October 27, 1861.
Mr. Editor : The past three days have been somewhat eventful for us. Three hundred of our regiment were ordered to move on Friday last with two days’ rations, and under command of Maj. Philips of the 9th Illinois, they went up the Cumberland river about fifty miles, landed and made a forced march of fourteen miles, where they partially surprised a camp of rebels 160 in number, 80 of whom were cavalry. They were at breakfast when our men attacked their pickets. – They formed in line as soon as possible upon the signal of their pickets. Our boys entered a lane some four hundred yards in length, at the other end of which the rebels were waiting to receive them. Notwithstanding our extreme fatigue, we charged up the lane at double quick in face of a shower of minnie balls, to within good range for our old rusty muskets. We halted, delivered our fire, and then charged on them. The rebels then fired a few shots and fled in confusion, cutting their horses loose, endeavoring to effect their escape. Eight of the rebels were found dead, and others were dragged away dangling in the stirrups of their saddles. Among the killed was their Captain, Wilcox. The second Lieutenant we have a prisoner. But two of our men were wounded, and those not seriously. The Captain of Company B was saved a mortal wound by a ball striking a revolver at his side, glancing off, just grazing the skin across his abdomen, and lodging in the thigh of a corporal. We captured 33 prisoners, 34 horses, 11 mules, 2 wagons, 60 guns, and a variety of other articles, which we of course confiscated.
This is the first blood that our regiment has drawn. Our boys were perfectly frantic, it requiring considerable effort to hold them back in order. The camp we routed was recruiting for the rebel Congressman Burnett, from this district, which is trying to raise a regiment. A Kentucky regiment is forming at this place quite rapidly now.
You may look for something active from this quarter before long. Two of the iron clad gunboats arrived here last week. - L. W.
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