The Smoky Hill and Republican union. [volume] (Junction City, Kan.) 1861-1864, 1864-10-29

to withdraw the whole line in advance IN
order to connect il with cavalry who were
advancing to drive the enemy from the
pike on the left, and held at that point, not
occupied, without loss. The enemy follow
ed up the cavalry and vengefully then their
bullets rained on our artillery, killed our
horses and men, and embarrassed our at-
tack. The guns were fought for splendidly.
Tbev fought until the last moment when
thew found they could not be removed, and
six guns were lost in attempting to remove
them, and when the line had reached the
creek just to the right and rear Of Middle.
town where the second stand was made, and
where the second charge Of the enemy was
repulsed. Nearly every field officer in the
6rst division Of the sixth corps Wss wound
ed. Ricketts,, commanding corps, was bad
" wounded, and vas forced to leave the
field. Bidwell, commanding the third bri-
gade, second division, mortally wounded By
she'll, which tore his left shoulder to
pieces. Here at 10 o'clock for the 6rst
time during the day, the army presented .
consistent front towards the foe, holding its
own against their attack. Results Of the
contest were otherwise gloomy. We had
been surprised, and driven from splendid
position, and lost heavily in prisoners, %
guns, 81 ambulanoes, including oil medical
wagons and medical supplies Of the 10Th
corps, and several Quartermaster's wagons.
We had yielded more than two battle fields
to the enemy, and many Of our finest off,
GERS killed and disabled. The enemy re-
linquished his attack. At this moment
loud cheer ran along the line in the rear.
Sheridan, who had rode post haste from
Winchester, was approaching. His appear
ance created wild enthusiasm. beginning
at the left of the line, he rode along tho
whole front of the army, waving bis hat
amidst widest cheers. The retreat was
stopped in an instant from that time till 3
p. m. Every arm was strained to get the
army into position, aod at one the whole
army, the 9th corps in the centre, 18th
corps on the right, Crooks command on
the left, Merim's cavalry on the extreme
left, and Custor's division on the extreme
right, made . magnificent resistance to
charge, which swept the enemy before ii
everywhere. The enemy had actually BE-
gun to erect bresstworks, and were pfepar-
ing to 20 into camp when the charge va
made. They we're driven back at double
quick through and across Cedar river, wbero
be come from. Thence pursued BY cavalry
through and beyond Strasburg, our forces
capturing 43 pieces Of artillery. some Of
them taken from US the day before. Dur-
ing the day We captured at Strasburg over
+ 100 ambulanoes, wagons and caissons.-
Rebel Gen. Ransom was captured In sa
ambulance, seriously if not mort.lIy wous-
ded. Probably 1000 prisoners were picked
up along the road. Two hours Of daylight
would have given Us Of the rebel army
almost the entire arm. Estimates Of our
loss or that Of the enemy is at present i'm
possible. The army 10 ordered TO move
against the enemy al Eve O'Clock so-moErov
morning.
Herald correspondent says our loss u
5000. Prisoners say Early lost three.
fourths of bis artillery. We captured
5000 prisoners. a rebel attack was in-
duced BY moving the 9th corps to Front
Royal, causing the rebels to believe that
they we're being sent to Grant BY timely
captured dispatches from Longssreet to
Early, Sheridan was Informed that the lat
ter would have reinforcements sufficient, -
dispatch said, to crush Sheridan out Of the
valley. Sheridan had first organized his
cavalry for grand expedition, but on 10.
oeipt of dispatch retained them.