The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1863-06-04

ed Its deadly fire into the flying col
umns of the rebels. At sunset we en-
tered Edwards Station, to find there
was a great debris ofstores abandoned
by the enemy in his fight--amOng them
a train Of cars, loaded with ammunition
aud set on fire, and depot of provis-
ions, also partly consumed. We man
aged to save from these 10000 rounds
OF musket ammunition, large quanti-
ty offxed ammunition for 6eld-pieces,
and a good supply of sugar.
Our captures in this splendid fight
foot up to about $500 prisoners, 10
guns, and about 10000 serviceablo En-
field rifles, together with the stores
have mentioned.
Tho battle was fought on tho front
occupied by McClernand's corps, (the
l3th,) and one of his divisions, (Ho-
vey's) sustained the bruut of the strug-
gle. To Gen. McClernand great credit
is due, and conceded here, for his vigi-
liant and skilful dispositions. 1t is said
that the plan of the battle was mainly
his, and L have no doubt that this sup
position is correct. He deserves for this
the highest praise.
Gen. A. j. Lee, arriving from Grand
Gulf but the day before, had no separate
command, but acted throughout the
fight as chief Of Gen. McClsrnan d 5
staff. The latter generously accords to
Lee the greatest credit for his rapid
perception aud vigorous execution Of
the plans of his corps commander.
THE BATTLE OF THE BIG BLACK.
AT TIE BRIDGE, May II, 1868.
At daylight this morning our victori-
Gus army moved on from Edward,' Sta
ton, by the main road, to the Big
Black, Netherlands corps in the ad.
vance, led by Carr's division. 1t was
known that the enemy had constructed
earthworks to defend the bridge, and
that these works must be taken. The
distance was but three miles, and we
had hardly advanced one before the
skirmishing in front commenced. The
enemy slowly retired, and we pressed
on until we reached point about one
milo from the river, when the rebel
batteries, some eighteen guns, opened
on us. They had good range of the
road, and tho shells flew and burst
about US in lively style:
Carr Immediately formed in line of
battle, and advanced on the center aud
right with half of Osterhaus' division
on the extreme right, and half on the
left. Smiths division came rapidly up,
and formed on the extreme left.
The action had hardly begun when
the gallant Osterhaus was slightly
wounded, while busy in getting the 1st
Wisconsin Battery in position on the
left center. Captain Foster, command
ing the battery, was at the same time
hurt--a case shot bursting among the
party, and both were obliged to leave
the field. Gen. McClernand immedi-
ately ordered Gen. A. L. Lee to take
command ofthe Oh Division, and the
battle began.
1t was soon terminated. After an
artillery duel of an hour or so, varied
with somo sharp skirmishing, General
Carr's division, with the portion of Lee 3
which was on the right, made a gallant
charge upon q weak spot on the enemys
left, and took tho works. So suddenly
and effectively was this done, that the
whole of Bowen's brigade was cut off
and captured; while our left, advancing
at the same time, took two regiments of
rcbels who were trying to escape down
The swamp, and across the river, in that
lireotion. E. .e. rr -a
Every gun in the works was taken
oil eighteen, aud the nun Der of pris.
'ners amounted to about 5000. The
taste with which the surrender was
made was something ludicrOus. The
moment our charge began on the right,
lfty white alss appeared behind the
Torks, extemporizsd by hoistiug bu unch.
S of cotton on the oud Of bayonets.-
Alas, that the regal fiber should fulfil
o meek a missiOnl .er.
We Immediately advanced up to the
aptured works, and, planting a section
II fheavy guns near the river, we be.
IAN to shell the rebels who had got
cross the river, aud burned the bridge
'hieh took them over, as we'll as set Ere
o the immense railroad bridge and tres.
le-Work.
The enemy left regiment Of sharp.
hooters on tho west bank of the river
o annoy US and delay our CROSSING,
'ut Gen, Lee, with pioneer corps and