The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1863-02-05

right among them, when the rebels poured
in so destructive Ere as to kill the horses
and artillerymen at one round, when they
charged and took; the piece, but with great
slaughter on both sides. They were now
advancing quite rapidly into town, taking q
building occupied as military prison, well
defended with loop.holes to shoot through ;
but they were disappointed to find the prs-
oners removed. This building was now the
bone of contention, as our militia in retreat
ing had failed to occupy it. This was .
great blundcr. and the enemy wero fairly in
possession of it, yelling and hooting like mad
men. But here they paid dearly for their
temerity; for as soon as any one Of them
showed himself at the doors, windows or
loop-holes, he was quite sure to receive our
fire. The darkness alone prevented their
entire capture, as they escaped from. the
building in the night. At 5 o'clock p. m.
General Brown was severely wounded in the
shoulder, or arm. and the command devolv.
ed upon Col. Crabb, Of the 10th Iowa, who
is commander of this post, and who was
conspicuous during the whole day. The
enemy, at shutdown, making show for
Fort No. l, which in fact is the key to the
town, we were ordered there Immediately,
and the enemy was foiled After firing a
few random shots into the town during the
night, doing but little damage, they finally
retreated, taking possession of the Rolla road
and destroying the telegraph At Lebanon,
Sand Springs and other places they met with
the same reception, our forces taking the
brass cannon and many prisoners
1t is impossible to describe my feelings in
viewing the battlefield the next day. In
the military prison were many dead and dy.
ing rebels, writhing in agony and despair
On the 10th they sent in flag Of truce to
bury thei- dead and take care of their woun
died. The 18th lost Capt. Blew, Co. c.,
Capt. Van Meter, Co. Fl, killed Capt Ian
dis, of the battery, wounded; 6 privates
killed and AZ wounded. Our total loss was
90 killed and roo wounded. The rebels lost
800 killed and wounded Maj. Bowman was
among the killed. They were dressed in a
coarse, grey cloth, and appeared warm and
comfortable, but contras:ed with our own
soldiers they made sorry appearance.
When questioned as to their object in COM
ing to Springfield, they replied that they
were informed Of our condition and expect.
ed to meet with but little resistance. Like
us, they appear am ious for the war to onc.
They claim to love our Constitution and
country, and say they are fighting for South
ern rights, which, think, consists in the,
spread Of slavery yet many acknowledge
that, morally considered, slaverr is wrong
The majority of them never did and proha
bly never will own slave. How inconsst-
emit, yet so il is ...
During the fight it was my fortune to he
detailed rs color bearer in our regiment and
l can truly say, felt prund of the honor
With the nationa! emblem flying proudly
oNcT anu u NitilcSS Tile dIACIlty
and enthusiasm of our boys, was enough to
raise the patriotism Of any true lover Of his
country-especially on that already ilustri-
ons day.
was happy to receive to-day your letter
of Jan. 5th; also copy of the Ottumwa
Courier This was really q God send to US
all, as it was like meeting an old friend in a
far distant country. They boys join with
me in returning their sincere thanks for this
favor Space forbids me answering your
letter in full, as would wish, but shall
keep you posted in all matters of interest
concerning our regiment. Our sick boys
are better, and the rest Of us are in good
health and spirits. All Of us want to get
home to see our friends, but duty to our
country prevents us until we can come with
honor and peace to on, olntry.
Yours truly,
HOMER G GIBBS