for the first time under fire, and
had yet had but scanty opportunity to become inured to or acquainted
with military discipline. The engagement was hotly contested--the
opposing lines, while for some time alternately advancing and receding,
were steady and unbroken. At length Pillow gave way. When his line was
once really broken it could not rally in the face of pursuit. The
national line pressing on, pushed Pillow back through the camp and over
the upper or secondary bank to the first or lower bottom in disorder.
The Second Tennessee, just arrived across the river, took position under
the secondary bank, for a while checked the pursuit, giving time for
the routed troops to make their way through the timber up the river, and
finally followed them in a more orderly retreat.

The national troops, having now undisturbed possession of the captured
camp, gave way to their exultation. General McClernand called for three
cheers, that were given with a will. The regiments broke ranks, and the
battery fired upon the massive works and heavy siege-guns crowning the
heights across the river. A plunging fire of great shells from the
fortifications, and the sight of boats loaded with troops leaving the
opposite shore, were impressive warnings that the invaders could not
safely tarry. General Grant directed the camp to be set on fire, and the
command to be assembled and to return. General Polk became convinced
that Columbus was not in danger of present attack, and determined to
reinforce Pillow promptly and effectively. The Eleventh Louisiana and
Fifteenth Tennessee arrived first, and attack was made upon both flanks
of the hastily formed retreating column, encumbered as it was with
spoils. The Seventh Iowa and Twenty-second Illinois, the regiments
mainly attacked, replied with vigor, though thrown into some confusion.
Pillow halted his men to re-form, and drew them off to await the arrival
of reinforcements on the way, under General Polk in person.

The command embarked. The battery took on board two guns and a wagon
captured and brought off in place of two caissons and a wagon left
behind, and also brought off twenty horses and one mule captured. When
all who were in sight were on board, General Grant, supposing the five
companies who had been left to guard the landing were still on post,
rode out to look for one of the parties that had been sent to bring in
the wounded, and which had not returned. Instead of the guard, which had