Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1863-11-06
FROM THE THIRTY-FHnsr IOWA.

Fh8OM IkA Is TkAAkAExsRAm9Y Iowa.
Letter from Capt. speer.
wlrnn E,eHr Mnrs o Tusosssr., AI.sasA,l
Oceober 29d, a. D. 1869.
Editors Of Cedar Fdlss Gazette On the
10Th inst. We were ordered to leave our very
comfortable quarters in Iuka and fall back
three miles to guard railroad bridges. After
removing our tents, camp equipage, ETC., to
our new camp, We brought in several thous-
and feet Of lumber and were getting things
in good shape to enjoy life, when an order
came to march on the morning Of the 10th
inst, towards Tuscumbia. About o'clock
P. \. Of the goth, We halted At our present
camp. After leaving Iuka, we marched over
some very rough ard billy roads; by some
very fine plantations, and to some Ok.
cellent pork, beef and poultry. On the
morning Of the 21st our advanced cavalry re-
ported large body Of rebels about two
miles in front Of us, and, as il rained hard,
We did not march. AT noon, when many OF
Us were at dinner, and before we were aware
Of it, the enemy was within half mile Of Us.
Our pickets were driven in, and at the sound
Of the long roll our Brigade was ordered out
on "double-quick." The rebels were in a
large wood, thickly covered with under brush.
Skirmishcrs were thrown out from the 18th,
9th, 26th, 3Oth, and 31st lows regiments,
and in few minutes the battle commenced
Company B was one Of the skirmishing COM
paoies, and has received many compliments
from officers and men Of other regiments for
gallantry during the fight. The bushes were
10 thick that We soon lost sight Of our regi.
ments, but preserved our line and continued
to advance, lighting constantly, and drove
the enemy more than mile when they
broke their line and fed like sheep pursued
by wolves. At the time the rebels retreated
We were more than half mile in advance Of
our regiments. Several prisoners were taken
who admitted that the rebel skirmishers
numbered five hundred. Ours numbered
about two hundred and seventy. At one
time company B, and few boys from the
3Oth Iowa, raised q regular old Black Hawk"
yell and went forward among the rebels on
the run. By the yell we obtained ten guns,
. blanket and two hayersacks, dropped by
the scoundrels as they hurried away to safe
quarters. The lighting was done on both
sides by skirmishers only, and continued
about four hours. The 3Oth Iowa Infantry
sustained tho greatest loss, and a majority Of
the men fell at the commencement Of the
fight and before We had ascertained the exact
position Of the enemy. The soth Iowa lost
Col. Terrence and four men in killed, and
twenty seven wounded. The 4th Iowa lost
one killed aud three wounded. We skirm-
ished between the 4th Iowa and 30th Iowa
skirmishers, but fortune again favored us, as
every maj. came out unhurt think that
our entire loss in killed and wounded win not
exceed forty. am unable to say how many
men the rebels lost, as they carried of all
their dead and wounded except ten but I
am confident that their loss was not less than
ours. Our Division will continue to lead
Sherman's army. The rebels have fallen
back towards Tuscumbia, and in day or
two We will meet them again. l judge from
what can learn that we will march via. At
lanta to Charleston. We continue to lind
excellent water-have plenty to eat, and are
On the broad road to an almighty fight some
where in Alabama or Georgia. Tho boys of
Co. B are oil in good health. ,.s
IF .s. " spurp