Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1865-03-02

or Artillery, and therefore, supposed
that it was only another of our Cavalry
raids, for forage or information; and,
under that idea, as the rebels fell back
on their main force, they made prepara-
tions to give our boys warm reception.
Forming a line -ofbattlc in the streets of
Hernando, they awaited the approach, but
at the first charge broke and fed in all
directions, hotly pursued. About a
mile from town they reformed and offered
battle ; piece Of folly which cost them
sixty eight prisoners, besides a large
number of killed and wounded.
Upon the Infantry coming up, and
taking possession Of the town, ambu-
lances were sent out for the wounded
rebels, but they were fred upon by the
lurking wretches, and compelled to re-
turn without any. During the night a
furious thunder storm passed over,
drenching everything, and raising a row
generally, cooling off the feroclty Of the
rebels, 50 that they now allowed ambu-
lances to be brought TO bring in their
wounded comrades, Of whom we found
ten; two of whom had died during the
furious storm, abandoned to all it's horrors
to crafty the sneaking scamps who pre-
vented us from assisting them. Several
others, wounded in this fight, were found
hidden in the houses of the citizens dur
ing the time our troops remained here.
Early on Sunday morning the column
was again put in motion, the Cavalry
driving the enemy steadily back for ten
miles, and until both forces had reached
the Ferry The rebels retreated across
in haste, and attempted to keep the boat
across on their side, but our boys were
too close on them for that; and, after a
brisk fight, they got possession Of and
kept it.
AS the rebels began to open a heavy
fire on their side of the stream, our
Cavalry dismounted and returned it with
interest for some time, until the Artillery
could come up. Two regiments Of rebel
Infantry were marching "by column" up
the road to the Ferry from the south, as
our four guns reached it from the north.
Quickly unlumbering, they sent double
charges of grape and canister into the
rebel ranks, which scattered, broken
and dismayed, into the dense woods on
either side of the road. Rallied by their
officers shortly afterwards, they formed
in line on the south bank Of the stream,
and opened a tremendous fire Of musket
ry upon our Battery, which was now
working at high pressure, sending its
missels crashing through the cane and
brush of the dense forest, looking for
"Johnnies' in all directions. Soon the
cartridges Of our brave Cavalry began
to give out, their dashing leader, Major
Hays, mortally wounded, and the enemy's
fire increasing, when the 41st Illinois,
and then the 33d Wisconsin, came up on
the "dopble-quick, and relieved them.
Seeking cover as best they might, be-
hind logs, trees, or banks of earth, they
soon satisfied the enemy across the
stream, that they were rather large
company for family tea party. BY and
by the Artillery was Withdrawn, having
lost one man killed and one wounded,
and seven horses disabled, and several
companies of the 18th Wisconsin sent to
supply their place For time the bat
tie ragged fearfully, and the woods were
alive with shot and shell, while men were
falling on every side.
The Col had fulfilled his instructions,
had captured the Ferry, had whipped
the enemy and driven him to the point
calculated on, and now waited for Gen.
Smiths cannon to thunder out the well
come news that he had sprung the trap
and the game was Gagged. But hour
after hour passed, the appointed time for
the junction slipped by. the enemy kept
up his fire, our men were bravely pun
ishing him, yet no signs of Smith.
Gradually the afternoon passed away,
our Cavalry discovered that the enemy
was crossing the river four miles west Of
them, evidently with the intention OF
turning the flank, and then attacking
our force. He had finally got cannon
from some town in his rear, and now be-
gan to she'll our troops. Reinforcements
were joining him, and making the woods
ring with their cheers as they came up.
At four P. NJ the last of our boys reluc
tantly left the banks of the stream, hay-
ing been gradually withdrawn by small
detachments at time, SO as to prevent
interruption Or pursuit, and VIC gradually
fell back to within one mile of Hernando,
and took up strong position for the
night, having lost 2 officers and man
killed, and seven wounned, one Of whom
Major Hays, died before reaching Mem
phis. On Monday our boys burned the