From unquestionable sources and positive information, we have received particulars of a brilliant brush which took place in
Rockingham between some companies of the 7th Louisiana, under
Col. Harry Hays, and a large force of Indianian, resulting in the total rout of the latter, with many killed and wounded.
The 7th and 8th Louisiana (
Gen. Taylor,
Ewell's division,) being camped some eight or ten miles from Swift Ron Gap, two companies of the 7th and one of the 8th, under
Maj. D. B. Penn, with one field piece were ordered out on a scout to look after the enemy, reported to be prowling in the rear near the
Shenandoah, and in force.
Taking the mountain road, and proceeding some distance without meeting with an enemy, heavy firing was heard in the direction of the river.
The fusillade was perfectly audible in camp, and supposing
Major Penn to be engaging the enemy,
Colonel Hays sallied forth with the rest of the 7th and an additional piece of
Bowyor's battery, taking the lower road in the direction of the line of fire.
Hurrying forward to
Maj. Penn's assistance,
Colonel Hays had progressed several miles when it was jocularly remarked by one of the field officers, "they wouldn't have the heavy ambuscade of Indianian!
Although unprepared, not even loaded, the men stood feet, loaded rapidly, and coolly delivering a murderous volley in reply, charged the ene- my with irresistible fury, driving them pell-mell from their covert, killing dozens and wounding scores.
Though hotly pursued by the 7th, they decamped from the place with great celerity, their flight being materially expedited by several well-directed rounds of grape from
Capt. Bowyer's how The loss of the enemy, from the best information, was from twenty to thirty killed and about forty wounded--some prisoners are now on the way hither.
So frightened were the enemy at the reception they received from the Louisianian, that they broke and ran like true hirelings seeking wayside houses for protection, and hiding under beds!
Some youths of the regiment went out hunting such game, and pulled several out by the leg, begging and praying not to be shot.
