Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 6.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[357] his goodness of heart continually showed itself in the care of his men. When shot, grape, and ball were flying in almost every direction, he ordered them to lie flat and load, then advance, and every order was promptly obeyed, for every man has entire confidence in him. When he said, “Now, boys, up and at them-ready-aim — fire!” it was a shock that threw terror into the rebel ranks.

The Ninety-ninth Illinois fought bravely — every man for himself. Their wounded were all from Pike County, where the regiment was raised. Philip Donahue, Company C, knee; Sergeant Lewis Kinman, company C, thigh; David Morris, company G, hand; Lieutenant Thomas Hubbard, company A; Sergeant Dennis Bagdley, company D, knee; Cornelius Johnson, company E, arm; Francis M. Ayers, company B; Sylvester Durrall, company E, shoulder; Wyatt M. Mitchell, company E, leg; Henry Perry, company I, shoulder; Henry Hoskins, company G, hip; Corporal H. Millard, shoulder; Nicholas Cunningham, company E, hand; Jewell Woodard, company D; Daniel Casey, company K; John Rutlidge, company C; T. J. Beard, company C; others were slightly wounded.

Lieut. Bates and Corporal McFadden, of company I, were unremitting in their efforts to supply the wants of the wounded. We did not dare to build fires, and were obliged to cover the enemy with leaves. May we never have cause to witness such a sad scene again. But the many instances of cheerfulness under suffering, show moral heroism glorious to witness.

The enemy lost Brig.-Gen. Emmett McDonald, the one who swore he would not cut his hair or shave until the Southern Confederacy was recognized--(he is now released from that oath.) Col. Thompson was killed, and Col. Porter was mortally wounded, and since died. They acknowledged from three to four hundred killed and wounded, and every house is a hospital. They retreated thirteen miles that night, and sent back the next morning a flag of truce to bury their dead. But our force was so small, our officers in command did not think it advisable to remain, and had also retreated toward Lebanon to await reinforcements.

One of the wounded rebel officers said to our surgeon: “If we had known your force, you would not have got off so easily; but we thought by your volleys that you were largely reenforced.”

The loss of the Third Missouri is two killed and three wounded; the Third Iowa none; artillery, three wounded.

The Twenty-first Iowa and Ninety-ninth Illinois infantry stood the brunt of the whole battle, and the Twenty-first remained two hours and a half after all the other forces had retreated. It is evident that our small force fought bravely, and that the enemy thought we were largely reenforced. As Lieut. John D. Brown, Sergeant Wm. A. Gray, A. C. Northrup, and Peter Harrett, of the Third Iowa cavalry, (paroled to-day,) who had been on a scout, were returning from the direction of Springfield, they told them they had just come from there, and they evidently changed their route, moving through the woods to Mountain Stone, a famous rebel retreat and stronghold, by way of Hartsville. They were six thousand strong when they left Arkansas a few days ago, but their loss by desertion and death has weakened their force to their present number.

Brig.-Gen. Warren left this place on Monday, the twelfth, with reinforcements, but fearing an attack on Houston, returned the next day. Today, the fifteenth, the command under Col. Merrill also returned safely, with all the train, and the boys are anxious for another brush.

Lieut.-Col. Dunlap was unable to return, owing to injuries received on Sunday, and, with Lieut Alexander, is at Lebanon.