returned with Capts. Schwartz and Hatch to my transports and reembarked, reaching Cairo about midnight, after a day of almost unceasing marching and conflict. I cannot bestow too high commendation upon all whom I had the honor to command on that day. Supplied with inferior and defective arms, many of which could not be discharged and others bursting in use, they fought an enemy in woods, with which he was familiar, behind defensive works which he had been preparing for months, in the face of a battery at Belmont, and under his heavy guns at Columbus, and although numbering three or four to our one, beat him, capturing several stands of his colors, destroying his camp and carrying off a large amount of property, already mentioned. From his own semi-official account his loss was six hundred killed, wounded and missing, including among the killed and wounded a number of officers, and probably among the missing one hundred and fifty-five prisoners who were brought to this post. To mention all who did well would include every man in my command who came under my personal notice. Both officers and privates did their whole duty, nobly sustaining the enviable character of Americans and Illinoisans. They shed new lustre upon the venerated flag of their country by upholding it in triumph amid the shock of battle and the din of arms. The blood they so freely poured out proved their devotion to their country, and serves to hallow a just cause with glorious recollections. Their success was that of citizen soldiers. Major Brayman, Captains Schwartz and Dresser, and Lieutenants Eddy and Babcock, all members of my staff, are entitled to my gratitude for the zeal and alacrity with which they bore my orders in the face of danger and discharged all their duties in the field. Col. Colonels Buford, Fouke, and Logan repeatedly led their regiments to the charge and as often drove the enemy back in confusion, thus inspiring their men with kindred ardor and largely contributing to the success of our arms. Logan's admirable tactics not only foiled the frequent attempts of the enemy to flank him, but secured a steady advance toward the enemy's camp. Colonel Fouke and his command, exposed throughout to a galling fire froin the enemy, never ceased to press forward. His march was marked by the killed and wounded of the foe, mingled with many of his own men. Accomplishing a difficult circuit, Colonel Buford, active, eager and emulous, was the first to throw his men within the enemy's defences. Captain Taylor and Lieut. White managed the battery attached to my command with admirable skill and most successful effect. Captain J. J. Dollins, with his company of cavalry, displayed unsurpassed activity and daring. Having been early in the day detached from his regiment, (the Thirty-first,) he found his way in company with the Twenty-seventh to the enemy's camp on the lower side, charging his line with an impetuosity characteristic of himself and his brave followers. Our victory, though signal and extraordinary, cost many valuable lives. Of the Twentyseventh, eleven were killed, forty-two wounded, and twenty-eight are missing. Among the wounded was Lieut. William Shipley, of Company A, a gallant and promising young officer, who has since died. Of the Thirtieth, nine were killed, twentyseven wounded, and eight are missing. Among the killed is Captain Thomas G. Markley, of Company D, a brave and valuable officer, who died true to his trust. Major Thomas McClurken, an accomplished and efficient officer, whose services were conspicuous on the field, was severely and, I fear, mortally wounded. Of the Thirty-first, ten were killed, sixty-one wounded, and eighteen are missing-Capt. John W. Rigby, of Company F, a veteran and faithful officer, being among the wounded; also Capt. William A. Looney, of Company C, who was severely injured while leading his company in a desperate encounter with a detachment of the enemy. Of Dollins' cavalry, one was killed and two wounded. Of Taylor's Company of Light Artillery, five were wounded, among whom was First Lieut. Charles M. Everett. In closing this report, unavoidably somewhat imperfect, I cannot forbear bearing my testimony to the gallantry and good conduct of every arm of your whole force. Each did well, and I share in the just pride which their valor has inspired in you as their successful commander. I have the honor to be, your obedient serJOHN A. McCLEENAND, Brigadier-General Commanding. vant, REPORT OF CAPTAIN EZRA TAYLOR. CAMP LYON, Mo., November 28, 1861. Gen. U. S. Grant, Commanding Department S. E. Missouri: SIR: I have to report the following casualties, etc., during the expedition and fight which occurred at Belmont yesterday. Three men were seriously wounded: first sergeant Chas. M. Everett, musket shot in head; sergeant David F. Chase, shot in the arm; private Geo. Q. White, lost right hand and badly wounded in the face. Slightly wounded-privates C. R. Van Horn and Wm. De Wolf. Horses lostthree shot on the field. Horses woundedtwo in the legs, several others slightly wounded. Left on the field-two caissons, one baggage wagon, two sets artillery lead harness, one thousand ball cartidges for Colt's revolvers, one hundred rounds of ammunition for six pounder guns, twenty-five double blankets, twenty canteens, five coats, three caps, five Colt's revolvers, five horse blankets, six sabres, five lanterns, three shovels, one overcoat, two curry-combs and brushes, two fuze gouges, sixty friction primers, two camp kettles, twenty cups, one leg guard, one sponge and rammer, | The gunboats Lexington and Tyler accompanysix whips, twenty haversacks, two pickaxes, ing us, which took position in the stream, were four felling axes, one trail handspike. anchored below the transports. CAPTURED FROM THE ENEMY.-Twenty horses, one mule, one six-pounder brass gun, one twelvepounder brass howitzer and some fragments of artillery harness, and sundry small articles captured by individuals not of any particular value to the service. My force consisted of four six-pounder field guns, two twelve-pounder howitzers with gunlimbers and caissons complete, eighty-one horses, fourteen mules, one thousand rounds of ammunition for guns and howitzers, one thousand pistol cartridges, one hundred and fourteen men with rations and forage for two days. Number rounds fired, four hundred; number lost, two hundred; number brought off the field, four hundred. I have to regret the loss of my caissons and baggage wagon, but trust the Government is amply repaid in the capture of two guns from the enemy. I am highly gratified to be able to report that the officers and men under my command conducted themselves in a manner to deserve my highest commendation and praise. I take pleasure in mentioning, in particular, Lieut. P. H. White and the men under his immediate command, for the bravery displayed in driving the enemy from his position, silencing his battery, and, under a galling fire from his infantry, capturing two of his guns; and although the result of the battle is any thing but satisfactory to me, yet I cannot forbear to say that, considering the ground fought over, and the extreme difficulty experienced in handling artillery in the woods, I am satisfied that no man could have effected more under the ciroumstances. Your obedient servant, Our officers and men, being comfortably provided for, soon retired for the night, impressed with the probability of realizing their most ardent wishes, for by this time all on board were fully impressed with the opinion that we were bound for Belmont, which the sequel proved to be true. Having received orders from you during the night, through the hands, of A. A. Gen. Rawlins, I ascertained that you had placed me in command of the Second brigade. I immediately transferred the command of the Twenty-second Illinois to Lieut.-Col. H. E. Hart, who, in accepting it, remarked that he felt satisfied that the officers and men would do their duty, which I am proud to say they did, to my, and I hope to your, entire satisfaction. Early on the morning of the 7th, the transports, preceded by the gunboats, moved down the river until within sight of the rebel forces on the summit of the Iron Banks, immediately above Columbus on the Kentucky shore, and, as afterward proved to be the case, within range of some of the enemy's batteries of heavy artillery. After the disembarkation of the forces, and formation of the Twenty-second Illinois and Seventh Iowa regiments into line, three companies of the former and two companies of the latter were ordered to remain with the transports, being placed under the command of Captain Detrick, of the Twenty-second Illinois, who was ordered by you to protect the transports and engage any forces of the enemy which might approach them. His report is herewith submitted: Having passed through a field near where we disembarked, and reached the timber, we joined in line of battle. The First brigade, Captain Light Battery "B" I. V. consisting of the Twenty-seventh, and Thirtieth, EZRA TAYLOR, COL. DOUGHERTY'S REPORT. HEAD-QUARTERS TWENTY-SECOND REGT. ILL. VOLS. CAMP LYON, December, 1861. To Brig.-Gen. U. S. Grant, Commanding Forces in District of Southeast Missouri: In pursuance of your order issued on the 6th of November, I embarked the Twenty-second regiment Illinois Volunteers, numbering five hundred and sixty-two men, rank and file, with two days' rations, on board the transport Belle Memphis. Every thing being on board the steamer, we moved out into the stream, and, after a short trip, lay to on the Kentucky shore, near the head of Island No. 1, where we remained through the night in company with other transports from Cairo and Bird's Point, aboard of which were troops, comprising the Seventh Iowa, commanded by Col. Lauman, Twenty-seventh Illinois, Col. Buford, Thirtieth Illinois, Col. Fouke, Thirty-first Illinois, Col. Logan; also, Capt. Taylor's battery of light artillery, together with a small force of cavalry. and Thirty-first Illinois Volunteers, under the command of Brigadier-General John A. McClernand, taking the right a little in advance of the Second brigade, composed of the Twenty-second Illinois and Seventh Iowa regiments, under my command, and the whole force under your command in person. As soon as the line of battle was formed, the order to advance was received, and promptly obeyed. The Twentysecond Illinois and Seventh Iowa advanced for about five hundred yards to the margin of the slough, when an order was given to halt and wait for further orders. Here Companies C and B of the Twenty-second Illinois, under the command of Captain Seaton, and one company of the Seventh Iowa, were deployed as skirmishers to ascertain, and, if possible, to discover the position of the enemy. Soon the order of advance was again given, and from this point the Second brigade encountered heavy timber, much of which had been felled by the enemy in order to impede the progress of any attacking force. Regardless of the obstacles thus encountered, the Second |lery emerged from the timber on the right and brigade advanced as rapidly as possible for about half a mile, passing over much of the distance at double-quick march. Hearing firing on the right while the skirmishers of the Second brigade remained silent on the left, we advanced by a flank movement to the right, through almost impenetrable roads, climbing over felled trees and filing around tree-tops in the direction of the firing. Halting a few moments to form a line, we again advanced and encountered the enemy, behind logs and among tree-tops; and at this point the firing commenced on the left, which now seemed to be general along the whole line-the whole force being apparently engaged in action. took position, when the Seventh Iowa and Twenty-second Illinois fell back and supported the battery, which opened a fire on the retreating rebels and their camp. The battery was well served, and evidently disconcerted the rebels, accelerating their retreat, and spreading consternation among them. From that point the Second brigade advanced with the battery, entered the encampment of the enemy, and captured three pieces of his artillery, one piece being taken possession of by Company B, Capt. Seaton, and one by Company E, Capt. McAdams, both of the Twenty-second Illinois, and the third by a part of our forces unknown to me. Two of the pieces were placed in charge of Captain Taylor, who gallantly brought them away from the field, to be used in a better cause in future. After assisting in the destruction of the rebel camp and property not movable, as long as was prudent, under the fire of the rebel batteries in and about Columbus, which commanded the whole ground, the order to retire to the transports was received, but not before the rebel flag had been hauled down and the Stars and Stripes, the flag of our fathers, still bright with the glorious memories of the past, was exhibited to their view. The enemy for some time obstinately resisted any advance at this point, and a storm of musketry raged along the whole line of the Second brigade. Shell and shot from the artillery of the enemy along the Iron banks, and the fieldpieces at Belmont, fell thick and fast, and a perfect storm of bullets from his small-arms was here encountered. Many of our brave men were wounded at this point, and some fell to rise po more, sealing their patriotism with their hearts' blood. But their valor forced the enemy to yield at last, and again the Second brigade advanced, pressing on over the enemy's dead After it had been displayed and the field and wounded, many of whom implored our men music had played our national air within hearnot to murder them, being evidently under the ing of the rebels, the order to retire was receivbelief of the false and wicked impressions so in-ed from you, and our weary forces were called dustriously sought to be made by many of the from the camp which they had destroyed. leaders of this cursed rebellion, that we were barbarians and savages. But instead of murdering them, some of our men ministered to their wants, and conveyed them to places of safety. Step by step wo drove them until they reached a secondary bank, such as abound through the river-bottoms of the West, under which they were protected from our fire; and when they made another desperate stand for about thirty minutes, our fire became so hot that they retreated precipitately to some open ground near their encampment covered by a rude abatis of felled timber, strewing the ground as they went with guns, coats, and canteens. Our brave troops followed them with shouts, pouring volley after volley into them. Here the enemy's movements at this point gave unmistakable evidence of being panic-stricken and defeated, retreating to the river and up the river-bank behind the shelter of some brush and timber. On gaining the open ground near their encampment, opposite to and in sight of the lower part of Columbus, the relative positions of the different commands, for the first time since the commencement of the battle, became visible. The Second brigade, being on the left, had a shorter distance to march in order to reach the enemy than the First, and consequently reached the open ground in front of the enemy's camp in advance of the right wing. In a few moments one section of Captain Taylor's battery of artil In the mean time the rebels had transported a large force of fresh troops across the river, seven regiments, according to their own statements contained in a Memphis paper. These were formed in the timber and in some cornfields, between their destroyed camp and our transports. On the return the Second brigade encountered these fresh forces and at once engaged them, and opened a passage through them. At this time the Seventh Iowa was in the rear of the Twenty-second Illinois, and was somewhat confused; all the field-officers and many of the company officers of that brave regiment being either killed, wounded, or taken by the enemy. I told the men that, as we had fought our way in, we could fight our way out again, and ordered them to keep up a steady fire on the left, which they did with a will, notwithstanding their exhaustion, opening the ranks of the enemy, and forcing their way through, in order to reach the transports at the same place we had debarked. On reaching the transports, which were safe and in waiting for us, meeting Lieut.-Col. H. E. Hart, who had conducted himself through the entire battle with the coolness and bravery of a soldier, I ordered him to embark the Twenty-second Illinois_regiment on board the Belle Memphis while I returned to fetch up the rear of the brigade; on my return I found many of the Iowa Seventh considerably scattered; while cheering them up, and hurrying them forward I received a small shot in the shoulder, and one on the elbow, and shortly afterward a ball through the ankle; my horse was also shot in several places, which fell with me, and soon expired. I found myself unable to travel and was consequently captured by the rebels, who treated me with respect and kindness. The loss of the Twenty-second regiment Illinois Volunteers during the day was twentythree killed, and seventy-four wounded. Total killed and wounded, ninety-seven. Captains Challenor and Abbott were severely wounded and left upon the field, where they were after ward taken by the enemy. Captain Hubbard was slightly wounded Lieutenant Adams was severely wounded in the left arm and taken prisoner. Captains Challenor and Abbott and Lieut. Adams have since been returned, together with all non-commissioned officers and privates who were wounded. The loss of the Seventh Iowa regiment, during the action, was twenty-six killed and eighty wounded. Total killed and wounded, one hundred and six-making the entire loss of killed and wounded of the Second brigade, two hundred and three. Among them were Col. Lauman, severely wounded; Lieutenant-Col. Wentz, killed; also the remainder of their field-officers, together with many of their company officers, who fought gallantly until stricken down by the enemy. This regiment, throughout the battle, fought like veterans, dealing death to rebels wherever they encountered them. Iowa may well feel proud of her sons who fought at Belmont. I am informed that as soon as the steamer Memphis got out of the fire of the enemy, every attention and care was paid to the wounded, of which there was quite a number on board. Many of the officers were very active in ministering to their wants, and Surgeons Stearns and Woodwarded attended thein faithfully, performing their duties, dressing their wounds, and extracting many balls. While under way to Cairo, Dr. Hamilton, Quartermaster of the Twenty-second Illinois Volunteers, also assisted and rendered most efficient aid. I am further informed that only one two-horse wagon, belonging to the Quartermaster's Department of the Twenty-second regiment Illinois, was left. It contained nothing but what could not be got aboard, because the bank of the river, where the Memphis lay, was so perpendicular that a road had to be made with shovels, which consumed too much time. All the horses, including those captured from the enemy, were got on board. Many instances of individual heroism and bravery occurred during the day, but where all acted so gallantly, it would be unjust to discriminate. The whole force under your command The following is the General Order issued on the 8th by Brigadier-General John A. McClernand, in command at Cairo: General Order No. 15. BRIGADE HEAD-QUARTERS, CAMP CAIRO, The General commanding the First Brigade of Illinois Volunteers takes pleasure in meeting to-day those who conferred honor upon his command by their gallantry and good conduct on yesterday. Few of you had before seen a battle. You were but imperfectly disciplined, and supplied with inferior arms. Yet you marched upon a concealed enemy, of superior numbers, on ground of their own choosing. You drove them steadily before you for two miles of continued fighting, and forced them to seek shelter in their intrenchments at Belmont, beneath the heavy batteries at Columbus. You drove them from their position, and destroyed their camp-bringing with you, on retiring, two hundred prisoners, two field-pieces, and a large amount of other property. Reinforced from Columbus, they formed in large numbers in your rear, to cut you off, while the heavy guns were playing upon your ranks. Fighting the same ground over again, you drove them a second time. A portion of the command, becoming separated from the rest, made a successful and well-ordered movement by another route, and returned to the river. After a day of fatiguing marches, fighting as you marched, having been nearly six hours actually engaged, you reembarked and returned to your camps. On looking along your ranks to-day, the commanding General has cause to mourn the absence of many of his gallant men-the victims of inexorable war. Some laid down their lives on the battle-field, offering their blood freely, and giving their last and most glorious moments to their country. Others bear honorable wounds, and suffer more than those who died, yet it is hoped they will resume their duties and win new honors. While mourning the dead and offering sympathy to the suffering, the General commanding gratefully acknowledges his gratitude, and offers the thanks of a grateful country and State to the officers and soldiers of Illinois under his command, for their gallantry and good conduct. When again called upon, he hopes to find you equally prompt, and better prepared for battle and for victory. By order of JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, General Grant issued the following order to HEAD-QUARTERS DISTRICT 8. E. Mo., CAIRO, November 8, 1861. acted like veterans, and you may justly feel the troops at Cairo: H. DOUGHERTY, The General commanding this military disCol. Twenty-second Regiment Illinois Volunteers.trict returns his thanks to the troops under his VOL. III.-Doc. 24 command at the battle of Belmont on yester- | sick in camps, and expect in return a correday. It has been his fortune to have been in all the battles fought in Mexico by Generals Scott and Taylor save Buena Vista, and he never saw one more hotly contested or where troops behaved with more gallantry. Such courage will insure victory wherever our flag may be borne and protected by such a class of men. To the brave men who fell the sympathy of the country is due, and will be manifested in a manner unmistakable. U. S. GRANT, On the day after the battle, (Nov. 8th,) a flag of truce was sent from Cairo, Ill., to Columbus, Ky., under charge of Major Webster, chief of the Engineer Corps, to make arrangements respecting the wounded. The following is the correspondence between the two commanders, and the report of Major Webster: GEN. GRANT TO GEN. POLK. tendance secured them. Major Webster, chief GEN. POLK TO GEN. GRANT. I have received your note in regard to your wounded and killed on the battle-field after yesterday's engagement. The lateness of the hour at which my troops returned to the principal scene of action, prevented my bestowing the care upon your wounded which I desired. Such attentions as were practicable were shown them, and measures were taken at an early hour this inorning to have them all brought into my hospitals. Provision also was made for taking care of your dead. The permission you desire under your flag of truce to aid in attention to your wounded, is granted with pleasure, under such restrictions as the exigencies of our service may require. In your note you say nothing of an exchange of prisoners, though you send me a private message as to your willingness to release certain wounded men and some invalids taken from our list of sponding number of your wounded prisoners. MAJOR WEBSTER'S REPORT. ENGINEER OFFICE, CAMP CAIRO, ILL., November 9, 1861. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the result of the expedition sent under a flag of truce to Columbus yesterday. On our arrival in the vicinity of the place, a tant-General of Gen. Polk, met us. steamer carrying Capt. Blake, Assistant AdjuI delivered to him your letter, and offered him, unconditionally, the sick and wounded whom I had in charge. He informed me that orders had been recently received by Gen. Polk, respecting the exchange of prisoners, and declined accepting those proffered until he could receive further instructions. He then left, saying that we had permission to bury our dead on the field of battle. I placed a working party, under command of Lieut. Hart, of the Twenty-third Illinois regiment, and sent them to the field, where they were employed, for the remainder of the day, in caring for the wounded, some of whom were found yet there, and in burying the dead. It was near sunset when Capt. Blake again came on board our boat, and handed in the communication from Gen. Polk, which I gave you last night on my return. He informed me that a despatch had been sent to their Secretary of War, in regard to the exchange of prisoners, but that they had received no reply. During the interval between the two visits of Capt. Blake, several parties of the enemy visited our boat; Gen. Cheatham among them. He informed me that he had directed four of our wounded to be brought to us, and asked if I would give four of theirs in exchange. I told him that I would give him four or any other number that he would accept unconditionally, but that I had no authority to negotiate an exchange, and that as to the four of ours which he sent on board, I would await the decision of Gen. Polk. | These facts I mentioned to Capt. Blake, and told him that those three put in our charge awaited his orders, as I wished to avoid any appearance even of doing any thing not in strict accordance with our obligations under the flag of truce. He replied that he did not wish to interfere with any arrangements made by |