The war in Missouri.
[correspondence of the Louisville Courier.]
St. Louis,July 16--I yesterday sent you some cheering news of the prowess of our brave State troops.
That information, as I told you, I knew to be reliable.
I have just been put in possession of a private letter, for the truth of the contents of which I vouch.
You will see that the days of oppression and tyranny in this State are drawing to a close.
The letter to which I refer is dated ‘"Knob Noster, July 11,"’ and states: "I have just concluded to write, in order to contradict some of the falsehoods published in the Republican in regard to the battle of Carthage and other movements of our State troops. The statement that we lost six hundred men is false. The following, from a doctor who was in the fight, says:
‘ "That the brave State troops met the Federals under Col. Seigel's command unexpectedly, at about eight miles north of Carthage. They were 2,500 strong, and having the choice of ground, had planted their cannon in the most commanding position. Governor Jackson, with about twelve thousand men, of whom only about two thousand were armed, except with shot guns, determined to give them battle. He had only eight pieces of cannon, which he planted as best he could.--Seigel opened the fire on them, which was kept up for eight hours, when our cavalry outflanked them and made a charge, which broke their ranks. The Federals then retreated in some confusion, our boys cutting off about seven hundred of their number, four cannon, and a great number of wagons, army supplies, and horses. A running fight was then kept up for eight miles to Carthage, our boys cutting them down along the entire route.
’ When at Carthage, Col. Seigel made a stand, but was routed, leaving 18 wagons of provisions, camp equipage, mules, and one wagon load of cakes, pies, &c., intended for a feast for the Federals after cleaning out our boys — a good joke, but badly spoilt. Our brave State troops still charged them three miles South of Carthage, when they were checked by night overtaking them. They then rested for refreshments, which it may be imagined they wanted badly. On the following morning, Ben. McCulloch joined them with 6,000 Rangers, who followed the Federals on Saturday, the result of which had not been ascertained up to the time our messenger left; but as Gen. Price, with 3,000 men, was advancing on them from the South of Carthage, they certainly captured the whole command.
After our boys had cut off the wing of the enemy with their four cannon, the best they had, they were compelled to cut them down before they would give up the guns. The cavalry, in which our Johnson boys played a conspicuous part, charged on them, and in many cases they would not surrender until they were cut down. The boys had to ride up and cut their heads off. They got all their principal officers, one of whom refused to surrender, shooting two of our men after being surrounded. They of course riddled him.
Our State forces were divided, but are all together now, numbering not less than 20,000. McCulloch had 3,500 infantry about 30 miles back in Arkansas, who doubtless have entered the State before now. Our arms, fifty tons in all, are of the very best description — McCulloch brought four fifty-pounders in with him, and said he could knock Springfield to pieces in ten shots.
I have no doubt Springfield is taken before now. Up to Sunday only ten of our boys had died. Forty-six of our men were wounded and killed. We will come out all right yet.--St. Louis must and shall be relieved, if she cannot relieve herself. Our watchword is forward. The word retreat has been blotted out from our tactics.
It is likewise currently reported on our streets, from various notices, that Springfield has actually been taken by McCulloch, and that Seigel is now a prisoner. Some rumors are afloat of a train having been run off the Pacific track last evening. Be this as it may, some dead bodies of soldiers were brought into the arsenal. Some of them were in the Zouave uniform.
