REPORT OF JUDGE DONIPHAN. Major-General Wright: SIR: On Saturday, about twelve o'clock M., Colonel Bradford received intelligence of the approach of between four and five hundred rebels, under command of Bazil Duke. The Colonel immediately proposed to defend the town, his force consisting of about one hundred home guards and militia, and the gunboat Belfast, Captain Sedam commanding. About one o'clock the gunboat Allen Collier moored alongside the Belfast, and Colonel Bradford despatched a messenger to the Collier, requesting her to remain, as we would certainly be attacked by two o'clock. A few minutes later the Florence Miller, carrying a gun, came along and anchored in front of our town. mortar defence, we would triumph. "Now, my gallant boys, all who are willing to stand by me, and by your arms, hold up your right hand." Every hand went up accompanied by a shout that had meaning in it, as their gallant conduct proved during the fight. The men were marched rapidly to their respective positions, and while this was being done, the Belfast opened fire-the first shell falling and exploding close to their posted artillery, killing two or three of their men. A second and a third shell were fired by the Belfast, but with what effect I do not know. The small piece drawn by two horses now opened fire on the rebel side. The first shot struck the water one hundred yards this side the Belfast, and skipped over the water near her wheel. The rebels were now coming down into the streets, and while being Colonel Bradford then posted his men up the cut down terribly by our men, falling thick and houses along Front street, and up Mill to Second fast on the pavement and street, I observed both street. The enemy, in the mean time, had reachboats moving up the river, side by side, the Bel-ed the hill back of the town, and were rapidly fast next the Ohio, and the Miller next the Ken- surrounding us. Hardly had our forces taken tucky shore. I thought at first it was to get a their position than the rebels, with two small better position, and doubtless it was, so far as pieces of artillery, appeared on the hill. The they were concerned, but off they went, and, as Belfast then threw a shell, and so well was it they went, some two hundred of the rebels aimed, that it struck within thirty feet of the encharged down to the water's edge, in full view emy's gun, killing two or three of the rebels, and and in line, and still no grape or canister came causing them to change the position of their gun. from either boat. Would it have retarded the speed of either boat to have fired a few shots of grape and canister? and when, as the gunner of the Belfast said, he could kill fifty at a shot? For what were these boats sent here? "Ah! there's the rub." While our brave and gallant men were perilling their lives against large odds, and their deadly fire turning whole companies of disciplined men into disorder and hiding-places, while our own houses were smoking and crumbling to ashes in a gallant defence, without regard to dollars and cents, we were left to surrender, after killing, to every one of our men engaged, two of the enemy. Wo! be to such officers. Let their conduct be "bitter in every mouth, and infamous to all posterity." The rebel loss, according to their own record, has been greater than any fight in which they have been engaged, numbering, they say, some twenty odd fights. After the fight was over, it was found that the rebels had not a shell left, and only a few rounds of grape and canister. Their shells did no harm to the gunboats, and but little to the town. It is now conceded on all hands, if the gunboats had done their duty, the town would never have surrendered, and a complete rout and triumph would have crowned our efforts. The rebels had seven companies, numbering about six hundred men. In conclusion, allow me to return my profound thanks to the gallant boys who stood so bravely by their arms. In some instances "Greek met Greek," and in some instances of a hand-to-hand fight, where the doors were broken in, some of our young men displayed a heroism, and traces of cool, manly courage, worthy of regulars on any battle-field. J. TAYLOR BRADFORD, Commanding Forces. The enemy then opened fire, throwing shells with little or no accuracy, and the Belfast fired two more shots with good effect. Up to this time the forces in the houses were not engaged; but, to the surprise and sorrow of our people, the Belfast weighed anchor and abandoned us to our fate. The Florence Miller, without firing a gun, did the same thing; the Allen Collier, although importuned to stay with us, steamed off before the fight, and never returned. Then came a shout from the rebels, and they were upon us. From every window our true and trusty boys were firing, and for one half-hour the leaden hail was doing its work of death; rebel after rebel was made to bite the dust, while our boys, thus secreted, were fighting for their homes and firesides. But what a scene now followed! The houses in which our forces were posted were set on fire, the cannon of the enemy was planted in our streets, and, disregarding the women and children, they were firing shell into the houses. Yet, true to their work, the little band of Union men fought on until it was madness to try to hold out longer. Colonel Bradford ordered a surrender. As soon as this was done, then commenced the pillage and plunder-every rebel acting for himself. Stores were broken open and rifled of what was wanted by the rebels. This, however, was soon over, the rebel bugle was soon sounded, and the enemy retired from our town in good order, though in haste. The fighting was desperate, and although our loss is small, yet gallant and brave men have gone from us forever. Our killed and wounded amount to twelve or fifteen, while that of the enemy number between seventy-five and one hundred-among them some eight or ten officers. We had no means of ascertaining the names of all the rebels killed and wounded; but among hundred and fifty men, and two mountain howitthe number wounded mortally is a son of George zers. In the afternoon I heard cannon firing in D. Prentice, of Louisville. Captain W. Rogers, of Harrison County, was killed, and a Lieutenant Wilson. The rebels left some of their killed and wounded in our hands, all of whom have been properly cared for. They took our horses, buggies, wagons, and all means of transportation to carry off their dead and wounded. Among the killed on the Union side was Dr. W. Taylor, M. B. Worthington, John B. Story, George Byers, Oliver Stairs, John Eiphart, John Perkins, and William Gregg. The prisoners were all taken from town as rapidly as they could march. Some have been paroled and have returned home. The conduct of the gunboats seemed to us cowardly in the extreme. Just above our town is a large sand-bar, and so soon as the rebels could move across the bottom, they ran out on this bar, one hundred or one hundred and fifty strong, drew up in line of battle, and fired volley after volley at the Belfast and Florence Miller, and not one shot was fired in return. With one fire of grape, the whole band of rebels could have been mowed down; but the gallant commanders fled-fled, ay—and when they got to Higginsport, actually hoisted their cannon ashore, and moved off up the river with their boats. Much of our town is destroyed; the loss will reach one hundred thousand dollars. The principal sufferers are Thomas Myers, J. B. Ryan, W. H. Diltz, W. P. Taylor, Mrs. Hooker, S. F. Marshall, V. Weldin, J. T. McKibben, and William Barr. The confederate forces are a battalion of Morgan's. Colonel Bradford, Colonel Harris, and F. L. Cleveland, Esq., are still in the hands of the enemy. On yesterday Colonel Wilson and Colonel Wadsworth, commanding the forces from Maysville and Ripley, pressed on to Brownsville in the effort to overtake the rebels; but were there only in time to fall upon their rear-guard, they having retreated in great haste in the direction of Falmouth. All of which is respectfully submitted, Doc. 213. BATTLE OF NEWTONIA, MO. GENERAL SALOMON'S REPORT. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, ARMY OF KANSAS, Brigadier-General Schofield, Commanding: GENERAL: I have the honor to report the following: On the twentieth ultimo I sent scouting-parties to Newtonia, Granby, and Neosho. The latter, as per report of Col. Weer, killed two of the enemy's pickets, wounded several, and made one prisoner. Those at Granby reported no enemy there. The scouting-party to Newtonia was commanded by Col. Lynde, and consisted of the Ninth Kansas volunteers, cavalry, about one the direction of Newtonia. I ordered Lieut.-Col. Jacobi, Ninth regiment Wisconsin volunteers, with three cannon of Stockton's battery and two companies of the Ninth regiment Wisconsin volunteers, infantry, to his assistance. Toward evening Col. Lynde returned to camp, reporting that Lieut.-Col. Jacobi had taken a position of observation some nine miles from camp, and wanted reënforcements. I sent two more companies of the Ninth Wisconsin volunteers, infantry, and advised him that Col. Lynde would be with him in the morning. The instructions of Col. Lynde and Lieut.-Col. Jacobi were mainly to find out the enemy, but not to risk any thing; to report to me immediately if they would find the enemy in force. At about seven A.M., on the thirtieth, I heard heavy firing in the direction of Newtonia. I at once ordered the forces here, the First and Second brigades of Kansas, to be in readiness, and ordered Col. Hall, in command of Fourth brigade Missouri State militia, to march to Newtonia. The fire continuing, I ordered the Sixth Kansas volunteers, cavalry, and the Third Indian home guard to proceed to the battle-field in a trot, while I marched with the infantry and artillery in the same direction. Our train was left in charge of some four hundred Indians and two pieces of Major Blair's battery. At about ten A.M., the messenger to Col Hall overtook me on the road, with the message hereto annexed. I despatched Capt. Welch, Second Ohio volunteer cavalry, to keep communication between us open. Soon afterward I received the news that our troops, in the attempt to take the town, were defeated, and the infantry cut up. Official reports I have not been able to obtain yet. On my arrival at the battle-field, I found the Fourth Kansas, and the Third Indian home guards in line of battle on an elevation north of Newtonia. I ordered the Sixth Kansas, with two mountain howitzers to the right; the Third Indian regiment of home guards to the left, where a ravine, lined with corn-fields and stone fences, runs into town; the artillery (Captain Allen's battery) to the centre, supported by the First battalion of the Tenth Kansas infantry on their right, and the Ninth regiment Wisconsin infantry on their left; three pieces of Stockton's battery and the Second battalion Tenth Kansas infantry being kept in reserve. The enemy was in strong position, behind stone walls and massive buildings. They were reënforced in the forenoon, and, as prisoners say, one thousand strong. I awaited anxiously for the arrival of Col. Hall on the right flank of the enemy, keeping the enemy in check by my artillery. An attempt to force our left flank was nobly rejected by Colonel Phillips's Third Indian home guards, supported by our reserve. My intention was to advance upon the enemy with the whole force at the arrival of Col. Hall, but when he had not arrived toward sunset, I ordered the retreat. Shortly afterward I was informed that Col. Hall was two miles in my rear in the timber. It became now dark. Gen. Rains was reported to be arriving, and I fell back on my defence at this place. Why Colonel Hall did not come in time, and on the road he reported he would come, is a mystery to me, and can be explained, perhaps, only by him. There is no doubt but that we could have annihilated the enemy if he had appeared in time, and on the proper road. Our loss in the afternoon was very small; that of the enemy must be heavy, since our artillery fired from an elevated ground into their thick masses. intentions. I did not know whether he intended to advance with his forces from Sarcoxie toward Newtonia. I was entirely without information of the intentions of Gen. Salomon. I desired him to send me a messenger. He neither sent me a messenger or a line, nor did he communicate with me in any way until I had reached the battlefield. I immediately, upon receipt of the above order from Gen. Salomon, ordered the different regiments, battalions, and companies of the brigade to march. We marched toward Newtonia by the way of Jollification. I marched about eight miles. I had not heard any firing since we started. I had not received any communication from Gen. Salomon; I was ignorant of his movements or intentions. I had no means of know It give me pleasure to say that our troops being the result of the morning's engagement, but haved nobly. Col. Weer, commanding Second brigade, is entitled to my thanks for his conduct before, during, and after the battle. I have the honor to be, General, your obedient servant, F. SALOMON, Brigadier-General, Commanding First Brigade Kansas Vols. COLONEL HALL'S REPORT. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH BRIGADE, M. S. M., SIX MILES EAST OF SARCOXIE, Mo., October 1, 1862. Brigadier-General E. B. Brown, Commanding Brigade: GENERAL: Being left in command of your brigade during your temporary absence at Spring field, Mo., I beg leave to submit the following report: At about eight o'clock A.M. of the thirtieth ultimo, firing from artillery was heard in the distance, supposed to be at or near Newtonia, Mo. The firing was continued until about ten o'clock A.M., of said day, when it ceased. I had seen Brig.-Gen. Schofield's letter of instructions to the different commanders in this division, directing them not, on any account, to risk a defeat. I had seen Gen. Salomon's estimate of the number of the enemy's troops at Newtonia, Mo., which was eight thousand; also Colonel Weer's estimate, which was about eleven thousand. I was also aware of the fact that the forces of Gen. Salomon, of Col. Weer, and your brigade did not number near eight thousand. General Salomon never, by word or letter, intimated to me that he intended attacking the enemy at Newtonia. I was, therefore, lost in conjecture as to who were engaged in firing the artillery we heard in the morning. About ten o'clock A.M., of said thirtieth ultimo, I received the following order: Colonel Hall, Commanding Fourth Brigade, Mis souri State Militia: Advance immediately toward Newtonia. Heavy firing in our advance. A. BLOCK, A.A.G. Send answer by bearer when you will strike Newtonia road. This was the only communication ever received by me from Gen. Šalomon concerning the movement of troops under my command at that time. It left me in utter ignorance of Gen. Salomon's had good reason to believe that the enemy had maintained their position. By marching to Newtonia, by the way of Jollification, the whole force of the enemy would be directly between my command and the troops of Gen. Salomon, whether they were at Sarcoxie or advancing from Sarcoxie to Newtonia. I therefore, upon consultation with the principal officers of your brigade, determined to march west till I struck the road leading from Sarcoxie to Newtonia, or until I could learn something about Gen. Salomon's movements or intentions. We reached the road leading from Sarcoxie to Newtonia at about eight miles distant from Newtonia, about four o'clock P.M., of said thirtieth ultimo. Here we came upon some stragglers belonging to Salomon's command. From these men I learned that Gen. Salomon and Col. Weer, with their brigades, had marched toward Newtonia-that about four hundred men belonging to Salomon's command had made the attack in the morning on the enemy's forces, about eight thousand strong, at Newtonia, and Gen. Salomon and Col. Weer had marched down to their relief. At the time we reached the road from Sarcoxie to Newtonia, firing by artillery was heard by me again at or near Newtonia, which told me that Gen. Salomon had, with his forces, reached Newtonia. It was about as far from our camp to where we struck the Sarcoxie road as from Sarcoxie to Newtonia. We marched from the lastmentioned place, where we came into the Sarcoxie road to Newtonia with all possible despatch; we reached the battle-field about sunset. General Salomon, on the battle-field, requested me to cover his retreat with my brigade. Gen. Salomon's troops were retreating in great confusion. The enemy in full force were advancing to been captured or destroyed, but for the timely attack the rear of his column, which must have in line of battle in front of the enemy, and bearrival of your brigade. I drew up your brigade tween the enemy and the retreating forces of Brig.-Gen. Salomon. The enemy, seeing my disposition, drew up in line of battle and commenced firing their artillery at my line. I ordered Lieut. Marr, in command of Captain Murphy's company of First Missouri artillery, to open fire upon the enemy, which was obeyed in a prompt and effi cient manner. The troops of your brigade acted with great coolness and courage on the field, and during the retreat, about dark, the enemy withdrew their force from the field. posted; the other passed on to Martinsburgh, and in obedience to my orders I moved on it. Two miles of travel brought me to the Opequon Creek, on the opposite bank of which, and some three Having secured the retreat of the forces of Gen. miles down, I observed a battery of artillery in Salomon, I drew off the men under my command. position, which soon opened on me. I paid no Our only casualty was one man badly wounded attention to this, and the rebels themselves saw by the bursting of the shell. General Salomon's their absurdity, and stopped firing. I continued troops were scattered from near the battle-field to my movement to Martinsburgh, and easily drove Sarcoxie. I saw them all safely back to Sar-several squadrons in my front into the town, my coxie. I there on this morning met Gen. Salo-advance arriving at the edge of the town by two mon. He declined renewing the attack upon the o'clock in the day. enemy. It therefore became my duty to march the brigade back to Centre Creek to protect the train. I arrived at camp about ten o'clock A.M. of this first instant. I found every thing safe. Respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE H. HALL, GENERAL RAINS'S REPORT. HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD, ELK HORN, With It was soon discovered that Hampton's brigade of cavalry, and four pieces of artillery were drawn up in the centre of the town, and that two bridges between my forces and theirs had been destroyed by these boastful soldiers, who represented they were so anxious to get at my command. three squadrons of cavalry and one piece of artillery, Hampton's command was soon driven from Martinsburgh, and I leisurely entered the town with this force, and executed all the orders I had received in regard to it. On entering the town I To Major-General T. C. Hindman: found the bridges had been replaced, and I was GENERAL: Colonels Cooper and Shelby repulsed informed that the ladies of the place had turned the enemy, four to five thousand strong, at New-out and built them up for my men to cross. The tonia, on the thirtieth September, killing one mention of this incident speaks for itself, as an hundred and fifty; captured one hundred and affecting exhibition of loyalty and devotion in the fifteen prisoners; number of wounded not known. present great struggle for national existence. The enemy, commanded by Brig.-Gen. Salomon, I remained at Martinsburgh until five o'clock fell back to Sarcoxie, a distance of fifteen miles, in the afternoon, some time after I had finished which place they now occupy in considerable force, my business, to see if the rebels would attack having been reenforced from Kansas. The entire me. They did not, so in obedience to my orders, command at Sarcoxie is from Kansas. The prison-I commenced to return toward Shepherdstown, ers taken are of the Wisconsin Ninth, Salomon's brag regiment. The enemy still occupy Springfield and Mount Doc. 214. GENERAL PLEASANTON'S SANCE. by the same road I had gone out, and that the rebels might follow me if they felt so inclined, I left the bridges intact that they had destroyed in the morning. After crossing the Opequon Creek a section of artillery, with suitable force, remained in rear, to cover the march, which was leisurely conducted at a walk. The enemy perceiving that my movement was a retreat, came at a headlong gallop toward my rear, when some six or eight well-directed shells scattered his force in confusion over the hills, and he did not rally until my rear had passed over nearly two miles of the disRECONNOIS-tance, when he brought up fresh troops from the GENERAL PLEASANTON'S REPORT. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, October 8, 1862. road leading toward Bunker Hill. My command cared so little for the enemy's attacks that they moved on at a walk, and the rear section of artillery was, in consequence, quite near the rebels I CROSSED the Potomac on the morning of the on the road. When apprised of this, I immedifirst instant, with seven hundred men, consisting ately placed a section of artillery in position, and of the Eighth Illinois cavalry, three squadrons opened on the enemy, over the heads of my men, from each of the Eighth Pennsylvania and Third and the other section coming up, their fire did Indiana cavalry and Pennington's battery of ar- such execution that the enemy neither troubled tillery. I drove the enemy's pickets out of Shep- us nor was heard of any more that night. Sevherdstown, and followed the Ninth Virginia cav-eral of my squadrons engaged the enemy at shortalry on the Martinsburgh road so rapidly that range, and always maintained their position until they fled, leaving one of their dead in the road. they were directed to move. This dead body was still in the road on my return in the evening, showing that I had possession of it the whole day. Five miles from Shepherdstown the road forks, one branch going in the direction of Bunker's Hill, as on this road that Lee's brigade was The last affair occurred over four miles beyond Shepherdstown, and in it we captured nine prisoners and ten horses and equipments; and I have since heard, from good authority, that the rebels buried sixty-six dead, as the result of that fight. My loss was only twelve men slightly wounded, they being able to ride to camp, and three men of artillery, under command of General Palmer, taken prisoners by their horses falling with them.sent via Murfreesboro road. At the same time Their horses were not captured. I brought off from Martinsburgh twenty-four citizens anxious to leave, and nine boys belong ing to Frederick, who had been impressed into the rebel service; but had run away. REBEL REPORTS AND NARRATIVES. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, one thousand eight hundred infantry, under Col. Miller, marched by a circuitous route to the south of La Vergne. The enemy's pickets and vedettes were in considerable force on the roads, and skirmished with our advance ten miles, enabling the main force, consisting of one regiment, the Thirty-second Alabama infantry, with one steel rifled cannon, and three thousand cavalry, to assume a position, forming their lines in anticipation of our entire force advancing on the Murfreesboro Gen-road, which was part of our object. The enemy commenced the action by opening fire with three pieces of artillery at a distance of three hundred yards. This was soon silenced by a shell from one of our guns exploding their ammunition chest, at the moment the enemy were directing their movements against the right flank of Gen. Palmer's force. Col. Willis's infantry arrived, advancing in splendid line of battle, delivering a well-directed fire into the enemy's ranks, which was followed by a skilful deployment of the right and left, to cut off their retreat. The confederates held their ground for thirty minutes, and then fled in the wildest disorder, leaving one hundred and seventy-five prisoners in our hands, among whom were two lieutenants, two lieutenant-colonels, and a number of line-officers; three pieces of artillery, ordnance and quartermaster's stores, a large amount of provisions, camp equipage, personal effects, stand of regimental colors, and three railroad cars, which we destroyed. Their defeat was complete. Their loss in killed and wounded was about eighty. General S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector- Gen. Hampton's brigade had retired through Martinsburgh, on the Tuscarora road, when Gen. Stuart arrived and made dispositions to attack. Lee's brigade was advanced immediately, and Hampton's ordered forward. The enemy retired at the approach of Lee along the Shepherdstown road, and was driven across the Potomac by the cavalry, with a severe loss, and darkness alone prevented it from being a signal victory. His rear was overtaken and put to flight, our cavalry charging in gallant style under a severe fire of The conduct of our officers and men was highartillery, driving squadron after squadron, killingly meritorious, with numerous instances of india number, wounding more, and capturing sev-vidual bravery and efficiency. Our loss is five killed, nine wounded, four missing. eral. He was driven through Shepherdstown, and A report in detail will be forwarded by the crossed the river after dark, in no case standing first opportunity. a hand-to-hand conflict, but relying upon his artillery and carbines at long-range for protection. I regret to add that we lost one lieutenant and several privates. I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General Commanding. CHARLES MARSHALL, I have the honor to remain, yours very truly, Colonel J. B. FRY, A.A.G. and Chief of Staff. Major and A.D.C. Doc. 215. BATTLE AT LA VERGNE, TENN. GENERAL NEGLEY'S REPORT. HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, Doc. 216. FIGHT AT LAWRENCEBURGH, KY. COLONEL PARROTT'S REPORT. HEADQUARTERS FIRST REGIMENT O. V. I., CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the skirmish had with the enemy this morning, by the troops under my command, at Dogwalk. SIR: Major-Gen. J. R. Anderson, Brig.-General Forrest, and Gen. Harris, have been rapidly concentrating a large rebel force at La Vergne, fifteen As my regiment left camp, the General Commiles east, with the avowed intention of assault-manding apprised me that our rear was threating Nashville. Deeming it a favorable opportunity to check this project by a sudden blow, a concerted movement was made on the night of the sixth instant, by a force of four hundred infantry and four hundred cavalry, and four pieces ened by the enemy, and ordered me to march back on the road until I overtook the Nineteenth United States infantry, previously sent out. About half a mile from camp I came up with our troops, on the road to Lawrenceburgh. |