The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1863-07-23
(Army Cortespondenee.)
Another Account of the Battle.

4th of July, we were called out in line of
battle, as usual, for fight had been expec-
ted for some days. We had been in line
but short time, when we were ordered
forth to the scene of action. And although
so early, and no nourishment of any kind
having been taken, all were eager for the
conflict At 4 o'clock the ball opened and
continued for seven hours without intermis-
sion. Helena was attacked by Gen. Holmes
Price and Mar,nadnke, who advanced in
three columns on the place, expecting to
make itan. easy prey. They had massed
all their forces belonging to Arkansas and
Missouri, and we're supposed to be about
fifteen thousand strong. Coming in so ear
ly they expected to find the Union troops
asleep, or off their guard. But in this they
We're mist AIKEN, for the men, uner Maj. Gen.
Prentice, and commanded more Immediately
by Brig Gen. Solomon. who has been com.
manding the post of Helena, have been kept
constantly on the alert. 1 The attack was
made all along our picket lines. which is
nearly five miles ir length. The principal
engagements, however, took place about the
centre. and on our extreme right, our regi-
ment was assigned position on the right
to support in connection with the Goth Iowa
Infantry, the 9Th Kansas, and the LIST Ind,
Cavalry, the several batteries in that vicin.
ity. Two Regiments of Fisk's Brigade; the
Seth and 20 Iowa, commanded by Colonel
Rice. were ordered to the right. while the
other two regiment of the Brigade, the 33rd
Iowa and 33d Mo-, were ordered to the
center, Solomon's brigade, commanded by
Colonel McClsin, of Indiana, was on the lef,
and center. As we marched out we could
see the hills away to the North of town
covered with butternuts, most Of whom were
in their shirt sleeves. They first drove in
our pickets, and then with q fierce, demo
MAC yell, rushed down the bluffs towards oul
advancing columns. But they were promp
y met by such volley from the rifles O
the goth and 30th Iowa. as sent many {
poor fellow to his long account, and caused
a check to their impetuos,ty, and cooled in
degree, their fiery zeal. At the same time
section of the Dubuque Battery, and sew
eral small steel mountain howitzers, belong
ing to the LIST Indiana Cavalry, began t.
pour forth their iron hail. The enemy was
not idle. They planted four guns on differ
ent points, but did little execution as their
shots were directed generally too high
One or two shots, how ever, hit in the levee
just before Co B, knocking up the dirt ant
sprinkling the men for many feet around
calling forth remarks, showing the coolpes.
and Indifference of the men under fire. The
left wing of our regiment, after fighting
four hours behind the levee, was ordered
out on the hills to relieve q portion Of the
10th Iowa. We mounted the hills and tool
positions behind logs and stumps, and con
tinued the work of death.
We had been on the hills but shor
time when the FIRE ceased. 1t seemed t.
cease, almost simultaneously, all along th,
lines. During this time the troops at the
center were contesting the ground with al
overwhelming force. The rebels made
charge on Battery G, just in front of For,
Curtis, to the west of town, and took It, ant
being SO elated with success, charged down
the hill towards the fort. But as they came
rushing down the guns of the fort opened
on them and poured in shell and cannist e,
with such effect as to literally cover tb,
ground with dead AMI wounded. This wa,
so sudden and unexpected, that they wer,
perfectly stunned, and turl.ed to retreat ur
the bill, but it was too late. Eight hundred
were fianked and taken in ravine, ant
those that tried to escape up the hill, wer,
cut off by the guns of battery d, SO .ha
defeat and death surrounded them on every
hand.
Over hundred sought refuge in negro
chapel, but found it no protection, for the
soft pine boards scarcely checked our can
non balls. The floor was covered with dead
and wounded. Occasionally fellow would
try to run the gauntlet by the guns Of bat
terry D, but Immediately half dozen rifles
would be directed on him by the men be-
hind the breast works, and he would make
one leap into the air and fall back to rise nc
moe. In short time battery G was re-
taken, and before ten o'clock the next day,
our picket lines were established where
they were the morning of the attack. LIE,
me say right here, that this was not . fight
ofGenerals, but of enlisted men. They were
almost unguided except by line officers
and they have gaineda victory. At the
same time much credit is due our command
ing generals for the preparations they have
made, and the vigilence they have nantes
ted.
Such is general and imperfect &C
count of the battle OF Helena, which is be-
lisved to be one Of the most glorious victo-
ries ofthe war. Everything considered it
must be acknowledged as such.
X
To-day we have been celebrating the elo
rious victories Of the 18th. We were ad.
dr. essed by General Prentice, and num-
Der of Colonies and Lieut. .Colonels. The
speeches were all spirited and interesting.
The last General Order, issued by Lieut.
Gen. Holmes, previous to the fight, was
read by General Prentice. It appeals to
the worst passions. - iaa