The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1863-11-11
ARmy coaREspoNDEnoE.
the ed o.V.O.
CAMP OF 2p o. v. ca
JoNEsBoRo, EAST Tenn,
October 20, 1868.

October 20, 1863. }
Editor nemocrats
Thrice have / attempted to send you few
lines from East Tennessee, but the irregulari-.
ty of mails and our remote distance frem
Knoxville, prevented me sending them when
written. Since the Army of the Ohio en-
tered this State, the 4th Division, being
mounted has been kept constantly at work
driving the shattered forces of Gen, Buckner
from the eastern portion of the State.
On the 10th inst, considerable force OF
rebels had chosen a position near Blue
Springs, with the avowed intention of re-
manning there, Gen. Burnside to the CONTRA
ry notwithstanding. Major Gen. Jones, sec
onded by Williams and Jackson, two Briga-
diers in the rebel army, commanded 1t was
beautiful day the 10th of October, and the
warm sun was fast melting the chilly atmos7
phere of morning as we broke up our camps
and marched in the direction of Blue Springs.
Our advance discovered the enemy about 10
O'Clock nearly two miles above the Springs.
The main body was Immediately formed in
"line of battle' and preparations made for
the onset Gen. Burnside and Staff arrived
on the field at IL O'Clock. The loud and
hearty cheers which rent the air as he rode
| along the several lines and took his position
| on the brow of a hill overlooking the town,
gave evidence of the place he held in the at
/ fectons of the soldiers. 1t was not long be-
fore regiments and brigades began moving, the
/ increasing and rapid firing told us that the
sanguinary work had commenced. After much
/ skirmishing, during which the enemy retired
to thick piece of woods, correct knowl-
edge was obtained regarding his position and
force Two brigades of the 9th Army Corps
were ordered to "charge the timber and
sending before them hurricane of bullets,
obeyed the order with alacrity. The enemy
gave way at every point taking refuge under
his artillery. The sun was now setting and
the firing of musketry began to cease. Two
opposing batteries guided by the light from
each Others guns, kept up an irregular ire
1 till late at night By twelve o'c.ock every
thing was quiet, each regiment sleeping upon
ground it occupied at the close of the day
Morning soon came and with it news that the
4 enemy had evacuated. The cavalry were
now ordered in pursuit, and for fifteen miles
we marched at a brisk trot. The day previ-
Gus the I'd Brigade 4th Division, commanded
by Col Foster, had been sent to attack the
communications of the enemy, andto him we
new looked for the conversion of a defeat in
to rout. BY some mistake only one regi-
ment of his Brigade reached the road over
which the rebels were retreating, and through
this they forced passage losing. however,
many men and considerable portion of theil
train Our Brigade (the 3d) came up just as
the rebels had passed Col. Foster, and imme-
diately took part in forcing them from po-
sition chosen to repel our advance. This was
soon accomplished but the day was far gone
tie further.
During these two days the rebels were
taught a lesson they will not soon forget
Their boldness in approaching SO far into the
State, was more than cancelled by the rapidi-
ty of their retreat keeping it up as they die
until the Salt Works in Washington county
! Va, were reached. am not informed as tc
our total loss in these engagements. oul
Brigade lost 5 killed and 10 wounded, oul
regiment one killed and wounded The
Lyncbburg Republican Gebel) admits a les:
of 200 killed and wounded on their side.
A mail received on the 18th inst brought
several packages of Democrats. Accept the
thanks of many soldiers for the same.
Letters and packages for this regiment
should be directed as follows: I'd Ohio Cav
airy, 3rd Brigade, 4th Division, 23rd Army
Corps, Knoxville, Tenn.
A telegram just received by Gen. Shackle
ford, commanding 4th Division, states tha
John Brough is elected Governor of Ohio by
5000 majority. Glory enough. How th'
boys are cheering. Truly, yours,
KENTUCK.