Page 10
Warning message
You must authorize Drupal to use your Google Analytics account before you can view reports.Primary tabs
in position in the edge of the timber with a large open field between them. Gen Osterhouse's Brigade had arrived and taken position and reinforcements sent for, as it was now evident a large force of the enemy were advancing on this new position. The enemy opened on our forces with Artillery with some effect, but did not advance their Infantry until Gen. Jeff. C. Davis arrived with Pattison's Brigade of his Division and two Batteries of Artillery. The enemy endeavored to drive back the flanks of Gen. Davis' line, and partially succeeded, but were finally driven back. Col. Bussey's Cavalry held position on the left and drove back the advancing column of the enemy who endeavored to pass around to attack the rear. Fighting continued on the field until after 4 o'clock, when the enemy were finally repulsed and driven in great confusion, leaving their dead and wounded in our hands. Gen. McIntosh was killed in the charge on Col. Bussey's command and Gen. McCullough was killed late in the day by the Infantry. About 5 o'clock ,Gen. Sigel, who had not been engaged during the day, made his appearance on the victorious field of Leetown when the enemy had been routed. The engagement still continued at Elk Horn. The roar of artillery and musketry plainly indicated that the battle was a desperate one. Col. Bussey with his cavalry and a battery of artillery was ordered to reinforce Carr who had been engaging the enemy all day with Dodges and Van Devers Brigades, supported by Gen Asboth's Division, which came up from Sugar Creek about 3 pm and at once moved on the enemy. Heavy fighting continued until late after night, when the armies ceased firing and lay on their arms in line of battle. The troops of McCullouch when defeated in the action at Leetown moved to reinforce Price at Elk Horn who had fought with great desperation and with considerable success, having forced back our lines, thereby gaining some important advantage in position. The prospect was anything but favorable to our armies[?] on Friday night. Our losses had been quite heavy during the day and from a captured rebel information was had showing the forces of the enemy to be not less than 35,000 men with 70 pieces of artillery, while Gen. Curtis' army numbered less than 10,000 fighting men. Gen. Curtis was cut off from retreat had he desired to do so, since to have been defeated on the field of Pea