The following article is transcribed from Harper's Weekly Journal of Civilization, dated October 4, 1862:
The Battle of Iuka
We publish above a view of the town of Iuka, where General Rosecrans defeated the rebels on 19th and 20th. The town itself is thus described:
This town perpetuates the name of a distinguished son of the forest, who formerly dwelt on the premises. Weary and worn by his day's journey, the prisoner was wont to rest with safety beneath I-u-k-a's roof; and the venerable chief was equally beloved and honored by whites and Indians. Like the Immortal Logan, his name is classed the brave and generous of his race. He died on the spot about the year 1835-6.
Iuka was laid out as a town plot in April 1857, and numbers three hundred in population.
The following is General Grant's official account of the battle:
Iuka, Mississippi, Sept. 20, 1862.
To Major-General H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief:
General Rosecrans, with Stanley's and Hamilton's divisions and Misener's cavalry, attacked Price south of this village about two hours before dark yesterday, and had a sharp fight until night closed in. General Ord was to the north with an armed force of about 5000 men, and had some skirmishing with the rebel pickets. This morning the fight was renewed by General Rosecrans, who was nearest to town; but it was found that the enemy had been evacuating during the night, going south. Generals Hamilton and Stanley, with cavalry, are in full pursuit.
This will no doubt break up the enemy, and possibly force them to abandon much of their artillery. The loss on either side, in killed and wounded is from 400 to 500. The enemy's loss in arms, tents, etc., will be large. We have about 250 prisoners.
I have reliable intelligence that it was Price's intention to move over east of Tennessee. In this he has been thwarted. Among the enemy's loss are General Little killed, and General Whitefield wounded.
I can not speak too highly of the energy and skill displayed by General Rosecrans in the attack, and of the endurance of the troops. General Ord's command showed untiring zeal; but the direction taken by the enemy prevented them from taking the active part they desired. Price's forces was about 18,000.
U. S. Grant, Major-General