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brigade, under the protection of company L, Lieutenant Elliott. Companies F, Lieutenant Greer; M, Lieutenant Clegg; B, Captain Leuson; A, Captain Stretch--were ordered to take the right.
Companies K,, Captain Lea; E, Lieutenant Meneaugh, were ordered to the left.
The fighting was becoming general all along the lines, but our men stood bravely up to the work, and reluctantly did they fall back.
Colonel Graham, still clinging to the vague belief that Colonel Foster would be awakened from his sleep by the roaring of the artillery, drink another cup of the milk of human kindness, and conclude to come to our relief, ordered a charge.
Colonel Butler, with companies H, Captain Souper; G, Lieutenant Armstrong; D, Sergeant Bronson, dashed forward, completely routed the enemy and retook the ground.
Charge after charge was made upon the several companies forming our line of battle, but each time the rebels were handsomely repulsed.
For four miles Colonel Graham contested every foot of the ground back to the brigade.
Major Lyle, Captain Thompson, and Captain Loomis, the commanders of the several battalions, were all active in the performance of every duty devolving upon them.
The heavy booming of the cannon and the sharp firing of the musketry told to all within hearing that a fearful contest was being waged.
Anxious hearts were beating in the breasts of the brave five hundred as they slowly gave way to this large force; hopes would rise and fall, as if tossed about on ocean's waves.
At times it seemed as though we were completely surrounded, but as often Colonel Graham would order a movement that cleared the way, and our hopes would brighten again.
The infuriated enemy seemed determined to surround and capture our battery; all hearts beat low as they saw its critical situation; but the guns which had so effectually held them at bay were not to be taken.
The whole command “fought like brave men, long and well,” fighting at times hand to hand with their foes.
The firing now became broken, and finally ceased.
I looked at my watch-we had been fighting two hours, and were now within sight of the brigade, where we saw Colonel Foster bravely sitting on his horse, surprised at our return, having heard that we were all captured.
Colonel Graham had performed nobly his part in this well-planned effort to capture General Williams, but the grand object was not accomphshed.
The road was left open, and the enemy went on to Rheatown.
In the afternoon the Indiana brigade attacked them at this place.
The Fifth Indiana bore an active part.
The particulars I will give at some future time.
The result of the battle Sunday morning is as follows:
Rebel loss in killed, thirty.
We captured ten prisoners, among whom were the Adjutant-General and Inspector-General of General Jackson's staff.
Our loss was none killed, eleven wounded, and eight missing.
Wounded: William Thomas, company D, in the head, slightly; Andy Johnson, F, in face and hand, slightly; William Kinnick, F, in shoulder, slightly; William Derren, G, in hip, slightly; John A. Sammons, H, in left hip, flesh wound; Samuel G. Kingdon, H, in right side, slightly; John O. Spears, H, left leg broken; Thomas C. Waterson, H, in left hand, slightly; Matterson Sourd, I, in arm, flesh wound; Corporal L. Ball, L, in groin; Thomas Curren, L, breast and right arm, mortally.
Missing: John Hiatt, company B; Sergeant A. Becht, C; Jacob Jonas, C; Samuel E. Smith, C; Henry C. Veach, C; David T. Hamilton, E; David R. Badgley, F; Moses Lour, M.
Yours, respectfully,
R.
