The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1864-08-31
From the 27th.
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, I
N,,,,at 1914

MEMPHIS, lENNESSEE,(
August, 1864
| Dear Times The long quiet of this
city was this morning broken by the en-.
trance of force Of rebel cavalry, varously
estimated at from three hundred to 1000
men, and some think the whole force was
not less than 1900. Let that be as it may,
there was at least enough of them rode
through some of the streets of this city,
as the saying is, trough shod." The attack
ON our pickets was made about 8 o'clock
in the morning, or it may have been as late
as four, over powering the pickets, captur-
ing and killing nearly one half of the
137th Ill. 100 day men; then dashing on
along the fernando road, surprised one
Go. Of the 9Th Iowa Infantry, capturing
Captain Searls, Lieut. Havre and about
two-thirds Of the men; then charged into
the city, surrounding the Gayoso House,
robbng it of some pipes, cigars and tobacco,
breaking in a number of bedroom doors,
and doing other damage also capturing
and afterwards shooting and killing Lieut..
George Hambleton, Sd U. S. Cavalry, and
one guard capturing the sentinels at the
Gayoso, Washington and Jackson Hospitals,
and killing portion Of them; then made
dash at the Irwin Block (the military
PRISON. and the headquarters of Generals
Washburne and Bucklands; also charged
on some Of the Livery stables, taking a
number of officers horses. BY this time
our City Guard was awakened and turned
out, and in very short time cleared the
city of the marauders, some of them pay
ing the penalty of their crime with their
lives. The noble officers and men of the
9Th Iowa followed them about three miles
and then left the cavalry to follow still
farther. The 9Th lost one Lieut.. killed and
one wounded, aside from those taken
prisoner. 1t is reported that Col. Starr,
Of the 9th cavalry, is MORALLY Wounded
Lieut.. L. P. Baker, of the 4th Iowa Cav,
was wounded and brought to the hospital.
Under the present state Of excitement it is
hard to get at facts as to casualties, but
from what can gather the rebel loss in
killed will exceed ours, but they took
number more of our men prisoners. 1t is
said that, they drove the negroes out by
wholesale, but in the confusion and hurry
a number have escaped.
Since writing the above learn that Capt.
Searls made his escape. will enclose
with this copy Of the Bulletin Extra,
giving more details. The whole affair was
complete surprise, and who, if any one,
was to blame, cannot say. The main
object seemed to be to capture the officers
General Hurlburt and staff were stopping
for day or two at the Gayoso House, bu,
on that night had stopped out with a friend,
and escaped. ,......-.....
There are all kinds Of stories going the
rounds, some laughable and others ridicu-
lOus, such as men and women rushing out
Of their beds and houses in their night
clothes, and trying to seek safety somew here
else. Altogether it was grand scare. -
Quite number, principally ladies, exhibit
ed their feelings by shouting and waving
their handkerchiefs.
MONDAY 22-All is quiet this morning ;
the stores and business houses are all
closed to day, and the Jews are in a sad
state of mind. .r......r ...tr.
Nothing is heard from Gen. Smiths
command since he left Holly Springs on
Thursday morning last Where he will
turn up no one here dare tell. Some say
he has gone to Decator, AL. he took Is
days rations with him. have no fears oi
his safety. The 9th are with him
Yours, in haste,
f~w .aN $. THOMAS G. DRIPs.