2

The Twenty-Seventh.

Gen. John A. McClernand's official report of the battle of Belmont is published. It is very long — too long for our columns, but we learn from it that the 27th, Col. Buford's regiment, occupied the right and led the attack.

Gen. McClernand ordered the 27th to make a detour around a pond between the main force and the enemy. He then describes the attack by the 30th and 31st, and says—

"While this struggle was going on, a tremendous fire from the 27th, which, under the skillful guidance of Col. Buford, had approached the abattis on the right and rear of the tents, was heard. About the same time the 7th and 22d, which had passed the rear of the 13th and 31st, hastened up, and closing the space between them and the 27th, poured a deadly fire upon the enemy.

A combined movement was now made upon three sides of the enemy's defences, and driving him across them, we followed upon his heels, into the clear space around his camp.

The 27th was the first seen by me entering upon the ground. I called the attention of the other regiments to the fact, and the whole line was quickened with eager and impatient emulation. In a few minutes our entire force was within the enclosure. * *

Passing over the right of the camp, I met with Col. Buford, for the first time since his arduous and perilous detour around the pond, and congratulated him upon the eagerness of his men to be the first to pass the enemy's works."

Gen. McClernand describes the manner of the retreat to the boats, the 27th and Dollins' cavalry taking the same route in returning as in advancing,and thus becoming separated from the main body, but reached the river safely, and embarked on some transports left behind, after all the other forces had left. — Gen. McClernand says —

"Colonels, Buford, Fouke and Logan repeatedly led their regiments to the charge, and as often drove the enemy back in confusion — thus inspiring their men with kindred ardor, and largely contributing to the success of the day. * *

Accomplishing a difficulty circuit, Col. Buford, active, eager and ambitions, was the first to throw his men within the enemy's defenses."

The official report also shows that more men were killed in Col. Buford's regiment than in any other.

We regret that we have not space for the whole report. But we have given enough to show our people that our gallant townsman has fought a noble battle and proved his skill and his courage under the most trying circumstances.