Following the American Civil War Sesquicentennial with day by day writings of the time, currently 1863.

April 28.—About ten o’clock last night a rebel regiment, being the advance-guard of Marmaduke’s army, which was then retreating from Cape Girardeau, were surprised three miles west of Jackson, Mo. Two small howitzers loaded with musket-balls were discharged simultaneously within thirty yards of them, killing and wounding a large number. At the same time the First Iowa cavalry charged upon them, and not a man of the entire regiment escaped, all who were not killed or wounded being taken prisoners. All of their guns, horses, camp equipage, and several thousand dollars’ worth of stolen property were captured by the Union party. Early this morning General Vandeveer advanced, and perceiving the main body of the rebels in full retreat, ho immediiately followed, keeping up a constant artillery fire on their rear. At two o’clock this afternoon he was joined by General McNeil, and the combined forces continued the pursuit. — Missouri Democrat.

—General Hooker’s army crossed the Rappahannock at two points, in the advance on Fredericksburgh.—Fifteen hundred dollars each for substitutes was offered in Richmond, Va.—Captain Alexander, of Wolford’s Kentucky cavalry, with sixty picked men and horses, crossed Cumberland River at Howe’s Ford, two miles north of Mill Spring, and had a skirmish with a party of rebel pickets. Later in the day Lieutenant-Colonel Adams of the same regiment, with three hundred men followed Captain Alexander, and the combined force under Colonel Adams proceeded as far as Steubenville, where he met a body of rebel cavalry under Chenault drawn up in line of battle. The Colonel ,with ninety men prepared for a charge, but as soon as his horses struck the gallop, the enemy dispersed in confusion, leaving four of their number with their horses and equipments in the hands of the Nationals.—The Union steamers Swan and Commerce, having been blockaded in Nansemond River, Va., for several days, were this day run past the rebel batteries and taken to Suffolk. Great excitement existed at Uniontown, Pa., rumors being prevalent of a rebel raid into the State.

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