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and wounded; among them was the gallant Lieut. Summers, who was mortally wounded.
The loss of the enemy is not known.
Col. Lowe's forces, both men and horses, being jaded and suffering for food, returned to this post, after having waited more than an hour for the enemy to make an attack.
The bearing of Col. Lowe's cavalry was without fault — brave.
Col. Lowe commanded in person, and was cool and firm; and so was Lieut.-Col. Patrick.
I have been somewhat lengthy in my account of the engagement of Monday last at this post, yet I hope you will publish it entire.
You are fully aware of the odium that has been attached — we think unjustly — to the Seventy-first regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, in consequence of its reported conduct at the battle of Shiloh.
I thank God that this detachment, at least, has flung that foul disgrace from its shoulders — washed the stain of imputed cowardice from its skirts in the blood of the enemy.
I cannot close this letter without mentioning the name of J. L. Davis, of company B.
The enemy claimed to have cut the telegraph-wire between this and Fort Henry, and he feared they had intercepted our telegram for help.
The question was: “Who will run the gauntlet of the enemy's lines,” (as they had us quite surrounded,) “and carry a despatch to Colonel Lowe?”
Mr. Davis, though unable to walk without a crutch, from a sprained ankle, promptly volunteered, and mounted and was off. It was heroic.
He met Colonel Lowe's forces about three miles on their way.
We captured a number of guns, and among them some of those the rebels took from our boys at Clarksville.
Respectfully yours
A. L. Mckinney, Chaplain Seventy-first Regiment O. V.I.
