Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1864-06-24
Correspondence Of She Journal.
LETTER FROM THE s2d o. ".

MEMPHIS, TENN, caue 13, 1864.
Editor ,jouTndl:-I have very painful duty i::
to perform, nothing less than telling you of the
total defeat of Gen. S. D. Sturgis expedition,
OH Friday last, at Baldwin's Cross Roads, &c
miles, east-by-south, of Ripley, Miss. Gen.
Sturgis' force consisted of the First Brigade,
Col ". L. McQuillen-fve regiments and one
battery; the Second Brigade, Col. Hoge-five
regiments and a battary, and Col. Bouton S
negro Brigade of two regiments and one battery.
There was also force of about g. 900 cavalry,
under Brig Gen. b. H. Grierson
Skirmishing had been kept up all day, our
forces advancing. The cavalry came upon the
rebels at Baldwins Cross Roads early in the
day, and were defeated. The I'd Brigade, Col.
Hoge, was next engaged, then came the lst
Brigade. The rebel position was well chosen
ON range of hills. The road, Just before COM
ing to the battle ground, passed through dense,
impossible swamp, beyond which, and within
range of the rebel position, was creek which
our forces had to cross, ON one small bridge
The rebels were formed in the shape of horse
shoe, with both f1anks resting forward near the
creek. Our forces were marched into the trap
thus formed, being sent in Jy detdd,-as they
arrived on the battle ground. The wagon train,
of 200 wagons, was ordered through the swamp
and pushed directly under the range of the en-
emy guns
Our forces were defeated as fast as they came
into action. The whole rebel line had a converp-
ing fire upon them, and closing in upon both
hanks threatened to surround the entire force.
bor Al. L
sue confusion and decentralization. This i'm
mense train which had been brought into action,
or into the fight, was ordered back, and at once
blockaded the road-the only road upon which
the troops could retreat. Extrication from the
difficulty seemed impossible The mules were
cut loose and nearly all broughc away; euerv
lcdgon toas left abandoned, including the entire
ammunition train. The retreat ives kept up
Friday night to Ripley, 26 miles. All the ar
tillery, save two pieces, was abandoned Sat-
urdsy morning found our forces wholly out of
ammunition, nothing at all to eat, and the en-
emy upon them. Flight or surrender were the
only alternatives. The cavalry did their ut
most, and did nobly, to cover the retreat. The
rebel cavalry pressed hard on the rear and on
both flanks, and frequently broke through the
column and captured large numbers. The men
threw away guns, accOutrements, blankets
every thing, to Tighten themselves and insure
escape. They, who were left, reached Collier
vile, "a miles east of Memphis, yesterday
morning-having marched more than eighty
miles in sc hours, and with not one Inouthfnl of
food. From Collierville they were brought in
last evening by rail The men are terribly re-
duced, wholly exhausted.
The I'D lost none killed and but one or two
slightly wounded. The regiment was first as
signed to the support of battery on the left of
the line. Itwas then ordered to the right. and
before getting into position, was again ordered
back to the left, when it made brilliant charge
upon a rebel force which was advancing to turn
the left of our line, and drove them in the
widest disorder from the field The regiment
was also assigned to the duty of covering the
retreat across the creek. The men all behaved
nObly; and exhibited the most heroic bravery
and fortitude. The conduct of the negro troops
was as good as that of any troops could be. They
fought without finching and with desperation.
Only about 100 of the 72d have come in.-
More are expected. How many are captured.
it is impossible to tell. will send a complete
list the missing soon as it can be obtained.
The loss in killed and wounded in the other
regiments of the Brigade, was very great, in
cluding many officers. l have written hastily
and given very few particulars Will try and
write additional and fuller particulars in day
or two. Truly Yours, j. M. LENNON.
Capt Co. B, I'D OWL.