Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1864-04-28

they at once opened an accurate FIRE. This
uccasioned some confusion among the Rebels,
and slight change Of the position OF their
center, which threw them more under cover.
The fight had now lasted for two hours,
during which we had continued to gain
ground steadily, and had learned enough of
the enemy's position to enable Gen. Smith |
to make ptopor dispositions for general
attack. For this purpose, Gen. Movers
Division was ordered to advance and attack |
the enemy in front, while Dudeys Brigade
Of Lees Cavalry Division should move
srousd and attack his flank on the left
At the same time the two Indiana bat
teries of Mower sdivision were moved forward
and posted so as to cover movements OF the
main line. Owing to the uneven nature of
the ground, which was now slippery from
the recent rains and in places almost
impossible, the advance was necessarily slow
until our men came within plain sight of the
enemy waiting to receive them. Here they
pressed on with loud cheers, regardless alike
of Instructions and of the enemy's bullets
simultaneously with this, our two batteries
were wheeled ibto position, and opened o
telling fire of shell and grape shot. II be
came Immediately apparent that the Rebels
were wavering, and in ten minutes their entire
force was in full retreat, which became
momentarily more precipitate.
This was more than was bargained tor as
it seemed almost certain that they would get
away before Dudley's cavalry could reach
their flank. ltwas next to i'm possible to max Q
an effective pursuit with infantry and the
further rout and decentralization of the flying
enemy depended on the force under that
officer. He was not, however, altogether
too late, for he came within sight of the
retreating column just as it was crossing on
extensive plantation in rear of the battle
field. The greater part ofthe Rebel army
had already passed and there was no time &c
spare. Throwing his men in line he ordered
them to charge, and they moved forward
first at trot then at gallop and finally al
full speed. The unexpected appearance o.
this formidable force in quarter whence
they least dreamed of molestation, com
petetely disconnected the Rebels, as well i
, might.
At first they halted and made some move
ments toward forming q line of battle, bu
these movements turned into wild confusion
as the cavalry came forward with accelerate,
speed, and when in few minutes tho YER
{ ground began to tremble under the tread o
f more than thousand horses, and the air t
resound with the commingled sounds O
: bugle blasts, the shouts of our men and tn
g jingllng OF their sabers, they broke and fle
in all directions like leaves before the win
some following up the main body. som
going back toward our army, while other
| crouched behind stumps or whatever els
: would save them from the living avalanch
3 that with resistless force was coming dow
, upon them.
= This charge struck the Rebel column ju.
i in advance of the rear, cutting it in tw,
leaving about 400 prisoners in our hand
and scattering thrice as many more, SO tina
it will be difficult to get them together acai
even if they should all not be captured by o,
d cavalry. who are now securing the woods
It everydhe, tom picking them up by squad
- This ended the day ) fghrng. the bad road
y the peculiarly rough nature Of the countr
|. and the waning day making it necessary
e defer general pur .uit. Even now, ho,
evel, our cavalry is on the track of ii
1. enemy, and the entire army is under orde
At to march at a moments warning.
to Onr loss in killed and wounded is n,
10 exceeding 80. Of the enemy's no CORE
re estimate can be made. We already ha-
Or over400 prisoners, and others are beil
s. brought in a the time. His loss in kille
to wounded and prisoners, will not fall short
* TOO, and is not unlikely much greater