Page:History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century Volume 2.djvu/311

 another, in spite of the most determined resistance, and with heavy losses to both sides. Colonel Baker, of the Second Iowa, fell mortally wounded. When night came the Union army had been forced back into the strong intrenchments of the inner line of defenses, where the heavy guns were mounted. Stanley’s reserves were in line of battle early the next morning, while the earthworks had been everywhere strengthened. Van Dorn, before daylight, opened the battle with artillery, and the sharpshooters on both sides were soon warmly engaged. At nine o’clock the enemy’s batteries were withdrawn and the columns were formed for assault. They came on between the railroads presenting a huge, wedge-shaped form, moving direct upon our center. Our batteries opened upon the advancing army with grape, canister and shells, tearing huge gaps in the compact mass, but on it came without faltering. Soon the wedge opened, spreading out right and left in great wings, sweeping onward over the whole field. Then the musketry opened upon the advancing host, before which hundreds fell. Still on they came, closing up the great gaps in their lines. Musketry and artillery were rending their ranks in front and on the flanks, and the slaughter became fearful. Davis’ Division gave way before them and the heads of the columns began to enter the town. General Sullivan, in whose brigade was the Seventeenth Iowa, hurried to the support of Davis, charging with bayonets and driving the enemy back in confusion, Davis’ Division rallied, joining in the charge upon the charge upon the Confederate lines. Lovell led his division against our left and a fearful combat ensued all along the line, but nothing could long stand against our left and a fearful combat ensued all along the line, but nothing could long stand against the steady advance of the victorious Union army. The Confederate charge was defeated, and Van Dorn saw that the battle was lost. Soon after noon, he reluctantly gave the order to retire and abandoned the field to General Rosecrans. The Iowa troops who bore a conspicuous part in this battle were the Second, Fifth, Seventh, Tenth, Eleventh, Thirteenth, Fifteenth,