The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1864-06-29
(From the Cincinnati Gazette.)
News from Memphis.
Details Of Sturgis' Expedf-
tiOn and Disaster.

MEMPHIS, June l4.-The following
information in regard to the late expedi-
ton of Gen. Sturgis, is gathered mostly
from officers accompanying the eApedI-
ton, and is mainly correct. Nothing of
interest occurred until the expedition
passed Salem, Miss, on the 9th; when
800 men were sent in advance. Passing
through Ripley they captured several
small parties OF the enemy, and moving
directly upon Rienzi and Danville, de-
stroyed the railroad and burned the depet
at the former place-eonstantly skir
mishing with considerable body of the
enemy. They rejoned the main column
on the 9Th with % prisoners. On the 9th
the main column passed through Ripley,
moving southwest. Or the morning of
the 10th the cavalry moved in the direc-
ton of Guntowp, leaving the infantry IN
camp. After proceeding a few miles,
they encountered the enemy pickets, and
soon came upon large body OF the enc
my, in position, and the battle became
general. The cavalry dismounted and
drove the enemy some distance, wnen the
latter were reinforced, and our men fought
four hours against great odds. When the
infantry came up, the cavalry retired.
At P. NJ. another large body of the
euemy arrived on the railroad, in sight
Of the battle, which was raging furiously,
all our forces being engaged. ltWas sooR
evident that we could not withstand such
attacks as were being made by such su-
perior numbers, and our men began to
fall back, contesting every inch of ground
The colored troops fought with despera-
ton, and were the last to give way. The
column retreated to Ripley, distance of
25 miles, that night, after burning large
portion of the supply train, and destroy
ing ten pieces of artillery, which they
were unable to move through the swamps.
On the Eth the enemy made desper-
ate attack on the infantry, which was re-
pulsed, but the attack was renewed, and
considerable portions of the infantry cut
of and captured, after their ammunition
became exhausted IL is stated that many
nj the negro troonq boarded the ammunl-
zion train as it was being destroyed, filling
their pockets and boo with cartr dge',
Others gathering ammunition from the
east off accoutrements of the white troops
and thus were enabled to keep up the
fight until lhey reached Memphis.
1t is stated that one b0dy of 1000 in
fantry which were cut off and supposed
to have been captured, were defended by
200 negroes from repeated assaults OF the
rebel cavalry and arrived at Colliersville
soon after the main colpInn.
Another body of 301 tcgroes arrived
this morning. having escaped by By roads,
all bringing their arms. Tae loss is now
estimated at t25 wagons, IL pieces of ar
tillery. and about / 800 I4cn. All OF The
seth United States (rolored) have come
in except 200 men and officers. 500
of the 55th United States are missing
Among the casualties of the End New
Jersev Cavalry are Captsia Richly, killed;
Lieut.. Rudolphus, Lieut. Brada, Lieut..
Smith. Lieut.. Rainer, Lieut.. Appleger,
and Assistant Surgeon krautz. missing.
7th Indiana Cavalry-Lieut Colonel
Brown, Capt Elliott, wounded.
93d Indiana-Lieut. Col. Pool, killed;
Capt Courvassies. wounded; Lieut.. Rees,
wounded and missing
95th Ohio-Capt. Allisr Lieut., keltonr
Killed; Capt. Hanson, wounded and miss
ing
We copy the above news from Sturgfs'
expedition, to show the friends of the
white soldiers what is safd of their sons
and brothers, by the Abolition papers.
The white man is played out, and the
niger takss all the larrels, to let the
Cincinnati Gr1zetse tell the story.
We heard one of the stay -at-home
paesiots remark, as this aceennt was being
read aloud on tho side walk a few days
ago, towards, towards, referring to cur
white, soldiers We thoaghs at the time,
and think still that a knock down would
be wholesome for genrleansn Of that stripe.
A man that is too big a coward to go into
the Army himself, must not brand as
towards the brave fellows who are perill-
ing life and limb ON the battle field, even
If it is in defence Of his beloved celored
brother.