sult so gloriously to our cause as the sequel will show. The rain
kept pouring down, and all were wet to the skin, having no tents to
protect us. At day-light next morning, it was still raining. A
consultation was held between Generals Thomas and Schoepf, the result of
which was known only to themselves. A part of Schoepf's Brigade was
ordered back to Somerset, to act as a reserve. Our Battery, with the two
Tennessee regiments, remaining. Teams were sent to Somerset for
provisions, with which they were loaded, and sent forward. The rain, which
had fallen heavily during the entire day, had swollen the creek to such a
hight that they were not able to recross until the following morning.

All of Saturday the men remained in camp, on account of the rain. The
various regiments were scattered over a large extent of ground. On Sunday,
January 19th, at an early hour, a part of Woolford's Cavalry, who were on
picket guard, were driven in by the advance of the enemy, and soon
thereafter the attack was commenced on the Tenth Indiana Infantry, who
were camped in an advanced position. The Tenth stood their ground manfully
for a long time, although they were opposed by four times their number. At
length the Fourth Kentucky came to their relief.

The engagement had now become general. For a time our guns could not be
brought to bear upon the enemy, owing to the nature of the ground, and the
position of our troops, without endangering our own men. After
considerable maneuvering, a portion of the guns were got into a favorable
position, and soon begun to pour in a deadly fire upon the enemy. Shot and
shell flew thick and fast. Each discharge wrought fearful execution, and
the Rebel ranks were rapidly thinned.

The fighting had now become terrific, the advantage changing alternately
from one side to the other; and at times it was difficult to tell how the
battle was going. Our troops fought bravely, not once flinching. Although
their comrades were falling around them, still they pressed bravely
forward. General Zollicoffer fell in the early part of the engagement,
having been shot through the heart by Colonel Fry, of the Fourth Kentucky.

The enemy had now begun to waver, and gradually gave ground, when the
gallant Ninth Ohio made a grand bayonet charge, which scattered them in
all directions. The retreat then became general. Our forces followed them
up, firing volley after volley into their disordered ranks. In the
meantime, the guns