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The Great Battle and Union Victory on the Tennessee.

The details of the battle at Pittsburg, Tennessee, between the forces of Generals Grant and Beauregard, prove that it was the greatest and the most terrible, by all odds, that was ever fought upon the American Continent; and we will have to go back many pages in history to read of one whose proportions at all equal it. Two whole days were occupied in fighting before it was finally decided in favor of the Union arms; and not until our loss, as the first dispatch states, was rolled up, in killed and wounded to eighteen thousand, and that of the rebels at nearly twice that number. But of course these figures are greatly exaggerated, though there is no doubt that the destruction of life upon both sides has been very great. It will probably exceed five thousand.

Illinois was represented in full force in this terrible slaughter, and the loss of our brave volunteers, who during the first day bore the whole brunt of the fight, has been dreadfully severe. The partial list of killed and wounded which we give of those in command, shows but too plainly how sadly Illinois has suffered. But it is a consoling thought, that the Sucker State, as ever, did her whole duty most gloriously, and though she weeps the loss of many and many a hero, in this decisive battle of the Union, she gives them freely and cheerfully. We say decisive battle, because, accompanied by the loss of Island No. 10 and all the munitions of war it contained, we do not believe the rebels will make another stand of any importance in the Mississippi Valley. Indeed, we believe the rebellion is for all practical purposes now subdued, and that it will not be many weeks before it will be entirely at an end.

There is not an Illinoisan but feels an honest pride and experiences an involuntary swelling of the heart at the prowess which our brave brothers and companions have exhibited in this hard fought battle. Attacked, when least expecting it, by an overwhelming enemy, they yet contested every inch of ground, and when finally reinforced, drove him back with such an impetuosity as sent the remnant of Beauregard's grand army flying in rout and confusion, never to be rallied again. We may well be proud of our Grant, McClernand, Hurlburt, Wallace and their compeers, every one a hero and a soldier; while the names of the many who now sleep in death will be held in grateful and perpetual remembrance.