The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1864-09-03

NEAR MENPHISs TENN, aug. 2, 1854.
EDITOR HAwKEYE:.This regiment, With
is encamped about three miles from ~
city in . northeast direction, and about Ava
miles from the point on the "Hernando
road" where the greatest fight occurred
during Forests recent raid into this CITY.
The rebels, about 500 strong as near az I can
learn, dashed through the picket line and
in to the city like thunderbolt, SUNDAY
morning about o'clock, and expected,te
have matters all their own way generally,
but were greatly surprised before they "a
through with their breakfast spell.
This camp was aroused in the morninR
little after daylight, by the loud.moutked
bugle sounding to boot and saddle. AN
was hurry and hustle, but the order wao
obeyed with alacrity, and the men LEFT their
half-prepared breakfast cheerfnlly - there
appeared TO be chance Of again meeting
the "Johnnies," although they appsaredto
regard the matter ~ good Joke. q q.
teen minutes from the time the buRle soun.
ded, the column was on the way 70 tho
front, prepared TO 60 wherever led By the
gallant WinslOw, or die in the attemrt,
Company G, Of the 4th Iowa Cavalry, W.
the fint organized body to attack tks enc
my, and in very few moments the rsbels
were on the ekedaddle. Company G Ia
two men wounded, one severely. This
company were stationed near the city. and
were deing Provost duty. The rebels have
cause to remember this company. and 10
doubt they win.
Owing to the great distance from the city,
the brigade were unable to overtake Fol.
rest in the city, but came up with them
the greater part Of the day. The next day
after the fight visited the scene Of action
near the State Female Seminary. The
building II all covered with the marks Of
bullets, the fence was actually riddle6. md
the trees bear marks Of the ferceno66 Of
the conflict. Here counted where i've
been in search Of They were buried 81
our forces. A large number Of the rebels
were wounded here. A short distance 70
the right, along the road by which they 70.
treated, twenty rebels lay dead, and dead
horses were "lying around LOOSE in sll
TO q! appearances the rebels accomplish-
ed but little in the city, except to scare the
militia and the citizens generally out OF
their boots, almost. Two companies Of the
militia, it il reported, refused to do duty,
outright. Many citizens took great pains
to show their true feelings by shouting 10.
the South, and are now repenting their folly
in Irving prison, where they should be
kept until after the war IL over. The Mem.
phis papers are enthusiastic in their praise
-
many deeds of valor, the true
credit for which belongs to Iowa and nli.
nois troops.
AS near a. can learn, the rebels lost
about thirty men killed, and about ninety
wounded. Our loss is much less in killed
and wounded, while they have the advant-
age Of us In prisoners, inasmuch ~ they
carried OF friend or foe, citizens - we'll a.
soldiers. The rebs captured two guns be-
to an Indiana battery, but could
not get them of, owing to the "dre In their
rear.' fE
Col. Winslow's cavalry, notwithstanding
the disadvantages under which they labor
ed, have by their promptness and energy
contributed more, perhaps, than any other
body of troops now in this vicinity toward
driving this gang of long haired cut-throats
bowling back to their old haunts. Had
Forrest attacked the city in this direction,
have no doubt the result would have
been altogether different. However, the
Illinois troops fought bravely to keep them
out of the city, and are entitledto the thanks
of all loyal people for their heroism. The.
excitement has now pretty generally sub.
sided, and Forrest is nowhere to be found
1t present. A. M.