TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 22 (Part I) AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1888 Page A Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century. Page B Title Page Page R001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OP THE OFFICIAL IRECOZIRDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PREPARED, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR, BY The late Lieut. Col. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Third U. 5. Artillery. PUBLISHED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF Lieut. Col. HENRY M. LAZELLE, Twenty-third U. S. Infantry. PURSUANT TO ACTS OF CONGRESS. SERIES IVOLU1VLE XXIIIN TWO PARTS. PART IREPORTS. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1888 Page R002 ,4~z 7/Y9 ~CORNELL UNIVERSITY/ LIBRARY Page R003 PREFACE. By an act approve June 23, 1874, Congress made an appropriation to enable the Secretary of War to begin the publication of the Of- ficial Records of the War of the Rebellion, both of the Union and Cot- federate Armies, and directed him to have copied for the Public Printer all reports, letters, telegrams, and general orders not hereto- fore copied or printed, and properly arranged in chronological order ApproprLtlons for continuing such preparation have been made from time to time, and the act approved June 16; 1880, has provided for the printing and binding, under direction of the Secretary of VvTar, of 10,000 copies of a compilation of the Official Records (Union and Confederate) of the War of the Rebellion, so far as the same may be ready for publication, during the fiscal year; and that of said number, 7,000 copies shall be for the use of the House of Represent- atives, 2,000 copies for the use of the Senate, and 1,000 copies for the use of the Executive Departments.* This compilation ~ ill be the first general publication of the mili- tary records of the war, and will embrace all official documents that can be obtaine by the compiler, and that appear to be of any his- torical value. * Volumes II distributed under act approved June 16, 1880. The act approved August 7, 1882, provides that The volumes of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion shall he dis- tributed as follows: One thousand copies to the Executive Departments, as now provided by law. One thousand copies for distribution by the Secretary of War among officers of the Army and contributors to the work. Eight thousand three hundred copies shall be sent by the Secretary of War to such libraries, organiza- tions, and individuals as may be designated by the Senators, Representatives, and Delegates of the Forty-seventh Congress. Each Senator shall designate not exceed- ing twenty-si. , and each Representative and Delegate not exceeding twenty-one of such addresses, and the volumes shall be sent thereto from time to time as they are published, until the publication is completed. Senators, Representatives, and Dele- gates shall inform the Secretary of War in each case how many volumes of those heretofore published they have forwarded to such addresses. The remaining copies of the eleve thousand to be published, and all sets that may not be ordered to be distributed as provided herein, shall be sold by the Secretary of War for cost of publication, with ten per cent. added thereto, and the proceeds of such sale shall he covered into the Treasury. If two or more sets of said volumes are ordered to the same address, the Secretary of War shall inform the Senators, Representatives, or Delegates who have designated the same, who thereupon may designate other libraries, organizations, or individuals. The Secretary of War shall report to the first session of the Forty-eighth Congress what volumes of time series Imeretofore published have not been furnished to such libraries, organizations, and individuals. He shall also inform distributees at whose instance the volumes are sent. (III Page R004 Iv PREFACE. The publication will present the records in the following order of arrangement: The 1st Series will embrace the formal reports, both Union and Con- federate, of the first seizures of United States property in the South- ern States, and of all military operations in the field, with the cor- respondence, orders, and returns relating specially thereto, and, as proposed, is to be accompanied by an Atlas. In this series the reports will be arranged according to the cam- paigns and several theaters of operations (in the chronological order of the events), and the Union reports of any event will, as a rule, be immediately followed by the Confederate accounts. The correspond- ence, & c., not embraced in the reports proper will follow (first Union and next Confederate) in chronological order. The 2d Series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns, Union and Confederate, relating to prisoners of war, and (so far as the military authorities were concerned) to State or politi- cal prisoners. The 3d Series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Union authorities (embracing their correspondence with the Confederate officials) not relating specially to the subjects of the first and second series. It will set forth the annual and spe- cial reports of the Secretary of War, of the General-in-Chief, and of the chiefs of the several staff corps and departments; the calls for troops, and the correspondence between the National and the several State authorities. The 4th Series will exhibit the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Confederate authorities, similar to that indicated for the Union officials, as of the third series, but excluding the cor- respondence between the Union and Confederate authorities given in that series. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Major Third Art., and Bvt. Lieut. Cot. ~TAR DEPARTMENT, August 23, 1880. Approved: ALEX. RAMSEY, Secretary of War Table of Contents Page R005 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXXIV. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the De- partment of the Northwest. November 20, 1802December 31, 1863 1926 (v) Page R006 Additions and Corrections Page A001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL iIRECOIL{DS OF TILE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO SERIES I VOLUME XXII. (To be inserted in the voinme. For explanation see General Index voinme, Serial ~o. 130, page XXVIJI.) PUBLISIIEI) UNDER TILE 1)IIIECTION OF The Hon. ELIHU ROOT, Secretary of War, BY BRIG. GEN. FRED C. AU~SWORTII, CHIEF OF THE RECORD AND PENSION OFFICE, WAIL DEPARTMENT, AND MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY. I~Ir. JOHN S. TYIOOBEY, Indexer. WA SF11 N U TON: ~OYERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1902 Page A002 2 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. TEXT. PART i. Page i. Thirteenth line, bottom, for Dec. 5 read Dec. 6. Page 2. Jan. io, i86~.Skirmish at Carroilton, Mo., for Mo. read Ark. Under event of date Jan. 29, 1863, for Northern read Northeastern. Page 3. Erase lllarek 27, z86~.Skirmish with Indians on the Rio Bonita, Dak. Pages 3, 245. March 24April i, 1863Scout from Bloomfield to Scatterville, Mo., for Mo. read Ark. and insert Mo. after Eloomfield. Page 4. Erase April ~, z86~. Scouts from Fayetteville, Ark. Page 6. Twenty-sixth line, top, erase 1216, 1863. Scout from Houston to Jacks Fork, Mo., and skirmish (z4th). Twenty-ninth line, top, for Skirmish at West Point, Mo., read Engagement at West Point, Ark. Eighteenth line, bottom, erase 2223, 1863. Skirmishes at Poca- hontas, Mo. Pages 6, 547. Aug. 6u, i86~.Scout from Houston to Spring River Mills, Mo., etc., for Mo. read Ark. Page 7. Sept. 15, 1863Skirmish near Enterprise, Ark., for Ark, read Mo. Oct. 6, 1863.Action at Baxter Springs, Ark., for Ark, read Kans. Page 9. Dec. 31, 1863.Skirmish in Searcy County, Mo., for Mo. read Ark. Page 157. Crumps report, third line, insert [Seventh Missouri Cavalry] after First Kansas. Page 171. Date of report No. 5 (Hiudmans), for 15 reads. Page 199. For January 2lI, 1862, read January 2Il, 1863. Page 236. Claytons report, first line, insert 6o aftcr No. Page 249. For Report of Licut. Cot. George L. Shoup, Third Colorado Cavalry, read Report of Lient. George L. Shoup, Colorado Volunteers. Page 250. Following signature of G. L. Shoup, for Lieutenant-Colonel of Volun- leers read Lieutenant, Colorado Volunteers. Pages 462, 463. For Report of Col. James W. Johnson, Twenty-sixth Enrolled Missouri Militia, read Report of Cot. James M. Johnson, First Arkansas Infantry (Union). Also correct signatures to reports. Page 642. Crittendens report, first line, for Instant readjust. Page 780. First line, for Barronsville read Bi rrowsville. Page 902. Communication from Burns, insert address [Lient. Cot. 11?. P. Crump]. Page 903. First Brigade, Second Division, for 22d Arkansas read 3~th Arkansas. Page 905. Letter from Anderson should he addressed to Mal. Gen. John B. Magruder. Page 915. For Browns (L. T.) read Browns (L. W.). Page 922. Twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth lines, top, erase ist Regiment Trans- Mississz~5pi Department. Page 930. Erase Ash/3y, George W., and transfer Report of Skirmish near West- port, Mo., June 17, 1863, 373, to Ashby, George W., page 931. PART 2. Page 273. For signature Samuel L. Curtis read Samuel R. Curtis. Page 338. Pennock to Schofield, second line, for Bliss read Phelps. Pages 339, 389. For John Williams read John Willans. Page 343. Strike out Pleasant Hill, Mo. Cot. Leonard Martin. ~zst Wisconsin Infantry (six companies). 3d Missouri State Militia Cavalry, Com- pany B, Lieut. Lafayette Praul Page A003 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Page 345. For Gap!. Herman Borris read Lien!. Herman Borris. Pages 686, 762. District of Southwestern Missouri, for Lien!. Gol. John F. Phelps read Lien!. John F. Phelps. Page 760. Second Brigade, First Division, for Go!. Thomas C. Black read Lien!. (hi. Thomas G. Black. Page 765. Fort Kearny, Nebr., for Companies A, D, and K read Companies A, D, and H. Page 1071. Seventh line, bottom, for Seplember 20 read Seplember 28. Page 1077. For Genera! Orders, No. 202, read Special Orders, No. 202. Page 1133. Twenty-first line, top, erase * after V and insert ~. Add foot-note, t See Plale 32, Map 3, and Plale 38, Map s, ofIheAllas. Page 1148. For Bodengens read Bodnngens, and for Browns (L. T.) read Browns (L. W.). Page 1154. For Kersners read Kershners. Page 1157. Sixteenth and seventeenth lines, top, erase is! Regimen! Trans-iUlissis- slppi Deparlmen!. Page i i55. Strike out Prauls (Lafayelle) Gazalry. See Missouri Troops, Union, 3d Regimen!, Slale Mililia (new). Page 1162. For Waherlins (George D.) read Waherlens (George). Page 121 I. Erase Johnson, J. J., and transfer Correspondence wi!h William F. Cloud, 351, to Johnson, JamesJ. Page 1228. Under Missouri Troops (Confederale), Infanlry, second line, insert Regimenls: before Caldwells. INDEX. Insert all words and figures in italics and strike out all in [brackets]. Au asterisk (*) following a correction indicates that Additions and Corrections to the text should he consulted. References are to parts of volume. Part. Adjt. and Insp. Gen. s Office, C. S. A. Orders, Special [General] Andrd, Alexis [Rev. Mr.] [Arkansas, Northwestern, District of (U.). Disposition of forces in. Communications from William A. Phillips, 139] 2 Arkansas Post, Ark. Expedition against, Jan. ~ z86~, 2 I Arkansas Troops (C.). Cavalry--Regiments: Monroes [ist Trans-Miss. Dept.] 1, 2 InfantryRegiments: 28th (Mckae) I 29th (Pleasants) 1,2 3oth (McNeill) 1,2 gist (McGray) 2 36th (Glenn) 17th (Bell) 12 39th (Hart) 39th (Hart-Rogan) 2 Asch, Myer [M.] J I Baker, A ngnstns, 271 [Baker, ,~ 274, 598] 2 Baker, William F, 598 [Baker, 274, 598] 2 Barker, Elizabeth [Mrs.] Barrett, Theodore [Thomas] H 2 Bassett,]. [I.] M 2 Bates County, Mo. Operations, Oct. 37, z86j, 7 Bates Township, Ark. Skirmish, Nov. 2, 1863, 8 Part. Bavon Meto Bridge, Ark. Skirmish, Sept. 23, 1863, 7 I Bear Creek,Johnson Connty, Mo. Skirmish, Feb. 5, 1863, 2 I Bear Skin Lake, Mo. Skirmish, Sept. ~, 1861, 7 I Beaver Creek, Mo. Skirmish, Nov. 24, i86s, I I Bentonville, Ark. Skirmishes [Skirmish at]. Ang. i~, Sept. 4-5, 1863, 6 Bertrand, Charles P. [Mr.] 12 Big Piney, near Honston, Mo. Skirmish, Nov. s~, 1863, 8 Billy Bowlegs [Bowlegs, Billy] Bledsoe, Robert [Sergeant] Bledsoe, William M Bliss,JamesE.[ ] 2 Blodgett, !Vells H. [ ] 2 Bloonifield, Mo. Affairs [Affair at]. April so, 1863,1 I Skirmishes [Skirmish at]. May is, 1863, 1 I Bodenhamer [Bodenhanimer], W. F Bodangen [Bodengen], Frederick W. von 2 Boland, Nathan, 466 [Bolands, , 466]... Boland, Nathan, 704 [Boland, , 704] 2 Boland, Sag., 466 [Bolauds, , 466] Boland, Sag., 704 [Boland, , 704] 2 Boland, Thomas, 466 [Bolands, , 466]... Page A004 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Part. Roland, Thomas, ~o4e [Boland, -, 704].... 2 Bonneville, Benjamin L. E. [E. J~.] . Boo/hs Ranch, Hans. Scont, Sept. 1321, 1863, 7 Boston Mountains, Ark. Engagement at, Nov. 28, 1862 [1863] Brazil Creek, fad. T. Skirmish, Oct. ii, z86~, 7 Brewster, H. B. [Captain] Brown, Louis W. [Captain (C. S.)] Brown, Lonis W. [I~. T.] 2 Brownsville, Ark. Affair, Sept. z6, 1863, 7 Skirmishes [Skirmish at]. Jaly 25, 186/, 5 Sept. 12, 1863, ~68 Buford, N. B. [A.] Burbridge, Clinton D 2 Bark [Burke], E. A 2 Burnett,James [J.] H., [904] Burnett, John If., 904 Burns, A. B. Correspondence with R. P. Cramp, 902 * .... Burrows, Amos S. [b.] Bash Creek, Mo. Skirmish, May 26, 186/, ~ Bashy Creek, Mo. Scoats, Nov. 24-28, z86j, 8 Cabin Creek, md. T. Skirmish, July 20, 1863,5 Cane Hill, Ark. Skirmishes [Skirmish near]. Dec. 20, 1862,Jaa. 2, 1863, 2 Larkener [Carkner], Stuart Caroline Goodyear, Schooner [Steamer].. .. 2 Carrollton, Ark. Skirmish, Jan. 10, 186/2 Carthage, Mo. Attack 00 train, Sept. 6, 1863 Report of Milton Burch, 6z~ Skirmishes [Skirmish at] [Skirmish near]. Nov. 27, 1862, I Jan. 13, 1863, 2 May z6, z86~, 1 Jane 2728, 1863, 5 Oct. 2, 1863. 7 Cuss County, Mo. Expeditioa into, Aug. 28-Sept. 7, z86~, 6.... Cassville, Mo. Skirmishes. July ~i, 1863,5 Sept. 26, 1863, 7 Centreville, Mo. Attack on, Dec. 2325, 1863 Communica tions from Bliss, James F. [ ] Chalk Bluff, Ark. Expeditious [Expedition to]. Mar. 915 [919] APril 21May 2, 1863,4 Skirmishes at. April z, 1863, 3 . Chancellor, William A. [Mr.] Chappell, W C. [Chappel, T,ieutenant-Col- nel] Cheek, Mark R., Steamer Part. Cherokee Country, md. T. Skirmish, Jan. 18, z86~, 2 Chiles, H. C. [Childs, William] 2 Chisholm [Chisoim], Jesse 2 Choctaw Nation, fad. T. Skirmishes. Oct. 7, 1863, 7 Nov. 9, z86~, 8 - Christie [Christy], Smith i, 2 Clarendon, Ark. Skirmish, April z, z86~, 3 Clark, Jiles B. [ , (C.)] Clarksville, A rk. .8kirmishes, Oct. s8, Nov. 24, 1863, 8 Clear Lake, Mo. Expedition to, A ag. 6jo, 1863, 6 Cole Camp, Mo. Skirmishes [Skirmish near]. June 8, 1863,5 Corder, D. W. [A.] Lottonwood, Hans. Expedition, April zo, 1863, 4 Courts-Martial. Bloomfield, Mo. Matiay at, Oct. 22, 1863, 711721 Be Rassy, Fort, La. Evacnatioa of April 2/-25, 1863, 933, 934 2 Cowley, Adjutant [Edward H ] Cramer, F. L. [S.] 2 Crane, Francis W. [James H.] 2 Crareford Coanty, Ark. Skirmish, Nov. 25, 1863, 8 Creek Agency, md. F. Skirmish, Oct. i~, 1863, 7 Crisp, Martha [Miss] 2 Crisp, Mary [Mrs.] 2 Cross Hollow, Ark. Skirmishes [Skirmish near]. March 30, 1863,3 Crump, R. P. Cbrrespondence with A. B. Barns, 902 * .... Curtis, Samuel R. Correspondence with Bassett, J. [I.] M 2 Dakota. [Military departments embracing, 730] 2 Dakota, District of. Merged into Bistrict of Iowa, 730 2 Dallas, Ark. Scouts [Scout to]. Bec. 1113, 1863, 9 I Dc Morse, Leslie [Leo] C 2 Be Rassy, Fort, La. Evacuation of April 23-25, i86~, 933, 934 2 Devalls Bluff, Ark. Skirmishes [Skirmish near]. Dec. 12, i86~, 9 I Bry Fork, Mo. Scout, Nov. 2428, z86~, 8 ..... I Bubuque, Ark. Scout, Jan. 4-6, 1863, 2 I Dunn, William McK., z8~, 269, 364; Dunn, William M., [185, 269, 364] 2 Batch Creek, Ark. Scout, Dec. 914, 1863, 9 [?ye [Dyer], John H I Page A005 5 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Part. Elizabeth/own, Ark. Skirmish, Oct. 1863, 7 Elmer, Edward P. [T.] 2 Elm Springs, Ark. Skirmishes at and, April s6, 1863, 4 Evening Shade, Ark. Skirmish, Oct. 7, 1863, 7 Ewing, Thomas, jr. Correspondence with Schofield, John M., 53 [530] 2 Farmington, Mo. Raid, Nov. 25, 1863, 8 Fayetteville, Ark. Skirmishes [Skirmish at]. Jane ~, 1863,5 Ferrys Ford, Ark. Skirmish, Oct. 7, 1863, 7 Filley, Giles F. [Mr.] 2 Fisk, Clinton B. Correspondence with Bliss,JamesE. [ ] 2 Elmer, Edward P. [T.] 2 Flint Creek, Ark. Skirmish, Sept. 45, 1863, 6 Florence, Mo. Skirmish, Jaly 10, 1863, 5 Folsom, F. W. [Captain] 2 Fort Gibson, md. T. Skirmishes [Skirmish near]. Feb. 28, 1863, 3 April30, May 14, 22, 1863, 4 Dec. s6, 1863, 9 Fort Lard, Kans. Scont, Sept. 424, 1863, 7 Fort Smith, Ark. Skirmishes. March 5,1863,3 May Is, 1863, 4 Fonchl-le-Faix Moantains, Ark. Skirmish, Nov. ii, 1863, 8 Fourteen-Mile Creek, [ad. T. Skirmish, Oct.30, 1863,8 Frog Bayou, Ark. Skirmishes [Skirmish on]. Feb. is, 1863, 3 Gaylord, George L. [S.] 2 Gladen Valley, Mo. Scont, Nov. 2428, 1863, 8 Goodyear, Caroline, Schooner [Steamer] 2 Grand Prairie, Ark. Skirmish, Aug. 17, 1863, 468 Grand River, Kans. H pedition, July 27-29, 1863, 5 Green,James S. [Jim] Greenleaf Frairie, Ind. T. Skirmishes [Skirmish on]. Nov. ii, is, 1863, 8 Gregg, W. H. [Lieutenant] Hallett, LVilliam A. [ ] Harrison, Edward [Edmnnd] Hartville, Mo. Skirmish, May 23, 1863, .1 Jlanghawont [Haughout], William J Helena, Ark. [Advance of Union forces upon, Aug. i Sept. 14, 1863. Communications from Frederick Steele, 483] 2 2 Henley, William M Henry [Heinrich], William Henry County, Mo. Expedition, Ang. s8.-Sept. 7, 1863, 6 High Grove, Mo. Skirmish, Jnly s8, 1863, 5 Hilderbrand [Hildehrandt], Sam Hill, Gabriel H. [C. D.] Hinsdill, Chester F. [Charles D.] Hog Eye, Ark. Skirmishes, Sept. 4-5, 1863, 6 Holticlaw, G. D. [Holtsclaw, ] Hornersville, Mo. Skirmish, Sept. so, 1863, 7 Horse Creek, Mo. Skirmish, Sept. 17, 1863, 7 Houston, Mo. Affairs [Affair near]. Nov. ss, 1863, 8 Scouts [from]. Nov. 1727, 1863, 8 Howell Connty, Mo. Expedition, Nov. s3Dec. i8, 1863, 8 [Hudson, John 5., 401] Hndsons Ford, Neosho River. Skirmish, Jane 30, 1863,5 Hnmston [Hunston], Thomas Huntsville, Ark. Expedition to, Nov. ioz8 [and skirmish near, Nov. 918], 1863 Skirmish near, Nov. 9, i863. See Frog Rayon, Ark Hurt, C. G. [Lieutenant] Hart [Hart], John M Hutchison [Hutchinson], J Hutton Valley, Mo. Skirmish, Sept. 6, 1863, ~ Independence, Mo. Skirmishes [near]. April 23, 1863, 4 Indian Territory, District of the (C.). (bnstitated, 1045 Inks, I~ieutenant, 773 [Jenks, Lieutenant, 7] Jackson County, Mo. Affair in, April s, 1863,3 Jacksonport, Ark. Scont, Jane II, 1863,5 Skirmish, Dec. 23, 1863, 9 Jasper County, Mo. Scouts [in]. May 6-19, 1863. See Creek Agency, Lad. T. Jernigan [Jernegan], Lawson D Johnson, James M. Reports [Report] of Chssville, Mo. Affair near, July 27, 1863, 463* Huntsville, Ark. Scant to, July z8-s6, 1863, 462* Johnson, James W. [Reports of Cassville, Mo. Affair near, July 27, 1863, 463* Huntsville, Ark. Scout to, July 1826, 1863, 462] * Johnson [Johnston], Theodore D Johnson County, Mo. Expedition, Aug. s8-Sept. 7, 1863, 6 Part. 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Page A006 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Part. Johnston [Johnson], William Johnston [Johnson], William M Kansas Troops. CavalryRegiments: [1st, 157] * Kelley [Kelly], Samuel R Kershner [Kersner], Jonathan 2 King, A us/in A. Correspondence with A braham Lincoln, ~8j. 2 King, Austin A., jr. Correspondence witls [I1,incoln, Abraham, 485] 2 T,a Fayette County, Mo. Expedition, Ang. 28-Sept. 7, 1863, 6 T,a Grange, Ark. Skirmishes [Skirmish at]. Dec. ~o, 1862, 2 I,exington, Mo. Scout, Dec. 1920, z86j, 9 J,incoln, Abraham. Correspondence with King, Austin A., [jr.] 2 Liun Creek, Mo. Affair,Jan. 6, 1863, 2 J~ist, So/lie [Sally], Steamer 2 I,ittle Raven [Ravens] 2 I,ittle Rock, Ark. Advance upon, etc. Communications from Steele, Frederick, 483 Little Rock Rood, Ark. Skirmish, April 2, z86g, g J,ouisiana Troops. CavalryBattalions.. z~th, 439 CavalryCompanies: [s~th,4391 I,owe, Samuel A Mc Coin, Hugh [McCain, Mr.] MeElkeny [McElhoney], Anson A McGuires, near Fayetteville, Ark. Affair, Oct. 12, 1863, 7 McIntosh, Daniel [David] N 1,2 McLaren, Robert N. [M.] 2 Maclb, Sackfeld [R. B.] 2 McMahan [McMahon], John F McMurtrey, F. L. [McMurtee, Captain] McMurtrey, F. L. [Captain] 2 Madison, Ark. Skirmishes [Skirmish at]. June 25, 186g,~ Marais des (~ygnes, Kans. Skirmish, Aug 31, 1863, 6 ... Marmadukes Expeditions. Dec. 31, 1862Jan. 25, 1863. See Missouri ... April 17May 2, 1863. See Missouri. Marshall, Mo; Expedition, Oct. 717, 1863, 7 Skirmishes. July 28, 1863, 5 July 30, i86g, 6 [Martin, Leonard, 343] * 2 Memminger, Christopher [Charles] G 2 Meriwethers Ferry, Ark. Skirmish, Dec. z~, 1863, 9 Merrick, Edward Tho ias [W.] 2 Part. Merrill, Sansuel, 24,38; Merrill, T,ewis, Men- tioned, [24, 38] 2 Metz, Edward B 2 Missouri. Affairs in, generally. Communications from King. Austin A., []r.] 2 Missouri, Department of the. [Orders, series 1863: No. 63, 391] 2 [Orders, General, series : No. iS, 866] . Orders, General, series 1863: No. 62, g~7; No. 63, 357, 391 [Nos. 62, 63, 357] 2 Missouri, Northeastern, District of. McKean, Thomas J., assumes command of the,2* [Missouri, Northern, District of. Thomas J. McKean assumes command of the, 2] * Missouri Enrolled Militia. Changes in Military Districts, 70 2 Schofield,J. M., placed in command, ~ Missouri State Militia. Orders, General, series 1862. No. z8, 866 Missouri Troops (C.). InfantryRegiments.. 1228* 2 Missouri Troops (U.). CavalryRegiments: 3d State Militia (new), [~~g] * 2 7th, 157* Mo ndCity,Ark. Burned Jan. 15, 1863, 2 Mountaiii Store, Mo. Skirmish, May 26, 1863, ~ Mount Vernon, Ark. Skirniish, May ii, 1863, 4 Mud Town, Ark. Skirmish, Dec. 9, 1862, 2 Mulberry Springs, Ark. Skirmish, Jan. s6, 1863, 2 Neosho, Mo. Skirmishes. Dec. 15, 1862, 2 March 2,1863,3... New Madrid, Mo. Skirmish, Aug. 7, .r86g, 6 Newton County, Ark. Skirmish, Nov. i~, 1863, 8 Newtonia, Mo. Skirmish, Sept. 27, 1863, 7 Niobrara, Nebr. Skirmish, Dec. 4, 1863, 9 [Northern Missouri, District of. See Mis- souri, Northern, District of] [Northwestern Arkansas, District of (U.). See Arkansas, Northwestern, District of] 2 Olivers Prairie, Mo. Scout July 28-30, 1863, 6 Opdyke, HenryH Oregon County, Mo. Expeditious [Expedition to]. Nov. 23Dec. iS, 1863, 8 Scout, Nov. 419, 1863, 8 Owensville, Mo. Skirmish, March 31, 1863, 3 Page A007 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Part. Ozark, Ark. Skirmish, Oct. 29, 1863, 8 Parker, B. F. [Colonel] I, 2 Parkersville, Mo. Skirmish. Dec. 6, 1862, i Phelps, S. L. Mentioned, 338 [Bliss, Lieutenant-Com- mander, 338]* 2 P~geon Creek, Mo. Scout, Nov. zts8, 1863, 8 Pitmans Ferry, Ark. Skirmish, Nov. s~, i86s, z Pope County, Ark. Skirmish, Feb. 5, 1863, 2 Prairie Grove, Ark. Battle of, Dec. 7, 1862. Reports of Burrows, Amos S. [L.] [Praul, Lafayette, 3431 * 2 Prichett [Pritchett], James M Rains, James S. [J. 0.] 2 Rathhun [Rathburnl, E. G Reynolds, Lieutenant-Colonel (C.) [D. H.] ... Reynolds County, Mo. Scout, Nov. 419, 1863, 8 Ritchey, James M. [Richey, Captain] Roseville, A rk. Skirmish, Nov. is, 1863, 8 Round Prairie, A rk. Skirmish, Sept. 4-,~, 1863, 6 Sabine Pass, Tex. Expedition, Sept. ~-ii [Attack on, Sept. 8].. Saint Francis and White Rivers, Ark. Scout, May 6-is, 1863, 4 Saint Francis County, Ark. Skirmish, April 8, i86~, 4 Saline, md. F. Skirmish, Dec. s, i862, 1 Sallie [Sally] List, Steamer 2 Santa Fl Road, Mo. Expedition, May 3, 1863, 4 Operations, May 21, 1863, 4 Sarcoxie Prairie, Mo. Skir iish, Feb. iv, 1863, 3 Scammon, Charles T.. Scatterville, Ark. [Mo.] Schofield, John M. Assz~nments to command, 4, ,~ Correspondence with Thomas, James S. [LI 2 Scott, John (3sd [23d] Iowa) S Searcy County, Ark. Skirmish, Dec. 31, 1863, 9* Sedalia, Mo. Skirmish, April 9, 1863, 4 Shannon County, Mo. Scouts. Apr. i8, 1863, 4 Nov. 419, 1863, 8 Shaw, Leanderf. [I.] Shazaneetown, Kans. Skirmish, June 6, 1863,5 Sherwood, Mo. Skirmishes [near]. Aug. 14, 1863, 6. Shoal Creek, Mo. Skirmish, Nov. i8, 1863, 8 Part. Sinclair [St. Clair], D. Arthur Smith, E. Kirby. Correspondence with De Morse, Leslie [Leo] C Sparks, J. H. [Major] Springfield, Mo. Skirmish, Dec. i6, 1863, 9 Spring River Country, A rk. Scout, Oct. 710, 1863, 7 Spring River Mills, Ark. [Mo.] Stanton, Thaddeus H. [ ] Steele, William. Assignments to command, 28 Stockton, Richard G. [R.] Stuart, James (10th Ill. Cay.) Stuart [Stewart], James (ist Cherokee) Summers, George [ ] Taggart, Granthans L [J.] Tahlequah, fad. F. Skirmish, March 30, i8~, ; Texas Troops. CavalryRegimeiits: 2dPartisan [6th] The Island, Vernon C~ouuty, Mo. Skirmish, March 30, i86i,g Thomas, James S. [L.] Thompson, Robert N Thorp, W. N. [W.] Todd, George W Torrey, William H. Report of scout to Scatterville, A ;k. [Mo.]. Trans-Mississippi Department. Orders, General, series 1863: [No. 202, 1077] * Orders, Special, series 1863: No. 202, Io77~.. Tul49, Ark. Skirmishes. Oct. iv, 12, 1863, 7 Oct. 27, 1863, 8 Turkey Creek, Mo. Skirmish, Nov. i8, 1863, 8 Van Buren, Ark. Skirmishes [Skirmish iiear]. Dec. 21, 1862, 2 Vances Store, Ark. Skirmish, Oct. 2, 1863, 7 Vernon County, Mo. Operations, Oct. 3-7, 1863, 7 Wakerlen [Wakerlin], George [D.] Waldron, Ark. Skirmishes, Sept. ii, Oct. 6, 1863, 7 Washington, Ark. Skirmish, Aug.30, 1863, 6 Waynesville, Mo. Scouts [frons]. Nov. 25, 1863, 8 Webhers Falls, md. T. Skirmishes [Skirmish at]. 2 April11. 1863, 4 Sept. 9, 1863, 7 Oct. 12, 1863, 7 Western Arkansas. (8th District.) (U.) Disposition of forces in. Communications from William A. Phillz~s, 139 White and Saint Francis Rivers, Ark. Scout, May 6-is, 1863, 4 7 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Page A008 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. White River, Ark. Skirmishes [Skirmish near the head of]. March 6, 1863,3 April ~, i863, 4 Whybark, John C., ~ Whyhark, T,evi E., Mentioned, [~~] Whyhark, John C. [ ] Wilkes, William R., 751 [Wilks, W. R., 751] Willans [Williams], John Williams, Hugh W [H.] Wisconsin Troops. InfantryRegiments: [51st, 343] * Part. 2 2 2 .2 Part. Wood, Rohert C. [(Colonel)]. Mentioned, 8zi, 86o [Wood, Rohert C. (lieutenant), Sn, 86o] 2 Wood Creek, Mo. Skirm ish, Jan. ii, 1863, 2 Woodson, Mo. Skirmish, Nov. 26, 1863, 8 Wrz~ght County, Mo. Expedition, Nov. 23-Dec. z8, 1863, 8... Yellville, Ark. Scout, APril 3-8, 1863, 4 Special Index Page R007 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME I. CHAPTER I Page. Operations in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. December 20, 1860April 14, 1861 1317 CHAPTER II. The secession of Georgia. January 3-26, 1861 318-325 CHAPTER III. The secession of Alabama and Mississippi. January 420, 1861 326330 CHAPTER IV. Operations in Florida. January 6-August 31, 1861 ~ 331473 CHAPTER V Page. The secession of North Carolina. Jan uary 9May 20, 1861 474-488 CHAPTER VI. The secession of Louisiana. January 10- February 19, 1861 489501 CHAPTER VII. Operations in Texas and New Mexico. February 1-June 11, 1861 502636 CHAPTER VIII. Operations in Arkansas, the Indian Terri- tory, and Missouri. February 7-May 9, 1861 637691 VOLUME II. CHAPTER IX. Page. Operations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. April 16-July 31, 1861.. 1-1012 VOLUME III. CHAPTER X. Pa~e. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. May 10-November 19, 1861.. 1-749 VOLUME IV. CHAPTER XI. Page. CHAPTER XIII. Page. Operations in Texas, New Mexico, and Operations in North Carolina and South- Arizona. June11, 1861-February 1,1862. 1-174 eastern Virginia. August 1, 1861Jaun- CHAPTER XII. ary 11, 1862 566721 Operations in Kentucky and Tennessee. July 1November 19, 1861 175-565 VOLUME V. CHAPTER XIV. Page. Operations ia Maryland, Northern Virgin , and West Virginia. August 1, 1861March 17, 1862. 11106 VOLUME ~TJ CHAPTER XV Page. CHAPTER XVI. Page. Operations onthe coastsof South Carolina, Operations in West Florida, Southern Al Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. abama, Southern Mississippi, and Lou- August 21, 1861April 11, 1862 1-435 isiana. September 1,1861May 12,1862. 436-894 VOLUME VII. CHAPTER xvii Page. Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. November 19, 1861March 4. 1862.... 1946 (VII Page R008 VIII CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME VIII. CHAPTER XVIII. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. November 19, 1861-April 10, 1862 1-834 VOLUME IX. CHAPTER XIX Page. CHAPTER XXI. Page. Operations in Southeastern Virginia. Jan- Operations in Texas, New Mexico, and uary 11-March 17, 1862 1-71 Arizona. February 1September 20, CHAPTER XX 1862 481-736 Operations in North Carolina. January 11August 20,1862 72480 VOLUME XIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXII. Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Mississippi, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. March 4June 10, 1862. Page. Part IReports 1-927 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-642 VOLUME XIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIII. The Peninsular Campaign, Virginia. March 17-September 2,1862. Page. Part 1Reports, March 17-June 24 1-1073 Part IlReports, June 25-September 2 1-994 Part 111Correspondence, etc 1-691 VOLUME XIIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIV. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. March 17-September 2,1862. Page. Part 1Reports, March 17-June 25 1-818 Part 11Reports, June 26-September 2 1-820 Part 111Correspondence, etc 1-966 VOLUME XIII. CHAPTER XXV. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the Northwest. April 10November 20, 1862 1981 VOLUME XIV. CHAPTER XXVI. Page. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. April 12, 1862June 11, 1863 11025 VOLUME XV. CHAPTER XXVII. Operations in West Florida, Southern Alabama, Southern Mississippi (embracing all Page. tions against Vicksburg, May 18-July 27,1862), and Louisiana, May 12, 1862-May 14, 1863; and operations in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. September 20, 1862-May 14, 1863 1-113 Page R009 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. IX VOLUME XVIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXVIII. Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. June 10October 31, 1862. Page. Part IReports 11168 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 11017 VOLUME XVIIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXIX. Operations in West Tennessee and Northern Mississippi. June 10, 1862January 20, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-807 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-916 VOLUME XVIII. CHAPTER XXX. Page. Operations in North Carolina and Southeastern Virginia. August 20, 1862-June 3, 1863 1-1104 VOLUME XIXIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXI. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. September 3-Novem ber 14, 1862. Page. Part IReports, September 320 1-1108 Part lIReports, September 20-November 14; Correspondence, etc., September 3-Novem ber 14 1739 VOLUME XXIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXIL Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. No vember 1,1862January 20, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1997 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-516 VOLUME XXI. CHAPTER XXXIIL Page. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. November 15, 1862-January 25, 1863 1115 Page R010 Page 1 CIIAPTVH XXXIV. OPERATIONS IN MiSSOURI, ARKANSAS, KANSAS, THE INDIAN TERRITORY, AND THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST. November 20, 1862December 31, 1863. PART I. REPORTS Nov. 20, 1802-Dec. 31, 1803. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .... Nov. 20, 1802-Dec. 31, 1862. SUMMARY OF TI1iE~ PiRIINCIPAI~ EVENTS.* Nov. 20-23, 1862 Reconnaissance toward Van Buren and Fort Smith, Ark. 24, 1862.Skirmish at Beaver Creek, Mo. 2426, 1862.Expeditions from Greenfield into Jasper an(l Barton Counties, Mo. 25, 1862.Skirmish at Pitmans Ferry, Ark. Skirmish near Cane Hill, Ark. 2529, 1862.Expedition to Yellville, Ark. 26, 1862.Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt, U. S. Army, assumes command of the District of Kansas. 2629, 1862.Affairs in Jackson and La Fayette Counties, Mo. 27, 1862.Skirmish at Carthage, Mo. 27Dec. 5, 1862.Expedition from Helena, Ark., to Grenada, Miss.t 28, 1862-Engagement at Cane Hill, or Boston Mountains, Ark. Brig. Gen. Washington L. Elliott, U. S. Army, temporarily iu com- mand of the Department of the Northwest. 30Dec. 6, 1862.Expedition from Rolla to the Ozark Mountains, Mo., and skirmishes. 1)ec. 2, 1862.Skirmish at Saline, md. T. 4, 1862.Attack hy citizens on Indian prisoners at Mankato, Miun. 4 6, 1862.Operations about Cane Ilill, and skirniish (December 6) at Reeds Mountain, Ark. 412, 1862.Operations in the Cherokee country, md. T. 6, 1862.Skirmish at Parkersville, Mo. 7. 1862.Battle of Prairie Grove, Fayetteville, or Illinois Creek, Ark. Of some of the minor events noted in this Summary, no circumstantial reports are on file. For reports, see Series I, Vol. XVII, Part I, pp. 528541. H HVOL XXII, PT 1 (1 Page 2 2 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. Dec. 9, 1862.Skirmish at Mudto wn, Ark. 915, 1862.Expedition from Ozark, Mo., into Marion County, Ark. 14, 1862.Affair near Helena, Ark. 15, 1862.Skirmish at Neosho, Mo. 1721, 1862.Expedition from New Madrid to Clarkton, Mo. 20, 1862.Skirmish near Cane Hill, Ark. 21, 1862.Skirmish at Van Buren, Ark. 2123, 1862.Expedition from Fayetteville to Huntsville, Ark. 22, 1862.Troops of the Department of the Missouri operating on the Mis- sissippi River embodied in the Thirteenth and Fifteenth Army Corps, Department of the Tennessee. 23, 1862.Skirmish on the Saint Francis Road, near Hclena, Ark. 2331, 1862.Operations in the Sugar Creek Hills, Mo. 28, 1862.Skirmish at Dripping Springs, and capture of Van Baron, Ark. New Madrid, Mo., evacuated by the Union forces. 3~5, 1862.Skirmish at La Grange, Ark. 31, 1862Jan. 25, lS63.Marmadukes expedition into Missouri. Jan. 1, 1863.Affair near Helena, Ark. 2, 1863.Skirmish at Cane Hill, Ark. Reoccupation of New Madrid, Mo., by Union forces. 4 6, 1863.Scout from Ozark, Mo., to Dubuque, Ark. 411, 1863.Expedition against, and capture of, Arkansas Post, Ark. 6, 1863.Capture of the steamer Jacob Musselman, opposite Memphis. Affair near Liun Creek, Mo. 810, 1863.Scout from Elk Horn to Berryville, Ark. 912, 1863.Expedition from Huntsville to Buffalo River, Ark. 10, 1863.Skirmish at Carrollton, Mo. 11, 1863.Skirmish at Wood Creek, Mo. Capture of the steamer Grampus No. 2, opposite Memphis. 12, 1863.Skirmish at Lick Creek, near helena, Ark. 13, 1863.Skirmish at Carthage, Mo. 13-19, 1863.Expedition from Helena up the White Rivcr, and capture of Saint Charles, Clarendon, Devalls Bluff, and Des Arc, Ark. 14, 1863.The Southwestern Army (Confederate) constituted, under corn- mand of Lient. Gen. E. Kirby Smith. , 1863.Skirmish near Maysville, Ark. 15, 1863.Burning of Mound City, Ark. 18, 1863.Skirmish in the Cherokee country, md. T. 21, 1863.Skirmish near Columbia, Mo. 22, 1863.Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Tennessee, assumes command of all the troops in Arkansas within reach of his orders. 2327, 1863.Scout from Fayetteville to Van Buren, Ark. 26, 1863.Skirmish at Mulberry Springs, Ark. 27, 1863.Affair at Bloomfield, Mo. 29, 1863.Brig. Gen. Thomas J. MeKean, U. S. Army, assumes command of the District of Northern MissQuri. Feb. 2 3, 1863.Skirmishes at Vine Prairie, on White Oak River, arid near the mouth of Mulberry River, Ark. 213, 1863.Scouts and skirmishes in and about Mingo Swamp, Mo. 4, 1863. Skirmish at Batesville, Ark. 5, 1863.Sk~rmish in Pope County. Ark. Skirmish on Bear Creek, Johnson County, Mo. * For reports, see Series I, Vol. XVII, Part 1, pp. 698796 Page 3 CHAP. XXXIV.] SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 3 Feb. 512, 1863.Scout from Fayetteville to the Arkansas River, and skirmishes at Threlkelds Ferry and near Van Buren, Ark. 8, 1863.Skirmish near Independence, Mo. 9, 1863.The Southwestern Army (Confederate) extended to ~i~il~race the Trans-Mississippi Department. 10, 1863.Skirmish on Sarcoxie Prairie, Mo. 12, 1863.Skirmish near Frog Bayou, Ark. 13, 1863.Maj. Gen. John Pope, U. S. Army, resumes cemniand of the Depart- ment of the Northwest. 13, 1863.Skirmish near Arkadeiphia, Ark. 1719, 1863.Attack on the steamer Hercules and burning of Ilopelield, Ark. 1922, 1863.Scout in Barton and Jasper Counties, Mo. 20, 1863.Skirmish near Fort Halleck, Dak. 27, 1863.Maj. Gen. Sterling Price, C. S. Army, ordered to the Trans-Missis- sippi Department. 28, 1863.Skirmish near Fort Gibson, md. T. Mar. 1 2, 1863.Capture of, and skirmish near, Bloomfield, Mo. 2, 1863.Skirmish at Neosho, Mo. 3, 1863.Raid by guerrillas on Granby, Mo. 5, 1863.SkIrmish opposite Fort Smith, Ark. 512, 1863.Expedition from Helena up the Saint Francis and Liitle Rivers, and skirmish at Madison, Ark. 513, 1863.Operations in Newton and Jasper Counties, Mo., and skirmish (9th) near Sherwood. 6, 1863. Skirmish on White River, Ark. 610, 1863.Expedition from Helena to Big and Lick Creeks, Ark., and skir- mishes. 7, 1863. Lient. Gen. E. Kirby Smith, C. S. Army, assumes colnmnau(l of the forces west of the Mississippi. 915, 1863.Expedition from Bloomfield, Mo., to Chalk Bluff, Ark., and to Gum Slough, Kennett, Hornersville, etc., Mo., and skirmishes. 10, 1863. Maj. Gen. Edwin V. Snmner, U. S. Army, assigned to command of the Department of the Missouri. 18, 1863. Lient. Gen. Theophilus H. Holmes, C. S. Army, assumes counnaud of the District of Arkansas. 19, 1863.Skirmish on Frog Bayou, Ark. 1923, 1863.Scout toward, and affair (21st) near, Doniphan, Mo. 22, 1863.Skirmish at Blue Springs, near Independence, Mo. Skirmish near the head of White River, Ark. 24Apr. 1, 1863.Scout from Bloomfield to Scatterville, Mo. 27, 1863.Skirmish with Indians on the Rio Bonito, Dak. 28, 1863.Guerrilla attack on steamer Sam. Gaty. 29Apr. 5, 1863.Sconts from Fayetteville, Ark. 30, 1863.Skirmish at The Island, Vernon County, Mo. Skirmishes at Tahlequnh, md. T. Skirmish at Cross Hollow, Ark. 31, 1863.Skirmish at Clappers Saw-Mill, Crooked Creek, Ark. Skirmish at Owensville, Mo. Apr. 1, 1863.Maj. Gen. Francis J. Herron, U. S. Army, supersedes Brig. Ccii. John M. Schofield in command of the Army of the Frontier. Skirmish at Chalk Bluff, Ark. Skirmish near Clarendon, Ark. 1 5,1863.Scout from Linden to White River, Mo. , 1863.Skirmishes in Carroll County, Mo. 2, 1863.Skirmish on Little Rock Road, Ark. Affair in Jackson County, Mo Page 4 4 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., A~D DEPT. N. W. (ChAr. XXXIV. Apr. 3 8, 1863.Scout from Carroliton to Yellx-ille, Ark., and skirmishes. 5, 1863.Scouts from Fayetteville, Ark. 8, 1863.Skirmish in Saint Francis County, Ark. 9, 1863.Skirmish at Sedalia, Mo. Skirmish on White River, Ark. 10, 1863.Expedition from Humboldt to Cottonwood, Kans. 11, 1863.Skirmish at Webbers Falls, md. T. Skirmish near Squirrel Creek Crossing, Cob. 17, 1863.Skirmish on White River, Mo. 17May 2, 1863. Marmadukes expedition into Missouri. 18, 1863.Action at Fayetteville, Ark. Scout through Shannon County, Mo. 18-21, 1863.Scout from Salem to Sinking Creek, Current River, and Big Creek, Mo. 1920, 1863.Scout near Neosho, Mo. 20, 1863.Affair at Bloomfield, Mo. 21May 2, 1863.Expedition from Lake Spring. Mo.,to Chalk Bluff, Ark. 23, 1863?Skirmish at Independence, Mo. 25, 1863.Skirniish at Webbers Falls, md. T. 26, 1863.Skirmish at Elm Springs, Ark. 30, 1863.Skirmish at Fort Gibson, lad. T. May 1, 1863.Skirmish at La Grange, Ark. 3, 1863.Expedition on the Santa F6 Road, Mo. 3li, 1863.Scout in Cass and Bates Counties, Mo. 4, l863.Operations about Lexington, Mo. 5 9, 1863.Scout from Fort Scott, Kans., to Sherwood, Mo., and skuiujishes. 615, 1863.Scout between the White and Saint Francis Rivers, Ark. 619, 1863.Scout from Creek Agency, md. T., to Jasper County, Mo., in- eluding skirmishes at Martins House, Centre Creek, and near Sherwood, and destruction of Sherwood. 9, 1863.Skirmish in Stone County, Mo. 11, 1863.Skirmish at Mount Vernon, Ark. Skirmish at Taylors Creek or Crowleys Ridge, Ark. 12, 1863.Skirmish at Bboomfield, Mo. 1318, 1863.Scout from Newtonia to French Point and Centre Creek, Mo., and skirmishes. 14, 1863.Skirmish at Fort Gibson, lad. T. 15, 1863.Skirmish at Fort Smith, Ark. Skirmish at Big Creek, near Pleasant i jill, Mo. 16, 1863.Skirmish near Carthage, Mo. 18, 1863.Affair at Hog Island, Bates County, Mo. 19, 1863.Skirmish near Richfield, Clay County, Mo. 20, 1863.Action near Fort Gibson, lad. T. 21, 1863.Operations of guerrillas on Santa F6 Road, near Kansas City, Mo. 2130, 1863.Scout from Cassville, through Northwestern Arkansas, into New- ton and Jasper Counties, Mo., including skirmishes (22d) at Bentonville and (26th) near Carthage. 22, 1863.Skirmish at Fort Gibson, lad. T. 23, 1863.Skirmish at Hartville, Mo. 2326, 1863.Expedition from Helena to near Napoleon, Ark.. and skirmish near Island No. 65, Mississippi River. 24, 1863.Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield, U. S. Array, supersedes Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis in command of the Department of the Mis- souri Page 5 ChAP. XXXIV.] SUMMARY OF TIlE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 5 May 25, 1863.Skirmish at Polks Plantation, near helena, Ark. 26, 1863.Skirmish at Mountain Store, Mo. Skirmish at Bush Creek, Mo. 28, 1863.Skirmish near Fort Gibson, lad. T. 29, 1863.The Enrolled Militia of Missouri placed under command of Major- General Schofield. , 1863.Affair near Patterson, Mo. June 1, 1863.Skirmishes near Roclieport, Mo. Skirmish near Doniphan, Mo. Affair at Waverly, Mo. 4, 1863.Skirmish at Fayetteville, Ark. 6, 1863.Skirmish near Shawneetown, Kans. 620, 1863.Operations about Fort Gibson, md. T., includin, skirmish (16th) on Greenleaf Prairie. 8, 1863.Skirmish at Cole Camp, Mo. Affair near Fort Scott, Kans. 9, 1863.District of the Frontier constituted, under commau(l of Maj. Geu. James G. Blunt, U. S. Army. District of the Border constituted, under command of Brig. Gen. Thomas Ewing, jr. 11, 1863.Scout to Jacksonport, Ark. I 16-Sept. 13, 1863.The Sioux Expedition, Dakota. 17, 1863.Skirmish near Westport, Mo. Affair near Wellington, Mo. 18, 1863.Skirmish near Rocheport, Mo. 2023, 1863.Scouts from Waynesville, Mo. 23, 1863.Skirmish at, and destruction of; Sibley, Mo. Skirmish near Papinsville, Mo. Attack on Pawnee A~,ency, Ncbr. 25, 1863,Skirmish at Madison, Ark. 2728, 1863.Skirmishes at Cartbage, Mo. 30, 1863.Skirmish near Hudsons Ford, Neosho River. July 1 2, 1863.Engagement at Cabin Creek, md. T. 3, 1863.Scout from Salem, Mo., and skirmish. 4, 1863.Attack on Helena, Ark. Skirmish at Cassville, Mo. Affair in the Black Fork Hills, Mo. 1, 1863.Skirmish near Drywood, Mo. Skirmish with Indians at Grand Pass, Idaho. 10, 1863.Skirmish at Florence, Mo. 11, 1863.Skirmish at Stockton, Mo. , 1863.Skirmish near Cross Hollow, Ark. 12, 1863. Skirmish near Switzlers Mill, Chariton County, Mo. 17, 1863.Engagement at Elk Creek, near Honey Springs, lad. T. 1826, 1863.Scout from Cassville, Mo., to huntsville, Ark., etc. 20, 1863.Skirmish at Cabin Creek, md. T. 24, 1863 .Maj. Gen. Sterling Price, C. S. Army, supersedes Lient. Gen. The- ophilus H. Holmes in command 6f the I)istrict of Arkansas. Skirmish in Dade County, Mo. 25, 1863.Skirmish at Brownsville, Ark. 27, 1863. Affair near Cassville, Mo. 27- 29, 1863.Expedition from Baxter Springs to Grand River, Kaus. 28, 1863.Skirmish at Marshall, Mo. 28, 1863Skirmish near high Grove, Mo Page 6 6 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. July , 1863.Expedition from Greensborough to Helena, Ark. 2830, 1863.Scout from Newtonia to Olivers Prairie, Mo. 30, 1863.Skirmishes near Elm Springs, Ark. Skirmish near Lexington, Mo. Skirmish near Marshall, Mo. Aug. 1, 1863.Skirmish at Taylors Farm, on the Little Blue, Mo. Affair at Round Ponds, near Castor River, Mo. 1Sept. 14, 1863.Advance of the Union forces upon Little Rock, Ark., etc. 2, 1863.Skirmish at Stumptown, Mo. 1863.Scout from Pocahontas, Ark., to Patterson, Mo. 5, 1863.Maj. Gen. Frederick Steele, U. S. Army, assumes command of the army, to take the field from Helena, Ark. 6 9. 1863.Scout from Greentield to Golden Grove and Carthage. Mo. Scout from Lexington to vicinity of Hopewell, Mo. 610, 1863.Expedition from Fort Scott, Kans., to Clear Lake, Mo. 611, 1863.Scout from Houston to Spring River Mills, Mo., and skirmishes. 7, 1863.Skirmish at New Madrid, Mo. 8, 1863.Affair on Clear Creek, near Ball Town, Mo. 9, 1863.Skirmish at Garden Hollow, near Pinex ille, Mo. 918, 1863.Scout from Cape Girarde~ u to Ash Hill and Poplar Bluff; Mo., and skirmish (13th) at Ash Hill. 10, 1863.Skirmish at Dayton, Mo. 11, 1863.Maj. Gen. Frederick Steele, U. S. Army, assumes command of all troops in Arkansas north of the Arkansas River. 1216, 1863.Scout from houston to Jacks Fork, Mo., and skirmish (14th). 13, 1863.Skirmish at Pineville, Mo. 13Sept. 11, 1863.Expedition against Indians in Dakota. 14, 1863.Skirmish at West Point Mo. Skirmish near Sherwood, Mo. Skirmish near Wellington, Mo. Skirmish near Jacks Fork, Mo. 15, 1863.Skirmish at Bentonville, Ark. 1726, 1863.Expeditions from Cape Girardeau and Pilot Knob, Mo., to Poca- hontas, Ark. 2028, 1863.Quantrills raid luto Kansas, and pursuit by Union forces. 2223, 1863.Skirmishes at Pocahontas, Mo. 23, 1863.Skirmish at Fayetteville, Ark. Scout on Bennetts Bayou, Mo., and skirmi~hes. 25, 1863.Skirmish near Waynesville, Mo. Skirmish near Independence, Mo. 25-~8, 1863.Scout from Sedalia, and skirmish (26th) at Clear Fork, Mo. 26, 1863.Skirmish at Perryville, md. T. 28Sept. 7, 1863.Expedition from Lexington into La Fayette, Johnson, Cass, and henry Counties, Mo. 29, 1863.Skirmish at Texas Prairie, Mo. 30, 1863.Skirmish at Washington, Ark. 81, 1863.Skirmish on the Marais des Cygnes, Kans. Sept. 1, l863.Occupation of Fort Smith, Arl~., by the Union forces. Skirmish at Jenny Lind, Ark. Action at Devils Backbone, or Backbone Mbuntaiu, Ark. 4, 1863.Affair at Quincy, Mo. 45, 1863.Skirmishes at Bentoaville, Flint Creek, I-log-Eye, and Round Prairie, Ark Page 7 CoAP. XXXIV.] SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 7 Sept. 4 7, P~63.Scont from Coki Water Grove to Pleasant hill and Big Creek, Mo., and skirmishes. 424, 1863.Scout from Fort Lyon, Cob., to Fort Lamed, Kaus. 5, 1863.Skirmish near Maysville, .Ark. 6, 1863. Attack on train between Fort Scott, Kans., and Carthage, Mo. Skirmish in Hutton Valley, Mo. 7, 1863. Skirmish at Bear Skin Lake, Mo. 719, 1863.Expedition from Springfield, Mo., into Arkansas an(l IrI(lian Ter~ ritory, and skirmish (15th) near Enterprise, Mo. 730, 1863.Expedition to Big L ke, Mississippi County, Ark. 9, 1863.Skirmish at Webbers Falls, lad. T. 11, 1863.Skirmish at Waldron, Ark. 12, 1863.Affair near Houston, Texas County, Mo. Skirmish at Dardanelle, Ark. 13, 1863.Attack on, and skirmish near, Salem, Mo. 1321, 1863.Scout from Fort Lamed to Booths Ranch, Arkansas River, Kaus. 15, 1863.Skirmish near Enterprise, Ark. Skirmish in Jackson County, Mo. 1518, 1863.Scout from GreenfielQ, Mo. 16, 1863.Affair at Brownsville, Ark. 17, 1863.Skirmish on Horse Creek, Mo. 20, 1863.Skirmish at 1-Iornersville, Mo. 2225. 1863.Scout in La Fayette County, Mo., and skirmishes. 22Oct. 26, 1863.Shelbys raid in Arkansas and Missonri. 23, 1863.Skirmish near Bayou Meto Bridge, Ark. 25, 1863.Lient. Gen. Theophilus H. Holmes, C. S. Army, resumes comniand of the District of Arkansas. 26, 1863.Skirmish at Cassville, Mo. 27, 1863.Skirmish at Newtonia, Mo. 2728, 1863.Scout in Bates County, Mo. 29Oct. 26, 1863.Expeditions from Pilot Knob, Mo., to Oregon County, Mo, and Pocahontas, Ark. Det. 1, 1863.Skirmish at Elizabethtown, Ark. 2, 1863.Skirmish at Carthage, Mo. Skirmish at Vances Store, Ark. 3 7, 1863.Operations in Bates and Vernon Counties, Mo. 4, 1863.Skirmish near Widow Wheelers, sontl~west of Neosho, Mo. 5, 1863.Skirmish near Syracuse, Mo. 6, 1863.Action at Baxter Springs, Ark. Skirmish at Waldron, Ark. 7,1863.Skirmish at Evening Shade, Ark. Skirmish at Ferrys Ford, Ark. Skirmish in the Choctaw Natior, had. T. 710, 1863.Scout in Sprin, River country, Ark. 717, 1863.Expedition from Sedalia to Marshall, Mo. 10, 1863.Skirmish at Tulip, Ark. 11, 1863.Skirmish at Brazil Creek, Chocta~ Nation, md. T. 1114, 1863.-Demonstration against Fayetteville, Ark. 12, 1863.Skirmish at Webhers Falls, md. T. Skirmish at Tulip, Ark. Affair at MeGnires, near Fayetteville, Ark. 1216, 1863.Scout from Fort Garland, Cob., and killing of outlaw Espanoza. 14, 1863.Skirmish, near Mans Creek, Shannon County, Mo. 15, 1863.Skirmish on Creek A~ency, md. T Page 8 8 Mo., ARK., I{ANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. Oct. 19, 1863.Affair on Honey Creek, Mo. 21, 1863.Affair in Greenton Valley, near Ilopewell, Mo. 22, 1863.Mutiny at Bloomfield, Mo. 25, 1863.Action at Pine Bluff Ark. 26, 1863.Skirmish at Kings House, near Waynesville, Mo. 26Nov. 12, 1863.Scout from Cape Girardean to Doniph an, Mo., and Poca- hontas, Ark. 27, 1863.Skirmish at Tulip, Ark. 27Nov. 15, 1863.Expedition from Cape Girardean to Clarkton, Mo. 28, 1863.Skirmish at Clarksville, Ark. 29, 1863.Affair near Warsaw, Mo. Skirmish at Ozark, Ark. 29Nov. 5, 1863.Scout from Pilot Knob to Altoii and Deniphan, Mo. 30, 1863.Skirmish at Fourteen-mile Creek, md. T. Nov. 2, 1863.Brig. Gen. John McNeil, U. S. Army, assnmes command of the District of the Frontier. Skirmish in Bates Township, Ark. 4, 1863.Skirmish near Lexington, Mo. 4 6, 1863.Skirmishes at and near Neosho, Mo. 4 9, 1863.Scout from Houston to Jacks lThrk, Mo. 419, 1863.Scouts in Reynolds, Shannon, and Oregon Counties, Mo. 5,1863.Skirmish at Neosho, Mo. 713, 1863.Expedition from Fayetteville to Frog Bayou, Ark., and skirmishes (9th) near Huntsville and (10th) near Kingston. 9, 1863.Skirmish in the Choctaw Nation, lad. T. 1018 1863.Expedition from Benton to Mount Ida, Ark., and skirniisb (11th) at Caddo Gap. Expedition from Springfield, Mo., to IlnntsviHe, Carroilton, and Berryville, Ark., and skirmishes. ,1863.Expedition into Arkansas, and skirmish. 11, 1863.Skirmish at Fouch6-le-Faix Mountains, Ark. Skirmish at Greenleaf Prairie, lad. T. 12, 1863.Skirmish at Roseville, Ark. Skirmish at Greenleaf Prairie, lad. T. 13,1863.Skirmish at Mount Ida, Ark. 1417, 1863.Expedition from Helena., Ark. 15, 1863.Skirmish in Newton County, Ark. 1727, 1863.Scouts about Houston, Mo. 18, 1863.Skirmishes on Shoal and Turkey Creeks, Jasper County, Mo. 19, 1863.Skirmish at Dr. Greens Farm, near Lawreneeviile, Ark. 21, 1863.Affair at Jacksonport, Ark. 22, 1863.Affair near Houston, Mo. 2329, 1863.Scouts from Houston, Mo. 23Dec. 18, 1863.Expedition from Springfield to howell, Wright, and Ore- gon Counties, Mo. 24,1863.Skirmish at Clarksville, Ark. 2428, 1863.Scouts from Salem to Busby and Pigeon Cneks, Ginden Valley, and Dry Fork, Mo. 25, 1863.Skirmish in Crawford County, Ark. Skirmish on the Big Piney, near I1on~ ton, Mo. Scout in the vicinity of Waynesvilie, Mo Raid on Farm in gtou, Mo. 26, 1863.Skirmish near Woodson, Mo. ,1 863.Seout from Neosho to Shoal and Turkey Creeks, Mo. 2930, 1863.Attack on Bloonifield. Mo., and pursuit of the Confederates to Browns Ferry, Ark Page 9 CHAP. XXXIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. Dec. 1, 1863.Skirmish near Benton, Ark. Skirmish near Devalls Bluff, Ark. Affair with Ponca Indians. 2 7, 1863.Scout from Waldron to Mount Ida, Caddo Gap, and Dallas, Ark. 4, 1863.Skirmish with Indians at Niobrara, Nebr. 513, 1863.Reconnaissance from Little Rock, aI~(1 skirmish (8th) at Prince- ton, Ark. 914, 1863.Scouts from Waldron down Dutch Creek, Ark. 919, 1863.Scouts from Houston, Mo. 11, 1863.Brig. Gen. S. B. laxey, C. S. Army, assigned to command of tdie Indian Territory. 1113, 1863.Scout from Waldron to Dallas, Ark. 12, 1863.Skirmish at Devalls Bluff Ark. 13, 1863.Skirmish at Meriwethers Ferry, Bayou Boeuf, Ark. 14, 1863.Skirmish at Caddo Mill, Ark. 16, 1863.Demonstration on Fort Gibson, md. T. Skirmish near Springfield, Mo. 1631, 1863.Scout from Fayetteville, Ark., including skirmishes (23d) at Stronds Store and (25th) on Buffalo River. 18, 1863.Skirmish near Sheldons Place, Barren Fork, md. T. 192t), 1863.Scout from Lexington, Mo. 23, 1863.Skirmish at Jacksouport, Ark. 2325, 1863.Attack on Centreville, Mo., and pursuit of the Confederates, in- cluding skirmish (25th) at Pulliams. 2429, 1863.Scout from Cassville, Mo. 26, 1863.Skirmish near Fort Gihson, md. T. 2628, 1863.Scout fro Salem, Mo. 2~i, 1863Jan. 2, 1864.Scout from Forsyth, Mo., to Batesville, Ark. 29, 1863.Attack on Waidron, Ark. 31, 1863.Skirmish in Searcy County, Mo. G-ENER~L I?~EPOi~TS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Henry W. Halleck, U. S. Army, General-in-Chief, of operations in th6 Departments of the Missouri and of the Northwest, November 25, 1862 Novemher 15, 1863. No. 2.-Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Missouri, of operations May 24December 10, 1863. No. 3.Lient. Gen. E. Kirby Smith, C. S. Army, commanding Trans-Mississippi De- partment, of open tions March 7, 1863February 21, 1864. No. 4.Brig. Ge William Steele, C. S. Army, of operations in the Indian Territory in 1863. No. 1. Report ~9J ]JJI~j. Gen. flenry W. Ilalleek, U. ~. Army, General-in- Chief, 01 operations in the Departments of the ]IiEissouri and of the Northwest, November 25, 1802November 15, 1863. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. 0., November 25, 1803. SIR: hi compliance with your orders, I submit the following sum. iuary of military operations since my last annual report: * * * * * * * DEPARTMENT OF TILE MISSOURI. The w ithdrawal to Missouri of a large part of our forces in Arkansas, as state(l iii my last annual report, left the frontier of the former exposed Page 10 10 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. rCHAP. XXXIV. to raids, of which the rebels were prompt to take advantage. Marina- duke, with the advance of ~ rebel army, moved forward with the purpose of entering the southwest of Missouri. Before the enemy could concentrate his forces for battle, Brigadier-General Blunt, by forced marches, encountered him at Cane Hill, in the Boston Mountains. A running fight took place on the 28th of November, 1862, in which the enemy was defeated with a heavy loss. Our casualties were 4 killed and 36 wounded. Four days after the combat of Cane Hill, it was ascertained, from reliable information, that iliudmans army had crossed the Arkansas River, and formed a junction with Marmaduke at Lees Creek, 15 miles north of Van Buren, to which point the latter had retreated after the action of the 28th of November. The united rebel force was believed to be very much greater than our own, of which two divisions were more than 100 miles iu the rear. liii- mediately upon learning General Blunts danger from an overwhelm. ing attack of the enemy, general ilerron, by forced marches (110 miles iu three days), arrived at Fayetteville, Ark., early on the morning of the 7th of December. Soon after, we encountered the enemy in force at Prairie Grove, while attempting a flank movement to get between Blunt and the approaching succor, designing to crush both in succes- sion. This skillfully devised project was fortunately frustrated by the valor and endurance of ilerrons divisions, which stoutly held their ground till about 2 oclock in the afternoon, when Blunts forces arrived upon the field, and the engagement became general along the entire line, and continued to be fiercely contested until dark. During the night the enemy retreated across the Boston Mountains. Although the rebels suffered much more severely than ourselves, we purchased the victory with the loss of 167 killed, 798 wounded, and 183 missing, making a total loss of 1,148, of which 953 were of Herrons divisions.* Early in January, 1863, a rebel force, estimated at from 4,000 to 6,000, under Marmaduke m of Ozark, to the oved upon Lawrence Mills, and proceeded, by way attack of Springfield, Mo., to which place our small force, consisting chiefly of militia, convalescents, and citizens, was com- pelled to fall back. This miscellaneous garrison, of only about 1,000 men, obstinately defended the place most of the day of the 8th of Jan- uary, with the loss of 14 killed, 145 wounded, and 5 missingin all, 164. Under cover of the night the enemy withdrew, and our force was too feeble to make a vigorous pursuit. Another skirmish took place at Hartville on the 11th, in which our loss was 7 killed and 64 wounded. We captured 27 prisoners. The season was now so far advanced and the roads so impassable that further operations could not be carried on by either party. On the 15th of July, Major-General Blunt crossed the Arkansas River, near Honey Springs, md. T., and on the 16th [17th] attacked a supe- rior force of rebels under General Cooper, which he completely routed, the enemy leaving their killed and wounded on the field. Our loss was 17 killed and 60 wounded, while that of the enemy was 150 killed (buried by our men), 400 wounded, and 77 prisoners taken, besides 1 piece of artillery, 200 stand of arms, and 15 wagons. After several skirmishes with the enemy, General Blunt descended the Arkansas River a Ark. , nd, on the 1st of September, occupied Fort Smith, The main body of our troops in the Department of the Missouri had, in the early part of the season, been sent to re-enforce General Grant * IB~~t see reVIse(l stuteineiit, pp. 8186 Page 11 CHAP. XXXIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. 11 before Yicksburg. Taking advantage of this reduction of force, the enemy moved against Helena, and attacked that place on the 4th of July. After a severe engagement, he was defeated by Major-General Prentiss, with a heavy loss in killed and wounded and 1,100 prisoners. Our loss in killed, wounded, and missing was only about 250.* As soon as Yicksburg had capitulated, Major-General Steele was sent with a force to Helena, with instructions to form a junction with Brig- adier-General Davidson, who was moving south from Missouri, by Crowleys Ridge, and drive the enemy south of Arkansas River. This junction being effected, General Steele established his depot and hospi- tals at Devalls Bluff, and on the 1st of August advanced against the enemy, who fell back toward Little Rock. After several successful skirmishes he reached the Arkansas River, and threw a part of his force upon the south side to threaten the enemys communications with Arka- delphia and take his defenses in reverse. The rebels, on seeing this movement, destroyed what property they could, and, after a slight re- sistance, fled in disorder, pursued by onr cavalry; and on the 10th of September our troops took possession of the capital of Arkansas. Our loss in killed, wounded, and missing did not exceed 100. We captured 1,000 prisoners, and such public property as the rebels had not time to destroy. After the capture of Little Rock, and while our cavalry were driving the main force of the rebels south, the enemy attempted to re- capture Pine Bluff, but was repulsed with heavy loss. On the 28th of October our troops occupied Arkadelphia, the enemy retreating to Red River. A large part of the military force in the Department of the Missouri has been employed during the past year in repelling raids and in re- pressing the guerrilla bands of robbers and murderers who have come within our lines or been organized in the country. Most of these bands are not authorized belligerents under the laws of war, but simply out- laws from civilized society. It is exceedingly difficult to eradicate these bands, inasmuch as the inhabitants of the country, sometimes from disloyalty and sometimes from fear, afford them subsistence and con- cealment. They usually hide themselves in the woods, and, being well mounted, move rapidly from one point to another, supplying themselves by the way with provisions and fresh horses. They rob and murder wherever they go. In the receiit raid of one of these bands into Kan- sas, they burned the city of Lawrence and murdered the inhabitants withoutregard to age or sex, committing atrocities more inhuman than those of Indian savages. These are the terrible results of a border contest, incited at first for political purposes, and since increased in animosity by the civil war in which we are engaged, till all sense of humanity seems to have beeii lost in the desire to avenge with blood real or fancied grievances. This extraordinary condition of affairs on that frontier seems to call for the application of a prompt and severe remedy. it has been proposed to depopulate the frontier counties of Missouri, and to lay waste the country ou the border so as to prevent its fur- nishing any shelter or subsistence to these bands of murderers. Such measures are within the recognized laws of war; they were adopted by Wellington in Portugal, and by the Russian armies in the campaign of 1812; but they should be adopted only in case of overruling necessity. The execution of General Schofields order on this subject has been suspended, and it is hoped that it will not be necessary hereafter to renew it. * See p. 390 Page 12 12 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. DEPART ENT OF TIlE NORThWEST. As soon as the season was sufficiently advanced for a campaign against the Indians, General Pope sent a column, under Brigadier-General Sib- ley, up the Mississippi River to near our northern boundary, and thence across the country to the Missouri; and another of cavalry, under Brig- adier-General Sully, from Sioux City up the latter river to cut off the retreat of the hostile Indians whoni General Sibley might drive before him from Minnesota and Eastern Dakota. Unfortunately these move- ments were not well tinied, and no junction was effected. A portion of the savages driven north took refuge within British territory, where our troops were not permitted to follow them. Some tied westward, afl(l were overtaken by General Sibley near Missouri Cotean, where he en~ countered a force of Minnesota and Dakota warriors, estimated at from 2,200 to 2,500. In the engagements which followed at Big Mound and Dead Buffalo Lake, the Indians were completely routed, with a heavy loss in killed and wounded, and in the destruction of their provisions and means of transportation. Cur loss was 5 killed and 4 wounded. The savages who escaped crossed to the west side of the Mississippi, and General Sibley reached that river, about 40 miles below Fort Clarke, on the 29th of July, having marched a distance of some 600 miles from Saint Paul. On the 3d of September, General Sully encountered and defeated, at White Stone Hill, about 130 miles above the Little Cheyenne, a body of Indians, a part of whom had previously been engaged against Sibleys column. The savages were defeated with a heavy loss in killed and wounded and 156 prisoners. Our loss was 20 killed and 38 wounded.* With these operations the I)resent Indian campaign was terminated. Recent hostilities in Idaho may render it necessary to send a military expedition into that Territory early iu the spring. * * * * * * All of which is respectfully submitted. II. W. HALLECK, Hon. B. M. STANTON, General-in- Chief. Secretary of War. No. 2. Report of ]J/Eaj. Gen. John ilf. Schofield, U. S. Army, commanding Depart ment of the Missouri, of operations May 24December 10, 1863. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., December 10, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit a general summary of military operations in this department since the 24th of May, 1863, wh eul ~issumed this command. At that time active operations against the organized force of the enemy in Arkans~ s had been suspended until the opening of the Mis- si5sip~)l should give us a new base and a new line of operations, by which it would be practicable to operate in the interior of Arkansas. There was no immediate employment for the troops of this department * I3ut see revIse4I statement, p. 561 Page 13 CHAP. XXXIV.) GENERAL REPORTS. 13 except the ordinary police duties in Missouri, Kansas, and among the Indian tribes in the Western Territories. The elThctive troops in the department at that time consisted of 14,248 infantry, 15,509 cavalry, and thirteen batteries of artillery, dis- tributed as follows, viz: The Army of the Frontier, distributed along the southern border of Missouri and Kansas, and in the Indian Terri- tory as far south as Fort Gibson, 5,011 infantry, 3,826 cavalry, and four batteries of artillery. Troops doing police duty in Missouri, 5,657 in- fantry, 9,200 cavalry, and six batteries. In Kansas, 3,506 infantry, 1,343 cavalry, and two batteries. In Nebraska, 392 cavalry. In Colorado, 74 infantry, 748 cavalry, and one battery. in a(ldition to the above, the Governor of Missouri had commenced the organization of nine regiments of militia, styled provisional regi- inents, intended for continuous active service. A portion of this mili- tia had been in active service for a considerable length of time, but not under the orders of the department commander, and not acting in con- cert with the United States troops. At my suggestion, the Governor ))laced these nine regiments under my command, wnereupon the War Department gave me authority to supply them with everything neces- sary to their efficiency, and they became a real addition to the effective force in the department, making my entire force 36,816 men effective. With a view to the commencement of active operations as soon as practicable, I reorganized the Army of the Frontier, uniting all the cavalry and adding to it, forming a division of cavalry 6,000 strong, with a proper proportion of artilleryq under Brig. Gen. J. W. Davidson, and forming the infantry into a single division, with three batteries, under Maj. Gen. F. J. ilerron, intending to send the infantry and artil- lery by water to a new base on the river, and let the cavalry march overland, as soon as General Grants operations should enable me to commence an aggressive movement. This reorganization had but commenced, when, on the 2dday of June, I received a dispatch from the General-in-Chief, directing me to send all the force I could spare to the aid of General Grant at Yicksburb. Accordingly I immediately dispatched eight regiments of infantry and three batteries, under Major-General Herron, and subsequently sent in the same direction three more regiments of infantry, in all 8,000 men. Also, to enable Brig. Gem [A.] Asboth, commanding at Columbns, to meet an expected attack, 1 sent him from New Madrid, on the 30th of July, 1,300 men, and to Major-General ilosecrans, commanding De- partment of the Cumberland, a regiment of cavalry and two regiments of infantry, 2,400 men, making a total of forces transferred from my department of 11,700 men and three batteries. This great reduction of the force before considered necessary for defen- sive purposes, left me very weak in Missouri and Kansas, and, occurring at the season favorable for guerrilla operations, exposed these States to the depredations of guerrillas, from which they continued to suffer more or less until the success of my maiu force iu Arkansas, and that of the (lctachments operating in Missouri and Kansas, rendered it impossible for them to longer exist in these States. The capture of Yicksburg and Port Hudson by the forces under Generals Grant and Banks on the 4th and 8th of July, respectively, opened the way for active operations in Arkansas, and enabled General Grant to return to inc the troops I had sent him. I inclose herewith copies of correspondence with General Grant on that subject, which, to- g ether with orders from the General in-Chief, resulted in his sending (including the force already at Helena) a force of about 8,000 infantry and five batteries, to form, with troops to be sent from Nissouri, a Page 14 14 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIv. expedition against the enemy in Arkansas. At my request, Maj. Gen. Frederick Steele was sent to command this force. At the same time I sent the cavalry division, under Brigadier-General Davidson, with or- ders to move south, through the eastern part of Arkansas, and effect a junction with the force at Helena. Copy of instructions to General Davidson is inclosed herewith, marked A [Nos. 5 and 6]; also copy of instructions for General Steele, marked B [No. 9]. General Davidson reached Wittsburg, on the Saint Francis River, on the 28th day of July, without encountering any considerable force of the enemy, and opened communication with General [L. F.] Ross, then commanding at Helena, General Steele not having arrived at that time. On the 10th day of August, General Steele had completed the organi- zation of his forces, and commenced his advance, via Clarendon, on White River; thence up that river to Devalls Bhiff, where he estab- lished his base of operations. Considerable time was consumed here in fortifying, establishing depot for supplies, hospital for the sick, who had become frightfully numerous, and in making other necessary prepara- tions for a further advance. These preparations were completed on the 1st day of September. The enemy, under Sterling Price, occupied an intrenched position o miles east of Little Rock, covered by cavalry outposts at Bayou Meto and Ashleys Mills. His force was estimated at about 16,000 men, with thirty-eight pieces of artillery. General Steeles effective force was about 13,000 men, with fifty-three pieces of artillery. Steele adi~anced, with the main body of his infantry, against the en- emys position, while the cavalry, under Davidson, crossed the Arkan- sas River 7 miles below Little Rock, encountering the rebel cavalry, under Marmaduke, defeated him after a sharp engagement, and marched upon the town. Price, finding his position turned, hastily abandoned his intrenchments, retreated across the river, destroying his bridges, aud escaped from the town before the arrival of our cavalry. David- sons division entered Little Rock at dark in the evening of the 10th of September. The enemy retired toward Arkadelphia, pursued the next day about 20 miles by a considerable force of cavalry and artillery, under command of Col. Lewis Merrill, U. S. Volunteers, but with no very important results. For the details of these operations, resulting in the capture of Little Rock, and subsequent pursuit of the enemy, I respectfully refer to re- ports heretofore forwarded. Since the capture of Little Rock, the time has been chiefly employed in l)erfecting communications, including repair of the railroad to Dc- valls Bluff, the fortification of Little Rock, and the occupation of points necessary to the security of the Arkansas River as a line of defense, and in preparation for an advance to Red River as soon as General Banks operations should justify. The cavalry of General Steeles command has been actively employed during the time against the enemys cav- alry, and with considerable success in the capture of prisoners, arms, and other property. On the 25th day of October, Marmaduke, with about 2,500 cavalry and twelve pieces of artillery, attacked a force of about 800 cavalry of the Fifth Kansas and the First Indiana Cavalry, and nine l)ieces of artillery, under Colonel [P.] Clayton, of the Fifth Kansas Cavalry, at Pine Bluff. The fight was sharp, lasted five hours an decisive victory to our troops. d resulted in a Some cavalry, sent from Little Rock and Camden, under Lieutenant- Colonel [II. C.] Caldwell, Third Iowa Cavalry, pursued the rebel cavalr Page 15 CHAP. 2~XXIV.J GENERAL REPORTS. 15 to Arkadelphia, captured that place, with a number of prisoners and some property. Colonel Claytons and Lieutenant-Colonel Caldwelis reports were forwarded on the 19th instant. On the 9th of June, I made a division of the former District of Kan- sas, the one embracing the northern portion of Kansas and the border counties of Missouri, the other the southern portion of Kansas, the In- dian Territory, and Western Arkansas. Major-General [J. G.] Blunt was placed in command of the latter dis- trict, and Brigadier-General [Thomas] Ewing, [jr.,] of the former, with his headquarters at Kansas City, as near as possible to the center of the disturbed portion of his district. The troops placed under General Ewings command were selected with reference to their fitness for that special service, as far as practi- cable at that time. On the 11th day of June, General Blunt assumed command at Fort Gibson, md. T., at that time occupied by a small force, mostly Indians, under command of Col. William A. Phillips. All troops had been with- drawn from Western Arkansas some time before. On the 20th of July, General Blunt reported that lie was threatened by a force about 15,000 strong, under Cabell and [D. II.] Cooper, and asked for re-enforcements. His force at that time amounted to about 000 men, of whom about one-half were Indians. I sent him about men from Southwest Missouri, under Colonel [W. F.] Cloud, of the Second Kansas Cavalry, which force reached Fort Gibson on the 22d of August. General Blunt crossed the Arkansas River to attack the enemy, but they retreated without a general engagement. On the 1st of September, Colonel Clouds brigade came up with the enemys rear, about 16 miles southeast of Fort Smith, and, after a short skirmish, routed them, with a loss of 8 killed and wounded on our side and 20 to 30 on that of the enemy, and capturing 40 prisoners. General Blunt, with the First Arkansas Infantry, occupied Fort Smith on the same day without oppositionten days before the capture of Little Rock. Since that time we have held, without difficulty, the line of the Arkansas River, and our cavalry have operated as far south as Arkadelphia. The border of Kansas and Missouri has been the scene of the most revolting hostilities during the past two years. The summur just ended has been no exception to this rule. A band of outlaws, numbering sometimes as high as 500 men, have infested the thickly wooded fast- nesses in the western counties of Missouri, from which to prey upon the unarmed people. These brigands were aided in every way, whether willingly or unwillingly, by the large majority of the inhabitants of those counties, making it impossible, with any reasonable force, to drive them out or capture them. On the 19th of August, the brigands secretly assembled to the number of about 300, near the border of Kansas, marched rapidly upon the town of Lawrence, and attacked it at dawn of day, when the people were least prepared for defense. No resistance whatever was offered. The town was robbed and burned, and the unarmed people murdered in the most fiendish manner. Probably no act of the war has been so barbarous in its whole details as this. I refer you to the report of Brig~ adier-General Ewing, forwarded to Washington on the 4th of Septem- ber, for full details of the operations of his troops in pursuit of the murderers. The excitement among the people of Kansas, resulting from the massacre at Lawrence, was necessarily intense. For a time it threatened a serious difficulty, from the desire of a large portion of the people to enter Missouri to avenge the crime that had been perpetrate Page 16 16 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. upon one of their fairest towns. Wiser counsels, however, prevailed, and the excitement passed off without further trouble. To guard against the probability of the recurrence of such a calamity, I recommended to His Excellency the Governor of Kansas to adopt the system which had been established in Missouri a year before, of organizing and arming all the militia of the State, thus placing every town, at least, in conditiou to defend itself from any guerrilla attack. This suggestion was as promptly adopted, and the State soon made secure. For some time previous to the La~ rence massacre, the necessity of adopting some measures more vigorous than any before adopted to rid the border counties of the brigands who had so long infested them had been discussed, and I had directed General Ewing to remove the families of all guerrillas and all those who ~vere known to aid them, and aIs~ the slaves of all disloyal persons living in those counties, it having been shown satisfactorily that a main ot~ject of the guerrilla bands was to protect their disloyal friends iu the possessiou of their slaves, and that they were encouraged and supported for this purpose. After the mas- sacre at Lawrence, General Ewing deemed this measure not adequate, and ordered a total depopulation of the district which was then the chief haunt of the guerrillas. After a protracted visit to the border, and as full an examination of the case as I could make, I modified General Ewings order so far as to preserve, as far as possible, all property in the depopulated district, and approved the ordcr. The measure, though very severe, seemed necessary at the time, and I believe the result has proved the wisdom of it. The guerrillas soon found it impossible to live where before they had roamed almost at will. Large numbers of them were killed, and the remainder driven beyond the Arkansas River. Since the rebels have all been driven out, I have directed that all the loyal people of those counties be permitted to return to their homes, and that they be armed and organized into companies. I believe there will be no difficulty hereafter in preserving peace in that district. In the retreat of the enemy from Little Rock and Fort Smith, several small bands of guerrillas were left in the northern part of Arkansas, and two or three still remained in Missouri. About the last of September, a detachment of rebel cavalry, from 600 to 800 strong, nuder command of Shelby, left Prices army, near Arka- delphia, in Arkansas, moved north, and crossed the Arkansas River a short distance below Fort Smith. After crossing, Shelby moved rapidly toward Huntsville, which place he reached September 30, and moved thence via Bentonville, Ark., cutting the telegraph line as he passed; thence through Pineville to Keosho, Mo., where he attacked and cap. tured two companies of Missouri militia. Shelby was joined in Arkansas by Brooks and other guerrilla leaders, and in Missouri by Quantrill, Jackman, and others, with all the guer- rillas in Western Missouri. These increased his force to about 2,000 men. Passing rapidly through Greenfield and Warsaw, he succeeded in destroying the La Mine Bridge, on the Pacific Railroad, and reached the town of Boonville, on the Missouri River. Up to this time he suc- ceeded in entirely eluding the troops sent to intercept him, and passed north of them. At Boonville he was overtaken by Brig. Gen. E. B. Brown, with about 1,500 men, and pursued to Marshall, sldrmishing con- tinually. At Marshall, Shelby made a stand, and a sharp fight ensued, lasting five hours, and resulting in a total defeat of the rebels. They scattered in all directions and tIed toward Arkansas, hotly pursued by General Browns troops. Subsequently, the chase was taken up by Colonel Weer, then by General Ewing, and finally by General McNeil, who continued the pursuit until the remnant of Shelbys force had crosse Page 17 CHAt. XXXIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. U the Arkansas Itiver. The pursuit was attended with numerous skir- inishes, always favorable to our troops, and resulted~ in a loss to the enemy of more than half his force, two pieces of artillery (all he had), all his ammunition, baggage, and plunder. Quantrill, Jackman, and other guerrilla leaders, who have beeii the curse of Missouri and Kansas during the past two years, were driven out with Shelby, or about the same time, leaving behind them a state of peace and security to which the people have long been strangers. I respectfully refer to accompanying reports for details of these opera- tions.* They exhibit a degree of energy and endurance on the part of our troops worthy of all commendation. Military operations in the Territories of Nebraska and Colorado have not been of special importance. The Indians in those Territories, al- though occasionally manifesting a hostile disposition, have thus fir remained quiet, and the troops on the frontier have proven amply suffi- cient to protect the people and important public interests. Several of the tribe& have recently manifested an unusual hostile feeling, and have given evidence of a combination for war upon the white settlers. Timely measures have been instituted to prevent actual hostilities, if possible, and to meet them with an adequate force, if necessary. Of the numerous skirmishes and engagements within the last five months, twenty-eight have been reported, showing a loss on our side of 159 killed, 311 wounded, and 200 prisoners; and on that of the enemy 643 killed, 697 wounded, and 856 prisoners. To the enemys loss must also be added the large number of desertions, consequent upon his defeat. Measures have been taken to secure prompt and accurate reports hereafter of all engagements and skirmishes, and in future reports details will be given more explicitly. The total effective force now in the department is about 36,800 men, including troops returned to me by General Grant, re-enforcements received from Major-General Popes de- partment, and new organizations of white and colored troops recruited since the 31st of May. It does not exceed that of the 24th of May, when the honor of the command was conferred upon me. Yet it has repos- sessed, and now securely holds, over 60,000 square miles more of territory. I have not deemed it necessary in this report to refer to matters not of a purely military character. The perplexing subjects, of a semi-political character, which are insep rably connected with this command, have been the subject of correspondence from time to time with the General- in-Chief and the War Department, and the Government is fully informed of all that has transpired. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. SCHOFIELD, ]Jliajor- General. Col. E. D. TowNsEND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Washington, D. C. [Inclosure No. 1.1 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MiSSOURI, Saint Louis, June 25, 1863. Brigadier-General iDAvIDSoN, (bmw ariding First Gay. Div., Arcadia: GENERAL: I desire you to carry out the plan of operations discussed by us during our interview at your headquarters on the 23d instant, with as little delay as practicable. See September 22October 26, Shelbys raid in ArI~ansas and Missouri, p. 621, 2 R RYOL XXII, PT Page 18 18 MO, ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W, [CHAP. XXXIV. The immediate object of this expedition is to keep open the river between New 1\1 adrid and Memphis, and secure safe navigation for our transports, until the fall of Yicksburg shall place us in condition to carry the war into the interior of Arkansas. To accomplish this I pro- pose the following plan, in substance the same as that discussed by us, viz: Your division of cavalry to move down Crowleys Ridge, make a (lelnonstration a~ainst Prices infantry, supposed to be at or near Jack- sonport, and attack Marmadukes cavalry along the ridge, and betweeii that and the river. This, I presume, will compel him to withdraw from the river and mass his troops in your front; perhaps also to make, or attempt, a junction with Prices infantry. If so, the immediate object will be accomplished. If the enemy concentrate his force and offer you battle, you will be compelled to act with much caution. Your force being only cavalry and artillery, you may be unable to cope with the enemys combined force; but I presume you can easily beat his entire cavalry. You may be able to bring on an engagement with the enemys cavalry alone.. If so, I shall look for the most fortunate and beneficial results. You may also be able, by operating upon the flank and rear of Prices position, to compel him to retire and leave Northeastern Arkansas entirely in your possession. In any event, endeavor to compel the enemy to keep his force so concentrated as to be unable to interfere with the navigation of the river, and, at the same time, hold yourself in such position as to prevent his making a raid into Missouri. It is important for you to accomplish a decided result as soon as prac- ticable, with a view to a change of your base of operations to some point on the river. To enable you to accomplish this change of base with certainty as soon as your success will justify it, I will keep a force of infantry and artillery ready to move with supplies for your division to some point down the river. So far as I have been able to learn, Osceola is probably the best point for you to communicate with from Crowleys Ridge, but it will probably be best to leave this for you to determine, after you have advanced into the country and obtained more accurate information. Please communicate with me frequently, and give me full information, so that I may be able to act promptly and understandingly in support- ing your movements. II desire to keep the infantry here until your success shall remove all danger of any aggressive movement of the enemy in this direction. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. SCHOFIELD, Major-General. [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, & tint Louis, July 8, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Army of Tennessee, T~icksbury, Miss.: GENERAL: I congratulate you most heartily upon your glorious tri- ii mph at Yicksburg. I desire, general, as soon as possible to commence active operations in Arkansas, now that you have removed the obstacle which has so long stood in our way, and forced us to remain comparatively idle. You are aware that since active operations in this department ceased last winter, nearly all the troops in my department, except those necessary for polic Page 19 CHAr. XXXIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. 19 duty, have been sent to re-enforce your army, with the understanding that, as soon as Yicksburg should fall, they, or a sufficient portion of them, would be sent back into my department. It occurs to me that the concentration of the rebel forces near the river, in the vicinity of Vicks- burg, may force you to keep all your present forces on or near the river for some time to come. I do not desire to ask anything which will, in any way, embarrass your operations, but simply to inform you what I am prepared and desire to do, and to gain similar information from you so far as your operations affect mine, and thus be prepared to act ~)romptly in harmony with you. It is very important, with reference to my department, to occupy the line of the Arkansas River as soon as l)ossible. This can be done by the use of the Arkansas River, if it be navigable at this season, or, if not, then the White River as far as IDe- vails Bluff; and the railroad or even wagon road from that place to Lit- tle Rock. The force which will be required for this purpose will depend upon operations up the Onachita and Red Rivers, but I presume will be in no case very large. I have a cavalry division, full 5,000 strong, now operating in South- east Missouri and Northeast Arkansas, which is ready to move across the country and join a force of infantry and artillery at any point on the Arkansas or White Rivers, as soon as you can send such force. I have also small bodies of troops in Southwest Missouri and the Indian coun- try, ready to advance and occupy the country south of them as soon as we get possession of the Arkansas River. I have directed the quartermaster in Saint Louis to send you 500 wagons and teams for your own operations, and will probably have enough left to supply the forces which are to operate in Arkansas. Please inform me, general, what you will be able to do, and give me details as to time, & c., as far as possible. I would like to suggest Major-General Steele as a suitable officer to command the force to be sent into Arkansas. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. SCHOFIELD, iiliajor- General. [Inclosure No. 3.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Viclcsburg, Miss., July 15, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN M. SCHOFIELD, Commanding Department of the Jllissouri: GENERAL: Your letter of the 8th instant is just received. In answer, I will give you a brief statement of the position of affairs here. During the siege of Yicksburg, I had a large surplus of troops over what was required to make the investment complete. These troops oc- cupied a line from ilaynes Bluff to Black River, across which Johnston would have to move to reach Vicksburg, or the rear of the investing army. Sherman commanded all these forces, and held them in readi- ness to move the moment Yicksburg should fall into our hands. Ac- cordingly, on the 4th instant, he started. As soon as the city capitu- lated, I ordered the whole of Shermans and Ords corps, forming about two-thirds of the investing army, to move out and join Sherman. They started the night of the 4Lh. A portion of McPhersons corps was al- ready with Sherman. This left me at this place but six small brigades. Hearing that the enemy was fortifying Yazoo City most vigorously, I sent two of them to that place. They captured it, with considerable stores, five or six pieces of artillery, and several hundred prisoners; bu Page 20 20 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T.~ AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. xxxiv. one of the gunboats accompanying the expedition being sunk by the explosion of a torpedo, I shall have to leave them there until the arma- ment and machinery of the vessel can be got away. I have also sent a brigade to ~atchez, to collect a large number of Texas cattle supposed to be there, destined for Johnstons army. This, you will see, leaves me no force to move with, until Sherman returns. When this will be it is hard to tell. Johnston commenced to fall back from the Big Black the moment he heard of the surrender of Yicksburg. As all his droves of cattle and wagon trains that fell back, via Canton, were ordered east to the Mobile and Ohio road, he could not have intended to make a de- termined stand. He drew all his troops, however, inside the intrench- ments of Jackson, and remains thcre yet. Sherman has him closely in- yes ted, from the Pearl River on the north to the river on the south. By this an immense deal of rolling stock has been separated from the Con- federacy, both north and south of Jackson, and the roads so completely destroyed as to render them forever nseless. how long this siege will last it is impossible to say. When Johnston is driven from his position however, I will have troops available for anythiug that will go to put down the rebellion. I suppose the I~inth Army Corps will have to be sent back to Buruside, and 10,000 to 12,000 effective men sent to Banks. But for the expedition you speak of; unless other orders should come from Washington, I will still have force enongh. Kirby Smith has been hovering around oii the opposite side of the river, with his headquarters at Monroe, and his force scattered from Saint Joseph to Floyd. It has been my intention to pay him a call as soon as possible; but I now learn, and I believe reliably, that all his scat- tered forces are called in, and the whole are moving to Shreveport, La. The object of the move I dont see, unless it is to avoid being hurt. I have not paid any special attention to the geography of the opposite side of the river, but suppose at this season of the year White River would have to be used as a base for supplies to reach Little Rock. The Arkansas can hardly be used until the fall rains set in. You will see, from the foregoing statements, that I can give you noth- ing definite of future operations yet.. As soon as I possibly can I will (10 50. Nothing like 500 wagons will be required with this army to pre- pare it for any move, and, shou]d any be required, it would probably be only the wagons and harness, without the animals. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, ]Jilajor- General. llnclosure No. 4.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, & int Louis, ]lfo., July 15, 1863. COMMANDING GENERAL, Helena, Ark.: GENERAL: lam informed by the General-in-Chief that you have been ordered to move against price, who is reported to be somewhere between the Saint Francis and White River. I have sent a cavalry division, about 5,000 strong, nuder General Davidson, to co-operate with you.* He will move from Bloomfield, Mo., on the 17th instant. Will march down Crowleys Ridge, and endeavor to cut off Prices retreat across White River. He will carry supplies to last him until he can commu- nicate with you at Helena or some other point. If you could send sup- plies for General Davidsons command by boat up the Saint Francis * See Ross to Grant, July iS, Part II, p. ~5l, and Ross to Schofield, July 22, Part II, p. 3~7 Page 21 CHAP. XXXIV.J GENERAL REPORTS. 21 to Madison or Wittsburg, it would facilitate his operations. I am not aware whether this is practicable or not. In any event, II respectfully request you to assist General Davidson as far as in your power in open- ing communication with you and in obtaining supplies from Helena. I can send yon some wagons if you need them. Please advise me of your movements, and let me know if I can assist yon in any way. General Prentiss, I am informed, has left Helena, and I am nnable to learn who is now in command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. SCHOFIELD, Major- General. [Inolosure No. 5.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis; July 15, 1863. Brigadier-General DAVIDSON, Gape Girardeau: The force at Helena has been ordered to move on Prices rear. Your command should move forward as soon as possible to prevent his escape across the river. The plan you suggest iu your letter of the 10th is very good; you should take supplies enongh to last until you can draw from Madison or Helena. How soon can you move ~ J. M. SCHOFIELD, Major- General. [Inclosure No. 6.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, July 15, 1863. Brigadier-General DAVIDSON, Bloomjield, Mo.: I have written to Helena about your movement, and asked assistance for you in obtaining supplies at Madison or Wittsburg. If this cannot be done, you will have to draw from Helena. Take care in vonr move- ments to cover Pilot Knob and Rolla until Marmaduke is no longer in position to threaten those places. Port Hudson surrendered on the 7th, with 6,000 prisoners. J. M. SCHOFIELD, Major. General. [Inclosure No. 7.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TIlE TENNESSEE, Yieksburg, Miss., July 21, 1863. Major General SCHOFIELD, Gommanding Department of the Missouri: GENERAL: I am sending, or will send, as soon as transportation can be provided, one division (about 5,000 effective men) to operate in Prices rear. These are the only troops I have not exhausted and worn down. In addition to these, there will probably be 3,000 more to spare from the garrison of Helena and from West Tennessee. Johnston has been totally ronted from Jackson, and will, no doubt, lose half his army from desertion, and the balance will be so broken down and demoralized that but little danger need be apprehended from them for the next sixty days. My troops are not yet in from Jackson; no part of them. Should i Page 22 22 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. be necessary to send more troops to Helena, I can send from here men to hold that place, and release the entire garrison to look after Price. Possibly this will be the better course to pursue. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. [Inclosuro No 8.] WASHINGTON, D. C., July 27, 1863. Major-General SCHOFIELD: The expeditionary corps iu Arkansas will act under your general orders. General Grant will garrison Helena with his troops, so as to render present garrison available for the field. H. W. HALLECK General-in- Chief. [Inclosure No. 9.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Mo Saint Louis, ., August 6, 1863. Major-General HURLBIJT, Commanding Sixteenth Army Corps, Memphis, Teun.: GENERAL: Since the assignment of Major-General Steele to the corn- inand of the force which is to operate in Arkansas from Helena, I have not thought it necessary to enter much into detail concerning the plan of operations. From his previous campaign in Arkansas, General Steele is thoroughly acquainted with the country, and is also familiar with my~ views and those of the General-in-Chief regarding the true theory of operations in Arkansas. The first object to be accomplished is, of course, the destruction of the rebel army as an organized force, and hence the movements of our troops must be guided very much by those of the enemy. In reference to this matter, I take it the commander in the field must be left to his own discretion, guided by the information he may be able to obtain from day to day. The second object is to bain possession of, and permanently hold, as much of the State as practicable. For this purpose, the natural line of operations during the season of high water is the Arkansas River, and its permanent possession and use is of the greatest importance as a means of securing Missouri and Northern Arkansas against future rebel inroads. At this season we are compelled to use the White River in- stead of the Arkansas, and can use it to advantage only to a certain point, which is to be determined by the enemys position and movements and the character of the wagon roads leading to and from it. I presume Clarendon or Des Arc will be the highest point to which the river can be used to advantage. But of this General Steele can judge more ac- curately than I can. On account of the short distance by land from Helena to either Clarendon or Des Arc, it will, no doubt, be much the best for the troops to march to the point selected, and be met there by gunboats and supplies. It may be advisable to send a small force of infantry, say, a brigade and a light battery, with the flotilla, to assist in capturing or dispersing any force that may be found along the river. I am not informed that there is any fortified place on the White River below Devalls Bluff, and presume there is none. No doubt the com- inanding officer at Helena has accurate information on this point. Should there be such a place below the point to which the boats are to ascen(l, of course an adequate force must be sent with the flotilla to capture it Page 23 CHAP. XXXIV.] 23 GEN]~RAL REPO1~TS. Having crossed White River, the important point to be gained is Little Rock. That or some point near it will, I presume, be defended obstinately. I am not informed to what extent it is fortified, if at all; but presume it will be found necessary to reduce some place of consid- erable strength on the Arkansas River, not far from Little Rock. This, I hope, will end the main part of the work to be done by our troops as a body in that part of the country. I presume the rebel army, being driven from the vicinity of Little Rock, will retreat to Arkadelphia, perhaps beyond. How far they may be pursued will depend upon con- tingencies which it is impossible to foresee, and must be left for the future to determine. It is my desire to get possession of the whole length of the Arkansas River to Fort Smith, and open communication by that line with the troops now under General Blunt in the Indian Territory. This proba- bly cannot be done for the present on account of the low stage of water above as well as below Little Rock; but in a comparatively short time the fall rains will make the river navigable to Fort Smith. We ought to be in condition to take advantage of high water as soon as it comes, to send supplies to Fort Smith, and make preparations for a winter campaign south and west of that point, as well as Little Rock. On account of the unnavigable condition of the Arkansas during a large portion of the year, it is important to have easy communication from Little Rock to some point on White River. The rolling stock on the Little Rock and Memphis Railroad should be secured, if possible. Failing in this, the wagon road from Des Arc or Clarendon should be made practicable at all seasons. I desire to obtain telegraphic communication with Little Rock as soon as possible after it shall be occupied by our troops. Presuming the line from Cairo to Memphis will soon be repaired and kept in order, the best line for my purposes will be directly from Little Rock to Memphis. This line can, I presume, be protected with very little difficulty. I will send a telegraph corps in time to construct it, as soon as they can be protected. It was my intention, when General Davidson was ordered forward from Bloomfield, that he should preserve his connection with that place, and operate against the enemys cavalry until the movements of the force from Helena should compel them to retreat, or cut them oft; and enable him to destroy them. Meanwhile he would have protected my present line. His movement to Wittsburg, leaving Marmaduke so far in his rear, exposed my advanced posts to attack and capture, and coni- pelled me to withdraw some of them, which was done in time to prevent any loss beyond the capture of a considerable train and its escort. During the past few days the rebel cavalry has shown no disposition to advance farther in this direction, and perhaps their timidity may save us from the damage which they could easily inflict without any great danger to themselves. If General Steeles column moves soon, or General Davidson threatens Marmaduke while Steele is completing his preparations, uothing further will be probably necessary to prevent any movement of the enemy in this direction in greater force than I can take care of. General Davidsons movement to Wittsburg was doubt- less caused by the belief that the column from Helena was to start im- mediately, and, hence, that his best plan was to join it as soon as pos- sible. General Davidson is a most excellent and energetic officer, and has a splendid division of cavalry. I presume General Davidson has already reported to General Steele, and is now acting nuder his orders. If not, Geiieral Steele is authorized to assume command of Genera Page 24 24 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIv. I~avidsous division, without reference to the conditions contained in my order to the latter, already transmitted. I will so inform General Davidson. I believe, general, I have mentioned all that is essential for the pres- ent time, but will be glad to communicate with you further at any time if you will suggest any point upon which you desire my views. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. SCHOFIELD, Jifajor- General. [Inclosure No. 10.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., August 7, 1S63. Brig. Gen. J. W. DAVIDSON, Comdg. First Cay. Div., Dept. of the Missouri, via Helena, Ark.: GENERAL: Under instructions from the General-in-Chief~ General Grant has sent a force of infantry and artillery to Helena, for the pur. l)O5~ of operating against Price. General Steele is assigned to the corn- inand, and it is to act under the orders of General Hurlbut. My troops in that l)art of Arkansas are, for the time being, to form part of General Steeles command. Hence my dispatch to you of August 1, directing you to report to the officer commanding the expedition from Helena. How long this arrangement will last will, I presume, depend upon the success of the expedition and future demands for troops elsewhere. I have found it necessary to withdraw the force from Chalk Bluffs for the l)r~sCnt, and have succeeded in preventing any further damage since the destruction of the train near Bloomfield, of which I telegraphed you. iViarmaduke does not seem inclined to risk any farther advance, I presume in consequence of your proximity to his flank and rear. I think you may now safely act directly with General Steele, or in such manner as he may direct, without special reference to the protection of my southern line in Missouri. You will, therefore, report to General Steele, if you have not already done so and will hereafter act under his orders. I understand that General Steeles force is still regarded as belong- ing to the command of General Grant, and that your division is to be regarded as temporarily attached therefore you will continue to make your reports and returns to these headquarters; of course, furnishing duplicates to General Steele, if he desires them, as, doubtless, he will. I hope, general, you will keep inc fully advised of everything of in- terest connected with your operations. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. SCHOFIELD, Major- General. No. 3. )?eport of Lieut. Gen. B. Kirby Smith, C. S. Army, commanding Trans- Mississippi Department, of operations March 7, 1863February 21, 1864. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., November 14, 1863. GENERAL: I have forwarded reports of General Taylors operations in Lower Louisiana, from the commencement of the campaign to its suc- cessful termination by the retreat of General Banks to Berwick l3ay Page 25 CHAP. XXXIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. 25 In August I received reliable information that expeditions were organizing at Helena, Yicksburg, and New Orleans, under orders of General, having Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas for their object- ive points. I soon obtained corroborative proof that General Grants whole disposable command was being employed in these preparations, and that an effective force of at least 80,000 would be at once thrown upon the department. A prearranged and predetermined plan for the occupation of the whole Trans-Mississippi Department, with all the machinery for State governments under Federal rule, was being per- fected and carried into execution. Every effort was made with my lim- ited means to prepare for the coming storm. The effective force at my disposal within the department was less than 30,000, and scattered from Fort Smith, Ark., to the Rio Grande. No concentration could be made without the sacrifice of vital interests. General Holmes, at Little Rock, and General Taylor, in Lower Louisiana, the two commands near- est each other and, most easily concentrated, were each opposed by a superior force of the enemy, and were separated by 700 miles of land travel, over a country which, with our limited means of transportation, presented almost physical obstacles to the march of a large body of troops. Depots of provisions were collected on the lines of communi- cation, and arrangements were made so that, in the event of falling back before superior forces, the enemy could be drawn into the interior, a rapid concentration effected, and his advancing columns taken in detail. Appeals were made to the people, and the Governors urged to increase and prepare their State organizations for immediate service. Some 8,000 men responded to the call in Texas; a few companies were raised in Arkansas, but little or nothing was effected in Louisiana. General Price was re-enforced by a brigade of infantry from Northern Louisiana. General Taylor was directed to concentrate his whole disposable force in the neighborhood of Alexandria, to march in either direction, as the developments of the enemys plans might demand. In the latter part of August the advance from Helena was made, ~ind Little Rock was occupied by the enemy on the 10th of September. General Price, though he overestimated the force opposed to him, had from his morning report less than 8,000 effective men, of which a large portion were indifferent and ill-armed cavalry. The enemy was superior in numbers and equip- ments, and, after his position and defenses were turned by the passage of the Arkansas below the city, General Price feared risking a general engagement, and fell back to the line of the Guachita. All his material and stores were safely sent to the rear. The sickness of General Grant and the successes of General Bragg delayed and deranged Ahe entire plans of the enemy on the Mississippi. The force collected at Vicks- burg for operations in Louisiana was sent up the Mississippi to re- enforce the army of Rosecrans. The enemys Texas column was being prepared on a grand scale. Two entire corps and a portion of a third, under General Banks, composed the command. The movement was to have been simultaneous with that from Yicksburg and Helena. Sabine Pass was to have been made the base of operations. The failure of the attack on that place on the 8th of September delayed the expedition; it was subsequently weakened by the re-enforcements sent Rosecrans. About the 20th September, Ords and Franklins corps, commanded by General Banks in person, crossed Berwick Bay, and made prepara- tions for a march by the coast road to Nibletts Bluff on the Sabine. Though repeatedly urged by General Magruder to concentrate Taylors command on his, and to make the defense on the Sabine, I replied that the enemy could never march successfully by the road proposed, Wit Page 26 26 MO., ARK., KANS, IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [ChAP. XXXIV. Taylor on his flank and communications. Early in October, General Banks advanced from Berwick Bay with an immense supply train, a heavy artillery force, water tanks, & c., prepared ~for a long campaign, conquest, and permanent occupation. General Taylor concentrated to oppose his advance. He was instructed to throw every obstacle in the enemys way, to contest every position. He was cautioned against risking a general engagement, but, whilst acting on the defensive, was directed to assume the offensive on every favorable occasion. Entire confidence was placed in his skill and the marked ability with which on every previous occasion he had handled the troops under his command. How far this confidence was well placed is seen by the result. Every foot of ground was contested; the enemy was forced to march with his whole command in hand, and did not reach Opelousas till the 23d No. vember;worried, punished, held in check, his supplies were exhausted, and he was compelled to retreat, with the loss of over 2,000 killed, wounded, and prisoners. The defenses and obstructions of the Lower Red River are being pushed with all the means at my disposal, and it is hoped they will be made so effective as to secure us the possession and navigation of the iRed River this winter. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and fnsneetor General. SHREVEPORT, LA., A~gu8t 28, 1864. Sin: I have the honor to report that the general commanding the department [E. Kirby Smith] has been sick for the last ten days, with an attack of acute dysentery. Being very weak, he directs me to write you as follows: I was very much surprised at receiving your telegram informing me that no order was on file directing the infantry of my command to cross the Mississippi River. Your telegram implies that I should have fol- lowed the enemys troops lately operating in this department, and that I was expected to so employ my force as to prevent him at least from re- enforcing the armies of Grant and Sherman. I beg leave to submit the following resum6 of events which have transpired since my arrival in this department,* as also my plans for the last campaign, and the rea- sons why I was unable to detain longer the armies opposed to me. Soon after I reached the department, and before I could become fully acquainted with the character and position of the troops, the operations against Yicksburg and Port Hudson absorbed all attention. Banks first raid, in which he overpowered General Taylor at Camp Bisland, swept through the most productive portion of Louisiana, and caused the loss of our works controlling the navigation of the Red River and the Atchafalaya. This was subordinate to the investment of Port Hudson. I made the best disposition I could of my troops to aid in the relief of Yicksburg and Port Hudson. General Taylor, with Walkers division, drawn from Arkansas, and moved secretly up the Tensas, in transports, and landing a few miles from where Grant crossed the Mississippi River, General Smith assumeff commami March 7, 1863. Page 27 CHAP. XXXIV.) GENERAL REPORTS. 27 attempted a 00112 de main upon his communications. The enterprise succeeded, but did not produce the important results anticipated, Grant having previonsly acquired a base of supply upon the Yazoo River. General Taylor now moved into the La Fourche country, where he operated successfully in interrupting the navigation of the Missis- sippi River between Port Hudson and New Orleans. His position be- came perilous after the fall of Port Hudson, and he recrossed Berwick I3ay. General Holmes reported that it was practicable for him to take Helena, and permission was given for him to attempt it. The position was unsuccessfully assailed on the 4th of July. The enemy subsequently advanced. General Price abandoned Little Rock, and our forces fell back to Camden. In the fall of 1863 the enemy made two attempts upon Texas. In the first, he landed at the mouth of the Sabine, where, by the gallantry of a single company occupying a smallfort,he was beaten, two of his gunboats captured, and his design frustrated. He then concentrated a column at Berwick Bay, in the season of low water, intending to proceed along the coast, drawing his supplies from its numerous inlets. I met this by ~)lacing Magruders small force at the Sabine, holding Taylor on his flank. The latter, by avoiding a general engagement, while he har- assed and menaced his communications, caused him to retire; when, by a brilliant rear-guard action, General Green punished him severel.y. Banks then commenced his series of grand maneuvers npon the whole length of the coast of Texas. General Greens division was transported to Galveston and the mouth of the Brazos, to meet a powerfQl force landed on Matagorda Peninsula. Throughout the winter, General Ma- gruder was occupied in foiling the designs of the enemy, who numer- ically was greatly his superior. This brings me to the point of time when the spring campaign opened, and I beg you to remark the posi- tion of the opposing forces. My lines extended from the Indian Terri- tory, through Arkansas, to the Mississippi, and down to the mouth of Red River- thence, by the Atchafalaya, to Berwick Bay, and from thence, by the coast, to the Colorado. A small body of troops was engaged in observing the enemy at Brownsville. My forces were massed in three principal bodies, to wit: Under Magruder, opposite Banks, on Mata- gorda Peninsula; under Price, confronting Steele; under Taylor, hold- ing the Lower Red River. The immense transportation of the enemy admitted of his taking the initiative with his entire force, at any mo- ment, against any portion of my extended lines, while my limited trans- portation, and the wide distances which separated my commands, made it impossible to effect rapid concentration, or assume the offensive. My only alternative was to wait the development of the enemys plans, to retire before him until I effected my concentrations, and to endeavor to maneuver to throw the principal mass, if not my whole force, against one of his columns. As I wrote you in the fall of 1863, I was satisfied that the line of Red River would be the line of his principal attack, because, as I then said, the water arose so as to admit his powerful naval armament, in conjunction with the advance of his infantry col- umn. In accordance with this view, I had established, last fall, sub - sistence and forage depots along the roads through the barren country between Texas and Red River, and between Camden and Natchitoches. I omitted to state that I had been obliged to keep a force in the Indian Territory to hold in check several thousand men under Thayer, at Fort Smith, and to cross Northern Texas, filled with disloyal people. The water in the beginning of February being in a stage to admit gunboats into Red River, General Banks suddenly transferred his force to Ne Page 28 28 MO., ARK~, KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV Orleans and Berwick Bay, leaving but 6,000 or 8,000 men on Matagorda Peninsula, who subsequently joined him at Alexandria after the retreat from Mansfield: * * * * * * * I am, sir, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, S. A. SMITh, Medical Director General Hospitals, Dept. of Trans-Mississippi. The PRESIDENT OF TIlE CONFEDERATE STATES. No. 4. Report of Brig. Gen. William Steele, C. S. Army, of operations in the Indian Territory in 1863. AUSTIN, TEx., February 15, 1864. SIR: Having been relieved of the command of the Indian Territory, at my own request, I think it proper to report a brief summary of the military operations in that Territory during the past year, giving, as ac- curately as may be, an account of such causes as have led to resnlts not unapprehended on my part, nor so fortunate in their character as could have been desired. The facts necessary to a correct and iutelligeut understanding of the condition of affairs in the Indian Territory during the past year cannot be reported as fully as I could wish, owing to the possession of the records of my assistant adjutant-generals office hav- ing been retained by my successor in that command. I therefore re- port briefly such facts and circumstances as are to be derived from the limited data in the shape of private memoranda, & c., in my J)ossession, and the recollection of myself and a few of the officers who served on my staff. Early in the month of January, of the past year, in conformity with or(lers received from Lieutenant-General Holmes, commanding Trans- Mississippi Department, I reported to Major-General Hiudman for duty in the Indian Territory, and, in accordance with instructions from the latter, proceeded without delay to Fort Smith, and, on or about Janu- ary 8, 1863, assumed the command to which 1 had been assigned. I will premise by saying that I was fully and truthfully advised by Major. General Hiudman of the exhausted condition of the country, as well as the undisciplined, ill-equipped, and demoralized state of the few troops over whom I was called to command. On my arrival at Fort Smith the appearance of everything was of the most gloomy description. The continuous occupation of the country by a large Confederate force from the beginning of the war had utterly exhausted its resources, and the retreat of General Hindman from that section immediately preceding my arrival had left the people desponding, hopeless, and, with a few honorable exceptions, thoroughly demoralized; insomuch that my anx- iety and watchfulness was more taxed by the operations of traitors, deserters, and Union men, known in common as jayhawkers ~) (who were in the majority), than by the movements of the enemy in my front. The only force I found at Fort Smith was about 100 men, under Colonel [~J. C.] Monroe, of the First Arkansas Cavalry, who had been sent tem- porarily to that point by General Hindman, and the remnant of Lan& s (Texas) Partisan Rangers, under Lieutenant-Colonel [11. P.] Crump, num- Portion relating to operations in 1864, here omitted, will appear in proper sequence Page 29 CHAP. XXXIV.I GENERAL REPORTS. 29 bering about 150 men, this being the entire number prcsent for duty ill a regiment originally consisting of fourteen full companies. This regiment had not a change of clothing nor an average of a blanket to the man. About 1,500 inmates, in a wretched condition, were officially reported in the numerous hospitals in the place. The quartermaster and commis- sary departments throughout the Territory were found in the utmost confusion. The officers serving in those departments, as a general rule, had derived their appointments from General iliudman or General Pike, were without legal commissions, and, in many cases, had executed no bonds. To have displaced these would have stopped all operations; therefore, having no others to replace them, I was compelled to con- tinue them on duty. Many of these staff officers were incompetent and negligent. Orders were issued and reissued demanding that their re- turns should be forwarded to headquarters without attaining the object sought. From Majors [Israel G.] Yore and [N. B.] Breedlove, quarter- master and commissary of subsistence, respectively, of Coopers brigade, of some 0,000 men, on paper, returns were repeatedly called for, but never received. I may here also mention that 1 was unable to procure a single paper (nor did I ever receive one) in the way of a record, either in refer- ence to previous military operations or the Indian superintendency. The few stores left by General Hindman on his retreat had been stolen and scattered to all parts of the country. in the quartermas- ters department there was neither transportation nor forage. The best efforts of the officer in charge of the commissary department were only productive of a very limited supply of poor beef and corn meal. Of the latter, there was but a few days supply on hand, and, to obtain the necessary supply for the subsistence of the troops mentioned, and the hospitals, it became imperatively necessary to reopen the navigation of the Arkansas River. I ascertained, on inquiry, that a considerable supply of flour, for the use of the Indian Department, had been purchased in Northern Texas by an agent sent by General llindman for that purpose, but the defi- ciency in transportation and the condition of the roads forbade the hope of an adequate supply of breadstuffs from that quarter. The Arkansas River was, therefore, the only avenue for a supply left open to me, and this of corn. The territory on the northern side of the stream for a considerable distance was virtually in the possession of the enemy, whilst jayhawkers in considerable numbers were boldly depredating on both sides of the river between Little Rock and Fort Smith. Under these circumstances, I besought the lieutenant-general commanding to so dispose a sufficient force of cavalry along the north side of the river as to afford protection to such boats as might be employed in the trans- portation of corn. After no little delay and embarrassment, a sufficient supply of corn was thus obtained, not,. hOwever, until I was forced, through absolute want of subsistence, to send to Red River Speights brigade, with a battery attached. The scarcity of forage and subsist- ence, together with the destitute condition of the command, involved the necessity, also, of ordering the remnant of Lanes regiment to a point at which there was a probability of subsistence, recruiting, re- equipping, & c. Bass [Texas] regiment, of Speights brigade, number- ing some 200 men, was kept at Fort Smith for police duty, & c. This regiment, as was the case with most of the other regiments composing Speights brigade, was found to be greatly demoralized, and in a very short time after being put on duty exhibited an effective strength of less than 100 men, this depletion arising, in the main, from desertion. The necessity of sending Speights infantry brigade to the Red River Page 30 30 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CuAr. XXXIV. though deeply regretted at the time, was, nevertheless, imperative. Could I have retained that brigade at Fort Smith, I should have been enabled, in all probability, to have inaugurated the spring campaign from the line of the Arkansas River, and thus, perhaps, have materially changed the fortunes of war in that section of country. All of these many difficulties and embarrassments will be seen by reference to my official correspondence, to which I would most respectfully refer. Prior to my arrival at Fort Smith, General iliudman had directed Brigadier-General Cooper, iu command of the Indian Brigade, to adopt a universal system of furloughs. Very many of the Indian troops availed themselves of this privilege. There, however, remained quite a number who refused to accept furloughs, and whose subsistence, & c., added greatly to the then existing difficulties. Brigadier-General Coopers official reports represented the troops under his command as being almost destitute of clothing; miserably equipped in all respects; poorly armed (many being without arms), aud that it was impossible to subsist them on the line of the Arkansas River; hence I was under the necessity, also, of ordering this force to the southward. The alternative was thus presented to me either to proceed with the t.roops that had been ordered southward, and abandon the line of the Upper Arkansas, or remain in person at Fort Smith, and attempt, with the small force in garrison at that point, to hold possession of the place, and, to some extent, the line indicated, until such time as II should have it in my power to subsist such troops as were then in the country or as might be sent from other points. I determined, believing, as I did, that Fort Smith was the true strategic key to the Indian Territory, to adopt the latter course, trusting to the inclemency of the season and the waters of the Arkansas to shield me from an attack. During the winter the enemy made frequent raids, penetrating as far southward as the Arkan- sas, doing little other mischief than annoying and interrupting the river transportation. I became satisfied, however, that he had no de- sign of attempting the permanent occupation of any point south of the Arkansas so long as our forces held possession of, and controlled, the navigation of the Lower Arkansas. Thus impressed, I ordered the main body of the troops in the Territory to encamp as near Red River as was convenient, in order, first, that they might be more readily subsisted, recruited, and equipped; and, second, that the available transportation might be used in accumulating supplies in the depots near the line of the Arkansas. I thus hoped to accumulate an ample supply of bread- stuffs for the commencement of the spring campaign at the earliest day, the artillery and cavalry horses being meanwhile recruited on Red River, where an abundance of forage had been placed, under my direc- tion, by Maj. A. S. Cabell, chief quartermaster. In order to distract the attention of the enemy from an insight into these plans and operations, I resolved to have the enemy, then at Pay- etteville, Ark., 55 miles northwest from Fort Smith, annoyed as much as possible, and to this end I gave every encouragement in my power to the formation of partisan companies. Colonel Monroes First Ar- kansas Cavalry, about 400 strong, having been sent to my aid, I caused as frequent scouts to be made as it was possible for man and horse to endure. The greater portion of this cavalry was constantly employed watching over and defeating the operations of the numerous bands of jayhawkers who were committing daily deeds of violence and bloodshed. The full force of the enemy in Northwestern Arkansas and the Chero- kee country during the winter and early spring did not exceed 3,000, inclusive of Pin Indians. Of the latter, some 1,200 or 1,500 were in th Page 31 CHAP. XXXIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. 31 service of the Federal Government. To subsist this force aiitl obtain forage, the enemy was under the necessity of scattering it over a large extent of country. In Northwestern Arkansas he was unable to mount a force exceeding 500 men. These facts were repeatedly urged upon the lieutenant-generaL commanding, and a movemeift in the rear of this force urgently pressed. I became satisfied that if the enemy was per- initted to remain in quiet and uninterrupted possession of the north side of the Arkansas Itiver during the winter and spring, he would, in the exercise of his customary energy, throw forward in the direction of Fort Gibson snch quantity of supplies as would suffice to attempt a flank movement on Fort Smith in that direction. General Marmadukes cavalry force was then occupying the country in the vicinity of Bates- yule. A brigade of cavalry, under Colonel [C. A.] Carroll, occupied the country in the vicinity of 1~oseville. From Batesville to Fayetteville was but a short distance, and from Tioseville to the same point the dis- tance was not exceeding four or five days march. Had Marmadukes cavalry been thrown rapidly in the rear of the enemy at Fayetteville while Carroll marched upon the front, it is quite sure that the result would have been either his capture in detail or his entire abandonment of Northwestern Arkansas and the Indian country. I mean no dis- respect to the lieutenant-general then commanding, in making these statements, yet justice to myself and the subsequent verification of the correctness of fhe views then entertained and repeatedly urged, demand that I should record them. Had the movement indicated been made (its successful issue, in myjudginent, being beyond the peradventure of a doubt), I should have been enabled to have had in store, in depots on or near the Arkansas River, an ample supply of breadstuffs, while the country south of that stream abounded in beef cattle of the best quality. In short, I could have assumed the offensive from the line of the Ar- kansas IRiver with a force fully rested and recruited, both as regards men and horses, considerably earlier in the spring than the enemy could have begun his movements from either Missouri or Kansas. The moral effect of such a condition of affairs npon the people of Arkansas and the Indian Territory and Northern Texas, and its influence upon opera- tions then contemplated and subsequently consummated in the direction of Little Rock, remains, of course, only a subject of conjecture. During the winter months I had caused workshops for the repair, & c., of arms and wagons (of which quite a number were fitted up from the d~bris found scattered about the garrison), as well as put in operation such other branches of industry necessary to the supply of the army as the resources of the country afforded. Repeated requisitions for the supply of arms and ammunition remain- ing unfilled, I assumed the responsibility of sending an officer of my staff to Texas, with a view of making aA endeavor to obtain the neces- sary supply of ammunition and arms, if possible, from that quarter. A greater portion of the ammunition obtained by this officer had to be transported from San Antonio to Bonham, Tex., in ox wagons. The delay incident to this means of transportation was of very material prejudice, especially so, as it was found impossible to procure a supply from any other quarter. I also procured some 500 stand of arms from this source, these being the only arms brought into the Territory during the period of my command, other than a few repaired arms. I repeatedly urged upon General Cooper and the officer in command of Speights brigade the necessiry of straining every energy to the pre- paration of their commands for an advance movement at the earliest practicable period; and, in accordance with my orders, the march north Page 32 32 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. ~~ard was begun by the entire force near lied River left under my corn - mand as soon as the condition of the roads, & c., would permit. Speights brigade, together with Wests battery (this being the only reliable bat- tery then under my control), was ordered to Louisiana, after being some days on the march northward. Notwithstanding this sudden and important depletion of my effective strength, I determined to make every effort to hold the line of the Ar.~ kansas, and, if possible, by means of a superior numerical force of cav- alry operating upon the enemys rear, compel him to abandon his hold on the north bank of that stream, at Fort Gibson, a point which he had strongly fortified and garrisoned with from 2,500 to 3,500 troops. General Cooper, in conformity with my orders, moved forward with his h~igade, consisting of two regiments of Texas cavalry (De Morses and Martins), with the bulk of the Indian troops, and a battery of three mountain howitzers and one small prairie rifle gun, to the vicinity of Fort Gibson. Fully apprised of the difficulties experienced by the enemy in regard to his supplies (he being under the necessity of transporting them in wagons for a distance of several hundred miles), and being regularly and correctly advised of the departure of his trains from Fort Scott and other depots to the northward, I made such dispositions as I flattered myself would effectually cut off supplies and re-enforcements. Cabells brigade, which had been placed under my command a short time before, was moved forward to Fayetteville, with the design of operating upon the rear and lines of communication from that quarter, whilst General Cooper was instructed to avoid a general action, and operate with his available cavalry from the west. Attempts to effect this object were accordingly made. With the conduct and results of these expeditions I was wholly unsatisfied. The failure of the first ex- pedition, under Colonel McIntosh, sent by General Cooper, was attrib- utable, in my judgment, to the command of the expedition devolving upon an Indian officer, deficient in energy and capacity, and who did i~ot enjoy the confidence of the white troops under his command. A second expedition, under Col. Stand Watie, was sent to the west of Grand River and in rear of Fort Gibson, with the view of attacking a large train of the enemy and a number of re-enforcements, known to be en route for Gibson. General Cabell was ordered to co-operate in this movement, by way of Fayetteville. Col. Stand Watie came up with the enemys train and made an attack upon it. He was, however, able to accomplish little,owing to the failure of a junction of the forces under Cabell and others sent to his assistance by General Cooper. General Cabells failure and that of the forces sent by Cooper to form this junc. tion, as designed, were officially ascribed to high waters intersecting their line of march. The enemy having thus succeeded in getting into Gibson considerable re-enforcements and a quantity of supplies, assumed the offensive from that base of operations. An attack was made by General Blunt, com- manding the Federal forces, on General Cooper, then encamped at Honey Springs, who~ with twenty.four hoursnotice of the enemys approach, and with the knowledge that re-enforcements were en route to join him, gave battle upon the ground he occupied, and, having taken no steps to strengthen his position, was driven from it, after a short contest, with the loss of one howitzer and about 200 men in killed,wounded, andeap- tured. General Blunt did not pursue, but contented himself with de- stroying some flour and a few broken wagons, & c. This battle was fought on the 17th July, the best portion of Cabells brigade, with all of his artillery, being within hearing of the cannon and en qute fo~ the scen Page 33 ChAP. XXXIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. 33 of action. In a few days (July ~2) Coopers and Cabells brigades were concentrated about 25 miles in rear of the battle-ground, and by the 25th were placed in position at Prairie Springs, 15 miles from Fort Gib- son, where I determined to await the arrival of a brigade from Texas, under command of Col. S. P. Bankhead, which I had been notified was ordered to report to me, and which was expected before the 10th of Angust. Upon the arrival of that brigade, it was my intention to take a position near enongli to Fort Gibson to effectually prevent any further supplies or re-enforcements from going in. In a few days the desertions from Cabells Arkansas brigade became alarming, without any apparent cause. They left by tens and hundreds (as many as 200 leaving in one night, several officers going with them). The weather at this time was good, and provisions (ifour and beef) abundant; but another serious diffi- culty presented itself. The powder which had been received from Texas was found to be worthless when exposed to the slightest moisture, a nights heavy dew converting it into a paste. Under these circain- stances, I determined to withdraw farther from the enemy, who mi~ht in a nights march attack us at any time, knowing, as he undoubtedly did, the condition of affairs with ns, from several deserters who went to his lines. The whole force was accordingly withdrawn to the south side of the Canadian River, and Fort Smith being threatened by a force from Springfield, Mo., Cabells brigade was posted within supporting distance of that place. My force being nearly all cavalry, and dependent entirely upon grass to subsist the animals, was necessarily much scat- tered; consequently, when a few days later the enemy was reported ad- vancing in force, a move to the rear was made to a point where all could concentrate. The Creeks failed entirely to come to the point designated, and most of the Cherokees and several companies of Choctaws being absent, I found myself with not over 1,500 men, many of whom were unarmed (nearly all with indifferent arms), opposed to a force of 2,000 cavalry and about 3,000 infantry, the latter transported in 300 two-horse wagons. Instead, therefore, of risking an engagement, nothing was at- tempted but to keep the enemy in check until our supplies were moved to the rear. In this we were successful, nothing having been left to fall into the enemys hands. He gratified his malice, how ever, by burn- ing the little town of Perryville. From Perryville the enemy turned toward Fort Smith with a portion of his forces, where General Cabell contested his advance in ~n engagement of several hours duration, most of his men behaving badly. A few hundred repulsed the attackiub force, and then retired in the direction of Waldron. Whilst retiring before the enemy, near Perryville, I again received notice that Bankheads brigade was ordered to report to me. ft w~s hurried forward in the direction of Fort S~ith,to the support of Gen- eral Cabell, who had been instructed to retire, in case of necessity, on the road this brigade advanced upon. It was expected that if General Cabell had been obliged to evacuate, this re-enforcement would have enabled him to regain his lost ground. General Coopers brigade ,coni- posed of a few whites and several diiThrent tribes of Indians, could not be moved. General Cabells movements, by the way of Waldron, pre- vented his junction with the re-enforcements at a time when the enemy, feeling secure, had scattered his forces and offered an easy conquest. General Cabell reported that he had received orders from Major-Gen- eral Price, which orders were never sent me, and thus his brigade was in some way disconnected with my command. Acting Brigadier-General i3ankhead remained several weeks near Fort Smith, cutting off small 3 It ItVOL XXII, PT Page 34 34 MO., AR K., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. parties of the enemy. General Cooper, with his brigade, was, as soon as possible, advanced upon the line we had retired upon. At this time I left General Cooper in command, for the purpose of having an interview with the commander of the Trans-Mississippi De. partment. On my retnrn, I fonnd that all the troops had been concen- trated near North Fork Town, on the Canadian, and immediately after my arrival and without consulting my wishes, General Cooper moved the whole slo~1y in the direction of Fort Smith, halting about 35 miles from that place, where I overtook him. The statements in regard to the enemys force and position, sent to me during the few days previous to my arrival at his camp, had varied so much from day to day that I was in great uncertainty as to the best course to pursue. The troops had moved down with the expectation of a battle. I determined to attempt a surprise, npon learning that, owing to the annoyance given by the Choctaws, the enemy had no pickets on one road leading through the Arkansas Bottom, and bave orders accordingly, when General Cooper represented to me that he could not bring up his brigade of Indians to take the part assigned to them. I then thought of making the attack from another direction, where a prairie, with several roads leading from it to the enemys position, would obviate the objection urged. To this plan General Cooper demurred, on the ground that the ponies of his Indians, having been without forage for several days, could not make the march in time. The distance was estimated at about 35 miles, to be traveled between 12 in. and daylight the next morning. Wishing to remove every objection, I moved my camp farther around to the south of Fort Sniith, and to within 20 miles of that place, where I arrived on the 31st of October, having been delayed by a storm of rain and snow, and in cutting out a road through the Potean Bottom. During this storm the various commanders of the regiments of Texas troops, composing the Second Brigade, came in a body to inform me of the suffering condition of their men from the want of proper clothing, and of their inability to keep the men together much longer under such circumstances. My force on the 31st of October, as I derived from inspec- tors reports, was: Seminoles, 106; Chickasaws, 208; Creeks, 305; Choc- taws, 1,024; Choctaw militia, 200, and whites, 999. Of the Indians, all but one regiment were armed with any kind of guns that could be obtaineft. Some were entirely without anus. The whole force was cav- alry and artillery. General Gano arrived the next day with his escort and a portion of Howells battery, making my whole force nearly 3,000, about two-thirds of which was composed of at least three different nations, speaking different languages, and under no kind of discipline. The enemys scouts had discovered us; consequently all hope of a sur- prise was at an end. General McNeil had arrived at Fort Smith with re-enforcements. 1 believe that to have made an attack would only have ended in disaster. Under these circumstances, I withdrew the white troops, and directed General Cooper to keep up, with his Indian brigade, a desultory warfare, to prevent the enemy from foraging or moving about at will. The Texas brigade, Brigadier-General Gano command- ing, was withdrawn, and found its clothing at Boggy Depot, from which pojut it was moved at once eastward near the Arkansas State line. At the time of withdrawing the Texas brigade, the whole command was out of flour or other breadstuffs; 4 small wagon loads only arrived just as we were retiring. One of the most fruitful sources of embarrassment experienced in the command of the Indian country, and one which, instead of being re- pressed, constantly increased, was that of feeding the indigent Indians Page 35 CHAP. XXXIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. 35 The policy of feeding such Indians as had been driven from their homes, and whose country was in the occupation of the enemy, had been luau- gurated prior to my arrival. The total failure of the crops throughout the entire Indian Territory had increased the number dependent upon the commissariat to many thousands. It became necessary to give these people bread or have them throw themselves upon the charity of the enemy, who lost no opportunity to gain ground by holding out liberal inducements of pardon, and of supplies of clothing and food. To resist the moral effect of these inducements held out by the enemy, I was com- l)elled to yield with as much show of cheerfulness as possible to the very heavy demands that were made upon me, and, to meet these de- mands, large draughts were constantly being made upon stores accumu- lated for military purposes. An experience of twelve months in the command of the Indian coun- try has convinced me that, with a few exceptions, the Indians are wholly unreliable as troops of the line. The officers, as a general rule, are ignorant, void of moral tone of character, and in disposed to enforce disci- pline among their men. Their allegiance to the Government seems to be regarded more in the light of a voluntary contribution on their part, susceptible of being withheld at their option, than the performance of an obligatory duty. In order to acquire the reputation derived from success, in the administration of the affairs of the Territory (according to the somewhat doubtful standard, success) it is necessary to pander to the opinions and sentiments of Indianized white men, and through such to coax and demagoguize with the Indians, rather than attempt the enforcement of discipline among the troops and system in the various departments. The ignorance of the main body of the Indians naturally subjects them to the influence for good or evil of a class of whites and educated half-breeds, who, living among them and having a knowledge of their language, feelings, prejudices, & c., find no difficulty in molding the masses to their generally interested viexvs. 1 became satisfied that with those exercising the chief influence among the Indians there was a settled design to subordinate white officers and white troops to Indian officers and Indian troops. In suggesting these views, I won id take occasion to state that there are serving in the Indian country a few striking exceptions. Among these I may mention Col. Stand Watie, whom I found to be a gallant and daring officer, but, as was the case in all other instances among the Indian troops, without the slightest discipline in his regiment. For some time prior to making the movement in the direction of Fort Smith, already referred to, I had discerned a growing disinclination on the part of the Indian troops to serve under my command. The ingenuity of my defamers had been taxed to the utmost in giving circulation to the most reckless falsehoods. I was charged with a determination to take the white troops out of their country and abandon them to their fate; that I only awaited a favorable opportunity to go over to the en- emy in person; that I was Northern-born, and had no true feeling of sympathy with the South. With another class of troops such calumn- nies could have been snccessfully met, and my influence as a coni- mander not, perhaps, have been thereby materially impaired; but among the Indian troops. with the influences mentioned operating against me, the consequence will be patent. An improper and unjust construction was given to almost every step I deemed it necessary to take for the good of the service; in short, nothing- seemed to have been left undone by designing men and knaves to excite the most violent prejudice and distrust on the part of the Indians. The dark side of my picture, painte Page 36 36 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. in their own colors, was kept constantly presented to their view. Ex- planations of my official conduct were never attempted to be made by those whose implied duty it was to give me their aid and support. The Indian troops were also led to believe that I was illegally exercising the command of the Territory over Brigadier-General Cooper, who was represented as my superior in rank, and that he being an Indian officer, 1 was thereby trampling upon the rights, privileges, and wishes of the Indian troops. Concluding from these reasons, and many more of a similar character that might be urged, that my influence and usefulness as a commanding officer were so much impaired as to render further attempts in the military administration of the country nugatory, and in view of the pro- motion of that harmony of action and unity of sentiment so necessary to success especially in the conduct of military operations, I respect- fully asked of the lieutenant-general commanding to be relieved of duty in the Indian country. I entered upon the command of the Indian Territory conscious of my inability, with the limited means at my command, to meet the demands and expectations of the country. I can only express my consciousness of having at least honestly and faithfully labored for the good of the service and the common good of the inhabitants of the country over which I exercised a command. In conclusion, Iwould refer to the valuable assistance rendered me by my staff officers, Capt. J. F. Crosby, as adjutant-general; Maj. S. J. Lee, commissary; Maj. A. S. Cabell, chief quartermaster~ medical director, and Lieut. B. G. Duval, , Surg. E. II. Duval aide-dc-camp, and, during the absence of Captain Crosby, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieuten- ant [J. J.] Du Bose, of Morgans (Arkansas) infantry regiment, as acting ordnance officer. All of these officers displayed zeal, energy, ability, and, what I have found more rare, honesty. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. STEELE, Lient. Col. S. S. ANDERSON, Brigadier-Genvral. Assistant Adjutant- (ienercd. ~i0VEMBER 2023, 1862.Reconnaissance toward Van Buren and Fort Smith, Ark. Report qf Brig. Gem. James U. Blunt, U. S. Army. CAMP BABCOCK, ARK., November 24, 1862. I have the honor to report that Lieutenant-Colonel [L. II.] Jewell, with a detachment of 600 men, sent on a reconnaissance in the direction of Van Buren and Fort Smith, returned last night. He met the enemys pickets lo miles this side of Van Buren, who retreated at his approach. Learn- ing that a large force was at Van Buren, he deemed it prudent to pro- ceed no farther, and returned. Information obtained from various sources, which I deem quite reliable, is that iliudmans, Marmadukes, Coopers, and Stand Waties forces are at Van Buren and Fort Smith. Their entire force is estimated as high as 30,000; but I am quite sure it does not exceed 15,000 effective men, and probably not over 12,000 Page 37 CHAP. XXXIV.3 SKIRMISH NEAR CANE HILL, ARK. 37 if a small re-enforcement could be sent me, to enable me to leave a small force in the vicinity of Evansville, to protect my rear and line of communication from any flank movement that might be made by any small rebel force sent by some other route than the one upon which my column would move, I would not hesitate to attack them on the other side of the mountains, and do not doubt of my ability to occupy and hold Van Buren and Fort Smith, provided General Steele occupies the attention of General Holmes so that re-enforcements cannot be sent from Little Rock. JAS. G. BLUNT, Brigadier- General. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS. NOVEMBER 2426, 1862.Expeditions from Greenfleld into Jasper and Barton Counties, Mo. Report of Brig. Gen. Francis J. flerron, U. ~. Army. NOVEMBER 28, 1862. Brigadier-General Brown reports the result of two expeditions sent from Greenfleld, Mo. One under Major [G. W.] Kelly, Fourth Missouri State Militia, into Jasper County, encountered and dispersed Jac~mans l)arld of guerrillas, killing 1 lieutenant and 1 private, Cud capturing 6 prisoners, with their horses, arms, & c. Captain Roecker, of Major Kellys command, had a hand. to-hand encounter with a rebel lieutenant, finally killing him. The other expedition, under Lieutenant Pritchard, met a portion of the sanie band near Lamar, iu Barton County, dispers- ing them and killing 2. Quantrill, with 1,000 men, came up to within 10 miles of Newtonia, intending to surprise Colonel [J. FJ Philips, sta- tioned at that place; but hearing of the re-euforcernents sent there, has scattered his command, falling back into McDonald County. Colonel Philips is after him. The southwestern counties are swarming with guer- rilla bands. F. J. HERIROX, Brigadier- General. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL H. CURTIS. NOVEMBER 25, 1862.Skirmish near Cane Hill, Ark. Report of Brig. Gen. James U. Blunt, U. S. Army. HIDQRS. FIRsT DIVISION, ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Camp Babcock, Nove ~ber 26, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that General Marmaduke, with his entire command, followed about twel?ity-four hours in the rear of Lieutenant-Colonel [L. H.] Jewell, on his return from reconnoitering in the direction of Van Buren. He is now encamped at Cane Hill, 7,000 or 8,000 strong. A detachment sent from my command attacked a large reconnoitering party of the enemy yesterday, and scattered them. Spies who left their camp this morning inform me that General Hindman, with a large force ofinfantry,is expected to join them,when they wil Page 38 38 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. make an attempt to get north into Missouri. My supply train arrived this evening all right. II shall move on Marmaduke to-morrow morn- in g, leaving my transportation at this point with a small guard. Shall strike him next morning at daylight, unless he runs. Hope to destroy him before he can be reenforced by Hindman. Distance to Cane Hill is 30 miles. Can you not send a cavalry force to Pineville or Neosho to protect my supply trains, as detachinents of the enemy, in considera- ble force, are hanging on my rear for the purpose of capturing or annoy- ing them0? V cry respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. G. BLUNT, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brigadier-General SCHOFIELD, Commanding Army of the Frontier. NOVEMBER 2529, 1862.Expedition to Yellville, Ark. I~POI~TS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Samuel U. Curtis, U. S. Army. No. 2.Brig. Ceu. Francis J. ilerron, U. S. Army, with cou~ratilatory dispatch. No. 1. Report of iTfaj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis, U. S. Army. NOVEMBER 30, 1862. GENERAL: General Herron telegraphs that the Yellville expedition, of which I wrote you, has returned. It was successful in destroying the saltpeter works, the arsenal, and the store-houses, with about 500 shot-guns and rifles. Sixt;y prisoners were taken, and over 100 horses. Their sick in the hospital were paroled, and the troops returned last evening, aftei- traveling 250 miles in less than five days. The troops were the First Iowa, Tenth Illinois, and Second Wisconsin, commanded by Colonel [D.] Wickersham, of the Tenth Illinois. SAML. R. CUIITIS, Major- General. H. W. HALLECK General-in- Chief. No. 2. Report of Brig. Gen. Francis J. Ilierron, U. S. Army, with congratulatory dispatch. ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Southwest Missouri, November 30, 1862. The cavalry expedition sent by me to Yellville returned last night, having made the march of 250 miles in less than five days. It was a complete success, and not only have all the saltpeter works iu that sec- tion and at IDubuque been destroyed, but the arsenal and store-houses of the rebels were burned. Sixty of Burbridges command were take Page 39 CHAP. XXXIV.] JACKSON AND LA FAYETTE COUNTIES, MO. 39 prisoners; about 500 shot-guns and rifles at the arsenal were des- troyed, and over 100 good horses brought out. The rebels have a large hospital at that l)lace. and the inmates were paroled. The force usually congregated there is now south of West Plains. Our troops have left the place in such shape that I do not think the rebels will again attempt to make a depot. The expeditioii consisted of the First Iowa Cavalry, Tenth Illinois Cavalry, and one battalion of the Second Wisconsin, all nnder command of Colonel Wickersham, Tenth Illinois. This movement, with Blunts victory at Cane Hill, effectually clears the north side of the mountains of all troops except guerrillas. Brigadier- General. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL H. CURTIS. SAINT LoUIS, December 1, 1862. Brigadier-General HERRON, Springfield: I congratulate you and your cavalry on the success of the expedition to Yellville, Ark. Colonel Wickersham is especially deserving my thanks. SAML. li. CUIRTIS, Major- General. NOVEMBER 2629, 1862.Affairs in Jackson and La Fayette Counties, Mo. Report of Col. James MeFerran, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry. HBQRS. FIRST MISSOURI STATE MILITIA CAVALRY, Lexington, Mo., November 29, 1862. SIR: On the 26th instant, pursuant to instructions received by tele- graph from General Loan, through General [II. C.] Vaughan, directing- my cooperation with him, I proceeded with all the available force that could be spared from this post, iu pursuit of certain forces, said to be engaged committing depredations on the citizens of the counties of Jack- son and La Fayette, in this State. We marched to Greenton, 12 miles from this post, and quartered for the night. In this vicinity the widow of Barker, who was murdered by the bashwhackers last summer, had been robbed the ni~ht previous of all the negroes and horses on the plantation by armed men unknown to the family. The next morning we resumed our march in the direction of Pink Hill. On the march a man by the name of Grear was shot by our scouts for refusing to obey their summons to halt. About 1 ~ m. we entered the Independence road and found that Col- onel [W. H.] Penick had just passed with 110 men, in the direction of Independence. We followed, and iu the course of an hour overtook his command. About 3 ~. m. we came upon the Kansas forces, encamped at James residence, and drawn up in line of battle, their right resting across the road at the end of a lane; their left extending in the rear of the build- ings. They had their artillery, one 6-pounder, planted on their right, in position to rake the lane. A part of Colonel Penicks force marched into the lane, iu range of the artillery and small-arms of the Kansas men, before I was aware of their proximity, the road at that point mali- ing a right angle Page 40 40 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. As soon as I saw their position, I formed our forces on an elevation, and planted our artillery so as to command their position. Immedi- ately after this the Kansas men broke ranks and stacked their arms, displaying the United States hag, whereupon a correspondence ensued between General Vaughan and Colonel [C. W.] Adams, in command of the Kansas forces, being the Twelfth Kansas Volunteers, a copy of which is herewith presented.* Before the correspondence closed, night had set in, and our men having beeii on the march and under arms since dL y- light in the morning, they were permitted to get quarters for the night at the different farm houses surrounding the position occupied by the forces during the day. During the night Colonel Adams was placed nn(ler arrest for disobedience of orders, and the command devolved upon the second in command, reported to be Lieutenant-Colonel [J. E.J Hayes. Thus matters stood until morning. Our forces consisted of de- tachments of my regiment, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia; Second Battalion Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, under the command of Captain [It.] Smith; La Fayette Enrolled Missouri Militia, nuder the command of Colonel Keill, and the Itay Enrolled Missouri Militia, nuder the com- mand of Lieutenant-Colonel [J. W.] Black, and Colonel Penicks com- mand, numbering in all about 450 effective men, with three pieces of artillery. The Kansas forces numbered about 300 effective men. At sunrise in the morning our forces again reoccupied the position of the evening before. Shortly after this the Kansas troops sent within our lines about 20 horses, and resumed their line of march towaid Kan~ sas. We had, however, taken the precaution to station part of our forces in their advance, thus puttin~ them on the offensive, and making them responsible for a collision, if one ensued, by their attempt to force our lines. As soon as they began their march we began the pursuit. Thus finding themselves surrounded, upon the demand of an officer, specially detailed for the duty, they delivered up all property claimed as belonging to citizens of Missouri, including negroes, after which they resumed their march to Kansas. The property turned over by them to General Vaughan consisted of about 100 horses and mules, 40 negroes, 6 ox-teams, and 1 two-horse team, loaded with household goods of great variety. This property was brought with us several miles as we re- turned. The negroes were turned out of the lines, and the property placed in the hands of discreet citizens, by direction of General Vaughan, to be delivered to the owners, upon application. Our forces continued their march, arriving at this post at about S p. m. on the 28th instant. Colonel [A. J.] Barr, of the Ray Enrolled Missouri Militia, came up to us with a re-enforcement of about 100 men, while the property was being delivered, and returned with us to this post. After the arrest of Colonel Adams, Lieutenant-Colonel Hayes, being in command of the Twelfth Kansas, placed the major of siid regiment under arrest, and was afterward arrested himself for disobedience of orders, by General Vaughan. This placed the Twelfth Kansas under command of its senior captain. As far as I know or believe, the expe- dition of the Twelfth Kansas into this State was not in pursuit of guer- rillas or other military forces of the enemy, no such forces being in the counties of La Fayette and Jackson at the time, and had not been for some time before. From the best evidence I could obtain, much of the property returned by the Twelfth Kansas to General Vaughan was taken by theiri from Union men. It is proper to state, however, that 1 was in- formed in some instances they had, to some extent, respected the rights * See pp. 822824 Page 41 CHAP. XXXIV.] ENGAGEMENT AT CANE HILL, ARK. of Union men. Thus the supremacy of the laws was vindicated, our officers and men doing their duty and observing good order throughout. All of which is respectfully submitted. Your obedient servant, JAMES MCFEIIRAN, Colonel First Missouri State Militia Cavalry. Maj. JAMES PAINSFORD, Assistant Adjutant- General, Jefl~erson City, Mo. NOVEMBER 28,1862.Engagement at Cane Hill, or Boston Mountains, Ark. REPOI~TS. No. l.Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Missouri. No. 2.Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt, U. S. Army, commanding division, with con- gratulatory orders. No. 3.Col. William F. Cloud, Second Kansas Cavalry, commanding brigade. No. 4.Maj. Albert C. Ellithorpe, First Indian Home Guards. No. 5.Licut. Col. Owen A. Bassett, Second Kansas Cavalry. No. 6.Capt. Henry Hopkins, Second Kansas Cavalry, commanding battery. No. 7.Col. Thomas Ewing, jr., Eleventh Kansas Infantry. No. 5.Col. Charles A. Carroll, C. S. Army, commanding Arkansas Cavalry Brigade. No. 9.Col. Josepb 0. Shelby, commanding Fourth Missouri Cavalry Brigade (Con- federate). No. 10.Col. Emmett MacDonald, Missouri Cavalry. No. 1. Report of ]Jiliaj. Gem. Samuel B. Curtis, U. S. Army, commanding Depart. ment of the Missouri. NOVEMBER 29, 1862. General Blunt, with his division, made a forced march and attacked the enemy yesterday morning at Cane Hill, Ark. The battle lasted for several hours. The enemy, under General Marmaduke, began to fall back about 1 oclock but retreated, fighting till sundown. The victory was complete. Our loss is not great. The enemy much more. Our forces camp on the battle-field. The enemy has retreated to Van Buren. SAML. li. CURTIS, Major- General. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt, U. S. Army, commanding division, with congratulatory orders. CANE HILL, ARK., November 29, 1862. GENERAL: Learning that a rebel force, underMarmaduke, 8,000 strong, was at Cane Hill, 40 miles north of Van Buren, Ark., and that General 4 Page 42 42 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. llindman was to join him to-day or to-morrow with a large force of in- fantry, for the ~ll~J)OSC of making a desperate effort to enter Missouri, I determined to strike Marinaduke, and destroy him before re-enforce- ments arrived. Leaving my transportation in the rear, I made a forced march of 35 miles, with about 5,000 men, and attacked him about 10 oclock this morning. Found him strongly posted on advantageons ground. After an enga~ement of about three hours, he commenced a retreat. Every foot of the gronnd was fonght over and hotly contested. The fight continued until near snudown, when the enemy, finding that their artillery, which they were making every effort to get away, was about to be captured, sent Colonels Shelby and Emmett MacDonald with a flag of truce, for the ostensible purpose of caring for their dead and wounded, but with the real object of making good their retreat to Van Buren. The casualties of the army I am unable to state with accuracy at this time, as we fought over 12 miles of ground. One of the rebel officers, under the flag of truce, stated to me that they had lost ~ in killed, among them a lieutenant-colonel. My loss is comparatively small. Among the wounded are Lieutenant-Colonel [L. RJ Jewell and Lieuten- ant [J. A.] Johnson, of the Sixth Kansas. Both of them, I fear, mortally. The enemy are badly whipped, and will probably not venture north of the Boston Mountains again this winter. If this l)art of the State is held, as it is their reliance for subsistence, having eaten out all in the valley of the Arkansas, they must soon retreat into Texas. I have sent for my teams to come up, and shall occupy a position at or near Cane Hill. The rebels had about ten days rations of bread, cooked, and in little sacks behind their saddles, from which it is evident they intended making a desperate effort to force their way north. JAS. G. BLUNT, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL Ii. CURTIS. CANE HiLL, Aiui., December 2, 1862. General Marmaduke continued his flight all night, after the battle of the 28th, and is now in Van Buren. General llindman was expected to re-enforce him at this place on the evening of that day. Prisoners, of whom I captured 25, state that Marmadukes force was 11,000. They were compelled to abandon two pieces of artillery, disabled by my bat- teries. A number of their officers are killed, among them a Lieutenant- Colonel Monroe, of a Texas [Arkansas] regiment, and a Captain Martin, of an Arkansas [Missouri] regiment. The notorious Quantrill and his band were engaged in the fight, and, with Colonels Shelby and Emmett MacDqnald, commanding the rear guard in the retreat across the Boston Mountains, they fought desperately. Some of Quantrills men were killed and others taken prisoners. My loss in killed is 5, and 4 mortally wounded, one of whom. Lieuten- ant-Colonel Jewell, Sixth Kansas, has since died. Lieutenant [A. H.] Campbell, Sixth Kansas. was taken prisoner. The loss of the enemy in killed is about 75. They carried most of their wounded off the field, and sent them to houses on the right and left of the road and battle-ground. All regret the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Jewell, as he was a brave and gallant officer. Two contrabands arrive(l to-day crom Van Buren, who state that Hind- man, with 12,000 infantry, crossed the Arkansas IRiver from the sout Page 43 CHAP. XXXIV.] ENGAGEMENT AT CANE HILL, ARK. 43 Tuesday last, for the purpose of moving up to re-enforce Marmaduke, but have now all gone back to their hole. My transportation has just come up. I occupy the same position held by Marmaduke when I attacked him, and intend holding it. They will not advance this side of the mountains, except with their combined forces; but I am prepared to meet them, and with my little army whip 25,000 of such chivalry. An officer who came inside of our lines under a flag of truce after night terminated the fighting, acknowledges that they were badly whipped and worse chased. Lieutenant [J. A.] Johnson, Sixth Kansas, dangerously wounded; may possibly recover. JAS. G. BLUNT, Brigadier- General. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL li. CURTIS. IIDQRs. FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, (Jane Hill, Ark., December 3, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, on ~ovember 26, while encamped at Lindseys Prairie, 15 miles south of Maysville, I received reliable information that General Marinaduke, with a force estimated at 8,000 men, was at Cane Hill. I further learned that IVlarmadukes command was the advance of Hiudmans army, the remainder of which was expected to arrive at Cane Hill on the evening of the 28th. I im- mediately determined to attack Marmaduke, and, if possible, defeat him before the arrival of General iiudman with re-enforcements. Early on the morning of the 27th, I ordered all of my transportation and commissary trains parked on Lindseys Prairie, and, after detailing a sufficient guard for its protection, I commenced my march, with about 5,000 men and thirty pieces of artillery, the men taking with theiu four days rations of hard bread and salt. The distance to be traveled to reach the enemy was 35 miles, of which 25 were made by 7 p. in. on the 27th, when the command bivouacked for the night. From that poiut I sent spies into the enemys camp, and learned that their pickets were strongly posted on the maiu road (on which I was advancing), and that it could be easily defended. I marched at 5 a. m. on the 28th, leaving that road and making a detour to the left, by a b15 ud track; struck one that was obscure and unfrequented, and entered Cane Hill directly from the north. As I had anticipated, they had no pickets on this road, and I met no resist- ance until within half a mile of their camp. The enemy had learned, however, the night previous, that I was moving upon them, and were prepared for our reception. About 200 of the Second Kansas Cavalry, under Colonel [W. F.] Cloud, with two mountain howitzers, under Lieu- tenant [E. S.] Stover, were in the advance, which, with [J. W.] IRabbs battery and my staff and body guard, constituted the only force upon the ground, the main column having been delayed in ascending a mountain about 7 miles back to the rear. Of this fact I was not apprised until my advance was engaged. In pssing down a 6orge between two abrupt hills, their grand guard was encountered in considerable force. Dash- ing on, and driving them befoie us, a few hundred yards brought us to where the bluff on the right terminated, and in full view of the enemy, who were l)osted on the right of the road, on elevated ground, with timber in their rear, their guns in battery, bearing upon the road on which I was approaching, and from which they immediately opened Page 44 44 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. brisk fire. I at once ordered IRabbs battery into position, and also the two howitzers under Lieutenant [E. S.] Stover, when a fierce cannonad- ing ensued, which lasted for the space of nearly an hour. My column not being up, I could do nothing more than engage in this artillery duel until it arrived, and the enemy, thinking, no doubt, that I had a large force on hand, did not venture from nuder the cover of their guns. Reconnoitering upon their left, I discovered an approach by which a force could be brought on their left flank and do them great damage, and, perhaps, capture their artillery. I ordered Major [V. P.] Van Antwerp, of my staff; back to meet the Eleventh Kansas and Hopkins battery, who were in the advance of the column, to bring them up on the double-quick, and send the battery, with six companies of the Eleventh, to follow me, with the object above named, and to take the other four companies to the support of Rabbs battery; but they were too far in the rear and the men too much fatigued by the march to reach me in time. Major Van Antwerp took the four companies down the road to IRabbs battery, the fire from which, as afterward appeared (although laboring under great disadvantage from the nature of the ground), had been very destructive on the enemy, com- pelling them to abandon their position and seek another, on a high ridge three-fourths of a mile farther south, where their reserve had been posted. To this point access was very difficult, as rugged ravines inter- vened, and it could only be approached by the road. Taking a position on high ground, facing them from the north, I opened upon them a de- structive fire with my artillery, dismounting one of their guns and com- pelling them again to retire. For the third time they made a stand in the town, or, rather, on the south side of it, upon a commanding emi- nence running east and west, and a most admirable position for defense. Having now concentrated their entire force and selected this strong position, I felt assured that they had resolved on a desperate resistance, and made my arrangements accordingly; but, after getting my force across a deep and rugged ravine, and deploying them in position, ready to advance upon their long and well-formed line, I discovered, much to my disappointment, that they had again retired, and were in full retreat to the mountains, Tenneys battery coming upon the ground they had abandoned just in time to send a few shells into the rear of their retreat- ing column, as they escaped under cover of the woods. As the men and horses of the enemy were fresh, and mine were worn down and exhausted by hard marching, it was difficult to follow them in their flight; yet the men, eager for the fray, strained every nerve. For nearly 3 miles from the town, in the direction of Van Buren, the road runs through a valley, in which there are a few farms, alternating with low hills and ravines, covered with thick woods and brush. Over this road a running fight, with small-arms, took place, without much damage occurring to either party. Reaching a large mound at the base of the first mountain (the commencement of the Boston Mountains proper), the enemy placed his artillery upon it, in a position covering the road. From this position he sought to prevent my force from proceeding up the valley and approaching the mountain. Directing two howitzers, under Lieutenant Opdyke, to the right, upon a b.y-road, they quickly obtained a good position on the enemys flank, while Itabbs battery opened upon them in front. They were soon forced to abandon the high mound and seek the side and top of the mountain, where they made a determined resistance. Their artillery was posted on the crest of the mountain, while their mounted riflemen were dismounted, and their whole force massed npoii the sides and top of the mountain Page 45 CHAP. XXXIV.] ENGAGEMENT AT CANE HILL, ARK. 45 which was covered with scattered timber and but little underbrush. The nature of the ground was such that I could not use my artillery to any advantage, and the mountain could be taken in no other way except by storm. I accordingly ordered up the Second Kansas and dismounted them. They chargeff up the steep acclivity in the advance, under the command of Capts. S. J. Crawford and A. P. Russell, Major [J. G.] Fisk having been wounded by a piece of shell early in the day. Next followed the Third Indian Regiment (Cherokee), under the command of Colonel [W. A.] Phillips, and its other field officers, Lieutenant-Colonel Downing and Major [J. A.] Foreman, voluntarily assisted by Major Van Antwerp, of my staff; and the Eleventh Kansas, under the command of its field offi- cers, Colonel [Thomas] Ewing, [Jr.,] Lieutenant-Colonel [Thomas] Moon- light, and Major [P. B.] Plumb. The resistance of the rebels was stubborn and determined. The storm of lead and iron hail that came down the side of the mountain, both from their small-arms and artillery, was ter- rific; yet most of it went over our heads without doing us much damage. The regiments just named, with a wild shout rushed up the steep ac- clivity, contesting every inch of ground, and steadily pushing the en- emy before them, until the crest was reached, when the rebels again fled in disorder. Four howitzers and Rabbs battery were now brought up the mountain and the pursuit renewed; the Third Indian and Eleventh Kansas Regiments, on the right and left of the road, advancing in line through the woods, while the four howitzers occupied the road in front, with the Second and Sixth Kansas and Rabbs battery in their rear. About eve1y half mile the enemy made a stand, when the four howitzers and the Eleventh Kansas and Third Indian would as often put them to flight, leaving more or less of their dead and wounded behind them. Thus the fight continued for some 3 miles, until, on descending partially from the mountain into a valley, the Cove Creek road, li~ading from Fayetteville to Van Buren, was reached, at the point where it intersects the road from Cane Hill to the last-named place. At this point the enemy again brought his artillery into requisition. It was now near sundown, and darkness must soon put an end to the pursuit. Down the valley, in front of us, the ground appeared adapted to the use of cavalry to good advantage, and I determined to make an effort to capture their artillery, of which they had six pieces. A large force of their best cavalry was acting as rear guard, with a portion of their artillery just in front of them. Waiting for my cavalry to come up, I called for volun- teers to make a charge. Three companies of the Sixth Kansas, nearest at hand, responded promptly to the call, and, under command of their three field officers, Colonel [W. R.] Judson, Lieutenant-Colonel [L. R.] Jewell, and Major [W. T.] Campbell, dashed on to the rear of the rebel column, cutting and shooting them down with sabers, carbines, and revolvers. The charge continued for about half a mile down the valley, to a point where it converged in a funnel shape, terminating in a narrow defile. At this point a large body of the enemy were in ambush in front and upon the flanks, where cavalry could not approach, with their battery also masked in front. As soon as the party we were pursuing had passed through the defile, they opened upon us a most destructive fire, which, for the moment, caused my men to recoil and give back, in spite of my own efforts and those of other officers to rally them; whereas, if they had, after receiving the enemys fire, passed on 200 or 300 yards, we could have secured, in a moment more, what we so much coveted the enemys artillery. Emboldened by their success in defending the defile and checking our advance, they raised a wild yell and advanced toward us. With the aid of Colonel Judson, Major Campbell, and ~Daptains Ill. S.] Greeno nd [D.] Mefford, I succeeded in rallying th Page 46 46 MO., ARK~, KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. three companies of the Sixth Kansas,who had suffered severely in the charge, and formed them across the valley, and the four howitzers, com- ing up at the same time and opening on the enemy with shell, soon forced them to retire. Yet they seemed determined to dispute the passage of the defile to which I have referreda position admirably adapted for defense, and beyond which, as I afterward learned, there was a wide, open valley; hence their obstinate resistance at this point, in order to save their guns. I resolved, however, at all hazards to force my way through this gorge, and, as darkness was approaching and I had no time to get up infantry and send them out upon the flanks, I prepared to make an assault in front. Loading the four howitzers and one sec- tion of Itabbs battery with double canister, I ordered them up by hand, iu battery, with the three companies of the Sixth Kansas with Sharps Carbines advancing in line in rear. I had directed that not a gun should be fired until I gave the word. When within about 400 yards of the enemy, who were defending the gorge, and as I was about to give the word to fire, an officer from General Marmaduke came galloping up with a white flag. On sending an officer to receive it, they requested the l)rivilege of taking off their dead and wounded. Consideration for the fate of Lieutenant-Colonel Jewell, and others who had fallen upon the ground they then occupied, and whom I feared they might brutally murder, induced inc to respect their flag of truce, convinced though I was at the time that it was a cowardly trick, resorted to to enable them to make good their retreat and save their guns. It being now dark, and my men entirely exhausted and without food, I considered further pur- suit useless, and returned with my command to Cane Hill. The casualties in my command were 4 killed and 36 wounded; 4 of them mortally, since dead. Among the latter was Lieutenant-Colonel Jewell, of the Sixth Kansas. He was a brave and gallant officer, whose noble example is worthy of emulation. Lient. J. A. Johnson ,of the same regiment, a daring and excellent young officer, received a desperate wound from a musket-ball, which passed entirely through his body; yet it is hoped he will recover. The enemys loss is 75 killed; wounded not known, as they took a large portion of them away. The officers and men of my command who took part in this engage- ment behaved, without exception, nobly. To the following members of my staff, Maj. V. P. Van Antwcrp, in- spector-general; Capt. Lyman Scott, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieut. J. Fin. Hill, aide-decamp, and Lient. D. Whitaker, acting aide- dc-camp, I am indebted for efficient and valuable services during the day. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. G. BLUNT, Brigadier- General, Cc~mdg. First Division, Army of the Frontier. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL T~. CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri. SAINT Louis, December 1, 1862. Brigadier-General BLUNT: I tender you and the officers and men under your command my thanks for your gallantry and success in the battles of Old Fort Wayne and Cane Hill, Ark. The District of Westcrn Arkansas is added to your command. SAML. R. CUJITIS, Major- General Page 47 CuAr. XXXIV.] ENGAGEMENT AT CANE HILL, ARK. 47 No. 3. Report of Cot. William F. Cloud, Second Kansas Carairy, commanding brigade. UDQRS. 3D. BRIG., 1ST Div., ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Crane Hill, Ark., December 15, 1862. SIn: I have the honor to make the following report of the part which the Third Brigade took in the action at this place ard at the Boston Mountains on the 28th ultimo: Moving, by your order, in the advance, I came upon the enemys grand guard about 10 a. in., taking him by surprise. The first intima- tion he had. of our proximity was a shell from Lieutenant ~ Second Kansas (howitzer) Battery. Upon the dispersing of their guard, I saw their camp, which was upon a brushy hill, about one-half mile to our right and a little in advance. Lieutenant Stover was immediately sent to the froiit, and with his battery did good work until the retreat of the rebels. Captain IRabb, with his Second Indiana Battery, took position upon the point of a hill in fair view of, but much lower than,the enemy~s batteries, where he did good execution, and after nearly an hours artillery duel the enemy moved his guns and joined the retreat, which had been commenced soon after the beginning of the engagement. I supported the batteries with four companies of the Second Kansas Cavalry (dismounted), under Major Fisk. The infantry had unfortunately halted about 2 miles to the rear without orders, and with it the whole column in its rear, else the guns of the enemy could have been taken, an(l also many prisoners. As it was, I was compelled to see the long files of the enemy (who were all mounted) retreat, and could not charge them. At this time the remaining companies of the Second Kansas Cavalry came up, having passed the infantry upon hearing the firing, and soon after Captain Hopkins Second Kansas (Trophy) Battery and the in- fantry made their appearance and reported. The enemy having taken another I)O5itiOn, with his artillery to pro- tect his retreat, I ordered Captain Hopkins to drive him, which he did, assisted by a section of Rabbs Second Indiana Battery, under Ser- geant Whicher. I then moved the column, for the purpose of getting an advantageous position upon the enemys flank and rear,, but was much retarded by hills, ravines, amid brush. Soon, however, gaining the main road, the Third Brigade commuenced the pursuit in earnest, taking position after position upon the hills overlooking and commanding the i-oad through which the enemy were fleeing, thus keeping them lively until we reached the Boston Mountains, about 4 miles from the place of the first fight. Here, with battery placed upon a commandinb hill, and well supported by a heavy force of cavalry in the wood, behind a cormi- field and fence, the rebels made a determined stand, and seemed to have a hold from which they could not be driven. I again dismounted the Second Kansas, and, assisted by Colonel [W. A.] Phillips, of the Second Brigade, and his Cherokees, together with Itabbs battery. the eneuiy were compelled to run, taking the road di- rectly up the steep mountain side. Still he would place his guns and throw out heavy flanks of supporters, nd still the Second Kansas, assisted by others amid our mountain howitzers, would drive him. While thus steadily forcing our way forward and the enemy back, the Eleventh Kansas Infantry made its appearance, and under the dire Page 48 48 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. tion of its officers opened such a fire of musketry that the enemy has- tened his retreat. Thus we crossed the mountain, and, having entered the Cove Creek Valley, the enemy were charged by the Sixth Kansas Cavalry, of the First Brigade. Upon his making a determined stand, and for the time resisting successfully the cavalry, the Eleventh Kansas came np, as also did a section of IRabbs battery, nuder Lieutenant [W. W.] ilaines, who had just placed his guns in a commanding position, and was ready to fire, when the enemy sent a flag of truce. I was ordered by you to meet it, which I did, and, in the interim which followed, night came on and hostilities ceased, II returning with my brigade to bivouac for the night. I took with me in the morning Captain [A. P.] liuss& ll and Company K, of the Second, and, passing over the ground occupied by the rebels, found them gone, and, burning a disabled gun carriage left by them, I returned to camp at this place, satisfied with the days work. Herewith I have the honor to transmit the reports of the various commanders of my brigade. Of the officers and men I am constrained to speak in the highest terms; all did their duty as soldiers. W. F. CLOUD, Colonel, Commanding Third Brigade. Brigadier-General BLUNT, Commanding Army of the Frontier. ADDENDA. Statement of killed and wounded at Cane Mill and upon Boston Mountains, November 25, and in skirmishes to December 15. Command. H a p 0 2d Kansas Cavalry 1 8 11th Kansas 8 1st Indian Home Guards 1 2 Rabbs [Indiana] battery 1 4 Total 3 22 No. 4. Report of Maj. Albert C. lillithorpe, First Indian Home Guards. CANE HILL, ARK., December 1, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that my regiment was engaged, dur- ing the battle of the 28th instant [ultimo], in a skirmishing fight over the hills and through the ravines and woods, a distance of about 4 miles. 1 found the men willing and eager to engage the enemy. All the com- pany officers were prompt and at their posts. Lieutenants [A. F.] Bick- ing, [F.] Crafts, [F. J.] Fox, [S. C.] Hall, and [E. C.] MaIming, proved themselves competent for the emergency. Adjutant [J. H.] Gillpatrick rendered efficient service throughout the day. I learn that 1 of our men only is killed and 2 slightly wounded. I am, with respect, your obedient servant, A. C. ELLITHOIRPE, Major, Commanding. Col. WILLIAM F. CLOUD, Commanding Third Brigade Page 49 CHAP. XXXIV.] ENGAGEMENT AT CANE HILL, ARK. 49 No. 5. Report of Lient. Cot. Owen A. Bas~ett, & co~ d Kansas Cavalry. HEADQUARTERN SECOND KANSAS VOLUNTEERS, Boonsborough, Ark., December 2, 1862. [SIR:] I have the honor to report that, on the evening of the 27th nitimo, I left Camp Babcock and marched in colnmn, formed by the Third Brigade, in the place assigned, which was in the immediate rear of the Eleventh Kansas Infantry. My command consisted of nine companies of cavalry: Company A, commanded by Lientenant [J.] Johnston; Company C, by Captain [D. S.] Whittenhall; Company D, by Lieutenant [A.] Moore; Company B, by Captain [J.] Gardner; Company F, by Captain [II.] Cameron; Com- pany G, by Captain [A. W.] Matthews; Company II, by Captain [A.] Gunther; Company I, by First Sergt. ~ . Enright, and Company K, by Captain [A. P.] linssell, nnmbering 337 enlisted men; one battery of light artillery (fonr pieces), the same captured by this regiment at Mays- ville on October 22, under command of Captain [II.] Hopkins, known as Company B, Second ~ansas Volnnteers, and one section of monntain howitzers, under command of Lientem nt [E. S.] Stover, Second Kansas Volunteers. On the evening of the 27th, I went into camp 10 miles north of Cane Hill, and received orders to march next morning at 5 a. m. Moved on the morning of the 28th, at 5 oclock. I was ordered to send a portion of my force in advance, and accordingly I sent Compa- nies C, I, and G to the head of the column, under command of Major [J. G.] Fisk, and with the rest of my regiment took the same position as- signed to me the day previous, Captain Gunther having been detailed by yourself as field officer of the day, leaving Company H in command of Lieutenant Ballard. About 10 a. in., Captain Whittenhall, at the head of the column as advance guard, surprised and captured 3 of the enemys pickets and killed 1. Major Fisk hnrriQd forward, and at the foot of the hill, about one-half mile north of Boonsborough, came upon a party of the enemys cavalry drawn up in a lane leading to the village. He formed line, and Lieutenant Storer, coming up with his howitzers, opened upon them with good effect. The enemy was drawn up in force on a hill to the right front of Major Fisks line, and with thice pieces of artillery opened fire. Lieutenant Storer immediately turned his howitzers to bear upon them. Ilabbs Second Indiana Battery coming up, Major Fisk moved a portion of his force to the rear, over the brow of the hill, dismounted it, and ordered the men to lie down and hold themselves as a support to IRabbs battery. The remainder he sent to reconnoiter the enemys position. Just after making this disposition of his battalion, the major received a severe wound on the top of his head by a piece of shell, which tore away the top of his hat-crown and knocked him down. He recovered in a few minutes, and remained in command for a full hour afterward. When the first shot was fired by the enenny, I was still in rear of the Eleventh Kansas Infantry, which had halted 2 miles back, but im- mediately passed that regiment by file to their right and left flanks, through timber and undeThrush; brought up my men to the brow of the hill in rear of Major Fisks position, where I found General Blunt, and, under his orders, ii sent Captain [S. J.] Crawford, with Companies AandI~, to occupy a hill to the ribht and front of Major risks positiomA. 4 R RVOL XXJI~ PT Page 50 50 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. At the same time, Captain Cameron, commanding Company F, was sent to a hill still farther to the right of the position OCcul)ied by Captain Crawford, and Captain Gardner, commanding Company B, to the right of the position taken by Captain Cameron. Lieutenant [D. B.] Ballard and Captain Itussell, with their companies, remained on the hill to sup- port Rabbs battery. I rode over to where Captain Cameron W~ s stationed, and discovered the enemy in full retreat from the timber on the hill, where they had made a stand, and sent word to General Blunt, communicating to him what I had discovered, and caused Companies A, C , D,F,G, and Ito move forward to the front and right, and soon afterward, nnder direc- tion of Colonel Cloud, skirmished through the timber the enemy had lately occupied; passed out on their trail to the top of the hill I had dis- covered them retreating over, and awaited there for Captain Hopkins battery to come np, which, arriving soon after, opened fire on the retreat- ing column, about three-fourths of a mile distant, and upon a section of the enemys battery on a hill about 1 mile distant. With such precision was the round shot thrown from the gnu handled by Corporal Sawyers that the enemy retreated with their pieces immediately. Companies II and K, left in support of IRabbs battery, having been relieved by the Eleventh I ansas Infantry, came up to the support of Captain Hopkins hr ttery, nuder command of Major Fisk, whom I ordered to report to the surgeon to have his wound dressed, and, with the other companie un er my command, moved forward to the right front over the chain of hills, where I remained for half an hour in- active. General Blunt coming up, I moved forward to the town of Newberry, 1 mile south of Boonsborou~h, and there, under direction of Colonel Cloud dashed down the road, across the valley to the heights opposite, and pressed the enemys rear closely to the foot of the mountain, 5 miles from where the fight first commenced. Companies F, G, and I had, by some means, become separated from me in the woods. The enemy had made a stand, placing their artillery upon a high point, and stationed their cavalry at the foot of the lull. I sent Companies C, A, and D for- ward through the brush, under command of Captain Crawford, to drive l)ack the cavalry, and a sharp skirmish took place, lasting for several minutes when the enemy gave way and retre ted up the hill, taking position behind his artille~y. I here drew in my skirmishers, ordered them to mount an remain under cover. The enemys artillery open- ing, Lieutenant Stover, having arrived, opened fire with his howitzers, and, the enemy soon afterwarJ withdrawing his artillery, I started with my men up the hill. Having gained the l)oint which the enemy had just abandoned, I (lismounted my men, and ordered them to skirmish. At this time Captain Russell came up and took position on the right, and, with Companies C, D, A, and K, I moved foi wc rd to the second bench, when Company C returned to their horses and mounted. Captain Rus- sell, comm~ uding Company K, pressed forward in advance of everything else arot nd the base of the rocky ledge, just below the summit, along which runs the main road, and Companies A and D pressed on up and over the summit, under my immediate comnu. ud, an(I returned into the road about 1 mile from the foot of the hill. I halted to let the Eleventh and Thirteenth Kansas Infantry and Sixth Kansas Cavalry pass; col- lected mj reginient, and moved forward about 2 miles farther into a field, and encamped for the night. My loss during the diy amounted to I killed ( ud 4 wounded, my ~egi- ment maintaining the advance from the first opening of the fight, at 1 Page 51 ChAr. XXXIV] ENGAGEMENT AT CANE hILL, ARK. 51 a. in., until 3.30 p. in., following the enemys retreating column for a distance of about 6 miles. It is unnecess~ry for me to say more than this for the courage and bravery displayed by the men under my corn- inand. I could not discriminate if I desired. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, OWEN A. BASSETT, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding & cond Kansas Volunteers. Lient. B. S. BASSETT, A. A. A. U., Thir Brig., First Div., Army of the Frontier. No. 6. Report of Capt. Henry Hopkins, & eond ifansas Caralry, commanding battery. HEADQUARTERS HOPKINS BATTERY, Boonsborough, Ark., December 1, 1862. Sin: I respectfully submit the following report of the part the bat- tery under my command took in the engagement at Cane Hill, Ark., November 28 1862: In compliallee with orders received November 28, 1862, the battery marched at 8 a. m. the following day, forming the rear of the column of the Second Kansas Cavalry. After a march of 20 miles south, in the direction of Cane Hill, Ark., I was ordered to bivouac, and move again at 5 oclock the next morning. Marching at the hour specified, in the direction of Cane Hill for 10 miles, the report of artillery was heard in the direction of the enemy. Moving as rapidly as the troops in front of me would permit, I was ordered to take position on an eminence, 1 mile northwest of the town. Finding that the enemy had changed their position farther south, I was ordered to occupy a point one-half mile to the front. From this posi- tion I proceeded to shell the woods below and in my front, where a body of the enemys cavalry was moving. Immediately to the left a rebel battery was discovered posted on a high hill. I directed the fire of my guns upon it, dislodging and forciub it to retire. It appeared shortly afterward in the main road, passing through the town. Again chang- ing the direction of fire, shell were throxvn with evident effect, the enemy retreating behind the hills to the left of Boonsborongh. I was ordered to move in that direction, and obeyed as rapidly as the nature of the ground would permit; but, owing to the steepness of the hills, could not take a position that would at all prove effectual in harassing the enemy in his retreat. First Lent. John F. Aduddell commanded the right, and owing to the absence of Lieut. B. S. Bassett, who was acting as- sistant adjutant-general, Third Brigade, Sergeant MeLain commanded the left section. Considering the short period of time the battery has been in my pos- session, the officers and men show a good degree of proficiency as artil- lerists, and in this engagement their conduct is entitled to much praise. Respectfully, your obedient servant, H. HOPKINS, 6faptain & cond Kansas Cavalry, Co inanding Battery. Lient. S. K. Cuoss, Acting A~jutant, Second Kansas Cavalry Page 52 52 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CRAP. XXXIV. Xo. 7. Report of Col. Thomas Ewing, jr., Eleventh Kansas Infantry. CAMP CAKE HILL, Benton Co., Ark., December 1, 1862. COLONEL: In compliance with your order of this date, I submit the following report of the part taken by the Eleventh Ilegirnent of Kansas Volunteers in the engagements of the 28th ultimo, commonly called in camp the battles of Cane Hill and Boston Mountains: At 5 oclock on the morning of that day we left bivouac, about 15 miles north of the scene of the first en~agement. We marched rapidly until about 10 oclock, halting then about fifteen minutes to rest, and to enable many who had fallen out of the ranks from fatigue to come up. Here we heard the booming of cannon, indicating that Itabbs bat- tery (which, with four companies of the Second Kansas Cavalry, had hurried forward 4 or 5 mile~in advance of us) was engaged with the enemy. We hastened on at quick step and double-quick, alternately the left wing, under Major Plumb, passing down the hill to the battery, and the right forward to the hill north of and overlooking the town of Boonsborough; to which latter place Rabbs and Hopkins b tteries, accompanied by the left wing of my regiment, presently came. Here we remained in supporting distance of the batteries while they were en- gaged on the right, and Colonel [Willia~ ] Weers brigade on the lef~,in driving the enemy from the town and the hills adjacent to and south of it; thence, by order, we accompanied iRabbs battery through the fields and woods to Kidds Mills, and thence, by the Fayetteville and Fort Smith road, to the foot of the east range of the Boston Mountains, about 5 miles from the point where the fight began. Here the battery was delayed in ascending the mountain, and we left it, and hurried to the summit, where a large part of the Third Indian and some of the Second Kansas were engaged with the enemy in a fire of musketry and howitz- ers. Forming there with the Indians a line of battle, varying from a quarter to a half a mile in extent, we advanced through the woods, joined by a part of a company of the Sixth Kansas, engaging in an irreg- ular musketry fight with the enemy, who slowly retreated along the hill- sides and ravines upon and on both sides of the road. Here were killed Colonel [J. C.] Monroe, commanding Fagans Texas [Arkansas] Cav- alry, Captain Martin, of the Arkan~~as [Missouri] Cavalry, and others. The engagement here lasted about an hour, when, the enemy draw- ing off out of sight and range, I collected and formed my regiment in a clearing on the left of the road, and w s at once again ordered for- ward. Taking the road, we pushed on about 4 miles, to ~vithin sup. porting distance of the batteries and iiear the scene of the last engage- ment, where we were halted by order of General Blunt, and whence, after nightfall, we returned 6 miles to get our blankets, and bivoucked. I take pleasure in saying that, although the regiment was never be- fore under fire, there was no lack of spirit or courage evinced by any officer or private belonging to it. The march had been severe up to 11 oclock, when we reache~l the field, and, being almost uninterrupted from that until 9 oclock at night, it taxed beyond their power of endur- ance the strength of about one-third of the men, who fell out from time to time utterly exhausted. The entire march of my rebiment that day was not less than 34 miles. We had no man killed; 4 were wonuded. I am, colonel, your obedient servant, THOMAS EWING, Jn., Colonel Eleventh Regiment Kan8as Voluntcer~, Commanding. Col. WILLIAM F. CLOUD, Comdg. 3d Brig., 1st Div., Army Frontier Page 53 CflAr. XXXIV.] ENGAGEMENT AT CANE HILL, ARK. 53 No. 8. Report of Col. Charles A. Carroll, C. S. Armj, commanding Arkansas Cavalry Brigade. HEADQUARTERS ARKANSAS CAVALRY BRIGADE, Camp near Dripping Springs, Ark., November 29, 1862. CAPTAIN: In compliance with General Orders, No. , of even date, I have the honor to make the following report of the conduct of the forces of my command in the engagement of the 28th instant; but in justice to my command beg leave to state that, having inspected the bri~ade on the 27th instant, I had only 200 eft~ctive men for duty and 317 non-effective men. The non-effective men were composed of the sick and men whose horses were in bad condition. Of the non-effective force, 60 men were on duty as pickets, picketing the roads from our encampment to the Line road west of ns, and 100 men were detailed as escort for the trains of the division, which were ordered to the rear on the 27th instant, leaving me 389 men to represent my brigade, while the muster-rolls call for 1,70g. With but few sick, the brigade is thus diminished by the condition of the horses, which are worn down, havin~ been constantly on the move for six weeks, and for the want of forage and shoeing. Of the mountain howitzer battery attached to my brigade, and commanded by First Lieutenant ilughey, only one section was serv- iceable. After being notified of the approach of the enemy, at 8 p. m. on the 27th instant, the men were kept nnder arms and the horses saddled until the opening of the enemys artillery north of us, in the direction of Colonel Shelbys camp, on the morning of the 28th instant, at about 9 oclock, when orders were received to move my comman(l rapidly to the front. After moving about 1 mile, I received orders to place the battery on an eminence to the right, commanding the road leading north, with the two re~,iments in line of battle perpendicular to the road, supporting the battery, my own regiment on the right, under Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson, and Colonel [J. C.] Monroes rcgimcnt on the left of the road. The eminence occupied by my battery was commanded by the height. north and northwest of ns, from -hi ch points the artillery of the enen~ v were firing; and although they had the range of my battery, they wei~ at too great a distance to be affected by our light metal. I was thc: ordered to the rear. After moving 1 mile, I was directed to move rapidly to the rear and select some good position. In a few minutes, however, further orders were received to continue moving to the rear until other. wise ordered. Having moved half a mile beyond the summit of the mountain on the Cane fill and Cove Creek road, I received orders to halt and occupy a position. 1 countermarched the command beyond the summit of the monntain~ and took position commanding the Cane Hill road, with the regiment under Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson supporting the battery, and Colonel Monroes regiment 200 yards to the right (A Lieutenant-Colonel Johnsons regiment. The fire of the enemys artil- lery at this time was continuous and incessant on the rear of Colonel Shelbys command. I was ordered to throw out Colonel Monroes regi- ment as skirmishers, but before the order could be obeyed I was ordered to move my command to the rear, and soon thereafter ordered to take command of all the forces in my advance, which separated me to some extent from my own brigade. Soon after passin~ the l)innacle of the mountain, Colonel Monroe, who was marching iu rear of my regiment, received the enemy at short range, and retired, as previously directed Page 54 54 MO., AIU(., L(ANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CuAP. XXXIV. Such was the nature of the ground from the top of the mountain to Cove Creek, a distance of 1~ miles, th t but few advantageous posi- tions could be found. Just before reachin Cove C reek, Captain Stan- leys company, of my regiment, was ordered to an eminence command- ing the road on which the enemy were to travel, with orders to fire upon them with deliberation, and to retire immediately thereafter. After reaching Cove Creek, Captains Gordon and Carroll, with their respective companies, of my regiment, were directed to occupy an emi- nence on the right of the road. The captains fired upon the enemy and retired, as directed. From this point on down Cove Creek, I selected suitable positions and placed detachments of my regiment and Colonel Shelbys brigade. At a point 2 miles below the junction of the Cane Hill and Cove Creek roads, I ordered Lieutenant.Colonel Jobn~ on, with five companies of my regiment and about 200 men of Colonel Thomp- sons regiment, Colonel Shelbys brigade, to an eminence immediately over the road, with instructions to let the enemys advance pass them before firing. Immediately in rear of this point, Colonel Monroe formed with 86 men in the valley below. At this time the enemy was pushing the rear with great energy, and made it necessary for the companies left ambushed to receive them to retire very rapidly alter firing. The captains of my own command, who have reported to me, state that they obeyed orders, receiving the enemy at close di~tance, the men b ehavinb, almost without exception, with great bravery. When the rear retired past the position occupied by Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson and Colonel Thompson, they were followed very closely by a detachment of the ene- mys cavalry, a much larger nnmber halting just before reaching the position above referred to. A lieutenant-colonel of the enemys force was severely wounded by one of the volleys fired by the men under Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson. At this time the confusion below the position above referred to of our retiring men was disgraceful, and every effort made by officers to halt them futile, the cry extending down the line that our friends had gorged the road and were being sabered merci- lessly by the enemy. Just then the roar of shot-guns from the eminence ~occupied by Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson and Colonel [0-. W.] Thompson threw the enemys advance in confusion, when they were immediately charged by Colonel Monroe, and after the third effort driven for the first time during the day, which gave time for collecting and forming the scattered men, hitherto rapidly moving to the rear. The enemy here con- cluded, notwithstanding the superior weight and quantity of their artil- lery and their superior force, outnumbering ours more than ten to one, to risk nothing against the positions of which we were availing our- selves, and at once retired about sunset. The conduct of the officers and men of my command throughout the entire day, and almost without an exception, evidenced entire coolness and determined bravery, as (lid the officers and men of Colonel Shelbys brigade, of whom I assumed command and placed in position. I would be glad to speak of them more particularly if my personal acquaintance with these officers was such as to do so without a report from them. 1 will take occasion to remark that the retiring fight, lasting from 9 oclock in the morning until sunset, over a rugged and narrow road, with but a scanty supply of ammunition, pursued by a greatly superior force, moving from position to position with an astonishing rapidity, was well calculated to have confused, and, indeed, demoralized men well drilled and disciplined, and it is, indeed, astonishing that troops without drill should have evinced a nerve so steady, a courage so cool. In moving the battery from the first position taken in the morning, the carriage o Page 55 GEL?. xnwJ ENGAGF*ENT Al? CANE. HILL, ARK. 55 one of the pieces was so badly brken as to rendpr impossible the moving of it by hotses. Notwithstanding the gun thus di~mantled was under a galling Ate of the enemys artillery, shells bursting by the minute around it, the cannoneers dismounted, and, under the direction of their officers, bore the piece, crippled but triumphant, to the rear. Just before reaching the secon position taken by my brijade, as al- luded to in the above report, Captain Shoup, the commander, and Lieu-. tenant Halliburton, of the battery, met me. The captain at once took command of his company. There was now but one serviceable gun of the four-gun battery, which was placed in position frequently during the day with a skill and energy deserving a more substantial battery. After passing some little distance beyond the top of the mountain, this gun was placed In position and opened on the enemy. Notwithstand- ing the energy with which it was handled, it was dismantled by the ehays artillery, the carriage being broken to pieces by their heavy shot Tins casualty was followed by a cavafry charge made with great.? energy. The officers, unwilling to leave any trophy in the hands of their countrys enemy, tobk the gun from the shattered carriage and bore this, too, to the rear. I cannot but commend thepride end bravery of the men here evidenced. The loss the brigade sustained is as follows: Colonel Monroes regi.. ment, 8 men slightly wounded, 4 horses killed and 1 wounded; Lieu- tenant-Colonel Johnstons re rnent, 5 men were woun4ed and 2 men. at- missing; Captain Shoups battery, 3 men were wounded and 4. horses killed. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Capt ID. (1. Wzrnaxs Oolo.w1 CommaudAsg B*uAa lest A4jL Os., 4th hi.., let Omys, Traue-Mieeieeippi Army. No.9. Report of LioL. Joeepi 0. Shelby, commoMiug Jbwwth Missouri Cavalry Brigade (Ooufederat.). Car DfxrrnrG SnxNGs, An., December 1,1862. Cannr Being called upon Apr areport of the action of this brigade m the Cane Hill fight, I molose the same, as follows; My brigade consisted of the following regiments: First, commanded by [B. P.] Gordon; Second, by [B. G.] Jeans; Third, by [G. W.] Thomp- son . alsoElliotts scouts and Quantrills fatuous company, in command of #irst Lieutenant Gregg. Having had due notice (eighteen hours pre- vious) .by the general commanding that t4e enemy were advan~g,we endeavored, to be on the alert, but I must confess (though it may reflect somewhat upon myself) that the enemy, by his skillful management, fell upon me sooner than I would have desired, considering that a por- tion of our division was encamped some distance in my rear and I had but little time to give them the notice required; yet I had sufficient time to place mz men In their proper positions and await the hated foe. . the comingof Between the hours of 9. and 10 a. a, Friday, November28, he rapidly advanced and unlimbered his guns, and sent his iron missiles in search. of the rebeli? We had epected him (the enemy) to advance either on the Cincinati or Fayetteville road, our position covering both. Ble Page 56 56 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. soe, in command of the artillery, cQnSiStmg of two iron 6-pounders, had his guns so arranged as to cover each road; that is, one piece bearing on the Cincinnati road and the other covering the Fayetteville road. Having notice of the approach of the enemy on the Fayetteville road, I ordered all the regiments to mount and form, knowing that their advance on that route gave them an advantage over my position which could not be overlooked. If they forced a passage down the main road, we would be cut off from assistance in the rear and be deprived of the Cane Hill and Cove Creek road, thereby preventing our passage over the mountain, the route our train had takeu. The gun covering the Fayette- ville road occupied an elevated position, thehill descending to its foot about 300 yards. Here, waiting for the enemy to advance, I took my position at the gun, which was so masked as not to be seen by hire. Thus waiting, and in no little suspense, he (the enemy) soon showed himself with a four-gnu battery, supported by infantry close np. He - opened rapidly, but the smoke of his guns had not cleared away before Bledsoes gun responded rind continued to respond, showing to the naked eye that it was sending death in every shot to our heartless in- vaders. I soon discovered that they were not disposed to flank us on our right, and for the protection of our batteries II ordered all the regi- ments to dismount, placing Gordon on our right, Jeans in the center, and Thompson on our extreme left. By this time I had received satisfactory information from the Cincinnati road, which convinced me that there was no move by the enemy on that route, and I immediately ordered Captain Bledsoe to move the gun that covered the Cincinnati road to a point which secured a cross-fire on the batteries playing upon us. I should mention here that by this time they had at least twelve guns bearing upon our position, and then the artillery fight commenced in earnest, lasting at this point about one hour and a half. During this time Gordon, Jeans, and Thompson lay close up to the guns, anxiously awaiting the charge of the invader, while [Maj. B.] El- liotts scouts and Quantrills company sat quietly on their steeds await- ing his further coming; but as long as the enemy could confine him- self to the artillery fi~ht at long range he was content, but in the mean time General Marmaduke, after surveying the position, and I having no- tified him that a heavy body of infantry was endeavoring to flank me on the left, I received orders to fall back, which I did, by ordering Colonel Jeans to mount his men and directing Bledsoe to withdraw his piece, at the same time ordering Lieutenant [II. A.] Collins, who was in charge of the piece that commanded the Fayetteville road, to keep a steady fire on the enemy until I could mount and form all my regiments, which he did, pouring a murderous fire upon them, driving them at one time back from their guns. I will here mention that no man ever evinced more courage or executed his orders more cheerfully or promptly than Lieu- tenant Collins on that occasiQn. Captain Bledsoe, Sergeant Bledsoe, Lieutenants Connor and Anson, and, in fact, all of this battery, have the thanks of the entire brigade for their gallant conduct upon this trying occasion. I then ordered Colonel Thompson to mount his regiment, which was done in the best order, moving the piece under Bledsoe by the right to the rear; Thompsons regiment followed, after which came Jeans, the Collins gun -following, covered by Gordons regiment. I could not, if disposed, speak too highly of the conduct of the officers and men of this brigade in making the above move, it being executed under a terrible fire; but others ~witnessed it, and say men~never gave way in better order. After faliin~ back about half a mile, we found the remainder of this division formed and ready to protect us. By orde Page 57 CHAP. XXXIV.] ENGAGEMENT AT CANE HILL, ARK. 57 of the general we took position on the hill, bringing our guns in battery back of the Village of Newburg, there awaiting and expecting to witness brilliant charges from the foe; but, as before, he depended on dislodg- ing ns with his long-range guns. Here the naPed eye could see General Blunts columns of cavalry and infantry pouring over the hills in our front, and advancing slowly and cautiously to the attack. It was a splendid sightflaunting banners, serried ranks, as the long lines came gleaming on; Ere yet the life-blood, warm and wet, had dimmed a glistening bayonet! Being satisfied that with our small force and short-range gnus we could not cope with him, we withdrew to the Boston Mountains, where we placed one of Bledsoes guns in position, and there awaited his ad- vance. We were not allowed to tarry long, for they sooii reached the foot of the mountain, commenced placing their batteries in position, and opened fire. Our gunners were eager and ready. The work again com- menced, and at short range. We then exhausted all of our artillery ammunition, and from that cause had to push our guns ahead, which we did, and did safely. I had ordered Lieutenant Gregg at that point over to the right, but finding the enemy were making a move still to his right, I withdrew him, and had him to form back on the main road to await further orders. Immediately on top of themountain I had a part of Colonel Thompsons command, under Major [M. W.] Smith, formed to receive the enemy, and a little to the rear of Smith, on the right, I had one company of Elliotts scouts, commanded by Captain Martin. Smith and Martin calmly awaited the coming of the enemy, and as they came charging up the hill in solid columns, they poured a deadly fire on them, which sent them staggering down the mountain. By this time I had other detachments formed but a short distance in the rear (Smith and Martin falling back and loading~, who fired on them with much effect, being in easy gun-shot. Martin, having his men ready and formed, delivered once more a terrible fire, but in so doing this brigade suffered a terrible loss in the death of the gallant and heroic Martin. He fell, as he lived, fighting for his home and fireside, with his back to the field and his feet to the foe. Ah! soldier, to your honored rest; Your truth and valor bcaring; The bravest are the tenderest, The loving are the daring! The enemy pushing us about this time with all the force he could urge on, and the ground being of such a nature as not to allow us to form by rebiments or squadrons, I was compelled to detach companies and form them on b~th sides of the road, receive and fire on the enemy, load, form, and reform, using in that manner every company in the regiments of this brigade. We fought them in this manner about three hours, never once allowing them to reach our rear in sufficient numbers to capture any of the men. I will likewise mention that [Col. Emmett] MacDonalds men were at the same time equally s active in their efforts to retard the movements of the enemy. I noticed also with much pleasu-re the gallant conduct of Captain Shoup, who commanded his little howitzer well and delivered his fire with great coolness, effect, and precision. With this battery was a brave and fighting driver, who w~ s conspicuous for his daring and the readiness with which lie obeyed all orders. Captains Webb and Snook, of Colonel Jeans regiment, were both. wounded while gallantly leading their men on the enemy Page 58 58 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T~, AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. I cannot close this report without speaking in high terms of the cool. ness and daring of Lieutenant McCoy, of your escort, and Lieutenant Conkling, of Thompsons regiment. They, with the prestige and glory of Shuloh still hanging to their garments, were in the thickest of the fight. Our men fought them well, and while the enemy evinced great des- peration, our command showed a determination and coolness that their officers have reason to be proud of, contending, as they were, with vastly superior numbers, the sibht of which did not in the least discourage them. About sunset the enemy made the last and desperate charge, led by Colonel [L. R.] Jewell, in person. Colonels Thompsons and Jeans men received him with a fire the effect of which will ever be remembered by Jewells regiment. In that charge Jewell fell, mortally wounded. Upon the fall of Jewell, Colonel Gordon, with a portion of his regiment and a portion of Colonel Jeans, under Captain Jarrett, charged the Federals hotly and fiercely, sending them back in perfect confusion, and thus ending a hard days fi~ht. It is not necessary for me to state the casualties of this brigade, as they have already been reported to you; but I will here mention that the officers and men of this brigade executed promptly, cheerfully, and willingly every order that was given; were easily rallied; held all posi- tions assigned them, and fell back when ordered on form and fire again. , ly to form and re Elliott and his scouts were to be seen performing their duty on all occasions. Lieutenant Gregg, of Quantrills command, and his company had been held iu reserve by me during the greater part of the fig~ht, so that when suitable ground was obtained a grand.charge might be made. The posi- tion was taken, this stone-wall company formed, Gregg at its head, the light of the battle on his face, but, fortunately or nufortunately, the enemy checked pursuit just befifre coming to where they crouched like lions in their lairs. I will also here speak favorably of Captains Brewster (my adjutant), Nichols, Edwards, St. Clair, and Page, for the service they performed relative to their various duties. Many others I could call your attention to for their gallant conduct, among whom are Philip Wilder, of your own escort; Lieutenants Moor- man and Buffington, of Gordons; but as the general commanding was everywhere upon the field, he saw as much, perhaps more than myself. I close this report with the proud satisfaction of knowing that we did our duty, and are anxious once more to meet the enemy in a fair field and an open fight. Respectfully, JO. 0. SIIELBY, Colonel, Commanding Missouri Cavalry Brigade. Capt. E. G. WILLIAMS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Fourth Division, First Army Corps. No. 10. Report of ~Jol. Emmett ]i/EaeDonald, Missouri Cavalry. CAMP DRIPPING SPRINGS, ARK., November 30, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part my command took in the late battle iu the Boston Mountains: On November 28, 1 received orders about 9 oclock in the morning t Page 59 CHAP. XXXIV.] ENGAGEMENT AT CANE HILL, ARK. 59 prepare for action, as the enemy was enga~ing Colonel 5helby~5 com- mand about 1 mile in my advance. 1 at once moved forward at a rapid pace with my command, and took position northwest of Kidds Mill, near Cane Hill. My position being much exposed, the enemy poured a heavy Volley of ~rape upon my ranks, while another battery threw shell in my rear and front continually. but without killin~ or wounding a man. In the mean time Colonel Shelby had fallen back with his bri- gade. At this time I received orders to fall back and form south of Boonsborough, where Colonels Shelby and [C. A.] Carroll were posted. The enemy appeared at this point in great force. A large body of in- fantry moved rapidly upon our left and front. Here a general engage. ment seemed imminent; but the enemy appeared in such large force I was again ordered to fall back, which I did, fighting the enemy at every point, whether the position suited or not, until, reaching the mountain, a halt was ordered for one desperate resistance. I took position upon the right; Colonel Shelby the center. I immediately advanced upon the enemy, when a sharp engagement ensued. Our firing was so constant and well directed that he seemed completely checked; but long lines of infantry and cavalry again appeared, re-enforcing him, until it seemed that all Yankeedom had turned out. Feeling confident that my men would not flinch, I determined to meet them, while Colonel Shelby was preparing to receive them in the center. Here they charged us again and again, but they were driven back until our rear moved farther up the mountains. In this way we fought them over the mountains and 3 miles down Cove Creek, fighting at one point, falling back, forming, and fighting a~ am. Their number being five or six times greater than ours, and they knowing the fact, they pressed us hard, and finally charged us with drawn sabers, when a hand-to-hand conflict ensued. So very few of them were left that charged, they finally drew off their forces and retreated back toward the ftionntain. During the entire engagement Companies A and B fought nobly. No company of officers and men ever fought better. Captain Harrison, commanding Company A, and First Lieutenant Yonts, Company B, and the lieutenants in both companies, deserve much praise. Privates and officers acted well throughout the entire cizigagement. I lost in the engagement the following: ~) biJ Command. H Company A: Officers 1 Privates. 4 6 Company B: Officers 2 Non-commissioned officers 1 1 Privates 1 2 3 Company C: Privates 2 Company D: Non-commissioned officers 2 Privates 1 Total - ~ 17 4 Respectfully, EMMETT MACDONALD, Golonet, Commanding ]Jlissouri Cavalry. F. B. DAVIDSON, Adjutant Page 60 ~30 MO., ARK, KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 6,1 862.Expedition from Rolla to the Ozark Mountains, Mo., and skirmishes. Report of Cot. John M. Clover, Third Jiissouri Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS IIOLLA DISTRICT, Rolla, Mo., December 8, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that, having heard of several hun- dred rebels supposed to be encamped on the headwaters of the Current IRiver, on the 30th ultimo, with parts of Companies A and B, Third Missouri Cavalry, and part of Company II, Ninth Jissonri Cavalry, Captains [James T.] lowland, [Albert D.] Clover, and [John] Jug in command, consisting of 1130 men (beinb all the force that could be spare4 from here at the time), I proceeded in quest of the enemy. On the 2d instant had a collision with a light force of the enemy in the gorges of the Ozark. The impetuosity of my officers and men soon dispersed them in the mountains, killing 4 and capturing 2, with 4 horses. We marched 200 miles in seven days, finding no considerable force, having not a man injured in my command. I returned to these headquarters on the 6th instant. Your obedient servant, J. M. GLOFEJI, Colonel, Co manding District. Maj. II. Z. CURTIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. DECEMBER 46, 1862.Operations about Cane Hill, and skirmish (Decem. be~ 6) at Reeds Mountain, Ark. I~EPOI~TS.* No. 1.Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Frontier. No. 2.Lient. Col. Owen A. Bassett, Second Kansas Cav~ iry. No. 3.Capt. Amaziali Moore, Second Kans. s Cavalry, of skirmish at Reeds Mountain. No. 4.Capt. Joel Hnntoon, Eleventh Kansas Infantry, of skirmish at Reeds Mount- ain. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Jan es 0. Blunt, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Frontier. CANE HILL, ARK., December 6, 1862. GENERAL: The enemy (25,000 strong) yesterday attempted to force my position, but the adva cc was driven back into the mountains. This morning they made an attack upon my outposts upon two roads, driv- ing in my pickets upon one of them about 3 miles, who, upon being re- enforced, again drove the enemy back. It is my opinion th t the dem- onstrations this morning were to cover their retreat, as they were felling timber during all of that night, possibly to obstruct the road and pre- vent my artillery ud cavalry following the i. I have been holding * See also battle of Prairie Grove, December 7, 15(2, pp. 67158 (reports of Blunt, Clond, Hiadman, Marmaduke, Shelby, and Monroe) Page 61 61 CHAr. XXXIV.) OPERATIONS ABOUT CANE HILL, ARK., ETC. them in check four days, determined to hold my position until re-en- forcements could arrive. General ilerrons advance cavalry xviii reach here to-night, and expect his whole command to reach me to-morrow night. Can you inform me what rebel forces there are defending Little Rock and if any Federal forces are making a demonstration in that direction ~ It is important that I should have the information, to govern my future movements. JAS. G. BLUNT, Brigadier- General. Maj. Gen. SA1~iUEL It. CURTIS. No. 2. Rd ort of Lient. Col. Owen A. Ba8sett, Second Eiansa~ Gavatry. HEADQUARTERS SECOND KANSAS VOLUNTEERS, In the Field, December 10, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to instructions re- ceived from yourself, I detailed a scouting party from my regiment under command of Captain [A. P.] Russell, consisting of Companies A, D, and 1,10 men from Company C, 10 from Company B, and 10 from Company F, numbering 147 men. Captain Russell left camp with this force at about 4 p. m. on the 4th iustant, and the following is his report to me: CAMP or THE SECOND REGIMENT KANSAS VOLUNTEERS, Cane Hill, Ar ., December 5, 1562. Lieut. S. K. Cnoss, Acting Regimental Adjutant: I have the honor to report th~ t, pursuant to ordersreceived on the afternoon of the 4th instant with a detachment of 147 men from the Second Kansas Volunteers, I left camp to reconnoiter, and, if possible, to discover the position and movements of the enemy. About 2 miles from camp I sent Lieutenant [H. L.] Moore with about 60 men (Com- panies A and D) down what is known as the Mount Air road, while I proceeded with the remain ~er of the party in the direction of the Cove Creek road. I came into the Cove Creek road at Prices old headquarters ,9 miles southeast of camp, where our advance pickets are posted, and, after followin~ this road about 6 miles, the advance discovered a fire, supposed to be that of the enemys pickets. After reconnoitering, I became satisfied that it was either a very strong picket or the advance of the main force of tbe enemy, and concluded to wait until daylight before proceeding any farther. I posted a picket, and, with the remainder of my men, fell back half a niile and formed line in a field. In this position, every man standing by his horse, I remained until the morning of the 5th, when just before sunrise my picket was fired on by the enemy, and at once retired. I then sent forward about 30 nien dismounted, as skirmishers, under charge of Lieutenant [J. M.] Mentzer, holding the others mounted in line as reserve. A brisk skirmish ensued, lasting for several minutes, when, seeing a movement made to flank me, I withdrew the skirmishers and fell back about 4 miles,where I a gain formed line and remained nearly two hours. Seeing nothing further of the enemy, I returned to camp, reaching it about 3 p. m. Respectfully, AVRA P. RUSSELL, Captain, Commanding Detachment. Lieutenant Moore returned to camp about 3 a. m. on the 5th instant, and reported to me that he proceeded down the mountain road to within a short distance of the junetiou with the Cove Creek road, where he ex- pected to rejoin Captain Russell, when he discovered the enemys camp fire, ranged up and down the creek valley, as he estimated, for a distance of 2~ or 3 miles, and reconnoitered their camp, driving in their pickets from the south Page 62 62 MO~, ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. IXIIY. At daylight on the morning of the 5th, I sent Lieutenant [B. B.] Mitchell with Company K to re-enforce the pickets at Prices old head. quarters, desiring him if necessary to support Captain Russell, and about 8 a in., by your order, started with the remainder of my men to re-enforce Captain Russell. Having proceeded about 7 miles, I met him upon the mountain, returning, when he stated to me the substance of his report. Considering it unnecessary at that time to proceed any farther, I sent Captain [A. W.] Matthews to re-enforce the pickets and sent 20 men froni Company E to report to Lieutenant Mitchell, ordering him to scout eastwardly on the Wire road, and returned with the rest of my men to where you had the Third Brigade drawn up in line of battle. About 12 m. I ordered Captain [J.] Gardner to take Company C, under command of Lieutenant [W. M.] Hook, and post a picket east of Prices old headquarters, on the Wire road. About sunset of that day, I received word from Captain Gardner that lie found it impracticable to station a picket on the Wire road, from the fact that the enemy were occupying it with their scouting parties, and had accordingly re-enforced Captain Matthews and sent in the old picket of the night before. At 9 p. in. of the same day, Lieutenant Mitchell returned to camp, reporting that he had been on the Wire road; met the enemys scouting - parties, and remained at Hawkeye until dark. About 6 a. m. next morning, the enemy attacked the picket under Captain Gardner, and the following is his report tome: CAMP OF THE SECOND REGIMENT KANSAS YOLIJNTEERS, - Lient. S. K. Cnoss, J3oonsborough, Ark., December 6, 1862. Acting Begimenta~ Adjutant: I have the honor to report that on the afternoon of the 5th instant I re-enforced Captain Matthews, who commanded the picket at Prices old headquarters, at the junction of the Cove Creek and Cane Hill roads. Having sent in the old pickets, my force consisted of Company G, comman ed by Captain Matthews ,and Company C, by Lieutenant hook. About 6 a. m. this morning, the enemy advanced with considerable force, attacking me in front and on both Ilanks, bringing my men nuder a very heavy fire. I retired slowly, keeping up a skirmishing tire for 2 miles, when I fermed line nn drove the enemy back. 1 maintained this position for half an hour or more, and then retired to the foot of the mountain, and awaited the arrival of re-enforcements. Captain Matthews lost 1 man, Corpi. John Dower, killed, and Private Thomas Martin, of Company C, received a severe wound in the arm. Respectfully, JOHN GARDNER, (aptain, Commanding Pickets. At 6 a. in., in obedience to your instructions, I sent Captain [H.] Cameron and Lieutenant [S. K.] Cross, with 50 men, and Lieutenant [B. S.] Stover, with his howitzers to re-enforce the pickets, and they joined Captain Gardner soon after he had retired to the foot of the mountain, and started with the rest of my mounted force about sunrise for the same purpose. Arriving within half a mile of the foot of the mountain, I formed the First Battalion, under command of Captain [S. J.] Crawford, inline of battle, and formed the Second Battalion in line half a mile to the rear, and remained in this position until 11 a. in., awaiting the approach of the enemy, who was occupying the mountain about three-quarters of a mile in advance of Captain Crawford. The road up the mountain side is very, steep, and near the summit runs a ledge of rocVs. Having received re-enforcements of about 100 Indians, under com- mand of Lieutenant [A. F.] Bicking, I sent him to reconnoiter on my lef Page 63 ChAP. XXXIV.] OPERATIONS ABOUT CANE HILL, ARK., ETC. 63 flank, and at the same time moved the First Battalion forward to the foot of the mountain, and the Second Battalion to the ground previously occupied by the First, and in this position remained until about 2 p. in., at which time you came up, and, under your direction, Coin panics A and C were dismounted and sent as skirmishers up this side of the mountain, under c.ommand of Captain Crawford. They proceeded as far as the ledge of rocks, exchanging but a few shots with the enemy, who retired at their approach. Colonel [Thomas] Ewing, [jr.,] Eleventh Kansas Infantry, came up with four companies of his regiment, and he sent Company II, under Captain [J.] iluntoon, up the mountain to the ledge of rocks where they were concealed, and a few skirmishers were thrown forward to draw the adv.ance of the enemy into ambush. Failing in this, Companies A and C were withdrawn and mounted. Colonel Ewing and yourself returned with three companies of the in- fantry to the main line. I then ordered Captain Gunther to take com- mand of Companies E and I, as a picket for the night, and he posted 6 men at the ledge of rocks, posting his reserve at the foot of the mount- ain. Captain iluntoon then withdrew his company and stationed it in the rear of the reserve piciiet, and soon afterward the outpost discov- ered the enemy approaching in force, and, coming under a severe fire, they retired slowly. Captain Gunther went immediately forward with his reserve to their support, and reoccupied the ledge of rocks. Soon afterward I sent Captain lluntoou forward with his company to re- enforce Captain [A.] Gunther, and sent Companies A and D forward, dismounted, under command of Captain Crawford, instructing him to hold the ground, if possible. Brisk flying was opened on both sides. The enemy, with a regiment of cavalry, charged upon our lines, but, our men reserviub their fire until they advanced within 20 yards from their protected position, then poured in a well-directed volley, throwing the enemys line in confusion, driving them back. The enemy ap- proached again, but with more caution, and the fight became general along the entire line, lasting for more than three-quarters of an hour. The enemy was driven back, our men firing the last shot. The superior force of the enemy, and the demonstrations made by them upon our flanks, compelled Captain Crawford to retire to the foot of the hill. By this time it being dusk, and the enemy not advancing, Captain Gunther posted his pickets at the foot of the hill, and soon afterward Major [P. B.] Plumb re-enforced me with five companies of the Eleventh Kansas In- fantry, occupying the ground where I had my First Battalion stationed in the forenoon. About 9 p. m. I ordered Captain Moore, with Coin-. panics F and ll;to re-enforce Captain Gunthers picket. I stationed Companies K and ID near Major Plumbs position, and Companies C and G at the junction of the mountain road with the Cane Hill and Cove Creek road, and sent Company A to reconnoiter down the mountain road, where they remained until morniiig. At sunrfse the next morning, Companies C, ID, and G came forward to the advance, and firing again commenced between the pickets. I sent Captain Gun- ther, with2t) men, upon a high point to my right, to overlook and dis- cover the movement of the enemy. At 9 oclock he reported that the enemy had withdrawn his force toward Cove Creek, which he estimated at one regiment of cavalry and two regiments of infantry. I immedi- ately sent forward skirmishers, who soon reported that the enemys col- umn had retired. I then sent Lieutenant-Colonel [S. II] Wattles, ~who had re-enforced me with 200 Indians, up to the valley to my left, and ordered Major Plumb, with his infantry, and Lieutenant Stover, wit Page 64 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XX~V. his howitzers, to report to you. I sent Captain Cameron, with his com- pany, to reconnoiter the mountains to my left, and prepared to pursue the enemy with my cavalry, when I received orders from you to march toward Fayetteville, on the road by way of Ross Mill, as rear guard to the column which was then movino~ in that direction. My loss in the action of the night of the 6th was Privates Albert Payne, of Company A, and Sylvanus Heberling, of Company 1, both severely wounded. Captain Huntoon had [several men] wounded; names unknown. I have since ascertained, from omeers and soldiers of the rebel army, that the force sent up there to attack me that night consisted of one regiment of cavalry, under Colonel Shelby, two regiments of infantry, one under command of Colonel Hunter and the other under command of , and Tildens battery, t1 e whole under command of Brigadier General Frost; but meeting, s they did, with such une~- pected and well-timed resist~ nce, did not attempt to follow us. The rebel loss was 10 killed and 27 wounded. During the night of the 6th the wheels of the enemys battery were muffled, and it was taken b ck to Cove C eek. I have been thus explicit in detailing the events of nearly three days from the fact that it has been definitely ascertained ,since the occur- rence of the same, that it was a part of the enemys plan to divide his force at Prices old headquarters, sending one part up, through Cane Hill, to attack this Uivision of the army and drive it lack, and to send the rest up I~he Cove Creek road to the rear, to intercept and cut off retreat, and, also, because it required extreme vigilance and watchful- ness on the part of the officers and men, testing their courage and bravery, their willingness to endure fatigue, and their skill in checking the advance of a foe. Captain Huntoon, with his company (II, Eleventh Kansas Infantry), behaved in an admirable manner, standing firm and uufiinchin~, though for the first time under fire. To Captain [A.] Moore, who was left in com- mand of the advance during the night, should be awarded more than ordinary praise for his vigilance in the discharge of his duty. To P. B. Smith, esq., of Leavenworth, I tender my acknowledgments for valua- ble services ud gallant conduct as volunteer aide during the 6th and 7th instant. To the officers and soldiers who were with me during the various skirmishes and maneuvers here recounted, my thanks are ten- dered. As an appropriate designation for the affair on the evening of the 6th, I most respectfully suggest The action of Reeds Mountain. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, OWEN A. BASSETT Lieutenant- Colonel, Gommanding. IDol. WILLIAM F. CLOUD, Commanding Third Brigade, First Division. No. 3. i?eport of Ca t. Amaziah Moore, Second Kansas Cavalry, of skirmish at Reeds ountain. CAMP NEAR CANE HILL, ARK., December 11, 1862. COLONEL: The picket guard, commanded by Captain [A.] Gunther, composed of detachments frouii Companies I and C, having been attacke Page 65 CHAP. XXXIV.] OPERATIONS ABOUT CANE HILL, ARK., ETC. 65 by the enemy with a force of cavalry, I ordered Captain [J.j iluntoon to re-enforce the guard with Company II, of the Eleventh Regiment. The guard was posted upon a rocky eminence on the Cove Creek road, about 3 miles from this encampment. I formed my line across the road, below the bluff, concealing my men as much as the nature of the ground would permit from the view of the enemy. A desultory fire had for some time been kept up by Captain [A.] Gunther, who had been obliged to abandon his ground, although gallantly contested. A forward movement soon regained the ground we had lost, and drove the enemy back, but he immediately returned and attacked us with great fury. He was received with a vigorous fire, the me u loading and firing rapidly and with great steadiness. The enemy, ftiiling to drive me from my position, charged gallantly up to my line, but was repulsed with considerable loss. Falling back beyond the reach of our pieces, he rallied a second time and came down upon the line in splendid style, discharo-ino his pieces at full speed. During this impetuous charge a part of my force fell back,but were soon rallied, and he~ld the ground against the enemy. In the mean time, having sent for reenforcem nts, Captain and Act- ing Major [S. J.] Crawford came forward with Companies A and D, nnder command of Lieutenants [J.] Johnston and [H. L.] Moore, and formed upon the right. It now became evident that the enemy had been re- enforced, and was preparing for an other desperate charge. Infantry were seen moving dowu upon the right flank, and shots were fired from the ravine upon the left. ~evertheless, the line remained firm, and re- pulsed the enemys charge most gallantly. The enemy having effected a flank movement, a change of position became necessary, which was accomplished in good order and without loss. The enemys loss has since been ascertained to be 21 killed and wounded, and 12 horses dead upon the fleid. My los& is 4 wounded, 1 severely. I take this occasion to speak in the highest terms of the bravery and good conduct of Captain Huntoon, of the Eleventh Regiment, and of Captain Gunther, of the Second Regiment. The men, with scarcely an exception, fought gallantly, and many instances of great personal daring were observed. Very respectfully, & c., A. MOORE, Captain, and Field Officer of the Day. Col. WILLIAM F. CLOUD, Commanding Third Brigade. No. 4. Report of Capt. Joel ffnatoon, Eleventh Kansas D~fantry, of skirmish at Reeds Mountain. On the morning of the 6th oC December, 1862, Company H, of the Eleventh Kansas Infantry, marched with a detachment of that regiment from line of battle, near Cane Hill, Ark., to the foot of the Boston Mountains, at which place Company H was ordered to relieve the ad- vance, stationed near the top of the mountain, which was composed of a detachment of the Second Kansas Cavalry. The company remained 5 H HVOL XXII~ PT Page 66 66 MO., ARK., KANS, IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. at this station until about 12 oclock, when we were ordered to withdraw to the foot of the mountain. Soon after, the advance of the enemy appeared in sight, on the brow of the mountain, and the company was again ordered forward. Having deployed in line of skirmishers, we advanced and drove the enemy be. yond the old advance position, ~when, the enemy appearing in force, we retired to the point we had occupied in the morning, and formed, being protected by a ledge of rocks, where we repulsed the advancing enemy, who retreated out of range of our guns and formed with a large force. Captain [S. J.] Crawford, of the Second Kansas Cavalry, at this time came up with a detachment of his regiment, and assumed command. A second charge was now made by the enemy, but was repulsed with loss. The enemy being again re~enforced, a third charge was made, with the determination to carry the position, but they were driven back with heavy loss. The superior force of the enemy enabled them to outflank our small advance, which they were doing, when Captain Crawford ordered the advance to retire to the foot of the mountain. Company II was ordered to guard a road coming down the mountain, where it remained during the night of the 6th. On the morning of the 7th, it was ordered to join the regiment en route for the battle~field of Prairie Grove. This was the first time that Company II was under heavy fire, and I feel it my duty, as well as a pleasure, to say that every man stood up to the work faithfully, and did his duty as became an American citizen fighting the enemies of his conutry. JOEL HUXTOON, Capt in Company II, Eleventh Kan8as Volunteer Infantry. DECEMBER 41.2, 1862.Operations in the Cherokee Country, Indian Ter ritory. Report of 6~ol. & and W tie, First Cherokee Regiment. SOULLYVILLE, C. N., December 19, 1862. GENERAL: On Wednesday morning, December 3,1 received an order from you inclosing instructions from Major-General iliudman to pro- ceed to the neighborhood of Evansville, and, if possible, open a com- munication with the pickets of the Confederate army on the Line road. I therefore notified you, by express, that I would be at Peytons Spring, 4 or 5 miles from Evansville, on Friday evening (5th), to meet with the detachment from Fort Coffee. Thursday evening (4th), I took a line of march with about 400 men for the place designated; halted at Dwight Mission until daylight. In the morning sent out scouts on each side of the road~ met with Pin Indians in small parties at various places on that day, killing sev- eral. Arrived at Peytons Spring that evening after dark. The de- tachment from Fort Coffee, under Lieutenant-Colonel [S. N.] Folsom, had not yet arrived. Early next morning (Saturday, the 6th) sent a scout to Evansville, in order to communicate with the pickets of our army; found none, but on entering the town discovered a Federal scout going out ; learned fro Page 67 CHAP. XXXIV.] BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 67 the citizens that our pickets had not been there since the Monday before (December 1); sent to the neighborhood of the Dutch Mills; was not able to learn anything of our army. The enemy were then in force at Cane Hill and had pickets near the Dutch Mills. I remained in that vicinity until late that evening, when I considered it prudent to retire down Lees Creek and communicate with Colonel Folsom, which I did that night about 5 miles from camp (Peytons Spring). The detach- ment under Colonel Folsom consisted of about 150 dismounted Choc- taws, Captain 0-atlins company of Texas Rangers, and detachment of Bryans battalion, under Captain Miller, the whole amounting to 200 men. On Sunday morning I sent a scout to the Line road,butfoundno pickets on that road; same day cannonading was heard at a distance. That evening marched back to the camp at Peytons Spring. Monday morning took possession of Dutch Mills and notified General llindman of the fact. Not being able to hear anythIng reliable from our army, Captain Wells was dispatched Tuesday morning to commu- nicate with General Hiudman, supposed to be somewhere near Cane Hill; moved my camp nearer the Line; kept a company at the Dutch Mills. On Wednesday evening (10th) received information, considered relia- bl~, that the Pins were concentrating at Manus, 10 miles from my camp, with the intention of attacking us the next night. Early next morning I moved upon them; soon dispersed them into the mountains without any damage to our men, with the exception of three horses shot. We did not follow them far into the mountains. Three Pins were killed and 1 wounded. Quite a number of them were in uniform, thought to be soldiers. Sutler tickets were found in pos- session of some that were killed previous to that fight. Friday (the 12th), I moved back my command in the direction of Webbers Falls, iu compliance with orders from you, Colonel Folsoms detachment having been previously ordered to fall back with the train in the direction of Fort Coffee. Ou the day of the battle at Prairie Grove the enemy sent his trains on a different route from the Dutch Mills. On the expedition we killed 10 Pins and took 3 prisoners. One being quite young and another badly wounded, were released. Respectfully, SlAND WATIE, Colonel, (ommanding, ~c. Brig. Gen. D. II. COOPER. DECE~LBER 7, 1862.Battle of Prairie Grove, Fayetteville, or Illinois Creek, Ark. IR1f~POT~TS. No. l.Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Missouri. No. 2.Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt, U. S. Army, commandiu~ Army of the Frontier, with congratulations from Ceneral Curtis. No. 3.Return of Casualties in the Army of the Frontier. No. 4.Col. John M. Richardson, Fourteenth Missonri State Militia, Cavalry. No. 5.Col. William Weer, Tenth Kausm Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, First Division. T II. Tenth o. 6Maj. Henry Williams, Kansas Infantry Page 68 68 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [OnAr. XXXIV. No. 7.Col. William F. Cloud, Second Kansas Cavalry, commanding Third Brigade. No. 8.Lieut. Col. Stephen H. Wattles, First Indian Home Guards. No. 9.Lient. Col. Owen A. Bassett, Second Kansas Cavalry. No. 10.Capt. Henry Hopkins, Second Kansas Cavalry, commanding battery. No. 11.Col. Thomas Ewing, jr.,Eleventh Kansas Infantry. No. 12.Licut. Col. Thomas Moonlight, Eleventh Kansas Infantry. No. 13.Capt. John W. Rabb, Second Indiana Battery. No. 14.Brig. Gen. Francis J. Herron, U. S. Army, commanding Second and Third Divisions. No. 15.Col. Daniel Huston, jr., Seventh Missouri Cavalry, commanding Second Division. No. l6.-Col. John G. Clark, Twenty-sixth Indiana Infantry, commanding First Bri- gade. No. 17.Lient. Herman Borris, Battery A, Second Illinois Light Artillery. No. 18.Capt. Milton H. Brawner, Seventh Missouri Cavalry. No. 19.Lient. Lafayette Bunner, Seventh Missouri Cavalry. No. 20.Col. William McE. Dye, Twentieth Iowa Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 21.Licut. Col. John Charles Black, Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry. No. 22.Capt. Frederick J. Abbey, Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry. No. 23.Licut. Col. Joseph B. Leake, Twentieth Iowa Infantry. No. 24.Maj. Samuel Montgomery, Sixth Missonri Cavalry. No. 25.Capt. David Murphy, Battery F, First Missouri Light Artillery. No. 26.Col. Dudley Wickersham, Tenth Illinois Cavalry, commanding First Brig~de, Third Division. No. 27.Col. James 0. Gower, First Iowa Cavalry. No. 28.Maj. William H. Miller, Second Wisconsin Cavalry. No. 29.Lieut. Col. Henry Bertram, Twentieth Wisconsin Infantry. No. 30.Capt. Frank Backog Battery L, First Missouri Light Arti1l~ry. No. 31.Col. William W. Orme, Ninety-fourth Illinois Infantry, commandinn Second Brigade. No. 32.Lieut. Col. John McNulta, Ninety-fourth Illinois Infantry. No. 33.Maj. Daniel Kent, Nineteenth Iowa Infantry. No. 34.Lieut. Josepli Foust, Battery B, First Missouri Light Artillery. No. 35.Capt. Ames L. Burrows, First Missouri Cavalry. No. 36.Maj. Gen. Thomas C. Hiudman, C. S. Army, commandin~, First Corps, Trans-Mississippi Army, including preliminary skirmishes. No. 37.Brig. Gep. John S. Marmaduke, C. S. Army, commandin~ Fourth Division, including preliminary skirmishes. No. 3~.Col. Joseph 0. Shelby, Missouri Cavalry (Confederate), commanding Fourth Missouri Cavalry Brigade, including preliminary skirmishes. No. 39.Col. J. C. Monroe, Arkansas Cavalry, commanding brigade, including skir- mish at Reeds Mountain. No. 40.Col. Emmett MacDonald, Missouri Cavalry (Confederate), commanding bri. gade. No. 41.Lient. Col. M. L. Young, MacDonalds cavalry. No. 42.Lient. Col. R. P. Cramp, First Texas Partisan Cavalry. No. 43.Capt. Henry C. West, Arkansas battery (Confederate). No. 1. Reports of Maj. Gem. AS~amuel R. Curtis, U. ~ Army, commanding Depart ment of the ]JiEissours. SAINT LOUIS, Mo., December 9, 18623 p. m. My forces and the Army of the Frontier united near Fayetteville in the midst of a hard-fought battle, General Blunt had snstaine~l hi Page 69 CHAP. XXXIV.] BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 69 position at Cane Hill till Saturday night, when the enemy, 25,000 strong, under General iliudman, attempted a flank movement on his left to prevent the arrival of General Herrons forces, which have been ap- proaching for four days by forced marches. Sunday, about 10 a. in., the enemy attacked General Herron near Fayetteville, who, by gallant and desperate fighting, held him in check for three hours, until General Blunts division came up and attacked him in the rear. The fight con- tinued desperate until dark. Our troops bivouacked on the battle-field, while the enemy retreated across the Boston Mountains. The loss on both sides is heavy, but much the greater on the side of th& enemy, our artillery creating terrible slaughter in their greater numbers. The ene- my had great advantage in position. Among the enemys killed were Colonel Steen, formerly brigadier-general, Missouri State Guard. Both Generals ilerron and Blunt deserve special commendation for their gallantry in the battle of Fayetteville, Ark. SAML. R. CURTIS, Major- General, Commanding. Major-General HALLECK, General-in- Chief. DECEMBER 10, 1862. Further details are received from Generals Blunt and ilerron from the battle-ground of Prairie Grove, near Fayetteville, Ark. Our loss in killed and wounded is now estimated at 1,000 ;* that of the enemy at over 2,000. The rebels left many of their dead and most of their wounded for us to care for. Extensive hospitals will be improvised in Fayette- ville. Prisoners returned report the enemy 28,000 strong. Their artil- lery was much crippled. We took four caissons, filled with ammuni- tion, and a large number of small-arms. General Blunt moves forward to-day to Cane Hill, General Herron remaining at Prairie Grove, briry- ing the dead and providing for the wounded. The enemy muffled their wheels and moved off in the night, continuing their retreat to Van Buren, probably crossing Arkansas River. Colonel [S.] McFarland, Nineteenth Iowa, is killed. Colonel [J. C.] Black, Thirty-seventh Illinois; Major [W. G.] Thompson, Twentieth Iowa, and a large number of subaltern officers, wounded. It was a hard-fought battle and complete victory. SAML. R. CURTIS, ]Jiliajor- General. II. W. HALLEOK, General-in-Chief, Washington, D. C. No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt, U. S. Army, command.ing Army of the Frontier, with congratulations from General Curtis. ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, In the Field, near Fayetteville, Ark., December 8, 1862. GENERAL: This place, on yesterday, was the scene of a hard-fought and bloody- field, resulting in a complete victory to the Army of the Frontier. The rebel forces, under Generals iliudman, Marmaduke, Parsons, and Frost, numbered 25,000. My whole force in the field did * See pp. 5486 Page 70 10 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DE?T. N. W. [CH~L. XXXIV. not exceed 8,000. I had been holding the enemy on the Boston Mount- ains for two days, skirmishing with their advance and holding them in check until General ilerron could come up with re-enforcements. On the 7th, they drove in my ontposts; got possession of the road, by which they commenced a flank movement on my left during the night, while they made a heavy feint in front. Their object was to cut oft communication between myself and General ilerron, who was to be at Fayetteville at daylight. They attacked General ilerron at about 10 a. in., who, by gallant and desperate fighting, held them in check for three hours, until I came up and attacked them in the rear. The fight- ing was desperate on both sides, and continued until it was terminated by the darkness of the night. My command bivouacked on their arms, ready to renew the conflict at dayli~ht in the morning; but the enemy had availed themselves of the night to retre t across the Boston Mount- ains. The loss on both sides has been heavy. My loss in killed is small in proportion to the number of wounded. The enemy~s loss,~compared with ours, i at least four to one. My artillery made terrible destruc- tion in their ranks. They had greatly the advantage in numbers and position, yet Generals Marmaduke and Hiudman acknowledged to me in an interview nnder a flag of truce, that they had been well whipped. Among the enemys killed was Colonel Steen, formerly brigadier-gen- eral of the Missouri State Guard. The Nineteenth and Twentieth Iowa, Thirty-seventh Illinois, and Twenty-sixth Indiana Regiments, of Gen- eral ~ division, suffered severely. General Herron deserves great credit for the promptness with which he re-enforced me by forced marches from near Springfield, as also for his gallantry upon the field. JAS. G. BLUNT, Brigadier. General Gomman Maj. Gen. ~AMIJEL H. CURTIS. PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK., December 9, 1862. The enemy did not stop in their flight until they had crossed the Bos- ton Mountains, and are probably, crc this, across the Arkansas River. I shall move my advance to-day to Cane Hill. I shall establish a gen- eral hospital a~ Fayetteville. Shall I not extend the telegraph to that place ~ The enemys killed and wounded between 1,500 and 2,000; a large proportion of them killed. One hundred of their wounded have died since the battle, and a large proportion of others are wounded mor- tally, showing the terrible effect of my artillery. My casualties will be about 200 killed and 500 wounded. Most of the wounded will recover. The enemy have left their wounded on my hands, and most of their dead uncared for. They are being buried by my command. iliudman admitted his force to be 28,000. Major Hubbard, who was a prisoner with them all day of the fight, counted twenty re~iments of infantry and twenty pieces of artillery. They had no train with them, and muffled the wheels of their artillery in making their retreat. Four caissons, filled with ammunition, were taken from the enemy. The Twentieth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, in addition to those men- tioncd yesterday, suffered severely in charging one of the enemys batteries, which they took, but were unable to hold. JAS. G. BLUNT, Maj. T. J. WEED, Brigadier-General. Assistant Adjutant- General, Fort Leavenworth Page 71 CHAP. XXXIV.] BATTLE OP PRAIRIE GROYE, ARK. 71 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Pheas ]Jlills, Ark., December 20, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, on the 2d instant, and four days subsequent to the battle of Cane Hill, or Boston Mountains, of iS~ovember 28, I obtained reliable information that the entire force of infantry and artillery of General Hinclmans army bad crossed the Arkansas iRiver and joined General Marmaduke at Lees Creek, 15 miles north of Van Buren, to which point the latter had retreated after the battle of the 28th ultimo. I further learned that the united forces under General Hindmans command numbered between 25,000 and 30,000 men, and that he designed advancing upon me in case I did not attack him south of the mountains. Determined to hold my position at Cane Hill, nnless driven from it by a superior force I immediately telegraphed to the Second and Third Divisions to come to my support by forced marches. I may here men- tion that I had no knowledge of the whereabouts of these two divisions, except from rumor, and had not been apprised of their movements or locality for a period of over two weeks. My telegraphic dispatch reached General Herron, commanding the Second and Third Divisions, on the 3d, who promptly responded to my order, keeping me advised, by tele- graph from Elkhorn, of his progress. The Second and Third Brigades of the First Division, with my headquarters, were at Cane Hill; the First Brigade at Rheas Mills, 8 miles north, where a large supply train, just arrived from Fort Scott, was halted. My pickets were advanced 6 miles beyond Cane Hill, on the road leadin~ to Van Buren, and a strong outpost of the Second Kansas established where that road in- tersects the Cove Creek road, running from Fayetteville to Van Buren, and which road passes about 6 miles east of Cane Hill. On the morning of the 5th instant, this outpost was attacked by a large force of rebel cavalry, bnt they were repulsed and driven back some 6 miles through the mountains. Expecting that the same demon- stration would be repeated on the next morning, I directed Colonel [W. F.] Cloud, commanding the Third Brigade, to strengthen this post by the addition of 100 cavalry and two howitzers, to be at the outpost at daybreak. In consequence of this order not being promptly carried ont, and the support not arriving at the time directed, the pickets, on being attacked about daylight by a superior force, were compelled to retire some 3 miles, when, support having reached them, they held the ground during the day, with continual skirmishing, in which several of my men were wounded and a number of the enemy killed. The enemy had now got possession of the Cove Creek and Fayette- ville road, and I learned about 8 p. m. that a force of about 10,000 had advanced beyond the junction of the Cove Creek road with the Cane Hill and Van Buren road, and were massed upon the mountain in front of my outpost, while the remainder of the rebel army was below the junction of the roads just named, about 3 miles in rear of their advance. The Third Brigade, nuder Colonel Cloud, was ordered to bivouac for the night on their arms upon the ground south of the town that I had selected to make a stand npon in case I was attacked in front. It was now evident that a general engagement must take place next day, and my apprehensions were that with their superior numbers they would make a feint in front, while with their main force they would make a flank movement on my left, by the Cove Creek road, to inter- cept General ilerron before he could reach me from Fayetteville, which point he was expected to reach by daylight on the morning of the 7th Page 72 72 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. LOHAP. XXXJV. Abont 9 p. m. of the 6th, I received a note from Colonel [M. La Rue] I [arrison, of the First Arkansas Cavalry, who had been ordered down from Elkhorn at the same time that General ilerron started from Wilsons Creek, informing me that he had arrived at Illinois Creek, 8 miles north of Cane Hill, with 500 men, and that his horses and men were so tired that he did not think he could move farther until Monday, the 8th. Whether his regard for the Sabbath or the fear of getting into a fight l)rompted him to make such a report to me, I am unable to say; but, judging from his movements that he was not a man upon whom to place much reliance on the battle-field, I ordered him to proceed by daybreak to Rheas Mills, to guard the transportation and supply trains at that point, the First Brigade having been ordered to join me at Cane Hill. Had lie, instead of making nnnecessary delay, promptly obeyed that order, he would not have had a portion of his command and transporta- ion captured by General Marmadukes advance, as occurred on the morning of the 7th. At about lOp. m. of the 6th, Colonel [D.] Wickersham, with about 1,600 cavalry, of the Second Wisconsin First Iowa Tenth Illinois and Eighth Missouri Regiments, who, at my request, had been sent for. ~-iard by General ilerron, arrived at Cane Hill. I had, as I have before remarked, considerable apprehension that a flank movement \Tould be attempted on my left during the night. I therefore determined to send a cavalry force across on a road called the Hog.eye road, run- iing from the north part of Cane Hill east to the Telegraph road, and crossing the Cove Creek and Fayetteville road about 4 miles north of the junction of the latter with that running from Cane Hill to Van fluren, already referred to, and from which my outpost had been driven Li the morning. A Colonel [J. M.] Richardson, of the Fourteenth Missouri State Mili- tia, who had arrived during the day with about 150 men, importuned me Iio be detailed for this service, recommending himself as a brave man, cager for a fight. Committing the folly of taking him upon his own recommendation, I furnished him 100 additional men, making his force 250. Endeavoring to impress upon him the importance of the trust with which he was confided, and stating that I expected the enemy would advance up the Cove Creek road during the night, I (lirected him to proceed east on the Hog-eye road to the crossing of the Cove Creek and Fayetteville road, to select the best position for defense, sanding his pickets down the road toward the enemy, and, if their co]~ umn approached in that direction, to resist their advance to the last xtremity, and notify me promptly of their movements. How I was (~eceived in sending the wrong man on so important a service, the sequel will show. At daylight on Sunday morning, I had the transportation of the See- oud and Third Brigades, of the First Division, hitched up, ready to i:move to Rheas Mills, should circumstances render it necessary, and the econd Brigade was ordered to the front, south of the town, where the Third Brigade had bivouacked during the night, the First Brigade and Colonel Wickershams brigade of cavalry being stationed about l~ miles in the rear, on the north side of the town, where the Hog-eye road in- ersects that between Cane Hill and Fayetteville, and where it was I)Ossible the enemy might attempt to come in upon my rear. About 7 oclock, with my staff; I proceeded to the front. On arriving I here, I learned that the enemy were still in considerable force upon the mountain, and so soon as it became sufficiently light they threw several ~hots from their artillery at my advance outpost, which was replied t Page 73 CHAP. XXXIV.] BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 73 by two of my 12-pounder mountain howitzers, without any damage to either party. I directed Colonel [W. F.] Cloud to withdraw his troops on the outposts, with the view of drawing them out and ascertaining their force and design. Upon my advance falling back, the rebels came for- ward a short distance and formed in line of battle, their right restin~ on the mountain, their left extending down the valley, and presenting a front of half a mile. It now became evident that their demonstration in front was only a feint, and that their main force had gone by the Cove Creek road, for the purpose of intercepting communication between General ilerron and myself, and, notwithstanding that I bad received no intelligence from Colonel Richardson, upon whom I had relied to watch this movement, I determined to act accordingly. I immediately ordered the transportation to Rheas Mills, by a road leading directly north over the monutain, guarded by the Third Indian Regiment (Colo- nel Phillips), keeping the bottom road on the right, leading to the same point, and also the Fayetteville road, open for the movement of troops. I ordered Colonel Wickersham, with his cavalry, to move rapidly in the direction of Fayetteville and form a junction with General ilerron. He was followed by General [Frederick] Salomons brigade, and the Second and Third Brigades were withdrawn from the front and directed to move rapidly on the Fayetteville road. As soon as I determined on this disposition of the forces under me, I sent two messenger parties with dispatches to General ilerron, ap- prising him of my movements, and what I believed to be those of the enemy, and ur~ed him to press forward as rapidly as possible, that we might form a junction of our forces before llindman could get between ns, and also directing him to send his train to Rheas Mills. Neither of these dispatches reached him, the messengers being cut oft by Marina- dukes advance. At about 10 a. in., and after the whole of the First Division was in motion toward Fayetteville, I received the first intelligence from Colo- nel Richardson, who coolly informed me that the rebel forces had been moving up the Cove Creek and Fayetteville road since midnight, and he judged, from the noise, that several batteries of artillery had passed. I afterward learned that Colonel Richardson, instead of obeying my orders, had only gone to within 2 miles of the Cove Creek roadq sending a light picket to the crossing, which was driven back by the advance of the rebel column to where the remainder of the party had halted, and where the valiant colonel was content to remain until 9 oclock the next morning, listeninb to the tramp of the rebel army, and not even notify- ing me of the fact until the rear of their column had passed. The con- dnct of Colonel Richardson in this instance, upon whose vigilance and strict compliance with orders depended the safety and success of my command, is, to say the least, deserving of the severest censure. On learning that Hindmans forces had passed north, I ordered Colo- nel Jndson, with his regiment (cavalry) and two 12 pounder mountain howitzers, to proceed rapidly on the same road by which I had sent Colonel Richardson the previous night, and to attack and harass them in the rear, which order he executed with promptness and gallantry, attacking them in the rear with his howitzers and following theni 2 or 3 miles, until they made a stand in such force as to compel him to with- draw his command. Moving with my staff in advance of the First Division, on reaching a point some 3 miles north of Cahe Hill, where a ro d to the left leads to Rheas Mills, I learned that Colonel Wickersham, who was in the advance with the cavalry, and had been instructed RI proceed Page 74 74 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAr. XXXIV. directly on the Fayetteville road, and furnished with a guide, instead of doing so had taken the left-hand road to the mills. Not deeming it prudent, under all the circumstances, to separate my command, I was compelled to follow the same road, in order to get my forces concen- trated. On coming up with Colonel Wickersham, I ordered him to pro- ceed iu the direction of Fayetteville with all of his cavalry, and en- deavor to open communication with General ilerron. I also sent for- ward Major [E. A.] Calkins, with the Third Wisconsin Cavalry, for the same purpose. But a few minutes elapsed after Colonel Wickersham had started with his command, when I heard the discharge of artillery in a northeast direction, and immediately moved rapidly, with the Second and Third Brigades, in the direction of the firing, leaving the First Bri- gade (General Salomons) to guard the trains at liheas Mills. It was now between 12 and 1 oclock. The distance to where the firing was heard was about 5 miles, by an obscure road, leading through a valley, with strips of prairie and brush alternating across it. The firing be- tween General ilerrons command and the rebel forces was confined to artillery, which, as I approached the field, became more rapid. At 1.45 oclock I came upon the field, in advance of the First Division, when a hasty reconnaissance discovered the enemy in superior force, strongly posted upon elevated ground, behind timber, with the Fayette- ville road (on which he had advanced) running through it northeast and southwest. On the north and in front of the enemys lines was an open valley, divided into large fields, a portion of them cultivated in corn. At the east end of this valley General ilerron, with the Second and Third Divisions, was engaged with the enemy, having met their advance early in the day and driven them back to that position. For the details of the engagement between the rebels and the Second and Third Divisions, under General ilerron, up to the time when I came upon the field, I refer you to the report of that gallant officer. The road on which my column was advancing entered the valley at its western extremity and in front of the left wing of the enemy. They had no intimation of my approach on that road, nutil a large force of their infantry, which, for the purpose of flanking General ilerrons division and overwhelminb it by superior numbers, had been massed upon their left, was suddenly confronted by the troops of the First Division, when the enga~,ement soon became general along their entire line. At about 2 oclock the fire from the artillery of the First Division was commenced by Rabbs battery, which opened a cross-fire upon two rebel batteries and a heavy body of infantry that were fronting and engaged with General ilerrons division. A few moments later and Tenneys bat. tery of Parrott guns came into position on the right and Hopkins bat. tery on the left of Captain [J. W.] Itabbs. The fire from all three of these batteries was first directed to the enemys right, where two batteries of the rebels and a heavy body of their infantry were engaged with the Second and Third Divisions. Shell and case-shot from these eighteen pieces were hurled upon the enemys right with terrible effect. The rebel artillery and infantry, being driven from this position under cover of the wood, the three batteries above named ceased firing, when the infantry of the Second and Third Divisions advanced upon the enemys right, and the fire of musketry was opened on both sides with great vigor. The Twentieth Wiaconsin and Nineteenth Iowa gallantly charged the rebel batteries and drove the enemy from their guns, but were unable to hold them, in consequence of being overwhelmed by a superior force Page 75 CHAP. XXXIV.] BATTLU~ OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 75 The Twenty-sixth Indiana and Thirty-seventh Illinois subsequently charged the same batteries with the same result. Observing that the enemy had now thrown a large force upon my center and right, I directed the infantry of the First Division to enter the wood and engage them, which order was executed with promptness, Colonel [William] Weer leading the Tenth and Thirteenth Kansas Regiments of his brigade upon the right; a portion of the Second K nsas (dis- mounted), under command of Capt. S. J. Crawford; the right wing of the Eleventh Kahsas, under Colonel [Thomas] Ewing, Jr., and the First In- dian, under Colonel [S. Th] Wattfes, upon the left; the Twentieth Iowa Regiment advancing npou the left of the Indians, the left wing of the Eleventh Kansas, under Lieutenant-Colonel [Tj Moonlight, supporting Rabbs and [H.] Hopkins batteries. The First Iowa, Tenth lllinois, Eighth Missouri, and the First Battalion of the Second Wisconsin Cav- alry, under Colonel Wickersham, and the Third Wisconsin Cavalry, under Major Calkins, were directed to proceed to my extreme right to watch any flank movement of the enemy that might be attempted in that direction, and also to ~uard the road leading to iRheas Mills, and prevent communication being cut off with the First Brigade (General Salomons). The contest by this time (about 3 p. in.) had become Vigorous and determined. The entire infantry of the three divisions, and also a por- tion of the Second Kansas (dismounted), were engaged in the wood with the rebel infantry, three times their number. The rattling of musketry, uninterrupted for fully three hours, was terrific. The con- tending armies swayed to and fro, each alternately advancing and re- tiring. Some rebel sharpshooters, firing from the windows of a house situated in the edge of the wood and a little to my left, were evidently directing their compliments specially to myself and staff. I directed Captain Rabb to open upon it with shell, and in a few moments the house was in flames. While the infantry was vigorously contesting every inch of ground, I directed Lieutenant [U S.] Stover, with two 12-pounder mountain how- itzers, to advance into the wood, which he promptly did, taking position on a little knoll on the right of the Eleventh Kansas, and directing his guns across a small field, where a heavy force of rebels were massed. He poured into them his canister and shell until his. ammunition was ex- hausted and his horses shot down, being compelled to bring away his guns by hand. I then directed Lieutenant [M. D.] Teuney to advance his battery to the edge of the wood, on the left of the Eleventh Kansas, taking position about 200 yards in front of the rebel ranks. From his six 10-pounder Parrott guns he opened on them with terrible effect, (triving them back with great slaughter. Learning that a heavy force was massing on my right with a view of turning my flank, I immediately withdrew Tenneys battery, and pro- ceeded with it to ~u open field on the ribht, at the same time direct- ing the infantry to withdraw from the wood, in order to draw the enemy from under cover and within range of my artillery. On reach- ing the open field on their right, just alluded to, I discovered the en- tire division of General Frost advanced to the edge of the timber, and about 200 yards distant. They opened upon us a fierce fire from En- field rifles, and were in the act of throwin~, down the fence to make an assault on the battery, which bad no support except my own staff and body guard; but Lieutenant Ten ney, with commendable prompt- ness, wheeled his guns into ~ osition, when their destructive fire of canister and shell soon sent the rebel hordes back nuder cover o Page 76 76 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIW the wood. A.t the same time a fire from the two mountain howitzers, attached to the Third Wisconsin Cavalry, was directed upon them, farther on my right, with good effect. It was here that the rebel Gen- eral Steen fell. A few minutes after this last repulse, of the enemy by Lieutenant Tenney, a rebel battery of ten guns, supported by a heavy body of infantry, opened from their extreme left, when, b inging his guns to bear in that direction, he, in less than ten minutes, silenced their battery, dismounting two of their guns and driving them from the position with a severe loss. While this attempt was being made to charge my artillery on the right, the same demonstration was made upon Rabbs and Hopkins batteries, the enemy following up my in- fantry as they retired from the wood, and with a wild shout rushed out from under cover of the trees, when the two batteries, supported by the infantry of the Eleventh Regiment, belched forth a perfect storm of canister, producing immense slaughter in their ranks and compelling them a~ain to retire. As darkness approached, the fire, which from both artillery and musketry had been terrific and uninterrupted for over three hours, gradually ceased along the whole line, and my com- mand bivouacked upon their arms, ready to renew the conflict at early dawn. I could not tell with any certainty the extent of the damage done the enemy, but knowing that they had a force greatly superior to mine in numbers, I felt assured that they would give us battle again in the morning, and made my arrangements accordingly. My wounded were all cared for during the night, the transportation and supply trains of the whole army sent to Fayetteville, and General Salomons brigade, which had been left at Rheas Mills, ordered to the field; ammunition was brought up and distributed, some refreshments obtained for the men, and everything was in readiness to renew the battle at the first dawn of day; but daylight rex ealed the fact that the enemy had availed themselves of the night to retreat across the Boston Mountains. Their transportation had been left south of the mount ins, and their retreat thereby made unincumbered and stealthily. I am assured by my men who were prisoners with them, as well as by desert- ers from their ranks, that they tore up the blankets of their men to muffle the wheels of their artillery. Just before daylight I received a note from General iliudman, under a flat, of truce, requesting a personal interview, to make provision for caring for his dead and wounded. On meeting him, I soon became sat- isfied that no other force was there, except his staff and escort and a party left to take care of the wounded, and that his forces had com- menced retreating early the previous night. On looking over the battle-field in the morning, it soon became evi- dent that the enemy had been most roughly handled, and that our artillery had made fearful slaughter in their ranks. Though many had been already carried away, their dead lay strewn over its whole extent. The entire Federal loss is: Killed, 167; wounded, 798; missing, 183; total, 1, 148.~ Of the missing, the greater portion were taken pris- oners, and have been since exch uged. The enerny~s loss in killed and wounded cannot fall short of 3,000, and will probably much exceed that number, as many of them, not severely wounded, were taken to Van Buren. Their loss in killed npon the ground will reach 1,000, the greater number of whom have been buried by my command. The entire force of Federal troops engaged did not exceed 7,000, about 3,000 cavalry not But see revised statement, p. 86 Page 77 CHAr. XXXIV.] BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 77 having been brought into action. The enemy~s force, according to their own admission, was 28,000, and all well armed, mostly with the Enfield rifle. Many instances of individual gallantry and daring occurred during the day, for an account of which I refer you to the reports of regimental, brigade, and division commanders. As the immediate commander of the First Division, I deem it but justice to say of Col. William Weer, commanding the Second Brigade, that he behaved through out with great gallantry, leading his men into the thickest of the fight. The same is true of Colonel [T. M.] Bowen and Maj. II. II. Williams, commanding regiments in the same brigade. Capt. S. J. Crawford, of the Second Kansas Cavalry, who commanded a battalion of that regiment that fonght on foot, displayed great gallantry, as did also the lamented Capt. A. P. Russell, who fell, mortally wonuded. Col. Thomas Ewiug, Lieutenant-Colonel Moonlight, and Major Plumb, of the Eleventh Kan. sas, gave evidence of their high qualities as gallant officers. To Cap- tains IRabb and Hopkins and Lieutenants Tenney and Stover, who served their artillery with such terrible and destructive effect upon the enemys ranks, too much praise cannot be awarded. All did their duty well and nobly. Men of Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana mingled their blood npon the same field, and for the same worthy cause. For their deeds of valor upon the field of Prairie Grove, their native States may well be proud of them. I cannot close this report without availing myself of the occasion to express my thanks to Brig. Gen. F. J. Herron Thr the promptness with which he responded to my order to re-enforce me, as also for the gal- lantry displayed by him upon the field. flis conduct is worthy of emu- lation and deserving of the highest praise. To the members oC my staff, Maj. V. P. Van Antwerp, inspector-gen- eral; Capt. Oliver Barber, chief commissary; Capt. Lyman Scott, Jr., acting assistant adjutant-general, and Lients. J. Fin. Hill, H. G. Loring, G. M. Waugb, D. Whittaker, and C. H. Haynes, aides-de-camp, who were in the saddle, and with me constantly from before daylight in the morning until the close of the action after dark, I am indebted for effi- cient and valuable services on the field. Made a special target by the rebel troops, in obedience to the notorious address of their commander (General Hiudman), issued on the eve of battle, and a printed copy of which, over his signature, each of them carried upon his person, to shoot down my mounted officers, they were saluted wherever they rode by a perfect storm of balls from the enemys guns. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, JAS. G. BLUNT, Brigadier- qeneral, Commanding. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS, Commanding Department of the 111 issonri. [Inclosuro No. 1.] HDQIRS. FIRST CORPS, TRANS-MISS. ARMY, December 9, 1862. Brig. Gen. JAMES G. BLUNT, Commanding U. S. Forces in the Field: GENERAL: I send, in charge of Colonel OKane, C. S. Army, who bears this flag, the medicines and hospital stores and one of the ambu- lances, captured by my troops in the engagement of the 7th instant. The other ambulance was broken .down ~ulil left on the roadside Page 78 78 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. Colonel ~ also takes ambulances and supplies for my wounded at Prairie Grove. On yesterday, during our interview, one of my officers notified me that men of your command were removing arms from the b~ ttle-field. I called your attention to the fact, and you at once gave to Brigadier- General ilerron, of you command, an order to prevent such conduct. This action of yours was perfectly satisfactory and proper, the field of battle being in my possession, and your officers and men being upon it only by virtue of the truce granted by me at your request. I hoped there would be no similar ground of complaint, but information has been given me that Brigadier-General ilerron, the officer to whom you gave the order, did in person, at a part of the field where there were but few of my men and many of yours, require my men, who were there collecting arms, to lay them down, under a threat to arrest them, the arms so taken from my men numbering between 50 and GO. I request their return by the bearer of this. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. C. IIINDMAN, illajor- General, Corn ~anding. [inclosure No. 2.] IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, December 10, 1862. Maj. Gen. T. C. ll~NDMAN, Gommanding Confederate Forces: GENERAL: Your communication of December 9, under flag of truce by Colonel OKane, is received. I had already sent to the surgeon in charge of the Confederate hospital 5,000 rations complete, for use of your wounded, and had tendered the use of my ambulances to send them to such place as they might select as a general hospital. In response to your complaint of General ilerrons men gathering up the arms upon the battle-field, I have the honor to inform you that you have an entire misapprehension of the nature of the flag of truce re- ferred to. It is true I sent a surgeon with ambulances to your lines to gather up any wounded I might have on the ground occupied by you. This is a privilege I would not deny an enemy, even during an engage. ment, without being accompanied by a flag of truce. It is true, however, that you seized upon this pretext as the occasion for sending me, under flag of truce, three communications, the last one asking a personal interview. This, as I then suspected, and as has since proven satisfactorily to be the case, was to enable you to make good your retreat, which was commenced early in the night, the precaution having been taken by you to tear up your blankets and muffle the wheels of your artillery, that you might move stealthily away. I had no other intention than that my ambulances should return be- fore morning, and expected to renew the battle at daybreak. Had I not ascertained the fact about daylight, previous to your requesting an interview for the purpose of making arrangements to care for the dead and wounded, that your forces had stolen away during the night, I should not have granted it, but would have attacked you at early dawn, notwithstanding that your forces, occupying a strong position of your own choosing, outnumbered mine as three to one. That you should claim the right to carry off the arms from the field by the men you had detailed, under flag of truce, to bury your dead, is not only simply preposterous, but very~ ridiculous Page 79 CHAP. XXXIV.] BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 79 T only directed General Herron to keep his men in the rear while our personal interview lasted, and it was in compliance with your earnest and repeated reqnest that I gave you six hours to secure your own personal safety and that of your staff and body guard, which time I have learned you made good use of; instead of the thirty-six hours that you petitioned for, and which I refused, to en able your whole army to stampede to Van Buren. A flag of truce, which should always be re- spected by belligerents, is a thing too sacred to be abused, as has been the case of late by the Confederate forces under your command ; not only in the instance referred to, clearly to cover the retreat of your de- feated army, but also at the battle of Cane Hill, on November 28, when your artillery was on the very point of being captured. Just in time to save the rear of your retreating column from being annihilated, and to enable him to retire under cover of the night, and obtain possession of one of his guns that had been disabled and thrown into a creek, an officer from General Marmaduke, upon that occasion, came galloping np with a flag of truce. In this connection also I may call your attention to the flag of truce sent with Captain Stanley to my camp, near Maysville, which resnlted in no benefit to either army, other than to enable your flag-bearer to spyoutmyforceandposition,which I trust was entirely satisfactory to him. Still another instance that may be mentioned, where this privilege has been abused, is that of a party sent under a flag of truce, with Major [J. M.] Hubbard, of the First Missouri Regiment, and Lieutenant Bas- sett, of the Second Kansas, who were taken prisoners during the battle of the 7th instant, to Cane Hill, Cincinnati, and Fayetteville, with the ostensible object of conducting them within my lines, but with the actual purpose of ascertaining whether a portion of my forces was not at some of the points named. This may have been considered by you as strat- egy, or, perhaps, that other thing, called chivalry. If the latter, it is not of the kind that I have so often heard discussed as being the boast of the South, or else it must have become of late wofully deteriorated. Whatever method you may adopt, I do not propose to avail myself of a flag of truce to cover a retreat, or to ascertain the enemys position. Notwithstanding that I am in an enemys country, and labor under every disadvantage in obtaining information, it shall never be said of me, when this contest has closed, that I have violated any of the pre- scribed rules of civilized warfare. I avail myself of this occasion to inform you that, after we had agreed to consider sick and wounded sol- diers, as well as those connected with the hospital department, as not being prisoners of war, when a portion of your forces retreated through Cane Hill, on the night of the 7th instant, they not only paroled my sick left there, but robbed them of their clothes and hospital supplies. I must also call your attention to the fact that several of my men were brutally murdered by your command after they fell, wounded, upon the field, which one of your officers vouches for. Such conduct con- trasts very unfavorably with the kind treatment that has been extended by my command to your wounded, whom you were compelled to leave upon the battle-field. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. G. BLUNT, Brigadier- General, Gommanding. P. S.If you claim the field of Prairie Grovc, as your communication complaining of General ilerrons takin~ away arms would seem to mdi Page 80 80 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEFT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. cate, may I be permitted to ask why you did not remain there ~ And will you be so kind as to grant the privilege of staying there to that portion of my command now encamped on the battle-field ~ [Inclosure No. 3.] HEADQUARTERS FIRST CORPS, TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ARMY, December 10, 1862. Brig. Gen. JAMES G. BLUNT, Commanding U. 8. Forces in the Field: GENERAL: I send you herewith, nuder flag of truce, by Captain liath- bun, C. S. Army, a copy of the report of Captain Garrett of my com- mand, who was left by me on the 8th instant in charge of the buryin~ party on the battle-field of Prairie Grove. The conduct of men of your command, as described in this report, is atrocious. I will not insult you by asking its disavowal, but I demand that you take such measures as will allow the performance of the rites of burial toward my dead upon the field they won, according to your own admission, and from which my troops were only withdrawn by reason of their utter lack of subsist- ence. A burial party does back with this flag to execute the orders previously given on that subject. I inclose to you, also, the report of Bri6adier-General Marmaduke, C. S. Army, and report of Colonel Shelby, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, for your further information upon the subject of arms taken by men of your command, referred to in my former letter of yesterday, sent under flag of truce by the hands of Colonel OKane. As I remarked to you during our conference on the 8th instant, I desire and intend in all things to conform to all the usages of civilized war. It is necessary that you should do the like, in order that I may be enabled fully to carry out that (lesired intention. I inclose you a list of the prisoners paroled by me on the field duriub the engagement. I ask that an equal uumber of my men, if any, captured by your forces be returned to me by Captain iRathbun. Very respectfully, & c., T. C. IIINDMAN, llfajor- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 4.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, ]?heas Mills, Ark., December 11, 1862. Maj. Gen. T. C. HINDMAN, Commanding Confederate Forces: GENERAL: I am just in receipt of your communication of December 10, under flag of truce, with Captain liathbun, C. S. Army. An equiva- lent, under the cartel, will be sent to your lines without delay, for those you released on parole, as per statement of General Frost. In answer to your second reference to the matter of General llerron~s m~n remov- ing arms from the battle-field of Prairie Grove, I refer you to my letter of yesterday, in reply to yours of the 9th instant. Your remarks about the battle-field won by your men, as admitted by me, is considered here as a very good joke. I send back with the flag of truce the men you sent to complete bury- ing your dead. I have had this matter properly attended to, and directed General Herron to detail a party to go over the ground agai Page 81 CHAP. XXXIV.] BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 81 find bury such as had not yet been discovered. The number of your lead was so great, and being most1~ in the timber and brush, the task 9f burying them has been quite an arduous one; hence the delay. I must again call your attention to the abuse that is being made of dags of truce. I have never had occasion to~end a flag of truce to your lines, yet I have received several when no legitimate object was to be 3btained by the party sending them. Hereafter flags of truce will only ~e sent or received by me, except for the exchange of prisoners, as ilready mutually agreed upon at our interview on the 8th instant, and ~lso to enable you to send supplies, medical officers, and hospital at-. ~endants to your wounded within my lines. When I send scouting ~nd reconnoitering parties to ascertain the position of the enemy, I send them under the flag of my Government, and not with a white flag. [desire that you should do the same. I avail myself of this opportunity to express to you my thanks for ~he very flattering description of the troops under my command, as con- ~ained in your address of December 4, to your soldiers upon the eve of ~attle. Your instructions to your soldiers to pick off my officers smacks very strongly of chivalry, and when they are especially directed to pick ~ff mounted officers, I consider them as complimentary to myself. I have the honor, general, to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. G. BLUNT, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Tholosure No. 5.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, Dripping Springs, Ark., December 11, 1862. Brig. Gen. JAMES G. BLUNT, U. S. Army, Commanding Forces in the Field: GENERAL: By direction of Major-General iliudman, I have to send under a flag of truce medicines and ambulances to the battle-ground t Prairie Grove, for the use of the Confederate wounded there. l~lease give them all the assistance in your power, and oblige, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. S. MARMADUKE, Brigadier- General, C. S. Army, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 6.] hEADQUARTERS FIRST CORPS, TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ARMY, December 12, 1862. [General BLUNT :J GENERAL: I send the bearer, Lieutenant Lawrence, to the battle- field, for the l)uIpose of making a plat of it and the approaches to it. F request that you grant hini the privilege, nuder such restrictions and obligations as you maj see proper to impose. This courtesy to me on your part, if extended to me, will be reciprocated whenever occasion may offer. I have the honor to be, & c., T. C. IIINDMAX, Major-General, Corn anding. 6 R RVOL XXII, PT Page 82 82 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XX~Y [Indorsoment.] IIEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Rheas ]lIills, Ark., December 14, 1862. [General HINmIAN:] Your request, containeti witliin, is a very modest one, and will be granted, provided you allow me to send an artist to your present camp to sketch it and the approaches leading thereto. Such little courtesies must be reciprocated. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. G. BLUNT, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 7.1 GENERAL FIELD ORDERS, IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, No. 2. Blicas Mills, Ark., December 12, 1862. The general commanding t kes this o~asion to express his heartfelt thanks to the officers and soldiers of his command for their gallantry at the battle of Prairie Grove, on Sunday, the 7th instant, which crowned the Army of the Frontier with complete success and a brilliant victory. When it is considered that the enemy we engaged outnumbered us as three to one; that they were inspired by the confidence of success, and stimulated by the most urgent appeals to their passions and preju- dices; that they possessed the advantabe of being in their own countr~ and familiar with every road, hill, and mountain pass; that they pos- sessed every advantage in positions, which were of their own choosing, you have every reason to be proud of having participated upon that bloody field. No battle during the present war has been more deter- mined and bloody, and never was there a field upon which, considering the number of troops engaged and the time occupied, the slaughter was as great. The results of your victory cannot be overestimated. The stake was an important one. With your defeat, Western Arkansas, Missouri, Kan- sas, and the Indian country would have been the prey of the rebel army. Your victory has virtually ended the war north of the Arkansas River. For these results you are entitled to the plaudits of a grateful country. To the Second and Third Divisions, for the promptness with which they responded to my request to re-enforce me, and the unparalleled marching done by them to reach me before support would be too late, as well as for the gallantry displayed by them upon the field upon that memorable day, the highest praise is justly due. Although we have cause to rejoice over our victory, yet we cannot but feel saddened at the loss of our brave comrades who have fallen by our side, and to condole with those to whose homes grief has been brought, by the loss in battle of those friends th~ t were dear; but while we drop the tear of sympathy over their gaves, we cannot forget that their death was a noble sacrifice to sustain their countrys flag, and that they died such a death as every true soldier and patriot would choose to die. Your noble conduct upon the field of Prairie Grove as also upon other occasions, gives evidence of your invincibility, and assures me that, whatever emergency may arise, you will be equal to the task. JAS. G. BLUNT, Brigadier. General, Commanding Page 83 ~iiAr. XXXIV.] BATTLE OP PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 83 [Inclosure No. 8.] HEADQUARTERS FIRST CORPS, TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ARMY, in the Pield~, December 4, 1862. SOLDIERS: From the commencement to the end of the battle, bear constantly in mind what I now urge upon you: First. Never fire because your comrades do; nor because the enemy does; nor because you happen to see the enemy; iior for the sake of firing rapidly. Always wait till you are certainly within the range of your gun, then single out your man, take deliberate aim, as low down as the knee, and fire. Second. When occasion offers, be certain to pick off the enemys officers, especially the mounted ones, and to kill his artillery horses. Third. Do not shout, except when you charge the enemy. As a gen- eral thing, keep silent, that orders may be heard. Obey the orders of your officers, but pay no attention to idle rumors or the words of un- authorized persons. Fourth. Do not stop with your wounded comrades; the surgeons and infirmary corps will take care of them; do you go forward and avenge them. Fifth. Do not break ranks to plunder. If we whip the enemy, all he has will be ours; if not, the spoil will be of no benefit to us. Plunderers and stragglers will be put to death upon the spot. File-closers are especially charged with this duty. The cavalry in rear will likewise attend to it. Remember that the enemy you engage has no feeling of mercy or kind- ness toward you. His ranks are made up of 1~in Indians, free negroes, Southern tories, Kansas jayhawkers, and hired Dutch cut-throats. These bloody ruffians have iiivadeti your country; stolen and destroyed your property; murdered your neighbors; outraged your women; driven your children from their homes, and defiled the graves of your kindred. If each man of you will do what I have here urged upon you, we will utterly destroy them. ATe can do this; we must do it; our country will be ruined if we fail. . A just God will strengthen our arms and give us a glorious victory. T. C. HINDMAN, ]llajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, In the Field, 1?heas Mills, Ark., December 12, 1862. GENERAL: The enemys loss in killed and wounded at the battle of Prairie Grove, on the 7th instant, was much greater than was at first supposed. It will not fall short of 3,000, and not less than 1,000 killed. Dead bodies in great numbers were found scattered through the woods for three days after the battle; some of them 10 miles from the scene of conflict, who had been carried to the rear by their comrades, and there left to die. Their wounded are badly mangled, and many of them must die. My artillery was worked upon them with terrible effect. They were left entirely destitute of subsistence, and would have starved had I not provided for them. For our kind treatment they appear very grateful. My last advices from Hindmans command is that it was near Man Buren. Their flight across the mountains was precipitate and withou Page 84 84 MO., ARK., KANS, IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W [CHAP. XXXIY~ order. Their defeat has greatly demoralized, their army, and hundreds are throwing down their arms and coming into my lines daily. My wounded are well cared for and doing well. Respectfully, JAS. G. BLUNT, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL 11. CuRTIS, Commanding Department of the Iiissouri. [DEPAPTMENT OF THE Missouni,] December 10, 1862. Brigadier-General BLUNT, Prairie Grove, Ark.: The country is reJoicin~ over the victory of Prairie Grove. I con- gratulate you and General Ilerron on your glorious success, and thank you and the officers and soldiers of the Army of the Frontier for a vic- tory that will carry despair into the hearts of our foes and gladness to the friends of liberty throughout the country. SAML. 11. CURTIS, Major- General. No. 3. Return of Casualties in the Army of the Frontier. [Compiled from nominal lists of e. sualties, returns, & e.] Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. a a S S a a a a a ~ ~ -s a a a a a a a a a a in u 0 P~ 0 ~ 0 ~ FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gao. JAMES G. Bausir.5 First Brigade. Bria. Gen. FREDERICK SALOMON. 6th Kansas Cavalry 9th Kansas Cavairyt 8d Wiseousiu (Davairyt 9th Wiseonsin Infautryt 1 Total irst Brigade Second Brigade. Col. WiLLIAM WFEII. Id Ifl(lian Home Guard Infantry 1 1 2 10th Kansas Infantry 6 4 59 09 nenior officer in corumainlof all the troops eng~ god. No loss reported. ~ Not iu action Page 85 CHAP. XXXIV.] BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 85 Return of Casualties in the Army of the ErontierContinued. Captured Killod. Wounded. or missing. I a a-i a a) a) Command. a a, ~a ~ a ~ C a) I) a) ~fl I a) -. a) I S S ~ al~L o ~ o 14 0 Second BrigadeContinued. I3thKansaslnfautry 8 3 40 56 11 Kansas Light Artillery, 1st Battery 1 10 Total Second Brigade 16 7 110 51 188 - Third Brigade. Gel. WILLIAM F. CLOUD. 1st Indian Home Gnard Infantry 2 4 6 2d Kansas Cavalry. 3 1 21 25 11th Kansas Infantry 3 1 28 82 Indiana Li ht Artillery, 2d Battery 8 S Kansas Li~ht Artillery, Hopkins ilattery I Total Third Bri~ade 8 2 61 71 Total First DivLion I 24 1) i7i~ 6 20 SECONI) IIIVISION. Col. DANIEL Husro~, JR. I Pirst Brigade. Col. JOHN G. CLARK. 2d Illinois Light Artillery, Battery At - 26th Indiana Infantry 25 8 167 I 1 201 7th Missouri Cavalry 2 3 6 l9 142 Total First Brigade 2 28 8 173 34-1 Second Brigade. I I CoL WILLIAn MOE. DYE. 37th IllinoisInfantry. 8 2 56 6 7 20th Iowa Infantry ..--.- 8 ~ 35 4!) 6th Missouri Cavalry. Id Battalion I 1 2 I ~ 81 - 1st Missouri Light Artillery, Battery Ft - -_-~~ I Total Second Brigade 1 16 7 142 4184 LI Total Second Division 3 44 15 265 0 164 497 TILlED DIViSION. Bri,,. Gen. FRANcIs J. HERRON. Ftrst Brigade. Limit. CoL HENRY BERTRAM. lOtla Illinois Cavalry ~ 2 2 1st IowaCavalry~ 1 1 1st Missouri Light Artillery, Battery L 1 2 3 2d Wisconsin Cavalry, 1st Battalion - -- 20th Wisconsin Infantry 2 48 11 143 217 Total First Brigade - . 2 49 ii 148 223 ~ Manned by Company B, Second Kansas Cavalry; afterward dCSIOfltte(t Ihird Kansas Battery. No loss reported. tNo loss reported. tAlso hi command of the Second and Third Divisions combined. ~ Temporarily organiNed, with the Eighth Missouri Cavalry, of the Second Brigade, as a cavalry brigade, nuder Col. Dudley Wicirersham Page 86 86 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N; XV. [CHATh XXXIV. Return of Casualties iu the Army of the FrontierContinued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. S S a 02 a 02 20 $0 $0 20 a a a a - a -~ a 20 $0 c bIJ o ~ o ~ a~ -~ Second Brigade. Col. WILLIAM W. ORME. 94th Illinois Infantry 1 1 30 2 34 19th IowaInfantry 3 42 5 140 1 2 191 8th Missouri Cavalry* 1 3 - ~ 9 13 1st Missouri Light Artillery, Battery E 2 6 ---- Total Second Brigade 3 46 6 179 248 Total Third Division. - . 5 95 17 327~ 1 211 ESCORT. 1st Missouri Cavalry (Battalion) 5 3 10 18 IJKATTACHED. 1st Arkansas Cavalry 4 4 1 46 55 14th Missouri State Militia, Cavalry t - . . IlECAPITULATION. First Division. 24 9 171 6 210 Second Division 3 44 15 i~5 6 164 497 Third Division 5 95 17 l~7 1 26 471 ESCort 5 3 10 18 Unattached 4 4 1 46 55 Total Army of the Frontier 8 167 41 772 11 252 1, 251 OFFICERS KILLED.Seventh Mistonri Cavalry: Maj. Eliphalet Bredett and Capt. William McKee. Nineteenth Iowa: Lient. Col. S~ uiuel McFarland and Lieuts. Thomas Johnson and Loammi M. Smith. T~ventieth Iowa: Lient. Harrison Oliver. Twentieth Wisconsin: Capt. John McDermott and Liout. Thomas BinttHf; Capt. John Weher and Liout. George W. Root died of wounds. No. 4. Report of Gol. John 7W. Richardson, Fourteenth Missouri State Militia, Cavalry. IIDQRS. FOURTEENTH IIEGT. CAy., MISSOURI STATE MILITlA, December 15, 1862. COLONEL: A standin~ order requires reports to be made to the State headquarters of the part taken by the State troops in all scouts, skir- mishes, and battles. un compliance with that order, I have the honor to submit, through the hands of General F. B. Brown, the following - report: On the 3d instant, I received from General Brown an order directing, * See note (~) on p. 55. No loss reported Page 87 ChAr. XXXIV.] BATTLE 01? PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 87 me to proceed immediately with all the available force at Cassville and report to Brigadier-General Blunt, commanding Army of the Frontier. The order was received at 8 p. in., and at 9 oclock the troops marched, traveling without tents or camp equipage. I had with me 100 men of the First Battalion of my regiment and 28 men from the First Arkansas Cavalry. At 9 p. m. of the 5th, I reported to General Blunt, having traveled 73 miles in three days. On the morning of the Gt ,General Blunt ordered me to proceed with my troops from Cane Hill down the Cove Creek road to ascertain if the enemy were approac~ing. On reaching the divide between the waters of White River and Cove Creek, I ordered Captain [S. II.] Julian, with his company, to proceed in advance, to fire on an approaching enemy, and then retreat in haste to the rear of the main column. The captain had not proceeded far before he commenced sending back prisoners, a strong indication we were in close proximity to the rebel forces. He directed the guard bringing in the third prisoner to inform inc that he had driven in the rebel picket, and had, 300 yards in his front, a rebel camp, the part he could see containing not less than 2,000 men, and that he was awaiting orders. Upon interrogating the prisoner, I was informed that my command was in less than a mile of a rebel camp containing 18,000 men; that it contained six brigades and six brigade generals, among whom were Parsons, Steen, Marmaduke, Shelby, & c., and that Hiudman was to be up that night; that the enemy were moving up the mountain, taking the Chute, the direct road to Cane Hill. My force not being strong enough to harass the camp, after consulting Majors [J.] Sullivan and Fitch, Captain Julian was ordered to retnrn. Contrary to my ex- pectation, the rebel cavalry did not follow, nd I returned to report to General Blunt a large rebel force within 6 miles of his headquarters. The reason we were not followed, the enemy supposed us to be a recon- naissance in force, not less than three regiments of cavalry. On the 7th, General Blunt directed me to take my own battalion (100 strong), Captain [T.] Conkey, of the Third Wisconsin Cavalry, and pro- ceed on the same road as the day previous. Before reaching the Hog-eye Junction, on the Cove Creek road, I met Captain Coleman, of the Ninth Kansas, with 30 men, who reported that the enemy had driven him from the junction, and were marching up the Cove Creek road in great force. A messenger was immediately dispatched to General Blunt to report the fact. The enemy being in possession of the junction, and my posi- tion being unfavorable, my force only numbering 166 men, and having good reason to believe the enemy were marching on Cane Hill, I fell back a mile, took a strong position, intending to check and delay their advance as long as possible. The enemy not coming up, Captain Julian was sent forward to ascertain their movements. That prompt and effi- cient officer soon reported to me the enemy were not marching on Cane Hill, but were moving on the road in the direction of Fayetteville. That fact I immediately reported to General Blunt. The general ordered Colonel [W. It] Judsou to report to me with three squadrons of the Sixth Kansas Cavalry, two howitzers, and to direct inc to proceed to the junction and attack the enemy. Colonel Jtidson requested me to take charge of the howitzers, as my men were suitably armed to defend them. Not knowing which ranked, we agreed to jointly command the detachment. We proceeded to the junction, drove in the enemys pick- ets just as their rear was passing. Taking into consideration the reason of General Blunts order, we followed up and harassed the enemy for S miles, firing on them and taking several prisoners. About 3 miles fro Page 88 88 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXiV. Prairie Grove we found the enemy drawn up in line to resist our ad- vance. They had, to oppose our progress, ten regiments of infantry, two batteries of artillery, and about 1,500 cavalry. Our force, number- ing 316 men, was drawn up within 300 yards of the enemys line. We commenced the attack with the howitzers, the enemy returning our fire with a volley of musketry and one small piece of artillery. Their aim was too high, the balls passing harmlessly over our heads. Being uiiable to maintain our position, we fell back with our force. Colonel Judson, at my request, consented I should command the rear. We were grcatly astonished that the enemy did not follow. They, however, believing we were the advance of General Blunts whole force, declined accept- ing our invitation to leave their strong position. We kept this half of the enemys force in line until they heard General Blunts guns on their left, thereby preventing them from throwing their whole force (28,000 strong) upon the tired troops of Brigadier-General Herron. General Hiudman, who commanded the Confederate force, as a mili. tary man has been underrated by our side. Being unwilling to contend with our force united, his feint, marching up the mountain on the Chute road, as if intending to attack General Blunt in front at Cane Hill, and then marching down during the night, taking the road to Fayetteville, intending to fall on the fatigued troops of General ilerron (who were on a forced march to re-enforce General Blunt), crush them out, and then turn, and, with his immense army, work on General Blunt at his leisure, indicates military genius of a high order. The movement was executed with that promptness which generally insures success, but General Blunt deceived the enemy. With the force of Colonel Judson and myself; only 316 strong, he caused them to believe he was coming up on their rear, held a large part of their army off General ilerron, and made his attack at a point not expected by the enemy. 1 feel it my duty to bear testimony to the ability and soldierly conduct of Colonel Judson and his officers, and of Captains Coleman and Conkey; also to the Kansas troops for great kindness toward us; they received us as brothers and fought with us as true soldiers. The conduct of my own officers and men affords me great pleasure. They were willing to undergo any hardship and fatigue to aid their brethren in arms and advance the interest of the country. The courage and discipline of the men, the promptness and ability of the officers, justified me, when we were about to retreat before so large a force, in asking of Colonel Judsou the post of honor for them and myself. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servaiit, JOHN M. IIICHAIIDSON, Colonel Fourteenth Cavalry, Missouri State Militia. Col. WILLIAM B. WOOD, Adjutant- General, Missouri. No. 5. Report of Col. William Weer, Tenth Kansas Infantry, commanding Sec ond Brigade, First Division. HDQRS. 2D BEla-., 1ST Div., ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Camp at Cane Hill, Ark., December 12, 1862. SIR: Having just received the reports of the subordinate command- ers, I hasten to submit to the general commanding an account of th Page 89 Cui~. XXXIV.7 BATTLE OP PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 89 part taken by this brigade in the batitle of Prairie Grove, Washington County, Arkansas, on Sunday, December 7. The Third Indian Regiment (Cherokee) had, prcviously to the action, been ordered to protect the train, some miles distant, so that we went into the engagement as follows: Tenth Kansas Regiment, Maj. II. II. Williams commanding, 387 men (Company I being absent Oil detached service); First Kansas Battery, Lient. Marcus D. Tenney commanding, 96 men; Third Indian Regiment, Adjutant Gallaher commanding, 44 men; Thirteenth Kansas Regiment, Col. Thomas i\T. Bowen command- ing, 375 men. Total number of men engaged, 902. We entered the field upon the enemys left, General ilerron being then engaged some distance in our front, and immediately received an order to hurry forward to his assistance. The battery was placed in advance, the infantry marching by the right flank in its rear. The hurrying forward had just commenced, the head of the battery having entered an orchard, when a shower of bullets was sent at it from an adjoining thicket on the right. Fearing for its safety, and surprised at this unexpected reception, so far distant from where General ilerron was engaged, the Tenth Kansas was hurried into the thicket to clear it. They had hardly entered before they were subjected to a terrific fire, but fortunately with little loss. The b ttery moved forward into meadow out of reach of small-arms, while the Te~ th Kansas continued moving and driving the enemy, but were soon again involved in a severe contest. Thereupon the Thirteenth Kans~ s and the fragment of the Third Indian were moved forward into the timber to the assistance of the Tenth. A line of battle w s formed under the brow of a gentle declivity. Some detachments from the Second Kansas Cavalry, dis- mounted, and the right wing of the Eleventh Kansas Regiment came to our help during the fight, and a continuous tiring, with but slight intermission, was kept up until dark. The line was as follows: The Indians upon the right, under Lieutenant [William] Gallaher, as skir- mishers; next, to the left, the Tenth Kansas, under Major Williams; next, a detachment of Second Kansas, under Lieutenant-Colonel [0. K] Bassett; next, the Thirteenth Kansas, under Colonel Bowen; next, the right wins of the Eleventh Kansas, under Colonel Ewing, and, next and last, upon the left, a small detachment of the Se ~ond Kansas, under Captain [S. J.] Crawford. The firing was general and very rapid, with occasion ii lulls, during which we several times attempted to pass the brow of the hill and engage the enemy in close quarters. We were as often repulsed by the rain of bullets. At one time two mountain howitzers, under Lieutenant [E. S.] Stover, Second Kansas, came to our assistance and did splendid execution. About dark, and while making a final attempt to pass over the brow of the hill, the enemy arose in the timber with loud yells, surrounding us on all sides, and charged. The air was thick with bullets, and noth- ing saved us from annihilation but the protection afforded by the brow of the hill. They must have been heavily re-enforced; amid so oVer- powering were their numbers that we were compelled to yield before the charge and fall back. At this time about dark, Rabbs battery, on our left, and Lieutenant Tenney, with First Kansas Battery, on our right, saved us from destruction. Their firing kvas so rapid and well directed that the enemy was compelled to ftdl back, and we marched from the field in good order. We were engaged from 3 p. m. until dark. Our whole line of battle could not have numbered over 1,200, and wit Page 90 90 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. LOHAP. ~XTV. this force we engaged, as we afterward learned, General Frosts whole division and two Mississippi regiments, & c., and, with the aid of the batteries above named, his final re-enforcements. Our safety even at the commencement of the action must be attributed to tim fact that our weakness was concealed from the enemy by our position, and that many of their men were unwilling conscripts. The desperate charge made by him at night by so large a force was evidently intended to cover his retreat. The damage done the enemy far exceeded our loss. As this was the first time most of the men were under fire, great credit is due them for the pertinacity with which they clung to their position or rallied when broken. There were some disgraceful exceptions, but it is hoped that upon a fresh field they will show themselves worthy soldiers. I desire to express my grateful acknowledgment to Colonel Ewing, of the Eleventh Kansas; Theutenant-Colonel Bassett and Captain Craw- ford, of the Second Kansas; Lieutenant Stover, commanding the two howitzers, and Captain l5tabb, commanding battery, their officers and men, for their valuable assistance, courage, and zeal. Due credit will doubtless be given them in reports from the proper commanders. I cannot be too earnest in my commendations of Colonel Bowen, commanding the Thirteenth Kansas; Major Williams, commanding the Tenth Kansas, and Lieutenant Tenney, commanding the First Kansas Battery; all of my own brigade. Their daring, skill, and active en- deavors,in the rallying and management of their men amid storms of bullets, deserve not only honorable mention, but a place upon the record of those who merit promotion. Though not immediately under my personal supervision, I am cred- ibly informed that Adjutant Gallaher and his handful of Cherokees did noble service in protecting the right flank of the Tenth Kansas, under Captain [1\L] Quigg. The accompanying reports from regimental commanders will give the names of those receiving at their hands special mention. The conduct of Lieutenant Tenney and his battery was under the immediate eye of the general commanding. Their destructive and rapid fire has even extorted high encomiums from the enemy. I desire to officially call the attention of the general to the condition of this battery, and would respectfully state that it is due to the valor, skill, and patient labor of Lieutenant Tenney that the proper steps be taken to place him as its captain (he having for a long time been discharging the functions of that office), and that the meritorious officers under him be promoted. To my adjutant, Lient. J. K. Hudson, of the Tenth Kansas, I cannot award too high praise. He was my solitary aide, and was everywhere at dutys call, carrying orders, cheering and rallying the men. His worthy qualities in camp, as well as upon the field, entitle him to pro- motion. I trust that the merits of several non-commissioned officers and pri- vates will not hereafter be overlooked in granting commissions. We lost 16 killed, 117 wounded, and 5 missing; total, 138. Very respectikilly, your obedient servant, WM. WEETt, Golonel, Commanding. Lieutenant-Colonel MOONLIGHT, Chief of Staff Page 91 CHAP. XXXIV.] BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 91 No. 6. Report of ]lliaj. Henry H. Williams, Tenth Kansas Infantry. HEADQUARTERS TENTH REGIMENT KANSAS VOLUNTEERS, Rheas iJiliills, A rh., December 10, 1862. LIEUTENANT: 1 have the honor to submit the fol1owin~ report of the part taken by the Tenth Kansas Volunteers in the battle of Prairie Grove, Washington County, Arkansas, on Sunday, the 7th instant: The regiment entered the grove on the enemys left, by order of the colonel commanding the brigade, about 3 p. in. Upon entering the timber, which was very dense, I ordered Company B, Captain [M.] Quigg, to deploy as skirmishers to find the enemy. The regiment had but jusu formed, and the skirmishers advanced 30 yaids, before the enemy opened fire upon us, and the regiment was immediately engaged under a ter- rible fire, which lasted for half an hour, ~~hen, by order of General Blunt, I withdrew the regiment to the open ground adjoinin~, the tim- ber; but after a few moments respite we moved again to the front, about 30 yards in advance of our former position, obliquing our line of battle to the right, as the rebels had moved a large foren to their left, extend- ing far beyond our right. Our line at this time was in a hollow or de- pression in the ground, and the command, by lying down, escaped the most of the leaden rain which was hurled at them, by more than three times their number of the rebels, for an hour and a half. Exposed to a deadly fire during that time from the front and both flanks, it seems to me almost a miracle that the command was not annihilat d. About sunset the rebels charged with two regiments upon and turned our right flank, and I ordered the regiment to retre t, which it did in good style, to the open ground in our rear. In the mean time the First Kansas Battery, Lieutenant Tenney coin- inandin g, which was in our rear, opened upon the rebels, obliquely across our right, with canister, which checked the force of the rebels extend - ing beyond our right, and sent them in disorder to the brush. The Tenth then formed on the right of the battery, when the rebels com- menced playing upon us with a battery which they had planted on their extreme left, but it was quickly silenced by a few well-directed shots from Tenneys battery. By this time, it being quite dark, both parties ceased firing and the engagement was ended. Lieutenant [J. A.] Phillips, regimental adjutant, and all the officers of the line present, behaved with gallantry, and attended to their duties with promptness and decision. The non-commissioned officers and privates also, with a very few exceptions, behaved nobly, and obeyed every com- inaud promptly, and with a coolness worthy of veterans. I remain, your obedient servant, H. H. WILLIAMS, Major, Commanding Tenth Kansas Volunteers. Lient. J. K. HUDSON, A.. A. A. C., Second Brig., Jiirit Div., Army of the Frontier. No. 7. Report of Col. William F. Cloud, Second Kansas 6~avalry, commanding Third Brigade. HDQRS. 3D BRIG., 1ST DIV., ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, (Jane Hill, Ar1~., December 15, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to make the fol1owin~ report of the par Page 92 92 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. XV. [011kv. XXXIV. taken by my brigade in the action at Prairie Grove on the 7th in- stant: Having passed Friday nd Saturday, the 5th and 6th, in skirmishing with the enemy upon the Boston Mountains, and lying in line of battle dnring the night of the 6th, I received your order to march toward Rheas Mills at 9 a. m. of the 7th, and marched in the rear of the Second Bri- gade until within a mile of the mills, when, hearing heavy firing to the right, I moved in that direction, by your order, and reached the battle- field, where General Herron was engaging the enemy, under General Hiudman, at 2 p. in., in advance. I found the ene~ y occupyiry a ridge of timber, thus concealed from view, and General Herron occupying the open field in front. By your order, I placed Rabbs battery in position in the open field, and Hopkins Second Kansas (trophy) Battery at his left, and under their fire the rebel battery was soon silenced. Lieuten- ant Stover, with his Second Kansas Battery, also did good execution. The right wiub of the Eleventh Kansas Infantry, under Colonel Ewing, was ordered to enter the wood in front, to attack the rebels. The left wing, under Lieutenant-Colonel Moonlight and Major Plumb, stood by the guns. The Second Kansas (dismounted), under Lieuten- ant-Colonel Bassett and Captain Crawford, and the First Indian, under Lieutenant-Colonel Wattles and Major Ellithorpe, and Stovers battery, I also sent into the wood in front. The Twentieth Iow~ , of General. Herrons command, also formed upon my left and entered the wood. While the front was thus occupied by the infantry, the artillery ceased. Soon the entire line was engaged, and, from the heavy firin~, severe work was evidently going on. Upon the left, the enemy was evidently very strong. The Twentieth Iowa, overpowered by numbers, retired from the wood to the fence at the foot of the ridge, firing rapidly upon the enemy, who swarmed upon the crest. Directing my batteries, they fired over the heads of the Iowa boys, driving the rebels back with heavy loss. Still they pressed on, under cover of the wood, from our left to our right, can sing my infantry to fall back to the fence, and giving my batteries opportunity to work, which they did successfully, driving the enemy up the hill into their cover. The infantry would then advance. Still, it was evident that the enemy had superior numbers and, as the wood to their left had beeii abandoned, I rode forward to order the Eleventh to retire to the fence permanently, when Colonel Ewing, anticipating niy order, retired his command just in time to save it from a heavy flank movement. The enemy, now strongly re~enforced, pressed down in numbers to the fence at the foot of the hill, and, pouring a shower of ride-balls upon us, took position within 200 yards of the batteries. In this fire three of my orderlies were hit, but with spent balls. It now became evident that the enemy intended a demonstration upon my batteries, with the hope of their capture. I then ordered the left wing of the Eleventh forward, when they ad- vanced impatiently to the front, firing rapidly. The batteries met them also with case, canister, and shell. The enemy seemed determined to succeed, and, as my entire command was within close rifle-shot, I or- dered the batteries to retire, firing, which they did; the infantry also retired slowly. Having obtained a position beyond their short-range guns, we continued the conflict until dark, when, not being ble longer to see the enemy, firing ceased. My brigade then moved across the valley to the high ground, and bivouacked for the night. In the morn- ing the enemy were gone. During the entire conflict, I h ad the proud satisfaction of watchin Page 93 ChAr. XXXIV.] BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 93 my command, and am happy to notice the conduct of the field officers of the First Indian, Lieutenant-Colonel Wattles and Major Ellithorpe; of Colonel Ewing, of the Eleventh, and the captains and lieutenants, and of Sergeant Enright, commanding Company I, of the Second, and e~pecially of Captain Crawford, who was in command of the First Bat- talion. who are all worthy of their brave commands. These officers went into the t ickest of the fight, and staid there until, by order or of necessity, the whole line fell back to more effective positions. Of Captain Rabbs Second indiana Battery, Captain Hopkins Second Kansas (trophy) Battery, and Lientenant Stovers Second Kansas (how- itzer) Battery, I cannot speak in too high terms. Their batteries opened the fire, continued during and ended the fight, and the numbers of killed and wounded of the enemy in front of the batteries testify to their skill. The hard marching of my command necessarily reduced its numbers, so that my effective force was much smaller than would have been ex- pected. My loss, though small, is severely felt. I had 8 killed and 59 wounded, of which about 8 are considered mortal. Among the latter was Captain [A. P.] Russell, since dead, who was a good and brave soldier, and a true and gallant friend. His loss is mourned by the entire command. Herewith I have the honor to transmit the reports of the various commanders of my brigade. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, W. F. CLOUD, Colonel, Commanding Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. JAMES G. BLIJNT, Commanding Army of the Frontier. No. 8. Report of Jieut. Col. Stephen II. Wattles, First Indian Home Guards. UDQRS. FIRST REGIMENT INDIAN HOME GUARDS, Cane Hill, Ark., December 12, 1862. SIR: Your order of this date, requiring me to report to your head- quarters the part which my command took in the action at Prairie Grove, on the 7th instant, has been received. Soon after daylight, we were ordered to take position at the base of Boston Mountains, on the road where the small-arms were first brought into play in the running fight of the 28th ultimo. We remained in that position until the enemy abandoned the hill, and the cannonading com- inenced at Prairie Grove, when we rapidly marched for the scene of con- flict. On our way, at Prices Barracks, about 2 miles from Cane Hill, a flanking party put to flight about 40 of the enemys mounted men, who were watching our movements about 50 rods from our road. On arriving at the battle-ground, we dismounted and entered the wood on the left of the center, with the Eleventh Kansas Volunteers on our right and an Iowa regiment on our left, and rapidly penetrated to the line of, battle of the enemy, which gave way on our approach. At this time the Iowa regiment gave our left the partial effect of a volley. This fire in front and i-ear forced us to retrace our steps, but we rallied and formed again on the first little eminence in the edge of the wood Page 94 94 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. after a five-minute panic. On account of the retreat of the Iowa regi. ment from this place, we were ordered to the support of Captain Allens battery, through the corn-field. All the companies in the command were engaged, except Company B, which was on detached service. Major EJithorpe and all the other white officers were particularly active and efficient dnring the whole day. Of the Indian officers, Captain Jon-neh, of the Uches, and Capt. Billy Bowlegs, of the Seminoles, and Captain Tus-te-nup-chup-ko, of Com- pany A (Creek), are deserving of the highest praise. Our loss was 2 killed and 4 wounded, as far as reported, but the In- dians entertain a prejudice against speaking of dangerous occurrences in battle, an~ report no wounds but such as the necessities of the case demand. Your obedient servant, STEPHEN H. WATTLES, Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. First Indian Home Guards. Col. WILLIAM F. CLOUD, Comdg. Third Brigade, First Division, Army of the Frontier. No. 9. Report of Lieut. Col. Owen A. Bassett Second Kansas Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS SECOND KANSAS VOLUNTEERS, In the Field, December 12, 1862. SIR: I have the hon~r to report that, in obedience to your orders, I left my position, 5 miles south of Newburg, at 11 a. m. on the 7th in- stant, and moved toward Itheas Mills, as rear guard to the column formed by the Second and Third Brigades. About an hour previous to receiving your orders to march, 1 had directed Major Plumb, command- ing four companies of the Eleventh Kansas Infantry, that had been sent to my support the night previous, and Lieutenant Stover, commanding section of mountain howitzers, to report to you. Captain [H.] Hopkins, of my regiment, commanding battery, had already reported to you, and I had sent Captain [H.] Cameron to reconnoiter the mountains to my left. Accordingly I had under my command Company A, commanded by Lieutenant [J.] Johnston; Company C, by Captain [D. S.] Whittenhall; Company D, by Captain [A.] Moore; Company E, by Captain [J.] Gard- ner Company 0, by Captain [A. W.] Matthews; Company H, by Captain [A.] Gunther; Company I, by First Ser~t. Morris Enright; Company K, by Captain [A. P.] ItusselJ, numbering 12 officers and 332 enlisted men. In addition thereto I had with me Captain [S. J.] Crawford, assisting me in the field, 3 staff officers, and 2 of the non-commissioned staff. On my arrival at Boonsborough, I was delayed half an hour or more by the removal of the sick. I arrived at within 14 miles of Ilheas Mills, where I came up with the rear of the column, and just then received word that a battle was being fought, 5 miles east, on the Fayetteville and Cove Creek road, and moved at once in that direction with all possible speed. My progress was much impeded from the fact that I was in rear of two brigades; the roads lay most of the way through lanes and thick under- brush, and it became necessary for me to pass through the fields, throw- ing down fences for that purpose, and through the tangled undergrowth Page 95 CHAP.: XXXIV.] BATTLE OF PRAiRIE GROVE, ARK. 95 without the benefit of roads or paths. On my way to the battle-ground I passed the Tenth, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Regiments of Kansas Infantry, - First Regiment of Indian Home Guards, Captain Rabbs, Captain Hopkins, and Lieutenant Tenneys batteries, and halted my regiment within range of the enemys left flank in the woods about p. m. A few minutes later I moved to the left out through the woods into a corn-field, where I formed line of battle on the right of our lines and opposite the enemys left flank, where I, by your suggestion, dis- mounted my men and moved forward with them into the woods I had just left. Ii sent Companies E and I, under command of Captain Craw- ford, to take l)osition on the left of the Eleventh Kansas Infantry, and placed Companies C, A, G, ID, K, and H on the right of the Thirteenth Kansas Infantry, under a heavy fire of the enemys mnsketry at long range. Lieutenant [E. S.] Stover took position with his howitzers in an interval made for him in the Thirteenth Kansas Infantry, where he opened fire upon the enemy with canister at short range with good effect. Captain Hopkins with his battery took position on the left of Captain Rabbs battery, where he remained until dark. The enemy hurling his masses of infantry npon our left flank, having compelled one or two regiments on the left of Captain Crawfords battalion to give way, charg- ing obliquely on our lines from right to left, pouring volley after volley of musketry into our ranks, more than decimating them, it required all the nerve and courage that Captain Crawford was able to infuse into his men, by his brilliant example and courageous bearing, to enable them to withstand the shock. The enemy, however, bringing up heavy re- enforcements, compelled Companies E and .1 to fall back, leaving the left to be held by the Eleventh Kansas Infantry. Lieutenant Stover with his howitzers was obliged to retire, his gunners and horses being too much exposed in their advanced position; and soon afterward, and just about dark, the infantry on my left retiring, I withdrew my men, they being unable longer to withstand the severe fire of th& enemy. I ordered them remounted, and about an hour after dark received orders to retire to the rear of the field I was occupying, and bivouacked for the night. The officers and men under my command behaved gallantly during the entire action. The commanding officers of squadrons already men- tioned encouraged their men by their coolness and bravery, and I regret to say that Captain Russell fell, severely wounded, at the head of his company. Lieutenants Ballard, Moore, Mentzer, and Hook displayed more than ordinary courage. Lieutenant [B. B.] Mitchell, comma~4rng a number of dismounted men in support of Captain Hopkins battery, and Lieutenant Aduddell, second in command of that battery, did their duty. I desire to call especial attention to the manner in ~ hich Cap- tain Hopkins with his company handled the captured battery. Although having but four weeks experience with that arm of the service, their coolness and the well-directed fire of their pieces would have reflected credit upon veterans. Before closing this report, I desire to add that Capt. John Gardner has my thanks for holding his position so long on the extreme left, while opposing, with his men, more than twenty times h~s number; and to Sergeant Enright, who commanded the second company from the left, the same are tendered. To my staff officers, Lieutenants [S. K.] Cross, [C. L.] Gorton, and [L. H.] Wood, I am under obligations for valuable services; and I cannot pass unnoticed Sergeants Remiatte, IB~dley, and Yangender, who acted in the capacity of orderlies Page 96 96 MO., AR K., KAN~., IND. T., A~D DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV~ The loss 8ustained by my regiment was 3 killed and 21 wounded, 16 of them severely.* I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient serv- ant, OWEN A. BASSETT, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding & cond Kansas Volunteers. Col. WILLIAM P. CLOUD, Commanding Third Brigade. No. 10. Report of Gapt. Henry Hopkins, Second Kan8as Gavairy, commanding battery. HEADQUARTERS IIoPKINS BATTERY, Bhea8 Mills, Ark., December 10, 1862. Sm: I respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by - the battery under my command in the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., December 7, 1862, and the series of skirmishes preceding that action: Information h ving been received Oil the 3d of December that the enemy was advancing in force from tbe south, the battery was ordered to take position in advance of the mail line, where it remained until the morning of the 7th, rendering some assistance in checking the enemy on the Xewburg road. About 10 a. nii., December 7, in obedience to orders, II moved the bat- tery into the position assigned it in column north to Rheas Mills, and thence, 5 miles east, to Prairie Grove, where the Second and Third Divisions, Army of the Frontier, under Brigadier-General flerron, were engaging the euemy, under General llindman, who, during the night of the 6th, had flanked tlie First Division, commanded by Brigadier-Gem. eral Blunt, passing 12 miles to the left and rear. Having been ordered into i osition in au open field, on the left of the First Division, IL opened fire with shot and shell on the enemy, occa- pying a position Oil densely wooded rise of ground, and drove him back. At this time the only support for my battery was a detachment of dismounted cavalry, not exceeding ~5, under command of Lieutenant [B. B.] Mitchell, second Kansas Cavalry. Shortly afterward the enemy again advanced in greater force, moving obliquely along our front, threatening the left flailk. In conjunction with liabbs battery, which was some distance on my right, I opened a heavy fire again upon the enemy, and was supportel by a regiment of Iowa troops, which had been driven back by the advancing column. The enemy appeared to be massing his fomes for a charge, and just at sunset moved impetu- ously forward, but by well-directed and rapid discharges of spherical case and canister. thdr advance was checked, and the battery slowly retired, firin~ with prolonges attached. Night coming on, firing ceased and the troops bivouacked on the held. The next morning it was known that the enemy liad fallen back. By good fortune there were no casuaL ties in my command. Respectfully, your obedient servant, II. HOPKINS, Gaptain Second Kansas Gavairy, Gommanding Battery. Lent. S. K. CROSS, Acting Adjutant, Second Kansas Cavalry. * But se~ revisei statemer~t, p. 85 Page 97 CHAP. XXXIV.] BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 97 No. 11. Report of Got. Thomas Ewing, Jr., Eleventh Kansas Infantry. IIDQRS. ELEVENTH REGIMENT KANSAS VOLUNTEERS, Camp at (Jane Hilt, Ark., December 12,~ 1862. COLONEL: In compliance with your order of this date, I submit a report of the part taken by the Eleventh Regiment of Kansas Volun- teers in the late battle of Prairie Grove. At 1 p. m. of the 7th instant, as the Third Brigade reached ILtheas Mills, in march from Boston Mountains, the sound of cannon was heard from the battle-field, 5 miles east of the mills. By your order I fol- lowed with my regiment close after Rabbs battery, in its rapid drive to the field, losing out of the ranks about 50 men, who were unable to keep pace with the command. As the battery took position, I sent the left wing of my regiment, with Lieutenant-Colonel Moonlight and Major [P. B.] Plumb, to its left, while, with the adjutant and sergeant-major of the rebiment, I marched the right wing to the right of the battery. Thence I was immediately ordered by General Blunt to move with the five com- panies composing that wing, and form in line of battle with the left of the Thirteenth Regiment; which being done, we moved through the orchard and field adjacent to it, to the road on the hillside, about 600 yards from where we left the battery. ilere a musketry engagement ensued with the enemy, who wer& about 200 yards in advance of us, under cover of the crest of the hill. Two howitzers of the Second Kan- sas took position at th~ blacksmith shop, in front of my right, and played effectively upon the enemy for half an hour, and then withdrew for want of ammunition. The musketry fire nearly ceased when the howitzers commenced playing, but was renewed when they withdrew. When the engagement had lasted here about an hour, I noticed that the First Indian Regiment, which had entered the wood about 300 yards to the left of me, had been driven out, and were fleeing toward the bat- tery, which fact I at once communicated to Colonel [William] Weer, commanding Second Brigade, under whose orders I was then acting. In about five minutes afterward I was ordered to advance, and did so, in line, with the Thirteenth Regiment on my right, and three companies of the Second Kansas (dismounted), who had formed upon my left. When within about 25 yards of the crest of the hill, the enemy appeared in overwhelming numbers, advancing over the hill on our left and front, and poured on us a tremendous fire. My command remained, steadily holding their ground, until they had fired four rounds, when, seeing that the three companies of the Second Kansas had withdrawn, and finding that the enemys force in our frout, left, and rear was strong, and near enough to surround and overwhelm us, I ordered my command to fall back, which they did, firing. I then attempted to form again in the road on the hillside, but the enemy was too close upon us to render such formation practicable or the position tenable. I then ordered them to fall back, and formed them in the orchard lane, near the edge of the wood and at the foot of the hill, where they were partially sheltered by the broken fences forming the lane. In this new position we remained three-quarters of an hour, hotly en- gaged with the enemy, who swarmed in great numbers in the orchard and about the farm-house, out-buildings, and straw-piles adjacent, under cover of which they had apparently intended to move upon Rabbs bat- tery, which had advanced to within 200 yards of the wood. 7 H HVOL XXII, PT Page 98 98 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N, W. [CHAP. XXXIV. A little after dark, when the enemys fire and our own had ceased over the whole field, I withdrew my command in good order from the hillside, and returned to the prairie, where the rest of the First Divis- ion of the army lay. My command suffered less than might have been expected, owing to our position being at all times lower than th t of the enemy, who gen- erally overshot. I led in-to action in my right wing 291 officers and mcii, and had 3 killed, and 3 mortally, 12 severely, and 11 slightly, wounded. The loss was greatest in Companies I and C, because they were on the left of my line and were subjected to the heaviest of the flank fire. I am happy to say that my command obeyed my orders implicitly, and without faltering in advancing and in reforming and holding the several lines. It were unfair to specially name any, where all did nobly; but I cannot close my report with out reference to Private William Grigsby, of Company I, who was mortally wounded in the action, and who, though detailed as teamster when the battle began, found a substitute to drive his team, that he might go to the field and share with his friends its dangers. I inclose herewith a report of Lieutenant-Colonel Moonlight of the part taken by the left wing of my regiment, under his command, in the engagement. I am, colonel, very respectfully, yours, THOMAS EWING, Jm, Colonel Eleventh Regiment Kansas Volunteers, Commanding. Col. WILLIAM F. CLOUD, 6~omdg. Third Brigade, First Division, Army of the Frontier. No. 12. Report of Licut. Col. Thomas Moonlight, Eleventh Kansas Infantry. IIDQRS. ELEVENTII REGIMENT KANSAS VOLUNTEERS, Rheas Mills, Ark., December 11, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report officially the part the left wing of your regiment (my command) took in the engagement of the 7th instant, known as Prairie Grove. I was detailed with my command to support liabbs Indiana batter.V, and when it took position, about 300 yards in front of the enemy, I formed on its left flank. Shortly afterward the battery changed position, and I formed on its right, a few paces in rear. About sundown,wheu the enemy,with overwhelming numbers, charged our infantry in the wood in front, they fell back, so as to give our bat- teries an opportunity to play on the enemy, which they did in beautiful style. I moved up my command in a line with Ilabbs guns, the better to resist the enemys charge, for it was evident they intended charging the battery. I would here state that I kept my command flat on the ground (very much against their wish), the better to shelter them from the enemys fire. At this time there was a complete hower (so to speak) of bullets. One man of Company K and two of Company E were here wounded; one since deadPrivate Judge. The battery was ordered to retire, firing, and I conformed to the move- ment, the coLulnand retiring in excellent order. Iwas ably assisted during the en agement by Major Plumb, of th Page 99 CHAr. XX~ZIV.) BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 99 regiment, who was ever at his post, proving himself a soldier of the right stamp. The companies composing my command were II, Captain [J.] Hun- toon; E, Captain [E. U.] Ross; K, Captain [J. M.] Allen; G, Captain [N. A.] Adams, and B, Captain Anderson. Every officer and soldier behaved throughout with judgment and gal- lantry, and it would be impossible for me to make any selections as to bravery or soldierly conduct, for all were equally determined to excel on these points~ The trouble was to keep them back with the battery, as the duty assigned us required me to do. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. MOONLIGHT, Lient. (Jol. Eleventh Regiment Kansas Vols., Comdg. Left Wing. Col. THoMAs EWING, Jr., Commanding Eleventh Regiment Kansas T7oiuntee, s. Xo. 13. Report of Capt. John IV. Rabb, Second Indiana Battery. HDQRS. SECoM BATTERY, INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, Camp at Rheas Mills, December 10, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part my command took in the late engagement of Prairie Grove: On the morning of the 7th instant we were in position on the Boston 1~Iountains, south of Cane Hill, expecting an attack from the enemy, as our pickets were engaged. About 10 a. m. I received orders from you to fall back toward lTheas Mills, as the enemy were evidently attempt- lug to flank us by passing up the Fayetteville road. The First Brigade, under General Salomon, held the advance in falling back. The Second Brigade, nuder Colonel Weer, followed, while the Third Brigade fol- lowed the Second. The Second Kansas Cavalry brought up our rear, preceded by the First Indian Home Guard. My battery was placed just in advance of the Indians. Our brigade arrived within a mile of Rheas Mills about 2 p. in., when heavy firing was heard about 4 miles to the right, upon the Fayetteville road. You immediately ordered me to take the advance of the Third Brigade and proceed rapidly to the scene of action. I marched nuder your direction across the country, followed by the other commands of the Third Brigade, a distance of 3 miles, where we came upon the enemy, stationed in force upon a commanding hill, covered with timber. By your order, I brought my battery into position in a meadow, and im- mediately opened fire upon the batteries of the enemy. Lieutenant Tenneys battery was placed in position upon. my right, and Captain Hopkins on my left and rear. Our infantry and cavalry were posted in supporting distance, to the rear. In less than half an hour the rebel batteries were silenced. I then directed my lire upon the infantry of the enemy that were advancing from the left toward our right. An order came at this time for Lieutenant Tenneys battery to join Colonel Weers brigade. In a few moments the infantry and cavalry (the latter dismounted) of your brigade were ordered to engage the enemy and draw them from the cover of the wood. My batteries ceased firing for a short time. Five companies of the Eleventh Kansas, under Lieutenmt-Colonel [T.] Moonlight, remained in the open field as a support to my battery Page 100 100 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. The Twentieth Iowa Regiment, Col. [W.] MeE. Dyes brigade, General ~ command, advanct~1 iijto the wood upon my left, but, after fifteen ~ flrinb, w s driven back, when I Qpened upon the enemy, firing shell over the heads of the Twentieth Iowa. In a few minutes onr infantry drove the rebels to the edge of the wood, when I a gain, by your order, opened fire upon them. A heavy musketry fire was then brought to bear upon my command. I answered with canister. For fifteen minutes my men stood firm, firing their pieces with terrible pre- cision, making roads in the ranks of the enemy, which were quickly filled by fresh men from the rear. Three times they advanced in heavy force upon the battery, but were driven back to the wood with heavy loss. Finding that we were too near the wood, you ordered me to fire, retiring a distance of 100 yards. This order was successfully complied with, notwithstanding several men had been wounded and horses killed and disabled. In our new position, by your order; I threw several shell into a straw pile, near the edge of the timber, around w hick large bodies of the enemy swarmed. The straw was soon ignited, and again we opened with can- ister for about fifteen minutes. My guns were worked rapidly, making sad havoc in the ranks of the enemy, who retreated to the wood. I gave them a few shell as a parting salute, when darkness closed upon us, and we rested upon the field. In about two hours we removed to a better position, where we rested for the night. During the heat of the engagement the five companies of the Eleventh Kansas, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Moonlight, stood manfully at their posts, and, when it appeared that the enemy were about to charge upon me, rushed forward and assisted in driving the enemy back. I need hardly report to you that every officer, non-commissioned offi- cer, and private of my comman~1 behaved manfully during the whole engagement. Lieutenants [II.] Espey and [W. W.] flames and Ser- geant [J. S.] Whicher, commanding sections, rendered me great assist- ance in the management of the battery. Sergeant [G. B.] Sink, when 2 of his men were wounded, took the company colors, and still superin- tended his piece while bearing aloft t4~e Stars and Stripes. Corpl. Samuel Mullen and Private [J.] Warren Dibble were severely wounded early in the engagement, yet remained t their posts until its close. I had 4 horses killed, 5 badly wounded, and 7 slightly wounded. The carriages of the battery bear marks of the storm of bullets and buckshot poured upon us.* lam, most respectfully, your obedient servant, & c., JOHN W. IRABB, Captain, Commanding Second Battery, Indiana Volunteers. Col. WILLIAM F. CLOUD, Commanding Third Brigade, Army of the Frontier. No. 14. Reports of Brig. Gen. Francis J. ilierron, U. S. Army, commanding Sec ond and Third Divisions. IIDQRS. 2D AND 3D DTYS., ARMY 0? THE FRONTIER, Battlefield, Prairie Grove, December 9, 1862. [SIR:] General Blunt has undoubtedly informed you of the battle of yesterday. llindmau moved in to the east of Blunt, with his entire * Nominal list of casualties shows 8 men wonnde& Page 101 CHAP. XXXIV.] 101 I3ATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. f6rce (25,000 men), intending to cut off my command. I had sent for- ward to Blunt all my cavalry, having left six regiments of infantry, three batteries, and about 500 cavalry. General Marmaduke opened on my. advance at 7 a. m. ~with a heavy cavalry force, but I forced them back to Illinois Creek, 8 miles from Cane Hill. At this point they took a strong position with infantry and artillery, and tried to prevent my crossing; but, by cutting roads through the woods~ I got the batteries into position, and at 9.30 oclock opened on them with eighteen guns, bringing forward my iufantry, crossing the creek, and getting them into position under cover of my artillery. From this hour until 7 oclock in the evening the fighting was furious. General Blunt arrived within 1 mile of my right at 4 p. in., opening on the enemys left. Learning definitely that he was on the ground, I ordered the infantry to charge the enemys batteries. The Nineteenth Iowa and Twentieth Wisconsin did it gallantly, taking a whole battery, but were afterward overwhelmed and forced to leave it. Colonel ilus- ton, commanding Second Division, then charged the same battery, with the Thirty-seventh Illinois and Twenty-sixth Indiana, retaking it a sec- ond time, but, after holding it half an hour, were compelled to give way. The fighting was constant and furious thronbhout the entire day. I met General Blunt late in the evening, and we arranged the attack for morning; but daylight found the rebels gone. Their loss is from 600 to 700 killed and 2,500 wounded. Oars is proba- bly 250 killed and 700 wounded in the Second and Third Divisions.* Lieutenant-Colonel [S.] McFarland, Nineteenth Iowa, is killed, and Colonel [J. C.] Black, Thirty-seventh Illinois, Major [W. G.] Thonip- son, Twentieth Iowa, and a large number of line officers wounded. The prisoners state that General Steen and 5 colonels were killed. We cap- tured four caissons full of ammunition and a large number of small- arms. Their artillery was knocked to pieces by our batteries, and Major [J. N.] Hubbard, who was a prisoner with them, reports seeing piece after piece sent off entirely disabled. The working of Murphys and Fousts batteries excelled anything I ever witnessed. General Blunt and myself had an interview with Hindman and Mar- maduke, and I consider the former just what you stated of him. We are camped on the battle-field. General Blunt moves to-morrow to Cane Hill, while I occupy this ground. F. ~ HERHON, Brigadier- General, Commanding Second tnd Third Divisions. Maj. Gen. SMruEL H. CURTIS, Saint Louis Mo PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK., December 11, 1862. Gue of my spies, who came to the battle-field with Hindmans troops, and retreated with them to Dripping Springs, has just come in. He reports the rebel loss at 2,500 killed and wounded, including a very large number of officers. Brigadier-General Steen, of Missouri, was killed, and some 6 or 7 field officers are in the hospital within our lines. Two batteries were so much damaged by the firing from Fousts and Mur- phys guns as to be entirely worthless, and several guns wete hauled off * Sec revised statement, p. 843 Page 102 102 MO., AR K., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. in wagons. All of their artillery horses were left dead on the field and the caissons taken away by mules in the night. llindmans entire force was here, and from personal observation I can say they were well clothed and well armed. My divisions took over 60 prisoners, including 2 com- missioned officers, during the fight, and all refuse to be exchanged, except 12. Over 150 have come in since the battle, and the report is that hundreds are coming back on the road to give themselves up. The greater proportion of the dead have been left by them unburied, an(l were buried to.day by my order. The advance had arrived at Van Buren, and the rumor was they were all going to Little Rock. The loss iu my division is heavy, and will almost reach 1,000 killed and wounded. For four hours the fighting was the most desperate I ever witnessed, and within a space of two acres 250 of our own and the enemys dead were fonnd. The victory is more complete and decisive than I had Pu- agined. The Iowa regiments fought nobly, the Nineteenth particularly distinguishing itself We mourn the loss of Lieutenant-Colonel [Samuel] McFarland, and several other officers o[~ that regiment, killed. The Twentieth Wisconsin, Twenty-sixth Indiana, and Thirty-seventh Illi- nois fought nobly. The battle-field is on the road from Fayetteville to Cove Creek, and just half way between the former place and Cane Hill. General Blunt has moved to Rheas IlViills, while I occupy the battle- field. I am strengthening my line with Springfield, and will have it safe to-morrow. Have established a hospital at Fayetteville, and re- moved all our sick and wounded to it. If Steele could take Little Rock, now is our best opportunity to open the Arkansas River. I hope you will let us do it. F. J. HERRON, Brigadier- General. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL It. CURTIS. HDQRS. 2D AND 3D DIVS., ARMY OF THE FRONTIER Prairie Grove, Ark., December 12, 1862. GENERAL: After leaving Wilsons Creek, in accordance with the or- (lers from General Blunt and yourself I moved my command by forced (lay marches, the distance being too great for day and night movements and, traveling at the rate of 35 miles per day, reached Fayetteville Sun- (lay morning, the 7th, at 3 oclock. Resting one hour, I pushed on, and when 6 miles south of the town, my advance (Major Hubbard, with two companies of the First Missouri Cavalry) met the First Arkansas anti Seventh Missouri Cavalry coming back in great disorder. At Cross Hollow General Blunt had sent me an order to send on all my cavalry, which I did, sending all that was with the Third Division, and sending back for what was with the Second Division to come up and pass me. The cavalry of the Third Division started from Cross hollow on Saturday, the 6th, at 10 a. in., rcaching Cane Hill about 10 oclock the same night. The cavalry from the Second Division passed me and traveled until 12 oclock at night, stopping half way between Fayetteville and Cane Hill to feed and start at daylight. They encamped with the First Arkansas, this regiment having been ordered forward by General Blunt. Just at daylight they were attacked by a heavy cavalry force, under Marmaduke, and after several rounds were stampeded. They came back on me 6 miles south of Fayetteville, at 7 a. in., closely l)ursued by at least 3,000 cavalry. It was with the very greatest diffi- culty that we got them checked, and prevented ~ general stampede o Page 103 CHAr. XXXIV.] 103 BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. the battery horses; but after some bard talking, and my finally shoot- ~ng one cowardly whelp off his horse, they halted. I at once formed a battery and two regiments of infantry and checked Marmaduke. Taking one section of artillery, four companies of infantry, and some cavalry, I pushed on, driving them 4 miles, to Illinois Creek, where I found the whole force in position, and the strongest one I had ever seen. I crossed the creek with one of my staff to reconnoiter, keeping every one else out of sight, and, after getting a view of the ground amA sur- rounding country, determined at once to attack. II learned the whole force had slipped past Blunt, and was between us, and knew that by opening the fight I could bring him up. Getting two pieces of Coles over, I felt their position, they opening on me with twelve pieces from different positions. I then withdrew the section, and ordered Murphys battery to cut a road through the wood, crossing the creek half a mile below, getting it into a fair position opposite the enemys center. Colo- nel llustoixs division (the Second) I ordered to the same place, throw- ing two regiments to the right of the battery and one to its left. 1 had divided the battery, placing the halves 600 yards apart. This movement was entirely concealed, and not visible to the enemy until the two half batteries were run out to the edge of the brush by band. I then ordered Colonel [W. W.] Orme, with the Second Brigade of the Third Division, to cross his battery at the regular crossing, divid- ing it and opening fire at once, and to hold his infantry in rear and at the edge of the brush, at the same time ordering Lieutenant-Colonel [II.] Bertram, with the First Brigade, Third Division, to follow up Orme, dividing his battery the same way, and forming his infliutry to the right of Orme At 10 oclock all was re dy, and Murphy opened. The other bat- teries crossed under cover of Murphys fire, getting into shape and oj)ening up ma,niflcently, so th t I had in ten minutes eighteen pieces hard at work; or, as they afterwar4 styled it, six full batteries. This brought out the fire of all their guns, twenty-two in number, and for the next eight hours it was hot work. About half an hour after the firing commenced, they threw a heavy body of infantry on my left and endeavored to force it back, but I ordered the Nineteenth Iowa and Twentieth Wisconsin to charge them, which they did in gallant style, pushing on for 1,000 yards and capturin~ a battery of four pieces, but such a mass of the enemy came upon them they were compelled to leave it. The infantry fighting was continuous from 11 until 5 oclock. At 4 oclock a battery opened about 1 mile to the right of my right flank, throwing two shells into my line of skirmishers. At first I thought the rebels bad worked around me, but, upon making a reconnaissance in person, I discovered it to be Blunts advance, whereupon I sent him word to change his fire. For two hours iluut had a severe artillery fight, and at 6.80 oclock the firing closed. I was then about 1,000 yards in advance of the creek crossed in the morning, with Murphys battery still in a high position in the rear. We lay on our arms that night, the pickets within 50 yards of each other. At 3 a. m. I formed my line ready to open, and while doing so saw a flag of truce approaching. It proved to he General Marmaduke :md staff, with a communication for eneral i3lunt, in answer, they said, to one he had sent them. I held them, and sent the document to Blunt, whose quarters were 1 mile from me. He returned by my adjutant- general a verbal reply, which they refused to accept, and I visited Blunt in person, telling him that I thought they had left the field. He re- turned a written reply, with which I started them; but hardly had it di Page 104 104 MO., ARK, KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. (CHAP. XXXB~. appeared beyond their pickets until another flag came, asking a ler- sonal interview with Blunt. This the general granted, and at 7 oclock called for me to accompany him. J saw what was np, and, before start- ing, ordered two regiments to advance through the brush on my left and occupy the hill where the enemy were posted. This they did, the rebel pickets retiring before them. iDuring the interview, iliudman was informed of it, and asked Blunt to withdraw them. He referred the matter to me, and I refused. At 10 oclock the interview ended, Blunt having given Hiudman until 5 p. m. to bury his dead. They immediately sent forward two regiments of cavalry for that purpose, but instead of doing it they corn- ruenced gathering up arms; & c. I went then in person and notified both colonels that any of their men found gathering or carrying off arms, or at anything else than burying the dead, I would hold them as prisoners of war. This had the desired effect, and we thus secured the arms on the field in spite of the flag of truce. My two divisions, the Second and Third, fought splendidly, while the artillery firing of Murphy~s, ~ and Backofs batteries was the finest thing I ever witnessed. The artillery horses of the enemy lie dead, four and six in a heap, wherever their batteries were placed. On less than two acres of ground laid300 of our own and the rebel dead. It was terribleterrific in the extreme. The loss in my own immediate division (Third) is 483 killed and wounded; in the Second, Colonel 1-Juston commanding, 350 killed and wounded, making a total, in my two divisions, of almost 850.* The loss in General Blunts division is about 150 killed and wounded.~ I have established a post hospital at Fayetteville, and removed all my wounded to that point, as has General Blunt. We want sanitary goods badly. Lieutenant-Colonel McFarland, of the Nineteenth Iowa, was killed in the first charge, with 5 captains and a large number of lieutenants of the INinetecuth Iowa and Twentieth Wisconsin IRegiments. In the second charge, made by the Twenty- sixth Indiana and Thirty-seventh Illinois, Lieutenant-Colonel Black, of the Thirty.seventh, and his adjutant, were both badly wounded, and the adjutant, with several captains and lieutenants of the Twenty-sixth Indiana, killed. Major Thompson, Twentieth Iowa, was also badly wounded. Five of my body guard were wouiided and 12 horses killed. At one time, while passing from the right to the left through an open field, they opened two pieces on me from a distance of 300 yards, killing 2 horses of my body guard and wounding I man. The head was shot off the horse immediately in rear of me. I can assure you it was hot work. The rebel loss in killed and wounded is not less than 2,500 men, while by desertion it will be from 5,000 to 8,000. They are fleeing in every direction. Of over 60 prisoners taken during the fight, not over 12 will go back, as they positively refuse to be exchanged. I am now occupying the battle-field, while General Blunt is at I[Theas Mills, 5 miles west. Two of his brigades are at Cane Hill. We have assisted the rebels in moving all their wounded to Cane Hill, and have furnished them five days rations. Had it not been for us they would have starved to death. We have as trophies, captured duriub the fi ~ ht, four caissons, filled with good ammunition and everything in good style. We have also about 400 stand of good arms, gathered on the field; this is clear gain. See revised statement, p. 86 Page 105 CaAr. XXXIV.] BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 105 In regard to General Blunt, I would say that he is, beyond question, a good fighting man. Last evening I spent with him at Itheas Mills. Major Yan Antwerp is here, and makes a very efficient officer. In conclusion, general, permit me to say that you have here a good, reliable army, but there are some officers that must be cleared out. They are worse thau worthless. It was a narrow escape getting rid of Colonel Wright. With kiud regards to Mrs. Curtis, Major Harry, and others, I am, very respectfully, your friend, F. J. HERIION, Brigadier- General. Maj. Gen. SA1~1UEL It. CURTIS, Commanding. IIDQRS. 2n AND 3n Thvs., ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Battle-field of Prairie Grove, Ark., Deeember 19, 1862. GENERAL: In reviewing the operations of the 7th insta~it, I must necessarily commence my report a few days previous to that date. On the morning of December 3, I was encamped, with the Second and Third Divisions of the Army of the Frontier, at Wilsons Creek, Mo., and there received your dispatch announcing the advance of the rebel forces under General Hiudman, and ordering me to move forward, with my command, to your support, at Cane Hill, Ark. Within three hours after the receipt of your dispatch, the Third Division was in mo- tion, the Second soon following. Reaching Elkhorn on the evening of the 5th instant, I there received your order to send forwar4 all my cavalry to you, and, in obedience thereto, I ordered forward Colonel Wickersham, with the Tenth Illinois, First Iowa, Eighth Missouri, and First Battalion Second Wisconsin Cavalry, all of which reached you safely. On Sunday morning, the 7th instant, at 4 oclock, I arrived at Fay- etteville, having marched all night, and was pushing rapidly forxvard, expecting to join yon by 10 oclock of the same day, when, 6 miles south of Fayetteville, my advance, consisting of two companies of the First Missouri Yolunteer Cavalry, under Maj. J. M. Hubbard, discovered a body of cavalry falling back on the road in great disorder. It proved to be the First Arkansas and Seventh Missouri Cavalry, that were moving forward to join you, and had been attacked by a large force of rebel cavalry, under General Marmaduke, near Illinois Creek, 10 miles from Cane Hill. After some effort, the retreating cavalry were checked and reformed; but in holding the rebel advance, the First Battalion First Missouri Cavalry was severely handled and Major Ilubbard taken prisoner. Here the rebels formed in line of battle but ou open- ing fire upon them with a section of Battery E, First Missouri Artil- lery, they were soon put to flight, and driven back 4 miles, to Illinois Creek. Here I discovered the enemy in position directly in. front oix each side of the road, occupying a high ridge, about three-quarters of a mile from the ford of the creek, covered with timber and thick under- brush. Wishing to feel the position of the enemy, I ordered the iNinety- fourth Illinois Infantry, with a section of Battery E, First Missouri Light Artillery, across the creek, and opened fire upon them. Their batteries were in good position, commanding the ford of the creek, and Page 106 106 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXTV. having excellent range, compelled my advance to fall back, it being impossible to move my command across the ford under their fire. I then ordered Colonel iluston, commanding the Second Division, to cut a road through the timber, and move Battery F (Captain Murphy), First Missouri Artillery, to a point on the south side of the creek, and half a mile from the regular ford, my intention being to draw the fire of the enemy, to enable my infantry to cross the creek at the ford. The movement was entirely successful, the battery dividing, getting into position, and opening fire on the enemy before they discovered the move- ment. Under cover of its fire, I ordered forward the batteries of Cap- tam Backof, Lieutenant ioust, and Lieutenant Borris, supported by the Nineteenth Iowa, Twentieth Wisconsin, and Kin ety-fourth Illinois Infantry. So rapidly was the order obeyed that the whole eighteen pieces were at work before the enemy could obtain our ran~.e. The fire was rapidly replied to by the rebel batteries, which had every advantage in position;, but so accurate was the firing that in one hour nearly all their batteries were silenced. During this time 1 had formed the infantry, the Second Division, Colo- nel iluston commanding, occupying the right, and the Third Division, under my. immediate command, the left of my position. It required but a short time to satisfy myself that the rebels were present in largely superior force, and I immediately determined to give them the l)C5t tight I could until you could come ill) with additional forces. The enemy making a movement of their infantry toward my left, I ordered forward the Second Brigade of the Third Division, under Col. NY. W. Orme, to the base of the ridge occupied by them, and, while their attention was attracted by the fire of the Second Brigade, I moved up the First Bri- gade, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Bertram. The batteries ad- vanced across the open field with the infantry, pouring in a terrible fire of grape amid canister. When within 100 yards of the ridge, the Twen- tieth Wisconsin and Nineteenth Iowa Infantry were ordered to charge a battery placed near a farm house, on the edge of the hill. The charge was made in gallant style, the enemy driven back, and the battery taken, but the ground could not be held. Regiment after regiment of infantry was hurled upon them, and they were compelled to fall back. This was followed by a charge of the rebels en masse upon the batteries of Captains Foust and Backof, and Lieutenant Borris. Never was there more real courage and pluck displayed, and more downright hard fighting done, than at this moment by the above-named batteries. Ad. vancing to within 100 yards of the guns, the rebels received a fire that could not be withstood, and retreated in disorder, receiving, as they ran, a terrible fire, causing great slaughter among them. For the management of his battery and the soldier-like qualities dis- played by Captain Foust, Company E, First Missouri Light Artillery, at this time especially, he deserves very great credit. Colonel iluston was then instructed to move one of his brigades from the r~iglit to the support of the center. Arriving at the point and discovering the rebel infantry again moving down the hill, Colonel iluston ordered the Twenty-sixth Indiana and Thirty-seventh Illinois Regiments to charge them, which they did, Cob- imel Huston leading them in person. It was a repetition of the first charge; the same battery was captured, the enemy again driven back, and we, in turn, compelled to abandon the position by force of numbers. About this time (2.30 p. in.) a battery opened some distance from my right, which I soon discovered to be from your division. With the knowl Page 107 CHAP. XXXIV.] BATTLE OF FRAIRIE~ GROVE, ARK. 107 edge that you had really arrived, a new spirit was infused in my com- mand, now almost worn out by the severe work, and they went at it again with increased vigor. When your column moved up, the Second Brigade of the Second Division, Col. William McE. Dye commanding, also advanced on your left, having a severe fight in the timber, and driv- ing the enemy from the hillside. From this hour until dark the firing was steady and terrific, the batteries of the First Division firing the last round. My command slept on their arms nearly 1,000 yards in advance of the position occupied in the morning, and ready to renew the fight at day. break. The arrangement for attack on the 8th; the flight of the enemy during the night; the trickery of the rebel Generals iliudman and Mar- maduke, are all known to you. Night alone saved them from capture. I have as captures four caissons complete, and filled with ammuni- tion; a number of sets of artillery harness, caisson wheels, and about 300 stand of arms. I regret to state that my loss was very severe. Lieutenant-Colonel McFarland, who led the Nineteenth Iowa in the first charge, a true man and gallant soldier, sleeps his last sleep. Lieu- tenant-Colonel Black, Thirty-seventh Illinois; Major Thompson, Twen- tieth Iowa, and a large number of line officers, are wounded. Major Bredett, of the Seventh Missouri Cavalry, a brave and noble soldier, was killed in the early part of the battle. My troops all did well. Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Missouri, side by side, proved by the truest test their loyalty and love of country. Colonel iluston, commanding Second Division, was always in the front and did valuable service. Colonels Orme, Clark, McE. Dye, and Bertram, commanding brigades, were with their commands in the thickest of the fight, and performed their duties well. I must especially mention the working of Murphys, Fousts, Backofs, and Borris batteries. The former fired his guns with the precision of a sharpshooter, while the others worked their pieces gallantly in the midst of a terrible infantry fire. My cavalry, the First Iowa, Eighth Missouri, Tenth Illinois, and Sec- ond Wisconsin, having been with you during the day, I know but little of the parts taken by them. They have on other fields proved them- selves worthy of the name of American soldiers, and I have no doubt sustained it while with you. Maj. J. M. Hubbard and his command, the fighting battalion of the First Missouri Cavalry, gallantly held in check the rebel advance in the early part of the day, and on this occasion officers and men have added to their already high reputation. To Capt. William Hyde Clark, my assistant adjutant-general, who had for three days been carried sick in an ambulance, but monuted that morning to be with me during the battle, I am much indebted for serv- ices on the field, and also to Captain Littleton, commissary of subsist- ence; Captain Brewster, Lieutenants Pettit, Shiras, and Douglas, of my staff, for their conduct and assistance throughout the battle. There were many instances of individual courage and bravery that II should like to mention, but will have to refer you to the reports of brigade commanders. Of Lieutenant-Colonel Black, Thirty-seventh Illi- ~iois Infantry, I must say that a braver man never went upon the bat- tlefield, and he has on this occasion added to the laurels won at Pea I b(lge. Iii conclusion,, general, let me say for the Second and Third Divisions that they had marched 110 miles in three days to join you, and that the Page 108 108 MO., ARI~, I(ANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. ECHAP. XXXIV. came upon the field weak in numbers, on account of the severity of the march, 3,500 men being all that I had engaged.* I am, very truly, your obedient servant, F. J. HERRON, Brigadier- General, Commanding Second and Third Divisions. Brig. Gen. JAMES G. BLUNT, Commanding Army of the Frontier. [Inclosure.] IIDQRS. 2D AND 3D Divs., ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Prairie Grove, Ark., December 10, 1862. FELLOW SOLDIERS: It is with pride and pleasure that I am enabled to congratulate you on the victory so recently achieved over the enemy. Meeting their combined forces, vastly your superiors in numbers; armed and equipped in the most efficient manner, contrary to what we had been led to believe; marshaled by their ablest generals; postedin~ strong position of their own selection, prepared and ready to attack us; entertaining toward us feelings of hatred and fiendish passion, evoked by infamous lies, which even rebel generals should have disdained to utter, you, fellow soldiers, after a forced march of over 100 miles in less than three days, weary, exhausted,, and almost famishing, animated only by that feeling of patriotism that induced you to give up the pleas- ures and comforts of home to undergo the dangers and hardships of the field, did most gallantly meet, fight, and repulse the enemy. Your fellow soldiers elsewhere; your friends and relatives at home; your fellow citizens, and your country, as they learn of the splendid service of the artillerymen; of the determined daring and brillant charges of the infantry, will render you that praise and honor which is justly your due. Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Missouri, your native States, are proud of their noble sons. I, who witnessed your gallant daring in every encounter, in behalf of your country and myself, tender you grateful thanks for the services you have rendered. While we drop a tear, therefore, for those who have fallen, and sympathize with those ~vho are yet suffering, let us not forget to render thanks to the Beneficent Giver of all blessings for the success that has thus far attested the truth and right of our glorious cause. F. J. flEJIRON, Brigadier-General, Commanding Second and Third Divisions. No. 15. Report of Gol. Daniel Huston, jr., Seventh Missouri Gavatry, command ing Second Division. IIDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Prairie Grove, Ark., December 9, 186~. Sm: I have the honor to forward herewith a report of the l)art taken by the division under my command in the action of the 7th instant. After a rapid march of 66 miles from Camp Lyon, accomplished in two and a half days, the divisioll reached Cross Hollow at 7 oclock on the evening of the 6th instant, and there remained until 12 midnight, *For summary of casualties, here omitted, see pp. 85, 86 Page 109 CHAP. XXXIV.] 109 BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. when the march was resumed, arriving in Fayetteville at sunrise on the morning of the 7th. I had intended to await at Fayetteville the arrival of the trains, in order to allow the men to procure breakfast, much needed after their long and toilsome night march. Before the arrival of the trains afforded opportunity for so doing, a message from General Blunt, with an indorse- ment thereon by the general commanding, was received, urging me to bring forward my division as rapidly as possible. Without a moments delay I put my column in motion, and before hoon had united with the Third Division on the bank of Illinois Creek, in front of the enemy. Very soon after my arrival, by direction of the commanding general, I brought forward Battery F (Murphys), First Missouri Light Artillery, and, dividing it into half batteries, placed the three pieces of the right. half, under Lieutenant Marr, at a point in the open field, affording a good command of the enemys position. The left half under the immediate command of Captain Murphy himself, I placed in a more commanding position, about 400 yards from there to the right, upon higher ground. In compliance with an order received from the commanding general; I then directedCaptain Murphy to open the attack, which he did in gallant style, followed by the bat- teries of the Third Division, posted on lower ground in front. I had meanwhile placed the Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry as a support to protect the battery on the right, and the Twentieth Iowa Infantry on the left, with the Twenty-sixth Indiana Infantry 100 yards in the rear and center, under cover of a thick growth of young wood, as a reserve. Occupying this position, the battery did superb execu- tion, and, in conjunction with the other battery of my command and those of the Third Division, silenced all those the enemy brought for- ward, as soon as their position could be ascertained. The enemys batteries being silenced, I was ordered to move forward two infantry regiments of my division to the support of the infantry of the other division, which were falling back, after a desperate assault of the ene- mys position, on the ridge. I brought forward the Twenty-sixth In- diana and the Thirty-seventh Illinois at double-quick. Finding, on my arrival at the foot of the ridge, that the other regi- ments had fallen back so far, and were so badly cut up that it was neces- sary to give them time to reform, I ordered the two regiments to move up the hill to assault the position of the enemy, strongly posted on the crest of the ridge~ Throwing out a company of skirmishers from each to cover their front, both regiments moved steadily and compactly for- ward till they reached a point 75 to 100 yards beyond the crest of the ridge, when the skirmishers commenced firing upon the enemy, of whom comparatively few could be seen. Suddenly the infantry of the enemy, which had been lying down, concealed by the thick brush and leaves, rose up in one overwhelming number and poured in a deadly, galling fire, which was withstood and returned for a time by our troops with the coolness and firmness of veteran soldiers. The preponderance of numbers on the part of the enemy was so great that the infantry was eventually forced to retire in some little confusion; but they soon re- formed in good order, taking a position about 250 yards from the foot of the ridge, which they maintained until the close of the action. The two regiments had lost nearly one-third their number in killed and wounded in the desperate assault. All these operations took place under my immediate supervision. During this time the Twentieth Iowa Thfantry, which had formed the left support of Murphys battery, was, by son mistake in conveyanc Page 110 110 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. of an order, without my knowledge brought into action beyond the ex- treme right of the line. The movements of this re~iment, took place beyond my immediate sphere of observation, but it is only necessary for me to say that it was led by Col. William McE. Dye, an old, tried, and gallant soldier, and that ~ sons will always be in the front of battle. For a detailed report of the operations of the regiment, I refer you to the official report of Colonel Dye, herewith inclosed. Murphys battery, front different positions, at distances from 500 to 1,000 yards from the enemys lines, which it occupied as occasion re- quired, continued throughout the engagement to pour a terrible fire into their ranks, nobly sustaining the reputation of its chief, and the regi- inent to which it belongs. The first section of the Peoria Light Battery, Lieutenant Borris commanding, consisting of one 6-pounder field piece and of one 12-pounder howitzer, when the infantry regiments of the division moved forward, was ordered to a point upon the left of Fousts battery, of the Third Division, about 800 yards from the enemys posi- tion on the ridge, where he opened a very destructive fire upon their line; particularly upon two houses, behind which they had taken shelter. This position Lieutenant Borris maintained during the greater portion of the engagement. Owing to the momentary repulse of the infantry, I ordered the section to be removed a short distance to the rear. I soon, however, ordered it back to its old position, where it continued firing while any sign of the enemy appeared. The Seventh Missouri Cavalry and two companies of the Sixth Mis- souri Cavalry, under coniinand of Major [E.] Bredett, of the Seventh Missouri Cavalry, were ordered, on the day previous to the battle, to proceed to Cane Hill, and there report to General Blunt. Early on the morning of the 7th instant, when within 4 miles of General Blunts camp, while feeding their horses, Major Bredetts command was sur- rounded by a force of 3,000 of the enemys cavalry, with a battery of artillery, and, after a short engagement, was dispersed, losing a consid- erable number in killed, wounded, and prisoners. Among the missing is Major Bredett (since found dead), command- ing the Seventh Missouri Cavalry, a gallant and accomplished soldier, whose loss is severely felt. The only officer known to be killed was Capt. William McKee, Company D, Seventh Missouri Cavalry, a brave man, who fell in the full performance of his duty. The scattered fragments of the Seventh Missouri Cavalry were re- formed later in the day, and, under the command of Captains Love and Rockwell, brought into action in support of the Peoria battery. Two companies of the Second Battalion, First Missouri Cavalry, under com- mand of Major [C.] Banzhaf, forming the general escort of the division, were placed upon the extreme left to watch the enemy, and toward the close of the day were ordered to the rear to protect the trains. Major Banzhaf rendered efficient service during the day as aide-de-camp to myself and the general commanding. After the regiments were reformed and the batteries placed in the last-named positions, night soon closed the engagement. The exhausted troops, wearied by their long marches and the toils of the day, and al- most famished by an abstinence of thirty-six hours from food, lay down on their arms, ready for a renewal of the fight on the coming day, ~ hich the retreat of the enemy during the night prevented. The officers and men of my division conducted themselves during the entire engagement in a nianner which meets my approval, and does credit to themselves and the States to which the.y belong Page 111 (JuAI-. XXXIV.] BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 111 Among those whose conduct fell under my special observation, and whom I would bring to the favorable notice of the commanding gen- eral, are Colonel [J. GJ Clark, of the Twenty-sixth Indiana Volunteers; Lieutenant-Colonel [J. C.] Black, of the Thirty-seventh Illinois Volun- teers, aud Adjt. Dela Hunt, of the Twenty-sixth Indiana, the two latter of whom were severely wounded; also Lieutenant Chandler, assistant adjutant-general of the division, who was conspicuous everywhere upon the field, rendering most invaluable assistance, being the only officer on my staff present d.uring the engagement. Under the energe~cic superintendence of Surg. F. G. Porter, medical director of the division, the medical corps of the division were active and unceasing in their efforts to relieve the wounded,, performing their duties in an admirable manner. I have the honor to inclose herewith reports of the commanders of brigades, regiments, battalions, and batteries composing the division. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANL. HUSTOX, JR., Colonel ~th Mo. Vol. Car., Oomdg. 2d Div., Army of the Frontier. Capt. WILLIAM HYDE CLARK, A. A. G., Second and Third Divisions, Army of the Frontier. No. 16. Report of Col. John C. Clark, Twenty-sixth indiana Infantry, command ing First Brigade. HDQRS. 1ST BRIG., 2n DIV., ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Prairie Grove, Ark., December 14, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to state the part taken in the action of Sun- day, December 7, by the First Brigade, Second Division, Army of the Frontier. The Seventh Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, forming a part of the bri- gade, was ordered forward on the morning of the 6th instant, and I did not see them again until after the battle. About 10 a. m. I was ordered forward from Fayetteville, Ark., where we had halted to allow the men to get rations from the wagons, and, by rapid marching, reached the field of action (about 10 miles distant) at 1 p. m. As soon as we reached the ground, the section of the Peoria battery attached to my brigade was ordered into position, and, by the consent of Colonel Huston, command- ing the division, I assumed command of my own regiment, the Twenty- sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was at that time ordered on the left of the Thirty-seventh Illinois Volunteers, which formed the extreme right of the line of battle. Soon after, the Thirty-seventh Illinois and the Twenty-sixth Indiana were ordered forward, and moved to the left of the line, where they were ordered to charge the enemy, who were strongly posted on a hill covered with timber. My regiment succeeded in reaching a point some 75 yards beyond the crest of the hill, but was overpowered by being out- numbered two to one, and driven back in considerable disorder, but rallied before they were beyond the reach of the fire of the enemy. The regiment was then ordered to fall back, and take position on the maiu road, where it remained until the next morning Page 112 112 ~IO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. XV. [CHAP. XXXIV. The regiment had in the ranks at the commencement of the action 445 men, of whom * The conduct of the regiment was all I could expect under the circum- stances, and I cheerfully attest to the bravery and good conduct of both officers and men. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN G. CLARK, Colonel, Commanding First Brigade, Second Division. Col. DANIEL ilusToN, JR., (ommanding Second Division. No. 17. Report of Licut flerman Borris, Battery A, Second Illinois Light Artillery. CAMP AT PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK., December 8, 1862. SIR: In compliance with an order from Colonel Huston, commanding Second Division, Army of the Frontier, I have the honor to make the following report: My section (first section Peoria Light Artillery), entered, with other troops from the First Brigade, Second Division, under command of Colo- nel Clark, the field of battle at noon on the 7th instant. The battle had then commenced. I took possession of a place on our left, on the main road, about 600 yards from the enemy, so as to bring the section in an echelon position with the other batteries of our army. Here I commenced firing, and kept it up until about 4.30 oclock, when a charge of our in- fantry was repelled, which compelled them to retreat toward my position. I ceased firing, but renewed the fire as soon as our infantry was covered against my artillery. I had scarcely fired two rounds per piece when the battery in front of me (Captain Coles battery) left their position and passed by me. The other artillery on the right of my section did the same. The confusion was great. While the whole line of battle was going to retreat, I limbered up to the rear and tried to get a favorable position, which would allow me to keep back the foe. In this I suc- ceeded, after I had crossed a creek 200 yards in rear of my last posi- tion. The enemy having given up the pursuit, Colonel Huston then ordered the batteries back, and gave my section a position in an open field, about 900 yards from the enemys line. After having fired there a few rounds, the colonel ordered my section to its first position, where I commenced firing again, and kept it up until I ran short of ammuni- tion. The men, without exception, have fulfilled their duties as soldiers and good artillerymen. I have fired during the whole engagement 320 rounds. I brought into action, rank and file, 40 men, from whom are killed, wounded, or missing, none. My horses are well, with the exception of two, which are slightly wounded by pieces of shell, but not rendered unserviceable. The pieces, caissons, and the harness are in good con- dition. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. BORIRIS, Lieutenant, 6omrnanding First Section Peoria Battery. Colonel CLARK, Comdg. First Brigade, Second Division, Army of the Fi~ontier. * Summary of casu Itjes, omitted, embodied in revised statement, p. 8~ Page 113 CMAP. XXXIV.] 113 BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. No. 18. Report of Capt. Milton lii. Brawner, Seventh ]IJissotri Cavalry. IIDQRS. SEVENTH MISSOURi VOLuNTuER CAVALRY, Prairie Grove, Ark., December 11, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that the detachment of Seventh Mis- souri Volunteer Cavalry, ordered forward from Camp Sigel on the morn- ing of the 6th of December, nuder command of Major Bredett, marched in a southwesterly direction with the utmost rapidity, passing through Fayetteville (a distance of 46 miles) at dark. Advancing 4 miles, a short halt was ordered, for the purpose of resting the worn-out men and horses. At 2 a. in., December 7, the command again moved forward, and at daylight, when within 4 miles of Cane Hill, halted to feed. While feed- ing (with bridles off and girths loosened), a cavalry troop (part ot the Eighth Missouri Cav ivy) passed through the lane in which we were fi~ediug. When nearly throngh they were assailed~ by a volley of small- arms, fired by an unseen foe (concealed by thick underbrush and corn- fields), which threw them into great disorder, they retreating through our column, causing great confusion. Major Bredett at this juncture behaved with great coolness and bravery, using his utmost exertion to rally and form the men. The line was twice formed, but the enemy pouring in heavy volleys on our front, left, and rear, the retreat was sounded. As it afterward appeared, the detachment was surrounded by the entire brigade of the rebel General [Colonel] Emmett MacDonald, supported by a battery, getting into position to open on us when the retreat was sounded. The command, after getting out of the lane, ye- treated in every direction, quite a number running into the rebel lines, being killed or captured. Among the m~sing I mention with deep sorrow the name of Major [E.] Bredett; and among the killed Capt. William McKee, who lost his life while gallantly trying to cut his way out. When fairly outside the rebel lines, the command was again collected and marched to the battle- held, and reported to Adjutant-General Chandler, who assigned it to duty as support to the Peoria battery, posted under his direction. The command remained on the field during the entire engagement, sup- porting the above-named battery. I inclose report of First Lieutenant [L.] Bunner, who, with his com- pany, formed the advance guard ~nd was cut off from the detachment. 1 also inclose a list of the losses sustained by the S veuth Missouri Cavalry.* Very respectfully, your obedient servant. M. H. BRAWNE1~, Captain Company A, Seventh Missouri Volunteer Cavalry. Col. JOHN U-. CLARK, Comdg. 1st Brig., 2d Div., Army of the Frontier. No. 19. Report of Lieut. Lafabette Bunner, Seventh ]Ilissouri Cavalry. CAMP ON THE BATTLIThFJI LD, - Prairie Grove, Ark., December 9, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that, on the morning of the 7th in- stant, Company M, Seventh Cavalry Missouri Volunteers, was ordered * Embodied in revised statement, p. 85. 8 i~ RVOL XXII, ~T Page 114 114 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W~ [CHAP. XXXIV. to the front as advance guard to the regiment, then marching toward Cane Hill. Just after daylight, and when about 5 miles from Cane Hill, I ordered a halt, the regiment appearing to have done the same about three-fourths of a mile to my rear. After waiting a reasonable time for the regiment to come up, and hearing several pistol reports, I moved back, with the main guards, supposing you were feeding and prepar. ing to breakfast. Upon nearing the place where I supposed the regi- ment to be, I discovered a body of mounted men, the most of whom were clothed in Federal uniforms, and a majority wearing the regula. tion overcoat, in line directly in my front. I moved up and discovered they were strangers, but, taking them to be the First Arkansas Cay. airy, approached to within 50 paces of their line, when they opened fire on me. I cried out, Cease firing; we are friends. They fired more vigorously. I continued crying to cease until a body of infantry ap- pearing, convinced me I was not among friends, but confronted by a body of rebels. I then withdrew, surprised to find an enemy instead of friends, who, events have shown, came in between me and my regi- ment (which had halted farther back) through a by-way, and was re- ported to me by my orderly, just before passing that point, as my own regiment, distant 200 yards from my rear. In the hope of being able to force my way through and rejoin my regiment, I advanced and engaged them; but learning from men of my command, whom I had placed as lookouts on the mountains, they were trying to outflank and surround me, I drew off with a loss of 1 man severely wounded, and 1 horse killed and 4 disabled. I next desired ~ ascertain their strength. With this view, I divided my command into squads, dispersed them right and left, with orders to advance cautiously, glean what they could of the enemys strength, and report. Ascertaining they numbered several hundred, I imme- diately dispatched a messenger with this intelligence to General Blunt. Learning afterward they were in force with artillery, I reported with my command to General Blunt. I then joined a force of General Blunts command, proceeding to iRheas Mills. While on the way, hear- ing fighting at this point, I left them, hastened hither, and placed my- self and company under command of Major Rich, commanding a bat- talion of the Eighth Cavalry Missouri Volunteers, and remained on the field until the close of the action, sustaining some loss. I am, very respectfully, your Qbedient servant, lAFAYETTE BUNKER, First Lieut. Seventh Gay. Missouri lTols., Gomdg. Company M. Capt. M. II. BRAWNER, Seventh Cavalry Missouri Volunteers, Comdg. Regiment. No. 20. Report of Gol. William MoE. Dye, Twentieth Iowa Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. IIDQRS. 2D BRIG., 2D Div., ARMY OF TILE FRONTIER, Battle-field of Prairie Grove, Ark., December 10, 1862. SIR: In obedience to the circular from division headquarters, dated on the 8th instant, I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this brigade in the engagement of the 7th instant: The brigade is composed of the Thirty.seventh illinois Infantry, unde Page 115 CHAP. XXXIV.] BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 115 command of Lieut. Col. [John] Charles Black; Twentieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, under command of Lient. Col. J. B. Leake; Second Battalion, Sixth Missouri Cavalry, under Maj. Samuel Montgomery, and Battery F, First Missouri Volunteer Light Artillery, under command of Capt. David Murphy. The brigade moved by forced marches for about eighty consecutive hours, during the last thirty-one of which it passed a distance of about 52 miles. On the day of the battle there were absent from the brigade two companies of cavalry, en route to joiu General Bluntone company at Springfield and the other company guarding the train, with orders to force up all straggleL~s lounging around it; also one company from each of the infantry regiments guarding the train, in addition to the old guard of 100 infantry, who were a part of the train guard. This, with the sick and stragglers, diminished the brigade to a total fighting three of 044, and aggregate, 694, infantry; Maj. Samuel Montgomery, of the Sixth Missouri Cavalry (stripped necessarily of his companies one by one), and Battery F. The Second Brigade was directed to take a position on the extreme right. Captain Murphys battery occupied the most commanding posi- tion in the vicinity. Three guus, under the command of Licut. John [L.J Mattlmaci, occupied the right, and three gang, under the immediate com~ mand of Lieut. James Marr, occupied the left, of the line; the first sup- ported by the Thirty-seventh and the second by the Twentieth, both regiments being well under cover; the former with a defensive crotchet of two companies on the right flank to prevent a surprise, & c., horn that direction through the thicket; the latter, with a small detachment thrown to the right and rear, to assist in securing the brigade from sur- prise. At 1.30 p. in., Lieutenant Marr, seconded by Lieutenant Matthaei, opened our side of the contest, and elicited a spirited reply. After about three-fourths of an hours remarkable artillery practice, during which time new rebel batteries were being constantly exposed, only to be silenced, the Thirty-seventh Illinois debouched, and, in battle-line, to the music of their own voices, moved to an advanced position, far in front of its battery. About fifteen minutes afterward, Lieutenant Marrs artillery, with its support, was directed to advance to a certain position. In doing so we found it necessary, as the battery to our left was moving, to take position to its right, from which the battery opened on a rebel one within 300 yards (which was being brought into position in the road near the white house), and, by a few well-directed shots, prevented its opening upon us. What remained of the battery moved to its left under - cover (white house), which necessitated the moving of ours to a new positidn to the right. While doing this, the general commanding ordered the battery to re- turn to a position near that of the half battery under Lieutenant Mat- thaei. The Twentieth being a new regiment under fire, and without orders to return with the battery, I assisted it into a position from which it could assume the offensive or defensive at pleasure, making its move- ments secondary to those of other parts of the line. This regiment, instead of the Thirty-seventh, now occupied the extreme right of the advanced position. My special attention was from this time forward directed to the move- ments of this regiment, remaining at times with it, and then in a position lroiii which I could see and make its movements conform to those of the in famitry on us left. Under a sharp fire the regiment in gallant styl Page 116 116 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. (CHAP. XXXIV. threatened a strong position of the enemy, and, when commanded, retired with the order of old soldiers. It continued from this position to annoy the enemy with remarkable effect, by assaulting and retiring, until the appearance of a large body of advancing men on our right, when it re- tired to a more defensible position to cover the flank. From this point I (lispatched messengers to learn what forces were moving toward us, and learned that it was General Blunts advance. This information I immediately communicated to the commanding gen- eral (ilerron). I also sent General Blunt what information was neces-. sary as to our position. The firing, which, previous to his appearance, was waging severe on the left, in which the Thirty-seventh was engaged, now began to wane. The enemy, who evidently had endeavored to over- power our left before his arrival, now was massing his forces against General Blunts. I immediately sent General Blunt word, as we were near him, and there appeared at the time nothing else to do, that the Twentieth would move in conjunction with his forces. By a stoutly contested fight the forces advanced to the crest of the hill (with the assistance of General Blunts well-directed artillery), and maintained this corner-stone to the enemys position until he under cover of a feint of moving one regi- ment against our left, had withdi~awn his forces from there and thrown them in overwhelming numbers against us. The fire was galling. Gen- eral Blunts Indians commenced retiring, and I directed the Twentieth to retire gradually and take a covered position under the hill. In doing so, General Blunts artillery, from as yet an unopened battery, com- meuced, as he informed me he would do, to deal destruction into the ranks of the advancing foe, and, under the immediate surpervision of General Herron, Murphys battery soon opened on the same spot. The Twentieth continued its fire against this force as long as there was an enemy within sight, and then, under the fatigues of the day, retired to rest on arms. Some firing continned on General Blunts extreme right for a short time after this, and night then dropped a veil over the bloody scene, At the commencement of the battle, the Thirty-seventh Illinois ad- vanced without order from or through me. The brigade was entirely broken up by orders, which never reached us, and the parts sent to widely separated portions on the field. Finding that orders were constantly being sent directly to officers nuder my command, I soon abandoned all hope of harmonizing the movements of the brigade, as such, with those of other bodies, and de- voted the greater part of my attention to the movements of the Twentieth Iowa. For these reasons I must respectfully refer to the reports of junior commanders for information as to the conduct of their respective coin- mands, where not immediately under my eyes, and also for details. The Thirty-seventh Illinois, as will be seen by Major [II. N.] Frisbies report, claims to have captured and spiked a battery of three guns; to have captured one regimental color from the enemy, and to have carried within our lines the regimental flag of the Twentieth Wisconsin, which had been left on the field. There were many guns, & c., picked up, but as yet I have not re- ceived a list of the property, all of which I directed to be turned over to the quartermaster. Although the troops of the brigade did, at least, their part in the charges on the left, as well as on the right, with General Blunt, ye Page 117 I3ATTLE OFPRAmtI~l GROVE, ARIt. they did not suffer as severely as some others. They moved with regu- larity amid danger. The brigade lost The rej)ort of Major Montgomery, Sixth Missouri Cavalry, is inclosed. The loss of his battalion was, before the general engagement, when en route to join General Blunt: Prisoners: Commissioned officers, 2; non- commissioned officers, 4; privates, 16 (the 10 officers having since been paroled). Missing: Privates, 8. Wounded: Privates, 1. Before closing this report, I should, as a duty, publish the recreant. I am delighted to say that I found none on the field. However much the hot contest of musketry tends to confuse the ideas, every mans mind appeared to be open Pzw the reception and execution of orders. The very keystone to discipline and success was exhibited in the midst of thickening danger to an extent few new troops could hope to rival and none to excel. Lieut Col. [John] Charles Black, Thirty-seventh Illinois, with the ardor of youth and the discretion of riper years, gallantly moved his regiment nnder heavy fire with perfect order, and continued in command after being severely wounded, nntil, exhausted by suffering, he was obliged to turn the regiment over to Maj. H. N. Frisbie, who, by his skill and coolness, gained for himself and regiment a reputation worthy of the State from which he hails. Lieut. Col. J. B. Leake, of the Twentieth Iowa, with unsurpassing bravery, moved his regiment in advance and retreat with a confidence an(i devotion trnly to be admired. Major [XV. G.] Thompson, with the enthusiasm of one devoted to his regiment and cause, continued by his brave example to encourage the men, nritil, near the close, with re- markable thoughtfulness, under severe sulThring, he reported personally to me that he regretted to leave the field. Under such officers the Twentieth Iowa more than sustained the reputation of the State. To Captain Murphys battery, reared under his strict but just disci- pline, we are particularly indebted as an army. His characteristic con- centration to duty has, in his battery, made for him a reputation of which all might be proud. The equanimity of Lieutenant Marr and careful attention of Lieutenant Matthaei are qualities possessed in such a degree by them that they can be discovered on the battle-field, even among the ruins of the enemys artillery. Lieut. C. S. Lake, acting assistant adjutant-general, and orderlies did important and dangerous service, with perfect satisfaction to myself and to those to whom they carried and deliveied the orders. It required heroism in Major Montgomery and the officers and soldiers of the train to remain complacently (but necessarily) inactive while the battle was raging. In the accompanying reports will be found the names of those men- tioned for good conduct. Our men behaved so well that it required but ordinary exertions on the part of officers to be successful. The fortu- nate have our congratulations, the wounded our sympathy, and the fallen our envy. 1 am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. MeE. DYE, Colonel, Gommanding Brigade. Lient. J. G. CHANDLER, Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., k5e~ond Div., Army of the Frontier. * Embodied in revised statement, p. ~5 Page 118 Ag MO., AR1~., I~ANS., IND. P., AND DEPT. N.W~ [CHAP~XX No. 21. Report of Lieut. Got. John Charles Black, Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry. IIDQRS. THIRTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS VOL. JNFAIITRY, Fayetteville, Ark., December 10, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor of submitting the following report of the marches of the Thirty-seventh Illinois prior to the late engagement, and also of the part borne by the regiment in the battle of Prairie Grove: On December 4, at 3 a. in., we marched from Camp Lyon, near Crane Creek, some 25 miles south of Springfield, and encamped on Flat Creek at 4 p. in., having made 20 miles. Reveille was ordered at 2 a. in., and the regiment marched at 4 a. December 5, passing through Cassville and Keytesville to within 3 miles of the Arkansas line, making 23 miles. We started the next morning (December 6) at 5 oclock, and marched to Cross Hollow, 28 miles, by 1.30 p. m. Resting nntil 12 midnight, we started for Fayetteville, Ark., distant 16 miles, and arrived there at sunrise December 7. A halt of one and a half hours was ordered, to get breakfast and snatch a few moments of much-needed sleep. We were speedily aroused by the cannon of General Herrons advance, skirmishing with the enemy, some 12 miles in advance. Moving rapidly forward, we reached the Illinois Creek, and, crossing it, took position on the battle-field of Prairie Grove at 12 m. of December 7, having made the tremendous march of 66 miles in thirty-six hours, after marching 43 miles in the two preceding days. By your order, I took post on the extreme right, supporting half of Captain Murphys battery (F, First Missouri Light Artillery), moving up nuder cover of a dense chaparral until abreast of our position, and then advancing to the edge of the brush, by the left flank, in line of battle. A halt was ordered and the men ordered to lie down. In five minutes the ball was opened by the artillery on either side, and a fierce cannonade was kept up for an hour. So completely were the men ex- hausted that I saw them sleeping quietly around, paying no heed to the fierce missiles. At the end of an hour we were ordered to advance into the open field. A cheer was given, and we moved out a short distance, and remained stationary for some fifteen minutes, when I was ordered by Colonel fluston, commanding the Second Division, to advance the regiment down the slope to the support of the batteries of the Third Division. Scarcely had this position been reached before Colonel iluston again ordered our advance against the hill, on which the center of the enemy was posted in unknown strength, and from which two regiments had just been driven with heavy loss. Throwing out Company A OIL the right and Company I on the front and left, as skirmishers, I ordered a charge up the hill. It was executed in fine style, the men advancing steadily and swiftly up to the edge. The firing of the skirmishers in front announced the enemy close at hand. Clearing the edge, we stood face to face with them, their numbers overwhelming (5,000 or 6,000 strong, as it was subsequently proved), one column moving by left-oblique upon our left and the right of the Twenty-sixth Indiana, another mov- ing direct upon our right. They movcl in column en masse, with guns at a ready. The firing began first upon the left, and in a few minutes was general along the entire line. But, pressed by overwhelming num- bers, the right of the Twenty-sixth gave way after most gallantly con- testing the ground. My skirmishers about the same time reported th Page 119 ChAP. XXX~Vi I~ATTtE OP PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 119 enemys artillery postedon our right. Thus overwhelmed, the only hope from annihilation was the bayonet or retreat. The bayonet could not be used; directly in front of us was a rail fence, and it could not have been passed and we reformed before the enemy would have been npon us; so, reluctantly, I ordered a retreat. Not a man had moved from his post till that order. Falling back some 300 yards, they reformed in the rear of the batteries. In this charge and retreat, Captain [G. H.] Bell, of Company 0-, was wounded, doing splendid duty with his men. Lieutenant [F. J.] Abbey, Company I, and Lieutenant [N. B.] Hicks, Company K, were taken pris- oners, they not receiving the order to retreat until too late to execute it. I was too seriously wounded to retain the command, and so, turning it over to Major [II. N.] Frisbie, I left the field; not, however, until the re~iment was reformed and had again commenced its fire. I refer you to Major Frisbie for a continuation of this report. To ALjor Frisbie arid Adjutant Bandy my thanks are due for the calm, fe~rlss manner in which they conveyed and executed my commands. All officers and men stood nobly at their posts. The hand of death has snatched a brave, true man from our midstLieutenant Johnson, Company D, who fell, mortally wounded, at a subsequent movement of the fight. I sorrow for him, and beg leave to pay the last tribute I can to a soldier and a frienda word of praise and a tear of mingled pride and sorrow for his gallant death. All who fell, fell nobly. Those who serve on, may envy their fate. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, [JUIIN] CHAS. BLACK, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Thirty-seventh Illinois. Col. W. MeE. DYE, 20th iowa Vols., Comdg. 24 Brig., 2d Div., Army of the Frontier. No. 22. Report of Lieut. Frederick J. Abbey, Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry. BATTLE.FIELD, PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK., December 10, 1862. MAJOR: In compliance with your direction, 1 have to report that on the advance of the regiment to the foot of the hill, which we stormed, and the throwing out of Company I as skirmishers, I took my position on the left of the line, when the regiment fell back. As we reached the fence, and at the same time heard the cry to halt, I lay where I was, supposing the regiment had halted, and under cover of the fence. On discovering that the regiment had fallen still farther back, I saw it was impossible for me to follow. I then emptied my revolver at them and loaded again. At that time I was surrounded, and, presenting my pis- tol, demanded protection, which was guaranteed me, and themi I surren- dered. I was hurried to the rear and paroled the camp for the night. I was paroled the next morning until exchanged. Pledged secrecy as to all I saw and learned of their strength and position. FRED. J. ABBEY, First Lieutenant,. Gompany I, Thirty-seventh Regiment. Maj. II. N. FRISBIE, Commanding Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry. P. S.I surrendered my sword, belt, and revolver, which they did not return Page 120 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. fOHAP. X~X1?V. 120 Xo. 23. Report of Licut. Gol. Joseph B. Leake, Twentieth Iowa Infantry: IIDQRS. TWENTIETH REGT. IOWA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Camp at Prairie Grove, Ark., Jifecember 9, 1862. I have the honor to report the part taken by the Twentieth Regiment of Iowa Infantry in the battle of Prairie Grove, fought on the 7th in- stant. I think it necessary, in order to have full justice done to the regiment, to state by what marches it arrived upon the field. On the morning of iDeceinber 4, at 4 oclock, we left Camp Lyon, 22 miles from Springfield, Mo., on the road to Cassville, and marched to the Three Widows, 12 miles from Cassville, and on the following day we moved at 5 a. in., and marched through Cassville and Keytesville to camp, 2 miles from Keytesville. On the morning of the 6th instant we moved at 5 oclock, and, passing Elkhorn and Sugar Creek, arrived at Cross Hollow about 5 p. in. Biv- ouacked till 10 oclock, and again commenced the march. Marched all night. Passed through Fayetteville, and halted for breakfast about 1 mile beyond. After remaining one hour, we marched on rapidly until we arrived upon the field of battle, about 12 m. of the 7th instant, thus having marched a distance of 100 miles in eighty consecutive hours, the last 57 miles of which we passed over in thirty-one consecutive hours. Very many of my command marched with shoes so much worn that their feet were on the ground, and were badly bruised aud cut up by the stony roads. A few had been supplied with boots at Camp Lyon, which fitted them so illy that their feet became much blistered and. inflamed by the continuous marching. A few of these last mentioned carried their boots and marched in their bare feet tothe scene of action. Under these circumstances we went into the engagement with only 270 enlisted men and 23 officers. I neglected to mention, however, that before moving from our halting-place near Fayetteville, having learned of the capture of a portion of the train of the First Arkansas Cavalry a few miles beyond, I was ordered to detail a company, under a reliable offleer, to protect our train, for which duty I assigned Com- pany B, under the command of Captain [E.] Coulter, so that Company B was deprived the privilege of being prescut at the enga~ement, except 3, who joined other companies. Pursuant to orders, the regiment was diawn np in line of battle in an open field to the right of the road, a short distance from the creek, and 50 yards in the rear of the Thirty-seventh Illinois. After remaining in this position a few minutes, we moved forward by the right flank, fol- lowing the Thirty-seventh Illinois, wading the creek, and formed in line of battle in the rear of and supporting three picces of Battery F, First Missouri Light Artillery, and under shelter of the hill upon which the battery was in position. Immediately after forming in line. I was ordered to throw out a party of skirmishers to protect our right flank and rear from surprise, for which service I detailed 20 men of Company A, under the command of First Lieutenant [C. L.] Drake, of that company. At or near 2 p. in. the battery was moved forward, and we moved for- ward in line of battle to the middle of the field on the right of the main road and in front of the white house, on the road to the top of the hill. By order of Colonel Dye, I immediately moved the regiment to the right, into the adjoining field and in front of the orchard, to check a movement of the enemy on our right flank. Here we were exposed to the fire of the enemy for a short time, which we returned, advancing a short dis Page 121 eHAP. XXXIV~J RATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 1~t tance toward them. At this time a force appeared on our right, advanc- ing down the valley. I was ordered to fall back behind th~ fence in our rear, which was executed in good order, nnder fire. II then threw out Companies A and F, under the command of Captains [E. Th] Bates and [N. A.] llnbbard,,from the right wing, as skirmishers. Shortly after, a cavalry force appeared upon our right and rear. The skirmishers were directed to assemble on the battalion, and, by order of Colonel Dye, I changed front toward the force approaching, which was done in good order in the rear of the fence running perpendicular to the one from which we moved. It having been ascertained that the forces approaching were re-enforcements, under command of General Blunt, I was directed and did immediately move the regiment to the position behind the fence from which we had changed our front. Gen- eral Blnnt havii~g taken position on our right in the middle of the field, I was ordered to move forward in support of his Indians. Skirmishing, I moved forward in line of battle rapidly across the field, obliquing to the left, across the orchard fence, at the foot of the hill; drove the ene- mys skirmishers through the orchard, and advanced beyond the fence, through the wood, a short distance. The left wing being more severely engaged, the right had passed farther in advance, through the wood, where some of the Indians came running back through the wood to the right, gesticulating violently and pointing toward the direction whence they came. At this moment an officer shouted to me that we were firing on friends. I gave the order to cease firing, and rode toward the left, fearing that the troops on our left might have ascended the hill and advanced to our front, when I saw directly in front of us a mass of troops moving down upon us. At almost the same instant they fired a volley, under which the left wing recoiled to nearly the orchard fence, where they promptly rallied at my command and renewed the firing with great rapidity and, I think,effect. At this moment I received orders to retire behind the fence at the foot of the hill, and hold it, which movement was promptly executed by the regiment in good order, climbing the fence under a galling fire and lying down nuder it, continuing the fire between the fence-rails. The moment we crossed the fence the orchard was shelled by the bat- tery of General Blunts forces on the right, in the field, and that under command of Captain Murphy and Lieutenant Marr, in position at the point from which we entered the action, from the combined efforts of which, and our own firing, the enemy were driven from the orchard. They remained in large force about the house and stone wall, firing from under their protection upon our extreme left wing. It was here our heaviest loss occurred. As soon as the enemy were driven from the orchard, I was ordered to retire in good order from the fence and form in the middle of the field. As we commenced to retire, Major.Thompson was wounded, and the left wing, not receiving the order promptly, remained a little too long, and retired precipitately nearly to the fence from which we advanced. I rode down, and at the command they returned and formed at the place designated. In the mean time the right wing, being much exposed, had moved into the adjoining field, nnder the protection of the battery on the right, and at this time, receivin~ the order to retire to the fence again, I formed the line behind the fence, in rear of the battery, and moved by the left flank along it to our original position. This ended our active participa- tion in the contest. We remained on our arms at the fence during the night, and th Page 122 122 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., ANfl DEPT. N. W. (CHM. Zx~rV. next morning before daylight I formed the line of battle and awaited the renewal of the action. After daylight, seeing no movement of the enemy in front, I ordered arms to be stacked, and awaited further orders. The enemy had fled, and the battle was over. Our loss in killed was 1 commissioned officer and 8 enlisted men; wounded, 5 commissioned officers and 35 enlisted men, a list of whom is herewith transmitted.* The men acted throughout the action bravely and with entire self- possession, retiring under fire repeatedly, and rallying with the utmost promptness at the word of command. I do not think there was a moment when they were not under control of their officers. I would be glad to mention instances of personal heroism which passed nuder my own notice, but, when all acted with equal bravery, I fear 1 would injure others by merely noticing those which happened to pass under my own eyes. Of the conduct of the officers of companies, I can only say that it was all that could be expected or hoped for from men who were gallantly offering up their lives in a cause in which their whole hearts were engaged. I was assisted iu the discharge of my duties as commander of the regi- ment by Major Thompson, who, although exposed to the hottest of the fire on the left wing, conducted himself with great gallantry and self- possession, and who, fortunately for the regiment, was not wounded until near the close of the actiou, and, though suffering great pain, did not leave the field nutil the command was safely withdrawn from under the fire of the enemy. The conduct of the chaplain, Rev. U. Eberhart, de- serves particular mention for his activity and zeal in assisting iu the removal of the wounded from the field, and his unremitting attention to their wants in the hospitals. I would do great injustice to a gallant officer did I forbear to most highly commend the conduct of Lieut. J. C. MeClelland, the acting adjutant, who assisted me on horseback during the entire engagement. Permit me to remark, in closing, that I consider the regiment much indebted for their escape with so little loss from the orchard to the prompt and intelligible manner in which the timely orders of Colonel Dye, commanding 1~rigade, were transmitted to me, at the most immi- nent risk of life, by yourself and James W. Cliff, and Thomas H. Hen- derson, Sixth Missouri Cavalry, acting under your direction. I remain, most respectfully, & c., J. B. LEAKE, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Twentieth Iowa. Lieut. C. S. LAKR, Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig., 2d Div., Army of the Frontier. No. 24. Report -of Maj. Samuel ]Jiiontgomery, Sixth Missouri Cavalry. HDQRS. SECOND BATT. SIXTh MISSOURI CAY. VOLS., [December , 1862.] SIR: I beg leave respectfully to make the following report of the operations of the battalion under my command from the 6th instant to the present time, and incidents and casualties, so far as known: I was ordered to detail two of my squadrons, on the 6th instant, to * Embodied in revised statement, p. 85 Page 123 Citir. xxxrvi flATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. report to the officer commanding the Seventh Missouri Cavalry. Com- panies A and L reported immediately to that officer, and moved rapidly in the direction of Cane Hill. When about 2 miles from this camp they were surrounded by an overwhelming force of cavalry, while feeding, about daylight on the 7th instant. All of the two squadrons effected their escape, except 29 non-commissioned officers and privates, together with Capt. John H. Paynter and Lieutenant Stockstill, of Company A. Twenty of the enlisted men are known.to have been captured. The re- maining 9 are supposed to be killed or wounded. Captain Paynter and Lieutenant Stockstill have since been paroled, and have returned to camp. Company D, the only remaining company of my command during this time, was on duty as rear guard. Of the captured and missing men, Company A lost SAML. MONTGOMERY, Mc0or, Commanding Battalion. Lieut. C. S. LAKE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig., 2d Div., Army of the Frontier. No. 25. Report of Capt. David Murphy, Battery F, First Missouri Light Artillery. BATTLE-FIELD, December 8, 1862. COLONEL: I have th~ honor to report that, on the morning of the 7th instant, hearing cannonading to the front, I ordered cannoneers to take equipments and prepare for action. About 12.30 p. m. I received orders from Colonel Huston, commanding Second Division, to move to the front of the brigade with my battery, and take position on the right of the division. After a brief consultation, it was decided to place the right half battery there, and I was allowed to move the left half battery 400 yards to the right, upon a more commanding position. As soon as every- thing was in readiness, I was ordered to open the attack. The~order was anticipated, however, by the enemy; they being in position, fired a blank cartridge for the purpose of finding the strength and position of our artillery. Lieutenant [J.] Marr, nuder your immediate supervi- sion, replied with the right half battery. This was the signal agreed upon by General Herron, commanding, and was responded to nobly by every piece in our lines. Leaving Lieutenant [J. L.] Matthaei in charge of the left half battery, and seeing that both chiefs were sustaining their well-earned reputation as artillerists, I rode down to the left of the line, and found Captain [J.] Foust, commanding Company B, Captain [F.] Backof, commanding Company L, First Missouri Light Artillery, and Lieutenant [II.] Borris, commanding section Peoria Light Artillery, hard at work, advancing with their respective batteries to the attack. Anx- ious to come to close quarters with my battery, I rode back to the right and met you advancing with Lieutenant Marrs half battery,-which took position within 300 yards of a rebel battery. The fire was so well directed that the enemy retired, minus caissons, horses, and one piece disabled. Lieutenant Marr was ordered to return, and form on the right of Lieu- tenant Matthaei, who had, from his commanding position, a fine oppor- tunity of testing the qualities of our rifled cannon. My battery was now together, and it was truly a gratifying sight to Nominal list omitted. See p. 85. 12 Page 124 124 MO~, ARIt, ItANS., tNfl. T., ANP t~EPT. N. W. IYJHAP. XxXtV. me to witness the magnificent practice of my officers and men. Wher- ever a rebel battery disclosed its position, my gunners directed their fire upon it; and I am proud to say that one or two rounds from each piece was sufficient to cause the enemy to limber to the rear and ske- daddle. When the infantry were repulsed, I directed my fire over their heads into the pursuing enemy. The enemy were checked. The battle had now been raging fiercely for three hours, when a bat. tery was discovered upon our right flank, blazing away like fury. I ordered the right half battery to change front forward on the right piece, and was teady to give the new comer a warm reception, when an orderly arrived and reported General Blunt on our right. This, of course, saved ns the necessity of opening on our new friend. My fire was now directed, under the immediate supervision of Gen- eral ilerron, upon new formations of the enemy, who were endeavoring to make a demonstration upon our left. Their flag was soon shot down, and I ceased firing, not wishing to waste ammunition. This was at 4.30 p. m. In three hours and a halt; 450 percussion shells were sent screech- ing into the enemys lines, and 60 solid shot from my battery. I am satisfied that there is somebody hart. Let those who witnessed the skill and coolness of my officers and men sound their praise. I for- bear. Suffice it to say, however, that I am proud of them; proud of my regiment, and proud to claim that I belong to the Second Division, Army of the Frontier. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID MURPHY, Captain Company F, First Missouri Light Artillery. C. S. LAKE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig., 2d Div., Army of the Frontier. No. 26. Report of 6~ol. Dudley Wicicersham, Tenth Jillinois Gavairy, commanding First Brigade, Third Division. llDQns. FIRST BRIG., THIRD Div., AR1uY OF TIlE FRONTIER, In Camp at Prairie Grove. December 8, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to Brigadier- General Herrons orders, received at Sugar Creek on the morning of the 7th [6th] instant, I reached your command at Cane Hill at 9 p. m. that evening, after a very fatiguing march of 50 miles, my men weary and horses jaded and worn out from the long, rapid, and contiunous marching of the previous three days. Later that evening my command received provisions and forage enough to satisfy their needy wants, through the kindly offices of Colonel Weer, to whom, through you, I beg to return my grateful acknowledgments. Next morning [December 7], as ordered, my command was formed in line of battle in the field east and adjacent to the old camping ground of the rebels at Cane Hill, and from thence, as ordered, I marched it to I{heas Mills, being first re-enforced by the Ninth Kansas Cavalry and a section of howitzers from the Third Wisconsin Cavalry, both under the immediate command of Colonel Lynde, where, about noon, your order directing me to open commnunicatbn and efi~et a junction with the forces under Brig. Gen. F. J. Ilerron, then supposed to be enga~ing the enemy sQmewhere between Fayetteville and Cane liii, was received Page 125 C~ip. XXXIV.I BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 125 In conformity thereto, I proceeded with my command on the old Fay- etteville road, in the order hereinafter mentioned, consisting of two battalions First Iowa Cavalry, Col. James 0. Gower, commanding; two battalions Tenth illinois Cavalry, and their two sections 2-pounder steel howitzers, Lieut. Col. James Stuart commanding; two squadrons First Battalion Second Wisconsin~ Gavalry, Maj. William II. Miller command- ing, and abont 400 of the Eighth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, Colonel [W. F.] Geiger commanding. When it had reached a point just as you enter the woods, the prairie stretching out to the left and front, and about three-fourths of a mile from the point of intersection of this road and the Cahe Hill road, my advance fired into some 30 of the enemys pickets, who fled and disappeared in the woods without returning the fire. I then deployed skirmishers into the woods from the front, and detailed an additional squadron from the First Iowa Cavalry as advance guard. When the advance guard reached Marrs house, say one-half mile from the attack just mentioned, it received a heavy fire from the enemy, who were posted there in force, forming their left wing, luckily injuring but one man, whose name will be found at the close of this report. My com- mand closed up rapidly to the aid of the advance, and formed in close column of squadrons. The firing by this time became general between the advance, supported by another squadron of the First Iowa Cavalry, and the enemy. At this juncture a section of the 2-pounder howitzers was ordered to their support; ere they arrived,~ their movements being characterized with no delay, the enemy had fallen back some 150 yards. The howitzers proceeded some 100 yards down the road in advance of my forces, an(l there received a terrible fire from the enemy, wonnding Corpl. Levi Cassity, of Company B, Tenth Illinois Cavalry, destroying one of his arms, and Private E. McCarty, of Company G, of same regi- ment, both belonging to the front gun, the former in command thereof. Corporal Cassitys horse was killed, and both of the hcrses attached to the gun wounded. The others, beholding this, fell back with the remain- ing gun to the head of the column, then at Marrs house, and opened into the enemys ranks with several rounds of canister, killing 30 men. Finding at this time that our infantry was hotly engaging the enemy from a position a short distance in my front, from an open meadow ad- jacent to a corn-field on my left, I left with my command to support them; when, just before reaching them, I received your order to give way to the left, to permit your battery to come to their relief, and your fur- ther order to support said battery. Just prior to these changes, Lieutenant (name unable to learn), with 20 men from Companies L and M, First Jowa Cavalry, volunteered to rescue the missing guna perilous task, speedily and meritoriously accomplished. The enemy had not taken it from the field, having been driven back immediately, subsequent to delivering their fire upon it, by the galling fire of my howitzer. Here an individual act of heroism be- came known, and is worthy of mention, namely, Corporal Cassity was still with the gun, having refused to desert it. After the formation in the field, my command met with no further attacks, and, in accordance with your orders, received after a general engagement had commenced between your battery, sustained by your infantry, and the enemys forces, fell back 1~ miles on the road toward ltheas Mills; and, still later, by your orders, formed a part of the escort to Fayetteville of the commissary and baggage trains of your command, the rear thereof reaching that place on the evening of the 8th instant1 1 then reported with my command to Brig. Gen. F. J. Herron, find- ing you were beyond him Page 126 126 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [Cni~. XXXIY. Let me remark, in concluding, that the troops of my command are deserving of mention for the cool, unflinching spirit they evinced dur- ing the attack upon them. Not a man wavered, and during the short suspension of firing, intervening after the general attack on myfront, when all was suspense and uncertainty, their bearing was soldierly in every regard. Inclosed I beg you to find a recapitulatiGn of the casualties. I have the honor to remain, general, with every consideration of re- spect, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. WICKERSIIAM, Colonel, Commanding Cavalry Brigade, Army of the Frontier. Brig. Gen. JAMES G. BLUNT, Commanding Army of the Frontier. Ko. 27. Report of Cal. James 0. Gower, First Iowa Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS FIRST IOWA CAVALRY, Gamp, Prairie Grove, Washington Go., Ark., December 10,1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, at 6 oclock on the morn- ing of the 6th instant, in obedience to orders, with the First and Third Battalions of the First Iowa Cavalry, comprising an available force of 500 men, Lieutenant-Colonel [P. G.] Bryan, with the Second Battalion, being detailed as rear guard for the wagon train of the Third Division, I moved from camp on Sugar Creek, Benton County, Arkansas, and, after marching eighteen consecutive hours, reached the headquarters of Brigadier-General Blunt, at Cane Hill, near Boonsborough, Washington County, Arkansas, at 12 oclock an the night of the 6th instant. On the moining of the 7th instant, I marched with my command to iRheas Mills, 8 miles, thence south 5 miles, to Prairie Grove, as advance guard for General Blunts division, and encountered the enemy at 2.30 p. in., posted in the timber. Squadrons L and M, being in advance, were fired upon, but no one injured. Lieut. B. M. Reynolds, with 20 men from Company A, being thrown out as skirmishers, were fired upon by the enemy, and one man of Company A, Private William II. Fortune, severely wounded in the right shoulder, this being the only casualty to the regiment. The several squadrons being formed in line of battle in the timber, maintained their .position for one honr against the continual fire of the enemy, during which time Lieutenant [J. M.] Simeral, of Company L, with 20 men, retook from the enemy one howitzer, lost by the Tenth Illinois Cavalry. Upon the arrival of General Blunts division, at 4p. in., I was ordered to the support of Captain Rabbs battery, and moved my command east- wardly to a large corn-field near the battery, where I remained until 5 p. in., when, by orders, I moved 1~- miles on the road to Rheas Mills, and took position, standing to horse until daylight of the 8th instant, when, in obedience to orders, I moved my command northwardly 4 miles, and accompanied, as rear guard, the wagon train of General Blunts division to a camp 1~ miles west of Fayetteville, where I remained until Embodied in revised stntement, ~p. 85, 86 Page 127 CHAP. XXXIV.] BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 127 daylight on the morning of the 9th instant, when, as advance guard to the same train of wagons, I marched to iRheas Mills, thence south 7 miles, to the present camp. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES 0. GOWER Colonel First Iowa Cavalry. Capt. WILLIAM HYDE CLARK, Asst~ Adjt. Gen., Third Division, Army of the Frontier. No. 28. Report of Maj. William IL Miller, Second Wisconsin Cavalry. HDQRS. FIRST BATTALION, SEOOND Wiscowsu~ CAVALRY, Camp of Prairie Grove, Ark., December 9, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report, pursuant to orders received from Colonel Wickersham, commanding First Bri- gade, Third Division, to which brigade my command was attached. We marched from Camp Curtis, near Wilsons Creek, on the 3d of December at 12 in.; encamped for the night on Crane Creek, resuming our march next morning (December 4), arriving and encamping for the night on Crane Creek, near Cassville. December 5, we marched to Sugar Creek. December 6, with the cavalry of the brigade in advance, made a forced march, separating ourselves from balance of the division; reached Cane Hill; joined General Blunts forces at 11 p. m. Sunday, December 7. at daylight, we were ordered to a position on the field, makin gafewslight preparations for battle, and remaining until 9 a. in., when we were or- dered forward on the road leading in direction of Fayetteville. We marched until 1 p. in., and halted at Rheas Mills~ At 1.30 we marched to the battle-field, arriving and taking a position on right of cavalry; deployed as skirmishers, watching the enemy on that flank, pursuant to orders received from General Blunt. We remained in the position until recalled at the close of the battle. During the day a few slight demonstrations were made upon us by small numbers of the enemy, but without effect. No casualties occurred. Yours, to command, WM. H. MILLER, Major, Comdg. First BaIt. Second Wisconsin Vol. Cavalry. WILLIAM HYDE CLARK, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second and Third Divs., Army of the Frontier. No. 29. Report of Lieut. Col. Henry Bertram, Twentieth Wisconsin infantry. HDQRS. 1ST BRIG., 3D DIV., ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, December 9, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, on the 7th instant, after being ordered by you to place that portion of the First Brigade under my charge into position, the order was promptly executed by Battery L~ First Missouri Light Artillery, supported by the Twentieth Wisco Page 128 128 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. (OUAP. XXXIV. sin Volunteer Infantry, advancing across the creek. After playing the battery for about thirty miuntes, doing good execution, 1 observed the enemys fire to slacken. I then ordered the Twentieth Regiment Wis- consin Volunteer infantry to move cautiously forward. They advanced about 500 yards across an open field; here I ordered them to lie down under cover. Receiving information that a heavy force of the enemy was threat- ening my left flank, I immediately changed front to the left. The Nine- teenth Iowa and Ninety-fourth Illinois Jnfixntry following up the move- ment, brought us eu lehelon, the Twentieth Regiment leading on the right. After the execution of this movement, I observed a battery of the enemy, supported by infantry, trying to get into position in my front. I immediately ordered the Twentieth Wisconsin to charge the battery, which was done in gallant style, Major [H. AJ Starr leading. After taking the battery, the regiment advanced nuder a heavy fire to the brow of the hill, where they met a heavy force of the enemys infantry, some four or five regiments, advancing, which poured a terrific fire into the Twentieth Regiment Wisconsin Infantry, and obliged them to fall back, which they did in good order, destroying what they could while falling back of the battery taken before. The Twentieth fell back in good style across an open field to a fence, where they reformed and remained until the firing ceased for the day. Officers and men behaved nobly, and stood fire like veterans. I regret the loss of the Twentieth Wisconsin is heavy. As far as I have been able to ascertain, it amounts to 49 killed, 14S wounded, and 8 missiug.* In conclusion, I cannot help but bring to your favorable notice the gallant behavior of Major Starr, in immediate command of the Twen- tieth Wisconsin, and also Adjutant [H. V.] Morris, of the Twentieth, for the cool and prompt manner in which they executed my orders. Captain Backofs battery (IL) behaved nobly, and did good execution, although exposed for a time to a heavy fire of the enemys infantry. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, HENRY BERTRAM, Lieut. Col. 20th Wisconsin T~ols., Corn dg. Portion of 1st Brigade. Brigadier-General HEERoN, Comdg. & cond and Third Divisions, Army of the Frontier. No. 30. Report of Gapi. Frank Bacicof, Battery L, First Missouri Light Artillery. CAlVIP AT ILLINOIS CREEK, ARK., December 9, 1862. COLONEL: The undersigned would respectfully report to you the part his command took in the battle of December 7. About 8 a. in., December 7, I took position a few miles from Fayette - ville, Ark., in a corn-field, at the same time that two companies of your command drove the enemy back. After waiting for some time for an attack, I was ordered to move position 2 miles, to Illinois Creek; crossed the creek, and took position to the right of the road,at the farm, by * l3ut see revised statement, p. 85 Page 129 CHAP. XXXIV.] 1~9 BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. your or(ler. After silencing the enemys battery on the hill in front of us, I advknced 200 yards, flanked on the left by the Twentieth Wis- consin Volunteers and by the Ninety~fourth Illinois on the right, and sustained an etibetual artillery fire at the enemys position (which they moved several times) for three hours. In the same time you made a charge with your infantry on the hill and through the woods surround- ing; meanwhile the shells of my battery did great execution amongst the enemy. After the great loss of your regimeuit in a charge on the hill and the pursuit of the enemy, havin~ given them a few rounds of canister, and being without support, we were unable to hold our posi- tion, and retreated to the first position, two of our pieces being disabled; but the infantry having rallied again, we advanced about 100 yards from our first position and kept it. Our loss was 1 man killed and 2 wounded; 8 horses killed, and I piece and 1 caisson disabled. It is my duty to mention on this occasion the good behavior of my men, and especially of the chiefs of sections and pieces; and I return my sincerest thanks to you, colonel, for the effectual support of your command. I am, colonel, very respectfully, F. BACKOF, Commanding Battery 19, First Missouri Light Artillery. Colonel BERTRAM, Twentieth Wisconsin Volunteers. No. 31. Report of Gol. William W. Orme, Ninety-fourth Illinois Infantry, com manding & cond Brigade. IIDQRS. 2D BREiL, 3D DIV., ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Camp, Prairie (Hove, Ark., December 10, 1862. CAPTAIN: In compliance with General Orders, No. 35, issued from the headquarters of the general commanding the Second and Third Di- visions, Army of the Frontier, I have the honor to report that in the late action at Prairie Grove, on December 7, I had under my command the Nineteenth Jowa and the Ninety-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiments and Battery E, First Missouri Light Artillery. The Eighth Missouri Cavalry, having been detached from my command and sent forward to General Blunt the day before the engagement, was not with me during the fight. The Nineteenth Iowa was commanded by Lient. Col. Samuel McFar- land. The Ninety-fourth Illinois was commanded by Lient. Col. John McNnlta. Battery E, First Missouri Light Artillery, was commanded by First Lieut. Joseph Foust. When I reached Illinois Creek, under orders from General ilerron, I advanced the infantry across the creek, the Ninety-fourth Illinois on the left of the road and the Nineteenth Iowa on the right of the road, placing both regiments under cover of the bluft~ of the stream. Imme- diately afterward the battery was ordered across the creek, and placed in position on the high ground to the left of the road. At the ford of the creek the enemys batteries were in full view, about half a mile distant in the road, on a rising ground, at the foot of a hill. 9 U UVOL XXIII PT Page 130 130 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. Skirmishers were sent forward from both regiments. The enemys bat- teries were opened npon us. The firing was very accurate, the shells falling on the right and in the rear of the Ninety-fonrth Illinois; but they were soon silenced and compelled to retire their batteries to a less exposed position, from which they fired only at intervals. The Twen. tieth Wisconsin Infantry, having advanced on the right of the Nine- teenth Iowa, I sent out three companies of the Nineteenth Iowa as skirmishers, and ordered the remaining seven companies to advance and support the Twentieth Wisconsin, which was now moving forward through an open field on the right of the road, andatthesametimel ordered the Ninety-fourth Illinois to advance through the brush to an open field on the left. Here the Ninety-fourth received the first fire from the enemy, which was hotly returned, and the enemy fell back to a position under cover of the fence. Meanwhile the Nineteenth Iowa had received and- returned the fire of the enemy, and now advanced steadily up the hill to the left of the white house, and across the orchard back of the house to a fence, behind which the enemy in greatly superior force were concealed. As it ap- proached, the enemy rose up and poured in a most severe and destructive fire upon it, and the Twentieth Wisconsin having already commenced to fall back in disorder, the Nineteenth Iowa was unable to hold its position, and was compelled to fall back across the orchard, when Lieu- tenant-Colonel McFarland fell, shot through the body. Major [D.] Kent then took command and rallied a portion of his men, who had fallen back to the right of the battery, near the position of the Ninety-fourth Illinois. This detachment he left in command of Captain Hoderick, while he was engaged in rallying the remainder of his men. Meanwhile the three companies of the Nineteenth Iowa which were sent out as skirmishers had been advanced to the right of the battery, up to a corn-field, when they were attacked by a superior force of the enemys cavc lry, which they drove back, and continued to advance near to the foot of the hill, when they were met by a greatly superior force of infantry and cavalry, which they dispersed. I then ordered them to fall back to the corn-field, in order to give the artillery a chance to shell the wood, where they remained until ordered to join the regiment. The battery meanwhile had been actively and effectually engaged in throwing shot and shell wherever it was most needed; changing its position to the front and to the left as circum- stances required, and, as the enemy were making great efforts to turn our left wing, the battery took position in the wheat-field on the left of the road, supported by the Ninety-fourth Illinois on the left, outside of the fence. After the Nineteenth Iowa and Twentieth Wisconsin were driven back, the rebels poured down in large numbers on our left, but were twice repulsed with heavy slaughter by the ~inety-fourth Illinois and the well-served canister from Battery E. But the rebels continuing to menace our left flank in large force and the battery being so far ad- vanced, with no support but the Ninety-fourth illinois, which was kept continually engaging the enemy, the battery and the infantry regiment were ordered to fall back. The battery, from loss of horses, was com- pelled to leave one of its caissons on the field, but i t was brought away by a squad of the Ninety-fourth Illinois, under the personal direction of Lieutenant-Colonel McNulta. The battery fell, back across the road, and the Ninety-fourth Illinois also fell back to the road in good order. The three companies of skirmishers of the Nineteenth Iowa were brought out to the road by my direction, when they came up in perfec Page 131 CaR r. XXXIV.] BATTLE OF PRAiRIE GROVE, ARK. 131 order, under command of Lient. IRichard Root, acting adjutant of the regiment. The different portions of the Nineteenth Iowa then fell back and formed in line across the creek. As the sun set, the firing on both sides closed, the infantry resting on their arms, without camp-fires during the whole night. At 3 oclock on the morning of the 8th, by order of the general com- manding, I formed the Nineteenth Iowa and Ninety-fourth Illinois in line, where they, respectively, took position on the night of the 7th. Soon after sunrise on the morning of the ~th, I ordered forward a com- pany of the Ninety-fourth Illinois as skirmishers, advancing them up the hill occupied by the rebels the evening before; and by direction of the general I also ordered the Nineteenth Iowa and Twentieth Wiscon- sin to follow the company of skirmishers, and post themselves on the hill, where they remained until ordered back to go into camp. I regret to announce the death of Lient. Col. Samuel McFarland, com- manding the Nineteenth Iowa, who fell while gallhnt]y leading his men in the charge on the rebels on the hill. 1 cannot speak too highly of the gallant conduct of the officers and men of the Nineteenth Iowa, for, after being rePulsed with great loss by an overwhelminb force of the enemy, they rallied and brought from the field thc colors of the Twentieth Wisconsin Regiment. Captain [S. F.] Roderick, of the Nineteenth Iowa, deserves especial mention for meri- torious conduct. He gathered together some 70 men of his regiment, after it was broken and sc~ ttered; rallied them around the regimental colors, and, under my direction, formed them on the left of the Ninety- fourth Illinois, where they did good service, and only retired from the field when ordered to fall back. Lieut. Richard Root, acting adjutant of the regiment, is also entitled to honorable mention. By direction of his commanding officer, and at the request of the captains, he took charge of the three companies of skirmishers, and maneuvered them with great bravery and skill. Too much praise cannot be accorded to the officers and men of Bat- tery E, First Missouri Light Artillery; and Lieutenants Foust. [C. L.] Edwards, and [J. B.] Atwater are entitled to honorable notice for their gallant conduct and the signal ability with which they managed their battery. The Ninetyfourth Illinois behaved well. The safety of our left wing depended in a great measure upon their efforts. They with- stood every attack on our left, and repulsed the enemy with heavy loss. The intrepid bearing of Lieut. Col. John MeNulta inspired his men with courage; and when the battery retired, leaving one of its caissons on the field, he took a squad of his men and in person brought it from the field. Iowa and Illinois may still continue to view with pride the heroic con- duct of their volunteers, for on the field of Prairie Grove, as on all other battlefields of the war, these soldiers have fought side by side, win- ning fresh laurels and proudly maintaining the high honor of their re- spective States. I cannot close this report without making honorable mention of my adjutant, Lieut. Hudson Burr. He fearlessly visited every part of the field hearing my orders, and aiding very much in rallying the men when their regiments had been repulsed. One of my orderlies, Priv~~te George Wilkerson, of Company E, Eighth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, is entitled to notice for the fearless (lischarge of his duties. He was with me during the whole engagement, until late in the afternoon, when he was wounded in the left arm wLile riding by my side Page 132 132 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. (CHAP. XXXIV. I have annexed hereto a statement of the killed, wounded, and missing of the brigade.* I also inclose herewith the reports of the different regiments and detachments of my command. I have the honor to be, captain, respectfully, yours, & c., WM. SAT. ORME, Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade, Third Division. Capt. WILLIAM HYDE CLARK, Assistant Adjutant-General, Second and Third Divisions. No. 32. Report of Lieut. Col. John MeNulta, Ninety-fourth illinois Infantry. IIDQRS. NINETY-FOURTH ILLINOIS VOL. INFANTRY, Camp, Prairie Grove, Ark., December 8, 1862. SIR: I hereby submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the battle of Prairie Grove on the 7th instant: My men were very much fatigued and foot-sore, being march~l, as you are aware, nearly 100 miles. They endured all the privations, loss of sleep, short rations, & c., with commendable firmness and patience~ and, when a prospect of being speedily brought to face the enemy was presented to them, forgot their suffering, and responded with the prompt- ness of fresh troops to the orders to prepare for immediate action. Al- though scarcely able to walk, from their sore and blistered feet, they formed in line of battle and awaited with anxiety the order to advance. Companies A and K were deployed as skirmishers, nnder my special supervision, on the base and the side of the mountain on the left, the regiment occupying the left of the line of battle. The regiment was then ordered forward, with two pieces of artillery, by Genci-al Tierron. They moved on the double-quick nearly a mile in aIvance of the line of battle, already formed. The battery being already planted, our regi- ment was placed as its support while they shelled the woods down the valley in our advance. No response being given by the enemy, the bat- tery was limbered and the regiment again ordered to advance, accom- panied by General ilerron and body guard and two pieces of Battery E, First Missouri Artillery. Companies B, C, and D were then deployed to our left as skirmishers, nuder the command of Major [Ti. G.] Laughlin. They, covering the val- ley to our left, crossed the creek and advanced to the fence, in view of the enemys line, which was formed in the rear of the fence on the other side of the field. The regiment in the mean time, marching by the road, crossed the creek at the ford, aiid was formed in line on the left of the ford under cover. The skirmishers were then ordered to rally on the command. Company Awas placed as flankers on our left, and the regi- ment awaited further orders. Soon after, the firing of the artillery coin- menced, when orders were received from Colonel [W. XV] Orme to take our position in line of battle on the extreme left. I then changed our front and engaged the enemy on our left, opening the infantry engagement of the day and receiving their first fire. I then moved by the left dank farther to the left in the wood, and formed in line of battle within 200 yards of the enemys line, where we again drew their fire but in a few moments the enemy fell back from our ft-out over the brow of the hill. * Nominal list omitted. See p. 86 Page 133 CHAP. XXXIV.] BATTLE 01? PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 133 The advantage thus gained was not followed up, on account of an order being received from Colonel Orme to support Battery E at all hazards. Our line was again withdrawn and formed in the rear. I again formed the line in the same position formerly occupied, the enemy reforming their right with increased numbers. We again opened fire upon them, when they again withdrew. The right of our line having fallen back to a new line, about 200 yards to the rear, the battery also being withdrawn to the same line, I then formed my line on that point, under immediate orders from General Herron, bringing with me a caisson left on the field by Battery E. 1 then formed my regiment on the road near the ford, and, under orders from General ilerron, held it there during the night. My regiment, as I believe, received the first infantry fire of the enemy, and were the last to leave the field. The officers and men of my command behaved more like veterans than new troops in their first battle. Where so much courage was shown it is difficult to speak of some and not of others; yet, when such instances of gallantry are displayed as were shown by some of the officers and men of my command, I deem it proper to mention the na;mes of those who made themselves most conspicuous by their conduct during the engagement. Much credit is due Maj. li. G. Laughlin, for the energy and perseverance he has displayed on not only this, but on all impor- tant occasions. His efforts in carrying ont all orders and encouraging the men to deeds of bravery, by his personal example, had a most bene- ficial effect, and on this, as upon all other occasions, he showed himself possessed of all the qualifications that are essential to the officer and man. Brave and cool in danger, and firm in the administration of dis- cipline, he has shown himself competent to fill the position he occupies, or any that may be assigned him, with honor to himself and credit to the service. In my efforts to carry out orders delivered to me, and in the perform- ance enjoined by myself I was nobly seconded by the line officers of my command, who, with one or two exceptions, were active and efficient, and did honor to themselves and to the regiment. In this connection I would mention particularly Captain [A. T.] Briscoe, Comp any A, who acted with his company as skirmishers, and did us good service; Captain [J. M.] Burch, of Company K, who managed his command admirably, and, by his coolness and courage under fire and general good conduct, gave evidence of fine military attainments; Captain [J. L.] IRoutt, of Company E, although quite unwell, was cool, collected, and rendered extraordinary service by encouraging and stim - ulating his men, and Captain [J. C.] McFarland, Company B, also dis- played coolness and courage of a high order. I must not fail to speak of Captain [J. P.1 Orme, of Company H, who, although the youngest officer in command, distinguished himself during the whole engagement. Lieutenant [G.] Hayes, of Company K, was prominent for his activity in the discharge of his duty, and showed by his conduct prominent soldierly qualities. Lieutenant [W. W.] Elder, of Company B, I am sorry to say, was severely wonuded, and we lose for a time the services of a reliable and faithful officer. Great praise is due to Sergeants Hay- wood, Company K; Minier, Company I; Rouie, Company A; Grier, Company C; J. S. Martin, Company B, and Orderly Sergeant Bishop, Company D, for their gallant conduct on the field and efficient service rendered in their respective positions. Color-Sergeants Stipp and Mc- Kenzie are deserving of the highest praise for the manner in which they performed their duties in the responsible positions which they occupied Page 134 134 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. ECHAP. XXXIV. The color-guard also 3tood nobly to their posts, and suffered no danger to drive them from the discharge of duty. Corpi. A. C. Stewart is worthy of particular mention for the coolness and bravery he displayed throughout the day. Also Privates William H. Carter, of Company C, and William Clark, of Company A, were conspicuous for the prompt and efficient manner in which they discharged their duty. I desire, in addition, to make mention of the regimental staff. Drs. iRoss and Stewart proved themselves most efficient officers in their de- partment; Dr. Stewart remained upon the field with his attendants, and, as each man fell, he was taken up, his wounds examined, and treated in the best possible manner without delay; Lieut. M. L. Moore, and his faithful assistant, Sergt. R. S. McEntyre, in attending to the wants of the regiment. Chaplain iR. E. Guthrie proved himself to be a soldier in every sense of the word, and eminently qualified to fill the position he occupies. He was on the field throughout the whole engagement, encouraging the men on in their good work, calling on them to trust in God, do their duty, and fire low, and using such other expressions as were calculated to inspire with courage. I am under personal obliga- tions to Licut. George B. OKeson, acting adjutant, for tI4e prompt as- sistance rendered by him upon the field, and the coolness and courage he displayed in executing all orders given him and seeing that all com- mands were carried out promptly. All of which is most repeetfully submitted. Your obedient servant, J. MONULTA, Lieutenant- Colonel, Comdg. Ninety-fourth Illinois TTol. Infantry. Lient. HUDSON Bunn, A. A. A. G., Second Brig., Third Div., Army of tile Frontier. No. 33. Report of llraj. Daniel Kent, Nineteenth Iowa infantry. HEADQUARTERS NINETEENTH IOWA VOLUNTEERS, Camp, Prairie Grove, December 10, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor of reporting to you the part taken by the Nineteenth Regiment in the late battle of the 7th instant. The Nineteenth Regiment, 500 strong, was ordered into line of battle at 12 in., Lieutenant-Colonel [S.] McFarland in command. By order of Colonel Orme, three companies were detached and deployed as skir- mishers. The companies were A, B, and C, arid, owi ngtothecircum- stances, Lieutenant [iR.] Root, acting adjutant of the regiment, was ordered to take command, which was done. The skirmishers advanced under a heavy fire to a corn-field on the right of Battery E, First Mis. souri Light Artillery, and were ordered to hold it at all hazards, which was done, until ordered to fall back and form in line of battle. The reg- iment was then ordered to advance to the left of the white house on the hill, to support the Twentieth Wisconsin Infantry, which was hotly engaged. The Nineteenth, led by Lieutenant-Colonel McFarland, ad- vanced up the hill steadily, and across the orchard back of the house, when the Twentieth Wisconsin gave way. The Nineteenth still ad- vanced to the fence adjoining the wood, when the enemy, who lay con Page 135 (~nAP. XXXIV.] 135 BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. cealed, arose to their feet, three regiments deep, ponring a destructive fire on us from three sides, which caused the regiment to waver and fall back to the battery, on the left of the road leading up the hill. Lieut- enant-Colonel McFarland here fell, shot through the body. I then took command, and rallied what was left of the regiment, as the regi- ment met with a severe loss in the charge. I then left the men I had rallied in charge of Captain [S. F.] I{oderick, of Company K, and went to rally some scattered troops. Colonel Orme then rode up and ordered Captain Roderick to fall in and rally with the Ninety-fourth Illinois, which he did, led by Colonel Orme in person, driving the enemy back with great slaughter, and holding their position until ordered to fall back and reform. In the retreat of the Twentieth Wisconsin, the color-bearer was shot, letting fall the colors, when the enemy made a desperate effort to get them, but a portion of the Nineteenth Iowa rallied and got possession of and carried them off the field. In making out the report, it is with pleasure I can say that the officers and men behaved nobly and fought desperately, as if the fate of the battle depended on them alone. I will mention especially Captain Roderick, of Company K, whom I left in charge of some scattered troops; also Captain [T. W. 1 Richmond, of Company II, and Captain [A. M.1 Taylor, of Company G-; also Lieutenant [W. S.] Brooks, of Com- pany I), who brought the colors off the field, and in doing so was badly wounded. Others are equally meritorious, but too numerous to mention at present. The report of the detachment of skirmishers I send to you as re- ceived: SIR: Having been ordered to take command of the three companies of skirmishers on the 7th instant, the day of battle, I advanced them to the right of Battery E, First Missouri Light Artillery, when the right wing, under Captain Bruce, was attacked by a superior force of the enemy; but a few well-directed shots drove them back. I would here notice the bravery of Captain Bruce and the men under him. After ad- vancing up near the wood, the enemy came out of cover, showing a heavy body of infantry and two battalions of cavalry. They met with a warm reception from the right, nuder Captain Bruce, which made them scatter. At this time I received an order from Colonel Orme to fall back to the corn-field, so as to let the battery shell the wood, which was done in good order, and held until ordered by you to join the regiment. H. ROOT, Lieutenant, commanding 8lcirmislzers. Major KENT, Commanding Nineteenth Iowa Volunteers. On the morning of the 8th instant was ordered into line at 6 oclock, and advanced across the creek and formed a line of battle, and advanced up through the timber, on the left of the Twentieth Wisconsin. Was then ordered to occupy the fence east of the house. Did so, crossing part of the ground that was fought over the day before. Occupied the position until ordered to fall back, so as to let both sides have a chance to collect their dead. Selected an advantageous piece of ground, and occupied it until ordered into camp.* I remain, yours, respectfully, B. KENT, Major, Commanding Nineteenth Iowa Volunteers. Col. W. W. ORME, Gomdg. Second Brig., Third Div., Army of the Frontier. Summary of casualties, here omitted, is embodied in revised statement, p. 86 Page 136 136 MO~, ARK., 1~ANS., INP. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXTV. No. 34. Report of Lie~tt. Joseph Foust, Battery B, First Missouri Light Artillery. BATTLE-FIELD OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK., December 8, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that, on the morning of the 7th instant, while on the march from Fayetteville to Illinois Creek, the enemy having attacked our advance, I was ordered by you to take a position on the left of the road. After reconnoitering and finding no enemy on the east side of the creek in force, I was ordered by you to send one section to the front, to report to General Herron. I ordered Lieut. C. L. Edwards to take one section, and report accordingly. He advanced, shelling the wood until he arrived at the east bank of the creek, which he was ordered to cross and open upon the enemy, who was visible in force, about three-fourths of a mile to the front. The position of the enemys batteries having been ascertained, he was ordered by General ilerron to retire. At the same time I was ordered to advance with the remainder of the battery to the front. Arriving at the ford of the creek, I was Or(lered to halt oat of sight of the enemy, and to advance and open the battery upon a signal to be given from Captain Murphys battery. We went into action at the signal, under a terrible fire from the en- emy while crossing the ford. About the third round the enemys guns were silenced. Another battery on oar left having got our range, we were compelled to change position to the front. I would state, however, that I went on to the field with orders to take such positions as would afford the greatest advantage over the enemy. The same orders were extended to my officers by myself. Each one taking command of a section, we acted independently, but supported each other. The enemy was about to turn our left flank with an oveu- whelming force, when Lieutenant Edwards took a position on the ex- treme left with his section, while Lieutenant [J. B.] Atwater and myself kept up a heavy fire. I then ordered my section to the same position, Lieutenant Atwater covering my advance. The latter then took a position beside me. We were now within 150 yards of the enemys line, supported on the left by the Ninety-fourth illinois Infantry. At this time the enemy attempted to charge our lines, when the whole battery opened on them with canister, and they fell back in confusion. The infantry attempted to charge the hill, but were repulsed by an over- whelming force of the enemy, when we again forced them back with can- ister. Again the infantry attempted to carry the hill, but were driven back the second time, when we covered their retreat once more with canister, driving the enemy back again to the wood. The enemy seeing the battery without support, made a great effort to take it, but were driven back by the battery. Colonel iluston having ordered us off the field, in consequence of our canister having been exhausted, the battery retired in good order, with the exception of one caisson, which could not be brought off on account of the horses and men being killed or dis- abled. it was finally brought off by Lieutenant-Colonel MeNulta, of the Ninety-fourth Illinois Infantry. After receiving fresh supplies of ammunition, we again advanced to the front, and continued the action until night closed the contest. IDur- ing the engagement we fired 562 rounds of shot, shell, and canister. Our loss was 2 men killed and 6 wounded; 8 horses killed and 11 wounded Page 137 tRAP. XXXTV.1 tATTL1~ OF PRAIIUE cfIlOVE, ARIt. 1~37 I can make no exceptions to the conduct of both officers and men, as under the most galling fire each one was at his post, and not one man wavered. I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant, JOSEPH FOUST, First Licut., Gomdg. Company B, First Missouri Light Artillery. Col. XV. W. ORME, Comdg. Second Brig., Third Div., Army of the Frontier. No. 35. Report of Capt. Amos L. Burrows, First llllissouri (Javairy. HDQRS. FIRST BATTALION FIRST MISSOuRI CAVALRY, Camp at Prairie Grove, Ark., December 9, 1862. CAPTAIN: General Orders requiring it, I herewith beg leave to sub- mit the following as my report of the part taken by this battalion in the action of December 7: I left Fayetteville at 4 oclock on the morning of the 7th instant with three companies (I, II, and L), Company I, Capt. J. M. Adams, being detailed as immediate body guard. Company H, commanded by Lieu- tenant [G. XV.] Hanna, and Company L, escort to the general, were sent out as advance guard, commanded by Maj. J. M. Hubbard. We marched on without interruption until within 8 miles of Cane Hill, when we saw a large body of the First Arkansas and Seventh Missouri Cavalry on the retreat. We nndertook to stop them, and, finding it being of no use, Major Hubbard ordered the fence to~be thrown down on the left-hand side of the road, and drew up in line of battle in the wheat-field, and instructed the First Arkansas and Seventh Missouri Cavalry to form in our rear. They partially did so, but, having several shots fired at our line by the enemy, they broke and fled. The enemy came down the road within 200 yards; filed off right and left of the road to flank us. Major Hubbard saw that their numbers were too great to contend with, and gave the order to retreat. We started across the field to the mountain, some 3 miles distant in order to divert the enemy from coming down on the infantry before they were prepared for it. Having so many fences to cross, our progress was much impeded, and having to cross a lane, the enemy came up on our rear and commenced firing. Major Hubbard, in trying to cross the fence, was compelled to surrender, when the command devolved upon myself. I immediately commanded the head of the column to the right, in order to get to the mountain quicker. The enemy continued to follow us until we reached the foot of the mountain. During the time we lost 1 lieutenant and 10 men, taken prisoners, and 3 men wounded. When we arrived at thefoot of the mountain, we met about 200 strag- glers from the First Arkansas and Seventh Missouri Cavalry. I told them to fall into ranks. I formed them into line of battle immediately, to make a stand if they followed us any farther. But they discontinued the pursuit, and we struck off through the fields to the main road, com- ing into the road in the rear of the infantry. I immediately marched to the front and reported to General Herron, when I was ordered to skir- mish on our lelt flank and find out the position of the enemy. After going some 600 yards, we found the enemy drawn up in line of battle in a corn-field, about 300 yards in advance of us. I reported the same t Page 138 138 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. P., AND DEPT7N.~W. iCH~u~. XXXIV. General ilerron, when we were ordered to skirmish on the right flank. We skirmished our right flank nntil we got on the west side of the Illi- nois River, where we found the enemy strongly posted, some half mile in advance. We immediately formed on the right of Battery E, First Missouri Light Artillery, when our artillery opened, being immediately replied to by the enemy. The shells coming rather close, we were or- dered to fall back to give place to the infantry, who had by that time come up to the support of the battery. I retired some 200 yards farther to the right, and sent out skirmishers to protect our right flank, when I was ordered to throw out skirmishers on our left flank. We followed up the west side of the river about 1 mile; discovered no trace of the enemy, when I was ordered to keep my command in readiness for further orders, ~~hen I was ordered by Colo- nel Orme, commanding Second Brigade, Third Division, to advance as skirmishers on the left flank of the Ninety-fourth Illinois Infantry. After coming out of the brush we received a heavy volley from the enemys right flank, posted behind a fence in the edge of the timber, when we retired and gave room for the Ninety-fourth Illinois to charge them, which poured in a deadly volley into their ranks. I immediately went back and reported to General ilerron for further orders, when I was ordered to move with my command down the valley, to ascertain if the enemy were trying to get in our rear to attack the baggage train. I went down 4 miles. Seeing no signs of the enemy, I again reported to the general, and, it being dark, I was ordered to camp at the generals headquarters.# AMOS L. BURROWS, Captain Company L, First Battalion, First Missouri Vol. Oat. No. 36. Reports of Maj. Gen. Thomas C. Hindman, C. ~3. Army, commanding First Corps, Trans-Mississippi Army, including preliminary skirmishes. BATTLE-FIELD AT PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK., Camp 23 miles west of Van Buren, December 9, 1862. I threatened the enemys right and front at Cane Hill; moved on his left to cut off re-enforcements, which I attacked and drove back, and then took position at Prairie Grove, and fought the whole army with the following result: My loss is about 350 killed, wounded, and missing. The Federal loss was about 1,000 killed and wounded, about 300 pris- oners (including a large number of officers), a train of 20 wagons, and 4 stand of colors. We hold the battle-field. A flag has this moment been sent in by the enemy, asking a truce of twelve hours to bnry his dead and care for his wounded. 1 have granted it. T. C. HINDMAN. Major-General HOLMES. HEADQUARTERS FIRST CORPS, TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ARMY, Camp near Fort AS1mith, Ark., December 25, 1862. COLONEL: I marched from near Van Buren on the 3d instant with 9,000 infantry, 2,000 cavalry, and 22 pieces of artillery. Lack of shoes * Casualties emi edied in revised statement, p. 86 Page 139 CAAP.~XXXtV.] I3ATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 1~39 and arms prevented me from taking my entire force. My intention was to attack Brigadier-General Blunt, on Cane Hill, reported to have between 7,000 and 8,000 men and 30 cannon. I expected, as stated at the time in dispatches to department headquar.ters, to return imme- diately after the engagement, having barely ammunition enough for one battle, and not sufficient subsistence and forage for seven days at half rations. These meager supplies had been accumulated with extreme difficulty by hauling in wagons of the general train and regiments 80 miles, my transportation being very limited, the country around me entirely exhausted, and the river too low for navigation. These facts had made it certain that I must soon retire the greater part of my force toward Little Rock; hence it seemed important for the security of what was to be left that Blunt was to be driven from his position. Cane Hill is a ridge of perhaps 8 miles length and 5 miles width, in the southwest part of Washington County, Arkansas, just beyond the north base of the Boston Mountains. Three villages are built upon it (Russeliville, Boonsborongh, and Kewburg), which almost blend with each other, covering a distance, as the road to Fayetteville runs, of 3 or 5 miles. The enemys main body was about Newburg. The distance from Van Buren to Newburg is 45 miles. The intermediate country is a rugged and sterile range of mountains. The roads across it are gath- ered together at Van Buren, on the south side, and at Fayetteville, on the northern. These places are from 50 to 65 miles apart, according io the route traveled. There are four principal roads; one bends to the right and east with the valley of Frog Bayou, crosses the mount- ains, then follows the West Fork of White River and strikes Fayetteville from the southeast; another, known as the Telegraph road, proceeds for the most part upon ridges directly north; the third leaves the Tele- graph road 12 miles above Van Buren, runs along the Cherokee line to Evansville, and there branches through the Cane Hill country to Fay- etteville, its main trunk going north, by Cincinnati and Maysville, to Fort Scott; the fourth turns to the left from the Telegraph road at Oli- vers, 19 miles above Van Buren, follows the valley of Cove Creek to the foot of the mountains, and, after crossing, passes through a succes- sion of defiles, valleys, and prairies, reaching Fayetteville from a south- westerly direction. At Morrows, 15 miles above Olivers, the Cove Creek road sends a branch direct to Kewburg, 7 miles distant. Eight miles above Morrows it is crossed by a road leading from Hog-eye, 5 miles east on the Telegraph road, to Xewburg. Two miles beyond this it sends a branch to Rheas Mills, to Maysville, which crosses the Cane Hill and Fayetteville road at the distance of 2 miles from the Cove Creek road. This crossing is 74 miles from Newburg and 12~ miles from Fayetteville. Two miles and a half above this crossing the Cove Creek road and the Cane Hill and Fayetteville unite. There is a road from Kewburg, by Rheas Mills, to this junction, the distance by that route being about 2 miles greater. The accompanying map * may serve to make this description more intelligible. Marmadukes cavalry division formed my advance, moving on the Telegraph road, with detachments on those east and west of it. Colonel Waties Cherokee regiment was ordered to the viciuity of Evansville, instructed, when the firing should commence, to move forward and oc- cupy certain mills in the Cane Hill region, and to attack the enemys train if retired toward Cincinnati. The balance of my force moved on the Telegraph road, and bivouacked at Olivers on the night of the 4th. *Not found Page 140 140 MO., ARR., RANS., IND. t, AND tEI1~. N. W. tOltAr. XXXIV. There I received information that a re-enforcement of 3,000 or 4,000 men had arrived on Cane Hill, making Blunts force fully equal to mine. On the 5th, instead of getting to Morrows, as I had expected, we went bat little farther than half way, in consequence of some of those apparently unavoidable delays to which troops so ill-provided as ours are liable. On the 6th we reached Morrows. In the morning of that day, Mar- madukes advance (under Col. J. 0. Shelby) encountered the enemys cavalry and drove them back beyond Morrows to within 2 miles of Newburg. There, from the crest of the mountain to its base, about sun- set a sharp engagement occurred, in which Col. J. C. Monroe and his brigade of Arkansas cavalry (who had relieved Shelby) greatly distin- guished themselves, charging a superior force of the enemys cavalry with boldness and vigor, breaking his ranks, and only ceasing to pursue when recalled. I had previously ordered forward Hunters regimentr of Missouri infantry, of Parsons brigade, of Frosts division, to hold the ground which the cavalry might gain. This order was promptly exe- cuted. The regiment was in possession of the heights and defiles that might be used for annoying us before the skirmish had ceased. To make sure of this advantage, the remainder of Parsons brigade was thrown forward to the same position. This being the situation of a~~irs, the sever~l commanders of divisions were assembled on the night of the 6th, to receive final instructions, when I learned a farther re-enforcement of from 4,000 to 6,000 inhintry and 2,000 cavalry, with 30 cannon, under Brigadier-General Herron, was then at Fayetteville, on the way to Cane Hill, making forced marches. It had been my intention to thyow Marmadukes cavalry by the Cove Creek road and its Maysville branch upon the enemys left and rear, while scattered in front by the road leading from Morrows to New- burg. It now seemed evident that that plan would simply cause the retirement of Blunt upon his re-enforcements, without accepting battle till after the junction should be effl~cted. There was a possibility that I might, by adopting a different plan, destroy the re-enforcements and afterward fight the main body upon equal terms. To withdraw with- out fighting at all, would discourage my own troops and so embolden the enemy as to insure his following me up. His sudden concentration of troops justified the opinion that a movement against me was intended in any event. Influenced by these considerations, I determined to-i isk an engagement. At 12 p. in., after replenishing his camp-fires, Parsons moved back to ~ Monroe remaining in position on the crest of the mountain, instructed to dismount and skirmish as infantry at daylight, so as to deceive the enemy and detain him at Newburg as long as possible, and, when he should commence retreating, to press him vigorously. The trains were ordered by a cross route to the Telegraph road and then to Hog-eye, guarded by 100 cavalry and the disabled men of the infantry, of whom there was, unfortunately, a considerable number. These ar- rangements left me for the fight less than 10,000 men of all arms. The order was given to march forward at 3 a. m. on the 7th, on the Cove Creek road and its Maysrille branch to the Cane Hill and Fay- etteville road. The command was not in motion till nearly 4 oclock, and theii the route proved so excessively bad, and the detentions so frequent from the breaking of artillery harness and debility of the battery ani- mals, that the infantry failed to march above 2 miles an hour. A little before sunrise, Marmaduke discovered the cavalry of Herrons command ~noving on the Cane Hill and Fayetteville road toward Newburg~ Ma Page 141 Cnir. XXXIV.] BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 141 ing his dispositions rapidly and with excellent judgment, he attacked them in front and flank, routed them completely, killed and wounded many, captured over 200, with the train of a regiment, and pursued the fugitives 5 miles in the direction of Fayetteville to the line of battle formed by ilerrons infantry. My infantry was yet far in rear, but mov- ing up as rapidly as possible. When the head of the column at length reached the Cane fill and Fayetteville road, Parsons brigade was pnt in position, facing toward Newbnrg, to resist any movements of the enemy from that direction, a regiment of cavalry thrown toward that place to reconnoiter, and the balance of the force ordered forward, with instructions to attack the re-enforcements at once; Marmaduke in ad- vance, Shoup next, then Frost. I remained with Parsons brigade, hoping to get some reliable intelligence of the enemy at Newburg. IRe- ceiving none, at 11 a. m. I went forward about 2 miles and overtook the marching column. It was painful to observe the exhaustion of the men. They had marched nearly 15 miles. None of them had eaten since the preceding day. The rations of all had been insufficient for over thirty days. Many, overcome with fatigue, had been left on the roadside. Brigadier-General Shoup met me, and stated that Marmaduke was fall- ing back before the enemya infantry, which was advancing, and that he had therefore put his division in position to resist attack. I found the position taken by General Shoup an exceedingly strong one. It was npon the edge of a hill, densely wooded, descending abrnptly to Craw- fords Prairie, half a mile in width, which encircled all its northern half. Five hundred yards in rear was another prairie. Between the two, on the right and left, a skirt of woods connected the timber of the hill with that beyond. The Cane Hill and Fayetteville road cuts the center of this hill, passing by Prairie Grove Church, which is upon its summit. A cross-road from the Cane Hill and Fayetteville to the Cove Creek road passes also immediately by the chnrch, dividing the south prai- rie from the growth upon the hill. By the time I had completed my reconnaissance of the ground, a regiment of Federal cavalry, with two pieces of artillery, opened fire upon the captured train and prisoners, that had been ordered toward Morrows, and also upon a hospital established by my medical director for the treatment of the wounded of the Federal cavalry. No loss ensued, and this force retired rapidly npon observing Parsons brigade. Shortly after, dense columns of smoke in the direc- tidn of Rheas Mills and between there and Newburg indicated that Blunt had retreated hastily, destroying his stores, and was moving to unite with Herron. I inimediately ordered forward Parsons brigade. Blunts advance soon appeared on the farther side of Crawfords Prairie. The interval of time in which I might have attacked ilerron was past. Circumstances did not permit me to avail myself of it, for t~e manifest reason that at the favor ble moment the rear of my column could not be where the head of it was. Evidently the combined forces of Blunt and Herron would speedily attack me. I made such arrangements as seemed best to meet that contingency. The line of battle determined on was nearly in the form of a horseshoe, conforming to the shape of the hill. Only Shoups division and Shelbys brigade, of Marmadukes divis- ion (the latter dismounted), were at first placed upon that line, filling the center and right opposite the line taken by Herron, which was upon the farther side of Crawfords Prairie, ou a b1uft~ that rose up steeply behiud a stream flowing into Illinois River. Frosts division, to which had been added the brigade of Texans, with Clarks Missouri regiment, commanded by Brigadier-General Itoane, was held in reserve to await the movements of Blunt. MacDonalds regiment of Missouri cavalr Page 142 142 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. and Lanes regiment of Texas cavalry (the latter commanded by Lieu{. Col. R. P. Crump) were held in readiness to meet any attempt upon the flanks. About 12 oclock the .enemy opened with artillery, to which ours began responding, but this I prohibited. At 1 p. in., aided by a tremendous artillery fire, the infantry of Her- rons command advanced against the position held by Shoup and Mar- maduke. It was permitted to approach within 60 yards, and then, as it charged, making gallantly past one of our batteries, and having it a moment in, Fagans Arkansas brigade, part of McIRaes bri- gade, and the Missourians, under Shelby, delivered a terrific fire from their shot-guns, rifles, and muskets, and charged the enemy furiously. Hawthorns regiment of Arkansians retook the battery. The Federals broke and lied. Our men pursned them far into the prairie. The slaughter was great, the earth in many places strewn with Federal wounded and dead. Very soon the attack was renewed, a little farther to my ri~ht, with great vigor and determination. I ordered Shavers Arkansas brigade, of Frosts division, to the support of General Shoup. The enemy was again repulsed with heavy loss, and retired in confusion. Blunt had now formed line of bittle 2,000 yards to the front and left of Shoup, and commenced advancing. I ordered Frosts division for- ward on the left of Marmadukes. The thick undergrowth on that flank rendered it difficult to execute the movement, which was further embarrassed by the well-directed and determined fire of the enemys bat- teries. There was, however, no confusion. By the time Frosts division was in line, the enemy was nearly across the prairie, and our skirmishers engaged his almost as soon as deployed. His attack was directed against Parsons brigade. It was fierce and prolonged, but ended in his being driven back in disorder with heavy losses. One of Marmadukes regi- ments and one of Roanes (both Missourians) shared the honor of this brilliant achievement. The enemy now brought up all his artillery, many pieces of which were rifled, and endeavored to shake our troops by playing upon the entire line for nearly an hour. Then he attacked with all his infantry, at the same time threatening the extreme left with a heavy cavalry force and attempting to turn the right. MacDonalds Missouri cavalry defeated him in the last maneuver. Lanes Texas cavalry and Roanes brigade deterred him from seriously assailing the left, and Shoups division, Shelbys brigade, of Marmadukes division, and Parsons and Shavers brigades, of Frosts division, gloriously re- pulsed him in his desperate attacks upon their lines. He again fled beyond the prairie, leaving his dead and wounded, and the colors of several of his regiments, in our hands, besides a number of prisoners. Some of these were ascertained to be of Tottens division, which had arrived upon the field, still further increasing the disparity of forces. In the midst of this struggle information reached me that a consid- erable body of Federal cavalry was approaching Hog-eye, to which place I ordered my trains. I directed the wagons retired on the Tele- graph road to Olivers. This was done without loss. A furious can- nonade was kept up by the enemy until near sunset; then a last attack of his infantry was directed against the line held by Frost. This was a most determined effort to retrieve the fortunes of the day. lt signally failed, and the enemy paid dearly in killed and wounded for the attempt. At dark the battle closed, leaving us masters of every foot of the ground on which it was fought. Our loss in killed was 164; wounded, 817; missiug, 336. The enemy left not less than 400 dead on the field ,and his wounded certainly ex- ceeded 1,~00. The number of prisoners in our hands was 275, includin Page 143 Cukr.~ XXXXV.] BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 143 9 officers. We also captured 5 Federal flags and over 500 small-arms, with 23 wagons containing clothing and camp and garrison equipage. Invoices of this property have been forwarded. Of all the troops engaged on our side, Adams Arkansas regiment alone dishonored itself. It was well armed, ably commanded, and sur- rounded by good soldiers from the same State, setting it an example of courage and patriotism; but, after delivering a single fire, the greater part of the men broke ranks, threw down their arms, and shamefully fled, many of them even deserting to the enemy. The field and staff officers who had been appointed rallied about 75 around the colors, and these did much to redeem the reputation of the regiment. With but few exceptions, the company officers exerted no influence. The other troops displayed the greatest courage, constancy, and enthusiasm. There was no place of shelter upon any portion of the field. Wounds were given and deaths inflicted by the enemys artillery in the ranks of the reserves as well as in the front rank. During five hours, shell, solid shot, grape and canister, and storms of bullets swept the entire ground. Many gallant officers, and many soldiers equally brave, fell dead or wounded, but their comrades stood as firm as iron. Volunteers main- tained their reputation. Conscripts rose at once to the same staiidard, and splendidly refuted the slanders put upon them by the class of ex- empts. Generals Frost, Shoup, and Marmaduke, commanding divisions; Gen- erals Roane, Fagan, Parsons, and McIRae, and Colonels Shaver and Shelby, commanding brigades, did their duty nobly. I strongly com- mend them to the lieutenant-general commanding the department. Generals Shoup and Marmaduke do not appear to have been confirmed as brigadiers. They fully merit the honor. Had the authorities, whose consent is requisite, been present at Prairie Grove or at Shiloh, where these gallant officers equally distinguished themselves, the act of con- firmation could not be delayed. The reports of the division command- ers and their subordinates are forwarded herewith. Especial attention is invited to them. They embody many valuable details and specify instances of courage and good conduct on the part of field, staff, and company officers and enlisted men which I will not be expected other- wise to mention here. 1 had with me the following staff: Col. II. C. Newton, chief of staff; Maj. J. P. Wilson, assistant adjutant-general; Lient. S. B. Reardon, aide-de-camp; Lieut. It. W. Lee, aide-de-camp, acting chief of ordnance; Col. D. Provence, acting chief of artillery; Col. A. S. Dobbin and Maj. E. C. Boudinot, volunteer aides-de-camp; Surg. J. M. Keller, medical director. All of them were constantly under fire. They displayed great coolness and disregard of danger in the discharge of their duties. This was the second bloody battle in which Colonel Newton and Major Wil- son served on my staff. In both they evinced the same high qualities. The confirmation of their rank has been fairly won at Shiloh and at Prairie Grove. I present this subject specially to the department com- mander. with the case also of Lieutenant [MeK. A.] llammett, all being of the number of assignments made by me while commanding the Trans- Mississippi District. Considering the strength of my command, as compared with the enemy; considering that my men were destitute of food, their wagons 30 miles in rear, and not to be brought forward without imminent dan- ger of being lost; that my small supply of ammunition was reduced f~ir below what would be necessary for another days fighting, and that my battery animals were literally dying of starvation, and could not be for Page 144 144 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. aged in the presence of a superior force of the enemy, I determined to retire, and gave the necessary orders for that pnrpose. Cavalry was extended along both sides of the Cove Creek road, distant 2 or 3 miles from it, from near Prairie Grove to the mountains, and scouts were thrown upon all routes leading toward the enemys position. The pris- oners and captured property were reuloved. At 12 oclock the rear guard of the infantry had passed out of hearing. I remained with Marmadukes cavalry on the field, occnpying the line held at dark, eating for our wounded and dead, and collecting the arms which the enemy had abandoned in his frequent flights before our men. A Federal officer, under flag, brought the following letter: HEADQUARTERS FEDERAL FoRcEs, On the Field, December 7, 1862. Commanding Officer, confederate Forces: GENERAL: The bearer, Dr. Parker, visits your lines with flag of truce for the pur- pose of caring for my wounded. JAS. G. BLUNT, Brigadier- General, Commanding. The bearer of the flag indicated twelve hours from sunrise next day as the desired period of truce. To this I acceded, detaining the Federal officer, and notifying General Blunt immediately of the fact. Receiving no written reply, and the bearer of R)~ first note not returning, I again gave him the same information, He replied as follows: HEADQUARTERS FEDERAL FORCES, In the Field, December 8, 1862 6 a. m. Maj. Gen. T. C. HINDMAN, Commanding Confederate Forces: I have the honor to acknowledge your second note, under flag of truce, an dexpress to you my regards for the privilege granted of entering your lines to care for my wounded, which is in accordance with the usages of civilized warfare. Instead of re- turning a written reply, as, perhaps, I should have done, I sent an unarmed party with ambulauces, acconipanied by commissioned officers, to meet General Marmaduke, and to be by him conducted within your lines. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, JAS. G. BLUNT, Brigadiev- Genercl, Commanding. General Blunts officer had submitted a proposition, as by authority, that surgeons, hospital nurses, and attendants on the sick and wounded, should not in any c~ises be regarded as prisoners, but released nncon- ditionally. This was not iu such shape as to be conclusive. I there- fore requested that General Blunt should meet me personally next day. He assented, and we met about 10 a. m. on the 8th. The result of the conference was the adoption of the proposition before referred to, with the additional stipulation that ambulances and hospital trains, medi- cines, and medical and hospital stores should be exempt from capture. About 12 m. I withdrew Marmadukes commapd, and overtook the infantry that ni~ht at Morrows. The return to our former camp was attended with no incident worthy to be reported. After a battle the mind naturally passes in review all the circumstances connected with it. I hope the expression here of such reflections as now present them- selves to me will not be deemed improper. Undoubtedly there are seri- ous defects in our military system. Chief among these is the rule of electing to the lowest commissioned office and promoting to those above in companies and regiments. It combines mobocracy and primogeni- lure in such proportions that it seems almost a miracle that anything of discipline or efficiency survives. As a substitute, I would propose this Page 145 CHAP. XXXIV.] 145 BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. that whenever a vacancy does occur in a company or regiment, an ex- amining board of three capable officers be appointed by the division or corps commanders; that, without regard to rank or restriction to the command, all persons desiring the vacant place be invited to appear be- fore the board within a given time to be examined as to character and qualification, and that the board recommend and the division or corps commander immediately assign to duty the one Ibund best qualified and most meritorious, conditioned that he shall not draw pay, till the assignment be approved by the War Department. As auxiliary to this, division or corps commanders should be authorized to order before a similar board any regimental or company officer deemed incapable, neg- lectful, or otherwise unfit, and, on the report of the board against him, to suspend him from duty and cause the place to be immediately filled, as in the case of any other vacancy, and on the approval of the proceed- ings by the War Department. The delinquent officer should invariably be put in the ranks as a private soldier. I would apply these provis- ions to all the staff officers of corps, divisions, brigades, and regiments, with the further regulation that persons assigned to staff duty, where bond is required by law, may execute the same before the commander of the division or corps. Great delays and detriment to the service result from the existing arrangements as to that matter. Next in importance is the subject of the pay of the troops. Poor men almost invariably make up our armies. Their wives and children, left without protection, are exposed to absolute suffering unless the men are regularly and adequately paid. No troops that I have knowii during the war have been paid with anything like promptness. Im- mense arrearages are now due the men of this corps. Their families are in great sufferin~. The consequence is that very many desertions have occurred. If arrearages could be at once discharged, the evil would be checked. If the pay of the soldier was not only promptly given him, but made sufficient in amount to support his family as it should be, desertions would be unknown. This subject involves the fate of the Confederacy. Notions of false economy ought to be dis- carded in considering it. The conscript act ought to be revised. Every man between sixteen and sixty, who is able to serve the Confederacy in the army, whether in the ranks or as an artisan or mechanic, laborer. teamster, cook, hospital attendant, or in any other capacity, ought to be put in service without regaid to avocation or other plea. There ought to be no exemption whatever, except in the case of absolute and permanent physical disability. If by this means more soldiers are raised than necessary, it would be a very just and humane policy to grant furloughs to the old soldiers and put the young conscripts in their places. If the men out of the army are the people, these ideas may fail of popular approval. That, however, in no way affects their merits. Under the same supposition, the last suggestion I have to make will be still more decidedly unpopular. It will be odious in the eyes of spec- ulators, extortioners, refusers of Confederate money, evaders of con- scription, deserters, harborers of deserters, spies, marauders, federalists, and that less respectable class who regard these others as the people, and pander to them for their votes. The obnoxious suggestion is, ~i vigorous and determined system of martial law, covering all classes of evil-doers mentioned above, and compelling them, by stern and swift punishment, either to leave the Confederacy or to bear their due part of the burdens of the war. Without martial law, loyal citizens and the fighting soldiers of the country, their wives and children, are literally the prey of the basest of the population. The civil laws, State orgai~- 10 R ItVOL XXII, PT Page 146 146 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [ChAP. XXXIV. izations, rights on paper, and penalties on statute-books, are inert and powerless to help them. A living, active, fearless assertion and enforce~- ment of martial law alone can do it. If mnch longer delayed, that rem- edy itself will come too late. Respectfully, T. C. HJNDMAN, Major- General, Commanding. Lieut.~ Col. S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General, Trans-Mississippi Department. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Little Rock, Ark., T~ecember 24, 1862. Maj. Gen. T. C. IIINDMAN, Comdg. First Corps, Trans-Mississ~ppi Army, in the Field: GENERAL: I have the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt, at the hands of Lieutenant llammett, acting assistant adjutant-general of your corps, of the three stand of colors captured by your army from the enemy at Prairie Grove Church on the 7th instant. I am, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 37. Report of Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke, C. S. Army, commanding Fourth Division, including preliminary skirmishes. IIDQRS. FOURTh DIVISION, TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ARMY, Clarksville, Ark., December 16, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to report herewith the part taken by my division in the battle of Prairie Grove and the skirmishes preceding. In obedience to orders received from Major-General llindman, I moved my division early Wednesday morning, December 3, from Dripping Springs in the direction of the enemy, at Cane Hill, as follows: Carrolls brigadereduced to about 500 effective menunder the command of Colonel [J. C.] Monroe, on the Line road; Shelbys brigade, under Colonel Shelbyabout 1,100 effective menbeyond Olivers, on the Cove Creek road; [Emmett] MacDonald, with his brigadeabout 700 effective men. to Olivers, on the Wire road, each guarding with strong pickets and scouts all approaches from the northward. On Thursday, the several brigades moved forward a few miles on the roads named. On Friday [5th instant], Monroes command marched across and formed junction with Shelby on the Cove Creek road, some 10 miles above Olivers. MacDonald pressed forward some 10 miles on the Wire road; Shelby on the Cove Creek road. The two latter brigades en- gaged the enemys pickets to-day and drove them back. Friday night, Shelbys advance met the Federal pickets in strong force near Morrows. Early Saturday morning [6th instant], before daylight, he dismounted his brigade, and with skill and vigor rapidly drove them back and be- yond the crest of Boston Mountains. The enemy made a stubborn resist- ance, but were compelled to retire to within 2 miles of their main force. During Friday night, MacDonalds command was withdawn to for Page 147 Oua XXV.3 BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 147 junction with the main cavah{y force on the Cove Creek road, leaving, however, a strong picket (100 men) to watch the Wire road. On Saturday morning, Shelby, relieved by an infantry command, was withdraw from the front to cook and rest. About 2p. m. Saturday, it being reported that the Federals were re- treating from Cane Hili, I received orders from the ma~jor-general com- manding top~ the enemy vigorously on the Cane Hill road, and to move forward rapidly on the Cove Creek road to cutoff the enemys re- treat. Monroe moved rapidly forward on the Cabe Hill road, engaged, charged, and drove back a superior force of the enemy, and continued to drive them until hereceived orders froxame to cease advancing, totcketi and watch all approaches in that direction. The conduct ofColonel Monroe, who charged at the bead of tins lxi- gade, and of the officers and menunderhiscommandin thisaffair, was gallant in the extreme. Shelby and MacDonald pressed forward on the Cove Creek road until orders were received to halt. The brigades bivouacked in their present positions until Sp. a Sun- day morning, when; in obediepce to orders, I ordered Monroe to threaten and press the enemy vigorously on the Cane Hill road, while Shelby and MacDonald weremoved forward on the Cove Creek road to its inter- section with the Fayetteville and Cane Hill road, where the advance of Shelby arrived about daylight. Here 1 learned that re-enforcement., under General Herron, from Springfield, Mo., were some half mile off m the 4irection of Fayetteville moving toward Cane Hill. I ordered Shelby to dismount a part of Lis brigade, and, with the artillery under Bledsoe, to hold the roadto resist the enemy coming from eitherdirec- tionand with the remainder of his force to move up the Fayetteville road and attack the re-enforcements. At the same time I ordered Mac. Donald, with his whole command~ to move rapidly and strike the enemy in flank ayid rear. rromptly, vigorously, skillfully, and suc6essttlly were these commands executed. The Federal cavalry were charged and routed wherever found. They fled panic-stricken, and were pursued some 5 miles up to the Federal infantry, formed in line of battle some 5 or 8 miles from Fayetteville. In the charge some 50 or 60 Federals were killed, about 800 were taken prisoners, among them several officers; a number of horses and cavalry equipments, small-arms, and several wagons loaded with cloth- ing and camp equipage were captured. As soon as the had or the in- fantry column came up, I ordered the cavalry held in reserve to mount; Colonel [G.W.] Thompsons regIment to march toward Cane Hill to deter- mine the enemys movement. In that direction; the remainder to mom in the direction of Fayetteville, to join the main cavalry force, which I had ordered to be reformed after the long and desperate charge and pur- suit, and to await farther orders. I now received orders from General Hindman~.in person to move against the Federal. re-enforcements. I ordered Shelbys brigade forward. After crossing the illinois River and advancing about lj miles, I fond the enemy in position and in forceinfantry, artillery, and cavalry. The enemyopened.upon Shelby with artillery, and soon began to advance; I ordered him to retire upon the infantt% which I found posted upon a high and conanding hill. Shelbys bilgade, after falling back deliberately under fire to the infantry, were dismounted, and, under a murderous fire of shot, shell, and small-arms, fought as infantry during the rest of the battle, gallantly holding the center of thO line of battle. As the enemy ad- vanced upon Shelby, I ordered MacDonald to retire around to the foo Page 148 148 MO., ARK., KANt, IND. T~, AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. of the bill, ad watch the movements of the enemy from the north ad west. Subsequently, finding the enemy attempting to turn our right flank, I ordered MacDonald to move his command to the extreme right, to dismount his men, and repel any attack in that directions It was gaflatly done. Monroe, in obedience to orders, attacked the enemy at daylight on Sunday morning, and, by his daring and skill, kept the enemy in the belie4 until 10 a. in., that the attack was to be made in that direction.. Upon the enemy retreating, he pursued and formed a junction with the main force about sunset on the battle.fleld. From early morn until night the bre men of my division (on horse and afcot) fought thb foe, and were ~rywhere victorious. The serried column of Federals again ad again came fornrd to meet theirfatedeath or defeat. Never did they gain one inch of pound nor even partial success. All orders were promptly and properly obeyed, and the conduct of both officers ad men was chivalrous, and deserves the highest commendation. I must specially mention the skillad daring of Colonels Shelby, Monroe, ad MacDonald, each commanding brigade. Shelby was wherever duty and danger ailed him, ad rendered moet distinguished setvlce. Fora more detailed report of the conduct of the several brigades and regiments and of the brave officers and men under my commad, I re- npectfully refer you to the reports of the brigade commanders, inclosed herewith. The following officers of my staff were with me during the engage. ment: Captain [E. 0.] Williams, assistant adjutant-general; Captain [Henry] Ewing, lnspector.general; Major [B. H.] Smith, division quar- termaster; DL [0.] Peyton, chief surgeon, and Colonel [A. W.] Slay-. back, division ordnance officer. I desire to bring them to your notice for the prompt and perfect execution of all their duties and my orders, their daring and efficiency under every danger. Major Smith and Colo- nel Slayback were particularly exposed in the discharge of their duties, and participated in the gallant charges and encouraged others to deeds of coolness and courage. I beg also to bring to your favorable notice Mr. C. 0. Bell and my two orderlies, Stafford and Cook, who were with me during the engagement Very respectfully, ~. ~. ~ CoL B. C. NEWToN, Brigadier.Geiw4 Oosuwtsdksir. Assistant A4jutant-General and 0*/of Staf No.38. Repbrt of VoL Joeepl& 0. Shelby, Missouri 0anlrv~17fednt.), - mending Fourth Arunufl Cavalry Brig It, reliminari skirmIshes. CAMP mow VAN DunN An., Deceusier 11, 1862. GnnAL: I have the honor to report the following S the part taken by my brigade in the battle of Prairie Grove, and also the skirmishes preceding It, as required by you in a previous order: On the morning of December 5, my advance consisting of Company F, commanded by Captain Bathbun, First *egimentj met a largely superior force of the enemy, and,aftsr a sharp little figh; drove him bac Page 149 CHAP. XXXIV.] BATTLE OP PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 149 in great confusion. II then strengthened my advance, took other pre- cautions against the increasing danger (for we were nearing the euemy~s lines), and moved northward again slowly but surely. When your order was received to cnt off, if possible, the enemys l)ickets, I immediately ordered Major [B.] Elliotts battalion of scouts to make a forced march across the mountains for that purpose; but, owing to the darkness of the night, the rugged and almost impassable road, and the igmiorance of the guide, the expedition failed in its essential i)oints. During the day of the 5th, a large scout, well acquainted with both country and roads, made a close swoop almost to our camp, but imme- (liately sending forward Colonel [Beal G.] Jeans in command of the Second Regiment, they took the road at a gallop, nor ceased pursuit until the enemy was driven some 10 miles in a running fight. During this engagement I had the First Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel [B. F.] Gordon, and the Third, Colonel [U. W.j Thompson, dismounted and formed as support to Bledsoes battery, now in position, with lighted port-fires and eager gunners, keen for the fray that grew fainter and fainter as Colonel Jeans pushed them hard and heavily, until the grand old mountains gave no murmur back, and all was silent, cold, and still. Early, very early, on the morning of the 0th; I had my brigade under arms, and sending forward three companies as my advance, with the other three regiments dismounted and close up, I drove in the enemys pickets with great rapidity and execution, although he made three dif- t~rent stands and fought me three times. This advance of three com- panies was under the charge of Major [M. W.] Smith, who, by his prompt deploying of skirmishers, his quiet self-possession, and his determined coolness, evinced much bravery and skill. The men were this morning keen for a fight, and went furiously up the steep and rugged mountain at a double-quick for miles. After being relieved by a regiment of in- fantry, I returned with my brigade to camp, where three days rations were cooked, some little sleep obtained by the men, and again we were marching northward. After encamping, and upon learning the near proximity of the en- emy, I doubled my guards, threw out infantry skirmishers in every direction, under the charge of trusty officers, and lay down with the conscious satisfaction that neither Federal, Kansas jayhawker, nor Pin Indian could surprise us, and if they came they would meet with a bloody and hospitable welcome, for I had ordered my entire brigade upon the slightest alarm to form rapidly as infantry and to sleep upon loaded arms. Upon the eventful morning of the 7th, long before the full round moon had died in the lap of the dawn; long before the watching stars had grown dim with age, my brigade was saddled formed in champing frosted bits in the cold, ~ d their steeds keen of a December morning, ready and eager for the march. After advancing rapidly and without intermission for several hours, I struck their trail, hot with the passage of many feet, reeking with the foot-prints of the invader. It needed no command now to close up. There was no lagging, no break in serried ranks, no straggling from the line, but each man grasped his gun with the strong, firm gxasp and the strange, wild looks of heroes and born invincibles. After riding hard for about an hour, my advance came full upon the foe, and, with the mad, fierce whoop of men who have wrongs to right and blood to avenge, they dashed on and away at the pas de charge. Rapidly and in splendid style Colonel Jeans, by my command, rushed on to follow up the attack, while Colonels Thompsons and Go Page 150 150 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. XV. rOHAP. XXXIV. dons regiments were dismounted and formed in the dry bed of a creek, and so stationed that they could resist an attack either from the east or west. With these two regiments was one piece of Bledsoes two-gun battery; the other I had sent thundering down the road to support Colonel Jeans. With the Second Regiment of my brigade I also threw forward Captain Quantrills company, under First Lieutenant Gregg, and Major [B] Elliotts battalion of scouts, who, joining in the wild hallo~, l)ressed forward eagerly and fiercely, driving the frightened Federals before them like chaff before the winds of heaven. Still the rout con- tinues. Tramp, tramp, along the land they ride, Splash, splash, along the lea; The scourge is red, the spur drops blood, The flashing pebbles flee! The fight grows intensely interesting, and my men, feeling the in5L)J- ration of the scene, dash on and on, taking prisoners, capturing guns, colors, horses, mules, and every form and variety of clothing, left in the desperate flight of the terror-[stricken] enemy. It was only when I (leemed further pursuit not only imprudent, butt highly dangerous, that I called off my troops and proceeded to avail myself of the now substan- tial fruits of the victory, bought with but scarcely any effusion of blood. At this time Lieutenant [J. E.] Corder, with 20 men, whom I had left on picket when I turned from the main Fayetteville road, cam enpfor orders, he having been driven from his position there by a largely supe- rior force. I ordered him to improvise his men as teamsters and drive the captured train rapidly to the rear, which they did, and did safely. In this brilliant and dashing charbe, Lieutenant Gregg and company sustained their high renown for chivalric courage arid daring, capturing, among many other articles, three standards, one of them regimental. Major Elliott, with his bold scouts, did good work, and it was while leading a headlong charge, five lengths ahead of his best and bravest, that his horse fell with his gallant rider, injuring him quite severely, though not fatally. The three companies of my advance in this fight were commanded by Major [David] Shanks, which were followed by three more, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel [Charles A.] Gilkey, within easy supporting dis- tance. When the enemy were first found he was in line. The charge was ordered, and Colonel Jeans, Major Elliott, and Lieutenant Gregg rushed their commands straight at the foe. They broke and fled precipitately, followed by the three commands furiously to i~ miles beyond Illinois Creek, where, drawn up in linetodisputefurther progress, was a regiment of Federal cavalry. This was hotly charmed broken, routed, and Major [J. M.J Hubbard, the arch fiend of many a midnight foray and murder, was taken prisoner~ When I found that large masses of Federal infantry were marching up to support their cavalry, I fell back with this coin- mand to the position first occupied by me. Again advanced to within sight, formed and sent out skirmishers all along my front and flanks, holding this position until ordered by you to fall back, which I did, re- tiring under fire. In the final dispositions of the day, I formed the First Regiment on the extreme right and the Second Regiment on the left, both covering batteries, and both within supporting distance of each other, rhe Third Regiment having previously been sent to ascertain the posi- tion of the enemy in the direction of Cane Hill, which they did, meeting their pickets, engaging them, and, after a sharp little fight, driving them back. They held their positio.n thus gained until ordered to return and over the rear of General Parsons. Captain Quantrills company, corn Page 151 CHAP. XXXIV.I BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 151 manded by Firat Lieutenant Gregg, was assigned to Colonel Gordon, who had now divided his regiment, leaving four on the right, under Major [George It] Kirtley, leading the other four ou the left, in person, in conjunction with Colonel Jeans, of the Second Regiment, and Major Elliott, of the scouts. The Third Regiment, Colonel Thompson, after returning from its successfnl reconnaissance, was ordered to the front, on the left of Bledsoes battery, dismounted. The battle now began with terrific fury. All along the lines the near fire of the infantry rose, crash upon crash, the dense smoke filling the air and the wild powder gloom getting darker and darker. This terrible fire soon rippled out in one vast, mighty wave of bullets, that circled and roared like a storm at sea, varied incessantly by the thunder of impatient cannon and the yell of exultant and furious combatants. On the right, four regiments of Federal infantry formed in the open field, and came np in splendid order, with flaunting banners and waving pennons, the light of battle on their faces and their steps proud with the thoughts of an easy vic- tory. My skirmishers were steadily driven in, and down to meet them like an avalanche our own infantry swel)t. They met, the shock was terrible, but, broken and rent, our boys drove them back and followed at the charge. Again and again they returned to the fight, and again and again were they repulsed with great slaughter. The four compa- flies under Major Kirtley were now ordered to dismount and join the mad rn~We. lit was done, and they stood shoulder to shoulder and eyes to the front. Now the enemy, gatherin~ all his remaining strength, caine back again with unbroken front and steady step. This conflict was intensely hot. Our men drove them from the woods, drove them across the opening directly in our front, and even drove them beyond their batteries, causing them to limber up and change position. In this charge Major Kirtley led the four companies detached from the First Regiment with much skill and coolness. On the left, the remainder of my brigade was attacked by a largely superior force of cavalry and artil- lery with much vigor and determination. They fought them as cavalry, and drove them back with heavy loss, although I had not a single piece of artillery to cover my attack or meet the batteries of the enemy. During all the day I had noticed the terrible efficiency of the enemys batteries, and saw that they were handled with remarkable skill and effect, and thinking it prudentnay, absolutely necessaryto change the position of some of our guns, I ordered Captain Bledsoe to bring his battery to the brow of the hill, in the center, and draw their fire, while I he other guns could be removed without any unnecessary exposure. This move Was executed by Bledsoe in keeping with his hitherto high reputation, and once more, with gathered strength, our batteries opened on the foe. Now, on the left of Captain Bledsoes battery, the Third Regiment was formed, dismounted, and never did men stand a more terrible and well-directed fire, and that, too, without flinching or giving back an inch. When the final struggle came, when General Parsons met the shock of Blunts entire command, this regiment formed with him, and fought with great effect and intrepidity, for the (lead and wounded Fed- erals, lying stretched out in their gory beds, thick as autumnal leaves in Vallombrosa, can well attest the fury and courage with which the Missourians [fought] shoulder to shoulder and side by side. Colonel Thompson, Lieutenant-Colonel [John C.] flooper, Major Smith, the cap- tain of each respective company, were amid their men, and did great good by their true and heroic bearing. Now the combat thickens all along the lines, and death, with its black banner on the breeze, nerves each heart and cheers them on to the rough, red fray. Bledsoe waM ther Page 152 152 MO., ARK, KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. ICHAP. XXXIv. amid his guns, all (lilt begrimed and powder-blackened, plying his lurid torch where balls would send or powder search, and never once during that long, hot day were they silent, except when going nearer and nearer tQ the foe. Colonel Jeans, Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon, and Lieutenant Gregg were also on the left, where the fire was getting hotter and hotter, and with the pilots weary eyes steered their commands safely through the breakers, white with the fire of deadly cannon, an(l painted with all the dread and gloom of ghastly war. On the right, that part of my command under Major Kirtley had returned from a successful charge, under your immediate eye, and when the dark and weird shad- ows of night had closed over earth and sky and the dead and wounded, reports of a well-won and well-fought battle came cheerily up from all parts of the field, and I drew my command together calmly and cau- tiously, knowing that the day in all its bearings was ours. Night had closed the march of death, and the idle breeze now gave no murmur back to tell of what had been passing but a few brief moments before, when Our bugles sang truce and the night cloud had lowered, And the sentinel stars kept their watch in the sky; When thousands had sunk to the earth overpowered, The weary to sleep and the wounded to die. J dismounted my entire command, moved them as infantry to the road leading directly (lown to the house at the foot of the hill and behind the batteries there stationed, and ordered them to bivouac with- out fires, with guns in their hands, and determination in their hearts. Down upon the cold, hard earth, without a murmur, without a word spoken above a whisper, they lay, with longing eyes stretched fac away northward, thinking of home and the morrow, and another glorious day. When my command was thus formed, I covered my entire front and flanks with picked and vigilant scouts and keen and daring skir. mishers, cautioning them to move lightly, step noiselessly, look well and truly about them, and report constantly and frequently. This done, and well done; and no enemy, however insidious or in what guise pre- sented, could have approached to within 300 yards at the nearest to my lines. When your order came to withdraw my forces and light fires all along my front, J communicated it to the commanders of each command, and not until the fires were lighted, the command withdra~vn, and three companies sent back as skirmishers, drew in my well-tried and trasty scouts. My command now, with saddled steeds in readiness, slept with bridle in hand, in line of battle, awaiting any orders you might commu- nicate through me to them, ever on the alert, and ready atthe slightest call. I cannot close this report without speaking in the highest terms of Capt. Westley IRoberts, commanding the only rifled battei-y we had. He took position about 3 oclock on the brow of the bill inst above the house, and for two mortal hours bore t-hat storm of shot and shell without a murmur, and it was [only] when further delay were suicide did he move to a less exposed position. Captain Bledsoe, with his two iron guns, the hero of many a well.fought field, stood and foaght, and fought and stood, towering above the press, his clarion voice ringing ever proudly, defiantly, and his smoking guns thundering the mad requiem and belching the wild lullaby of the hated invaders. I would also call your special attention to the knightly bearing and conduct of David Shanks, major of the Second Regiment. Whether amid the crash and clatter of the headlong charge, whether leading the cold and cau- tions advance or cheering on his regiment where blue coats and saber Page 153 CHAP. XXXIv.] BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARIC. 153 crossed hats went down like apple-blossoms in a sweet May wind, he was ever the samebrave, kind, humane, chivalric, devoted, daring; now three lengths ahead Qf his best and bravest, and now speaking the quick, keen words of hope and courage. Lieut. Col. [B.] Frank Gordon, of the gallant First, was there among his men, ever where the fire was heaviest and hottest, leading them on to glory, and showing by his actions that Missourians know their rights, and, knowing. (lare maintain them. Lieu- tenant-Colonel Gilkey, Lieutenant-Colonel looper, and all my officers behaved in a most gallant and praiseworthy manner, never seeming to mind the tempest of shot and shell bursting all around them. My ad- jutant (Captain Brewster) was ever with me, brave and daring, carrying orders and forming regiments as if on dress-parade. I will here also state that I noticed with much pleasure the adjutant of ~he First Regi- ment, John [N.] Edwards, who was actively engaged in watching the movements of the enemy upon every corner, and with his regiment aiding and cheering them on to victory or death. Also my young orderly, Jimmy Clark, behaved admirably; his fair, boyish face lit up with the h~lo of battle, and his voice mingling with the rage and roar o~ the cannon. My aides (also Corder and [L.] Shindler) deserve special men- tion for their good behavior. Captain [John] Jarrett, of the Second Regi- ment, bore himself on this eventful day with marked bravery, capturing with his own hand Major Hubbard, of the old First Missouri (Federal) Cavalry, a man well known in that State as a daring and dashing officer. I would also speak in the most favorable terms of Maj. George li. Kirt- ley, of the First Regiment, and Lieutenant Gregg, Major Elliott, of the scouts, and, indeed, of every officer of my command. When your final orders came to retire from the field, the theater of high and knightly deeds, I detailed Captain [J. M.] Garrett, commanding Company E, of the First Regiment, to remaiu with his company to bury our dead, and then marched my entire brigade southward. The substantial fruits of the victory are 12 standards, 32 wagons, sonic 400 or 500 stand of arms, about 300 prisoners, besides quan- tities of clothing, commissary stores, quartermasters supplies, negroes, horses, mules, and every variety and descriptioii of articles a corrupt Govern ment can furnish to hired freebooters and cut-throats an(l thieves. I need not, general, speak farther of my command. You were ever on the field, ever under fire, and saw for yourself the actions and behavior of my men, and whether you lead them in Arkansas, Missouri, or Mis- sissippi, you will constantly find them worthy of your utmost confi- deuce and respect. I have, general, the honor to be, your obedient servant, JO. 0. SIIELBY, Colonel, Commanding Fourth Missouri Cavalry Brigade. Brig. Gen. J. S. MARMADUKE, Commanding Cavalry Division. No. 39. Report of Cot. J. C. Monroe, Arkansas Cavalry, commanding brigade, including skirmish at Reeds Mountain. HEADQUARTERS CARROLLS BRIGADE, Camp near Van Buren, on Arkansas River, December 10, 1862. CAPTAIN: In compliance with General Orders, No. 11 make the following report of the part taken by the forces under my command in the engagements on the 6th and 7th instant: I had in my command about 400 effective men, of which number ther Page 154 154 MO., ARK., RANS., IND. T.. AND DEPT. N. XV. [CHAP. XXXIV. were 150 on picket duty the evening of the 6th and the morning of the 7th. At 3 p. m. (6th) I was ordered forward to cover the front of an in- fa.ntry regiment under the command of General Parsons. After passing the regiment of infantry, I threw out a line of skirmishers on either side of the road. I then moved forward cautiously, feeling for the enemy; found him at the foot of the mountain in strong position, where I en- gaged him. After twenty-five minutes heavy firing, I was forced to re- tire. I then ordered up my whole command, and formed them in line of battle behind the hill, out of range of the enemys guns. I then sent two companies around to attack the enemy~s right flank, and at the same time made a vigorous charge in front. The enemy held his position until we were in 10 paces of him, when he broke and fled in confusion. I would have l)ursued him were it not for the nature of the ground, which was so rugged that it was impossible to ride over. It was now dark, and I moved back about half a mile, leaving a strong picket on the ground. My loss in killed and wounded was 153 killed and 12 wounded; I killed and 10 wounded from the regiment commanded by Major Thom- son, and 2 killed and 2 wounded from the regiment commanded by Major Johnson. During the night I was intbrmed thatthe whole force, except my com- mnand, would move by way of Cove Creek road. I was ordered to remain in my present position and engage the enemy at daylight. I dismounted all the men in both regiments who had long-range guns, deployed them as skirmishers, moved forward and commenced skirmishing with the enemy just after daylight, which was kept up until cannonading was heard in the (lirection of Fayetteville, when the enemy retired, and I moved slowly and cautiously in the direction of Cane Hill. On arriving at Cane Hill, I found no enemy there except some sick and convales- cents, who had been left behind by the enemy. These I paroled, except one Pin ludian, who could not speak English. I also found one negro who had been acting as teamster. I found in the hospital a surgeons sack filled with lint, bandages, medicines, & c., and a case of dental in- struments, which I brought away. There was also at Cane Hill a few commissary and quartermasters stores, but I could get no wagons to send them to the rear. I left Cane Hill at dark, and arrived on the battle- ground at 9 p. in., after the battle had ceased. J. C. MONROE, Colonel, Gommanding Brigade. No. 40. Report of tJol. Emmett MacDonald, Missouri Cavalry (Confederate), commanding brigade. HEADQUARTEIIS XIACI)oNALDs CAVALRY BRIGADE, Van Buren, Ark., December 11, 1862. CAPTAIK: I have the honor to submit to you the following report of the part my brigade took in the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark.: On the morning of the 7th instant, I was ordered to march in column on the Cove Creek and Fayetteville road. After having I)roceeded on that road for 10 miles, I was ordered to take a right-hand road; that the enemy was right in my front. I at once directed my course north. westerly, and succeeded in getting between the enemy and Fayetreville. Discovering the enemy behind a rail fence and in the brush, I ordere Page 155 CHAP. XXXIV.] BATTLE 01? PRAIlIIE GROVE, ARK. 155 up Captain Wests battery, which was in the rear. Tn the mean time I discovered the enemy was forming to charge me. I at once divided my force in two columns, intending to attack the enemy in front and flank, and ordered charge. The charge was led gallantly by Colonels [R. P.] Crump and [M. L.] Young. While running on the enemy, they ran up two white flags. Thinking it a signal for surrender, I ordered my corn- inand to cease firing, and galloped up toward the enemy and found they were retreating. I repeated my order of charge, and my command dashed in upon them, scattering them in all directions. There were some 50 or 60 threw down their arms and surrendered at once. My command, never stopping to take prisoners, continued the pursnit within 6 miles of Fayetteville. The road was strewn with guns, pistols, sabers, wagons, and all descriptions of camp and garrison equipage that the enemy deserted in their wild panic. We charged through woods, over creeks, and through opeii fields, no obstacle seeming to impede the valor and impetuosity of my gallant command, only a remnant of the Yankee brigade escaping in the fastnesses of the Boston Mountains. I then ordered a recall of my troops from the pursuit. After having fallen back for about 2 miles, I ~nnd the main body of my command formed behind a protection, in front of a large force of the enemys infantry and artillery. I then, in company with Lieu- tenant Colonel Crump, made a reconnaissance, and found the enemy strongly posted in a skirt of timber. Learning that our infantry was a long distance behind, I dismounted 75 of my men and sent them out as skirmishers, deceiving the enemy, while I withdrew my command, and, falling back across the Illinois, I was then ordered by General Marmaduke to take position on the left of the Fayetteville road. We remained in line of battle for some time, expecting the approach of the enemy for some three hours. In the mean time Captain Wests battery was ordered np to a strong position on my right. I then sent out a portion of my command, under command of Capt. William P. Saufley, of Colonel Crumps Texas regi- ment, to scout on the left flank. In the mean time the enemy formed a line of battle in the open field in my front, and 1 opened upon them with my artillery. This artillery duel lasted for some time. I was then ordered to move my cavalry force npon the Cane fill road, which order was immediately obeyed. Having moved but a short distance, General Marmaduke ordered me on the ex- treme right, to outflank and charge the enemy, and, in conjunction with Generals Shoups and Fagans gallant commands, succeeded in compell- ing the enemy to fall back rapidly. I was then ordered by General llindman to move a portion of my command on the extreme left, which order was immediately obeyed, and that portion of the command put in charge of Lieutenant-Colonel Young, whose accompanying report you will find inclosed within. These positions were occupied until night put an end to the battle. I was then ordered to move my command to the field near General hind- mans headquarters I was ordered then to picket the right flank of the army. During the night the enemy asked for an armistice of twelve hours, for the purpose of burying their dead. At sunrise the next morning I was ordered to bring up the rear of the army, which I did, carrying off the field some 400 of the enemys arms, and conveyed them to our camp at Olivers. For the list of casualties of this almost bloodless victory, I refer you to the within inclosed reports of Colonels Young and Crump. From the beginning to the end of the fight, whether in the headlon Page 156 156 MO., ARIC., RANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. xxxiv. charge or quietly standing neath the leaden hail, they all, without a single exception, evinced the most unflinching courage and intrepidity. I would call your attention particularly to the daring chivalry of Colo- nels Young and Crump, and Major [Or. W. C.] Bennett. I also extend my thanks to my aide, Lieut. John P. Bull, for the cool and gallant manner in which he carried my orders during the whole battle. To Captain Tholt, of Colonel Youngs command, and Lieutenant Gregg, commanding Quantrills men, I return my thanks for services and gal- lant deeds upon the battle-field. I would also return my thanks to all the officers and men in my bri- gade for obedience to all my orders, especially my acting orderlies Estes, Yetee, Theyer, and Tatefor their coolness and bravery during the entire day; and, captain, in conclusion, allow me to say the cavalry has proven itself one of the most effective arms of the service, and this battle is another evidence that it is the soul wins battles and not arms or numbers. Respectfully, yours, EMMETT MACDONALD, Colonel, Commanding Cavalry Brigade. Captain [E. G.] WILLIAMS. No. 41. Report of Licut. Col. 711. L. Young, MacDonalds cavalry. HEADQUARTERS MACDONALDS CAVALRY BRIGADE, FOURTH DIVISION, TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ARMY, Camp on Cove Creek, Ark., December 9, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that on the 7th instant I at- tacked the enemys cavalry, consisting of one regiment Arkansas and one of Missouri, near Prairie Grove. I charged the enemy upon the right; Colonel Crumps Texas cavalry pierced the center. The enemy, panic-stricken, fled from the field, leaving all their baggage, commissary and quartermasters stores behind them. A running fight was kept up for several miles, scattering guns, pistols, horses, blankets, haversacks, knapsacks, saddles, gloves, overcoats, and, in fact, everything that would make a soldier comfortable. These were all picked up by regi- ments who came up in my rear. Forty or fifty of the enemy were killed and a large number wounded. My regiment and Colonel Crumps cap- tured 40 wagons with teams, about 200 prisoners, 300 stand of arms, 60 sabers, and 150 pistols. The wagons and goods were the kind our troops most needed, such as blankets, overcoats, shirts, drawers, and also a large supply of commissary stores. Colonel Shelby, with two pieces of artillery, was captured by the enemy. The colonel, with his guns, was liberated by our troops. In the general engagement I was posted upon the extreme left. Com- pany B, commanded by Captain [W. H.] Frazier, with one company of Colonel Crump~s Texas cavalry, was sent as skirmishers upon our left, when they were fired upon by the enemys artillery. The guns were charged and the horses killed; but the guns could not be held, as there was no infantry near to snpport them Page 157 CHAP. XXXIV.] BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. 157 My command was divided during the day, and a portion of them en- gaged the enemy with credit and much success on several occasions. Officers and men behaved gallantly on every occasion during the engagement. The following is a list of casualties: Whole number engaged .202 Whole number wounded 2 Whole number missing 3 xvhole number horses killed 3 Respectfully, M. L. YOUNG, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding ]JfacDonalds Cavalry. F. B. DAVIDSON, Adjutant. No. 42. Report of Lieut. Col. R. P. Grump, First Texas Partisan Cacairy. CAMP ON COVE CREEK, ARK., December 9, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 7th instant we attacked the enemys cavalry near Prairie Grove Church, supposed to be 600 strong, composed of the First Kansas and First Arkansas lieniments. Lieutenant-Colonel Young charged on the right, (luartered on the left; my command penetrated the center, completely routing him, pursuing him, and keeping up a running fight for 5 miles, killing about 40, capturing about 200 prisoners, including Major Hub- bard, 40 wagons, and several negroes, 200 stand of arms, and 200 horses. We also had the pleasure of recapturing Colonel Shelby and his battery of light artillery, who had been previously taken by the enemy. The wagons were loaded with boots, shoes, hats, arms, sugar, coffee, I-ice, flour, hams, tobacco, cigars, tents, and camp eqnipage. Accompanying this you will find a list * of killed, wounded, and miss- I ng, with the other casualties of the regiment. The officers and men, without exception, behaved most gallantly. Respectfully, It. P. CItUMP, Lieutenant- Colonel, Comdg. First Texas Regt. Partisan Rangers. Col. EMMETT MACDONALD. No. 43~ Report of Capt. Henry C. West, commanding battery. IN CAMP NEAR OLIVERS STORE, December 9, 1862. COLONEL: In compliance with your orders, I prepared to march on the morning of the 7th instant, at 2 oclock, and at 2.30 oclock I reported * List shows 444 men engaged; 2 killed, 17 wounded, and 4 missing Page 158 158 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T.~ AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXX1V. at your headquarters, and from there I proceeded with the brigade until within some 4 miles of Cane Hill, where I received orders from you to proceed along the road on which we were marching, and learned that you had pushed ahead to attack a body of the enemy. After arriving at the Cane Hill and Fayetteville road, I was ordered into battery by General Marmaduke, and prepared for action. I remained in this posi- tion until the arrival of the main body of the army, when I was ordered by General iliudman to limber up and proceed with it. On arriving at Prairie Grove, Ii was ordered by General Marmaduke to report to Gen- eral Fagan, as I could not operate with the cavalry. having done so, I was at once ordered into battery near the foot of the battle hill, near the white house, on the road. About 3 p. in., when the enemy began to advance, General Shoup ordered me to open fire, which I did. I had been engaged but a short time when General Shoup in person ordered me to cease firing. Captain [XV. D.] Blochers battery ceasing about the same time, several of the ene- mys batteries turned upon my position. After remaining thus silently for some time, the enemy having perfect range of my l)ositiou~ I asked General Shoup if I had not better change to a new one, and he ordered me to do so. I moved off on the road leading to the left of the main road, and caine back into the main road on the south side of the hill. I was proceeding up the road when met by Colonel Shelby, who said I had better go to the rear, as it was impossible for me to get in a position to do any good. Major [W. E.] woodruff; Hr.,] (chief of artillery) coming up at the same time, Colonel S. [Shelby] told him the same, and he, Major XV. [Woodruff], ordered me to countermarch and go to the rear and remain until farther orders. I proceeded to the field where General Hiudman was, and refilled my chests. Directly after, General II. [flindman] ordered me with one section of my battery to report immediately to General Hoane, who was on the extreme left, which I did, and immediately General Itoanes line advanced, I on his left, advancing with him until arriving at the open field, when I at once went into battery and opened fire upon the enemy. and I continued firing until all firing ceased at nightfall. I then re- porte(l to General iRoane for further orders, and was ordered to return to the remainder of my battery, which I did at General llindm ans head- quarters, and there I remained until the line of march was taken n~ about midnight. Below I give the list of casualties of my battery: be H H H Non-commissioned officers 2 Privates 1 3 Total 3 3 Respectfully submitted. HENRY C. WEST, Captain, Commanding Battery. Col. EMMETT MACDONALD, Commanding Carairy Brigade Page 159 CHAP. XXXIV.] EXPEDiTION INTO MARION COUNTY, ARK. 159 DECEMBER 915, 1862.Expedition from Ozark, No., into Marion County, Ark. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown, U. S. Army. No. 2.Capt. Milton Burch, Fourteenth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gem. ]Jgbert B. Brown, U. S. Army. SPRINGFIELD, Mo., December 18, 1862. I have the honor to report a successful scout of Captain Burch, Fourteenth Missouri State 1~1ilitia, with 40 men of his regiment and company Enrolled Missouri Militia, into Arkansas, burning and destroy- ing the saltpeter works of the Confederate Government, including S buildings, 1 engine, 26 large kettles, 6 tanks, blacksmiths and carpen- ters shops and tools; $6,000 worth of saltpeter, packed, which was to have been moved in two days; capturing 500 barrels of jerked beef, together with a full supply of other provisions for the winter, and re- turning, without a casualty, with 42 prisoners, their arms, horses, and equipments. The affair is the more creditable, as a large force of the enemy was encamped within a few miles of the works; but so rapid and secret were the movements of Captain Burch that they were unap- prised of them until he had accomplished the duty assigned him, and returned in safety. This is the fourth equally important and successful scout of Captain Burch in the past few months, besides numbers of smaller affairs. These are the same works reported to have been de- stroyed by Colonel Wickersham about a month since. The destruction was not complete, as they were again in full operation. The works cost the Confederate Government $30,000. They are now destroyed. The engine, tanks, and kettles were broken with sledges, and buildings burned. The cave is sufficiently roomy to work 100 men. E. B. BROWN, Maj. Gen. SAMUEL B. CURTIs. Brigadier-General. No. 2. Report of Cape. Miilton Burek, Fourteenth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. OZARK, Mo., December 18, 1862. SIR: I have the honor of reporting to you, for the information of the commanding general, the results of a scout, commanded by me, in Marion County, Arkansas. By permission from Captain [S. A.] Flagg, commanding this post, I took command of 40 men, composed of detachments from Companies ID, F G, and II, Second Battalion Fourteenth Regiment Missouri State Militia Cavalry, and, on the morning of the 9th instant, marched for Lawrences Mill, a distance of 35 miles. I arrived at the mill early in the night, and remained there till noon of the 10th, waiting for forage. During the time, I held a consultation with the officers of my command an Page 160 160 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV; those of the enrolled militia stationed at the mill, in regard to the direc- tion we should take. It had been my intention to make an expedition into the White River country below Dubuqne, where it is said a band of marauders have a considerable number of horses. These marauders I wished to destroy or drive out, and to capture their horses; but, hav- ing received information that a rebel captain by the name of Mooney, with 75 men, were encamped. at Tolberts Ferry, on White River, 60 miles from us, I resolved, with the advice of the other officers, to go and capture them. I received a re-enforcement of 60 men from the enrolled militia at the mill, and marched 20 miles in the direction of Tolberts Ferry. The march was continued on the morning of the 11th, but, instead of keeping the road, I bore to the eastward, and marched through the wood, under the guidance of an excellent woodman by the name of Will- oughby Hall. I arrived within 8 miles of the ferry by dusk, and stopped to feed and rest in the dense foresL near an out of the way corn-field. During the time of our stay at thisplace, II sent Lient. John R. Kelso, with 8 men, to capture some rebel pickets that I supposed would be found at the house of a rebel by the name of l3rixy. Lieutenant Kelso soon returned, having found and captured 2 rebels, with their gnus, and 1 horse. From these prisoners 1 learned that Captain Mooneys men had temporarily disbanded, and were not to assemble again for two days. I felt a little disappointed upon the reception of this intelligence, but I determined to proceed and make a dash upon a band of armed rebels that I learned were at the saltpeter cave, on the other side of White River, 7 miles from Captain Mooneys house. At midnight my little band emerged from the dark wood, where we had been resting, and silently wound along the hills in the direction of Captain Mooneys. Lieutenant Kelso led the adVance, and, by the most excellent manage- ment, succeeded in capturing 7 or 8 rebels, who lived near the road, with- out giving any alarm to the country around. Just before day we cap- tured a rebel recruiting officer by the name of Mings, formerly a lieu- tenant-colonel. At the break of day we reached Captain Mooneys residence. We took him, with one other man, together with 15 stand of small-arms, most of which we destroyed, not being able to carry them. We also recaptured 8 horses, which had been taken from the enrolled militia stationed at Lawrences Mill. I remained here to feed and await the arrival of a party that I had sent out, with orders to meet at this point. They soon came in, bring- ing several prisoners. I then sent Captain [P. T.] Green, of the enrolled militia, back with the prisoners, 17 in number, and 25 men as an escort. I then divided the rest of my command into two divisions, sending one, under command of Captain [J. II.] Sallee, accompanied by Lieutenant Bates, formerly of the Sixty-fourth Illinois, to march up the river on this side, and to await in concealment till I began the attack with the other division, which was to cross and approach from the other side. It was just noon when we arrived at the cave. The rebels were at their dinner, all unconscious of our approach. When at last they dis- covered us, they mistook us for a company of their own men which they were expecting, and they did not discover their error until we were in half pistoUshot of them. I ordered them to surrender, which th eydid, without firing a gun. They numbered 23, of whom 3 were left, being unable to travel. Their arms were mostly shot-guns and rifles, which I ordered to be destroyed. We also captured 4 mules and 2 wagons. The wagons, however, we could not bring away; also 3 horses were taken. I ordered the saP Page 161 CHAP. XXXIV.] AFFAiR NEAR HELENA, ARK. 161 peter works to be destroyed, which was effectually done. These are gigantic works, having cost the rebel Government $30,000. Captain MeNainar, who was in command, stated that in three days they could have had $6,000 worth of saltpeter ready for use. These works, although reported as destroyed at the time of the burning of Yellville, had been unmolested since early last spring, when they were slightly injured by a detachment from General Curtis army. The works being destroyed, and learning that a party of Burbridges command was hourly expected, I thongh~t better to retire, as I Was already encumbered with prisoners. I marched nearly all night through the dark woods, the rain pouring down upon us in torrents. On the next day we advanced as far as Little North Fork, which was not fordable. Here we remained till the morning of the 13th, when we crossed and reached Lawrences Mills. On the 15th we reached this place, having been absent seven days. We traveled 225 miles; captured 42 prisoners; destroyed 40 stand ofsmall-arms; also captured 12 horses and 4 mules, and destroyed $30,000 worth of machinery, & c., and all without any loss whatever on my side. In conclusion, I must say a word in praise of the brave men under my command. Often without any food, except parched corn, and iio shelter from the chilling rains; deprived of sleep, and weary from long night marches, not a murmur was heard. Every hardship was borne with cheerfulness, and every danger met with the utmost coolness. The en- rolled militia officers, Captains Sallee, Green, and [J. F.] lluffman, all did their duty well. Lieutenant Bates, of the Sixty-fourth Illinois, showed himself a brave soldier. Lieutenant Warren, of Company F, also de- serves favorable notice. As to Lieutenant Kelso, his reputation as an intrepid soldier and skillful officer is too well known to require any comment at this time. These, major, I think, are all the facts worthy of notice. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, MiLTON BURCII, Captain, Commanding Expedition. Maj. JAMES H. STEGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. DECEMBER 14, 1862.Affair near Helena, Ark. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Willis A. Gorman, U. S. Army, commanding Eastern District of Arkansas. No. 2.Maj. Henry P. Hawkins, Sixth Missonri Cavalry. No.1. Report of Brig. Gen. Willis A. Gorman, U. S. Army, commanding Eastern District of Arkansas. HEADQUARTERS EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS, Helena, [Ark.,] December 15, 1862. MAJOR: On yesterday morning, a little after daylight, the Texas Rangers made a dash at our outpost picket, 4 miles from this place, and Ii R RYOL XXII~ PT Page 162 162 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. ICixAr. XXXIV. captured 23, including 1 commissioned officer, all belonging to the Sixth Missouri Cavalry. I find this whole command extremely loose in doing picket and all other guard duty. I will correct it, or dismiss, with the approval of the Government, one officer iifter another in disgrace, until the remedy is effective. I am, major, your obedient servant, W. A. GOBMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. H. Z. CURTIS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Missouri. No. 2. Report of ]Ifaj.. Henry P. Hawkins, Sixth Missouri Gavairy. HEADQUARTERS SiXTH MISSOURI CAVALRY, Helena, [Ark.,] December 14, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the cap. ture of the picket guard on Saint Francis road, furnished from my com- mand, in compliance with Special Orders, No. 95, from Headquarters First Brigade, Second Division, Army of the Eastern District of Arkan- sas, and dated December 13, 1862: The picket ~uard was detailed from Company E of my command. The picket guard consisted of 1 commissioned officer, 4 non-commis- sioned officers, and 21 privates. They relieved the pickets at the regu- lar picket station, about 4 miles from this camp, at 3 p. m. of the 13th instant. At 8 this a. m. Private Hugh Hoark reported to me that the lieutenant commanding the picket guard and 23 enlisted men, with horses, arms, and equipments cemplete, were surprised and captnred by a band of guerrillas at daylight this morning, near the residence of a citizen named Turner. Most of the horses and horse equipments were the l)rivate property of the soldiers captured. Immediately on receipt of the above information, I ordered Capt. F. A. Millert and 25 enlisted men of Company F, my command, to replace the picket guard captured this morning. I reported the capture of the picket guard at headquarters First Brigade, and at headquarters Second Division, immediately after the receipt of the above informa- tion. Having learned (not officially) that the Army of the Eastern Dis- trict of Arkansas had just been reorganized, and that Brig. Gen. C. C. Washburn was commanding all the cavalry at this point, I respectfully submit the facts for ybur consideration as reported to me by Captain Millert. Mr. Turner stated that the guard was captured by Texas Rangers; but the negroes on his plantation stated that they are acquainted with Captain Anderson, and that they saw him (Anderson) this morning talking with Mr. Turner; they state, also, that, about 9 oclock last night (13th instant), they heard a large body of troops moving through the corn-field near Mr. Turners residence. I am informed that Mr. Turner has a guard of two United States ~o1diers, with United States horses, arms, and equipments, at his house Page 163 Cuir. nUT.] EXPEDITION TO CLARSTON, Mo. 163 That guard, or the Government property in their possession, was not molested, although Captain Anderson and his men saw the guard s, and even captured one or two men of the picket guard in ML Turners door. yard. One of Mr. Turners guards informed Capt. F. A. Millert that he also heard a body of troops moving through the corn.flold last night about 9 oclock, but he did not inform the officer commanding the picket guard, neither did he take, or cause to be taken, any steps to inform the picket guard of the danger surrounding them. The guard witnessed the capture of our men from the front door of Mr. Turners house. He says the men were very much scattered; they had just come up to the regular picket station; the pickets had not yet been stationed for the day. The picket guard at night retires about 1 mile from the position they occupy during the day. They hadjust halted, had unbridled their hones, and were feeding when attacked from the rear. The enlisted men captured have seen and done hard service, and would not have been taken prisoners if the lieutenant had done his duty. For the men I have sympathy; for the officer, contempt; and respectfufly recommend that he may be mustered out of the service of the United states. ltespectfufly, your obedient servant~ HENBY P. HAWKINS, Major, CwminaeudAesg 56th Ii iseourf Genii. Capt Wuaax H. MORGMr Maistant A4Jutaat.de,wraL DZONflfl 1741, iSS.Zrpediticn front Nw Naduil to Clarkton, No. Bq,ott of C7i,t. Hubert F. Pubis, TMrty.accoad Iowa Isfautrg. HnDQuAXTns, Yew Madrid, Mo., December 22, 1862. I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the forces under my command in the late expedition to Clarkton, Mo.: The command consisted of Captain [LI Hutchinson, Second Lieutenant [A.] Dowd, and 40 men of Company I; First Lieutenant [H. C.] Raymond, and 57 men of Company C; Chaplain Coffin, and Surgeon Waters. The command left New Madrid at about 8 a. m. December 17, and wet as far as Weaversville, a distance of 22 miles, the first day. Little River, at this place, is from 2 to 5 feet deep at the ford, the bridge having been destroyed some time since, by order of Mpjor Jones, then in command at New Madrid; the width of the ford is some 5 rods. We were obliged to ferry the men across in a small skit The roads, notwithstanding the recent heavyrains, were in excellent condition to this point The Plank road begins at Weaversville and rugs to Clarkton, a distance of 12 miles, through a swamp. At daylight on the 18th, we continw4 our march, and arrived at Clarkton the same evening. We found e roads almost impassable; culverts to the numberof some 20, had a n destroyed, and the teams were obliged to pass around them, goin~own the bank into the water avid mud to the depth of from 3 toO feetfhe bridge across New River Page 164 164 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. 4 miles from Clarkton, we also found destroyed, and we were compelled to cross in the small skiff which we had brought from Weaversville. The horses and teams were obliged to ford a distance of 200 yards. The bridges and culverts could be repaired at small expense, as the founda. tion works are in very good condition. We halted about 1 mile from Clarkton, and rested until after dark, keeping close guard that no one should carry intelligence of our approach. Soon after dark, we marched into town, and immediately surrounded every house, placed our pickets ou all the avenues of approach, and commenced our search for prisoners. Captain McDonald was found at the house of , and arrested. Learning that Captain Pankey was at home on a furlough, Captain ilutchinson was dispatched with a detachment of men, and soon re- turned with him as prisoner. On the following morning three expeditions were organizedone of 15 men, under command of Chaplain Coffin, who went south toward Kennett, some 5 miles, and took prisoner Quartermaster-Sergeant Se- becker; he also secured several valuable horses belonging to rebels. One detachment of 15 men, under command of Captain Hutchinson, went north from Clarkton, and returned with Captain Page and one Montgomery and his son Lentz, as prisoners, all of whom were engaged in the guerrilla service~ he also took several valuable horses. Another detachment of 15 horsemen, under command of Captain Peebles, went to Halkolms Island and to the Saint Francis River, to the Arkansas border. The last-mentioned detachment took Surgeon Bartlett and con- siderable rebel property. We could hear of depredations committed by small bands of guerrillas, but we were unable to meet any of them. I learned I hat a band of from 100 to 200 guerrillas were making their headquarters at Chalk Bluff, on the Saint Francis River. Depredations are frequently committed by guerrillas in the vicinity of Clarkton, and the perpetrators flee to Chalk Bluff, and thence across the river into Arkansas. A force stationed at the bluff would do much toward restoring quiet and safety to the Lw-abiding citizens of South- eastern Missouri. Many of the citizens clnim to be loyal. The result of our expedition was the tab ing prisoners of 2 captains, 1 surgeon, and I quartermaster-sergeant, all of the Regular Confederate Army; 1 captain and 3 privates in the guerrilla service. Besides the prisoners, we took 15 horses, some valuable ones; one mule team, wagon, harness, & c.; 40 head of cattle, and several stand of small-arms. Could the expedition have been absent several days longer, much additional good might have been accomplished. On the 20th we returned from Clarktou to Weaversville, and on the 21st arrived at New Madrid all the men in better health and spirits than when they started. I would make honorable mention of Captain Hutchinson, Chaplain Coffin, Lieutenants Raymond and Dowd for the prompt and faithful manner in which they discharged the duties devolving upon them. I am glad to bear witness that every man in the command acted throughout as becomes a patriot soldier battling for a just cause. All of which is respectfully submitted. II. F. PEEBLES, Captain Company C, Commanding. Col. JOHN SCOTT, ~Jomdg. Thirty-second Reyiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry Page 165 CHAP. XXXIV.] SKIRMISH NEAR HELENA, ARK. 165 DECEMBER 2123, 1862.Expedition from Fayettevile to HuntsvillerArk. Report of Lieut. Cot. James Stuart, Tenth Illinois Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Fayetteville, Ark., December 23, 1862. COLONEL: In obedience to your orders of the 21st instant, I pro ceeded, in command of detachments of the First Arkansas Cavalry, Eighth Missouri Cavalry, and Tenth Illinois Cavalry, to Huntsville, Ark., to attack a party of the enemy reported in that locality. On ar- riving at that point a little after daybreak on the morning of the 22d, I found the enemy, 150 strong, had been in there all night of the 18th, and committed depredations on all the Union families in that vicinity, more especially that of Judge Murphy, the ladies of whose family they stripped of everything but what was on their bodies, leaving them in a destitute condition. After leaving Huntsville some of them proceeded down the War Eagle Creek, others toward Carroilton, scattering all through the country in small parties of twos and threes. I caught 15 stragglers from tire rebel army arid paroled them; they had all left the army immediately after the battle of Prairie Grove. I would likewise beg to state, for the information of the general coin- manding, that the road leading through the mountains from Ozark, Vaii Buren, and Clarksville passes direct through Huntsville, and from Huntsville leading north there is one road which strikes the Wire road at Mud Town, one at Cross hollows, one at Elk Horn, one at Keytes- yule, Mo., and one at Cassviile, Mo., making five different roads which a rebel party might choose from on arriving at Huntsville if they de- sired to molest our line of communication with Springfield, Me., and from inquiry I find that each of the points mentioned is as near to theur from Huntsville as it is to us at Fayetteville. Consequently the neces- sity, in my opinion, of having a strong force of cavalry stationed at that point, as there is no other route the enemy can cross the Boston iNlount- arns until they get about 100 miles east of that gap. I would likewise state that forage is plentiful in that vicinity. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES STUART, Lieutenant- Colonel Tenth Illinois Cavalry, 6orndg. Expedition. DECEMBER 23, 1862~Skirmisli on tb.e Saint Francis road, near Helena, Ark. Report of Brig. Gem Willis A. Gorman, U. S. Army. HEADQLTARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS, Helena, Ark., December 23, 1862. The enemy~s cavalry attacked and ambushed our outpost picket on the Saint Francis road, and killed 2 and wonuded 16, captured none. We pursue(l them at once, and so closely that they only escaped by scattering in all directions through the wood. The boldness of the Texas cavalry is becoming highly important, and if I send 2,00 Page 166 166 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. (CHAr. XXXIV. cavalry to opeu up communication with General Grant, as he specially requests, these Texans will venture still more; but it can only cause annoyance. I am, major, your obedient servant, W. A. GOI~MAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. H. Z. CURTIS, Assistant Adjutant- Gcueral. DECEMBER 2331, 1862.Operations in the Sugar Creek Hills, Mo. Report of lliLaj. Edward B. Eno, Eighth Missouri State Militia Gavairy. HEADQUARTERS, Newtonia, Mo., December 31, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to make the following condensed state- ment of the operations of my command during the ten days past: On the evening of the 23d instant, I started with 80 men for the pur- pose of dispersing several gangs of guerrillas known to harbor among the Sugar Creek Hills. After riding hard two nights and days, we had succeeded in finding three different camps of from 20 to 50 men each. These were broken up, 10 prisoners taken, 12 horses, with saddles, bridles, & c., 2 wagons, 1 tent, marked Sixth Kansas ~ to- gether with a quantity of blankets, kettles, pans, & c. It was impossi- ble to completely surprise them, as there are none but rebels and rebel sympathizers living in the country, and though the immediate results of the scout were but small, I have discovered their licks in that sec- tion, and will find much less difficulty in exterminating them. Scouts are kept out constantly after them, with orders to show them no mercy. On the night of the 28th instant, a party of guerrillas came to the house of Mrs. Joy, a Union lady, who has been robbed of almost everything, and carried off her negro girl. I immediately started a party, under command of Captain [13. A.] Reeder, but failed to find the perpetrators of the outrage, they having dispersed and taken to the brush. I have seized upon a slave belonging to the Mr. Adams who is in the brush and said to be one of the robbers, and have notified his family that the negro shall be held until Mrs. Joys is returned. Sugar Creek, Shoal Creek, Indian Creek, Cent6r Creek, and Jones Creek, at distances from 5 to 15 miles of the post, are full of these out- laws, but 8 of them having been shot in the last two weeks, and the continual scouting after them, has made them much less daring than heretofore. It will take some little time, but I am determined to root them out,stem and branch,and, if horse-flesh and ammunition do not fail me, will do it. The block-house and stockade are progressing rapidly, and the force engaged in the work is being daily increased, as per orders. Will send full drawings of the fort per next messenger. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. B. ENO, ]Jlajor, Commanding Post. Brig. Gen. E. B. BROWN, Gomdg. South~ est District of Missouri, Springfield, Mo Page 167 ellA?. XXXIV.] CAPTURE OF VAN BURE~, ARK. 167 DECEMBER 28, 1862Skirmish at Dripping Springs and capture of Van Buren, Ark. I~EPORTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis, U. S. Army. No. 2.Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt, U. S. Army. No. 3.Brig. Gen. Francis J. Herron, U. S. Army. No. 4.Maj. Charles Banzhaf~ First Missouri Cavalry. No. 5.Maj. Geu. T. C. Hindman, C. S. Army. No. 1. Report of Maj. Gem. Samuel 1?. Curtis, U. S. Army. DECEMBER 29, 1862. The Army of the Frontier, under Generals Blunt and ilerron, moved over Boston Mountains on Saturday. Advanced without halting to Van Buren; drove the enemy across the Arkansas; killed and wounded a few; took three steamboats, camp equipments, and 100 prisoners. The march of 45 miles, with all arms of service, over the mountains and through the deep mud of the valley was a most arduous and gal lant affair. SAML. B. CURTIS, Major-General. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, Washington, I). C. No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gem. James U. Blunt, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Van Buren, Ark., December 28, 1862. GENERAL: The Stars and Stripes now wave in triumph over Van Buren. On learning that llindman had been re-enforced and contem- plated making another attempt to force his way to Missouri, I deter- mined to make the attack upon him. Leaving my transportation north of the mountains, I marched with 8,000 of my best troops and thirty pieces of artillery, from Prairie Grove at 8 oclock yesterday morning upon this place; distance, 50 miles. At 10 oclock this morning my advance came upon two regiments of rebel cavalry at Dripping Springs, 8 miles north of the river. Dashing upon them with 3,000 cavalry and four mountain howitzers, a brisk running fight took place, which was kept up into the town, resulting in the cap- ture of all their transportation40 wagons, with six-mule teams, camp and garrison equipage, 100 prisoners, a large amount of ammunition; four steamers and the ferry-boat were also captured. The latter, in attempting to cross the river with rebel troops, was shelled from the howitzer. When in the middle of the river the boats were disabled and a number of the men killed. The remainder jumped overboard and swam to the shore. Three large steamer& ~, heavily laden with Govern- ment supplies, had got up steam and attempted to escape down the river, but were pursued by the cavalry 5 miles and brought to by the fire of their carbines, and returned back to the levee. The enemy then brought their artillery to the opposite bank of the river and commence Page 168 168 MO., ARK, KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. XV. ECITAP. XXXIV. shelling the town, for the purpose of driving out my cavalry, but re- sulting in no other damage than the destruction of some buildings; my artillery, coming up soon, silenced their batteries. Quite a number of the enemy have been killed during the days operations. The only cas- ualties on our side are 5 or 6 men slightly wounded. My long-range guns are now shelling the rebel camp across the river, 5 miles below this place. If the enemy does not retire during the night, I shall en- deavor to cross my troops over the river iu the morning andoffer them battle. JAS. G. BLUNT, Maj. Gen. SAMUEL ~. CUI~TIS. Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Van Buren, Ark., December 30, 1862. The enemy retreated during the night of the 28th in the direction of Arkadeiphia. About 600 sick and wounded Confederates were aban- doned at Fort Smith, with instructions to take care of themselves. I sent a small force to Fort Smith to destroy two steamers there, but the rebels had saved us the trouble by burning them before they retreated. The four steamers captured at Van Buren, also the ferry-boat, were burned by my order. Last night as much of the sugar and other sup- plies as I had transportation to remove were landed. The remainder, including about 13,000 bushels of corn, shipped from Little Rock for the rebel army, shared the fate of the boats. As it is impossible to sustain an army here, for the want of forage and supplies, until they can be l)rought up the river, or the animals subsist upon grass, I shall there- I~re commence moving my troops back to-day north of the mountains. Dispatch just received from Colonel [XV. A.] Phillips, whom I had sent with 1,200 men to the Indian Territory, dated Fort Gibson, the 27th, informs me that he has driven and pursued the forces of Cooper and Stand Watie across the Arkansas River ai fications, barracks, and commissary , ~d destroyed the rebel forti- buildings at Fort Davis. Colonel McIntosh and the rebel Creeks are desirous of laying down their arms and unite their destinies again with the Federal Government. The same feeling also manifested by the Choctaws. Respectfully, JAS. G. BLUNT, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. T. J. WEED, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Fort Leavenworth, Kans. No. 3. Reports of Brig. Gen. Francis J. Herron, U. iSv. Army. IIDQRS. 2D AND 3D DIVS., ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Van Buren, Ark., December 29, 1862. We have bearded the tricky rebel, General iliudman, in his den. Yes- terday morning we left north side of mountains, General Blunt taking Cove Creek road. and I taking Telegraph road. It was a terrible trip. We formed junction at daylight this morning, and pushed the cavalry into Van Buren without halting. Two regiments of cavalry were en - camped at Dripping Springs and showed fight, but after killing a few and wounding some, they left, crossing the river on two boats at th Page 169 C~rAr. XXXIV.] CAPTURE 01? VAN BUKEN, ARK. 169 wharf. We captured two boats and the ferry-boat, the transportation of two regiments, and 100 prisoners, including several officers. it is a good joke on Hindman. He is across the river, 5 miles from here, with his whole force. We claim the country to the Arkansas Iliver. F. J. HERRO~ Brigadier- G-ei~eral. IVJaj. Gen. SAMUEL IR. CURTIS. HEADQUARTERS SECOND AND THIRD DIVISIONS, Prairie Grove, Ark., December 31, 1862. GENERAL: Some days after the battle of Prairie Grove, General Blunt and myself decided upon an expedition to Van Buren, but the weather was such as to prevent any movement at that time. On Christmas night we met and arranged the details, fixing the starting time on the morning of the 27th instant. The impression was given to the troops that a demonstration was to be made in the direction of Huntsville, and with that idea preparations were made. At daybreak on the 27th, we moved out of camp, with picked men of the whole command, General Blunt going from Cane Hill, by the Cove Creek route, while 1 took the Telegraph or mountain road. We marched all of that day and until 3 oclock the next morning, crossing the mount- ains successfully, aud forming a junction at Olivers Store, 18 miles from the river. Getting information in regard to their camps, pickets, & c., General Blunt instructed me to advance all my cavalry, leaving Hus- ton, with the infantry and artillery, to follow up. The general and myself pushed on with the advance guard, striking their first picket 3 miles from C livers. After firing upon us, they ran, we following them into the camp at Dripping Springs. Here a regiment was formed in line, but our cavalry charged and drove them in great disorder, capturing wagons, tents, arid all their camp equipage complete. Ou we traveled, chasing them through the streets of Van Buren, to the great surprise ~nd astonishment of the citizens, who had heard nothing of our coining. They made three attempts to check us between Dripping Springs and Van Buren, but were driven every time. The last 10 miles was traveled in one hour, the whole cavalry force going in at a gallop. Arriving on the hill overlooking the town, we Ibund three steam- boats leaving the wharf and the ferry, making good time over the river. We chased them with the cavalry, overtaking the first one a mile below town, and, by a welidirected fire of musketry, brou~,ht her to. Colo- nel Cloud followed the other two 10 miles, capturing both, and bringing them back to the wharf. They were all loaded with corn and other stores. In the mean time the cavalry were scouring the country, and wagons were being brought in from every direction. About 2.30 oclock (we had arrived at 12 oclock) a battery opened on the town from the opposite side of the river, and shelled the town for an hour. One of our men was killed and 5 wounded. General Blunt and myself made a narrow escape. We soon hurried up a longrange bat- tery, and drove them off. The transaction was diabolical, to say the least of it, the town being full of women and children. At least 100 shells were fired into the houses, doing great damage, only one citizen being hurt that I know of. We remained there over night and until dark the next night, moving the command back to Dripping Springs. The captures are numerous. After feeding all the corn we could, there remained between 15,000 and 20,000 bushels, which we destroyed, also burning the three boats capturedthe ferry-boat and two boat Page 170 170 MO., AIdC., RANS., tND. T., AND PEP~. N. W. [CHAP. ~xiV. that were laid up at the wharf We have over 50 six-mule teams taken: 250 head of fine cattle, and a large number of horses, & c. The camp equipage was all destroyed, and the wagons loaded with Government sugar and brought with us. The telegraph operator, instruments, and official dispatches of Hiudman were taken. I will send the telegrams to you; they are a curiosity. Hiudmans whole force was encamped within 5 miles, on the south bank of the river. They at once evacuated Fort Smith; destroyed all their stores on hand and burned two steamboats, and traveled, leaving 4,000 sick in a very destitute condition. The divisions of Frost, Shoup, Roane, and Fagan retreated in great confusion, each one taking the first road they came to, and without any plan for concentrating. They are de- moralized and broken up, and I think this section is rid of Hiudman. My opinion is they will go to Marshfield, in Texas, and cross over to Vicks- burg. I also think Little Rock will be abandoned, and a new demonstra- tion will cause them to abandon the whole line of the Arkansas River. I would like to be at Helena with a good division just at this time, and have a chance to operate. We cannot subsist on the river until the mouth is opened, there being nothing above Little Rock. llindman has told the people on the river that all was well; that it was an impossibility for us to cross the mountains; that, if we did, he would never let one mah get back, & c. This demonstration has done more to demoralize the army, to create a distrust in the leaders, and to satisfy the people that we can accomplish what we undertake, than anything doml in this quarter. They are ready and willing to give it up. The march down and back was terrible. We crossed the mountains in the night, and was more of a contract than I had yet got. It required 12 horses to draw the artillery over, and sometimes 50 men on a rope, in addition. The feat, however, was accomplished without losing any- thing. I left Va:i Buren at 7 oclock on the evening of the 29th, and met General Schofield 10 miles north of that place. He returned to Prairie Grove without visiting Van Buren, and to-day assumed command of the army. General Blunt returned to Rheas Mills, and 1 am still at Prairie Grove. I sent you to-day a Fort Smith paper, cQntaining a flattering notice of Judge Tibbetts, of Fayetteville, and the obituary of Governor Claib. [F.] Jackson. The army is in excellent health and condition, but need shoes badly. Somehow they cannot be had. Hoping that one little column of your forces have wound up the year in a manner to suit you, I remain, very truly, yours, F. J. HERRON. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS, Saint Louis, Mo. No. 4. Report of Maj. Charles Banzhaf, First Missouri Cavalry. HDQRS. SEcoND BATTALION, FIRsT MIssouRI CAVALRY, Fayetteville, Ar/c., January 2, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to transmit to you herewith the particulars of the operations of Company E, First Missouri Cavalry, under command of Capt. Irving W. Fuller, at Van Buren, on Sunday, December 28,1862 Page 171 Cuir. xxxrv.~ CAPTURE OF VAN BUREN, ARK. 171 Supposing a portion of the enemy to have retreated toward the south- east part of the town, I dispatched Captain Fuller and his command, while ~et one-half mile this side of Van Bnren, to make a charge on said part of the town, the result of which I give in Captain Fullers own language, as follows: After riding about 11 miles, we overtook and captured 3 six-horse teams loaded with ammunition, which were placed under guard and sent to be reported to G& neral Blunt. Proceeding down the road, we succeeded in capturing, in all, 27 wagons and teams, loaded with baggage, camp and garrison equipage, and, discovering the steamer Rose Douglass in the Arkansas River retreating down the river with all speed, we brought her to by firing at her with our carbines, and succeeded in captur- ing her, and her whole cargo, consisting of 4,300 bushels of corn, 6 liogsheads of sugar, a quantity of molasses, & c., which was handed over to General Herron. We also took 21 prisoners, all soldiers, and, except the teamster, with their arms and ac- couterments. Captain Fuller and his command returned to town with the steamer on the morning of December 29, 1862. I take pleasure in calling your attention to the gallantry and efficiency displayed by Captain Fuller and his command, and the daring exhib- ited thronghout the engagement. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, CLIAS. BAINZHAF, Major First Missouri Cavalry. Col. DANIEL ilusToN, JR., Commanding Second Division, Army of the Frontier. No. 5. Report of Maj. Cen. T. C. Iiindman, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS HINDMAT~S DIVISION, Little Rock, [Ark.,] February 15, 1863. COLONEL: After the battle of Prairie Grove, having returned south of the mountains, I found it impossible to forage Marmadukes cavalry in Northwest Arkansas, and accordingly ordered him to Lewisburg, lOt) miles below Van Buren. My force being thus reduced and continuing to diminish in strength daily by desertions and a frightful increase of sickness, the latter cansed by the unprecedented hardships to which the men had been exposed, the former resulting principally, in my opin- ion, from the non-payment of the troops and the consequent sufferings of their families, I decided that it was unadvisable to keep my main body on the north side of the river, and, therefore, crossed it to the south side, and went into camp in the vicinity of Fort Smith. One of Fagans infantry regiments, with a section of artillery, remained at Van Buren, and one regiment of cavalry, under Licut. Col. H. P. Crump, was posted at Dripping Springs, t~ miles north of that place, instructed to picket at Olivers, 19 miles north, and at corresponding points on all other roads leading toward the enemy, scouting actively on each road, and keeping up constant patrols by day and night between the several picket stations. On the 21st of December, the lientenant-general commanding the department, who was then at my headquarters, instructed me to move my command, except Roanes and Coopers bi igades of Texas and In- dian troops, to Lewisburg, it being no longer possible to maintain them where I was Page 172 172 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. XV. [CHAr. XXXIV. On the 23d of December, I gave orders for the removal of the sick and such public stores as would not be necessary to the troops that were to remain, and that all wagon trains and boats on the way up with sup. plies should be stopped about Clarksville. Pagans division was ordered to march on the 26th and Frosts division on the 28th. In the interval between the issuance and execution of these orders, desertions from the Texas infantry, under General iRoane, increased to such an extent that I deemed it best to break up that brigade and (us- tribute the regiments among the Missouri and Arkansas troops, and substituted Shavers Arkansas brigade to be left for defending the Indian country. On December 28, at 10 a. in., Lieutenant-Colonel Crump reported to me by conner that the enemy was advancing on the Cove Creek road in heavy force of cavalry, infantry, and artillery. A few minutes afterward, Brigadier General Cooper, who was at Scullyville, in the Choctaw Na- tion, 15 miles from Fort Smith, reported to me by courier that a Fed. eral cavalry force of three or four regiments, with artil]ery, under Cob. riel Phillips, had crossed to the south side of the river, at Fort Gibson, on the preceding day. Immediately after, I received information by telegraph from a detachment of cavalry posted at Borlands, 35 miles below Van Buren, on the north side of the river, covering the roads from Fayetteville to Ozark and Clarksville, that a regiment of Federal cavalry was within 20 miles of that position, moving south. Fagans division was on the march 95 miles below Shavers brigade, less miles below; Frosts was 10 than 1,000 strong, with one battery, was 2 miles below, in camp. General Cooper was ordered to retire southward upon his depots of supplies, the nearest of which was Johnsons Station, on the Canadian, about 90 miles from Fort Smith. Shavers brigade was put under arms, and moved forward to the river opposite Van Buren. Frost was or- (lered back to Shavers position, detaching enough artillery and in- fantry to hold the crossing at Strains, 6 miles below Van Buren; and orders were given to remove by boat and wagon, as rapidly as possible, the public property at Van Buren and Fort Smith. At the same time I telegraphed General Marmaduke, at Lewisburg, to move northward and strike the enemy in flank or rear. At 11.05 oclock, being one hour and five minutes after the first notice of the enemys advance, the Federal cavalry and light artillery were in Van Buren. As they approached the landing, Wests battery, of Shavers brigade, drove them back, killing and wounding several. Skirmishing continued there till nearly sunset, when the Federal infantry appeared, and two batteries of heavy rifled pieces opened from the commanding heights in and above the town. Meanwhile a cavalry force pursued and captured Colonel Crumps train and part of a train laden with supplies for my wounded at Cane lliil, and also captured three steamboats, the Notre, which had grounded on a bar 1 mile below Van Buren, and the Key West and IRose Douglass, which had been ordered down, but had stopped for some cause unknown on the south side of the river, opposite Strains Landing. This was before there was time for Frosts detach- ment to reach that point. The steamers Eva and Arkansas, being still above Van Buren, were burned by my orders, after transferring to wagons all their freight for which I had transportation. About dark, artillery firing commenced at Strains Landing, between Frosts detachmen& , posted there, and a Federal force on the opposite side, having field pieces of large caliber. It continued during two hours, when the enemy retired. I had now removed all the public stores fo Page 173 ChAP. XXXIV.] 173 EVACUATION OF NEW MADRID, MO. which I had transportation. My whole force did not exceed 4,000. That of the enemy in and near Van Buren was not less than 7,000. His cavalry, moving on both my flanks, might soon get entirely in my rear. I therefore determined to retire all my command southward, and cross the river near Clarksville, unite with Fagan, and there take position. This intention was carried out without any occurrence that need be reported. I forward herewith the reports of my staff officers,* showing the losses of public property at Van Buren and Fort Smith. All is reported as lost which was not actually brought away by them, though a con- siderable quantity of these stores has since been recovered. The report of Lieutenant-Colonel Crump and his officers commanding pickets, scouts, & c., is forwarded alsoA~ I likewise forward herewith Brigadier-General Marmadukes report of his expedition into Missouri, under the order telegraphed him by me on December 28. Respectfully, T. C. UJNDMAN, Major- General, Commanding. Col. S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. DECEMBER 28, 1862Evacuation of New Madrid, Mo. I~IEPOT~TS.t No. 1.Col. John Scott, Thirty-second Iowa Infantry, with communications from Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Davies, U. S. Army. No. 2.Extract from proceedings of a Special Commission, and letter from Col. John Scott, Thirty-second Iowa Infantry. No. 1. Reports of Cot. John kS~cott, Thirty-second Iowa Infantry, with communi cations from Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Daries, U. ~S..Army. FOnT PILLOW, January 1, 1863. GENERAL: On the 27th ultimo, I received orders to destroy public property and remove the detachment to Fort Pillow. On the 28th this was accomplished. I was much disappointed, and feared you would be also; but the order was peremptory from General Davies, and General Fisk informed me that General Davies had authority from you. The detachment is now here. As far as I can see, we are of no use here. There is no artillery here, and the works are much extended. With a few pieces the place might be held against a large force. As it is, an attack from a largely superior force would be fatal. I know, of course, nothing of the policy that sent me here in such haste. I do know, how- * Not found. See also in Correspondence, etc., Part II, Curtis to Davies and Halleck, De- cember 29, 1862; to Ilalleck, December 31,1862, and January 3 and February 11, 1863, and Carr to Curtis, January ~3, 1863. The post was reoccupied on or before December 31, 1862 Page 174 174 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIT. ever, that my regiment is divided, and that I would be pleased to have it united. When at New Madrid and Cape Girardean, I felt that we were in the same neighborhood; now we are certainly not neighbors, and are em- barrassed by being in two departmeuts. It is not my place to suggest either the when or the where, but only my wish, that, if consistent with the public welfare, it would be remembered as a kindness could we again be brought together. Your most obedient servant, JOHN SCOTT, Colonel Thirty-second Iowa Infantry. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL B. CURTIS, Saint Louis, Mo. [Indorsement.1 SAINT Louis, Mo., January 5, 1863. The abandonment of Fort Pillow [New Madrid] must be punish~d. General Carr reports that he communicated different orders to Colonel Scott. He should have obeyed (Jarr, not Davies, and must be arrested. SAML. H. CURTIS, Major. General. COLUMBUS, January 12, 1863. Brigadier-General CARR, Saint Louis: SIR: I hear you have placed Colonel Scott under arrest for evacu ating New Madrid. The circumstances of the case were these: Colonel Scott happened to be in Columbus during the excitement along the river, and informa- tion, such as was supposed reliable, reached here that New Madrid wa~ threatened by a very large [force] under Thompson and Jeffers; that Fort Pillow was in like manner threatened, as was true, by Van Dorn. I called General Tuttle and General Fisk to my office, and we care fully looked over the ground, and agreed that the force at New Madrid was insufficient to stand a heavy attack, and the six pieces (siege guns) then in position, if they fell into the hands of the enemy, would, in the present position of the army below, prove almost fatal to us, we having no gunboats or forces to displace them immediately. As a precaution, which we deemed bound to take, it was determined to evacuate New Madrid and couple the armament and re-enforce Fort Pillow. I had great hesitancy in giving the order, the troops not being under my command.; but on the assurance of General Fisk that it would be all right, and that General Curtis would approve of it (not knowing that you commanded the district), I gave the order to Colonel Scott to evacuate New Madrid, spike the guns with soft iron, and destroy the ammunition, which, 1 understand, was done. I took the ground we would be blamable to allow any chance, how- ever remote, to be embraced by the enemy to capture any heavy ord. nance on the river at this particular juncture. I think the position is a correct one, and I hope this explanation will relieve Colonel Scott, at least, from any blame. We acted according to ~ur best judgment in the premises. I am, general, very respectfully, TflOS. A. DAVIES, Brigadier. General, Commanding Page 175 CRAP. XXXIV.] EVACUATION OF NEW MADRID, MO. 175 CourJMBus, R~., January 15, 1803. Brigadier-General CAiini, Saint Louis~ Mio.: GENERAL: On the 12th of January I wrote you a communication respecting the evacuation of New Madrid, and, as dispatches sometimes miscarry, I sen(i you duplicate.* I have to add that the telegram to General Curtis, in the following words, needs some explanation: Colonel Scott sends rue back word to-day that Jeff. Thompson and Jeffers were within 10 miles of him with a fbrce; that he could not have held the place. Colonel Scott has since told me that he did not send me such a mes- sage, which is, no doubt, true. It was brought to me by the captain of the steamer OBrien, a boat owned by Government, who was at Island 10 the morning of the evacuation, who said that it was a verbal message from Colonel Scott. The boat is now at New Madrid deliver- ing supplies, and, when the captain returns, will investigate the source of information and sen(l you a statement. The only point in the affair where Colonel Scott is in fault, it seems to me, was in not reporting to you the order; but I am sure, from the little knowledge I have of him, that such failure was owing to ignorance of military rule. I reported the order to Major-General Cnrtis, not knowing that you was his imme- diate commanding officer. The extent of property destroyed was six secesh gun carriages and l)latforms and some secesh ammunition, which, I was informed, had just been sent there from Island No. 10. The siege guns can be un- spiked by a few hours work. There is any quantity of gun carriages lying about Columbus and at Island 10, which I can send you to New Madnd if you desire at any time to remove the siege guns at that l)lace. I also inclose you a copy of my order to Colonel Scott. I am , general, very respectfully, THOS. A. DAVIES, Brigadier- General, Commanding. WASHINGTON, D. C., January 26, 1863. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL It. CURTIS, Saint Louis, 31o.: GENERAL: The Secretary of War directs that you investigate and report upon the facts of the destruction of the ordnance and ordnance stores at New Madrid, and also report whether the officer in command should not be dismissed from the service. This may either be done by yourself in person or by a board of officers appointed by you for that purpose. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General in- Chief. * See p. 174 Page 176 176 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. No. 2. Extract from proceedings 9f a AS~jpecial Commission, and letter from Col. John Scott, Thirty-second iowa Infantry. PROCEEDINGS OF A SPECIAL COMMISSION WHICH CONVENED AT SAINT LOUIS, MO., BY VIRTUE OF THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL ORDER: SPEC1AL ORDERS, IIDQRS. 1)EPARTIVIENT OF TEE MISSOURI, iNo. 30. Saint Louis, February 3, 1863. * * * * * * * VII. Pursuant to authority from the General~in.Chief,* a Special Com- mission is hereby constituted, to consist of the following officers, viz: Brig. Gen. W. K. Strong, U. S. Volunteers; Col. J. L. Geddes, Eighth Iowa Infantry; Col. Albert G. Brackett, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, whose duty it shall be to investigate and report upon the facts of the destruc- tion of the ordnance and ordnance stores at New Madrid about the 27th of December, 1862. The Commission will also report as to the cul- pability of the officer or officers responsible, and whether or not he or they should be dismissed the service of the United States. The Commission will sit at such post or place as they shall see fit, or will move from post to post as the necessity of the service may require, and will sit without regard to hours. By command of Major-General Curtis: II. Z. CURTIS, Assistant Adjutant. General. * * * * * * * SAINT LOUIS, Mo., February 26, 186311 a. m. Commission met pursuant to adjournment. Present, all the mem- bers. The proceedings of yesterday were then read by the recorder. The Commission, after mature deliberation, find the following facts: That on the 28th day of December, A. D. 1862, six iron siege guns were spiked at New Madrid, Mo.; six gun carriages and platforms were burned, and a quantity of ammunition destroyed. The loss to the Gov- ernment, aside from the loss of the ammunition, the value of which is not ascertained, was abont $350 or $450. A set of barracks were on the same day burned at New Madrid, but this was purely the result of an accident. No other Government property was destroyed. The ordnaitce and ordnance stores above mentioned were destrQyed by men of the garrison of New Madrid, nnder command of Col. John Scott, of the Thirty-second liegiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry, com- manding post. This was done by virtue of an order which Colonel Scott received from Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Davies, commanding Dis- trict of Columbus; and although Colonel Scott was not under the direct command of Brigadier General Davies, he did right under the circum- stances in obeying Brigadier-General Davies order, and not only did his duty, but is honorably acquitted of all blame. Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Davies, U. S. Volunteers, commanding at that time the District of Columbus, gave Col. Jolni Scott the order responsible for it. The post at Columbus, he had and is good reason to sup- pose, was in imminent danger of caj)ture by the rebel forces, and he acted the part of a prudent and faithful officer in crippling the arma * See Halleck to Curtis, January 26, 1863, in Correspondence, etc., Part II, p. 175 Page 177 CHAP. XXXIV.] EVACUATION 01? NEW MADRID, MO. 177 ment at New Madrid, Mo., and removing the United States troops from that place to Fort Pillow. He is not only free from culpability, but is honorably acquitted of all blame. Neither Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Davies, U. S. Volunteers, nor Col. John Scott, Thirty-second Regiment of Iowa Volunteers, should be dismissed the service of the United States. There being no further business to transact, the Special Commission adjourned sine die. WM. K. STRONG, Brigadier- General U. S. Volunteers, President. ALBERT G. BRACKETT, Colonel Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Reeorder.~ Findings approved. SAML. R. CURTIS, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS POST OF COLUMBUS, Columbus, Ky., September 1, 1863. COLONEL: A Military Commission, of which Brig. Gen. W. K. Strong was president, was convened in Saint Louis in February last, by order of Major-General Halleck, to investigate as to the evacuation of New Madrid and destruction of property there and at Island No. 10. Grave charges were preferred against me, as commanding officer, for the evacuation of New Madrid, under alleged pretended orders, and I was in arrest for two months. On the finding of that Commission, I was ordered to duty by General Curtis, but the finding was not made public, nor has been to this time, to my knowledge. Feeling that my arrest was an outrage, and that the Commission fully justified my action, I deem myself entitled to a copy of the finding. I have applied for it heretofore in vain. I respectfully ask that the major-general commanding the department will secure me a copy of the finding of said Commission. Your most obedient servant, JOHN SCOTT, Colonel Thirty-second Iowa Infantry, Commanding Post. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant. General. [Indorsements.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TENNESSEE, Yielcsburg, Miss., September 14, 1863. Respectfully forwarded to Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., with the request that, if deemed proper, Colonel Scott be fur. nished with a copy of such part of the proceedings as interest him. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. OCTOBER 3, 1863. I see no objection to the Adjutant-General furnishing Colonel Scott with the opinion of the court of inquiry in his case.* H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. * Copy wa~ furniBlied. 12 U RVOL XXII~ PT Page 178 178 MO., ARK., KANS., IND, T, AND DEPT. N. W. [ChAin XXXIY~ DECEMBER 31, 1862JANUARY 25, 1863.Marmadukes expedition into Missouri. SUMMARV 013 TIlE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. Dec.31, 1862.Marmadukes command moves from Lewisburg, Ark. Jan. 2, 1863.Skirmish at White Spring, Boston Mountains, Ark. 6, 1863.Skirmish at Fort Lawrence, Beaver Station, Mo. 7, 1863.Ozark, Mo., captured by Confederate forces. 8, 1863.Engagement at Springfield, Mo. 9, 1863.Garrison at Hartyille, Mo., surrendered to Confederate forces. 11, 1863.Engagement at Hartyille, Mo. 25, 1863.Marmadukes command reaches Batesyille, Ark. REPORTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Missouri, of engagement at Springfield, Mo. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown, U. S. Army, of engagement at Springfield, Mo. No. 3.Brig. Gen. Colly B. Holland, Missouri Militia, of engagement at Springfield, Mo. No. 4.Col. Benjamin Crabb, Nineteenth Iowa Infantry, of engagement at Spring- field, Mo. No. 5.Brig. Gen. Fitz Henry Warren, U. S. Army, of engagement at Hartyille, Mo. No. 6.Lieut. Col. Cornelius W. Dunlap, Twenty-first Iowa Infantry, of engagement at Hartville, Mo. No. 7.Capt. Milton Burch, Fourteenth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, of skirmish at Fort Lawrence, Beaver Station, Mo. No. 8.Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke, C. S. Army, commanding expedition. No. 9.Return of Casualties in Marmadukes command. No. 10.Col. Joseph 0. Shelby, Missouri Cavalry (Confederate), commanding bri- gade. No. 11.Col. J. C. Porter, Missouri Cavalry (Confederate), commanding brigade. No. 12.Maj. G. W. C. Bennett, MacDonalds Missouri Cavalry (Confederate). No. 1. Reports of ]Jh?~j. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis, U. S. Army, commanding De partment of the Missouri, of engagement at Springfield, Mo. SAINT Louis, Mo., January 8, 1863. Rebels came to outskirts of Springfield at 1 oclock, and immediately began shelling the town with two cannon. Our troops responded from fort. Nothing decisive. Have directed General [E. B.] Brown to hold out as long~ as possible. At last accounts the Army of the Frontier was moving east, to cover Springfield. SAML. R. CURTIS, Major- General. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. SAINT Louis, Mo., January 8, 1863. Fight closed at dark. We hold all the forts. Enemy occupy south- west corner of town. General Brown wonnded in shoulder. Marina Page 179 CHAP. XXXIY.] MARMADUKE S EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 179 duke is said to command, and has a large force. They fight for bread. Our troops behaved well. Our cavalry made a gallant charge. Expect the fight to be resumed iu the morning. SAML. H. CURTIS, Major- General. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief JANUARY 8,18639 p. in. General BROWN, ~pringfteld: You and your troops are heroes. I hope God will spare you strength for to-morrow. I expect a desperate effbrt early iu the morning. All the troops, especially the cavalry, should be ready. ilerron started with two divisions eastward from Fayetteville on the 6th. He will soon be behind or near the foe. Dont weary in well doing. The eyes of the country are on you. Your general feels for you deeply. God grant you success. SAML. H. CURTIS, Major. General. JANUARY 12, 1863. General BROWN, ~S~pringfteId: Dispatch of the 11th, via Sedalia, received. Your gallant and suc- cessful defense of Springfield has added to the glory of the 8th Jan- nary. The troops and people of Springfield who participated in your efforts have given imperishable proof of their loyal devotion to our cause and conutry, and the State of Missouri will cherish your memory. SAML. H. CURTIS, Major- General. SAINT LOUIS, Mo., January 12, 1863. Governor GAMBLE, Jefferson City, Mo.: All right in Springfield. The enemy got nothing but a good thrash- ing and one gun. It is not true that enrolled militia went over to the enemy. They fought like heroes. Our troops, 700 strong, attacked the enemy at llartville Saturday, and drove him 5 miles, but were finally obliged to fall back. Rebels will have to move fast to get away from some of my advancing columns. The telegraph is again open to Leb- anon, which we still hold all safe. All my trains are safe. General Brownhaslostanarm, andlfearhiswoundisdangerous. SAML. H. CURTIS, Major-General. No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gen. Bgbert B. Brown, U. S. Army, of engagement at AS~pringfteld, Mo. SPRINGFIELD, January 8, [1863]10 a. m. GENERAL: The enemys advance is on James, 7 miles from here, on the Ozark road. I have our iron 6 and 12 pounder guns and howi Page 180 180 MO., ARK., KANS., iND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXX1V. zers, which I mounted last night, in addition to two l)rass 6-pounders at Fort No. 1. A lieutenant of artillery and some enlisted men have been put in charge of them. The convalescents in hospitals, employ6s of quartermaster, commissary, and or(lnance, and citizens of all ages are being armed. The militia are coming in, all(l by 12 oclock I shall have 2,000 men in arms. The brick buildings are being pierced for musketry, and I shall have the wooden ones, if attacked. Fifty thousand rations have been removed to the forts. The trains from the west arrived iu the night, and those coming from the east have been sent back to Leb- anon. I shall fight as long as I can, in hopes re-enforcements will reach me in time to save the stores. I give you all my plans, as I have no doubt the enemy is in force, and will attack me. E. B. BROWN. [Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS.] SPRINGFIELD, Mo., January 8, 1863. GENERAL: Our fight has been confined to skirmishing on the open ground south of the town, and cannonading from one of the forts at long range. I have thought best to await the attack until the last mo- ment, as the demonstration looks like a feint, while the real attack is reserved for another point. The enemy have not shown over 500 in- fantry, two pieces of artillery, and about 1,000 mounted men. Our men are behaving well. E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri. SPRINGFIELD, Mo., January 8, 18633 p. m. The enemy are crowding the fighting, but my men are behaving well. Rapid musketry firing in the bush close to the town, on the south. I am holding the strong positions, and as night is closing, the enemy must fight me as I want to, or not to-night. They are fighting for bread. E. B. BROWN, Briaadier- General. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri. SPRINGFIELD, Mo., January 8, 186311.50 p. m. GENERAL: The firing at this post has just ceased. The attack was made at 10.10 this morning. The fight lasted thirteen hours, under the command of General Marmaduke, C. S. Army, with 5,000 picked mounted infantry and two pieces rifled field artillery, drawn by ten horses each. The expedition was fitted in this manner on the Arkansas River for the special service of the capture of Springfield, with its forts and large depots of stores. They moved with great rapidity, marching the last 50 miles in twenty-four hours, skirmishing with my scouting parties almost the entire distance. He moved right up, and immediately corn Page 181 CHAP. XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 181 menced the fight by cannonading the towu without having given a moments time to move the sick and the helpless women and children. Our artillery consisted of two old iron 12-pounder howitzers, one iron 6-pounder gun (rudely mounted, one of them on old wagon wheels and without the ordinary equipments for artillery, hand-spikes and wedges having to take the place of elevating screws), and two 6-pounder brass guns at Fort No. 1. The balance of our force consisted of the following- named commands and detachments of commands: Third Missouri State Militia Cavalry, commanded by Col. W. King (453); Fourth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, commanded by Col. George II. Hall (289); Eighteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Lieut. Col. Thomas Z. Cook (378); Second Battalion Fourteenth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, commanded by Lient. Col. John Pound (223); Seventy-fourth Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, commanded by Capt. Green B. Phillips; 48 convalescents, organized by Dr. S. H. Melcher, and strag- glers commanded by Col. B. Crabb and Captain McAfee (447). Total force, 2,099. General, these troops acted like heroes. I am too weak from the loss of blood to dictate more. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS, Commanding Department of the ]llissouri. I will add to the generals dispatch that he was treacherously shot from a secesh residence, while leading a char~e of his body guard when the day seemed to be lost. JAS. H. STEGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. Roturn of Ga8ualliee in the Union forcee engaged at Springfield, Mo., Jannary 8, 1863. (Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.] Killed. Wounded. captured or inissin Command. 8 8 8 ~ -~ . e e -~ - ~- a Q z u ~ a 81 8 ~ 8 -~ 8 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ Generaistaff 1 18th Iowa Infantry 5 4 - 42 1 52 3d Missouri State Militia Cavalry 1 4 5 4th Missouri State Militia cavalry 1 10 11 14th Missouri State Militia Cavalry 3 1 15 3 22 74th Missouri Enrolled Militia 2 4 46 1 53 QuinineBrigade)* 2 1 13 16 Citizen volunteers 5 5 Total 14 11 115 5 165 * A force (so styled) composed of convalescents from the hospitals, and representing various regiments Page 182 182 MO~ ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. No. 3. Report of Brig. Gen. Golly B. Holland, Missouri Militia, of engagement at Springfield, Mo. IIDQRS. FOURTH DIST., ENROLLED MISSOURI MILITIA, Springfield, January 11, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report: On the evening of the 7th instant, Brig. Gen. E. B. Brown, command- ing Southwestern District of Missouri, received intelligence from a scouting party, composed of detachments of the Fourteenth Missouri State Militia and Seventy-third Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, nnder command of Captain [M.] Burch, that a large force of the enemy, said to be 6,000 strong, nuder command of General Marmaduke, were moving on Lawrences Mill, Taney County, from iDubuque, Ark., with the intention of attacking this place, to capture the depot of arms and stores, and to destroy all communication with the Army of the Frontier and Saint Louis. Immediately orders were dispatched by me to Colonel [J. W.] Johnson, Twenty-sixth Regiment; Colonel [Henry] Sheppard, Seventy-second Regiment; Colonel [Marcus] Boyd, Seventy-fourth Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, to call in all their furloughed men and concentrate them immediately at this post; also to detached companies in Dade and Lawrence Counties. In the course of the night information was received confirming the report of the enemys advance. At daylight on the 8th, the troops stationed at Ozark arrived, reporting the enemy had arrived and burned their post, and by 10 a. m. our pickets were attacked, and he appeared on the edge of the prairie southeast of town. The enemy at once planted his battery and commenced firing upon the town and Fort No. 4, commanding the approach from the south; while the cavalry, consisting of detachments of the Third, Fourth, and Fourteenth Missouri State Militia, were formed on the left of the fort, and charged on the enemys right. General Brown formed his line of battle, with detachments of cavalry on the left, southeast of town, a detachment of the Eighteenth Iowa Infantry on their right, Fort No. 4, mounting two guns, garrisoned with Company C, Colonel Boyds Seventy-fourth Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, Captain [G. B.] Phillips, and convalescent soldiers, commanded by Lieutenant [J.] Hoffman, of the First Missouri Artillery, connected with the Army of the Frontier, and a brick college, inclosed on three sides with palisades, nsed for a military prison, being the cen- ter; Colonel Sheppards regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia Infantry to the right of the college, flanked on his right by detachments of cav- alry, with Fort No. 1 about one-half mile to the rear, being the extreme right, which was garrisoned by the Eighteenth Iowa and citizens. The skirmishing with cavalry on our left, with artillery firing, con- tinued with but trifling loss until 2 p. in., when the enemy extended his left, and advanced his right and whole line toward Fort No. 4. After some sharp fighting, he was repulsed from the fort, but succeeded in capturing one piece of artillery, which, in charge of a small detachment of the Eighteenth Iowa, was advanced too far to the front, the horses being killed and the men compelled to retire with heavy loss. Upon the repulse from Fort No.4, the enemy combined his attack upon our right wing, coml)osed of Colonel Sheppards regiment, when the hardest and most decisive fighting of the day took place. This regiment main Page 183 CHAP. XXXIV.I MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 183 tamed its ground for more than an hour against overwhelming num- bers of the enemys whole infantry, assisted by three pieces of artillery. The two guns from Fort No. 4 played upon the enemy during the latter part of the time with considerable effect. Colonel Sheppard was compelled to fall back in the direction of Fort No. 1, taking advantage of the scattered houses to continue the fight as they retired. After falling back some 300 yards, they were rallied, and made a spirited charge upon the enemy, driving them back south of the Fayetteville road, being assisted on their left by a detachment of Iowa troops, under Col. B. Crabb. The enemy succeeded in gaining possession of the college building, a strong position, enabling their sharpshooters to check our farther ad- vance until night closed the contest. Late in the day, Maj. A. C. Graves, of my staff, brigade commissary, who was acting as aide-dc-camp, was mortally wounded, shot by a musket ball in left breast; Lieut. 1). J. MeCrosky, Company A, Seventy sec- ond Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, killed; Maj. John Horubeak wounded in arm; Lient. W. IF. Lane, Company E, Seventy-second Regi- ment, leg broken; Sergeants Burling and Campbell killed, and Sergeant Rainey mortally wounded. Annexed in hand is a statement of killed, woanded, and missing of my comnmand.* I take pleasure in reporting the valuable aid afforded me by members of my staff on the field, Majors Sheppard, Bishop, Graves, and Clarke; also volunteer aide, Lieutenant Matthews, of Eighth Missouri Cavalry V6lunteers. I am proud to report-the bravery of my command, being raw troops, who have been greatly maligned by enemies of the Union and some politicians of the State, and can assure the Commander-in-Chief of their readiness to defeiid the Constitution and support the Government of the United States and this State, not only with words, but by the sacri- fice of their lives, as they have so abundantly proved by their conduct on the now still more memorable daythe 8th of January. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. B. HOLLAND, Brig. Gen., Comdg. Fourth Dist., Enrolled Missouri Militia. Col. WiLLIAM D. WOOD, Acting Adjutant- General, ]Iiissouri. No. 4. Report of Gol. Benjamin Grabb, Nineteenth Iowa Infantry, of engagement at Springfield, Mo. HEADQUARTERS SOUTHWESTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI, Springfield, Mo., January 10, 1863. GENERAL: Owing to the illness of General Brown, and by his request, I have the honor to submit the following report of an engagement at this place, on the 8th instant, between the Federal forces, commanded by Brigadier-General Brown, and a rebel force, under the command of General Marmaduke: On Wednesday, the 7th instant, about 3 p. in., General Brown re- ceived the first information that the enemy, estimated from 4~000 to 6~000 strong, had forced our troops to abandon Lawrences Mill; that * See revised stateineut, ~. 181 Page 184 184 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. they had burned the mill and block-house there and were rapidly ap. proaching this place by the way of Ozark. Not having a force sufficient at that place to contend with the enemy, they were ordered to fall back on this place, with instructions to destroy what Government property they could not carry with them, which order was promptly executed. The enemy entered Ozark a few minutes after our forces had evacu- ated it. They destroyed the block-house, and then continued their march on this place. Messengers were dispatched to the various sta- tions around Springfield to send in re-enforcements, and the Enrolled Missouri Militia was ordered into service. The night of the 7th was spent in making preparations to meet the enemy. Under the supervision of Lieutenant [J.] Hoffman, of Backofs First Missouri Light Artillery, two 12-pounder iron howitzers and one 6-pounder piece were mounted on wheels, as temporary carriages, taken to the blacksmith shop, repaired, and rolled into the fort, No. 4, by day- light of the 8th instant. Dr. S. II. Melcher mustered some 300 convalescents from the various hospitals, who were armed and equipped; also near 100 soldiers, who had recently been discharged from the same, under command of Cap- tain McAfee, were armed, and many loyal citizens turned out willingly, and were armed, to fight in the defense of their homes. At an early hour on the morning of the 8th, about 200 or 300 of the Enrolled Missouri Militia reported for duty. Scouting parties were sent to the south and southeast, for the purpose of ascertaining the whereabouts of the enemy and report their movements. At 10 a. m. of the 8th, the scouts and pickets on the south ~of the town were fired upon, and driven in by the advance of the enemy. They were soon discovered, some 2 or 3 miles off, formed in line of battle, and advanc- ing slowly across the prairie from the direction of Ozark. About one- half of their command was dismounted, acted as infantry, supporting a battery of some three pieces of artillery (one piece rifled), which formed their center, while their right and left wings were formed of heavy bodies of cavalry. In this manner, with skirmishers and sharpshooters thrown forward, they advanced steadily and slowly, occasionally halting and firing shot from their rifled piece, apparently trying the range and feeling their way. The cavalry, under the command of Colonel [W.] King, Third Missouri State Militia, and Colonel [C-. H.] Hall, Fourth Missouri State Militia, were ordered forward to meet the advancing foe. By order, several houses were burned south of the fort, to prevent the enemy from occu- pying them, and that the -artillerymen and riflemen in the fort could have an unobstructed view of their approach. As the enemy continued to advance, the firing became more frequent. Our artillery opened fire upon them as soon as they came within range of our gnus. Our cavalry gradually retired within supportin~ distance of the fort. The artillery and riflemen iu the fort drove back the enemys sharpshooters. The firing gradually increased until about I p. in., when the forces on both sides were fiercely engaged. Colonel King was ordered to charge with his regiment the enemys right. He drove them back, when they turned their artillery and sharpshooters upon him. At this time Colonel Hall, with the Fourth Missduri State Militia Cavalry, by order, moved forward and engaged their center, fighting with coolness and bravery, entitling them to high honor. The cavalry being exposed in the open field to the fire of the enemy Page 185 C~& r. XXXIV] MARMADUKE~S EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 185 artillery~and infantry, and fearful they would be cut to pieces, they were ordered to retire under protection of the fort, which order was exe- cuted promptly and in good order, bringing with them their wounded. The enemy threw forward a regiment of cavalry on our left, which was promptly checked by the Second Battalion Fourteenth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Pound. Meantime the enemy were busy with their artillery throwing shot and shell at the fort and into the houses occupied by our troops. Our artil- lery, before mentioned, under command of Lieutenant Hoffman, and one field piece, under command of Captain Landis, Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, were driving back the enemy~s center; but the firing from the guns in- side t-he fort, though well aimed, was not sufficiently rapid, owing to their being manned by volunteers, with only 5 artillery soldiers at the three pieces. The enemy about 2 p. m. massed their forces and advanced on our center and right. Captain [J. A.] Landis, with his piece of artillery, was ordered to advance to the front and right of the fort, which order he promptly executed. He was supported by parts of three companies of the Eighteenth Iowa, under their respective commanders, Captains [W. ZR.] Blue, [J.] Van Meter, and [W.] Stonaker. This piece of artillery, owing to some mistake in the delivery of the order, was placed in a very exposed position. The enemy, perceiving this, made a desperate charge upon it with overwhelming numbers, killing the horses and driving back the support; captured it after a hard and bloody contest. Captains Blue and Van Meter fell, mortally wounded, and Captain Landis and many of their brave comrades fell, severely wounded, while some were killed. It was now between 2 and 3 p. m. The enemy had captured one piece of artillery; at the same time had taken possession of an unfin- ished stockade fort that had been used as a prison, and were pressing hard on our center and right. The Quinine Brigade, which was placed under my command, and which up to this time was stationed in various brick buildings in and around the center of town, was ordered to move to the front and attack the enemy. I had the honor to lead them in person, assisted by Lieutenants [R.] Root, of the Nineteenth Iowa; [S. A.] Wilson, Eighteenth Iowa, and [W. F.] Bodenhammer, Twenty-fourth Missouri Volunteers. We advanced to the front and west of the, fort, and took a position behind a fence and about 50 to 75 yards from the rebels, who were like- wise posted behind fences and in and around a house to our front. After fighting for nearly one hour, the enemy gave way and fled precipi- tately from this part of the field. In the mean time they were making strong efforts to turu our right, and, after being driven from our center, threw their main force forward for that purpose, when they were met by the Seventy-second Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, under the command of Colonel Sheppard; the Quinine Brigade, under the command of Lieutenants Root, Wilson, and Bodenhammer and Captain [C. B.] McAfee, who repulsed them. There were also engaged at this time the Third and Fourth Missouri State Militia Cavalry and the Second Battalion Fourteenth Missouri State Militia, and five companies of the Eighteenth Iowa, two of which had recently come to our support, under the command of Captain [W. H.] Evans. The enemy had gained possession of several houses, and were pouring into our pnks volley after volley of musketry while they were endeavoring to dislodge them. The cause became desperate; the enemy were pressing hard upon our brave men, and they were yielding before the overwhelming numbers bronght against them, when General Brown and staff rode forward t Page 186 1S~ MO., AEJC., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. tOHAP. XXXIV. encourage them, when he was treacherously shot from a house by some hidden foe, and fell from his horse. I-fe immediately remounted, but was unable to remain in his saddle, and was carried off the field. This was about 4 p. in., when I received an order from the general to take command, which I immediately complied with. The fighting at this time was hard. It was one continual roar of musketry and artillery. The enemy had advanced to a point beyond the range of the small-arms of the fort; but the artillery continued to pour a heavy fire of shot and shell into their midst, which would cause them to falter, but they would again and again rally. The stockade fort, which they had previously taken possession of; gave them great protection, and in and around jwhich they would mass their forces, and from which they would make their charges. They would drive our nien, and then in turn be driven back. A little after 5 oclock they made the lnQst desperate effort that they had made during the day to drive back our forces by throwing their whole force upon our center and right wing, but maiuly upon the center. A part of the Seventy-second Enrolled Missouri Militia, Fourth Mis- souri State Militia Cavalry (dismounted), the Second Battalion Four- teenth Missouri State Militia Cavalry (dismounted), part of five coin- panics of the Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, and the Quinine Brigade, amounting, in all, to about 800 men, had to oppose the major part of the rebel army, amounting to three or four times their own number; but our troops met them promptly, and fought them most gallantly for nearly one-half hour, when a part of our lines began to give back. At this critical time, an officer commanding a company in the Second Battalion Fourteenth Missouri State Militia, ordered his men to horse (as I was afterward informed), and the whole battalion came running in great confusion to the rear, and took to horse. I tried in vain to rally them; they seemed l)anic-stricken. This caused a partial giving way among the other troops. I had no difficulty in rallying them, and they went again into the fight. It was now near dark, and the enemy were making an additional dem. onstration on our left. By this time Lieutenant-Colonel Pound, com- manding, had succeeded in reforming the Second Battalion Fourteenth Missouri State Militia. I ordered him to advance on the enemys right, which order he promptly executed. The enemy fired but a few rounds, and again retired, leaving u~ in full possession of this part of the field. Five additional companies of the Eighteenth Iowa, under the com- mand of Lieut. Col. Thomas Z. Cook, came to the rescue, whooping and cheering, which gave fresh courage to our brave men, who immediately drove the enemy before them and back into the stockade fort. Colonel Cooks troops arrived too late to take an active part in the engagement. Darkness coming on, the firing gradually ceased, after which all was quiet, save an occasional firing from the artillery. The enemy, under cover of the darkness, withdrew from the field, carrying away part of their dead and wounded. I expected them to renew the attack on the following morning. On the morning of the OPh, they appeared in full force to the east, and about I mile from town. Preparations were made to receive them. A cavalry force was sent forward ~o engage them and check their ad- vance; but they declined another engagement and retired in haste. We did not have a sufficient force to pursue them. We did not have at any one time during the day more than 900 to 1,000 men engaged. The enemy had some 4,000 men, under the command of General Marmaduke, [Colonels] Shelby, Gordon, Gilkey, Elliott, MacDonald, and others, wit Page 187 1~7 Onip. XXXIV.] MARMADUKE~S EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. three pieces of artillery, who caine with the Pill expectation of au easy conquest. They had invited their friendsin the country to come and bring their wagons, promising them all the booty they could carry; but, thanks to a kind Providence, brave hearts, and strong arms, they were most signally defeated in their designs of plunder. The Seventy~second Regiment, Enrolled Missouri Militia, under the command of Col. Henry Sheppard, fought well and faithfully during the entire contest. Companies A, C, F, (1, and H, of the Eighteenth Iowa, numbering 156 men, fought as Iowa boys know how to tight. Their heavy loss and bloody record is proof of their valor. The Qui- nine Brigade,~~ made up of men from Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and other States, fought like heroes, Spartans, and veterans, as their respective commanders report. All the troops, with but few exceptions, did their duty. I cannot forbear to say that to the vigilance of General Brown, his promptness in preparing to meet the enemy, and to his coolness, cour- age, and personal supervision of the troops iu battle, while under his command, we are in a great measure indebted for our success. lie has by his conduct endeared 1,7limself to those under his command. Licut. Richard Root, Company K, Nineteenth Iowa, who arrived dur- ing the fight; Lient. S. A. Wilson, Company I, Eighteenth Iowa; Cap- tain McAfee and Lieutenant Bodenhammer, who were in command of the Quinine Brigade; Capt. W. H. Evans, of Company F, Eighteenth Iowa; iDr. Whitney, of the Fourth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, who took a gun and fought, and the Rev. Mr. Wynes, post chaplain,, who, in the face of the enemy, assisted in removing the wounded from the battle-field, deserve greatpraise for their gallant conduct during the engagement. I am under many obligations to Major Steger and Lieutenants Campion and Blodgett, members of General Browns staff for the efficient service they rendered me. There are many other officers and men deserving of honorable mention. We lost 14 killed, 144 wounded, and 4 missing, making a total of killed, wounded, and missing of 162.* The enemy~s loss cannot be definitely ascertained. Their own estimates of their losses range from 200 to 300 killed and wounded. Among their slain is a major. We captured several prisoners, and among them are 2 commissioned officers. We buried a part of their dead, and have some 60 to 80 of their wounded to take care of. I send herewith attached a detailed report of the killed, & e. I have the honor to remain, your most obedient servant, B. CRABB, Colonel, Commanding. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri. No. 5. Reports of Brig. Gen. Fitz henry Warren, U. S. Army, of engagement at Jiiartvitle, Mo. HEADQUARTERS, Houston, ]iIio., January 12, 18635 a. in. My force of 1,000 men attacked Marmadukes column, 1,500 strong, 7 miles west of Hartville, toward Springfield (2 a. in., January_11). __The But see revised statement, p. 181 Page 188 18~ MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [Cn~r. Xxxrv. enemy were repulsed, and retreated upon llartville, where the rebels were re-enforced by Porter, Burbrkfge, and Greene, 3,500 strong, with five pieces of artillery. They had a most obstinate light, until sunset, when our force fell back toward Lebanon in perfect order. Our losses are heavy, bnt the enemys mach greater. Captain [G. ID.] Bradway, of Company E, Third Missouri Cavalry, is the only officer reported killed. I move toward Hartville at 6 oclock this morning, with 500 men and two pieces of artillery, although barely able to keep my saddle. The infantry in wagons. Our artillery, under Lieutenant [William] Wald. schmidt, did fine execution, while the enemys was badly served, and did us but little damage. Colonel Merrill, of the Twenty-first Iowa, was wounded. I can give no further particulars of casualties. FITZ HENRY WARREN, Brigadier. General. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS, 8aint Louis, Jib. IIEADQUARTEES, Houston, JJilio., January 14, 1863. The battle at llartville is developed into a brilliant victory. Lieuten. ant-Colonel [C. W.] Dunlap, with a portion of the Twenty-first Iowa, held the field two hours after the enemy retreated, and Lieutenant [F.] Dale, of same regiment, with 17 men, bivouacked on the fighting-ground, and received the flags of truce in the morning. [J. C.] Porter is reported dead of his wounds. Colonels Hinkle [~] and [G. W.] Thompson, Major [George R.] Kirtley, Captain [C. M.] Turpin, and 2 lieutenants are killed, and Captain [L. J.] Crocker and 2 other captains wounded. We cap- tured 2 surgeons, 1 lieutenant, and 38 privates. Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap and Lieutenant [J. II.] Alexander, of the Twenty-first Iowa, are wounded, in addition to those already reported. Colonel [S.] Merrill and command are within 10 miles of camp. The whole force will be concen- trated to-day. General Marmaduke sends this message by a citizen prisoner: Tell General Warren his men fought like tigers a generous tribute to as brave soldiers as ever bore muskets. FITZ HENRY WARREN, Brigadier- General. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS,. Saint Louis, Mo. IIEAD~UARTERS, Houston, Mo., January 14, 1863. All information by scouting parties sent out confirms me in the opin- ion exPressed yesterday, that the enemy are in rapid retreat toward Arkansas. The force at llartville consisted of three brigades, General Marmaduke in command, with from 4,000 to 5,000 men. Their loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners will not fall below 250 or 300, including Brig. Gen. [Colonel] Emmett MacDonald killed, and Porter badly wounded. The conduct of our officers and men was admirable. FITZ HENRY WARREN, Brigadier-General. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL H. CURTIS, Saint Louis, Mo Page 189 CIIAF XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 189 HEADQUARTERS, Houston, Mo., January 16, 1863. COLOT~EL: I have the honor to report the operations of my force against the combined troops of General Marmaduke and [Colonel] MacDonald and Colonel Porter. Immediately on tile receipt of a copy of the telegram from Brigadier- General Brown, commanding at Springfield, January 9, informing Major- General Curtis of the advance of a column of 6,000 rebels toward Spring- field, I ordered Colonel [S.] Merrill, of the rfwenty.first Iowa, senior officer, to move with 700 meninfantry, cavalry, and one section of artilleryby a forced march to Springfield, to report to the command- ing officer there. My own health incapacitated me from the fatigue of the expedition. For greater speed and progress, I sent with them a heavy transportation train for use of the infantry. They reached Hartyille at 6 a. m. Saturday, and learned that Porters column had passed throngh, taking the Marshifeld road. Here Colonel Merrill was re-enforced by 180 men of the Third Iowa and Third Mis- souri Cavalry, under command of Captain [T. G.] Black, Third Missouri Cavalry, sent by me to overtake and join them. The command pushed on some miles toward Springfield, and halted for supper and rest on Woods Fork. No indications of the enemy were observed until reveille was sounded at 2 oclock Sunday morning, when our scouts reported the advance of a heavy column in the direction of Springfield. Our position was a most unfavorable one, being an open space on the margin of the river, with high swells of ground, covered with timber and brush, surround- ing. The command was thrown into line of battle, and skirmishers sent out to dispute the advance. Brisk firing was kept up for an hour, during which Captain [G. D.] Bradway, Company E, Third Missouri Cavalry, was killed, when the enemy fell back in a southerly direction. This was a most favorable movement for us. Had they made a stand with their combined forces, they would have completely enveloped the command and cut them to pieces. Sending out a pursuing force of cavalry, Colonel [S.] Merrill resumed his m~trch on the llartviile road, and soon discovered that the rebel force was swinging round and moving on Hartville by the old Spring- field road. The cavalry were promptly ordered to a trot and the artil- lery thrown to the front, while the infantry came up on double-quick in gallant style. Colonel Merrills dispositions were made with great judgment and coolness. The artillery took position on a favorable eleva- tion west of the court-house; the Ninety-ninth Illinois formed the right, flanked on the left by the Twenty-first Iowa, both in a cover of low brush, while the left, composed of detachments of the Third Iowa and Third Missouri Cavalry, dismounted, extended in an attenuated line on the Lebanon road, also screened by a sparse undergrowth. Our artillery opened fire at 11 oclock. The position of their troops was, 1,000 thrown out ~k miles on the Houston road; 1,000 held the lower approach from Springfield; 1,000 rested on the Gasconade, south of town, covered by a high bluff, while 2,500 to 3,000 were in the open field in front of our lines, and occupyin~ the court-house and the dwell- ings of the town. Their artillery (five pieces) was in battery on a high bluff east of town, and to occupy it they used a road cut out by my order for the same purpose during my former occupancy of llartville. The officers in command were General Marmaduke and [Colonel] Ma Page 190 190 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. Donald, and Colonels Porter, Thompson, Burbridge, Shelby, ilinkle [?], Jeffers, and Campbell. The battle opened after the fire of artillery by a charge of Jeffers cavalry, 700 strong, on our whole line. The infantry, lying fiat, held themselves with great coolness until the line was in easy range, when they fired with great accuracy and threw the whole force into, utter confusion. From this time until 4.30 oclock the firing was incessant; but smaller bodies of men were brought out, and although at times both flanks and the center were heavily pressed, no 1 arge columns were moved up. Our men held their cover and did fine execution, while the artillery shelled the enemy from the court and other houses. At this time, 3 p. in., had we had a reserve of 500 men we could have broken their line and compelled their retreat in disorder; but every man was required to hold our only avenue of retreat, the Lebanon road, where our comuinnication was constantly threatened. The enemy commenced falling back, as I am informed by Lieutenant [J. ID.] Brown, Third Iowa Cavalry (taken prisoner while reconnoitering at Woods Fork during the first fight), at 3 oclock, and the retreat became general at twilight. In the mean time, our artillery ammunition being nearly spent, Colo- nel Merrill, ignorant of their movement, ordered the detachments to fall back on the Lebanon road, which they did in perfect order with their whole transportation, losing not even a musket or a cartridge-box. Our loss, as by statement appended herewith, is 7 killed, 64 wounded, 5 prisoners, and 2 missing. Theirs is larger in men and officers. From subsequent details, I am satisfied it will exceed 300 in killed and wounded, besides 2 lieutenants and 27 privates prisoners. Among the killed, whose bodies were recognized at llartville, are Brig. Gen. [Colonel] Emmett MacDonald, Colonels Thompson and Hinkle [~], Major Kirtley, Captain Turpin, and two lieutenants (names not known), Colonel Por. ter, mortally wounded (since dead), Captain Crocker, well known in West- ern Missouri, and two other captains severely wounded. One piece of their artillery was dismounted and abandoned. They retreated toward Houston, but on Monday changed their direction and moved rapidly south to the North Fork of White River, at the mouth of Indian %Jreek, where they paroled and released Lieutenant Brown and other prisoners. General Marmaduke several times on the march expressed his wonder at the bravery of our troops, repeating, Why, lieutenant, your boys fought like devils! I cannot sufficiently express my admiration of their conduct. The Twenty-first Iowa and Ninety-ninth Illinois were never before under fire, yet not a single man or officer flinched. Noth- ing could have been finer than their steadiness and discipline. The Third Iowa and Third Missouri Cavalry are equally cool and deter. mined, but they have before seen dangerous service. Where all were so brave, I am embarrassed to distribute commendation. To Colonel Merrill, in command of the force, I am under high obligations for his prudent firmness and good disposition. Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap, Twenty-first Iowa, was conspicuous, much exposed, and wounded. He is worthy of high praise. Lieutenant-Colonel [Ta.] Parke, commanding Ninety-ninth Illinois, and Major [B. A.] Crandall, of the same corps, won honor and did their whole duty. Major [G.] Duffleld, commanding the cavalry force, is also to be mentioned in warm terms; but Captain [T. G.] Black, in command of the Third Missouri Cavalry, made himself a most enviable reputation. Thirteen shot-holes in his coat sufficiently indicate where he wasin the hottest of the fire. I respectfully co Page 191 CHAP. XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITiON INTO MISSOURI. 191 mend him to your attention and that of Governor Gamble, for one of the vacant field commissions in his regiment, which he has so nobly earned. I should be unjust did I omit to name Captain [J. A.] Lennon, of the same regiment, who, at the head of his company, held a most exposed post, and had several narrow escapes from sharpshooters con- cealed in the brush. But the artillery saved the battle. Lieutenant [W.] Waldschmidts gunnery was superb and his coolness astonishing. f he enemys Parrott gun got his range, and fired with great precision, compelling him to change th~ position of his pieces constantly. A courier reached Houston, giving me the information of the engage- ment at 3 oclock Monday morning. I at once moved with 500 men to Hartville, supposing the enemy still in force. Arriving within 7 miles at 4 p. in., my reconnoitering parties brought me intelligence that they were retreating in the direction of Houston. Sending back a courier with orders to Lieutenant-Colonel CaIdwell, in command, to hold the place until I could re-enforce him, I countermarched in all haste, through mud and rain, and reached houston that evening, finding all quiet. Colonel Merrills force rejoined me Thursday, and I am now once more concentrated. Hoping that our conduct will meet the approbation of the general commanding, I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FITZ HENRY WARREN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Col. N. P. CInP1~i~N, Chief of Stc~ & tint Louis, Mo. [Inclosure.] Return of Ca8ualties in the engagement at ilarivilie, Mo., January 11, 1863. S Command. 0U2c5 99th Illinois 1 29 i 31 3d Iowa Cavalry ~ 1 5 21st Iowa 3 18 i 22 3d Missouri Cavalry ~ 14 17 2d Missouri Artillery Battery L 3 3 Total 7 04 5 2 78 OFFICERS KILLED.Ninety-ninth Illinois: Lieut. Thomas A. Hubbard, died of wounds. Third Missouri Cavalry: Capt. George D. Bradway. No. 6. Report of Lient. Cot. Cornelius W. Dunlap, Twenty-first Iowa Infantry, of engagement at ffartville, Julio. LEBANON, Mo., January 22, 1863. GENERAL: In obedience to your order of to-day, I send you a full report of the battle of Hartville, on the 11th instant: With 800 men and two pieces of artillery, under Colonel Merrill, we left Houston Friday noon to re-enforce Springfield. Sunday morning about 4 oclock we encountered the rebel army, under General Marmaduke, 9 miles beyond Hartville, on the Springfield road Page 192 192 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CLL& F. XXXIV. A brisk fire of artillery and some skirmishing among the cavalry en- sued, and continued until about 8 oclock, when the enemy withdrew, and, as we soon learned, took a circuitous route toward llartville. Our forces immediately started for the same point. We took 30 or 40 pris- oners in this engagement, from whom we learned that Marmaduke had with him something over 5,000 men, having been joined by Porter and Greene since his attack on Springfield. Both armies arrived at Hartville at the same time (a little before 11 a. in.), and took positions on opposite sides of the town. Our line formed the arc of a circle, close to the place, on the brow of a row of hills, shel~ tered by underbrush and small trees. The Twenty-first Iowa Infantry occupied the center, and Ninety-ninth Illinois the right, and dismounted Third Iowa Cavalry and Third Missouri Cavalry the left. Our artil. lery, Lieutenant Waldschmidt commanding, opened on the enemy im- mediately with shell. When he had fired a few rounds, the rebels com- menced replying briskly. In a few moments their cavalry dismounted and charged upon us ah~iig our whole line, but, receiving repeated and heavy volleys from our forces, they gave way and fled to the other side of the town, leaving many dead and wounded behind them. Fresh troops came to their aid, and they again charged upon us in force, and were each time handsomely repulsed with great loss on their part. In one instance they charged upon our artillery, in heavy force, with mounted cavalry, but were driven back in confusion by the cross-fire of the Ninety-ninth Illinois and Twenty-first Iowa Infantry. Charges were repeatedly made, and as often repulsed, and a heavy and de- structive fire of artillery and musketry maintained until about the mid- dle of the afternoon, our troops having manifestly the best of the fight. Finding that the town was fall of rebel sharpshooters, who were very annoying to us, I sent a request to Colonel Merrill to have the artillery turned upon them. Not being able to find him, I ordered Lieutenant Waldschmidt to shell the town, and clear the court-house and other places of rebels. He immediately turned his pieces upon thQ town with good effect, but, after firing a few shots, retired from his position. About the same time firing ceased on both my right and left, and, supposing that a strategic movement was going on, I increased the force of my fire, in order to attract the attentiofi of the rebels while the other com- mands changed their positions. In about half an hour, not hearing anything from our troops, I sent men out to look for them, who soon returned and reported that our forces had all left the field. In what direction they had gone I could not ascertain. Finding myself deserted and without orders (I had received no orders and seen no commanding officer since I ~ot into position in the fore- noon), I determined to hold my position, at least until dark, in order to conceal from the enemy the absence of most of our forces and keep him ignorant of my own weakness. I had only 250 men of the Twenty-first Iowa. I threw squads of men to the right and left, with orders to main- tain rapid firing. After this they charged upon our front three times, in one instance coming up in four ranks, and were every time repulsed, thrice at the point of the bayonet. A continued running fire was car- ried on between the charges. Half an hour before sundown, much to our satisfaction, the enemy ~commenced falling back and retreatiiig over the opposite hills in a south- erly direction. They were so near that we could distinctly hear the orders of their officers and see every movement. They began to move off rapidly; seeing which I increased my fire, in order, as much as pos- sible, to hurry their retreat. By sundown their whole army was in ful Page 193 CHAP. XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 193 retreat, and their rear guard followed, leaving us in full possession of the field. Paroled prisoners report that Marmaduke did not halt a mo- ment from this time until noon of the next day, and then only for a few moments. My men all acted finely, and were cool and active when they learned that they were left alone in front of a rebel horde of 3,000 men, I re- mained on the field about three-quarters of an hour, and gathered up what things we could. It was a cold night, and my men had been forty hours with but a few moments sleep afld nothing to eat. Our rations, blankets, and overcoats were with the train, and I sent in pursuit of it, shpposing we should find it a few miles from the place., My horse was shot in the early part of the fight, and no horse was left with us by which I could send out a messenger to ascertain the whereabouts of the train. I found our train and the forces next morning encamped on the Leb- anon road. The colonel commanding having gone on with most of the cavalry the night before, I took command of the brigade, and put it in motion for Lebanon, the nearest point then, to us. The rebels sent in a flag of truce the next morning, with a party to take care of their wounded and bury their dead, the number of which I think will amount to 200 killed, among whom are Colonel Emmett MacDonald, Colonel Porter, and other important officers, and about 300 wounded. The number of our killed and wounded is comparatively small, owing to our sheltered position and the height of the enemys fire. Our troops all behaved nobly, and did fine execution while they were left on the field, and were surprised at being withdrawn. The battle of Hartville began about 10A5 a. m. and lasted until nearly sundown. The firing was continuous and rapid on both sides during the whole time. The last half of the battle was fought by the Twenty- first ilowa alone, and resulted in a signal victory to our arms and in driving Marmaduke with thinned ranks back into Arkansas. Having with pleasure obeyed your orders to report the particulars of this battle, I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. W. DUNLAP, Lieutenant- Golonel, Gorndg. Twenty -first Iowa Volunteers. Major-General CURTIS. No. 7. Report of Capt. Milton Burch, Fourteenth Missouri Slate Militia Cavalry, of skirmish at Fort Lawrence, Beaver Station, Mo. SPRINGFIELD, January 16, 1863. COLONEL: I submit for your investigation my report of a scout, of which I had the honor, by permission from General Brown, to command. The object of the scout was to destroy a powder-mill situated on Crooked Creek, Carroll County, Arkansas; likewise to break up some parties of guerrillas that were organizing in the vicinity of the powder-mill. I started from Ozark on the morning of the 4th of January with 100 men, belonging to the Second Battalion Fourteenth Regiment Missouri State Militia, for Dubuque, Marion County, Arkansas, by the way of the Beaver Station, Lawrences Mill, expecting to get some re-enforcements there. I proceeded with my command within 4 miles of th~ post, to rest my horses and feed. I then proceeded to the station, after resting R RYOL XXIII PT Page 194 194 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAr. XXXIV. and feeding, and requested co-operation of the Enrolled Missouri Militia. through Major [William] Turner, to which he was willing to comply, but, owing to their provisions not coming in, they could not start with me; but the major promised to send all the men he could spare, under the com- mand of Captain Green, after me to catch up with me that night (4th of January), to a point on Big Creek, 6 miles from Dubuque, known as the Widow Fishers, to which place I proceeded. I there captured 2 rebel prisoners, who gave me information that a rebel force, 6,000 strong, under the command of General Marmaduke, had left Dubuque that morning en route for this place. I immediately dispatched a messenger back to the Beaver Station, with instructions for Major Turner to dispatch fotth- with to Ozark. I then started with my command back to the Beaver Station, expecting to meet Captaiu Green with a re-enforcement of Enrolled Missouri Militia from the Beaver Station, but did not. As my guide was not very well acquainted with the country and the roads, I took the main road leading from the Beaver Station, and, Captain Green being well acquainted with the country, took a near road and missed me. I arrived at the Beaver Station about 4 oclock on the morning of the 6th. I then asked the major if he was in a condition to fall back; he replied that he had no transportation. I then ordered scouts out on different roads to give intimation of the enemys approach. I dismounted my men for the purpose of resting, as we had not been out of our saddles for twelve hours, and accomplished a march of 60 miles. I then went to take a little rest, and see that the boys had everything in readiness for moving to Ozark, as I was fearful the enemy would reach there be- fore me. I therefore ordered my men into the saddle again, it being now daylight, and we started for Ozark. We had not proceeded far before the enemys infantry opened upon the picket guard southeast of the station. I then ordered a halt, with the intention of gaining and occupying the block-house; but before we could make the point the en- emy was in possession of the block-house and all the ground around the block-house. I then ordered my men to move by the head of col- umn to the right, und~r a smart fire from the rebels. There was also a detached force of the enemy coming up Big Beaver with the intention of cutting off our retreat. I started for Ozark, leaving the main road and taking a right-hand road. Hearing that a portion of the enemy had gone up Little Beaver with the inteution of cutting us off from Ozark, Ii traveled slowly, using precaution against surprise, and arrived at Ozark about 10 oclock of the night of the 6th. I then ordered all the baggage to be conveyed across the river on the road to Springfield, which was promptly complied with, and waited for further orders, which orders I received for us to fall back to Springfield. Respectfully, your most obedient servant, MILTON BUIRCH, Gapt., Gomdg. Gompany ll~ 14th ~Javalry, Missouri State Militia. Colonel CRABE. No. 8. Report of Brig. Gen. John S. Marmadulce, ~J. S. Army, commanding expe dition. HDQRS. FOURTH DIV., FIRST CoRPS, TRANS-MIss. DEPT., Batesville, Ark., January 18, 1863. COLONEL: In obedience to instructions from Major-General Hiudman, I marched from Lewisburg, Ark., December 31,1862, via VeIlville, Ark. Page 195 CHAP. xxxiv.] MARMADUKE S EXPEDiTION INTO~ MISSOURI. 195 to strike the enemy in rear or flank, with 1,600 men, under Shelby, and 270 men, under MacDonald. Before marching, [telegraphed to Lieu- tenant-General Holmes if it would not be best to move up the troops under Colonel White, to co-operate in the movement; to which he con- sented, and the order was given. Colonel [J. C.] Porter, with 600 men, ~noved forward to this purpose. En route, in the Boston Mountains, Shelby attacked 60 tories and de- serters; killed 12 and captured 27. MacDonald surprised and captured and burned Fort Lawrence, on Beaver Creek, Mo. Of its garrison, killed 10, captured 17, and routed the restabout 250; captured 200 horses, 300 stand of arms, 10 wagons, and a quantity of quartermaster and com- missary stores. Shelby captured and burned the fort at Ozark. The garrison fled. With Shelby and MacDonald, I attacked Springfield, Mo., and, after eight hours hard fighting, driving the Yankees before me and into their strongholds, I captured one piece of artillery (6-pounder), a stockade fort, a large part of the town, which the Yankees burned as they retired. At dark the fighting ceased; the greater part of the town, the fort, and many of the dead and wounded Federals in my pos- session. The Federal force there was 4,200. My loss was 20 killed and 80 wounded. Yankee loss much greater. I did not deem it best to renew the attack, and the next day marched toward liolla. The Fed- erals scattered and fled before me. I burned the forts at Sand Spring and Marshfleld. After passing Marshfield, 1 formed a junction with Porter, who had burned the forts at llartville and Hazlewood. All the forts burned were well-built works, generally large block-houses, with stockade and good earthworks around; so strong that 100 brave men, well armed, could defy 1,000 infantry or cavalry. After joining Porter, I marched southeasterly, making my way toward Arkansas. At Hart- yule I met, fought, and drove in the direction of Lebanon 1,500 in- fantry and 500 cavalry, under General Merrill. The battle was desperate. My loss was 15 killed and 70 wounded. Of the former, wa~ the brave MacDonald, Lieutenant-Colonel Wimer, Major Kirtley, and other brave officers and men. The Federal loss was also heavy. The enemy sent in a flag to bury their dead. A.t this place I captured a caisson with ammunition, a number of small-arms, and about 150 great-coats, which the Yankees left as they ran offi I continued my march, and reached here to-day. Will to-morrow morning commence crossing White River at this place and 12 miles be- low. Both men and horses are worn out, and need rest. A detailed report of the expedition I will forward at the earliest moment. iRespectfully, & c. J. S. MARMADUKE, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Col. H. C. NEWTON. HDQRS. FOURTH Div., TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Camp near Batesville, Ark., February 1, 1863. Sin: I have the honor to submit the following report of the expedi- tion under my command into Missouri, made in obedience to General iliudmans order to move, if possible, rapidly, and strike the enemy in rear or flank, in order to withdraw the heavy masses (infantry, cavalry, and artillery), under Blunt, then moving toward the Arkansas River, back into Missouri: Immediately upon the receipt by telegraph of the order, I -proceede Page 196 196 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAr. XXXIV. to put my command in readiness to march. To execute the order, I de- termined at least to threaten Springfield, and operate in the country between there and iRolla, and create the impression that the force was sufficiently large to take and hold the country. On the morning of December 31, 1862, at daylight, Col. J. 0. Shelb~, with his Missouri brigade, about 1,600 effective men, some withouthorses; Col. J. C. Monroe, commanding Carrolls Arkansas brigade, about 500 effective men, and Col. Emmett MacDonald, with his Missouri battalion, about 270 effective men, marched from camp near Lewisburg, the two latter with orders to march via Clinton to Yellville. Shelby, by a route more westerly to same point, moved on different route, on account of scarcity of forage. On the morning of December 31, after the troops were on the march, I received orders to detach Carrolls brigade from the expedition and order it to operate against the enemy then at Van Buren- Creek. The order was obeyed. Previous to the moving of this column, I had ordered (by consent of Lieutenant-General Holmes) Col. J. C. Porter to take command of Whites Missouri cavalry brigade, at P ocahontas, aiid to march with his entire effective force north and west, and make junction with the troops from Lewisburg at llartville, January 9, 1863. The distance from Lewisburg to llartville was about 200 miles; from Poca- hontas to Hartville about 140 miles; both routes difficult, mountainous, and barren. Colonel Porter with his brigade, about 700 effective men, marched from Pocahontas January 2, 1863. Shelby, en route to Yell- ville, in the Boston Mountains, surprised about 100 jayhawkers (tories and deserters), killed a large number, and captured 27. The vigor with which his troops attacked and pursued those scoundrels terrified them, and broke up, for a time at least, the lawless bands in this part of the mountains. Shelby and MacDonald reached Yellville January 4, 1863. From Yellville this column moved northward, crossing (fording) White River at Dubuque. On the night of January 6, MacDonald with his men marched to de- stroy Fort Lawrence, on Beaver Creek, Mo., some 17 miles to the right of my line of march. At daylight, MacDonald stormed the work; 300 of the enemy abandoned the fort and fled in wild fright and disorder. A number of them were killed and some 20 taken prisoners and paroled. The fort, arms, ammunition, wagons, mules, horses, quartermasters ajid commissary stores were destroyed, save the little which MacDonald in his forced marches could carry with him. On the evening of January 6, from scouts and other sources, I learned that Springfield, with its rich army stores, was weakly garrisoned, though strongly fortified, and, if surprised, I thought it could be cap- tured. I determined to attack it. Dispatched to Colonel Porter, by different couriers, my .plans, and ordered him to move to my support as rapidly as possible; Shelby to move forward in the direction of Spring- field, through Ozark, a fortified town, garrisoned by 400 militia; Mac- Donald by way of Fort Lawrence to Sprin~ field. The courier to Porter failed to meet him till January 10, too late. Shelby, destroying the fort and stores at Ozark, the enemy fleeing before him, and arriving on the 8th of January, at early dawn, in front of Springfield, rapidly and judi- ciously made preparation for the attack, dismounting the greater lmrt of his brigade to fight as infantry. The delay necessary to reconnoiter. and for the arrival of MacDonald, who had made the detour (some 35 miles) via Fort Lawrence, deferred the engagement till 10 a. in. Shel- bys brigade, on the right in line of battle, stretched fro:u the Rolla to the mwin. Ozark road; MacDonalds command, except one company di Page 197 ChAr. XXXTV.J MARMADURES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 197 mounted, on Shelbys left. When the strtygle began, horse by horse, the advance of the whole line was steady and determined. MacDonald, with his brave little command, ~made a desperate and successful charge upon the enemys right. Just then Shelby, seizing the opportune mo- ment, vigorously supported MacDonald (sorely pressed), and the entire line, with a wild shout, rushed to the terrible charge at the double- quick, driving before them the frightened foe, who fled, abandoning all stores, stockade, fort, and a piece of artillery. This gallant charge was not, however, without the sad loss of a number of brave men. During the days engagement, as the enemy retired, they burned much of Spring- field. Night closed upon the combatants, and stopped the carnage. During the night of the 8th. Maj. R. II. Smith, division quartermaster, a gallant officer, volunteered to take a few picked men and bear orders to Porter to re-enforce me. He was unable to find him. On the morning of the 9th, 1 deemed it best not to renew the attack, for the reason that the enemy had been re-enforced; that my troops, from forced marches, sleepless nights, and the hard-fought battle of the 8th, were not in condition for another desperate struggle. I addressed a letter, under flag of truce, to General Brown, commanding at Spring- field, stating that my wounded were left in charge of competent surgeons and attendants, and asking from him a proper treatment to all. A little after sunrise the column moved eastward on the IRolla road. Shelby camped at Sand Spring, a fortified post, which he burned; MacDonald at iVlarshfield, a fortified town; the forts and stores he destroyed. The Federals (militia) fled from hoth places toward Holla. January 10, ajunction was made with Porter near Marshfield, who had captured the militia (some 50) and destroyed the forts at Hartville,~nd had alsoburned the fortifications at Hazlewood. On the night of the 10th, {he column was put in motion toward Hart- ville. A little before dayli~ht the advance encountered a Federal force coming from Austin, via llartville, to Springfield, and hearing that a strong cavalry force was in my rear, I deemed it best not to put myself in battle between the two forces, but to turn the force in my front and fight them, after I had secured, in ease of defeat, a safe line of retreat. This I did, by making a detour 7 miles, and fought the enemy (2,500 Iowa, Illinois. Michigan, and Missouri troops) at Hartville. The Federal position at Hartville was a very strong one, and the battle hotly contested for several hours, till the enemy gave way and retreated rapidly and in disorder, the dead and wounded, many arms, am- munition, and clothing on the field and in my possession. I have established a hospital, leaving surgeons and attendants suf- ficient to take care of the dead and wounded, Confederate and Federal. Here fell the chivalrous MacDonald, Lieutenant-Colonel Wimer, and Major IKirtley (noble men and gallant officers), and other officers an(l men equally brave and true. Here, too, was seriously wounded Col. J. C. Porter, a brave and skillful officer. He was shot from his horse at the head of his troops. After the battle of Jlartville, my division marched toward Batesville. The march was a long and most tryipg one, over rough, rock roads, through rain and snow and icy mountain streams, and a country laid waste by the Federals, furnishing neither food for man nor horse. The command reached Batesville January 25, and commenced crossing (by ferry) White River. The camp was established on the south bank of the river. The expedition was an extremely hazardous an(l tryin~ one. On leaving Lewisburg and Pocahontas, the men were indifferently arme Page 198 198 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV~ and equipped, thinly clad, many withont shoes and horses, marched without baggage wagons or cooking utensils, carrying all they had on their horses, and subsisting as best they could on the country through which they marched. The horses were worn by continued and active service of many months; were, for the most part, unshod, very poor, and unfit for any service. At least 200 of the command abandoned their horses on the roadside to die, and waded many a weary mile through the snow and deep mud, some barefooted, yet they encountered every danger willingly and endured all fatigues cheerfudly. On the battle- field, in the camp, on the march by day and night, they proved them- selves worthy of the great cause for which we are fighting. For a more detailed account of the conduct of the several corps and regiments, and, more especially, of the brave officers and men so hon- orably mentioned, to whom I beg to call your favorable consideration, I refer you to the reports of Colonels Shelby and Porter and Major Ben. nett, submitted herewith. Lieutenant [R. A.] Collins, and the officers and men under him, and a part of Bledsoes battery rendered distinguished services both at Spring. field and ilartyille. Lieutenant Collins deserves promotion and a bat- tery of his own. I hope he may get it speedily. 1 have, on other occa- sions, had the pleasure to speak of the skill, viHor, and bravery of Col. Jo. Shelby. I can only say that his conduct on this expedition, on and off the battle-field, fully sustained his splendid reputation, and merits for him speedy promotion, which I earnestly recommend. I beg, also, to call to the favorable notice of the general Col. J. C. Porter, comniand- ing brigade, Major Bennett, commanding MacDonalds battalion, and the following officers of my staff who were with me during this expedi- tion, and who bravely did their whole duty, to wit: Capt~ ilenry Ewing, acting adjutant and inspector general; Maj. IR. II. Smith, quartermaster; Col. A. W. Slayback, ordnance officer; Capt. Thomas W. Newton, aide-dc-camp, and Maj. Charles C. Rainwater, acting divis. ion commissary of subsistence. My loss was 33 killed, 203 wounded, and 29 missing. The loss of the Federals was about 300 prisoners captured (paroled), and, a very heavy loss in killed and wounded at Springfield and llartville. A detailed report of my killed, wounded, and missing is sent herewith. In conclusion, I think I may safely state that the object of the expe- dition was fully accomplished, and more. Blunts Army ot the Frontier countermarched rapidly to save Springfield; a long chain of forts, strong in themselves, built at great expense and labor, which overawed and kept in subjection the country, were razed to the ground, and the heart of the people revived again at the presence of Confederate troops. Very respectfully, ~. ~. MAR~ADUKE, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Col. H. C. NEWTON, Chief of Staft First Corps, Trans-Miss. Dept. [Indorsement. HEADQUARTERS TRXNS-MISsISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Little Bock, Ark., February 8, 1863. Respectfully forwarded. This expedition was gotten up by General iiudman to divert the enemy from their attack on Van Buren, and to force them to retire from the valley of the Arkansas. It was perfectly successful, and made them fall back into Missouri. General Marmadukes conduct and man Page 199 CHAP. XXXIV.I MARMADUKES EXPEDITiON INTO MISSOURI. 199 agement was gallant and excellent, and I earnestly recommend that the acting apl)ointment of brigadier-general, nnder which he is now serving, may be at once confirmed. This is the more necessary as he is the only officer I have who is fitted for a large cavalry command. Very respectfully, TII. II. HOLMES, Lieutenant-General. Col. B. C. NEWTON, Chief of Staff, First Corps, !Lrans-Aiiississippi Department. No. 9. Return of Casualties in Jlfarmadukes command, January 211, 1862. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Q Q Command. Remarks. ~ vi ~ ~ ~ ~ ~- bO . k ~ Q ,~ .~ a a a ~ ~ ~ bC Shelbys brigade: istRegiment, Lieutenant- 1 2 3 7 84 41 44 Springfield, January 8. Colonel Gordon. 2 . - - 2 4 27 31 33 Hartville, January 11. 2d Regiment, Lieutenant- 1 7 8 4 24 28 - . -. 3 3 39 Springfield. Colonel Gilkey. . - -. 3 3 6 12 18 - 1 1 22 llartville. 3d Regiment, Col. G. W 3 3 1 11 12 1 5 6 21 Springfield. Thompson 1 6 7 1 1 2 9 llartville. 1st Battalion, Major El- .... 1 1 1 White Spring, January2. liott 1 1 1 Springfield. ( - 1 2 3 3 Rartville. Total* 4 16 20 24 117 141 2 10 12 173 Porters brigade: Burbridges regiment 1 - - - - 1 2 8 10 11 ) Greenes regiment 1 3 4 4 18 22 26 ~Hartvrne. Jeffers re,iment 1 1 1 4 5 -- 6 ) Total 2 4 6 7 30 37 43 ( - 5 5 71623.... 171745 Springfield. MacDonalds regiment - - - - 1 1 Hartville. Total 1 5 6 716 23....17 1746 Grand total 7 25 32 38 163 201 2 27 29 262 No. 10. Report qf Cot. Joseph 0. Shelby, Missouri Cavalry (~Jonfederate), com manding brigade. HEADQUARTERS SIIELEYS CAVALRY BRIGADE, Camp Carter, January 31, 1863. GENERAL: On the last day of December, 1862, when the old year was dying in the lap of the new, and Jannary had sent its moaning The nominal list from which Shelbys casualties are compiled bears the following indorsement: The orderly sergeants were without their rolls, and their reports were made from memory and guess-work. Some others wounded and killed, but cannot get their names for the want of the rolls.W. J. McAwrnun, C plain and Assistant Adjutant- General Page 200 200 MO., ARK., KANS., INTh T., AND IJEPt t~. W. LOHAP. X~xrV. winds to wail the requiem of the past, my brigade, consisting of the First Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel [B. F.] Gordon; Second Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel [C. A.] Gilkey; Third Regiment, Colonel [G. W.] Thompson; the scouts, Major Elliott, and Captain Quantrills old com- pany, under First Lieutenant Gregg, were on the march for foray on the borders side. The day was auspicions; a bright red sun had tempered the keen air to pleasantness, and cheered the mounted soldiers with the hopes of a gay and gallant trip. The first two days march was long and com- fortable; the third the rain commenced, cold and chilling, and continued without intermission for three days, the grand old mountains standing bare against the dull and somber sky, their heads heavy with the storms of centuries. The men suffered much, but, keeping the bright goal of Missouri constantly in sight, spurred on and on quite merrily. For two days all went well. The third day my advance, consisting of Major fjB.] Elliotts scouts, came suddenly npon about 100 notorious bushwhackers and deserters, who fired upon them quite stubbornly; but upon dismounting several companies of Colonel Gilkeys regiment, in conjunction with Elliotts battalion, and following them in their almost inaccessible retreat, 20 were killed, about the same number wounded, and many prisoners taken, and this murdering, robbing, jayhawking band broken up completely and effectually. Thus the skirmish of White Spring, successful as it was, proved to be the prelude of the victories of Springfield and llartville. The rain commenced now in earnest, and for three days its cold, merciless peltings were endured by the men with- out a murmur, although the sky was dark and barren as a rainy sea, and the keen northeast wind pierced the thin clothing of the men with icy breath. The 4th, 5th, and 0th were spent in long and cold forced marches, varied somewhat by Colonel MacDonalds successful sally upon Fort Lawrence and your advance upon the fortified town of Ozark. Five miles from this place, by your order, I halted my brigade, and gave them time to forage their animals and cook something for themselves, which they did, and were again in marching order by 9.30 oclock. At this place, and before we started to attack Ozark, I sent Major Elliott and his scouts and two companies from Lieutenant-Colonel Gilkeys regiment to gain a position in the rear of the town, on the road leading north, and cut off their retreat. He gained the position thus indicated. but gained it too late, for the Federals had left in hot haste long before Major Elliott could have possibly got around them. Upon arriving in close proximity to Ozark, and not being satisfied as to its evacuation, I dismounted the half of each regiment composing the brigade, formed them as infantry, and, feeling my way along slowly and cautiously, with numerous skirmishers, I soon found that the nest was there and it was warm, but the birds had flown, and nothing remained to do but ap- ply the torch to fort and barracks. Soon the red glare of flames burst out upon the midnight sky, and the cold, calm stars looked down upon the scene. Several prisoners were here taken, and any quantity of com- missary stores, but, having no transportation, all, except a small portion consumed by the men, were destroyed, and by 12 oclock we were again marching northward, it was an intensely cold night, that of the 7th, and the frost hung heavy and chill on the garments of my devoted bri- gade, marching on to the stronghold of the enemy with a determination in their hearts rarely surpassed. The sun came up on the morning of the 8th like a ball of fire, and the day was gloomy and chill ;~ but Springfield loomed up before us in th Page 201 ChAP. XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 201 distance like a beautiful panorama, and the men, catchin?, the inspira- tion of the scene, forgot all their trials and hardships, and were eager for the rough, red fray. With flaunting banners, and all the pomp and circumstance of war, the Federals had marched gaily out to meet us, and taken their position in our front. I had dismounted, meanwhile, the First and Third Regiments, and was forming them as infantry, hold- ing Lieutenant-Colonel Gilkeys command mounted until the position of the enemy was perfectly understood and all his motions thoroughly seen. When the plan of action had been decided npon, I then dismounted Lieutenant-Colonel Gilkey~s regiment and formed them as infantry, holding in reserve as cavalry Major Elliotts scouts and Lieutenant Greggs company. Then forming my lines, II rapidly moved my brigade to the open plain south and southeast of the town, rested for a moment, making the final dispositions, and taking breath for the crisis. Major Elliott and Lieutenant Gregg were on the right flank, watching and skirmishing with the enemy there, and over the level earth squadrons of horse swept gaily and fantastically. Twas a bright and beautiful scene. There lay the quiet town, robed in the dull, gray hue .of the winter, its domes and spires stretching their skeleton hands to heaven, as if in prayer against the coming strife, and, drawing near and nearer, long black lines came gleaming on, while the sun shone out like a golden bar, uncurling its yellow hair on earth and sky, stream and mountain, and lent the thrilling picture a sterner and fiercer light. My skirmish- ers advanced steadily, and now continual shots in front tell that the enemy are found and pressed sorely. On the extreme left you have organized Colonel MacDonalds regiment into a storming party and sent it at the fort, and they could be plainly seen winding over the crest of the hill and moving rapidly to the attack. MacDonald has met the enemy and is driving them, but they soon re-enforced, and would in turn compel him to retreat. I saw the crisis, and ordered Lieuten- ant-Colonel Gordon and Lieutenant-Colonel Gilkey to charge with their regiments, to support MacDonald. Gallantly it was done, and as gal- lantly sustained. At the command, a thousand warriors sprang to their feet, and, with one wild Missouri yell, burst upon the foe; officers mix with men in the mad m~lJe, and fight side by side; some storm the fort at the headlong charge, others gain the houses from which the Federals had just been driven, and keep up the fight, while some push on after the dying foe. The storm increases and the combatants get closer and closer. I heard the cannons shivering crash, As when the whirlwind rends the ash; I heard the muskets deadly clang, As if a thousand anvils rang! In this charge a regiment of Federals, just sent from their main fort, were scattered and driven back, and their entire force forced into their heavy earthworks, surrounded by rifle-pits and other obstructions. I cannot fail, in this connection, to speak of the daring charge of Capt. L. J. Crocker,of Company K, First Regiment; Lieut. XVilliam [II.] Ferrell, of Company F, same regiment, and about a dozen other reckless spirits from Gordons and Gilkeys regiments, upon one piece of artillery, sup- ported by a battalion of Iowans, but who fled after a sharp, hot rally, and suffered their gun and caisson, filled with valuable ammunition, to be borne in triumph to the rear. The battle thickens; Colonel Thompson, who had been stationed on the right with his regiment, and who did not participate in the charge, but who was watching and fiMling the movements of a large body of cavalry in that direction, was now ordere Page 202 2O~ MO., ARK., KAKS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. C5AP. XX~V up, and advanced with spirit arid alacrity. The battery which accom- panied the expedition from Lewisburg, commanded by Lient. Richard A. Collins, and consisting of one rifled piece and one smooth-bore 6- pounder, was advanced, one piece being bronglit up into the very town, and opening at point-blank range with grape and canister. The Fed- erals re-enforced largely, and came back with cavalry and artillery, and a hot, desperate conflict ensned; one side struggling to hold the posi- tion gained, the other to drive them from it. Bravely my fighting bri- gade meets the onset, and stubbornly they resist; blow falls on blow, shot follows shot. Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon leads the gallant First, and they never fail. Major [D.] Shanks, and Lieutenant-Colonel Gilkey, and Co]onel Thompson are piloting their regiments, bravely and well, and the contest rages~ and the wild death-dance goes merrily on. Still Collins plies his lurid torch, Where balls will rend or powder scorch; Still Shanks and Gordon, side by side, Like veteran heroes stern the tide. This stern, sanguinary fight was kept up for hours, and even into the night the roar of artillery and small-arms was incessant. On the right, Lieutenant [F. M.] Scott made a bold and daring charge, breaking the first line of Federals in splendid style, and only retiring when accumu- lating numbers made it madness to advance. About 3 oclock I had Major Elliotts scouts dismounted and brought ril) in the town, forming in rear of and snpporting Collins iron 6-pounder, which moved along the various streets as unconcerned as if peace were made and he was firing a salute over the joyous event, although he was constantly exposed and always in range of minie musketry. Night came down with weary, brooding wings, laid her dark brow across the cloudy sky, and threw her sable mantle over fort and wall and honse and men, checking the bloody strife, and calming the furious passions that had been at war all day. I drew my brigade off calmly and cautiously, formed them in and around the heavy stockade, threw out trusty skirmishers, and prepared to pass the night as best I could, although it was very cold, and the meu had no fires, save the smoulder- ing fragments of consumed houses, burned by the terrified enemy at our first approach. When all was quiet, Collins, with his iron 6-pounder and a small support, made a promenade npon the principal streets of the city. Acting upon the principle of the Irishman at a Donnybrook fair, who, whenever he saw a head, hit at it, so this little party, whenever a light appeared, fired at it, and it served not only to encourage our tired soldiers, but it told to the foe, with thunder tones, that we were still victors, proud and defiant. The men lay on their arms until about 2 oclock in the morning, when I deemed it best, as they were suffering greatly from cold and hunger, to withdraw, which was done quietly and in order, some of Colonel MacDonalds command and Major Elliotts scouts picketing my flanks and front. My brigade suffered seriously in the attack upon Springfield, but it covered itself all over with glory, and won imperishable laurels. There the heroic John W. Bufllngton, second lieutenant of Company II, First Regiment, ahead of his best and bravest, fell, almost leading a forlorn hope. Oh! smooth the damp hair over his brow; It is pale and white, and ghastly now; And hide the wounds in his gory breast, For his soul has fled to its flual rest. In the charge beyond the stockade, after that had been won, and ahnost upon the enemys guns, IL S. Titsxvorth, captain of Company II Page 203 CHAP. XXXPT.] MARMADUKE~S EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 2O~ First Regiment, fell, badly wounded, and has since died. The South had no nobler champion, our cause no braver defender, and he, with Major [Samuel] Bowman, of Lieutenant-Colonel Gilkeys regiment, and Lieu- tenant Buffington form an illustrious triothree of the grand immortal names that were not born to die. Peace to their ashes! When the warfare of the world is over when time strikes records with eternity, and mortality is paling beyond the suuset shore, and the billows of dissolution are white with the wrecks of the nniverse, these deathless spirits will rise beautiful from their urns of death and chambers of decay, and join the noble band of Southern martyrs that have fallen with their backs to the field and their feet to the foe. After the men had all breakfasted the next morning, after ammuni- tion had been di~tril)uted, and a leisurely forming of the brigade effected, we started from the scene of a Ward-fought battle. The mission had been accomplished; two forts had been captured, a piece of artillery taken, several hundred prisoners paroled, considerable commissary stores des- troyed, and we, after making almost a circnit of the town with floating banners and waving pennous, left it alone in its glory, because all had been (lone that could be done. Friday, the 9th, moved east with my brigade on the Rolla road, and camped for the night at Sand Spring, where your escort and Lieutenant Scott had fired a Federal fort. The 10th, we marched through Marshfield, and after burning the fort there, which was done by Colonels MacDonald and Thompson, and after forming a junction with Colonel Porters command, we camped again for the night, but with orders issued to move at 3 oclock npon the ene- my, as our scouts had brought information of their close proximity. After a brisk, stiff gallop for several hours this quiet Sunday morning of the 11th, Colonel Porter, leading the advance, came npon them, and formed to fight, waiting in line until my brigade came np, which it did in splendid spirits. After maneuvering for a while, at your order we marched hurriedly to the town of llartville, and fonnd the enemy in posi- tion. My brigade was immediately dismounted and formed for the attack, and Collins stationed on a commanding hill with his three-gun battery. Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon held the left, Lieutenant-Colonel Gilkey the center, and Colonel Thompson the right, the other portions of your division being disposed by your immediate command. Almost im- mediately after dismounting, I threw out skirmishers, and advanced the whole line upon the town and upon the woods beyond, knowing that within the dark shades of the timber the crouching Federals were wait- ing for the spring. After gaining the town, and just upon entering the woods, the brigade received a terrible and well-directed fire, which was so sudden that it almost became a surprise. The men stood all its fury well, and it was not until the tornado had passed did they begin to waver; some fell back, it is true; some stood firm, and others crouched behind obstructions that sheltered them; but the left of the First Regiment closed in on them, and the fight raged evenly there. Gordon fell back a little with his regiment, formed their lines anew, and marched again upOn the foe. Shanks, with three companies on the right, covered Por- ters artillery, and fought long and well. Thompson gets away from the noise and confusion of the start, and comes up sternly on the right. Gor- (ion advances his regiment on the left again, and deaths black banner is waving there and his best and bravest are falling round him. Gilkey comes up to 4ordons aid, and Shanks and Thompson are doing all that men can do to stem the tide. Maj. George R. Kirtley, of the First, and Capt. C. M. Turpin, of Company I, First also, are dead. Captains Dupuy Page 204 204 MO., ARK., I{ANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIY. Burkholder, Jarrett, and Webb, of the Second, are wounded. Captain Garrett, First Sergt. William Buckley, and Private C. [B.] Bullard, of Company G, all of the First IRegiment, and all lion-hearted, are badly wounded, and more are falling. Gordons ensign is shot down, but Lieutenant Corder, of Company C, catches the fallen beacon, and the banner of the bars waves again high over the lurid light of the fight. Col. lins battery is busy with its work of death, and his men stand nobly to their posts. But the conflict wanes, and Federals are retreating. I drew off my brigade, mounted them, and left Gordons regiment to bring np the rear. No pursuit was attempted, for the condition of horses and men forbade it, and prudence demanded we should fall back nearer to our base, which began on the night of the 11th and continued until the even- ing of the 20th, suffering from cold, hunger, fatigue, rain, snow, and all the ills our exposed condition presented. The trip, general, will be a memorable one. The enemy thought that your division, broken down and demoralized, was hibernating on the banks of the Arkansas, and could do nothing. What will be their surprise to learn that this same division, after marching 300 miles on unshod and miserable horses, hurled itself upon their Gibraltar of the Southwest, terrified them into burning commissary and quartermasters stores, caused them to evacuate forts, which were burned, frightened Rolla into hysterics, gave the militia of the surrounding country the nightmare for months to come, and woke a thrill in Southern hearts that will prove seed for the harvest. During the march from llartville to Batesville, the men suffered much, and some in my brigade are badly frozen, yet the cause demanded the sacrifice, and it was made. I cannot close this report without calling your attention to the brave and gallant manner in which Lieutenant Collins handled his battery, assisted by Lieutenant [Jacob D.] Connor and Sergeants [F. L.] Way- man and [Joseph] Cooper. They deserve a separate battery. Lieu- tenant-Colonels Gordon and Gilkey, Colonel Thompson, Majors Smith and Shanks, Adjutants [Eli] lodge, Edwards, and [George M.] Winship did their duty well and nobly, and can be greeted as Well done, goo(l and faithful servants. Captain Crocker, of Company K, First Regiment, fell at llartville badly wounded, and my brigade is thereby deprived of as gallant, as heroic a spirit as ever drew sword for the battles of the right. The officers and men of my command, with but few exceptions, answered all my expectations, and will do to rely upon when Greek meets Greek. I am also indebted to the valuable assistance of my adjutant, Capt. W. J. McArthur, who, always cool and collected, moved the various re~i- ments without the slightest mistake. In closing my report of this ad- venturous foray, you will pardon the pride I manifest in speaking of the heroic examples and conduct of many of my men and officers. Captain IDupuy, of the Second Regiment, brave, and tender of heart as a woman, fell, badly wounded, and has lost a leg. The chivalrous Captain [Wash- ington] McDaniel, of Major Elliotts scouts, in that grim~i charge of llartville, fell, with a bullet through his dauntless breast, just as the Federals retreated and a few faint notes of victory came pealing on the air. Lieutenant Royster, of the First Regiment, and Captains [II. D.] Stengle and D. A. Williams, of the Second Regiment, showed a bravery and heroism worthy of all praise, and poor Royster was left behind badly wounded. Thomas Smart, private, also of same regiment, who was killed, left behind a name bright as the hills that girt the shores of paradise. In the First Regiment, Privates Bushrod Corder, Christo- pher Moorinan, Harvey Plattenburg, James Gordon, and many other Page 205 CHAP. XXXIV.] MARMADUKE S EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 205 particularly distinguished themselves. Maj. George H. Kirtley and Capt. James N. Garrett, of the First, have left behind them humortal namesnames that are too bright to die. My young orderly, Jimmy Chark, displayed a venturesome courage and bravery worthy of the most favorable notice, and was always where I needed him, in his place. My volunteer aide, Captain Waters, was of great assistance, always brave, cool, collected, and daring; wherever the fire was heaviest there he was, and never flinched. My quartermaster arid commissary, Majors [G. D.] Page and [John B.] Dale, were always with me, rendering val- nable assistance by their great coolness and attention. To those ladies of Little Rock who so kindly remembered my brigade, their thanks are especially due, and under the folds of their starry banners many a noble heart was fired and many a proud step fell quicker when their silken folds caught each warriors eye. Yours, respectfully, JO. 0. SHELBY, Colonel, Commanding Cavalry Brigade. Brigadier-General MARMADUKE, ~Jommanding 6~avalry Division. No. 11. Report of Col. J. C. Porter, Missouri Cavalry (~iJonfederate), commanding brigade. HDQRS. PORTERS BRIG., Mrssotiziu CAY., C. S. ARMY, Camp Allen, February 3, 1863. SIR: In obedience to your order, I, on the 2d day of January, 1863 detached from my command (then encamped at Pocahontas, Randolph County, Nrkansas), the effective men of my command, numbering in the aggregate 825 men, and proceeded westward with said detachment through the counties of Lawrence and Fulton, in the State of Arkansas. Arriving at or near the northwestern corner of Fulton County, I learned of a considerable force of Federals stationed at Houston, in Texas County. Missouri. I therefore continued my march farther to the west, going farther west than I had anticipated. Arriving at a point nearly due south of the town of Hartville, in the county of Wright, State of Mis- souri, I changed my course northward, and in the direction of said town (Hartville). However, before changing my course to the north, on ac- count of the roughness of the roads and the impossibility of having my horses shod, I was compelled to order about 125 of my men back to camp, as being unable to proceed farther, for want of shoes ou their horses, leaving my detachment only 700 strong. No incident of impor- tance occurred worthy of note up to this time, save that my men so well behaved that I was enabled to surprise all citizens along the road, and enabled me to capture some of the worst jayhawkers that infested the country. The men of my command seemed well satisfied, and all things went well, notwithstanding the hardships all were compelled to undergo on account of shortness of provisions and clothing. On the morning of the 9th of January, 1863, we neared the town of llartville, Wright County, Missouri, at which point I learned that a company of the enrolled militia of Missouri were stationed. Puttin Page 206 206 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. my command in order, I detached a company as advance guard, order- ing them to reconnoiter to ascertain the position, and, as far as possi- ble, the stren~th of the enemy. Following my advance, I fonnd, npon approaching the town, that the enemy, 40 strong, had surrendered to my advance without firing a gun. Before approaching the town, however, I ordered the detachment of Colonel Burbridges regiment, under com- mand of Lieut. Col. John M. Wimer, to support Captain Browns bat- tery, the rest of my command, Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell and Colo- nel Jeffers, marching nnder my immediate command. Upon the sur- rendem- of the town, we took 35 (militia~) prisoners and 2 United States sol(liers and some citizens, and destroyed the fortifications, with 200 stand of arms, finding no commissary or quartermasters stores or trains. I~emaining in llartville until 8 p. m. of the 9th of January, and re- ceiving no orders from you, as I had anticipated, I concluded to march fl~Ofl Lebanon by way of llazlewood, and immediately dispatched a mes- senger informing you of my plaiis. At 8 p. m. of the 9th of January, I moved my command upon the road to Marshfield, sonic 6 miles, and bivouacked till sunrise on the morning of the 10th of January, when I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Wimer to proceed with his command to the town of llazlewood. In obedience to my orders, Colonel Wimer proceeded to llazlewood, and, fin ding the I)lace evacuated by the enemy, forthwith burned the block-house, and rejoined my command some two hours after I had met the balance of my command; joined yours about 4 miles from the town of 1\Iarshfield. At 3 p. m. (10th) my command was ordered back 3 miles, upon the road leading to llartville, to encamp. At 11 p. in., same night, I re- ceived orders to proceed with my command to Ilartville, at which hour I moved my command in the direction of said town, sending in advance the (letachment of Colonel Burbridges regiment under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Wimer, to take possession of and operate the mill at Hartville, following with the rest of my command, to wit, Lieuten- ant-Colonel Campbell, Colonel Jeffers, and Captain Browns two-gumi battery - The advance, under Lieutenant-Colonel Wimer, when within 5 miles of the town of llartville (at 3 a. in., 11th of January), were fired upon by Federal pickets, upon which Colonel Wimer fell back a short distance. dismounted his command, and formed in line of battle, immediately after which a scout of Federal cavalry advanced upon Colonel Wimers coin- mand. Arriving very near, they were fired upon by Colonel Wimers command, killing 2, and killing and wounding several horses. Upon receiving information of the enemy in front, I ordered Colonel Wimer to skirmish with the enemy, and fall back gradually upon my command, at the same time ordering Captain Browns guns in position in the center, with Colonel Campbell on the right and Colonel Jeffers on the left; also dispatching a courier to you. I continued my advance as skirmishers until daylight and your arrival, the enemy during the time shelling to the right and left of my line, slightly wounding one of my men in the leg. Whilst the advance, under Lieutenant-Colonel Wimer, were falling back upon my line, the sharpshooters of Colonel Campbell, by mistake, fired upon and wounded 2 of Lieutenant-Colonel ~\~imers command. At 7 a. inn. (11th January), 1 was ordered to fall back and follow your command, which I did, however, keeping my battery (Captain Brown) in l)ositiou for a time, when I perceived Federal cavalry advance up the road, when I ordered Captain Brown to open on them; upon which Captain Brown fired two rounds, dispersing them, doing no other (la Page 207 CHA1~ XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 207 age to them. Captain Brown then limbered up his guns and fell back with the other command. After marching, per order, until about 1 p. in., we again neared the town of Hartville. I was then ordered to dismount my command and place Captain Browns battery in position on the left. Before having completed or carried out the Fist order, I received information that the enemy were in full retreat from the town of llartville, and at the same time an order to remount my command and pursue the enemy. On arriving at the court-house, with the head of my column, I fonnd the enemy formed in the brush just above town. within 50 yards of my command. Immediately upon perceiving the eiiemy in position, I ordered my men to dismount; but the enemy poured upon us such a heavy volley of musketry that my command was compelled to fall back somewhat in disorder, I being at the same time wounded in leg and hand. I ordered my adjutant to report the fact to you. Having, at the same time that I ordered my command to dismount, ordered Captain Browns battery to take position near the head of umy column, after Captain Brown took position as ordered, he was corn- pelled, for want of ammunition (his ammunition being carried off by his horses stampeding) and a galling fire of the enemy, to retire, leaving his pieces on the field, which were afterward brought off by a part of Colonel Greenes and Burbridges men. Lieutenant-Colonel Wimer was shot dead whilst leading the detachment of Colonel Burbridges regi- inent. Colonel Jeff~rs, without fear, led his men through the fight. The detachment of Colonel Greenes regiment was gallantly led by Lieutenant-Colonel [L. C.] Campbell, assisted by Major [L. A.] Campbell. I would do great injustice did I make distinction among iimy officers pres- ent on that occasion, all having displayed ~,reat gallantry. My men, I must say, acquitted themselves with honor, almost without exception. Our loss foots up 6 klhled and 38 wounded. I would here mention that Captain [George H.] McMahan and 50 of Lieutenant-Colonel Campbells men destroyed the block-house and stockade at Dallas, the enemy fleeing before him. On our return march from Missouri, my men and officers displayed great energy in undergoing the fatigues and i)rivations necessary. Ar- rived at Camp Sallado, January 20, 1863. iRespectfully, JO. C. PORTER, (Jo to net, Commanding Porters Brigade. General MARMADUKE. No. 12. R~port of Moj. ~. IV. C. Bennett, ill eDonatds Missouri Cavalry (Gon federate.) HEADQUARTERS MACDONALDS CAVALRY REGIMENT, Camp Horton, January 29, [1863.] CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part this regiment has taken in the late expedition to Missouri: Pursuant to General Orders,No., this regiment took up its line of march from Lewisburg, on the 31st of December, 1862, for Yellville, via Clinton, and camped on the evening of the same day on Wolfe Creek Page 208 208 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. 23 miles from Lewisburg. Nothing of interest transpired during this days march. On the next morning, January 1, we marched at daylight. Arrived at, and encamped 1 mile beyond, Clinton, 28 miles from our previous camp. The next days march was to an old camp-ground, within 8 miles of Buruville. Marched 25 miles January 3. Captured 11.11. Thompson, a deserter from Colonel Matlocks Arkansas regiment. Camped on Buffalo Creek, 143 miles from our former camp. Upon the afternoon of the 4th of January, we arrived at YellvilIe, having marched 20 miles. Being in the land of jayhawkers, our camp guards were regularly mounted, and scouts kept out to prevent a sur- prise. On arriving at Yellville, Colonel MacDonald received your Gen- eral Orders, No. , ordering him to have his command in readiness to march at sunrise on the morning of January 5, 1863, about 25 miles in the direction of Springfield, via I)ubuque. We camped, on the evening of the 5th, near Sugar Loaf, Ark., where a general court.martial was ordered and held, for the trial of Private 11.11. Thompson or any other prisoners we might have in cur possession. The finding of the court-martial being not guilty, and the findings and proceedings being confirmed, by your order tire prisoner was released and ordered to report back to his regiment. On the morning of the 6th, we marched toward Dubuque, and en- camped on Beaver Creek, 23 miles from Sugar Loaf, at 4 p. m. You sent for Colonel MacDonald and myself, and ordered us, verbally, to move our command at 10 oclock in the direction of Fort Lawrence, 22 miles from our encampment, and attack the fort at night or in the morn- ing, as Colonel MacDonald. thought best. The march was attended with much suffering from cold. The men were, however, buoyed up and kept in excellent spirits in expectation of a fight on the coming morning. At daybre~k on the morning of the 7th, we arrived at an eminence overlooking Major Turners domicil, where we dismounted, and, hitching our horses, prepared to charge the enemy on foot. Slowly and quietly we crept along, until within 20 steps of the picket fires, when we were discovered by the pickets, two of whom were killed while attempting to alarm fhe fort. The remaining one we captured, and, without stopping, pushed on to storm the fort. What was our surprise, on arriving in sight, to find 500 Well-armed and well-equipped troops fleeing from an almost impregnable fort, before our little squad of 250 men. The fort and surrounding buildings were taken and in flames in ten minutes after the first gnu was fired, destroying their commissary and quartermasters stores and what medical stores we were unable to carry with us, of the value, I suppose, of $15,000, about 100 head of horses, and 5 wagons. The horses were, however, very inferior, nearly all worthless. Among the captures were about 300 stand of arms (Belgian rifles and Minie muskets), with 6 boxes tine cartridges. On account of having no transportation, we were compelled to bury the arms. The fort consisted of a two story log building, 12 inches thick. The logs were dovetailed, and were very closely fitted together. The second story projected over the first. The building was about 150 feet long and 40 wide, with port-holes for musketry extending around the entire building, and mortised on the inside for the purpose of turning the muskets in any direction. The other buildings, some eight or ten in num- l~r, were used for barracks. We capturm4 also 14 prisoners, who wer Page 209 CRAP. XXXLV. MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 209 paroled on the field. Their names I give in.my summary. At 10 a. m. we moved toward Ozark, traveling some 45 miles, and camped, at 12 o~clock that night, 5 miles from Ozark. At 4 oclock in the morn- ing we moved on in the direction of Springfield; passed through Ozark at daylight, and arrived in front of Springfield at 10 a. m. on the morning of the 8th of January, 1863. The line of battle being formed, Colonel MacDonald received an order from you to occupy the left of Colonel Shelbys brigade, resting upon the Telegraph road, and th7e ex- treme left of the line. He was also ordered to send out lookouts and skirmishers to prevent a flank movement of the enemy, and ascertain any movement of the enemy. In a few minutes one of the lookouts dis- covered a considerable body of infantry formed directly in our front. He was ordered to dismount the men and dislodge them. When dis- mounted, he marched them through the thick underbrush as quietly as possible; but our movements were discovered, and they retired to their trenches. Colonel MacDonald was then ordered to oblique his com- mand to the right, as he was too far to the left; and just as we emerged from the brush, Major Smith came galloping down with orders for us to move directly to the front, toward the houses; that there was a consider- ble body of infantry behind the houses and fences. As soon as Colonel MacDonald drew the men in line, he ordered the charge, routed the enemy, and took possession of the houses. As soon as we arrived at the houses, we were charged by a body of Federal cavalry on the left. Just at this time Colonel Shelby, with his command, moved rapidly for- ward on my right, and, had it not been for this gallant movement of Colonel Shelby, our command would have suffered more severely than it did. We immediately opened a brisk fire upon the cavalry, and it fled in confusion. We then moved from house to house and from fence to fence, the enemy flying before us, until we arrived at the fort, which, in connection with Colonel Shelbys command, we occupied the rest of the day. We advanced twice, occupying the houses in front of the fort; but the enemy being largely re-enforced, we found we could not hold them without an unnecessary loss of life, and we return~d inside the palisades, where the hard fight continued until after dark. Though entirely successful in my attempt to drive the enemy from the houses and fences, I am sorry to record the loss of some of my best officers and men. In my summary I give an account of the killed, wounded, and miss- ing sustained in the engagement. At about 8 oclock, Colonel MacDonald was ordered to move his com- mand and camp then upon the farm of John S. Phelps, (listant 2 miles from the scene of action. The men here bivouacked for the night, and, building large fires from the fine oak fence rails of mine host Phelps, and with a plentiful supply from the richly stored larder of Mrs. Phelps, regaled themselves after the hard days fight. On the morrdng of the 9th, we moved out on and marched some 20 miles upon the IRolla road, when we left Colonel Shelbys command an-(l took a right-hand road leading to Marshfield. Upon this days march we captured some 6 or 8 prisoners, who were turned over to Genenmi Marmaduke; tore down the telegraph wires, and captured one two-mule wagon, with 1,600 pounds of flour; several horses, equipments, & e., which I mention in my summary. We there separated from Colonel Shelbys command, they taking the road to Sand Spring, we marching on Marsh- geld, distant 11 miles, where the militia were fortified. Our advance entered the town about 7 p. in., and took possession. Here we found rich stores, suitable to the wants of our men, consisting of boots, shoes? 14 R RYOL~ XXIII PT Page 210 2 [0 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAI~. XXXIV. hats, caps, socks, gloves, & & We also captured 6 prisoners, who were paroled on the succeeding morning, and a quantity of fine arms and ammunition. The name and regiment to which the l)ri~oners belong ~ give in my summary. This fort was built of heavy oak boards, and in arrangement very similar to Fort Lawrence. Besiffes the fort, theyhad stockades or piles driven in the ground and dirt thrown up against it from the outside. On the succeeding morning we were ordered to march, and moved about 8 oclock. After making a circuit of some 8 or 10 miles, we again returned to Marshfield, and, marching through, proceeded to camp, some 7 miles distant. At this point we formed a junction with Colonel Porters command. Here we received orders to move the next morning at 1 oclock, and march in the rear of Colonel Porters command. About 4.30 oclock, Colonel Porters ad. vance encountered the enemys pickets at a point on the road about 5 miles from Hartville, and a considerable volley of musketry was fired. We were ordered up on double-quick, dismounted, and formed on the extreme left of Colonel Porters line, where we remained until between daylight and sunrise, when we were ordered to remount and move in the rear of Colonel Shelbys command, taking a left-hand road that intersected the Hartville and Vera Cruz road, about 4 miles from Hartville. At this point the entire column countermarched, moving directly toward Hartville. After moving in this direction about 1 mile, T received orders, through Captain [W. J.] McArthur, of Colonel Shelbys command, to take a right-hand road, and moved rapidly with my com- mand to a point where this road intersected the Houston and Hartville road, 1~ miles east of Houston, and to remain there until further orders. I was placed there for the purpose of cutting off the retreat of the enemy and their baggage trains. I had no engagement with the enemy, with the exception of picket fighting. A small body of the enemys cavalry, from his right wing, made a movement in a southeasterly direction, and were fired into by my pickets, killing 1 and capturing 6 prisoners. We sustained no loss. These prisoners were afterward turned over to, and paroled by, Captain [Henry] Ewing. I remained here until dark, when I was ordered to return and fall in with the main column. At the point on the Vera Cruz road, where we countermarched, Colonel MacDonald being in the rear, became separated from his command. He followed the main column to the field of battle. During this engagement he fell, mortally wounded in the thigh. Of his action on this occasion, others who were present have a better right to speak than myself. Surely none that knew him will pretend to say he did not die gallantly battling with the enemybravely fighting for his country and his countrys cause. During my connection pith the army I have never known a kinder. hearted mana braver officer or soldier. Let us drop one tear upon the grave of the departed hero, and pass on to renewed victories and to avenge his death. We camped the night of the 11th, 7 miles from Hartville, and biv. ou~icked on an open prairie until sunrise, when I was ordered to report at your headquarters in person for orders. I was ordered to fall in rear of the entire command, with one piece of artillery, commanded by Lieuteu. ant Collins. I detached one company as rear guard, and, without any incidents of interest, arrived in camp about 4 p. in. On the evening of the 12th, marched 17 miles. I sent back, about 4 miles, a heavy picket. The tiext day I again brought up the rear with the same piece of artillery; marched 23 miles. About 3 oclock in the afternoon of the 13th, a heavy rain commenced and continued all night. Lieutenant Collins informe Page 211 CHAP. xxxrv.j AFFAIR NEAR HELENA, ARK. 211 me his horses were unable to proceed farther, and, learning camp was still 12 miles ahead, I thought it best to halt my comm~ind, and did so. The men were without rations for themselves and horses, notwith- stan(ling the rain was falling in torrents, I did not hear a murmur from one of my command; on the contrary, they were cheerful. I again pick- eted the road some 5 miles in the rear. On the morning of the 14th, I again moved my command, an(l rejoined the main column about 11 a. m. At about 12 m. of the 14th, I again received orders to move about 9 miles and camp in the vicinity of Captain Howards. I~uring the night there was a heavy snow-fall, and in the excessive cold several of my men were frost-bitten. They bore it, however, heroically, not a murmur escaping the lips of a single man. On the morning of the 15th, I was ordered to march in rear of Colonel Shelby and in advance of Colonel Porter, which I did, camping about 3 p. in.; marched 15 miles. That night I received orders to march in advance of the whole column, which was executed on the morning of the 16th at 3 oclock, marching 25 miles. This was the most severe march we experienced on the whole expedi- tion. Some 20 or 25 of my men were severely frost-bitten. That night I received verbal orders to move my command and subsist my command separately, and would receive my orders at Magness Ferry. I moved at sunrise and marched 18 miles, and camped near Mr. Williams, 2~ miles from llookran. On the night of the 17th, I received an order from you, dated llookran, January 17, ordering me to march my com- mand as rapidly as possible, and take the most energetic measures to bring forward every Confederate soldier, all of which was executed, marching about 20 miles, camping 4 miles from Snlphur Rock. On the morning of the 18th, we marched at sunrise, and arrived at Magness Ferry at about 11 a. m. We immediately commenced crossing, though, with the facilities oft~red, it was a slow process. We completed the crossing about 10 oclock on the morning of the 19th, and camped 1 mile from the White River, on the south side. In conclusion, I am glad to say this regiment displayed all the cour- age, patience, and endurance during the march, in camp, or on the field of battle which has always rendered it a command of which Napoleon himself might be proud. Where all did so nobly it is difficult and need- less to particularize, and hence I shall forbear. The officers and men are now, and have been during the entire trip, in excellent spirits, ready and willing to bear all for their country, whenever and wherever called. Respectfully submitted. G. W. C. BENNETT, Major, Gomdg. MacDonalds Missouri. Regiment of Gasalry. JANUARY 1, 1863.Affair near Helena, Ark. Report of Brig. Gen. Willis A. Gorman, U. S. Army. HDQRS. DIST. OF EAST. ARK., Helena, Ark., January ~ 1863. GENERAL: On January 1, the Texas Rangers, with 25 or 30 men, about sunrise made a dash upon my pickets again, where 26 men and 1 commis- sioned officer were on duty, and, with out the least resistance or the firing of a gun, disgracefully surrendered and were taken off. They belonged to the Twenty-eighth Iowa, a new regiment, but a short time in the service. The officer must be disgracefully dismissed from the service, and I trust you will order that the men, when they return under paroIe Page 212 212 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. as they probably will in a few days, shall be ordered on duty again and put in the front of the first fight, and if ever captured again let them be hung, as they deserve. There are strong suspicions that they surrendered to be paroled, that they might get home. They were all sitting down and lying around, shamefully neglecting their duty. About four~days previous to this they attacked our cavalry pickets from an ambuscade in the dense woods; killed 2 and wounded 16. These belonged to the Sixth Missouri Cavalry, and behaved hand- somely. None were captured. I am still occupying Friars Point with the Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Regiment, 100 cavalry, and two pieces of artillery. General Shermans troops, on the way down the Mississippi, wantonly burned much property. The general arrested the guilty parties, had them tried promptly, and seven of them shot. I am not advised to what regiment or command they belonged. This is the first execution for plundering, marauding, or burning property that has occurred in our army during the war. I regret to say that this army has acquired an unenviable reputation for plundering, robbing, and burning property. The discipline is improving. When I took command it seemed to me the most undiscipliued mob I ever came in contact with. The rnat6riei is splendid, but the political demagogues among the line officers are enough to damn the best army on Gods footstool. I found colonels giving leaves of absence, men and officers slipping off home on boats~ and all manner of breaches of discipline and order. I have had thorough inspections of infantry, artillery, and cavalry, commissary and quar- termasters departments, transportation, and all public property. I have had drills and reviews of every arm of the service, If I had thirty days pretty weather, I would set up this army in as fine style as need be. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. A. GORMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Major-General CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo. JANUARY 2, 1863.Reoccupation of New Madrid, No., by Union forces. Report of Gol. D. Henry Hughes, Thirty-eighth Iowa Infantry. NEW MADRID, Mo., January 3, 1863. GENERAL: I occupied this post with my regiment yesterday. We found the guns spiked, gun carriages burned, and ma~gazine blown up, filling the works with debris. The defenses proper are but little injured. No opposition was made to my landing, the few guerrillas in the place scattering to the country. From the best intelligence I hear, there is no large body of the enemy within 30 miles, but several bands of from 100 to 256,, which, united, would make considerable force. I would sug- gest, general, that we need a company or two of cavalry to scour the country and pick up information, capture chiefs of guerrilla bands, & c. We also need a battery of light artillery. If it is a possible thing, I would like to have them furnished immediately. I am, general, your obedient servant, D. H. HUGHES, Colonel, Cornm(~ndi~~g Thirty-eighth Iowa Infantr~i. Ilrigadier-Gener~d FIsi( Page 213 ~i1ti?. XXXIV.] EXPEDITIOX TO I3UFIALO RIVER, ARIC. 213 3A~IUARY 810, 1863.Scout from Elkhorn to ]3erryville, Ark. Report of Cot, John F. PhiliJ2s, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, Elkhorn, Ark., Janu~try 10, 1863. GkNERAL: I have the honor to report that night before last I sent out, under Captain [T. W.] flouts, of Company A, about 75 men in the direction of Berryville. He has just returned, 6 a. m. sear Berryville he surprised and killed a gang of 10 busliwliackers. They were clothed and armed with Federal uniforms and arms, and mounted on good horses, all of which fell into our hands, except one or two horses killed in the m~h~e. One man made his escape; wounded, however. The scout en- tered Berryville. No force there. All is quiet, as far as can be learned, to the east of that point. I send dispatch from Springfield, which explains itself. Marmadukes for~e is reported at 6,000. Our trains on iRolla road are in danger. I send a squad to examine telegraph lines. Very respectfully, & c., ~ ~. PHILIPS, Colonel, Commanding. Brigadier-General SCHOFIELD, Commanding Army of the Frontier. [Inclosure.] HEADQuARTERS, January 9, 1863. Brigadier-General HERRON: GENERAL: I believe the enemy have decamped, and taken the old Saint Louis road. We whipped them yesterday. General Brown is wounded. I have sent a force to watch them. Yours, B. CiRABB, Colonel, Commanding Forces and Post. JANUARY 912, 1863.Expedition from Huntsville to Buffalo River, Ark. Report of Maj. Joseph W. Caldwell, First Iowa Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS FIRST IOWA CAVALRY, Camp at Carroilton, Ark., January 13, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with in- structions received from you, I left camp at Huntsville, Ark., on the ~oruing of the 9th instant, at 8 oclock, with a detachment of the First Regiment Iowa Cavalry, numbering 300 officers and men, and proceeded toward Kingston, Ark., where I arrived at 2 p. m. of said day, when I received important information of the movements of the enemy, which I immediately conveyed to you by dispatch. The guides who accompanied me not being acquainted with the region of country beyond Kingston, where your instructions required that I should go, I procured new guides at the above-named place, an Page 214 214 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. fCHAP. XXXIV. proceeded on the road 4 miles beyond Kingston. It being 4 p. in., and learning that the road before me was a winding one, through wild mountains, utterly devoid of habitations, I bivouacked for the night, and threw out on all the roads in the vicinity strong guards. Early in the evening the picket guard on the eastern road captured 3 men and 14 head of horses and mules, owned by an individual called Parson Rodgers, who confessed to me that he was engaged in buying horses and mules and selling them to the army of the so-called Confed- erate States, this being the third lot he had purchased. During the night Capt. J. ID. Jenks and Corporal Ramsey, of Com- pany ID, First Iowa Cavalry, having in charge 3 prisoners, captured while on picket, and being on their way to camp with them, were halted on the road by some unknown person or persons, who demanded that they surrender, which was promptly refused; whereupon the party was fired upon, without injury, however, to any one, and the fire instantly returned by Captain Jenks, killing 1 man, whose name was ascertained to be Allen Basham. Captain Jenks and Corporal Ramsey succeeded in reaching camp safely with 2 of the 3 prisoners, 1 of the prisoners escaping during the encounter. At 4 oclock on the following morning I had the column in motion, and by daylight reached the salpeter works on Buffalo River, 14 miles from Kingston, where I completely surprised the small force there employed, and captured 17 out of 20; the lieutenant in charge and 2 men being en- gaged at work in the timber a short distance from the buildings, suc- ceeded in making good their escape. The buildings, fourteen in number, very extensive, entirely new and of good workmanship, together with two steam-engines, three boilers, seven large iron kettles, weighing, according to the bill for the same, found on the premises, 800 pounds each, besides half a ton of saltpeter, a large fire-proof iron safe (Halls patent), three Concord wagons, two carts, and all the appurtenances of a first-class establishment of this character, were completely destroyed by fire and otherwise. After remaining at this place about six hours, I moved my command to a point 4 miles below, on Buffalo River, and sent a detachment of 100 men, under the command of Captains [Alexander G.J McQueen and [David C.] Diusmore, of the First Iowa Cavalry, to destroy an establish- ment of similar character. The working party, having a lookout posted on an elevated point on the mountains, escaped, but the detachment took possession of the work~, which consisted of several frame buildings, entirely new, with four large iron kettles, in full operation, all of which were destroyed. In the mean time I captured, in the valley and mountains skirting the Buffalo River, some 20 prisoners, all notorious outlaws, and a like num- ber of horses. Having been entirely successful in accomplishing all that was assigned to me, without casualty to any of my command, I started on my return, and recrossed the monutains in the night time, arriving in camp, at Car- rollton, Ark., on the evening of January 12, delivering my prisoners, to the number of 39, and 39 horses and mules, to Lieutenant-Colonel [Elias B.] Baldwin, of the Eighth Missouri Cavalry, provost-marshal of the Third Division, Army of the Frontier. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. CALDWELL, Brig. Gen. F. J. HERRON, Major First iowa Cavalry. Gommanding Third Division, Army of the Frontier Page 215 CHAP. XXXIV.] SKIRMISH AT LICK CREEK, ARK. 215 JANUARY 12, 1863.Skirmish at Lick Creek, near Helena, Ark. Report of Lient. James B. Bradford, Second Wisconsin Cavalry. HELENA, ARK., January 13, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to state that, by order of Col. Powell Clayton, of the Fifth Kansas Cavalry, commanding the expedition which left Helena, Ark., on Sunday, January 11, for White River, I was de- tailed by Col. Thomas Stephens, commanding Second Wisconsin Cavalry, to convey dispatches to. the commanding officer at Helena, Ark., and was furnished with a command, consisting of 1 sergeant and 24 men, for that purpose from the Second Wisconsin Cavalry. The command left Big Creek, the camp of the above-named regiment (a point 18 miles west of Helena, on the Saint Charles road, I believe), on Monday, Jannary 12, at 3 p. m. A small party of rebels having been reported to me as seen a short distance in the advance, I used the nt- most caution, keeping 3 men well in advance, but in sight of myself and command. On arriving at a point called Lick Creek, about 6 miles east of Big Creek and 12 miles from Helena, I found that the bridge across said creek, constructed by the Federal troops the day previous, had been destroyed. Thinking it necessary that I should advance as rapidly as possible, I immediately gave orders to cross the creek at a ford a short distance from the bridge. I had succeeded in crossing about 10 of the command (including myself and sergeant), and while on the east bank superintending the crossing of the balance (the ford being very deep and muddy), we wer~ attacked by a body of rebel cavalry from the west side of the creek, supposed to be about 75 strong. Before crossing the creek, having reasons to believe that we might be attacked at that ppint, some of the command had examined a road and the surroundings leading into the one upon which I had advanced at a distance of about 40 rods from the creek. They reported that no enemy were visible. I now think that the above-mentioned cavalry were secreted in the woods between the roads. On being attacked, those of the command who had crossed the creek immediately comnienced pouring a very effective fire (with their re- volvers, not having any carbines) into the enemy, and succeeded in un- horsing 5 or 6 of them. We continued to fire until our revolvers were exhausted of their loads, when my men commenced to retreat, having seen that those who were in the creek and on the west bank were either killed, wounded, or prisoners. I succeeded in rallying those remaining of the command after retreat- ing about 30 rods, and commanded them to reload their revolvers and endeavor to assist those who were on the east side of the creek unhorsed or wounded; but, while preparing to load, we were fired upon by a party of about 30 men, commanding us at the same time to surrender. The said men were concealed about 4 rods north of the road leading to Helena. Not deeming it safe to attack (our arms being unloaded), and their party numbering at least four to one of my command, I gave the order to follow, and suce ceded in passing the enemy, after receiving two volleys from them at a distance of abont 10 and 4 rods. I immediately pursued my way to Helena with what remained, consisting of myself, sergeant, and 3 privates. We succeeded in securing 4 horses and equip- ments belonging to those who had been unhorsed, and brought them to Helena~, at which point we arrived at 7 p. in., when I immediately re- ported myself and command, and delivered the dispatches as ordered Page 216 216 MO., ARK., ICA~tS, IND. Tr., AND DEPt N. W. [CitAr. XXXIV. At about 10 oclock on the same evening, four more of the command reported at Helena, having succeeded in evading the second ambush by taking a circuit to the right, their firing on the advance having warned them of the position of the rebels. On this day, January 13, about 10 a. in., one more man came in, having remained secreted in the neighborhood of the fight until evening, when he succeeded in making his way to Helena, and reported that, as well as he could judge, he saw about 9 or 10 of our men taken prisoners, and supposed that the balance were either killed or wounded. it gives me pleasure to state that the men under my charge behaved admirably. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES B. BRADFOIID, Lieutenant and Peg. Corn. of Sub., Second Wisconsin Cay. (Jol. CYRUS BUsSEY, Commanding Post at flelena, Ark. P. 5.Since writing the above, 5 paroled prisoners have reported to me, who state that our loss was 1 killed, 2 badly wounded, besides several slightly, making 14 who have returned. Captains Cawley and Clifford, commanding rebels, admit that they werc 200 strong, and that they lost 1 lieutenant killed; also others killed and wounded, which my men corroborate. JANUARY 1319, 1863.Expedition from helena up the White River, Ark., and capture of Saint Charles, Clar endon, Devails Bluff, and Des Arc, Ark. Reports of Brig. Gem. Willis A. Gorman, U. S. Arm y.~ HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS, Saint Charles, White River, January 14, 1863. GENERAL: General McClernands attack and capture of Post Arkan- sas, with about 6,000 prisoners, 13 guns, and all their stores and muni- tions of war, has been heretofore reported to you. I arrived at this place last night, and found the place evacuated, they having left day before yesterday evening, carrying away, by a little steamer, two 8-inch siege guns, and six light pieces. Their train aiid infantry left by land at the same time. I have started the cavalry in pursuit of their train, but I think they have burned Que bridge, which will prevent its capture. I have left one regiment of infantry, one battery of six guns, two com- panies of cavalry, and the iron-clad gunboat Cincinnati here, as a tem- porary garrison. I proceed at once, with the iron-clad gunboat Saint Louis and the remainder of the command, to Devalls Bluff, where I hope to overtake their little steamer with their artillery aboard, before they can carry it off by railroad from Devalls Bluff to Little Rock. No accident has occurred, and all is going well. I expect to meet 1,500 of my cavalry at Clarendon. I shall try and communicate with our forces at Batesville, if they are there. I am, general, respectfully, & c., W. A. GORMAN Brigadier- General, Maj. Gen. SAMUEL li. CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri. * For reports of Lieut. Commander John G. Walker, U. S. Navy, commanding naval forces4 see Annual Report of tlie Secretary of the Navy, December 7, 1863 Page 217 CHAP. XXXTV.] EXPEDItION ITP WHITE RI~flR, ARK. 217 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS, Derails Bluff, January 18, 1863. GENERAL: On yesterday we took, and my command now occupy, this point. I found the railroad from here to Little Rock in good running order, a train having been here the day before we arrived. They have 2 locomotives, 2 passenger cars, and 12 platform cars. Three of the latter we have here. I captured here two 8-inch Columbiads in good order, with carriages complete; 90 new Enfleld rifles, and 25 prisoners, including a masters mate of the rebel Navy. Our approach was sudden and rapid, and on arriving in sight two companies of infantry, who were here busily engaged in getting the two large guns on the cars, ran at once and scattered into the woods. My infantry, which bad been landed below and sent to their rear, caught all except those who took the Des Arc road and concealed themselves in the woods. My cavalry was landed at once, and penetrated the road 7 miles on the Little Rock road, until the mud and water became utterly impassable. I started a gunboat and some infantry early this morning up the river to Des Arc, where I hope to capture a train en- gaged in transporting supplies to Little Rock, and perhaps a quantity of corn, oats, and other forage. Hindmau with his forces are at Little Rock, having arrived there last Monday [12th]. General Henry [E.] McCulloch is believed to be at Pine Bluff. General Hawes, with three regiments of cavalry and six pieces of light artillery, was ordered to re-enforce Post Arkansas, and started last Sunday [11th] on a forced march, but only got as far as Hicks railroad station, 3 miles from Brownsville, and is supposed now to be on the west side of the Arkansas. All the forces of the enemy except two, or possibly three, companies of bnshwhackers are west of the Arkansas River, and the people are running their stock and negroes toward Texas. It seems to be quite sure that their army does not intend to fight at Little Rock. If it were possible for me to get cavalry across this low, marshy coun- try to Brownsville and Little Rock, I would start them at once; but this is utterly impracticable at present. The snow is now 4 or 5 inches deep, and melting, and Grand Prairie is one vast sheet of water, precluding the least possible hope of getting across to Little Rock with either in- fantry, artillery, or cavalry until the rainy season is over and the coun- try, which is a vast level plain, dries off. If it were possible to get cav- alry across the prairie, the enemy would cut the bridges over the Bayou Metoe and smaller streams, now much swollen, and stopour progress. In obedience to your orders, I sent a force of cavalry, 1,200 strong, from Helena to Clarendon. Since their arrival at Clarendon the raiu has fallen to such an extent as to fill the vast bayous, & c., to such pro- portions as to make it a serious question whether I shall be able to save the horses, as I have not sufficient transportation to take them out by water, and forage cannot be had, for like causes, except by the river. General McClernand has ordered me to send him General Fisks bri- gade, which I will have to do, as General Grant has authority to take him. I will, therefore, be compelled to leave this point and go below, as I shall be so crippled as to leave me utterly powerless. I was weak- ened before by the withdrawal of one regiment at N~w Madrid and one at Memphis, and then was required to have a garrison of 2,000 men at Helena. I have left a regiment of 800 infantry, two companies of cav- alry, and one battery at Saint Charles, and now I am called on to par Page 218 218 MO., AI~R., ~ IND. T., A~D DEPT. N. W. ttnAp. XXXIV~ with my largest brigade, at least 3 500 s 6,400 ~en on me, leaving me less trong, making a draft in all of than 5,000 effective infantry. By the junction of Hawes, Hindman, McCulloch, and Holmes, at or near Little Rock, the enemys forces will equal, if not exceed, 25,000. General McClernand informs me that the Arkansas River is not yet safely navigable, and says that he has been ordered to Napoleon at once. I am, general, very truly, your obedient servant, W. A. GORMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS, Devalls Bluff, January 18, 1863. GENERAL: The gunboats Romeo and Rose, with my forces, under Colonel [W. T.] Spicely, Twenty-fourth Indiana Infantry, entered Des Arc on yesterday at 4 p. in.; seized the post-office and telegraph office, and captured 70 prisoners, none escaping; several thousand bushels of Government corn, 70 small-arms, and 200 rounds 6-pounder ammuni- tion, the same captured by the enemy when they took the Blue Wing. A large number of letters from the post-office has fallen into our hands. I find that there are two or three companies, under Major Chrisman, at Cotton Plant, but poorly armed, and now they are cut off from all support, and I have destroyed all their ferries across White River up to Des Arc, and I may send an expedition to Batesville to hunt the Blue Wing and capture or burn her. Thus you see the expedition to Des Arc is a handsome success. It is very annoying to find that I cannot cross the fiats to Little Rock from here, and still more so to find my strongest brigade taken from me just at this time, leaving me powerless for efficient service. I am, general, truly, yours, W. A. GORMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS, Saint Charles, Ark., January 20, 1863. GENERAL: The expedition up the White River, under my command, has proved a complete success. At Saint Charles I captured a large amount of forage, corn. & c., with some prisoners. At Devalls Bluff I took two 8inch columbiads, with carriages, all in complete order; 25 prisoners, with 70 new Enfield rifles, some stores, tents, & c. destroyed three cars, the railroad depot, tore up the railroad track, and burned two railroad bridges, one 90 and the other 200 feet in length. At Des Arc we captured 100 prisoners, several hundred rounds of fixed 6-pounder ammunition, several thousand bushels of Government corn, a large rebel mail, and destroyed their telegraph. All the force of the enemy in this part of the State have crossed the Arkansas to Little Rock. They have driven their negroes and carried their property, supplies, and munitions south of the Arkansas, toward Arkadelphia Page 219 CHAP. XXXIV.] SKIRMISH NEAR COLIYM~IA, MO. I should have gone direct to Little Rock if it had been practicable to cross the sea of mud and water intervening betweeu that place and Devalls Bluff; but this is impossible at the present. Furthermore, my orders were such as to compel my immediate return. I am now returning to Helena, in order to fit out a force to assist in the expedition against Yicksburg. I shall perform that duty with all possible dispatch. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. A. GORMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL B. CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri. JANUARY , 1863.Skirmish near Xaysville, Ark. 1?eport of Col. William A. Phillips, Third Indian Rome Guard, command ing brigade. IIDQRS. 3D BRIG., 1ST PlY., ARMY. OF THE FRONTIER, Camp Curtis, January 15, 1863. GENERAL: I have just this momeut heard from my commissary, Cap- tam Heath. I start an escort toward Fayetteville to meet him. We have had 4 inches of snow. Quite a spirited little affair occurred between a detachment of my csimmand, under Captain [II. S.] Anderson, of the Third Indian Regi- ment, and a force of some 200 rebels, or bushwhackers, under Colonel Livingston and Captains Timon and Fry Smith. It took place 12 miles south of this, and was very well managed, our force moving on them in three separate x~olumns, and, when the enemy broke, they ran from the first into the second, and finally into the third. Not less than 25 or 30 rebels must have been killed or disabled. Captain Smith (formerly of Jasper County, Missouri) was killed by Lieutenant Whitlow, and 7 others were killed on the spot of the attack. The enemy was pursued until his broken fragments were lost in the woods. There has evidently been an attempt to organize a force either to take Keosho or menace the trains. I sent a party to Hildebrands Mill, 20 miles southwest. With respect, WM. A. PHILLIPS, Colonel, Commanding Third Brigade. General SCHOFIELD, Commanding Army of the Frontier. JANUARY 21, 1863.-.--Skirmlsh near Columbia, Mo. Report of (Jol. Joseph B. Douglass, Sixty-first Enrolled Missouri Militia. HDQRS. SIXTY-FIRST REGT. ENROLLED MISSOURI MILITIA, Columbia, Mo., January 22, 1863. SIR: Late yesterday evening a body of troons under my command, whilst on a scout, and some 9 miles from my headquarters, found a Con Page 220 220 MO, ARI{., RANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. xXXiV. federate camp, with tents and all necessary appartenances thereto, con- taining 8 Confederate captains. The camp was situated in a very brushy country; consequently they escaped from their tent, my men following, and eventually succeeded in capturing 4 of them, after a brief re- sistance. We got all their arms, camp equipage, & c The lateness of the attack prevented us from capturing the whole of them. My men camped on the ground, and are scouring the country in the vicinity to- day. We also succeeded in capturing 2 of Porters men last bight in addition. I regret to say that 2 of my bravest troops got seriously wounded in the fight before we captured the 4 rebel captains. They never sur- rendered until they had exhausted all their shots, they being armed with double-barreled shot-guns, in addition to navy revolvers. You can now see why I object to this indiscriminate release of bad men from prison, and why you should not permit banished men to return here. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. DOUGLASS, Colonel, Commanding. General SAMUEL R CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri. JANUARY 2327, 1863.Scout from Fayetteville to Van Buren, Ark. REPORTS. No 1.Col. M. La Rue Harrison, First Arkansas Cavalry. No. 2.Lient. Col. James Stuart, Tenth Illinois Cavalry. No. 1. Report of ~Jol. M. La Rue Harrison, First Arkansas Cavalry. FAYETTEVILLE, ARK., January 27, 1863. GENERAL: On Friday [23d], I sent from this post a scout, under Lient. Col. James Stuart, of the Tenth Illinois Cavalry, composed of 90 men of the First Arkansas Cavalry, under Capt. Charles Galloway, and 40 men, with two howitzers, of the Tenth Illinois Cavalry. The scout crossed Boston Mountains, at the head of Frog Bayou, on Saturday morn- ing~ [24th], and entered Van Buren the same evening about 7 oclock. On Sunday morning our men captured the steamer Julia Roan, and took from it 175 Confederate prisoners. About 50 were captured in the town and 75 more on the route. Over 200 were released on parole, sub- ject to exchange for Federal prisoners. Colonel Stuarts command was fired on, without effect, by a cQmpany of rebel infantry stationed on the south side of the river. Our loss, none; the enemy, 6 killed and several wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart arrived at this post with his command this evening at 6 oclock. M. LA RUE HARRISON, Colonel, Commanding Post. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIs, Gommanding Department of the Missouri Page 221 CHAr. XXXIV.] AFFAIR AT BLOOMFIELD, MO. 221 Ko. 2. Report of Lieut. Got. James Stuart, Tenth Illinois Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Fayetteville, Ark., January 28, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report, for your information, that I pro- ceeded from this place on a scout to Van Buren, Ark., in command of 150 men of the Tenth Illinois Cavalry and First Arkansas Cavalry, on the 23d instant, by the way of the Frog Bayou road, and arrived at Van Buren on the 24th. I received information that a steamboat had gone up the river to Fort Smith for men and stores for the enemy. On my arrival at Van Buren, I placed a patrol guard on the bank of the river to watch for the boat, and with the remaining portion of my command patrolled the town, taking 25 Confederate soldiers prisoners, who were on their way to Fort Smith with their arms, horses, & c. About half an hour after daybreak the next morning, the boat was reported coming down the river, and I made my arrangements to receive her. I brought her opposite the levee, and found 1 lieutenant, 1 surgeon, and 246 men on board, on their way to Little Rock. Part of the men were sick. I paroled all of them, and allowed the boat to proceed. I inclose herewith a list* of all the pris- oners taken and paroled during my scout, namely, 3 lieutenants and 246 men. I likewise ascertained that General Steele, of Texas, was in command at Fort Smith, with from 400 to 500 men. A sk~leton brigade of Texas troops had passed up through there two days before, who had ninety days furlough to go to Texas and recruit up. I am likewise in- formed from a reliable source that the Choctaw, Creek, and Cherokee Nations are anxious to join our forces. All they want is a nucleus to form on. I had quite a lively skirmish with a small body of the enemy across the river, at Van Buren, on the 25th, but soon dispersed them with one of my howitzers, which I had along. Several of the enemy were seen to fall from their horses, and, I presume, were either killed or wounded. None of my men were hit, although the bullets fell thick for a short time. After remaining in Van Buren from the evening of the 24th instant until 10 oclock on the 26th, I started for the post, at which place I arrived on the evening of the 27th instant. Your obedient servant, JAMES STUART, Lieutenant-Colonel Tenth Illinois Cavalry. [Maj. Gen. JOHn N. SCHOFIELD.] JANUARY 27, 1863.Affair at Bloomfield, Xo. Congratulatory orders from Brigadier-General Carr. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT, No. 4. f Saint Louis, JIb., February 2, 1863. The brigadier-general commanding the district has heard with pleasure of the affair of the ~7th ultimo, in which Colonel [James] Lindsay, Sixty- Not found Page 222 222 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAr. XXXIY. eighth Regiment Enrolled Missouri State Militia, with about 250 of his men and two small pieces of artillery, provided at private expense, dashed into the town of Bloomfield, Mo., capturing a large number of the enemy, with their horses, equipments, arms, and stores, thus com- pletely routing and breaking up the troublesome band of guerrillas which have for a long time infr~sted that neighborhood. The officers and men of the Sixty-eighth Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia engaged in this affair have the thanks of the brigadier-general commanding, and he hopes their example, when occasion requires, will be emulated, not only by the Enrolled Missouri Militia, but by all the troops in his command. By order of Brigadier-General Carr: R. M. ELLIOTT, Lieutenant and Acting Aide-dc- Camp. FEBRUARY 23, 1863.Skirmishes at Vine Prairie, on White Oak River, and near the mouth of Mulberry River, Ark. Reports of Gol. 1ff. La Rue Harrison, First Arkansas Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, Post Iayetteville, Ark., February 6, 1863. GENERAL: Inclosed I send you copies of Captain [Charles] Gallo- ways report of the late scout, and also my letter of instructions to him. Captain G. [Galloway] disobeyed my orders in two particulars: First, he went to Ozark before going to the canebrake, at mouth of Mulberry; second, he did not surround the canebrake, but took his command toward Fayetteville, allowing Captain [B. E.] Travis, a junior captain, to make the attack, unsupported, on 30 rebels at Therilkyls Ferry. Captain Gal- low~ys reputation as a commander of scouts; his thoroughness as a soldier and a man, and his success (in the main) on this and other sconts, have induced me not to place him under arrest, but to reprimand him in the place of it. If Captain G. [Galloway] had followed my instructions implicitly, the whole INlankins gang could and would have been taken in. Everything was really as my map and instructions represented. Captain Galloways excuse for going to Ozark first, is set forth in his report (the hope of capturing a steamer and 100 rebels in Ozark). The disobedience in that particular brought him in contact with 180 rebels, and he gained a brilliant victory. His excuse for not surrounding the canebrake is, that Captain Travis spies reported no rebels in the cane (nearly all having crossed the river the day before), and that he allowed Captain T. [Travis] to go with 8 men to take in a party of S at Farmers. That the party proved (as 1 had told him) to beMankins gang; and the attack on 30 men in a log-house by 8 from without was foolhardy, and that Captain T. [Travis] should have reconnoitered and notified the command before making the attack. Subsequent to Captain Galloways report comes the complete final particulars of Captain Travis assault. Captain Travis drove every one of the rebels from the house, but did not know it. at the time he re- treated. He was not killed, but was brought out by the citizen who was employed to bury him, and is now likely to recover. Two of the other men were killed, 1 severely won nded, and 1 taken prisoner. The rebel Page 223 CilAP. XXXIV.] SKIRMISHES AT VINE PRAIRIE, ARK., ETC. 223 left some of their horses and most of their arms, which were jAcked up and taken off by the Union men who went to bury the dead. Captain Galloway has always been one of my best officers; a truly brave, worthy, and patriotic man, and, though he took this course with the advice and sanction of other officers in his command, I am satisfied such a thing will not be repeated; and I hope my lenity to him will be sanctioned by you, on account of his former services and many good qualities. I remain, general, your obedient servant, M. LA RUE HARRISON, Colonel First Arkansas Caralry, Commanding Post. Maj. Gen. JOHN M. SCHOFIELD, Qommanding Army of the Frontier. P. 5.Permit me to say, in addition, that Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart never sent me his official report of scout to Fan Buren, nor the list of prisoners, as ordered; consequently, I am unable to give you a written report of that scout, although it was wholly planned and sent out by me. I learn that Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart has sent you a report. I think it should be returned. HEADQUARTERS, Post Fayetteville, Ark., February 9, 1863. GENERAL: On Saturday, January 31, I sent Capt. C. [Charles] Gal- loway, Company E, First Arkansas Cavalry, in command of 81 men, to Huntsville, to protect the citizens of that place in holding a Union con- vention, and to assist in organizing companies for the First Arkansas Infantry, Colonel [James M.] Johnson. On the 31st a large and enthusiastic meeting was held there; nearly 1,O~O said to be present. Addresses were made by Colonel Johnson and Captain Searle, of the Tenth Illinois Cavalry. From Huntsville I ordered Captain Galloway to proceed, with his command to the Ar. kansas River. On Monday morning, February 2, he entered Ozark, but, finding no enemy, proceeded up the river, on the stage road, toward Van Buren. At the White Oak River, 7 miles west of Ozark, our advance guard, under Lieutenant [James] .Roseman, was attacked by a steamboat escort of 180 men of Colonel Dorseys rebel cavalry. Shots were exchanged, and our advance fell back to a commanding position,~ and formed on Cap- tain Galloways main column. The rebels charged upon them with a yell like that of the Indians. When within about 150 yards, a volley from our rifles brought them to a stand. After thirty minutes severe fighting, the enemy retreated in disorder, carrying their dead and wounded with them. The enemy lost 8 killed and ~Ii5 or 20 wounded; also 6 horses killed and a large number disabled. Captain Galloway lost 2 horses killed and had I man slightly wounded. He followed the rebels westward for 10 miles, scattering them completely. On Monday night he encamped near the mouth of Little -Frog Bayou Creek, and returned toward Fayetteville on Tuesday. On Tuesday morning a small reconnoitering party (7 men), under Capt. Robert E. Travis, Company M, First Arkansas Cavalry, attacked 30 rebels of Mankins gang in a log-house in the canebrake near the mouth of Mulberry River, and fought there for nearly half an hov~r Page 224 224 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DRPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. The rebels retreated, leaving most of their horses and arms on the ground. Captain Travis party were so much crippled in the fight as to be unable to take any advantage of the affair, and left the ground. A Union citizen took some men, went and buried the dead, brought oft~ the wounded, and picked up the rebcl arms and captured their horses. The attack was the most daring one of any II have heard of since the commencement of the war. The party consisted of Capt. R. E. Travis, Company M, First Arkansas Cavalry (severely woupded in the right hip), and Sergts. W. P. Clark (unhurt), P. Asbill (unhurt), and Noel G. Rutherford, Company D, First Arkansas Caval~y (taken prisoner); Sergt. Benjamin looper, Company M, First Arkansas Cavalry (unhurt); Private Giles Loften, Company D, First Arkansas Cavalry (unhurt; was not in the action; held the horses 80 rods distant); Privates Edgar White, Oscar White, and James R. Williamson, Company I, Tenth Illi- nois (2 killed instantly and 1 died of wounds). The prisoners taken by this scout were 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, and 2 privates paroled and 7 brought in. I am, colonel, your most obedient servant, M. LA RUE HARRISON, Colonel First Arkansas Cavalry, Commanding Post. LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant- General, U. S. Army. FEBRUARY 213, 1863.Scouts and skirmishes in and about Mingo Swamp, Mo. I~EPORTS. No. 1. Lient. Col. Bazel F. Lazear, Twelfth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 2.Maj. F. W. Reedor, Twelfth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Lieut. ~Jol. Bazel F. ]azear, Twelfth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. JACKSON, ~Io., February 14, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report that Captain [Levi E.] Whybark, Company F, Twelfth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, with 50 men of the different companies of the regiment, returned yesterday from a scout to Mingo Swamp, and reports killing 3 and wounding 2 more of the band of General McGee. This has been one of the worst bands of guer- rillas that has infested Southeast Missouri, making their headquarters in the swamps. They have been a terror to the whole country. I inclose you a note, addressed to McGee by two Confederate captains, * showing you in what light they were looked upon by Con.federate officers. There are not more than three of the notorious ones of the gang left; their names are lletterbraud, Cowan, and Dixon. There are two of the gang now in the guard-house here, who were slightly wounded. Their names are Spain and Bradaway. The last deserves particular notice. He was a notorious outlaw in California. Since he returned, and before this, he * Not found Page 225 CHAP. XXXIV.] SCOUTS, ETC., IN AND ABOUT MINGO SWAMP, Mo. 225 was a notorious counterfeiter here, and nigger thief, and for the last five months he has been connected with McGees band of guerrillas, which they are in every sense of the word. I am sorry they are pris- oners on my hands, as they should have been shot on the spot. There are other bands of this character in the county below here, and it was concerning these bands that I wished to see the commanding general; but the breaking up of our regiment has interfered with my arrange- ments, and I am sorry for these poor Union people, who never have been properly protected, as they should have and might have been; and if the authorities could see the downcast and saddened countenances of Union men here, they, I think, would hesitate about breaking up and sending off this regiment. For my own part, 1 think injustice has been done me and my men; but I am too good a soldier to disobey any order coming to me from my superior officers. I hope you will pardon me for alluding to this matter in this report, but justice to this section demands that attention should be called to the state of affairs here, and I hope you will not allow all protection to be taken from these people. Very respectfully, & c., B. F. LAZEAR, Lieut. Col., Comdg. Twelfth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. Captain DYER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Saint Louis District, Mo. No. 2. Report of Maj. F. W. Reeder, Twelfth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. JACKSON, Mo, February 7, 1863. COLONEL: Pursuant to your order, I proceeded, on the 2d instant, to Dallas, Mo., for the purpose of killing, capturing, and dispersing such bands of outlaws and rebels as infest the vicinity of Dallas and Mingo Swamp. After arriving in Dallas with my command, detachments of the dif- fereut companies at this post, I was joined by detachments from the companies stationed at Fredericktown and Patton, and at once sent out four scouts to capture the notorious McGee.and his outlaws, said to be harboring around that place. These scouts brought in three of the outlaws, from whom I learned that McGee had started the day previous toward Bloomfield, carrying with him a number of stolen horses and arms, as well as four Union citizens as prisoners. I waited until the evening of the 3d instant, when the last scout came in, bringing twenty- five saddles, buried by the rebels some two months since, and which, on account of lack of transportation, as well as their total worthlessness, I ordered to be burned. Resolving to overtake McGee, with his band, the next day, and to l)ush on to Bloomfield through the Mingo Swamp, I allowed the men and horses to rest till next morning, and started after these outlaws. Regardless of the advice of those who had for a long time been residents within the said swamp, and who pronounced the passage through the same at this time of the year an impossibility, as the ground would be frozen, and the water below would, consequently, recede from beneath, I determined to risk ~tq and went on. When you add to all this the cir- cumstance that a violent snow-storm set in as we started, which lasted 15 it itVOL XXII, PT Page 226 226 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAr. XXXIV. without intermission till the next day, as well as the uncertainty of finding a road through that swamp, you can form an idea of the obsta- cles presented to us. Arriving within 4 miles of the swamp (at Bollingers Mills), I left the light wagon, with the provisions we carried along, with orders to return. We here crossed the Castor River, which most of my men had to swim, and I took 40 of the best horses and men and pushed rapidly forward, having heard that McGee with 35 of his men had passed there that morning. I left Captain [William T.] Hunter with the rest of the com- mand (50 men) to follow slowly. After a sharp trot of 10 miles, we sud- denly came to the house of S. Cato, a man who had been harboring these outlaws for a long time, and perceiving a considerable number of men feeding their horses, we dashed upon them before a single one had the chance to escape. They were at once recognized as McGees band, and as our approach was as sudden as it was unexpected, they fled in confusion across the large corn-field in the center of which the house of Cato stood. My men now were in their element, and whilst others quickly tore down the fence of the corn-field, the rest surrounded it, and within fifteen minutes we had exterminated the who~,e band. We took no pris- oners from amongst them, as I had previously given the order not to do so. We counted 9 killed, amongst them McGee; 20 mortally wounded, and 3 slightly, the latter of whom we brought in. We did not lose a man. Besides, we captured some 25 horses and equipments, many of which have already been identified as having been stolen by them from Union men, and some arms, all of which are ordered to be turned over by different commanders of companies to the quartermaster. Not hav- ing time tQ bury the dead and attend to the crippled and dying, I left them to the tender care of their good friends, of whom there are plenty close by; and, being meanwhile joined by Captain Hunter, I pushed on to Bloomfield, which town I entered amidst a terrible snow-storm at midnight. Although we at once surrounded the town and every house in it, we did not capture more than 8 prisoners, some of whom, being on furlough from the so-called Confederate Army, were paroled, and or- dered to report to this post at the end of each month. Adjutant Mack- lind will hand in their names. All the rumors I heard of a force of 200 or 300 being at that place, and of a still larger force 40 miles below, at Four Mile, are without the slightest foundation, and the only reliable information I obtained was that [W. L.] Jeffers, with 2,000 men, was at Epsom Bottom, 150 miles below Bloomfield, and that he was preparing to join General Holmes at Pocahontas. I quartered my men, who had been without food since morning, at the different houses in the town, and having sufficiently refreshed the horses, I returned through the swamp the next morning by a different route than the one I came, with the hope of getting a few more of them, should there be any. On my route back I divided my command into six parties, with orders to thoroughly scour the country and meet me at Dallas the next day. We returned here on the 7th instant, having accomplished our object and restored peace to a part of the country to which McGee for the last year has been a terror. Officers and men behaved admirably through- out the scout. They bore the severe hardships of fatigue, hunger, and cold, through the most desolate part of Missouri, and a march in the midst of a most violent snow-storm, with alacrity and without a mur- mur, and so well did they do their duty that it would be injustice al- most for me to mention any particular name. Those, however, who were the most conspicuous for their gallant conduct were First Lieutenant [Thomas H.] Macklind, acting adjutant; Captain [William C.] Bangs, commanding Company G; Lien~tenant Pope [Erich Pape], Company A Page 227 CHAP. XXXIV.] SCOUT TO THE ARKANSAS RIVER, ETC. 227 Lieutenant Charveaux, and our guide, Private William Massey, a mem- ber of Company ID, of this regiment, who truly guided us the different routes through the swamp as to elicit the adiniratiou of all. I ought also to mention Sergt. Jesse Green, of the Sixty-eighth Ohio Regiment Infantry Volunteers, who volunteered to accompany the expedition, and who, whilst acting as sergeant-major, proved himself very efficient and trustworthy. I have the honor to be, colonel, very res~ectfulIy, your obedient servant, F. W. IIEEDEII, Major Twelfth Missouri State Militia Cay., Corndg. Expedition. Lieut. Col. B. F. LAZEAR, Comdg. Twelfth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, Jaekson, Mo. FEBRUARY 4, 1863.Skirmish at Batesville, Ark. Report of Brig. Gem. John W. Davidson, U. S. Army. WEST PLAINS, Mo., February 7, 1863. The dash on Batesville has accomplished all it was intended. Ex- press is just received from Colonel [G. E.] Waring, commanding my cavalry division. He drove Marinaduk& s forces out of Batesville the night of the 4th instant, killing and wounding many and capturing some prisoners, among them Colonel Adams. Waring says Captaiu [G. C.] Rose, Fourth Missouri Cavalry, led the charge into Batesvifle most gallantly. Such of the enemy as could not crowd into the ferry- boats swam the iiver. Marmadukes entire force is on the other side, and the pickets were exchanging shots on the morning of the 5th. Waring has remounted his men from the country. Of course, as the expedition was only iutended as a reconnaissance and a forage, it has its full instructions to return carefully. I am sending a fresh battalion to act as its rear guard. I am moving back to our new position, and you may rely on my keeping myself ready to move at twenty-four hours notice. I am sending dragoons to -see what Leeper did at Van Bnreii. I have two good ferry-boats there. J. W. DAVIDSON, Brigadier- General. Major-General CURTIS. FEBRUARY 512, 1863.Scout from Fayettevile to the Arj~r~nsas River, and skirmishes at Threlkelds Ferry and near Van Buren, Ark. - RiEII~ORTS. No. 1.Col. M. La Rue Harrison, First Arkansas Cavalry. No. 2Lieut. Col. James Stuart, Tenth Illinois Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Col. Al. La Rue Harrison, First Arkansas Cavalry. FAYETTEVILLE, February 12, 1863. GENERAL: Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart has just returned from scout to Arkansas River. One hundred men crossed the river near mouth o Page 228 228 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAr. XXXIV. Frog Bayou; had a skirmish with Carrolls command, and scattered them. They marched 10 miles into the country on the other side; destroyed the rebel camp and burned their stores; attacked and routed a part of Car- rolls command on this side the river, 8 miles east of Van Buren, killing several. [C. A.] Carroll was attempting to cut off Stuarts return, or attack Fayetteville in his absence, but has been foiled in the attempt. About 40 prisoners were taken. Uur loss is 1 prisoner and 1 drowned. Quite a number of horses, mules, and arms have fallen into our hands. Lieutenant-Colonel Stuarts official report shall be forwarded imme- diately. M. LA RUE HARRISON, Colonel, Commanding Post. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS. No. 2. Report of Jieut. Gol. James Stuart, Tenth Illinois Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS TENTh ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Fayetteville, Ark., February 14, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I~left Fayettevill e, Ark., on the 5th instant, on a scout to the Arkansas River, in command of 100 men of the Tenth Illinois Cavalry and 125 men of the First Arkan- sas Cavalry. On arriving at the river. 4 niiles below the month of Frog Bayou, I learned that a small force of the enemy was encamped 3 miles below, at Thin elkelds Ferry. I mi mediately procured some skiffs and had others constructed, with which I f~rried over 100 of my command, with orders to surround their camp and attack them. At the same time I moved down on the north side of the river, with two small howitzers, to destroy their log buildings, in case the enemy should take to them for defense; but, through the indiscretion of a small party 1 had placed on the road leading to the ferry to cut off communication with the enemy, the move- ment was discovered, which enabled many of them to escape my com- mand. We had quite a lively engagement, killing several of the enemy, and taking 7 prisoners. My loss, 1 man drowned (Private Douglass, First Arkansas Cavalry). I proceeded thence 12 miles up the river, and captured 30 bales of cotton, whic~m had been turned over by the Confederate States provost-marshal to a man named A. Waddell. I had.the same transported by Government teams, which accompanied me to Fayetteville, and placed in a vacant church, by direction of Colonel Harrison. On the 10th instant, while moving along the Ozark Stage road, about 8 miles east of Van Buren, and near the fork of the Frog Bayou and Stage roads, I was attacked by about 100 of the enemy, who were quickly routed by Capt. William A. Chapin and 50 men of the Tenth lllinois Cavalry, who made a prompt and gallant charge, dispersing the enemy in every direction. I afterward ascertained that it was a party of Colonel Carrolls men, taking down the telegraph wire along the road. I ascertained that this was the only force on this side of the river above Clarksville Page 229 CHAP. XXXIV.] SKIRMISH NEAR ARItADELPHIA, AI~K. During the scont I took 21 Confederate soldiers prisoners, also horses, mules, arms, & c. I inclose herewith list * of paroled prisoners. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant. JAMES STUART, Lieutenant- Colonel Tenth Illinois Cavalry, Commanding. Maj. Gen. JOHN M. SCHOFIELD, Commanding Army of the Frontier. FEBRUARY 8, 1863.Skirmish near Independence, Mo. Report of Col. W. R. Penick, Fifth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. IIDQRS. FIFTH MISSOURI STATE MILITIA CAVALRY, Independence, Mo., February 11, 1803. GENERAL: On the 8th instant I sent a detachment of 50 men from Companies C, D, and F, of my comma~nd,in charge of Lieut. D. A. Col- yin, of Company C, in pursuit of a guerrilla camp, of which I had in- formation. My scout came up with the enemy about 2 p. in., and a running fight commenced, which lasted about thirty minutes. My men killed 8 of the guerrillas, wounded 2, and the remainder, some 4 or 5, escaped in the woods. Captured all their arms and horses, and lost 1 man in the skirmish. To try the fighting qualities of the negro, I sent a contraband along, at his own request. My oflicers and men agree that his fighting propensities are splendid; he was wounded severely in the right shoulder; he expresses his willingness to again fight the bushwhackers as soon as he is able. Very respectfully, W. IR. PEXICK, Colonel Fifth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL H. CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri. FEBRUARY 15, 1863.Skirmish near Arkadelphia, Ark. Report of Col. M. La Rue Harrison, First Arkansas Cavalry. MARCH 9, [1863.] Captain Brown, a Union man from Arkadelphia, has just arrived. Had 83 men in the mountains of Washita River, near Arkadelphia, and was attacked by 300 rebels on Sunday, the 15th of February last. The fight lasted from sunrise till noon, when the rebels were completely routed, with a loss of 16 killed and 12 wounded. Captain Brown lost 2 killed and 4 wounded. Captain Brown brought in some recruits for the First Arkansas Infautry. Captain Vanderpool came in yesterday from Newton County with 200 Union men, mostly recruits for the volunteer service. M. LA IRUE HARRISON, Colonel, Commanding Post. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL H. CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri. Not found. 22 Page 230 230 MO., ARK., 1~ANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXrV~ FEBRUARY 1719, 1863.Attack on the steamer Hercules and burning of Hopefield, Ark. RIIPOI~TS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Stephen A. Huribut, U. S. Army, commanding Sixteenth Army Corps. No. 2.Brig. Gen. James C. Veatch, U. S. Army, commanding District of Memphis. No. 3:Capt. Joseph K. Lemon, Sixty-third Illinois Infantry. No. 4.Capt. J. H. McGehee, Arkansas Cavalry, including destruction of the Steamers Jacob Mns~elman and Grampus No. 2. No. 1. Report of ]lIaj. Gen. Stephen A. Huribut, U. S. Army, commanding Six teenth Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CoRps, Memphis, Tenn., February 20, 1863. SIR: Three days since the rebel guerrillas at Hopefield surprised the tow-steamer Hercules, which had gone into the Arkansas shore in a dense fog, killed 1 of the crew, and burned the boat and a barge of coal. It having been ascertained that Hopefield is a mere shelter for guerrillas, I ordered the place burned, which was done on yesterday; 16 or 17 horses were captured, which no person there would own, quite a num- ber of cavalry saddles, and other evidences of the haunts of the guer- rillas. One barn blew up, in burning, with a quantity of concealed powder. I have stopped all communication with Arkansas for the present. I have consulted with General Veatch as to the possibility of barricading the streets and roads leading into Memphis, and we unite that it can only be effectually done by cutting the bridges across Gayoso Bayou on such roads as may be selected. This, however, will leave outside of barricades a large portion of the suburbs of Memphis. With the im- mense depots and hospitals here, both for the Army and the Navy, and the certainty that this point is to be a base of supplies, it will require, in my judgment, an entire division to cover this city so as to prevent the terrible .smuggling which is now going on. The effects of lt are perfectly demoralizing; bribery and corruption seem to go into every branch of service, and the actual cases of which proof can be made are only, I am afraid, symptoms of a widespread disease. I have sure information that [H. V.] IRichardsons guerrillas have been supplied with revolvers from this city. I propose, to-day, to forbid any arms whatever being exposed or kept for sale in the command. Major Mudd, supported by two regiments of General Quinbys com- mand, made a dash on Blythe, and captured 12 [guerrillas], ~nd ran the rest off to Coidwater; but they come back as fast as our troops are with- drawn. As soon as the roads become decent, I think of putting a brigade in near Horn Lake, in the country infested by the guerrillas, and let them eat them out. The country is rich in forage and provisions. Colonel Webster informs me that the railroad will be completed to- day or to-morrow. It will soon be broken up again, somewhere i Page 231 CHAP. XXXIV~.] ~TJRNING OF HO~EFIELD, AIUt., ETC. 231 Obion County, II think. The cavalry expedition south starts to-day or to-morrow. I have heard nothing of importance from Dodge or from the Tennessee. Respectfully, S. A. IIURLBUT, Major-General. Lent. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 2. Report of Brig. Gen. James C. Veatch, U. S. Army, commanding District of Memphis. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF MEMPHIS, Memphis, Tenn., February 21, 1863. CAPTAIN: In obedience to the orders of Major-General llurlbut, I sent four companies of the Sixty-third Illinois Volunteers, under com- mand of Capt. Joseph K. Lemon, on board of the steamer Mill Boy, at 10 a. m. on the 19th instant, with orders to proceed, under convoy of the gunboat Cricket, to the village of Hopefield, on the Arkansas shore, and to burn every house in the place. This duty was promptly p~rformed, and Captain Lemon reported to me, with his entire coulmand, on his return from the expedition at 5 p m. on the same day. A lot of horses and mules were found in a stable, unclaimed. They were brought over, and all delivered to Captain Walker, post quartermaster, to be held by him, subject to the claim of loyal owners, with one exception, which will be seen by reference to the report of Captain Lemon, here attached. I also append a copy of the order of Major-General Hurlbut, under which I acted, and a copy of instructions given to the officer commanding the expedition, and ask that they be considered a part of this report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES C. VEATCH, Brigadier- General. Capt. HENRY BINiWORE, Assistant Adjutant-General, Sixteenth Corps. [Inolosuresi HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF MEMPHIS, Memphis, Tenn., February 19, 1863. Commanding Officer of Expedition to Biopefteld, Ark.: SIR: By the within orders of Major-General ilurlbut, you are re- quired to destroy the village of ilopefield. You will be vigilant and careful, and see that your men commit no depredations nor offer any insults to the inhabitants. Keep your guard well posted, so that no lurking band of guerrillas shall be allowed to approach without your knowledge. As soon as you have executed the generals orders, you will return with your command, and report to these headquarters. By order of Brig. Gen. James C. Veatch: F. W. FOX, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 232 232 MO., ~ ICANS., Th1t. T., AND DEPT. t~. W. (CRAP. XXZt~ SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 10. Memphis, Teun., February 18, 1863. * * * * * * * IV. Brig. Gen. J. C. Veatch will detail four companies, under a field officer, with 40 rounds of ammunition, who will proceed to-morrow, un- der convoy of the gunboat Cricket, to Hopefield, on the Arkansas shore. Upon lauding at Hopefield, the place will be immediately covered by guards. The residents will be allowed one hour to remove their effects, after which every building will be burned, and the troops will return, reporting to General Veatch. * * * * * * * By order of Major-General Hurlbut: HENRY BINMOHE, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 3. Report of Capt. Joseph K. Lemon, Sixty-third illinois Infantry. CAMP SIXTY-THIRD REGT. ILLINOIS VOL. INFANTRY, District of Memphis, Tenn., February 20, 1863. SIR: In compliance with your orders, I proceeded with four compa. mes of the above-named regiment, viz, Company C, commanded by Captain [W. M.] Boughan; Company D, commanded by Lieutenant [J.] Isaminger; Company E, commanded by Captain [11.11.] Walser; Corn- pany F, commanded by Licut. A. Davis, and the gunboat Cricket, to ilopefield, Ark.; placed a strong guard around the village, and, after giving the inhabitants one hours notice of the destiny of their village, the lighted torch was applied and the place was consumed. There were no depredations committed, neither were any insults offered to the in- habitants. In the livery stables I found 15 head of horses, 9 mules, and 10 saddles, and, as they were said to be owned by citizens of Arkansas, I took them under charge. I turned over 15 head of horses and 9 mules to the quartermaster, Captain Walker. One fine horse was kept by Lieutenant Cook, of General Huributs staff; by order of Major-General llurlbut. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH K. LEMON, Brig. Gen. ~. C. VEATCH. Captain, Commanding Expedition. No. 4. Report of (apt. J. II. MeGehee, Arkansas Cavalry, including destruction of the Steamers Jacob ]Jliusselman and Grampus No. 2. CAMP OF UNATTACHED COMPANY, ARKANSAS CAVALRY, Marion, Ark., March 2, 1863. COLONEL: In obedience to orders received from the major-general commanding the Trans-Mississippi District, to proceed to the county of Crittenden, Arkansas, for the purpose of scouting and burning cot- ton in that country, and annoying the enemy. on the Mississippi River Page 233 (Thxr. XXXIV.] SCOUT IN I3ARTON AND SASPER COUNTIES, MO. 233 I have the honor to report that I marched from Austin, Ark., and pro- ceeded to the Mississippi River, burning all cotton as I went which was liable to fall into the hands of the enemy. On the 6th day of January, I captured the steamboat Jacob Mussel- man, opposite Memphis, lying at the Arkansas shore; ran her to Brad- leys Landing, 15 miles above that point, where I captured another boat (flat-boat) loaded with stock. After taking what was valuable on the steamer Jacob Musselman, and the stock off of the flat-boat, I burned them both. On the 11th day of January, I captured the steamboat Grampus No. 2, just off the wharf at Memphis; run her to Mound City, 5 miles above Memphis, and burned her. There were with the Grampus 5 coaL boats, which were turned loose in the river when she was captured, and floated down and sunk. On the 17th of February, I captured the steam tug Hercules opposite Memphis, and 7 coal boats, which were with her, and burned them on the spot, being unable to run them off, owing to the terrific fire from the gunboats which were lying at the Memphis wharf. On the 16th of February, I captured a flat-boat, 30 miles below Mem- phis, laden with medicine, & c.; she had on board the following articles, to wit: 600 ounces of quinine, 200 ounces of morphine, 6 pounds of opium, 5 pounds of ipecac, 5 navy repeaters, 450 rounds of navy car- tridges, 3,000 percussion caps, and 6 pairs of gauntlets. I am, colonel, your obedient servant, J. H. McGEHEE, Captain, Commanding Company. Col. 11. C. NEWTON, Assistant Adjutant- General. FEBRUARY 1922, 1863.Scout in Barton and Jasper Counties, Mo. Report of ]JJiaj. Edward B. Eno, Eighth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, Newtonia, Mo., February 22, 1863. COLONEL: In compliance with your request, made to me at Sher- wood on the 18th instant, I have to report that, on the 19th instant,~1 dispatched Captain Reeder, with 30 men and the worn-out horses, in charge of corpse of one of my xnen, who died the night previous, back to this post, instructing him to proceed by route which would cross your line of march from Shoal Creek to Fidelity. Captain Reeder reached this post without any incident worthy of remark. With the balance of my command, I marched down Centre Creek; thence up Spring River to Carthage, where I encamped on the night of the 19th. Here I learned that the Enrolled Missouri Militia from Bowers Mills had overtaken Livingston, with about 60 men, 6 miles dis- tant, on Dry Fork of Spring River; had fought him a little, and came charging back through Carthage, swearing because they did not catch him. My conjecture relative to his rendezvous was correct; but, on hearing of my scout being below on Spring River, he ran directly north, about Lamar. Knowing that Captain Moores scouts, from Fort Scott, would be in that neighborhood on the 20th, I concluded to march back to Jenkins and Jones Creeks. We took the brush and creek until withi Page 234 234 MO., AR1~., RANS., IND. T., ANfl DEt~1!. N~ W. (ChAP. XXXI~. a quarter of a mile of that misnomer, FideJity; then charged into the place, came upon a small party of the rascals, wounded 1, captured 3; the balance escaped, our horses being too tired to overtake them. Thence, I divided my command again, and beat the brush of Jones and Jenkins Creeks, np~stream. Not finding anything, we encamped on Jones Creek, sending out parties np and down the creek during the night. If the Wisconsin scout does not come across Livingston and cut him np, he will go down to the border and harbor at mouth of Shoal Creek again, provided he does not conclude to leave the country altogether. Many of the best friends of this guerrilla chief solemnly own to me that they see and fully appreciate the injury he is doing the country, and they talk seriously of presenting a petition to him to leave. I hope the happiest results from the extensive scout just made in that region; if not so immediately successful as we could have wished, it has made the country uncomfortably hot for guerrillas, and must convince them of our determination to hunt them down. Hoping to hear from you soon, and that you met with more success than myself I ani, colonel, very truly, your obedient servant, E. B. ENO, iVilajor, Gommanding AS1ub-district. Cob WILLIAM F. CLOUD, kS~pringfteld, Mo. FEBRUARY 20, 1863.Skirmish near Fort Halleck, Dak. Report of Capt. Asaph Allen. FORT HALLEUK, DAI., February 27, 1863. Sin: On the 19th, a report came to me that the Ute Indians had broken np the station at Pass Creek, driven off the mail stock, cut up the harness, and committed other depredations. I started Lieutenant Brandley, with all the available force here (not having but 20 horses at the post), after them. He overtook and killed some of them, and was badly wounded by a ball through the left arm. He shot the Indian through the head. 1 brought my herd of horses in and went out myself, and hunted the hounds three days. On the night of the 24th, Mr. Kerr, superintendent of the overland stage line, came to Fort Halleck, reporting a new trail of Indians 20 miles west. I started Sergeant Williams, with 35 men, at 12 oclock at night, in pursuit. I could not go, as. Major Adams, paymaster, was here to pay the troops. The party came in sight of the Indians about 9 oclock the next morning. The Indians had some 10 miles the start. The chase resulted in the recovery of a portion of the stolen stock, but could not overtake the Indians, although the party followed them until night, the day being the stormiest that I ever saw. I do not think that the Indians will trouble the stage line for the present, but expect that they will favor it with a call in the spring. I have sent men up the road to the different stations. I am, sir, with respect, your obedient servant, A. ALLEN, Gaptain, Commanding Port ilallecic. General JAMES CRAIG, Commanding District of Nebraska Page 235 CHAP. X~XIV~.] GiJERIULLA RAID ON GRANI3Y, MO. 235 MARCH 12, 1863.Capture of, and skirmish near, Bloomfield, Mo. Report of Ijeut. Frederick 1i~. Poole, adjutant Second Mi8souri State Militia Cavalry. HDQRS. SECOND MIssouRI STATE MILITIA CAVALRY, Bloomfield, Mo., March 3, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that, after leaving your camp on White Water, on the night of the 28th of February, I proceeded, in command of the advance guard, for the purpose of surprising a party of rebels reported to be in Bloomfield. On arriving at Castor River, I found it impassable, owing to the destruction of the bridge and the high stage of water; but being determined to prosecute your orders, I swam my command, and shortly after daylight had the town completely in- vested. II succeeded in capturing the rebel provost-marshal, R. Seckel (with all his official documents), and 20 others, nearly all of whom were Confederate soldiers. A Confederate officer, who was on recruiting service, in madly endeavoring to escape after firing upon me as I ad- vanced, was instantly killed from his horse. From documents found upon his person, he seems to have been a Lient. J. D. Brazeau, formerly from Saint Louis. I took a number of horses, guns, ammunition, & c. We marched during the night about 35 miles, and notwithstanding the fatigue and cold the men had to undergo in traveling such a distance, and having to swim a deep and rapid river, I never heard a murmur, the motto Down with the traitors actuating every breast. Next morning, learning that a camp of rebels were within 15 miles of this post, I selected 20 of my best horses, and proceeded down the Ar- kansas road 15 miles in the direction of Chalk Bluff, when I came npon their picket, who precipitately fled, being well mounted. I overtook them, 3 in number, quite near the camp. I called upon them to halt and surrender, but they continued to fly. I then commenced firing, and killed 2 of them, and took the other a prisoner. Upon hearing the firing, the rebels, 50 strong, nuder Cooper, as I was informed, fled in every direction, leaving their arms, & c. I cannot express my gratitude to the men who accompanied me in both cases; suffice it to say they are model soldiers, and as brave as they are true. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. R. POOLE, Adjutant. Col. JOHN MCNEIL, Commanding Second MissQuri State Militia Odvairy. MARCH 3, 1863.Raid by guerrillas on Granby, Mo. Report of Maj. Edward B. Eno, Eighth Missouri Stale Militia Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, Newtonia, Mo., March 4, 1863. MAJOR: I have to report that, on the night of the 3d instant, the guerrilla chief Livingston, with 100 men, dashed into Granby, where 25 men of my battalion were stationed. The patrol guard, ~ men, were captured, disarmed, and probably killed, as nothing has since bee Page 236 236 Mo., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [cHAP. XX~t~. heard of them. Two other soldiers, who were attending upon a sick family a short distance outside the stockade, were captured, and, un- armed as they were, begging for their lives, were shot down in their tracks. Livingston passed rapidly out, without venturing to attack the squad in the stockade. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, E. B. ENO, Maj. JAMES II. STEGER, Major, Commanding Sub-district. Assistant Adjutant- General, Springfield, Mo. MARCH 512, 1863.Expedition from Helena up the Saint Francis and Little Rivers, and skirmish at Madison, Ark. Report of Col. Powell Clayton, Fifth Kansas Lvavalry. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH KANSAS REGIMENT, Camp Yandever, March 13, 1863. COLONEL: In accordance with Special Orders, No. , brigade head- quarters, and subsequent orders from Brigadier-General [B. NI.] Pren- tiss, I proceeded with my command, composed of 50 infantry (Twenty- fourth Indiana Volunteers), 25 cavalry (Third Iowa Volunteers), and one section of the Second Ohio Battery (6-pounders), on board the steamer Hamilton Belle, up the Saint Francis River, starting on Friday, March 5, at 9 a. m. Nothing of interest occurred until we arrived at Madison, a small country town situated at a point where the Memphis and Little Rock Railroad crosses the Saint Francis River. We arrived at this ppint a little after daylight, and, from the nature of the river, we were entirely concealed from observation from the town until we arrived within a few hundred yards of it. Here we completely surprised a rebel force of about 75 strong, who fled in great confusion as the boat touched the landing, leaving behind everything except the clothing they had upon their persons. My infantry and cavalry landed with the greatest possible celerity, and pursued them in every direction, capturing and bringing to the boat 27 of their number. Of course, everything they left behind fell into our hands, consisting of arms, horses, horse equip- ments, blankets, & c. Having instructions from General Prentiss to capture, if possible, the steamer Miller, which was said to be somewhere in Little River near its mouth, I therefore continued up the Saint Francis until I came to the mouth of that river; thence up the same for about 25 miles, when I reached the Miller, which, to my disappointment, I found in a sunken condition. The point where the Miller lay ~was about 250 miles from Helena, and believing that before I could return the rebels would prob- ably collect all available troops together at some favorable point to dis- pute my passage, I seized, at different points and from different per- sons, sixty-four bales of cotton, out of which I had constructed very efficient breastworks, not only for the protection of the men, but for the protection of the boat in case they should bring artillery to bear upon us. Upon my return, I captured, near the mouth of Little River, 3 men engaged in contraband trade. I found in their possession 13 barrels of salt, 2 barrels of flour, 80 ounces of quinine, and a large amount of per- cussion-caps. At Wittsburg I captured 15 hogsheads of sugar, and r Page 237 CHAP. XXXIV.] SKIgMISH AT MADiSON, ARK. 237 ceived information that the enemy had collected in considerable force at Madison, and had blockaded the river. Arriving within about 2 miles of Madison, I discovered a load, of cotton placed upon a conspic- uous point on a high, sloping bank. Belie~ving it to be a trap, I ordered the artillerymen to drop a few shells into the thick underbrush a short distance back of the cotton bales. 1 soon discovered, farther up on the slope, a large number of saddled horses, which convinced me that my suspicions were well founded. I continued the shelling process, and, coming within nearer range, I swept the nnderbrush with canister. I then landed as rapidly as pos. sible my entire force, leaving abont one-half on the river bank by the boat as a reserve. The balance deployed as skirmishers and soou came npon the enemy, who had been previously scattered by our artillery. A running fight ensued, which resulted in the enemy retreating to the hills, leaving 4 of their dead upon the field. In this skirmish Lieutenant [William C.] Niblack, of the Third Iowa Cavalry, received a severe buck-shot wound in the left breast while gallantly leading his cavalry. No other one on our side sustained any injury. After securing the cotton used as a bait and some horses captured upon the field, I proceeded to Madison, where I found the river block- aded by means of a chain drawn between the piers of the railroad bridge. I landed above the bridge and sent out skirmishers to reconnoiter and cover the operations of a working party sent to remove the blockade. A little skirmishing ensued, and we captured 1 prisoner. My working party soon reported a safe passage through the blockade. I called in my skirmishers and without much difficulty cleared the bridge, which was no sooner accomplished than a heavy volley saluted us from a cane- break on the right, where the enemy were posted behind log breast- works. After about 25 rounds from our field pieces, the enemy retreated in great confusion, and we experienced no further interruption betweeu that point and Helena, where we arrived on the morning of the 12th, it being the seventh day out. * I cannot but speak in the highest terms of the manner in which the officers and men of the different detachments conducted themselves throughout. It was truly gratifying and well worthy of imitation. We captured in all 46 pi-isoners, 10 of whom I paroled on account of being short of subsistence. The balance I have turned over to the pro- vost-marshal-general. The following is a list of captured property (contraband) and property seized for military purposes: Cotton bales.. 4 Sugar hogslieads.. 15 Salt barrels.. 13 Flour do.... 2 Bacon pounds~. 500 Horses 23 Mules 3 Quinine .ounces. SO Shot-guns, rifles, & c., about 30 Percussion-caps - 500 Sixty bales of cotton seized for military purposes, claimants of which were permitted to return with the expedition to rejresent their claims. Having nothing further to report, I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, POWELL CLAYTON, Colonel, Commanding Page 238 238 MO.7 ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W- [CaAr. XXXIV. MARCH 513, 1863.Operations in Newton and Jasper Counties, Mo., and skirmish (9th) near Sherwood. Report of Capt. David 3ifefford, Sixth Kansas Cavalry. CAMP SALOlVION, Mo., ]Jfarch 14, 1863. SIR: Agreeably to your order, I left camp on March 5, with a detach- ment of the Sixth Kansas Cavalry, comprising Company A, Lieutenant [Thomas J.] Darling; Company C, Lieutenant [Richard L.] Phillips, and Company II, Lieutenant Campbell, in command of the respective com- panies, and proceeded to Newtonia, Newton County, a distance of 25 miles, and encamped for the night. Next morning (Friday) [6th] I went to Granby; scouted Shoal Creek thoroughly in that vicinity, and proceeded to Neosho. Left Neosho Saturday morning early; scouted the conntry north and encamped at Savilla, a little village containing about a dozen houses, and each house containing several rebel sympathizers. Lost a valuable horse that night. Sunday [8th] I went to Diarnonq Grove, about 5 miles from Savilla, and searched the woods thoroughly, but without any satisfactory result. Then moved down Turkey Creek and went to Sherwood, in Jasper County, a distance of 18 miles. Found a trail, but could get no infor- mation as to what troops had passed. It being nearly night, I remained in the town until 3 a. m. Monday. Followed up the trail a short dis- tance, when my advanco ran into a picket. Shots were exchanged, in which Sergeant Fountain, non-commissioned staff, was severely, though not dangerously,woundedin the face. The rebel picket was also wounded, but not fatally. Searched the woods and found the camp, which had contained about 70 or 80 men, judging from appearances, which the noted Tom Livingston had left in great haste, cutting halters and ropes, & c. The bush being so thick it was impossible to follow them. I moved out on the edg~of Turkey Creek timber and proceeded about 2 miles, and, seeing several men in a little bend of prairie, the advance went in pursuit, and after a chase of three-fourths of a mile they were suddenly turned upon by Livingstons whole force and obliged to fall back to the main command, still pursued. Seeing them repulsed, I quickly formed my men behind a clump of trees and bushes, dismounted them, and sent them in on foot. The enemy coming within 90 or 100 yards, firing com- menced, lasting but a few minutes, the enemy retreating precipitately. I had 1 man wounded in the leg. Injury sustained by the rebels not known, but, from the appearance of the woods, must have been con- siderable in horses. I sent Company H in the woods as skirmishers, and found the trail again; but, c~ousidering it useless to try to follow them, turned my course toward Neosho, which place I reached at sun- down. I remained in Neosho Tuesday, getting my horses shod, & c. Wednesday [11th] morning I was furnished with 40 Indians as scouts by Captain [A. C.] Spillman, Third Indian Regiment, commanding post. Found the trail and followed it for 35 miles, and encamped at Crawford Seminary, md. T. Took it up next morning and continued to follow it until about 2 p. m. Thursday, without getting any information as to his whereabouts. My men being without rations, and horses run down with hard marching and no forage, I abandoned the pursuit and turned my course toward camp. I marched to Savilla that night. Next morning [13th], being ready to mount, I heard firing half a mile from camp. I sent the Indians in the woods a& flankers, and took the main road, with the SixthKansas. Came upon two men of Company A Page 239 CHAP. XXXIV.] EXPEDITION TO CHALK BLUFF, ARK., ETC. 239 who stated that three of them had been to a house outside the lines to get their breakfast, and, in returning, were fired into, taken prisoners, and disarmed, and one of their number was badly wounded and left on the ground, where I found him in a few minutes. I scoured the woods thoroughly with Indians and whites, but could find no one. I pro- cured a wagon and sent the wounded man to Neosho under escort of the Indians, and proceeded to camp, which I reached at 9 p. m. Friday, the 13th, being out nine days. I issued an order, the first day out, strictly prohibiting men from leaving the command without the consent of a commissioned officer, which order was disobeyed in several instances by those men of Company A, who were disarmed. D. MEFFORD, Captain Company H, Sixth Kansas, Commanding Detachment. Col. W. B. JuDsoN, Commanding First Brig., First Div., Army of time Frontier. MARCH 610, 1863.Expedition frbm Helena to Big and Lick Creeks, Ark., and skirmishes. Report of Brig. Gen. Benjamin ]JI. Prentiss, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS, Helena, Ark., March 11, 1863. GENERAL: On the morning of the 6th instant I dispatched Major [Samuel] Walker, of the Fifth Kansas Cavalry, with about 500 men of different regiments, in search of a camp of rebels said to be between Big and Lick Creeks, and he reports to me that he arrived at Lick Creek on the 8th instant, and after hunting in vain for an enemy, he sent Major Winslow to one crossing of Big Creek and went himself to the other, at both of which he encountered small parties of rebels, killing 1, taking 1 prisoner, and destroying their ferry-boats. One man of the Fourth Iowa Cavalry ~ras shot from his horse while on picket, and Lieutenant [Joseph] McCarty and Sergeant Orcutt, Fifth Kansas, were taken pris- oners. He reports Lieutenant Cleaveland, of Parsons rebel regiment, killed; also 2 of Wetherbys men, and says lie took 4 prisoners, and that, having sqoured the country well between Big and Lick Creeks, is satisfied that there is no large party there. A force of rebels is reported to be at Cotton Plant. The major speaks in high terms of the conduct of his officers and men. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, B. M. PRENTISS, Brigadier- General. Major-General MOCLERNAND, Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps. - MARCH 915, 1863.Expedition from Bloomfield, Mo., to Chalk Bluff, Ark., and to Gum Slough, Kennett, Hornersville, etc., Mo., and skirmishes. Report of tJol. John McNeil, Second Missouri State Militia Cavalry. HDQRS. SECOND IREcfT. MISSOURI STATE MILITIA CAY., Bloomfield, Mo., March 16, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I left this post on Mon- day, the 9th instant, with 500 men of my command and two mountai Page 240 240 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. howitzers, two days~ small rations with hard bread, no tents for either officers or men, and 5 wagons, lightly loaded. We arrived at Chalk Bluff the next morning, having traveled over 40 miles of such roads as only the swamps of the earthquake region of Missouri can turn out. On our arrival at that point, at 9 a. in., we found that the advance party, which we had sent forward to feel the enemy, had failed to get the ferrymen to cross, and had been exchanging shots across the river for some two hours. We deployed skirmishers, and tried to move the force covering the ferry.boat, but they were well posted and stuck to their position with a determination worthy of a better cause. By bringing up our howitzers, we drove them out with canister and shell, and after three hours fighting were able to cover a party of five brave volunteers who swam the river, seized the boat, arid brought it over. We soon crossed three companies, who succeeded in clearing the hills, burning their store of corn, all the buildings, and a larbe ferry-boat which was being constructed. In this affair we had 2 men wounded, Blacksmith William J. Dryden, of Company E, and Private Cicero G. Davis, of Company II. Having thus cut off their exit bythis ferry, we marched, at 4 oclock next morning, against Thompsons fort, at Gum Slough, 23 miles dis- taut. We came to the slough at about noon. The slough is about 500 yards across, with a narrow road cut through a dense cypress swamp, with water girth-deep all the way across. We drove from this slough 30 well-armed men, a party under Lieutenant [Frederick It.] Poole pur- suing them 11 miles, killing 4 and capturing 5 of them. The fort of General Thompson was at the opposite side of the slough, commanding the road. It consisted of a parallelogram 90 paces on its main face, with a salient angle on its main face, and one of its interior faces to command the encampment and ditch. We could have shelled them out of it from across the slough, or even have ridden over their works. To our great chagrin, we found the fort without defenders, the gar- rison having evacuated it on hearing the report of my guns the day before. They had swum the slough, and taken to the island of Saint Francis River, intending to cross into Arkansas in Thompsons mos- quito fleet of dug-outs. We were advised that these canoes were in Varneys River, an arm of the Saiut Francis, and Lieutenant Poole, with 7 men, pushed ou in advance to capture and destroy them. Wheu he got to the river, 8 miles beyond Kennett, he found the canoes gone, the main body of the fugitives having left the night before. We encamped at Kennett that night, and the succeeding two days scoured the country; captured over 60 of the enemy, including 2 cap- tains and 2 lieutenants; destroyed or took away about 250 guns, of all kinds, and captured 65 horses and mules, subsisting entirely on the country, which abounded in forage, good bacon, and corn bread. We scoured Holcombe, Ten-Mile, Buffalo, Horse, and Two-Mile Jslands, the scouts traveling sometimes 40 miles a day, often crossing from one island to another in dug-outs and scouting on foot all day. We thus drove the whole force of Thompson and Clark out of the State into Arkansas, or into their hiding places iu the jungles and among the cypress trees of the swamps. The war steed of General Thompson, which proved to be a mare heavy with foal, fell into our hands, and the last that was heard of this doughty hero he was floating down the Saint Francis, the solitary tenant of a dug-out, quite drunk and very melancholy. Upon information that a large force had arrived at Chalk Blufi and were felling trees into th Page 241 CHAP. XXXIV.] EXPEDITION TO CHALK BLUFF, ARK, ETC. 241 river, and that the company I had posted at Four Mile, a small village 4 miles from the ferry, had fallen back 6 miles, I marched toward Bloom- field, making 46 miles by 9 p. in., and encamped in a good position on the direct road from. the Bluft~ to Bloomfield. The regiment marched into Bloomfield yesterday at 9 a. m. The command had marched 184 miles in six days, besides numerous scouts both at night and day. We had 2 men wounded by the fire of the enemy at Chalk Bluff; and 2 accidentally; only 1 man on the sick report from other cau~es, thus proving that the field is more healthy than quarters. I administered the oath to over 100 citizens, and could have done so to many times that number had they not been scared off by extravagant reports of our kill. ing unarmed and innocent persons. The covers being on our guidons, for it rained most of the time, they were taken for black flags, and the story that we were marching nuder that peculiarly Southern emblem widely circulated. Rape and murder were charged on ns, causing the men to flee to the swamps. The women alone stood their grom~d, either not believing the charge or not fearing the consequences. I have promised protection to the loyal and law-abidin~, and forgiveness for the past to those sincerely tired of rebellion, and disposed to be at peace with their neighbors, and announced that the rule for the future is, that where a Union man cannot live in peace a secessionist shall not live at all. A better state of feeling is fast obtaining among this simple-minded peo- ple, and the timely display of force is begetting confidence in the power of the Government. When onr operations can be extende& to clearing Crawley Ridge, in Arkansas, we may hope for peace in these counties. I take pleasnre in commending the zeal and devotion to duty that has characterized the officers and men under me on this expedition. Major Hiram M.] ililler, commanding the First Battalion, Captain [Josephus] liobbins, the Second, and Captain Sells, the Third, were constant, and unremitting in duty. First Lieutenant [Amos P.] Wright, of Company L, and Second Lieut. Joseph H. Cell, of Company K, were always active and efficient. Sergt. Darius Dennis, Company B; Sergt. ilewlit H. Mc- Ilhany, Company G; Bugler Hiram H. Swasey, Company A, and Privates John W. Dryden, Company K, and William J. Dryden, Company B, at- tested courage of the highest order in charges and pursuits, everywhere riding down and sabering their foes. Ser~t. II. H. Mcllhany, of Com- pany G; Corpi. George Rose, of Company B; Privates Samuel Knox and George McConuel, Company A, and James T. Hoover, Company F, I would make especial mention of for their gallantry in swimming the Saint Francis on a dismal, cold, and bleak day, and, under the fire of the enemy, seizing the ferry-boat and bringing it across. Such a devo. tion to duty should not go unrewarded. 1 have thanked them in orders, desiring that their names should be borne as they deserve on the durable records of their regiments. I cannot close this report without particular mention of the gallant bearing and valuable services of Lieutenant Poole, regimental adjutant, on this expedition. A fine cavalry officer and a spirited soldier, he has given my men an example of dash and darin~ throughout this whole expedition that cannot but be highly beneficial to the re~iment. I re- spectfully commend him for promotion. Our horses are now resting, and will soon be again fa~ for duty. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, JOUN McNEIL Colonel, Cornmanding~ Brig. Gen. J. W. DAVIDsON, Commanding ii~istrict of AS~aiut Louis, Mo. 16 R HVOL XXII~ PT Page 242 242 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. MARCH 19, 1863.Skirmish on Frog Bayou, Ark. Report of Col. Mi. La Rue Harrison. FAYETTEVILLE, ARK., March 23, 1863. A reconnoitering party of 9 men, under Captain Whiteford, sent out by me a few days ago, attacked 20 rebels of Captain Wrights company, at Bill Youngs, on Frog Bayou, 18 miles north of the Arkansas River, on Thursday morning [19th]. Our men killed and mortally wounded 10; killed 3 horses and disabled 5. They completely routed the rebels, taking most of their blankets and arms. Captain Wright is reported mortally wounded. C ptain Whiteford returned last night without the loss of a man. ii. LA RUE HARRISON, Golonel, commanding Post. Major-General CURTIS. MARCH 1923, 1863.Scout toward, and affair (21st) near, Doniph~n, Mo. Report of. Lient. Frederick R. Poole, Adjutant Second Missouri State Militia cavalry. IIDQRS. SECOND MISSOURI STATE MILITIA CAVALRY, Bloomfield, March 23, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with your instruc- tions, I left this post on the evening of the 19th instant, for the purpose of making a tour of reconnaissance west of the Saint Francis River. For this purpose, I took with me 75 men, 25 of whom I left at Williams Crossing, on the Saint Francis River, under command of Lieutenant [J.jJ iDonahoo, to guard two ferry-boats, one of which I captured on the Mingo, and the other at Punches Crossing, on the Saint Francis, to- gether with several canoes, all of which I floated down stream to the point above indicated, about three-fourths of a mile south of the junction of the Mingo with the Saint Francis River. Shortly after daylight next morning, I crossed my party, arriving that evening at Poplar Bluff. Here we were enthusiastically hailed by the few inhabitants that remain, and who express moreUnion sentiment, and are more truly loyal, than any people I have yet met with in Southeast Missouri. Aware of the small force at my disposal, and being now 40 miles from any support, I deemed it prudent to withdraw from town, and encamp at the foot of the bridge over Blackwater River, on the east side of the village, there holding a position that no enemy could well force. Not being able to ascertain any~information relative to the reported advance of Marmadukes army, I resolved to push still farther in the direction of Pocahontas, until I could meet his advance or capture his pickets, or strike his trail in case he had moved north. About 1 oclock next day [21st], I surprised a picket, consisting of 5 men, who fled at our approach. They were stationed about 20 miles from Poplar Bluff, at the junction of the Pitmans Ferry and Doniphan roads. I captured 3 of the pickets and killed the remaining 2. 1 wil Page 243 CHAP. XXXIV.] SCOUT TOWARD, AND AFFAIR NEAR, DONIPHAN. 243 here state that the two who were killed had good horses, and exhibited a degree of bravery worthy of a better cause. Being well mounted, myself and Captain [Perry D.] McClanahan, commanding Company C, of this regiment, SOOII took the lead of our men and each singled out his man and pursued him. Several pistol shots were exchanged during the chase, and not until we were within 3 miles of Doniphan could we get fairly up with them. Here my antagonist shot my horse, and at the same instant I killed his; both horses fell together, and we (my butter. nut friend and myself) rolled over and over, when he broke loose and attempted to get away on foot, but I soon caught him and put an end to the desperado. At some little distance I found my friend McClanahan, standing over the remains of him he pursued. We were both exhausted, and had to wait until our party came up. I must make special notice of Corporal Blurton, of Company B, for his zeal and bravery throughout. From the pickets captured, I learned that Marmadukes main force was still encamped in the vicinity of Batesville, and that Jeffers, Clarks, and ~ men were acting as his advance guard, making their regular reports to him, and being guided and instructed from his head- quarters. One of the prisoners captured was lately from Little Rock, Ark., and seemed to have been acting in the capacity of postmaster, as the inclosed package of communications, found upon his person, will indicate. The road from Bloomfield to the Saint Francis is tolerably good, pass- ing over gentle ridges and plateaus, or glades, through which levees have been constructed, with the necessary culverts. A train of artillery, in good weather, could easily pass over, with some repairs being done to the bridge over Lick Creek. I would calculate the distance at about 18 miles. Forage very scarce. From the Saint Fram~cis to Poplar Bluff the roads are excellent, with the exception of about 1 mile through the Blackwater bottom, passing over a high, barren, and uncultivated ridge. A couple of thousand bushels of corn might be collected at Poplar Bluff from the farms on the Blackwater bottom. This is all an army could depend upon. It must be nearly 20 miles from Williams Cross- ing, on the Saint Francis, to Poplar Bluff. From Poplar Bluff to Pit- mans Ferry it must be about 35 miles, and about an equal distance to Doniphan. The roads are good and practicable for trains or artillery. But few cultivated farms, and forage very scarce. The telegraph constructed by General Steele has been completely de- stroyed and strewn carelessly along the road. I had several horses thrown by it in the charge, and some of the riders seriously injured. Before concluding this hurried report, I would state that, in the neigh- borhood of Pitmans Ferry, I found Saint Louis nbwspapers of a more recent date than we could obtain at Bloomfield, thus clearly demonstrat- ing that the rebels are in direct communication with that city. My command arrived safely at this post at 1 a. in., having been absent four entire days. We took with us but a limited supply of hard bread; marched 150 miles during that time without either tent or blanket, and during the entire trip I never heard a murmur. I. am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. R. POOLE, Regimental Adjutant. Col. JoHN MCNEIL, Commanding Southeastern Expedition Page 244 244 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAr. XXXIV. MARCH 22, 1863.Skirmish at Blue Springs, near Independence, Mo. Report of Got. Witlictm II. Penick, Jf~fth ]Ili8souri State Militia Gavalr3i. IIDQRS. FIFTH MISSOURI STATE MILITIA CAVALRY, Independence, Mo., March 23, 1863. GENERAL: Yesterday a detachment of 50 men, composed of the Fifth Regiment and artillery company, under command of Capt. II. B. John- son, met with a superior force of guerrillas about 12 miles from this post, and were driven back, with a loss of 9 killed, 3 wounded, and 6 missing. The loss of the enemy I have not yet ascertained. The guerrillas, as usual, have scattered all over the county in twos, threes, & c. it will be impossible for United States soldiers to drive them out of this county unless the Government can afford to send teu soldiers for one guerrilla. The only way to get them out is to destroy all subsistence in rocky and brushy parts of the country, and send off their wives and the children; also the wives and children of sympathizers who are aiding and abetting them. Very respectfully, R. PIEMCK, Colonel Fifth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL H. CURTIS, Saint Louis, Mo. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Miarch 28, 1863. Respectfully referred to Brigadier-General Loan, who will take all })ossible means to suppress the rebels consistent with orders from 9 Washington. SAML. R. CURTIS, Major- General. MARCH 22, 1863.Skirmish near the head of White River, Ark. Report of Cot. M. La Rue Harrison. FAYETTEVILLE, ARK., March 26, 1863. On Sunday last a party of 35 men (25 soldiers and 10 citizens) sent out to assist the beef contractor in getting in his stock, were attacked from three directions near the head of White River, by a rebel scout of 200 men from Clarksvilfe, led by Major McConnell, said to be of Brooks regiment. Our men lost: Killed, 3 soldiers and 1 citizen; wounded, 1 citizen; prisoners, 7 soldiers and 8 citizens; escaped, 14 soldiers and 1 citizen. The scout was ,inforined of their whereabouts by a treacherous citizen. The disaster is half owing to carelessness in not putting out pickets. Major McConnell is known to have been shot dead from his horse while leading the charge. If our cavalry could get horses, they would not be half so liable to such disasters. At present all escorts have to be sent out dismounted. M. LA RUE HARRISOY, Colonel, Commanding Post. Major.General CURTIS Page 245 CHAP. XXXIV.] GUERRILLA ATTACK 0N STEAMER SAM. GATY. 245 MARCH 24APRIL 1, 1863.Scout from Bloomfield to Scatterville, Mo. Report of Mci. William Iii. Torrey, First Wisconsin Cavalry. IIDQRS. FIRST WIScoNSIN CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS, Post Bloomfield, Mo., April 2, 1863. GENERAL: Left Bloomfield March 24, 1863, at 6 a. in., with detach- ineut of First Wisconsin Cavalry, Second Missouri State Militia Cav- alry, and one mountain howitzer. Arrived within 1~ miles this side of Chalk Bluff at 4 p. m. the same day; found the enemy in possession of the bluffs, skirmishing with our pickets learned their force to be two companies. Immediately sent 8 miles for tools to build a raft, and 6 miles for a cauoe; conld not get the canoe for high water. Built the raft next morning above the bluffs, and crossed with 70 men. The en- emy attempted to prevent our crossing, but were driven back by the howitzer; found one of the enemy dead on the bank. Marched around to the bluffs, surprised the picket, mortally wounding 2 men; learned from them that Colonel Preston was in camp, 1 mile from the bluffs, with 400 men. iRecrossed the river. Next morning [26th], crossed over with 100 men, and commenced swimming horses; found it impossible to get them across; the water was so cold and the current so strong that the horses would not leave the shore. Crossed the men back to the Missouri shore, and commenced building a foot-bridge, which was completed the next day at 3 p. m. Immediately commenced crossing the men and horses, swimming the horses beside the bridge. Completed the crossing next day [28th] at 8 a. in., and started for Scatterville. Marched 7 miles, and heard that the enemy were in camp 5 miles west of us the day before; took a guide and started across the ridge; found the camp vacant. The tracks iu the road indicated that considerable force had moved toward the bluffs that morning; followed them 3 miles, and met the enemy returning. Captain [Henry] Haruden, with his company (the advance guard), charged npon them, capturing several and putting the rest to flight. Learned from the prisoners that Colonel Preston had moved down to- ward Pocahontas, 20 miles. Camped that night 7 miles from the bluffs. Next morning [29th], at 2 oclock, marched in pursuit; came into his camp at 7 a. in.; learned that he had left for Jonesborough the after- noon previous. Halted one hour and a half for breakfast and feed for horses; then marched 5 miles to Scatterville, and from there to Chalk Bluff; and recrossed the river with some difficulty, the water rising rapidly. Next day [30th], marched to West Prairie, camped, and from there to this place, April 1, 1863. Captured property, 12 horses and 11 guns; prisoners, 11. Respectfully submitted. W. H. TOLIREY, Major, 6ommanding Detachment. Brigadier-General MCNEIL. MARCH 28, 1863.Guerrilla attack on Steamer Sam. Gaty. Report of Maj. Gen. Samuel B. Curtis, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS, ~Saint Louis, Mo., April 3, 18638 p. in. A band of guerrillas took steamer Sam. Gaty, and murdered severa Page 246 246 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIY~ soldiers and 9 contrabands.* General Loan telegraphs that Colonel King, in pursuit, had two fights yesterday with guerrillas, totally rout- ing them, mortally wounding their chief. SAML. R. CURTIS, Major-General. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief MARCH 29APRIL 5, 1863.Scouts from Fayetteville, Ark. Report of Lieut. James Roseman, First Arkansas Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, Post Fayetteville, Ark., April 5, 1863. COLONEL: I am instructed by the colonel commanding post to say that your dispatch was received late last evening. Six of our wagons leave to-morrow for Cassville, to bring back the revolvers, cartridges, & c., sent down by Major Corning to that post. Eight more wagons, escorted by the batterymen, go direct to Springfield, there to obtain in part the supplies so much needed at this post. Our scouts have all beeu called in, and all are now in but one. They have been remarkably successful the past week. Captain [John T.] Worthington and Lieutenant [Joseph S.] Robb, of the First Arkansas Cavalry, returned on Friday evening from a weeks trip, in which they were so fortunate as to leave 22 dead rebels in their track. They en- tirely cleared out MacFarlanes band, and he is reported killed. The loss on our side was 1 man wounded. Captain [James R.] Vanderpool, of the infantry, returned yesterday from a scout to Kewtomi and Carroll Counties. He had several fights with rebel bands, and succeeded in killing 19 in all, with the loss of 1 wounded. One scout is still out, but will be in in a few days. Posi- tions have beeu selected for fortifications, and the work will be com- menced without delay. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES ROSEMAN, Lieutenant and Post Adjutant. MARCH 31, 1863.Skirmish at Clappers Saw-Mill,Crooked Creek,Ark. HEPORTS. No. l.Col. William Weer, Tenth Kansas Infantry, commanding First Division, Army of the Frontier. No. 2.Lient. Col. Richard II. White, Third Wisconsin Cavalry. No. I. Report of (Jot. William Weer, Tenth Kansas infantry, commanding First Division, Army of the Frontier. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, (arroliton, Ark., April 1, 1863. As per my last tclegra~)h, I sent yesterday, at 3p. in., Lieutenant-Colo- nel White, Third Wisconsin Cavalry, with a detachment of his regiment, * See also Loan to Curtis, March 29, in Correspondence, etc., Part II, p. 1S3 Page 247 CHAP. XXXIV.] SKIRMISH AT CLAPPERS SAW-MILL, ARK. 247 with minuteinstructions as to route and mode of attack against the enemy on Crooked Creek. He just reports to me that he surprised their camp, 400 strong, under a Colonel Woodson, about 10 oclock last night; cap- tured their picket, fired into their camp, taking them by complete sur- prise; some of the enemy wounded, but loss not known, owing to the darkness. Captured arms, wagons, mules, camp and garrison equipage, & c., and our loss none. Enemy fled, and CoIQuel White yet in pursuit, in a southeasterly direction. Captured muster-rolls and correspond- ence. They are part of the Confederate Army, and under a Colonel [W. H.] Brooks, commanding Second Division, headquarters at Clarks- yule, Ark. A letter from him states that he had sent a force, under a Colonel [J. F.] Hill, from Clarksville into this country, who was no doubt with the force on Crooked Creek. The correspondence discloses great exertions to obtain recruits, promising that all deserters will be pardoned if they return. Forage is as yet abundant, and if a force was sent to take care of Marmaduke, I could feel my way still farther south. The troops at Fayetteville should be sent into this country. Your obedient servant, WM. WEER, Colonel, Commanding Division. Major-General SCHOFIELD. (Forwarded, April 3, byLieut.Luke OReilly, to Major-General Herron.) No. 2. Report of Lieut. Col. Richard H. White, Third Wisconsin 6~avalry. HEADQUARTERS THIRD WISCONSIN CAVALRY, Camp at Clappers AS~aw-Mill, on ~Jrooked ~iJreek, Carroll County, Arkansas, March 31, 1863. COLONEL: Pursuant to orders, I started this afternoon, at 3 oclock, from camp near Carroliton, taking a southeasterly road, toward Crooked Creek. On the road I learned that the camp of the enemy was at the steam-mill, where I am now in bivouac. On the road several men, run- ning from the houses at the approach of the advance guard, were chased and fired at, but only one taken with arms. Reaching a point about three-fourths of a mile from the creek, I received information that on the opposite bank of the creek a picket of the enemy was stationed. Send- ing Captain Horn, with the advance guard, by a left-hand road (crossing the creek more below), into the rear of the same, I moved on, and, as expected, the picket retreated, and was taken by the party in ambush without a shot being fired. One of the so-captured men jumped from his horse and could not be found in the thicket. I therefore concluded to march right up on the enemys camp, in order to prevent their being warned. At 10 p. m. I reached the house of Mr. Clapper, where the officers of the command were assembled in council of war, as I afterward learned. A pistol fight took place, which probably alarmed the camp earlier than intended. I therefore moved on toward the camp, which was only a quarter of a mile farther in the timber, and in plain sight, a large field in front of it giving an opportunity for bringing howitzers into action. I ordered the same to the front, drawing the cavalry up in line on the right and left and rear of the same, ai~d threw a few shells into the enemys encampments. The complete stampede thereby caused being irnrnQdiately followe Page 248 248 MO., ARK., KANS., IND, T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. by a spirited cavalry charge, the darkness of the night in the timber can only explain the fact that all but one (wounded) made good their escape. A great many arms, some wagons, mules, and cattle, cooking utensils, & c., were left on the ground. The pursuit was continued for about 2 miles, when I returned to the camp. The force routed is reported to have numbered 400, under command of Colonel Woods~n, of the Confederate Army. To-morrow I intend to follow them up to Bluff Spring, about 12 miles farther southeast. I found a sufficient forage for my command at this place, but am unable to report any particulars about forage in the country. I have the honor, colonel, to be, your most obedient servant, RICHARD H. WHITE, Lieutenau& Colonel, Commanding Third Wisconsin Cavalry. Col. CHARLES E. SALOMON, Commanding Brigade. APRIL 1-5, 1 833.Scout from Linden to White River, Mo. Report of ]Lft!j. Henry Suess, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, Linden, Mo., April 5, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to report to you a successful scout made by Capt. M. U. Foster, of Company C-, with 41 men, south. I ordered him, April 1, on a reconnaissance south as far as Talbots Ferry, or as far south as he should find it safe to go. Captain Foster, returned this evening, reports: Passed Lawrences Mill to head of Little Fork, passing down that stream to White River, where he crossed and fell in with 3 armed guerrillas, whd were killed on the spot, Then, recross- ing the river, he traveled southeast some 25 miles. Near the mouth of Sister Creek, he happened to fall upon a Capt. John McClure, a noted guerrilla, who was killed in the attempt to run away. Then visiting the saltpeter works, 2 others, that had been stealing and robbing on a large scale from Union people, were served like the rest, they attempt- ing to escape. Reports about 200 of Shavers men at Yellville; Shaver at Little Pock. These men are not stationary, but act as rangers. The conscript law is being enforced there, but with no success. It is rumored there that Marmaduke is preparing for another raid in this direction. Van Zandt, former clerk of Taney County court, and a noted rebel, was killed by the Enrolled Missouri Militia a few days ago. Another scout of Captain [EliasJ Slocum, Company H, returned just now, hav- ing been about 45 miles east-southeast, passing ilaywood and Cowskin without making any discoveries. He reports forage so scarce in that region that I shall remain here, hoping that this command may go to the land of plenty some time. We are on short rations of corn. The health of my command is excellent. lam, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY SUESS, Major Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry. Col. WILLIAM F. CLOUD, 6ommanding District of Southwest Missouri. P. S.Will you periuit me to send about two companies to Yell- ville ~ in surprising that place at daybreak, we might gain an easy victory there Page 249 ChAr. XXXIV.] SKIRMISh NEAR SQUIRREL CREEK CROSSING. 249 APRIL , 1863.Skirmishes in Carroll County, iWo. Report of Cot. 31. La Rue Harrison, commanding Fayetteville, Ark. [APRIL 3, 1863.] Capt. J. I. Worthington is just in from scout in Carroll County; has had four skirmishes with bushwhackers, and killed 22 and taken 7 pris- oners. Captain MeFarlane reported killed, and Captain Walker is a prisoner. Guerrilla Captain Smith was also killed. Scout consisted of Companies II and L, First Arkansas Cavalry. They lost 1 man wounded, but not (langerously. M. LA RUE HARRISON, Colonel, Comm anding Post. Major-General CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri. (Sent by Curtis to ilalleck, same date.) APRIL 11, 1863.Skirmish near Squirrel Creek Crossing, Cob. Report oj Lient. (Jot. George L. Shoup, Third Colorado Carairy. SQUIRREL CREEK CROSSING, CoLo., April 11, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report that at daylight this morning I sur- prised and captured a small camp of guerrillas. The loss of the guer- rilla band is 1 man killed and 2 taken prisoners; one of the prisoners is shot through the leg. They (the guerrillas) were in camp about 10 miles east of this place. I have no clew to the whereabouts of other desperadoes. I left Pueblo the day after the detachment that you ordered to Colo- rado City. I went direct to Colorado City. I there learned that the de- tachment had taken the Cherry Creek road. I left Colorado City yester- day morning. Procured Mr. Templeton (about 12 in.) as guide. Found the detachment at Smiths saw-mill. Left there at 4 p. in., and arrived here about dark. Soon after dark, I discovered a camp-fire, that I sup- l)OSed to be near by. I detailed Sergeant Rigsby and 4 others to recon- noiter the camp. Sergeant Pdgsby and party returned ab6ut 12 oclock at night. He reported the camp to be 10 miles distant. He saw in camp 1 man and 2 mules. He saw other camp-fires beyond, but did not visit them. I took Sergeant Rigsby, Corporal Wood, and 9 others, and rode rapidly to and passed the camp visited in the forepart of the night by Sergeant Rigsby. Finding a good place to leave my horses, I took 3 men with me; visited the other fires, but found them to be burning logs that had taken fire from the burning prairie. I then returned to the camp visited by Sergeant Rigsby, and made a reconnaissance myself. I could tell nothing of their number. Their position was a good one, among large rocks, in a caiion. Day was breaking, and I decided to charge their camp from below and above, that there might be no chance for them to escape. The charge was made with the result above stated. I asked the Page 250 250 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [ChAr. XXXIV. who they were, and demanded them three different times to surrender. I did not fire on them until one of them raised his gun on Sergeant Rigsby. William Waggle was killed; Jobn IRily shot though the leg; William Way is a prisoner. You will be generous enough to overlook this soiled letter, the only piece of paper that I could procure. I will take the prisoners to Colo- rado City, and there await your orders. I am, colonel, truly, your obedient servant, G. L. SHOUP Lieutenant-Colonel of TTolun5eers. Col. J. N. CIIIVINGTON, Commanding District of Colorado. APRIL 17, 1863.Skirmish at White River, Mo. Reports of ]lliaj. David ]JIcKee, Seventh Missouri tJavalry. CASSYILLE, Mo., April 18, 1863. SIR: I sent Captain Humphrey out on a scout with 50 men in the White River country, 18 miles from here. He sent a squad of 20 men to reconnoiter near IRellefords Mill; they were attacked by a band of 80 or 100 rebels, and had a running fight for about 4 miles. Eight of our men are missing; 3 of them were killed; the others horses gave out, and I think they must have taken to the bushes. I sent out re-enforcement of 66 men about 2 oclock this morning. Would it be convenient for you to send me a couple of companies of infantry I Our horses are run down, and it is impossible for me to keep up the telegraph patrol and forage, besides doing guard duty. DAVID McKEE Major Seventh Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding Post. Colonel CLOUD. CASSYILLE, Mo., April 18, 1863. COLONEL: My scout, under command of Captain Humphrey, has re- turned. He yeports the enemy at, or near, Moores Mill, on White River, 200 strong, and he has reliable information that the enemy is in camp at Leashure, Wood Creek, 8 miles south of Moores Mill, from 400 to 600 strong. They have been concentrating there for three days l)ast, from all directions, to my own knowledge. From what I can learn, they intend making an attack on some military post. We lost 1 man killed that we know of and 9 missing in all. We killed 1 rebel that they know of~ We lost 9 horses. Captain Humphrey saw two companies of rebels, from 80 to 100 in each. A deserter came in. He reports the enemy about 600 strong. They are a part of Shelbys and Marmadukes men. It is a matter of impossibility to keep the wire up. They cut it almost daily in front and rear of my patrol. DAVID McKEE, Major Seventh Missouri Volunteer Cavalr~,, Commanding Post. Colonel CLOUD Page 251 XXX]TV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 251 APRIL 17MAY 2, 1863.Narmadukes Expedition into Missouri. SUMMARY OI~ TIlE PRLNCIPAL EVENTS. April 20, 1863.Skirmish at Patterson, Mo. 22, 1863.Skirmish at Fredericktown, Mo. 24, 1863.Skirmish at Mill, or Middle, Creek Bridges, Mo. 26, 1863.Action at Cape Girardeau, Mo. Skirmish near Jackson, Mo. 27, 1863.Skirmishes at Jackson and near White Water Bridge, Mo. 29, 1863.Skirmish at Castor River, Mo. 30, 1863.Skirmish at Bloomfield, Mo. ?vlay 1 2, 1863.Skirmishes at Chalk Bluff, Saint Francis River, Ark. I?~EPORTS.* No. 1.Maj. Gen. Samuel H. Curtis, U. S. Army., commanding Department of the Missouri, of action at Cape Girardeau and pursuit of Marmaduke, with Return of Casualties. No. 2.Brig. Gen. John W. Davidson, U. S. Army, of skirmishes at Patterson and Mill Creek. No. 3.Brig. Gen. John McNeil, U. S. Army, of action at Cape Girardean and pur- suit of Marmaduke. No. 4.Capt. Charles P. Meisner, Second Missouri Light Artillery, of action at Cape Girardeau and pursuit of Marmaduke. No. 5.Maj. Joseph XV. Caidwell, First Iowa Cavalry, Glovers bri,ade, of skirmish at Chalk Bluff. No. 6.Col. Edwin Smart, Third Missouri State Militia Cavalry, of skirmish at Pat- terson. No. 7.CoL Oscar H. La Grange, First Wisconsin Cavalry, commanding brigade, of engagement at Chalk Bluff, Mo. No. 8.Col. H. H. Livingston, First Nebraska Infantry, of the pursuit of Marmaduke. No. 9.Lieut. Col. William Baumer, First Nebraska Infantry, of action at Cape Girardeau and pursuit of Marmaduke. No. 10.Licut. Col. John F. Benjamin, Second Missouri State Militia Cavalry, of action at Cape Girardeau and pursuit of Marmaduke. No. 11.Brig. Gen. William Vandever, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, Army of the Frontier, of the pursuit of Marmaduke. No. 12.Brig. Gen. Alexander Asboth, U. S. Army, commanding at Columbus, Ky., of co-6peration with McNeil. No. 13.Brig. Gen. J. S. Marmaduke, C. S. Army, commanding expedition. No. 14.Col. G. W. Thompson, Sixth Missouri Cavalry (Confederate), commanding Shelbys brigade. No. 15.Capt. John M. Muse, First Missouri Infantry. No. 16.CoL Joha Q. Burbridge, Fourth Missouri Cavalry (Confederate), command- ing brigade. No. 17.Lieut. Col. S. G. Kitchen, Missouri Cavalry Battalion (Confederate). No. 18.Col. George W. Carter, Twenty-first Texas Cavalry, commanding brigade. No. 19.Col. Colton Greene, Third Missouri Cavalry (Confederate), commanding brigade. No. 20.Asst. Surg. S. S. Harris, Jeffers Missouri regiment (Confederate). See also communications from Buford, Curtis, Davidson, Ilerron, Thelps, and Tyler, April 20-May 2, in Correspondence, etc., Part IT Page 252 252 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. XV. [CHAP. XXXIV. No. 1. Reports of ]liliaj. Gen. Samuel B. Curtis, U. S. Army, commanding Depart- ment of the ]Jlissouri, of action at Cape Girardeam and pursuit of Marmaduke, with return of casualties. HEADQUARTERS, Saint Louis, Mo., April 20, 18632.30 p. m. Dispatch received from General [John] McNeil, dated 12 noon. Two gunboats had just arrived. Our troops Ill good spirits. General [Will- iam] Vandever left Fredericktown this morning with strong cavalry force to attack rebels in rear. Fifty miles to go, but will travel day and night. The firing beard at telegraph station, Jonesborough, has just ceased. SAML. li. CURTIS, Major. General. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLEOX, General-in- Chief. SAINT LOUIS, Mo., April 26, 18637.20 p. m. General McNeil telegraphs, 2 p. in., from Cape Girardeau that the enemy had ceased firing and seem to be changing position to renew the attack. Some of my re-enforcements had arrived safely by steamer. There has been no further firing heard at railroad station. Every mo- ment admits of Vandevers nearer approach iu the enemys rear. Our troops are behaving well. SAML. H. CURTIS, ]Jlajor- General. Maj. Gen. fl. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief SAINT LOUIS, Mo., April 26, 18639 p. m. Another dispatch from Cape Girardeau to General Davidson, just received, asks the whereabouts of General Yandever, preparatory to a sortie. Tile repulse of rebels seems complete, as there is no new attack. Our long-range guns made great havoc in the rebel lines. Our loss is only 20 killed and wounded. The enemy may take advantage of the darkness to retreat before Yandevers cavalry arrives. So far we claim a (lecided victory, SAML. It. CURTIS, ]Iliajor- General. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK. SAINT LOUIS, Mo., April 26, 186311.12 p. m. I sent a small re-enforcement to McNeil last night, and the naval commander at Cairo sent two gunboats, which, I suppose, arrived there iu the night. At 2 this a. m. General McNeil received, by flag of truce, a demand for a surrender within half an hour, signed, By order o Page 253 CHAP. XXXIVj MARMADUKES EXPEDIIlON INtO MISS0UI~I. 25~3 General Sterling Price, which was declined. 1t has been said Price was coming np, but I doubt his being present. 11 a. m. firing just corn- inenced. SAML. R. CURTIS, Major- General. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. SAINT Louis, Mo., April 27, 1863. General Yandever came on the enemys rear near Cape Girardeau last night, attacked and routed him, taking a large number of prisoners, horses, arms, & c. The enemy retreated toward Bloomfieki in great dis order, pursued by our victorious and combined forces of Generals Van- dever and McNeil. I have telegraphed General Asboth at Columbus, asking him to strike a blow through New Madrid to prevent or embar rass their escape. SAML. R. CURTIS, Major- General. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General.in-Chief. SAINT Louis, Mo., April 28, 18639 p. m. Generals Yandever and McNeil united in pursuit of rebels. Yes- terday firing was heard from 10 p. m. to 3 a. in. The rebels destroyed bridge after crossing White Water, and retreated pell-mell beyond. Bridge was being repaired for further pursuit. They move west from New Madrid to intercept retreat going farther. No further particulars. SAML. R. CURTIS, Major- General. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLEOX, General-in-Chief. ADDENDA. Ji~eturn of Casualties in the Union forces operating against Marmaduke, April 17May 2, 1863. [Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.] Killed. Wounded. Captured or missin~~. a a - ~ Command. S S ~ a d - a Q ~ a ~- a 3 a a ~ ~ -S se o ~ 0 0 l7thullinois* . 2 1st Iowa Cavalry :124 Iowa 1 1 1st Missouri State Militia 1 1 24 Missouri Liglit Artillery, Battery P 1 1 14 Missouri Cavalry 2 3 10 2 17 3d Missouri State Militia Cavalry 12 2 5 2 39 60 lstNebrnska 2 7 1 10 1st Wisconsin Cavalry 5 1 8 8 22 Total 1 22 7 37 2 51 126 Lieut. Joseph Eaton killed at Chalk Bluff, May 2 Page 254 254 MO., ~ RANS., IND.~T., AND DEPT. N. W. [ChAP. XXXIV. No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gen. John W. Davidson, U. S. Army, of skirmishes at Patterson and Mill Greek. HEADQUARTERS SAINT Louis DISTRICT, Saint Louis, ]JJio., April 21, 1863. MAJOR: I have to report that the enemy (whose strength is variously estimated from 2,000 to 4,000, with two pieces of artillery, and under Marmaduke) drove Smarts regiment out of Patterson yesterday, one of my outposts, and that Smart has fallen back npon Pilot- Knob. His loss is said to be 200 in killed, wounded, and missing.* I suspend further report and opinion until all the details reach me. Appended are copies of my orders to Smart, preparing him for such possible contingency. The remaining movable troops of the district are being rapidly put iu position at the Knob, and Glover, with two regiments of cavalry and four pieces, has been ordered to ascertain the whereabouts of Marina- duke, as Smart has lost hold of him. I am, sir, your obedient servant, J. W. DAVIDSON, Brigadier. Gene Maj. H. Z. CURTIS, ral, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosures.] SAINT Louis DISTRICT, April 11, 1863. Colonel SMART, Patterson, Mo.: Put pickets, of at least one company each, at Greenwood Valley and Reeves Station, watching the crossings of the Black River between these points. Let them be in daily communication with you. Be vigi- lant where you are. Send good spies to Pitmans Ferry and Doniphan. DAVIDSON, Brigadier. General. SAINT Louis DISTRICT, April 16, 1863. Colonel SMART, Patterson, Mo.: Keep your patrols well to the front, as ordered, examining well the line of the Black River, from Greenwood Valley to Reeves Station. If the enemy come up in force, fall back to Pilot Knob. ~Report all occur- rences at once by telegraph. Matthews has been ordered to join you from Jackson. Organize good spies, and send them out in your front. DAVIDSON, Brigadier- General. SAINT Louis DIsTRIcT, April 16, 1863. Colonel SMART, Patterson, Mo.: Collect all the fire-arms in your neighborhood, except those in the armories of the Enrolled Militia, or in the hands of thoroughly loyal men, who will come into our lines on the advance of the enemy. Dont * But see revised statement, p. 253 Page 255 CHAP. XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDiTION INTO MISSOURI. 255 keep any amount of ammunition on hand, nor subsistence on hand at Patterson. This hint is given you that you may feel your regiment is part of a movable force. DAVIDSON, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT, Saint Louis, Mo., April 28, 1863. COLONEL: The details of the attack of the rebels on Mill Creek Bridge on the night of the 24th instant have just been received by me from Colonel [John F.] Tyler, commanding the troops on the Iron Mountain Railroad. The attack was repulsed by Captain [Isaac ID.] Johnson, Twenty-fourth Missouri Volunteers, and Lieutenant [August] Hauf- bauer, First Missouri State Militia, with a loss on our side of 1 non-com- missioned officer, Corporal Ochs, First Missouri State Militia, killed, and on that of the rebels of 3 dead on the ground and 12 wounded. The wounded were left in the neighborhood. I am having inquires made whether these men were part of Marmadukes forces or military insur- gents, in order to take the proper steps. At one time Mill Creek Bridge was set on fire, but was promptly extinguished by our men. Very respectfully, J. W. DAVIDSON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Col. N. P. CHIPMAN, Chief of Staff. No. 3. Reports of Brig. Gen. John McNeil, U. S. Army, of action at Gape Girar deau and pursuit of Mar,naduke. CAPE GIRARDEAU, April 26, 18636 p. m. GENERAL: I am attacked by 8,000 men nnder Marmaduke. I have repulsed them this afternoon. Expect to be stormed to-morrow. Can you send me two regiments of infantry and a field battery, with supply of ammunition? Answer. Respectfully, JOHN MCNEIL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. General ASBOTII, Gommanding Columbus, Ky. APRIL 26, 1863. Two steamers with re-enforcements from you have arrived. I have already put them in the field. The first attack of the enemy has been brilliantly repulsed. He has ceased firing all arms, and now appears to be changing his position to attack our right flank. He will be well cared for in that direction. I have not yet used the gunboats, but am holding them in readiness. I think you may give yourself no concern about Cape Girardean. Do me the favor to keep my family advised with the progress of events. JOHN McNEIL, Brigadier- General, Commanding Cape Girardeau. Major-General CURTIS Page 256 256 MO., ARI{., RANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. HEADQUARTERS MCNEILS BRIGADE, April 28, 1S6310.45 p. m. GENERAL: The enemy are building rafts at the river, and will proba- bly cross to-night or toward morning, unless we shell them from the ford. This cau only be done from a good defensible position, by guns of larger range than any now at the front. Can your rifled guns be forced up ~ Horses may be taken from the ranks, caissons lightened, and drivers nrged to work up their guns and caissons. With the artillery soon up, they are bagged. Please send to the rear to hnrry up ammunition for Welficys battery; it started from the Cape this morning. I have the honor to be, general, your most obedient servant, JOHN McNEIL, Brigadier- General. General YANDEVER. HEADQUARTERS MCNEILS BRIGADE, April 28, 18632.30 p. m. GENERAL: I have now halted the head of the column, in order to close up. Am taking fresh horses from the ranks, in order to keep Wel- fleys battery moving. The main army of the enemy in front, with eight pieces of artillery. They are inquiring for a road across the swamps. If I am fortunate iu getting up my support, especially the light guns from your command, I shall cut them out of the center, and capture their artillery. The ificlosed* was found torn up in a house this morning. We are entirely out of subsistence; please send us rapidly forward a share of the rations you received this morning. We are losing time waiting for support to our artillery. JOHN McNEIL. General VANDEVER. HEADQUARTERS MCNEILS BRIGADE, April 28, 186312 p. in. GENERAL: Both columns of the enemy met at and encamped at this place last night (4 miles from White Water), and are now moving in our advance, iu the direction of Bloomfield. Marmaduke is in command. They have destroyed the bridge over Crooked Creek between this point and Williams Ferry, so as to impede your advance. I will move forward and engage them as soon as 1 can reach them. We cannot be more than five hours behind their rear guard. If you can hurry np some of your artillery, well supported, I shall have no doubt but the pursuit will be successful; but I must be strong enough to protect my flanks. Please answer by return of courier. JOHN McNEiL, General YANDEVER. [Brigadier- General.] FOURTEEN MILES FROM BLOOMFIELD, itLay 1, 18636 a. m. GENERAL: We are driving the enemy in front, and have peppered them from the howitzer battery. La Grange has discovered a small * Not found Page 257 CHAP. XXXIV. 3 MARMAIMJRES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 257 party, say from 500 to 800, on the railroad cut, 4 miles in tlie rear afl(I east of this road. This I suppose to be the party that went east from Bloomfield, or some other that has ventured down the prairie road. A regiment can take care of them. I shall keep ahead, being sure that I am within 8 or 10 miles of the main force of our enemy. flurry up, for victory is sure. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, McNEIL, Brigadier- General. General VANDEVER. HEADQUARTERS SUB-DISTRICT OF CAPE GIRARDEAU, May 10, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report my return to this post, and to acknowledge receipt of your order to occupy it until further orders. Capt. Anton Gerster, Topographical Engineers, is here inspecting the forts. I have already detailed an officer with a working party for his assistance. The post ordnance officer has made a report of small-arm ammunition, and the ordnance sergeant of the regular service is directed to do the same. Ilequisitions for ammunition for the forts go forward by this mail. I shall, as soon as I get matters arranged, forward my report of pro- ceeding up to the time I reported to and was directed by orders of Gen- eral Vandever. I am only waiting for reports of the officers of the dif- ferent commands. We took no transportation, guns, or stores from the enemy, and but few prisoners. The officers and men displayed on every occasion the most soldierly spirit, marching until both horse and man had to succumb to fatigue and want of rest and food. Bnt our fatal error was in allow- ing the enemy to cross the Castor. Please excuse the haste with which this letter is written. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, JOHN McNEIL. Brigadier-General DAVIDSON, Gommanding District of Saint Louis. HEADQUARTERS SOUTHWEST DISTRICT, Gape Girardeau, Mo., ]Jfay 12, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor herewith to submit to you my report of the pursnit of General Marmadukes forces from Cape Girardean to Chalk Bluff and also accompany it ~yith the several reports of the bri ga(le and regimental commanders. On Monday, April 27, at 2 p. in., notwithstanding my men were worn out by their recent severe marches, and two days and nights of con- stant duty in preparing for the enemy, and finally defeating him on Sunday, I started in pursuit. My force was composed of the First Wisconsin Cavalry, Colonel [0. II.] La Grange; Second Missouri State Militia, Lieutenant-Colonel [John F.] Benjamin; Welfleys battery, Lieutenant [Lawrence] Jacoby, and two detachments of Enrolled Missouri Militia, under Colonel [William II.] MeLane and Lieutenant-Colonel Lee. The Enrolled Missouri Mil- itia, however, were sent in the directiou of Perry County, with instruc- 17 it itVOL XXII, PT Page 258 258 MO., ARK., ICANS., IND. T, AND DEPT. N. W. [ChAP. XXXIV. tions to move through the country, and, in case of my cugagiug at White Water, to pick np straggling detachments. I left as garrison Pi the Cape the Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry, the Thirty-second Iowa Infantry, and the First Nebraska Infantry. My men were in fine spirits, although but one days rations and no equipage encumbered their movements or added to their comforts. That afternoon we made 16 miles, reaching White Water. I had ex- pected that General Yandever, by a forced march from Jackson, would have cut the enemy out from the bridge and placed him between our two columns, forcing him to general action, when our great superiority in artillery and bett r quality of troops must have given us a decided victory. I found t White Water Bridge had been thoroughly de- stroyed by the fleeiz foe, just two hours in advance of me. Learning that General Yande ~r was encamped about 4 miles to the north of the bridge, and higher up the river, I there reported to him, and learned from him that the jaded condition of his horses had prevented his farther pursuit that day. By 10 oclock next morning, owing to the indefatigable exertions of the First Wisconsin, Colonel [0. 11.3 La Grange and Major [William II.] Torrey, the bridge was rebuilt, and General Yandever having assigne(l to me the advance I hurried on and encamped after dark about 3 miles from the Castor River, having marched, over very bad roads, 32 miles. At this point Lient. F. R. Poole, my acting assistant adjutant-general, who was urging the advance, made a dashing charge upon a part of the enemys rear with only 6 men, killing 2 of the Texans and capturing Lieutenant [William] Bast, of Thompsons regiment. I learned from a farmer near, whom I know to be loyal, that the main body of the enemy was at the Castor, and he supposed, from the recent rain, they would be unable to cross. Colonel [John M.] Glover, with the Third Missouri Cavalry and Welileys battery, was pushed on to within 1~ miles of the river crossing, and I made every arrangement for an attack by early dawn, but received orders from the rear to halt until they had come up. I sent Colonel La Grange, with the First Wisconsin, to feel his way, and learned that the river was fordable and the enemy had been crossing all night, drowning several of their men, and were posted in the woods on the opposite bank and prepared to dispute our crossing. Captain [Perry D.] MeClanahans section of the Second Missouri State Militia advanced, afterward strengthened by Coles section of longrange guns, under Lieutenant [Joseph B.] Atwater, and Colonel La Grange, First Wisconsin Cavalry, who soon drove the enemy from their position, the First Wisconsin doing excellent service as sharpshooters. I then fell back, and in the afternoon crossed the river, as per order received April 29, a copy of which is transmitted. The river in the mean time having risen, I am indebted to the exertions of Captain [William] IDawson and his company, Second Missouri State Militia, for being enabled to cross my artillery and ammunition with the necessary dispatch. I pushed on toward Bloomfield, as far as obedience to the order would allow, when Colonel La Gran~e, who was leading an advance party, commenced skirmishing with the enemys rear, driving them to within three-fourths of a mile of Bloomfield, where the enemy had taken posi- tion in some force. I at once hurried up to the support of La Grange, and posted the artillery on Walkers hill, within 1,000 yards of the enemy; recalled the skirmishers and opened fire. By dark the enemy was silenced, and I was in hopes the report of their being in strong position at Bloomfield and determined to make a stand would prove correct Page 259 ChAP. XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 259 The men lay down that night in.liue of battle, and at 4 a. m. the First Wisconsin advanced and engaged the enemy, whose rear occupied the position of the night before. Opened on them with artillery at 5 a. in., and also on the town, forcing the enemy to a l)recipitate retreat, my advance entering the town at 10 a. in. from the north as they retired by the south, on Chalk Bluff road. My whole column was in full occu- pancy of the town before 11 oclock. Here I was compelled to wait further orders. In the afternoon there was assigned to me, by Brigadier-General Van- dever, two brigades: The First BrigadeThird Missouri Cavalry, Third Missouri State Militia Cavalry, Third Iowa Cavalry, Thirteenth Illinois, Stanges section, Haucks battery, Lindsays section of Enrolled Mis- souri Militia, and the First Iowa Cavalry, Col. J. N. Glover command- ing. The Second BrigadeFirst Nebraska Infantry, Second Missouri State Militia Cavalry, First Wisconsin Cavalry, and Weifleys battery, Colonel La Grange commanding. I found the enemy had sent fatigue parties in advance, to construct a floating bridge with which to expedite their crossing the Saint Francis. The delays which had occurred satisfied me that it would be nearly impossible to bring the rebels to an engagement, the nature of the country between Bloomfield and Chalk Bluff being such that a strong rear guard could retard a heavy column with ease and almost impunity. Hoping that I could make the river in time to injure them, however, I notified the various corps of the change in order of assignment, with orders to march at 7 p. in., the Second Brigade, under Colonel La Grange, in the advance. We marched all night and came up with the enemy; attacked them at 5 a. m. on May 1; engaged them in constant succession, they taking position after position for 20 miles. Night found me in position 2 miles from Chalk BluSh Next morning, May 2, I advanced the artillery on the bluffnorth side of riverthe enemy having crossed; bridge being destroyed, and being posted on Chalk Bluff south side of the riVer, advanced skir- mishers to find their position. The enemy immediately opened with artillery and small-arms, which was as promptly replied to. Our artil lery was admirably served, and our fire soon became terrific. The First Nebraska, the Thirty-seventh Illinois, part of the First Wisconsin, and Second Missouri State Militia performed admirably as skirmishers and sharpshooters, and finally drove the enemy, with heavy loss to them, from the bluff, when I received orders to fall back. I deeply regret that despite the excellent quality of the force in pur- suit, and the splendid and effective artillery placed at our disposition, Marmaduke was allowed to make a successful retreat into Arkansas, saving his guns and baggage, but trust that an examination of the reports made by the various brigade and regimental commanders will exonerate me from blame in the premises. The loss I suffered will be seen from the report of Maj. William Mc- Clellan, surgeon of the general hospital at Cape Girardean, also inclosed. I must make honorable mention of Colonel Glover and the Third Mis- souri Cavalry, who on all occasions conducted themselves as gallant soldiers, and particularly during our 20-mile engagement, when, with Lieutenant-Colonel [Ilobert] Carrick and the Third Missouri, they made a dashing charge on the enemy on May 1, for the purpose of taking their artillery, which would have been a complete success had the First Iowa, which was ordered to support the charge, got up in time. Wel- fleys battery, Lieutenant Jacoby, and Captain McClanahans section, Second Missouri State Militia, deserve special mention for good con Page 260 2~O MO., AER., I~ANS., IND. T.~ AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XX~tV. duct and execution done the enemy. . The First Wisconsin, always zealous to be first in the fight, did admirable service in every position in which it was placed. The First Nebraska, as you will see by the brigade report, again sustained its well-earned reputation. Captain [Charles P.] Meisner, up to the time of his wound, acting as chief of artillery, discharged his duties fully up to the mark as a brave and good soldier. I would also mention the volunteer members of my staff, who were ready at all times to discharge any and every duty assigned them, Col. W. li. Strachan, Lieutenant-Colonel Lee, Lent. F. R. Poole, and Lien- tenant [Tolbert C.] Ankeny. 1 have the honor to be, your obedient servant, JOHN McNEIL, Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers. Brig. Gen. J. W DAVIDSON Commanding District of Saint Louis. No. 4. Reports of Capt. Charles P. Mieisner, Second Missouri Light Artillery, of action at Cape Girardean and pursuit of Marmaduke. CAPE GIRAIIDEAU, Mo., May 9, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to lay before you the report of the artil- lery in the action at Cape Girardean, Mo., April 26, 1863. On my arrival from Saint Louis, on Saturday night, April 25, 1863, I was appointed by you chief of artillery. I entered upon duty imme- diately, and consulted Lieutenant-Colonel Baumer, First Nebraska In- fantry, about his position and conrse of retreat, if needed. The position of artillery engaged was: Fort B, on a hill north of Jackson road, guarding same, 1,900 yards from where the Jackson road leads in to the woods, mounted with two 24-pounder barbettes and one 24-pounder siege gun. On a hill north of Fort B, gnarding the Perryville road, were two 12- pounder howitzers, of Welfieys battery, stationed. On a hill sonth- west of Fort B, about 1,400 yards distant, was Lieutenant [Lawrence] Jacoby, of Welifeys battery, with two 12-pounder howitzers and two 12-pounder guns, protected by detachment of First Nebraska Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Baumer. This position commands the Jack- son and Bloomfield roads. - On the 26th of April,at 11a.m., our pickets were driven in by the enemy on the Jackson road. As soon as the advance of the enemy came out of the woods, I opened fire on them with shell from Fort B. Lieu- tenant Jacoby, with his four pieces, followed; also the two howitzers north of Fort B; but these two being out of range, I stopped their firing. The enemy now planted four pieces of rifled 3-inch Parrott guns on the Jackson road, and opened fire on Fort B, without doing any harm. I now changed from shell to solid shot, and soon removed them, they moving southwardly toward the Bloomfield road. Now, about 12.30 p. in., Lieutenant-Colonel Baumer changed position to a hill north of his first position, and near the Jackson road, with two howitzers, nuder Lieutenant Jacoby, the two 12-pounder guns falling back onto Fort B. The enemy tried several times to flank us on the north, but as soon as they showed themselves they were driven back by the guns of Fort B an Page 261 CHAP. XXXIV.] MARMADUKE~S EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 261 the two howitzers near the Perryville road. When the enemy withdrew their cannon from the Jackson road, I heard them fire from the southwest on Lieutenant-Colonel Baumers position. I anticipated an attack on the Bloomfield road; then 1 went to Fort C, to be ready for them there; bnt they were held in check by Lieutenant-Colonel Baumer and the two howitzers, nnder Lieutenant Jacoby. At 2.30 p. in. the firing ceased, the enemy withdrawing. No loss to report. Beg leave to mention Sergt. George Voelker and Corporal Gier, Company D, Second Missouri Artillery, for firing their pieces with excellent precision. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. P. MEISNER, Capt. Company D, Second Missouri Artillery, Chief of Artillery. Brig. Gen. JOHN MCNEIL, Commanding. CAPE GIRARDEAtT, Mo., May 9, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to lay before you also the actions of the artillery in the pursuit of the enemy from Bloomfield to Chalk Bluff. Left Bloomfield at 12 m. on the night of the 30th of April. About S a. m. May 1, our advance drove in the enemys pickets. At 5.30 the enemy had taken position, with two 6-pounders and two 3-inch rifled Parrott guns, on the first range of hills, called Crowleys Ridge. Lieu- tenant [Lawrence] Jacoby soon drove them, with shells, from their posi- tion. About 2 miles farther the enemy tried to make a stand, but Lieu- tenant Jacoby and Lieutenant [Joseph B.] Atwater, of Coles battery, drove them off with a few shots. Then I ordered the two mountain howitzers, under Captain [Perry ID.] McClanahan, to follow up with the advance. They fired several times on the enemy, when they broke and ran. About noon there was a charge made by Colonel [John M.] Glover, sustained by the two mountain howitzers. Then a charge of the bri- gade was made. At 4.30 p. in. the enemy made a stand again, about 1~ miles beyond Four Mile, arid opened a heavy fire with four pieces of artillery and infantry. Captain [George] ilaucks battery took posi- tion. I was wounded in the foot by a grape-shot, and was obliged to fall to the rear. No loss in the artillery by the enemys fire. Private Preuzuer, Coin- l)~ny K, Second Missouri Artillery, Haucks battery, fWl, with his horse, and had a leg bruised. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. P. MEISNER, 6~apt. Company D, Second Missouri Artillery, Chief of Artillery. Brig. Gen. JOHN MCNEIL, Commanding. No. 5. .1?eport of Maj. Jaseph W. CaIdwell, First Iowa ~iJavalry, Giover8 brigade, of skirmish at Chalk BluJJ. IlOLLA, Mo., Jlfay 15, 1863. MAJOR: My attention has been called to an article in the Missouri Democrat of the instant, in which the correspondent does ~reat iu- justice to General Yandever and to the First Iowa Cavalry Page 262 262 MO., ARK., RANS., IND. T., A~D DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. It is true, as stated, that General Vandever gave General McNeil two brigades. The first consisted, mainly, of the First Iowa Cavah~y, 500 men, well armed and mounted, and not inferior to any equal num- ber of men in the service in skill and bravery, and the Third Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, about 400 men, I think, not quite so well armed as the First Iowa, but, in other respects, as good soldiers. These last were commanded by Colonel [John M.] Glover, who, being the senior officer of the brigade, was placed in command of it. There were some other commands in the brigade, but the regiments above designated were the only ones engaged during the fight on May 1 until 2 or 3 p. in., with the exception of the artillery, which did good service. The First Iowa Cay. airy was placed in advance. On the evening of Thnrsday, 30th of April, when about 8 miles south of Bloomfield, being then in the night, we were halted, and remained until 2 a. m. Two squadrons of the First Iowa, under the command of Lieutenants [Thomas II.] Barnes and [David C.] McIntyre, both deserv- lug the highest praise for their skill and bravery, were placed in the advance, and the column marched on. Between 3 and 4 a. m. the ad- vance was fired on by the rear guard of Marmaduke. I sent word back to General McNeil a light. nd received orders to halt the column until day. At daylight the column moved on, until about sunrise, when the ad. vance received the fire of Marmadukes artillery and small-arms. The regiment dismounted, deployed as skirmishers, and drove the enemy bethre them. In the mean time the battery came up and shelled them, while retreating. After the First Iowa had proceeded about 3 miles,it was relieved by the Third Missouri, who dismounted and drove the enemy in a similar manner, for about the same distance, during which the First Iowa was rallied, mounted, and led under full speed to relieve them again. Thus the two regiments alternated until 2 or 3 p. in. On two or three occasions, when Colonel Glover was present with the First Iowa, he asserted that he intended to charge the scoundrels and take their artillery, and that he would do it with the Third Missouri, his own regiment, as they had good sabers, and he wanted them to have an opportunity of trying them. From the pertinacity with which he insisted that his regiment should make the charge, when it was no better armed than the First Iowa in any respect, induced the belief that he desired his command should monopolize the glory of the charge and the capture of the battery, and this belief was strengthened when I learned that the charge had been made at a time when, and a place where, it was utterly impossible for the First Iowa to reach the conflict in time to participate as supporters. The First Iowa had been deployed as skirmishers, with a line extending a half mile on either side of the~ road, with their horses some distance in the rear, and the enemy retreat. ing under full speed to a favorable point for further resistance, entirely out of sight, when Colonel Glovers command charged by the line of skirmishers. The rally was at once sounded, the men drawn in from both sides of the road with all possible speed, mounted, and led on to the scene of the charge; but before they could possibly arrive (and they traveled as expeditiously as any troops could have done) the conflict was over, and the rebels again retreating at full speed. There was no order whatever given, save there was a general conver- sational direction to push forward, and, ~vhen the charge should be made, to be ready to render any necessary support; but at the time the charge was made there was nothing from Colonel Glover to me indieatin Page 263 CHAP. XXXIV.] MARMADUKE S EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 263 that he intended making the charge at that particular time. He had charged by us in the same manner before. These facts are well known by Captain Thompson, who was aiding me in command of the regiment, Adjutant Donnell, and other officers of the regiment. Will yon be kind enough to set this matter right ~ Truly, yours, J. W. CALDWELL, Major, Commanding Detachment First Iowa Cavalry. LUCIEN J. BARNES, Major and Assistant Adjutant-Ueneral. No. 6. Reports of Cot. Edwin Smart, Third Missouri State Militia Caratry, of skirmish at Patterson. PILOT KNoB, April 21, 1863. GENERAL: I could not communicate with you yesterday; tihe line was cut as soon as the engagement began, which was 6 miles from my post. I had a scout out on Black River, who found the enemy early yesterday morning, but they succeeded in cutting them off so that they could not communicate with me. The number of the enemy was be- tween 1,500 and 3,000. I think they had six pieces of artillery. I could not ascertain who commanded the enemy. The attack began about 12 oclock on IReeves Station road, with a scout 1 had sent out in that direction. I then sent Major [Richard G.] Woodson on to re-enforce with a battalion, who held them in check, and skirmished them into town. This gave me time to load my train, and have it ready to move if I had to retreat. Before I left the town I destroyed what stores I could not bring away. Nothing fell into the hands of the enemy. The fight continued to Big Creek, about 8 miles this side of Patterson. The en- gagement was severe in the extreme. After fighting hand to hand at Big Creek, they had got in my front and attempted to cut off my retreat, but I forced my way and formed on this side the creek. But the enemy did not renew. My loss in killed, wounded, and missiub in the action was about 50. I had sconts on the Van Buren, Greenwood Valley, and BushCreekroads;alsoontheReevesStationroad,whichlheardfrom. I will send you an official report as soon as 1 can learn all the details. Major [Henry L.J McConnel* was wounded and fell into the hands of the enemy. I think his wound was mortal. My regiment fell back in good order, and are now together, except the scouts above mentioned. I had about 400 men in the engagement. EDWIN SMART, Colonel, Commanding Post. Brig. Gen. J. W. DAVIDsoN. HDQRS. THIRD MISSOURI STATE MILITIA CAVALRY, Pilot Knob, May 9, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit time folk Thg report of an en- gagement near Patterson, Mo., on the 20th (lay o~ phI, 1863, between M ;t~n 1 ~ j ~1 Juh 3. Page 264 264 MO., ARK., RANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. a portion of my regiment and the Confederate forces, under the com- mand of Marmaduke. Having information from my spies and scouts that a large rebel force was moving into Missouri from Batesville, Ark., I kept my front as well picketed as my limited force would permit, keeping scouting parties on Black River, at or near all the available fords on that stream, which was some 20 miles to the front of my post. The rebel force approached in three columns from the Doniphan, \Tan Buren, and Pitmans Ferry roads, commanded, respectively, by Shelby, Greene, and Burbridge. They thus succeeded in capturing or cutting off my scouting parties, and preventing their communicating with inc. Their immediate approach was not known until within 6 miles of Pat- terson, where they met and commenced an engagement with a scout- ing party, 20 in number, under the command of Captain hunter. This party, making a strong resistance to their approach, compelled the enemy to commence a brisk cannonade. I immedL tely ordered Major [Richard (EJ Woodson to move out two companies (B and G-) and meet the enemy; ascertain, as near as possi- ble, their position and strength; skirmish them into town, detaining them as much as he could, in order to give time for preparations for defense, and, if necessary, to fall back. Major Woodson held his posi- tion, some 2 miles from town, until he discovered the enemy were about to outflank him, when he commenced falling back. From his messenger I was able to learn that the enemy outnumbered my force at least seven to one, with five pieces of artillery; and knowing that it would be impossible to hold my position against such superior numbers, I determined to fall back, some 7 miles, to a point on the Pilot Knob road, known as Stony Battery, on Big Creek. All the wagons at the post were loaded with company property, quartermasters, com- missary, and hospital stores, and the remainder that could not be brought away Was burned. I directed Lieutenant-Colonel Morsey to move on with the train to this point, and prevent the rebels obtaining possession of it if he endeavored to cut off my retreat. Major MeConnel coin- manded the rear, and covered the retreat with Companies E and I, com- manded, respectively, by Captain [George L.] Hewing and Lieutenant [James XV.] Bradley. The major remained until the rebels came into town, when he moved off, followed by two regiments of Texas cavalry and two pieces of artillery, who soon came up, when the engagement began. My men fought nobly, under the command of Captain Hewing, Lieu- tenants Bradley, [Warren C.] Shattuck, [Henry] Sladek, and [James A.] Blain, contesting their advance against overwhelming numbers. Ar. riving in the battery, I formed a line of battle to hold the enemy in check until the rear battalion, which had already suffered severely, could pass to the front. Soon after, hearing that Colonel Morsey was engaged in front with a force endeavoring to prevent his crossing the bridge, I l)ushed forward with Major Matthews battalion to re-enforce; but the rebels, some 300 or 400 in number, made but little resistance to my force, and soon gave way and retired over the hill to my left. I then moved all my force across the creek, and formed, where I remained until near dark. The enemy did not again appear, bUt soon fell back to Patter- son. All my command behaved well, and retired, when necessary, in good order. Nothing fell into the hands of the enemy except the contents of three or four wagons, that broke down and were abandoned on the road. The rebel force numbered 3,000, with five pieces of artillery. My force was about 400, with no artillery Page 265 CELAP. XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 265 The rebel loss in killed, as near as I can ascertain, was 28, besides a izumber of wounded. I juclose herewith a correct list * of killed, wounded, and captured of iiiy command. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWIN SMART, Colonel Third Missouri State Militia Cavalry. Brig. Gen. J. W. DAVIDSON, 61ornmanding Saint Louis District. No. 7. keport of Col. Oscar H. La Grange, First lVisconsin Cavalry, command ing brigade, of skirmish at Chalk Blufr~, Mo. CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., May 9, 1803. GENERAL: In compliance with orders, the following report is respect- fully submitted: At 4 p. in., the Second Brigade was ordered to advance, and, if pos- 8ible, engage the enemy north of the Saint Francis. After marching 6 miles, Lieutenant [Thomas] Bateman, Company L, First Wisconsin Cav- alry, charged and drove the enemys pickets within 3 miles of the river, and the Second Missouri State Militia Cavalry, [Lieutenant].Colonel [John F.] Benjamin, dismounted and deployed as skirmishers, driving the front line of the enemy rapidly up the hill. General McNeil, Capta~in [Charles P.] Meisner, chief of artillery, and the colonel commanding were with onr line of skirmishers, selecting a position for our artillery, when the enemy opened with grape and canister from a masked battery planted within 150 yards. Captain Meisner was severely wounded iii the foot; but, owing to the wretched gunnery of the enemy and the peculiarities of the ground, no other injury was sustained. Lieutenant Bateman also received two heavy volleys of musketry at very short range without injury to a single man. At this time, Adjutant [Edward D.] Town, First Wisconsin Cavalry, displayed coolness worthy of a veteran. Our artil- lery, which had been ordered to advance, was thrown into confusion, but by his order fell back to a suitable position, and was well supported by the Third Iowa Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel [Henry C.] Caidwell. By order of the general commanding, the recall was sounded for our skirmishers, and had to be twice repeated before it was reluctantly obeye4. The cavalry was now formed for the support of the artillery, and welcomed by the cheers of all the troops. The gallant First Ne- braska caine to the front. Before dark their advance occupied the ground where Captain Meisner was wounded. During the night they discovered the enemys picket posts, and early on the morning of the 2d, in connection with the First Iowa Cavalry, formed the advance of the movement that drove the remnant of the enemy across the Saint Francis, and even away from the shelter of its right bank. When it is remembered that the regiment had marched 90 miles in three days, we are at a loss whether to admire most its bravery in battle or its power of endurance. Weifleys battery, which was admirably handled during this engage- ment, as usual, made terrible havoc among the rebels. * 5~ ~YI8~ statement, P Page 266 266 iwo., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAr. XXXIV. By order of the general commanding, the brioade marched for Cape Girardean on the morning of the 3d, and, notwitliistanding the wretched state of the roads, arrived in good condition at noon on the 7th. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. II. LA GRANGE, Colonel First Wisconsin Cavalry, Commanding Brigade. General JOHN MCNEIL, Gommanding U. S. Forces, f2ape Girardeau, Mo. No. 8. Report of Col. II. R. Livingston, First Nebraska Infantry, of the pursuit of Marmadulce. SAINT LOUIS, April 30, 1863. CAPTAIN: Having been instructed, on the night of the 25th instant, by order (copy of which I inclose, marked A), to take charge of the Thirty. seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Captain Browns com- pany (G), Twenty.third Regiment Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and 20 men, under Lieutenant Ewing, Twenty-third Iowa, to see them shipped without delay to re-enforce the post of Cape Girardean, then return to this post immediately after the attack had ceased, I have the honor to report as follows: We arrived at Cape Girardean on Sunday, 26th instant, at 2.50 p. in., just as the firing on both sides ceased for that day. I turned over my command to Brig. Gen. John McNeil, commanding forces at Girardean, and was ordered by him to move with two companies of the Thirty-sev- enth Illinois Infantry, nuder Captain [Charles NV.] ilawes, to report to Lieutenant-Colonel [William] Baumer, at Fort B, as the enemy were attempting to flank our right. Shortly afterward I received an order to take charge of my own regiment; but, finding the conduct of Lieutenant- Colonel Baumer, of the First Nebraska, all that could be desired, I, in the spirit of a soldier, permitted him to retain the command he had fought so gallantly previous to my arrival. Fearing a night attack, I went with General McNeil, and arranged a system of signals with two gunboats, then lying in the Mississippi River, opposite the town, by which they could direct their fire where it would be most effective. General 1~1cNeil, at my suggestion, also sent for re-enforcements to Gen- eral Asboth, commanding at Columbus, Ky., whose promptness ift for- warding the troops is deserving of all praise. When daylight broke, the enemy had not appeared before our pick- ets, and two detachments of cavalry were sent out to feel them; but it was not before 11.30 a. in., the 27th instant, that the retrograde move- ment of the enemy toward Bloomfield was definitely ascertained; and at 2 p. in. two regiments of cavalry (First Wisconsin and Second Mis- souri), four guns of Welfieys battery, two mountain howitzers, and two companies of Colonel MeLanes Missouri Militia moved out in pursuit, on the Bloomfield road. Arriving near Black Creek, the advance nuder Major [William II.] Torrey, First Wisconsin, drove a small force of the enemy fiom the bridge, which they had commenced to destroy, by tear- ing up plank and piling dry stakes in the bridge, preparatory to firing it. The bridge was speedily repaired, and we pushed on to the junction of the Jaek~on and Bloomfield road5 where we met the adranoe of Go Page 267 CITA?. XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 267 eral Vandevers column. There the column halted. Myself and a small party pushed forward to the bridge across White Water, about 14 miles distant, and found the last span destroyed, the stringers being cut, the plank thrown in the river, and the up-stream post on the last bent cut in such a manner as to render it useless. To my great surprise, no fur- ther progress was made that day, onr forces being ordered into camp at 6 p. in., with a demoralized and flying enemy only one hour ahead of us. I left camp the next morning at 7.10 oclock, at which time onr forces had not yet pushed forward; and feeling convinced that so tardy a pur- suit would certainly be a vain one, I returned to this post with all dis- patch, knowing my services were needed here. I would respectfully state that the enemy were confident of carrying and holding Cape Girardean; that their battle cry was, Hurrah now for McNeil ! and that, in their conversations with the peaceful citizens, they asked if Fayetteville had been attacked, stating that place and the Cape were to be struck at the same time, and that on Sunday, 3d of May next, Price, with 30,000 men, would attack Jefferson City, after which the forces at the Cape and that place were to make a combined attack on Saint Louis. I refrain from giving you the particulars of the battle or the losses on either side, as competent authority will soon furnish the official report. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 11. Th LIVINGSTON, Cot. 1st Regt. Nebraska Vol. Infty., Gomdg. Post, Saint Louis, Mo. Capt. H. C. FILLEBROWN, Assistant Adjutant-General, District of Saint Louis, Mo. [Inclosure A.] SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS SAINT Louis DISTRICT, No. 91. Saint Louis, Mo., April 25, 1863. * * * * * * * XVIII. Col. ill. IR. Livingston, First Nebraska Infantry Volunteers, will proceed to Cape Girardeau, Mo. He will take command of all troops going down to that point. Upon his arrival, he will turn over the troops to the command of Brig. Gen. John McNeil. By order of Brigadier-General Davidson: - HENRY C. FILLEBROWN, Assistant Adjutant-General. No.9. Reports of Lieut. Got. William Baurner, First Nebraska Infantry, of action at Cape Girardean and pursuit of Marmaduke. CAPE GIRARDEAU, April 28, 1863. SIR: The undersigned respectfulLy submits to you the special de- scription of the [part the] party under his command performed when attacked by the enemy on Cape Girardean. On the morning of the 24th of April, news came in from the scbuts that the enemy was approaching this place with a force of about 8,000 men. The garrison cf this place consisted then of about 350 men of the First Nebraska Infantry, two field pieces of Welfleys battery, one company of First Wisconsin Cavalry, Captain [George 0.] Clinton, and Captain \~nu,s ~r iljery, Battery U, ~eeoud Mi~ouri Artillery Page 268 268 MO., ARK~, KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. My idea was then to meet the enemy outside of the fortifications, and, by being overpowered, to fall back to Fort B, and from thence to Von A, which place could be held against any force of the enemy. The position selected by me (Captain [Thomas J.] Majors, First Ne- braska, and Lieutenant [Adolphusj Stauber, Welifeys battery) was west of Cape Girardeau, about three-quarters of a mile from Fort B. The small number of the defending force allowed only to protect the northwestern part of the town, which commands all other places in and around town. The troops had made up their mind to defend the place to the ]ast man, and never to surrender to the rebels. On the evening of the 24th, General McNeil arrived and took command of the place. The general approved of my plan of defense, and ordered, on the 25th, Welfieys battery, consisting of six pieces, and part of the Thirty.second Iowa for the protection of the north and west side of the town. The position north, on the Perryville road, was very important, and the force of defense was two companies (F and G), First Nebraska, two field [pieces] of Welfleys battery, and three companies of the Thirty- second Iowa, all under the charge of Captain [Thomas J.] Weatherwax, First Nebraska. The central position was between the Bloomfield and Jackson roads, on a hill, which commands all approaches from the west, on which was placed four pieces of Welifeys battery, under Lieutenant [Lawrence] Jacoby, and five companies of the First Nebraska, commanded by Captain Majors. The first division of the First Nebraska Infantry (Companies B and ID) were placed as skirmishers in advance, and, after twenty-four hours on duty, they were relieved by Companies I and C, of First Nebraska. Captain [II. II.] IRibble, Company I, was on the right of the skirmish line, on the Jackson road, where the attack of the enemy was first made on the morning of the 26th, at 10 a. m. The rebels were stopped by the fire of the pickets, who had orders to fall back on the battalion. Companies B and ID were sent as a detach- ment on a hill, near the Jackson road, to act as skirmishers, and could do good service. The main attack was made northwest of the Jackson road. The guns of our position on the Perryville road fired first. Then, from the central position, and in the rear of the two outside i)Ositions, the guns of Fort B opened fire. The cross-fire of the artillery was so well directed, and the artillerists so much skilled and intrepid, that the enemy could not advance from the ambush. The five companies (C, I, K, E, and A) of First Nebraska did not give up one inch of ground in the face of the enemy, who were about teii to their one, and fired all their ammunition away. Never can soldiers perform their duty on the battle-field better or braver than did this small band of heroes. The enemy tried then to attack our right flank,. on the Perryville road, when I moved two pieces of artillery on the hill, on the Jackson road, protected by Companies B and ID, and their position was vei-y destruct. ive to the enemy. The left flank, on the Bloomfield road, was protected by the First Wisconsin Cavalry, Colonel [0.11.] La Grange, Lieutenant- Colonel [Henry] Pomeroy. Three of their companies dismounted and fought the enemy on foot with their carbines. Two mountain howitzers did also excellent service in dislodging a battery of the enemy. The position on Perryville road was strengthened by taking two more field pieces to the place; also the five companies of the First Nebraska, which were supplied with new ammunition. The firing against the enemy was still kept up from the position on the Jackson road and Fort B, until about 3 p. in., when the enemy fell back. Only small detachments were sent out to ascertain where the enemy had gone. Some of them went out as far as 3 miles. The artillery and infantry were under arms al Page 269 CHAP.~ XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. ~69 night~ ready to engage the enemy at any time. Meantime re-enforce- ments caine up, and the rebels fell back faster than they came up. Every officer and man under my command behaved as soldiers, and dis- played great courage and bravery. Every order was executed promptly, each oflicer and soldier discharging his duty; otherwise it would have been impossible for so small number of men to repulse an enemy with such great odds In the first place, we had possession of a ground with the facility to assist one party through the other, and then the men had the determination not to give up the place, and would have died in ful- filling their duties before surrendering. Specially I would mention the name of Captain Majors, whose horse was shot from under him, whilst in command of the five companies in the central position; then Captain Ribble. who was first engaged with his company as skirmishers, and showed great bravery; also Captain Weatherwax, who had position on the Perryville road, from where the first shot was fired; also Lieutenant [Francis A.] McDonald, acting adjutant; quartermaster, Lieutenant [Charles] Thompson, Lieutenant Moore, and Sergeant Gillespie, who assisted me greatly in carrying orders and reports to the most danger- ous places of the field. The battery (Weifleys), commanded by Lieu- tenant Jacoby, assisted by Lieutenant Stauber, deserve great praise for their skill and coolness in firing and rapidity in their movements. Lisi of killed and wounded: Killed, 3; wounded, 7. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM BAUMER Lieutenant- Golonel, Commanding First Nebraska Infantry. Capt. WILLIAM R. STRACITAN, Chief of Staff, Cape (lirardeau, Mo. HEADQUARTERS FIRST NEBRASKA INFANTRY, Cape Girardeau, Mo., May 9, 1863. Siu: The undersigned respectfully submits to you the following report of the march of the First Regiment Nebraska Infantry, ordered by General Yandever: Marching orders received at regimental headquarters in the evening of the 28th of April, with information that the enemy were surround ed near Castor River, and to take three days provisions and full supplies of ammunition, and to move on in forced marches. According to Or(lers received, I started on the morning of 29th of April, at 5 oclock, with all men of the regiment except those on extra and detached duty, the whole force amounting to 270 active soldiers. All regimental wagons and teams were ordered to accompany the regiment, and by this arrange- ment one-third of the men could ride at a time. The regiment encamped at Lakeville; marched at 2 oclock in the morning; arrived at Castor River, crossed over, and marched as advance guard of column to Bloom- field, and arrived there at 10 oclock in the morning on the 30th of April. In the afternoon, the regiment received orders to prepare for a nights march. The regiment started at 7 p. in.; marched until 3 a. in.; rested for one hour- continued the march and engaged the enemys rear guard at 5 a:m., supporting Welfieys battery. The enemy retreating, were followed up by the regiment, and several skirmishes took place during the day of the 1st of May. In the evening, 3 miles from Saint Francis River, the regiment was ordered to the front to ascertain the enemys position. Their position was soon discovered by the scouts of the First Nebraska Infantry, mounted on cavalry horses furnished from the cay Page 270 270 MO., ARIC, kANS., IND. 17, A~D DEPT. N. W. [CaAP.-XXXIV~ airy on the field. The next day, May 2, the regiment marched as ad- vance gnard to the Saint Francis River. No artillery being up, we had to await their arrival before engaging the enemy. Four companies as advance were placed as line of skirmishers on the right of the main river road. Five companies, commanded by Captain Majors, were placed on the extreme left flank, a portion deployed as skirmishers. After the artillery firing and some sharpshooting, the order was received to march back to Bloomfield, which place the regiment reached on the evening of the 3d of May. From there orders were received to march to Cape Girardeau, Mo. Marched at 1 oclock, May 4; arrived at Cape Girardean at 4 p. in., May 5. The soldiers of the First Nebraska Infantry, within seven days, marched 190 miles; were engaged with the enemy for fourteen hours; had only three days rations for seven days; lost 2 men wounded, and had only 1 man on the sick report upon its arrival in camp. They deserve the greatest praise for the willingness with which all the hardships were endured. I am, respectfully, yours, truly, WiLLIAM BAUMER, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding First Nebraska Infantry. Capt. WILLIAM R. STRACHAN, Chief of Staff, Cape Girardeau, Mo. No. 10. Report of Lient. ~Jol. John .E. Benjamin, Second Missouri State Militia ~Javalry, of action at 61ape Girardeau and pursuit of Marmaduke. CAPE GIRARDEAU, May 9,1863. GENERAL: The following is my report of the part this regiment took in the battle at this place on the 26th ultimo, and its subsequent march in pursuit of the enemy to Bloomfield, where it was assigned to the bri- gade of Colonel [0. II.] La Grange, First Wisconsin Cavalry: At the time of the attack on this city, I occupied a position in front of and to the left of Fort C, the right resting on the Bloomfield road, the point where it was supposed the main force of the enemy would be concentrated; but as no demonstration was made upon this part of the town, we were at no time exposed to the enemys fire. I)uring the fight, however, Captain [Perry TX] MeClanahan, Company C, with the two small howitzers attached to this regiment, was ordered to take position about midway between the Bloomfield and Jackson roads, supported by his company, from which he completely silenced the opposing artillery after firing a few rounds. After the retreat of the enemy, Major [II. M.] Huller, with three companies of the First Battalion and the howitzers, was ordered to reconnoiter on the Jackson road, when, after following 5 miles, he found the enemy too strongly posted to be successfully assailed with his small force, and, night coming on, he returned. On the following day, at 1 p. in., all the available part of the regiment joined the other forces that left here in pursuit of the enemy~ on the Bloomfield road, traveling that day to near the White Water without coming up with them. The bridge over that stream having been de- stroyed, we encamped for the night. The bridge being sufficiently repaired by 10 a. m. the next day, I was ordered to the front and to pursue vigorously. A few miles brought u Page 271 CHAP. XXXIV.] MA1~MADUKE S EXPEPITION INTh MISSOURI. 271 to their last encampment, which they had left but an hour and a half before; the camp-fires still burning. About 2 p.m., and when only fifteen minutes behind their rear guard, orders came to me to halt until further orders. An hour or more elapsed before I was ordered again to march, and the enemy, evidently being apprised of our near approach, as their scouts were seen taking observations from the high points in front, was enabled to get considerably the start of us again. About 5.30 p. m. I again came np with a party left to tear up a small bridge, and captured 2, with their horses. The balance of the party, having succeeded in destroying the bridge, escaped. I set all hands to work on the bridge, and had succeeded in getting it repaired so as to cross, and, when about to move, an order came from the rear to not move, whether the bridge was repaired or not, until ordered to do so. A picket guard was, how- ever, sent ahead to Spring Hill, distant a mile or so, near where they surprised a party of 0, killing 1 and taking a lieutenant prisoner. They were not encountered again by us until after we reached Bloomfield, at which place I was put under the orders of Colonel La Grange, as before stated. I am clearly of opinion that I could have captured many of the enemy if I had been suffered to pursue him without hinderance. The road passes through open woods, and bordered on one side by an impassable swamp most of the way. In attacking them on the march, the head of the column only could be engaged, and one regiment is as effective as a greater number. All accounts represented their rear guard as weak and the stragglers numerous. I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. F. BENJAMIN, Lieutcnant- Colonel, Commanding. General JOHN MCNEIL, Commanding Sub-district, Southeastern Missouri. No. 11. Reports of Brig. Gen. William Vandever, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, Army of the Frontier, of the pursuit of Marmaduke. PILOT KNoB, Mo., April 23, 1863. GENERAL: Just arrived with advance of 2,000 men. Main body will be in soon after noon. Hear nothing of an enemy toward Centreville or in that direction. Have parties out who will report to-day. WM. VANDEVEIR, Brigadier- General. Major-Generals CURTIS and HERRON. PILOT KNOB, April 23, 1863. GENERAL: I have temporarily assumed command of the forces, and continue to head my orders as of the Second Division, Army of the Frontier. I have no additknal news from the enemy. He was reported to be at Fredericktown last evening, 3,000 or 4,000 strong. No intelli- gence from there to-day. WM. VANDEVEIt, Brigadier- General. Maj. Gen. FRANCIS J. HERRON, Rolla Page 272 272 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [ChAr. XXXIV. PILOT KNOB, Mo., Al2ril 24, 1863. GENERAL: Colonel Smart communicates that the enemy broke up their encampment in Fredericktown before his approach, and moved 3 miles out on Cape Girardeau road, w~ ere they formed, but had not encamped. Smart then retired to the Saint Francis bridge, and awaits orders. lie believes this is the same force he encountered at Patterson, and that it does not exceed, at the utmost, 10,000. I have now available 2,500 cav- alry and twelve pieces of artillery. Shall I move against the enemy at Fredericktown or notl The flag of truce is just leaving. I can move to- night, and attack in the morning, if you order it, giving the truce I)arty the night to return here in. WM. VANDEVER, Brigadier- General. Major-General CURTIS, Saint Louis, Mo. IIDQRS. SEcoND DIVISION, ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Pilot Knob, Mo., April 24, 1863. GENERAL: My latest intelligence from the enemy is up to 8 oclock this morning at Fredericktown. Colonel Smart had approached within sight of the town, and found his l)ickets drawn in to the east side of the town, on the Cape Girardeau road. The colonel was reconnoitering the town, and I am in momentary expectation of further news from him. From my examination of the approaches to this place, and from the best information I can get, I do not think an enemy would venture to attack us by the direct Fredericktown road, as a very small force, with one section of artillery, at the shut-in, 4 miles from here, can prevent the approach of almost any force. If this locality is to be attacked from the direction of Fredericktown, the attack will come by the road from Farmington, which can be inter- sected about 10 miles from here by a route from Fredericktown, or the enemy, if he seeks the best road for travel, might even come round by Farmington. Nine miles from here we strike a point on the Farmington road, which is only 6 miles from Iron Mountain, over a good road. I infer from your dispatch of last night that infantry are on the way - down, to be left at Iron Mountain, which is, I think, the best point to post them, for, should I ascertain that the enemy was advancing in force, I woald not hesitate to move to meet him at the intersection of the road from here with the road from Iron Mountain to Farmington. Before this reaches you I shall probably have commnnnicated other in- telligence by telegraph. I inclose a rough sketch of the country,* which I think more accurate than the maps as to roads. If further information from Colonel Smart is satisfactory, I will move on the enemy rapidly with my cavalry and artillery, bnt I would like the infantry you speak of sent to Iron Mount- ain quickly. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. VANDEVER, Brigadier- General. Brig. Gen. J. W. DAVIDSON, Saint Louis, Mo. * Not found Page 273 CHAP. XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 273 PILOT KNOB, Mo., April 24, 1863. GENERAL: Your dispatch of last night,* directing mo ~ement, when I found the Iron Mountain road destroyed, & c., was received, but did not order a movement under present circumstances. There is no force coming from Black River. The only force there is a few hundred, under Reves, in the vicinity of Patterson, jayhawking and robbing. At 12.30 Colonel Smart had returned with one battalion to Saint Fran- cis Bridge, leaving one battalion 6 miles beyond. He went within 1 mile of Fredericktown, and reports the enemy broke up their encampment in town, and withdrew 3 miles toward Cape Girardean, where they halted and formed, but had not encamped. From all the information Colonel Smart can gather, he believes this to be the same force that was at Pat- terson, and does not exceed, at the utmost, 10,000. I sent Lieutenant-Colonel Chandler, with two battalions of the Sev- enth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, after the party threatening the bridges. He left at 10 this morning, moving via Farmington. Have not yet heard from him. I telegraphed General Curtis my information from Colonel Smart, and asking if I should attack at Fredericktown to-morrow morning. Can there not be concert with McNeil? See dispatch to General Curtis and direct me. Flag of truce sent to Fredericktown to-day may delay the movement. WM. YANDEVER, Brigadier- Ge oral. Brigadier-General DAVIDSON, Saint Louis, Jib. FREDERIOKTOWN, Mo., April 25, 18637 p. m. GENERAL: Just arrived. Marmaduke left yesterday in direction of Cape Girardean. Camped last night 8 miles east of this. I am after him. Cannot McNeil co-operate? Remain here till morning. Respectfully, WM. YANDEVER, Brigadier-General. Brigadier-General DAVIDSON, Saint Louis, Mo. NEAR FREDERIORTOWN, Mo., April 25, 186311.20 p. m. GENERAL: Yours received.t The party attacked bridges yesterday afternoon, and were repulsed with some loss. They are now trying to effect their retreat, and Chandler and Lisenby ought and I trust will annihilate them. Colonel Clarks regiment is on the bridges, I nnder- stand. All pursuing Marmaduke toward Cape Girardeau. WM. YAI4DEYER, Major-General HERRON. Brigadier- General. See Addenda, p. 279. t Not found. 18 R RYOL XXIII PT Page 274 274 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T.~ AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAr. XXXIY. TJIDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Near White Water, Mo., April 27, 1863. GENERAL: Came upon the enemy last evening at 9 oclock, near Jack- son, to which place they had fallen back after attacking Cape Girar- dean. With the First Iowa Cavalry, I charged the enemys camp, driving him beyond the town. The enemy suffered in killed and wounded, and we captured a large number of horses and other property. I lost no men. At 6 oclock in the morning I entered the town and found the enemy posted in force 1 mile out on the Bloomington road. Opened upon him with artillery. He made no reply, but moved off, and I pursued. The enemy moved with baggage trains and artillery in front, defending his rear by strong bodies of cavalry. Five miles out on the Bloomington road he destroyed a bridge, which delayed me one hour. I crossed and came up with him again within 3 miles of the bridge over White Water, the enemy from 6,000 to 7,000 strong. The Third Iowa Cavalry were in advance, and had a severe skirmish with the enemy before the main body came np. The enemy here rallied in considerable force, but we drove him back, and pushed on to the bridge over White Water, which we could not reach in time to prevent him from crossing. After passing this bridge the enemy destroyed it. In the last encounter we had 1 man killed and 4 men wounded, one captain and 16 privates missing, prob- ably captured, and 4 horses killed and 10 wounded. Our rations being entirely exhansted, I am obliged to pause a few hours for supplies to come up. There is a ford not far above, over which I will attempt to pass, unless I can repair the bridge within the course of the day. General McNeil joined me with his force of cavalry. I feel justified in pressing the enemy until he is punished and driven out of the State. WM. VANDEVER, Brigadier-General. Brigadier-General DAVIDSQN, Saint Louis, Mo. IIDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Camp, Six Miles from Bloomfield, Mo., April 29, 1863. GENERAL: I am now at the Castor, 6 miles from Bloomfield. The enemy still retiring. I have made a temporary halt for the purpose of closing up the column. I will advance to Bloomfield this evening, and advise you further. We have had smart skirmishing this morning at the crossing of Castor, with some few casualties. In his retreat the enemy destroyed the bridges in his rear, which we have had to repair and rebuild. I think we have run him harder than he was ever run before. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. YANDEVER, Brigadier.General. Brigadier-General DAVIDSON, Saint Louis, Mo. P. S.It is very important that the bridge across White Water should be well guarded. I respectfully suggest that the forces at Cape Girar- dean attend to that, as it is within supporting distance from there. Would it not be well also to push down toward us from Pilot Knob a strong reconnoitering party? I would like to open my line of commu- nication in that direction. Respectfully, & c., WM. YANDEVER, Brigadier~General Page 275 CHAP. XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 275 HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD, SECOND DIvIsIoN, ARMY OF THE FRONTIER. Bloomfield, April 30, 1863. GENERAL: I crossed the Castor yesterday afternoon, in face of the enemy, with a large part of my command. The stream was considera- bly swollen, and fording was difficult. The enemy had destroyed all conveniences for crossing. General McNeil, in command of the ad vance, pushed forward to within 1~ miles of this place, which was occupied by the enemy in force. The skirmishing in the evening was spirited, and the enemy retired beyond the town and assumed a position as if he intended to fight. This morn- ing I crossed the balance of my forces, and npon moving forward the enemy again retreated. The demonstrations in front appear to be merely for the purpose of protecting his rear while in retreat, and to draw us on. The enemy is retiring in the direction of Chalk Bluff, on the Saint Francis Hirer, where he undoubtedly intends to cross. His trains and most of his artillery are ahead. I shall follow him up. This afternoon I again send General McNeil forward with a strong force. All accounts agree in the statement that the enemy is 7,000 or 8,000 strong, with ten pieces of artillery, but he seems to be much demoralized. The indications are that a portion of the enemy went west from here, toward Greenville; probably one brigade. Not having received any communication from you since leaving Fred- ericktown, I am somewhat in doubt as to what your wishes and designs may be regarding operations in this district. I take the liberty ot re- marking that, if supported, an effectual advance can be speedily made into Arkansas. Forage is plenty in this direction. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. VANDEVER, Brigadier- General. Brigadier-General IDAYIDSON, Saint Louis, Mo. [Indorsementi MAY 2, 1863. Respectfully inclosed for the generals reading. Yandevers remark that, if supported, an effectual advance might b~ made into Arkansas, makes me think of my own situation last winter. With 9,000 splendid troops at my back, two gunboats and a boat-load of provisions on the White Hirer would have enabled us to make an effectual advance alsb~ I will at once send out from Pilot Knob to look out for the brigade which crossed toward Greenville. There is no apprehensioii for the Knob, even if part of the enemy should wheel that way, thinking we had robbed it of its troops. Respectfully submitted. J. W. DAVIDSON. HDQRS. SECOND DIvIsIoN, ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Chalk Bluff, Mai, 2, 1863. GENERAL: One hour ago I received your dispatch of the 30th ultimo,* per hands of Captain [H. H.] Brown, Twenty-third Missouri Volunteers. I was at the moment actively shelling the enemy across the river. I had * See p 28 Page 276 276 MO., ARK~, KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. XV. ICHAP. XXXIV. hoped to intercept him and capture his guns before crossing the Saint Francis, but his retreat was too precipitate. I have punished the enemy severely. A large number of dead and wounded strew the road. His rear guard fought us stubbornly all along the road from Jackson to this point, destroying bridges in their rear and adopting every means to re- tard our progress. Brigadier-General McNeil has greatly distinguished himself. Throughout the arduous pursuit, on account of his personal knowledge of the country, I assigned him the advance. This morning he had a horse shot from nuder him. Colonel [J. 1~I.] Glover, commanding troops from Ironton, also deserves special mention for his nndoubted bravery and skill. I would also call your special attention to the skill and bravery displayed by Colonel [0. II.] La Grange, of the First Wis- consin Cavalry, who commanded a brigade. Colonel [John C.] Black, Thirty-seventh Illinois Volunteers, brought a portion of his brigade gal- lantly in to action this morning, and deserves special mention for his services. I regret to announce the loss to-day of Lieutenant [Joseph] Eaton, of the Thirty-seventh Illinois Volunteers, killed by the prema- ture explosion of one of our own shells. Lieutenant-Colonel [Robert] Carrick, Third Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, slightly wounded. Captain Meisner, Second Missouri Artillery, chief of artillery, wounded in foot. Our whole loss in killed, wounded, and missing will not exceed 50. In obedience to your order, I am now moving to Bloomfield, from which place I will communicate further. I write this from the field almost before the sound of our artillery has ceased to echo along the valley of the Saint Francis, on the line between Arkansas and l~Iissouri. The officers and men of my command deserve the highest praise for courage and endurance displayed on the most arduous pursuit of an enemy which has characterized this war. Thanking you most sincerely for kind expressions contained in your dispatch, I am, general, most respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. VANDEVEIt, Brigadier. General. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL II. CURTIS, Commanding Department. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Bloomfield, Mo., May 4, 1863. GENERAL: I am thus far back from the pursuit of Marmaduke. I followed him to the Saint Francis River, at Chalk Bluff, which is a littlebeyondtheArkansasline,anddrovehimacross,withheavylossof men, though he contrived to save his guns. I fought him each day for a week, and kept him moving. It is two weeks to-day since I left you, and have marched in that time 275 miles, and fought the enemy where- ever I could get at him. The roads have been iu very bad condition, and, as the enemy destroyed bridges inhis rear, we had to rebuild them as we went. I think I can challenge the events of the war to show a more earnest and persistent pursuit of an enemy. Of course, men and horses halve suffered from fatigue, but the men are in the best of spirits, and feel today as though this little army could whip the whole South- ern Confederacy. I am going to Cape Girardeau, and will there tele- graph General Curtis for leave to come to Saint Louis, where I shall hope to meet you, for I think I can communicate some things which it appears to me have been overlooked. This region of country is rich, and full of corn and cattle. 4u a~iu Page 277 ~~HAP. XXXIV.] MARMADUKE7S EXPEDITION JNTO MISSOURI. 277 passing this way need not suffer. If we bive up this route to the enemy, it will enable him to approach Saint Louis nearer by land than he can by any other route, and subsist himself. A number of reasons occur to me which I could urge upon the general, verb ally, better than I can in a communication, and I am anxious to see him with you. From here the route is open to Pocahontas, Jacksonport, Batesville, or any point below on the White River. We are within reach of Crow- leys Ridge, where there are abundance of supplies, and for operations against Little Rock it is the direct route. lf Price is attempting to go to Missouri, we can turn his flank and get in his rear. A pontoon train, however, is necessary to operations down this way. My orders upon the post at Girardean about keeping us supplied with rations have not been complied with, and we are short. I am subsist. ing my men wholly on corn-meal and beef. I gather the corn in the country and grind it. I find plenty of beef. I shall be obliged to go to the Cape to refit. Dragging the artillery over heavy roads has pulled down the horses, and I must have some fresh ones; otherwise we are in good condition, except that our rations are not of the regular kind. I have regretted every step of the xVay that you were not along with the rest of the Army of the Frontier, as I believe it was the opportune moment for driving the enemy south of the Arkansas River. Pardon this hurried and ill-written communication, as I am much pressed at this time. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. VANDEVER, Brigadier. General. Maj. Gen. FRANCIS J. HERRON, Commanding Army of the Frontier. IIDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, ARMY OF THE FRO~TIuR, Bloomfteld, May 4, 1863. GENERAL: In obedience to orders from department headquarters, I have fallen back to this point, after driving the enemy from the limits of the State. I have already sent forward one brigade toward Cape Girardean, and will follow with the rest as soon as practicable, except Colonel Glovers command, which I will dispatch direct from this point to Pilot Knob, instructing him to keep out strong reconnoitering parties in the direc- tion of Greenville and Patterson, which places will be on his left flank. Colonel Glover will start in the morning. [G.] ilaucks battery, which accompanied Colonel Glover from Pilot Knob, I have ordered to report for the time being to General [J.] McNeil, who will take it to the Cape. 1 was induced to do this for the reason that I desire Colonel Glover to move with celerity. He will have Captain [0-.] Stange, with one section, and Colonel Lindsay, with two small pieces, along. Supplies have not been sent forward to me from Cape Girardean, as I have ordered them. They are understood to be on the ,way, and I am compelled to go for- ward and meet them. My men are now subsisting on corn-meal and beef alone. General McNeil will remain at Bloomfield until the morning of the 6th, when he will also move back to the Cape. The portion of my command belonging to the Army of the Frontier proper I take with me to Cape Girardeau, that being the neare8t point at which I can refit Page 278 278 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. The entire march has been arduous in the extreme, taxing the en- ergy, endurance, and bravery of officers and men to the fullest extent. Every duty has been performed with readiness and alacrity, and I feel it incumbent on me to move back with moderation, so as not to impair the efficiency of the heroic little army which I have the honor to com- mand. From the Cape I will endeavor to make a more detailed report. Herewith I send a full list of casualties. In regard to the enemys loss, I can only say that it must have been large. In one place, after a gallant charge made by Colonel Glover, with the Third Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, there were 19 of the ene- mys dead piled together. The engagement at Chalk Bluff on the morning of the 2d, was also disastrous to the enemy, as at one time I played upon him with ten pieces of artillery, before he could get out of the bottom on the oppo- site side of the river. On Sunday, the 26th ultimo, in the evening, I first struck the enemy, the First Iowa Cavalry charging his camp by moonlight, and, every day thereafter until the 2d instant, we fought him as he ran. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. YAISTDEVEIR, Brigadier. General. Brigadier-General DAVIDSON, Saint Louis, Mo. ADDENDA. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Rolla, April 20, 1863. General YANDEVER: [l] GENERAL: Marmaduke is pushing on toward Pilot Knob, and at 9.30 this evening was within 16 miles of that place, with 4,000 men and six pieces of artillery. General Curtis directs me to throw forward the cavalry to Centreville, and I have concluded to send you with the expedition. You will take all of your own cavalry, and I have ordered all of the cavalry in Third Division to report to you. Major Townsleys battalion, of First Mis- souri, will also join you in the morning. General Davidson is preparing to give them fight at Pilot Knob, and probably we can attack on the flank by way of Centreville. Should you find anything like forage at Salem or beyond that place, I will move forward the remainder of both divisions at once to support ~ on. You will take Fousts battery along. Let me know by return mes- senger how soon the cavalry can move. They should take fifteen days rations, or as near it as possible. You had, probably, better see me before starting yourself. Respectfully, F. J. HERRON, ltfajor- General, Gommanding. [SAINT LOUIS, Mo.,] April 23, 1863. General VANDEVER, Pilot Knob: Dispatch received.* You have made a gallant march. Have your Of same date. See p. 271 Page 279 CHAr. XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 279 men and horses ready for further efforts. The rebels must have no rest in Missouri. I am anxious about McNeil, who left Bloomfield when you left Bolla. [SAML. H. CURTIS,] Major- General. SAINT Loijis, Mo., April 23, 1863. Brigadier-General YANDEVER: Your message received.~ I wish you would have the Iron Mountain Railroad patrolled by cavalry on a side road as far as Irondale, 12 miles above the Knob, for the present, as the ground at the Knob is con- tracted. Ii want Tyler to go on with his defensive arrangements, as the eavalry will move as soon as the infantry arrive. Let me know if you are supplied with everything you want; if not, send up a staff officer for what you need. Even the short time you are there have drills twice a day by the troops that are not working, that the officers may be kept with their companies. I have ordered fifteen days subsistence for 45,000 men; seven days forage for 5,000 animals on hand. I think the enemys aim is to get possession of some point of the river. Smart should get intelligence of McNeil, if possible. He certainly can test the enemy at Fredericktown, and he owes it to himself and his regi. ment to do it. J. W. DAVIDSON, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, AS~aint Louis, Mo., April 24, 1863. Brigadier-General VANDEVER: Major MeConnel has been exchanged, and gives his account of the rebel force. Marmaduke has 5,000 or 6,000 and ten pieces of artillery, with no baggage. I think this is more than he has, and, no doubt, the troops are exhausted and weakened by marching. It seems to me they can be whipped badly by your forces anywhere. General McNeil is at Cape Girardean; is also pretty strong in cavalry. SAML. R. CURTIS, Major- General. [DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURi,] April 24, 1863. General MCNEIL, Cape Girardeau: Major MeConnel, who was taken prisoner by Marmaduke, is .released, and he tells me Marmaduke has some 6,000. Such reports should always be taken as extravagant. If you and Yandever could unite in a chase, you could soon drive him out of tile State. I have so said to Vandever, who is still at Pilot Knob. Marmaduke acted as though he was moving on Saint Louis, but he expected to gobble you up, which shows a different direction. [SAML. H. CURTIS,] Major. General. * Not found Page 280 280 MO., ARK., KANS, IND. T., AND DEPT. N. XV. [CHAP. XXXIV. SAINT Louis, Mo., April 25, 1863. Brigadier-General VANDEVER, Fredericktown: Will move toward you in the morning. Gunboats will reach you, from Cairo, to-night. Be ready, with your cavalry and light artillery, haversacks filled, to fight or pursue, as occasion may offer. My chief of artillery says you caii, with your troops and guns, resist 15,000. In- struct your gunners always to try to hit enemys guns cool and steady. General, the God of battles be with you. SAML. R. CURTIS, (Same to General McNeil, Cape Girardean.) Major. General. SAINT Louis, Mo., April 25, 1863. General VANDEVER, Prederiektown: General McNeil expeots to be attacked at daylight to-morrow on both Jackson and Bloomfield roads, by two columns. I am sending hini troops by water. If you can cut your way into Girardeau, to help, I think it would be well. SAML. R. CURTIS, ]Jliajor- General. SAINT Louis, Mo., April 25, 1863. General VANDEVER: I would not, under the last information you have, leave Pilot Knob, for I have reports just in from McNeil. He says the enemy is moving on him from the southwest, 4,000 strong, and have driven in his out- posts on the Fredericktown road and on the White Water. J. W. DAVIDSON, Brigadier- General. SAINT Louis, Mo., April 25, 18639 a. m. General VANDEVER, Pilot Knob, Mo.: Have you moved against the enemy ~ Official report from a recon- naissance sent by boat to the Cape shows the enemy at three points on the river: Neeleys Landing, 20 miles above the Cape; at Saint Marys, and near Saint Genevieve. The idea seems to be that they want to seize boats for their stores, while they get off the lead at Fredericktown. It is left to your judgment whether you had better move on them with your cavalry and artillery, via Fredericktown. J. W. DAVIDSON, Brigadier- General. HEADQuARTERS, & aint Louis, Mo., April 25, 1863. Brigadier-General VANDEVER, Commanding: From what you can learn below, do you suspect the existence of co-operation in this city with Marmaduke by a plan to rise here co- incident with his approach ~l I have warning of such, and have taken precaution. J~ W. DAVIDSON, Brigadier. General Page 281 CHAr. XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 281 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Rolla, Mo., April 25, 1863. General VANDEVER: I sent the infantry regiments of your division to Pilot Knob yester- day, to operate as Second Division, Army of the Frontier. I have scouts out to watch the bridges on Southwest Branch, Pacific road. Keep me posted. The probability is that I will move from there to Pilot Knob with balance of command, and take your transportation with me. We are reducing baggage and issuing shelter tents. Nothing new from Southwest. F. J. HER LION, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Saint Louis, Mo., April 25, 1863. General YANDEVER: Dispatch* received. Exercise your own discretion. Bleed the enemy, if you can, and punish his impudence. N. P. CIIIPMAN, Golonel and Chief of Staff. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Jackson, Mo., A 27, 1863. Brig. Gen. JOHN MCNEIL: General Yandever directs me to inform you that he is in pursuit of the fleeing enemy on the Bloomfield road, under the belief that they were escaping, via Dallas. Last night he attacked a camp of them 24- miles west of here, ordering the First Iowa, under Major [Joseph W.] Cald- well, to charge them with saber and pistol. This was gallantly done by moonlight, and was entirely successful. Our prisoners number some 40 already, and more are being brought in. A large quantity of horses, saddles, and arms were secured. The cannonading at the Cape yesterday was heard by our advance about noon yesterday, and under its influence we traveled yesterday 40 miles. Can you, by moving out on Bloomfield road, cut retreat ~ Yery respectfully, LUCIEN J. BARNES, Major and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 30, 1863. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM YANDEVER, Bloomfield, Mo.: GENERAL: I have just seen yours of the 28th to General Davidson, asking for your transportation, and saying you will occupy Bloomfield. There is nothing to be gained by an occupation of Bloomfield. If the rebels have got out of your reach, you will immediately fall back to Pilot Knob or Cape Girardeau, whichever is most convenient. I would rather you would be at Pilot Knob, where you can report to General Herron, and immediately to this place, with a view to completely re- pairing all damage arising from your recent hard and very successful campaign~ _________ Of Apr11 24. See p. 272 Page 282 282 MO., ARK., KAN8., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. tOHAP. XXXIV. I have ordered a move out from New Madrid to cut off the rebel retreat, and before this reaches you I suppose all our efforts against Marmaduke will be at an end. Tender my thanks, general, to the officers and soldiers of your com- mand, for the energy, courage, and victories they have won. General McNeils gallantry will deserve a separate and special notice. You have added to your former well-earned distinctions in the field, and your State and country are proud of such a soldier. I remain, very truly, your friend and fellow-soldier, SAML. R. CURTIS, Major-General. Itinerary of the & cond Division, Army of the Frontier, April 4May 2, 1863.* April 46.Marched from Elk Creek to Camp Totten, 10 miles south. west of Rolla, 55 miles. April 9.Brig. Gen. William Yandever arrived and assumed com~ inand. April 2123.Brigadier-General Vandever, with all the cavalry of the division and Battery E, First Missouri Artillery, marched to Pilot Knob to meet a cavalry raid under General Marmaduke. April 26.Moved on toward Cape Girardean in pursuit of the enemy. Marched 40 miles, over bad roads considerable of the way. Within 5 miles of Jackson captured a few straggling rebels. Within 2~ miles of Jackson, at 9p. in., found the enemy in some force. Sent the First Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, Major [Joseph W.] Caldwell, in with the saber by moonlight, and scattered a brigade of the enemy, making considerable captures of prisoners and horses; used artillery that the garrison at Cape Girardean, General McNeil commanding, might be apprised of our presence and act accordingly. 1W they had moved out properly, Marmaduke would have been captured. April 27.The enemy, finding us in possession of his desired line of retreat via the Dallas pike, from which the First Iowa Cavalry had driven a brigade, was compelled to take the road due south from Jackson, which he did, destroying all bridges in his rear. We pursued him vig- orously, skirmishing several times, killing a few and capturing some prisoners. Marched 15 miles; found the enemy had escaped over the White Water (not fordable), and destroyed one span of the bridge. Before leaving Jackson, a messenger was sent to Cape Girardeau, ordering General McNeil to move out rapidly on the Bloomfield road and get the road near White Water ahead of the enemy and cut off his retreat. Although General McNeil had but 9 miles to march, over a macadamized road, to do this, he did not reach the intersection until after the enemy had all passed and our troops arrived at the river. This was unfortunate, and guaranteed to the enemy his escape, unless perchance the Castor River should not be fordable, and we could com- pel him to fight before crossing that stream. Tbe bridge over White Water was therefore ordered to be repaired, which was done early on the morning of the 28th, in the face of the enemys rear guard. April 28.The command crossed the White Water and pushed through the desperate swamps for 5 miles to higher ground, and, on General McNeil having been recently stationed at Bloomfield, and his command knowing the country, was given the advance, with instruc * From Record of Events, on return for month of April, 1863 Page 283 CHAP. XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 283 tions to pursue as rapidly as possible to the Castor. However, the enemy made good his escape over that river. Marched 26 miles. April 29.The crossing of Castor was successfully effected in the face of a strong rear guard of the enemy, and the advance of the com- mand moved a few miles toward Bloomfield, skirmishing nearly all the way with the enemy and occasionally taking a few prisoners. The com- mand did not all pass the river during the day, as it rose so as to be unfordable and one floating bridge had been swept away. Marched 8 miles, and captured Marmadukes b6dy-servant, Bill. April 30.Enough of the command having crossed the Castor, an advance ~ras ordered, and the enemy was driven out of Bloomfield and the place occupied by our forces about noon. A command was organ- ized from the most fresh troops to march at 9 p. in., under General Mc- Neil, in pursuit of the enemy; who had taken the road to Chalk BluIL There was still a faint hope that by pushing him hard he would be com- pelled to leave his artillery in our hands. Therefore the pursuit was continued, and early in May, after a few brilliant charges of his rear guard, Marmaduke was driven across the Saint Francisat Chalk Bluff and out of Missouri. In this pursuit and the attack on the enemys rear, Col. John M. Glover, Third Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, distin. guished himself with his regiment. No. 12. Reports of Brig. Gen. Alexander Asboth, U. S. Army, commanding at Columbus, Ky., of co-operation with McNeil. IIDQRS. SIXTH DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Columbus, Ky., April 26, 1863. GENERAL: Lieutenant Livingston, aide-de-camp to Brigadier.Gen- eral Montgomery, has just arrived from Cairo, and reports that heavy artillery firing commenced early this morning at Cape Girardean, and has continued all day. I would be glad to take the enemy in the rear, but my troops here are all provided with condemned arms, worthless in the field. The Bostona No. 2 is now at landing, with over 10,000 stand of good arms and ammu- nition, consigned to Capt. J. P. Harper, Memphis. Can I take 3,000 stand and ammunition for my troops, and will you give your consent to the movemeut proposed ~ I will, in anticipation, take steps immediately to secure transporta- tion. ASBOTH, Brigadier- General. Major-General IIIJRLBUT, Memphis, Tenn. MEMPHIS, April 26, 186311 p. m. Brig. Gen. A. AsROTH: The commanding general directs that if you are sure there is a real attack, you will take 3,000 stand of arms and move up. Respectfully, HENRY BINMORE, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 284 284 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEI~T. N. XV. [CHAP. xxxiv. TJDQES. SIXTH DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY Cours Columbus, Ky., April 27, 1803. COLONEL: At the urgent solicitation of Brig. Gen. John McNeil, com- manding at Cape Girardeau, I h ave this morning sent him two regi- ments of infantry, a section of artillery, and 100,000 rounds of ammu- nition for his command, with directions to send back the troops as soon as re-enforced by Brigadier- General Yandever, which he expected to-day. General McNeil wrote me that he ]iad been attacked by Marmaduke, rigades, 8,000 men an with four b , d repulsed him, but would be attacked again. As my troops here were all provided with condemned arms, I consid- ered it necessary to take from a large lot of good arms on steamer Bostona No. 2, consigned to Captain flarper, Memphis, 3,000 Enfield rifled muskets, as alluded to in yesterday~s telegram, and had my ex- planatory report ready to send by Bostona, but she left from the lower depot without orders or permission. The report will be sent by first boat. ASBOTH, Lieutenant-Colonel BINNORE, Brigadier- General. Assistant Adjutant- General, Memphis, Tenn. ADDENDA. SAINT LouIs, April 27, 1863. General ASBOTH: My troops have routed the rebels near Cape Girardeau, and they retreated toward Chalk Bluff. Even a small additional force at New Madrid would admit of a successful move from that point. There is some trouble crossing Little River, but this makes it safe if the enemy goes down on the west side of Little River. SAML. P. CURTIS, Major- General. SAINT LouIs, April 27, 1863. General ASBOTH: If you can send force to Chalk Bluff via New Madrid, you may take Marmaduke in flank, or cut off his retreat. Some artillery and cavalry would be necessary. The river swamp would be the proper base to hold, while light troops act toward Chalk Bluff and New Madrid. In- fantry will co-operate. SAML. R. CURTIS, Major- General. linQus. SIXTH DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CoRPs, Columbus, April 27, 1863. GENERAL: I this morning sent two regiments of infantry, two com- panies of cavalry, a section of artillery, and 100,000 rounds of small- arm ammunition to Brigadier-General McNeil, at Cape Girardeau, being all in my power to accomplish, having no more infantry or artillery that can be sent, which I regret exceedingly. I will inimediately secure transportation, and send six companies of cavalry to New Madrid, to operate as desired by you, as far as possible. ASBOTH, Brigadier. General. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS, & (int Louis, Mo Page 285 CHAP. XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 285 IIDQRS. SIXTI-I DIVISIoN, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Columbus, April 28, 18632.15 p. m. GENERAL: Six companies of the Fourth Missouri Cavalry, Major Langen commanding, left last evening for New Madrid, with orders to co-operate with the commander of that post. The rebels being re- pulsed from Cape Girardean, I request that my troops sent yesterday morning may be immediately ordered back. An action is now going on in the direction of Charleston, the cannonading being very distinct. I hope my cavalry is at work, and I have ordered General Buford to inform General McNeil of their cooperation. ASBOTH, Brigadier- General. Major-General CURTIS, Saint Louis. SAINT Loujs, April 28, 1863. General ASBOTH: GENERAL: Your troops sent to Cape Girardean have started back. Accept my thanks for this and other favors. Press the New Madrid movement. The rebels made a stand for several hours yesterday, but, finally retired and retreated toward Bloomfield. There must be a pretty strong force. SAML. H. CURTIS, Brigadier- General. No. 13. Report of Brig. Gem J. S. Marmaduke, C. S. Army, commanding e~pedition. HEADQUARTERS MARMADUKES DIVISION, Jaeksonport, Ark., May 20, 1863. MAJOR: I have the honor to report, briefly, th~ movements of my division in the late expedition into Missouri. My command consisted of the following brigades: Shelbys Missouri cavalry brigade, Greenes Missouri cavalry brigade, Carters Texas cavalry brigade, and Bnrbridges brigade, composed of Burbridges Missouri cavalry regiment and Newtons Arkansas cavalry regiment. My whole strength was about 5,000 men, eight pieces of field artillery, and two light mountain pieces. Of this force about 1,200 were unarmed and 900 dismounted. Of those armed, the greater part had~ shot-guns; some were armed with Enfleld rifles and Mississippi rifles, and some with common squirrel rifles. I carried with me the unarmed and dis- mounted men for two reasons: First, with the hope of arming and mounting them, and, second, knowing, from the great anxiety of all to go into Missouri, that, if left behind, many would probably desert, I therefore deemed it most advisable to take them with me, lioping to be able to arm and mount them. I concentrated my division on Eleven Points River, and intended marching in the direction of Rolla, but found it impossible to do so. The country for at least 100 miles was without forage or subsistence, it having been destroyed to prevent raids or army movements. I then determined to march to the east of Ironton, capture the outpost (a regiment) at Patterson, and strike [John] McNeil, who was at Bloomfield, with a force I estimated to be about 2,000, cav- alry, infantry, and artillery. I anticipated that McNeil, on hearing of ~ny move, would make forced marches to reach Ironton before I coul Page 286 286 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [OflAr. XXXIV. cut him off. If successful in capturing McNeils forces, I anticipated that my whole command could be well armed and finely mounted for vigorous action. It was impossible, on account of forage and subsist- ence, to march the whole division by one route on Patterson. And I furthermore desired to make demonstrati6ns, as if a large force of in- fantry and cavalry were invading the State via Thomasville, Houston, and to the west of iRolla, expecting by this means to withdraw all their forces from Northern Arkansas and extreme Southwest Missouri, and at the same time throw the forces about Ironton, Patterson, and Bloom- field off their guard until I had gained a position to surprise or cut off the forces at Patterson and Bloomfield, and thence move northward be- tween Saint Louis and Ironton, if I deemed it advisable. I divided the command into two columns: One under Shelby, composed of Shelbys and Burbridges brigades, to march via Van Buren, Mo., and reach Pat- terson on the evening of April 20; the other, under Carter, composed of Carters and Greenes brigades, to march via Doniphan and reach Patterson the same evening. Shelby had instructions to throw out scouts well to his left, to create the impression of a force moving north- westerly. I marched with Carters column. us route was the shortest and most secret. With a part of his column I intended to surprise and capture Patterson, and from thence to strike McNeil. About midnight April 19, when 30 miles distant from Patterson, Carter detached Lieutenant-Colonel [D. C.] Giddingsin command of his regiment (about 450 men), iReves independent company of spies and guides, and two pieces of [J. II.] Pratts batteryto move rapidly, cautiously, and secretly by a more direct and unfrequented route to sur- prise Patterson. When 12 miles from Patterson, about daylight, Colo- nel Giddings surprised and handsomely captured the whole Federal picket from Pattersoni lieutenant and 24 men. He marched on, and could have successfully surprised the whole garrison, but that he moved too slowly; did not take sufficient risk for the nature of his expedi- tion, and allowed his artillery to open when within 2 miles of the fort. The troops there (about 600 cavalry, under Colonel Smart) took the alarm, and precipitately fled to Pilot Knob, burning everything they could, but leaving behind a large supply of subsistence and some quar- termasters stores. Colonel Giddings pursued them vigorously for 7 miles, killing, wounding, and capturing a number. All the prisoners taken except those in hospital I paroled. On the evening of the 20th, as ordered, the two columns entered Pat- terson. Colonel Shelbys column encountered a Federal picket from Patterson,and killed or captured 8 or 10 of them. On the 21st, I ordered Carters column to march against McNeil in the direction of Bloomfield, and Shelbys column to march on Frederick- town, supposing that McNeil would attempt to make his escape to Iron- ton. If he remained in Bloomfield, Carter would whip him, and if he attempted to get to Ironton, Shelby would capture him. Shelbys column surprised Fredericktown on the morning of April 22, capturing dispatches ordering McNeil to Ironton. He was expected at Fredericktown on the 22d. McNeil left Bloomfield on the 21st, abandoning and burning a large amount of quartermasters and commissary stores en route for Pilot Knob via Dallas. On the 22d, he learned of Shelbys column, and retreated hastily to- ward Cape Girardean. Carter pursued him, hoping to prevent his reach- ingthere, but was too late, owing to high water, marshes, and bad roads, besides having a longer route to march, with horses very much wor Page 287 XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 287 down by forced marches and want of forage. En route to Cape Girar dean, Carter with a small detachment of men charged and captured Captain [Stephen V.] Shipman and 40 men out of a guard of 60 men. I kept Shelbys column near Fredericktown, marching daily a few miles toward Cape Girardean to catch McNeil if he marched toward ironton, and to await information from Carter (whose dispatch bearers were cap- tured by the enemy) and the junction of his column, and also to watch and learn of the movements of the Federals in the direction of Ironton. From Fredericktown I sent out a detachment of 90 men, under com- mand of Captains [William T.] Lineback and [J. M.] Muse and Lieu- tenant [Josiah L.] Bledsoe, with instructions to burn and destroy the bridges over Big Creek, on the Iron Mountain and Saint Louis Railroad. They found a guard stationed at the point indicated of 250 or 300 men, whom they at once vigorously attacked, killing, wounding, and cap- turing several, and succeeded in leaving one of the three bridges in flames. This detachment afterward rejoined their command at Bloom- field, having accomplished their work in a dashing manner. On the 25th, I received dispatches from Carter that he had pursued McNeil to within 4 miles of Cape Girardean. I immediately ordered Shelby to make a night march (some 30 miles) to Cape Girardean, in order to form a junction with Carter. On learning the Federal forces were in the fortifications, I deemed it unwise to attack and storm the place. I so informed Colonel Shelby, and ordered him on the Jackson and Cape Girardean road, to make a demonstration against the enemy, while I withdrew Carter by the Bloomfield road, intending to unite the columns at Jackson. Shelbys demonstration amounted almost to an attack. I deemed it necessary to bring Carters column up to his sup- port. I moved rapidly toward Shelbys column, and on arriving found that Shelby had driven the enemys pickets and advanced forces into their works; that the enemy were admirably posted, possessing great natural advantages in position, supported by four large forts mounted with heavy guns, field artillery, and about 3,000 infantry and cavalry. As soon as the two columns had united, I withdrew toward and en- camped them around Jackson. On the night of the 26th, a force of about 3,500 cavalry and artillery, under General Vandever, attacked Newtons regiment, who were en- camped on the Jackson and Fredericktown road. Newtons loss was 2 killed and 6 or 8 wounded or captured. In the mean time McNeil had been heavily re-enforced by water. On the morning of the 27th, I found myself between two forcesMc- Neil on the east and Vandever on the westeither outnumbering my force, and both prepared to attack me simultaneously. At daylight I ordered my forces in retreat southward via bridge over White Water, Bloomfield, and crossing of Saint Francis at Chalk Bluff. Vandever and McNeil, with their combined force, pursued me. My effective fight- ing force did not exceed 3,500. The enemy had about 8,0004,500 cav- alry, 3,500 infantry, and fifteen pieces of artillery. I anticipated no dam- age or trouble except in crossing Saint Francis River, which was much swollen, rapid, nubridged, and no ferry-boats on it. When I commenced my retreat, I ordered details of the unarmed and non-effective to proceed rapidly to Chalk Bluff, under charge of my division quartermaster, to construct rafts for crossing. My retreat was orderly and slow. Van- dever and McNeil did not seem anxious for a fight. Light rear-guard fighting was of daily occurrence. Shelbys or Carters brigades were habitually in the rear and always did their duty. On several occasions I offered battle when the advantages in position were greatly in my favor. My object was to give ample.time to the bridge party Page 288 288 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. XV. [CIL& P. XXXIV. My division reached Chalk Bluff the evening of May 1. I dismounted the greater part of my command, selected a strong position about 4 miles from the crossing, where I formed line of battle to resist the advance of the enemy till my wagons, horses, and artillery had crossed. A little before day I quietly withdrew the men, and by sun-up my whole com- mand was safely across. The pursuit here ceased. My loss in the expedition is some 30 kilred, 60 wounded, and 120 miss- ing (stragglers), perhaps captured. I gained on the raid about 150 recruits and a great improvement in the number and quality of horses. The Federal loss must have been at least five times as great a~ mine in killed and wounded. In every instance when he made the attack he was repulsed. The officers and men deserve special mention for their bravery, steadi- ness, and endurance. At no time were they in the least demoralized, but were always willing, even anxious, to fight. I submit herewith a report of the brigade commanders. I will for- ward as soon as prepared the names of the killed, wounded, and miss- ing of my command; also a list of Federal prisoners paroled. Very respectfully, J. S. MARMADUKE, Brigadier- Genr:ral, Commanding. Maj. W. B. BLAIR, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Indorsement.] IIDQRS. DEPT. TRAT~S-MISS., Shreveport, La., June 4,1863. Respectfully forwarded. The expedition under General Marmaduke into Missouri was made more particularly on account of the scarcity of forage in Arkansas, it being deemed probable that he would be able to sustain himself, and thereby relieve Arkansas in a great degree of the large amount of forage it was supplying the army in that section. E. KIRBY SMITH, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. ADDENDA. Return of Casualties in Alarmadukes cavalry division during the expedition. [Compiled from nominal lists.] Killed. Wounded. Missing. Command. . a ~ n be 0 0 0 ~ Shelbys brigade: Gordons regiment 2 3 10 29 44 Jeans regiment 1 1 ~ 3 14 Tliompsons regiment I 1 5 10 16 Elliotts battalion 2 :::. 2 6 Collins battery I Carters brigade: 19th Texas (Burfords) 5 1 18 . 9 31 21st Texas (Carters) 1 5 JO 1 17 Morganssquadroa 1 3 4 Bnrbridges brigade: Burbridges regiment 1 6 Newtons regiment* 1 2 5 3 II Kitchens battalion 2 2 4 Totalt 1 14 12 73 61 161 5Lient. John Edwards accidentally killed. t No report from Greenes brigade Page 289 Caip. XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 289 No. 14. Report of (Jol. U. W. Thompson, Sixth Missouri Cavalry (Confederate), commanding Shelbys brigade. HEADQUARTERS SHELBYS BRIGADE, May 15, 1863. SIR: On the morning of April 18, last, while General Marmadukes cavalry division of the army was en route for Missouri, I received orders from Col. Joseph 0. Shelby to take command of the brigade formerly commanded by himself, and, in obedience to said orders, did take com- mand. I now have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by it on the last raid made into Missouri: The troops composing this brigade are Lieutenant-Colonel [B. F.] Gordons, Colonel [Beal G.] Jeans, and my own regiment, with Major Shanks battalion, and Captain [H. A.] Collins battery of four guns (two Parrott guns, one brass and one iron 6-pounder), the effective force numbering about 1,250 men. Our route lay over a very barren country, almost destitute of provisions and forage, and save the arresting of a number of the enrolled militia, nothing of importance occurred until the morning of the 20th, when, after a forced march and to within some 8 miles of the village of Patter- son, in [Wayne] County, Missouri, Maj. ID. Shanks, with his battalion, forming the advance guard, surprised, and, after exchanging a few shots, captured the enemys entire picket guard of 8 men, together with their arms and horses. Here Capt. Heck Johnson, a good and gallant man, was severely wounded. Learning there was but one picket stand be- tween us and the town, and having so completely surprised their pick- ets, and, in fact, the entire country through which we passed, a complete surprise and capture of the Federal fort and forces was deemed certain. So elated were the troops of my command with the bri~ht prospects before them, they moved with renewed euergy and determination. At 3 p. in. my advance arrived to within 3 miles of town, and to our chagrin and supreme annoyance we learned the enemy, having taken fright from some cause or other, had set fire to the town, and in terror fled in the direction of Ironton. Before reaching the town the dense columns of smoke but too plainly told the information received to be correct. On my arrival, I found General Marinaduke and the division under Colonel Carter occupying the place. On the following morning, with my brigade in the rear, we crossed the Saint Francis River, en route for Fredericktown, Mo., which place we arrived at on the evening of the 22d, surprising the place, capturing the bogus Gamble sheriff, telegraph operator, and a number of the enrolled tory militia. On the night of the 23d, a detachment of 90 men, under Lieutenant I J. L.] Bledsoe, of Gordons regiment, and Lieutenant [J. M.] Wills, of my own regiment (now commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel [J. C.] looper), all under command of the gallant Captain [J. M.] Muse, of the First Regiment Missouri Infantry, with instructions from Colonel Shelby, were sent on an expedition to the Iron Mountain Railroad for the purpose of destroying certain bridges over which said road passed. This I considered truly a hazardous enterprise, and one fraught with much peril and hardship, as the country through which they would have to pass was filled with bodies of tory militia, and all the bridges guarded by large bodies of infantry. However, after an absence of 19 R RYOL XXII, PT Page 290 290 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. several days the command returned and reported having burned the extensive bridge over Mill Creek after a spirited fight, in which the frightened enemy were scattered in wild confusion. Our loss during this expedition was 1 killed and several wounded; that of the enemy several killed and many wounded. This I consider a most daring adventure, reflecting great credit upon both officers and men. While encamped here and in the vicinity, quite a number of men were recruited for the service, and our scouts continued to bring in squads of the tory militia, who were generally paroled and set at liberty. On the evening of the 25th, we again took up the line of march, which was continued throughout the entire night, and, as red-eyed morning peeped out of the cloud-curtained window of the east, our advance, under Major Shanks, entered the sleeping village of Old Jackson. Pushing on to a point 4 miles from town, the command was halted, where both men and horses partook of a hasty meal, during which time a heavy fall of rain drenched to the skin my weary men. At about 8 oclock, I received orders from Colonel Shelby to move my command, which was immediately executed, and, when arriving within 3 miles of Cape Girardean, my advance, yet under command of Major Shanks, encountered and drove in, at a rapid pace, the enemys pickets, nor gave up the chase until the enemy opened upon them with shot and shell from the commanding heights encircling and overlooking the town. At the base of this chain of hills, the sloping sides of which were open fields, over which ran the main road, I formed my command in line of battle in the following order, viz: Forming Major Shanks battalion to the left of the road, and on the extreme left of the line, with his left resting upon the woods; upon his right rested my own regiment, while Captain Collins battery wheeled into line, with one gun in the road and the other three into line in the small field to the right; Colonel Jeans, with his regiment dismounted, formed in the woods, with his left rest- ing upon the battery, while Colonel Gordon, with his regiment also (tis- mounted, formed the extreme right of my lines. Captain Collins bat- tery, although greatly exposed to a cross-fire froni the enemys heavy guns, gallantly maintained its position and thundered forth a reply searchingly inquisitive. The roar of artillery now became constant. The enemys heavy guns from the forts on the apex of the hill over- looking our extreme left hurled their heavy shot and screaming shell furiously at our little battery, but with no other effect than slightly wounding 3 men and killing 3 battery horses. The enemys skirmishers, occupying the woods in front of Colonels Jeans and Gordons regiments, opened upon them a brisk fire, but were almost instantly dislodged by the two regiments advancing at a charge, driving them, in wild dis- order, across the open field and behind the crest of the hill. Here we captured several prisoners. My own regiment, having beTh dismounted, I now ordered around into position on Colonel Gordons right, and moved the battery to a position in the corner of the woods and to the right of my regiment, it being supported on the right by Colonel [J. Q.J Burbridges brigade. Again the firing became constant and terrific, as if the momentary lull only gave strength and vigor to the contest. The enemy~s forts and batteries continued to play upon our battery for more than one hour without intermission, and now and then swept the woods with shell and shot, canister and grape, while the Minic balls caine hissing a treble to the music of the roar. During this severe contest, Major [Y. H.] Blackwell, Adjutant [John N.] Edwards, and Lieutenant [William H.] Ferrell, of Colonel Gordons regiment, and Captain [II. M.] Woodsmahl, of Colonel Jeans regiment Page 291 CHAP. XXXIV.J MARMADUKES EXPEDITION I~TO MISSOURI. 291 fell, severely wounded, while gallantly leading and encouraging their men upon the field. My loss here was 3 killed and 35 wounded, the en- gagement lasting about two and one-half hours, when J received orders from Colonel Shelby to withdraw my forces, which was done quietly and in perfect order. I may be permitted to remark here, in my judgment it would have been impossible to have taken the place without charging it in force, and to have done this, under the circumstances, would have been wanton butchery and slaughter. And here would 1 say, with a few exceptions, no body of men ever acte(l with more coolness or bravery than did the officers and men on this occasion. Every movement was skillfully ex- ecuted and order promptly obeyed. Falling back without annoyance, my command encamped for the night near Old Jackson, and on the following morning resumed our march, takiug the Bloomfield road. On the evening of the 28th, my command, forming the rear guard, crossed the Castor River by fording, it being very deep and rising from the heavy rains of the day. Here we found a large new bridge being constructed and an old pontoon floating moored to the bank, both of which we completely destroyed; and leaving Captains [D. A.] Williams and [W. P.] Norman, of my regiment, and Captain [G. BJ Webb, of Jeans regiment, with their companies, under command of Major [M. W.] Smith, of my regiment, to guard the crossing, we encamped for the night 2 miles beyond. Early the next morning, learning the enemy were following in force, I determined to contest their passage at the ford, and therefore took with me, to re-enforce the guards, the companies of my regiment commanded by Captains [John C.] Toney, [Isham J.] West, and [John T.] Crisp, and placed them at such points as I deemed the most advantageous. Be- fore reaching the river, however, the advance of the enemy had ap- proached and opened a brisk fire upon the guards, which was promptly returned, when heavy skirmishing became general along the lines, which continued about one hour when the enemy opened upon us with two pieces of artillery, which was soon increased to four, and with which the woods skirting the bank of the stream in which my men lay con- cealed were raked by showers of grape and canister. Major [M. W.] Smith, having formed Captain Toneys company up the river and above the upper ford, and Captain [D. A.] Williams at the lower ford, with Captain [G. B.] Webb in the center, held Captain [W. P.] Normans company mounted as a reserve, yet warmly engaged during most of the time. in this position we continued to hold our ground under a most galling fire, repeatedly driving the enemy beyond the range of our mur- derous fire during the time. The enemy, seemingly in a fit of desper- ation, ran their battery upon the high bank overlooking the stream, when a well-directed fire from Captain Toneys sharpshooters drove them in dismay out of sight, leaving several of their battery horses dead upon the ground. For three hours the contest continued, the chivalrous Major Smith, with the gallant officers and men under him, continuing to hold the fords, when I received an order from General Marmaduke to withdraw my forces and abandon it, which was done, losing only 1 man, dangerously wounded in the engagement. Loss of the enemy not known. Moving quietly on, I continued with the rear until we crossed the bridge near Bloomfield, which I caused to be torn down and destroyed. On my arrival at Bloomfield, it having been determined to give them battle, a line was accordingly formed, my brigade dismounted and oce Page 292 292 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CIIAr. XXXIV. pying the central and front positions on the sloping ridge adjacent to the house of Mr. ,in the suburbs of the town, and commanding the main road, or entrance thereto. After putting out flankers to the right and left, and skirmishers and sharpshooters well to the front, under the command of Captain [John] Thrailkill, of the First Missouri Cavalry, First Brigade, and near the bridge just destroyed, we patiently awaited the approach of the enemy, determined to win a Victory upon the grounds so recently deserted by the criminal outlaw and tory leader, General McNeil. Thus we remained until late in the evening, when a body of the enemys advance cavalry, reconnoitering, received a well-directed fire from our sharpshooters, emptying several saddles and sending ofi~ their horses riderless. A recall from their bugles relieved our lines from further annoyance during the night. My command lay in line of battle and upon their arms during the night, and until 10 oclock the next day, when, the enemy studiously avoiding any further demonstration, and in obedience to orders, I directed my brigade to mount their horses, and once more took up the line of march. After withdrawing my skirmishers and sharpshooters, the enemy furiously shelled the woods recently occupied by them, but made no further dem. onstrations nntil the morning of May 2, when a courier brought the intelligence that the enemy was annoying the rear guard of the army. Coming to a broken section of country, it was determined once more to offer them battle, but before the line ef battle was completed it was determined to move on to a more eligible position, as being nearer and more convenient to the crossing of the Saint Francis mver. My com- mand having moved out, and just as the rear of Colonel Gordons regi- ment was passing into the road, a body of the enemys cavalry dashed into Colonel Carters command, driving his rear guard before them and firing recklessly as they came. This created some confusion, which was soon allayed, and the enemy, with considerable loss, driven back by Carters command. Halting the three rear companies of Colonel Gor- dons regiment, commanded, respectively, by Captains [W. S.] Bullard and [W. Th] Edwards, and Lieutenant Bledsoe, I Thrmed and held them as a reserve until the entire army had l)asse(l, when the enemy again advanced, and after exchanging a heavy fire the enemy fell back; nor did they attempt the experiment again. My loss here was 3 wounded, 2 severely. Continuing our march to within 3 miles of the river, I again received orders to form my command in line of battle, which was promptly done, hey being dismounted and the horses sent to the river by the unarmed men, to be crossed over, the ordnance and baggage wagons having gone on in front of the army. Placing out skirmishers and sharpshooters, we again awaited their coming. Noon passed and the evening wore on to near its wane, when a few random shots in the distance told of their cautious approach. Soon, however, the firing increased in the advance of my center, and as it advanced became more constant and determined, until within about 300 yards of my lines, when it became severe and obstinate. Masking Captain Collins battery behind a small body of cav- alry formed across the road, I anxiously awaited a dash of their cavalry; but finding the enemy more tender-footed than in the morning, gave up the hope of a charge by them. Here Captain Collins opened a scathing lire upon their heavy body of skirmishers and sharpshooters, completely routing and scattering them. They now opened upon us with a few l)ieces of artillery, but none of my command being in the tree-tops no (lamage was done. Captain Collins sendino- a few whistling shots from his rifled guns and shells from his iron and brrss Os in close proximit Page 293 CHAP. XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 293 to their battery, they withdrew, it is supposed, in supreme disgust, as nothing further was heard from them during the night. With nothing to eat since early morning, we remained in line of battle until night, when the stillness became almost oppressive. About midnight the guns from our battery, one by one, silently withdrew; then regiment after regiment followed so silently the drowsy ear of night was scarcely dis- turbed. Upon arriving at the river, my command marched over npon a floating raft or pontoon which had been improvised for the occasion, and by 3 a. in. my entire command was safely over. At about 10 oclock, our battery firing them a farewell shot, my com- mand moved off, leaving them alone in their glory. They did not pur- sue us with the spirit and determination of brave men fighting in a just cause, but prowled in the rear of our army like a band of wolves and jackals. Nothing further of importance occurred until the morning of the 6th, when my command entered the almost impenetrable swamps through which the Cache Itiver winds its devious, sluggish, sickly way. Day after day, in mud and water, with artillery, baggage, and ammuLition wagons mired down, and horses and mules floundering iu exhaustion, did my men and animals toil and struggle, when, after three days of untold trials and hardships, the enti.re command emerged from this wilderness of mud and disease-gene rating miasma more like an army of (lenizens of a semi-amphibio subterranean world than one of men and animals. As nothing further of importance occurred on our march to the pres- ent encampment, and this report having assumed a frightful length, 1 will close it by respectfully referring you to the inclosed reports from the several commands composing my brigade for a more detailed ac- count of the parts taken by them. I affords me great pleasure to bear testimony to the noble, self-sacri- ficing, and chivalrous conduct of the officers and men of this command, and, with a few exceptions of wanton cowardice, which you will find reporte(l in the inclosed reports, no body of men ever acted more cal- lantly. All of which is respectfully submitted. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. W. THOMPSON, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. [W J.] MUARTHUR, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 15. Report of Capt. John AL Muse, First Missouri Infantry (Confederate). HEADQUARTERS MARMADUKES DIVISION, Jaeksonport, Ark., May 14, 1863. CAPTAIN: According to orders received from headquarters Shelbys brigade, I left Fredericktown, Mo., on the night of April 21, with a detachment of 90 men of your command, and also 3 commissioned offi- cers, viz, Captain [W. T.1 Lineback, Burbridges regiment, Lieutenant [Josiah L.] Bledsoe, Gordons regiment, and Lieutenant [J. M.] Wills, Thompsons regiment, for the purpose of destroying some portion of th Page 294 294 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAr. XXXIV. Saint Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad. We left Fredericktown at 12 oclock at night, and proceeded toward Farmington. At 5 oclock in the morning, we stopped, fed our horses, and rested for two hours, and proceeded in direction of Farmington. We traveled through the woods and by-roads until we got in the vicinity of Farmington, when, through a fault of my guide, we entered a public place called Valley Forge, on the Ironton and Saint Genevieve plank road. This was the first place we were seen, being discovered by the enemy. We found some few enrolled militia, some of whom escaped; the balance we captured and turned loose on parole of honor, not having time to retain them as pris- oners, knowing that our men had been discovered. It being important that we should travel as rapidly as possible, we went night and day, avoiding all pnblic roads, impressing our pilots as we went, until we got within 1 mile of the Big River Bridge, which we had anticipated at- tacking, but when arriving within a short distance of said bridge I found that it was strongly guarded by 250 infantry and a section of artillery. Knowing that there would be an improbability of our success at that point, 1 thought it best to make an attack on some other portion of the road, so we proceeded south 3 miles to what is known as Mill Creek Bridges, which consists of three bridges of 100 to 150 feet in length, and all being within 300 yards of each other. When we got within half a mile of the bridges, we halted the command in an obscure hollow be- tween two mountains, and Captain Lineback and myself went to the summit of the mountain on the east side of the road, which overlooked those bridges, to ascertain the strength and position of the enemy guard- ing those bridges. When we arrived at our place of reconnaissance, we found That the bridges were situated as follows: Mill Creek runs due north and south at this point and empties into Big River 3 miles north of the aforesaid bridges. When we got to the point overlooking those bridges, we saw that there were about 250 guarding the north bridge, 50 guarding the south bridge, and about 50 guarding the middle bridge. We saw they were not expecting an attack at that time, although they had not expected it the night previous (this was on the evening of April 24). I saw there was no chance to dismount my men and make an at- tack without being discovered, and if so, I knew it would be a failure, as there were two block-houses~-.---one at the north and one at the south bridgeso I knew that our only success would~e to surprise them and keep them stampeded until we could fire one bridge and cut the tele- graph wire. There was one cut in the mountain which entered the creek valley about 60 yards from and opposite the center bridge, which was the only place we could make a charge on them mounted, so we quietly moved down the ravine until within 100 yards of the bridge, when we heard the whistle of a train coming from Ironton going in the direction of Saint Louis. We took advantage of that, and just as this train had passed the middle bridge, while their attention was drawn to that, we made a charge on the bridge guards and succeeded in stam- peding them from and through the bridges. When we charged on the middle bridge, we captured 16 privates and 2 lieutenants of the Twenty- fourth Missouri Infantry. As soon as we had taken the bridge, I ordered the bridge fired and the telegraph cut, which was done with dispatch. At the same time I was so much interested about the destruction of the bridge and the telegraph that I forgot to send the prisoners to the rear. in about half an hour after we had taken possession of the bridge those guards from the upper and lower bridges got around on the west side of the mountains overlooking those bridges on the west side of th Page 295 295 CHAP. XXXIV.] MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. road, and formed, marched up in line of battle, and obtained a position overlooking us, being a perpendicular height of 300 feet, giving us a very severe fire. Seeing there was no chance to get at them, and that it was everlasting destruction to us, I ordered my men to retreat, but not until I had 2 men killed and 0 wounded (4 severely), 12 horses killed and disabled. I carried off all my wounded and some of the small-arms, such as guns, pistols, and one officers sword, but had to abandon the prisoners we had previously taken. I then learned that there had been a force of 2,000 cavalry sent out from Ironton to capture me and my party, and it was their intention to intercept me in the vicinity of Farmington. I would say, however, when we left the bridge it was well fired, and some hundred yards of the telegraph wire cut to pieces. I am well satisfied, and so is every man that was in my command, that the bridge was destroyed. When we started back, we traveled night and day, only stopping to feed about once every twenty-four hours. We suffered much from want of sleep and fatigue. On our return we traveled through the woods and by-roads all the way. When we got within about 5 miles of Farmington (east), we came on a party of about 300 Federals. We formed in line of battle, but before they got within range I concluded it would not be prudent to fight them, as they had other forces which would soon concentrate and destroy us; so just as the enemy were making preparations to charge us, I ordered my little band to scatter and concentrate some miles south of that. This was on the eve of the 26th. On the morning of the 27th, by 10 oclock, we had all got together, except two, who had stopped at their homes. This brought us within about 12 miles of where we had last heard of your command. We then felt as though we were out of the lions den; but such proved not to be the case, for when we got within 2 miles of Patton, I learned your com- mand had left the evening before in the direction of Cape Girardean. At that time we could distinctly hear firing in that direction, and also learned that the enemy was again in my front, passing through Patton, following up your command, which force I learned to be about 3,000 strong. I halted in a secreted place, and waited until they had all passed; then I crossed the road immediately in their rear and made in direction of Dallas. When I reached Dallas I learned your pickets had been on the Dallas and Jackson road the day before; so I got an old, reliable citizen to carry a dispatch for me, and ordered him to report by 12 oclock that night; but he did not return,sol took it for granted you were farther south~ so I made in direction of Bloomfield. About 2 o~clock the same evening I came to the Bloomfield and Cape Girardean road, and ascertained your rear guard had been gone about two hours previous; so we rode rapidly and overtook you when you were crossing the Castor River, near Bloomfield. I can say with pleasure that both officers and men under my command acted most gallantly. Captain Lineback, of Burbridges regiment, gal- lantly led the charge when we attacked the bridge. Private Robert K. ilagood, Company C, Gordons regiment, and some men besides, whose names I am unable to record, made a great display of bravery and dar- ing. The reason I cannot give their names, I was not furnished with a list with the details. I hope to be able to do so soon. Respectfully submitted. JNO. M. MUSE, Gtptain, Gommanding Detachment. Captain [W. J.] McARTIIUR, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 296 296 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. XV. [CHAP. X~XTV. No. 16. R~port of Cd. John 9. Burhrid,qe, Fourth Missouri Cavalry ((onfederate), commanding brigade. BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, Camp at Burdens Mill, 16 miles from Jacksonport, May 12, 1863. MAJOR: Inclosed I send you a detailed statement of the part my brigade bore in the expedition into Missouri. It is a plain statement of facts, and can be hardly considered as an official report. I send a list of killed, wounded, and missing.* I have sent Captain Heves company west of Black River, with in- structions to camp in the vicinity of Powhatan. He will scout in the direction of Pitmans Ferry and Thomasville, Mo. He is also instructed to thoroughly picket the country, to guard against any surprise of the enemy. My pickets are placed between Black River and Cache Swamp. I will send scouts east of the river. As yet I have received no infor- mation from Colonel [S. G.] Kitchen concerning the movements of the enemy in that direction. 1 will write him, in accordance with your in- structions, and get all the information he possesses. But Colonel Kitchen informed me that he was ordered to report directly to Brigadier-GeneraJ Marmaduke, and, of course, any information he will give me will be voluntarily given. If Colonel Kitchen was ordered to report to me, I could then keep Colonel Shelby perfectly advised of the movements of the enemy. I have established my headquarters at Burdens Mill, 16 miles from Jacksonport. I suppose I can get forage to keep us between two and three weeks, by hauling 6 or 7 miles. I have no paroled prisoners; all the prisoners captured by my com- mand were turned over to Colonel 5helby~s brigade. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. Q. BURBRIDGE, Maj. HENRY EWING, (Jolonel, Commanding. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Marmadukes Division, Jaeksonport. [Inclosure.] BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, Camp at Burdens Mill, May 11, 1863. MAJOR: In obedience to General Orders,No. , division headquar- ters, I herewith submit the following report of the part my brigade bore in the late expedition into Missouri: On April 14, orders were received to immediately prepare my corn- inand for active service. I obeyed this order by sending train, baggage, & c., to the rear, and providing each of my companies, in addition to the regimental train allowed, with one pack mule, for the purpose of con- veying such cooking utensils as could be conveniently transported. On Friday morning, the 17th, I moved, marching 25 miles in a northerly direction and camping on a small creek in Oregon County, Missouri. The next morning I resumed the march, expecting to form a junction with Colonel [Joseph 0.] Shelby, to whom I had been ordered to report, at Williams Creek. Owing, however, to the scarcity of fora6e, Colonel Shelby had already started, leaving me to march in his rear through a country known as the Wilderness. After marching 28 miles, I was com- pelled to halt and encamp without obtaining a particle of forage for my horses. See revised statement, p.288 Page 297 CHAP. XXXIV.1 MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 297 The next day II crossed Current Iliver at Van Buren, camping 22 miles south of Patterson, which place I reached the next evening, learning, how- ever, that the garrison occupying the place had retreated, burning their quartermasters and commissary stores. Lieutenant-Colonel [William J.] Preston, with three companies of my regiment, was here ordered to report to Colonel [George WJ Carter, commanding Texas brigade of cav- alry, he having been sent to attack Brigadier-General [Johnj McNeils Forces at Bloomfield, Mo. This part of my command did not report to me again until our forces fell back from Cape Girardeau. I again resumed the march from Patterson, moving in the direction of Fredericktown, and encamped within 12 miles of that place, and en- tered the town next day at 12 oclock, but found no enemy. On the evening of the 25th, I received orders to move on the Cape Girardean road, whech I obeyed, passing through Jackson about day- light. At 10 oclock we reached the city and made preparations to attack it. By Colonel Shelbys order I formed my brigade in line of battle upon his right, occupying a position that completely protected my men from the artillery of the enemy, and at the same time placing me in supporting distance from his battery. An artillery duel of an hour and a half duration was here kept up on either side, the enemy shower- ing their shot and shell upon us, but doing little execution on account of our protected position. My loss here was only 7 wounded, 2 danger- ously. Lieut. G. iLl. Gilmore, of Company D, and acting adjutant of Lieutenant-Colonel Prestons regiment, was slightly wounded in the ankle. About 1~ oclock I received an order from Colonel Shelby to withdraw my force, it being Brigadier-General Marmadukes intention to make only a demonstration, and not to assault the place. I then moved my command upon the Jackson road, and encamped about dark 4 miles be- yond that place, upon the road leading to Dallas. Before I could post my pickets, and, in fact, before I had fairly encamped, a company belong- ing to Colonel [B. C.] Newtons regiment, which had unaccountably en- camped some 300 yards from the regiment, was attacked by the enemy and scattered. This company lost 6 men killed, wounded, and missing, and almost the whole of their horses. I immediately formed the bri- gade on foot, and awaited the approach of the enemy, whom I rightly conjectured to be in force, sending the train to Jackson. Colonel Preston was here ordered to dislodge a small force of the enemy posted on the road between my camp and Jackson,which was done without loss. Not being sufficiently acquainted with the country to attempt an advance upon the enemy, whose strength and locality I was totally ignorant of, I ordered Colonel Newton to retire with his regiment toward Jackson, and form his line 1 mile west of town, and Colonel Preston was ordered to form his line of battle near the junction of the Dallas and Fred- ericktown roads, and to resist any movement of the enemy from that quarter. At 3 oclock the next morning an order was received from Brigadier- General Marmaduke to withdraw my command to Jackson. I imme- diately did so, leaving, however, a picket force to cover my rear, which an hour after I had left was attacked and driven into town. The march southward from Jackson for several days, as far as my command is concerned, presents nothing worthy of consideration. The enemy, however, were pressing our rear, and frequent skirmishes were engaged in, which, owing to the position the brigade occupied, were more frequently heard than engaged in. Once, however, the rear guard gave way and was forced back upon the command without giving sufficient warning of the approach of the enemy. This for a tim Page 298 298 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. threw my brigade into disorder, but the men were promptly rallied by their officers, and formed in line ready to resist the approach of the enemy. The enemy was, however, gallantly repulsed by the Texans, nnder command of Colonel Carter. After my brigade had passed Bloomfield, I received orders to march back to the town and .form upon the right of Colonel Shelby, and to re- sist the farther advance of the enemy. A heavy skirmishing was soon begun in front, and kept up till dark. No firing was heard during the night, though my scouts reported to me continually that the enemy was making a flank movement upon my right, which would have given him possession of a hill that commanded our whole position. I was ordered next morning to move in the direction of Chalk Bluff. When within 2 miles of that point, I received orders to dismount my men, and to send horses and train across the river, and to march the infantry thus dismounted back a short distance to a position that had been selected for fighting. The position assigned me was on the left of Colonel Shelbys brigade, my left resting on an open field. Not willing to expose the men any more than necessary, I ordered temporary breast- works to be made, which would have effectually protected them from the musketry of the enemy. The enemy soon commenced a vigorous shelling, remarkable for its accuracy, the shells passing directly over my lines, within 2 feet of the ground. At 2 oclock at night I received orders to withdraw my forces with the utmost secrecy and dispatch, and to leave my skirmishers in front to resist any night advance of the enemy. The brigade was safely crossed to the south side of the Saint Francis Rivi~r, and occupied a position above the bluff on the bank of the river, which completely commanded the road leading to the bridge. I here received orders to march the brigade upon the Gaiuesville road and encamp until further orders, leaving, however, my sharpshooters upon the river, subject to Brigadier. General Marmadukes order. Subsequent events would be but a detailed list of short rations, hard marches through swamps, & c., in no way worthy of mention, save for the cheerfulness with which the men under me endured those hardships. In conclusion, major, I would return my sincere thanks to both offi- cers and men of this command for the bravery which, with but few ex- ceptions, they have displayed upon the battle-field, and for the unflinch- ing fortitude with which they endured every hardship. I would take this occasion to acknowledge my obligations to Colonels Newton and Preston for the co-operation and assistance they gave me in carrying out all orders received. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. Q. BUlIBIRIDGE, Colonel, (lommanding, & c. iVIaj. HENRY EWING, Assistant Adjutant- General, Jacksonport, Ark. No. 17. Report of Lient. ~Jol. S. U. Kitchen, Missouri Cavalry Battalion (Con federate.) CAMP SUGAR CREEK, ARK., May 7, 1863. 1 have the honor to submit a report of the operations of my battalion since its organization on April 9, 1863, in Greene County, Arkansas, b Page 299 CHAr. XXXIV.] MAItMADUKE S EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 299 the election of a lieutenant-colonel and major, eight companies partici- pating in said election. I immediately assumed command, and on the 10th marched northward toward Chalk Bluff, with the intention of co-operating with Lient. Col. W. J. Preston, who was on duty with several hundred men from your command at that time in this portion of the State. Having formed a junction with Colonel Preston, to resist a force of the enemy which was reported crossing the Saint Francis River for the purpose of making a raid into Arkansas, and Colonel Preston suddenly and unexpectedly retreating, I was compelled to retire with the force then at my disposal (about 100 men) before a superior force of the enemy, consisting of some 400 cavalry and two pieces of artillery. My battalion then encamped 7 miles from Gainesville, where it re- mained until the morning of the 20th, when it marched to Chalk BlufL I had learned, from my scouts, of an encampment of about 60 Federals at or near the Bluff and determined to surprise and capture it, if pos- sible. Arriving at the Bluff after dark, I left my horses on the south bank of the river, and, crossing my men over in a canoe, attacked the enemy at dhylight with 100 men, and succeeded in completely surprising and ronting the camp, a majority of the enemy escaping so rapidly and hurriedly they stampeded Irom their tents. The fruits of our victory consisted of 18 tents, 60 horses, 10 mules, 2 wagons, blankets, clothing, cooking utensils, & c.. and 23 prisoners, including in the number Capt. Richard M. Hulse, of McNeils regiment, Gamble militia. The enemy lost 3 or 4 killed and about the same number wounded. Our loss was 2 killed and 2 wounded. On the same day (21st) I recrossed the Saint Francis and marched to my old camp near Gainesville, and from which place I sent the prisoners to Little Rock under a guard of 20 men. Having learned of your movements in a letter to Brig. Gen. M. Jeff. Thompson, I marched my command to Chalk Bluff and reported for duty. A portion of my force was detailed to assist in building the bridge, another in scouting and picketitig on each side of the Saint Francis, and the remainder of my available troops were ordered to blockade Taylors Slough, which they accomplished on the morning of May 2. The battalion moved from Chalk Bluff with your column, and is now on duty guarding the northern frontier and performing other duties under your late orders. S. G. KITCHEN, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Battalion Missouri Volunteers. Brig. Gen. J. S. MAIIMADUKE. INo. 18. Reports of tYol. George W. Carter, Twenty-first Texas Cavalry, command ing brigade. HDQRS. SECOND COLUMN, MARMADUKES DIVISION, April 22, 18638 a. m. MAJOR: I am now, with my brigade and Prestons detachment and Reves company, on the road between Greenville and Bloomfield, 8 miles from the Mingo Swamp and 30 miles from Bloomfield. The Saint Francis was flooded, the boats gone, and great difficulty was found i Page 300 300 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. crossing the trains. Greenes brigade could not get farther than Green- ville, owing to the river, and was ordered to cross early this morning. I have ordered up his cavalry and artillery, with all possible speed, to this point. Have sent back to him 32 of my best mules, to enable him to make dispatch. The enemy have a picket of 200 at Mingo Ford, and Mingo is swimming and the boats gone. I am pressing teams, and shall find some difficulty in crossing the stream. I propose to leave the train well guarded at a point on this side, leaving lso my unarmed men, and then, pushing on to the point directed in your orders, taking all, except the guarQ with me. I believe I can capture the pickets and surprise the enemy by crossing a few miles above. The animals have suffered greatly by the forced marches and lack of forage. I have found forage at this point. If the train is left, it will be directed to move to a point and by a route of little danger to rejoin me. I do not propose to leave my am- munition. I am hopeful that my column will give a good account of itself. I will report to you again to-morrow. A dispatch will ~nd me between Bloomfield and Mingo Swamp. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0-. W. CARTER; Major [HENRY] EwING, Colonel, Gornmandinq. Assistant Adjutant- 6~eneral. HEADQUARTERS CARTERS BRIGADE, In the Field, Arkansas, ]Jliay 5, 1863. MAJOR: By Special Orders, Ko. , I was assigned command of the second column, Marmadukes division, composed ~ and Greenes brigades, with instructions to move with all dispatch via Doniphan to Patterson, so as to make a junction with the first column, under Colonel [Joseph 0.] Shelby, at the latter place. I collected the brigade and as- sumed command at Doniphan, moving toward Patterson on the morn- ing of April 18, on the State road to Ironton. I arrived with the column in 30 miles of Patterson on the 19th. A detachment, consisting of tlie Twenty-first Texas Cavalry, one section Pratts battery, and Captain [Timothy] Ileves Partisan company, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel [D. C.] Giddings, made a forced march to Patterson, starting at 11 oclock on the night of the 19th, moving by the lower road, and the rest of the column, under Colonel [Colton] Greene and Lieutenant-Colonel [Benjamin W.] Watson, moved at daybreak by the upper road toward time same point. The detachment under Colonel Giddings surprised and captured the enemys picket, 12 miles from Patterson, on the morning of the 20th; picket consisted of 1 commissioned officer, 2 sergeants, and 22 privates. Colonel Giddings then proceeded, reaching Patterson at 1 oclock, meet- ing the enemy (supposed to be between 800 and 1,000 strong) 3 miles south of Patterson, routing them and driving them toward Ironton. The larger portion of the public property in the hands of the enemy was burned by them before retreating; nevertheless, a large amount of quartermasters and commissary stores were secured and turned over. In the several engagements, Lieut. P. W. Connell, Company F, Twenty-first Texas, was severely wounded in the shoulder; 3 privates slightly wounded; none killed or missing. The loss of the enemy, from the best information at hand, was 100 killed, 19 wounded, and 38 pris- oners, including 1 major, 1 captain, and 2 lieutenants Page 301 CHAP. xxxiv.] MABMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 301 On the morning of the 21st, I received orders to proceed with my cob nmn and attack the enemy in the vicinity of Bloomfield. High water in the Saint Francis and Mingo retarded my march, so that I did not reach Bloomfield with the entire command nntil the evening of the 23d. In the meanwhile Lieutenant-Colonel [W. J.] Preston, of Burbridges eommand, moved on Bloomfield, capturing a considerable amonnt of Commissary stores and corn. The enemy. under General [John] McNeil, had left Bloomfield and gone toward Jackson on the evening of the 21st, leaving a strong picket with block-house fortification at White Water Bridge, on the Cape Gir- ardeau road. At 12 oclock on the night of the 23d, the column was moved toward Cape Girardean. I moved, with my escort, 10 miles in advance of the column, intending to surprise the picket, distant some 35 miles from Bloomfield. When within 3 miles of the bridge, a detachment, consist- ing of iReves company (under Lieutenant [B. A.] Johnson) and Texas brigade (under Captain [John S.] Carrington, assistant adjutant-gen- eral of Carters brigade), was ordered to proceed by Williams Ferry to intercept the retreat of the enemy and attack them in the rear. The enemys force consisted of Company G (Captain [S. V.] Shipman), First Wisconsin Cavalry. They fought bravely; were 57 strong. Of this number 40 were destroyed, either killed, captured, or wounded. Among the number wounded and captured was Captain Shipman. We captured also the train, tents, and 25 horses. My loss was I wounded, including Lieutenant [II. C.] Sloan, of Iteves company. The column reached White Water Bridge at 4 oclock. McNeil was reported at Jackson, 10 miles from Cape Girardean. Hoping to cut off his retreat from Jackson and force an engagement, Colonel Greene was ordered to move his brigade on the morning of the 24th, at 3 oclock, toward Cape Girardean. From some cause the order was not promptly obeyed, and my column did not reach the point contemplated until 4 oclock on the 25th. In the mean time the enemy had retreated from Jackson and taken refuge behind his fortifications at Cape Girardean. On the morning of the 26th, the first column, under Colonel Shelby,. formed a junction with me near Cape Girardean and attacked the forti- lication,when I was ordered to take position in his rear as support and to prevent a flank movement by the enemy. My command was not l)ronght into action during the day, except fog a few moments when a 8ection of Pratts battery engaged the Federal skirmishers. At 4 oclock, by order of the general commanding, I was relieved of the command of he column and assumed command of my brigade, moving toward Jack- ~on. The marching, in view of the difficulty of forage and subsistence and he condition of the roads and teams, was creditable. The officers and men bore their privations with honorable cheerfulness. I would here particularly commend Sergeant [Henry M.] Leary, of Captain [John B.] Williams company, Nineteenth Texas Cavalry, for his gallantry at White Water Bridge. I am, major, very respectfully, G. W. CARTEIt, Colonel, Commanding Second ~Jolumn, Marmadukes Division. Major [HENRY] EWING-, Assistant Adjutant- ~Jeneral Page 302 302 MO~, ASK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. ~CH~r. XXXIV. HEADQUARTERS CARTERS BRIGADE, In the Field, May 5, 1863. MAJOR: By orders from division headquarters of 27th ultimo, my bri- gade constituted the rear guard, the division moving from Jackson to Bloomfield. I took up the line of march in rear of the column on the morning of April 27, throwing out skirmishers in rear and flankers on the right and left. At different points in the day, the Nineteenth Texas, Twenty-first Texas, and Morgans squadron, in conjunction with a sec- tion of Pratts battery, were successively placed in the rear of my com- mand. The enemy made his appearance on the Fredericktown road about 8 a. in.; commenced shelling my rear regiment a few moments after the command had been given to move. The shelling was kept up at intervals until 4 oclock without any loss to us. I did not (leem it expedient to return their artillery fire. About 4 p. m. their advance engaged my rear skirmishers within 3 miles of White Water Bridge. Soon an entire Federal regiment was brought into action. They were at different points near the bridge successively charged by the Twenty- first, 1~lineteenth, and Morgans squadron, with heavy loss. My loss, 1 killed and 1 wounded in the Nineteenth Texas, 1 slightly wounded in the Twenty-first, and 1 killed in Morgans squadron. I am not able to report the number of enemy killed. We captured 18 pris- oiiers, including 1 captain. Both men and officers acted with great coolness and courage. At 5 oclock, I crossed successfully over White Water Bridge, destroy- ing the bridge and encamping my command 8 miles beyond. On the 28th, I moved my command into camp within 3 miles of Bloom- field. On the 29th, I placed my brigade in line of battle on the heights near Bloomfield, and remained there until the 30th, when I moved toward Chalk Bluffi On May 2, my brigade again constituted the rear guard, throwing out skirmishers and flankers. At 10 a. m. I was informed that a cavalry brigade of the enemy were approaching, when I placed one section of Pratts battery in position masked, directing my skirmishers to draw the enemy on. When within 400 yards, the artillery opened a very de- structive fire with grape, driving them back in confusion. A charge was then made by two of their cavalry regiments, which was received by the First Squadron, Nineteenth Texas, under Captain [John B.] Will- iams, in the most gallant style. The enemy were charged in turn by Company K, Twenty-first, Captain [Martin M.] Kenney, with detach- inents from Nineteenth and Morgan, driving them with great confusion and heavy loss. My rear guard, under Major [C. L.] Morgan, made two other successful charges during the day. My loss, 1 killed in Morgans squadron; Nineteenth, 1 killed, 10 wounded, 8 missing. We captured a number of prisoners, including 1 captain. The enemys dead strewed the road for half a mile. The offi- cer leading the enemys charge, supposed to be a lieutenant-colonel, was killed. A moderate estimate must make their killed during the day 150. I speak confidently on this subject, because this fighting took place under my own eye, within a few feet of the position I held. At 5 oclock, by order of the commanding general, I took position in rear of the line of battle selected subsequently; a squadron was held in reserve in the rear of the center, while the Twenty-first was sent as reserve on the extreme left, and the Nineteenth to the extreme right, Pratts battery being withdrawn across the river. I then assumed com- inand of the extreme left wing. The enemy opened on our lines spirit Page 303 ChAr. XXXIY.1 MARMADUKES EXPEDITION INTO MISSOURI. 303 edly with shot and shell, but made no demonstrations with small-arms. Between midnight and daybreak my command was quietly withdrawn across the Saint Francis. It is difficult to specify individual instances of merit when all have been so prompt. I will, however, say that all my staff have been faith - ful and efficient, and that Lieutenant-Colonels [B. W.] Watson and [D. C.] Giddings, Major Morgan, and Captain [J. II.] Pratt are deserv- irig of special notice for gallantry and energy. I am, major, very respectfully, ~. W. CARTER, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Major [HENRY] EWING Assistant Adjutant- General, ]Iiliarmadukes Division. No. 19. Report of Col. Colton Greene, Third Missouri Cavalry (Confederate), commanding brigade. HDQRS. GREENES BRIGADE, MAR1~LEADUKES DIVISION, In the Field, near Pinevitle, Ark., lIllay 15, 1863. MAJOR: I would respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the late expedition into Missouri: In compliance with your orders, I marched from Jackson, Ark., on April 17; crossed Eleven Points [River] on the same day; crossed Cur- rent River on the 19th instant [ultimo], and reported to Colonel [George W.] Carter, commanding Texas brigade. I resnmed the march, after a halt of two hours, in rear of Carters brigade, which position in column I occupied on the 19th, 20th, 21st, 22d, and 23d instant [ultimo], arriving at Patterson some hours after its capture on the 21st, moving on toward Greenville, crossing Saint Francis River at that place, crossing Mingo Swamp and River near its mouth, and reaching Bloomfield at midnight on the 22d instant [ultimo], to learn 1 hat the enemy had retreated northward two da~s before. After a halt of two hours, I again took up the line of march, reaching the main bridge on White Water River on the 23d, which was picketed by the enemy and captured by Colonel Carters advance. On the 24th instant [ultimo], I was informed that we were in presence of the enemy in force, commanded by Brigadier-General [John] McNeil, and was ordered to the front, taking a circuitous route until I struck the main road 4 miles from Cape Girardean. Here I was ordered to halt and went into position, remaining in line during the night. On the morning of the 25th, heavy firing being heard on the left, I was ordered by Brigadier-General Marmaduke to throw forward Colonel [M. L.] Youngs battalion, and follow with the command to the support of the left. Colonel Young formed twenty minutes before my arrival, and had 1 man wounded while in long range of the enemy. Arriving on the Jackson road, 2 or 3 miles from Cape Girardean, I xvas ordered into line, and covered Colonel [Joseph 0.] Shelbys retiring column. After changing position several times, I was ordered into position 2 miles to the rear, which I left half an hour afterward to take up the line of march to Jackson. About 4 oclock of the following morning I was ordered to mount and proceed back to the bridge on White Water, and hold it. This was efi~cted by 11 oclock, and I occupied the position until the rear guard came up, when I resumed the march, reaching Bloomlield in the evening of the ~7th instant [ultimo] Page 304 304 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAr. XXXIV. On the 28th instant [ultimo], I took position across the Cape Girardeau and Kitchens Mill road; lay on my arms all night, and was ordered to fall back early next morning 20 miles. Arriving to the rear of Fonr Mile, I was ordered to dismount my men, to swim the horses across the Saint Francis River, and to go into line. At 2 oclock at night I was ordered to cross the Saint Francis in rear of the whole column, which was accomplished withont loss. Arriving on the south side of the river, the campaign may be said to have ended. It is impossible to state at this time the exact number of my men who fell into the enemys hands. Some were cut off, but are daily reporting. Not exceeding 5 have been reported captured. I cannot avoid mentioning the good order and endurance of my com- mand during these arduous marches. No case of cowardly straggling came undet my observation, and the rigor of discipline and hardships of the field were alike borne with uncomplaining fortitnde. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, COLTOK GREENE, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Maj. HENRY EwINo~ Assistant Adjutant.Ueneral. No. 20. Report of Asst. Surg. S. S. flarris, Jeffers Missouri Regiment (Gonfed. erate). JEFFELtS REGIMENT, Camp near Wittsburg, Ark., May 27, 1863. Sin: By your order, I was left with Drs. [John F.] Yancey and [J. F.] Brookheart in charge of our wounded after the withdrawal of our forces from Cape Girardean. Inclosed is a report of our wounded. I asked permission of the Federal authorities to establish our hospital in or near Gape Girardean. The request was not granted, and our wounded were removed to their post hospital. We were furnished with an escort to Bloomtield, to be sent through to our lines from there. We reached Bloomfield with the Federal forces, and were ordered to remain there until the excitement in front was over. We remained there until General McNeils return from Chalk Bluff when, instead of sending us to our command, he took us back with him to Cape Girardean. After detaining us there for some four or five days, he started us to Little Rock, by way of Memphis and Helena. General McNeil alleged as a reason for his conduct toward us that the demand for the surrender of Cape Girar- dean had been made by Colonel Carter, in the name of General Price, and that, therefore, he must consider us as belonging to General Prices command, and, from the best information he had, General Prices lines were at Little Rock; therefore, he should send us there. I asked for and received a copy of Colonel Carters demand for surrender, which you will find inclosed. This subject, I know, is of but little consequence, and deserving, perhaps, of no further notice, but I thought it my duty to inform you of the facts. On reaching Helena, General Prentiss permitted us, under a flag of trnce, to come direct to our command. We reached our lines on the 20th instant. Respectfully submitted. S. S. HARRIS, Assistant Surgeon, Jeffers Regiment Missouri Cavalry. Dr. C. PEYTON, Yfedical Director ]Vfarmadukes Division Page 305 Gnaw. xmvj AOflON AT FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. 805 ~unt1. B.p.S.! wesmbd Sm the fight N!.. Cape Gfnrdm. 1 Lieutenant . 1 Captain. V Privates ..... 16 I was not permitted to visit the battle.fiel& but, from the best infor- mation I coul4 obtain, there were only 3 kuledon the field. I could not learn their names or command. They were buried by our Mends. Of the five nurses that remained, two only were permitted to stay with our wounded, and the others were sent to Saint Louts as prisoners of war. When I left Cape Girardean our wounded were well cared fo; and had everything requisite to make them comfortable. AseAstant Surgeos., Ptovfriossai Army of 6k. Confederate St.t... HEADQUARTERS FonTH DIVIsIoN, Year Cape Oirrdeau, ito, April 25, 1863. Officer Commanding U. & lore.. in and aromsd Cape Girardean: Sm: By order of Miii. (len. Sterling Price, conanding I formally demand of you the immediate surrender, unconditionally, of the troops in Cape Girardeau and the adjoining forts, together with all the amsnu nition, stores, and other property belonging to the United States in the same. if the surrender is made, I pledge myself to treat the troops -as prisoners of war, and to parole and exchange them as soon as prac- ticable. I shall scrupulously protect private property. No difference will be made in this particular between parties, whether Union or South~ en sentiment One-half hour is allowed for your decisiop. Colonel Watson, commanding Second Tens Cavalry Brigade, who bears the flag of truce, will present this demand and wait for your reply. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. W. CABTEB,~ - Comelg. Fourth Div., First Army Corps, 2bans-Afissssfppiun~t. APRIL 18, 1868.ActIon at Jayettevills, Ark. - REPOnTS. - No. 1.CoL IL Lii Rue Harrison, First Arkansas Cavalry (Union), with congratula. tory orders, to. No. 2.Brig. (ien.W. L. Cabefl, 0.8. Army. - - No.1. Report. of CoL H. La Rue Harrijo,j, First Arkansas Cavalry (Union), - - teEth congratulatory orders, die. - AnIL 18, 1863. Arkansas is triumphant. The rebels, 2,000 strong, with two 6-pounder. guns, attacked ilayetteville at daylight this morning, and, after four - 2033VOL XflI,PTI Page 306 306 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. ~CnAr. XXXIV. hours desperate fighting, they were completely routed, and retreated in disorder toward Ozark. General Cabell commanded in person, assisted by Colonel Scott, of the Virginia Black Horse Cavalry, Colonel Monroe, Lieutenant-Colonel Thomson, Major Dorsey, and others. Their artil- lery was silenced at 9 p. m. by two companies of the First Arkansas Cavalry, and a brilliant cavalry charge under Colonel Monroe was re- J)ulsed iii the center of the town by our cavalry and infantry. Our stores are all safe; not a thing burned or taken from us. Our loss is 5 killed, about 17 wounded, and a few stragglers and I)ickets taken prisoners. The enemys loss is estimated at 20 killed and 50 wounded, which does not include those taken off on their re- treat. Every officer and man in my command was a hero; no one flinched. M. LA RUE HARRISON, Colonel, Commanding Fayetteville. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS. HEADQUARTERS POST, Fayetteville, Ark., April 19, 1863. GENERAL: The following report of the battle of yesterday at Fay- etteville is respectfully submitted, in addition to the telegraphic dis- patches of last evening: On Friday, 17th instant, a scout under command of Lieutenant [Joseph S.] Robb, First Arkansas Cavalry, returned from the direction of Ozark, and reported no apparent preparations of the enemy to move in this direc- tion. Having rio fresh horses, I ordered Lieutenant Robb to take his com- mand to quarters, expecting to be able to send ont a small scout again on the next day. On Saturday morning, 18th instant, at a few minutes after sunrise, the enemy having made a forced march from the Boston Mountains during the night, surprised and captured our dismounted picket on the Frog Bayou road, and approached the town with wild and deafening shouts. Their Cc valry charged up a deep ravine on the east side of the city, and attacked my headquarters (the Colonel Tibbetts place). The firing of the picket had alarmed the command, and by the time the enemy had reached the town, the First Arkansas Infantry had formed on their parade ground, under command of Lient. Col. E. J. Searle, assisted by Maj. E. D. Ham, and slowly retired, by my orders, toward the cavalry, then formed, dismounted, at their camp. Fear- ing that, not being uniformed, they might be mistaken for the enemy, and be fired upon by the cavalry, I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Searle to post seven companies as a reserve in a sheltered position in our rear, two of which were afterward ordered to support the left wing. The remaining three companies of the First Infantry, together with four companies of the First Cavalry, formed the center of our line under my own immediate coummand. The right wing was composed of the Third Battalion First Cavalry, under command of Maj. Ezra Fitch; and the left wing, Second Battalion First Arkansas Cavalry, was coin- manded by Lieut. Col. A. NY. Bishop, assisted by Maj. T. J. Hunt. Headquarters was made the bone of contention, and was repeatedly charged by the rebels, but they were gallantly repulsed by our men. In less than thirty minutes after the first attack, the enemy ph~nted two pieces of artillery, one a 12-pounder and one 6-pounder, upon the hillside east of town, near Colonel Gunters place, and opened a sharp fire of canister and shells upon the camup of the First Arkansas Cav- alry, doing some damage to tents and horses, but killing no men. At Page 307 GNAW. XXX1Y.J ACTION AT FAYETTEVILLE, AlL a. m. our centefliad advanced and occupied the house, yard, outbuild- ings, and hedges at my headquarters; the right wing had advanced to the arsenal, and the left occupied the open field on the northeast of town, while the enemy had possession of the whole hill-side east, the Davis place, opposite to, and the grove south of, headquarters. This grove was formerly occupied by the buildings of the Arkansas College. At about ~ a. in., or a little before, Colonel Monroe led a gallant and desperate cavalry charge upon our right wing, which was met by a gall- ing cross-fin from our right and center, piling rebel men and horses in heaps in front of our ordnance office, and causing the enemy to retreat in disorder to the woods. During this charge, Captains [William C.] Parker and [George W. B.] Smith, of the First Infantry, while bravely cheer- ing their men, were both wounded in the head, though not dangerously~ At about the, same time, by my order, two companies of the First Cav- alry, led by the gallant Lieutenant Bobb, advanced within rifle-range of the enemys artillery, and guided by the blase of its discharges, fired several volleys into the midst of the arwlerists, which effectually silenced their battery and caused its precipitate withdrawal from the field. The enemys center, occupying the Davis place, made a desperate resistance for nearly an hour after both wings had partially given way, and skirmishing continued at intervals for some time with pickets, re- connoitering parties, and stragglers. At 12 m. their whole force was in fall retreat for Ozark. Having only a very few horses, and they already on duty with picketing and reconnoitering parties, I was utterly unable to pursue them. During the whole action the enemy occupied pound covered with timber and brush, while my command was in the streets and open fields. Since the battle I have ascertained the following particulars: Gen- eral Cabell and staff; with about 2,000 men and two pieces of artillery, left Ozark on Friday morning with three days rations and afull supply of ammunition. whey halted at the crossing of the mountains at a little past noon and rested until nearly sunset, afterward marching rapidly toward Fayetteville. They were delayed by the darkness of the night and the incumbranpe of their artillery, so that they did not commence the attack as early by nearly two hours as they had intended. Colonel Monroe recommended a cavalry attack, to be supported by the artillery, but was overruled by CabeU, and a halt was made until the artillery could come up. Their force was made up as follows: Brig. Gen. W. L. Cabeil commanding, accompanied by staff and escort; Carrolls First Arkansas Cavalry Regiment, Colonel Scott, of Virginia, commanding, assisted by Lieutenant-Colonel Thomson~ Monroes Second [First] Ar- kansas Cavalry, Colonel Monroe commanding in person; First Battalion Parsons (Texas) cavalry, Lieutenant~Colonel [S. K.] Noble commanding; one section of artillery, commanding officer not known, and four com- panies bushwhackers, commanded by Mankins, Palmer, Brown, and others. The enemy left all their dead and wounded, which thoy could not take away on their retreat, in our hands, leaving Surgeon Russell and Assistant SurgeonHolderness ~ to take charge of them. To-day Captain Alexander arrived at our picket with a flag of truce, bringing a communication from General Cabell, a copy of which I incloss. The flag was immediately ordered back with my reply, a copy of which is also inclosed. The following is a list of casualties on our side:0 S 0 0 0 0 0 0 807 Nominal list rports 4 men killed, 3 officers (Cap6. William S. Johnson, William C. Parke, and Randall Smith) and 23 men wounded, 16 men captured, and 35 men missing. Page 308 808 Mo., ARK., SANS., 11W. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [Ona. tinY. Ban away disgracefully to Cassville, Mo., First L#et. 0.0. Wells, regimental quartermaster First Arkansas InfantryP Missing, 35, mostly stampeded toward Oassville during the engagement. Prisoners, 1 lieutenant and 8 men, First Arkansas Cavalry, taken while absent without leave at a dance, 9 miles from ton; also 1 private First Ar- kansas Infantry, and 8 privates from other commands, taken in town. The enemys loss is not accurately known. AS and about this post are not less than 20 killed and 50 wounded. Citizens report 1 colonel and several men as having died on the retreat; also a br number of wounded still moving on with the command. We captured, during the i~ngagement, Major Wilson, General Cabells commissary, wounded, and Captain Jefferson, of Carrolls regiment, wounded~ also 4 sergeants, 3 corporals, and 46 privates a part 9t them wounded; also not less than 50 horses and 100 stand oi arms, mostly shot-guns. Among their killed are Captain Hubbard, of Carrolls regiment, and a captain of bush- whackers. The enemy admit the loss of over 200 horses, killed, taken, and stampeded. Incbosed please find a rough sketch of the position of forces at 9 a. in., when the battle culminated.t Every field and line officer and ilearly every enlisted man fought bravely, and I would not wish to be considered as disparaging any one when I can mention only a few of the many heroic men who sustained so nobly the honor of our flag. Lieutenant-Colonel Searle and Major Ham, in command of the reserve, did good service in keeping their men in position and preventing them from being terrified by the artillery. Lieutenant-Colonel Bishop and Majors Fitch and Hunt, of the First Cavalry, led their men coolly up in the face of the enemys fire, and drove them from their position. Capt. William S. Johnson, company II, First Arkansas Cavalry, had his right arm shattered while leading his men forward under a galling fire. Lieutenant [James] Roseman, po5t sdjutant, and Lieut. Frank Strong, acting adjutant First Cavalry, deserve much praise. I remain, general, your most obedient servant, M. LA RUE HABBISOK, Colonel First Arkansas Cavalry, (fommandiwsg. Maj. (len. SAMUEL B. CURTIS, Commanding Department of the if iesourL P. S.We had actively engaged during the battle between 300 and 400 men only. I should not neglect also to mention that S. D. Carpen- ter, assistant surgeon of volunteers, assisted by Assistant Surgeons Caffee, Drake, au~d Teift, were actively engaged during the contest in carrying the wounded from the field and attending to their wants. [luclosures.] HEADQUARTnS NoIITEwESTnN ARKANSAS, April 19, 1863. (lol. M. La. Rim HAnISoN, Commanding Post of Fagettevillo: Sm: The bearer of this letter, Captain [William A.] Alexander, visits your post under a flag of truce, to bury any of my command that may be left dead from the engagement of yesterday. 1 respectfully request pismiuued July Si, lec. t Omitted as imimportant Page 309 ChAP. NXXIV.1 ACTION AT FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. 309 that you will suffer him to get np the dead and wounded, and that you will extend to him such assistance as may be necessary to enable him ~o carry out his instructions. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. CABELL, Brigadier- General, Commanding Northwestern Arkansas. HEADQUARTERS PosT, Payettevilie, Ark., April 19, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. L. CABELL, Commanding: GENERAL: In reply to dispatches from you by hand of Captain Alex- ander, bearing flag of truce, I would respectfully state that the dead of your command have all been decently buried in coffins. The wounded are in charge of Surgeons Russell and iloiden [1], having been removed to our general hospital by my order. They are receiving every attention that men can receiveabundance of medicines, surgical instruments, and ~nbsistence stores having been placed under the control of your surgeons. Rest assured, general, that your wounded shall receive the best of care, such as we would hope to have from you were we placed in a like situ - ation. Under the circumstances I consider it unnecessary to retain your flag, and therefore return it. Your prisoners shall be paroled, and as fast as the men whose names are mentioned in your list report to our lines, the exchange will be made. I am, general, very truly, yonrs, M. LA RUE HARRISON, Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, April. 19, 1863. Col. M. LA RUE HARRISON, Commanding at Ifayetteville: I mu~t congratulate you on the success of yesterday. It augurs well for the future of Arkansas when her loyal troops have beaten the enemy in their first encounter. Such success should encourage us, and I hope soon to see 10,000 loyal men of Arkansas arraye(l on the side of the Union. You have nobly sustained yourselves, and deserve a countrys gratitude. F. J. HERRON, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS POST, No. 16. f Payetteville, Ark., April 19, 1863. COMRADES IN ARMS: Let April 18, 1863, be ever remembered. The battle of Fayetteville has been fought and won. To.day the brave and victorious sons of Arkansas staiid proudly upon the soil which their blood and their bravery have rendered sacred to every true-hearted American, but doubly sacred to them. In the light of this holy Sab- bath sun we are permitted, through Gods mercy, to gather together in His name and in the name of our common country, to offer up our heartfelt thanks to the Giver of every good and perfect gift, for the triumphs of our arms and for the blessings which we this day enjoy. When yesterdays sun rose upon us the hostile hordes of a bitter and unprincipled foe were pouritig their deadly fire among our ranks; the booming of his artillery was re-echoing from mountain to mountain, and the clattering hoofs of his cavalry were trampling in our streets Page 310 310 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. At meridian, General Cabell, with his shattered and panic-stricken cohorts, was retreating precipitately through the passes of the Boston Mountains toward the Arkansas River, leaving his dead and wounded in our hands. Fellow-soldiers, it is to yonr honor and credit I say it, he could not have left them in better hands. Not one act of barbarity, or even un- kindness, stains the laurels you so proudly weax-. Such may your con- duct ever be, brave and nutlinching in battle, kind and generous to the vanquished. Abstain from all cruelty and excess; respect the im- munities of private property; never insult or injure women or children, the aged, the sick, or a fallen foe. Let us show to our enemies that the Federal soldiers of Arkansas are as generous as they are brave and l)atriotic; let us prove to them the justice of our cause and the purity of our purposes, so that soon we may gather together under the broad folds of our time-honored and victorious banner every true-hearted sou of Arkansas. Fellow-soldiers, I congratulate you all upon the glorious victory you have won, by your cool and determined bravery, for that Union which our revolutionary sires established by their valor and sealed with their blood. More than all do I congratulate you that this battle was fought upon Arkansas soil, and this victory won by Arkansiai~is alone, thereby testif~ying to our patriotic brethren in arms from other States that we are not only willing but anxious to second their efforts in rescuing our State from the dominion of traitors; but in all our rejoicing let us not neglect to shed the tear of regret over the graves of those heroic men who fell beside us fighting bravely for the nations honor. Green be their mossy graves; Immortal be their name; Above, their banner proudly waves, Wbile heavea records their fame! A just cause is ours. The Stars and Stripes float gallantly over us. God is on our side. Who can be against us ~ By order of Col. M. La lIne harrison, commanding post: JAMES ROSEMAK, Lieutenant, Post Adjutant. [DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI], April 20, 1863. Colonel HARRISON, Fayetteville, Ark.: Dispatch of yesterday received. Tender my thanks to the soldiers of your command for their gallant conduct in the battle of Fayetteville. You have done nobly. Arkansas vindicates her own honor by repulsing the rebel flag with her own brave sons. Send minute reports, naming the most deserving officers and men. SAML. It. CURTIS, Major- General. No. 2. Report of Brig. Gen. W. L. Gabell, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS NORTHWESTERN ARKANSAS, Ozark, April 25, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to inform you that, having received what I supposed, and had every reason to believe, to be reliable informatio Page 311 CHAP. XXXIV.j ACTION AT FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. 311 that the enemy at Fayetteville were making preparations to move from that place, and to re-enforce General Phillips in the Indian conutry, I took all the effective mounted men of my command, except three com- panies of Colonel [J. F.] Hills battalion (that are badly armed and with horses unshod), with two pieces of artillery, the whole amounting to 900 men, and left here at 3 oclock on the 16th, going by what is called the Mulberry and Frog Bayou road to Fayetteville, and attacked the enemy there at 5 a. m. on the 18th. I found the enemy about 2,000 strong, well armed with Springfield and Whitney rifles, no artillery, and nearly every hill dotted with ride-pits. After a furious fight of three hours and ten minutes, I withdrew my command in good order. I found it impossible, with the arms I had, after my artillery ammunition was exhausted, to dislodge them from the houses and riflepits with the kind of arms my command had withont losing all my horses and a large number of my men, as it was impossible to get near enough to them to make our aim eff~ctive without a great sacrifice of life, much greater than would have been justifiable under the circumstances. The troops, with few exceptions, all fought well, and are now in fine spirits, ready and willing to try the enemy again. The enemy all (both infantry and cavalry) fought well, equally as well as any Federal troops I have ever seen. Althongh it was thought by a great many that, com- posed as they are of disloyal citizens and deserters from our army, they would make but a feeble stand, the reverse, however, was the case, as they resisted every attack made on them, and, as fast as driven out of one house, would occupy another and deliver their fire. Whenever, how- ever, my troops could get to them they drove them before them every time. Colonel [J. C.] Monroe made two splendid charges with his com- inand, one on foot and the other mounted. Colonel [Lee L.] Thomson, with his regiment, and [Caleb] Dorsey, with his squadron, under Colo- nel Scott, made a dashing charge and drove the enemy to their pits and to the houses, where they rallied and poured in a dreadful fire with their long-range guns. Thu artillery, managed by Captain [W. M.] ilughey, nuder my immediate command, did frightftil execution in the enemys camp, driving them out and completely scattering their cavalry for awhile. Captain ilughey was wounded in the arm by a sharp- shooter at the commencement of the action, but continued iu charge of his pieces, under a heavy fire from the enemys sharpshooters, during the whole fight. His men were all taken a little over a month ago from the camp of instructiomi at Dardanelle, and, with one or two exceptions, did well. Two horses were killed and 2 wounded in the battery; 1 man killed and several wounded. Captain Hughey deserves especial mention for his bravery, skill, and energy in the management of his two pieces of artillery. The loss is not positively known, but it will not exceed 20 killed, 30 wounded, and 20 missing. The enemys loss in killed is fully equal to our total killed and wounded; the wounded were very great. We cap- tured and paroled 26 prisoners, 1 lieutenant, 1 non-commissioned officer, and 24 privates; also destroyed a train of 10 or 15 wagons. I could have burned a large part of the town, but every house was filled with women and children, a great number of whom were the families of officers and soldiers in our service, and I did not deem it advisable to distress them any further, as their sufferings now are very grievous under the Federal rule. The enemys force consisted (notwithstanding all previous reports from persons living in Fayetteville to the contrary) of one cavalry reg Page 312 312 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [ChAP. XXXIV. ment, twelve companies, 800; one infantry regiment, ten companies, (300; one battalion, seven companies, 300; artillery, one company, 150, making their total force 1,850. l3esides this, they had a re-enforcement of Ibur squadrons of cavalry, which had evidently escorted a train of wagons from Springfield, loaded principally with new uniform clothing. They were from the Second and Eleventh Kansas, Twenty-seventh Wis- consin, and Thirty~seventh Illinois, as will be seen from the inclosed list of prisoners captnred and paroled. Althongh I did not capture Fayetteville and drive the enemy out from it, yet my expedition will prove to be a beneficial one, as it will in future cnrb the lawlessness of the troops there; will cause them to send all their regular troops east, and it will keep the place in that con(lition in refer- ence to numbers that will enable me, with a small increase of my force and with a few hundred long-range guns, to take the place. Besides this, I have obtained information that cannot be obtained from any other source, as it is impossible to ~et correct information from people living there. Our friends are all too anxious to rid the country of their pres- ence to state things as they really are. I find this to be tine in every respect but in reference to artillery. Our enemies (Union men) will give no information at all, either in reference to the enemy or country. The whole conntry north of the mountains is ahnost devastated, and but few people are to be seen, a great majority of them having abandoned their homes and gone north. A train of at least 100 wagons left Fayetteville a few days ago filled with Union families. A few Southern families live on the road, but they are stripped of everything; all their horses, cattle, and hogs taken from them; their wheat crops destroyed, and nothing to indicate preparation for another crop. When I got into the neiglib~rhood of Fayetteville, I found houses where they were farming, and where cattle and horses could be seen. Knowing that our good citizens had burdens imposed on them by the Federal troops too grievous to be borne much longer; that it was neces- sary for me to visit that section of the country, and having been appealed to by citizens, both male and female, to give them assistance, I deter- mined that I would strike there the very first time that I saw the least hope, whether I succeeded in taking the place or not. As soon, there- fore, as I learned that Phillips was moving around with his Indian bri- gade to flank General Steele, and, having consulted with General Steele, who agreed with me (and desired that a dash should be made at Fayette- ville, if nothing more) that it was necessary, and, having heard that they were getting their wagons ready (which proved to be false) to re- enforce Phillips, besides being without forage (nothing to feed my horses), I determined to make a bold dash at that den of thieves, and, if possible, to take it. Although I did not take it, I will be ready in a few days with more troops and to strike a heavier blow again. T regret tG say that I lost a good many horses. The enemy~s sharp- shooters killed a good many with their long-range guns, and a few men left in char~e of the horses evidently deserted them. Besides this, I had too many inefficient officers and not enough long-range guns. Had I had 500 long-range guns, with good cartridges, I could have taken the place in an hou~. As it was, I could not advance my battery, as I had nothing to cover them with, as the enemys ~,uns were equal in range to the artillery. Th~ Arkadelphia rifles, with the cartridges sent for them, are no better than shot-guns. I must, therefore, again appeal to the lieutenant-general commanding for a regiment of infantry and a num- ber of rifled guns, as this section of the country should be protected. The officers and men, with a few exceptions, acted well. Colone Page 313 CHAP. XXXIV.] SCOUT TO SINKING CREEK, ETC., MO. 313 Monroe and his whole regiment deserve particular mention. Colonels Scott, [S. M.] Noble, Thomson, and Major Dorsey acted with great gal- lantry. Captain [J. Fen.] Rieff, Lieutenant [J. A.] Ferguson, Captain [T. P.] Jefferson, and Private [XV. C.] Sublett, of meWs company, de- serve to be particularly mentioned. My staff officers, Lieutenant [B. J.] Field, Surgeon [J. II.] Carroll, Major [II. C-.] Wilson (commissary), Cap- tain [J.] Crawford (quartermaster), and Lieut. Roberts, acted with great gallantry, and rendered every possible assistance. Major Wilson was, I am sorry to say, badly wounded. I sent an officer back with a flag of truce to have the wounded prop- erly cared for, and left surgeons to attend to them. I withdrew with the hope that they would follow me, and fell back slowly, hoping that I could get them ont of the houses and rifle-pits, as I ccmld have whipped them badly. They did not follow, nor evince any desire to do so. I came leisurely back to this place, in good order, to feed my horses, that had had but one days forage since the morning of the 16th, and also to have them shod and allow them a few days rest, the distance marched, over mountains, rocks, & c., being nearly 150 miles. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. CABELL, Brigadier- General, Commanding Northwestern Arkansas. Col. S. S. ANDERSON, Adjutant- General, District of Arkansas. APRIL 1821, 1863.Scout from Salem to Sinking Creek, Current River, and Big Creek, Mo. Report of Capt. Peter Ostermayer, Fifth Missouri AS~tate Militia Cavalry. IIDQRS. DETACHMENT FIFTH Mo. STATE MILITIA CAY., AS~alem, Mo., April 22, 1863. GENERAL: I herewith beg leave to remit the following report of a scout through Shannon County, on Current River, and BigCreek: Lieutenant [Angustus] Benz, of Company C, with 40 men of his corn- ])any, went out last Friday, the 18th instant, to Sinking Creek, Curren~t River, and Big Creek, as far as about 10 miles on the other side of Em- inence. He foundflve of their general camping places; chased some of the guerrillas; killed 1, captured 2. On returning last Monday, captured, on Current River, after a hard chase, Private Charles Burch, of Captain Magoffins company (B), Steens regiment, Fourth Brigade, iliudmans division, who was on re- cruiting service, in possession of a recruiting commission issued by Gen- eral M. M. Parsons; also Augustus Dow, from Saint Louis, formerly in the same regiment, but since resigned, now carrier of secesh mails, and found in possession of a splendid secesh flag and a lot of letters. The rebel mail, as well as the flag, will be handed to you by Lient. Charles Koch, who will give you also full particulars. I hold the prisoners in jail in compliance with Special Orders, No. 15, from your headquarters, dated March 31,1863, awaiting the appointment of a military commission. I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, PETER OSTERMAYER, C~aptain, Commanding at Salem. Brigadier-General DAVIES, Commanding Roila District, Rolla, Mo Page 314 314 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. APRIL 1920, 1863.Scout near Neosho, Mo. Report of Capt. Ozias Thwrk, Eighth Missouri AS~tate Militia Cavalry. POST KEOSHO, Mo., April 21, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to your or- ders, on the 19th of the present month, I took command of a detachment of 30 men from Companies L and M, Eighth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, with Lieut. John P~. Kelso, and proceeded in the direction of Seneca Mills, in search of certain notorious bushwhackers in that region of country. Traveling till about 2 p. in., and finding no one, I detailed Lieutenant Kelso, with 5 men, all properly uniformed, and sent them for- ward for the purpose of obtaining reliable information, while I, with the remainder of the command, proceeded to Scotts Mill and encamped. Lieutenant Kelso returned to me about midnight, and informed me that lie had found a kennel of bushwhackers, two of whom had fought till they died. He also had found in Cowskin Prairie a pasture containing a number of cattle jayhawked by the bushwhackers, who intended, in a short time, to drive them to the Southern army. We saddled our horses immediately, and returned to the place indicated, surrounded sev- eral houses, and found two more desperate bushwhackers, who fought till they died. We then went to a pasture, and found 40 head of cattle, jayhawked by these thieves to sell to the Southern army; all of which, with one two-horse wagon and one horse, I have brought to this post. Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon Lieutenant Kelso for the daring and cunning he displayed. With five men in citizens dress, and well armed, he succeeded in convincing the bushwhackers that he was a (lispatch-bearer from General Marmaduke. They freely boasted to Lieu- tenant Kelso of having driven all the Union people out of the country. They bragged of having killed a number of Federal soldiers, of jay- hawking the property of Union men, and said if they got any of the Neosho militia they would have them at the stake. One of these thieves stated that he had been a prisoner at Fort Scott; that he took the oath, put it in his pocket, and then stole two United States mules and a wagon, and returned to his home in McDonald County, Missouri, under protection of the oath. After conversing a short time with the bushwhackers, Lieutenant Kelso made an agreement with them that he and they would jayhawk and collect 100 head of cattle and drive them to the Southern army and sell them, and he and they went out and actually gathered in a few before he reported himself to me at midnight. The scout was out about thirty hours, and traveled 60 miles, without loss or accident of any kind. OZIAS ItUAIRK, Captain Company L, Eighth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. Capt. MILTON BURGH, Commanding Post Neosho, Mo. APRIL 25, 1863.Skirmish at Webbers Falls, md. T. Reports of (ol. William A. Phillips, Commanding Indian Brigade. FORT GIBSON, C. N., April 26, 1863. (Received May 6.) SIR: Crossed the Arkansas River on the night of the 24th, and marched 30 miles in the night, and at daylight struck the rebels o Page 315 CHAP. XXXIV.] SKIRMISH AT WEBBER7S FALLS, IND. T. 315 Stand Waties command near Webbers Falls; routed an(1 broke them up, killing a number and takhig prisoners; took the equipage, & c., that they had. Lost 2 killed. Regret to announce the death of Dr. Gilipatrick, who was basely slain by a small force of the dispersed rebels that came out of the cane. Dr. Gillpatrick had gone to dress the wounds of a rebel soldier. By a proclamation issued, the rebel Cherokee Legislature was to meet ou the 25th, at Webbers Falls. Preveni~d, and dispersed with the rebel forces. General Cooper has sent his adjutant, nuder flag of truce, to negotiate for exchange of prisoners. Sent a heavy scout, with howitzers, under Major Foren~an,to scout the Lees Creek road and up toward Fayetteville, to watch toward Van Buren, and to prevent any force moving up east of this until Colonel Harrison moves. Respectfully, WM. A. PHILLIPS. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS, Saint Louis, Mo. (Received May 9, 1863.) GENERAL: Ascertained that the rebel loss at Webbers Falls was much heavier than first reported. Two rebel captains killed. Crossed the Arkansas River 30 miles below Gibson, after the fight, and marched toward Evansville, where the rebel force was said to be. Rebels had precipitately retreated to Fort Smith on the news of Webbers Falls aiThir. Got dispatches. Learned of the evacuation of Fayetteville. Under your orders, demolished the works at iildebrands Mill, and have concentrated the force at Gibson. Here I have a strong work which cannot be taken by any force or artillery the enemy can bring to bear on it. It is on a commanding hill, with rear bluffs, on Grand River; water from river within lines; incloses 15 acres; defensible now, but needs much more worka line of works, with angles and facings, over 1 mile in length, built by Indian soldiers. My rear is up Grand River Valley. The enemy has not transportation, and cannot subsist here so as to give a long siege. If hard pressed, I can retreat northwest, car- rying a pursuing foe through a desolate country, where he might be taken in the flank. I do not think the enemy can menace me with a heavy force for two or three weeks yet. It would be ruinous to the Government cause, as well as to these people, to abandon the country. As my orders permit me to remain, I shall maintain my ground at all hazards. I can send out heavy scouts of mounted men to strike the enemy in front and guard my rear from cavalry scouts, and hold the work with the re- mainder. I shall strike wherever I can, as the best defense. The enemy was a good deal dispirited and demoralized by Webbers Falls, and if I can strike them again, I can keep them south of the Arkansas River until the army moves. WM. A. PHILLIPS, Colonel. Major-General CURTIS Page 316 316 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T,, AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV. HEADQUARTERS, Port Gibson, md. [L, May 9, 1863. SIR: For fear of accident to my last dispatches, I recapitulate briefly. On the 25th ultimo we marched across the river and routed the enemy at Webbers Falls after a 30 miles night march, besides fording the river. After the fight was over, Dr. Gilipatrick, I regret to say, was killed (assassinated) while going to dress the wounds of a rebel soldier. ills loss is a heavy one as I tin activity, men and sted much in his judgment and fearless I sent three guns into Arkansas, nn(ler Colonel [Fred- erick W.] Schaurte and Major Foreman. Those of the enemy on this side had fled over the river after the affair at Webbers Falls. They burned up the boats from here to Van Buren. Colonel [II. P.] Cm ml), of Texas, with a command of Texans at Fort Smith last Friday. arrived Cooper and Steele are doing all they can to organize the Indian rebel forces. I recrossed the river at Webbers Falls while it was deep fording, and rising rapidly; since then past all fording. Good boating stage at this point. Have heard nothing of Colonel Harrison since he left Fayetteville. My army is suffering for bread. I have been able to issue none to the l)eople since the last train came. The agent has done nothin