by General Albert Pike. In addition, dier-General, had moved and taken poalso, to these regularly organized troops sition at Sugar Creek, under orders to there were many companies and regi- make some preparatory arrangements ments of Arkansas volunteers-most of and examinations for a stand against the the country people being required to take enemy. The Fourth Division was at up arms. From these data and the gen- Cross Hollows, under command of Coloeral opinion of the country General Cur- nel E. A. Carr, Acting Brigadier-General. tis estimated the force of the enemy to General Curtis' headquarters were also at have been at least 30,000 to 40,000. this place, within about twelve miles "This," he adds, "was the force in and from Sugar Creek, on the main telegraph near Boston Mountains, rallying to drive road from Springfield to Fayetteville. us from Arkansas and Missouri." His Large detachments had been sent out own force in the face of the enemy in from those several camps for forage and these early days of March, deducting the information-one from Cross Hollows to troops required for garrison duty at Huntsville, under command of Colonel Marshfield, Springfield, Cassville, and Vandever, and three from Cooper's Farm Keitsville, along his extended line of com- to Maysville and Pinesville. One of munications, besides a constant moving these, under Major Conrad, with a piece force to guard his train, left him ready of artillery and two hundred and fifty for the field, surrounding or in the vicinity of his headquarters at Sugar Creek, not more than ten thousand five hundred cavalry and infantry, with forty-nine pieces of artillery, including a mountain howitzer. Owing to the scarcity of forage and other supplies, it was necessary to spread out this force over a considerable distance of country. The troops, General Curtis informs us, though weary and somewhat exhausted in their long forced marches and frequent conflicts, the cavalry in especial having suffered in the breaking down and loss of horses, were, upon the whole, "well armed, drilled, and anxious to encounter the enemy at any reasonable hazard. They were all intelligent, ardent, flushed with our repeated successes on our way, and all conscious of the righteousness of their country's cause.” On the 4th of March, immediately before the battle of Pea Ridge, General Curtis' force was located as follows: The First and Second Divisions, under Generals Sigel and Asboth, were four miles south-west of Bentonville, at Cooper's Farm, under general orders to move round to Sugar Creek, about fourteen miles east. The Third Division, under Colonel Jefferson C. Davis, Acting Briga men, did not reach the main army till after the battle. All the others came in safe, and joined in the engagement. The two armies were within hearing of each other's cannon, about thirty miles apart. "The arrival of Major-General Van Dorn, on the 2d of March, in the camp of the enemy," continues General Curtis, in his second official report of the engagement which ensued, "was the occasion of great rejoicing, and the firing of forty guns. The rebel force was harangued by their chiefs with boastful and passionate appeals, assuring them of their superior numbers and the certainty of an easy victory. Dispatches were published, falsely announcing a great battle at Columbus, Kentucky, in which we had lost three gunboats and twenty thousand men. And thus the rebel hordes were assembled the occasion was now open to drive the invaders from the soil of Arkansas, and give a final and successful blow for a Southern Confederacy. "The 5th of March was cold and blustering. The snow fell so as to cover the ground. No immediate attack was apprehended, and I was engaged writing. About 2 o'clock P. M. scouts and fugitive citizens came, informing me of the rapid approach of the enemy to give battle. PREPARATIONS FOR BATTLE. His cavalry would be at Elm Springs, some twelve miles distant, that night, and his artillery had already passed Fayetteville. Satisfied of the truth of this report, I immediately sent couriers to General Sigel and Colonel Vandever, and ordered them to move immediately to Sugar Creek, where I also ordered Colonel Carr to move with his division. All my messengers were successful in delivering their orders. Colonel Carr's division moved about 6 o'clock P. M. Colonel Vandever had intelligence of the movement of the enemy before my messenger reached him, and made immediate change in his march, so that with great exertion he arrived on the 6th. General Sigel deferred his march from Cooper's Farm till 2 o'clock in the morning of the 6th, and at Bentonville tarried himself, with a regiment and battery, till he was attacked about 9 o'clock A. M. I arrived at Sugar Creek at 2 o'clock A. M. on the 6th, and immediately detailed parties for early morning work in felling timber to obstruct certain roads, to prevent the enemy having too many approaches, and to erect field-works to increase the strength of my forces. Colonel Davis and Colonel Carr, early in the day, took their positions on the high projecting hills commanding the valley of the creek, leaving the right of the line to be occupied by the First and Second Divisions, which were anxiously expected. The valley of the creek is low, and from a quarter to a half-mile wide. The hills are high on both sides, and the main road from Fayetteville, by Cross Hollows to Keitsville, intercepts the valley nearly at right angles. The road from Fayetteville by Bentonville to Keitsville is quite a detour, but it also comes up the Sugar Creek valley; a branch, however, takes off and runs nearly parallel to the main or telegraph road, some three miles from it. The Sugar Creek valley, therefore, intercepts all these roads. "The Third and Fourth Divisions had, before noon of the 6th, deployed their 287 lines, cut down a great number of trees, which thoroughly blockaded the roads on the left. Later in the day I directed some of the same work to be done on the right. This work was in charge of Colonel Dodge,. who felled trees on the road which run parallel to the main road, to which I have before referred. This proved of great advantage, as it retarded the enemy some two hours in their flank movement. Breastworks of considerable length were erected by the troops on the headlands of Sugar Creek as if by magic, and a battery near the road-crossing was completely shielded by an extensive earthwork erected under the direction of Colonel Davis, by a pioneer company commanded by Captain Snyder. About 2 o'clock P. M., General Asboth and Colonel Osterhaus reported the arrival of the First and Second Divisions. This good news was followed immediately by another report that General Sigel, who had remained behind with a detachment, had been attacked near Bentonville, and was quite surrounded by the enemy's advance forces. I immediately directed some of the troops to return to his relief. In the meantime, he had advanced with his gallant little band, fighting its way within three or four miles of our main forces. The two divisions turned back in double quick, and a large cavalry force also started, all being anxious to join in a rescue of their comrades in peril. Part of the First Division, under Colonel Osterhaus, soon met the retreating detachment and immediately opened with artillery and infantry, which checked the further advance and terminated the action for the day. In the retreat and final repulse, which occupied several hours, our loss was some twenty-five killed and wounded. The enemy must have suffered more, as our artillery had telling effect along the road, and the rebel graves in considerable numbers bear witness of the enemy's loss. The firing having ceased, I sent back other troops that had joined the movement, and designated the positions on the right, which were promptly occupied by the First and Second Divisions. Our men rested on their arms, confident of hard work before them on the coming day. "On my front was the deep, broad valley of Sugar Creek, forming the probable approaches of the enemy-our troops extending for miles, and generally occupying the summits of headlands on Sugar Creek. In my rear was a broken plateau, called Pea Ridge, and still further in my rear the deep valley of Big.Sugar Creek, or Cross Timbers. My own headquarters and those of Generals Sigel, Asboth, and other commanders of divisions, were near Pratt's House. The approach by Bentonville brought the enemy to my extreme right, and during the night of the 5th and 6th he began a movement round my flank by the road above mentioned, which crosses Pea Ridge some three miles north-west of the main telegraph road. I ascertained in the morning this flank movement of the enemy, which I perceived was to attack my right flank and rear. I therefore called my commanders of divisions together at General Asboth's tent, and directed a change of front to the rear, so as to face the road, upon which the enemy was still moving. At the same time, I directed the organization of a detachment of cavalry and light artillery, supported by infantry, to open the battle by an attack from my new center on the probable center of the enemy before he could fully form. I selected Colonel Osterhaus to lead this central column-an officer who displayed great skill, energy, and gallantry each day of the battle. The change of front thus directed reversed the order of the troops, placing the First and Second Divisions on the left, their left still resting on Sugar Creek; Colonel Osterhaus and the Third Division in the center, and the Fourth Division became the extreme right. While I was explaining the proposed movement to commanders, and Colonel Osterhaus was beginning to rally and move forward his attacking column, a messenger brought me intelligence that my pickets, commanded by Major Weston, of the 24th Missouri, had been attacked by infantry. This was at Elkhorn Tavern, where the new right was to rest. Colonel Carr being present, he was ordered to move into position and support the Major as soon as possible. This was the commencement of the second day's fight. It was about half past ten o'clock, and the officers separated to direct their respective commands. The fire increased rapidly on the right, and very soon opened in the center. After visiting the right, where I perceived the enemy was making a vigorous attack, and finding Colonel Carr under a brisk fire of shot and shell, coolly locating and directing the deployment, I returned to my central position, near Pratt's house, and sent orders to Colonel. Davis to move near to Colonel Carr, to support him. In the meantime, Colonel Osterhaus had attacked the enemy and divided his forces, but he was soon pressed with greatly superior numbers, that drove back our cavalry and took our flying battery, which had advanced with it. The Colonel, however, was well supported by his infantry, and soon checked a movement that threatened to intercept the deployment of other forces. I considered the affair so imminent I changed my order to Colonel Davis, and directed him to move to the support of the center, which was his proper place according to my order for the change of front. My new line was thus formed under the enemy's fire, the troops generally moving in good order and gallant bearing. Thus formed, the line was not continuous, but extended entirely across Pea Ridge, the divisions in numerical order, from left to right, Colonel Osterhaus remaining in command of a detachment, and operating with Colonel Davis in resisting McCulloch and McIntosh, who commanded the enemy's forces in the center. I did not err in sending Colonel Davis to this point, us. BATTLE OF PEA RIDGE. 289 ance of an enemy. About this time the enemy's forces melted away in the brushy center, and the fire gradually ceased. Believing the left and center no longer menaced, and the enemy was concentrating on the right, I again sent word to Colonel Carr that he would soon be reinforced. I had now resolved to bring up the left and center to meet the gathering hordes near Elkhorn Tavern. To inform myself of the condition of the extreme left, I went in person to that point. On my way I ordered forward the remainder of Colonel Benton's command, three pieces and a battalion, which had remained guarding the crossing of the main telegraph road. although Colonel Carr on the right need-cated with that wing, informed me that ed reinforcements. The battle raged in he had just seen Generals Sigel and the center with terrible fury. Colonel Asbot, on Sugar Creek, and there was no Davis held the position against fearful attack in that quarter, and no appearnumbers, and our brave troops nobly stood or charged in steady lines. The fate of the battle depended on success against the flank movement of the enemy, and here near Leetown was the place to break it down. The fall of Generals McCulloch, McIntosh, and other officers of the enemy, who fell early in the day, aided us in our final success, at this most critical point; and the steady courage of officers and men in our lines chilled and broke down the hordes of Indian cavalry and infantry that were arrayed against While the battle thus raged in the center, the right wing was sorely pressed, and the dead and wounded were scattered over the field. Colonel Carr sent for reinforcements, and I sent him a few "I found Generals Sigel and Asboth cavalry and my body-guard, with the with the troops on the hill near the little mountain howitzers, under Major extreme left, where all was quiet, and Bowen. These did good service at a the men, not having been under fire, most critical period. I urged Colonel fresh and anxious to participate in the Carr to stand firm, that more forces fight. It was was now safe to make a could be expected soon. Subsequently new change of front, so as to face Sugar Colonel Carr sent me word that he could Creek. I therefore ordered this force not hold his position much longer. I forward. General Asboth moved by the could then only reply by sending him the direct road to Elkhorn Tavern, and Genorder to persevere.' He did perse-eral Sigel went by Leetown to reinforce vere, and the sad havoc in the 9th and Colonel Davis, if need be, but to press 4th Iowa, and Phelps' Missouri, and on to reinforce Colonel Carr, if not needMajor Weston's 24th Missouri, and all ed in the center. Both generals moved the troops in that division, will show how promptly. I accompanied General Asearnest and continuous was their persc- both, collecting and moving forward some verance. Seeing no signs of approach- straggling commands that I found by the ing foes by the telegraph road, I sent him way. three pieces of artillery and a battalion of infantry, of Colonel Benton's command, (part of the Third Division,) which had been located at Sugar Creek, to guard the approaches. Each small accession to the Fourth Division seemed to compensate an overpowering force. As to the left, I was repeatedly informed it stood safe and firm, although threatened by the foe. About 2 o'clock P. M. my aid, Captain Adams, who had communi It must have been nearly 5 o'clock when I brought the force to the aid of Colonel Carr. He had received three or four shots-one a severe wound in the arm. Many of his field officers had fallen, and the dead and wounded had greatly reduced his force. He had been slowly forced back near half a mile, and had been seven hours under constant fire. His troops were still fiercely contesting every inch of ground. As I came up, the 4th Iowa was falling back position on the battle-field, and they too soon rested on their arms. Nothing further had been heard from General Sigel's command after the message at dark that he was on or near the left. His detour carried him around a bushy portion of the battle-field that could not be explored in the night. About two o'clock he reported at my headquarters with his troops, who, he said, were going to their former camps for provisions. The dis for cartridges, in line, dressing on their foe, with their dead and wounded comcolors in perfect order. Supposing, with rades scattered around them. Darkness, my reinforcements, I could easily recover silence, and fatigue soon secured for the my lost ground, I ordered the regiment weary broken slumbers and gloomy reto face about. Colonel Dodge came up, pose. The day had closed on some reexplaining the want of cartridges; but, verses on the right, but the left had been informed of my purpose, I ordered a unassailed, and the center had driven the bayonet charge, and they moved again, foe from the field. My only anxiety for with steady nerve, to their former posi- the fate of the next day was the new tion, where the gallant 9th was ready to front which it was necessary to form by support them. These two regiments my weary troops. I directed Colonel won imperishable honors. General As- Davis to withdraw all the remainder of both had planted his artillery in the road his reserve from the center, and move and opened a tremendous fire on the ene- forward so as to occupy the ground on my at short range. The 2d Missouri Colonel Carr's immediate left. Although Infantry also deployed, and earnestly his troops had been fighting hard most of engaged the enemy. About this time the day, and displayed great energy and the shades of night began to gather courage, at twelve o'clock at night they around us, but the fire on both sides commenced their movement to the new seemed to grow fierce and more deadly. One of my body-guard fell dead, my Orderly received a shot, and General Asboth was severely wounded in the arm. A messenger came from General Sigel, saying he was close on the left, and would soon open fire. The battery of General Asboth ran out of ammunition, and fell back. This caused another bat tery, that I had located on the other side of the road, to follow-this latter fearing a want of support. The infantry, how-tance to his camp, some two miles further, ever, stood firm, or fell back in good order, and the batteries were soon restored, but the caissons got quite out of reach. The artillery firing was renewed, however, and kept up till dark-the enemy firing the last shot, for I could not find another cartridge to give them a final round; even the little howitzer responded No cartridges!' The enemy ceased firing, and I hurried men after the caissons and more ammunition; meantime I arranged the infantry in the edge of the timber, with fields in front, where they lay on their arms and held the position for the night. I directed a detail from each company to bring water and provisions, and thus, without a murmur, these weary soldiers lay, and many of them slept within a few yards of the was so great that I apprehended tardiness in the morning, and urged the General to rest the troops where they then were, at my headquarters, and send for provisions, as the other troops were doing. This was readily concurred in, and these troops bivouaced also for the night. The arrangement thus completed to bring all four of my divisions to face a position which had been held in check all the previous day by one, I rested, confident of final success on the coming day. "The sun rose above the horizon before our troops were all in position, and yet the enemy had not renewed the attack. I was hardly ready to open fire on him, as the First and Second Divisions had not yet moved into position. |