Col. Cameron, of the 1st Alabama Regiment, (loyal,) was killed here in the charge. The Rebels fled to the timber on our left, beyond the reach of our muskets, and too far off for the effective firing of the "Mountain howitzers."
Col. Cornyn now ordered us to fall back and rejoin the main body, as we numbered only 1200, all told, while the enemy were not less than 2500 strong. Scarcely, however, had we left "Lundy's Lane," before the enemy filed out of the timber and formed a line across the open field, threatening our rear. The advance of the Infantry force being now only one mile back, we turned about and confronted our foe. The 9th Ill. Inft. dismounted, and moved around to the left flank of the enemy's line, while the cavalry charged their front. They broke and fled beyond a high ridge, and we advanced rapidly and took possession of the ridge. In the meantime, Col. Bane's Brigade, and Welker's Battery came rapidly on the field, unobserved and unknown to the Rebels. This Brigade was immediately posted as follows: The 50th Ill. behind a high grading of the Railroad and to the left of the open field, on which the Rebels had formed their line previous to being driven back by our Cavalry; the 7th Ill. Inft. were moved in the timber, around to the right of the field, and a little further advanced than the 50th; the 57th Ill. were held in reserve. The Cavalry received orders to fall back rapidly, and in apparent confusion, as soon as the enemy should appear on the ridge.
This disposition being made of the forces, the 9th Ill. Inft. fell back 100 yards, to a fence overgrown with bushes, and lay concealed behind it. The Rebels advanced with loud shouts, and planted a 12-pound Howitzer on the ridge. Our Cavalry hastily retreated, and the enemy believing victory certain, dashed gallantly ahead, when the 50th and 7th Ill. Regiments opened on them a deadly fire. About the same time, a body of the enemy appeared on the left of the Railroad on the ridge. They were opened upon by the 9th Ill. The contest was not long. In less than ten minutes, the whole body of the Rebels were in rapid retreat towards Cane Creek.
The loss of the enemy was, according to their own statement, 17 killed, 50 wounded, and 23 taken prisoners. The 9th Ill. lost 5 wounded and 59 captured (Co. D.) The entire Union loss was 3 killed, 10 wounded, and 75 captured.
Night now coming on, we bivouacked near the battle-field. On the 18th, after a reconnoisance in front, and finding the enemy in strong position near Cane Creek, our whole force fell back to Bear Creek, and went into camp.
On the 19th, Companies E and F were sent, as escort to a train, to Eastport Landing. The rest of the Regiment, with the whole mounted force, moved circuitously to "Buzzard Roost," and found the enemy, under Roddy, occupying the same position as on the 17th at Cherokee Bluff. Our Regiment was again deployed as skirmishers, in the same manner as before. After fifteen minutes skirmishing, we drove the enemy from his position, killing, wounding and capturing 13 of them, and losing none.
We then returned to camp at Bear Creek, taking with us a drove of cattle and sheep. On the 20th of April, the 7th Kansas Cavalry joined us, and on the nest day the Ohio Brigade, Col. Fuller commanding. Our entire column moved forward on the morning of the 23d, and crossed Cane Creek without opposition; the Rebels having fallen back to Little Bear Creek. Here General Dodge offered battle, but they declined, and we bivouacked for the night. We moved forward again on the 24th, the enemy continually falling back, not even making a feeble resistance at Little Bear Creek, although the position was a very strong one.
On nearing the town of Tuscumbia, the enemy, under Forrest, left on the Decatur road. Col. Cornyn was ordered forward after them, with the 10th Mo. Cavalry, the 7th Kansas Cavalry, and the 1st Alabama Cavalry. Lieut. Col. Phillips, with two companies of Cavalry, two companies of 9th Ill. Inft., viz: A and B, and two guns of Tamrath's Battery, was ordered to move up to Florence, and capture the town. He proceeded to that place with his command. Arriving on the bank of the river, opposite the town, and observing a small force of cavalry in Florence, he called to them to send him over a boat, as he desired to send over a flag of truce. They replied, telling him to go to that place, where I suppose but few, if any, desire to go. The Col. did not feel disposed, at least to obey their orders, and thinking he had that with which he could enforce obedience to his, he placed his two rifled guns in position, and made a second demand for a boat. To this he received the same reply, as before. Immediately he opened upon them with his two guns, throwing shell into the town. The cavalry on the other side broke and ran. As they passed up the street, a shell was thrown among them, killing one horse. In a very short time, white flags were hung out all over the town. In the meantime, a small raft had been constructed, on which a flag of truce was sent over, and the Mayor of the town made a formal surrender. The object of demanding the surrender was, not that we might hold the place, but that we might ascertain whether the enemy had any considerable force there. The desired information being gained, the Col. evacuated it, and returned to the main force again.
The remainder of our Regiment, and the battalion of the 15th Ill. Cavalry, were ordered to move forward, within supporting distance of Col. Cornyn. We moved forward until near night, and not being able to reach him, we returned to Tuscumbia, and bivouacked. At 10 o'clock that night, we received orders to move out rapidly and join Col. Cornyn, as he feared the enemy would come upon him, too strong, at daylight, his forces being very much exhausted. We reached him, beyond Leighton, by 2:30 A. M., on the 25th, and at daylight the whole force returned to Tuscumbia.
Our Regiment turned over 200 mules to Col. Streight, on the 26th, to complete the mounting of his force, thus dismounting Companies C, D, E, G, H and K, of our Regiment.