took and captured on the edge of the town a heavily loaded ammunition train of 15 wagons, 2 caissons, with their horses, belonging to the Washington Light Artillery, and the train guard of 138 men, with 3 officers. Major Gilmer, Thirty-Eighth Illinois, deserves great credit for the skill and activity he displayed in his capture.

The Thirty-second Brigade, Colonel Caldwell, was advanced at different times to the positions vacated by Colonel Carlin. The officers and men of this brigade did not have the opportunity to gratify the desire for a chance at the enemy that their looks, language, and actions showed they possessed.

At the time Colonel Carlin's brigade advanced Colonel Gooding, Thirtieth Brigade, was ordered by General Gilbert to advance to the aid of General McCook, upon whom the enemy had massed a large force with the evident intention of turning his position. Colonel Gooding proceeded with his brigade to General McCook's position, and, under General McCook's direction, formed upon his left, and there remained, with some slight variations of the position of his regiments, till dark, receiving a most deadly fire from the enemy, who were possessed of great advantages of position.

The appearance of the field the next day showed, however, that the brave heroes of Pea Ridge (the Twenty-second Indiana and Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers) had returned the fire with terrible effect and had won new and bright laurels to add to their former fame.

The Seventy-fifth Illinois Volunteers, under Lieutenant-Colonel Bennett, were upon this line, and, having a reputation to gain as soldiers, nobly did the work before them. Their loss was heavy, including Major Kilgour, wounded severely. Colonel Gooding, during the temporary confusion produced by a heavy flank fire of the concealed enemy, became involved in the enemy's lines, was slightly wounded and taken prisoner. By his address and cool bravery, however, he succeeded in deceiving the commander of the rebel forces till his brigade had withdrawn to a position where it was less exposed to cross-fires. Lieutenant-Colonel Keith, Twenty-second Indiana Volunteers, and Lieutenant West, acting assistant adjutant-general of the Thirtieth Brigade, both fell here; the former killed, the latter severely wounded. Both were gallant officers and fell white discharging their duties.

Captain Pinney's Fifth Wisconsin Battery was placed in position under the orders of General McCook, and for nearly three hours (almost unsupported) defended itself against the terrible numbers and charges of the enemy, piling the ground in front of his guns with their slain. This brigade continued in position till, darkness rendering their position (the enemy being concealed) too much exposed, they withdrew to their position on the road, fatigued, terribly depleted in numbers, and mourning the loss of so many brave comrades, but still preserving their organizations intact, and anxious for the next day's opportunity to go again into the fight. Colonel Gooding's brigade operated more directly under the command of General McCook, and I presume his report will contain a more detailed account of their positions and operations.

The casualties in my command were as follows: The Thirtieth Brigade: Killed, 121; wounded, 314; prisoners, 35; missing, 29; total, 499. The Thirty-first Brigade: Wounded, 10. The Thirty-second Brigade, none. Grand total, 509.

I have already spoken of the gallant conduct and skillful management of Colonel Carlin, commanding the Thirty-first Brigade, but cannot refrain from again calling your attention to the eminent services and brave actions of this modest and efficient officer in this engagement.