hich, with the loss of many of the field officers,
produced great confusion in the ranks. Seeing that the enemy did
not take advantage of it, convinced me that equal confusion, and,
consequently, great demoralization existed with him. Taking
advantage of this fact, I ordered a charge upon our left (enemy's
right) with the division under General C. F. Smith, which was
most brilliantly executed, and gave to our arms full assurance of
victory. The battle lasted until dark, and gave us possession of
part of the intrenchment. An attack was ordered from the flank
after the charge by General Smith was commenced, by the divisions
under McClernand and Wallace, which, notwithstanding hours of
exposure to a heavy fire in the fore part of the day, was
gallantly made, and the enemy further repulsed. At the points
thus gained, night having come on, all the troops encamped for
the night, feeling that a complete victory would crown their
efforts at an early hour in the morning. This morning, at a very
early hour, a note was received from General Buckner, under a
flag of truce, proposing an armistice. A copy of the
correspondence which ensued is herewith enclosed.

I could mention individuals who especially distinguished
themselves, but will leave this to division and brigade
commanders, whose reports will be forwarded as soon as received.

Of the division commanders, however, Generals Smith, McClernand
and Wallace, I must do the justice to say that all of them were
with their commands in the midst of danger, and were always ready
to execute all orders, no matter what the exposure to themselves.

At the hour the attack was made on General McClernand's command,
I was absent, having received a note from flag officer Foote,
requesting me to go and see him, he being unable to call on me,
in consequence of a wound received the day before.

My staff: Colonel J. D. Webster, first Illinois artillery, chief
of staff; Captain J. A. Rawlins, assistant adjutant-general;
first lieutenants C. B. Lagone and William S. Hillyer, aids; and
Lieutenant Colonel J. B. McPherson, chief engineer and Colonel
John Riggin, junior, volunteer aid, are all deserving of personal
mention for their gallantry and services.

For details, see reports of engineers, medical director and