December 11, 1862: New York Herald

Transcript (excerpt):

Page 1, Upper Half

Official Dispatch From Gen. Curtis, &c., &c., &c.

The following official dispatch in reference to the battle of Fayetteville has been received at the headquarters of the army here: –

St. Louis, Dec. 9, 1862.

Major General Halleck, General-in-Chief, Washington: –

My forces of the Army of the Frontier united near Fayetteville, in the midst of a hard fought battle.

General Blunt had maintained his position at Cane Hill until Saturday night, when the enemy, twenty-five thousand strong under Gen. Hindman, attempted a flank movement on his left to prevent the arrival of General Herron’s forces, which had been approaching for four days by forced marches.

On Sunday, about ten A.M., the enemy attacked Gen. Herron near Fayetteville, who by gallant and desperate fighting, held him in check for three hours, until General Blunt’s division came up and attacked him in the rear.

The fight continued desperately until dark.

Our troops then bivouacked on the battle field, while the enemy retreated across the Boston Mountains.

The loss on both sides is heavy, but is much the greater on the side of the enemy, our artillery creating terrible slaughter in their greater numbers.

The enemy had greatly the advantage in position.

Among the enemy’s killed is Colonel Stein, formerly Brigadier General of the Missouri State Guard.

Both Generals Blunt and Herron deserve special commendation for their gallantry in the battle of Fayettesville, Ark.

S.R. Curtis, Major General Commanding

Citation: New York Herald. 11 December 1862. Gift of Steven and Susan Raab. AN .N56792