20 August 1861

Tuesday, 20th Pleasant. This morning on account of being on duty, I had not an opportunity to read the Bible. We had a rumor of an attack on the fort and also at Bird's Point. About sunset 250 of the infantry of Col. Dougherty's reg. and 50 of the cavalry started for Charleston, a place 12 miles distant. Arrived about 7 o'clock. Attacked 700 infantry, 300 cavalry, drove them out. Took 47 prisoners, 18 horses, killed about 40 and returned with the loss of one killed, one wounded, one missing. All are here in the guard house. During the night 700 troops came to Commerce but found the town sacked and deserted. A boat came down all right. No more trouble.

Registry of Letters received 1861

Augst 20, Wm. Nelson, Walbridge, Ills.

Colonel Henry Dougherty, whose casualty sheet is pictured here, commanded the
22nd Reg't Illinois Volunteer Infantry at Charleston. He was the one that Loren
noted as wounded. Dougherty was a resident of Belleville, St. Clair County, Illinois.