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No force of the enemy had been discovered, except the rebel column passing a half mile distant and when the 3d Iowa were ordered forward, it was not to charge as it was believed the Commanding Officer would have ample time to discover the position of the enemy and make such disposition of his forces as might be necessary. The regiment advanced along the road on the left of which was a rail fence and on the right thick brush. They had proceeded but a short distance, not more than two hundred yards when a heavy volley was fired upon them from a heavy body of infantry advancing though the brush and only a few yards distant. At the same time the rebel cavalry, led by Gen. McIntosh and supported by Pikes Indians, charged the battery and before but three shots had been fired, one from each gun, the overwhelming force of the rebels had swept over the battery and through the column of the 3d Iowa Cavalry and were engaged in a hand to hand struggle. Col. Bussey ordered the Benton Hussans[?] to charge to support the 3d Iowa and if possible, recover the guns. The charge of the enemy was irresistible and the Hussans 1st Mo, and Fremont Hussans were compelled to fall back. The 3d Iowa Cavalry were now confronted by a large infantry force before which command could not live five minutes, while the rebel cavalry had effectively cut off their retreat. Lieut Col. Frimble was wounded by the first fire of the enemy from the ambush and before he had given a single command the men saw they must surrender or cut their way out and without commands from any one, they drew Revolvers and commenced the work of death. The rebels were poorly armed, having inefficient carbines and single barrel[?] horse pistols and short knives of home manufacture. The 3d Iowa drew saber when their revolvers were all discharged and soon drove the rebels from the field and succeeded in joining the main column, which were now being formed in line by Col. Bussey a short distance in rear of the present engagement. The five Companies of the 3d Iowa, A. B. C. D. & M numbering 235 men in this charge lost 50 men. Twenty-Five killed. 17 wounded and eight missing. The loss of the enemy was at least one hundred killed and two hundred wounded. All this transpired in five minutes from the time Col. Bussey's command arrived on the field when the engagement occurred. The command of the 3d Iowa Cavalry now devolved on Maj. C. H. Perry, who was in the regiment through the engagement. The enemy advanced in force to attack the new line formed by Col. Bussey, which was now