drove back
tanned more of the unfortunate than any other por
ton Of the field. Upon it | counted 40 of the
enemys slain. Up to the last few charges all of
the enemy's wounded had been removed by, their
excellent hospital corps, and sent off in the ambu-
lances to Franklin. Their ambulances, wagon
train, and ammunition train stampedeG and left
them without ammunition. The loss Of the enc
my estimated at 10 killed, 800 wounded, and
1900 prisoners, who surrendered many fine
new Eufield rifles and cartridge boxes. Our own
loss is 80 killed and 125 wounded. The prisoners
were sent on to Bragg.
AS Gen. Van Dorr rode along the column after
the strife had ceased, cheer upon cheer greeted
bin from the enthusiastic soldiery, who, under
his daring direction, had achieved the victory, and
he is undoubtedly held high at the present mo-
ment in the estimation CT his forces, and this
fdence is we'll deserved.
The commander Of the Yankee forces says that
he was directed to advance and occupy this place,
but after finding force, returned and sent word
that he could not do SO, the enemy were too
strong for him. His superior sent word that that
was for soldier, and direct cd him TO
advance and occupy Spring Hill. The Yankee
commander of the surrounded forces did occupy
the place with. his forces, en- route to Bragg!
KNOrTY. LAW QUESTION Z. Fl. Smiths
boy Tip owns dog, which Mr. Smith would not