The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1863-11-16

Jones = feCk, OF Ao0kuk-tneu whom
more efficient officer never wore straps
thousands of dollars we're saved to the
Government. The defenses of Helena,
which were of 30 much benefit in the
battle of last 4th of July, were originated
under his administration.
For long time previous to this, and
up the time the regiment left Helena,
scouting was continually going on, and
skirmishes we're Of frequent occurrence.
The rebels under Dobbins, Chrisman,
and others, were continually lowering in
the vicinity, picking up stragglers. and
occasionally making dash on our pick
cts. Force after force was sent to hunt
them up; but, aided by their intimate
knowledge of the country, which abounds
in swamps, ard by their spies who were
continually in town during the admins
tration Of Gen. German, and the assis-
lance of the inhabitants of the country,
who are all rebels, and communicated to
them the approach of danger, they were
very successful In evading our scouts.
On the 4th of March 81 of the Sd Iowa
with about 40 infantry for sharpshooters,
embarked on small steamer foran expe-
dition up the St. Francis river, under Col.
Clayton. The boat went nearly TO the
Missouri line, diminishing with guerrillas
on the banks from time to time. On
their return the rebels had stretched
chain across the river a! Wittsburg to
stop the boat, and secreted themselves IN
the vicinity to bushwhack the men while
looseniug the chain. Learning of this
movement, the cavalry was landed above
and charged on them, losing one killed
and two taken prisoner-Lieut. Niblack
and several others we're wounded. The
rebels lost four killed, number wounded
and 40 prisoners; the balance escaped in
the brush and swamp. The citizens
were compelled to move the obstruction,
and the boat returned to Helena.
About the 9th of April another expe
dition was sent up the 81. Francis. The
Sd Iowa was along and started from Wits
burg across the country for Helena. On
the way. on the sth, they fell in with a
party of rebels, and fight ensued, re-
sultiug in loss on our side of one killed
and three wounded. The rebels lost three
killed and nine wounded Captured
large lot of quinine, percussion caps, DC,
IN tansitu from Memphis. The boats on
their return were loaded with sugar, cot
ton, horses, DC.
Capt DeHuf, of Co. B, was sent on
the lst of May with detachment. of l60
of the Sd Iowa to LaGrange and neigh
borhood on scout When within about
8 mile of LaGrange, and while marching
through lane, they were fred upon by
force of about 100 rebels under Capt.
Anderson, who we're concealed in the
brush on the right of the lane. At the
same time 600 more appeared at the
mouth of the lane and opened fire on the
advance. Capt DeHuff disposed OF his
men 10 the best advantage, and the fight
became general. The enemy slowly re-
tired before our deadly fire, and our boys,
who were correspondiDgly elated and
closely following them up, gave vent to
their Joy by shout OF victory. To their
utter astonishment it was replied TO by a
CORES ponding shout in their rear, which
proved to be from another force Of 800
rebels under Col. Dobbins. who had sue
ceeded in gaining the lane in our rear by
faux movement. At this accession OF
strength the enemy on our froft and right
flank again moved forward to the attack.
Being completely surround ID by superior
numbers on three sides, retreat was or
dered by the left flank. which was effect
ed by making detour OF several miles,
when we again struck the road. formed in
line of battle and awaited reinforcemeu,s,
which had been sent for. On their arri-
val we marched 20 the field Of battle, but
found the enemy gone, having taken with
them their dead and wounded Our loss
in this effair was three killed, eleven
wounded, and thir;y-two taken prisoners.
Adjutant Glenn Lowe and Lieut.. Stanton
we're among the severely wounded Col.
Dobbins admitted he had 600 men in this
engagement, and expressed much chagrin
at failing to capture the entire force, as
he was advised of their approach and
! numbers. and had disposed of bis men so
as to make a sure thing, but "Homnte pro-
pose, mas Dteu dispose"
On the 25th Of the same month scout
of $50 of the 9th Kansas and 40 OF the
Sd Iowa went out on the Little Rock road
About eight miles from Helena negro
gave information of rebel force in am
bush short distance ahead. Lieutenant
Mckee, of the Sd, was sent with thirty of
his men to make detour and examine
the woods-the remaining ten were the
advance guard. In the meantime the 5th
moved directly forward in the road and
were fired upon by Dobbin's entire com.
handsome 700 men. The gallant 5,h
event in" and steadily drove the enemy
for about 800 yards through the dense
underbrush, when the rebels rallied and
by sheer force of numbers reganed the
ground lost, with all their dead and wound
ed, and pressing their advantage, sue
ceeded in routing the 9th, who fell back
in disorder Lieut.. Mckee, hearing the
firing. immediately returned to the road
and arrived in time to meet the retreat
ing 9th Closing up his column lie passed
through them and deployed his column