Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1864-12-24
DARING AND SUCCESSFUL RAID.
Losses Of the Second wisconsin Cavalry


turned on the 4th inst. 1t was designed TO
cut off the supplies which the enemy were
drawing oyer-the~ Mississippi Central Rail-
road from the rich districts of the Yazoo and
the Big Black rivers. After sharp fight, it
was successful in burning the railroad bridge
across the Big Black, and tore up mile of
track The I'd Wisconsin, Major DALE com
manding, burnt. Vaughn's Station. warehouse,
steam-water tank, destroyed mile and half
of track, with $4,000 worth of railroad sup
plies, 100 bales of cotton, 20 barrels of salt,
with a considerable amount of corn and
wheat. :. re
On the 29th ult. the expedition destroyed
still more of the road, 200 bales of cotton,
and large amount of wheat and corn. They
next proceeded to Goodman's Station, burnt
the railroad buildings and 300 bales of cot
ton, two engines, four cars, and large
amount of other supplies Thirty miles OF
road was left a ruin, which cannot be put in
order in less than sixty days. NJ
Having accomplished their object, the ex-
petition returned to Yazoo City on the goth,
in time to battle the enemy who were seeking
to occupy that point before our troops could
reach it. After resting on the Soth, Colonel
OsBAND, hearing that the rebels were advanc-
ing sent out scouts on all the roads at day
light the following day, for information
The HerdlFS account continues:
The enemy were found on each road in
more or less force, but strongest on the
Vicksburg road, ON which Major n. II. Dale,
with $50 men of the I'd Wis. cavalry had
been sent. Major Dale drove the enemy be-
yond the junction of the Yazoo City and Ben
ton roads. Here, at some negro quarters, the
enemy developed more strength, and two
companies were dismounted to dislodge them.
Finding them about to be hanked, two other
companies we're dismounted and sent forward
to cover the TANKS Of those now fighting
just beyond these quarters was dense un
der growth of scrub oak in which quite
large force of the enemy were concealed, who
now made furious assault on the small force
of Major Dale, and captured a portion OF
Co. E. Major Dale, whose gallantry was con-
spicuous, was wounded in the ankle and faint
ed from loss of blood and pain, while rally
ing his men, who were somewhat surprised
by this sudden and unexpected attack. The
gallant men, however, reformed, and twice re-
pulsed charges of the enemy with consider
able loss The command was then with
drawn.
The best informed officers estimated. the
number of the enemy at this place at from
1900 to 5000, and his loss at IS killed and
wounded.
The enemy being in strong force, and part
ly infantry, Col. OsBAND did not deem it ru-
dent to risk a general engagement, and ac-
cordingly fell back across the Yazoo, and re-
turned to Vicksburg without further loss.
HENRY r. BoARDMAN, Esq, of the I'd Wis
consin, sends the following list of the cas-
uaIties in that regiment:
COMPANY c.
Wounded-Albert NJ. Parker, in hand !;
Richard Ladd, in leg.
,-. COMPANY E.
PrisoneTs-Lieut. S. Woodland; Sergeants
Bellrode, Fisher, Abby and Ellison; Corporals
Donerar, Goodwin and West; w. Lasuer,
farrier NJ Mott, blacksmith; w. Mccormick,
saddler; Privates John A. Brown, III. j. Cook,
]. Corning, W. p. French, 7. Howard, NJ.
Landgraff, NJ. Oleson, H. Gibbs, w. Whiting,
]. Lowden, Pierce S. Ransomer.
This company, which was dismounted, ex-
cept every fourth man who held the horses in
the rear, End formed the left of the line of
battle, was out-hanked and captured in body.
Many of the men cannot but be wounded or
killed as they were last observed in the face
of the enemy and in the heat of fierce con-
fict.
3 COMPANY y.
Wo,nded-Ira Burton, in shoulder; Stuart
Craig, in side; William Noble, in side-all
severe. but not thought mortal.
Pyisoners-Corp. James Logne privates
| Henry Cate and Josiah Williams the latter
known to be severely, if not MORALLY wound
ed in the hip.
Company occupied the right of the dis
mounted line of battle, and led on by Lieut..
Hamilton gained an advanced position and
being covered by fence held their ground
until the recall +" was sounded, when they
reluctantly fell back to their horses
COMPANY l.
| Woanded-Lieut Tinkham, slightly in an
| kle; Amos Sperry, in arm, slightly.
PyisonerS-Joseph Vengarder, James Cul.
len,-and both severely wounded.
Company occupied the center, and off.
GERS and men deserve great credit for their
stubborn resistance of two rebel charges,
| never finching until ordered back by Maj.
Dale.
COMPANY L. ..f].t
Riled-Joshua T. Thompson and George
Gray, both left on the field. f5s
Wounded-Anton Zittel, slightly in shoul.
| der. n rua
Company L also lost eight horses killed on
the spot, as they were formed mounted across
the road in rear of the center, to cover the
retreat of the dismounted companies. Or
derby Sergeant P. Hartman had command Of
the company ia the absence of the Captain,
and is well spoken of by the boys.
Companies II and B, the latter temporarily
under command of Lieut.. Poynter, of Co. +,
did all that the time and ground would per.
NIT in holding the rebels at bay until the
command could form for an orderly retreat.
THE SANITARY CoMMIssIoN-A MISTAKE Cor.
REcTED.-A statement has recently been the
rounds of the press to the effect that from
September, 1861, to December, 1854, it cost
the western department of the Sanitary Com
mission $500, 900 to get little over 100000
| in value to the soldiers j. S. NEwBERRY, the
Secretary of the western department, at
Louisville, has Issued circular contradicting