The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1863-10-24

sition. and determined to feel him further,
and so ordered up Lovejoy's section, well
supported with cavalry. In this position
we stood face to face. After more thor
ough review of the enemy's position and
my own, perceiving his great advantage
in this respect, and knowing his great SUI
periority in numerical strength, and being
satisfied further offensive demonstration
would result in q general engagement, IN
which all the advantages were against me,
deployed quite an amount OF cavalry ID
front Of my artillery, making the same ann
aud retired with my command to safe
distance. This done, called OF the force
covering my rear, and Withdrew the whole
in good order and without further Loss, 10
my former encampment, near BROWNSVILLE.
On the morning Of the 9th, at sunrise,
the division moved out upon the road lead
ling to the Bayou Metoa Bridge, my bri-
battalion Of the 10Th Illinois, deployed as
: skirmishers, supported by two other squad.
rons, all in the immediate command OF
Lieut.. COL Stewart At some five miles
from the bridge our advance skirmlshers
met those Of the enemy. A brisk hre en-
sued, the enemy falling back. Az some
three miles from the bayou he made an
other stand, when he was again sharply
encountered by the 10th Illinois. At this
place Lieut.. Kavanaugh was killed. Here
thef Commanding General aordered my
whole brigade forward for action, in
obedience to which made the following
dispositions Placed two battallions Third
, tosfght0a-Eo0 on the right OF the road in
order of battle. On the left of the road,
placed in order Of battle one battalion OF
the SD Iowa infantry, as it was ordered to
/ report to me during the day. On the left
of this placed the Sthfrd battalion of the Sd
Missouri, dlsmouhted, the cavalry BENG
in the center. As a reserve, the First Iowa
cavalry and four, squadrons of the Eigh-
tenth Illinois cavalry, mounted, were
formed in the rear. Six squadrons OF the
Tenth Illinois were placed on the right
flank. In this order, with heavy line OF
skirmishers, covering my whole front, the
brigade moved forward. It soon met OPP
POSITION from the enemy's small arms and
artillery, but he was steadily driven from
ridge, through the thick brush on eitheJ
side of the road, by the firm and resolute
advance of my brigade, assisted by the
timely use of the artillery, back to very
strong and elevated position covered by
made more obstinate stand, holding my
command in check for brief period, when
the Third snlfn0is cavalry, on the right
charged and drove back the enemy in theil
front, thus fanking his rifie-pits on the
left, and compelling him to abandon then
the line, when the whole force of the enemy
gave way, and fed in the greatest disorder
and confusion toward the Bayou Meton. Il,
The artillery was now ordered up and
poured q heavy bombardment into Their
Il .deeing colsrs for twenty or thirty min
utes, when the bridge was seen to be or
: fire. The General Commanding then di;
charge and save the bridge if possible
i Lieut., Col. Anderson, at the head Of III
= regiment, led q gallant charge in the face O.
q terrible fire of artillery and small arms
having his own horse shot under him, hi
command suffering considerably from
the intensity Of the fire in the direction o
the list Iowa Cavalry, now dismounted and
sharply engaged with the enemy. Receiv
ing permission, hastened to the from
amidst heavy fire of the enemy's artillery
reconnoitered and selected an excellent
position overlooking and commanding his
Our artillery was instantly ordered up with
supports, and placed in position under
batteries in position, opened a tremendous
fire, soon silencing the enemy's guns and
driving them from their position. The Sd
Missouri Cavalry and sd. Iowa Infantry
had now boldly forced their way to the
bank of the bayou on the left, pushing the
enemy across 1t. It now being evident thai
there was strong force of the enemy or
this side the bayou on the right of our line
after taking proper precaution for the safe
ty of nv right flank, ordered Lieut. Col
Stewart, Of the 10th Illinois, with a petition
. of his regiment, to drive them back, which
this excellent officer promptly executed
putting them across the bayou after yer,
hot contest The purpose ofsthe Command
ing General new havings been consumma
ted, and the evening far advanced, 1 wa
!, ordered to retire with my brigade to m,
former camp near BrownsyilleS as Their
were no comforts for man or beast short o
that point.
now desire to speak in the highes
terms of Lieut.. Col. Black, of the Sd Mis-
souri, Stewart, Of the 10th Illinois, ant
Anderson, of the LIST Iowa, my regimenta
commanders, for GOODNESS, daring ant
good Judgment, cheerful and prompt il
obedience to orders. The efficiency Of ou
= dismounted cavalry was to-day thorough
ly tested. OF the Sd Missouri and 10th II
linois, must say they fought with tn
confidence of veteran infantry. desir,
to bear testimony to the universal goot
conduct of officers and men. 1t is due Il
Major Eberhardt and his battalion of tn,
SD Iowa Infantry to say, they gave {
hearty and efficient cooperation. Altho
the artillery was not formally under my
command, yet circumstances sest,s some :,
acknowledge the cheerful obedience to or
ders, and the fearless conduct of the Off
GERS in charge, especially in the case OF 1t
Clarkson, whose battery was in the ad
vance during the day. The earnest bu
honorable competition between the thre
regiments of my brigade, resulted, as it il
likely to do in the future, in the complete
rout and defeat of the foe.
must express my admiration for tn
y GOODNESS, bravery, and efficiency of IN,
staff officers; Captains Freemen, Smelling
Lieutenants Haine and Johnson, wh'
thickest of the danger, have my SINGER
thanks for their cordial support. Casual
ties, forty-three killed and wounded in N,
brigade proper. have the honor to be,
Respectfully, your ob't sery't,
j. M. GLOVER,
Gel. Comd I'd Brigade Cav. Division.
An exact copy of the official report:
ROBERT l.. FREEMAN,