Year: 1861

ns~ We copy below a very singular article from the Des Arc Citizen To those acquaiht- ed with the facts perusal of the article will eN- cite ony . smile of contempt. Here it IS:

 "THE LATE BATTLE NEAR SPRINGFIELD-IHE HE WouNpED ETc.-W e had determined to await Oen. McCuloch's official report of this battle before eX pressing an opinion in reference to ms belng take by surprise But the evidence is already sufficient to convict him of unwarranted negligence ln feier- ence to his pickets and sentres. He may attempt to screen himself by laying the blame upon Church i'll and other colones, but it will avail him noth- ino. It was the duty of himself and staff to see that their subordinates done their duty, ana thaC the guard, when called in at l2 o'clock at night, was replaced and surprise thereby avoided. but we shall advert to this matter more fully hereater, and demonstrate who IS most to blame TOT tie shocking loss of life, especially in Col. Churchill $ regiment.

 We are paned to learn that the wounded, espe cialy those belonging to Col. Churchll's regiment, have been most shockingly and nhumanely neg lected. The Dutch who were wounded, were gen erally placed upon beds ill Springfield, while the Arkansans and Missourans were generally placed upon the hard floors with only blanket to lay upon Poor Mcintosh, whose death we record to day, undoubtedly died from neglect and lnatten- ton. The Dutch wounded were furnished with proper nourishment, while our wounded had to put up with improper diet. These things being true, how can McCulloch or Churchill ever dare look ln the face the fathers and mothers of the dead and wOunded.'

 As to the suprise, though the picket guard had been called in preparatory to the march, yet the sentres were at their posts and gave no tice of the approach of the enemy. The story about the wounded Dutch being better cared for than our own wounded is an absurdty that we wonder any sane man would put in print. IL is hardly reasonable that men would put their own friends and comrades on the floor, and their enemies on beds and give the latter the better food and treatment. Indeed we know this statement is false, for persons who were present say that our wounded were first provid ed for and then the wounded of the enemy.

 As to the attack on Gen. McCulloch and criticism on his conduct so far as 1t is calculated to destroy confidence in brave Confederate | leader it may do harm, but beyond that and with those who know him 1t will fall harmless.

 We opine that Col. Churchill did his duty and | the loss of life in his regiment was attributable to the fact that he was exposed to the severes fire Of the enemy from the beginning to the enc of the fight, and that he and his men did not finch from danger.

 It should be borne in mind that when the wounded were placed in the temporary hospitals they were putin charge of the surgeons and such men as were detailed for hospital duty.-Tht whole article of the Citizen is a foolish attacl upon brave men who are absent fighting for thei country. We are sorry to see such grave charge without positive proof and our information botl made by letters and from persons just from the camp are directly contrary to the statements mad in the article we have copied. We should do jus tice to all men, more especially to those wh( are not here to defend themselves and if we ado to this that these men who are aspersed are en during toll and hardships and risking life an' limb to protect our liberties, the injustice be comes the more glaring and fragrant. It is ar easy matter to stay at home and find fault witt gallant and brave officers, who are risking thei all for our defence.