, 1863-05-05

CAFE G1nAnDEAu, No., april p, 1868.
The fight commenced about mile and a
half b1ck Of the town, between Shelby's Bri-
gade and the lst Regiment Of Nebraska Infan-
tag, under It. Col Banner, German officer
Of great merit, who held three regiments Of
rebel infantry in check for au hour, when lie
was obliged TO fall back within the protection
of the batteries. In this preliminary engage
mcnt, the 1st Nebraska troops, led by their
brave 1t. Col. and By Capts. Ribbc, Major, Gil
lete, Potts, Lawlor, Provost, and Curren, dis
ElaXcd most determined bravery, and the
battle took Place about 10 O'Clock, =. m., on
the Jackson Road, in an open field, near
piece ofwoods from which the rebels emerged
to the attack in large numbers, supported by
! field battery. TIE 1st Nebraska fell back i
short distance to small piece of timber,
Sin Cavalry, under 1t. Col. roreroy, and by
the I'd Missouri battery,
From this time [abont II o'clock a. n) the
battle became severe contest between the
artillery Of the respective forces, until )
O'Clock in tue afternoon, when the enemy re-
with great loss on their side and small loss on
ours.
The artillery Of the enemy was posted in
the edge Of the woods, and in the roads lead
ing to the town, about one mile beyond the
outcrmost fort, named B.
about La}f mile beyond the fort, aud that
much nearer the enemy. These were Well
Avs and the I'd Missouri Batteries, command
cd by Licuts. Jacoby and Zepp. The artil-
le7v Of Fort was commanded by Col Daniel
Huston, and the cntirc farcc of artillery was
lery on Gen AlcNeil's staff. The several bat
teries were supported by dctacl,mcnts Of the
Isl Nebraska Infantry, and the Sd Iowa 1u-
fantry. Their firing was splendid throughout
lie battle, their shot and shell going straight
to the mark. At almost every discharge you
| llo.Ees.
On passing over tho battle ground after
ward. | saw one fellow lying with a Ehastly
| wound from cannon ball in his left breast,
| cold and stiff. with clcnched hands, horrible
! expression Of Ignorance and deprayity on his
| countcnance, and near by, two hne white
horses, lying dead, the latter Win 1aE more
| Innocence In thetE iaccs tnao tueu Aut1sn
! companions.
In one instance We saw some rebel officer:
come into IN open field, as if for the purpose
| OF selecting position for 4 battery. They
| were not able to remain two minutes On tht
ground, SO well directed were the shot anG
Shell from our cannon to the spot where they
stood. In tho size and calibre Of ou1
ordnance NC had great advantage. The siege
guns Of the fort were - Founders, and seyer1
Of our pieces 9-poundcrs..
The enemy threw. nothing larger thar
pound balfs, spherical and oblong. Thci'
cannon, however, we're rided, aud their ball:
few great distance. They generally passed
over our heads, and some Of them reached
the town. We saw many OF them picked ur
after the battle. Very few Of their she'll
burst. Their fire began to slacken about
| o'clock in the afternoon. Ours continued
wherever trace Of the enemy could be seen
till 3 o'clock, when the battle ceased
A large brick residence, in which some o.
the enemy took shelter, bears the mark ofou'
cannon balls. One large hole through the
kitchen could be seen i mile of.
In one place, within an area Of O few acres
Ecycnty-fiye dead horses were said to have
been counted, and In many places dead men
were found, whom tile rebels were not able
to carry of the field. Many, however, were
carried away, their blood having stained tht
ground.
Two Of their wounded officers fell into ou1
hands, Major Blackman and Adjutant Ed
wards Of the 1st regiment Of Shclby a brigade
They represent our fire as having been yer,
destructive to them. They knew personally
Of five Of their Inc and field officers being
! either killed or wounded. The whole mum
ber or their killed Is estimated at sixty, ant