TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 41 (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, 1893 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 F +~94tiL U~ 3 Vs #1 ~ THE GIFT OF Title Page Page R001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL IRIECOBDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PUBLISIHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. DANIEL S. LAMONT, Secretary of War, BY MAJ. GEORGE B. DAVIS, U. S. A., MR. LESLIE J. PERRY, MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY, Board of Publication.. SERIES IVOLUME XLI-IN FOUR PARTS. PART IREPORTS. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTIN~G OFFICE. 1893 Page R002 Page R003 PREFACE. The work of preparing the records of the war for public use wa~ begun under the resolution of Congress of May 19, 1864, by Adjt. Gen. E. D. Townsend, U. S. Army, who caused copies to be made -~ of reports of battles on file in his office and steps to be taken to col- lect missing records. Under the provisions of joint resolution No. 91, of t866, Hon. Peter H. Watson was appointed to supervise the preparatio~zi and formulate a plan for the publication of the records, but he did no work and-drew no pay under this appointment, which expired July 27, 1868, by limitation of the resolution. This resolution also re- peah~d the former one and work ceased. The first decisive step taken in this work was the act of June 23, 1874, providing the necessary means to enable the Secretary of War to begin the publication of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion, both of the Union and Confederate Armies, and directing him ~ to have copied for the Public Printer all reports, letters, telegrams, and general orders, not heretofore copied or printed, and properly arranged in chronological order. Appropria- tions have been made from time to time for continuing such prepa- ration. Under this act the preliminary work was resumed by Gemi- eral Townsend, who first outlined the plan on which the records are printed, though it appears that originally he contemplated publish- ing to the world only the more important military reports. Subsequently, under meagerappropriations, it was pmisecuted in a somewhat desultory manner by various subordinates of the War Department until December 14, 1877, when the Secretary of War, perceiving that the undertaking needed the undivided attention of a single head, detailed Lieut. Col. Robert N. Scott, U. S. Army, to take charge of the bureau and devote himself exclusively to the work. The act of June 23, 1874, greatly enlarged upon the first crude scheme of publication. On this more comprehensive basis it was determined that the volumes should include not only the battle reports, but also all official documents that can be obtained by the compiler, amid that appear to be of any historical value. Colonel Scott systematized the work and the plan and presented the records mu Page R004 Iv PREFACE. in the following order of arrangement, which has been adhered to by his successors: The first series will embrace the formal reports, both Union and Confederate, of the first seizures of United States property in the Southern States, and of all mil- itary operations in the field, with the correspondence, 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 campaigns and sev- eral 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 correspondence, & c., not embraced in the reports proper will follow Oirst Union and next Confederate) in chronologicai order. The second series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns, Union and Confederate, relating to prisoners of war, and (so far as the military au- thorities were concerned) to State or political prisoners. The third series will contain the correspondence, orders, repbrts, and returns of the Union authorities (embracing their correspondence with the Confederate offi- cials) not relating specially to the subjects of the first and second series. It will set forth the annual and special 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 sev~eral State author- ities. - The fourth 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 correspondence between the Union and Confed- erate authorities given in that series. The first volume of the records was issued in the early fall of 1880. The act approved June 16, 1880, provided for the printing and bind- ing, under direction of the Secretary of War, of 10,000 copies of a com- pilation of the Official Records (Union and Confederate) of the War of the Rebellion, so far as the same may be ready for publication, dnring the fiscal year; and that of said number 7,000 copies shall be for the use of the House of Representatives, 2,000 copies for the nse of the Senate, and 1,000 copies for the nse of the Executive De- partments. Under this act Colonel Scott proceeded to publish the first five volumes of the records. * * All subsequent volumes have been distributed under the act approved August 7, 1882, which provides that: The volumes of the Official Records of the War 7f the Rebellion shall be distrib- uted as follows: One thousand copies to the Executive Departments, as now pro- vided 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-six, 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 eleven 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. ~dd~d thereto, and the proceeds of such sale shall b Page R005 PREFACE. V Col. Robert N. Scott died March 5, 1887, before the completion of the work, which, during a ten years~ service, he had come to love so dearly. At his death some twenty-six books only had been issued, but he had compiled a large amount of matter for forthcoming vol- nines; consequently his name as compiler was retained in all the books up to and including Vol. XXXVI, although his successors had added largely to his compilations from new material found after his demise. The Secretary of War, May 7, 1887, assigned Lient. Col. H. M. Lazelle, U. S. Army, to duty as the successor of Colonel Scott. He had continued in charge about two years, when, in the act approved March 2, 1889, it was provided That hereafter the preparation and publication of said records shall be conducted, under the Secretary of War, by a board of three persons, one of whom shall be an officer of the Army, and two civilian experts, to be appointed by the Secretary of War, the compensation of said civilian experts to be fixed by the Secretary of War. The Secretary of War appointed Maj. George B. Davis, judge advo- cate, U. S. Army, as the military member, and Leslie J. Perry, of Kansas, and Joseph W. Kirkley, of Maryland, as the civilian expert members of said board. The board assumed direction of the pub- lication at the co~nmencement of the fiscal year 188.9, its first work beginning with Serial No. 36 of Vol. XXIV. Each volume includes a copious and accurate index, and for the further convenience of investigators there will be, in addition, a general index to the entire set when complete in a volume by itself. Nothing is printed in these volumes except duly authenticated contemporaneous records of the war. The scope of the boards work is to decide upon and arrange the matter to be published; to correct and verify the orthography of the papers used, and occasion- ally to add a foot-note of explanation. GEO. B. DAVIS, Major and J. A., U. S. A., LESLIE J. PERRY, Civilian Expert, JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY, Givilian Expert, Board of Publication. Approved: REDPIELD PROCTOR, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. 6!., August 1, 1891. 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 the series heretofore published have, not been furnished to such libraries, organizations, and individuals. He shall also inform distributees at whose instance the volumes are sea Page R006 Table of Contents Page R007 CONTENTS. CHAPTER LIII. Iag& ~. Operations in Louisiana and the Trans-Mississippi States and Territories. July 1December 31, 1864... . .. . ......., . .., 11006 CVII Page R008 Additions and Corrections Page A001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A CO1\IPILATION OY THE OFFICIAL 7RECOiRDS 1)1 ri-IF: UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO SERIES I-VOLUME XLI. (To be inserted in the volume. For explanation see General Index voinme, Serial INo. 130, page XXVIII.) PUBLISHED UNI)EII THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. ELIHU ROOT, Secretary of War, BY BRIG. GEN. FRED C. AINSWORTII, CHIEF OF THE REcoIU AND PENSION OFFICE, WAR DEPARTMENT, AND MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY. Mr. JOHN S. MOODEY, Indexer. WAS H I N G TO N: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1902 Page A002 ADDITIONS AND CORR~CTIONS~ TEXT. PART i. Pages 2, 176. July 2728, 1864, for Skirmishes on Ike Blackwaler River read Skir- mishes on Ike Blackwaler Creek. Page 85. Twenty-second line, top, for miners read mililia. Page 473. Erase foot-note and insert See Plale 66, Map 2, of Ike A/las. Page 676. Seventeenth line, bottom, for Brown read Beard. Page 782. Seventh line, top, for order read olker. Page 1007. For Beckmans read Beekmans. Page 1014. For MeGhees read MeGehees. Ninth and tenth lines, bottom, strike out isl Regimenl, Trans-Mississzj5pi Depar/menl. Page 1094. Insert a after Missouri Troops (Union), and add footnote a The eleven regimen/s of Provisional Enrolled Mililia, organized nnder Ike an/horily of Ike Governor of Missouri, da/ed February 3, 1863, were designa/ed Ihe isl, 2d, jd, elc., lo Ihe z~Ih. All o/her organizalions (excepl companies), herein indexed as Provisional Enrolled Mi/i/ia, should be Enrolled Missouri Mililia, Ike reference being lo companies of Ike several regimen/s of Enrolled Missouri Mililia, organized under Ike provisions of General Orders, No. 107, Depar/menl of Ike Missouri, da/ed June 28, i8& ~, and prin/ed in Series I, Volume 3d,, ParI IV, p. 581. Page 1102. Erase Pa//erson, Mo., and transfer events in proper order under Pa//er- son, Wayne Gounly, Mo. PART 2. Page 31. Erase foot-note and insert See Series I, VoL ~8, ParI 2, p. 1227. Page iioi. Strike out after Ca/ers ( T. A.) Ba/Ia/ion the words (Official designalion nol of record.) See T. A. Ca/er, and insert See Texas Troops, Con- federale. Page i io8. For MeGhees read McGehees. Page 1109. Following Miami Counly Mi/i/ia, after Kansas Troops inserts/h Mi/i/ia. Eleventh and twelfth lines, bottom, strike out i~s/ Regimenl, Trans- Mississz~5pi Depar/menl. Page 1114. For Vias read Vial/s. Page 1193. Same correction as noted for p. 1094, Part i. PART 3. Page 6i i. For General Orders; No. 275, read Special Orders, No. 275. Page 947. Day to Ford, fourth line, for Echazarela read Echarzarre/a. Page 1015. For Babeockes read Babeokes. Page 1021. Nineteenth and twentieth hues, bottom, strike out isl Regimenl, Trans- Mississippi Depar/menl. Page 1024. Twentieth line, top, for zz6lh read z6/h. Page 1089. Same correction as noted for p. 1094, Part u. PART 4. Page 163. Seventh line, top, for Harris read Paris. Page 514. Erase foot-note and insert See Series I, Vol. ~ p. 599. Page 564. Philips to Commanding Officer, address, for Twenly-/hird Missouri Infan/ry read Thirly-/hird Missouri Infan/ry. - Page A003 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. 3 Page 1091. Fifth line, bottom, for William F. Haws read William S. Harris. Page 1164. Fourth and fifth lines, bottom, strikeout ist Regiment, Trans-Mississzj5pi Department. Page r i68. For Reeves read Reeves. Page 1173. Thirteenth line, bottom, for See Whitaker read See William A. Whitaker. Page 1174. For Williamsons (William T.) read Williamsons (Milton T.). Page 1258. Same correction as noted for p. 1094, Part i. INDEX. Insert all words and figures in italics and strike out all in [brackets]. An asterisk (*) following a correction indicates that Additions and Corrections to the text should be consulted. References are to parts of volume. Part. Ad. Hines, Steamer, 901 Adams, B.J., U. S. S. [Steamer] 2,4 Adams, Johnj [I.] 3 Allen Collier [Collyer], Steamer 4 Anderson, Waverly [William] F Andrews, Christopher C. Assignment to command, 765 [764] 4 Angell,AndrewJ. [ ] 3 Arkansas Troops (C.). Cavalry~Battalions: 13th (Witherspoon) 4 CavalryRegiments: McGekees [McGhees] i, 2 Monroes [ist Trans-Mississippi Depart ment] 1,2,3,4 Arm ijo, Ambrosio [Armizo, ] B.J. Adams, U. S. S., ~y~i 2 B.J. Adams, U. S. S., 609 4 Babcoke [Babcocke], Thomas J 3,4 Baker, J. T. [Captain (Engineer Depart ment)] .. 2 Bancroft, William A. [ ] 2,3 Barry, William T. [F.] Beard, W. D.. 676 [Brown, Major, 240, 676]* .. Beekman [Beckman], Edxvard . Benew or Ernen, A., 3 Bigelow, John, 6s [Bigelow, , 62] 2 Bigelow, S. G., 6s [Bigelow, , 62] 2 Blackwater Creek [River], Mo Bondreanx [Bondreaux], Omar Bondreanx [Bondreaux], Valentine, Mrs 3 Bons]ield [Bowsfield], John C Brongh, John, 27 [Tod, David, 27] 2 Brown, Buck, s~o [Brown, Major, 240, 676]*.. Bruen or Benew, A 3 Bryan, William D Bryant, George [. ] 2 Burk, Ed. [Edward] A 2 Byrne,JohnH. [ ] 3 Cabell, John Grattan 2 Cannon [Cameron], James D. Mentioned, 970 [Cannon, James D., 970] I Carrabasset, U. S. 5., 719; Gunboat No. 49, [7~~] Carrabasset, U. S. S., ~a58; Gunboat No. 49, [468] 2 [Cater, V. A., 1069] 2 Cheek, Mark R., Steamer 2 Cheeseman, J. W., Steamer 3 Part. Chester, William E., 8z~ [Chester, William, 815] Chontean, Henry [Chotean], Steamer I 2 Choutean, Henry, Steamer 3 Clamann [Ciamman], George 3 Collier [Collyer], Allen, Steamer 4 Congden, Jack. Correspondence with William A. Bancroft 3 Connelly [Conolly], Henry 2,3 Conyers, Polk [ ] I, 2 Cooler, George [ j Cooper,James W. [J. F.] Cooper, James W. [F.] 3;4 Cricket, C. 5. 5., 95g; Gunboat No. 6, [~~] 2 Demerest [Demarest], John M 3 Denicke, Ernst [Ernest] A 4 Denny, Alexander F. Mentioned, 116 Report of skirmish, etc., [416] Dubuque Crossing and Sugar T,oaf Prairie, Ark. [Mo.] Edmnnds [Edmonds], Newton Elder, Peter P. [B.] 3 Ellsworth, Henry L. [ ] 2 Ellwood [Elwood], Steamer 3 Ewing, Thomas, jr. Correspondence with Byrne,J. H. [ ] 3 Exchange, U. S. S., 88s; Gunboat No. 38, [882]. 3 Fawn, C. 5. 5., 298; Gunboat No. 30, [298].. Fawn, U. 5. 5., 6, ss, 889, 908; Gunboat No. 30, [6, 22, 889, 908] 2 Fawn, U. S. 5., i; Gunboat No. 30, [~] 3 Fawn, U. S. S., 7sf; Gunboat No. 30, [724].. 4 Fisk, Clinton B. Correspondence with Bancroft, William A. [ ] 2,3 Fitch, Jnlian [John] R Flesher [Fleshler], Henry 2 Flores, Reyes [ ] Forrest, William H. [Bill] I Forrest, William H 4 Fort Kearny, Nebr., Commanding Officer at. Correspondence with Angell, AndrewJ. [ 1 3 McKee, Hngh [ ] 3 Foster, Emory S. [Major] Freudenreich, George A [Charles G.] Page A004 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Part. Fristoe, Edward T. [F.] 4 Fulibright, Daniel N Glide, U 5. 5., 750; Gunboat No. 43, [750]... Glide, U. S. S., 168; Gunboat No. 43, [468]... 2 Guerrin, U G. [Gabriel C.] Gunboat No. i See U. S. S. Rallier [1064] 2 Gunboat No. 6 See U. S. S. Gricket [9531 2 Gunboat No. 4 See U. S. S. Kenwood [301] 1 Gunboat No. 30 See U. S. S. Fawn [298] . ... Gunboat No. 30 See U. S. S. Fawn [6, 22, 889, 908] 2 Gunboat No. 30 See U. S. S. Fawn [4] 3 Gunboat No. 30 See U. S. S. Fawn [724] ,1 Gunboat No. 37 See U S. S. Naumkeag [6, 22] - Gunboat No. 37 See U S. S. Nanmkeag [s] 3 Gunboat No. 38 See U. S. S. Exchange [882] 3 Gunboat No. 41 See Nyanza [Nijauza], U. s.s 1,2 Gunboat No. 43 See U S. S. Glide [750] .... Gunboat No. 43. See U. S. .5. Glide [468] .... 2 Gunboat No. 49. See U. S. S. Garrabasset Gunboat No. 49. See U S. S. Garrabassel [468] 2 Gunboat No. 54. See U S. S. Nymph [301] . Gwin [Gwynn], I,ucy, Steamer 4 Hale, James, Steamer Hambleton [Hamilton], Rose, Steamer 3 [Harris, , 163] * 4 Ha ris [Haws], William S. [F.], 1091 * 4 Hart [Hartz] & Wintz 3 Hastings, L. W. [Major] 4 Hays, Harry T 2 Helm, George Al. [W.] 2 Helm, George M. [Helme, G. WI 3 Herrick, Tbomas P., 382 [Herrick, Jobn F., 382] Hilderbrand, Samuel [Hildebrand, ] 2 Hilderbrand, Samnel [Hildebrand, J N.] 3 Hildretb, James M. [H.] 4 Hill, Frederick S. Mentioned, 717 [Hills, Frederick S., 717] 4 Hines, Ad. [Hine], Steamer Hoffmann, Gnstav [Hoffman, Gustave] 3 Homer, F. D., Steamer 4 Hunter, William T. Correspondence witb Leland, Cyrus, }r 3 J. D. Swai~n [Swain], Steamer I. H. Lacy, Steamer, 13, i~7 4 Jones,John R., 997; Jones, Jobn J., [~~7] 4 Kansas Troops. [Miscellaneous Regiments: Mi ansi County Militia, 75I~ 2 Kenwood, U. 5. 5., 301, Gunboat No. 14, [301] . I King, Wilbur [William] H 3,4 Lane, Walter [Walker] P 2 Lee, JamesM. [F.] .... Leland, Cyrus, jr 3 Leland, Cyrus, [jr.] 4. Lewis, Reese J. [William H.] 2 Lindsay [Lindsey], D. Herndon 4 Part. Lindsay [Lindsey], D. Herudon, Mrs 4 List, Sallie [Sally], Steamer 2 Louisiana Troops (C.). CavalryRegilnents: 3d (Harrison), 11412 4 3d (Pargond), [1142] 4 Love, Josepb B. [R.] 2 Loveuskiold, Charles [Colonel] 2 Lucy Gwin [Gwynn], Steamer 4 McDonald, A., & Co 3 MeGehee [McGbee], James I 2 McKay [McRay], James 4 McKee, Hagh [General] 3 MeLellan [McClellan], J. C 3 McReynolds, Allen [ ] 4 Magee, Harton [ilarter] & George 3 Magoffin, Beriab [II.] I Melcber, Samuel 11. Correspondence witb Ba/woke [Babcocke] ,Tbomas J 4 Miller, George W 2 Missouri, Department of tbe (U.). Orders General, series 1864. Rosecrans: [No. 275, 611] * 3 Orders, Special, series 1864. Rosecrans: No. s7~, 611* 3 Missoliri Troops (U.). infantryRegiments: [s3d, 364]* 4 4 See also Additions aIld Corrections to Text, Part I, p. 1Q94; Part 2, p. 1193 Part 3, p. 1Q89; Part 4, p. is~8. Mitebell. Barnett B. [Barneyl MooneyJesse [Major] 1,4 Morgan, Tom, Steamer [U. S. S.] 3 Morgans Ferry, La. [Ala.] I Morris, Edward M I Murpby, Re/er U [Patrick V.] 4 Nanmkeog, U. 5. 5., 6, ss; Gunboat No. 37, [6,ss] 2 Nanmkeag, U 5. 5., ~ Gunboat No. 37, [s]. 3 Abanza [Ni]anza],U.S. S I 2 A]ymph, U. 5. 5.301; Gunboat No. 54, [301]. OMeallie [Meallie], H. H. [0.] 3 Owen [Owens], Berry 2 Parker, Cbarles G I Patterson, Wayne Gounty, Mo., 1102* I Peabody, Albert P. [F.] S Platte County, Mo. Scout in, Aug. 2530, 1864. Report of Ed- ward M. Morris Price, Sterling. Correspondence witb Lindsay [Lindsey], D. Herudon 4 Pringle, J. S., Steamer 3, 4 Quarles, Tbomas A 4 Rattler, U. 5. 5., 1061; Gunboat No. i, [1064] 2 Reeve [Reeves], Artbur r 4 Renville, Antoine [Antonie] 4 Rogers [Rodgers], Jobn 2 Rose Hainbleton [Hamilton], Steamer 3 Sacket [Sackett], Delos B 2,3,4 Page A005 5 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Part. Saint Charles Court-House, I,a I Salomon, Frederick. Mentioned,38,5 [Solomon, Frederick, 385].. 4 Sand Creek, Cob. Ter. Engagement, etc. Conduct of troops, etc. Statements of Cannon [Cameron], James D Savoiy, W. B. [Savoy], Steamer 3 Shaler, James [John] R 3 Shelton, William A 4 Shepherd [Sheppard], B. A 3 Shimminger [Schimminger], Samuel 2 Shoemaker, H. [Shumaker, Captain] Shoot [Shoat], James II Siebert [Seihert], F 4 Sigel, Alhert. Correspondence with Batcoke [Bahcocke], Thomas J 3 Silva,Josl Ma. [ I 3 Smith, George W. (~th Kans.), [4551 Smith, George W. (6th Mo. Gay.). 4.55 Sparks, Thomas C. [Colonel] Stewart, p,// [ ] Stewart, Bill [ ] 3 Stewart, Bill, 671 [Stewart, , 671] 4 Sugar Loaf Prairie, Ark [Mo.] Summers, George [ ] 4 Sivaim [Swain], J. D., Steamcr Taylor, Benjamin F. [L.] 1,2 Part. Texas Troops (C.). CavalryBattalions: Caters, 1069 2 CavalryRegiments: Andersons, 1092 2 [Andersons (State), 1092] s Thatcher [Thacher], M. C 2 Tom Morgan, Steamer, 822 3 Vansickle [Vansickler], Ahram B 1, 3 Viall [Via], Nelson 2 Vinson, Bailie P. L. [Vincent, Bailey] 2, 3 Vinson, Bailie P. L., 1142 [ii44] 4 Virginia, Steamer, 724 [722] 4 Visconti, B. C. [Captain] 3 Waddeli John [Alfred] War Department, U. S. Correspondence with Socket [Sackett], Delos B 3 Watts [Hatts], John S S Welden,]oe [ ] I Whitaker, William A. [ ] 4 Wilcox [Willcox], John (Missouri) 2 Wilcox, John (7th Iowa Car.) 2 Williamson, Milton [William] T 4 Wood, Robert C. (Asst. Surg. Gee.) [Charles S.] 4 Wood, Rohert C. (14th Battn. Mo. Cay.) 4 Yerhy, John H 2 Zickendrath [Zitkendrath], George 3 Zubiran, Juan N. [M.] Page A006 Special Index Page R009 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME I. CHAPTER I Page. Operations in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. December 20, 1860-April 14, 1861... 1317 CHAPTER II. The secession of Georgia. January 3-26, 1861 318325 CHAPTER III. The secession of Alabama and Mississippi. January 4-20,1861 326-330 CHAPTER IV. perations in Florida. January 6-August 31,1861 331473 CHAPTER V Page. The secession of North Carolina. Janu ary 9-May 20, 1861 474-488 CHAPTER VI. The secession of Louisiana. January 10- February 19,1861 489-501 CHAPTER VII. Operations in Texas and New Mexico. February 1-June 11, 1861 502-636 CHAPTER VIII. Operations in Arkansas, the Indian Terri- tory, and Missouri. February 7-May 9, 1861 637691 VOTAJME II. CHAPTER IX. Page. Operations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. April 16-July 31,1861.... 1-1012 VOLUME III. CHAPTER X. Page. 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. June 11, 1861February 1,1862. 1-174 eastern Virginia. August 1, 1861-Janii. CHAPTER XII. ary 11, 1862 566721 Operations in Kentucky and Tennessee. July 1November 19, 1861 175565 VOLUME V~ CHAPTER XIV. Page. Operations in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and West Virginia. August 1,1861-March 17,1862. 1-1106 VOLUME VI. CHAPTER XV. Operationson the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Floridn. August 21,1861-April 11, 1862 Page. CHAPTER XVI. Page. Operations in West Florida, Southern Al- abama, Southern Mississippi, and Lou 1435 isiana. September 1,1861May 12,1862. 436894 VOLUME VII. CHAPTER XVII. Page. Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, N. Alabama, and S. W. Virginia. Nov. 19, 1861-Mar. 4, 1862.. 1-946 (IX Page R010 X CONTI~NTS OP PREC}~JJING VoLiiMI~. VOILUME VIII. CHAPTER XVIIL Pag. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas Kansas, and Indian Territory. Nov. 1% 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 nary 11-March 17, 1862 1-71 Arizona. February 1-September 20, CHAPTER XX 1862 481-736 Operations in North Carolina. January 11-August 20,1862 72-480 VOLIJME NIIN TWO PARPS~ CHAPTER XXII. Operations in kentucky, Tennessee, North Mississippi, North Alabania, rid SouthWcet Virginia March 4June 10, 1862. Page. Part I-Reports 1-921 Part II-.Correspondence~ etc 1-642 VOLuME XIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIII. The Peninsular Campaign, Virginia. March 17-September 2,1862. Page. Part IReports, March 17-June 24 1-1077 Part IlReports, June 25-September 2 1-994 Part iIICorrespontV~nce, etc , 1-691 VOLUME XII-4N THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIV. Oper tions in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. March 1 d -~September 2,1862. Page. Part IReports, March 1-June 25 .. 1-818 Part 11Reports, June 26-S~ptember 2 1-820 Part 111Correspondence, etc . , 1-966 VOLUME XIII. CHAPTER XXV. Pate. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Ddpartmellt of the Northwest. April 10-November 20, 1862 1-981 VOLUME XIV. CHAPTER XXVI. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. April 12, 1862June 11, 1863 -. VOLUME XV. CHAPTER XXVII. Page. Operations in West Florida, Southern Alabama, Southern Mississippi (embracing all operations against Vicksburg, May 18-July 27, 1862), and Louitiana, May 12, 1862-Ma~14, 1863; and oper- ations in Texas, New Mexico, arid Arizona. September 20, 1862-May 14, 1863 1-113 Page R011 CONTENTS OF PI~ECEIMNG VOLUMES. xt VOLUME XVIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXVILI. - Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. dune 10October 31, 1862. Page. Part IReports . . ......... ... .. 1-1168 Part Il--Correspondence, e , . . .. 1-1017 VOLUME XVIIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXIX. Operations in West Tennessee and Northern Mississippi. June 10, 1862-January 20, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-807 Part lICorrespondence, etc 1916 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. ~862. Page. Part IReports, September 3-20 11108 Part IlReports, September 20-November 14; Correspondence, etc., September 3-Novem ber 14 . 1739 VOLUME XXIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXII. Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. No. vember 1,1862January 20, 1863. Page. Part IReports ... ... 1-997 Part IlCorrespondence, etc - 1-516 VOLUME XXI. CHAPTER XXXIII. Page. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. November 15, 1862-January 25,1863 11152 VOLUME XXIIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXIV. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the Northwest. November 20, 1862-December 31,1863. Page. Part 1Reperts 1926 Part lICorrespondence, etc 1116 Page R012 XII CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME XXIJIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXV. Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. Jan. uary 21-August 10, 1861. Page. Part IReports 1-858 Part lICorrespondence, etc 1-986 VOLUME XXIVIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVI. Operations in Mississippi and West Tennessee, including those in Arkansas and Louisiana connected with the Siege of Vicksburg. January 20-August 10. 1563. Page. Part IReports, January 20-May 15, including the General Reports for whole period. January 20-August 10 1-787 Part lIReports, May 16-August 10 1-699 Part IllCorrespondence, etc .... 1-1070 VOLUME XXVIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVII. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. January June 26-32 1863. Page. Part I Reports 1-112, Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-86 VOLUME XXVIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVIII. Operations in West Florida, Southern Alabama, Southern Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and New Mexico. May 14December 31, 1863. Page. Part IReports, Union Correspondence, etc 1-920 Part IlConfederate Correspondence, etc 1-581. VOLUME XXVIIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXXIX. Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Department of the East. June 3-August 3, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-1059 Part lIReports 1-1005 Part IllCorrespondence, etc 1-1092 VOLUME XXVJIIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XL. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia, and in Middle and East Florida. June 12- December 31, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-755 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-609 VOLUME XXJX1N TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XLI. Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia. Maryland, and Pennsylvania. August 4-De. cember 31, 1863. Page. Part IReports 11018 Part lICorrespondence, etc 1-93 Page R013 xl CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME XXXIN FOUR PARTS. CHAPTER XLII. Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Alabama, and North Georgia. August 11-October 19, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-1071 Part ItReports 1-821 Part IllUnion Correspondence, etc 1-1017 Part tVUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-768 VOLUME XXXJIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XLIII. Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Alabama, and North Georgia. October 20-December 31,1863, Page. Part IReports and Union Correspondence 1-852 Part IlReports 1 -782 Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-893 VOLUME XXXIJIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XLIV. Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and North Georgia. January 1-April 30,1864. Page. Part IReports 1-703 Part Il-Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-833 Part II 1Uftion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-879 VOLUME XXXIII. CHAPTER XLV. Page. Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Jan uary 1April 30,1864 1-1335 VOJIIUME XXXIV-IN FOUR PARTS. CHAPTER XLVI. Operations in Louisiana and the Tran~ -Mississippi States and TerritorIes. January 1-June 30,1864. Page. Part IReports 1-1058 Part IlUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-1107 Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-835 Part IV Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-701 VOLUME XXXV1N TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XLVII. Operations in South Carolina and Florida, and on the Georgia Coast. January 1-November 13,1864. Page. Part IReports, Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-646 part IlUnion arid Coufederate Correspondence, etc ,, ,, , ,,., ., ,,,. .,,., 1-6 5 Page R014 XIV CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME XXXVIJN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XLVIII. Operations in Southeastern Virghila and North Carolina. May 1-June 12, 1864. Page. Part IReports 1-1101 Part IlReports, Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-1027 Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-903 VOLUME XXXVIIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XLIX Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania May 1-August 3,1864. Page. Part IReports, Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-770 Part IlUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc . 1-606 VOLUME XXXVIJIIN FIVE PARTS. CHAPTER L. - The Atlanta, Ga., Campaign. May 1-September 8, 1864. Page. Part IReports 1-936 Part IlReports 1-930 Part IllReports 1-1008 Part IVUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-807 Part VUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-1031 VOLUME XXXJXJN ThREE PARTS. .. CHAPTER LI. Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and North Georgia (the Atlanta Campaign excepted). May 1-November 13, 1864. Page. Part IReports 1-908 Part IlUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-889 Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-918 VOLUME XLIN ThREE PARTS. Operations in Southeastern Virginia and North Carolina. June 13-July 31, 1864. Page. Part IReports 1-822 Part IlUnion and Confederate, Correspondence, etc 1-717 Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-82 Page R015 4 0 p 1 p 1 ITJ 0 4 p ~: ~: ~ ~ Sunday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Monday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Tuesday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Wednesday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Thursday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Friday. ~ ~ ~ ~~Q1: ~ ~ Saturday. 0 ~. 4 0 0 0 .0 0 . cgq ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Sunday. ~ ~~-~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Monday. ~: ~: ~ ~ ~ ~: Tuesday. ~ Wednesday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Thursday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Friday. 0 0 ~. 0 ~ . 0 C~ Saturday Page R016 Page 1 (JIIAPTER LILI. OPERATIONS IN LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSIS SIPPI STATES AND TERRITORIES.* July 1December 31, 1864. PART I. SUM MAIRY OF TIIIE PJ~INC1 IPAL iE~ViENTSJ July 1, 1864.Skirniish near Fayette, Mo. 131, 1864.Operations in Arkansas. 1Oct. 1, 1864.Operations a~ainst Indi~nis in the i)istrict of Minitesota. 3, 1864.Skirmish in Platte (Jounty, Mo. 325, 1864.Operations in the vicinity of Baton Rouge, La., with skirmish near l3entons Ferry, on the Amite River (25th). 4, 1864.Skirmish in Clay County, Mo. Skirmish at Cross Bayou, La. 5 6, 1864. Scouts from Big Pincy, Mo. 5 7, 1864.Expedition from Morgauza to Sinisport, La. 510, 1864.Expedition from New Madri4 to Caruthersville, Mo., with skir- inishes. 624, 1864.Scout in Southeastern Arizona. 630, 1864.Operations in Western Missouri. 8, 1864.Skirmish near Richmond, Mo. 812, 1864.Scout from Patterson to Buffalo Creeli, in Ripley County, Mo. 913, 1864.Operations in the vicinity of Wellington, Mo., with skirmishes at Warders Church (10th), and at Columbus, Johnson County (12th). Including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, In(Iian Territory, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Texas, and the Departuient of the Northwest, emabrac- ing Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Of some of the minor conflicts noted in this Sumnniary no circumstantial reports are on tile. (1) I R IlVOL XLI, PT Page 2 2 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. July 13. 1864.Skirmish near Brownsville, Ark. Reconnaissance from Pine Bluff, Ark 1316, 1864.Expedition from Helena, Ark., to Buck Islaiid, in the Mississippi River. 14, 1864.Skirmish near Bloomfield, Mo. 15, 1864.Affair at Lindley, Grundy County, Mo. 1718, 1864.Expedition from Baton Rouge to Davisons Ford, near Clinton, La.. 1728, 1864.Scout on the South Platte River, CoIn. For. 18-21, 1864.Scout in Shannon County, Mo. 1823, 1864.Operations in Southwest Missouri, with skirmishes near Mays- ville, Ark. (20th), and near Carthage, Mo. (21st). 18Aug. 6, 1864.Operations in Southeast Missouri and Northeastern Arkan- sas, with skirmishes at Scatterville, Ark. (July 28), at Osceola, Ark. (August 2), and at Elk Chute, Mo. (Au- gust 4). 18Aug. 7, 1864 Expedition to the Pinal Mountains, Ariz. Ter. 19, 1864.Skirmlsh on the Benton road, near Little Rock, Ark. Attack on Wehster. Washington County, Mo. 19 95, 1864.Operations on the White River, Ark., and attack (24th) on the steamer Clara Bell. - 2031, 1864.Operations in La Fayette and ,Johnsou Counties, Mo., with skir- mishes. 21, 1864.Skirmish at Atehatalaya, La. 22, 1864.Skirmish near Vidalia, La. Skirmish at Coneorcila, La. Skirmish in Wright County, Mo. 22Aug. 22, 1864.Attempt to transfer Confederate troops to the east hank of the Mississippi River. 2324, 1864.Operations in Randolph County, Mo. with skirmishes at Allen (23d), and gt Huntsville (24th). 23Oct. 10, 1864 Expedition to Southwestern New Mexico. 25, 1864.Skirmish at Pleasant Hill, Mo. 2526, 1864.Scout from Fulton, Mo. 25Aug. 11, 1864.Scout in Yell County, Ark., with skirndslmes. 25Oct. 8, 1864.Expedition against Sioux Indians in I)akota Territory. 26, 1864.Attack on Sheihina, Mo. 2628, 1864.Scout to Searcy anJ West Point, Ark. ~6 31, 1864.Scout in Johnson County, Mo. 2728, 1864.Skirmishes on the Blaekwater River (27th), and on Big Creek, Mo. (28th). 2730, 1864.Scout in Cimariton County, Mo., with skirmishes (30th) on the Chariton road, near Keytesville, and at Union Church. 28, 1864.Skirmish on the Morgans Ferry road, near Morganza, La. 29, 1864.Affair at Highland Stockade, near Baton Rouge, La. Skirmishes near Napoleonville, La. 29Aug. 2, 1864.Expedition from Warrenshurg to Chapel 1-till, Mo., with skirmish (.fmily 30) near Chapel lull. 30, 1864.Skirmish at Bayou Tensas, La. Skirmish at Hay Station No. 3, near Brownsville, Ark. Skirmish near Pine l3luff, Ark. Reoceupation of Brownsville, Tex., by the Confederate Forces. 30Aug. 1, 1864.Scout in Phelps and Manes Counties. Mo. 31, 1864.Affair at Orange Grove, near Doualdsonville, La Page 3 CHAP. Liii.] SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 3 Aug. 1, 1864.Skirmish at Rolla, Mo. Skirmishes near Independence, Mo. Scout to Baxter Springs, Kaus., with skirmish. 1 3, 1864.Scout on the Independence road to Gunters Mills, Mo. 1- 5, 1864.Scout on the Smoky Hill Fork, Kans. Operations in Eastern Arkansas, with skirmish (1st) at Lambs Plantation, near Helena.. 1-28, 1864.Operations in Southwest Missouri, with skirmishes at Diamond Grove Prairie (1st), at Rutledge (4th), near Enterprise and on Buffalo Creek (7th). 2, 1864. Recommaissance from Berwick to 1-attersonville, La. 2 8, 1864.Operations near Holden, Mo., with skirmish (8th) on Norris Creek. 3, 1864.Skirmish near Fayette, Mo. 3Nov. 4, 1864.Scouts from Fort Sumner, N. Mex., with skirmish (August 26) at Sacramento Mountains. 4 6, 1864.Expedition froum Natchez, Miss., to Gillespies Plantation, La., and skirmish. 415, 1864.Operations in the vicinity of Brazos Saufiago, Tex., with skirmish (9th) at Point Isabel. 4Sept. 15, 1864.Scout from Fort Union, N. Mex. 5, 1864.Skirmish near Remount Camp, Ark. Skirmish at Olive Branch, La. Affair at Doyals Plantation, La. Skirmish at Coneordia Bayou, La. 6, 1864. Skirmish at Plaquemnine, La. Skirmish at Indian Village, La. 6 9, 1864.Scout in Saline County, Mo., with skirmishes (7th) at Arrow Rock. 616, 1864.Expedition from Little Rock to Little Red River, Ark., with skirmishes at Hickory Plains and Bull Bayou (7th), at Hatchs Ferry (9th), near Augusta (10th), and near Searey (13th). 7, 1864.Skirmish at Enterprise, Mo. Skirmish near Huntsville, Mo. Affair near Fort Lyon, Cob. Ter. 7 8, 1864.Scout from Indepemidence into La Fayette County, Mo. 811, 1864.Scout from Salina to Mulberry Creek, Kans. 915, 1864.Operations in Central Arkansas, with skirumishes. 1012, 1864.Scouts from Morgauza, La., with skirmishes. 11, 1864.Skirmish on White Oak Creek, Ark. Skirmish in Crawford County, Ark. Skirmish near Sand Creek, Cob. Ter. Skirmi~h at Hnrtville, Mo. 1113, 1864.Expedition from Helena to Kents Landing, Ark. 1119, 1864.Operations in Johnson County, Mo., with skirmish (12th) near Holden. 11Oct. 28, 1864.Operations against Indians ii Nebraska Territory, with skirmish (September 20) near Fort Cottonwood. 12, 1864.Skirmish at Van Buren, Ark. Affair in the San Andres Mountains, N. Mex. 1216, 1864.Scout on the Fort Union road, near Fort Garland, Cob. Ter. Operations in Ray aa(I Carroll Counties, Mo., ~vit1m skirmish (12th) at Fredericksburg. For report, see Vol. XXXIX, Part I, p. 459 Page 4 LOUISIANA AND THE TRA NS-MI8SIS8JPPI. 4 [CHAP. LIII. Aug. 1322, 1864.Operations in La Fayette, Saline, and Howard Counties, Mo., with skirmishes. 15, 1864.Skirmish at Dripping Spring, Mo. 1521, 1864.Expedition from Paincourtviile to Lake Nat.chez, La., with skir- mish on Grand River. 1524, 1864.Operations in Southwest Missouri and Northwestern Arkansas, with skirmishes at Carroilton, Ark. (15th), on Richiand Creek, Ark. (16th), and at Mud Town, Ark. (24th). 16, 1864.Skirmish at Columbia, Mo. Skirmish with Indians near Smoky Hill Crossing, Kans. 17, 1864.Capture of the steamer Miller, on the Arkansas River, near Pine Bluff, Ark. 18, 1864.Skirmish at Benton, Ark. Skirmishes near Pine Bluff, Ark. 1924, 1864.Scout on the Republican River, Kans. 20, 1864.Skirmish near Rocheport, Mo. 21, 1864.Skirmish at Diamond Grove, Mo. 2127, 1864.Expedition in Washington and Benton Counties, Ark., with skir- mishes. 22, 1864.Skirmish in Yell County, Ark. 2225, 1864.Scout from Helena to Mount Vernon, Ark. 2230, 1864.Operations in La Fayette County, Mo. 23, 1864.Affair at Webster, Mo. 2326, 1864.Scout froum Ozark, Mo., lo Dubuque Crossing and Sugar Loaf Prairie. 2328, 1864.Expedition from Cassville, Mo., to Fayetteville, Ark.,with skirmish (24th) at Gerald Mountain, Ark. 2329, 1864.Expedition to Clinton, La., with skirmishes (25th) at Olive Branch and the Comite River. 24, 1864.Skirmish on Gunters Prairie, hid. Ter. Action at Ashleys and Jones Stations, near Devahls Bluff, Ark. 25, 1864.Skirmishes atMorgans Ferry and on time Atchafalaya River, La. 2529, 1864.Scouts in Jackson and Cass Counties, Mo., with skirniish (26th) near Pleasant Hill. 2530, 1864.Scout in Platte County, Mo. Scout to Crisps Mill, on Big Creek, Mo., with skirmish near Rose Hill. Operations on time Texas Prairie, in Jackson County, Mo. 2631, 1864.Skirmuish near Bayou Tensas (26th), and expedition frommi Good- richs Landing to Bayou Macon, La. (2Sth3Ist). 27, 1864.Skirmish at Payetteville, Ark. 2728, 1864.Scout on the Arkansas River, near Pine Bluff, Ark., with skir- muishes. 27Sept. 6, 1864.Expeditions from Little Rock and 1)evmdls Bluff to Searcy, Pairview, and Augusta, Ark. 28, 1864.Skirmish at Pavetteville, Ark Skirmish near Rocheport, Mo. Skirmish in Polk County, Mo. 29, 1864.Attack on steamer White Cloud, on the Mississippi River. near Port Hudson, La. 29Sept. 3, 1864.Expedition up White River from Helena, Ark., with affair (September 3) at liendals Grist-Mill, Ark Page 5 CHAD. LIII.] SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 5 Aug. 29Dec. 2, 1864.Prices Missouri Expedition. 30, 1864.Skirmish near Dardanelle, Ark. 30Sept. 2, 1864.Expedition to Natchez Bayou, La.~ with skirmish (Sep- teml)er 1) near Gentillys Plantation. 31, 1864.Affair at Steelville, Mo. Sept. 1, 1864.Attack on Tipton, Mo. Skirmish at Fort Snil th, Ark. Skirmish near Beattys Mill, Ark. 1 9, 1864.Operations iii Johnson County, Mo., and skirmish (1st) near Lone Jack. 2, 1864.Skirmish at the Tannery, near Little Rock, Ark. Skirmish near Mount Vernon, Mo. Skirmish near Quitman, Ark. 2 4, 1864.Expedition from Sedalia, Mo., to Scotts Ford, on the Blackwater. 210, 1864.Scouts on the Little Blue River, in .Ja ckson Connty, Mo. 3, 1864.Skirmishes near Ilocheport, Mo. 4, 1864.Affair near Donaldsonville, La. Attack on steamers Celeste and Commercial, at Gregorys Land- ing, on the White River, Ark. Skirmish at Brownsville, Ark. 6, 1864.Skirmish at Richiand, Ark. Skirmish at Searcy, Ark. Affair near Brnnswick, Mo. Skirmish at the Palmetto Ranch, near Brazos Santiago, Tex. 6 7, 1864.Scout from Little Rock to Benton, Ark. Expedition from Morganza to Bayou Sara, La. 6- 8, 1864.Operations in the vicinity of Lewisbnrg, Ark., with skirmishes at Norristown (6th) and near Glass Village (8th). 612, 1864.Scouts in Boone and Howard Counties, Mo., with skirmishes (7th and 8th) in Boone County. 7, 1864.Affair at Centralia, Mo. 711, 1864.Exneditions to Grand Lake, Grand River, Lake Fausse Pointe, Bayou Pigeon, and Lake Natchez, La., with affair (8th) at Laba- dieville. 8, 1864.Skiramishes near Hornersyille and Gayosa, Mo. 9, 1864.Attack on steamer J. D. Perry, at Clarendon, Ark. Affair on the Warrensburg road, near Warrensbnrg, Mo. 911, 1864.Expedition from Pine Bluff toward Monticello, Ark., with skir- mishes near Monticello (10th) an4 at Brewers Lane (11th). 912, 1864.Expedition from Fort Pike, La., to the Pearl River. Scout from Lewisbnrg to Norristown and Rnssellville, Ark., with skirmishes. - 914, 1864.Scout from Helena to Alligator Bayou, Ark. 10, 1864.Skirmish near Iloanoke, Mo. Skirmish near Pisgah, Mo. Skirmish near Dover, Mo. 11, 1864.Skirmish at Ilodges Plantation, La. Skirmish near Fort Smith, Ark. 1116, 1864.Operations iu Monroe and Ralls Counties, Mo. 1118, 1864.Scogts in Monitean and Morgan Counties, Mo. 1125, 1864.Operations in the Cherokee Nation, md. Ter., with actions at Hay Station, near Fort Gibson (16th), and at Cabin Creek and Pryors Creek, md. Ter. (19th) Page 6 C LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. Sept. 1130, 1864.Expedition from Fort Rice; Dak. Ter., to relieve Captain Fisks emigrant train. 12, 1864.Skirmish at Caledonia, Mo. 1215. 1864.Scout from Fayetteville to Huntsville, Ark., with skirmish (14th) at Rodgers Crossing of the White River. 13, 1864.Skirmish near Searcy, Ark. Skirmish at Longwood, Mo. 1317, 1861.Expedition from Morgauza to Fausse River, La., with skirmishes near Bayou Maringonin (13th), near Rose(lale (15th), and iiear Bayou Maringonin (16th). 14, 1864.Skirmish at Bullitts Bayou, La. 1421, 1864.Scout i~n Texas County, Mo., with skirmish (18th) at Thomasville, Mo. 1519, 1864.Operations in Randolph, Howard, and Boone Counties, Mo., with skirmish (16th) at Columbia.. 1625, 1864.Operations in the vicinity of Morganza, La., with skirmishes at Williamsport (16th), at the Atchafalaya River (17th), and at Bayou Alabama and Morgans Ferry (20th). 18, 1864.Skirmish near Lexington, Mo. 18Oct. 5, 1864.Scout on the Cimarron River, in Northeastern New Mexico. 2025, 1864.Scout in La Fayette County, Mo., with skirmish (23d) on the Arrow Rock Road. 21, 1864.Affair near Council Grove, Kans. 22, 1864.Skirmish at Carthage, Mo. Skirmish near Longwood, Mo. 2228, 1864.Scout from helena to Alligator Bayou, Ark. 23, 1864.Affair near Fort Smith, Ark. Maj. Gen. Stephen A. Huribut, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Department of the Gulf. 25, 1864.Skirmish at Walnut Creek, Kans. 25Oct. 13, 1864.Expedition from Little Rock to Fort Smith, Ark., with skirmishes at Clarksville (September 28), at White Oak Creek (September 29), and at Clarksville (Octo- ber 9). 26, 1864.Skirmish at Vache Grass, Ark. Skirmish at Osage Mission, Kans. 2630, 1864.Expedition from Napoleonville to Grand River and Bayou Pigeon, La. 26Oct. 30, 1864.Expedition from Natchez, Miss., to Waterproof and Sicily Island, La. 28, 1864.Skirmish in Polk County, Mo. 29Nov. 30, 1864.Operations against Indians in Nebraska and Colorado. 30, 1864.Skirmish at Waynesville, Mo. 1864.Capture of the steamer Ike Davis. Oct. 1 4, 1864.Scout from Helena to Alligator Bayou, Ark. 131, 1864.Operations in Arkansas. 1Nov. 27, 1864.Expedition from Fort Craig, N. Mex., to Fort Goodwin, Ariz. Ter. 2 8, 1864.Expeditions to the Amite River, New River, and Bayou Manchac, La. * For report, see Vol. XXXIX, Part I, p. 572 Page 7 CHAP. LIII.] SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 7 Oct. 3 6, 1S64.Expedition from Morganza to Bayou Sara, La., and skirmishes. 5, 1864.Skirmish at Atchafalaya, La. Skirmish at Saint Charles, La. 5 9, 1864.Expedition from l3aton Rouge, La., to Clinton. Greenshnrg, Osyka, and Camp Moore, La. 6, 1864.Skirmish in Cole County, Mo. 8, 1864.Skirmish in Barry County, Mo. 9, 1864 Scont in Saint Francois County, Mo., with skirmishes. 10. 1864.Skirmish near Valley Station, Cob. Ter. 1012, 1864. Scont in Pemiscot County, Mo. 11, 1864.Attack on the steamer Resolute, on the White River, near Claren- don, Ark. 1320, 1864.Operations against Indians near Fort Belknap, Tex., with skir- mish (13th) on Eliri C~eek, Tex. 1321, 1564.Scont in the Sacramento Mountains, N. Mex. 14, 1864.Skirmish near Fort Smith, Ark. Attack on Danville, Mo. Skirmish at the Boca Chica Pass, Tex. 15, 1864. Skirmish at Bayou Liddell, La. 16, 1864.Skirmish near Morgauza, La. 1617, 1864.Expedition from Devalls Bluff toward Clarendon, Ark. 18, 1864.Skirmish in Barry County, Mo. 19; 1864.Skirmish in Crawford County, Ark. Skirmish near Montevallo, Mo. 20, 1864.Skirmish near Waterloo, La. 22, 1864.Attack on Union transport, on the White River, near Saint Charles, Ark. 2224, 1864.Expedition from Brashear City to Belle River, La. 25, 1864.Attack on Clinton; Mo. 2627, 1864.Scout from Vidalia to the York Plantation, La. 29, 1864.Skirmish near Warrenton, Mo. 29Nov. 8, 1864.Expedition to Quincy, Mo., with skirmishes (Novemher 1 and 2) near Quincy. Nov. 1, 1864.Skirmish at Rolla, Mo. Skirmish on the Big Piney, neal Waynesville, Mo. Skirmish near Lehanon, Mo. Affair at Greenton, Mo. 130, 1864.Operations in Central Arkansas. Transfer of the First and Third Divisions, Sixteenth Army Corps, from Missouri to Tennessee. 2, 1864.A air at Hazens Farm, near Devalls Bluff, Ark. 3, 1864.Skirmish at Vera Cruz, Mo. 5 6,1864.Operations in Mississippi County, Mo., with skirmishes at Charles- ton (5th) and near Sikeston (6th). 5 9,1864.Expedition from Rolla to Licking, Texas County, Mo., with skir- mish (9th) near Licking. 514, 1864 .Operatious in Colorado Territory. 516, 1864.Expedition from Springfield, Mo., to Fort Smith, Ark., with skir- mishes (6th) near Cincinnati, Ark. 523, 1864.Expedition from Lewishnrg to Fort Smith, Ark., with skirmishes. 6 7, 1864.Scout in Callaway County, Mo Page 8 S LOUISIANA AND THE TEANS-MTSSTSSWPI. tOHAT. LIIr. Nov. 6 8, 1864.Expedition from Vicksbnrg, Miss., to Gaines Landing and Bayou Macon, La. 616, 1864.Affairs at Fort Lyon, Cob. Ter. 915, l864.Scont from Devalls Bluff to Searcy and Clinton, Ark. 10, 1864.Skirmish at Neosho, Mo. 1121, 1864.Scont from Springfield, Mo., to Hnntsville and Yellville, Ark., with skirmishes. 12, 1864.Skirmish near Centreville, Mo. 13, 1864.Skirmish with Indians at Ash Creek, near Fort Larne(1, Kans. 1316, 1864.Scout in Pemiscot County, Mo., with skirmish. 14, 1864.Skirmish on Cow Creek, Kans. 15, 1864.Skirmish at Clinton, La. 1618. 1864.Scout from Devalls Bluff to West Point, Ark., with skirmishes. 1623, 1864.Expedition from Brookfield to I3runswick, Keytesville, ami Salis- bury, Mo. 1625, 1864.Expedition from Cape Girardeau to Patterson, Wayne County, Mo., with skirmishes at Reeves Mill (19th), and at Bucksknll, Randolph County, Ark. (20th). 1719, 1864.Expedition from Brashear City to Bayou Portage, La., with skir- mish (18th) at Lake Fausse Pointe, La. 18,1864.Skirmish at Fayette, Mo. 1927,1864.Expedition from Terre Bonne to Bayou Grand Caillon, L a., with affair (23d) at Bayon Grand Caillon. 20, 1864.Skirmish with Indians near Fort Zarab, Kans. 2130, 1864.Operations in the vicinity of Fulton, Mo., with skirmish (28th) near Fulton. 2224, 1864.Scout from Devalls Bluff to Augusta, Ark. 23, 1864.Skirmishes at Morgauza, La. 23Dec. 10, 1864.Expedition from Fort Wingate against Indians in New Mexico, with skirmish (Deceniher 1) on the Re(l River. 24, 1864.Skirmish at Saint Charles, Ark. 25, 1864.Affair at Raccourci, near Wilhiamsport, La. Engagement with Indians at Adobe Fort, on the Canadian River, N. Mex. 26, 1864Skirmish at Osage, Mo. 2730, 1864.Scout from Little Rock to Benton, Ark. 28,1864.The Department of Mississippi created, and Maj. Gen. Napoleon J. T. Dana, U. S. Arniy, assigned to its (omnialid. Skirmish on Cow Creek, Kans. 29, 1864.Skirmish at Doyals Plantation, La. Attack on the steamer Alamo, on the Arkansas River, imear Darda- nelle, Ark. Engagement with Indians on Sand Creek, Cob. Ter. 29Dec. 3, 1864.Scout from Warrensburg to the Greenton Valley, Mo. Dec. 1, 1864.Skirmish near Cypress Creek, Perry County, Ark. 1 3, 1864.Oper tious in the vicinity of Waynesville, Mo,, with skirmish (2d) on the Big Piney. 1- 5, 1864.Expedition from Helena, Ark., to Friars Point, Miss. For report, see Vol. XXXJX, Part 1, p. 899 Page 9 CHAT. LIlT.) SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 9 i)ec. 1-31, 18434Operations in Central Arkansas. Operations against Indians in Nebraska, with skirmish (8th) near Plum Creek. 2, 1864.Maj. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, U. S. Army, appointed to the corn- manci of the Department of the Missouri, vice Rosecrans, relieved. 3, 1864.Skirmish in Perry County, Ark. Skirmish near New Madrid, Mo. 4, 1864.Skirmish on the New Texas road, near Morganza, La. Skirmish with Indians on Cow Creek, near Fort Zarah, Kans. 5, 1864.Skirmish near Lewisburg, Ark. 6, 1864. Skirmish at Lewisburg, Ark. 7, 1864.Affair at Moselle Bridge, near Franklin, Mo. 7 8, 1864.Expedition from Devalls Bluff to Augusta, Ark. 8, 1864.Maj. Gen. Napoleon J. T. Dana, U. S. Army, assumes command of the l)epartment of Mississippi. Affair at Tuscumbia, Mo. 9, 1864.Maj. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, U. S. Army, assumes command ot the Department of the Missouri. 1023, 1864 Expedition against Indians in Central Arizona, with skirmish (15th) on Hassayampa Creek. 12, 1864.Skirmish on the Amite River, La. 13, 1864.Affair near Devalls Bluff Ark. 1314, 1864.Expedition from Morganza to anti beyond Morgans Ferry, La. 1315, 1864.Expedition up the White River from Devalls Bluff, Ark. 14, 1864.Skirmish in the Cypress Swamp, near Cape Girardeau, Mo. 14, 1864Jan. 5, 1865.Operations in the vicinity of Hermitage Plantation, near Morganza, La. 1619, 1864.Expedition from Morgauza to the Atchafalaya River, La. 18, 1864.Skirmish on Little River, in New Madrid County, Mo. 19, 1864.Skirmish at Rectors Farm, Ark. 20, 1864Jan .4, 1865.ExpeditIons from Cape Girardean and Dallas, Mo., to Cherokee Bay, Ark., and the Saint Francis River, with skirmishes. 21, 1864Jan. 5, 1865.Expedition from Memphis, Teun., to destroy the Mo- bile and Ohio Railroad, and engagements at Verona, Miss. (25th), and at Egypt, Miss. (28th). 22, 1864.Skirmish on Franklin Creek, Miss. Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Reynolds, U. S. Army, supersedes Maj. Gen. Frederick Steele in command of the Department of Arkansas. 2324, 1864.Expedition from Baton Rouge to Clinton, La. 24, 1864.Skirmish near Fort Smith, Ark. 2425,1864.Scout from Pine Bluff to Richiand, Ark., with skirmish (24th) near Richland. 26, 1864Jan. 1, 1865.Expedition against Indians in Central Arizona, with skirmish (January 1) at Sycamore Springs, Armz. Tem. 30, 18648k-irmish near Caruthersvillc, Mo Page 10 10 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPJ. [0w4P. LIII. JULY 1, 1864.Skirmish near Fayette, Mo. HEPOI~TS. No. 1.Brig. Gen, Clinton B. Fisk, U. S. Army, commanding District of North Missouri. No. 2.Maj. Reeves Leonard, Ninth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Clinton B. Fisk, U. S. Army, commanding District of North Missouri. SAINT JOSEPH, Mo., July 2, 1R64. COLONEL: A small detachment of the Ninth Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, under Sergeant Koontze, fought Holtzclaw and his guerrillas yestei day morning six miles from Fayette, in Howard County. Two of the guerrillas were killed and one wounded. Our loss one killed and one wounded. The guerrillas outnumbered our boys two to one. Holtz- claw and his party were at breakfast at the residence of one henry Miller, where they had been for several hours, but not one of the citi- zens of that loyal neighborhood reported the presence of the guerrillas to Major Leonard, who was in less than an hours ride, with force sufti- cient to have destroyed the entire band. CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadter- General. Col. 0. P. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Saint Louis. No. 2. Report of Maj. Beeves Leonard, Ninth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. HDQRS. DETACH. NiNTh CAY., MISSOURI STATE MILITIA, Fayette, Mo., July 2, 1864. GENERAL: Sergeant Koontze, of this command, with fifteen men, had a skirmish yesterday, six miles from Fayette, with lloltzclaw and twenty-five other guerrillas. Our loss one killed and one wounded. Holtzclaws loss two killed and one wounded. The guerrillas scat- tered; they were getting their breakfast at the house of one Henry Miller; had been there all moruirrg; no one reported the presence of these guerrillas, although there was ample opportunity. Colonel Will- iams is here; he reports 150 guerrillas in the Perche Hills and pose he will start for there forthwith. R. LEONARD, Major Nintlt Cavalry, Missouri State Militia. Brig. Gen. C. B. FISK, Saint Joseph, Mo Page 11 CHAP. LIfl.] OPERATIONS IN ARKANSAS. 11 JULY 131, 1864.Operations in Arkansas.* SUI\IIMAiRY OiF TIlE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. July 4, 1~64.Skirmish in Searcy County. 6, 1864.Skirmish near Benton. 7, 1864.Skirmish at Van Buren. 8, 1864.Skirmish near Huntersville. 10, 1864.Skirmish near Little Rock. Skirmish near Petit .Jean. 14, 1864.Action at Bayon Des Arc. 22, 1864.Skirmish near Pine Bluff. 25, 1864.Affair at Benton. 26, 1864.Action at Wallaces Ferry, Bit, Creek. 27, 1864.Action at Massard Prairie, near Fort Smith. 31, 1864.Action near Fort Smith. REPORTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Frederick Steele,U. S. Army, commanding the Department of Ar- kansas. No. 2.Col. Abraham H. Ryan, Third Arkansas Cavalry (Union). No. 3.iWaj. Thaddens S. Clarkson, Third Arkansas Cavalry (Union). No. 4.Col. James Stuart, Tenth Illinois Cavalry. No. 5.Capt. David H. Wilson, Tenth Illinois Cavalry. No. 6.Brig. Gen. Napoleon B. Buford, U. S. Army, commanding District of Eastern Arkansas. No. 7.Lient. Col. Moses Reed, Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Troops. Np. 8.Maj. Eagleton Carmichael, Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry. No. 9.Lient. Harmon T. Chappel, Battery E, Second U. S. Colored Light Artillery. No. 10.Brig. Gen. John M. Thayer, U. S. Army, commanding District of the Fron- tier. No. 11.Lient. Jacob Morehead, Sixth Kansas Cavalry. No. 12.Lient. Levi F. Stew rt, Sixth Kansas Cavalry. No. 13.Brig. ~ea. Joseph 0. Shelby, C. S. Army. No. 14.Maj. Gen. Samuel B. Maxey, C. S. Army. No. 15.Brig. Gen. Donglas H. Cooper, C. S. Army. No. I. Report of ]kFaj. Gen. Frederick & eele, U. S. Army, commanding the Department of Arkansas. HEADQUARTERS 1)EPAIITMENT OF ARKANSAS, ETC., Little Rock, Ark., August 15, 1864. Record of military operations in the Department of Arkansas for the month of July, 1864: 4th, a party of fifty-five men, of the Third Arkansas Cavalry Volun- teers, from Lewisburg, under command of Captain Hamilton, of that See also skirmish near Brownsville July 13, p. 68; reconnaissance from Pine Bluff, Jnly 13, p. 68; expedition from Helena to Bnck Island, July 1316, p. 69; skirmish on the Benton road, near Little Rock, Jnly 19, p. 87; operations on the White River, July 1925, p. 87; scout in Yell County, July 25Angnst 11, p. 131; scont to Searcy and West Point, July 2628, p. 174; skirmish at Hay Station No, 3, July 30, p. 183; and skirmi~h near Pine Bluff, July 30, p. 183 Page 12 12 LOUTSTANA AND THE TRANS-MTSSISSTppI. [CHAP. LIII. regiment, made a raid into Searcy, Ark., and killed 7 rebels, wounded 4, and captui~ed 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, and 53 men, who were organ- ized for General Shelbys command. They also captured 12 horses and mules, 15 stand of arms, and 1 stand of colors. 6th, Lieutenant Mason, Third Arkansas Cavalry, returned to Lewis- burg from a scout to Korristown, having captured 3 (leserters and de- stroyed 5 flats and skiffs. 10th, a scouting party, consisting of one lieutenant and twenty men of the Tenth Illinois Cavalry Volnuteers, ran into a small party of Con- federates about twenty miles north of Little Rock kill 4 and taking 1 prisoner. , ig and wounding 11th, Lieutenant Treadway, Third Arkiinsas Cavalry, returned to Lewisburg from scout to near Devils Fork, having killed rebel Captain Christopher and 1 man. 12th, Captain Gill, Third Arkansas Cavalry Volunteers, returned to ILewmsburg, having had a fight with Captain Adams company on the Ar- kansas River near Petit Jean [10th], in which lie killed 2 and wounded several of the enemy. 14th, a battalion of the Fourth Arkansas Cavalry returned from scout through Saline, Hot Springs, and Montgomery Counti~s. Fought with small bands of the enemy daily until arriving at Farrs Mill. Cap- tain Green, with twenty-five men of this battalion, engaged Cooks and Crawfords companies, numbering about 100 men, drove them and killed 4 and wounded 6 of the enemy, without a single accident hap- pening to his men. The battalion lost, during the expedition, 1 private killed, Captain Quin and Lieutenant Spiva and 6 privates wounded, and 3 men missing. 17th, Lientenamit Williams, Third Arkansas Cavalry, returned to Lewisburg from scout to Korristown, Dover, & c., having killed 3 bush- whackers and 2 horses on the Arkansas River below Norristown. 22d, Captain Taylor, Third Arkansas Cavalry, returimed to Lewisburg, from scout to Red River, li ving killed 4 of the enemy. Maj. L. K. Thacher, Ninth Kansas Cavalry, while on a scout fifteen miles north- west of Pine Bluff, surprised the camp of Captain Lightfoot, of Cabells command, wounding 1 nan, capturing 2 horses, 3 guns, and a large amount of provisions and medical stores, which he destrQyed. 24th, Lieutenant Reynolds, Third Arkansas Cavalry Volunteers, returned to Lewisburg from scout eight miles beyond Camp Myrick, having killed 10 of Jackmans and Shelbys men and bringing in 3 prisoners. 25th, a scouting party from the Third Missouri Cavalr under com- mand of Captaini Ing, proceeded to Benton town Private George W. Lucas, Company Ark., and charging into the C, Third Missouri Cavalry, pursued and killed the rebel Brig. Gen. George M. Holt, Arkansas militia, capturing his arms and horse. 25th, a reconnoitering party, consisting of 360 men of the Fifty-sixth and Sixtieth U. S. Colored limfantry and oime section of Lembkes col- t;red battery, the whole under command of Col. W. S. Brooks, Fifty- sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, moved from Helena inn the direction of Wallaces Ferry, on Big Creek, ~vith the view of ascertaining the designs and force of the enemy. At the same time 150 men of the Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, under command of Major Carmichael, dropped down the Mississippi River on board a steamer, and landing at a point below Old Town, marched in the direction of Simnis Ferry, o Page 13 CRAP. LIII.] OPERATIONS IN ARKANSAS. 13 Big Creek, to co-operate with Colonel Brooks. The infanti y and artil- lery crossed Big Creek at 5 a. iii. oii the 26th, and learned that the rebel General IDobbin was near there in force h estimate(1 at 1 500 men. ~, aving three regiments, Colonel Brooks recrossed his command, IJobbin crossing lower down and before him and attacked him in front and on the right flank with vigor. The infantry and artillery held their groniid stubbornly for several hours, when Major Carmichael, hearing the can- nonading, made a forced march and charged through Dobbins com- mand just at the moment when he had brought up his reserve and was about to make a final charge. Our forces immediately assumed the offensive and marched in the direction of Helena, the enemy giving way before them, but following them up within nind miles of that place. Our loss was about 50 in killed and wounded, including Colonel Brooks, * Captain Lembke,t Adjutant Pratt4 and Surgeon Stoddard,* of the Fifty-sixth Colored, killed, an(l Lientenamit Crane* severely wounded; 1 caisson and 1 limber that were blown up, their horses having beemi killed. The enemys loss is estimated by officers who were in the action at about 150 men. 27th, a force of between 1,500 and 2,000 rebels, under General Gaimo, attacked our outposts seven miles from Fort Smith, consisting of about 200 men of the Sixth Kansas, under command of Captain Mefford, mov- ing up in two columns, the one driving in the pickets and the other flanking them. Captain Mefford fought his men bravely, but was soon overpowered, and he and 82 of his men were taken prisoners. The enemy retired before re-enforcemnents could be seimt. Ten of our men were killed aiid 15 wouiided. The enemy lost 12 killed aimd 20 wounded, left on the field. Major Galloway, of the First Arkaimsas Cavalry, routed Major Pick- lers and Buck Browns forces, killimi g Major Pickler and a number of his men, and capturing 35 horses and mules. Captain Worthington, of the same regiment, subsequently attacked a portion of Browmis force, killimig 9 and capturing 15 horsesaud mules. 29th, Captain Kapier, Third Arkansas Cavalry, returned from scout to Greenbrier, having killed the rebel Captain Birr near lied River. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. STEELE, ]JJiajor- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. No. 2. Reports of Cot. Abraham 11. Ryan, Third Arkansas Cavalry (Union). LEWISBURQ ARK., July 13, 18G49 p. m. CAPTAiN: Captain Gill has returned from scout through Perry and Yell Counties; had two fights with Conlys bushwhacking regiment. Run them, killing 5 and wounding 10, bringing in 2 prisoners and S Of the 56th U. S. Colored Infantry. Of 01 Battery E, ~ u. S. ~O1ore(L Light Artillery. Of the 60th U. S. Colored infantry Page 14 14 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. LOHAP. LIII. horses. The men retreated on island below Dardanelle, where Conly is trying to raise an old flat-boat lying there. There is no other force of the enemy in that section. I have sent scout this evening be- yond Perryville, then up the Fourche; also one to Norristown, Dover, & c. Is that infantry regiment coming ~? River rising. Respectfnlly, A. II. RYAN, Colonel, Commanding Post. Capt. C. izI. I)YER, Assistant Adjutant- General. LEWISBURi, July [14], 1864. CAPTAIN: Lieutenant Williams in from scout to Norristown. All quiet on this side of the river. Great complaints made against Nitith Kansas Cavalry; they robbed men and women, friend and foe, indis- criminately. Captain Gill had a fight on Sunday with Captaiii Adams company on river above Petit Jean, killing two and wounding several of the enemy. He is now after a force reported eight miles back of Par- danelle. Captain Adams wife is now in Little Rock arranging to sell amid get away cotton. She [has] sold and shipped seven bales already. Respectfully, A. H. RYAN, Colonel, & e Capt. C. H. DYER, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 8. Report of Maj. Thaddeus S. Clarkson, Third Arkansas Cavalry (Union). LEWJSBUR~, July 7, 186410 a. m. CAPTAIN: I sent out Captain Hamilton, with fifty-five men, on Sat- urday, the 2d, to go into Searcy County and break up a company of men organizing to join Shelby; he returned last night, having killed 7 rebels, wounded 4, and captnred 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, and 53 men, who had organized and were to start on Tuesday last for Shelby. He captured also 12 horses and mules, 15 stand of arms, and 1 stand of colors. Captain Hamilton reports from an organized [siel a regiment north of Batesville, to join Shelby, who, he still thimiks, is down on White River. One of the men killed by Captain Hamilton was a deserter from this regiment, who had joined the rebels. I will send the prisoners down by first boat. T. S. CLARKSON, Major, Commanding Post. Capt. C. H. DYER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 15 Cu~. LIII.] OPERATIONS IN ARKANSAS. 15 No. 4. Report 0f Cot. James & uart, Tenth Illinois Cavalry. HUNTERSYILLE, July [9], 1864. (Received 8.15 a. in. 10th) CAPTAIN: The scout of one lieutenant and twenty men sent out by me returned last night. They ran into a small party of rebels; killed and wounded 4; took 1 prisoner. JAS. STUART, Colonel, Commanding Post. Capt. C. 11. DYER, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 5. Reports of Capt. David II. Wilson, Tenth Illinois Cavalry. BROWNSVILLE, ARK., July 14, 18615 p. m. GENERAL: My camp at Bayou Des Arc was attacked at 4.30 this a. in. hy a large forceI should think 800. I went into the fight with 214 mcii and 7 officers, and came out with 75 men and 5 officers. The atacking party I believe to be Shelby. Respectfully, I). II. WILSON, Captain, Tenth Illinois 6~avalry. Brig. Gen. E. A. CARR, Commanding District. BROWNSVILLE, July 14, 18649.50 p. m. GENERAL: Yours by telegraph is just at hand. The attack was made on my command at 4.30 this a. in. The attack was made on three sides at the same time. The enemy was dismounted in the front and rear, and mounted on left flank. They must have got into position and made the attack at once, as my dispatch bearer to Brownsville left camp at 4 oclock and saw nothing of the enemy. I intended to move to Austin this morning and was all ready to start when the attack was Inade. On the fire of the first gun I ordered my bugler to blow to horse. The Squad- rons H, K, and 1) were pressed so hard by the enemy that they only made out to mount and fall back, and lost largely in men and horses before that could be done. By this time both squadrons were mounted and in line. I ordered theni to dismount, to fight on foot, intending to fall back to the bayou, which was about fifty yards in the rear of the two last-named squadrons. As they were dismounting they received volleys from three squadrons of the enemy that had advanced to the north side of the bayou, dismounted and crossed the bayou, and lay under the south bank. [then ordered the two squadrons to mount, and seeing the enemy nearly round my right to the bayou and about three squadrons of mounted cavalry coming up on my left, I ordered the two mounted squadrons to break by fours, the left, and charge out between the left of mounted cavalry and the right of the dismounted Page 16 16 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP, LIII. They did so, fighting their way out. The enemy did not show but very little disposition to pursue. My loss i~ killed, wounded, and missing is 129 men and 2 officers; also my team and ambulance. I am, respectfully, D. H. WILSON, Captain, Commanding Detachment Tenth illinois Cavalry. General CARR. No. 6. Reports of Brig. Gen. Napoleon B. Buford, U. AS~. Army, commanding District of Eastern Arkansas. hEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS, helena, Ark., Jniy 26, 1864. SIR: Iii order to ascertain the force and design of the enemy, yester- day at 4 p. in. I sent out a reconnoitering party of 280 of the Fifty- sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, eighty of the Sixtieth, and one section of Lembkes colored battery, all under the command of Col. W. S. Brooks, of the Fifty sixth, with orders to cross Big Creek at Wallaces Ferry, and co-operate with Major Carmichael, of the Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry, who left at the same time with 150 men of his regiment, dropping down in a steamer below Old Town, and marching to 5j~~5~ Ferry, on Big Creek, to pass through Trenton, and co-operate with Colonel Brooks. All moved as was designed. The infuntry and artillery crossed Big Creek at 5 this a. m. and learned that Colonel Dobbin was near there in force with three regiments estimated at 1,500 men. Brooks recrossed, Dobbiu crossing lower down before him and attacking him in front and on his right flank with vigor. The assault was bravely resisted for three and a half hours against this great odds, when Major Carmichael, who heard the cannonading, recrossed Big Creek to this side and made a forced march, arriving at the critical moment, when Dobbin had marshaled his reserve and was about to make a final charge on our exhausted forces. Colonel Brooks, Captain Lembke, Adjntant Pratt, and Surgeon Stoddard had been killed, and Lieutenant Crane severely wounded. Carmichael charged right through Dobbiu and at once changed the fortune of the day, our forces immediately assuming the offensive and marched homeward, the enemy giving way before them, but following up within nine miles of this place. The whole force returned in high 51)irits, having successfully combated more than three times their nuuu ber, amid leaving only about 50 killed amid wounded, with a very slight loss of baggage, and omie caisson and one limber that were blown up, owing to their horses having been killed. The colored troops fought like veterans, none flinched. Major Carmichael by his decision and energetic efforts saved the day. All the troops deserve praise. Major Carmichael captured 4 I)risoners, from whomu I learn that but for this reconnaissance Dobbimi wQuld have attacked the plantations below this place at daybreak to-niorrow, and that Shdby is in force on the Spring Creek road, and it was expected that Dobbin would draw me out with a large part of my comniand, when Shelby would attack the batteries from the hills. I will soon muake you more detailed reports of the exact losses. All the officers estimate the euemny~s loss at about 150 killed and wounded. The artillery was nobly served by its brave co~umnander, who has given his life to his country. In the loss of Colonel Brook Page 17 CHAP. LIII.] OPERATIONS IN ARKANSAS. 17 the army and the country will mourn a brave and gallant officer. The other officers who were killed died at the post of duty, leaving behind them spotless reputations. I again earnestly call General Steeles attention to the smallness of my cavalry and artillery force. But for this reconnaissance I should have had my hands full to-morrow. What may it bring forth ~? I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, N. B. BUFORD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lient. Cu]. W. 1). GREEN, Assistant Adjutant- General. hEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS, Helena, Ark., Jul 26, 1864. l)EAR SIR: Soon after my dispatch of this date left, I Icarned by my returning forces that my troops, instead of disaster, made a glorious fight. The colored infantry, 360, and one section of colored artillery, all under the conunand of Col. W. S. Brooks, Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, crossed Big Creek at 5 a. in., and learning the enemy were in force recrossed, and were attacked by Colonel Dobbin with three mounted regiments on the front and right. The assault was bravely resisted for three hours and a half when Major Carmichael, command- ing 150 men of the Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry, who had crossed Big Creek at a point seven miles below the infantry, hearing the artillery, made a forced march, recrossed the creek, and came in to the relief of the infantry, just as they were being overpowered. Dobbin had a full regiment of his reserves brought forwai d to make a final charge on oar exhausted forces, Colonel Brooks, Captain Lembke, of the artillery, Adjutant Pratt, and Lieutenant Crane having fallen, the first three killed and the latter severely wounded, and having lost about eighty killed and wounded, when Major Carmichael charged through his lines and turned the fortune of the day. Our forces returned here in good order, bringing off the killed officers and all the wounded, with very light loss of baggage. Surgeon Stoddard, of the Fifty-sixth U. S. Col- ored Infantry, was killed in the, act of examining the mortal wound of his brave colonel. The officers report the enemy suffered the loss of at least l54I~killed and wounded. All the command have returned in fine spirits, only muournimig the gallant dead. Major Carmichael captured four prisoners, from whom I learn that it was the design of Dobbin to have overrun the leased plantations to-morrow at dawn and draw inc out, and that Shelbys force are marching on me by the Spring Creek road. If this is true, except for this reconnaissance I would have had my hands full to-morrow mormming. All the country are in arms. If you send me re-enforcements I shall march out and try to clear the country of the enemy. The colored troops, 280 of the Fifty-sixth, eighty of the Sixtieth, and Lembkes battery, have WOII great credit. I am, your friend and obedient servant, N. K BUFORD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. Gemi. C. C. WASHBURN, Commanding District of West Tennessee. 2 R RYOL XLI~ PT Page 18 18 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [OBAP. TAIL ADDENDA. GENERAL ORDERS, llm~ns. 1)1ST. OF EASTERN ARKANSAS, No. 47. Helena, Ark., July 31, 1864. This command is in mourning for four of its most meritorious and gallant officers. On the morning of the 26th instant Col. W. S. Brooks, in command of detachments of the Fifty-sixth and the Sixtieth U. S. Colored Infantry, and one section of Lembkes battery, number- ing, all told, 368 men and officers, were attacked by overwhelming forces, at least three to one, at Big Creek. Surrounded and pressed on three sides, the whole command unflinchingly held their ground for three hours, doing so much damage to the enemy that he was success- fully kept at bay. Col. W. S. Brooks early in the engagement, mounted, marshaling and encouraging his men, at the post of duty and honor, fell mortally wounded. His honorable career is thus early closed. He entered the service as a private in the First Iowa Infantry. He was promoted to a lieutenant of the Nineteenth Iowa. He distin. guished himself at the battle of Wilsons Creek, and again at the bat- tle of Prairie Grove, where he was wounded. He was appointed lieu- tenant-colonel of his regiment, now the Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, and promoted to be its colonel, in which office he displayed all the qualities of an excellent officer t improvement in knowledge and , he regiment exhibiting daily was enterprising and sought discipline under his command. He active duty and distinction. And how shall we mourn the gallant Capt. James F. Lembke ~ He was a youth- ful foreigner, but he became a true American citizen. He enlisted as a private at the breaking out of the rebellion in Taylors (Chicago) bat- tery. He fought at Belmont, Donelson, Shiloh, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, and Yicksbnrg. He was so brave and intelligent that he was made captain of Battery E, Second U. S. Colored Artillery (light), and came here with orders to enlist and organize his battery. We have witnessed his success and faithfulness. Early in the action of the 26th instant, at the post of duty, he fell mortally wounded. The Swedes iii America have given us no better soldier. They and we shall cherish his fame. Adjt. Theodore W. Pratt, of the Sixtieth U. S. Colored Infantry, eagerly volunteered to go with his small de- tachment as aide-dc-camp to Colonel Brooks. He was a useful and faithful officer. He sought active service and distinction, and proved his gallantry and devotion. He fell mortally wounded, on the 26th instant, at the post of duty. Surg. J. C. Stoddard has been known to us as the skillful and faithful surgeon of the Fifty-sixth V. S. Col- ored Infantry from its organization. His atteiition to his duties was unsurpassed by any of the officers of his department. He was killed while in the act of examining the wounds of his brave commander. While this actiQn has filled us with mourning for the four gallant officers who yielded up their lives, we mourn also for nineteen killed of our brave troops, and sympathize with Lient. A. B. Crane, of Company 1), Of the Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, who was severely wounded. But we rejoice in the glory acquired on this well disputed field by our colored troops. Will they fight~ Ask the enemy. This little band was rescued by Major Carmichael, who was sent out on a parallel line to co-operate, and who instantly flew to the relief of the detachment, as soon as he heard the sounds of battle, seven miles distant, and with his small force of 140 men of the Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry broke the enemys line and enabled our forces to assunie the offensive and return safely to Helena, though having to cut their way throug Page 19 CifAP. LIII.] OPERATIONS IN ARKANSAS. 19 the enemy, who repeatedly obstructed their path with superior numbers. We have paid the last honors to the dead. Thefr memories will never perish. By order of Brig. Gen. N. B. Buford: T. C. MEATYARD, Assistant Adjutant- General. No.7. Report of Lieut. Cot. Moses Reed, F~fty-sixth U. AS~. Colored Troops. HEADQUARTERS FIFTY-SIXTH U. S. COLORED INFANTRY, Helena, Ark., July 27, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to communicate to you the following report of an engagement at Wallaces Ferry, on Big Creek, twenty-two miles south of west of Helena, Ark., on the 26th day of jlnly, 1864, be- tween a Federal force consisting of 315 infantry, two pieces of artillery, and 130 cavalry, all under the command of Col. W. S. Brooks, Fifty- sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, and a Confederate force under the com- mand of General Dobbin, numbering at least 1,500 cavalry and mounted infantry:- We arrived within three-quarters of a mile of Big Creek at 3 a. m. of the 26th instant. Made a recollnaissance across the creek at day- light, but failing to find an enemy there, and gathering from citizens and negroes the information that the enemy had left the day before in the direction of Cotton Plant, we recrossed the creek, threw out pickets, and in an hour were unexpectedly attacked by an enemy largely our su- perior in numbers, who advanced upon ns from three sides at the same time. We formed our lines and held our position for about four hours under a severe amid continuous tire from the enemy, their lines being in sonic places not more than fifty yards from our own. The fight was severe until about 10 oclock, when a detachment of the Fifteenth Illi- nois Cavalry, under Major Carmichael, came to our assistance, cutting their way directly through the enemys lines to reach us. On their arrival the enemy gave way on our right, and, after consultation with Major Carmichael, who represented that 5helby~s command was imi our rear with from 4,000 to 6,000 men, that could be concentrated mu an hour or two, and brought to bear upon us, I determined to retreat, which was effected by officers and men of the command in a gallant and successful nianner. The enemy continually pressed us on all sides, we marching in line of battle, keeping up a constant runnimig fight to within eleven muiles of Helemma, where we found them imi force on our fr-out while they were also pressing us heavily fromn the rear. We im- mediately emigaged them in fromit, driving them handsomnely for two miles, when they withdrew and did not again molest us. The enemy here lost 7 killed. I regret to state that a few inimmutes after the fight opened, Capt. J. F. Lembke, Second U. S. Colored Artillery (light), was killed, and Col. W. S. Brooks, Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, and Adjutant Pratt, ot the Sixtieth U. S. Colored Infantry, both fell mortally wounded and expired on the field. Soon after, Surg. J. C. Stoddard, Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, while examining the wound of Colonel Brooks, was instantly killed, and First Lient. A. B. Crane, Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, commanding Compammy D, fell severely wounded. Thes Page 20 20 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. (CHAP. LIII. officers all fell nobly and gallaiitly defending their countrys honor. Capt. G. W. Jiolibaugh, Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, was also slightly wounded. Too much praise cannot be given Lieutenant Chappel and Sergeant Ward, of the Second U. S. Colored Artillery (light), for the gallant manner in which they served their pieces in keeping the enemy at bay, as also the brave Carmichael and his command, to whom we were indebted for our deliverance. I cannot pass without notice Chaplain J. Brooks, of the Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, who, with a small squad of men, rescued fr~n the grasp of the enemy a caisson with all its horses; and here, too, I mast make mention of First Lient. W. 0. Kretzinger, Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, who acted as my aide and behaved in a brave and gallaiit manner. Private Henry Jackson, wagon-master, Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, is also entitled to favorable niention for bravery displayed upon the battle- field. Captains Ramsey and Brown, of the Sixtieth U. S. Colored Infantry, are entitled to a high meed of praise for their cool bravery and heroism ~under the most trying and difficult circumstances. I can only say that both officers and men of the entire command conducted themselves with the utmost bravery, coolness, and daring. Our losses are comprised in the following: Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, 2 commissioned officers and 11 men killed; 2 conimnissioned officers and 24 nmen wounded, and 3 men missing; total, commissioned, 4; total, enlisted, 34; aggregate, 42. Sixtieth U. S. Colored Infantry, 1 conunissioned officer and 8 men killed, 10 nmen wounded; total, com- missioned, 1; total, enlisted, 13; aggregate, 14. Battery E, Second U. S. Colored Artillery (light), 1 commissioned officer and 1 man killed, 3 mcmi wounded, and 1 man missing; total, commissioned, 1; total, en- listed, 5; aggregate, 6. Total killed, wounded, and missing: Commuis- sioned officers, 6; enlisted mcii, 56; aggregate, 62. A large numnber of horses amid mules having been killed, we were obliged to leave on the field one caisson complete, Qne caissomi body, 4 wagons and 1 medicine chest, all ot which were destroyed. We also lost a quantity of small- arms, the number of which I cannot yet ascertain, but no artillery. We brought off the dead and wounded commissioned officers, also the most of our wounded men, lcaviiig the remnaining dead unburied. Ad.jt. S. J. Clark, of the Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, lost 1 horse killed and equipuients. I remain, general, very respectfully, your obcdiciit serv ant, M. REED, Lieutenant- Colonel Fmfty-sixth U. S. C~olored Infantry, ~Jomdg. Brig. Gen. N. B. BUFOED, Comdg. District of Eastern Arkansas, Helena, Ark. No. S. Report of Maj. Eagleton Carmichael, Fifteenth Illinois (Javairy. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY Helena, Ark July 27, 1864. SIR: I left Helena in command of 140 men, with the following offi- cers: Captains Hutchens and Adams, Lieutenants Ewing and Ander- son. Lieutciiant Webster, of the Fifteenth, and Lieutenant David, of the Thirty-fifth Missouri, went as volunteers. I embarked at 3 p. m Page 21 CHAP. LIII.] OPERATIONS IN ARKANSAS. 21 on the 25th instant on the steamers Dove and Hamilton Belle; arrived at 0-illens at 8 P. in.; disembarked aiid fed, orderii~g the boats to return immediately. I started on the march at 9 P. in. and found great diffi- cnlty in traveling, it l)cing so dark in the bottoms; arrived at Simms Ford, on Big Creek, at daylight. I learned there that all the pickets along the creek had been withdrawn the day before. I crossed and I)roceeded on the direct road to Trenton, and near Carlos we captured 4 rebel i)risoners, two of whom said they belonged to Foss regiment, and two to Gordons regiment, of Shelbys command. They informed me that the headquarters of the command was near there. I went on and found where they had been encamped, but they were gone, having left their wagons, ambulances, and sonic unarmed men who had scat- tered in the bushes on hearing of our approach. Just before I arrived at the camp I heard the artillery firing at Wallaces Ferry, amid thought it proper to waste no tinie in gathering up the rebel stragglers. I wemit on toward Trenton until within one mile and a half of that l)lace, and hearing the musketry I changed my course so as to recross Big Creek, having satisfied myself that there were three regiments besides some straggling companies of rebels, and believed it for the best to reach Colonel Brooks command as soon as possible. I crossed Big Creek one mile and a half below Jim Scaifs plantation, amid pro ceeded up to Scaifs, themice across Beaver Bayou, thence across Lick Creek near its confluence with Big Creek, thence up to the bottom, and struck the Wallace Ferry road, three-quarters of a mile in the rear of Colonel Brooks command, arriving at 10 a. in., and found the rebels in his rear on the road. We passed through them, drivimig them into the woods. I then halted my command, and, leaving it in charge of Cap- tain Hutchens, proceeded myself to communicate with the infantry command amid learn its situation. I found that they had been fighting nearly five hours a very superior force of rebels, well organized amid well armed, and that Colonel Brooks amid several of his officers were killed. Lieutenant-Colonel Reed consulted me on the pros9ect of getting his commamid out, which I told him could be done. Leaving him preparing for the march, I returned to the cavalry, amid found that they had had some sharp fighting while I was absent, Dobbin having made a charge upon them, which was repulsed, amid Captain Hutchens charged the rebels and drove them from the field. We distributed the cavalry to the best advantage for the protection of the command, am Colonel Reed coming up, we started for Helena. I left Captain Hutchens to conduct the rear, and too much praise cannot be awarded him for the skill and bravery displayed during the whole march, handsomely repelling every assault the enemy made upon him. 0mm arriving miear the junction of the Spring Creek road I expected to fimid the enemy there if at all in our front iii force, and had apprised Colonel Reed of the probability and suggested that every- thing be prepared for action. We found the enemy there, as I ex- pected, and were fully prepared for them amid drove them from their position, causing them to disperse in not very good order. The rebels had annoyed us in front, rear, and both flanks all the way from Big Creek till after their last repulse at the junctiomi of the Spring Creek road. From there to Helena we were not troubled by them except in the rear. We captured 5 prisoners of war, 2 of Foss regimeilt and 2 of Gordons regiment, Shelbys command, 1 of Dobbins regimuent. We captured 3 horses and 2 mules. Four of the animals have beemi turned over to the district quartermaster. Joseph Inipey, hospital steward, requests that he may keep one horse which was captured, that is now in his possession, iii lieu of omme stolemi last wimiter Page 22 22 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CIIAP. LIII. Lieut. F. W. Webster, Company I), who volunteered his services to accompany me, rendered very efficient service during the whole expedi- tion. Lieuteuant David, Thirty-fifth Missouri, is also entitled to much praise for valuable service rendered. Both of these officers seemed to be always where they were the most needed. Too much praise cannot be awarded to the other officers of the Fifteenth for promptness and bravery in executing every command. The men, too, are entitled to their share of praise for their gallantry. One determination seemed to predominate, and that was to save the command at anycost. The offi- cers and men of the Fifteenth all unite iii awarding the highest praise to the officers and men of the colored troops for their stubborn bravery in every action of the day. The casualties in our regiment are as follows: 1 private, Company C, slightly wounded; 1 private of Company B, who accompanied Col- onel Brooks as guide, missing. Very respectfully, & c., E. CARMICHAEL. ]tiliajor, (Jomdg. Detachment P~fteenth Illinois Cavalry Vois. Capt. T. C. MbATYARD, Assistant Adjutant- ~9eneral, Dist. of Eastern Arkansas. No. 9. Report of Lient. Harmon T. Chappel, Battery .E, ~eeond U~ S. Colored Light Artillery. HDQRs. BATTY. B, SECOND U. S. COL. ARTY. (LIGHT), Helena, Ark., July 2.9, iSGI. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the evening of July 25, at 4.30 p. in., in company with Colonel Brooks, of the Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, in command of detachments from the Fifty-sixth and Sixtieth U. S. Colored Infantry, with one section of Battery E, Second U. S. Colored Artillery (light), conunanded by Capt. J. F. Lembke, we moved out on the Little Rock road with orders to guard the crossing at Big Creek, eighteen miles from this place. We proceeded without delay as ordered until 9 p. in., when we halted one hour to rest and get supper, and again moved forward until 3 a. m. 26th instant, within half a mile of Big Creek, where we halted till day- light. At daylight, leaving the transportation, two caissons amid the rifled gun, with parts of two companies of infammtry, we moved ahead and took position at the crossing of Big Creek, while Colonel Brooks with part of the infantry crossed over to make a recommnaissance. In less than an hour he returned, reporting no enemy in that vicinity, and at once ordering the force left in the rear forward, and that breakfast be got and the teams watered and fed. Before the teams were all un- hitched it was rumored that the enemy was advancing upon our rear. I at omice got the rifled gun into position about 200 yards from the creek and facing our left, and awaited their approach. The enemny were con- cealed in .the thick timber and were withimi 150 yards of ns before I opened on them, when they charged with a yell, but being well sup- ported by Captain Brown, of the Sixtieth, with sixteen mcmi, and Cap- tain Patten, of the Fifty-sixth, with twenty-five men, amid using canister rapidly and carefully, we repnlsed them. They next took positio Page 23 CHAP. LIII.] OPERATIONS IN ARKANSAS. 23 behind the work forming the bridge over the low ground, which com- pelled the infantry on lily right to fall back; being thus left without support on my right or left I fell back and joined the main force, at once reporting to Captain Lembke, who was on the right with the how- itzer. Before he had given me any instructions he was shot dead, this about half an hour after the first gun was fired. I at once ordered the rifled gun to support the left under Sergeant Graham, and went to assist my mcii on theright. From this time until 11 a. in. we kept up a brisk fire, when we were joined by Major Carmichael, of the Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry, with about 100 meu of his command. After holding a consultation the officers~ concluded to fall back as the enemy would soon be re-enforced by troops from General Shelbys command. Having six horses killed and seven badly wounded it was impossible to bring off my cai~sons, and just at starting two other horses were shot, which Ibrced me to leave all but my two guns and one limber. - The casualties were as follows I~illed, Capt. J. F. Lembke; mortally wounded, Corpl. William Smizer, and left on the field; mortally wounded, Private Robert Jenkins, since dead; slightly wounded, Privates Thomas Thomas and Jacob Early; missing, Private Thomas Jeff. Green. During the whole fight the colored mcii stood up to their duty like veterans, and it was owing to their strong arms and cool heads, backed by fearless daring, alone that I was able to get away either of my guns. They marched eighteen miles at once, fought five hours, against three to one, and were as eager at the end as at the beginning for the fight. Never did men, under such circumstances, show greater pluck or daring. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. T. CHAPPEL, First Lieutenant. Capt. T. C. MEATYARD Assistant Adjutant- General, Dist. of Eastern A rhansas. No. 10. 1?eport of Brig. Gen. John M. Thayer, U. S. Army, commanding Dis trict of the Frontier. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE FRONTIER, Fort & nith, Ark., July 30, 1864. .SIR: I have to report that on the morning of the 27th instant a force of between 1,500 and 2,000 rebels, under command of General Gano, all mounted, attacked my outpost, seven miles out, composed of about 200 men of the Sixth Kansas Cavalry, under command of Captain Mef ford. They moved up in two columns, one driving in the pickets, the other flanking them. Captain Mefford formed his men and fought them bravely, but was very soon overpowered, aiid he and 82 mun were taken prisoners, and the enemy retired before re-enfhrcements could be got to the relief of our men. I sent a force in pursuit but could not overtake them. There were 10 of our men killed and 15 wounded; 12 of the enemy killed and 20 wounded, left on the field. I have been obliged to keep a force out that distance so that our stock could graze on the prairie. Some eight days ago eight of lily citizen scouts sllrprised the pickets of the enemy and took 1 lieutenant and 6 men prisoIlers, and brough Page 24 24 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. them in. Major Galloway, of the First Arkansas Cavalry, routed Major Pickier and his command, belonging to Stand Watie and Buck Browns force, killing Major Pickier and a number of his men, and captured 35 horses and mules. Captain Worthington, of the same regiment, sub- ~equently attacked a portion of Browns force, killing 9 rebels and cap- turing 15 horses and 3 mules. The enemy, under Cooper and Maxey, are camped on Buck Creek about twenty-five miles southwest of here. I still think their object is to hold this force here, and also to make raids across the river between here and Gibson when the river is fordable, as it soon will be. I have no fears as to this place or Gibson. I may have to withdraw the troops from Clarksville Thr the reason that I shall have to keep trains running from Fort Gibson to Fort Scott, and shall have to strengthen the escorts on that route, and also guard the fords between here and Gibson. I also have to furnish a largeforce to guard the parties putting up hay. My cavalry are almost useless as cavalry for the want of serviceable horses. I am anxious to hear about your situation and the movements of the enemy in your front and below you. The force in my front is from 5,000 to 7,000, nearly all mounted. I am only prevented from moving out. and fighting them by the want of cav- alry and artillery horses. I could iiot move my batteries twenty miles this hot weather before half of the horses would give out. I would call your attention to the fact that the term of service of the Second Indiana Battery, now het~e, expires on the last of next month. I should be glad to get the Third Kansas Battery up here, now at Little Rock. Very respectfully, JOHN M. THAYER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. FREDERICK STEELE, Commanding Department ~/ Arkansas. A I) I) EN!) A Itinerary of the District of the Frontier, commanded by Brifi. Gen. John ]VJi. Thayer.* Jnly 2.The Ninth Kansas Cavalry was ordered to Little Rock. Jnly 9.The First Arkansas Cavalry transferred to Third Brigade. Jnly 11.The Second Indian Holne Guards transferred to Indian Briga& . Jnly 21.TIme Fourth Arkansas Infantry (organizing) was or(lered to Little Rock. July 27.At dayb.rcak the Sixth Kansas Cavalry, on outpost duty, six miles from Fort Smith, were attacked by General Ganos (Texas) brigade. Loss: 10 killed, 17 wounded; captured, 115 enlisted men and 2 commissioned officers, Captain Mefford and Lieutenant Defriese. July 31.Pickets driven in by forces under Cooper, Gano, Stand Watie, and Folsom, all mounted. Their advance was met by Colonel Jndson, Sixth Kansas Cavalry, commanding Third Brigade, one mile from the fortifications, who succeeded, after a brisk engagement, in driving them back. Could not be pursued for want of a sufficient muounted force. CasualtiesColonel Jud son wounded, 10 enlisted men killed and wounded. Rebel loss miot known. From rnoiithly return Page 25 CHAP. LIII.] OPERATIONS IN ARKANSAS. 25 No. 11. Report of Iient. Jacob More/wad, sixth Kansas (Jarairy. FORT SMITH, ARK., July 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to you that I was in command of Company B, Sixth Kansas Cavalry, on the morning of the 2t1i ins tant, when the enemy ma(le the attack on our camp, on Massard Prairie; and as soon as the alarm was given that the enemy was in the prairie, which was about (5 a. in., I sent immediately lbr the herd, which had been out grazing since (laylight, and was about three- quarters of a mile southwest of camp. 1 formed my men on the right of camp to protect my herd as it came in and until it could be secured, but before the horses could be brought up tite enemy charged on us, which stampeded the herd and left the mcii on foot to fight as best they could. We drove the enemy back, and as I had received no orders from the commanding officer, I ordered my men to hill back until they could form on the right of the other companies. When I had fallen back to the left of my companys parade ground I caine iu speaking distance of Major Mefford, when I received orders to form my company on the right to protect the camp. I immediately took the position assigned me, with Company D on my left. We held our position, repulsing three distinct charges of the enemy. At this time I saw that Major Mefford had, with Companies B and H, been driven from their position on the left of the line and had begun to fall back across the prairie. I knew that I could not hold my ground much longer with what men I had, so, without receiving orders from Major Mefford, commenced fall- ing back toward him. As we fell back I had several men captured by the enemy that was advancing through the timber in the center of our camp. We fought and retreated in good order until we caine within half a mile of the house on the prairie, when the enemy closed in on all sides, taking many more of our ipen prisoners. Those that were left continued fighting and falling back to the house. There the men that were left were overpowered and captnred. Before we reached the house I received a slight wound in the right thigh. Some of my men who were first captured made their escape by hiding in the thick brush, the enemy not staying to hunt for stragglers, but left immedi- ately after the men at the house were captured, taking with them all the men that could travel. All did well under the circumstances, it being a surprise; after driving in the pickets the enemy was in our camp. I lost iii the engagement 3 killed 2 severely wounded, and 40 men taken , mortally wounded 5 pr~~soners. JACOB MOItEHEAD, First ijeut., Sixth Kansas Cay. Vols., Comdg. Company B. Col. W. H. JUDSON, Commanding First Brigade. No. 12. keport of Lient. Levi F. Stewart, Sixth Kansas Cavalry. CAMP NEAR FORT SMITH, ARK., August 2, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report according to instructions the fol- lowing: Being stationed on outpost duty on the Texas road about four miles and a half from Fort Smith, Ark., about 11 p. m. [a. in.] of the mornin Page 26 243 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAr. LIII. of July 31, 1864, hearing my pickets firing, I immediately mounted my uien, numbering thirty-five in all, anti started to learn the cause of the firing. After proceeding about half a mile I met my pickets coming toward me on a run and a number of the enemy following them, at which I halted anti Ibrined in line, and after exchanging shots with the enemy I found they were too strong for the number of meu under my command and I [was] Thrced to fall back toward Fort Smith, Ark., exchanging shots continually with the enemy. I was forced to fall back some two miles and a half. I halted and formed into line and found the enemy had halted. Daring the skirmishing one of my men was either killed or taken prisoner and one wounded. The enemy captured all of my camp and garrison equipage, as I was forced to have some camp and garrison equipage as my canip was a permanent outpost. I have the honor, colonel, to I e, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. F. STEWART, ASecond Lieutenant, Commanding Camp. CONDO. OFFICER SIXTH KANSAS VOL. CAVALRY. No. 13. Reports of Brig. Cen. Joseph 0. Shelby, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS CONFEDERATE FORCES, July 16, 1864. COLONEL: Lient. J. S. Green, bearing this communication, is duly authorized by me to communicate with you and -get definite instructions in regard to certain questions he will ask, but which I am unwilling to trust to paper for fear of accidents. On the 12th instant I organized a column of 1,000 men into three distinct raiding detachments, and sent them straight at the railroad with orders to waste, burn, and destroy. The column on the extreme right, commanded by Col. B. F. Gordon, struck the Tenth Illinois Cavalry between Searcy and Bayou Des Arc [on the 14th], fought them fiercely for half an hour, routed them, killed 20 on the field, wounded many, captured 87 prisoners, 1 six-mule wagon loaded with supplies, 1 ambulance, and 200 stand of cavalry fire-arms. This boasted regiment, which has weekly made a pilgrimage to Searcy, and thrown to us the gauge of defiance, was whipped, routed, and scat- tered, and only saved from utter annihilation by the superior quality of its horses. The other two columns were progressing finely when last heard from, and I hope soon to tell you of good work done for the rail- road. I have a heavy force below Clareudon, on White River, which levies a stern contribution of lead on every passing transport, and my scouts ramige unmolested from the Mississippi River to Devalls BluTh which latter place they have fired into no less than four times amid cap tured prisoners on the opposite bamik of the river. Acting Brigadier-General Adams is in command of the Northern Sub- District of Arkansas, whose duty it is to regulate its internal affairs, Supervise and systematize its civil functiomis, and perform the necessary duties of a umilitary governor. But I have assumed control of all the troops in the field and left General Adams a few provost guards, because but few were needed. In tIme event of my leaving here with all the troops the district will be without support, and I wish to kno Page 27 CHAP. till.] OPEI~ATIONS IN ARKANSAS. 27 (lefiuitely whether iii such an event Ucueral Adams is to be left in com- mand of everything; and if so, what number of troops shall be left with him. You are well aware that wheu the forces under my command leave this country all organized resistance to the enemy will cease, therefore the fewer number of soldiers left here the less incentive will the Federals have to waste and pillage the country. Xou will remember I informed you that I had sent Colonel McCray to the Mississippi River for arms and ammunition, and I can now assure you of the success of that expedition840 stand of arms have been added t6 the effective force of this district, together with 68,000 rounds of ammunition. 1 firmly believe I can bring 6,000 new men to the army, and if I have good luck I intend to arm them all. The material for my operations is rather inferior, but by patience, perseverance, and tact I think I shall make the calling and election sure. In the event of my leaving here shall I bring General Adams with me, and shall I give him any command over the troops 1 bring out ~ These questions 1 desire to have answered immediately. I send you late papers. The news from the East is still, as usual, very encouraging. Colonel Coffee has received authority from General Smith to raise a regiment, giving him until September 1. Shall I leave him here if I return before that time l But it will not do, in my opinion, to leave any troops here, as it will be only a nucleus for deserters to come back to. Very respectfully, JO. 0. SHELBY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lieutenant-Colonel BELTON, Assistant Adjutant- General, Camden, Ark. HDQRS. CONFEDERATE FoRcEs NORTHERN ARKANSAS, July 31, 1864. COLONEL: Again IC have to report another severe fight and another brilliant victory. You will remember that I informed you in my last dispatch of having sent Colonels Dobbin and Gordon with 1,000 men to ravage and destroy the Government plantations below Helena. They started on the 26th[ 0?], and on the 28th [26th] they met, fought, and routed completely 1,250 white men and negroes, killing 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, and 153 men, besides 5 captains, and capturing 5 wagons loaded with commissaries, 2 caissons containing ammunition, horses, mules, guns, amid pistols. The enemy had two pieces of artil- lery; was attacked and driven out of a chosen position behind a levee and (lriven pell-umell into the corporation limits of Helena. On the same day at another hour Colonel Gordon with 200 men attacked Major Carmichael of house-burmming memory; charged him furiously, scattered his force of 300 veterans, and left 63 of them dead on the field. No quarter was given and none asked. The fight was bloody and brief, and their superiority of horses alone saved them from annihilation. The Confederate loss was 8 killed and .40 wounded. IDobbin amid Gordon immediately proceeded to the plantations, since which time I have no further reports. * * * * * * * Respectfully, yonr obedient servamit, JO. 0. SHELBY, Brigadier- General Com~~anding. Lient. Col. J. F. BELTON, Assistant Adjutant- General, District of Arkansas Page 28 28 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. HEADQUARTERS SHELBYS I)IVISJoN December , IRGI. COLONEL :* I rested until July 12, organizing and putting into rullning order various regiments and brigades, and scouting and patrolling the coun- tryfrom oneend to the other afterjayhawkers and robbers, many of whom were caught and executed directly on the spot. In these quiet and sul- try days of snirnner a Federal cavalry regimentthe Tenth Illinois came weekly to Searcy and sent an indirect challenge for an equal force to come down and fight theni. On the 11th [12th] Colonel Gordon with 500 men started after them, and on the 12th [14th] at daylight charged directly into camp, firing upon some sound asleep and others undressed. The panic and rout was complete. Out of the 600 boasting Federals not 100 escaped to tell the tale. Gordon gathered up carefully.all the arms, and sending part of his force to the railroad under Major Mc- Daniel, returned to camp with his prisoners. McDaniel struck the railroad the next day, captured 13 prisoners, destroyed about half a mile of track and telegraph, and returned. A train of cars coming under full steam from Little Rock ran off the embankment, killing 6 soldiers, wounding severely 17, and destroying 1 locomotive and 2 cars. At the same time I sent Colonel MeCray with sufficient force to the Mississippi River for several hundred stand of arms, which had been negotiated for. McCray was entirely successful, and succeeded in bringing over about 900 good guns. I now organized a combined attack upon river and railroad, determining to strike a double blow in different directions. Colonel iVileCray went toward the railroad with about 1,000 men, and I went to White River with about 600. Reaching the river on the 31st, seven miles below Clarendon, I coin- inenced immediately to get my guns in position. While doing so, amid before I could possibly use them, two gun-boats passed slowly down, one of them landing within ten feet of my concealed scouts./ After they left the preparations were completed, and the river watched a day and a night, but nothing 1)assed up or down. Still waiting, my tried and trusty spies soon brought me intelligence that a large Federal force was advancing up White River by boats and was already at Ties Arc, thus gaining my rear and threatening both the reserve ammunition and unarmed recruits at Jacksonport. No time was to be lost. Marching immediately all that day amid night and the next day, I reached Augusta shortly after the arrival of the enemy, who fled hurriedly on my approach. This sudden and rapid movement on my part alone saved me from irrep- arable loss. McCray reached the neighborhood of the railroad safely, held a good force back as a reserve, and commenced operations. Cole- man went first with 500 men, destroyed some of the track, burned some trestle-work, and retired fighting. Jackman one day later made a vig- orous attack again, killed 10 Federals, captured 23, destroyed a mile of railroad, stirred up a hornets nest, and fell back hard pressed. Then a large force of the enemy massed omi McCray, forced him back, and he semit to me for help. I marched my entire force night and day to his assistance, checked the Federals, amid drove tlmeni back, after which my commimand rested for several days.t For portion of report here omitted, see vol. XXXIv, Part I, p. 926. t For continuation of report, see p. 649 Page 29 CHAP. LIII.] OPERATIONS IN ARKANSAS. 29 My thanks are earnestly tine to all my officers and nien for their courage and devotion and their eagerness at all times to meet the enemy. Hoping this report will prove satisfactory, I am, colonel, very respect- fully, Jo. 0. SHELBY, Brigadier- General, Commanding Expedition. Maj. L. A. MACLEAN, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of Arkansas. No. 14. Beports of Maj. Gen. AS~amuel B. Maxey, C. ~. Army. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF INDIAN TERRITORY Fort Towson, C. N., Jul y30,1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I was officially advised last night that on the morning of the 27th instant a detachment about 600 strong, under the command of Brig. Gen. IR. M. Gano, made up from Ganos brigade, Col. S. N. Folsoms (Second Choctaw) regiment, and Lieut. Col. J. W. Wells battalion, attacked the Sixth Kansas Cav- alry within five miles of Fort Smith, completely routing it, killing and wounding about 50, capturing 127 prisoners, about 200 Sharps rifles, and about 400 six-shooters, a number of horses, some sutlers stores, camp equipage, & c. Among the prisoners is Major Mefford, who com- manded said regiment. A body of Arkansas Federals, who were with the Sixth Kansas, stampeded. Our loss 8 killed and several wounded; the exact number not known. An unofficial note from an officer states that the enemy from Fort Smith followed General Gano out on his return and that an attack on the camp was likely. I do not believe the enemy will now throw out anything more than a reconnaissance in force. Preparations to the extent of our means will be made. Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant, S. 1W MAXEY, Brig. Gen. W. H. BoGGS Major- General, Commanding. Chief of Staff, Trans-Mississippi Dept., Shreveport, La. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF INDIAN TERRITORY Fort Towson, C. N., August 6, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I received official advices from General Cooper last night, under date August 2, that on the 31st ultimo he made a demonstration in force on Fort Smith, ran in the pickets and all outside the breast-works. Subsequently the enemy on recovering from surprise came out and a picket fight ensued, he losing 2 men killed, and the enemy he thinks considerably more. He cap- tured 12 prisoners and burnt their camp and commissary stores at Green Springs, three miles from Fort Smith; also captured some horses and cattle. The next day having taken up camp on Cedar Prairie,~ about nine miles from Fort Smith, he sent a small scout near Fort Smith, west of Poteau, which was heavily shelled (without damage) for several hour Page 30 30 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LILL with heavy guns. The scout, wnder Captain Uunter, First Cherokee Regiment, reported the enemy crossing boxes, barrels, & c., over the Arkansas River, and troops mounted and drawn np on that side. Gun- ter concluded from what he saw that enemy was evacuating. General Cooper says he is not satisfied they are evacuating.~7 I think not. The best way to aid in forcing it is to prevent boats running from Little Rock. In the meantime if the river should ever fall I have given necessary instructions to cut lines of communication north. This movement of General Cooper was made to cover a new disposition of the hues pre- viously ordered. General C. reports the enemy badly alarmed by hi~ movements. Cloud is reported back from Clarksville. If this be so the river is clear from Fort Smith to Little Rock. General Cooper says General Watie reports that Major Pickler was killed at Fayetteville a few days ago; no particulars. He says he hopes to give something more definite by to-morrow of movememits about Fort Smith. Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant, S. B. MAXEY, ]Jliajor- General. Brig. Gen. W. R. Boe-e-s, Chief of Staff, Trans-Mississippi Dept., Shreveport. UNOFFICIAL. GENERAL: If you have ammy mercy on a friend away from newspapers and telegraphs send nine sonic news whemiever you get it. I am very uneasy about Hood. The enemy having got south of Chattahoochee Forrest is no longer necessary on Mobile and Ohio Railroad. His true move is to Stevenson, Ala., fromu which poimint he can destroy the tunnel, twenty-three miles distant, on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, and the bridge at BridgepQrt, besides umumerons bridges on Crow Creek, and another between Stevenson and Bridgeport. The tunnel cami be most effectually destroyed in twenty-four hours. I thoroughly exam- ined it once with a view to its destruction when minecessary. I have no fear of Lee, and am satisfied he can and ought to re-enforce Hood. Yours, truly, MAXEY. Gemmeral Boe-e-s. ADDENDA. GENERAL ORDERS, HJJQR S. I)ISTR1CT INDiAN TERRITORY, No. 53. Fort Towson, C. N., July 29, 1864. I. In announcing the brilliant victory won by tIme force coumposed oh detachments from Ganos and Walkers brigades and Wells battalion on the 27th instant, while under the conirnand of Brig. Gen. R. M. Gano, near Fort Smith, the- unajor-general commanding returns his thanks to every officer and man engaged. In brilliancy and dash and comnplete ness of success it has not been surpassed in this year of brilliant vic- tories. II. This order will be published to every regininent and battalion and at every post in this district. S. B. MAXEY, Major. General, Commanding Page 31 CHAP. LIII.] OPEEATIONS IN ARKANSAS. 31 No. 15. I?eport of Brig. Gem. Douglas H. (looper, C. ~. Army. IIDQRS. C. S. FORCES, DIST. OF INDIAN TERRITORY, In the Field, August 10, 1864. CAPTAiN: I have the honor to submit the following report of recent operations by the troops nnder my command in the vicinity of Fort Smith: ~ My scouts having reported to me at James Creek, near old Choctaw Council House, a body of Federal cavalry (supposed to be Arkansans) encamped near Caldwells, and other detachments on Massard Prairie, five miles from Fort Smith, on the 26th ofJuly General Gano was directed to have a detachment of 500 men from his brigade ready by 3 p. m. for a scout. Detachments from Second Indian Brigade, under Col. S. N. Folsom, and from Wells battalion, under Lieutenant-Colonel Wells, were also ordered to be in readiness. Lieut. Col. Jack McCurtain was directed to take post with his Choctaw battalion by sunrise next morn- ing on the Devils Backbone. Capt. J. Henry IXtinhart was instructed to report to the senior officer present with the detachments as a guide to conduct the expedition; the whole, except McCurtains battalion, to rendezvous on Poteau, near Pages Ferry, by dark. The plait, as shown by Special Orders, No. 86 (marked A),* was for Col. S. N. Folsom, commanding detachment from Indian division, to attack the camp of Federals at Caldwells, on the Jenny Lind road, capture or destroy it if possible, and if pursued by other troops on Massard Prairie or from Fort Smith to retreat by the Fort .Towson road over the Devils Backbone, where McCurtain lay in ambush; the detachment from Ganos brigade to remain concealed near Pages, on Cedar Prairie, until the Federals should pass in pursuit of Folsom, and then attack them in rear, while Folsom and McCurtain should turn upon them at the Backbone: On the arrival of the different detachments at the Poteau General Gano, finding the force from the Indian division much smaller than I had anticipated, and very properly, under the change of circnn~stances,in accordance with the latter clause of Special Orders, No. 86, determined to go in command of the attacking party, trusting to the assistance of Colonel McCurtain at the Backbone should he be followed by a superior force. The expedition resulted on the morning of the 27th in the complete rout of the Sixth Kansas Cavalry and dispersion of the Arkansas Federals. Enemys loss supposed to have been about 50 in killed and wounded and 124 prisoners, the destruction of their camp and transpoftation, the capture of large numbers of small-arms---~rifies, revolving pistols, and clothing, & c., in profusion. The enemy came out from Fort Smith and pursued for a short dis- tance. A few followed to the Backbone, but again retired without mo- lesting our forces, who encamped two miles south of the Backbone at James Fork for the night. The lack of the party in ambush iiear Pages enabled them to return in safety to Fort Smith. Not found. Page 32 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. The loss on oar side was small, viz: Killed. Wounded. Missing. ~ ~ durleys regiment, commanded by Captain Downs 4 9 1 Detachment29th Texas Cavalry, commanded by MajorCar- 1 roll. Detachment 31st Texas Cavalry, commanded by Major 1 I Looscan. Detachment 5th Texas Partisan Rangers, coniioanded by 5 Captain Haynes. Captain Welchs company 1 Captain Heads company Detachments 1st and 2d Choctaw RegimenP. commanded 1 5 by Colonel Folsom. Detachment Wells battalion Texas cavalry, commanded 1 4 by Lieutenant-Colonel Wells. Detachment Colberts company, Cbickasaw battalion 1 Total 7 26~ 1 This was a brilliant and dashing affair not unworthy of Gelleral Ganos reputation as one of Morgans best officers. Considering the proximity of the enemy in large force, the officers and men engaged merit the thanks and applause of the country which has been accorded to them. All are reported to me as having behaved well. John B. Turner, acting aide-de-camp oil my staff, accompanied the expedition and behaved with his usual gallantry. Col. S. N. Folsom, commanding Choctaw Brigade, and Lient. Col. J. W. Wells, conimand- ing battalion Texas cavalry, to whom Major Mefford and a large num- ber of Federal prisoners surrendered, were conspicuous on this occasion for their bravery. For further particnlars of this affair see General Ganos repor4, marked B.* I desire in closing this part of my report to pay a passing tribute to the memory of the Rev. Tiok-homma (or Red Pine, a Choctaw, known among the whites as William Cass), who fell mortally wounded while leading the advance. This brave warrior and Christian had on every occasion displayed the highest order of courage. He served as chaplain in my old regiment, and continued in the samne position through every trial, and was also distinguished as a warrior in every battle in which his regiment was engaged until he received hlis death wound. On the 28th Brigadier-General Watie was directed to send 200 picked men, under dashing officers, across the Arkansas River for the purpose of breaking up and burning a camp of Federals engaged mu cutting hay and pasturing stock on Blackburns Prairie. It was deter- mined, also, to make demonstration on Fort Smith, thereby creating a diversion in favor of Waties scouts; ascertain at the same time, if pos- sible, the, strength of the enemy, and to cover the removal of Southern families from Sebastian County along the line. On the 29th Lieutenant-Colonel McCurtain was directed to hold his battalion in readiness at Double Springs to march with General Gano and co-operate with his brigade on the day following. Brigadier-Gen- eral Watie, with the effective men of his brigade present, was ordered to move up to Scullyville Prairie, and the Choctaw Brigade, under Col. S. N. Folsom, Wells battalion, and a section of Howells battery to the same place. General Watie havmng reported time river too full to cross, the detachments under Colollel Bell ammd Colonel Adair were ordered to join General Watie at Scullyville. Major Burnet, with his battalion of sharpshooters, the muost of the artillery, and the train were ordered Not, fouud. 32 [CHAP. LIII Page 33 CHAP. LIII.] OPERATIONS IN ARkANSAS. 33 back ~towar4 Ri(ldles. The whole, except Major ~ command, encamped oii Scullyville Prairie night of 30th, while General Gano and McCurtaiu bivouacked at ~ Fork, near Walls Mill. At sunrise on the 31st the hue of march was takeui tip by both col- unitis, that ninder my inuuiediate COninlalid preceded l)y Wells battalion. The Creeks, under Major Barnett, were detached at Scullyville, accom- panie(1 by Captain IMlarston, acting assistant adjutant-general on my stall; and proceeded by the river road to Potean Bottom, opposite (west) Fort Smith. The remainder of the command Thrmed a junction at Wat. lNdsoins, on Towson road, near Cedar Prairie. General Gano, in accordaum ce with previous arrangements, was here detached with MeCurtains battalion of Choctaws, and both. proceeded to Massard Prairie by the road leading from McCartys place, sevemi miles south of Fort Smith. General Waties command, Colonel Folsoms colnman(l, Wells battalion, and Howells section advanced under my personal direction on the main Fort Smith road. General Watie was sent for- ward with guides to drive in the euemy~5 pickets omi the main road iea(liIlg directly to one of the principal works in front of Fort Smith, at Neigro Hill, amid also on the Line road to the garrison, while the section of Howells battery, commanded by Captain Howell, and a section of Lees light howitzer battery, commanded by Capt. John T. Humphreys, sul)ported by the Choctaw Brigade, First Creek Ilegimnent, and Wells battalion, were posted at the south end of the lane leading from liar- man lVlickles to the old church and grave-yard on the hill overlooking time open field omi the north toward Fort Smith. General Watie executed the order givemi him with his accustomed gallantry and I)rolnptmless, sendimig Colonel Bell, with First Cherokee Regiment, on the main road amid Colonel Adair on the road to the left known as the iLine road, both detachments charging with time gallant impetuosity for which they and their nmen are noted. He not only routed the Federal pickets, but raiu themmi up to the line of their intremuchnients near Fort Smith and return- Pig the mcmi sat (lown to the plentiful dinner just prepared for the Federals at their camp. The enemy having rallied soon began to shoxv themiuselves on the road, amid somne sharp skirmnishimmg ensued. The First Creek Regimuent was ordered forward to 5111)port Colonel Bell, which they obeyed with an alacrity and enthusiasm highly creditable to both officers and men. I would state lucre that the Second Creek and Seminole Reimnent~ exhibitedthe same spirit, also expressing a willingmmess to stormn the towim from the west side if it was my desire. Wells battalion was ordered to time Line road, where it remudered important service, thougim not under tire, in guarding that road after General Watie amud Colonel Adair had crossed over on the main road to a position near the forks of the road at Mill Creek, near the Gum Springs. Soomi after Gemueral Watie reported the emuemny advancing in force, having driven in the Cherokee pickets, but was feeling his way very cautiously. Leaving the reserve (Howells section aml First amm(t Secomid Choctaw) at Mickles, under Colomiel Folsom, Captaimi llun~phreys was ordered tbrward to Gemueral Waties positiomi and General Gammo to cross over froma Massard Prairie and join me on the main road to Fort Smuitlm. Having arrived at the camp lately occupied by the emmemy I fonmid Brigadier-General Watie with his command in position on the luihl south of the spring. General Gano soon arrived, and Captain Humphreys, with his light battery, was advanced and opened on the enemy, then 3 111 IlV OLXLI~PT Page 34 84 LOUISIANA LED TEE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. (CIA?. L~ some .600 or 800 yards in front A portion of Gano?s brigad6 was thrown out as flankers, ordered to moveforward, supported by theCher- okees, who had been previously dismounted. The enemy were drinn back and took a position up6n a high ridge under cover of the guns at Negro Hill. Captain Humphreys With his liqht battery foflowed t4iem an d kept up a galling fire, which![ could plainly see told with. consid- erable effect among the cavalry on the road The enemy soon brought up afour-gunbattery (Babbs, I suppose) and commenced a furious cannonade upon our lighthowitsers, the shot and sheli passing harmlessly over our heads for some time. Captain Bumphreys,teing so unequaflymatched, was ordered to withdraw, and in the act of doing so a shell exploded directly amid the battery horses, killing 8, wounding 1, cutting off the leg of one of the men. Another shot wept off the head from the shoulders of one of Ganos men. My escort, under Lieutenant Johnson, succeeded, wider a very heavy 4e, in cutting the dead horses loose from the gun and leading it off with one horse, assisted by the men pushing the carriage along, without further loss. Itwas now nearly dark. The enemysin4ntryquitenear. The under-. growth being thick, their iiumbers and strength could not be ascer- tained.? Numerous roads bywhich we could be flanked and the infantry operate to advantage upon my cavalry gave them great advantage. Ordsrs.were therefore givqu to withdraw to Mickles where the reserve was still posted in anticipation of the possibility of the enemy following in force. General (i+ano with his brigade constituted the rear guard, and were directed to burn the commissary stores and camp of the enemy on retiring, which was done about dark. The amount of stores destroyed, after our troops had helped themselves to what they could bring ofl is estimated in our currency at *i30,000. A portion of the Cherokee troops (dismounted) had advanced in the brush some distance on the left and could not be readily found. Major. Howland was directed to find and bring them out It seems they retired in good order and wifely on the approach of night without orders having reached them. All retired in good order and without the least baste quietly to thi~ reserve, Mid then the whole moved off to Cedar Prairie, about two miles south9 and encamped for the night The enemy so far from following, appeared not even to have known, as ascertainek from deserters, that we had retired, but retreated totheir - intrenchments and remained there under arms all night Deserters also report that the fire from the light battery was very effective. Colonel Judson, Sixth Kansas Cavalry, was wounded in one leg by the exploslou of a shell; ilso several others, and two ambulance-loads of their dead were carried from the field, supposed to contain 8 or 10 bodies. Our loss, I, killed (James Dement, Hardemans regiment Texas cay- aIry), 5 wounded, one mortally (Wamnmack, a Cherokee, of the battery). Iwould retpxn thanks in this connection to Assistant Surgeon Fisk, of the battery, and his party for the promptness with which they brought up the ambulance for the wounded within short range of the enemys battery. While General Gano occupied an elevated posltiou near Massard PrairieLieutenant-Colonel ItoCurtain and hisChodtawbattalion scoured the prairie.for the purpose of attracting attention, and, if possible, draw out the enemy. In this we failed, but McCurtaiti captured 3 regular Yederul sol4iers sa4 8 Arkacoes. Ho also brought off some herso Page 35 CHAP. LIII.] OPERATIONS IN ARKANSAS. 35 and a drove of beef cattle, with all which he retired to Mrs. Stevens, about two miles south of the forks of the Line and Towson roads. On this occasion, as on all former ones requiring judgment and brav- ery, this officer rendered important service. The Creeks, nuder Major I3arnett, and a few Cherokees, under Ca pt. Saninel II. Gunter, accompanied by CapPain Marston, had, during the day, made their way to the Potean and fired across into the garrison at Fort Smith, creating, evidently, great exciteineiit and some consternation. Learning that the Poteau was backed up from [the I Arkansas, so that nothing could be acconiplished in that direction, I ordered the Creeks to join me at Mickles, where Howell and the Chocta ~s were stationed, and they arrived just as we were moving off tb Cedar Prairie. Captain Gunter was left in Poteau Bottom to watch the enemy. Next morning we retired, General Watie taking the road to Scully- ville after crossing Poteau at Hardaway~s Ford. Ganos brigade, the Choctaws, ~ battalion, and Howells section returned to Buck Creek. Soon after leaving Cedar Prairie heavy cannonading was heard in the direction of Fort Smith, which proved to be caused by Captain Gunter and a few Cherokees amusing themselves by shooting at the Federals across Poteau, whereupon a shelling would come, the little party quietly changing position and enjoying the fun, until the enemy were tired of blazing away at their supposed hiding-place. Then they would fire from a different point, which would again bring out the big guns, aiid so on for the most of the day, which we could plainly hear at Buck Creek, twenty-five niles distant. Gunter and others here reported the Federals crossing to the north side of [the] Arkansas. In fact, Captain Marston had reported the same thc evening before. I supposed the movement to be merely that of Union refugees crossing to take the train to Fort Scott. General Watie, how ever, having advised me that his picket at month of Poteau and at Rock Ford, near Boyds Mill, heard om~tly four drums at tattoo and no reveille, I determined to send General Watie back to Potean Bottom and Gen- eral Gano to Massard Prairie for thc I)nrPose of ascertaining whether the enemy were really evacuating, and to hurry them out in case such proved to be the case. Parties who had seen the movements on Arkan- sas I{iver were so confident that an evacuation would take place that (contrary to my own impression) I concluded to or(ier up my traimis and remaimi. It was soon ascertained that the exodns of the Union families and l)aggage was the solution of appearaimees on Arkansas River, and we moved back slowTly, resting wherever grass and water commid be had the troops under General Watie to Sami Bois (Bill Coopers place), General Gano via I-Iolstons to Riddles, amid the remainder with myself to our old camp on Limestone PrairieGeneral Gano bringimig oft~ with hini a herd of cattle and other stock. While resting at Buck Creek Captain Marston and Captain Gunter, with four men, swam the Arkansas, made a reconnaissance of the emmeiny on the north side, ~iscertaim~ed certainly tlmat the enemay were not evac- uatimmg, captured two Federals with arms, horses, rigging, and green- backs, paroling one of the prisoners who was badly wounded, amid then recrossed again, swmnimning the Arkamisas in full view of the enemy, amid arrived tired, but safely, at my camp near Chula Churcfr, where the train had been directed to meet us. This feat is unsurpassed in the annals of the war Page 36 36 LOUJSIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. During the whole expedition, extending from the time we started to our return to the train throughout six days (on three days half rations), the officers and men behaved in the best possible manner, not only under fire but in patiently bearing up against privations of no ordinary character without a murmur. Before closing this report I cannot refrain from expressing my admii ratioi~ for the conduct of Brigadier~Generals Watie and Gano, their officers and men, and especially that of Capt. John T. Humphreys aiid his men of the light battery, who behaved in the most gallant manner under my immediate I)ersorIal observation. Lieutenant Joinison, commanding detachment from Captain Colberts company (K, First Chickasaw Regimeut); Sergt. J. 1-I. Johnson, Jon a- than Garrison, John Bricham, and Napoleon Mitchell were conspicuous for their bravery in bringing off the disabled piece of Lees battery, while others of the same company who constituted my escort rendered important a8sistance. Colonel Adair, Colonel Bell, Lieutenant-Colonels Brewer, Saladi n Watie (son of General Watie), and others are mentioned for their bravery and good coiiduct by their immediate conunanders, to which I (lesire to call attention. Captain Howell and the Choctaws, nuder Col. S. N. Folsom, haviiig been held in reserve, much to their disappointment, were iiot engaged. TheiV selection foi~ the reserve shows my appreciation of their courage and steadiness, and that upon them the command mainly depended for Nupl)ort in case of need and for a nucleus upon which to rally in case the enemy had proved more numerous and less timid than he did at Fort Smith. To the officers of my staffCapt. B. W. Marston, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lient. T. C. Dismukes, ordnance officer; Col. Jack Coarser, military instructor of Indiami division, and Mr. Cal. Thompson, volunteer aide-dc-campfor their cordial and energetic assistance throughout the expedition I. am under lasting obligations. The demonstration in front of Fort Smith resulted in driving the whole Union population bf Sebastian County within the towim, thus Increasing the enemys embarrassments on account of food, and in sat- isfying me that the enemy was weaker and more demoralized thaim I had anticipated. A vigorous attack with the whole force, though doubtless it would have beemm atten(ied with heavy loss omm our side, I believe would have resulted in the capture of the place. It was, how- ever, too hazardous after the enemys detachments were recalled to utmidertake any further operations in that direction. Our horses being wormm down, men tired and hungry, amid the force under my command itiuch weakened by the expiration of the termn of enlistment omm the l)art of the larger portion of the Choctaw Brigade, it was deemed advisable to fall back to the vicinity of our depot for rest, amid to give time for reorganizing and recruiting the Imidian brigades. Referrimig to accomn~)aiiying reports fromn sl11)ordimiates fom further particulars, I am, captain, respectfully, your obediemmt servant, DOUGLAS H. COOPER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. T. M. SCOTT A. A. G., Di8t. Indian Territory, Fort Towson, C. N. Page 37 CHAP. LIII.] OPE1~ATIONS IN MINNESOTA. JULY 1OCTOBER 1, 1864.Operations against Indians in the District of Minnesota. Report of Brig. Gen. Henry H. Sibley, U. S. Army, commending District 0/ Minnesota, including operations from October 1 IRG3, to October 1864.~ IIDQES. DIST. OF MINNESOTA, DEPT. OF TIlE NORTHWEST, Saint Paul, Miun., October 10, iSGI. GENERAL: In compliance with. directions contained in dispatch of 5th instant, from department headquarters, I have the honor to make the following report of military operations for the year ending 1st instant: Upon the return from the expedition under my command against the hostile Sioux Indians in September, 18~~3, I was instructed to dispatch to the South all the force that could be spared from this district. Orders were accordingly issued to the Seventh, Ninth ,and Tenth Min- nesota Volunteers to proceed without unnecessary delay to Saint Louis. and report for (luty to the commanding officer of the Department of the Missouri, and these regiments left this district accordingly on the 7th and 8th of October following. The Sixth and Eighth Regiments w*re retained for the protection of thefrontier, the former being for the most part posted at Forts Snell- ing and Ridgely, and at the out stations north of the Minnesota River, to Paynesville, and south to the Iowa line, while the companies of the Eighth garrisoned Forts Abercrombie, Ripley, and the intervening stations, and performed escort duty to the trains of public supplies. The Independent Battalion of Minnesota Volunteers, raised and com- inanded by Maj. E. A. C. Hatch, having been ordered to report to me for assignment to duty, was dispatched on 10th of October to Pembina, to hold in check the hostile Sioux who had retreated for safety int6 11cr Majestys coterminous possessions, where they could not be followed by our troops, as I had received stringent orders from General Halleck, through department headquarters, in no case to cross the boundary line with a military force. About ninety Sioux men, women, and children caine across the boundary and surrendered to Major Hatch, command- ing at Penibina. The battalion, with one section of mountain howitzers of Third Minnesota mixed battery, went into winter quarters at Pent- bina, and remained until about the 1st of May of the present year, when I ordered Major hatch with his command to relieve the detach- inents of the Eighth Regiment Minnesota Volunteers at Fort Abereroin- bie, and at the stations of Pomme de Terre amid Alexandria, that regi- ment having been designated as part of the expeditionary force to join Brigadier-General Sully on the Missouri. The other three sections of the mixed gun and howitzer battery (Third Minnesota) were stationed respectively at Forts Ridgely, Snelling, and Ripley. During the month of September, 18G3, Sergeant Edwards, of the First Minnesota Mounted Rangers, was killed by a party of savages on the road between Lake George and Paynesville. This was the only out- rage committed after the close of the campaign of l8t~3. In that year within this district I kept employed during the winter an efficient i)ody of Indians and half-breeds, who had proved their fidelity to the Govern - ment since the outbreak of 1862, as scoilts, and so disposed of them as to secnre constant an(i reliable information of the nioveinents of the hostile bands from time to time, and of their views and intentions. ~ See also Vol. XXII, Part I, pp. 352 an4 907, and Vol. XXXIV, Paint I, p. 937 Page 38 38 LOUISIANA AND THE TUANS-MISSISSIPPi. ICHAP. LIII. Knowing there were among the Sisseton Sioux quite a considerable number who were anxious to make peace with our Government, I elnploye(1 with your sanction Rev. Father Andr6 and J. It. Brown as special agents on the part of the military authorities to open a commu- nication with them, and endeavor to detach them, and also well disposed Indians, of other b nds from the hostile combinations. Their efforts were only partially successful Some of the chiefs afl(l principal braves al)l)eare(l at Fort Abem ciombie and sigue(I the coiiditions of peace which were granted them, but the I tiger portion of the friendly (lisposed Sis- seton s were prevented h om thus surrenderii g them selves by the menaces of the i)alids still deteimnmned upon war, and by the representations of the Red River half br ((is that if they did give themselves up they would all be executed by hanging A vigilant watch was enforced along the extensive frontier by the foices stationed for that purpose, but no raids were attempted by the savages during tile winter. On the 17th of May, 1864, a wit ite boy was killed by a war party on the Watonwan River, and oim the following day a soldier of time Sixth Minnesota Volunteers was wounded not fir from the same spot. One of time Indiamms probably belonging to the same gang was subsequently killed by two soldiers of the Sixth Regiment near the Cottonwood River, and time others only escaped by con cealimmg themselves in the almost impemmetrable thickets on the banks of that stream. z~ foray was mnade on tIme 11th of August, Thllowimmg, on time settlemnents omm tile Blue Earth River, and two citizens were killed and one badly wommuded by time savages, who succeeded in effecting their escape, after a hot chase by a detachment of the Second Minmiesota Cavalry. The pursuit was followed up by a number of my scouts, nmmtil the latter found themselves confronted by a force of fifty warriors, who luckily for time pursuers were for time umost part without horses. Front commversatiomm with the Indiamms at a safe distance the scommts learned that they were of the White Lodges band of Sissetomi Siommx, the actors in the horrible muassacres comnumitted at Lake Shetek in 1862. A strong detachment of cavalry was sent to destroy this party a s soon as information had been given of their proximnity t~ the settle- ments, but some days having immtervened no traces could be found of tile savages, who seem to have retreated precipitately to time westward after having been discovered. Three citizen teammmsters were murdered by a ~)arty of twenty-one Sioux warriors on the 24th of August, omm the Red River of the North, at a point equal distant between Georgetown and Fort Abercromnbie. Time murderers were pursued by Major Adams with a detachument of fom~ty men of his battaliomi, but timey Imad too lommg a start to be overtaken. Other snuall parties of Imidians have infested time fron- tier during time sumnmer, but the slender force under the conmmammd of Lieutenant-Colonel Pfaender was kept in motion, and with the ai(i of a few State minute-men called immto service by Governor Miller, itas secured the settlers from further mnolestation up to the presemmt tinme. In obediemmce to your summons, I repaired to the headquarters of the (lepartment at Milwaukee in the latter part of February last, to confer witim yourself and Brigadier-General Sully relative to the military operations of the ensuimmg season. The plan adopted by you was com mummicated to each of mis officially, and in accordance witlm that part of it which required me to furnish a force from this military district to join General Sullys comnumand on the Missouri, I issued orders for the con- centration near Fort Ridgely on the 28th of May followimmg of the Eighth Minimesota Vohmnteers, under Colonel Thomnas, of six comupanies of the Secomid Cavalry, mumider Coionel MeLaren, and two sections of the mixed guit ammd howitzer battery of the Thu d Minnesota, under Captain Jones Page 39 dun. tx4~ oflns~flOMB Ifl flmoTA. 89 This force, including about forty scouts, numbered 1,551 men, all mounted, and (Jol. II. T. Thomas, of the Eighth Minnesota Volunteers, was placed in command, with orders to march on the 6th of June to Swan Lake, the locality on the Missouri River indicated for the junction with Brigadier-General Sully. The route was prescribed by me, and so well timed was the movement that the co-operating force from this dlii- tridt reached Swan Lake only a few hours after the arrival of the other brigade, having marched 332 miles from Fort Bidgely. The operations of General Sully being confined entirely to the limits of hlsowndistrict,itisnopartof my duty flow his movemnenteor detall the part taken by the br ade from this distnctintbk two sut~ cessive engagements which resulted in the defeat of the Teton bands of Sioux with a heavy loss in warriors, and the sacrifice of a very large amount of subsistence, buffalo robes, cooking utensils & c. Ta these conflicts I have good reason for the belief that the Minnesota troops gallantly performed their part. The Eighth Regiment Minnesota Vol- unteers is now on the way to this city en route for the South, in accord-. ancewithyour directions, and the other detachments arebeing stationed for the additional defense of the frdntier. The Sixth Regiment Minne- sota Volunteers was, by directions of the War Department, communi- cated through you, dispatched to Helena, Ark., from this district on the 14th of June last. The chasm created by the removal of that regiment from theline of postA north and south of the Minnesota Diver, including Fort Bidgely, was but partially mud insufficiently filled by two companies of the Second Minnesota Cavalry, which was all the disposable force atmy~ ,reat anxiety lest aknowledge on the part of the powerM bands of iota on the north of the Missouri that very few troops were left for the pro- tection of so long a line would embolden them to make a demonstration in force and renew the atropities of 1862. That this was not done can be accounted for in no other way than that they had not yet recovered from the demoralising effects of the defeats encountered by them dur- ing the campaigns of 1862. and 1863. Fort Wadsworth, so denominated b~rderof the WarDepartment,isanewpOstinProcessof construc tion near the head of the Cotean des Prairies, about 190 miles from Fort Bidgely and seventy4ve from Tort Abercrombi& Your directions required me to build the fort on the James River, if timber sufficient could be found, and if tot, to select the nearest practicable site to that stream. After a Sill examination of the valley of the James Diver by Captain Burton a competent and judicious officer; Ms& Jor Clowney, of the Thirtieth Wisconsin Volunteers, who had been chosen by me to carry out your instructibus, became satisfied, as I had previously been from personal observatio that no wood for a military post could be foun on then per James River. F flowing my orders he examined the country near the head of the Obteautes Prairies, and fixed upou what Is represented by all who have seen ittobe a very commanding and detest. sible position. The wotk was energetically common an prosecuted br Ma~)or Clow~xoy, and is proceeding as rapidly as possible under the. direction of his successor,Ks~joiRose, Second Minnesota Cavalry, who with four coippanies of that regiment has relieved the four companies of the Thirtieth Wisconsin Volunteers at that post. The latter command is on its way to this city, being ordered by you to the South. Fort Wadsw worth is one of the most important military stations of the Northwest~ Itistobe hopedthat.your int~ntionto constructa similarlargefortat Devils Lake can be successfully carried out during the coming year, thus completing the cordou of posts in the heart of the Indian country Page 40 40 LOIJISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIl~PT. tCIIAP. LIII. When completed arid garrisoned by a strong force they will exercise a powerful effect on the wild bands of Sioux who for the past two years have occasioned so much mourning arid alarm among the white border settlers by their ruthless deeds of massacre aid desolation. In additiou to the other duties imposed upon the troops in this dis- trict, they have had to act as escorts to trains of supplies to distant posts, and on one occasion last fall three companies of the Sixth Minnesota Volunteers were dispatched, as guard to a large provis- ion train belonging to the U. S. Indiati Department, to the Indian reservation on the Missouri. These companies with their charge left (In 15th of November, accomplished the march safely, and returned to this district about the 1st of January last, having marched nearly 800 miles, without any loss of men or animals. The extent of the line to be j)rotected from the hostile Indians may be estimated at upward of 404) miles, and a force is also required at Fort Ripley to operate as a cheek on the Chippewas, who are uneasy and discontented. Until these In- dian difficulties, are at an end there should be, in my judgment, not less than one entire regiment of men and one battery, in addition to the force required to hold the posts and stations, in order properly to (lefend the frontier and repel attack. There are now in this district the regi- ment of Second Minnesota Cavalry, six companies of JI1(lependelit Battalion, one company Veteran Reserve Corps, Third Minnesota Rat~ tery, five companies of U. S. Volunteers and Connectient cavalry, with detachments of other rebel deserters and refugees which have been dis- patched to this district for service. Many of the latter are desperate characters, requiring an equal number of men to keep them in subjection and prevent their (lesertion. A few men have been on duty in the pro- yost-marshals department, an(i one company of the Independent Bat- talion is now serving as provost onard under the direction of acting assistant provost-in arshal-general of the State. In concluding this report 1 beg leave to call through you the earnest attention of the honorable Secretary of War to a subject which I have rej)eatedly presen ted in my ofti cial (lispatches to department headquar- ters. I refer to the fact that the British (iovernment still permits Her Majestys territories to be nla(le the refuge of the murdering bands who disturb the peace of our frontier, from the pursuit of the troops under my comumand, and these savages are in constant and open commnunica- tion with British traders, who furnish them with ammunition and other articles with which to carry on the war with our Government without let om hindrance l)y the local authorities. Indeed, the half-breed sub- l~( t~ of Her Britannic Majesty traverse our domain in every direction for purposes of trading an(1 hunting, and are thus (lireetly interested in the continuance of hostilities between mis amid the upper bands of Sioux lndiums and it is known tlmat they foment discontent with the Chip- pewas wmth whom they comne in contact by representatiomis that they are (tell all(led by the United States Government by payment in paper instead of coin, of the money due them under treaty stipmmlations. In fa( t until some arrangement shall be mna(ie l)etweeli the two Govern- ments whereby these constamit violations of intern atioiial comity on the ilart of Her Majestys subjects can be arrested, and a sufficient force of troops to guarantee the neutrality of British soil stationed imm the vicin- ity of the boundary line it is almost hopeless to look for a speedy solution of these Indian difticulties. On the contrary, if it can possibly be effected by the influence of the lied River halfbreeds, we mnay antic- ipate that the Chippewas will soon be added to the number of our active emmenmies. I trust yon will agree with mne in my views of the u Page 41 CHAP. LIII.] SKIRMISH NEAR I3ENFON S FERRY, LA. 41 portance to be attached to early action on the part of the United States Government, and press the subject upon the attention of the honorable Secretary of War. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. SIBLEY, Brigadier- General, (Jomm~nding. Maj. 6-en. JOHN POPE, Comdg. Department of the North west, JUijiwankee, Wis. JULY 3, 1864.Skirmish in Platte County, Mo. Beport of Brig. Gem Clinton B. Fisk, U. S. Ar my, commanding District of North Missouri. SAINT JOSEPH, Mo., July 4, 18G4. Lient. Col. Daniel M. Draper, with a detachment of the Ninth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, attacked a band of guerrillas in Platte County yesterday, killing 6 and wounding 8 of the villains. We cap- tured 15 horses and many revolvers. Two of our men were wounded. Among the dead bushwhackers was the leader of the band who coin- mitted the murder in Buchanan County in May last. CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier- Gene~ al. Col. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant A djutart- General, ASaint Louis. JULY 326, 1864.Operations in the vicinity of Baton Rouge, La., with skir mish near Bentons Ferry, on the Amite River (25th). HEPOHFS, EPC. No. 1.Itinerary of the Seeon(l Brigade, Cavalry T)ivision, Nineteenth Army Corps, Lient. Col. Thomas Logan, One hnndreA and eighteenth Illinois Mounted Infantry, commanding. No. 2.Maj. Franklin Moore, Second Illinois Cavalry. No. 1. Itinerary of the Second Brigade, Cavalry Division, Nineteenth Army Corps, commanded by Lient. Col. Thomas Logan, One hundred and eighteenth lUinois Mounted Infantry.* July 3.The One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Volunteers, in obe- dience to orders received, left Port Hudsoiu and arrived at Baton Rouge the same day; (listance, twenty-five miles. Captured 2 prisoners on the march. The usual picket duty has been done during the month. July 17.With 400 men made an expedition across the Amite River. Killed 2 and captured 8 prisoners. Returned the following day; (us- tance, twenty-one miles. July 21.With 400 men went across the Ainite, crossing at Bentons Ferry. Captured 11 prisoner. Re~imrned to camp the following day; distance 15 miles. July 24.Sent Maj. Franklin Moore, Second Illinois Cavalry, with 136 men across the Ainite River, crossing at Bentons Ferry. He reports From monthly return Page 42 42 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSJPPf. [CHAP. LIII. that he attacked Captain I)oyal (rebel) in his canip seven miles from the river, whipped him, burned his camp, including 150 stand of arms and 7,000 rounds of ammunition; captured 2 prisoners and killed 15 or 20. Returned t~o camp the following day; ~listance, twenty-eight miles. No. 2. keport (if Afaj. Franklin Jlfoo e, & eond Illinois Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS SECONi) ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Baton Rouge, La., July 25, 1864. SIR: In obedience to orders received from division headquarters, dated July 24, 18(34, with detachment from the Second Illinois Volun- teer Cavalry aiid One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Mounted Infan- try, numbering in all 135 men, I marched at 7 p. in. out to the Amite River, distance seventeen miles. Found the river swimming, and (amped for the night. Crossed at daylight. Came upon their pickets about a mile and a half from the river; drove them seven miles to place of encampment, when I completely routed them, nmlmnl)erin g 300 men, which were broken and destroyed Thy capturing 150 stand of arms, want of transportation, 4 horses, 4 prisoners, and destroyed some 15,000 rounds of ammunition. 1 then fell back to the Amite River, heavy skirmishing all the way, where I formed line of battle amid delivered a deadly fire into them killino s nand, 4 omne 20. Casualties in my comm horses killed. Respectfully submitted. FRANK. MOORE, Major, Commanding Second illinois Volunteer Cara try. Captain STEIN, A eting Assistant it djutant- General. JULY 56, 1864.Scouts from Big Piney, Mo. Report ~f Capt. Henry B. Brown, Fifth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. CAMP BIG PINEY, Mo., July 8,1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the lollowimig report of a scouting J)arty s3nt in the direction of Houston froum this l)lace, Corporal Calvert in commnand, with or(lers to capture, if possible, a noted bushwhacker by the name of Pruitt, whom we have tried to capture several times whil~ at this place. Prnitt was also reported by Mr. Waymami as being the individual who robbed him (Wayman) a short time ago. The scout smicceeded in capturing Imium, and while returning with him by way of Mr. Waymuau~s, and when withimm three miles of there, learning that he was to be taken before Mr. Wayman, he tried to make his escape by running, whereupon the guard shot him after chasing him several humidred yards, killing hium instantly. This scout was made on the 5th of July. Also omi the 6th of July 1 sent out another scout under coin- mand of Lieutenant Muntzel, in the direction of Johnsons Mill, on the Big Piney. The lieutenant succeeded in capturing omme U. S. horse amid one U. S. mule; also got reports of rebels being quite numerous betweemm the head of Spring Creek Hollow an(l Homistomi. Twelve rebels crossed the Rolla and Springfield road half a muile east of mny camp July 6. I sent out a scout after themn, who chased them six umiles in the dire Page 43 Ow. Lilt.] EXPEDITION TO CAXUTHERSflLLE, MO. 48. lion of Bichwoods~ and they here lost their trail, it becoming dark, and returned to camp. I hear also reports of there being twenty or thirty rebels in Matthews? Prairie, twelve miles northeast o this camp. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. 11. EJIOWN, (709t am. (lol. A. SWEL2 Conamiusg 7(111. Missouri Rtok~ Mililift Cavalry. JULY 5-7, 186Lhpdlticn from Korgauza to Slasport, La. Report of Vol. RJ.nmnsd .1. Davis, First Texas Cavalry. HRWQunTNES CAvALRY, NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS, Morgauuaa, IA., July 7,1864. OAPTAIN: I have to report that in obedience to instructions from headquarters of the forces at thu place, I started on the morning of the 5th instant for Simsport, on the Atchafelaya, taking with me 400 men. . The object of the expedition was to ascertain the truth of a report coming from the gun-boats at the month of Red River7 that the rebels were crossinq artillery at Simsport. I soon ascertained that thefr was no truth in this statement.. I found that the rebels had sent away their troops from the neighborhood of the Atchafalaya. Some of them have crossed Red River and others gone toward Alexandria and Shreveport. We only encountered a s~U picket of seven men and a lieutenant, of whom 3 were captured. These belonged to Goulds (Te!as) regiment (!Fwenty-third Texas. At Simsporttwo men belong- ing to same regiment and detailed as f~en were cap with the flat-boat and yawl used at the ferry, and the boats destroyed. There was a small picket seen on the other bank of the Atehafalaya, which was driven away by a few shots from our men. I think there is no doubt that the most of the enemys force has gone up and across Red Riven On last Saturday (2d instant) the rebel General Wharton with one brigade wa~ at Trinity, on the west bank of Black River about thirty or forty miles west of Natches. I could hear of no other troops br any artillery in his neighborhood, tbough I presume there must be some, as Wharton ranks as a major-general. We captured 7 prisoners in all, of whom one made his escape. Re~pectfhilly, . EDMD. 3. DAVIS, Gelonel, (Joswaauuliug Cavalry, Niuet$stIs Army Capt. F. SPD, Aseistat A4jutaut-OeiseniL JULY 51% 1SStRzpSltImx from Nw NudriA te Otnthwsyillo, fl, with nsa Reports of Lient Vol. JoIns T. Burn., TouCh Kasreas ~Vfl WurnRsvmL\Jwl~y86L GnnuAL: Have been scouting four days through he swamps of this region with 4etachments of the First Missouri Volunteer Cavalry Page 44 44 LOUIBIANKAND tilt TRAYB-MIS8IBsIPPI.. [Ow. Lilt under Captains Preuitt, Edwards, and Vincent. Have killed 13 bush- whackers and captured some arms, a few horses and mules. No cas unities on our part except 1 man wounded. Expect to be at New Madrid in a few days, when I wiU ftrnish a detailed report JOHN T. BURBIS, Brigadier-General EwiNG. Oosmeeliusg. HRADQUnnRs Sucon Sun-DIsnIoT, (Yap. Girar& au, If.., July 18,1864. Sn: I havethe honor to reportthat on the 5th instant I moved from New Madrid with detachments of the First Cavalry Mipsourt Volun- teer~, and Second Cavalry Missouri State Militis, commanded, resject- ively, by Captains Preuitt, Edwards, and Vincent, numbering In all about200 men. At Weaversvifle, twenty miles west of New Madrid, we killed James Fields, a noted guenilla of that vicinity, and near that place wounded a guerrilla. captain, who, however escaped In a swamp, but has, as I am informed, since died. . From Weaversville we moved west across Little River, and over what is known as the plank road, a distance of twelve miles, to Clarkton, in Dunklin County. On the morn- ing of the 6th we moved from Clarktou in a southwesterly direction across the swamps and bayous extending out fi~m the Saint Francis River. We surprised and routed several small parties of guerrillas dur- ing the day and killed in all 8 of their number. Crossing the Saint Francis we halted for the night on Blue Cane Island. On the morning of the 7th we marched on Scatterville~ Greene County, Ark., where we came upon RoBins band and a party of Kitchens men; we kIlled 4, the rest scattered. No loss on our part except 1 ma~n wounded. We then m& vedin anortheasterly directl6n eighteen miles to Browns Ferry, where we halted for the night. On the following morning we swam our horses across the Saint Francis River and marched by way of Clarkton and over the plank road to Weaverjvllle. On the 9th I sent about one-half of the command back to New Madrid under Lieutenant. Burnett,and proceeded with theremaindertoosyosoandoaruthersvrne, in Pemniscot County, to co-operate with au infantry force under Captain Kelling, which I had previously ordered into that region. At Caruth- ersville we caine upon Bush Powell with a very small party of ma; we killed 1, the others escaped. The command of Ca tam Kelling, consisting of forty men of Company E, Fist Infantry Missouri State Militia, and thirty-live men of Company B, h U. S. Infantry, Africandescent, embarkedon board the gun-boat Huntress, No. 58, at New Madrid on the 6th and at Quiqleys, near the Arkansas line, on the morning of the 7th. From there it marched west into ConkhSe~ tiement; found a camp that had jot been evacuated, and had a skir- mish with a small party of bushwhackers, but could find no consider- able force. On the 8th they moved northeast, and camped that night near Caruthersville. During the day and night they had several skir- mishes with the guerrillas, kUhn in all, as Captain Kelling lelirned if from the citizens the following Ja y,8 of their number. On the 9th instant, the day on which my cavalry arrived at Caruthersvllle, Cap- tain Kelling, with his command, moved from that place per steamer Graham toXew Madrid, and on the following day I marched with the cavalry to the same point. B~sult of the combined movement Is 23 bushwhackers killed, several muskets, rifles, and revolvers capture Page 45 CHAP. LIII.] SCOUT IN SOUTHEASTERN ARIZONA. 45 and brought in, near 50 common rifles and shotguns, which were unfit for Government use, captured and destroyed, and 52 horses and mules captured and turned over to the quartermaster at New Madrid. I have the honor to be, general, yours to command, JOHN T. BURRIS, Lieu ten a at- Cob nel, Commanding. J3rig. Gen. THOMAS EwING, Jr., Commantling Saint Louis I)istrict, & tiut Louis, ho. JULY 624, 1864.Scout in Southeastern Arizona, Report q/ JIa}. Joseph Smith, INfth (Jalifrrwia Infantry. FonT GoonwiN, ARM. TEn., July 25, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report for the information of the colonel commanding that iii compliance with Special Orders, No. 78, dated headquarters Fort Goodwin, Ariz. Tei., July 5, 18(34, I left this post on the afternoon of July 6 with a command consisting of Capt. B. B. Frink and his company (A), Fifth Infi~ntry California Volunteers Lieut. JohP Martin and his company (D), First Infantry California Volunteers; Lient. Porter iladen and fifteen men of Company C, First Cavalry California Volunteers, for an Indian scout in the vicinity of the Rio San Francisco or Nutroso and its tributaries. On leaving the fort we proceeded in a northerly direction to the iRio Gila, where we camped for the night; distance about three miles. Plenty wood and water; grass of an inferior quality. Left this camp on the morning of July 7 at 5 oclock~ Crossed river and proceeded up a deep sandy arroyo for about sevemi miles then came into the high rough mountains. Crossed this range and turned to the right along north side of them. Arrived at some water-holes in a deep rocky ravine at 2 p. in. about six miles from summit of mountain. Men and mules very tired, trail being rough and rocky and mountains high. Barely sufficient water here for my command; plenty wood and grass; days march about eighteen miles. Left camp at the Tanks at 6 a. ni. July 8; marched over a range of rolhilig hills and deep gulches. Halted at cienega at 8 oclock. Found this cienega completely dry aIld no water for ani- mnals anywhere to be found. Sent some men up the eaton about 600 yards and found a hole in the rocks with sufficient water to fill the mens canteens. Distance from time Tanks to this cienega by the route I traveled, eight miles, and by the trail traveled by Lieutenant-Colonel Davis some two months ago, twelve miles. Left this cienega at 9 a. mu. and marched over low, rolling hills mostly covered with small, loose rock, and struck the spring at the head of the Rio Bonito at about 4 p. in. Went dowii the stream about one Inile and camped for the night. The trail to-day leads through a large, wide valley running southeast and northwest, the same as described by Lieutenant-Colonel Davis as reaching the Sail Carlos. Tile valley has the appearance of being rough and brokeil by short mesas and deep sandy ravines. Saw some five pony tracks inthis valley two or three days old, leading in the direction of the San Carlos. Found time tracks of two or three In- dians on the river this evelming when going into camp, which led me to think that there might be a rancheria on this creek lower down, so I ordered Captaiu Frink to take twenty ~tien of us company, aild LkL Page 46 46 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIIL tenant Martiu to take fifteen men of his company, and Juan Arroyas as our guide, and leave our camp at 12 oclock at night and surprise the rancheria if one could be found. Marched this day about twenty- five miles. Left this camp on the morning of July 9 at 45 oclock, and followed down the bed of the stream about four miles, and came up with Cap- tam Frinks detachment, which had left our camp in the nigh . They found no sign of Judians whatever. Here I made camp for two days to send my detachment of cavalry to the mouth of the river to hunt for Indians, and also to meet the express party from the post. This creek runs through a deep cement cafion. The whole length of the stream there is but one small piece of bottom land where the Indi us could raise any grain, and this does not contain more than fifty acres. This camp I called Camp MeCleave in honoi of Captain (now Major) Mc- Cleave, First Cavalry California Volunteers, who surprised and killed a party of Indians at this point sonic time last year. At this camp there are some eight or ten old rock buildings which are in a perfect state of preservation, being under a high cement bluft~ A rough sketch* of these buildings was taken by First Lient. J. B. Whittemore, First Infantry California YrolHmmteers, which I have the honor to submit with this report.. Water, wood, and grass plenty at this camp. Nothing of interest transpired during the 10th. July 11, I took Lieutenant Martin and twenty men and started to explore a gap in the inoumiutains east of camp. We had not gone more than one mile and a half from camp when we discovered a party of Indians on a divide, or high mesa, about one mile from us. I saw at once that I could not get to them, amA that they were comupletely out of range of our guns, so I sent a man of mny command down a gulch, unobserved by the Indians, with orders to Captain Frink, then in camup, to take twenty-five muen and go up a deep caiion behind the Indians and surprise timem. During the time my man ~Vas going to camup time Indians hoisted a flag and wanted to have a talk, so I sent Lieutenant Martin with a flag to meet one of the Indians and talk with him. Time remainder of the party then changed to another hill, getting a little closer to my coummand and gettimmg out of range fromn where I first foumid them, so when Captain Friimk with his men camne over the hill where I had ordered him the Indians were out of the range of his guns. The Indian told Lieutenant Martin to get his captain and he would bring his (the Indian chief) and mnake arrangements amid comne into my camp. I conclnded this to be the one chance to get them, as they could get away from us mu a few mimnites where we could not follow them to do amiy good. Lientemmant Martimi ammd nmyself then weuit about half a mile and unet time chief amid his iiiterpreter, the balance of the Indians, six- teemi in number, sitting at about thirty yards from mis lookiimg oim, amid my memin then at about ~00 yards with a gulch intervening. I talked to the chief and persuaded him to comne with mime to the Giha and see time great captain, and then he could bring all his people amid make peace. We parted with the umiderstanding that lie wonld come with mmmc, but after lie had another talk with his warriors they wamited to take a dif- ferent route to my camp, ammd this did not suit mine, so I ordered my mmmen to comumence firing upon thenin. We chased theni about two miles, but they could outrun ims amimongst the rocks amul. high hills. I thinkwe must have wounded 5 of the nunuber, as I ommly saw 13 get away. There were only 18 in all. These are the only Imudians that I canine across on the whole trip. Oiimitted Page 47 CHAP. LIII.] SCOUT IN SOUTHEASTERN ARIZONA. 47 I~Ly express party came iu this evening, and I determined to make a night march to the Negrito on the next night. I could not leave this evening, as my guide was very sick and was not fit to travel. Left camp on Rio Bonito on the evening of July 13, with seventy men, and made a night march across the Negrito. Left Lieutenant fladen, with the balance of the command, to follow me in the morninb with the pack train. We marched over a very rough coniitry and arrived in sight of the Rio Negrito about 10 p. in. Here Juan [Arroyas], my guide, and myself weiit on top of a high hill overlooking the course of the river tbr a great distance, but could discover no fires or other signs. I calnl)ed here on the side of the mountain, completely hid from view, nntil morning. At daybreak we went down to the river, but found no signs of Indians. Waited in the brush all day for the train to come np. Traiim came in all right. Made camp here fom the night. Ordered Lieutenant Martin to take Lieutenants Young and Whittemore, and fiftj meLt, and go up the river for ten or fifteen miles and see if he could find aiiy Indians, and to leave camp next morning at 3 oclock. For l)articulals of his scout I would respectfully refer to his report,* here- witlm submitted. Left camp on Rio Negrito 011 the morning of July 16. Followed down the river about five miles by a narrow caflon aimd filled with brush and timber. Here took the trail over the mnountain to the Francisco or Nutroso. This is a terrible mountain to cross; very rough and rocky. Descending the mountain on the northeast side to the Rio Francisco, saw some very rich looking copper leads crop- ping out of the ground. Distance lmere between the two rivers about twenty-two miles. Found water imm tanks about half-way between the two rivers. Found no Indian sign on Francisco whatever. Has the appearance of no Indians being there this season. Found no grass at first camp on river. Mules nearly all barefooted and gave out on account of sore feet. Mcmis shoes worn out, amid they very tired. Left camup early in mnorning of 17th and moved down river about three muiles. Came to good grass. Caumped to graze ammimnals and rest men. Ordered Captaimi Friiik to take Lieutenant Maitin aiid fifty mcmi, amid proceed down the Francisco to its junction with the Gila, and then down the (lila cafioli amid meet me with the balance of the commnamid at the Pueblo Yiejo. Broke camp at 5.30 mornimmg of the 18th, Captain Friiik and party goimig down the river. For all the incidents of his march I respectfully refer to his report,~ herewith submitted. With the pack traiim amid balance of the command 1 struck across the coumitry across low rolhimig hills and caine out omi the Rio (lila about t~venty miles above the mouth of tIme Francisco, July 19, and mnarched up the Rio (lila about ten muiles and camped. Wood amid grass plenty all along river. July 20, marched up river about two muiles and then struck across the mountains amid caine out in (lila at the Pueblo Viejo. This is a very rocky and hard trail to march over. Foumid water about twelve umiles fromn the pueblo in tanks in the rocks. Days march thirty umiles. Mcmi and mules very tired. Was fourteen hours making this march. Found Captain Frink at tIme Pueblo Viejo, he having beat us one day. There I was compelled to lie over the 21st to rest my umeim amid mules. Fmom this point I followed down the Rio (lila to this fort, where I arrived on the 24th imistant, nothing of interest transpiring omi the march down the river. For the distamice marched and the direction traveled, I would respect- fully refer you to a journal of the trip prepared by First Lient. J. B. * ~ found Page 48 48 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. LCHAP. LIIL Whittemore, First Infantry California Volunteers, winch is herewith transmitted.* My opinion of the country traveled over is that the country bordering on the iRio Negrito and Francisco is very rich in minerals. Copper I know is abundant, and is as fine looking gold country as I ever saw, and I think that the mountains contain great quantities of silver; but for agricultural purposes the country is of 110 value, as the streams all run through a deep rocky gorge until they empty into the Rio Gila. Very respectfully, your obedici it servant, JOSEPH SMITH, lift joy Fifth Infantry Cabfornia Vols., (Jomdg. & oat. Lient. WILLIAM A. THOMPSON, Adjt. Expedition against Apaches, Fort Goodwin, Ariz. [For. JULY 630, 1864.Operations in Western Missouri. SUMMAMY OE TIIiE PH1N C1PA~L EVIENTS. July 6, 1864.Skirmish near the Little Blue, Jackson County. 7, 1864.Attack on Parkville. 10, 1864.Affair at Platte City. 13, 1864.Action at Camden Point. Affair at versailles. 14, 1864.Skirmish near Fredericksburg. 15, 1864.Attack on Hnntsville. 16, 1864.Skirmish on the Clear Fork, neal Warrensburg. Skirmish on the Fayette road, near Huntsville. 17,4864.Action near Fredericksburg, Ray County. 19, 1864.Scout to Taos. 20, 1864.Attack on Arrow Rock. 21, 1864.Attack ou Plattsburg. 22, 1864.Skirmishes near Camden Point and Union Mills. 23, 1864.Skirmish near Liberty. 1?~EIPORTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis, U. S. Army, conmnlaLl(ling Department of Kansas. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown, U. 5. Army, commanding District of Central Missouri. No. 3.Col. James H. Ford, Second Colorado Cavalry. No. 4.Maj. Douglas Dale, Fourth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 5.Maj. Henry Suess, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry, Chief of Cav- alry. No. 6.Brig. Gen. Cliuton B. Fisk, U. S. Ammy, commanding District of North Missouri. No. 7.--Capt. George A. Holloway, Assistant Adj utaut-Gencral. No. S.Maj. John M. Clark, Eighty-second Infimutry Enrolled Missouri Militia. No. 9.Maj. Samuel P. Cox. No. 10.Capt. Benjamin F. Poe, Eighty-ninth Enrolled Missouri Militia. No. 11.Capt. Edward P. Elmer, Second Colorado Cavalry. No. 12.Licut. Henry F. Goss, Eighty-seventh Enrolled Missouri Militia Page 49 CHAP. LIII.J OPERATIONS 11 WESTERN MISSOURI. 49 No. U Reports of TLc~j. Gem Samuel P. Curtis, U. 8. A emy, command jng De art- meat of Kansas. WYANDOTTE Jalq 14 1861. (Via Fort Leavenworth.) A combined force of cavalry belongiiig lo l)epartments of the Missouri and Kansas, under Colonel Foid, marched from Weston yes- terday and made a gallant dash on rebel camp in Camden, Platte County, completely routing aiid scattering rtbels. Our loss, 1 killed and 1 wounded; rebel loss, 15 killed. Ten kegs of powder. many gnns, accou- terments and equif)nlent captured by our troops. S. It. CURTIS, Major- General. Major-General HALLECK, Washington. FORT LEAVENWORTH, July 11, 1864. Oui~ forces, combined, under Colonel Ford, t~ll Ii pon I lie rebeL at Camden la~t night. Short fight and complete rout of rebels; pursuit turned southward. Enemys loss, 15 killed; also large number of inns- kets, shotguns, accouterments, and ten kebs of l)Owder. Our loss, I killed and 1 badly wounded. S. It. CURTiS. General ROSECRANS. No.2. Reports of Brig. Gem Bybert N. Brown, U. S. Army, commanding District of Central Mi souri. HEADQUARTERS l)1SmWT ~F CENTRAL MISSOURI, July 9, 1864.j MAJOR: I have the honor to report that Captain Wagoner, Second Colorado Cavalry, with a scouting party of txventy-five mcii, was attacked on the 6th by a band of guerrillas, numbering about 100, in a pass two miles south of the Little Blue, on the road between Independ- euce and Pleasant Hill. Captaiii Wagoner and 7 men were killed and 1 man wounded. The eneumy lost several men, but as they carried oft their dead and wounded in the coach which they captured soon after and on their horses the number was not ascertained. I am, very truly, your obedient servant, E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- G eral of Volunteers, Commanding. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant-General, Saint Louis. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MiSSOURI, Warrensburg, Mo., July 12, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that on the 6th instant Captain Wagoner, Company C, Second Colorado Cavalry, with twenty-five men, 4 R RYOL XLI, PT Page 50 50 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAr. Liii. while scouting from Raytown, Jackson County, dowii the Little Blue, was attacked by Todd and about 100 guerrillas in a pass two miles south of that stream on the road between Pleasant Hill and Independ- ence. Captain Wagoner and 7 men killed; I wounded. The guer- rillas had 6 killed at the pass, and 2 others by a foot scout that after- ward fell in with a squad of them. The enemy seized the stage and carried off their wounded, going easterly in direction of the Sni Hills. The guerrillas had collected for the purpose of attacking the escort of Brig. Gen. James Totten, inspector-general, Department of the Missouri, who they expected would go through the pass; but he had taken the route by way of Hickman Mills. They missed him. The meeting with Captain Wagoner was an acc~dcntal one. One of the two guerrillas killed by the foot scout was in the nniform of a Confed- erate officer. As Todd was the only officer known to have been dressed in this manner it may be him; bnt there is no positive information in relation to it. While bearing te~ timon5~ to the c~ood conduct of the troops under my command in all branches of the service, and particularly to the Second Colorado Cavalry, yet no one of the brave soldiers in the Central Dis- trict will pardon me if I fail to do justice to the gallantry, soldierly qualities, and gentlemanly character of Capt. Seymour W. Wagoner. He fell at the head of his little band of heroes bravely contending against overwhelmin odds~ I am, very truly, your obedient servant, E. B. BROWN, Jlrigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General, & tint Louis. WARRENSBUR~, July 17, 1864. I have the honor to report that on Wednesday night, 13th instant, Greggs band of thirty men attempted to rob Versailles, Morgan County. Were attacked and driven off by the citizen guards of that place. E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General, AS~aint Louis. WARRENSBLTRG, Mo., July 17, 186412 m. I have the honor to report that two guerrillas rode on to the ferry- boat, opposite Boonville, and compelled the master to carry them across the river. On landing at the upper part of the town they passed into the country, being joined by one of their comrades. They robbed one citizen of a span of horses and killed another tbr resisting them when they robbed him. Colonel Wear, Enrolled Missouri Militia, pursued them with a narty of citizens, recaptured 3 horses and killed 1 of the guerrillas. E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Saint Louis Page 51 CHAP. LIII.1 OPERATIONS IN WESTERN MISSOURI. WARRENSBURQ Mo., July 17, 1864. I have the honor to rel)ort that Captain Turley, Seventh Missouri State Militia [Cavalry], with a scout of twenty-five men, attacked Hutchins and Stewards band of guerrillas on Clear Fork yesterday, killing S of them. This makes 81 that the troops nuder my command have killed since the 1st of June. E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General q/ Volunteers, Commanding. Maj. 0. Ii. GREENE, Assistant Ac0utan t- General, 8aiut to ais. WARRENSBURG, Mo., July 18, 1864. Captain Parke, Fourth Missoni I State Militia [Cavalry], at Booiiville, reports 150 guerrillas in Howard County, killing daily, and that Frank- lin was robbed yesterday. E. 13. BROWN, Brigadier- General. Maj. 0. 11~. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General. ~VNARRENSBURQ Mo., July 21, 1864. The sheriff of Saline County reports to Captain Parke, at Boonville, that Arrow Rock was burned last night. There was a company of ninety citizen guards and a squad of so1(liers at that place. The soldiers are said to have made their escape. B. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General. WARRENSBURG, July 23, 1864. Todds guerrillas scattered in the Sni Hills in bands numbering froni fifteen to seventy.five. Thornton was above Lexington, within three miles of the Missouri, yesterday noon. It is reported that he will cross the river between Sibley and Napoleon. The Fanny Ogden is on the way up the river from Glasgow. I have ordered her up the river to prevent a crossing of Thorntons forces and to ferry Fords command if he arrives on the banks in pursuit and Thornton would make a cross- ing. If Thornton should cross the river and unite the different bands of Todd, he will be strong enough to make a raid on many of the border towns. Colonel MeFerrans cavalry are still in pursuit. E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General. Col. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 52 52 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSiSSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. iNo. 3. Reports of Cot. James II. Ford, Second Colorado Carairy. INDEPENDENCE, Mo., July 7, 1864. (Received 8.30 a. in. 8th.) CAPTAIN: Captain Wagoiier, Company C, scouting from Raytown, with twenty-five men, was attacked by Todd with over 100 guerrillas, well armed about two miles south of the Little Blue, on Tndependence and Pleasant Hill road. Captain W. aiid 7 men killed, 1 wounded. Enemys loss we do not know. They took the coach and carried off their dead and wounded. Enemy imuiediately retreated into eastern Jackson and western La Fayette, dividing up into small squads as usual. Our foot scouts killed 2 on their retreat, 1 dressed in Confed- erate uniform: We hope it is Todd. They were collecting for the pur- ~O5C of attacking General Totten and myself cii route from Pleasant Hill to Independence. We came via Hickman Mills to inspect troops at that place. The skirmish took place Wednesday, the 6th, just at 2 p. in. J. H. FORD, Colonel, Commanding, & c. Capt. JAMES H. STEO-ER, Assis taut Adjutant- General, Warrensburg. KANSAS CITY, July 9, 1864. (Received 9 a. ni.) CAPTAIN: I have positive information that 6 bushwhackers were killed by Captain Wagoners command in the late skirmish. J. H. FORD, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. JAMES H. STE~ER, Assistant Adjutant- General; Warrensbnrg. HEADQUARTERS FORDS BRIGADE, Camden, Mo., July 14, 18647 a. in. GENERAL: 1 have the honor to report that we ran on to the enemy at this place, killing 15 of them. Our loss, 1 killed and 1 badly wounded. The enemys force was from 200 to 300. They were gaining largely every day, pressing citizens and horses. A large number of them were out at this time on that business. Our force actually en o-a~ed was guns all with the enemy about 150. Have heard siomal night at intervals of half an hour; direction south. Shall move in five minutes, south probably. More particulars by the first opportunity. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. FORD, Colonel, Commanding. P. 5.Captured and destroyed a large number of muskets, shot- guns, cartridges, accouterments, & c.; also ten kegs of powder. J. H. FORD. General CURTIS, Con~manding Departm cut of Kansas Page 53 (JItAP. tAiIjj OPERATIONS IN WESTERN MISSOURI. 53 KANSAS CITY, July 17, 1864. Todd with 150 thieves threatens Thdepeud~nce. Three hundred or 400 of Thorntons wheips dowii hi Ray Conuty, opposite Lexingtou, try~ iug to cross. I have sent the Faniiiy Ogden with one section of battery and 100 men to stop their crossing. Todd is playing the devil in my sub-district. I have not troops enough to protect all sides. These frw rebels in awl about XVestou are there ouiy to draw back our forces. I 1 must have a l)ait of my meii l)aek, or I will lose Judependence. J. IT. FORD, Colonel. Major-General (WT~.TIs. KANSAS CITY, July 18, 1864. GENERAL: Attacked cuemy at Camden Point. They ran. We killed 15 of them there. Our loss, I killed, 1 mortally wonuded. Chased them clear down in Ray County. Killed at least 25 on the road (loWu; all of them in arms; killed 110 citizelis, although many of them nee(I killing. Have called a large mass-meeting, to be hel(l at Liberty on Wednesday next, and have names of all (lisloyal men and syinpathi- zers, and have told the people that I will hold the men responsible for actions of their particular friend Thornton. I will give them a chance to redeem themselves and then try and save their county from destruc- tion. Todd and his thieves are raising the devil in my sub-district. I cannot go down into Ray without leaving my counties completely un- protected. One hundred and fifty whelps now threaten Independence. We only have thirty men there. I am doing all I can. A large party opposite Lexington is trying to cross the river. Have sent a steam-boat with one section of artillery and 100 men, under Major Suess, down to prevent their crossing. I received General Rosecrans order to remain over there, but I cannot leave my pwn men unprotected. General Cur- tis has withdrawn the Kansas troops. The balance of my force is at Liberty. Colonel Draper is there. If I have to bring my troops over would recommend that Colonel Draper be left there for the present. J. H. FORI), Colonel, (f~C. General FISK. KANSAS CITY, July 21, 1864. On Sunday, the 17th instant, Captain Moses, with forty-seven men, scouting seventeen miles northeast of Liberty, near Fredericksburg, Ray County, came onto a large force of the enemy, over 300 strong, under Colonel Thornton. After a severe fight they had to retreat to the brush, where Captain Moses again rallied his men. They fired their last shot from their revolvers, when Captain Moses gave the or(ler to separate and do the best they could. Our loss (3 killed 4 wounded 2 missing. Enemys loss, 16 killed and 21 wounded. The information as to the enemys wounded we get from the inhabitants. I think it is cor- rect. Captain Moses behaved with coolness and bravery, discharging before he left the field eighteen shot.s, all he had. He escaped unhi- jured, but received five bullet holes through his hat and clothes, one of which grazed his forehead; his horse received foni wounds mit carried him safely off the field. He reports that his men fought desperately, also that our carbines again failed us and we had to rely on time pistols. Major Pritchard was immediately sent in l)ursuit with 250 men. H Page 54 54 LOUISIANA AND THE TEANS-MN~ISSI1~PI. [CRAP. LIII. followed theliL to Kiioxvilh, ~v1i eve, they had cOmiilenCe(1 breaking up in small 1)antls. His meii and his horses giving ont lie gave up the pur- suit and returned. Small bands of these thieves infest every portion of these counties. Thornton can raise a large foree, I think, without doubt, 1,000 men, throughout the whole district. J. H. FORD, Colonel, Commandinq. Major-General ROSECRANS. KANSAS CITY, July 25, 1864. Express just arrived from Liberty. Major Smith has returned to that place. He ran on enemys rear guard, killed 3 of them; they scattered in every direction. I start in the morning with my pack-mule outfit; hope to give you a better report hereafter. J. H. FORD, Colonel & coud Colorado Cavalry, Cammanding. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General. KANSAS CITY, July 25, 1864. Hearing that the guerrillas were concentrating near Plattsburg I left Liberty July 22, 6.30 a. in., with 300 Second Colorado Cavalry, Major Smith commanding, and 190 Ninth Missouri State Militia [Cavalry], Lieutenant-Colonel Draper conunanding, for that place. Learned on road that they had light with militia of that place, killing 1 captain and 1 soldier; also learned that they had started west toward Buchanan County. I left the Plattsburg road, struck west toward Gosneyville, keeping flanking and scouting parties out in every direc- tion; passed through Gosneyville, camped at Ross Mill, fed, rested men and horses. Started at dark, moved out on the prairie, encamped until 2.30. Started again on track, moved northwest to Camden Point; met Major Cox, in command of 500 militia and citizens, poorly armed. They had a skirmish with the band the day before; lost 1 killed, 5 wounded; enemys loss not known. Enemy here seemed to have scat- tered in every direction; finally I found trail of the largest party, about 140, who were moving back east; another party moving west in small bands toward Buchanan County. I sent Lieutenant-Colonel Draper to Saint Joseph as per General Fisks telegraphic orders. Major Cox and his militia started on the trail; we had just come to Plattsburg. I took the Smithville road after the largest party with 300 Second Colorado Cavalry; followed enemy back to within eight miles of Liberty, when they again doubled on me and moved toward Buchanan County. 1 followed about five miles. Our wagons and ambulances were very munch in our way; coimeluded to bring themn in; left Major Smith with 211 men on their trail. We labored under a great disadvantage; the citizens gave the enemy information of aimy muovement I made ,stand l)icket for them, and 1 can get no information whatever only as I send out small parties to play bushwhacker, and they are very careful. Themi another disadvantage in this last trip: I took ration train with me. If I allow the muemi to live on the country they are comitinually stragglimmg all over the country; if I carry ratiomms on their horses it wears the horses out this hot weather, if I go back on amother scout in that couimtry I shall fix up pack animab live in the brush with themn for Page 55 UHAP. Liii.] OP~RATION8 IN WE8~VERN MISSOURI. f~w weeks. Had we known that part of the country as well 5 we noW do we could, I think, have closed them out. I have reliable iufermatioil that about eighty crossed the river Saturday night into this sub-district, and I think they intend to cross their whole command in small parties as fast as they can. Thornton is getting no more recruits and some few deserting. I do not believe he has over 800 men, scattered all through the country. Three battalions, each 300 to 400 strong, with pack-mules would easily make a clean sweep of those counties by living in the brush with them about two weeks, keepingout of all towns, and fight them in their own way. My regiment is badly nec(Ied here at present. Can I come back when through with this scout l J. II. FORD, Colonel Second Colorado Cavalry. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant A djn taut- Gen era!. 1 0. 4. Report (~f jli~~j. Douglas I)alc, Fourth Missouri State Mi litja Cavalry. ON BOARD STEAI ER POST Boy, Lexington, Mo., July 17, 1864. GENERAL: I arrived at this place at 6 p. m. this day. Cleared the river of fiat-boats and skiffs to this place, as far as I could find, and in compliance with orders. I have no doubt but that there are skiffs hanled out in the brush at points along the river, which would almost be impossible to be found. I heard of iio guerrillas on the river except three at Rocheport and two at Boonville the day befoic we arrived at those places. I heard of no bands within striking distance from the river hence I have not sent the cavalry out. There seems to be quite a number of them on the north side of the river in Boone, Howard, and Carroll Counties, but have committed no depredations on the river towns within a few days past, except the instance of killing a man at Boonville. A band crossed~ at a point below this (of which place I cannot definitely learn) variously estimated at from twenty to thirty, and are said to have killed from eight to twelve Union men in Carroll County, several of the killed being discharged soldiers. It is supposed to be the same band that robbed Huntsville. They are also reported as having recruited to the number of seventy-five or eighty, and are trying to get south of the river. They are said to be in the Grand River country. I could hear of guerrillas in Saline County, variously estimated at from fifteen to forty in numbers, said to be in Saline Bot- tom or Bend, but could hear nothing (lefinite as to their numbers or whereabouts. I will leave heie to-morrow morning at 2 oclock. Will disembaik the cavalry at this place, and make a dash on Wellington at daylight, and, if no enemy in striking (listance, will there take the cavalry aboard and move on up the river. By advising with Col- onel MeFerran he thought the trip above here would be attended with better results by making it imi daylight. Both officers and men aie comiducting themselves with propriety. General, I am, with much respect, your obedient servant, D. DALE, Major Fourth Cavalry Missouri State Militia. Brig. Gen. V. B. BROWN, Commanding District oJ Central Missouri. Page 56 LOUISIANA ANI) THE ThANS-MISSlS~IPPI. (ChAP. till. No. 3. Report of Maj. Thenry Suess, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry, Chief of Cavalry. GLASGOW, Mo., July 21, lRG4. I have just arrived. Lieutenant Woodruff, First Missonri State Militia [Cavalry~, was atfacked by about 200 guerrillas at Arrow Rock last night. He tono- them three-quarters of an hour, losing 3 men missing, a~d all his horses. He and his men are here. I shall take him to Fraiikfort. II have placed the garrison of Miami and Cambridge at Frankfort. I brought 120 men, under Captain Wyckoff, from Lexing- ton, who marched from Miami, at 7 oclock this morning, in pursuit of the rebels, 150 strong, under Todd, who passed at 5 p. m. yesterday five miles south of Miami on the gallop east. Captain Queen marched with fifty men from a point opposite Chicken Point and six miles below Waverly at 5 oclock this morning for Marshall. Ferguson, with eighty men, I met at Waverly at 7 p. m. yesterday, and ordered him to Mar- shall. I le~ ye for Miami soon. Will return early to-morrow morning. Thorntons band, 300 strong, were at Maudeville yesterday at 12 ni., marching east. Citizens of Carroll County are arme(l and ready to defend themselves. HENRY SUESS, Major and Chief of Cavalry. Brig. Geit. FL 13. BRowN, War~ensburq. Copy sent Ma. 0. D. Greene, assistant adintant-general, with the fol- lowing a(l(litioIlal: I have or(lered Colonel flail to look out for a rai(l on the railroad towns east ot Sedalia. Major Simess is in command of the Fanny Ogden. E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. NoJ. Report of Rr~q. Gem Clinton 13. Fisk, U. S. Army, commanding District o/ North Missouri. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MIsSoURI, Saint Joseph, Mo., August 1, 1864. COLONEL: In accordance with instructions received from headquar- ters Department of the Missouri, I have the honor here~vith to hand you a preliminary report of the origin and causes of the troubles in the counties of Platte and Clay, in the State of Missouri. When the diffi- culties shall have been to some extent settled I shall organize a court that will place in the form of evidence what I here state fiw the infor- mation of the major-general commanding the Department of the Mis- sonri. That it may be fully understood what constitutes Paw Paw Militia, the cause of most of this difficulty, I state that the so-called Paw Paws were disloyal citizens and returned soldiers and officers from the rebel army who had been enrolled as disloyal under Genera Page 57 CHAP. LIII.] OPEhATIONS IN ESTT~RN Ml SSOITRI. 37 Orders, No. 24, series of 1862, from headquarters State of Missouri. These men were organized into companies and regiments, under the direction of the Governoi of the State of Missouri, in the summer of 1863, for some purpose to me unknown. Of the policy that dictated this organization, or of the effl~ct upon the loyal element thus to be guarded, protected, and watched by armed rebels, many of them fresh from the Confederate army, I say nothing. Representations were often and freely made to the proper authorities that these troops were doing a vast amount of harm to the loyal sentiment of the State of Missouri, and it was shown in many instances that these troops would in no case fight the guerrillas and thieves who infested the neighborhoods where they were stationed in the northwestern portion of the State. The offi- cers and men of the Eighty-second Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia allowed the Confederate Colonel Wiust& n to remain safely harbored and protected in the county of Clay dnring the winter of 186364, and used no exertion to arrest hhu, although his presence in their very midst was a well-established fact. They would not and (lid not arrest him. After the capture of Colonel Winston by Captain Kempers com- pany, of the Ninth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, it was a matter of continued report by these Paw Paw officers and soldiers that he had left a companion in Clay County commonly known as Coon Thornton, but whose name is John C. Calhoun Thornton, and who is reported to be a colonel in the rebel army. This man, it is well known, was recruiting for the Confederate service, and had several agents at work for him to this end in the counties of Platte, Clay, and Ray. It has even been the subject of conversation with these Paw Paw officers and myself that companies of the Eighty-first and Eighty-second Enrolled Missouri Militia were in leagae with Thornton, and that numbers of the men of certain companies had joined his organization. It was claimed that every effort possible had been made to arrest him, but without avail. The whole population of the district in which he was operating aided and informed him, and his work went on briskly and smoothly. IJpon my accession to the command of the district I learned that all of the Eighty-first Enrolled Missouri Militia had been relieved from duty, but had been permitted to take their arms home to their houses, and it was often reported to me by loyal men that these armed rebels were one by one slipping out of sight into the brush with their arms, and upon diligent inquiry I ascertained these reports to be in the main true. I immediately ordered the disarming of these men, their arms to be delivered to the armory at Saint Joseph, Mo., and upon # receipt of the order twelve men of Captain Coxs company, of the Eighty-first Enrolled Missouri Militia, took their arms and disappeared. The company commanded by Captain Bywater, at Camden Point; caine in and delivered up their arms at Camden Point preparatory to send- ing them to Saint Joseph. They were stored in an old warehouse, and two men of the same company left on guard over them. The same night a small body of unarmed guerrillas rode into the town ,snrprised the guard, and carried off the guns and accouterments. Captain Bywaters company has not been heard of since then. They belonged to the Eighty- first [Eighty-second] Enrolled Missouri Militia. On the occasion of a skirmish between loyal militia and bushwhackers, some of these Paw Paws were seen by their old acquaintances amon~ the bushwhackers. Owing to the extreme (lifficulty of obtaining troops for service in this district, some of the best of these Paw Paw companies were retained on duty. Rumors of intended risings of the rebels were continually reaching my headquarters, and at length, on the morning of the 7th o Page 58 LOUISIANA AND tilE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Ldmii~. tub July, 1864, dining my temporary absence iii Howard County, a body of guerrilla thieves, beaded by Coon Thornton in person, made their appearance at Parkville, Platte County, entered the town without the least particle of opposition from Captain Wilsons company (E), Eighty- second Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, stationed at that point, killed 1 man, wounded 2 mcii and 1 woman, and plundered the town of everything they chose. After being joined by some members of the militia they left in the direction of Platte City. On the 9th day of July it was discovered by Maj. John M. Clark, Eighty-second Enrolled Missouri Militia, commanding at Platte City, that these guerrillas were in force in front of the town, and it was known to him that First Lieut. William Downing, Company G, Eighty- second Enrolled Missouri Militia, commanding detachment of said company, went out to where these rebels were and held free conversa- tion and intercourse with them. Upon his return he informed Major Clark that the guerrillas were coming into town, and that he for one di(l iiot inten(l to resist them but was for them rather than against them. On the morning of the 10th of July Major Clark abandoned the com- mand of the post to Capt. It. D. Johnston, Company A, Eighty-second Regiment, and started off for a visit to his family, fifteen miles dis- taut. -~3aptain Johnston being left in command immediately took coun- sel with such of his officers as were present, and determined, in view of the known disloyalty of most of the command and the continued assert~ions of Lent. William Downing that he would not fight the guerrillas, but help them, that he could do no better than snrrender the garrison. Upon his announcing this flict, Lieutenant Downing immediately went out and came into the town with the gnerrillas, who forthwith took possession of the town and all that was in it. They took down the flag of the Union, and tearing it into shreds fastened them to the heads of their horses. Here again was repeated the scene of transformation of Missouri State soldiers into bnshwhackers, for in less thin a qnarter of an hour after the occupation of the town nearly the ~ hole ol ( aptain Johnstons command appeared dressed in Confeder- ate umfom inns. According to a careful estimate of the force that so ea~mly P ~nsferred their allegiance, prepared by Major Clark before re- feuued to the number of men was distributed as follows: Capt. It. D. Johnston Company A, Eighty-second Enrolled Missouri Militia, twenty men Lent.. J. H. Nash, Company C, Eighty-second Enrolled Missouri Mihtiq txx enty mnen; Lieut. J. W. Martin, Company D, Eighty-second Enrolled Missouri Militia, fifty men; Lient. William Downing, Com- pany 0-, Eighty-second Enrolled Missouri Militia, twenty men; Capt. P. Simpson, Company M, Eighty-second Enrolled Missouri Militia~, twenty memv makimig in all a force of 130 muen who were actually on duty as IT. S. soldiers and who joined the rebels. Besides these, tliere were numbers of the militia who were not omm active duty, but who joined them as they passed through the country. It is the opinion of those whom I consider best qualified to judge of this matter that not less than 250 to 300 of this class of Enrolled Missouri Militia joined the guerrillas. Major Clark, as soon as his way was clear, reported safely at my headquarters. I shall have him brought to trial speedily. The total number of troops that joined - Thorutoim and Thrailkill, his secouid in command, was four times the force at Thorntons disposal at the outset of his raid. Since the 15th of July about thirty-five of these traitors have beeii killed. About 100 are in thy brush sending messages to me to know how they can rene Page 59 CHAP. LIII.] OPERATIONS IN WESTERN MIS~OUUt. their allegiance, claiming to havc been conscripte(I by Thornton, aIl(l a few have been taken at Atchison and Leavenworth, Kans., in attempts to escape, and are now confined in jail at Atchison. In closing this report I can only say that every word of it is capable of proof and an examination of all facts such as I propose to make will probably show np a darker shade of villainy and corrnption than appears in this preliminary report. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier- General, Comman dinq District of North M~ssou.ri. Col. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Dept. (~/ the ]I~fissou ri. No. 7. Report of Capt. George A. Holloway, A ssistant A (~) ut ant- General. JULY 14, 1864. Onr combined forces had a fight with the rascals last night at Cam- den Point, burned the town and mustered out a few devils, bnt the rest were ronted, some of them coining this way. Part of Nolands com- pany have joined them, and some of the guns they had are gone too. I think 100 or 200 of them are near Sparta, but do not know cer- tainly. I shall put abont 400 men on dnty in the city to-nioht. Ma~jor Penick and I have a perfect understanding concerning the defense of the city. The assistance of the citizen companies is cheerfully rendered. Understand they have a scare at Weston this p. in. It is supposed by some very intelligent men that the rebel organization does not nnmber less than 1,500, and that they are not fully at work. Nearly all the young men of rebel families have taken the bush. Captain Davis company came in this morning. They were surronnded all day yester- day. Colonels Ford and Jennison and Lieutenant-Colonel Draper left Weston yesterday with abont 600 good cavalry and a section of artil- lery; have heard nothing from them to-day. You are innch needed here but troops are indispensable. We caWt run in this manner much longer. G. A. HOLLOWAY, Assistant A1~jutant- General. General FISK, A1aint Louis. No. 8. Report of Maj. John Mi. ~Jiark, Eighty-second Infantry Enrolled Mis souri Militia. HEADQUARTERS, Platte City, Mo., July 8, 1864. GENERAL: Ireached home on yesterday about 10 a. m. Soon atter my arrival I received information of the presence of a considerable body of guerrillas in the east and southeast portions of our county. I at once set about concentrating my Threes at this place. About 3 p. m. I received a dispatch from Lieutenant Nash, Company C, stating the guerrillas made an attack upon Parkyilie and captured the place. On Page 60 46 LOIJISIAIA AWn tfl ?RAfl-MISR!RBIPPL (Ow. Lilt. man was killed mid 2 wonded, and also one wqman was wounded. Bobbed the stores (my own among the rest) of their contents, taking all the money they could get and left in the direction of Platte City. Since then I haveheard nothing of them. 1 sent a scout out as far u.s New Market to intercept General Fisk, so astopost him astoour con- dition, but did not find him. I learned that he had passed three miles east of New Market, about 9 or 10 a. in., in the direction of Smithvifle. I have beard nothing of him since, but suppose he he passed through safely. I have some eighty-five men in the field this. morning, and think th6ywill be ableto giveagood account of these gents soon. The guerrillas number so~ne sixty or seventy men. Yours, in haste, J. ~. CLARK, )Ajor, Oomsmuliug PiWte County, Ito. No.9. Report, of 114 Ravel P. On.. CAMDEN P OINT~ Mo., July 39, 1864. Sm:I have the honor toreport thatwe came up with the bush- whackers four miles north of this place at 2 o7clook and we had a skir- misli with them, which lasted buta short time. We made a charge. on them and they fled in every direction. Some tWo hours aft& the fight we took one of them d from him learn that thebushwback.. ers had2 killed afid several wounded. Our loss is 1 killed and 3 wounded. A part of the bushwhackers went back across Platte River belowthe Unien Mills. .Cantyou send fresh troops to follow them? Our hones and men worn out. Something ought to be done forthwith. S.P~COx, CeuwinsuAsdAsg F.t.ii. General FisK, Cosusas44~sg D(etriet of North Misaour.. . . . GLLAnx, July *6,1864. GmInAL: I have the honortoreporttoyouthataccoMlngtborders received at Breokinridge from you to piteh into the rebel4 I started. with my command of home guards. We went south some twelve miles where we were joined by Ljeutenant Desha?s company. from Chilboothe. At dark we halted and rested till 12 Uclock, aM then we moyed off in pursuit of guerrillas. Just at thaif time Colonel Brown came up with two companies more, Capt N. & Brown and tam Brumfield. The company commanders at that time were as follows, to wit: Lieutenant DeshN Captain Woodruff; Ca tam Brown, Captain Noblett, Captain Brumfleld, Captain Leabo, and Lieut. S. Brown. We started out and reached Kin ton just at sun-up and fouiid the guerrillas hM robbed and plundered tl*t town of at least *10,001) in: money, The next.place was Mirabile, where they got about the, same. amount of money from Doctor Crawfords safe. Theyrobbed the stores: of all they wanted. We:.then started for Plattsburg op~y a few.hours behind them. Thoykilled one man twelve miles east ~t Plat$sburg.. Page 61 CHAP. LIII.) OPERATIONS IN WESTERN MISSOURI. 61 I do not recollect his name; he was taken from the house and shot. They went direct to Plattsburg and made an attack on that place and demanded a surrender, bnt Captain Poe refused, lie being in command, as Captain Turney had just been killed; but just before we caine np they left, going south in a hurry. We camped at Plattsburg for the night. Captain Johns and Captain Jones, of Caidwell, came up; also Captain McDonald, from Stewartsville. On the morning of the 22d we left Plattsburg, Captain Poe, of that place, taking twelve of his men and went as the advance guard. We went south to Carpenters Store; there the guerrillas had camped that night. At that place we found the grave of one man that was wounded at Plattsburg. They then moved in the direction of Union Mills. When we got there we found out that they were but a short distance ahead. We then made a forced march for about four muiles, when we caine up with them about three miles west of the Union Mills. They left the main road and went off on a by-road in some of the worst brush that they could find. They concealed themselves, and when our advance caine up they were fired on. I then dismounted three companies and moved forward to find out their situation. We moved up in the brush close to where they were when they fired on ns; we returned the fire, they fell back a short distance, and we also fell back to load. Then I had several other com- panics brought up and put in position. We then moved np the second time, and the enemy met us about the same place aiid both parties fired about the same time. We repulsed them again, and boys fell back a short distance again and reloaded i~gain. During this action our horses stampeded, caused by the boys yelling aiid the roar of the guns. It took us some little time before we could get ready again; then we moved up the third tinme and the enemy met us about the same place, but that time ~we routed them and they went in all directions through the woods and over fences, through the fields as hard as they could. Our loss wasI killed, James B. Ayres, of Cap- tain McDonalds company, at Stewartsville~ wounded James Tucker of Captain Brumfields company, in the head, slight; John Acord, of Browns company, in the side~ John Carter of Captain Leabos company, in the thigh, and several others slightly. The loss of the enemy, as far as could be ascertained, was 2 killed and 16 wounded. We captured 3 horses and some guns and revolvers. I themi moved to Camden Point amid camped all night. The next morning Colommel Ford came up amid took the trail of the guerrillas at Staners Mills. I themi left the trail and moved back to the Union Mills, and as we passed close to where we had the fight the day before we captured, in company with II. M. Herman, a noted rebel spy, who was acting as his guide to the canip of the bushwhackers, and retnrned with my comumand, who were worii out by hard marches through the heat and dust which has compelled nine to return and rest. I cannot close without returning my sincere thanks to all of the ofli - cers amid men that were under my command for the way they stood up both in the fight and omin the niarch; also to Colommel Smith and Judge 1)odge and Lieut. I. N. Henry and Doctor Crawford, of Caldwell, and Col. W. S. Brown, Lieuts. II. M. Singleton and L. M. Martin, of Daviess, and Mr. Hubbard, of Clinton, for their valuable services rendered mue both on the march amid in the skirmish. I am, gcneral, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, S. P. COX, Cdnmrnauding Scout. [0-eneral FISK, Comrnandinq District of North ]Iluissointri. Page 62 62 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. No. 10. Report of Capt. Benjam~in F. Poe, Eighty-ninth unrolled ]JIissonri Militia. JULY 21, 1864. About 9 a. in. Captaiii Turney and First Lient. George W. MeCul- tough, with twenty-six meti, went out to reconnoiter and find the posi- tiou of the enemy. About 10 a. In. the euemy appeared iu force about 600 yards east of the tow~i, variously estimated from 125 to 400 strong. They sent in a flag of truce with a demand to surrender, of which the following is a copy: JULY 21, 1864. COMMANDING Orricnn Ar PLATYSBUIIG: I hereby demand an jinniediate surrender of the towe. We are not bushwhaekers, but Confederate soldiers. Your men will be treated as prisoners of war. JOHN THRAILKILL, Major, (iomnmanding Confederate Forces. To which I replied in the followin~: PLATTSBURG, Jitty 21, 1864. Maj. JOHN THRAILKILL: Sin: We are not here for the vnrjinose of surrendering, but to defend the if ag of our country. B. K POE, (Japtain, Commanding Post. The messenger started with the reply and was fired upon. At the same time a fight occurred between Captain Ttirney and the enemy. A messengem at that instant caine in with word that Captain Turney was cut oft and for every man to take cal-c of huinself After examin- ing our animunltioii it was found to be scarce, not sufficient to fight any length of time; whereupon I ordem ed a retreat, which had com- menced, when Lieutenant McCullough caine iii with his force bearing the dead body of Captain Tum new. Lieutenant McCullough and myself then determined to hold the place with what soldiers we had left and the citizens. A second messenger was dispatched to the enemy, but fired upon. Lieutenants Pierce and B. F. McCullough and most of the men had left when Turney~s men came in. Gum- loss, Captain Tumney killed and James Nixon wounded severely. The enemy had retreated in the direction of Haynesville. We do not know that we killed any of the enemy. B. F. POE, Captain, Corn manding Post at Plattsburg. [General FISK, (ommanding Iiistrict oJ North Missouri.] No. hi. Report of Capt. Edward 1. Elmer, ASccond Colorado Caralry. HEADQUARTERS STATION, Pleasant Hill, Mo., August 1, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor herewith to transmit the following sup- plementary report of scouting and escort done by Company K, Second Colorado Cavalry stationed at Pleasant Ihill, Mo., since July 10, 1864: Sergeant Cotton and thirty-four mcii of Company K, Second Colo- rado Cavalry, left this station July ii for Kansus City, with six-mule team, ten days rations, with detachments of C, F, and I of Secon Page 63 CHAP. LIII.] OPERATIONS IN WESTERN MISSOURI. 33 Colorado Cavalry, under command of Major Smith. Arrived at Kan- sas City July 12; distance, thirty-five miles. Left Kansas City on the 13th in the steamer Emily. Arrived at Weston 12 in.; distance, forty- two miles. Lieutenant Parsons, of D Company, took command of the detachment; left same day. Arrived at Camden Point 4 P. 1.; dis- tance, twelve miles. Found the enemy there; had a fight with them; killed several, and completely routed them. Lost 1 man killed, 1 wounded Pnrsued theni about one mile with the command; then leaving it and pursning the enemy about ten miles, went into camp for the night. Broke camp at daylight 14th: Arrived at Sinithville; distance, four miles; fed. Left about 7 a. iii., returning back to Cam- (len Point, scouting throngh the brush; distance fifteen niiles. From there went to Platte City; distance, ten miles. There joined the com- mand and remained there nntil the next morning. Broke camp the next morning at daylight, taking southerly direction. About 1 p. m. stopped and fed. Left the command there; went to Kansas City, escort for Colonel Ford; distance, thirty-five miles. Left Kansas City on the morning of the 16th. Arrived t Liberty about noon; distance, sixteen miles. Camped there untIl the next day. Left for Kansas City on the 17th with Colonel Ford; distance, sixteen miles. Left on the 18th for Liberty; distance sixteen miles. Left on the 22d with the whole command, taking a northerly direction, arriving at Union Mills; distance~ thirty-six miles; fed; moved on about three miles; went into camp. Left 23d, taking a westerly course, meeting a command of Enrolled Missouri Militia. Passed Camden Point, taking a southeast- erly direction. Went into camp about S p. in.; distance, fifty miles. Broke camp about daylight on 24th; passed through Smithvi]le in a southerly direction after traveling about thirty-five miles, there leaving the transportation and taking the enemys trail. After following about twelve miles stopped and fed. A party of men were out foraging, and they ran onto the enemys pickets. Fired on them and killed 1; the command then pursuing an~ ovnrtaking them, completely routed them, killing 2 of them; then went into camp about sundown; distance, fifteen miles. 25th, broke camp about sunrise, taking a southerly direction, arriving at Liberty about 1 p. m. Camped there for the night; dis- tance, twenty miles. 26th, broke camp at daylight. Arrived at Kansas City 6 a. in.; distance, sixteen miles. Left on the 27th for Pleasant Hill; distance, thfrty-five miles. July 21, Sergeant Wright and six men on a scout to Sni Hills and vicinity. Saw plenty of signs of bushwhackers. Returned on the 22d; distance traveled, forty miles. On the 27th Sergeant Weir and nine men went to Kansas City for commissary stores. Returned on 31st; distance, thirty-five miles. Whole distance about 495 miles. Your most obedient servant, E. P. ELMER, Capt. 4. ~. STEGER, Captain, Commanding AS~tation. Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 12. Report of Lient. Henry F. Goss, Eighty-seventh Enrolled ]Iliissouri Militia. SAINT JOSEPH, July 20, 1864. I have to report that on yestei day, in charge of a scouting party sent out by your orders, I proceeded to the neighborhood of Taos, an Page 64 64 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CRAP. LIII. also near De Kaib, in Buchanan County. About oiie mile and a half from Taos and betweeii that place and Dc Kaib, along the margin of a creek, in Murphys l)asture, we discovered camp-fires and obtained in- formation from different reliable men iii the neighborhood that there were not less than 300 rebels in the brush there. This camp is about fif- teen miles from Saint JoseJ)h, We captured one prisoner going toward said camp. He was armed and had clothes packed in saddle-bags. We also captured one stud-horse belonging to a inai formerly of Cap- taiii Nolands COIUl)~~Y of l?aw Paws, named (juts, and who was recently engaged in shooting a German near Sparta. We took two U. S. mus- kets from the houses of two men of Nolands company, now in the brush. The bushwbackers seem to have ~o55C551O~ of the lower part of this county and in Taos and aloiig the main roads every day. In going and returning we traveled thirty miles and reached this post about 12 oclock last night. The uiei in the country appear to be nearly all gone. We only saw five or six on the whole ronte. HENRY F. GOSS, liirst Lieutenant Company H, Commanding Scouts. Brigadier-General FISK. JULY 8, 1864.Skirmish near Richmond, Mo. Report of Brig. Uca. Clinton L?. Fisk, U. S. Army, commanding District of North Missouri. HEADQUARTERS DISTIILCT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Saint Joseph, Mo., July 19, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to reportthat Capt. D. P. Whitmer, commanding company of Enrolled Missouri Militia, at Richmond, trans- mits to me an account of an affair between a portion of his company and the guerrillas, on the 8th instant. Lieutenant Page, of his com- pany, fell in with a party and immediately charged them with his whole command. They received a volley, which resulted in the death of Lieu- temiant I~age and the severe wounding of Orderly Sergeant Goode and two men, together with the death of five horses. Sergeant Goode, in spite of his wounds, three in number, took command of the Aatooii after the death of Lieutenant Page, and routed the enemy completely, scattering hium and capturing some of his horses and some equipments. It is not known how many of the enemy were killed. From the money amid papers found in the clothing captured, it is certain that these men are from Prices army. Lieutenant Page was buried with military hon- ors at Richmond on the 9th. Much credit is due to all parties who par- ticipated in the affair. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CLINTON B. FISK, ISrigadier- General of Vols., Comdy. Dist. of North Missourm. Col. 0. D. GREENE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of -the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo Page 65 CHA2. LIII.] OPERATIONS NEAR WELLINGTON, MO. 65 JULY 812, 1864.Scout from Patterson to Buffalo Creek, in Ripley County, Mo. Report of Licut: Warren, C. Shattuck, Third illissouri State Militia (Jay airy. PATTERSON, Mo., July 12, 1864. SIR: In obedience to orders I started from this post on the 8th instant upon a scout to Buffalo Creek, Ripley County, with twenty-five men. We marched by way of Moss Ferry, oil Black River, and Van Buren, on Current River, thence in the directiou of Pocahontas, Ark., to the head of Big Baum Creek and down the same to Current River; down Current River to the mouth of Bnffalo, and up the same ten miles to the house of one John Land, a noted guerrilla, who was found lurking in the vicinity and was shot. We started from Lands and came through the country, traveling by paths to ~ Mills, on Current River, and from there to Patterson. On Brush Creek, in Centre County, we came upon two guerrillas, who were shot while attempting to make their escape. We foull no enemy in force nor heard of none nearer than Jacksonport, except small parties of guer- rillas. All men subject to military duty are ordered to report to the Southern army, and many are obeying the order. From the informa- tion I obtained the conscripts are sent to Jacksonport, when cc they are to return to Missouri as soon as they are armed and organized. Forage can be obtained at a few points on the route. Corn crop looks fine. Result of scout, 3 jayhawkers shot, 3 horses and 9 head of beef- cattle brought in. I remain, major, your most obedient sci vant, W. C. SHATTUCK, Second Lieutenant Comjju ny I, Thi ~d Missouri State Militia. Maj. JAMES WILSON, Commanding Third Cavalry Missouri State Militia. JULY 913, l864.Operations in the vicinity of Wellington, Mo., with skirmishes at Warders Church (10th), and at Columbus, Johnson County (12th). ~~POT~TS. No. 1.Brie. Gen. Egbert B. Brown, commanding District of Central Missouri. No. 2.Col. John F. Philips, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown, U. S. Army, commanding District of Central Missouri. WARRENSBURG, ~Juiy 14, 1864. I have the honor to report that a detachment of Major flouts scouting party, commanded by Captain Hemislee, killed ~ guer- rillas at a church near Wellington on Sunday ltst, among them the notorious Wi]hite, who has been engaged in robbing the mails and 5 R RYOL XLI, PT Page 66 [CHAP. LIIL 66 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. people in La Fayette County. Wilhite led the party who attacked Judge IRyland and his son and was repulsed a short time since, and is the man who wounded Captain Ewing, of the citizen guards. The party of guerrillas were attending church and fired upon Captain Heiislees advance guard from the windows, when a general exchange of shots [took place] in the midst of citizens, women, and children, and yet while Wilhite had twenty-eight balls through him and in him, and another guerrilla eighteen, no person but the guerrillas was hit by our men. We had 1 man wounded and 2 horses killed. The guer- rillas, people, and priest seemed to be worshiping together as inno- cent lambs. E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 2. Report of Cot. John F. Philips, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry. IIDQRS. SEVENTH CAVALRY MISSOURI STATE MILITIA, Camp Grover, near Warrensburg, Mo., July 14, 18G4. CAPTA IN: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to orders received through sub-district headquarters, on the night of the 9th instant I sent Major louts, of my command, with 150 men, northwest of this place, with instructions to scout the country thoroughly. They went twenty-five miles, and then turning north struck the Missouri River at Wellington. In this march they discovered abundant signs of the presence of guerrillas. This country is a safe covert for these outlaws. It is a complete jungle and a perfect solitude, the adjacent country to the Sni affording forage and rations. Arriving at Welling- ton about 10 a. m. on Sunday morning, Major louts learned from a reliable contraband that two guerrillas had been in this town that morning, and her opinion was they had gone to a churchWarders Churchdistant two miles, where a llardshell was in the habit of preaching to the Brushers the unsearchable riches of good whisky and guerrilla warfare. The major, with accustomed promptness, at once detached about fifty men, under command of the intrepid and cool-headed Captain ilenslee, Company L, and sent him to this church. The force approached this church very stealthily. It is situated on a high eminence, a bluff overlooking the Sni River. The command had to reach this church by a narrow road, having to cross a bridge within twenty paces of the buildin~ and ascend a very abrupt bank. The captain took the precaution to send forward Ser- geant Brassfield with six men, with instructions to dash at all hazards over this bridge up the hill, and passing the church to occupy a posi- tion beyond, with a view of intercepting fugitives, and at the ~amne time, by attracting the attention of the congregation, to make a diversion in favor of the main column. The guerrillas were then seven or eight in number, besides some outpost pickets on the Lexington road. The cry of Feds ~ Feds I ~ thundered from the audience, and the worthy pastor, who was in the midst of a fervent supplication, found his floc Page 67 CHAP. LIII. OPERATIONS NEAR WELLINGTON, MO. 67 greatly demoralized, and concluded it wasnt worth while to pray any longer under the circumstances. The guerrillas were on the alert, some at their horses, some in the church, and one, who was to be married perhaps that very dayto the pastors daughter, was standing at the window, making love to his inamorata. The guerrillas as quick as thought saw their peril, and with drawn revolvers they began earnest work, with a nerve and determination worthy of a better cause. The captains whole force was thrown into the work. The women and chil- dren screamed with terror, and, rushing wildly from the church, exhib- ited a method in their madness by throwing themselves in front of the rebel outlaws. Captain H., whose presence of mind is equaled only by his gallantry, rode out and commanded the women to squat. They obeyed the summons, and the work of death went bravely on. Five bushwhackers were killed outright, the sixth mortally wounded, and one or two, despite all vigilance, made their escape amid the furore and confusion. Wilhite and Estes were numbered among the slain. These were noted and desperate fellows, and their crimes are as black and infamous as they are numerous. TWO of the enemy~s horses were killed and some wounded. Two horses and equipments were captured by us; five or six Colt navy revolvers. One man, Corporal Cozad, Company L, was wounded in heel and left at Lexington. One horse and equipments lost, belonging to Private James 11). Barnes, Com- pany D. Justice to merit requires me to mention the names of Privates John T. Anderson, Company L, and James D. Barnes, C oinpany 1). Anderson was one of the advance who passed by time church. He received three shots through his clothes, one knocking the skin off his nose and one striking the pistol in his hand. He rode right in the nmidst of the scoundrels, and with great coolness and precision shot right and left, emptying twelve barrels and loading four more, all the while directing the movements of other soldiers around him. Anderson was badly wounded a year ago in a hand to hand fight with Living- ston, in Southwest Missouri. Barnes, discovering one of the bush- whackers umaking his escape, singled him out, charged on him, dis- charging his rifle flung it aside, and with drawn pistol spurred forward, chasing for half a mile the rebel who was firing back at him; Barnes holding his fire until hc drew up on his game, was just in the act of shooting at short range when his horse fell headlong, precipitating the rider over his head with a fearful fall. The horse recovered and ran away after the guerrilla, carrying equipments, & c., all of which was the private property of the soldier, and is lost. Barnes is a mere boy and -quite small,but is as bold and dashing a trooper as ever looked an enemy in the face. From X\ellington, Major louts scoured the country to Lexington, from there to Columbus, Johnson County. Here he ran onto six or seven guerrillas who fled at first fire, and being well mounted, and our horses greatly jaded, they outran us and escaped. 1The command returned to camp yesterday, 13th instant. Number of miles traveled~ 175. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. F. PHILIPS, Golonel Seventh Cavalry Missouri State Militia. Capt. JAMES H. STEGER, Asst. A(jt. Gem., J)isti jet of Central Missouri Page 68 [CHAP. LIII. 68 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. JULY 13, 1864.Skirmish near Brownsville, Ark. Reports of Cot. Oliver Wood, Twenty-second Ohio Infantry. BRoWNSvILLE, July 13, 18649.30 p. m. The rebels, supposed to be 150 strong, attacked our pickets just 110W. We have driven them off. My force is so small that I do not like to venture beyond our defenses. This may only be the advance of a larger force. 0. WOOD, Colonel. Capt. C. II. DYER, Assistant Adjutant- 4~eneral. BROwNSVILLE, July 14, 18645.45 p. m. I followed the rebel force that attacked me last night to near Snake Island, about fifteen miles from here, in a southeasterly direction, where they divided in small squads and took different directions. I did - not deem it advisable to pursue too far with the force under my command. I do not know what force the rebels belong to. One of my vedettes lost his horse, saddle, and bridle. We captured five guns from them. The detachment of Tenth Illinois Cavalry has just arrived. Captain Wilson will report his disaster to you. 0. WOOD, Colonel. Capt. C. H. DYER, Assistant Adjutant-Gene.ral. JULY 13, 1864.Reconnaissance from Pine Bluff, Ark. Report of Col. Powell Clayton, Fifth Kansas Cavalry. PINE BLUFF, ARK., July 14, 18649 a. m. I made a reconnaissance down the river yesterday with 600 cavalry and 400 infantry, and five pieces of the Sigel artillery, attached to the cavalry regiment. Went fifteen miles down the river, at which point I found Crawfords brigade in line of battle in a very strong position. As my intention was simply to reconIloiter I did not deem it advisable to attack him. Not knowing what re-enforcements he might have in his rear, and my right flank amid rear being very much exposed to a flank movement on his part, I endeavored by concealing my main force and shoWing but a small party in his front to draw him out of his position, and if possible lead hium on to my infantry, which was posted under cover about seven miles in our rear. Failin~ in this, I sent foi my train and had it loaded with forage during the night; returned early this morning. Fagan is at Douglass plamitation, about fifteen miles below where Crawfords brigade was yesterday. It is going to be very difficult for us to forage munch more down the river. The only l)lace that will be left for us will be upon the opposite side. I sent a dispatch to General Steele in reference to the expiration of the term o Page 69 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION FROM HELENA, ARK. 69 service of three coiripanies of the Fifth Kansas Cavalry. I have re- ceived no answer. Their terms have expired. There is no mustering officer here. What shall be done with them0? Please have the general direct what field officers shall be mustered out with them. POWELL CLAYTON, Colonel, Commanding. Lieutenant-Colonel GREEN, Assistant Adjutant- ~9eneral, Department of Arkansas. (Same to Capt. C. IL Dyer, assistant adjutant-general, District of Little Rock.) JULY 1316, 1864.Expedition from Helena, Ark., to Buck Island, in the Mississippi River. I~POT~TS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Napoleon B. Buford, U. S. Army, commanding District of Eastern Arkansas. No. 2.Capt. Rudolph Schoenemann, Sixth Minnesota Infantry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Napoleon B. Bnford, U. S. Army, commanding District of Eastern Arkansas. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS, Helena, Ark., Jnly 16, 1864. DEAR SIR: I learned that the enemy had crossed arms iuto Arkan- sas at Buck Island. Ii sent a cavalry force to reconnoiter who have returned. They report 1,~OO rifles and a large quantity of cartridges have been crossed and received by Shelbys men. On the 14th artillery firing was heard for three hours on White River. I expect the river is, or soou will be, blockaded. On the 8th instaut I wrote the inclosed letter~ not knowing to whom I could safely send it. You know the restrictions ou military corre- spondence. I finally sent one copy to General Canby and one to General Hitchcock, who is my warm personal friend, and who is in the Secre- tary of Wars office. Please take two minutes to tell me what you think of it. Your friend, N. B. BUFORI). Major-General WASHBURN, Commanding District of West Tennessee. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASkPERN ARKANSAS, Helena, Ark., July 8, 1864. Why do we continue to occupy the interior of Arkansas 0? What good has arisen from the occupation 0? Have the meeting of the convention and the Legislature at Little Rock restored the State to the Union 0? What harm has resulted 0? Has not the cost of maintaining the army in the interior been vastly beyond what it would have been on the banks of the Mississippi River 0? Have we not lost two gun-boats and several transports on the Arkansas River and one gun-boat on White River 0? Have we not lost three regiments, 700 wagons, 4,000 mules, 2,000 cay Page 70 70 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. airy horses, 6 pieces of artillery, and 1,000,000 cartridges iii the inte- rior? Have we not established trade stores in the interior by which the enemy has been supplied with a vast amouiit of goods, thus affording opportunities for corrupt traders to supply the enemy with the means of carrying on the war? Would not the maintenance of four fortified positions on the river and a strict blockade, preventing the enemy from getting supplies, have accomplished greater results with about one- fourth the expenditure of men and means? I suggest the following disposition of troops iiii Arkansas: First. A post should be fortified opposite Memphis to maintain dominion over the country and prevent the corrupt traders of Memphis from introducing a ~ worth of merchandise into the interior. Second. Make Helena, which is partially fortified, the chief post and remove the seat of government to it, and drive out every secession sym- pathizer from the triangle formed by the Mississippi and White iRivers, and a line drawn from DevalPs Bluff to Memphis; inaugurate the civil government under the new constitution and laws and extend the area as fast as possible. Third. A post should be fortified on the large island between the mouths of White and Arkansas Rivers. It would require but a small garrison if supported by two gun-boats to watch the enemys attempts to cross either river. Two thousand freedmen could be employed on this island and be made self-supporting in cutting wood for steam-boats. Fourth. I would recommend that the fourth post be established near Columbia or Lakeport or in that vicinity, which would communicate as directly with Camden and Shreveport as Little Rock does with those places. TWO of the islands, 63 and 66, in the river, are safely garrisoned by single companies of troops and afford protection for the wood-choppers, most of whom are free~ilmen. Other islands might be occupied in the same way. Would not the navigatiomi of the Mississippi River be much less liable to interruption by this distribution of the forces than by placing them in the interior? Has the possession of Little Rock prevented in the least degree the organization of the army of the rebels in the State? Would not the withdrawal of the troops from the interior to the banks of the Mississippi enable the fortified places to communicate with each other every twenty-four hours, and thus make the dominion of the river complete? The season is approachiiig when the Arkansas and White Rivers become unnavigable. The maintenance of the overland communication from Helena to Little Rock requires the crossing of Big Creek, White, and Arkansas, and innumerable small streams and cypress swamps. No. 2. Report of Capt. Rudolph Sehoenemann, Sixth Minnesota Imifantry. CAMP BUFORD, Near Helena, Ark., July 16, 1864. GENERAL: Having received verbal orders from you to procure all the information practicable concerning certain Confederate forces al- leged to have crossed the Mississippi River at or near Buck Island, I left this town on the evening of the 13th instant, on the steamer Dove, accompanying a force comuposed of Companies B and F, of the Sixth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and of the Fifteenth Illinois Cay Page 71 CHAP. LIII.] AFFAIR AT LINDLEY, MO. 71 airy. Of the proceedings of the expedition whilst under my command I have herewith the hoitor to make the following report: Early in the morning of the 14th the cavalry disembarked at Doctor Petersons place on this side of the river and I assumed command of the remaining force and continued up the river as far as Buck Island. The island was examined and also both banks of the river in its neighbor- hood and immediately below. I was informed by residents on the Ten- nessee shore that twelve wagon-loads of arms and ammunition were fer- ried across the river to the opposite shore, from Wednesday morning to Saturday night of the preceding week, and that said train was protected by about seventy cavalry, under command of Captain Graham. On the west bank additional information was received that there was a force on that side amounting to 500 to 1,000 men, as variously estimated by the inhabitants spoken with by me, under command of Colonel McGill, to supply which force the ammunition was taken over. They said that the stores were ferried over in small boats, subsequently destroyed by a gun-boat from Memphis, and that, in order to keep the crossing as seciet as possible, t~e rebels had strict orders not to fire upon any of the steam-boats passing up and down the river. I found on the Arkan- sas side some empty ammunition-boxes (of U. S. manufacture), which from the marks had contained No. .58 elongated and No. .69 round ball cartridges. Also, below Buck Island, on the eastern shore, in search- ing for arms I found an old rifle and ammunition bag with C. S. belt, and a butcher knife, in possession of a man named Bennett, all of which articles were delivered to your office. I remain, geiieral, very respectfully, your obedient servant, iR. SCIIOENEMANN, Company B, Sixth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Brig. Gen. N. B. BUFORD, Comdg. District of Eastern Arkansas, Helena, Ark. JULY 14, 1864.Skirmish near Bloomfield, Mo. Report of Lient. Col. John T. Burns, Tenth Kansas Infantry. CAPE GIRARDEAU, July 15, 1864. Skirmishing occurred yesterday evening near Bloomfield between a detachment of Second Cavalry Missouri State Militia and of the En- rolled Militia on one side and a band of bushwhackers on the other. One man of the Enrolled Militia was killed, and 1 of the Second Cav- alry Missouri State Militia slightly wounded. They wounded 1 mor- tally, and slightly wounded 2 others, and captured 3 splendid horses and horse equipments. JOHN T. BUIRIIIS, Lieutenant- Colonel. Brig. Gen. THOMAS EWING. JULY 15, 1864.Affair at Lindley, Grundy County, Mo. Report of ]ifaj. Bezin A. De Bolt. TRENTON, Mo., July 18, 1864. DEAR SIR: On the morning of the 15th instant a party of bushwhack- ers, numbering twenty-seven, came into the little town of Lindley, i Page 72 72 LOUISIANA AND THE mANS-MISSISSIPPI. (CHAP. LIII. this county, and robbed the citizens of money, horses, guns, and pistols. They were pursued by Capt. E. L. Winters with what uiien he could hastily collect, and overtaken some eight miles from the place robbed. A fight ensued, in which 5 of Captain Winters men were wounded. The bushwhackers again fled. The captain overhauled them again in the afternoon and fought them, in which he had 1 man killed and 1 mortally wounded. The bnshwhackers were all well armed, with from two to four revolvers and one and two shotguns each. Our men were but poorly armed and were scarce of ammunition. How long, oh, how long must we suffer with these fiends in human shape? If the loyal Enrolled Missouri Militia were armed they would soon stop this bush- whacking. Why this is not done I cannot imagine. We need help, and we look to those in power to furnish it, and if aid is not furnished soon I fear the loyal men will take the matter in their own hands. Then, I fear, they would violate the orders of Provost-Marshal Mcllwrath who, I fear, is not thoroughly loyal to the core; at least, he acts very favorable to rebels, as I am informed. Hoping that aid to loyal men will soon be furnished, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. A. PE BOLT, Chairman of County Corn. of & tfety for flrundy County, Mo. Brig. Gen. C. B. FISK, A3aint Joseph, Mo. JULY 1718, 1864.Expedition from Baton Rouge to Davisons Ford. near Clinton, La. Report of Cot. John U. Fonda, One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Infantry, commanding & oond Brigade, Cavalry Division, Nineteenth Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIc~ADE, CAVALRY DIVISION Baton Rouge, July lY, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the afternoon of the 17th instant I left camp with 400 men and proceeded toward the Comite River by the Greenwell Springs road. I crossed the Comite at Roberts Ford. At about one Inile beyond the ford my advance met a wagon loaded with cotton and guarded by a rebel soldier, who was shot in attempting to escape. The cotton was cut to camp. I moved on from this place to Burlington on the Amite River, where a party that I had sent to a ferry captured 4 men who were floating cotton down the riVer. From here I continued on in the direction of Clinton to near Davisons Ford. In order to deceive the inhabitants with regard to my move- ments, I turned back from this point and camped at Burlington. At daylight I sent a force of about seventy men to Davisons Ford, and two hours after I put another party over the river at Burlington to co-operate with the first party, which had orders to come down on the east side of the river. At 11.30 a. mu. both parties returned to Burling- ton. They had encountered a small rebel force and killed 1 and cap- tured 5. As soon as this party could be ferried across the river I started for camp, where I arrived at 5.30 p. m. yesterday. On my way in I learned that a quantity of cotton was deposited at the house of one Graham, and that it was a part of the same lot which I found th Page 73 CHii~. LIII.1 SCOUT ON SOUTH PLATTE RIVER, COLO. 73 night before guarded by a rebel soldier. I brought live bales of it in, which, with eight bales sent in before, has been turned over to the post quartermaster. The parties taken with the cotton at Burlington proved to be persons who had taken the oath of allegiance to the United States, and by direction of the provost-marshal were set at liberty and their cotton restored to them. Two rebels have been killed, 7 prisoners and 10 horses captured. Two of my men were wonnded. With much respect, your obedient servant, G. FONDA, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. GEORGE W. STEIN, Acting Assistant Adjntant- General. ADDENDA. IIDQRS. U. S. FORCES, DISTRICT OF BATON ROUGE, Baton Rouge, La., August 6, 1864. Capt. J. SCHUYLER CROSBY, A eting Assistant Adjutant- General: I am in receipt of your communication in relation to the cotton cap. tured by Colonel Fonda, and in reply would most respectfully state that Colonel Fonda turned over the cotton referred to in his report to Capt. B. F. Porter, post assistant quartermaster, subject to my orders since then I have ordered the cotton to be turned over to Mr. Hyde, treasury agent. The provost-marshal had never anything to do with it, one way or the other. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, MT. P. BENTOK, Brigadier- General, Commanding. JULY 1728, 1864.Scout on the South Platte River, Cob. Ter. Report of Capt. George L. AS1anborn, First Colorado Cavalry. CAMP SANBORN, CoLo. TER., July 28, 1864. SIR: I have the honor herewith to send you a report of the move- ments of my command during the past twelve days: On the 17th of this month some Indians attempted to steal some horses from emigrants who were camped near this place. I immedi- ately detailed twenty men to go in pursuit of them. When about ready to start a m~senger arrived from Bijon Ranch with the intelligence that Indians were committing depredations at that place. Ordered Lieutenant Chase to take twenty men and go to that place, find their trail, and follow them. I took the first detail out myselg and although we traveled very fast, could not succeed in overtaking them. Returned to Camp Robbins, and next day, taking four days rations, I started with forty men for headwaters of Bijou and Beaver Creeks, with the intention of intercepting the Indians on their way to Republican, but failed to find any, so went down Beaver Creek to Platte, and thence to Junction Ranch, where I found Lieutenant Chase with his command. In the meantime, Lieutenant Chase, with his command of twenty men, proceeded to Bijon Ranch, where he found that 2 men had been killed and 1 wounded and considerable stock stolen. From there he went t Page 74 74 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSiPPI. (CnAP. LIII. Junction Station, whei e he found that all of the stage companys stock, together with (5 head of emigrants stock, had been stolen. From there he went to Junction Ranch where he fonud that the Indians had stolen all of Mr. Reynolds stock, amounting to 50 or (50 head. From there to Murrays, where all of the stock, cattle, and horses, had been driven off. He reached Murrays at daybreak on the morning of the 18th. From there he went into the bluffs, found the trail, followed it, overtook the indians camped on Beaver Creek, about twenty-five miles from Murrays, at 10 a. m. July 18. He recovered the stock125 head. There were but five Indians with the stock, and of these he succeeded in wounding 2; but owing to the fact that the horses were nearly tired out with the previous sixteen hours hard traveling, he was unable to overtake them, they being mounted on good horses. He returned to Junction Ranch, where I found him. From that place I started with forty men and scouted through the country south of Platte and east of Beaver Creek, but failed to find Indians. Number of Indians, as estimated by Lieu- tenant Chase and Mr. Gran~ille Ashcraft (the guide), 150; number of emigrants killed, 5; wounded, 1. Finding that the Iiidiaus had left the river I returned to this camp. I am, sir, with winch respect, your obedient servant, GEG. L. SANBORK, Captain, First Cavalry of Colorado. Col. J. M. CHIYINGTON. JULY 1821, 1864.Scout in Shannon County, No. Report of Capt. Levi F. Whybark, Fifth Missouri State ]Jfiiitia Cavalry. HDQRS. DETACH. FIFTH CAY. MISSOURI STATE MILITIA, Salem, Mo., July 22, 1864. SIR: I just returned from down in Shannon County. I started Mon- day night with sixty men to capture some bushwhackers reported to be on Rock Creek, about sixty-five miles from Salem, or at what is known as the Hay Hollow, in the southeast corner of Shannon County, where they were herding their stolen horses. I traveled all night Monday night. Tuesday I got to the place about 2 oclock, but they had left a few days previous with their stock. They left some eight young horses which they could not get off with, which we brought in. They were stolen from Union men in this county, which I gave to them. I then camped and scouted around there until morning. Found no rebels, but plenty of signs. Wednesday morning I divided my men in three squads; sent one squad up Jacks Fork and Current and Gladden Valley, under Sergeant Neff; one squad up Current to the mouth of Big Sinking, then up it to the head, under Lieutenant Ringer. I and Lieutenant Fisher took the other squad, coming up Brushy Creek and then Big Creek to the head. I camped Wednesday night on head of Big Creek. There I heard fourteen rebels had passed up the evening before. We camped in a meadow. About 1 oclock some dozen or so came on us. Would not make themselves known. We fired a few rounds into them and they scattered in every direction, leaving four horses and equipments, and their arms. The brush was so thick and it dark we did not kill any. Next morning, Thursday, I followed on the divide in the southeast corner of Dent County, some twenty-five miles from Salem. There Page 75 CHAP. LIII.] OPERATIONS IN SOUTHWEST MISSOURI. 75 came across sonic twenty of the Third Missouri State Militia from Cen- treville. They were dressed every way; some with citizen hats and in their shirt-sleeves. I took them to be bushwhaekers; did not fire on them. They discovered us and halted. We called on them. They soon saw we were Federals, as we were all in full uniform. I formed within thirty yards of them before they discovered me. I halted and niade one advance; found they were all right. They were under command of a lieutenant, and bad sent ten men on Big Creek and they were the ones we fired on. I turned over the horses and equipments to him, as they were his company. So it all was a mistake, but was in the fault of the commander of the squad, as they could know who we were. The best and reliable information of Freeman is he was on Ash Flat himself. One hundred of his men were on the Warm Fork of Spring River; the rest of his command on the North Fork of White River. Shelby is with Marmaduke. Freemans is the only force I could hear of and Mc- Cray was some place close to Batesville, and had some men on Seven Point conscripting. There is no large force near the line that I could hear of, though the women told us Shelby was in that county with 10,000 men, in order to get us away, but all stuff. Plenty bushwhack- ers on Jacks Fork. The citizens that live there say there are more in that county now than has been since the war. Fine crops of corn on Current - River and Jacks Fork. Most of the men have been at home and made their crops and now all gone oft with Freeman. I will endeavor to keep you posted in regard to any rebel force. Respectfully, L. E. WHYBARK, Captain, Commanding Detachment. Colonel SIGEL. JULY 1823, 1864.Operations in Southwest Missouri, with skirmishes near Maysville, Ark. (2Oth),and near Carthage, Mo. (21st). IREPOT~TS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. John B. Sanborn, U. S. Army, commanding District of Southwest Missouri. No. 2.Col. John D. Allen, Seventh Provisional Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia. No. 3.Capt. Jamcs L. Powell, Second Arkansas Cavalry (Union). No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. John B. ,S~anborn, U. AS~. Army, commanding Dis trict of Southwest ]lfissonri. SPRINGFIELD, Mo., July 29, 18G4. A portion of Captain Turners company, stationed at llartsville, attacked twenty-five bushwhackers doing north last week and killed 6 of them and captured all of their horse equipments. Captain Sallees company in Douglass attacked a band of about thirty the first of the week and killed 14 of them and captured some horses. Captain Rohrerkilled4 bushwhackers on Cane Creek the first of the week, and the troops at Neosho and Carthage have killed 4 during the week. Colonel Pickler and 6 of his men were killed by a detachment of the First Arkansas in Benton County last week. Browns forces and Pick- icrs then moved north to Baxter Springs, and about sixty of their memi came into the vicinity of Carthage and attacked about nineteen of the Enrolled Missouri Militia while herding their horses, and the militi Page 76 76 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. (CHAP. Liii. being surprised lost 6 men killed and 11 were taken prisoners,, and after- ward released. Everything is quiet except these incursions on the extreme borders of the district. Shelbys headquarters were below Jacksonport five days ago. JOHN B. SANBOIRN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. 0. B. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General. ADDEND A. Itinerary of the District of AS~outhwest Missouri, commanded by Brig. Gen. John B. Sanborn, U. ~. Army.* Capt. James L. Powell, Second Arkansas Cavalry, commanding detachment of twenty-five men same regiment, made a scout in the direction of IMiaysville, Ark.; came in contact with a small baud of guerrillas; killed 2 and wounded 1 of them; casualties to. the detach- ment, 1 man missing; returned 23d instant. July 21.One officer and 5 men of Enrolled Missouri Militia killed in a skirmish with guerrillas near Carthage, Mo. Numbers of bush- whackers have been killed by the Seventh Provisional Enrolled Mis- souri Militia during the month. Companies B, C, D, and H, Seventh Provisional Enrolled Missouri Militia, mustered into the United States service for twenty months, as per Special Orders, No. 166, current series, Department of the Missouri. These companies muster from 82 to 100 men each. The district has been remarkably quiet during the month, except the eastern and western portions, which have been disturbed to some extent by bands of guerrillas. The duty of the troops has been escorting trains, and scouting and garrisoning the several posts and stations. No. 2. Report of Col. John D. Allen, & venth Provisional Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia. HDQRS. 7TH PROY. REGT. ENROLLED MISSOURI MILITIA, Mount Vernon, Mo., July 21, 1864. LIEUTENANT: From information received from below, which I think reliable, there are about 400 rebels at Baxter Springs. There were about 125, under command of Captain Husk, attacked Lieutenant Henry (of Captain Stevensons company of militia) with twenty-five men with- in 300 yards of Carthage while he was out grazing his stocky They killed Lieutenant Henry with 8 of his men on the ground and several others are missing, no doubt killed. The rebels were too strong for the company at Carthage, and they did not come out of the fort. I imme- diately sent thirty men from Cave Spring to re-enforce Carthage, and on yesterday morning sent Captain Roberts with twenty men to Cave Spring, amid to scout the country; there is a force of rebels in that country, no doubt. I have not men enough to send out against any- thing of a large force and hold the posts. Captain Sutherland will get to Carthage about to-morrow evening; that will relieve the post con- siderably. If I had men enough I would take a scout in the vicinity of Baxter Springs. There should be a scout of about 200 or 300 men sent From monthly return Page 77 LIII.] OPERATIONS IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI. 77 in there to be of any effect. The rebels have 110 doubt concentrated at Baxter Springs. I would be glad if you would send me about 200 men immediately, and, with what men I cai~ get, will clean out that country~ Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN D. ALLEN, Colonel, Commanding. Licut. W. I). HUBBARD. No. 3. Report of Capt. James 19. Powell, Second Arkansas Cavalry (Union). CAMP PHELPS, Near Cassville, hub., July 22, 1864. COLONEL: In obedience to Special Orders, No. 30, dated headquarters Post Cassville, July 18, 1864, in charge of a detachment of twenty-five men of the Second Arkansas Cavalry as escort to Lieutenant Burns, First Arkansas Infai~try, I proceeded to Fayetteville, Ark., being re-en- forced by a detachment of eighteen men of the First Arkansas Cavalry. I left Fayetteville on the 20th instant and marched twenty-two miles in the direction of Maysville, Ark., via Browns Mills, thence east nine miles, where I encountered about nine rebels, whom I dispersed, killing 2 and wounding 1, who made his escape. I then halted and fed with the intention of giving my horses and men some rest. But at about 9 oclock I learned that a large force of rebels were advancing upoii my camp with the intention of surprising me. Satisfied that their force was largely superior to mine, I did not deem it prudent to wait there until daylight. I accordingly cautiously withdrew my men and re- tired, reaching Cassville, Mo., July 22, 1864, without loss or injury to my command, except one maii mis~ing, whom I suspect went to the enemy. I have the honor to be, colonel, respectfully, your obedieiit servant, JAMES L. POWELL, Captain Company F, Second Arkansas Cavalry. Licut. Col. HuGH CAMERON, Commanding Post of Cassville. JULY 18AUGUST 6, 1864.Operations in Southeast Missouri and North. eastern Arkansas, with skirmishes at Scatterville, Ark. (July 28), at Osceola, Ark. (August 2), and at Elk Chute, Mo. (August 4). HEFOI~TS, ETC. No. 1.Itinerary of the District of Saint Louis, eommande4 by Brig. Gen. Thomas Ewing, jr., U. S. Ar my. No. 2.Lient. Col. John T. Burns, Tenth Kansas Infantry. No. 1. Itinerary of the District of Saint Louis, commanded by Brig. Gen. Thomas Ewing, Jr., U. S. Army.* Lient. Col. J. T. Burns, Tenth Kansas Yolunteers,*in command of about ~00 troops, returned on the 7th instant from an expedition down From monthly return Page 78 78 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. into Arkansas, having been out seventeen days; had a brisk fight at Osceola, Ark., with Bowens and MeVeighs companies, of Shelbys command, capturing their camps; killed 7; took 25 prisoners (Confed- erates), including Captain Bowen. August 4.Fought the Second Missonri Confederate Cavalry under Conyers and Guthrie, also 1)arnelles guerrillas, all under the rebel Col- onel Cowen, routing them completely, killing and mortally wounding about 30; slightly wounding between 30 and 40, and took 28 prisoners. Our loss, Captain Francis, Third Missouri State Militia Cavalry, killed, and 2 slightly wounded. Result of the expedition: 50 killed, including 1 captain, 3 lieutenants; wounded, 40; took 57 prisoners, 2 captains, 200 stand of small-arms, and 200 horses and mules. No. 2. Reports of Lient. Gol. John T. Burns, Tenth K Infantry. HEADQUARTERS SECOND SUB-DISTRICT, In the Field, New Madrid, Mo., July 21, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that the north half of this county and south half of Mississippi County have been very thoroughly scouted during~ the last week by parties from this post, commanded respectively by Captains Preuitt, Edwards, and Vincent, and Lieuten- ants Burnett, Ralph, and Hodges. No considerable force of guerrillas have been found or heard of in this region, but several small parties whose principal business seemed to be stealing horses and secreting them in the swamps and herding them in the caneries preparatory to their transfer to the rebels south~est have been surprised and routed and their horses captured. The scouting party under Captain Edwards, which left here on the night of the 18th instant, returned last evening, having killed 2 bushwhackers near James Bayou, in Mississippi County, and captured and brought in a lot of horses which they were herding in the canebrake of that vicinity. The party under Lieutenant Burnett were kindly furnished transportation on board the gun-boat Huntress, No. 58, by its gentlemanly and patriotic Commander, Captain Dennis. Lieutenant Burnett landed with his detachment on Island No. 8 on the 18th instant, and moved down the island on foot. He came upon a herd of horses, most of which had been stolen or forcibly taken by guerrillas on this side, and swam across onto the island, where three members of the bushwhacking fraternity were guarding them. The bushwhackers escaped, but 18 horses were captured. in the evening the detachment with the horses captured re-embarked on board the gun-boat near the foot of the island and arrived here the same night. The aggregate result of the several movements is 2 bushwhackers killed and 42 horses and mules captured and turned over to the quarter- master here. I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN T. BURIRIS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Sub-District. Brig. Gemi. 1~llOMAS EWINC~ Jr., Commanding Saint Louis District, Saint Louis, Mo Page 79 Ca~r. Liii.] OPERATIONS IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI. 79 INEW MADRID, Mo., August 7, 1864. Have been out seventeen days with a battalion of the Second Cav- alry Missouri State Militia, under Lieuteiiant-Colonel Hiller; detach- ments of the Second and Third, under Major Wilson, and of the First and Sixth Missouri Cavalry Volunteers, under Captain Preuitt. Have skirmished with guerrillas and bushwhackers in Mississippi, Stoddard, New Madrid, Pemiscot, and iDunklin Counties, Mo., and Greene and Mississippi Counties, Ark., killing considerable numbers of them. Had quite a brisk running fight at Osceola, Ark., on the 2d instant, with l3owens and McYeighs companies, of Shelbys command. We captured their camp, killed 7, and took 25 prisoners, including Cap- tain Bowen, their commander. On the 4th, at Elk Chute, we fought the Second Missouri (rebel) Cavalry and Conyers, Guthries, and Darnelles bands of guerrillas, all under command of Colonel Cowen. We routed them completely, killed and mortally wounded about 30, slightly wounded (who escaped in the swamps as I am informed by prisoners subsequently captured) between 30 and 40, and took 28 prisoners. We lost Captain Francis, Third Cavalry Missouri State Militia, mortally wounded, and 2 others sligjiitly wounded. We have killed in all full 50 rebel soldiers and bushwhackers, incindin g 1 captain, 3 lieutenants; wounded between 30 and 40 that we know of and took prisoners 57, including ~2 captains. We also captured full 200 stand of arms and over 200 horses and mules. JOHN T. BUIIIIlS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Expedition. Brigadier-General EwING. HDQRS. SECOND SUB-DISTRICT, SAINT Louis DISTRICT, Cape Girardean, iMo., August 8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 21st of July I moved from New Madrid, Mo., with a battalion of the Secoiid Cavalry Mis- souri State Militia, under Lieutenant-Colonel Hiller, and a detachment of the First Cavalry Missouri Volunteers, commanded by Captain Preuitt. From the 21st to the 26th we were engaged in scouting the counties of New Madrid, Mississippi, and Stoddard. We routed sev- eral parties of bushwhackers during the time, killed 4 of their number, burned a distillery and a grocery at which they were accustomed to meet, and captured some arms and horses. Being joined at Blooinfield by Major Wilson, with a battalion of the Third Cavalry Missouri State Militia, and a squadron of the Sixth Cavalry Missouri Volun- teers, we moved on different roads, in a southwesterly direction; crossed the Saint Francis River just below Chalk Bluff, and arrived at Scatter- ville, Ark., on the evening of the 28th. There we routed a rebel recruit- ing party, under Colonel Clark, and had a skirmish with Bolins guer- rillas. We killed 1 rebel lieutenant, took Captain Lineback prisoner, captured some arms and horses, and burned the houses, under cover of which the guerrillas had fired on my command. No casualties on our side, except the wounding of E. T. Jenkins, chief scout. On the 29th we moved to ~ Ferry. On the 30th m rched south through Clarkson and Kennett. On the 31st passed through Hornersville. On the 1st of August we marched through the swamps and along Big Lake, in a southerly direction. During the day we surprised a party of bushwhackers and thieves; captured some arms; recaptured some negroes and horses previously stolen by these marauders, and burne Page 80 80 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. five of their houses. Ou the 2d we marched through an almost contin- nous swamp for about twenty miles; struck the settlement near Osce- ola, Ark., late in the afternoon; soon after came upon a rebel picket, who, after firing, retreated. My advance, under command of Captain Preuitt, pursued, the whole command following up closely until we came upon a main rebel force of that vicinity, under Captains Bowen and McYeigh, when a general charge was made. The rebels fled. A running fight ensued, which was kept up for several miles until the enemys forces were scattered in every direction. We killed 7, includ- ing a lieutenant, and took 25 prisoners, including Captain Bowen. We also captured a considerable number of arms and horses. No cas- ualty on our side. August 3, marched north to the Chicasawba Set- tlement, crossed Pemiscot Bayou, and encamped in Cowskin Settlement. During the afternoon a scouting party, under Captain Edwards, sur- prised a party of the enemy and killed 2 of them, capturing their arms and horses. The same evening a foraging party killed 1 of Conyers bushwhackers. August 4, marched at daylight. Soon caine upon a rebel picket commanded by Lieutenant Hedges. The rebels fled, and were pursued by Lieutenant Huller, commanding my advance guard, and Sergeant Wrights party of scouts. After a chase of two miles, Hedges was overtaken and killed. His men escaped. We pursued the enemy six miles across Dogskin Swamp, when we found him in line of battle in a dense forest, two miles south of Elk Chute, iii Pemiscot County, Mo. I immediately formed my battalions in line and attacked him. Our first volley partially broke the rebel line, when I ordered a charge, which was made with spirit. The whole rebel force fell back in confusion. A running fight was kept up for two miles, through the swamp, among the trees, and over logs. The enemy several times suc- ceeded in partially reforming their lines, but each time only to be driven back in greater confusion. The last effort of Colonel Erwimi, the rebel commander, to rally his forces was within about 200 yards of the Chute; but the impetuosity of the charge of my battalions on their lines, the deadly fire poured into their ranks, and the exultant shouts of my pursuing forces were more than they could stand. They again fled precipitately, many of them rushing, panic-stricken, into the stream, some attempting to swim their horses across, others abandoning their horses and everything else, amid seeking to save themselves by swim- ming, while the rebel colonel, with a portion of his terrified followers, suddenly turned to the right, and, seattering, soon hid themselves in the dense forest and almost impenetrable swamps of that regiomi. Our only loss in this engagement was Captain Francis, of the Third Cavalry Missouri State Militia, mortally wounded, and 2 enlisted men slightly wounded. The rebel loss was 30 killed, 6 mortally wounded who fell into our hands, about 40 less severely wounded; wh~ escaped, and 28 prisoners. Amomig the killed was a captain, and with the prisoners a lieutenant. On the morning of the 5th 1 had scout- ing parties out in every direction. They killed 2 guerrillas and took 2 of Erwins men prisoners. On the same day marched to Gayoso, and on the 6th reached New Madrid without anything further of interest occurring. We killed in all 47, including 1 captain and 3 lieutenants, mortally wounded 6, not mortally about 40, and took prisoners 57, in- cluding 2 captains and 1 lieutenant. We captured upward of 200 stand of arms, including shotguns and common rifles, most of which, however, we were compelled to destroy for want of transportation. We captured, brought in, and tnrned over to the quartermaster 230 horses and mules. We also emancipated and brought with us near 20 colore Page 81 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION TO PJNAL MOUNTAINS, ARIZ. TER. 81 persons who were being held as slaves by rebel masters in Arkansas. Having started out without transportation of any kind, and almost without subsistelice, both men and animals subsisted off~ the enemy. We have, I think, pretty eff~ctually cleared out the guerrillas and pun- ished their accomplices in the Second Sub-District, and seriously checked the operations of the raiders and recruiting parties from Shelbys command in Southeast Missouri and the adjoining counties of Arkansas. It affords me pleasure to report~ in conclusion, that the officers au(l enlisted men of my command, with scarcely an cxception, behaved them- selves throughout in the most gallant and soldierly manner. And in this connection justice compels me to mention especially Sergt. John ZR. Wright, Company G, First Cavalry Missouri Volunteers, whom I earnestly recommend to the proper authorities for l)romotion. I remain, general, with great respect, your obedient servant, JOHN T. BILRRIS, Lient. Col. Teuth Kansas Vols., Commanding Expedition. Brig. Gen. THOMAs EWINO~ Jr., Commanding Saint Louis District, Saint Louis, Mo. JULY 18AUGUST 7, 1864.ikpedition to the Pinal Mountains, Ariz. Ter. Report of ]ifaj. Thomas J. Blakeney, First Cabfornia Carairy. FORT Goonwix, Amzz. TER., August 8, 18Gi. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the followiiig report of the operations of my command, consisting of Company E, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, Captain Harrover; Company I, First Intiintry New Mexico Volunteers, Captain Simpson, and detachment of Coin- pany E, First Cavalry California Volunteers, wider Captain Wellmnan, since leaving this post, pursuant to Special Orders, No. 106, headquar- ters Apache Expeditiomi, at 4 p. m. on the 18th of July: First day, July 18.The direction of march was west of north (the various camps, directions of march, courses of rivers, promninent peaks and mountains are indicated on the accomnpanying map,* which is re- spectfully submitted as a part of this report) to the Gila River, which was reached an honr before sunset; distance, three miles; road for the first mile sandy and heavy. At this point we halted until sundown, when we marched nine miles and made camp at muidnight. Road fair; direction a little north of west. Grass, wood, amid water convenient and plenty. Second day, July 19.Broke camp at sumiset. Marched ten miles. Direction slightly north of west. Road rough and heavy. Compelled to haul the wagons across several arroyos by hand. Made camp at midnight 500 yards from the river-bank. Wood plenty. Grass of superior quality, enough for one day. Third day, July 20.Broke camp at sunset. Marched two miles and a half; direction northwest; the night being very dark, halted until daybreak. Fourth day, July 21.I moved to a more sheltered camp one nile below. Broke camp again at sunset. Marched three miles in a north- westerly direction to a well-covered canip. Grass, wood, and water abundant. Not foniul ~is g inelosure. 6 R HVOL XLI, PT Page 82 82 LOUISIANA ANI) THE TRANS-MLSSISSJPPI. [CHAP. LIII. Fifth day, July 22.Captain Thayer encamped his command half a mile below me to-day. Sent out scouts to the north, west, and south to examine the country for Indian signs and prospect for a road across to the Sau Carlos. At 5 p. in. took up the line of march, the troops hav- ing three days rations in their haversacks, across the peninsula formed by tbe great bend to the southward of the Rio Gila, a few miles east of where the Rio San Carlos empties into that stream, leaving Lieutenamit Stockwell with guide and thirty men in charge of train, with imlstrnc- tions to bring it through to the point indicated in orders as the site for the depot by the most direct practicable route and with as little delay as possible. ~irth day, July 23.Reached Camp Rigg, on the San Carlos, at 2 a. in., having marched & ght miles in a direction north of west until we reached that stream, then eight miles in a northerly direction. Immne- (liately after makino- camp sent scouts up the valley to the corn-fields to ascertain whether or miot Indians were about. These scouts returned, reporting finding no indications of Indians having visited the valley since the destruction of their crops by Captain Thayer. & renth day, July 24.At 1 a. m. started out with detachment of fifteen men of Company E, First Cavalry California Yolunteers, under Captain Wellman, and eleven men of Company E, Fifth Infantry Cali- fornia Volunteers, under Captain ilarrover, all supplied with three days cooked rations in haversacks, to surprise and attack a camp of Indians said to be at a spring ten miles west of the depot. Reached the spot an hour before daylight, but the Indians had been gone at least two weeks. Returned to camp by noon to await the arrival of the train with supplies with which to make scout to Pinal Creek. Sent express back to meet the train and ascertain the cause of its delay. Express returned at 10 p. m. and reported the train in camp on the San Carlos eight miles below Camp Rigg. Eighth day, July 25.Train arrived at 10 a. in. Sent five non- commissioned officers and twenty-five privates to the corn-fields to gather and bundle up the corn fodder preparatory to hauling it into camp for the animals when corraled at night; also sent five cavalrymen to scout down the stream for corn-fields. This party reported one field of corn about one acre in extent. It also had been visited and cut by Cap- tain Thayers command. Ordered rations for a sixteen days scout put np, three days of which to be cooked and carried by the men in their hav- ersacks, the remainder to be packed on mules. Built corral for the safety of the herd. Had a load of corn fodder hauled into camp. Ninth day, July 26.Detachmemmts from each of the companies were detailed to remain at Camp Rigg under command of Captain Wellmnan, who being sick was ordered to remain behind. Captain Simpson hay- ing applied for permission to accomnpany the scout was allowed to do so. At 4 p. ni. left camp and marched to Jaycoxs Spring, direction west; distance, eight miles. Made camp here at 9 p. mu. Gave orders that no fires should be made nntil after we had reached the rancheria, 011 Pinal Creek, which I expected to accomplish before daylight on the 28th. Tenth day, July 27.Remained in camp at Jaycoxs Spring, which is nothing but a tamik of rain water, supply very limited, until 5 p. in., when we took up the line of march for Pinal Creek, expecting to reach that stream in eight hours mnarch, so as to muake our dispositions to attack the rancheria at daybreak. Before leaving Jaycoxs Spring I placed Lieutenant Mann, with a detachment, in charge of the pack traimi, with orders to take the train by another trail, not so direct, bu Page 83 CHAP. LIII.) EXPEDITION TO PINAL MOUNTAINS, ARIZ. TER. 83 where he could find water in about twelve or fifteen miles. and come on into Pinal Creek with it the next day. The night was very dark and the trail difficult to follow. The guide, Mr. Jaycox having lost it several times, determined to take the direction and follow it without reference to the trail. At about 12 p. in., it being so dark we could scarcely see one another, we came upon a temporary camp of Indians situated in a deep ravine in the dividing ridge between the waters of Pinal and Mineral Creeks. They at once commenced making signals of danger; as the sequel shows, started an express immediately to their people on Final Creek. After having been discovered by this party, I determined that nothing would do but to go straight through to the settlement with the hope of getting there before the Indian mes- sengers would, so as to inform them of our coming. We marched all iiight, and daybreak the next morning found us coming down into the Eastern Fork of Pinal Creek. At about sunrise we found water in tanks, which served much to refresh our men and animals, who were much worn by a heavy Inarch over a rough and rocky country in the darkness of night and without a trail to follow. After having found this water I should have made camp and deferred my attack until the next day, were it not that our suspicions as to an Indian messenger having preceded us to the Campoodie to inform them of our approach, were confirmed by the discovery of the fresh tracks of two Apaches who were ahead of us not more than half an hour, and the assurance of the guide that the rancheria was only about three miles distance. Marched until 8.30 a. m. eleventh day, July 28, when, the men being literally worn out with fatigue, we halted for two hours, when we again proceeded down the creek and struck the upper spring at 12 m. No sooner had we reached this point than the Indians discovered and began yelling at us from the very tops of the high, rocky ridges bordering the creek. I ordered the cavalry, under Lieutenant Stock- well, to charge upon a little group of wickey-ups for the purpose of ascertaining if the Indians had been apprised of our coming in time to remove all their effii~cts. Lieuteiiant Stockwell reported every- thing removed from these shanties. I then continued my march without paying any apparent attention to the Indians, who were entirely out of my reach, until I arrived at the old camping-ground of Colonel Woolseys party, distance from Jaycoxs Spring thirty miles. Here I halted and sent the infantry forward, under com- mand of Captain Harrover, to the lower rancheria, with instruc- tions to take possession of any property he might find there. Upon Captain ilarrovers reaching the vicinity of this rancheria a white flag was hoisted by the Indians, and also one by Captain Harrover. The Indians at this point were also on the very tops of the rocky cliffs which overhang the valley. Very soon three Indians came down with a flag and expressed a desire to have a talk. One of them, a squaw, was brought to my quarters. I told her that I could not talk with every Indian individually. I wanted to talk to the whole tribe together with their chief. She went away pleased, and said she would bring the chief into nmy camp, and he would have all the tribe come in and they would give themselves up, as they did not want to fight with the whites. Six Indians were in camp, one or two at a time, during the day. They all expressed a desire to surrender, and said that they were aware that campaigns were being made against them from all sides. Twelfth day, July 29.Lieutenant Mann arrived with pack train. Nine Indians altogether in camp to-day. Two or three the most that were in at any one time. Captain Harrov r reported to me that Lieu Page 84 84 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPJ. [CHAP. LIII. tenant Mann had shown symptoms of insanity; imagined that he was followed by an Indian throngh camp, and that Mr. Parker, the guide, wanted to kill him. A young Indian came into camp this p. m. and said he wanted to live with us; said he wanted to be a white man, to have a hat, and boots, and clothes; said he had neither father nor mother and that he wanted to go with us. He was about fourteen years of age and had a smart, intelligent look for an Indian. I allowed him to remain in camp and gave him all he wanted to eat. He seemed much pleased, but was not satisfied until I assured him that he should go with us when we left and stay with us while we remained there. To-night Lieutenant Mann was wandering through camp perfectly wild, and I was compelled to put him under guard for fear he might do some injury either to himself or some one else. Thirteenth day, July 30.Altogether about twenty Indians in camp to-day, six at one time. Had an interview with me. I think one of the number was the Chief Crooked Foot. He said he had just come from the east; that soldiers were hunting the Indians there; that they were being hunted from all sides; that they would be compelled to submit sooner or later, and that he was going to advise all to come in at once and give themselves up while they could save something. He said, as an evidence that the Indians living on Pinal Creek were not thieves, they had neither cattle nor mules; that they never had stolen stock. He said the fact of there being no bones scattered about their homes was evidence. He said he would bring all in with their families the next day to give themselves up. They all expressed their satisfaction at the assurances which I gave them that they would not be harmed, but provided for if they gave themselves up. Fourteenth day, July 31.The Indians continue to come into camp in about the same numbers as on the preceding days. This a. m. an old squaw came into camp and said the boy who was staying with me was her boy, and she wanted him to go with her. I asked the lad if he wanted to go and he answered no. The squaw then wanted a present for him. I asked the boy if I should give her a present for him. He said that she was nothing to him; that he did not wish me to give her anything on his account. I then told the squaw that the boy was with me of his own choice. If he wanted to leave he could do so; that I did not propose muaking a slave of him, but expected to take good care of him and give him clothes and everything necessary for his comfort. I told her, farthermore, that when the Imidians all came in and gave themselves up she should have a present similar to that given the remainder of the tribe. She left me dissatisfied. About mmoou or a little after the boy went down to the corn-field for the pur- pose of bringing up some corn, and three Indians who were there kidnapped him and carried him off. As soon as I ascertained this I seized on six Indians who were in camp at the time, telling them that I should hold them as hostages for the safe return of the boy. At the same time I sent one Indian out to look him up and bring him into camp. This Indian returned in about an hour with a blanket which the boy had with him, but said he could not find the boy. I sent him out again, giving him to understand that the boy, not the blanket, was what 1 wanted. I at the same time assured himu that when the boy was brought in, if he did not desire to stay he should have the liberty of leaving. This was the last Indian that caine into my camp. My hostages were as follows: Two bucks, two boys, and two squaws. At about dark I had given directions that the hostages should be tied, and when they were about to tie them one of the squaws attemupted to run off, and was shot and killed by the guard, One of the boys, abou Page 85 CHAP. LIJI.J EXPEDITION TO PINAL MOUNTAINS, ARIZ. TEE. 85 fifteen years of age, also started to run. About twenty shots were fired at him and he must have been killed, as the Indians were hunting the brush for him all of that night and the night after. The brush was so thick that it was useless for us to make search for his body. Fifteenth day, August 1.Sent Captain Harrover with Company E, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, with instructions to skirmish over the mountain west of Pinal Creek and north of the cajion, kill all buck Indians big enough to bear arms and capture all squaws and children he might come upon; also to examine carefully for caches of wheat. Captaiu Simpson was sent over the mountains south of the cafion. Lieutenant Stockwell was directed to scour the valley for In- dians; all with similar instructions. I started myself with Sergeant Fergusson, of Company E, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, and twenty-five men to skirmish the mountains east of Pinal Creek, which I did from Salt River on the north to a point one mile and a half sonth of the camp over a strip three or four miles in width. I succeeded in killing 1 Indian, which afterward proved to be a squaw, and capturing 1 squaw. Captains ilarrover and Simnpsojii reported meeting no In- dians. Captain ilarrover reported finding several caches which had been raised apparently two weeks. Lieutenant Stockwell reported meeting no Indians. On starting up th~ mountains on my skirmish I met Colonel Woolsey, Arizona miners, who reported the arrival of his command. This evening at the solicitation of Colonel Woolsey, who thought by doing so he might get the chief into camp, I set at liberty the squaw held as hostage for the returmi of the boy. She promised to return in two days with the chief. I told her that unless the boy was returned 1 should kill the hostages. Sixteenth day, August 2.Sent Lieutenant Stockwell with fifteen men of Company B, First Cavalry California Volunteers, to Camp Rigg for rations. Ordered the whole command on half rations to enable me to make a scoat to Big Rump Valley. Had details out cutting and drying corn for mens rations. Seventeenth day, August 3.Lieutenant Qualey arrived with detach. ment, bringing express and Special Orders, No. 126, headquarters Apache Expedition. Hung the two buck Indian hostages at sundown. Eighteenth day, August 4.Sent Captain ilarrover with thirty-five men of Company E, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, up Pinal Creek to the Pinal Mountains at its head. Ordered Captain Simpson, with forty men of his company, to the same destination by way of Big Horse Canon, and was preparing to start myself with a small detach- ment by the eastern route when express arrived from Camp Rigg order- ing in all the troops. Sent dispatch immediately to Captain Harrover with orders to return to camp, and countermanded Captain Simpsons orders. Nineteenth day, August 5.Sent detachments to the various corn- fields with orders to cut down and destroy all corn and crops which remained. Broke camp at 2 p. in. and started on my march back to Camp Rigg in compliance with orders from Major Smith, commanding. Left Sergeant Fergusson in charge of twelve men of Company B, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers; twelve men of Company I, First In. fantry New Mexico Volunteers, and three volunteers from Colonel Woolseys command, secreted about camp, with instructions to kill any Indians coming into camp after the command moved out. Sergeant Fergnsson was ordered to remain hidden until evening unless the Indians should discover him at an earlier hour, in which case he would join the command at once. Marched nine miles up the Eastern Fork of Pinal Creek and halted for the night in the midst of a terrific storm Page 86 86 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. LOHAP. LIII. The creek, which was ierfectly dry before, run a depth of twenty feet of water within the short space of thirty minntes. Several men and animals were cut off from the main command and were unable to join it until the next morning. Twentieth day, August 6.Sergeant Fergusson reached camp with his detachment at daybreak and reported that in about three hours after the command left camp fifteen Indians approached. His men fired upon and killed five of the number. For particulars I respect- fully refer you to Sergeant Fergussons report, which is herewith trans- mitted. Broke camp at 8 a. m. Marched to Camp liigg, where we arrived at 8 p. m. Here the troops were turned over as a part of the garrison of that camp in command of Captain Frink, Fifth Infamitry California Volunteers. At 1 p. m. August 7 I started, in company with Colonel Woolsey, Doctor Allcott, and the guides, Jaycox and Parker, for this post, where I arrived at 11.30 p. m. In conclusion, I would respectfully say that the cause of failure to surprise the camp of Indians on Pinal Creek was, the distance being greater than we had been informed, we were unable to make the march in the time allowed. Another unfortunate circumstance was meeting the party of Indians at midnight while on our march to make the attack. Had this accident not occurred we might have made camp and deferred our attack another day. At the time I received my orders to come in with my command I was fitting out an expedition to Big Rump Mountain, distant from the camp on Pinal Creek in a direct line about twenty miles, where a large number of Indians have concentrated to resist the whites. I believe I should have had a fight here had I not been ordered in. The results of the scout may be briefly summed up as follows: Number of Indians killed, 10; number of Indians captured, 2; amount of corn destroyed, 20 acres, besides a considerable amount of beans, pumpkins, & c. The two captured Indians, one of them, however, the boy, was one of the hostages, were sent into Camp Rigg in charge of Lieutenant Stockwell, to be tnrned over to the officer in command at that camp. All of which is respectfully submitted. THOS. J. BLAKENEY, Major First Cavalry California Vols., Comdg. Detachment. Lient. JOHN LAMBERT, Fift1~ lufty. Cal. T~6ls., and Adjutant Apache Expedition. [Inclosure.] CAMP RIGG, Rio ~an Carlos, August 7, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that agreeable to orders I re- mained in camp three hours, when fifteen Apaches were seen approach- ing the camp. When they were within thirty yards of us we fired upon them. They were thrown into confusion and fled in every direction, throwing down their arms and everything that could retard their flight. We immediately started in pursuit, but the close proximity of dense brush prevented our finding but one. We trailed four others into the brush by their blood. I am satisfied that 5 were killed or mortally wounded. We also took 2 blankets, 1 lance, 1 bow and several arrows~ and 2 pairs of moccasins. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. FERGUSSON, Sergeant of Company F, Fifth Infantry California Vols. Maj. T. J. BLAKENEY Page 87 CHAP. LIII.] OPERATIONS ON WHITE RIVER, ARK. $7 JULY 19, 1864.Skirmish on the Benton Road, near Little Rock, Ark. Report of Lieut. Col. Thoma8 6~. Black, Third Missouri Cavalry. IIDQRS. THIRD REOJ1~1ENT CAVALRY MISSOURI VOLS., Camp near Little Rock, Ark., July 19, 1864. LIEUTENANT: Early this morning the patrols on the Benton road, some four Iniles from my camp, were fired upon by rebels from an am- bush, killing ii and wounding 2. I sent oilt a reconnoitering party, but they failed in discovering the enemy. I suppose it to be the same parties who have been between here and the Saline River for some time past. Very respectfully, & c., T. G. BLACK, Lieut. Col., Comdg. Third Regt. Cavalry Missouri ITols. Lient. C. II. FROST, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Brigade. JULY 19, 1864.Attack on Webster, Washington County, Mo. Report of Capt. F. Keliermaun. PoTosI, July 20, 1864. GENERAL: Last night twenty-five bushwhackers robbed the town of Webster, fifteen miles southwest of Potosi; took $1,500 worth of goods; killed 1 man, 6 horses, and took 2 men off with them. They traveled from there in a western direction and passed about three miles west of Potosi on their route. They are going toward Jefferson County. I telegraphed to Captain Montgomery. We have five soldiers here, and the citizens no arms. Cant you send us by morning train some am- munition and guns 6? We will organize our company to-night, and to- morrow I will send the rolls by mail or bring them in myself. Firing was heard during the night northeast of Cadet. Yours, very respectfully, F. KELLEIRMANK. Brigadier-General EwING, Saint Louis. JULY 1925, 1864.Operations on the White River, Ark., and attack (24th) on the Steamer Clara Bell. Itinerary of the U. S. Forces, White River, Ark., commanded by Brig. Gen. George H. Gordon, U. S. A rmy.* General Steeles line of communication via the White River being threatened, Major-General Canby on the 11th instant directed Briga- dier-General Gordon, then at Memphis, to proceed to the mouth of White River, assume command of troops which had been sent there, and use them as circumstances might require. These troops consisted of the First Brigade, Third Division, Nineteenth Corps, with a battery, From monthly return Page 88 88 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MJSSIS8IPPJ. [CHAP. LIII. and the brigade of Brevet Brigadier-General Bailey, at Yicksburg, was also placed at his disposal. This order was received July 18, and on the same day General Gordon started for White River. July 19,,He assumed command of the troops at the mouth of the river. July 20.Ordered up General Bailey from Yicksburg. July 21.Proceeded to Saint Charles Bluff on the White River. Arrived there on the 23d instant. Occupied and strengthened the works. July 25.Brevet Brigadier-General Bailey reported with his brigade of two regiments. Four companies of the Sixth Michigan Heavy Ar- tillery, of this brigade, on the Clara Bell, having lagged behind, owing to the disobedieuce of orders of the lieutenant-colonel commanding, were fired upon [July 241 by a rebel battery and the boat destroyed. JULY 2031, 1864.Operations in La Fayette and Johnson Counties, Mo., with skirmishes. Report of Lieut. Prank Barkley, First Cavalry Missouri State Militia. Supplementary report of Company E, First Cavalry Missouri State Militia, for ten days, ending July 31, 1864: July 20, Lieut. Frank Barkley and twenty-five men sent on scout; pursued Todd and band to Arrow Rock and back to Mound Prairie; returned to camp July 22; distance traveled, 150 miles. July 21, Will- iam H. Stephens and ten men sent to Warrensburg for rations; returned to camp July 22; distance traveled, forty-four miles. July 23, Sergt. J. C. Brain and ten men sent on scout with Major Neill; had severe skirmishes with guerrillas; wounded one of them; returned to camp July 25; distance traveled, 100 miles. July 25, Lieut. Frank BarkJey and fifteen men sent to Lexington as escort for Major Neill; returned to camp July 26; distance traveled, thirty miles. July 28, Sergeant Brain and fifteen men sent to Lexington as escort for stmpply train; returned to camp July 29; distance traveled, thirty miles. July 30, Lient. Frank Barkley and thirty.five men sent on scout to Honey Fork of Blackwater; returned July 31; distance traveled, fifty miles. Total distance traveled, 800 miles. Average distance to each man present for duty, 120 miles. Average distance per man for the whole company, 106~ miles. There have been from six to ten men out after forage every day. They have to go from six to eight niiles for it. Respectfully submitted. FRANK BARKLEY, Second Lieutenant, Commanding Company. JULY ~2AUGUSI~ 22, 1864.Attempt to transfer Confederate troops to the east bank of the Mississippi River. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., August 28, 1864. General S. COOPER Adjutant and ~1inspeetor General, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: I i~ave the honor to transmit the inclosed correspondence between Lieutenant-General Taylor and myself with reference to th Page 89 CHAP. LIII.] TRANSFER OF CONFEDERATE TROOPS. 89 crossing of troops to the east side of the Mississippi River, and request that they may be brought to the notice of the President.* Convinced myself of its impracticability, I still spared no efforts iii accomplishing the successful transfer of the troops from the department. Lieutenant- General Taylor having reported its impracticability, I have suspended the movement and ordered the transfer of the troops to the District of Arkansas for operations against Steele and in support of Major-General Prices expedition to Missouri. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, General, Commanding. TUPELO, July 9, 1864. General B. KIRBY SMITH, Tran8-Mi8sis8ippi Department: There is but little doubt that Canby is now moving on Mobile with 20,000 troops. It is of vital importance that a part of your troops are crossed over the Mississippi, or you co-operate in such a nianner as to divert their troops. General Bragg directed me to confer with you as to crossing troops. S. D. LEE, - Lieutenant- General, Commanding. TUPELO, July 16, 1864. General E. KIRBY SMITH, or Major-General WALKER, Trans-7Ifis~issippi Department: (Care commandiiig officer, Clint on, La.) The President instructs me to say the enemy is reported to have withdrawn his main force from Louisiana to attack Mobile and operate east of Mississippi River. That under such circumstances it was ex- pected of you that you would promptly aid by sending troops to defeat the plans of the enemy as soon as discovered. There is n& doubt the enemy are moving against Mobile or some point east of the Mississippi. S. D. LEE, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. MERIDIAN, July 19, 1864. Col. J. S. SCOTT, or Col. D. GOnER, Clinton, La.: General Lee directs that you send to General Kirby Smith, by special courier, the following dispatch: BOLIvAR COUNTY, Miss., July 12, 1864. Large fleet of transports, convoyed by eight gun-boats, are coming down White and Arkansas Rivers. This is supposed to b3 General Steeles entire force. Six boats lay at the mouth of White River yesterday. Of their movements, iu whatever direction, you will be promptly informed. J. C. S. BLACKBURN, Captain Cavalry Company. P. ELLIS, JR., As8istant Adjutant- General. * To complete the record of this subject other documents have been inserted in chronological order among those transmitted by General Smith. The latter are marked as inclosures, Nos. 1 to 24. These additions cover the correspondence, & c.., from July 9, 1864, to January 31, 1865 Page 90 90 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. ~CHAP. LIft. MONTGOMERY, July 23, 1864. Brigadier-Geneiai LIDDELL: Send this dispatch also: Generals SMITH, TAYLOR, WALKER, or PoLIGNAc: The movement of troops ordered by the President should be executed with the least possible delay. If the trains for the troops cannot be brought over, the horses, mules, and harness should be brought at all events. I will have supplies collected for yolir troops ou this side of the Mississippi, but you had better send commissaries ahead. S. D. LEE, Lieutenant- General. [inclosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, July 28, 1864. Lient. Gen. R. TAYLOR, Natehitoehe8, La.: GENERAL: In pursuance of the following dispatch just received MONTGOMERY, July 22, 1864. Brigadier-General LIDDELL: Send following dispatch across the Mississippi by a reliable officer, with instruc- tions to deliver it either to Generals Smith, Taylor, Walker, or Polignac: CoLuMnus, GA., July 22, 1864. Lient. Gen. S. D. LEE: Inform General E. K. Smith that the President orders a prompt movement of Lieutenant-General Taylor and the infantry of his corps to cross the Mississippi. Snch other infantry as can be spared by General Smith will follow as soon as pos- sible. General Taylor on reaching this side of the Mississippi will assume command of the department. BRAXTON BRAGG. S. D. LEE, Lieutenant- General. you will proceed to Alexandria forthwith and take command of the two infantry divisions in the District of West Louisiana. With these divisions von will cross the Mississippi River with as little delay as possible. Upon reaching the nearest telegraph station you will report ~to Richmond for further instructions. The inclosed copies of dis- patches will govern your movements. By command of General E. Kirby Smith: W. H. BOGGS, Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, July 28, 1864. Lient. Gen. R. TAYLOR, Natchitoehes: GENERAL: I am directed by the general commanding to inquire what members, if any, of your former staff you desire to accompany you. 1 am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. R. BOGGS, Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff Page 91 CHAP. LIII.] TRANSFER OF CONFEDERATE TROOPS. 91 [Thclosure No. 3.] hEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, July 28, 1864. Maj. Gem J. G. WALKER Commanding District of West Louisiana: GENERAL: I am directed by the general commanding to inclose here- with copy of instructions to Lieutenant-General Taylor,* and to say that he leaves it optional with you to be reassigned to your former division and accompany it, or to remain on duty in this department. The success of the movement will depend upon its secrecy and dispatch. He desires, therefore, that you will render every facility to General Taylor, and aid him to the full extent of your power. The general commandimi g also desires to know if General Wharton has returned. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. IL BOGGS, Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. MERIDIAN, Miss., July 28, 1864. (Via Clinton, La.) General E. KIRBY SMITH, or ANY GENtRAL OFFICER CoMDG. C. S. FORCES WEST MISS. RIVER: The enemy have concentrated a force at Vicksburg from above and below, also at Memphis, for movements in this department. By direc- tion of General Bragg I ask your co-operation without delay in any available way, or on any point practicable, to divert their force and compel its return. Not knowing your locality can make no sugges- tions as to plans. S. D. LEE, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. [Inclosuro No. 4.] HEADQITARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, July 29, 1864. Col. H. T. DOUGLAS, Chief Engineer, Trans-Mississippi Department: COLONEL: You will proceed to the headquarters District of West Louisiana and report to Maj. Gen. J. G. Walker, commanding, & c., for the purpose of advising with him as to the means of crossing troops to the east bank of the Mississippi River, and giving such assistamice in making the necessary preparations and superintending the crossing as may be in your power. Having completed your Work you will return and report in person at these headquarters. By command of General B. Kirby Smith: W. H. BOGGS, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. - [Inclosure No. 5.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., July 29,1864. Major-General WALKER, Commanding, & e.: GENERAL: The general commanding directs me to say that the company of pontoniers at this place with their boats (twenty-four in See p. 90 Page 92 92 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. number) will leave to-morrow for Alexandria., under instructions to report to you. These boats are provided with oars and oar-locks. The boats at Alexandria (eighteen in number) should be provided forthwith with oars aud oar-locks, and also the uecessary transportation to take them to the river. By this means you will have forty-two boats at your disposal. After the undertaking is accomplished the company of poutoniers, with their train from this place, will be sent back, an escort from the river being furnished them from the cavalry. Colonel Doug- las, chief engineer, has been directed to proceed to Alexandria for the purpose of giving his personal supervision to the service of the pon- toons. So soon as these duties are completed he will return to this place. The river is so low that the train will be sent from here by land. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. R. BOGGS, Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. [Inclosure No. 6.] NATCHITOCHES, July 29, 1864. Brigadier-General BocfGs, Chief of Staff: GENERAL I have the honor toacknowledge dispatches Kos. 3506 and 3507~* just received. If troops can be crossed at all it can only be effected by a diversion in the direction of New Orleans from this side. Much preparation iu the collection, and perhaps also the building, of boats will be required. Can I expect assistance in these particulars ~ Secrecy will also be an important element in success, and I suggest, therefore, that I do not assume command of the infantry division until all preparations are complete. Pending the completion of arrange- ments I shall precede the troops to the other side to hasten any assist- ance possible there, and communicate with Richmond. I respectfully request that Col. J. L. Brent, Maj. E. Surget, William M. Levy, and A. H. Mason; Capts. C. Eel). Elgee, Andrew J. Watt, James MeCloskey, and A. H. May, and Surg. P. B. MeKelvey be ordered to accompany me. I leave at once for Alexandria, where I shall await an answer to this communication. Your obedient servant, li. TAYLOR, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., July 30, 1864. (Via Meridian August 8.) His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, Richmond, Va.: SIR: I request the promotion of Major-General Buckner to the rank of lieutenant-general, as it will relieve me from embarrassment in assign- ing him to duty. The telegram ordering General Taylor and infantry from this department across the Mississippi River was received July 28. Every means at my disposal will be used to secure the success of this movement. Arrangements were perfected for offensive operations in Arkansas and Missouri. The withdrawal of this force deprives the Inclosures 1 and 2, p. 90 Page 93 CHAP. LIII.] TRANSFER OF CONFEDERATE TR~3OPS. 93 Trans-Mississippi Department of that portion of the troops upon which my dependence is placed for either offensive or defensive operations. Should the enemy in force renew the campaign west of the Mississippi ~iver,in the reduced condition of my command, I will be powerless t~ oppose his advance. I shall push a cavalry force into Missouri; but since the withdrawal of Lieutenant-General Taylor and the infantry of his command, I will be too weak for prosecuting a campaign in the Arkansas Valley. Major-Generals Walkers and Polignacs divisions and Brigadier-General Thomas brigade (six brigades of infantry) cross the Mississippi iRiver under command of General Taylor. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, General. [Indorsenwnt.] AUGUST 8, 1864. Secretary of War for attention, particularly to the recommendation in regard to Major-General Buckner. J. DAVIS. [Inclosuro No. 7.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Lieutenant-General TAYLOR, shreveport, La., July 31, 18G4. Alexandria: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of the 29th instant. The order from Richmond directing the movement of an infantry column nuder your command to the east bank of the Mississippi was evidently made under a great pressure upon our armies in that department. I fear the practicability of the move- ment, yet n~ efforts must be spared in securing its execution. You must yourself in person superintend the arrangements and accompany the column. You can, for the purpose of communicating with Lieu- tenant-General Lee, in Department of Mississippi, and with the authori- ties in Richmond, send any members of your staff immediately across the Mississippi, but for the better execution of the movement should remain yourself with the troops. I have ordered a train of twenty-five l)ontoons to Alexandria. Each boat is prepared with oars and oar- locks and has a capacity for transporting twenty-five men. These, with the eighteen boats at Alexandria, which General Walker has been directed to prepare in the same way, will give you some forty-five boats and will admit the crossing of about 1,000 men at a trip. Other skiffs, barges, and boats may be prepared and collected by you without delaying the expedition. You will consult with General Walker, now commanding the District of Louisiana, who has been ordered to give you every assistance and facility at his command. He has suggested the point of crossing, but I will leave its final determination to your own The disposition of the cavalry under his command can be determined between you, so as to best secure the success of the crossing. I do not believe that the diversion proposed in the direction of New Orleans is judicious. It would throw a body of cavalry into a distant and sickly country when their services are needed for operations in Arkansas and Missouri. I would rather suggest the employment of that force, in connection with artillery, to hold positions on the river above and below the point selected for crossing. It will be impossib e to keep the movement secret, the dispatches have passed through so many different hands and officers. Your calculations must be base Page 94 94 LOUI$IANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. upon the knowledge of the movement coming sooner or later to our own people and troops. This may constitute one of the greatest difficulties to be encountered, as I fear that your command may prove refractory when they find that they are ordered across the Mississippi. An appeal to the patriotism of the men, representing the necessity which calls them to the assistance of their comrades in the Cis-Mississippi Depart- ment, may assure you that willingness on their part which is so neces- sary to the successful execution of this difficult movement. I inclose to you a copy of an order sent General Walker, which he will publish if you adopt my views in regard to the expediency of dealing openly and frankly with the troops. Should you determine otherwise, he can suppress the order, and the movement can be made with all the secrecy practicable. Let me urge npon you the necessity of expedition. No time should be lost in making the attempt to cross the river. General Walker commands the District of Louisiana. I have left it optional with h~im to resume the command of his division or to remain in the department. The love of his troops for him and his influence with them is well known to you. Even should he decide upon remaining in the District of Louisiana, it may be well for him to accompany the troops, temporarily commanding the division, until the crossing is secured. Should you desire it, I will instruct him accordingly. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, General. [Inclosuro No. 8.] ALEXANDRIA, July 31, 1864. Brigadier-General BoGGS, Chief of AS~taff: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I reached this point last night and have had an interview with General Walker on the subject of crossing troops over the Mississippi. General Walker coincides with me in opinion that the command of the troops should remain with him until everything is in readiness to attempt the passage. Much time will necessarily be required in making preparations, and even then success will depend on chance to a certain extent. General Walker has already commenced the work and will doubtless use every energy in pushing it forward. I send an officer to Woodville to ap- prise the Departmellt at iRichmond of the difficulties to be encountered in carrying out the orders. The division of General Polignac is very weak, one of its regiments being absent. I respectfully inquire if Gen- eral Thomas brigade will be included in the troops to cross. This command is without arms here, and I suppose can be armed readily east of the Mississippi River. I shall await additional instructions from your headquarters at this point. Your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR, Lieutenant- General. [Inclosure No. 9.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., August 1, 1864. Major-General WALKER, Commanding, & e.: GENERAL: I inclose you a copy of my reply to a communication from. Lieutenant-General Taylor of the 29th ultimo, also a copy of an order to be published in the event of your concurring with me as t Page 95 CHAP. LIII.] TRANSFER OF CONFEDERATE TROOPS. 95 the propriety of making the destination of the expedition known to the troops. Your influence with your old command is deservedly great and can be made a powerful auxiliary in securing its cheerful acquiescence in the movement. I believe that even though you finally remain in the district you should at least temporarily resume command of your old division and assist in putting it across the Mississippi. The larger part of your present command will necessarily be employed either directly or indirectly in forwarding the movement. It may be found impossible to cross the artillery and transportation. You should be prepared to secure its speedy removal beyond the reach of the enemy. You will perceive that in my letter to General Taylor I have (lirected him to take personal command of the expedition. The dis- patch from iRichinond directs this and he is responsible for its execu- tioii. You should give him every facility and assistance, and if neces- sary bring the strength of your whole district to bear upon the undertaking. You will observe that General Taylor asks for a num- ber of officers to accompany him. I doubt whether Major Mason can be spared. Are either of the officers applied for necessary for the administration of the affairs of the district ~ Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., August 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. WALKER, Gommanding, & e.: GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you send an officer across the Mississippi River with directions to proceed to the nearest telegraph station and place himself in communication with Major Price, ordnance officer at Selnia~ Ala., in charge of ordnance for the department. He will ascertain from Major Price the locality of the arms, and if it is practicable to push forward a sufficient number of arms for all the troops which are to cross the river. General Taylor and yourself are both aware of the difficulty of obtaining arms in this departiucut, and if it is possible to arm the command immediately on their crossing, the arms now in their possession should be left in this department. If it is not practicable to bring the arms in time for the troops they still might be brought in sufficient time to take advantage of this opportunity to cross them. I am, general~ very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. iR. BOGGS, Brigadier-General and Qhief of Staff. [Inclosuro No. iO.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., August 3, 1864. General BRAXTON BRAG-G, C. S. Army, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of the 23d [22d] ultimo from Columbus, Ga. I inclose you copies* of my letters to Lieutenant-General Taylor on this subject; also a copy* of a letter to Major-General Walker, commanding District of West Louisiana, of the 1st instant. I shall go to Alexandria and will *See pp. 90, 93, 94 Page 96 r iAP ti. 96 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPP~L spare no efforts to secure the snccesdkil ~rossLig of the troops. The force which accompanies General Taylor includes all the infantry in the District of West Louisiana, except one small regiment. It com- prises the divi& rnuts of Walker and Poliguac and the Louisiana brigade of Gener~ Aller. Thomas, a force of six brigades, numbering between 9 000 and 10 000 men. There remains in the District of Texas 2,880 iAfantry by the last report of June 30, and in the District of Arkan- sas 5,300 infantry. My information ft om Arkansas does not indicate the withdrawal of any portion of General Steeles force. The oper- ations of our cavalry have kept him constantly employed, and have rather strengthened than weakched him in his position. For the inter- ests of this department I regret the necessity which compels the removal of the infantry under General Taylor to the east bank of the Mississippi. It leaves me powerless to resist any movement of the enemy made in force. Very respeetfally, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 11.] SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, No. 193. Shreveport, La., August 3, 1864. * * * * * * * V. The following officers are directed to report to Lient. Gen. IR Taylor, Provisional Army, C. S., for duty, and accompany him east of the Mississippi River: Maj. E. Surget, assistant adjutant-general; Maj. XV. M. Levy, assistant adjutant-general; Capt. C. LeD. Elgee, - assistant adjutant-general; Capt. A. H. May, assistant adjutant-gen- eral; Capt. A. J. Watt, aide-dc-camp; Col. J. L. Brent, chief of ord- nance and artillery; Capt. J. MeCloskey, assistant quartermaster; Surg. P. B. MeKelvey, medical director. By command of General E. Kirby Smith: S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., August 3, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. WALKER, Commanding, & e.: GENERAL: I am directed by the general commanding to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 31st ultiino. He desires that if pos- sible General Allen Thomas brigade should cross the river, but if it is not possible it pill have to remain, and the regiment at this place sent down instead. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. BOGGS, Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. [Inclosure No. 12.] HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Alexandria, August 4, 1864. General E. KIRBY SMITH, Commanding Trans-Mississippi Department: GENERAL: I beg leave to submit for your consideration the follow- ing plan for crossing our troops to the east bank of the Mississipp Page 97 CHAP. LIII.] TRANSFER OF CONFEDERATE TROOPS. .97 River. I deem it proper to state that my proposition is made from an earnest desire to promote the iuterest of the service, aud with no desire to intrude my views upon you: First, the main object, to cross the troops en masse iu order that their organization may be retained and capable of entering at oiice upon an active field of usefuluess. To accomplish this it will be necessary to take with the troops subsist- ence, artillery, and trains. This can only be done by a pontoon bridge, which I propose to nse, as follows: To construct 100 additional pon- tooiis with chesses and balks. These to be taken by steamers or rowed to the nearest point which can be reached contiguous to the proposed poiiit for crossing the Mississippi River, thence by land to the point sclected. To cross one-half the boats with as many men as they will traim sport, to act as a guard and render such assistance as may be neces- sary, to the east bank of the river with their complement of balks and chesses, and to put the bridge timbers on the pontoons, comniencing on both sides at the same time that when completed they shall be swung in positi& n by row-boats attached (see sketch). That large boats, anchored 60 feet above the line of the bridge at intervals of 150 feet be l)Jepared, over which a hawser shall be passed and guy lines holding the bridge in position connected with the bridge. That all the siege ~nns that caii be collected be placed in a t~te-de-pont counnanding the bridge and at distances of half a mile above and below the bridge site. That in addition torpedoes should be placed across the river above and below the bridge as indicated by sketch. That men be placed on the anchor boats provided with water buckets and shoed poles to prevent lire-rafts from being floated against the bridge. By observing the utmost secrecy as to our intentions and promulgating the advance ot onr forces on Missouri or Lower Louisiana, our preparations could be made under cover of this mask, and I believe if we could not cross secretly we could force our passage. Should these views meet with your approval, I have the honor to respectfully recommend that Lieu- tenant Haney, with his company df engineer troops from Arkansas, and Lieut. N. H. Smith, with his company of engineer t;oops from Galves- ton, Tex., be~ ordered to report to me immediately at Shreveport to assist hi constructing the pontoons. In thirty days I can prepare everything which belongs to my branch of the service, amid confidently believe our efiorts will be crowned with success. Should my views prove correct, the important tarn of affairs which the troops would give, leuding their assistance to the army in Georgia, now pressed almost to the wall, would guarantee any sacrifice here, and no effort should be lost to the accomplishment of the great object in view. I have the honor to state my readiness to enter at once upon the duties which may be assigned nine in this important undertaking, feeling coimfident that we will suc- ceed, and knowing that our success is of such vital importance. I am, general, with great respect, your obedient servant, H. T. DOUGLAS, Lieutenant- Colonel and Chief Engineer. [Indorsernenti General E. KIRBY SMITH, Gommanding Trans-Mis8issippi Department: 0-ENERAL: I have the honor to state that I heartily approve of Col- onel Douglas plan, and believe it the only effectual mucans of throwing organized bodies of troops across the Mississippi. The delay is only 7 R RYOL XLI, PT Page 98 98 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LilT. apparent, for if troops arrive east of the river without the preparation, time will be required there to place them in the field. I trust the views of Colonel Douglas will meet your approval. Respectfully, your obedient servant, 11. TAYLOR, Lieutenant- general. [NOTE (YRIGINAL.]Plaul illclose(l it bein ON not , g too inconvenient to handle, & c. [Inelosure No. B.] HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Alexandria, August 4, 1864. Capt. J. G. MEEM, Jr., Aide-de- Camp: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to address you relative to torpedoes which I desire to use in connection with our movements on hand, and to request that you bring it to the notice of the commanding general, who can decide whether to use them. I wish 100 torpedoes of 50 pounds each, constructed on the plan of those previously construct~d at Shreveport, to place above and below the point at which we may propose to cross the river oii a checkered line across the stream. We have 20; 100 more will be sufficient. I would also recommend that the three heavy guns on the Missouri be shipped in fiat-boats, to be taken and placed in battery opposite the proposed point of crossing, and that eight siege guns on siege carriages be dispatched immediately from Texas, via Nibletts Bluff to this point to be used in a similar manner. The heavy guns can be placed in position during one night at the time that the crossing by means of row-boats is goimig on, and if they serve their purpose we can well afford to throw them in the Mississippi River. The torpedoes will be a valuable auxiliary, and we should spare no means to insure the succes~ of our undertakings. Powder should be gotten ready alsoblasting if possibleif not, eleven-inch gunpowder. I desire also to r~pectfully recommend that the four siege guns at Shreveport be immediately mounted and sent to such a point as may be selected. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. T. DOUGLAS, Lieutenant- Colonel and Chief iEngmneer. [Inclosure No. 14.] HEADQUARTERS ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Alexandria, August 4, 1864. General W. R. BoGGS, Chief of sS~taff: GENERAL: Should the views which I had the honor to submit for the commandiimg generai~s consideration in my communication of to-day meet with his approval, will you please to order the quartermaster at Houston to procure and ship by special train, moving rapidly to Alexandria via Burrs Ferry or Nibletts Bluff, ten coils of imich rope, fifteen coils of two- inch rope, twenty coils of three or three-and-a-half inch rope; also, 1,000 feet of anchor chain. All of these materials can be purchased in Hous- ton. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. T. DOUGLAS, Lieutenant- Colonel Page 99 CHAP. LIII.] TRANSFER OF CONFEDERATE TROOPS. 99 MOBILE, August 5, 1864. Brigadier-General LIPPELL, Clinton, La. Let General Dick Taylor and General Smith know that a large naval force and a large force under Canby, estnnate(i at 10,000, are attacking Mobile. I). H. MAUIRY, iVIc~jor- General, Commanding. CLINTON, August 5, 1864. Major HART, Trans-Mississippi Department: Department commander exceedingly anxious to know where General Taylor is. Where the troops are. Communicate in cipher. ST. JOHN R. LII)DELL. [Inclosuro No. 15.] hEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Alexandria, August 7, 1864. Licut. Gen. IL TAYLOR, - C~ommanding, & e.: GENERAL: The importance of expedition in crossing the infantry under your command to the east bank of the river must have impressed itself npon yon. Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas, chief engineer of the department, informs me that he has now forty-two pontoons ready for use, which can be transported to any point on the Mississippi River which may be selected for the crossing. In a few days he expects the arrival of twelve additional pontoons. These boats will cross twenty men each, exclusive of the oarsmen, and withont the additional boats expected you will be enabled to cross between 800 and 900 men at a single crossing. If any good is to result from the crossing of this force it rests in the speedy execution of the movement and in their rapid transportation to the scene of action. By crossing beef-cattle and carrying breadstuffs and salt in the haversacks of your men you can, though with some privation, traverse the country from the east bank of the Mississippi River to the country where supplies can be obtained. By taking the artillery to pieces and by swimming the horses you may be enabled to cross a sufficient amount of artillery for your column. General Walker is instructed to designate four batteries of light artil- lery to accompany your column. If no serious interruption is offered you may be enabled also to cross your trains with supplies, but first crossing your men and artillery. If the way should be closed you can push on with beef-cattle and salt. In the dispatches (copies of which were furnished you) General S. D. Lee promised to have supplies col- lected east of time Mississippi River for the use of your column. It was, moreover, snggested that you should send commissaries in advance across the river. You will therefore make your arrangements for the immediate crossing of the Mississippi with the force which is to operate under your counnand. You can consult with Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas, tile chief engineer of the department, in regard to the point and mode of crossiisg. He is directed to report, to you for that purpose, in the event you desire his services, as under tile instructions contained in the dispatches the troops are to cross under your orders. You will conduct the operation of crossing in person. Major-General Walker Page 100 100 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-~HSSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. commanding District of West Louisiana, has been directed to give you every assistance in his l)ower. You can therefore consult with him in carrying out your l~lans. The staff officers designated by yourself can all accompany you, except Colonel Brent amid Major Mason. Their services are too essentially necessary in the administration of the Dis- trict of West Louisiana to admit of their being dispensed with. Major- General Walker, commanding District of West Louisiana, and Briga- dier-General Thomas, conunanding the brigade of exchanged Vicksburg prisoners, report the condition of that brigade so reduced in numbers and so disorganized that it is not effective for service. To attempt its crossing would be a serious loss of men and be detrimental to the interests of the service. Many of the men have not been exchanged and are not in camp. It is bmmt a few days since notification was received of the exchange of any portiomi of tlme brigade. Ummder these circum- stances I shall retain the brigade in the departmnent, continue the col- lection and organization of the meim, and when effected (if the necessi- ties of our armuies there require it) will order itaciioss the river to your comniand. I have ordered the Crescent Regiment, stationed at Shrevc- port, immediately down, and believe it will join you before the crossing is effected. This regiment is large and will render you as much service as the disorganized command of Gemmeral Thomas could posibly have done~ Very m especttully, your obedient servamib B. KIRBY SMITH, General. - HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DFPARTI~IENT, Alexandria, August 7, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. WALKER, Gornm~nding & e.: GENERAL: I imwlose a c6py of a letter * to Lieut. Gen. R. Taylor with regard to time crossing of the troops under lmms command. I desire you to select four batteries of light artillery to accompany General Taylors column, and suggest that the selection be made fromn the fol- lowing batteries: Nettles Valverde Battery, H. C. Wests Arkamisas battery, Boones Louisiana battery, Gibsons Texas battery, Bentons Louisiana battery, Cornays Louisiana battery. The four batteries selected to be commanded by a mnajor of artillery. You will perceive from my letter to General Taylor that I have directed the immuediate crossiug of the troops. The collection of muaterial and the preparations necessary for throwimmg a bridge across the Mississippi River mmecessm- tate a delay of at least thirty days, ammd I believe is of donbtfnl success. This delay would neutralize ammy good results which might conic from the crossing of this columun. Very respectfnlly, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, General. L Inclosure No, 16.] - ALEXANDRIA, August 8, 1864. Gemmeral B. KIRBY SMITH, Commanding Trans-Mississippi Department: GEAERAL: Your comnmunmcation of 7th iimstant was received last night. The imuportance of the exl~edltion mn crossing the infantry has See i:cxit, (fate Page 101 Quk. Lx114 TkAMS?fl OP cOrsrErnATE TROOPS. 10I folly impressed itself upon me, but the iw,ans of effecting it and- tht~ necessary cooperation of other forces within this district are beyond my controL On the 10th of June 1 was relieved from the command of the District of West Louisiana and ordered by you to I~atchitoches to await the pleasure of the President of the Confederate States. On the 18th of July, sirweeks after Iwas relieved by you, the order for me to cross the river and assume command of the Department of Miasis sippi and East Louisiana was Issued from the War Department evi- dently under the belief that I was in command of the District of West Louisiana or commanding a corps. Your order directing me to take command of thE two infantry divisions reached me at Natehlt4oches ob the 28th of July. From the date of my being relieved until the receipt of those orders I had no means of ascertaininq the disposition of all our or the enemys forces on or near the Mississippi River, the points at which the enemys gun-boats were lying, and such other necessary facts as would enable me at once to fix upon suitable places for crossing. Although the orders fromthe War Department contemplated that I was in command, I can perceive nothing therein which instructs that the troops should cross under myorders, and. that ishould conduct the operation of crossing inpqson. So long as the command is within this department it is subje~t to your orders, and without dt~tionrmade br you as commanding g0eral I am powerless to anything. Simply to cross the men is but a portion of the movement; to subsist and transport them to localities where their presence and services are needed involve the most important features. There is but one railroad in the State of Mississippi m use by our authorities, and that lies east of Pearl River, its western terminus being quite a hundred miles distant from the Mississippi. While Lientenant-General Lee states that he will establish depots of supplies, such depots can only be available if they are convenient to the pointi of crossing, and it might happen that those points would be an hundred miles from the supplies, as the movements ofthe enemys forces along theriver and of the gun-boats would Influence the crossing, and places previously selected would be liable to inter- ference by the enemy at the very moment when the movement at a par- ticular point was aboutto be undertaken, and thus render an immediate change necessary. Co-operation between the two sides of the river is therefqre of the highest unportiance, and a flullunderstanding with Gen ml Lee can alone insure the establishment of plies at convenient . and accessible localities. I had the honor to submit to you several days ago, with an indorsement of my entire approval thereof; the plan of Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas, which I consider the most practicable one which can be siopted. I have not heard from you on that subject. In accordsncer with your instructions I Aunished you on the 28th of J~ withthe names ofthe staff officerswhomldesiredtorepottto me. last night I receive4 your answer asserting that a portion of those named and needed by me should be assigned. I have been without staff officers necessary to enable me to make even the requisite prelimi- nary arrangementi, and but for the kindness of Major-General Walker, who owed me to use a portion of his staff; I should have been entirely without any such assistance. Major Wason, my former chief commissary,those services are almost in4ispensable and upon which I relied, yourefuse to inflow me. No other commissary is assigned to me, and none could be so useful to me as this officer. Colonel Brent also, whohas been on my staff for two years, and for whom I made, al)plication, is withheld. Bpth these officers share isy earnest desire tobavetheunordered toreport tome. if thetroopsaretobeusedi Page 102 102 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-M1SSJSSJPPI. [CflAP. LIII the crisis to which you allude in your letter of yesterday, and if Atlanta, i~ the scene of action to which you refer, the distance to be acconi- pushed, even after they cross the river, would render it necessary for adequate arrangements to be made on the other side of the Missis- sippi as well as on this to insure rapidity of movement and preserve the efficiency of the men~ so that they could arrive in time and in condition for the performance of the services required of them. With this view, therefore, I applied in a former communication for permission to cross at once to the other side, where I could assume command of the department as directed by the War Department and hasten all the necessary arrangements. This permission having been refused by you I am without knowledge of the location and number nf our forces on the other side, and as to the assistance which they can give to a column of infantry marching over so extensive a country. For the reason stated the troops whose co-operation is necessary to insure the success of the movement being beyond my control, the plan of crossing being devised by yourself, the necessary provision for subsistence and trans- portation, when the troops do cross, not being made, and being myself powerless nuder your instructions to remedy these vital deficiencies, I deem it proper to state to you that while I shall, to the best of my ability, carry out the instructions contained in your communication of yesterday, I do not deem myself responsible either for the failure or success of the undertaking which you direct. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, It. TAYLOIR, Lieutenant- General. RIcHMOND, VA., August 8, 1864. (Via Clinton, Miss., August 9.) Lient. S. F. CHIPLEY: (For G.eneral B. Kirby Smith.) Your dispatch of 30th July, 1864, received, and after immqniries can find no recor(l of a telegram ordering you to send General Taylor and in- fantry fromn time Trans-Mississippi Department across the Mississippi liiver. No such order was ever given by nine, though propositions to follow enemys movements froum your departmnent were referred to your discretion iim terms whiclin imuphied the expectation you would do all which was consisteimt with the duties of your position. You had not comn- mnui~icat~d the purpose to commence offensive operations in Arkansas and Missouri, and no indications of it linad reached me. I do not now I)erceive how the suc& ess of a ninovenment, the arrangeinemint for whiciin you say had been perfected, could depeimd oum iminfantry which w~rs below the Lower Red River. Be that as it may, you unust expect frequent diversity of views unless fmmller iimtormatioim is given. I directed Gemi- eral S. D. Lee to keep you informed, so as having cointelhigence there ninight be the more effective co-operation. If our forces succeed on the east side they will make easy time plans for thme west side of the Missis- sippi. If our forces on the west side of the river should allow tIme eminemy to leave that section, and by concemitrating defeat tlmose on the east side, your projected campaign could not fail to end in disaster. This was so obvious that I expected you to act without waiting for orders, so as to counteract the ninovement he was reported to be making with the troops you had lately defeated. Your recomumendation imm reference to General Buckuer has been referred to War Department. JEFFN DAVIS Page 103 CHAP. LUL] TRANSFER OF CONFEDERATE TROOPS. 103 CLINTON, August 10, 1864. General B. BnAc~& , Richmond, Va.: Two divisions of infantry, Taylors corps within striking distance of river. Boats preparing. Time and place of crossing not fully decided upon. Forty pontoons on this side ready to move to point indicated. Mach difficulty in the movement anticipated. General Taylor wishes his staff to come with him. Asks that Wharton with four cavalry bri- gades be brought across. Suggests that another division infantry now in Arkansas (he says) also come. THOMAS BUTLER. CLINTON, LA., August 11, 1861. (Via Mobile.) General BRAGG~ I have just received dispatch, dated 3d instant, from General Taylor, directing me to learn whether it is contemplated that he shall cross the river should it be found impracticable to cross the troops; also whether you desire that he should precede the troops to this side. W. STEVENS, Gaptain, ct~c. [Inclosure No. 17.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI PEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., August 11, 1864. Lient. Gen. R. TAYLOR, Commanding, & c.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of the 8th instant. My letter written to you in Alexandria expresses clearly my views and the necessity for crossing immediately the Mississippi with the troops under your command. The inclosed copies* of dispatches from Generals Maury and Liddell are additional evidences of this necessity. The plan submitted and approved by you in your letter of August 8 for bridging the Mississippi is simply im- practical)le and visionary. It necessitates the concentration of engineer troops from Arkansas and Texasvirtually the establishment of a navy- yard at Shreveport and building of boats. It makes requisition for material on the city of Houston, Tex., which in all probability will have to be imported. Under the most favorable circumstances it requires preparations, the collection of materials, and construction that would necessitate the delay of at least two months, and might fairly convey the impression that we were endeavoring to evade the order directing the cr& ssing of the troops. You certainly could not have carefully ex- ainined the plan proposed or you would not have approved and recoin- mended a course which detains indefinitely the troops here, while the campaigmi east of the Mississippi, in which they were to participate, has already reached ~ crisis. In mimy letter of July 31 the whole disposa- ble fr~rce of the district was placed under your control through General Walker, its commander. The point and mode of crossing were left to your own judgment. It was only suggested instead of sending the cavalry on a distant expedition toward New Orleans they, with artillery, should be used to cover the crossing by holding points above and be- low the point selected. In my letter of the 31st I authorized you to send members of your staff east of the Mississippi for the purpose of See Maury to Liddell and Liddell to Hart, August 5, p. 99 Page 104 I 04 LOUISIANA AND lutE ]iRANS-MISSISSJPPL [CRAP. LIII. obtaining juhirm ation and making provision for your tro( p5. Your experience on the Mississippi, your knowledge of the country, and your personal interest ill the success of the nioveinent, make you the proper officer to command, even had the dispatches from the War Department not so dfrected. The list of staff officers furnished by you, whom you desired might accompany you east of the rivep, was carefully considered by me in the intention of being liberal and with the desire of comply- ing with your wishes; but two on the list were objected toMajor Mason and Colonel Brent. Their services are too indispensably neces- sary, without inflicting serious injury upon the interests of the District of West Louisiana. As an evidence of my liberality I made no objec- tion to either of the five adjutamit- generals whose names were on that list, viz, Colonel Levy, Major Surget, Captain Elgee, Captain May, and Captain Watt. General S. D. Lee has, I believe, gone to Atlanta. The inclosed copies of dispatches would indicate that General Maury commands the department and is besieged at Mobile. General Liddell immediately commanding the district opposite to you, is at Clinton. You can communicate with him and obtain his co-operation. I agaim~ urge upon you the necessity of promptly crossing the force under your command; at least, the attempt should be made. If there is aiiy un- necessary delay the authorities at Richmond can judge where the fault lies and upon whom the responsibility rests. I am, general, very respectfully, E. KIRBY SMITH, General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, AS~hrereport, La., August 11, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. WALKER, Commanding, die.: GENERAL: I have the hdnor to acknowledge the receipt of your let- ter of the 9th instant. The change in the movement of the two bri- gades ordered to Arkansas may endanger us in that district, but as - the successful crossing of the Mississippi by General Taylor~s column is of the highest importance, I will adopt the change in the disposition of the troops made by yourself. I desire nothing to be done that will hazard the success of General Taylors movement across the Missis- sippi. You will have the two brigades of Majors division prepared, so that they can march to Arkansas as soon as time movement of Gen- eral Taylor has been accomplished. General Bagby should command. That will probably be the most imnportant theater of operations, and a good officer should mnarch- in comnmand of the trooi)s. [inclos~ you a copy of a letter to-day written to Generals Taylor. Yem~y resl)ectfully, your obedient servant FL KIRBY SMITH, General. CLINTON, LA., August 12, 1864. General I3RAXTON BRAGe~ Richmond, Va: GENERAL: I was unable to commnummicate fully with you by telegram, as I could not do so in cipher, and I was advised, for prudent reasons, See iiext, ante Page 105 CHAP. LIII.] TPAN5FE~ OF CONFEDERATE TROOPS. 105 not to give any important information unless Written 11 that Way. On the 10th of August the cipher was obtained at General Liddells head- quarters, and I then sent you a dispatch giving the chief points in General Taylors communication. I now inelose the generals letter, Which will give you his views more plainly than I could myself transmit them. General Taylor, through his staff officer, begs me that you will use your influence to have the troops that cross to this side paid up as soon as practicable. They have been greatly neglected in this respect, and he thinks a prompt attention to their wants would, to a certain extent, tend to remove the dissatisfaction which would exist by reason of transfer. He also suggests that when the troops are brought from Arkansas, General Price be left in the Trans-Mississippi Department. He thinks, unless ordered to remain, the general will be sent over, as General E. K. Smith is anxious to get rid of him. You will see from General Taylors letter that he anticipates (lifficulty, moral as well as material, in the transfer of the .troops to this side, but he l)rolnises that every exertion will be used to overcome both. On the 9th I again wrote to General Taylor, suggesting that he had better act fully without waiting to hear from Richmond, telling him that you considered expedition in the movement of the troops. I also informed him that it was your wish that he should move in person to this side as soon as practicable. I have not heard from General Smith. Generals Wirt Adams and Liddell have made all necessary arrange- ments for providing transportation and supplies for the troops as they cross over, and both are ready to give such co-operation as to facilitate the movement. It is feared that the enemy is apprised of our intentions, not from positive information but from his spies observing preparations which indicate the contemplated movement. We find the greatest caution and secrecy necessary, as the inhabitants are in constant communica- tion with the enemy. I will inform you as soon as I get further news. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, - THOMAS BUTLER, Gaptain, ct~c. [linclosure No. 18.1 HEADQUARTERS TRAN~-MLSSJS5JPPI DEPARTMENT, Shrereport, La., August 12, 1864. Lient. Gen. R. TAvLon, Commanding, ct~c.: GENERAL: Major-General Forney left this morning to report to you to take command of Walkers old division. From letters received this morning tI~ general commanding is led to believe that serious (hifhculty will arise among the troops on General Forney~s taking command of that division. If these apprehensions are well founded, and as this i~ the only command to which he can be assigned in the department, the gen- eral commanding directs that upon your arrival on the east side of the Mississippi River you will relieve General Forney of command amid order him to report to RichmnQnd. General Smith requests that you commu- nicate to him your views on this std~ject. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN U. MEEM, JR., Colonel and Aide-dc- Camp Page 106 106 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. CLINTON, LA., August 13, 1864. (Via Mobile.) General BRAXTON BRAGS, Richmond, Va.: Are the troops from the Trans-Mississippi to bring their arms with them ~ General Smith has decided not, if arms cali be procured from Selma. THOMAS BUTLER, Captain and Aid-dc- Camp. [First indorsement.] Respectfully submitted for the information of the President. [Second indorsement.] General BRAoi~: Some arms will be necessary for police and possibly for contingencies, but it would be well, as far as practicable, to avoid the transfer of arms from the Trans-Mississippi Department. ~. D. [Thelosure No. 19.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST LOUISIANA, Alexandria, Angnst 13, 1864. General E. KIRBY SMITH, Commanding Trans-Mississippi Department: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge ~he receipt of your coin- munication of the 11th instant (No. 3637). In my note to you of the 9th instant, to which yours is an answer, I mentioned that I had already put Parsons cavalry brigade en route for Arkansas. Harrisons Louis- iana brigade, as you know, had already marched. I was, therefore, sur- prised at this passage in your communication: You will have the two brigades of Majors division prepared, SO that they can march to Arkansas as soon as the movement of General Taylor is accomplished. It would appear from this that it is your desire that four cavalry brigades shall be sent to Arkansas from this district. ln our conver- satiori On the subject while you were here, and in the correspondence which has taken place between us on the subject, you did not intimate that you desired inc to send more than three Thdgadesthe two in addi- tion to Harrison~ s command. Please give me instructions on this point. The preparations for the crossing of the command of General Taylor have been pushed forward by Colonel Douglas and his assistants with such energy that the pontoons will be able to move from here to-morrow; those I mean that have not already been sent around by water. lt is of the greatest importance to the success of the movememit that General Taylor should be with the troops in superintendence of the whole in person, but I learn from one of his staff that he intends leaving here to-morrow to assume command of the Department of Mississippi amid await the arrival of the troops on the other side. This is in comise- quence, as Major Levy informs me, of an order to that effect sent him directly by General Bragg and received last night. I have not seen the order, and think Major Levy is mistaken in regard to the order being from General Bragg. It ~~as probably the advice to that effect of Ma- jor-General Maury. Very res~)ectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. WALKER, Major- General, ~Jomrn anding Page 107 CHAP. LIII.] TRANSFER OF CONFEDERATE TROOPS. 107 [Jnc1o~3uue No. 20.] ALEXANDRiA, August 13, 1864. General E. K. SMITH, Comdy. Trans-Aliississippi Department, i~hr ereport: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your corn- munication of the 11th instant at this place to-day. In reply to your remarks in reference to crossin~ troops over the Mississippi River, I have to say that I have beeu unfortunate iu my manner of expression if I have not in my previous correspondence satisfied you as to my ap- preciation of the importance of such a movement and of the prompt- ness with which it should be executed. I beg to add, however, that the plan suggested in my letter of the 8th instant for effecting such an end, to which you refer as submitted and approved by me, emanated from Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas, an officer of your staff and chief en- gineer of the department. I have never been in a position to become acquainted with the resonrc~s of the entire department, and if those resources are inadequate to the execution of the plan of the chief engi- micer, who certainly had the best means of knowing them, the fault that the plan is impracticable and visionary should not be attributed to me. I trust that my professional career simice I have held a command in this department will show that my military plans have generally proved neither impracticable nor visionary. You state that in your letter of July 31 the whole disposable force of the district was placed nnder niy control through General Walker, its commander. By that letter I understood myself to be placed in command of the infantry only of my former command, and I learned from Major-General Walker that he had received orders to assist and confer with me. Major-General Walker has extended me his cordial co-operation, but the whole dis- posable force of the district was certainly not placed under my control. In reference to your suggestion for covering the point selected for cross- ing by cavalry and artillery, 1 be~ to say that my experience in engag- imm g the enemys gun-boats has shown me the fatility of attempting to prevent their passing any batteries we might be able to place upon the bank. The proposition that gun-boats can pass batteries in navigable streams has been, I think, incontestably proven by experience, and especially on the Mississippi River, which is almost an inland sea. In general, a diversion should be made to cover the crossing of an ordi- nary stream in the face of the enemy. It would be more necessary, tlmerefore, in crossing the Mississippi, and a l)lan based upon this recog- nized proposition would emnimmemmtly justify sending the cavalry on a distant expedition. Your letter of July 31 authorized mne to seimd officers of my staff east of the Mississippi, bat it was not until the evemi- imig of time 7th immstant that I received an answer indicating which offi- cers of my former staff you would permuit to remain with me. There was not a moments delay imm sendimig them, as almost the whole of mny former command was ordered east of the Mississippi. I fail to appre- ciate the liberality which permitted a portion of the staff long con- imected with that comumnand to accompany it, and imi this connection I would observe that the orders of General Bragg to nine were issued on tIme supposition that I was still comnmammding time troops of the District of West Louisiana, whereas I had been for somne weeks remnox ed, even from the theater of their operations. My correspondence with your headquarters sjnce you have commanded this departmmment will show timat it has been my constant endeavor to delocalize the operations of the troops nmider mny command~ and so to conduct their movements a Page 108 108 LUUJ IANA ANI) THE fRANS-MF~1S8IPP1. [CHAP. Liii. to Co11(Ilice most 1~oWeVhillY to the SUCCCSS ot OUr comrades-iii-arnis east of the Mississippi. With the long-settled conviction which has dic- tated such a course, I cannot be deemed insensible to the importance of the movement now in contemplation. I beg to observe, in conclusion, that I do not anticipate accomplish- ing impossibilities, but that not a moments delay has occurred thronoh me with the means at my disposal to attempt to carry out the difficult duty assigned me. The troops are already in position to cross and the means of crossing en route to their resJ)ective destinations. I myself leave here to-morrow to Join the troops. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR, Lieutenant- General. CLINTON, LA., August 14, 1864. (Via Mobile.) General BRAXTON BRAGO-: Your dispatch of the 12th received. General Taylor was previously informed of your wishes. Four thousand infantry will cross the Mis- sissippi River on Thursday, the 18th, at Dolgin Wall. This comprises the whole force expected. THOMAS BUTLER. [First indorsernent.] Respectfully submitted for the informatioii of the l~resident. [Second indorsernent.] General BRAGG: How can the number of men reported be transferred as two divisions, or has a change beeii ina4e~ - [Third indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMIEs OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES, August 22, 1864. Respectfully returned to His Excellency time President. I have indi- cated to General Taylor that he should cross and assume his new coin- mnand, but I think it better be renewed. The number of men (4,000) reported iii the dispatch within seems to be the whole force intended to be sent. See copy of cipher telegramn of 22d, herewith sent. 1~ItAXTON BRAGG, General. ALEXANDRIA, August 14, 1864. General E. KIRBY SMITH: GENERAL: Your communication of 12th instant (No. 3659) has just beeim received, imm which you inform me that Major-General Forney is on his way to this place to report to me to take commnand of Walkers 01(1 divisiomi. After stating that you have received letters which lead you to believe that serious difficulty will arise among the troops on General Forney tiking command of that division, you say: If these appre~iLensions are well founded, and as this is the only command to which lie can be assigmd in the department npon (usy) arrival on the east side of the Missis- ~ River (I) will relieve General l~oriiey aisd order him to report to Richmond. - Page 109 CHAP. LIII.] TRANSFER OF CONFEDERATE TROOPS. 109 While in your letters you profess an anxiety aiid desire to facilitate the movement of the troops, you now persist in the assignment of this officer, in spite of serious difficulty which you believe will arise thereby, and thus add embarrassment in the matter, and direct me when I shall reach the new department whi and jllris(lictio1~,to relieve him ., ch is independent of your control and order him to Richmond. Obviously, the only effi~ct of your instructions will be to place General Forney in command of the troops at the moment when the difficulty of which you sJ)eak would emnbarra~s the important movement whose success and dis- patch you profess to be desirous of advancing, and thus you would gct rid of an officer whose services you (10 not need or desire in your owit department. While you have the right to assign commanders to trool)s seivin~ within your military jurisdiction, you certainly have mione to (lirect disposition of officers in a command separate from and inde- pendent of your own. As soon as the troops reach the bank of the Mississippi River I shall order General Forney to report to your head- qnarters, as I (10 not require him to cross with the division. In one of your fbrmner letters to me yomm speak of the influence of Major-General Walker with his old division, he having beeu in com- mand of it for nearly two years. Iii view of this fact, amid of his beitig in command of the District of West Louisiana, controlling its military resources an(l fanmiliar with the dispositionR and operatiomis which may have taken place recently withimi the distriet, the dispatch, secrecy, amid efficiency of the movement of crossimig the troops would surely have been promoted by charging hini therewith and permitting me to proceed iii the first instance to the Cis-Mississippi, where imi command of mny department I could have niatured all the arrangements mmecessary to be made omi that side, and with Major-Geheral Walker in comnmimand of his old division the enibarrassmnents and difficulties referred to in your letter of the 12th instamit would not have arisen. Jimelosed I forward you copy of dispateim in cipher frommi Capt. T. Butler, of General Braggs staff, dated Chimiton, La., August 9. 1 shall start at once for my conimaud, and after visiting the troops on this side and imispecting the arrangements for crossing them proceed to time department to which I have beemi assigned amid miiake the needful dis- postiomis there. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 11. TAYLOR, Lieutenant- 6~ener(d. [Iiieiosurc.] CLINTON, LA., August 9, 1864. General Bragg directs that you come across and assume your miew command as soon as practicable. THOMAS BUTLER, Captain, & c. [linciosure No. 21.] HEADQUARTERS TRAYS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, August 15, 1864. Lieut. Gen. li. TAYLOR: GENERAL: By a letter of the 13th instant fromn General Walker, com- manding the District of West Louisiana, I learn that you contemplate leaving the troops here under your conmimmand and crossing the Missis- sippi. This I positively forbid. Your presence with those troops miow on the eve of crossing is of the greatest imnportammce to the simecess of the movememit. Should you have receiyed instructions from hmigimer author Page 110 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. 110 ity than the commanding officer of this (lepartinent you will furnish me with a copy of them, and you will still remain in command of the troops until farther orders, as I. shall object to a compliance of those instruc- tions until the crossing of the troops shall have been effected. Respectfully, your obedient servant, B. KIRBY SMITH, General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-M1SSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shrereport, August 15, 1861. Maj. Gen. S. B. BUCKNER, District of West Louisiana: GENERAL: I am directed by General Smith to inclose to you the accompanying letter to General Taylor.* If the circumstances are true, as represented by General Walker, as to the movements of General Taylor, you will hand or cause to be handed to General Taylor the accompanying letter to him. If not true, you will retain the letter. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, & c GUY VI. BRYAN, iliajor and Assistant Adjutant General. HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Harrisonburg, August 16, 1864. Major-General WALKER, Commanding the District of Western Louisiana: GENERAL: I will remain with the troops at this point fom the pres- ent, and will cross the Mississippi with them nuless I receive additional news or further orders to cross at once. The pontoon boats have arrived, and the troops will be moved to a convenient point for crossiug at once. To insure success we require cavalry to picket the immemise extent of country, and I hope none of the cavalry miow here will be moved off until after the movement is over, or at least has been attempted. It will also be imnportant for us to have an infantry force left at hand or in the vicinity of llarrisonbnrg. I therefore reqnest that snch l)ortion of Thomas brigade as is armued will be sent to this point to hold the country. If Thomas brigade is not in condition to be moved, cannot Debrays brigade be sent here for this pnrpose ~ I respectfnlly request that you will forward the substance of this coinmunicatiorL to the department headquarters. I have seen all of the officers of your old division; they seeimm to be in fine spirits and well inclined to undertake the movement. I am, general, very respectfully, your obediemit servant, H. TAYLOR, Lieutenant- General. [mitelosure No. 22.] NEAR IiARRISONBURG, August 18, 186410 p. rn. General B. KIRBY SMITH: GENERAL: I have the honor to state that information just received from the Mississippi River satisfies me of the imnpracticability and mi- possibility of crossing any body of troops. Time miotoriety which the 1)10- jected movement has obtained has caused the enemy to make such dis- positions of his gun-boats as effectually to (lefeat the attemupt to cross at or near the point for which arrangements were in progress. I have dis Thelosure No. 21, next, an Ic Page 111 CHAP. LIII.] TRANSFER OF CONFEDERATE TROOPS. 111 t)atched to the War Department, at Richmond, a message containing my views of the impracticability of moving troops from this to the east bank of the Mississippi, and I shall ~iwait at this point farther orders from the War Department on that subject in answer to my dispatch. I have advised Major-General Wharton to send Parsons cavalry brigade at once to Arkansas. I beg leave respectfully to submit my opinion, that if any movement of troops in this department is in contemplation it should not be delayed on acconnt of the proposed ~c)~ossing of the in- fantry from this district, which I believe to be at present impossible. I ant, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, li. TAYLOR, Lieutenant- General. Major-General BUCKNER: The letter on the other half of this sheet is inclosed in an envelope to you for your information. After reading be pleased to inclose in another envelope and forward to General Smith. Respectftilly, your obedieiit servant, li. TAYLOR, Lieutenant- General. [Inclosure No. n.j General B. K. SMITH, IIARRI5ONBURG, August 18, 1864. Commanding Trans-Jlllississippi Department: I have the honor to inform yo~ that I have dispatched the War De- partment to the effect that I consider the crossing of any considerable body of troops impossible. Accurate observations have been made of the enemys gun-boats between Red River and Yicksburg, and from the strictness of the guard maintained no success can be anticipated. Later in the season, when the Mississippi has attained its lowest stage, troops may be crossed above Yicksburg near Paw Paw Island, where many difficulties to navigation occur. I consider that the bare attempt to cross, almost certain to result in failure, will be very prejudicial to the troops, as many desertions will occur. Meantime not only the troops to be. crossed are kept idle, but all the cavalry and artillery assisting the movement. These might certainly be of some service elsewhere in this department. I shall push forward the troops to the vicinity of the river and use every exertion and precaution to insure success, but I hope the receipt of my dispatch will induce the War Department to countermand the order. Respectfully, yonr obedient servant, 11. TAYLOR, Lieutenant- General. 0 NEAR IIARR1SONBURe~ LA., August 19, fS64L) a. m. General E. KIRBY SMITH, Commanding Trans-Mississippi Department: GENERAL: Your letter of the 15th instant (No. 3697) reached me at a late hour last night by the hands of Captain Foote, of Major-General Buckners staff. On the 14th instant I wrote you from Alexandria informing you that I had been directed by General Bragg, coutinanding the armies of the Confederate States, under the direction of the President, to cross the river and assume command of the department to which I had been assigned. I inclosed a copy of the dispatch and informed you that Page 112 112 LOUISIANA ANI) THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. should leave Alexandria, and after inspecting the troops and arrange- ments cross the river. On my arrival a~t this place on the night of the 16th instant I found that the difficulties of effecting the movement of crossing the Mississippi were greater eveu thau I had anticipated, and being nuwilling to cast lIni)leasant responsibilities upon other officers I at once wrote to Major- General Walker that I should remain on this side and give my personal attention to crossin~ the troops. I requested General Walker to forward to you immediately a copy of my letter to him. After I reached this 1)lace, the pontoon train having been started across the Onachita, I ic- ceived information that the eneuiy were, and had been for several days, aware of the contemplated movement, and had moved their iron-dads from below, stationing them between Vicksbnyg and the mouth of lied River at intervals of about twelve miles, with their other gun-boats con- stantly patrolling between those stations, and not more than four hours ever elapsed without a gun-boat passing up or down between Ymcksbur0 and lied River. Deeming the attempt impracticable, and satisfied from - 1)ersollal observation and unmistakable information that it would result only in injury to the whole command, I assumed time responsibility of orderi rig a suspension of the movement until I could hear further from the War Department, at Richmond, dispatching to that effect on yesterday, and informing you by letter last night of the action which I had taken, and that I should await at this l)oimmt an answer to my dispatch. Al- ready several hundred desertions from the immfantry corps have takemm place, a majority of which occurred after tlme suspension of the move- ment, but just prior to its announceniemit to the troops. Convinced of the impossibility of crossing, to have marched the troops nearer the river would have resulted imm time loss by desertion of at least one-half the emmtire command, and while the object imi view would have failed, the efficiency of the corps, if not destroyed, would imr all probability have been permammently injured. Among the causes which have imiduced and )mm-payment of the aggravated this desertion imre the followin The n troops for a period of twelve months, the absence of a very large pro- l)ortion of the field officers of time divisions, recent changes which have beemi made among regimental and brigade commanders, and the immac- tivity of the command for the last two months. As an illustration of the large number of officers who are absent from-their commuands, I would cite one brigade (Maclays) which is comnumanded by a umajor aiid only one other field officer (a major) present. I cannot recognize the propriety of expression used in your letter (No. 3697), in which you state that you positively forbid my crossimig the river, & c., nor the right which you assunme of controlling my obedi- ence to orders emanating directly from the President of the Confederate States through the officer commanding the armnies ummder him. I was relieved by. you from the command of the district to which I had been assigned by time President amid ordered to await Imis pleasure. That pleasure has beeim imidicated by assigiminent of me to another coma- mnand and department. When orders reach me from the President I shall obey them, or if in my judgmemmt on the ground delay or suspen- siomm are necessary I shall be govermied by my discretion, advisimmg the proper authority of my reasons therefor. The mode amd chaimnel in which the Comumnander-in-Chief conveys his orders and instructions to mime, if objectionable to you, are matters which you must yourself arrange with time higher authomity. Very m-espectfimlly, your ol)edient scm vant, li. TAYLOR, Lieutenant- General Page 113 ~~HAP. LIII.j TRANSFER OF CONFEDERATE TROOPS. 113 HEADQUAIZTERii DISTRICT OF WEST LOUISIANA, Brigadier-General BoGGS, Alexandria, August 20, 1864. Chief of AS~taff, Department Headquarters: GENERAL: I am in receipt of information from Major-General Whar- ton, dated 19th instant, to the effect that large numbers of men from Walkers and Polignacs divisions have deserted (200 from the latter with arms)., At t suggestion of General Wharton I have directed cavalry to be distribnted at the various ferries from Cotile to Grand Ecore to intercept the deserters. If you have any troops disposable for similar service between Grand Ecore and Shreveport I would re- spectfully reqnest that they be so employed. I am, general, yonr obedient servant, S. B. BUCKNEIR, Major- 4~eneral, Commanding. SHREVEPORT, LA., Aagust 21, 1864. PRESIDENT OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES, Richmond, Va.: SIR: I have the honor to report that the general commanding the departmemit has been sick for the last ten days with an attack of acute dysentery. Beiimg 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 comm ud to cross the Mississippi River. Your telegram implies that I should have followed the enemys troops lately operat- ing in this department, and that I was expected to so employ my forces as to prevent him at least from re-enforcing the armies of Grant and Sherman. I beg leave to submit the following r6snm6 of events which have transpired since mya~rrival in this department, as also my plans for the last campaign, and the reasons whyl was unable to detain longer the armies opposed to me: After I reached the department, and before I could become fully acquainted with the character and position of the troops, the operations against Vicksburg and Port Hudson absorbed all my attention. Banks first raid, in which he overpowered General Taylor at Camp Bisland, swept through the umost productive portions of Louisiana and caused the loss of our works controlling the navigation of the Red River and Atchafalayn. 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 Vicksburg and Port Hudson. General Taylor, with Walkers division llrawn from Arkansas, moved secretly up the Tensus in transports, and landing a few miles from where Grant crossed the Mis- sissippi River, attempted a coup de macia upon his communications. The enterprise succeeded, but did not produce the important results anticipated, Grant having pre- viously acquired a base of supplies upon the Yazoo River. General Taylor now moved into the La Fourche country, where he operated suc- cessfully in interrupting the navigation of the Mississippi River between Port Ilud- son and New Orleans. His position became perilous after the fall of Port Hudson, and he recrossed Berwick Bay. General Holmes reported that it was practicable for him to take Helena, and per- mission was given him to attempt it. The position was unsuccessfully assailed on the 4th of July. The enemy subsequently advanced, General Price abandoned Lit- tle Rock, and our forces fell back to Camden. In the fall of 1863 the enemy made two attempts upon Texas. In the first he lauded at the month of the Sabine, where, by the gallantry of a simigle company occupying a small tbrt, he was beaten, two of his gun-boats captured, and his design frustra1~d. 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 placing Magruders small force at the Sabine, holding Taylor on his flank. The latter, by avoiding a general engagement, while he harassed and menaced his communnications, caused him to retire, when by a brilliant rear- guard action General Green punished him severely. Banks then comumenced his S R RYOL XLI~ PT Page 114 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. 114 [CHAP. 1111. series of grand maneuvers upon the whole length of the coast of Texas. Gen~al Greens division was transferred to Galveston and the month of the Brazos to meet a powerful force landed on Matagorda Peuinsnl~ Throughout the winter General Magruder was occupied in foiling the designs of the enemy, who, numerically, was greatly his superior. This brings me to the point of time when the spring campaign opened, and I beg you to remark the position of the opposing forges. My lines extended from the Indian Territory, through Arkansas, to the Mississippi and down to the month of the Red River, thence by the Atchafalaya to Berwick Bay, and from thence by the coast to the Colorado. A small boJy of troops was engaged in observing the enemy at Brownsville. My forces were massed in three principal bodies, to wit, under Ma- gruder, opposite Banks, on Matagorda Peninsula; under Price, confronting Steele; under Taylor, holding the lower Red River. The immense transportation of the enemy admitted of his taking the initiative with his entire force at any moment against any portion of my extended lines, while my limited transportation and the wide distances which separated my coni- inands made it impossible to effect rapid concentration or assume the offensive. My only alternative was to wait the developmneut of the enemys l)lanS, to retire before him until I effected my concentrations, and to endeavor to manenver 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 thei~ said, when the water rose so as to admit his gun-boats, he could employ his powerful naval armament in conjunction with the advance of his infamitry column. In accordance with this view, I had estab- lished last fall subsistence 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 cover Northern Texas, filled with disloyal people. The water in the beginning of Febru- ary being in a stage to adumit gun-boats into Red River, General Banks suddenly transferred his force to New Orleans aud Berwick Bay, leaving but 6,000 or 8,000 men in Matagorda Peninsula, who subsequemitly joined imium at Alexandria after the retreat from Mansfield. Between the 21st and 26th of February I directed General Magruder to hold Greens division in constant marching order. On the 6th of March time division was ordered to move with dispatch to join General Taylor, who was embarrassed for want of cavalry. On the 12th of March a body of 8,000 or 10,000 muen, composed of portions of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps, under General A. J. Smith, moved down from Vicksburg to Simsport, and subsequently advanced with such celerity on Fort De Russy, taking it in reverse, that General Taylor was not allowed time to coticentrate atid cover this most important work, our only means of arresting the progress of the gun-boats. The fall of the work and the immediate umovement of the enemy by means of his transports to Alexandria placed General Taylor in a very eumbarrassing situation. He extricated himself, with his characteristic tact, by a nmarch of seventy miles through the pine woods. Banks now pressed forward from Berwick Bay by the line of the Teche, and by the aid of steamers both on the Mississippi and Red Rivers concentrated at Alex- andria a force of 30,000 men, supported by the most powerful naval armament ever employed on a river. As soon as I had received intelligence of the debarkation of the enemy at Sims- port, I ordered General Price to dispatch his entire infantry to Shreveport, and General Maxey to move toward Price, and when Steele advanced, to join Price with his whole command, Indians included. The cavalry east of the Onachita was directed to fall back toward Natchitoches and subsequently to oppose, as far as possible, the advance of the enemys fleet. It was nmmder command of General Liddell. All disposable infantry detachments in Texas were directed on Marshall; and altimough the enemy still had a force of several thousand on the coast, I reduced the number of muen holding the defenses to an absolute mniuimmmmn. General Magruders field report shows that but 2,300 men were left in the entire District of Texas. Except thmese, every effective soldier in the department was put in front of Steele or in sup- port of Taylor. When this was accomplished the disparity in numbers was fright- ful. Taylor had at Mansfield, after the jumiction of Green, 11,000 effeetives, with 5,000 imifantry from Prices army in one days nmarch from him at Keachie. Price, with 6,000 or 8,000 cavalry, was engaged in impeding the advance of Steele, whose column did not number less than 15,000 of all arms. Banks pushed on to Natchitoches. It was expected he would be detained there several (lays in accnmmmnlating supplies. Steele, on the Little Missouri, and Banks, at Natchitoches, were either but about 100 miles from Shreveport or Marshall. The charucter of the country did not admit of their formuing a junction above Nat- chitoches, and if they advanced eqimahly I hoped by refusing one to fight the other with my whole force. It seemed probable at this time that Steele n ould come u Page 115 CHAP. LIII.] TRANSFER OF CONFEDERATE TROOPS. 115 first. When he reached Prairie DAne two routes were open to himthe one to Mar- shall crossing the river at Fulton, the other direct to Shreveport. I consequently held Prices infantry a few days at Shreveport, when Steeles hesitation and the reports of the advance of Banks cavalry caused me to move it to Keachie, a point twenty miles in rear of Mansfield, on the road where it divides to go to Marshall and Shreveport. It was directed to report to General Taylor. I now yisited and con- P~rred with General Taylor. Neither believed that Banks could get advanced his infantry across the barren country stretching between Natchitoches aad Mans- field. I returned to Shreveport an(l wrote to General Taylor, instracting him to choose a position in which to tight, and move a reconnaissance in force and comi)el the eacmy to display his infantry; to notify me as soon as he had done so, and I would join hiur in the front. I hoped to derive an element of morale from the arrival of Churchills command and my own presence at the moment of action. The reconnaissance was converted into a decisive cngagement with the advance corps of the enemy (a portion of the Thirteenth and his cavalry), and by the rare intre- pidity of Moutons division resulted in a complete victory over the forces engaged. General Taylor pushed forward his troops in pursuit, met, engaged, and repulsed the Nineteenth Corps, which was hastening to the support of the Thirteenth Corps. Prices infantry came up from Keachic that night. The next morning our whole army advanced and fonnd the eneniy in position at Pleasant Hill. Our troops attacked with vigor and at first with success, but by a superiority of numbers were dually repulsed and thrown into confusion. The Missouri and Arkansas troops, with a brigade of Walkers division, were broken and scattered. The enemy recov- ered cannon which we had captnred, and. two of our pieces were left in his hands. To my great relief I fonnd in the morning that the enemy had fallen back during the night. He continued his retreat to Grand Ecore, where he intrenched himself aimd remained until the return of his fleet and its passage over the bars, made espe- cially difficult this season by the unusual fall of the river. The question may be asked why fhe enemy was not pursued at once. I answer, becammse our troops were completely paralyzed by the repulse at Pleasant Hill, and the cavalry, worn by the long march from Texas, had been constantly engaged for three days, almost without food or forage. Before we could reorganize at Mansfield and get into condition to advance over time fifty-five miles of the wilderness which separated the armies, the enemy was re-en- forced and intrenched at Granif Ecore. If we could not whip him at Pleasant Hill in a fair fight, it would have beemi madness to have attacked him at Grand Ecore in his intrenebments, supported by a formidable fleet of gumm-boais. No sustained oper- ations for dislodging him could be umudertaken, because it was impossible to trans- port smmpi)lies for the entire army from Shreveport, distant 100 miles. The enemy held possession of the river until he evacuated Grand Ecore. A large steam-boat which had beca sunk in time umarrowest part of the channel for the purpose of obstructing the passage upward.of this fleet had to be renmoved before time river could again be used. Here occurred time most perplexing muovement of the campaign to me. Should I with the bulk of my forces pursue Baumks until lie left the Red River Valley, or should I march against Steele who threatened nuy depots and workshops, the loss of which would well nigh have closed operations in this department l I determuined upon the latter, and for the following reasons: I have stated that my original plan was, if possible, to mass my whole force acamust a single c olumun of time enemy. This hmmd becum (lone successfully against Banks. Steele was still slowly advancing from time Little Missouri to time Prairie WAne. I deemed it imprudent to follow Banks below Graud Ecore and leave Steele so near Shreveport. Were 1 able to throw Banks across the Atchafidayn, the high water of that stream would arrest my further progress. If Red River continued to fall it seemed probable that Banks would be compelled to withdraw to Alexandria. It was hoped that the falls womuld detaimi hium there umutil we could finish Steele, when the entire force of the department would ~be free to operate against him. I confidently hoped that if I could reach Steele with my infantry to beat him at a distance from his depot, iii a poor country, anti with my large cavalry force destroy his army. The prize would have been the Arkansas Valley and the fortifications of Little Rock, now too strong to be taken by either siege or assault with any force at my command. By the time my infantry reached Shreveport Steele had muoved by his left flank to Camden. He held the fortificatiomis we had constructed there. They were strong. I could not think of allowing Steele time to establish himself finally in Camden. I moved upon the place. The enemy abandoned it. 1 pursued, over took, and beat him at the Saline. I failed to acconuplisli what I lund reasonably hoped for, but suc- ceeded in driving Steele from the valley of time Onachita, with signal loss of macn and material, and left myself free to move my entire force to the support of Taylor. After time enemy left Grand Ecore, General Taylor attacked his rear at Cloutier- vile, while a part of his force held his front in check at Monetts Ferry Page 116 116 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. General Taylors force was too weak to warrant the liope that he could success- fully impede the march of Banks colnmn. After the latter reached Alexandria Taylor transferred part of his command to the river below Alexandria, and with unparalleled all(lacity and great ability so operated on the enemys gun-boats an(l transports as to compel him, with a force quadruple his own, to abandon that mi- portant position. A temporary rise in Red River enabled Admiral Porter to get his fleet over the Falls. Had lie delayed but One week longer our whole infantry would have been with Taylor. Some idea may be formed of the character of our operations when it is stated that Walkers division, from theopeniug of the campaign at Simsport to the time of its arrival at Alexandria, a period of about two months, marched 700 miles and fought three pitched battles. Information having been received that A. J. Smiths command was proceeding up the Mississippi River, I threw Marmaduke across from Camden to dispute its prog- ress. He attacked the fleet, disabled or destroyed three of its boats, compelled it to halt and land its. infantry, which he engaged for several hours. Here ends a camnpaign in which, with a force of 25,000 men, all told, in the entire department, I drove back whence they came armies 60,000 strong, supported by an enormous fleet, intlictimug immense loss in both men and material. It is not difficult to understand that at its close uny forces required rest and reorganization. Banks, or rather Canbys, army remnained for some time at Morgauza, a strongly fortified position, and occupied at this time by a large force. The Atchafalaya still afforded sufficient water for the use of gun-boats, no operations could be undertaken across that stream. You say that I should have followed the mnoveinents of the enemy. This was simply impossible. The Ninet~enth Army Corps was sent toNew York or Washing- ton. The portions of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps, under A. J. Smith, were withdrawn to Memphis, delayed, as I have said, for a few days by Marmaduke, while the Thirteenth Corps was dissolved by order of Mr. Lincoln, thus leaving in Louisiana, so far as we could ascertain, the re-emilisted men of the Thirteenth Corps and the Corps DAfriqnc. I should have mentioned that by a captured dispatch it was ascertained that tIme command of A. J. Smith received on the 5th of April orders to immediately joimi Sher- man at Vicksbnrg. The operations of Taylor on Red River and M imnadimke on the Mississippi prevented Smith from executing this movement until the middle of Juime, or for a period of mnore than sixty days. 1 had not sufficient reason to believe that there remained a large force disposable for aim attack on Mobile. How could I employ my command so as to attract a large force from either Sherman or Grant, or prevent a mnovement on Mobile? First, no denmoustration could be made on New Orleans because of the Mississippi River. Any operations imi the La Fourehe country would necessarily be hazardoums with the enemy at Morgauza; would have been barren of military results; would have ravaged a country from which we should have been obliged to withdraw whenever the water rose. In the second place, if I had seized a point on the Mississippi River with a view of causiming time enemy to send a large force to dislodge me the uttenupt would have failed unless I had had guns sufficiently heavy to coutemind with iron-dads. Ilad I had these uiy entire army womild have beemi comumitted to their defense, and the ultimate result would probably have been a repetition of the Vicksburg and Port hudson affairs. There remained a third plan, viz, to puish a large cavalry force into Missomiri amid support time moveument by occupying my infantry in operations against Steele. Should he weaken himself to defend Saint Louis I might possibly take his works at Little Rock, Pine Bluff, and Devalls Bluiff, and recover the State of Arkansas. If he proved too strong fbr nine I would be at hand to help Price extricate hininseif in case of failnre or disaster. This plan I was pmmtting in execution, and had it not been for the telegramas of Generals Bragg and Lee, herewith imiclosed, mny infantry would have been now in the Arkansas Valley and Price would have been entering Missouri. I have written thus at length in advammee of my report, delayed by being unable to get the reports of mny subordinate commanders, because I learn that my policy and plans have been much discussed at Richmond, and that it has been charged that but for inny errors unuch muore important results would have been achieved. In this connection I have only to iemnark that I have honestly done wimat appeared to inc to be right and proper. I claimn that mumy combinations have resulted in great successes, niud beg to doubt whether uinore could have been accouinplished under a different system of oT)eratioiis. Certain it is that uny heart overflowed with thankfulness when I realized the fact that the valor and good conduct of the officers and men of mny command had enabled me to oppose and overcome the vast armies moving against me Page 117 Via,. LIH.J TRANSFER OP CONFEDERATE TROOPS. 117 I not for the censure of those who allege that I have chibited a wet of capacity. You, Mt President, have honored me with your confidmnce, of which I am proud. Ibegifatany timellesethisthat you will reflzvemeofthewelghty responsibilities with whi6h I a now Intrnsted. I will always gladly serve in any other field or position to which you maysee fit to assign me. I am, very respectfully, your obedient seWant, Afedieal D6reetor General Hospitals, S. A. SMITH, Traas-.Mhssiss(ppf Departusest. CLIrFON, 14, August *9~ 1864. (Via Mobile.) General BRAIToN Buise: Dispatch just received from General Taylor, dated Uarrisonburg, August 18. He desires me to inform you that he considers the move- ment of troops across the uiver impracticable. Might be done Ave [ski when the river is at its lowest stage and above Vicksburg. At present the movement simply keeps the troops attempting it idle. Wishes your further instructions on the subject as soon as possible and asks if he himself must now cross without troops. THOMAS BUTLER. [Inulosure Xe. DL] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI D2DPARTflNT, Lieutenant-General TAYLoR Shreveport, La., August 41864. Harrisonllurg, 1,4.: GnnAL: You will immediately suspend the movementofthetroops across the Mississippi River. The two infantry divisions under your commaudwill be marched withdut delay and take ition nem Mon. roe, La. on the Ouachita.. You areyourself relieved from the command, and will proceed across the Mississippi River in compliance with the telegram ofGeneral Cooper, dated Richmond, July 18,1864, a copy of which is herewith inclosed. By command of General E. Kirby Smith: W. IL BOGGS Brigadier-General and Chief of ksaj [SuWneloaure.J Colonel ~m MoNTGonRr, July 22,1864. CoxxAnnrG dillon: Send following dispatch at once to General E. Kirby Smith:. Rwnon, JeEp 2,1W. General E. L 5Mm: The President directs that on will order Lient. Gin. Dick Ta Icr (If his services canbedlspeusedwlthlntheTnns-MlssisslpplDepartment)tothis side of the Mis- sissippi River with instructions to report to7thls office bytelegraph from the nearest telegraph staiion in communication with Richmond. S. COOPER, AEjutot ad iaqpntoe.G.s.rsL S. D. LEE Page 118 [OEM. LU!. 118 LOUISIANA AND TEE TEAWS-VISSISBIItPI. flADQUffiSS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DnAETNT, Shreveport, La., August *9, 1864. Kag. Gen. 8.13. BuoKNfl, OouwaaesMsg, to. GEnIAL: In reply to your letter (No. 1067) dated A 20 I am directed by the geu& al commanding to say that you had best send ~ also, to have the men Intercepted informed to the same effect, and that if they wilireturn stonce to dutyno noticewill be taken of their absence. your obedient servant, generibi, y, W. B. BOGGB~ Brigu4ier-Ge~senil awsJ 0kW of HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTSNT, Shreveport, Ia., August *9, 1864. Major-General BuOnER, Oosssaudiug, to.: GENERAL: The general commanding directs me to inclose herewith the copy of a letter to Lieutenant-General Taylor, and to direct that you make dispositioii for the maintenance of the troops near Monros; that you will fizid a large amount of supplies can be drawn from the Otiachita andBar%olomew. Parsons brigadehas already been ordered to the District of Arkansas, and that two brigades of Majors division directed to hold themseltes in readiness to march rn the same direction as soon as the movement across the Mississippi had been effected. It is not advisable t take General Bagby from his division. Thesenior officer can co~knift& nd M4jor~s division, which should move immediately in the neighborhood of Monticello, and there report to the commaading officer of the District of Arkansas. General Wharton should accom- pany the division and takecommand of all the cavalry in the District of Arkansas. I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. BOGGS BrigwMer-Oemerai twed Chief o~ kt..zz HARmsoNBURG, August *5,1864. Maj. (in. S. B. BucinER, (JOUWDSEHSJkSU District of West I,ovielwsa: GENERAL: I received last night dispatch from General Bragg, dated Richmond, August 22, .as follows: Proceed to Meridian, the headquarters of your department, where .t.ff and orders await you. Affairs at Mobile reajuire prompt sad immediate atteutl6n a great need of vetetan troops here. No enemy, but a few negroes, remain in New briesas. The following dispatch has also been received by me: RbomEoND, August 15, fl6~. Capt Tuoxhs Bunun, AlA-b-Cay: He shoulders immediately and enter at onee ~ his new command. He maid the troops well from this aide as the other. Give promp~aotlfleatioa. His aides, adjutant-general, ad inspector-general may accompany BRAXTON BRAGG. OoL L P. Harrison, commanding Sub-District of North Louisiana, was with me~t night, He submitted to me his plan, the correspond- flnciosure No. U, p. 117 Page 119 LIII.] TRANSFER OF CONFEDERATE TROOPS. 119 ence, & c., relative to getting possession of the Federal gun-boats. A possibility exists that it may be successful. As the matter will be developed in a few days at the farthest I shall await the result and cross such troops as it may be possible. In the meantime the forces have been removed to points where they will be in position to avail themselves of any opportunity which may present itself. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR, Lieutenant- General. P. S.I send you latest dispatches from other side of the river, just received. It. T. KIRKS FERRY, August 27, 1864. Maj. Gen. S. B. BucKNER, Commanding the District of Western Louisiana: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- inunication of the 24th instant, inclosing copies of orders from the head- quarters of the Trans-Mississippi Department. I forwarded to you from llarrisonburg, on the 25th instant, copies of dispatches from the War Department, setting forth the urgent need of veteran troops at Mobile, and at the same time I wrote you as to the possibility of effecting the movement of crossing, depending upon the success of the gun-boat scheme of Col. I. F. Harrison. If the scheme is successful and the plan can be carried out, it will be attempted on Wednesday night, 31st instant. To-day I shall be enabled to decide as to making the attempt. Should it be abandoned to-day, the troops will move to-morrow on the road between the Ona- chita and Tensas (an abandoned country) to Moiiroe, and if the attempt fail on Wednesday night, the troops will be in such position that they can at once move under the command of Major-General Wharton to Monroe by the route above indicated. I trust I shall see you in this vicinity before Weduesday. If the troops cannot be crossed at the time mentioned I shall at once proceed to the other side of the Missis- sippi River. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES, Richmond, September 3, 1864. (Received October 18.) General E. KIRBY SMITH, Commanding, cee.: GENERAL: I am directed by General Bragg to inclose a copy of a telegram from Lieutenant-General Taylor, dated Harrisonburg, La., August 25, 1864. You will please report any and every action you may have takeu in regard to General TaylQrs movements since the orders sent him from these headquarters in July last, and send copies of your orders. I am, general, very respectfully, JNO. B. SALE, Colonel and Military Secretary Page 120 120 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. Lilt, [Inclostire. JiARRISONBUlU~, LA., August 25, 1864. (Via Clinton arid Mobile 31st.) General B. BnAG~: I would have been over four weeks ago but was positively forbidden by the department commander, General E. Kirby Smith. Lieutenant- General. flEADQUARTERS DISTRJ~T OF WEST LOUISIANA, Alexandria, September 3, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. 11. BOGGS, Chief of Staff, Shreceport, La. GENERAL: I received your comnmumication with reference to the deserters from Walkers and Polignacs divisions suggesting that it might be well to offer at once a pardon to the offenders. After visiting the troops and conferring with the comnmnanders, I am satisfied that such a course at present would destroy the discipline of the command. The cases were more fiagramit than I thought or than you have been led to suppose, amounting in at least one instamice to an open mutinous outbreak under arms, encouraged, as it is believed, by a few officers. The ringleaders are being tried. Iii time punishment awarded it will be proper to make a distinction between the captured and those who vol- untarily surrendered, and I will make that distinction in acting upon the sentences. Respectfully, your obedient servant, S. B. BUCKNER, Major- General, Commanding. RIcHMOND, VA., September 15, 1864. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN: After an examnination of the correspondence between General E. Kirby Smith and Lient. Gen. li. Taylor, on the subject of crossing troops from the District of Western Louisiana, as requested by you, at time instance of the President, I have the honor to submit the follow- ing statement relative to the command of those troops, and especially of Walkers division: On the 31st of July General Smith wrote to Lieutenant-General Tay- lor on the subject, and used the following language: I have left it optional with General Walker to resume the comnmammd of lmis old divis- ion or remain in this department. On tIme 1st of August General Smith wrote to General Walker sug- gesting the propriety of his taking temnporary command of the troops to aid in the crossing of themn under General Taylor, but leaving this optional with him. Of this last letter (August 1) General Taylor received no copyit was a letter from the department to the district commander. On the 3d of August General Walker was ordered from department headquarters to assume command of the District of Texas, New Mex- ico, & c. On the 8th or 9th of August Major-Geimeral Forney was ordered by General E. Kirby Smith to the command of Walkers division Page 121 CHAP. LIII.] TRANSFER OF CONFEDERATE TROOPS. 121 On the 12th of August General Smith wrote to General Taylor informing huin that General Forney left Shreveport this morning for the purpose of taking command of Walkers old division; and further, I (General Smith) have just received information which has led me to believe that if General Forney assumes command of that division serious difficulty will arise, If my apprehensions are well ~rounded, as soon as the troops reach the east bank of tb~ Mississippi River you will relieve him from command of the division an(l order him to report to Richmond. On the 14th of August Lieutenant-General Taylor wrote to General Smith, in answer to the letter of the 1?th, setting forth the impropriety of placing General Forney in the comman(l, nuder the circumstances, and the embarrassment which ~would result from carrying out General Smiths instructions iu regard to that officer; also urging the policy and propriety of placing General Walker in command of the division. Copies of these letters are in the haimds of General Bragg. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILL. M. LEVY, Asst. Adjt. (tnd ini~p. Gen., Staff of Lieutenant- Genei at Taylor. [lliidorseisient.] SEPTEMBEB I ~ 1864 Respectfully referred to the President. It seems that General Smith, after writing to General Taylor on the 31st of July, left it optional with General Walker, by his letter of the 1st of August, whether he should take command of his old division, and then on time 3d of August countermanded all he had done and sent General Walker to Texas. J. P. BENJAMIN. SELMA, October 4, 1864. General B. BRAGO~ I have just ascertai~ted that General B. Kirby Smith issued an order pardoning all the men who deserted from his army when ordered across the river. This after I had captured most of the deserters. Under these circumstances it seems to inc to be useless to send further orders to cross the troops. R. TAYLOR, Lieutenant- General. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES, Richmond, October 5, 18G4. Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War. This unfortunate order renders any further attempt to cross the troops useless. BIIAXTON BRAGG, General. [Second indorsernent.] OCTOBER 5 1864. Respectfully submitted to the President for his consideration and for instructions. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War Page 122 1~2 LoUISIANA AND THE ~VRANS-MISSlSSIPPi. [CHAP. LIII. I Third iil(lorselHeflt. I OCTOBER 7, 18($4. SECRETARY OF WAR: Require General Smith to explain his condnct. As set forth it is a premnim to desertion, for the pnrpose of evading an order to cross the river in pursuit of the enemy, and sustains the idea of defending a sec- tion of the Confederacy at the expense of the cause for which the States are associated. JEFFN l)AYIS. [Fourth indoriernent.] OCTOBER 10, 1864. ADJUTANT-GENERAL: Address to General Smith the inquiries suggested by the Presnients in dorsenien t. J. A. SEDDOK, Secretary of Wa ~. [Fifth indorsernent.] ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, October 13, 1864. Respectfully referred to General B. K. Smith for report un(ler the indorsement of the President. B~r or(ier of Adjntant and Inspector General: JOHN W. RIELY, Assistant A ~-ljntant- General. [Sixth iinlorscrneuit.j HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, December 6, 1864. Respectfully returned. The within is a misrepresentation. There was no order published either by myself or any subordinate commander pardoning all or any of the nien who deserted when the troops were ordered across the river. Prompt measures were taken to arrest and punish the deserters. The ringleaders were tried, convicted, and shot. In acting on any communication personal to myself from General Tay- lor I beg the President to remember that General Taylors systematic misrepresentation of my motives and acts exhibit a violence and pr~ju- dice restrained neither by respect for himself nor his superiors. B. KIRBY SMITH, General. SHREVEPORT, October 8, 1864. His Excellency the PRESIDENT OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES: The crossing of the troops having failed after every effort, they were moved into Arkansas in support of Prices expedition into Missouri. l)ispatches forwarded August 28 and September 13 explain hilly. This has caused the enemy to. send from Mobile and Tennessee over 20,000 men, who now occupy a menacing attitude, requiring all my force to oppose them. Canby has assumed the offensive on the Atchafulaya with a force of micar 8,000, and Steele, re-cuforced, is making deinonstra- tions with over 20,000 in Arkansas. If the necessities east of the Mis- sissippi are so urgent as to require sacrifices I would recommend that all the troops in this department be ordered across, and that no half measures be adopted endangering the loss of this department without giving substamitial aid to the army east of the river. B. K. SMITH, General, Corn mandiny Page 123 c~AP. 1111.] TRANSFER OF CONFEDERATE TROOPS. 123 WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., I)ecember 7, 1864. General HARDEE, Savannah: Transmit I)y the most rapid means the following (lispatch to General E. Kirby Smith: General E. KIRBY SMITH, Shrereport: If practicable cross troops to aid General 1-lood or divert forces from operating against him in Tennessee. If crossing be impracticable, can you not make some di- version to withdraw troops of the enemy to the Trans-Mississippi? We have intelli- gence that Steele, with 15,000 men, had reached Memphis an(l was proceeding to aid Thomas, commanding the enemys operations against Hood. Tile campaign in the Trans-Mississippi has ceased or been abandoned. While the enemy concentrates east of the river the co-operation of yonr forces should in some form avail us. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. RICHMOND, VA., December 24 1864. General E. KIRBY SMITH, Gommanding Trans-Mississippi Department: GENERAL: Your letter of August 21 has beeu received, and also copies of your correspoudence with General SR. Taylor relative to cross- ing the Mississippi River with troops, and copies of telegrams received froiu officers on this side the Mississippi iu regard to it. I stated to you in a telegram of August 8 that no record was to be found in my office or that of the Bureau of Orders and Correspondence of a dispatch ordering the crossing of General Taylors infantry, though you had 1)eeu called ou to follow the enemys movements as far as practicable. General Bragg being at Coluinbns, Ga., and aware of my views of the importance of re-enforcements from the Trans-Mississippi iDepartment, and authorized by me to make swch arrangements as the exigency of tIme case might require, sent a telegra.mn to cross the infantry designated, and if practicable some others. Had your telegram of July 30 ad- verted to the channel of its communication it would have apprised me of the order having been issued by virtue of a general authority with which I had invested General Bragg; but neither the telegram nor your letter of August 21, replying to my telegram of August 8, afforded a clue to that fact. It was, therefore, only on subsequent investiga- tion that the manner in which you received the order was discovered. It is to be regretted that the withdrawal of so large a portion of the army of the enemy, heretofore employed in the Trans-Mississippi De- partment, and their concentration against our forces on this side of the Mississippi River with such unfortunate results to us, was not either promptly met by the forwardiub of re-enforcements from you, or that in the Trans-Mississippi Department such vigorous measures did riot rap- idly follow your victories in April -as would have prevented the enemy from sending troops to re-enforce his armies elsewhere, and l)crhal)5 would have created an effectual diversion. The events of last summer and fall are known to you. The inad- equacy of the part of our forces on the east side of the Mississippi to contend with those of the enemy as now again concentrated you cannot fail to have realized, and it is hoped that ~ou will spare no e~orts to afford assistance where it is so munch needed for the maintenance of time comumon defense. Your various promotions and assigiminents to high ummd responsible (hilties fnrnish tIme best evidence of my conlldemce i Page 124 124 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LilT. your zeal and ability. I have not hijied to appreciate the tendency of a commander whose uhill(l is properly concentrated upon the necessities of his own position to overlook the wants which may exist elsewhere, and the possibility of his supplying them. We have one cause, one country, and the States have been confederated to unite their power for the defense of each. I no more doubt now than heretofore your earnest desire to promote the common welfare and to sacrifice every per- sonal consideration to that end, and, as heretofore, have only sought to inform you of the public necessity, relying oii your patriotism as far as was practicable to meet it. The superior numbers of the enemy render vigilance and rapid concentration peculiarly essential to our condition. With the hope that Divine power may endow you with wisdom to see what is right, and that we may hereafter rejoice together in the final success of our countrys cause, and with may best wishes for your per- sonal welthre and happiness, I am, very respectfully and truly, yours, JEFFN l)AVIS. R1CHMONiD, VA., January 31, 1RGX GeUeral E. KIRBY SMITH, AS1hreveport, La.: Since my last letter to you reiterating the proposition for you to send uch force as you could spare to the east side of the Mississippi Itiver, the enemy has continued to withdraw troops from the west to the east and is now moving a large force from Tennessee to Virginia. Under these circumstances I think it advisable that you should be charged with military operations on both banks of the Mississippi, and that you should endeavor, as promptly as possible, to cross that river with as large a force as may be prudently withdrawn from your present department. Please answer immnediaiely, that I may know what to expect. JEFFEIISON DAVIS. JULY 2324, 1864.Operations in Randolph County, Mo., with skirmishes at Allen (23d), and at Huntsville (24th). HIEPOI~TS. No. 1.Col. Edwin C. Catherwood, Sixth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 2.Lient.. Eben ezer Knapp, Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry. No.1. Report ~t Col. Edwin C. Catherwood AS1ixth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. MACON, July 23, 1864. They are fighting at Allen. I have sent 100 men to re-enforce the militia. Operator says rebel re-enforcements just coming, but will hold ~it. E. C. CATHEIRWOOD, Colonel, Corn manding. Col. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 125 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION TO SOUTHWESTERN NEW MEXICO. 125 No. 2. Report of Lient. Ebenezer Knapp, Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, Glasgow, Mo., September 1, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on Saturday, July 23, 18f34, while at Allen, Randolph County, Mo., in command of a detach- ment of forty men from this post, I was attacked by guerrillas, coin- manded by Bill Anderson, wiith nearly double my force. The attack was repelled without the loss of any men, but with the loss of 9 Gov- ernment horses (killed) and 7 horses belonging to citizens, which had been pressed for the expedition. On the following day, at lluntsvi~le, Ilandolph County, Mo., a second attack was made on. my command, in which 3 Government horses were killed or lost and 12 horses of private citizens lost or killcd. We also lost 2 mcii killedJohn Nicholls, ~ private, Company A, Forty-sixth lieginient Missouri State Militia, and John Daniels, private (blacksmith), of Company H, Seventeenth illinois Cavalry. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, B. KNAPP, Second Licat. Company U, Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry. Adjutant-General THOMAS, War Department, Washington, I). C. JULY 23OCTOBER 10, 1864.Expedition to Southwestern New Mexico. Report of Lient. Col. Nelson H. Davis, Assistant Inspector- General, U. S. Army. INSPECTOR-GENERALS I)EPT. ,DEPT. OF NEW MEXICO, Santa E~, N Mex., October 17, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit herewith for the imiformation of the (iei)artmemlt conminander a.report of the expedition recemitly under ni y coimnand, orgai tized pursuant to instructions from department auxiliary to, but independent of, headquarters, dated July 21 1864 as the Apache Expedition under Col. B. A. IRigg, to scout the southwest- erui paint of New Mexico southeast border of Arizona, and along time boutidry hue betwecim the Umiited States and Mexico, for Iiidiam~s,in which section of commutry it was currently believed many Apaches lived, aul(l to whiclm it was suppose(l others had fled in consequence of the campaigns against them north of the Gila hiiver, and to examine this comnmtry with regard to its mnimmeral, agricultural, and i)astmmral resources, as well as for military purposes. Leaving Santa F6 July 23, 1 proceeded directly to Las Cruces, N. Mex., and Franklin, Tex., and made upon Col. G. W. Bowie, commanding l)istrict of Arizona, and Maj. Wilhianm MeCleave, dis- trict quartermaster, requisitions for troops, emnploy~s, supplies, trans- i)ortatioli, & c., necessary to organize ammd fit out the expedition, which were promptly and satisfactorily umet. The entire force was comprised of detachments whicim came from San Elizario and Frank- hum, Tex., from Las Crmmces and Camp Mimbres, N. Mex., consistimig of the following detail, viz: Capt. J. II. Whitlock amid thirty-tw Page 126 126 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII.. enlisted men of his company (F), Fifth California Yolnnteers; SecoiA Lient. F. Hudson, Fifth California Volunteers, and thirty-five enlisted men of Comp ny 13, same regiment; Secon(1 Lient. J. F. ilutchinson, First California Cavalry (acting assistant qnartermaster and assistant commissary of snbsistence), and sixteen eulisyed men of Companies A, F, 0-, and iVI, same regiment; Asst. Simrg. J. Q. Adams, U. S. Volun- teers; citizen einployes as teamsters, herders, guides, & c., which assem bled at Fort Cummings, Cooks Springs, Angnst 5, and on the follow- ing day took up its line of march en ronte as follows: South to .the Florida Mountains; thence south-southeast to the Ojos los Adjuntos (Paloinas Springs); thence west-northwest to Carrizalillo Spring; thence nearly south to Mosquito Springs; thence south-southwest to Al~nio Hueco Mountains, and to the s~)riIlgs of the same name on the west side of this range. Herc the wagons with a guard, under Lieu- tenant Hutchinson, remained in camp, and two detachments with pack anhuals were organized. With one under LieutenantHudson I proceeded north to and along the west slope of Hatchet Mountain .to the north end, and ascended this mommtain, while Captain Whitlock and Doctor Adams with the other detachment proceeded west-northwest to, crossed the Sierra de las Animas Mountains to the west side of this range and to its north end, and on the sixth day these detachments assembled at the wagon camn}), moved fifteen miles southwest from Alamo Hueco Spring as previously ordered. From here with Captain Whitlock and a detachment I l)roceeded to the La Sierra de los Espuelos (Spur Moun- taiiis), fourteen miles distant, nearly southwest. After returning to camp the entire command moved south-southwest to La Sierra de ha Media (Middle Mountain); thence nearly southeast to Palotada River. From here with Lieutenant Hutchinson and a small detachment, leav- ing the remaimider of the force in camp, I proceeded, accoumpanied by Don Juan M. Zubiran, nearly south nine miles to Janos, amid thence to Corrahitos to obtain supplies, a competent guide, amid procure informa- tion respecting Indians and the country in this vicinity. Don Jose Maria Zuloago, the proprietor of the fine hacienda of Cor- rahitos (muany leagues of land in addition, three silver umines beimig actively worked), is a gentleman of education, imitelhigeuce, amid refimme- muemit, ammd gave us a friendly reception. He cheerfully furnished the supplies required, together with much interesting intbrmatiomm rela- tive to the Apache Indians and that section of coumitry. It is with 1)leasure, as well as fromn a sense of duty and justice to Mr. Zuloago, that I state the comuplaimits made against him of selling powder and lead to Indiamis are, to the best of my belief; without foumidatiomi imi fact, amid were made upomi incorrect representations. Having almuost absolute authority and jurisdiction over this part of the State of Chihuahua, he minot omily does not sell these articles to Indians, but strictly prohibits, so far as he is able so to do, others fromn selling themn. It is for his interest, amid he is amixious to have the hostile Apaches subdued or extemminated, simice his losses fromn timeir predatory raids and tIme expense incurred from constantly keeping arumed a large nuni- ber of memi incident to their hostility, to protect his umines, traimis, amid stock, amount, as I was informed, to several thousand dollars annually. He expresses himuself desirous of co-operating, so far as he is able with the department coummuaminder of New Mexico in such measures as will subdue this savage and hostile nation of Apaches. Domi Juami M. Zubirami, who had accomupammied nine on the expedition to this point, and besides being a muost genial comupanion, rendered material aid as interpreter, and in obtaimming information of interest an Page 127 Ow. Lm.J EXPEDITION TO SOUTUflBTflN 1(3W MEXICO. 127 value. His services are appreciated. Business demands obliged him toseparatefrommeatthisplaceandreturn to El Paso, much to my regret. The convictions I had entertained of the deceptions and treach- ery of my guide, Julio Garcia, were confirmed by information gleaned here and at lance. On returning to camp- on Janos River, to which point it had been moved as ordered, I found that this culprit guide had deserted. 4nother guide was employed (the best to be had), but who was inq)erfectly acquainted with localities I wished to examine. Prem - this camp the entire command moved via lance don this river, which it foUowe4 ntilnear the Boca GrandeMountains, where a warn camp was established. Lieutenant Hudson, with a detachment, directed to examine these mountains; Lieutenant Hutehiuson and two men sent to Port Cummings and Vamp Mimbres for infantry shoes, sole l0ather for repairing the same, horse and mule shoe nails, & b., while with Cap- tam Whitlock,. Doctor Adams, and a detachment I proceeded via this river to Lake Gusman and the El Ojo Caliente, four miles west of it,. and thence nearly northwest and west-northwest through the range of mountains west of said lake to JanoeRiver; thence nearly west, via the Alamo Hueco Range, and west-northwest to Sulphur Springs, four miles west of Hatchct Mountain, to which point Lieutenant Hudson had moved, via Mosquito Springs, with the wagons, and Lieutenant ;. Hutehinson returned as directed, Doctor Adams, with a detachment, having proceeded from the river northwest and joined Lieutenant Hud- son atthe last-named sprinqs. Prom Sulphur Springs with Oaptain Whitlock and a.detachment, I proceeded north eight miles to Agus Hum Montains; thence north- northwest along their west slope; crossed through the range toeast side, and thence around north end and west to the wagon camp there estab- lished as ordered. In the meantime the other portion of the command moved northwest and north-northwest to the Los Ojos Hermosos (Beau- tiM Springs), whence Lieutenant Hudson with a detachment~roceeded to a mountain range north of La Sierra de las Animas; after which he moved as stated to last-named camp. Seyeral days of wet weather, in- cluding one tery heavy rain-storm1 had rendered the ground soft and miry, and the rations on hand being only sufficient to take mycom: mandto the nearest military post, I proceeded thence east via Carri- salillo Spring, and north-northeast via the florida Mountains to Port Cummings, N. Mc., whence the differ~nt detachments were ordered to their proper stations, and I repaired to Santa P6 as directed, arriv- ingon the 10th instant. The distance marched by the troops comprising this expedition, from the time of leaving their respective stations. until returning to the same, was, bydailj computation, 1,200 miles. The scout was long, hot, and m many respects a hArd and tedious one. AU of the mountains mentioned, with their cafions, the intermediate plain or valleys, and water localities, with Lake Gunman and its adjacent country, were examined and searched for Indians. The ascent of.. Hatehet Mountain to its crowning pinnacle, the most lofty in this region of country, pnved a hot, arduous, and dangerous undertaking. The ascent of other mountains, and nightly examinations of rocky caflons, were but little less arduous and difficult. Many night marches were made and every effort taken to surprise Indians at these various places, should any be living or encamped there, but contrary to the general belief andreport, this vast section of country, with one exce Page 128 128 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. tion, was deserted by the wily Apache; that formerly they had occu- pied it in large numbers, the many hard and well-beaten trails that chequered the plains, threaded the canons, and crossed the mountaills in all directions, with the nnmerous abandoned and (lilapidated rancherias, containing relics of booty and plunder, gave ample proof. The exception was a band of Indians in Agua Ilneco Range, and an occupied rancheria in the mountains last examined by Lieutenant Hud- son, which parties II have reason to believe, from the dispositions of my forces previously ordi~red, would have been surprised and severely chastised but for want of information withheld by my guide, Garcia, his willful falsehoods, unpardonable and base treachery. In this connection I respectfully but urgently request that requisitions be made upon the Uovernors of Chihuahua aiid Sonora for the apprehension and surrender to the military authorities of the United States of this culprit and traitor, that he may be tried and punished. The cause of the abandonment of this section of country by the Apache may be its general dryness, the absence of stock on which to depredate, but is principally due to the moral terror with which the American soldier with their long arms have inspired him, and the fear of being killed or captured, owing to the vigorous and successful war which has been prosecuted against the Apaches and Navajos in this military department for the last two years. The bands break into small parties, remaining with their families a short time only in one place, and then generally upon high mountain or hill ranges distant from the water, which is required and carried thither by the squaws. At the rancherias occupied as stated the Indians barely escaped us, fleeing through the mountains in various directions, which we exam- ined as they were pursued. One only was killed so far as known. Every assistance, with the fatigues and privations of the campaign, was cheerfully rendered and borne by officers and men in the desire to accomplish the objects of the expedition. An almost unlinmited extent of fine grazing country was passed over, sufficiently well watered to supply time wants of stock, and large areas of good arable land, beimig of an argillaceous, argillo-arenaceous, but nmorc generally of an alluvial character, and, from the absence of run - ning water for the purposes of irrigation, is indifferently adapted to cultivation. There is a good supply of wood and timber on Hatchet, Las Animas, Los Espuelos, La Media, and Boca Grande Mountains, und somne on the Floridas and Alamo Hueco. Time muesquite, sage, greese wood, and palm exist in sufficient quantity upomi the rolling plains and in the valleys to meet the ordinary wants for firewood. The valleys are separated by the mountain ranges, wimich bear generally north and south, but some of them have a lateral variation mnore or less to time east and west. A knowledge of the water localities is of the first importance to one travehimig through this section of country, as they necessarily influence the routes taken ammd time drives or marches mnade daily. The permanent water consists of living springs, timmajos (raimiwater collected in rocky cailons or arroyos), and estanques (water of sonic character collected in basins in simnilar localities or in the valley, but in larger volumes). Occasionally running water is foummd iii caflon arroyos. The following is a brief description of the principal waterimmg places visited on my expedition, to wit: Tinajas east side north emmd Florida Mountains, in rocky arroyo, easily accessible, and twenty miles fromu Fort Cummings; water good, wood scarce, grazing fair. Blackberr Page 129 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION TO SOUTHWESTERN NEW MEXICO. 129 Spring, ten miles south last water, and east side same range, in mouth of cafion, easily accessible; water good, wood sufficient, grazing fair. Tinaja south end same range, three miles up a rough caiion, bad of access, arid ten miles from last water; water good, of limited quantity, wood and grazing good. Palamos Springs, in valley, being collection of several very large springs or ponds, twenty-four miles from Black- berry Spring; water in some good, in others alkaline; wood scarce, grazing fair. Carrizalillo Spring, in rolling ground near mountain range, twenty- six miles from last springs; water good an(l abundant, little wood, grazing good. Mosquito Springs, in valley, twenty-four miles from last spring; water excellent, and abundant, wood abundant, graz- ing ordinary. Estanques in caflons in Alamo Hueco Mountains, six- teen miles from last springs, caflons rough, and high and steep ridges to cross; water, wood, and grazing good. Alamo ilucco Spring, west side north end of this range, same distance from Mosquito Spring; water good and abundant, wood abundant, and grazing good. Estan- ques; in grassy arroyo, on plain east of Spur Mountains, fifteen miles from last spring; water abundant and good, wood several miles distant, grazing good, water in holes three miles east. Arroyo Creek, east slope Spur Mountain, fourteen miles from last water, running stream of excellent water; wood abundant, grazing indifferent. Tinaja west side Sierra de la Media, one mile up rough calion, very difficult of access; water good, wood abundant, grazing good; fourteen miles from last estanques. Paletada River, in valley of rolling plain, seventeen miles from last tinaja; water abundant, in large detached pools, and good, wood abundant, grazing good; this river in high water runs into the Janos River. Hence to the town of Janos, on river of same name, is nine miles. This river sinks in places and after its confluence with the Corrahtos River, some four miles east of the town of Janos, preserves the same name; thence to Lake Guzman it generally is a sluggish stream, winding through a very rich bottom of dark, rich soil, but ceases to be a running stream ere reaching the lake. In high water much of the bottom is overflowed. Lake Guzman, when at it, consisted merely of detached pools or lagunas, small in extent, marshy ground, and sloughs, being mouths of Jano~ River. Ojo~ Caliente, four miles west, is a large spring, temperature about 1200, impregnated slightly with sulphur and alkaline in taste. Corralitos Valley is rich and productive. Sulphur Springs, consists of four, twenty-five miles from Mosquito Springs, and four miles west of Hatchet Monutain; water excellent, two of the springs being sulphur water, wood abundant, grazing fair. Sycamore Spring, west side north end Dc las Ani- mas Range, is a large spring producing a creek, and some twenty-four miles from last springs; wood and timber abundant, grazing good, and water excellent; Cooks emigrant road from Cow Spring passes by it. Los Ojos Hermosos, consists of several springs, in the valley between the last named and Agua Hueco range of mountains, and are north twenty-one miles from Sulphur Springs; water excellent, wood suffi- cient; grazing fair. La Playa, east of these springs, and extending several miles north and south, contained in places some water. Agua Hueco Springs, in range of same name, are twenty-six miles from Car- rizalillo Spring; water abundant and excellent, wood abundant, grazing good. Carrizalillo Spring, water abundant and excellent, wood abun- dant, grazing good; Carrizalillo Spring by the most direct route is thirty miles from Blackberry Spring. 9 R RYOL XLI, PT Page 130 130 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPJ?I. [CHAP. LIII. Besides the water localities above enumerated there are several others of a less permanent character. A portion of the country passed over was of an anriferous and argentiferons character, and from report, as well as the indications exhibited from examination, I have reason to believe that at a future day good gold placers and silver mines will be discovered in this part of New Mexico and profitably worked. Speci- mens of ore from several localities were secured and brought in. Of what value they will prove tests expected soon to be made of them will discover. Our constant movements in search for Indians with the means at hand afforded little time and indifferent facilities for pros- pecting the mineral localities to much extent. The color was found in one or two instances when a superficial prospect for gold was made. Should circumstances make it advisable to establish a military post in the southwest portion of.New Mexico, I think at or in the vicinity of Sycamore Spring is the point which, from its strategical position rela- tive to Indian movements, and the facilities for obtaining supplies requisite for a post, possesses the best recommendations. Bears, deer, antelope, & c., were seen, and some killed by the men when they were allowed to shoot them. Rattlesnakes innumnerThie infest the land, vis- ited our camps, struck at us en route in the day, and by their defiant rattles warned us of their presence at night in our silent marches. Tarantulas, centipedes, and scorpions were not unfrequent. In conclusion I simply add that my command returned in good health and the animals in as good condition as when I icceived them. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. II. DAVIS, Assistant Inspector- General, U. S. Army. Capt. B. C. CUTLER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of New Mexico. JULY 2526, 1864.Scout from Fulton, Mo. Report of Charles D. Ludwig, Assistant Provost-Marshal. IIDQRS. EIGHTH SUB-DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSouRI, OFFICE ASSISTANT PROVOST-MARSHAL, Fulton, Mo., July 28, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report to you that on the 25th instant I learned that a gang of bushwhackers visited the house of Dr. J. M. Martin at 12.30 p. m. and demanded time surrender of the United States flag which was floating from the top of the house. I immediately sent out a scout under A. Kempinsky, who caught up with them on the 26t~,in the morning, and killed the notorious bushwhacker Capt. William Hancock and wounded Frank Ramsey, another leader of bushwhackers, capturing a horse, saddle and bridle, and a revolver. I had the honor to report this already to General Fisk. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. D. LUDWIG, Assistant Provost.Marshal. Col. J. P. SANDERSON, Prov. Mar. Gen., Dept. of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo Page 131 CRAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION IN DAKOTA TERRITORY. 131 JULY 26AUGUST 11, 1864.Scout in Yell County, Ark., with skirmishes. Report of Cot. Abraham H. Ryan, Third Arkansas Cavalry (Union). LEWISBURG, August 11, 18648 a. rn. Captain Herring has returned from an eighteen days scout in Yell County; killed the two Newsom brothers. Reports that the rebels are ruunrng conscripts, negroes, and captured and stolen property south by way of Centre Point and Caddo Gap. A. H. RYAN, Colonel. Capt. C. H. DYER, Assistant Adjutant- General. JULY 26OCTOBER 8, 1864.Expedition against Sioux Indians in Dakota Territory. SUIMMARY 033 TILE PiRINCIIPAL IEViENTS. July 28, 1864.Action at the Talikahokuty Mountain. Aug. 89, 1864.Action on the Little Missouri River. IREPOIRTS.* No. 1.Maj. Gen. John Pope, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the North- west. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Alfred Sully, U. S. Army, commanding Northwestern Indian Ex- pedition. No. 3.Lient. Col. Samuel M. Pollock, Sixth Iowa Cavalry, First Brigade. No. 4.Lient. Col. John Pattee, Seventh Iowa Cavalry. No. 5.Maj. Alfred B. Brackett, Bracketts Minnesota Battalion Cavalry. No. 6.Capt. Nelson Miner, First Battalion Dakota Cavalry. No. 7.Capt. Christian Stuift, Independent Company of Indian Scouts. No. 8.Capt. Nathaniel Pope, Prairie Battery. No. 9.Col. Minor T. Thomas, Eighth Minnesota Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 10.Lient. Col. Henry C. Rogers, Eighth Minnesota Infantry. No. 11.Maj. George A. Camp, Eighth Minnesota Infantry. No. 12.Col. Robert N. McLaren, Second Minnesota Cavalry. No. 13.Maj.. C. Powell Adams, Independent Battalion Minnesota Cavalry. No. 1. Reports of ]ifaj. Gen. John Pope, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Northwest. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST, Milwaukee, Wis., October 6, 1864. GENERAL: 1 have the honor to transmit by this mail detailed reports of General Sully, recounting the operations of his expedition from July 28 (the date of his first battle on KnifP River with combined tribes of Sioux) to September 11. You will perceive that at the crossing of the Little Missouri, on his route to the Yellowstone, Sully had another severe battle, at which the See also expedition from Fort Rice, Dak., September 1130, 1864, p. 795 Page 132 [CHAP. LIII. 132 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Indians were beaten with heavy loss and totally dispersed, the bands from the north and east side of the Missouri (principally Yanktol7lais) having deserted their allies and taken temporary refuge in very desti- tute condition within the British possessions. Sully followed them after crossing the Missouri at mouth of the Yellowstone to near the British line. At last dates from Fort IRice messengers from the Yanktonais had reached there to see General Sully and ask for peace. Reports via Peinbina confirm the destitute condition of the Sioux who fought Sully, some of whom had already reached the English settlements on Rcd River, and held conferences with the British officials. The Indians are in a desperate condition. I have little doubt that Sully will arrange a satisfactory peace with them. It is not likely that they will again give trouble on any considerable scale to the frontier settlements. Small raids may from time to time be attempted by small parties of desperate Indians for robbery or theft, but there are forces enough along the frontier to give all necessary protection, even in the absence of the two reghnents I am sending South. I will, in a few weeks, make a careful r6sum6 of operations in this department during the past season and present in detail the precise condition of our Indian relations in their present and Pitur~ aspect. Meantime there are several points in the inclosed comnmunications,* especially in those of the 9th and 11th of September, to which I desire to invite your particular attention. First. As to the expedition of Captain Fisk, assistant quartermaster, under a special appropriation of Congress. The complaints agaimist this officer by General Sully are simply a repetition of the same state- meimts made by General Sibley as to his conduct last year while con- ducting an expedition of the same character. General Sibley then predicted that Captain Fisk would eventually be cut off by the Indians, as he was both too reckless and too ignorant to be trusted. He mani- fested the same disrespect and used the same disrespectful language in regard to General Sibley that General Sully now reports in regard to himself. As Captain Fisk is beyond my control, I trust that the War Departumemit will take such action in his case as the gross military offenses charged against himn by Generals Sully aiid Sibley warrant. General Sully states that his present expedition consists simply of muen running away fromn the draft. I request your attention to General Sullys letters of the 9th and 11th of September for an account of this whole matter, and of the serious results to the Government which may arise from the conduct of Captain Fisk. Second. Attention is invited to the comiduct of the half-breeds and other English subjects, who are continually coming into United States territories, encouraging the Indians to continue the war agaimist United States citizemis and furnishing them (the Indians) with ammunition and supplies for that purpose. I have several times asked the attention of the Government to this subject. It is sufficiently clear that unless such practices are stopped, the Indian, having constant encouragement to commit hostilities, a safe place of refuge amid supplies of ammunition and provisions, is imot likely to make peace, amid can only be prevented fromn committing hostilities within our borders by the employment of large forces at great expense along our whole northern frontier. The English authorities are directly accountable fbr these results, by giving refuge to Indiamis at war with the United States and by refusing to comitrol them or to permit the United States forces to follow them into British territory. See Sullys report, p. 141 Page 133 (IHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION IN DAKOTA TERRITORY. 133 Third. General Sully~s statements colicernilig the 1)resent system of annuities to Indians and the manner of paying them in use by the Indian Department are worthy of careful attention, as confirming the views I have hitherto laid before the Department on this subject. Gen- eral Sully found the country between Fort Rice and the Yellowstone too difficult ever to be traversed by traitis, in fact nearly impracticable. He accordingly established a post at the mouth of the Yellowstone and one at the old trading I)ost of Fort Berthold. These posts, iu connec- tion with Fort Rice, will render secure the navigation of the Missouri River and the overland line of travel by the valley of that river. Further details will be given in my annual report, as also my pur- poses for the protection of the regiou between the Platte and the Upper Missouri and Yellowstone. It will probably be necessary to establish a considerable post iu the Black Hills, and one on Powder River. Of these matters I will communicate more fully hereafter. I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLEOK, Chief of AS~taff of the Army, Washing/on, N. C. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTIMENT OF THE NORTHWEST Milwaukee, Wis., November 3, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of oper- ations in this department during the past year: The two great Indian nations which occupy this military department are the Chippewas, who inhabit the region between Lake Superior and Rainy Lake River on the east and the Red River of the North on the west, and the powerful Sioux ~r Dakota Nation, which, divided into several strong and warlike tribes, claims and roams over the vast region from the western frontier of Minnesota on the east to the Rocky Mountains on the west, and from the frontier of Iowa and the line of the Platte River on the south to the British possessions on the north. There are sonic small fragments of tribes on the Upper Missouri who belong to neither nation, but they are few in number, insignificant in strength or influence, and have always been at peace with the whites. With the Chippewas there have been no difficulties which have led to hostilities, although there have been and continue to be the constant misunderstanding, dissatisfaction, and controversy which naturally arise under our defective Indian system between the Indians on the one side and Indian agents and traders on the other. So far these difficulties have not culminated in actual hostilities, but unless the Indian system be remodeled they are likely to do so at any mo- ment. The war up to this time has been entirely confined to the Sioux Nation. It will be remembered that the campaign of last year termi- nated, so far as field operations were concerned, with the defeat of the Sioux by General Sully near the James River on the 3d of September, 1863. The high latitude of the theater of war in this department, the immense region of uninhabited country covered by military operations, and the vast distances from the frontier to be traversed before the enemy can be reached, of necessity very munch shorten the season dur- ing which it is possible to carry on actual field operations. After reaching the Indian country not more than three months are left in which it is practicable to keep troops in the field. The ope Page 134 134 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIIL atio~is of last year eiided with such defeats of the Indians occupying the vast regions east of the Missouri River as forced them for a time to take refuge in the British possessions, and relieved the entire frontier settlements of Minnesota, low a, and Dakota from aiiy danger of In- dian hostilities. During last winter, however, the whole Dakota Nation, from the Rocky M~nntains to the Minnesota frontier, and from the Platte River and the Iowa line to the British possessions on the north, succeeded in combining their various and scattered tribes for a final effort against the whites, and by the opening of spring had slowly con- centrated their whole force on and near the Upper Missouri, to resist the navigation of the Missouri River, prevent the passage of emigrants across the great plains, and to deliver, with their combined forces, a final battle against the United States troops under General Sully. This Indian force was then estimated by conipeterit authorities, and so reported by me to the War Department early in the spring, at about 6,000 warriors, and this estimate was subsequently confirmed by Gen- eral Sully, after his battles with them near the Little Missouri. It was also reported at the time, and has been confirmed since by undoubted testimony, that ammunition and other necessary supplies were brought to the Indian camps during the winter by half-breeds and traders from the British settlements on the Red River of the North. It is hardly necessary for inc to repeat what I have so often reported, that Indian hostilities in this department have been fomented and encouraged, and the Indians supplied with the means to continue the war, by the half- breeds and other British subjects of the Selkirk settlements. As I was satisfied that this combination of the whole of the numerous and widely dispersed tribes of the Sioux (or 1)akota) Nation, who occupy the vast region north of the Platte, and the northern boundaries of lowa from the Rocky Mountains to the vicimmity of the Great Lakes, would be the fiuial effort of the great Indian nation to continue hostilities against the whites, and as I felt sure that if once their entire force of warriors could be met and defeated, this Indian war in the northwest on any considerable scale would be closed, preparations for an active campaign during the summer of 1864 were made during the close of last winter. The plan of operations consisted in putting into the field, under the command of Brig. Gen. A. Sully, an active column of about 2,500 men, entirely cavalry, to advamice against the Indians wherever they could be found, amid deliver battle with them, and at the sanme time to follow up the movement of this force with detachments of infantry large enough to establish stromig posts in the Indian country. These posts were so located as to cover the frontier of Iowa and Minnesota and the frontier settlements of Dakota Territory, at a long distance; to interpose be- tween the different tribes so as to concerted action to com- prevent muand the hunting grounds of the Indians so that they would be con- stantly under the supervision and in the power of the military forces, which by concerted action could easily and promptly march a heavy force of cavalry upon any portion of the region in which the Indians are obliged to hunt for subsistence; to command the Indian trails to- ward the frontier settlements, so as to detect the passage evemi of the smallest parties attempting to make raids upon the settlers and to fol- low themn up, and so far as military necessities would allow, to protect an emnigramit route from the Upper Mississippi River to the T& iTitories of Idaho and Montana. The details of this plan of operations were submitted to you and approved in February last, and immediate preparations made to carry themu into execution. General Sully collected the forces under his co Page 135 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION IN DAKOTA TERRITORY. 135 mand, from the various posts and stations in his district, early in the spring, and commenced to move up the Missouri River, leaving oniy such detachments as were necessary to cover the frontier from small Indian raids during his absence. He was re-enforced by about 1,500 mounted men from Minnesota, leaving General Sibley with about 700 effective men to protect the frontier settlements of Minnesota during the summer. The mouth of Burdache Creek, on the Upper Missouri, was selected as the point where the Minnesota troops should join the forces of Gen- eral Sully moving up the Missouri, and the junction of these forces was made on the 30th of June. The spring rise in the Missouri River did not come down until very late in the season, and Sully only reached the mouth of Cannon Ball River, at which point he was to establish a strong post, which was to be his depot of supplies, on the 7th of July. He established Fort Rice at that point, distant from Sioux City 450 miles, and garrisoned it with five companies of the Thirtieth Wisconsin Volunteers. The indians, who had been concentrated on and near the Missouri River about fifty miles above this post, had meantime crossed to the southwest side of the river and occupied a strong position in a very difficult country near the Little Missouri River, due west, and about 200 miles from Fort Rice. On the 26th of July General Sully marched upon these Indians with the following forces: Eighth Minnesota Volunteers (mounted) and six companies of Second Minnesota Cavalry, with four light guns, under command of Col. M. T. Thomas, Eighth Minnesota Volunteers; eleven companies Sixth Iowa Cavalry, three companies Seventh Iowa Cav- alry, two companies Dakota cavalry, four companies Bracketts bat- talion cavalry, one small company of scouts, and four mountain how- itzers, all under command of , numbering in all 2,200 men. A small emigrant train for Idaho, which had accompanied the Minnesota troops from that State, followed the movement of Sullys force. At the head of Heart River he corral& d his trains, and, leaving a sufficient guard with them, he marched rapidly to the northwest, to the point where the combined forces of time Indians were assembled. On the morning of July 28 he came upon them, between 5,000 and 6,000 war- riors, strongly posted in a wooded country, very much cut up with high, rugged hills, and deep, impassable ravines. He had an hours talk with sonic of the Indian chiefs, who were very defiant and impudent, after which he moved rapidly forward against their strong position. The action for a time was sharp and severe, l)Ilt the artillery and long-range small-arms of the troops were very destructive, and the Indians began to give way on all sides. They were so closely pressed by Sullys forces that they abandoned their extensive camps, leaving all their robes, lodges, colts, and utensils of every description, and all the winter sup- ply of provisions which they had been so long collecting. The action resulted in a running light of nine miles, the Indians finally scattering completely, and escaping with nothing but their wounded, which, ac- cording to the Indian customn, they carried off, as also as many of their killed as they could. One hundred and twenty-five dead warriors were left on the field. I have transmitted heretofore the reports of General Sully and of the various commanders of his force, as also a statement of the immense quantity of Indian goods and supplies destroyed by General Sully in the captured camp of the Indians. Finding the country nearly im- practicable, having only a smuall supply of provisions or means to carry them, and ascertaining that the retreat of the mass of the Indians wa Page 136 136 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. toward the southwest, Sully returned to his train at the head of heart River, and resumed his march westward throngh an unknown and unexplored toward the Yellowstone, expected to reach region which he near Fort Alexander, at which point it Md been proposed to establish a military post. On the 5th of August he came in sight of the Bad Lands, which border the Little Missouri on both sides. The country was exceedingly rugged and difficult, and so cut up with deep perpen- dicular ravines that it was with the utmost labor and loss of time that a narrow, winding way between the ravines in places barely ten feet wide was found for his wagons. I cannot convey a better idea of the country than is contained in the following extract from Sullys report, which will be full of interest to the scientific world: I liave not sufficient power of language to describe the country in front of us. It was grand, dismal, and majestic. You can imagine a basin, 600 feet deep and twenty- five miles in width, filled with a number of cones and oven-shaped knolls of all sizes, fi-om twenty-five to several hundred feet high, sometimes by themselves, sometimes piled up into large heaps on top of each other, in all conceivable shapes and conPi- sion. Most of these hills were of a gray clay, but many of a light brick color, of burnt clay; little or no vegetation. Some of the sides of the hills, however, were covered with a few scrub cedars. Viewed in the distance at sunset it looked exactly like the rains of au ancient city. 1 regret very much that some gentleman well acquainted with geology and mineralogy did not accompany the expedition, for we marched through a most wonderful and interesting country. It was covered with pieces of petrified wood, and on the tops of some of the hills we found petrified stumps of trees, the remains of a great forest. In some cases these trees were six- teen to eighteen feet in diameter. Large quantities of iron ore, lava, and impres- sions of leaves in the rocks of a size and shape not known to any of us. In this difficult and almost impassable region a portion of the Indians whom Sully had defeated on the 28th of July attempted to offer resist- ance, but were badly defeated, leaving over 100 dead on the field. After this hopeless effort, in which General Sully reports that they exhib- ited none of the spirit and audacity which characterized the fight on the 28th of July, the Indians scattered and broke up their combination entirely. The Tetons sepaliated into small fragments, fled toward the southwest the Yanktonais, with other confederated tribes from the north and east sides of the Missouri, crossed the Missouri River, and retreated rapidly into the British possessions by way of Mouse River. Gerieral Sully followed them nearly to the British line. Finding the country west of Fort Rice in the direction of the Yellowstone impracti- cable for wagon roads, Sully decided not to establish a post so high up on that river, but placed a garrison at mouth of Yellowstone and an- other at the trading post of Fort Berthold, lower down on the Missouri River. These posts, in connection with Fort Rice, will keep open the Missouri River render travel along the valley secure, and separate the Indian tribes, so that another concentration will be impracticable, even should the Indians seek it. Sully returned slowly by way of the Mis- souri River valley to Fort Rice. After leaving that post well garri- soned and in good condition and sending the Thirtieth Wisconsin Volunteers to the Mississippi to go south to Sherinamis army, Sully came slowly down to Sioux City, where his last dispatches are dated. To Fort Randall and also to Fort Pierre chiet~ of the combined Sioux tribes which he had defeated caine in and asked for peace, ackn owledg- ing that they could not fight against the whites, that they had lost everything, robes, lodges, provisions, & c., and wonld be in a starving condition. They were informed by the commanding officers of those posts that the only conditions of peace required from them were that they would behave themselves and not molest the whites. The Indians were both surprised and gratified that peace on such easy terms was t Page 137 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION IN DAKOTA TERRITORY. 137 be had, and immediately returned to their tribes to bring in the prin- cipal chiefs to meet General Sully at Fort Randall. It is expected that peace with all the tribes west of the Missouri River, ou terms entirely satisfactory to the Government, will be made this winter; a peace which involves neither presents nor annuities of any description, but a peace simply based upon good behavior. With the Yanktonais and other Sioux tribes north and east of the Missouri there will be somewhat longer delay in coming to satisfactory terms. About half these Indians desire to make peace at once, but there are many who wish to keep up the war. These last are encouraged in their purpose by half-breeds and other British subjects, and as they have a safe refuge in the British possessions, and are there supplied with means to carry on hostilities, it will probably require the hardships and privations of a winter in those arctic regions to bring them to their senses. They took refuge there after the battles in a perfectly destitute condition, and are already beginning to rob and plunder, and in places to commit murder in the English settlements. They will soon become as odious and dangerous to the British settlements as they have bee~i to our own. By spring most likely everything will be satisfactorily settled. As matters stand, and are likely to stand this winter, however, with these Indians, there is no manner of danger to the frontier settlements of Minnesota or Dakota. The Indians are driven far away, and a cold, barren, and bleak prairie region, many hundred miles in extent, and impassable in winter, interposes between them and the frontier settlements. In Min- nesota there have been no active operations, there being no hostile Indians, except a few straggling thieves east of the Missouri River. With the small force under his command judiciously posted General Sibley has kept everything quiet on the Minnesota border, nor is there ever again the likelihood of any Indian hostilities from Sioux on the Minnesota frontier, beyond such small thieving raids as are incident to the situation, and must always o~cur so long as there are Indians on our western borders. With these, should they occur, a small force will be able to deal conclusively. For details, of which the foregoing report is a brief summary, I have the honor to refer you to the reports of Generals Sully and Sibley here- with and heretofore transmitted. In some manner the British Government should either prevent hos- tile Indians who reside within the boundaries of the United States from seeking refuge in British territory, or should secure the United States against the raids of such Indians, or should permit the United States forces to pursue into British territory all Indians who belong south of the line and who are at war with citizens of the United States. One of these three demands is certainly reasonable, and will effect the desired purpose. In the same connection it will be necessary to pro- hibit half-breeds and oTher British subjects from coming into the ter- ritory of the United States to trade with Indians, whether hostile to us or not, who live south of the British line. The hostile Sioux have for the past two years been supplied with ammunition, provisions, & c., to carry on hostilities against the United States by British subjects, both in their own territory and in ours. A state of hostility between the Sioux and citizens of the United States of course throws all the trade with such Indians into the hands of British traders, hence the anxiety of those traders to prevent peace with the Sioux Indians. I have the honor again to ask attention to my letter of February 6, 1864, * to the Secretary of War, on the snbject of our Indian system, See Vol. XXXIV, Part II, p. 259 Page 138 [CHAP. LIII. 138 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISS1PPJ. and to beg, in view of the iiiterests of the (4ovcrnmeiit, as well as of humanity, that snch legislative or executive action be recommended as will as far as practicable correct the evils therein set forth. I trans- mit inclosed a copy of that letter and a copy of trade regulations with Indians, which I have heretofore forwarded, and which I deem neces- sary to protect white men and Indians alike against Indian traders. It is my purpose, by forcing all traders with Indians to locate their trading posts in the immediate vicinity of the military posts, and no- where else, to make these military posts the nuclei of extensive Indian camps, and as far as possible to induce the Indians to make their per- mnanent homes so near to the posts that they will constantly be under the supervision and control of the garrisons. If there be no other places to trade except the military posts the Indian will necessarily resort to them, and will there remain, except when he is engaged in hunting during the summer season. If fair dealing with the Indians can be enforced there never will be danger of any Indian wars. The object of these trade regulations is to secure these two results; but unless they are adopted amid enforce~1 by military authority we cannot hope for any permanent peace with the ludian tribes. The regulations themselves are so full, and their object so manifest, that it is unnecessary to go further into details concerning them. The only other white men I would permit to have intercourse with the Indians are the missiona- ries. I trust that some arrangements will be made with the authori- ties of our home missionary societies to furnish to each military post good practical men, with their families, whose business shall be to teach the Indians the useful arts of lifethe Indian men to cultivate the soil, the Indian women to sew and to do such other work as they are fitted for, and all to keep themselves clean and decent. These are the first lessons to be taught to Indians. Religious instruction will come after- ward in its natural order. The failure of our missionaries among Indians is due, I think, mainly to the fact that they have reversed the proper order of instruction, and have attempted to make the Indian a mneinber of the church while he was still a Wild savage. Of course, if anything is to be gained by it, the Indian will profess his belief in any- thing whatever, without the slightest knowledge or concern as to what it all mneans. What is needed to civilize or christianize Indians are prac- tical common-sense~ men, who will first teach them to be human and to acquire the arts of civilized life; who will educate, as far as can be done, the children of the Indians, and who will be contemit to look to the future, and not to the immuediate present, for results. Such missionaries could be of incalculable benefit to the Indian, and to the Government; and I would recommend that whenever such men are sent to the military posts omm the frontier th~ Government furnish them with quarters and with rations, at time rate of two small families for each one of the larger posts, amid for omme small family for each smal1e~ post. I have no doubt that these small missions at each post, if conducted by practical and earnest men, would greatly add to the hope of permamment peace with the Indians, and contribute to a healthy and increasing improvement in the moral and physical condition of the Indian tribes. The military commanders will be instructed to give every assistance and encourage- mne~t to such missionaries, and to enjoin npon the officers and soldiers nuder their comnmand, that they exhibit toward the missionaries every respect and kindness. The peace which will be made with Indians, under the instructions I have given to Generals Sully and Sibley, is based simply upon the nnderst~nding that the Indians on the one hand behave themselves and do not niolest the whites, and on the other hand that the whites shall be made to deal fairly with th Page 139 CHAp. LIII.] EXPEDITION IN DAKOTA TERRITORY. 139 I 11(liafl5 aitd itot molest them in any way. The military authorities undertake to enforce good conduct on both sides, and will have the power, if not interfered with, to do so thoroughly. As such a peace involves neither annuities nor presents, and holds out no prospect in violating it, except hostilities, it will probably be lasting. Hitherto it has been the practice to accompany every treaty of peace made by Indian agents with expensive presents of goods and supplies of various kinds, and the Jiidians naturally understand that these are given them as bribes to keep the peace and because the whites are afraid of them; and, of course, they observe such treaties only as long as they find it convenient, or until they need a further supply of presents (ammunition, goods, & c.). In fact, it has been for ~ears a saying with the Sioux along the great mail route to California, that whenever they became poor and iieeded blankets and I)owder and lead, they had only to go down to this great mail and emigrant route, and kill a few white people and there would be another treaty of peace, which would supply all their waiits. It is beyoiid question that such a system of treaty-making is, of all others, the most impolitic, whether negotiated with savage or civilized people, and leads in either case to constant and increasing hostilities. I intend, iii settling a peace with Indians in this department, to do away entirely with this system, which, aside from its effect in stimulat- ing and encouraging breaches of treaties of peace, is always attended with fraud upon the Government and upon the Indians. l,shall seiid up in the spring some companies of cavalry to make a cantonment for the summer at some 1)Oillt on the lake, and to remain there until the last possible moment in the autumn, with the view of drawing the various tribes of Indians to that point, and furnishing them with fucilities of trade during tIme summer and autumn. Such a cantonment kept up for two or three seasons will have a most beneficial effect upon the Imidians, as all whites, except authorized traders acting under the supervision of the military authorities, will be prohibited from going into that region. It is proper to remark that extensive strata of excellent coal have been found at Fort Rice, one vein six feet thick. This coal field extends toward the southwest, and it is sup- posed outcrops on the slopes of the Black Hills. How far north it extends is not yet known. The existence of this great coal field, half- way between the Great Lakes and the Rocky Mountains, is a fact, the value of which cannot well be overestimated. Aside fromn furnishing fuel for the navigation of the upper Missouri River, it is a controlling element in the location of a railroad across the great plains to the Pacific. Its extent and character will soon be developed by the troops from Fort Rice and other poiiits on the Missouri River. I may state fin ally that the Government may safely dismiss all apprehensions of Indt~mn wars in the Northwest. Small Indian raids there doubtless will be, as there always have been, for stealing horses, but nO hostilities on any considerable scale are likely again to occur. A small force, such as is designated in this report, will be quite suffi- cient to protect the frontier and the emigration. I only ask now that the muilitary authorities be left to themselves to deal with these Indians, and to regulate the trading with the Indian tribes without the interposi- tion of Indian agents, and I will cheerfully guarantee peace with the Indian tribes in this department. The department has been adminis- tered, so far as its relations with the State and other civil authorities are concerned, in accordance with time views and principles laid down in the accompanying letter from me to Governor Salomon, of Wisconsin. 1 am gratified to say that there have been entire harmony and success Page 140 140 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. Liii. The draft and all other laws of the United States have been promptly and fully executed in the department, without difficulty or trouble of any kind whatever. I desire to bear testimony to the hearty co-operation and zeal of the district commanders in the department in the discharge of the various and perplexing duties which have devolved upon them. General Sully, commanding District of Iowa and the Indian expedition; General Sibley, commanding District of Minnesota, and General T. C. II. Smith, commanding District of Wisconsin, are entitled to my warmest thanks for their valuable services and the cordial good feeling which they have manifested during their entire term of service in this department. To G~neral Sully I particularly desire to invite the favorable consid- eration of the War Department. His arduous and distinguished services in organizing and conducting the Indian expedition and treat- ing and dispersing the combined tribes of Indians in two considerable battles at such remote points and in so difficult a country, and in thus bringing the Indians to the necessity of asking peace from the Gov- ernuient, entitle him to peculiar consideration, and make it proper for me to renew the application heretofore transmitted for his promotion. He has earned it fairly, and I trust and believe that the Government will not hesitate to confer it upon him. To the reports of Generals Sully and Sibley, and to those of their subordinate commanders, I refer for details of the various military ol)erations herein sketched, amid for a proper representation of the dis- tin guished conduct of the several officers and of the troops under their connnand. I cheerfnlly indorse their recommendations in behalf 4f the officers and soldiers in question. I am, general, respeetfally, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE, Major- 4~eneral, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff of the Army, Washington, D. C. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST, Mitwankee, Jnne 25. 1863. GOVERNOR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23d instant, in relation to the execution of the conscrip- tion law in this State and the question of the use of military force for that purpose. I fully agree with you that military force should not be employed in the loyal States in the execution of this or any other law until all the means for its enforcement usual in times past have been ex- liansted. Conflicts of authority between the military and civil depart- ments, or between the muilitary forces and the people, are entirely to be deprecated. I am sure you will bear willing testimony to the respect which has been exhibited toward the constituted authorities of this State and to the care with ~~hieh, in the discharge of duty in this mili- tary department, complications or misunderstandings which might arise from such a cause have been avoided. I have been satisfied from the beginning that in nearly every case the conscription law can be executed by the civil authorities alone, through the people acting under their direction in the legal and usual forms. In the discretion intrusted to me by the Government as to the employment of military force for the execution of this law within this military department, I have steadily declined to permit the use of any of the troops under my com- mand unless I could be convinced that all other legitimnate means ha Page 141 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION IN DAKOTA TERRITORY. 141 been tried without success. 4lready, in one or two cases, I have found that applications for military aid had beeu made without necessity, the enrollment under the law having been completed thoroughly by the willing aid of the civil authorities. The habit of resorting to military force in every trifling case of opposition or resistance to the laws, is becoming so common as to excite in the minds of judicious men very serious alarm. Such a practice entirely supplants the civil authorities, sets aside time-honored means for the enforcement of the laws in this country, destroys in the citizen that feeling of personal interest in their execution through which alone we have maintained popular govern- ment, and prepares the public mind for complete abdication of civil rule. It is impossible to believe that citizens of this country, except under the immediate influence of excitement, can be willing to trust the enforcement of civil law to military force, and thus to surrender the very highest privilege and duty of American citizens. Such a course would inevitably lead, if persisted in, to the complete dominion of the military and the final overthrow of free institutions. This practice tends also, naturally, to weaken in the soldier that reverence for the civil law and that respect for the civil authorities with which lie en- tered the military service, which he still earnestly cherishes, and upon which alone we must rely for the quiet disbanding of our great armies and the return of the soldier to his home, an orderly, law-abiding citizen. Every dictate of wisdom and of patriotism should teach us to discour- age, both by act and word, anything that might possibly tend to impair in the mind of the soldier his feeling as a citizen. I therefore confidently hope that all well-disposed citizens of this State will, after short reflection, understand the imperative necessity of exercising their rights through the civil tribunals to enforce every law of the United States, however much they may have been opposed to its enactment. Whilst, therefore, my duty to the Government requires me to furnish whatever military aid is necessary to enforce the conscription law throughout this department, in strict accordance with its terms, Ii shall only employ military force for that purpose after every resource of the civil authorities has been used without success. It is my earnest hope that the people of the several States comprised within this military department have already adopted some such views as are here presented, and will so act upon them as to relieve me from- the necessity of using measures in the performance of my duty which are as unpleasant to me as they can possibly be to any loyal citizen. I am, governor, respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE, ]kliajor- General, Commanding. Hon. E. SALOMON, Governor of Wisconsin, ]Iiiadison, Wis. No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gen. Alfred Sully, U. S. Army, commanding Northwest ern Indian Expedition. HEADQUARTERS NORTHWESTERN TNDIAN EXPEDITION, Camp on Heart River, Dak. Ter., July 31, 18G4. SIR: I have the honor to niake the tbllowing report of my operations since July 25: On the 23d of this month I reached this point, having made rapid marches, considering I had a very large emigrant train under m Page 142 142 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. charge. I had started in a direction west, bnt on the road, receiving information that the Indians were on or near the Knife River, I changed my course in a northerly direction. On my arrival at this point I cor- ralled all my wagons and the emigrant train, leaving it nnder charge of Captain Tripp, Dakota cavalry, with a sufficient force to guard against danger, intemiding to start with pack-mules, bnt on opening the boxes I fonnd no saddle-blankets. This I replaced with gunny sacks. I then found the bands that go over the packs and under the belly (called cintuas, I believe) instead of being made of webbing or several thicknesses of duck sewed together, and Thont six or eight inches wide, were made of hard leather about three inches wide. The torture to the mules, when these pieces of what ought to be called sheetiron were brought tight into their bellies, was such that they were kicking and jumping in all directions and succeeded in either getting their packs oft or breaking the saddle. I therefore had to give up the pack-mule system, for two days march with such instru- ments of torture would completely use up all my animals. I then pressed into the service all the light private wagons with me, placing in each four of my best mules and hauling 1,000 pounds each. By throwing away all tents, everything but provisions amid ammunition, I could move rapidly with a very few wagons. About 3 p. m. of the 26th I succeeded in getting off, amid about 10 a. m. of the 28th suc- ceeded in reaching the enemys camp, about eighty miles march. All their camp was standing when I reached there, and they prepared for a fight, no doubt with full confidence of whipping me, for they had twenty-four hours notice of nmy advance, by a party of my scouts fitiling in with a war party of theirs not sixteen miles from here. We followed their trail, which led nine to the camp. I fouu4 the Indians stromigly posted on the side of a mountain called Tahkahokuty Mountain, which is a sumall chaimi of very high hills, filled with ravines, thickly timbered and well watered, situated on a branch of the Little Missouri, Gros Ventres, latitude 470 15, as laid down on the Government map. The prairie in front of the camp is very rolling, and on the left as we approached high hills. On the to1) and sides of these hills and on my right, at the base of the muountains, also on the hillocks in front on the prairie, the Indians were posted; there were over 1,600 lodges, at least 5,000 or 6,000 warriors, comnposed of the Unkpapas, Sans Arcs, Blackfeet, Minneconjons, Yanktonais, and Santee Siom~x. My force consisted as follows: Eleven companies of the Sixth Iowa Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Pollock commanding; three companies of the Seventh Iowa Cavalry, Lientemiant-Colonel Pattee commanding; two companies of Dakota cavalry, Captain Mimmer commanding; four companies of Bracketts Miminnesota Battalion, Ma Brackett com- manding; about seventy scouts, amid a prairie battery of two sections, commanded by Capt. N. Pope. This formned the First Brigade. Ten companies of the Eighth Minnesota Infantry, under command of Lieu- tenant-Colonel Rogers; six companies of the Second Minnesota Cav- alry, under Colonel McLaren, and two sectiomis of the Third Minnesota Battery, under Captain Jones, formed the Secomid Brigade, under coin- mand of Coloumel Thomas. The whole of my force numbering on the field about 2,200 men. Finding it was impossible to charge, owing to the country being inter- sected by deep ravi tines filled with tiniber, I dismounted and deployed six companies of the Sixth Iowa on the right amid three companies of the Seventh Iowa, and on time left six compan ies of the Eighth Minne- sota Infantry; placed Popes battery in the center, supported by tw Page 143 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION IN DAKOTA TERRITORY. 143 companies of cavalry; the Second Cavalry, on the left, drawn up by squadrons, Bracketts Minnesota Battalion on the right in the sairie order, Jones battery and four companies of cavalry as a reserve. The few wagons I had closed up, and the rear guard, composed of three companies, followed. In this order we advanced, driving in the Indians till we reached the plain between the hills and mountains. Here large bodies of Indians flanked me. The Second Cavalry drove them froni the left. A very large body of Indians collected on my right for a charge. I directed Brackett to charge them. This he did gallantly, driving them in a circle of about three miles to the base of the mouri- tains and beyond my line of skirmishers, killing many of them. The Indians, seeing his position, collected in large numbers on him, but he repelled them, assisted by some well-directed shots from Jones battery. About this time a large body of Indians, who we ascertained afterward had been out hunting for me, came up on my rear. I brought a piece of Jones battery to the rear, and with the rear guard dispersed them. The Indians, seeing that the day would not be favorable for them, had commenced taking down their lodges and sending back their families. I swung the left of my line round to the right and closed on them, send- ing Pope with his guns and the Dakota cavalry (iwo companies) for- ward. The artillery fire soon drove theni out of their strong positions in the ravines, and Jones battery, with Bracketts battalion, moving up on the right, soon put them to flight, the whole of my line advancing at the same time. By sunset no Indians were on the ground. A body, however, appeared on top of the mountain over which they had retreated. I sent Ma~jor Camp, Eighth Minnesota, with four companies of the Eighth Minnesota, forward. They asi~ended to the top of the hill, put- ting the Indians to flight and killing several. The total number of killed, judging from what we saw, was from 100 to 150. I saw them during the fight carry off a great many dead or wounded. The very strong position they held and the advantages they had to retreat over a broken country prevented me from killing more. We slept on the battle- ground that night. The next morning before daylight we started to go round the moun- tain, as I could not get up it with wagons and artillery in front. After six miles march, I came in sight of the trail on the other side the moun- tam, but could not get to it. One sight of the coantry convinced me there was no use trying to follow up the Indians through such a couui- try and find them. I went on top the hill, and as far as I could see with my glass (some thirty miles) the country was cut up in all direc- tions by deep ravines, sometimes near 100 feet deep, filled with timber, the banks almost perpendicular. I therefore thought the next best thing to do was to destroy their camp. This I did, ordering Colonel McLaren, Second Cavalry, on tbat duty. I inclose you a report* of property destroyed by him. That afternoon I marched six miles from the battle-ground and camped. About dark a large body of Indians came on to my pickets and killed two. A command was immediately sent after them, but they fled in all directions. They made no further demonstrations on my march to this point, which I reached yesterday, my animals well tired out, having made a march of over 1435 miles in six days, one day being occupied in the fight. The officers and men of my command behaved well, and all appeared desirous to carry out my instructions as well as they could. My thanks are due to the officers of my staft~ for commncLnicatLn~ my orders promptly, sometimes being obliged to expose themselves very See P. 172 Page 144 144 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. much in so doingCaptain Pell, assistant adjutant-general; Major Wood, Fifteenth New York Cavalry, chief of cavalry; Captain Marsh, Sixth Iowa Cavalry, acting assistant inspector-general; Captain Von Minden, ,Bracketts battalion, acting topographical engineer; Lienten- ant Ellison, Sixth Iowa Cavalry, acting ordnance officer; Lieutenant Bacon, Dakota cavalry, acting assistant quartermaster; and I was also obliged to accept the services of Surgeon Freeman, medical director, to carry orders. I shall march toward the Yellowstone in two days, bear- ing a little south, and I expect to overtake the enemy again on my way. I would beg leave also to add that the day after the fight, when I re- turned to the enemys camp, some Indians caine forward and planted a white flag on the hill-side; some men, however fired on them and they retreated. I saw the flag too late. I inclose you the list* of killed and wounded, and reports of differ- ent commanders. With much respect, your obedient servant, ALF. SULLY, Brigadier- General. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST. HEADQUARTERS NORTHWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITION, Camp on the Yellowstone Rirer, Dak. Ter., Angnst 13, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of my operations since I made my last report, on the 31st of July, on my return to Heart River, after my fight: I assembled together all the Indians aild half-breed guides I had to consult about mycourse. I had not quite six days~ full rations on hand, and I must strike the Yellowstone by the most direct route at the Braseau house, where I ha~1 ordered two small steamers to meet me the first part of August. They all told inc it was impossible for wagons to get through the country near the Little Missouri, without they went south, the route I started on before I was turned to the north by the report that the Indians were on Knife River. 1 would thus strike the Yellow- stone, near the Powder River, and it would take inc two or three weeks, and then, besides, I could not meet my boats there. One Indian, how- ever, a Yanktouian, told inc he had frequently been across that coun- try on war parties, and he thought he could take the wagons through by digging some through the hills. I placed myself under his guidance, and he took me in a west direction for three days along the Heart River; plenty of good grass and water, but timber scarce; the country filled with extensive beds of coal, in some places veins ten feet thick. From what I have seen, coal, I feel sure, can be found in all this country, from the Missouri west to the Yellowstone. On the 5th day of August we came in sight of the Bad Lands, which extend along the Little Missouri, the valley being about twenty miles across; through the middle of this valley runs the river. When I came in sight of this country from the top of the table-land we were marching on, I became alarmed, and almost despaired of ever being able to cross it, and should have been very much tempted, had I rations enongh, to turn back, but, on a close examination of my rations, I found I only had rations for six Nominal list (here omitted) shows 2 killed and S woumled in Bracketts Minne- sota Battalion; 1 killed and 1 wonnde4 in Sixth Iowa Cavalry; 2 killed in Second Minnesota Cavalry; and 1 wounded in the Thrst Battalion Dakota Cavalry Page 145 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION IN DAKOTA TERRITORY. 145 days longer, by some mistake of my commissary, I suppose, for he is not with me to explain, as I left him back at Fort Rice. I therefore had to reduce the bread ration one-third, all other stores, except meat, one- half, so as to make it last me to the river. We camped that night with little or no grass, a7ud but a few holes of muddy rain water. I have not sufficient power of language to describe the country in front of us. It was grand, dismal, and majestic. You cau imagine a deep basin, 600 feet deep and twenty-five miles in diameter, filled with a number of cones and oven-shaped knolls of all sizes, from twenty feet to several hundred feet high, sometimes by themselves, sometimes piled up into large heaps on top of one aiiotl~er,in all conceivable shapes and con- fusion. Most of these hills were of a gray clay, bnt many of a light brick color, of burnt clay; little or no vegetation. Some of the sides of the hills, however, were covered with a few scrub cedars. Viewed in the distance at sunset it looked exactly like the rnins of an ancient city. My Indian guide appeared to be confident of success, alld trusting to him, I started next morning, and by dint of hard digging, succeeded by night in reaching the banks of the Little Missouri, about twelve miles. I regret very much some gentleman well acquainted with geology and mineralogy did not accompany the expedition, for we marched through a most wonderful and interesting country. It was covered with pieces of petrified wood, and on the tops of some of the hills we founri petrified stumps of trees, the remains of a great forest. In some cases these trees were sixteen to eighteen feet in diameter. Large quantities of iron ore, lava, and impressions in the rocks of leaves of a size and shape not known to any of us. The banks of the Little Missouri a~e thickly timbered with cottonwood, and the river resembles very much the Missouri, on a small scale. We had now reached the river and the middle of the Bad Lands. Having dug our way down to this point it was now necessary to dig cur way out. I therefore ordered out a strong working party, with four companies of cavalry, under charge of Lieutenant-Colonel Pattee, Seveilth Iowa Cavalry. I remained in cam p to allow the animals to rest and pick up what grass could be found around, there being very little to be found. Some few of the men, however, without orders, took their horses into the timber beyond the pickets, leaving their saddles and arms in camp. A small party of Indians crawled up to theni, fired on them, creating a stampede. Most of the men ran away, leaving their horses, and the Indians succeeded in getting a few away, but three or four men having some courage mounted their horses bareback an(l gave chase, causing the Indians to drop all the horses, which were retaken, save one or two. A company was soon in pursuit, but the Indians escaped through some of the numerous ravines and forests. As we had saddled aiid hitched up everything at the first alarm, 1 broke camp and moved up the river three miles in the direction of our route, where the grass was said to be better. By evening the working party under Colonel Pattee re- turned, having cut three miles of the road. A part of a company, how- ever, by accident had been left behind. They were surrounded by Indians and were near being cut off; but by a hasty retreat they suc- ceeded in getting through the deep gorge, where the road was ent, the Indians firing at them from the tops of the hills. They l)ursued them to the river and showed themselves on the top of the high bluffs opposite my camp, firing into my camp, but a few shells from Jones battery soon scattered them, and with the exception of a little picket- firing there was no more trouble that night. I now knew I had come 10 II RYOL XLI~ PT Page 146 146 LOUISIANA AND THE ThANS-MISSISSIPPL WRAP. LIII. upon the Indians I fought about week ago, and in the worst possible section of couiitry I could possibly wish to encounter an enemy. My road lay through a succession of mountain gorges, down deep ravines, with perpendicular bluffs, SO narrow only one wagon could pass at a time, intersected with valleys, down which the Indians could dash onto any point of my train. Stretched out in a single line we would extend from three to four miles. The laro-e emigrant train I had were ox-teams heavily loaded,and it was impossible to move them except at a snails pace; I felt more apprehension for their safety than for that of my command, for they had with them a large number of women and children. Therefore I took every precaution for protection as well as for attacking. I distributed my cominaiid along the flanks of the train and a strong guard in rear, with Captain Popes four howitzers, with orders for companies to dismount and take the heights at dangerous points, remaining there till the next coipany in their rear relieved them. I sent three companies of the Second Brigade, who had the advance, ahead with a pioneer party, followed by Jones battery. Col- onel Thomas, with the rest of the Second Brigade, followed on the flanks of the wagons, while the First Brigade followed guarding the rest of the trains. I accompanied the advance brigade. I had given orders that at every point, when the nature of the ground would allow tt, for the teams to double up and park as close as they could, so as to close up the rear. After marching about three miles we came onto the Indians strongly posted in front and on the flanks of a deep mountain pass. They were dislodged after some little trouble, the shells from Jones battery doing good execution, and the advance with other troops pushed on, while the pioneer party made the road. The Indians attacked me on the flanks and rear at the same time, but on all occasions they were i~epulsed with heavy loss by troop.s near by, and thus we advanced fighting, hunting a road and digging it out, till we reached a small lake and spring about ten miles fi:om our starting-point, repulsing the Indians at every point with great slaughter. I speak partly from what I saw, for in their hasty retreat they had to leave in many instances their dead on the ground; they carried them dif whenever they could. At the spring there was for a short time quite a brisk little skirmish, the Indians trying to keep us from the only water we had that day, and the day was so hot that the aminals were suffering very munch, haVing had not much to eat for two days. Part of Colonel ~ Second Minnesota had most of the work here. One of his companies in advance got separated from. the rest and surrounded; they however got into a hollow arid defended themselves until relieved by other companies sent out from Colonel Thomas command. Their loss, however, was slight in comparison to their danger. Unfortunately this day I lost the services of my guide; he was shot, having ventured too far in the advance. He was the only one who knew the country over which we were marching. The next morning we moved frrward. The ludians were in front of us appearing as if they intended to give us battle. Probably about 11,000 showed themselves. I pushed forward Major House, Sixth Iowa, with two companies of the Sixth Iowa, and Captain Tripps Dakota cavalry, and sent forward Major Brackett with one company of his battalion, and Popes four howitzers, disniounti ng the rest of the Sixth Iowa, under Lieutenant-Colonel Pollock, omi the right, amid three companies of the Seventh Iowa, under Lieutenant-Colonel Pattee, on the left, to push out and clear our flanks, and moved forward with Jones battery amid the train, Colonel Thomas, with his Minnesota br Page 147 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION IN DAKOTA TERRITORY. 147 gade, taking care of the rear. We advanced withont much trouble, with a little skirmishiimg in front, and also an attack in rear. The enemy were repulsed on all sides. It was evident in spite of all their boasting all fighting was out of them. A few miles brought us to an open country, and the last we saw of the Indians was a cloud of dust some six or eight miles off running as fast as they could. They were better mounted than we were. The men behaved well. There were many acts of individual bravery displayed. A great deal of ingenuity in many instances was shown by the men in trapping the Indians. who, afraid of our long-ranged rifles and artillery, kept themselves at a re- spectful distance. Parties would crawl out behind hills while a small party mounted would dash onto the Indians, fire and retreat, drawin~ the In(iians into the ambuscade, when they would succeed in emptying a few saddles and capturing a few ponies. It is impossible for me to give anything like a report of time number of Indians killed, the fight~ing extended over so great a distance, and was a succession of skirmishes; there was certainly over 100 killed. Other officers feel sure that there were double or even treble that number. It is certain, however, their loss was very heavy. The same Indians I fought before were engaged, besides Cheyennes, Brul~s, Minneconjous, and others from the south. This I got from my own Indians, who, during the fight, conversed with them from behind the hills. They met me under every disadvantage on the strongest of positions and were entirely crushed and routed. If I had had anything to eat and was not encumbered with an emigrant train, and if my animals had not been without food so many days, 1 might have overtaken some of them, for they fled in all directions. I would here state that on crossing the. Little Missouri I found the country covered with myriads of grasshoppers, who had eaten every- thing. My animals were almost starved. I toun(1 this state of things all the way to the Yellowstone, and I was obliged to abandon and shoot a number of animals on the roa4. After marching six miles this day, we came to the place where time Indians left about thirty hours before mny arrival. From the size of their camp, or rather bivouac, for they had pitched no lodges, I should judge all the Indians iii time country had assembled there. The space they occul)ic(l was over one nmile long and half a mile wide, besides which we discovered camps all over the conmitry, close by this spot. I found the lodge trails tnrned to the felt in. a southwest direction. We still commtinned our course west by north, and next day crossed a heavy trail going northeast toward the same point where I first ibuglit theni. It was evidently not all the lodges that went that way. We continued our w y across the country to the Yellowstone, which we reached on the 12th of August, over a sec- tion of country I miever wish to travel again; our animals half dead with hunger; the grass entirely eaten offi I should judge it was never very good grass in the best of seasons. The water we had to drink the worst sort of alkali water; this told on the animals. Fortunately, we here met the two boats I ordered to get up the Yellowstone . if pos- sible, and the first steamer that ever attempted to ascend this river. These boats were the Chippewa Falls and Alone, small stern-wheel steamers, the former drawing only twelve inches light; they each had about fifty tomis of freight; very little of it corn. The steamer Islamid City, having aboard nearly all my corn, struck a snag mie~ r Fort Union and sumik. The steamers attempted to go above this poimit, but a rapid shoal rendered it impossible. It was also fortunate for the boats that we arrived when we did, for the water is falling fast, and it will b Page 148 148 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI [CHAP. LIIL impossible for them to go down the stream over rapids below without the help of our wagons. Having no grain to recuperate my animals I had to again change my plans. I intended to again strike across the country northeast, in hopes of reaching the Indians again, but without any grass for several days this could not be done. I therefore crossed the command over the river, fording it with lily wagons without much difficulty. The building of the post on the Yellowstone this year I consider not prac- ticable. The loss of one of my boats, the impossibility of getting boats this late up the river, and the want of grass preventing me from haul- ing stores severalhundred miles up the river will show you the reasons. I shall follow down the Yellowstone to its mouth ,cross the Missouri and down it to Berthold. I will by this means have grass aiid a good road, though I increase my distance over l(}O miles. i[ have the honor to inclose you the reports of commanders in regard to the part they took in the different skirmishes. With much respect, your obedient servant, ALF. SULLY, Brigadier- General. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST. HEADQUARTERS NORTHWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITION, Fort Union, Dak. Ter., August 18 [?], 1864. SIR: My last report, dated August 13, was written after we had emossed the Yellowstone. I started on the 14th of August down the river. Grass was quite scarce and very munch scattered. In conse- quence I had to scatter my command. This, I am informed by those who ought to know, is not the case generally, but that this season there were no snows and rain fell too late to be of munch service. The coun- try appeared to be completely burned over by the sun ,as if there had been a fire over the prairie. It was reported to mue time boats could not get down the river over the (lifferent rapids. Therefore I had to unload the wagons and send them to unload the boats, and with the assistance of the men I placed aboard the boats 1 succeeded in getting them to this point on the 17th instant. I had sonic difficulty in getting across the Missouri, owing to the quicksands. I could not ford it with wagons. They were all unloaded, taken to pieces, and placed on the boats, and the animals swam across. On the 20th of August I succeeded in get- ting everything across, with the loss of 1 man amid 3 amiimals drowned and 2 wagoiis broken. It is now a mnonth since we started from Fort Rice. and during that time we have marched about 460 miles over a most difficult country. The first night after I got across a party of Crows came imm, reporting they had been chased by a very large party of Sioux. I sent out Major Brackett and his battalion, and two pieces under Captain Pope, with these Indians after time Sioux, but after huntimig all over the country they returimed, reporting no signs of Imidi- ans, but a fresh track of a largc body of buffalo. The chief of the Crows expressed the most friendly feelimig toward the whites, and wished me to remain here till he could bring the nation in to see me. This I could not promnise. Time traders here report that they expressed quite a different feeling toward the whites before timey heard I was in the country. Thc Assinniboines were here a few (lays beforc I arrived to receive their goods~ They got part of them, issued by the comm~m~ Page 149 CHAP. tIlL] EXPEDITION IN DAI~OTA TERRITOUY. 149 jug officer, for the agent of all these upper bands left some weeks ago. This system of issuing annuity goods is one grand humbug. The annui- ties sent are so very small that it is impossible for every one of the nation to get a share, without they are issued at the rate of spoonsfull of sngar, and strips of cloth one inch wide per man. The strongest and l)oIdest of the bands, and often the worst Indians, get the largest share. This breeds dissatisfaction. The agent CO1~C5 up the river with the goods on some boat, and if he dont find the Indians present to receive their annuities he returns in the boat leavino~ the fort, to be issued or not, as may the stores in charge of seem best, and liable to be stolen. It cannot be expected of the Indians that they will leave their hunt- ing grounds and bring their families to some fort, where there is no games to starve while waiting to receive a spoonful of sugar, or a few beads, and part of a blanket per head, and maybe have to wait for weeks and weeks at one of the forts the arrival of their agent with the goods, who must return in the boat that brought him up, or be obliged to remain up in the country until next year. It would be better to do away with this annuity business altogether, as the Indians call it pay- ing thenin to be good, or if it is considered necessary to make a tribe a l)resent let it be on their good conduct, and when ordered by the Presi- dent, or let the goods remain for several years to accumulate to re- spectable. amoumit, and send them under charge of some honest nman, who would remain and see that the Indians got them. I here parted with my emigramit train, but not until they had succeeded iii giving inc further cause not to forget them. Quite a number of horses, mules, and oxen turned up missing. At first it was supposed they had strayed away in the thick timber a large number of pistols and other arnis amid property were also reported to me missing, and several deserters. I therefore sent a force after the Idaho gentlenmen; they overtook part of it, for it was scattered all over the country. Twenty Indians could have captured them in detail. The part of the train my troops over- took was compos~d of the better class of citizens; they omily had imine oxen, six horses, and a few rifles. They acknowledged that a party ahead had a very large amount of arms that they had purchased from soldiers for whiskey, but as they had good animals, stolen ours th were some twemity miles ahead; with them were the deserters. ey These gentlemen expressed great regret that they should be associated with such scoundrels, yet they did not give me imiformation by which I might have caught these men. I suppose they did not think it of importance. The fort is an old, dilapidated affair, almost falling to pieces. I have here deposited the stores I intended for the post up the Yellowstone, under charge of Company I, Thirtieth Wisconsin. This command will remaiu here this winter to guard the stores. I look upon the position at the mouth of the Yellowstone as a very important one as a depot of sup- plies. Fort Union is too far above the mouth of the Yellowstone, and fre- quently inaccessible. I therefore made a military reservation about four nPles square at and below the mouth of the Yellowstone River, taking in all the heaviest bodies of timber. The two boats start below in a day or so with the sick and wounded. As soon as I load up my train I will start for Fort Berthold. With much respect, your obedient servant, ALF. SULLY, Brigadier- General. AssIsTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST Page 150 150 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. CHAP. LIIL HEADQUARTERS NORTHWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITiON, Fort Berthold, August 2~9, 1864. SIR: I started from Fort Union on the 21st and reached this point yesterday. Our march at first had to be slow on account of our ani mals, but after marching about seventy miles the grass improved greatly, aud in consequence our animals. It was my intention to come to this point, as I would here no doubt be able to learn something about the Sioux from the Ree Indians. After marching down the river six days, about eighty miles by land below Union, we came to a place near the head of the Big Bend, where a very large body of Indiam~s had crossed the Missouri, about ten days before, amid camped there one night. There were very few trails of lodges, but a very large number of pony tracks, some thousand at least. Their track, after going north, appeared to turn to the east and cross the Little Knife River, in the direction of Devils Lake. These were undoubtedly the same Indians whose trail I mentioned we crossed after our fighting in the hills east of the Yellow- stone, aizid I had no doubt they were the Yanktonais; this I afterward found out was the case. They may have gone into the British posses- sions, for all the Indians well know we are not authorized to cross the line. The half breeds of the North keep them well posted in these mat- ters; it is to their interest to draw all the trade to their country. On my arrival at Berthold I met all the Indians of the lice, Gros Ventres, and IVlandan Nations. They were busy collecting their corn, of which they have a very large amount. They were all glad to see me, as they expressed themselves. They now felt as if they were relieved from slavery. They offered their services to go out with me. A large party of them had started in July to meet me, but found by my trail I had passed so long ago they went to Fort Rice. These Indians have for years been friends to the whites; they are industrious and look well off. The Sioux tried hard to get them to join them. This they would not do, but had to make pe~~ce with them, as they are too weak to con- tend against this powerful tribe. They ought to be protected, as they afford, in a measure, a barrier against the Sioux holding all the country near the river. On this account, and as I deemned it necessary to keep up the communication up the river, I ordered Captain Moreland, with his company (C-, Sixth Iowa Cavalry), to garrison the fort. This post is the best point from which to supply a post at Devils Lake. In conversing with the Rees in regard to the trail I crossed, they all agreed that undoubtedly the Sioux had gone to the Maison du Chien Butte, and not to the line. The day after I arrived a Yanktonais lii- dian arrived, who had married a Ree squaw; he came to see mc; 1 knew him as the brother of Big Head. He reported that he had just conic from the camp of the Yanktonais, at a lake, the head of the Little Knife River; that there they had met a party of half-breeds of the North, who had furnished them sevc~n kegs of powder and balls, and that by their invitation they were then on their way to the British line. He also stated that the Chiefs Black Catfish and Medicine Bull and some of the head men had told him that they wished to mimake peace, and wanted to come in, but were afraid; that they would not have got into this scrape had it not been for the Unkpapas, and other tribes south; that at the first battle I had they were satisfied the Unkpapas were better at talking than fighting; that at the next fight they moved out of the way and then left the rest, going north, while the rest had gone into the Black Hills; also that Two Bears left to go to Fort Rice. The In- dians had lost most of their lodges and baggage, and were in a ver Page 151 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION IN DAKOTA TERRiTORY. 151 distressed condition. I give you his story for what it is worth; it may be true, but is just as likely false. However, I gave this Yanktonais a paper, and sent him back to bring in the Yanktonais to Fort Rice ~inl I would talk with them. I told him I intended to go north after these Indians, but that I would not go there now after what he said; in fact, it was not in my power to go as I had not rations enough. On the 30th I start down the river. I shall march down some dis- Lance, and then turn off toward Devils Lake when I shall know if this Indian has told inc the trnth. With much respect, yonr obe(hent servant, ALF. SULLY, Brigadier- aeneral. ASSISTANT ADJITTANT-G-ENERAL, DEPT. OF TIlE ~ORTuWEST. HEADQUARTERS ~ORTIIWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITION, Camp Port Nice, September 9, 1864. GENERAL: On my arrival here I received the first communication I have received for two months. I reached here with my staff yesterday, the command to-day. I have not time to address you officially and therefore write in private a short note what I shall say in the proper mode. Captain Fisk, I very much fear, has destroyed all the plans 1 had made to make a peace with these Indians, and so close this trouble- some and expensive business, for if it is continued it can be made a second Florida war. Why will our Government continue to act so fool- ishly, sending out emigrant trains at a great expense ~ Do they know that most of the men that go are persons running away from the draft ~ They curse and ridicule the expedition and officers in command. Fisk, as I am reliably informed, was the loudest talker in this respect; he ridiculed the expeditiou and particularly me in the loudest terms, amfd now he sends back word he is corralled about 200 miles west and wants help, as he says, to go forward, for it would be ruinous to him to turn back. But he wishes troops now (he boasted he could go anywhere through the country with fifty men to help him) no niatter if it costs the Government any amount and exposed the lives of the muen and an- imals of my comumand. The Government would have saved money had they bought out the emigrant train I took, and Fisks, paying them three times the value. They cant go forward on their trail; there is no grass and very little water. Fisk was told of this before he started from here but he, though he had never been over the country, knew bet- ter. It was a damned trick of the traders; they wanted him to go ninety miles out of his way, by Berthold, to get money out of his men. I have given orders to the commander of the troops I send to his relief mostly infantry (for most of the horses are too weak to travel), to bring back the troops and advise the emigrants to turn back, for in less than a mouth we muust expect winter here, then if Fisk amid his emigrants choose to go ahead let them go. Lieutenant Smith, Dakota cavalry, commuanded the escort which Colonel Dill, contrary to mny orders, furnished. This is the same lieu- tenant that the President dismissed for low, outrageous conduct. Cap- tain Fisk reports him as the bravest of men. He may be. This lieu- tenant was, sent with a few soldiers back t~ Fort Rice with the application for relief. This lieutenant reports that there are over 1,00 Page 152 152 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. I11(iians; that FisW is fortified avid is digging for water. nbc soldiers report differently, as they say the first attack was made on two wagons far in the rear, with ammunition and some arms and seven men, by about sixty Indians. These wagons were captured and six of the men killed, and at no time over 300 Indians were there., This I believe to be the true story, but if they remain there, before long they will have force of Indians enough to clean them out. Should this take place it will put a stop to all hopes of my coming to any settlement this year with the Indians. About 300 or 400 lodges of Indians of all bands, those who gave them- selves up this year and I allowed to go and hunt, are here. Seven of the Yanktonais are with them who report that all the Yanktonais and some Santees are on their way here to see me and make peace. If the Fisk raid dont put a stop to this it will be a great matter. I hope it is true, but have my doubts. You state that the six companies of the First U. S. Volunteers are on their way by steamer. No boat can get up here now. Shall I relieve the Wisconsin troops if they dont come ~ I can do so. In case these troops do come I will have Bracketts bat- talion and four small companies of the Seventh Iowa of no use to me this winter. Will you please send orders to me by telegraph. Yours, with respect, ALF. SULLY, Brigadier- General. Major-C-eneral POPE, ]Vfiiwaukee. HEADQUARTERS NORTHWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITION, Fort Rice, Dak. Ter., September 11, 1864. SIR: I left Fort Berthold the 1st of September, marched down the Missouri to mouth of Snake Creek. Was glad to get my command away, for I found that whisky there was in abundance. I am told by reliable persons that the Indians had it in their tents for sale. It is said they get it from the English half-breeds, who appear to have con- trol of this country. From the mouth of Snake Creek I struck north toward the Mouse River, and after going in sight of it turned to the southeast to the Maison dn Chien Butte, and there encamped. I sent out parties to examine the country, but no recent sighs of Indians could be discovered. We found thousands of buffalo, good grass, plenty of water and some timuberthe very country I would go into to hunt for Indians. On top of the butte you have a fine view of the country for over forty miles. I am now satisfied of the truth of so much of the Yanktommais story that I memitioned in my last letter, as to these 1mm- dians seeking safety with their friends in the British possessiomis. Although I found no recent signs of Indians, I found the country all around cut up by heavy trains of Pembina carts, about a month old, in all directions. Omme trail looked quite recent, and I was in hopes of capturing somne of these scoundrels, but did not succeed. We can never expect to have quiet on this frontier till this unlawful traffic on the part of people from the English possessions is put down. An expedition into their country would have a very beneficial effect. It would show the Indians that they had not a safe refuge, amid could no longer be supplied with ammunition by people living under the English flag. They come into our ecountry constantly imi parties several hundred strong, well armed and ready to attack or defend themselves, invit Page 153 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION IN DAKOTA TERRITORY. 153 our Indians to resist the Government, funiisli them with ariris and am- munition, and when they are pushed by the troops take care of them over the British line till the troops get out of the way. If we had the troops to remain in this country this could be, in a great measure, stopped in a short time. Not being permitted to follow the Indians north of the line, and having nothing to fight in my own country, I took up my line of march south toward Fort IRice. We found the buffalo se thick at some of our camps I had to send out men dismounted as skir- mishers to drive them off. A great many were killed in this way, which was lucky, for our fresh meat was about out. I reached Fort Itice on the evening of the 8th instant; the command arrived next day. I found the post in a fine state of progress. The four companies of Colonel Dills command have done an immense amount of labor in the last two months and have done it well. The post when finished will be one of the best posts in the West. The men complain greatly that working as they do they wear out more clothing than their pay amounts to. If I had it in my own power, I would issue them extra clothing; they deserve it. I here met the lodges of Jndians of different bands who took no part in the war, and by my permission went on a hunt, under charge of fifty of their soldiers that I appoint from the different tribes of Indians to keep order in their camp. Giv- ing them a~uniform, they appeared to be proud of their position. They also tell me they think all the Yanktonais will come in before long and make peace; I hope it may be true. I here learned that Captain Fisk and his emigrant train of 80 or 100 wagons left here about two weeks ago on my trail to go to the Yellowstone; that he reached here under an escort of a company of cavalry. He required an escort from the commnandin g officer hereColonel Dill, Thirtieth Wisconsin. The colonel furnished him with an escort of a lieutenant and fifty men, coin- posed of cavalrymen that I had left here, not in good health and poorly inonuted. The lieutenant with fourteen men returned the day before I arrived with a letter from Captaim~ Fisk, stating that he was about 200 miles west of here (he had left my trail); he was corralled and fortified, and was surrounded by Indians, and that he must be re-enforced to enable him to go forward, for to turn l)ack would be ruinous to him. While here he was cautioned against going west on my trail, both on account of the danger to so small a force, and of the very great difficul- ties of their getting through on account of the country. He laughed and replied that with fifty men he could go anywhere; all he wanted with fifty men, soldiers, was to quiet the fears of the women and children he had with him. In questioning separately the soldiers who returned I found that not over 300 indians were there; that they were attacked three days before they made their corral by about sixty Indians, while the train was stretched out on the road, and two wagons, one of which had upset, were about two miles in the rear, with a guard of six soldiers. One of these wagons unfortunately contained arms and ammunition. Six soldiers and two citizens were killed and wagons captured, and one citizen escaped. They had skirmishes after that and then the cor- ralled. They were burnin~ parts of their wagons and y feeding the cat- tle on bread and flour when the party left; they left in the middle of a stormy night. Fearing, if this emigrant party remained where they were long, the Indians would send out runners arid collect a party that would clean them out, and learning that all the party except the cap- tain were anxious to turn back, I thought it my duty to do all in m Page 154 [CHAP. LIII. 154 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. power to save them, in spite of the orders I had received abont the movement of troops, on account of the women and children and my soldiers, if no one else, who were innocent of the folly of so small a party going into an enemys conntry, who had lately. been badly whipped, and would do all they could to take revenge if possible. When my troops arrived next day I issued an order directing Colonel Dill, with 300 of the Thirtieth Wisconsiu, 200 Eighth Minnesota, 100 Seventh Iowa Cavalry, all dismounted, and from the Second Minnesota Cavalry, Bracketts battalion, and Sixth Iowa Cavalry 100 men each, monnted oii the best of the horses, with two howitzers, to go after Cap- tain Fisk and bring back his party. I would have sent only a cavalry force,butthislcouldnot my animals were too weak to stand a rapid march, having marched 1,500 miles in the last three months, sometimes with little or no grass, and the worst of alkali water. All day yester- day was consumed in crossing the troops and wagons, drawing rations, & c.; this morning early they started. I hope they will be in time to relieve Captain Fisk, if he is in trouble, for a disaster tc him and his party at this present moment would greatly retard my prospects of making peace with the Indians. They would, of course, take this emigrant train for part of my command, and if they capture it the evil disposed in the nation would boast of it and urge the rest to continue the war. I shall send off from here all the troops except a sufficient number to protect the place, and will remain here some days. I would like to keep the command up here a few weeks longer, but this is impossible. I have not rations enough; a very large quantity of what I have is not fit for use. The sinking of two boats and the breaking down of another, together with the low stage of water, prevented all my supplies reaching here. The campaign for this summer must there- fore close. Winter will very soon set in and with it death to all my stock, reduced and weak as it is; two or three cold freezing rains or snows on the prairie would kill them off. In conclusion I would beg leave to make the following remarks in regard to Indian affairs in this section of country: The Indian expedi- tion which the general commanding the department ordered has been a success in every respect as far as it was in the power of any one or any body of troops to make it so. Circumstances over which no human being had any control prevented it from being a perfect success in every respect. Had the Missouri River commenced to rise in April, as it generally does, instead of June, the boats from Saint Louis would have got up to Sioux City and other points of starting sooner; the command would have been in the field sooner, boats would not have stuck on sand-bars, freight would not have been unloaded and loaded, whereby much of the stores was damaged badly. Had not two of the boats sunk and one become disabled, more supplies would be on hand, and if the usual amount of snow had fallen last winter the river would have been higher, the Yellowstone would have been navigable, there would have been grass and water, not alkali, which has helped to kill off many of my animals, the post on the Yellowstone could have been established. But in spite of all this, the expedition has met the com- bined forces of the Sioux Nation at points they chose to give us battle, amid in these engagements completely routed them, destroyed a large portion of their camps and baggage, and scatter& d them in all direc- tions, completely breaking up their combination, and proved to them that in spite of their boasts amid threats they were no match for the whites. I think they never will again organize for resistance agains Page 155 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION IN DAKOTA TERRITORY. 155 a large body of troops, and I do not therefore think it will be necessary to have another expedition. Yet, owing to the vast extent of country over which these Sioux can rove, the peculiar nature of a large portion of the country, such as the Black Hills, the mountains near the Big Horn, the Bad Lands, extending ten miles aud over, on both sides of the Little Missouri, Gros Ventres, so brcken up in places with narrow ravines, hundreds of feet deep, the sides of which are perfectly perpen- dicular, it is not only easy then to lose Indians you may be in pursuit of but even lose yourself; and then, again, the safe refuge the Indians have in the British possessions under the protection of the half-breeds of the North, who urge the Indians to keel) up the war, so that they may be benefited by their trade, it will be exceedingly difficult to bring all the bands of the Sioux to a complete subjection. A peace could no doubt be made with these Indians, as was made in 1857, by Congress making a heavy appropriation, promising to feed and clothe these Indians and begging them not to be bad any more, and there is no doubt such a peace would be just as well kept as the peace already madethat is, every white man who entered their country would be robbed or killed, without they went in sufficient numbers to protect themselves. The Indians regard the annuities given by the Govern- mnent because they fear them. It will be necessary, however, to gar- rison posts-in the country, keeping up a sufficient force for a few years not only to guard the posts but to send out parties to hunt up the Indians. The matter of the greatest consequence in regard to these posts is the selection of a proper commander, so few officers in the army, at least in the volunteer service, that have had the opportunity to become well acquainted with the Imidian character. It would be better to have no garrison at all than to have it commanded by an incompetent officer. The post on the Yellowstone should be built, but the question is where to place it. In a military point of view, near the mouth of the Powder River would be a good point, but fromn what I saw on the Yellowstone Valley, and fromn what I amn told by those who ought to know, there will be great difficulty in procuring hay. All the Indians north of the Missouri, above the Big Bend, could easily be banded together to assist a body of troops to war against the Sioux. In my opinion it would be policy and economy for the Govern- ment to expend a few thousand dollars and get these Indians into a war with the hostile portion of the Sioux, and to assist them also with troops, till all the posts are permanently established. With much respect, your obedient servant~ALF. SULLY, Brigadier-4~eneral. ASSISTANT ADJITTANT-GENERAL, DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST. HEADQUARTERS NORTHWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITION, Crow Creek Agency, Dak. Ter., October 10, 18G4. SIR: I have the honor to report I arrived here to-day; left the camp near Farm Island the 8th. The same day the First U. S. Volunteers reached there marching. They had to leave their boat some thirty miles below here, owin ~ to the unusual low stage of water. The bat- talion was in a poor condition to march in this season of tIme year, with Page 156 156 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. itIt out tents, and little or no transportatioii. I, however, had on hand shelter-tents that were for my use, but did not reach me iu time, and I hired a few wagons. They will reach Rice about the 17th. I was much pleased with the appearance of the officers and men. I found that the three head chief~ of the Ilostile bands, who had been in both the battles this year, had been in at the fort. They acknowledged they had been badly beaten, and felt they were no match for the whites, and wished to know on what terms they could have peace. The command- Pig officer told them on condition they behaved themselves, and would mo longer molest the whites. They went off saying they would go to bring in their principal people. I have forgotten the names of two of these chiefs, but Bear Ribs, an Unkpapa, is one. As I had to go below I left my adjutant-general, Captain Pell, at Fort Sully, to meet them, and to send inc word if I was wanted. I shall go to Sioux City, and I think it would be well for me to remain there a few weeks till I can hear from them. My friendly Indians also met me there with the same news that they had no doubt these Indians would all come in for peace. I think the prospect looks bright for finishing all troubles west of the river, but on this side of the river, the British possessions affording a safe refuge for all evil disposed, may delay matters for a time. If these Indians dont come in before winter sets in,it is not likely they will before early spring, as they will probably make their winter camp far from the troops. I would be glad to hear if the gen- eral commanding thinks it best for me to remain at Sioux City until I hear definitely in regard to this matter. With much respect, your obedient servant, ALF. SULLY, Brigadier- General. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST. [Irnlorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST, Milwaukee, October 22, 1864. Respectfully referred to Major-General Halleck. This report of General Sully is valuable and interesting as showing the inimediate prospect of settling all Indian difficulties in this depart- ment. JNO. POPE, ]IThor- General, Commanding. No. 3. Reports of Lieut. Col. Samuel ill. Poiloel~-, Sixth Iowa Cavalry, First Brigade. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH IOWA VOLUNTEER CAVALRY, (lamp No. 84, July 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the operations of eleven companies of the Sixth Iowa Volunteer Cavalry on the 28th and 29th of July, 186{ (Company K having been left in garrison at Fort Randall, I)ak. Ter.), in connection with the battle with the Indians at Tahkahokuty. On the morning of the 28th instant the two brigades took up the line of marc Page 157 CIXA!?. LIII.] EXPEDITION IN DAKOTA TERRITORY. 157 from their camp (Ko. 32) and Big Knife River, in a direction west of north. The First Brigade, consisting of the Sixth Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, three companies of the Seventh Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, Bracketts Battalion of Minnesota Cavalry, two companies of Dakota cavalry, the Prairie battery, and one company of Indian scouts, being in advance. About 11 a. m. the gnides announced that they had discovered Indians in large numbers at a place called Tahkahokuty, directly in our front, and at a distance of but a few miles, as reported by them, but which eventually proved to be at least ten miles away. The position occupied by the Indians consisted of a ridge of buttes, varying from 400 to 800 feet in height, the sides of which were covered with timber and large rocks. Deep, wooded ravines almost inaccessi- ble to cavalry protected nearly the whole front of these buttes. South of this position were lower ranges of buttes, over which it was necessary to pass to reach the almost impregnable position occupied by the enemy. These lower ranges were broken, uneven, and stony. Upon the announcement of the presence of Indians in our front the line of battle was immediately formed by the general commanding, the Seventh Iowa Volunteer Cavalry being in the center, the Sixth Iowa Cavalry on the right, and the Eighth Minnesota Infantry on the left, the Prairie battery, supported by Company iVi, Sixth Iowa Cavalry, and the indian scouts advancing in the interval between the Sixth and Seventh Iowa Cavalry. One battalion, composed of Companies A, G,L, and ID, of the Sixth Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, was commanded by Capt. John Galligan, Company A; one battalion (Companies B, B, and F) by Capt. D. C. Cram, Company B; and one battalion (Companies C, H, and I) by Major House. Company G was thrown in advance of the line of skirmishers. Strong parties of Indians came out well mounted (some of them on American horses) and attacked us from eight to ten miles from their position in the bluffs. Six companies, viz, A, C, D, H, I, and L, were dismounted and deployed as skirmishers on the right, Company 0- dismounted and skirhmishing in the advance, three com- panies (B, E, and F) remaining mounted, and used as a reserve, under command of Capt. D. C. Cram. After advancing and skirmishing about three miles the Indians gathered in large numbers on and near a high butte in front of our left. The Prairie battery took position, and after firing a few rounds dislodged and scattered them. We continued to advance for about two miles farther, constantly skirmishing and driving the enemy before us, when they again niassed in large numbers on our right front. A part of the Minnesota battery, supported by Company E, Sixth Iowa Cavalry, was placed in position on our right, and after a few rounds scattered them, they moving still farther to our right near the high bluffs which extended some distance in that direc- tion. A charge was here made upoim them by Bracketts Battalion of Minnesota Cavalry, and they were again driven more to our front, gradually falling back to their strongest position in the range of bluffs before indicated. Our line continued to advance, but by direction of the general commanding was not to move in advance of the Seventh Iowa Cavalry on our left, but was to l~resent a connected and continu- ous line. We were delayed for an hour or more awaiting the advance of the Seventh Iowa Cavalry. The artillery and cavalry were thrown forwar(l, on the right aimd left, driving the enemy up in the bluffi.. Our line again advanced and reached and took possession of the bluffs about sunset, the artillery having shelled the enemy from their shelter in the woods and behin Page 158 158 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. the rocks on the sides of the bluffs in our front. l3nt one casualty occurred in the regimei~t: ouie man in Company A, Sixth Iowa Cavalry was severely but not dangerously wounded. The day was excessively hot. The men were dismounted and carrying their arms and ainmuni- tion (weighing about twenty-five pounds), and the Indians being well monnted,were able generally to move out of the range of our rifles. It is impossible to give with any degree of certainty the Imuniber of Indians killed; many, however, were seen to kill from their horses, and sev- eral were known to have J3een killed. We encamped about two miles north of the battle-field, and the next morning started in pursuit of the Indians toward the Little Missouri IRiver, but after marching about two hours were oblig~d to turn back, having Thund it impossible to move any farther with wagons in that direction. Upon returning to the battle-field four companies were detailed to destroy property taken from the indians. A vast amount of property consisting of lodges, poles, and dried meat was destroyed. Both officers and men behaved well throughout. I have the honor to remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. A. POLLOCK, Lient. 61o1. Sixth Iowa Carairy Commanding Ecyiment. Capt. JOHN II. PELL, Asst. Adjt. Gem., North western Indian Expedition. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH IowA VOLUNTEER CAVALRY, Camp No. , Angust 9,. 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 8th instant the Sixth Iowa Volunteer Cavalry moved from the camp on the Little Missouri River into the position assigned it as the right column of the First Brigade of the Northwestern Indian Expedition. Immediately after nioving into position, and before crossing the river, Indians in large numbers were seen in front and on the right and left of the column; heavy firing was also heard in front. My command was immediatelymovedforward, closing up to the rear of the Second Brigade, which was that day in advance. I dismuounted Companies ID and L, deploying them as skirmishers on the ri~ht of the column. On the range of high buttes running along the right of the deep ravine through which the column and train were obliged to advance, parties of Indians appeared continually on the flanks, but finding no part of the train nnguarded kept mostly out of range of our guns. In this manner we continued to advance for about ftur miles until we approached two high buttes between which our route was, and from which the enemy had been dislodged by the troops in the advance. The train with the brigade in advance was corralled here and troops stationed on the heights. While the advance had moved forward to secure a position in front, the troops stationed on the heights on the right flank were relieved by Companies C and I, of my commuand. A part of Company A was also left as a support to a piece placed in position on the right flank of the colnlun by Captain Pope from his battery. The column again moved forward, large numabers of lIn(Iians ap~)caring on the flanks and passimig around the rear, only comni ng within raiige ot our carbines occasionally, generally secreting themuselves when within range in ravines and behind buttes. The rear was frequently threatened, bu Page 159 CHAP. LIII.) EXPEDITION IN DAKOTA TERRITORY. 159 nothing more than skirmishing took place there. The command con- tinued to march in this man ncr nntil about 5 p. in., when we arrived at a small lake where we were ordered to bivouac. We were allowed but a short rest, however, the Indians appearing in large numbers suddenly, covering the buttes iu every direction and entirely surrounding the command. Companies A, C, E, G, I, and L were immediately moved out on foot to support the pickets; except coming hear enough to exchange a few shots no direct attack was made. Private Alfred J. Nicholson, Compamy H (which company formed a part of the rear guard), while in rear of his company a few yards, was wounded in the hip by an arrow, inflicting a flesh wound, not danger- oiis. No other casualties occurred during the day. Six or eight In- diaiis are believed to have been killed during the day, but being on the flank and in rear of the column, no definite statement can be made. Con~panies A and H were on guard during the night. Companies C, 1), F, and L were placed directly in rear of the pickets and near them as a support in case of an attack. The remainder of the regiment slept on their arms. At daybreak on the morning of the 9th Indians in large numbers were discovered occupying the buttes around caump, and particularly in front. Large numbers of them were gathered on every butte or hill near our camp. A hurried meal was soon dispatched and the First Brigade moved in position as the advance brigade. The In- diaims were gradually moving nearer camp and had already exchanged several shots with the pickets, becoming very insolent and taking pos- session of every position in our front that would afford them any pro- tection from the artillery. Company C was dismounted, an dCompany I mounted, were moved forward as a part of the advance guard. One battalion, Companies A, ID, G, and L (Capt. John Galligan, Compamiy A, acting major) were now dismounted and moved in front of the right of the brigade as skirmishers. I was then ordered to move forward and drive the Indians from the front a~zrd take possession of two high buttes about one mile in advance and which were covered with Indians. The command was given and th,e six companies last named moved forward at double-quick time, driving the Indians from the buttes and ravines, scattering them wherever they attempted to make a stand, and continu- imig at this pace made a chaige of over two miles in a very few minutes without halting. I was here halted by orders of the general command- ing until the column and train came up. The Indians evidently not expecting so rapid an advance, were dismuayed and disheartened, and fleeing in every direction disappeared almost entirely from our front, the few remnaining keeping at a respectful distance and giving us no further opportunity of engaging them. No casualties occurred during the day, although several bodies of Indians were closely emigaged, but were mostly surprised in ravines, and were too much alarmed to fire with any certain aim, and the only damage received from their fire was time loss of two horses in Company I. Thirteen Indians were known to have been killed, and a number of others were seen to fall, many of them being placed on ponies and carried away by their comrades. Both officers and men behaved well during the entire engagement. I have the honor to remain, sir, very respectfully, your obediemit servant. S. M. POLLOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Capt. JoHN H. PELL, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Northwestern Indian Expedition Page 160 160 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. Liii. No. 4. Report of Lieut. Cot. John Pattee, & venth Iowa Cavalry. HDQRS. THIRD BATTALION, SEVENTH IOWA CAVALRY, NORTHWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITION, Camp iWo. 36, August 2, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the 28th of July, 1864, the command broke camp on a branch of Knife River at an early hour and marched in a northwestern direction. My battalion was marching in rear of the left column of the First Brigade. At about 10 a. m. information was brought in by the guides that a large body of Indians had been discovered a few miles directly in our front. I was ordered to move my men to the head of the left column. After marching a short distance the Indians appeared in large numbers in front, and I was ordered to dismount my men and deploy them in front as skir- mishers. My formation was in the center, the Sixth Iowa Cavalry being on my right and the Eighth Minnesota on the left. As soon as the formation was completed the whole line commenced advancing, and after marching from one and a half to two miles a still larger number of Indians could be seen maneuvering on the base of a large and abrupt range of wooded hills a few miles in front. They soon advanced to meet our line, which continued steadily to advancc, and a scattering fire was commenced the first volley being fired at an Indian who ap- peared in front brandishing a war club and apparently directing the movements of the others, this being the opening fire of the fight. The fire then became general and continued with intervals along our whole line. Although my men had never before been under fire, they con- tinued to advance steadily and deliberateiy and met and repelled the charges made by the Indians from time to time with great firmness and composure. The advance continued in this way about one hour when the Eighth Minnesota, being severely pressed, fell back, leaving my left entirely nnsupported and a large break in the line. This I attempted to obviate for some time by extending my intervals and allowing my left to bend slightly to the rear, until a battery and its supports taking np their position on our left, I reformed my line and continued to advance. At this time a battery with its support took up its position on our left and a force of cavalry on the right, and advancing in front of our line drove the Indians out of our reach, when we ceased firing and followed in rear of the cavalry to the foot of the bluffs. The whole fight lasted about six hours, during which time the Indians were driven a distance of about ten miles. It is to be regretted that because of the nature of the ground and the Indian way of fighting much of our fire was wasted. The ground over which we advanced was very uneven, and the Indians would gather behind knolls and in ravines on our front and fire npon us and scatter away on their swift-footed ponies. Too much praise cannot be given to officers and men of my command for the calm bearing and good judgment evinced npon all occasions and nuder all circumstances. My troops took no part in any action on the 29th. As to casualties am happy to state that I lost no men either in killed or wounded. JOHN PATTEE, Lieutenant- Colonel Seventh Iowa Volunteer Cavalry. Capt. JOHN H. PELL, Assistant Adjutant- (Jeneral Page 161 CHAP~ LIII.] EXPEDITION IN DAKOTA TERRITORY. 161 No. 5. Reports oj Jh(j. J1#JPe(l B. Brackelt, I3racketts Minnesota Battalion Carairy. I IDQ LS. I3RACI~ETT8 MiNNESOTA IBATTALION, NORTHWESTERN INDiAN EXPEDITION, Camp No. 36, Angust 1, ldGI. (iAPTAi~: 1 have the honor to subii~it the foilowin~, report of the part I took with my colnIlland in the action with hostile Indians 011 July 28, 18G4: I was first ordered to move in column on the right, which I did. Subsequently I received orders to support the line of skirmishers in advance, which I (lid I)ybringnlg Companies 13 and C in line with Coin~ panics A an(1 1) as sLipI)ort. I inove(1 in that order some three miles when, finding the enemy massing in considerable force and attacking my right, I eiigaged them with Company B (lisIfloutited, at the same time asking and receiving pernnsson of you to charge them with saI)er. I immediately gave the order to Capt. 13. Y. Shelley, of Company C, to charge them with his company, which order he executed and followed ~p in a manner highly cruditabic to himself and those under him. The charge resulted in the kuhn of 13 Indians tolIn(1 on the field and eiitirely roIitiIu9 the balance I indung the enemy tbrming in large num- l)ers on my left anti front 1 1 Ilhcd my whole command and found it necessaryto dismount them, as I was being severely animoyed from ravines and thickets impracticable for horse. After severe ~kirmishing, (trove the enemy to the base of a high hill, where I met with a strong opposi- tion, they being in strong force on itssurumnit. I finally succeeded in takiiig possession of the hill, which. 1 held, driving the enemy far beyond. The nature of the ground in front rendering it iIni)racticable to pursue farther at that time, I rejoined your command with my battalion. In the charge Sergt. George XV. Northrup, of Company C, fell, after receiving eight or ten wounds, one of which pierced him through the heart. Horatio N. Austin, of Company 1), was also killed while skirmish- ing. My loss during the day was 2 killed and 8 wounded. I also lost 22 hoyses, ~)unish1ng the enemy by killing 27 found dead on the field afterward, besides quite a numimber that were seen to have been carried off by them. 1 take pleasure, general, in saying that my officers and men displayed an amount of courage, coolness, and skill worthy of veterans that they are. I anu, general, with profound respect, yo~tms to command, A. B. BRACKETT, Capt. JOHN ~. PELL, Major, Commanding Battalion. Assistant Adjutant- 4~eneral. IIBQRS. BRACKETTS MINNESOTA BATTALION, NORTHWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITION, Camp No. 46, August 13, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my command on the 8th and 9th of August instant: On the 8th instant my battalion, in the usual order of march, had the left division of the First Brigade. Having received orders early in the 11 R RYOL XLI, PT Page 162 4(2 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. till. (lay to maintain this 1)OSltiOIi and cover the train, I moved throughout the day with great caution, sending out small parties on foot as flankers whenever the nature of the giounci required such precaution. At one Pine the enemy seemed to be massing for an attack upon my rear com- pany, but a few volleys from the dismounted flankers cansed them to retreat. IN() casualties occurred during the day. (in the 9th instant I received orders to proceed to the front xvith Company C of my battalion avid one section of the Prairie battery, under command of Captain Pope, which order 1 carried into execution at 011CC. Dismounting two platoons amm(i deploying them as skirmishers, under command of Lieutenant Neely, I ordered Captain Shelley with the remainder of the company to sup- port the battery. The enemy could be seemi in great numbers on every side, amid seemed (leterluined 420 resist our progress, but time excellent piactice of Captain Popes howitzers (lisperse(l them with loss and frus- trated every attempt to rally for an attack. A running fight was kept up until al)out 2 p. in., when the Imuhians (iisapl)eare(l. From the nature of the groumid amid the distance which the savages maintained, t am unable to estimate their loss, which mnust have been heavy. The remnain- ing three compaimies of my battalion marched in the usmimd order on the left of the First 13ri~ade, under comnmand of Captain Barton, of Com- pany ID. Early in the day they were much annoyed by the Indians, and some severe skirmishing emisued. One m~ian of Company Ii beconminy separated from his command had his horse woundc(l i~y a bullet, but escape(l, after killimig or severely womindin~ 2 indians. No other loss was sustained. Very res~)ectfully, youi obc licut servant A. B. BI~ACKETT, Major, Commanding Bracketts Minnesota Battalion. Capt. JOHN H. PEEL, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. (3. Report of Capt. Xelsoa Miner First Battalion Jiakota CavaUy. NORTHWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITION, Camp No. 36, August 2, 1864. SIR: I have time honor to report that in the battle of the 28th of July, 18(54, my conmmand was held in reserve for a time in rear of the battery of time First Brigade until a space occurred in time skirmishers on the left between the Eighth Minnesota Infantry and Sevemmth Iowa Cavalry, whemi I was sent with Compammy A, of mny comnmand, to occupy said space. When, after driving time Indiamis for sonme two miles, a large quantity of Indians appeared on the lull iii front of us, when we charged up the hill and fired several volleys at short range, with good eft~ct, when Captain Pope with his battery, Company B, of my command, Company 1W, Sixth Iowa Cavalry, and the Nebraska scouts, came promptly to my support, which caused the Indians to retreat. I then, withy Company A, Dakota cavalry, passed to the left of a hill, which was in our frouit, when time battery, with Comnpany B, of my command, went to the right, whemi. after a little skirmishing time In- diamus went mip the nuoumitains, which were in front of the comvimnand. We then halted and soon aftcr returimed and camped with the rest o Page 163 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION IN DAKOTA TERRITORY. 163 the coinmandon the battle-field. At an early hour next morning, after ascertaining that it was impossible to follow the Indians farther with any prospect of success, I went to the Indian camp with both compa- nies of my command, in accordance with orders, for the purpose of destroying the property of said Indians, and although several other companies were at work destroying the property of the Indians, my two companies destroyed some 700 skin lodges, a large quantity of buffalo, robes, camp equipage, and provisions. The casualties in my command was only 1 soldier, of Company A, slightly wounded. In conclusion, I beg leave to state that in my opin- ion great wisdom was displayed in the conducting of said battle by our most worthy general. I am, sir, your most obedient servant, NELSON MINER, Captain, Commanding Dakota Cavalry. Brig. 0-en. ALFRED SULLY, Commanding Expedition. No. 7. Report of Capt. Christian Stuift, Independent Company of Indian Scouts. HDQRS. INDEPENDENT COMPANY OF INDIAN ScouTs August 2, 1864. According to the circular requesting commanders of regiments, bat- talions, and companies to hand in aim official report of their positions in action omm 28th and 29th of July, 1864, I give the following state- nments: The position awarded me ~yhen line of battle was first formed was in rear of Captain Popes battery of artillery to support the battery, which position I held until after passing around th~ high butte on the left, where time Indians Imad mimade a strommg stamid, driving them from the i)ntte down toward their camp on double-qmmick, frequeimtly halted by Captain Pope while he would send themim a few shells. When arriving near the foot of the hill Captaimi Pope ordered me to go ahead deployed as kirmishers, so that he should not be surprised by parties secreted in ravines. When arliving near a point of timuber before ims a bold party of warriors came dashing at us; the captain ordered me to halt, which or er was obeyed. The captain semmt them a few shells, scattering them in eveiy direction; the caI)taiml themi desired to get a position on a point some distance to the left, where he iimtended to sImell the timber; my position was then on the ri gut; gained the poimit without any diffi- culty; only few Indians made their appearamice, whom we drove back by few rounds with carbines. The captain then shelled the timnber simort time; he theA desired to gain another point still farther to the left; he then ordered mime to march my company by file near the timber on the right; when we reached the point, as I was getting my company into line, and the captaimm planting his pieces, the Indians fired on us, killing one of my horses and wounding another. I immediately ordered tlme mnen to dismonmit, every fourth man holding horses, and made a charge omm the emmenmy, firing into the dense thicket, killing 2 Indians and wounding 1, which my Wiminebago boys afterward killed sea iped, and beheaded. I then returned to the battery, marched some distanc Page 164 164 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. tIll. to the left, where we remained until or(lered into camp. My officers and men behaved bravely; on 29th marched with headquarters First Brigade, having no action. C. STUFFT, Gapt., Gomdg. Independent (Jompany of Indian Scouts. ADJUTANT-GENERAL, NORTHWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITION. No. S. Reports of Capt. Nathaniel Pope, Prairie Battery. HEADQUARTERS PRAIRIE BATTERY, Camp on heart River, August 1, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, iii the late fight with Indians at Tahkahokuty, on Thursday, July 28, I was ordered to take position with my battery in advance and fifty yards in rear of the line of skirmishers in front, with orders to fire when I got within range. II advanced slowly to within about 900 yards of the Indians, when Iran one piece forward in front of the skirmish line and fired three rounds of spherical case-shot, killing five or six and wounding several Indians. I was then ordered to move to the left, with instructions to head them off and drive them toward the right. I advanced at a full run, supported by four companies of cavalry, sending one section of the battery and two companies of cavalry on each side of the high butte to the left of our line of battle, wheeling and firing as often as 1 got within range. The line of skirmishers was a mile in rear of the battery. We succeeded in clearing the knolls on the left and driving the Indians into the ravines under the mountains. I shelled them out of there and forced them into the hills where it was impossible to follow with either artil- lery or cavalry. We moved again to the left, hoping to find an open- ing to get the battery on top of the hills, but unfortunately did not succeed in finding a road. It is impossible to say how many In(Iians were killed in this move- ment as the dead were carried off as soon as they fell; but from what I saw and from information since received, I think the number will not fall below 30 killed and wounded; my loss was nothing. Great praise is due the detailed men on duty with the Prairie bat- tery for their coolness and prompt obedience of orders; and it may not be improper here to mention Captains Miners and Tripps companies of Dakota cavalry, Captain Williams company of the Sixth Iowa Cavalry, and the Nebraska scouts, who gave me all the assistance in their power and were very efficient. I am, captain, with great respect, your obedient servant, NATH. POPE, Captain, Commanding Prairie Battery. Capt. JOHN II. PELL, Assistant Adjutant- Ueneral. HEADQUARTERS PRAIRIE BATTERY, Gamp No. 46, Yellowstone River, August 13, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 8th instant, after crossing the Little Missouri River, when the advanc Page 165 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION IN DAKOTA TERRITORY. 165 became engaged with the indians, I was ordered to post two pieces of artillery in the rear, one on each flank, to protect the wagon train, and hold one section in reserve. I took possession of the knolls on each flank as the column advanced, holding them until the rear came up. The Indians appeared in force in the rear, but did not come within range of my guns. Toward evening they showed themselves about 200 strong on the right flank. I masked two pieces behind a knoll and waited until the rear guard closed tip. The Indians discovered the trick, how- ever, and I did not get but two shots at long range, doing no damage. When camp was made I was posted on a ridge to the left of headquar- ters with one piece on a high knoll commanding the ravines on the left. On the morning of the 9th instant I was ordered to report to Captain Jones, of the Third Minnesota Battery, with one section, and to send one section to the rear to report to Lieutenant , of Captain Jones bat- tery. The indians made their appearance in force on all sides, and about 10 a. in. I was ordered to report to Major Brackett, of Bracketts battalion, who was in advance on the left. We discovered the Indians massing behind sonic large buttes on the left, evidently preparing to make a charge. We moved forward at a double-quick, shellin gthem ont of the ravines and driving them from their position, when they swung rapidly around to the front. We advanced slowly, firing as often as we caine within range, keeping ahead of the line of skirmishers until about 4 p. m. The Indians having disappeared we were ordered to take position in the column. I fired nothing but shrapnel shot at very long range, and as the Indians always carried off their killed and wounded as soon as they fell, I cannot say how many were killed in this moyement. 1 am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, NATI-I. POPE, Captain, Commanding Prairie Battery. Capt. JOHN II. PELL, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 9. Reports of Col. Minor T. Thomas, Eighth Mm esota Infantry, com manding Second Brigade. HDQRS. 2D Bnio-., NORTHWESTERN iNDIAN EXPEDITION, Camp NO 3G, August 1, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report in relation to the operations of my comman(I during the 28th and 29th of July last: At 11 a. iii. I received notice that the Indian camp was found, and my brigade was ordered from the rear to the left of the First Brigade, a rid also to direct Captain Jones, Third Minnesota Battery, to report to the brigadier-general commanding, which was promptly done and advance the commnamYd in column, Company K, Eighth IVI inuesota Vol- nnteers, having the advance as skirmishers. After advancing about two miles, six companies of the Eighth Minnesota Volunteers, Lien- tenant-Colonel Rogers commanding, were dismounted and deployed to the front, on the left of the First Brigade, at three paces intervals. The Second Minnesota Cavalry were held in reserve, marching in column of sqnadrons, at half distance, 100 paces in the rear of the line on the left. After advancing about one mile a light fire was commenced o Page 166 166 LO~iSIAHA Afl THE TRAIrs-msslssirpl. COrn. LIlt the enemy, who began to appear iii large nusubern in front and rapidly passed to the left flank and rear. The left of the Rightin Minnesota was thrown slightly to the rear and two companies of the Second Miii- newts Cavalry dismounted and deployed still farther tothe left in that direction. Atthis time large numbers of Indianawere passing in tbat di- rection,andattackedthereargoardotthemaintrain wliichnspromptiy repulsed by the guard, which consisted of Companies B and I), Eighth Minnesota Volunteers, and ComjpanyB, Second Minnesota (avah7 and a shell from Lieutenant Whippies 6-ponder. At this time (olonei Mc- Laren with two more compames of hisregiment, were sent to the front immediately on the left of the Eighth Regimens when they were dis- mounted and took possession of arangeof sharp hills, which was rapidly done bys sharp skirmish. At this point the left of the whole line was halted and the right thrown forward. After a few minutes the whole line advanced in the see direction, thewhole brigade moving asrapidly as possible, much of the time on the run over broken ground, the firing being kept up briskly and with good effect After advancing about two miles the miserable enemy rapidly retired. The Second Cavalry was mounted and pushed rapidly forward and the Eighth Regiment dosed to the right by companies, and tJe whole line closed on the enemys abandoned camp, which was asplendid position for defense. After arriving in the camp four companies of the Eighth Regiment were sent forward to escort Captain Jones battery to the front for the pur- pose of shelling a ravine containing water. These companies, under Major Camp, bein; deployed, advanced through the ravine and as- cended the steep hills rapidly, and, in a lively skirmish, drove the rear guard of the enemy from the sight of cam. At dusk the command was withdrawn a short distance to the left and bivouacked for the night. At an early hour in the morning of the 29th the brigade teok the advance to the left, sesitin; for a passage after the Indians over the immense hill. After advancing five or six miles the attempt was abandoned, as the ground was ~o broken that it was impossible to pro- ceed. The conimand then countenoarched and returned to the Indian camp, where Colonel McLaren with four companies of his regiment, three companies of the Eighth ilinnesota Volrnteers, and a large por- tion of the First Brigade, worked with a will for six hours, destroying the abandoned property of the Indians, which was a very large propor- tion of all the property belonging to the camp oH 000 lodges. Late in the afternoon the return march was resumed, and we again encamped on the battle-pound. At dusk two of the pickets members of Com- pany D, Second Minnesota Cavalry, were surprise~l and killed by a small party of Indians, which is the only casualty of consequence which occurred in the command during the engagement. The complete success of our force was owing to the seltpossession and bravery of both officers and men, the superiority of their , their skill in handling them, and the ready and cheerful obedience to all orders. it is useless to mention individuals when the whole command did their duty so well. I take pleasure in recommending them to the brig- adier-general commanding the expedition as good and faithful soldiers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant~ T. THOMAS (Joloesel Eighth Miseseaots Fbi.., (7o4. Second Brtgeuda Capt. J. H. PULL, Meiatmst Adjutant General Page 167 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION IN DAKOTA TERHITOEX. 1(37 HDQRS. 2D BRiG., NORTHWESTERN iN1)IAN ExPEDiTIoN, Camp No 49, A~iyust 13, 18G4. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Second Brigade in the battles of the 8th and 9th instant with the Sionx: The brigade being in advance, the guard, consisting of Company D, Eighth Minnesota Infantry, and Company 11, Second Minnesota Cav- alry, aad Company C, Second Minnesota Cavalry, as flankers, were l)lace(l under command of Major Rose, Second Minnesota Cavalry, who was ordered to advance cautiously u]Y through the dry bed of a cieek from the Little Missouri River, where the road had been constructed the (lay previous. The Eighth Minnesota Volunteers were directed to Pdlow the advance guard, placing fonr companies oi~ each flank moving l)y the flank to the front, the reiflaining four companies of the Second Minnesota Cavalry to follow the Eighth Regiment. One half of the guard and other troops were dismounted and thrown forward and out on the flanks. The Third Minnesota Battery, leading the train, ad- vance(l up the ravine about 800 yards in the rear of the advance guard. After advancing about three miles the scouts were suddenly driven back upon the guard, and the front and flanks were attacked by large l)odies of Indians charging upon the line. The steadiness of the troops drove them back, and the section of 6-pounders of the Third Minnesota Battery being brought to the front soon cleared the ground for another advance. The section of howitzers were placed on the flanks to protect the train while it was being parked. The train having all closed up, the advance was again commenced and the Indians driven rapidly back. After a(lvancing about three miles the train was again parked, and the cominuand waited for the First Brigade and Idaho train to close up. Our next advance was nnmolested for three or four miles, when the train was halted amid watere(l at a small pond, which afterward was mised for.the whole command to encamp for the night. About 2 p. in. (the fight having commuenced at 7 a. in.) the savages again appeared in front, and th~ troops were thrown rapidly forward to meet them, a portion of the Eighth Regiment on the right, the 6-pounders in the center to support the advance guard, and portions of the Second Cav- alry and Eighth Reghuent on the left, the howitzer section and two or three comupanies protecting the train. Time troops continued to advance for three or four miles, having many lively skirmishes, amid were withdrawn at (iusk, having inflicted a loss to the enemy of at least Th() warriors and niany horses, and of our own troops but S soldiers and 1 guide were injured. The courage and steadi- ness of our men and the range of their arms were too much for the splemmdicl horsemanship and wily dashes of their cowardly opposers. The troops were bivouacked on their arms a hnn(lred paces outside the camp after a thirteen hours fight. The action on the 9th consisted in repelling an attack on the rear, which lasted for about three honrs, and was done in a handsome and spirited manner, the rear gnar(l beini~ 5111)ported by the section of lmowitzers, with no damage to our side, bitt a considerable loss to the enenmy. During the engagenments the officers and mnen of the whole comumnand l)ehaved splendidly, their only anxiety being to get nearer the savages, who outnunibered them at least three to one. Soldiers who have acted so well need no special praise Page 168 P38 LoUiSIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. Hoping the general commanding is satished with the operations of the command, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. T. THOMAS, Colonel Eighth Minnesota Vols., Corn dy. & eond Brigade. Capt. J. H. PELL, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS MINNESOTA BRIGADE, NORTHWESTERN JNDIAN EXPEDITION, Camp No. 89, Port Ridgely, Minn., October 9, 18G4. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the oper- ations of the Minnesota or Second Brigade of the Northwestern Indian Expedition, ordered from this district to join Brigadier-General Sully on the Thssonri River: The force, consisting of the Eighth Regiment Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, mounted si Volnnt.eers one , x companies of the Second Miniiesota Cavalry , section of 6-pounder smooth-bore guns, and one sec- tion of 12-pounder mountain howitzers, all brass pieces, a corps of forty-live scouts, with a train of ninety-three six- mule teams and txvelve ambulances, was rendezvoused at this camp on the 1st day of June, 1864, and took up the line of march on the 6th of June, with thirty (lays~ rations, via the Minnesota and Intpah Rivers and Captain Sullys I rail, to Goose Nest Lake omi the Minnesota Coteau; from thence to the James River below the mouth of Elm River from thence to the head- waters of said river, at the foot of the Missouri Cotean; across it to the Bois Cache Cree-k and down to Swan Lake Creek, which we struck at a point seven miles from the Missouri River, and joined General ~nllys command on the 30th day of June, having marched 332 miles. July 4, marched for Long Lake River; arrived on the 8th; ninety- nine miles. Opposite this point Genera-I Sully located Fort Rice. The whole command crossed the river on steam-boats and prepared for a canipaign against the Indians, which, consumed eleven days. Leaving Fort Rice on the 19th of July, marching lip the Cannon Ball River for five days, nearly a west course, thence one days march north to the Heart River, 110 miles. At this j)oint the main train, with 125 Idaho emigrant wagons that had followed us from WI i nuesota, were corralled, .mnd, taking six days rations in light wagons, starte(1 north in search of the indian camp, reported to be on Knife River. On the thir(l day after crossing Knife River we arrived in sight of the enemys camp, located on a plateau, or succession of rough land, with great rugged buttes overhanging it. The position for defense and safety could not have been better, being protected in front by almost impassable wooded ravines, and in rear, as soon as the hills were ascended through narrow chasms, they were safe from pursuit, excel)t from dismounted men or the equally active Indian ponies belonging to the enemy. For partien- lars of the engagenment please refer to my official report to Brigadier- General Sully, of the date of July 28 and 29. Ttetnrned to ITeart River .J uly 30, having marched in six days 172 miles, and fought the battle of Tahkahokuty. Startipg from this point August 3, we r cached the Little Missouri River August 7, eighty-three mniles and a half At this point the Indiags again made their appearance, and muade some slight oft~nsiv Page 169 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEJ)ITlo~ IN DAKOTA TERRITORY. 169 demonstrations, which were easily quieted. The country for sixteen miles before reaching the river had been of the most terrible and indescribable character, a lid continued so for twenty miles beyond. On the morning of the 8th of August, in making an egress from the river bottom, the battle of the Little Missouri, or The hills that look at each other, commenced and was fought during that and the suc- ceeding day. (A report of the operations of the brigade during the battles of that date inclosed.)* From the best information it has been ascertained that the Indians that were first encountered at Tahkahokuty had been largely re-enforced by other bands and returned war parties, and certainly felt confident, with the advantages of position (which could not have been better chosen by an enemy), of an easy victory. It certainly was the largest body of Indians ever assembled on the American continent to fight a battle. The Minnesota brigade having the advance in the battle of the 8th instant, had the honor of encountering this immense horde, and fighting nearly all of them through the day, whipping and driving them about twelve miles. Commencing at 7 a. in., the fight was continued until dark of a long summer day, without water, and the thermometer at 110 degrees in the shade. Over buttes, through ravines, rocks, and stones, the wild yells and rapid dashes of the savages, the troop pressed forward with a courage and untiring energy that rapidly overcame all obstacles, hnd night closed the wild wake, and the men laid down on their arms in line of battle, eager for the mornings -light, to again commence the work of death. Hundreds of the savages lay along the hill-side and ravines. Our loss was but 7 wounded, and a few horses. The Indian shotguns and bows and arrows were no match for the accurate aim and long range of oar rifles and carbines, aimd when the artillery sent shell into their assem- blies on the hills and into their retreats in ravines, the cowardly rascals soon learned that they were no match for soldiers that had come 1,000 miles to fight them. During the 9th immstant they entirely disappeared, and our march was continued to the Yellowstone River, over a country almost devoid of watem or grass, and two-thirds rations for the men, a distance of 104 miles. Two small steamu-boats met us at this point with rations Pw the men, and one ration of corn for the animals, and transported our baggage across the river, the trains and horses fording through w~der rnnning very rapid and so deep that many of them had to swim. From the 14th to 18th of August was consumed in marching to the Missouri, thirty-two miles, which was crossed by swimming the animals, and on the 21st marched for Fort Berthold, where we arrived on the 28th, 140 miles. A large portion of the distaujee the grasshoppers had eaten mip all vegetation except willows and the very coarsest bottom grass. Marched from Fort Iherthold, August 30, to Maison dn Chien, hoping to find the Yauktonais that ha(1 crossed from the west side of the Missonrm, after their last defeat, and also the Minnesota hands. Being unable to find them, tnrned southward and reached Fort Rice, Septem- ber 9, having marched 1 G3 miles. on the return of the command to Fort Rice we learned that Captain Fisks Idaho expedition was surrounded and required assistance to save it from destruction. By order of Brigadier-General Sully I detailed 200 memm of the Eighth Minnesota Volunteers, dismonnte(l, aiid 100 of the ~ Sce p. 167 Page 170 170 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPi. [CHAP. LIII. Second Minnesota Cavalry, mounted, with a full complement of officers, as part of the relieving force, and having been relieved from duty with the Northwestern Indian Expedition started for Fort Wadsworth, Sep- temuber 15 marched by way of Long Lake, crossing the James River a few miles below the Bone Hills, and reaching the ftrt September 26; distance 206 miles. Having been directed to relieve the battalion of the Thirtieth Wis- consin Volunteer Imifantry nt this post, Major Rose, with Companies B, C, D, and II, Second Minnesota Cavalry, was detached for that pur- pose. Major Clowneys battalion, on being relieved, joined the conimand, marching on the 29th September and reaching this post October 8, four months and three days after our departure. In that time we have marched 1,625 miles. The behavior of both officers and men has been all that could be de- sired; their cheerful obedience to all orders, prompt and energetic ex- ecution of dnty, their patient endurance on long and trying marches, and their bravery and irresistible fi~hting qualities, have not only cmi- deared them to the hearts of their superior officers but stamped them as true and disciplined soldiers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. T. THOMAS, Colonel Eighth Minnesota Volunteers, Co~nnanding Brigade. Capt. iR. C. OLIN Assistant Adjutant- General, District of Minnesota. No. 10. Report of Lient. Col. Ilienry C. RQqers, Eighth Minnesota Infantry. HDQRS. EIGHTH REGIMENT MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS, Camp No. 36, August 1, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 28th of July last my regi- ment took up the line of march at 4 a. in., and after marching about seven- teen miles arrived in sight of the enemys camp, some ten miles distant, where the disposition of battle was made, my regiment occupying the following position: Company B, Captain Pettit, forming a l)art of the rear guard; Company ID, Captain McLarty, with his company deployed as 1~ankers on the right hank of the comnmand, which positioui was occim- pied by them until the commencement of the battle, when they assem- bled and remained in the rear of the train as a support to the rear gnard. Company C occupied a position as support to Captain Jones, of the Third Minnesota Battery. Company K was advanced to the front and deployed as skirmi~hers, covering the fm-out of time Second Brigade. The remaining companies of mny regiment, consisting of Compafiies A, E, F, Q H, and I, were placed in position on the right flank of the Second Brigade and parallel to the First Brigade. In this position we commenced to advance toward the enemny~s camp. At about II a. in., and in obedience to orders from Colonel Thomas, commanding Second Brigade, I dismounted the six companies above mentioned, leaving the horses in charge of every fourth man, and the whole of the troops in charge of the led Imorses, nuder the commalid of Major Camp. Wit Page 171 CIIA?. LIII.] EXPEDITION IN DAKOTA TERRITORY. 171 the remainder of the six companies, consisting of about 325 men, T ad- vanced to the front and formed a line of battle on the right of the Sec- ond Brigade. I was then ordered to deploy my regiment to tiLe left as skirmishers, three paces apart, and advance upon the enemy, which order was promptly obeyed. After advancing steadily for about three miles with but little opposition, the enemy falling back as we advanced, he made a threatening movement by turning my left flank near by among the bluffs, and passed in large numbers to my rear. I then ordered Lieutenant Tibbetts, Company A, with twenty-five men, to take a position on the bluiTh covering onr left, which order was promptly obeyed, but he was soon after relieved by order of Colonel Thomas, and again resumed his place iu the order of battle. From this point my command continne(l to advance steadily, driving the enemy before them, until within a short distance of the enemys camp, which he had abandoned, when I was ordered to close by company on the right of skirmishers, and remount my command, after which I advanced to the abandoned camp of the enemy, where we arrived about 6 p. in. of that day. I was then ordered to dismount four companies and take posses- siomi of the hill in front, to cover the advance of the Third Minnesota Battery. In obedience to said order I dismounted Compammies E, F, II, and I, ai~d placed timemn under comnmnand of Major Camp, with orders to advance and. take possession of the blufi~ imi front, which order was promnptiy obeyed. The report of Major Camp is herewith submitted. I remained with the remaining companies of my command in posses- sion of the camp abandoned by the enemy until the return of Major Camnp at dusk, when I mnarched with my regiment to the place desig- nated for camp. On the next day my regimnent moved with the com- mand, aimd, mipon the return to camp, I was ordered to detail three comnpanies to assist in destroying the provisions, stores, and camp equipage abandoned by the enemy in their hasty flight. In obedience to said order, I directed Companies B, E, and F, under the command of Captain Pettit, to proceed to tle camp abandoned by the enemny and assist in destroying said stores. After this had beemi accomplished the comnmand again took up the line of mnarch and went in camp about 6 p. in., my regiment occupying the left of the Second Brigade. At about dusk our pickets were fired upon by the enemy, and I was ordered by Colonel Thomas to throw my regiment in line of battle around the camp, joining with the Second Cavalry on the right and left, which was done promptly. We remained in this position for nearly two hours, whemi we were relieved and ordered to retnrn to camp, [and] the men instructed to sleep on their arms. During the battle of the 28th of July some 25 of the enemy were seen to fall in front of my regiment, but they were carried sway by their friends. The number killed, including those reported by Major Camp, could not have been less than 25 or 30, and a much larger number wounded. With the exception of 1 horse in Company K wounded, there were mio casualties in my regiment. I take pleasure in bearing testimony to the promptness with which every order was obeyed by the officers and soldiers of my command. Where all did their duty it is unnecessary to particularize. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servamit, H. C. ROGERS, Lieutenant- Colonel Eighth Minnesota, Comdg. Regiment. Lient. GEORGE W. BUTTERFIELD, Acting Assistant Adjutant- Ueneral Page 172 I7~ LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS~MISSISSIPPJ. rCHAP. LIII ~o. 11. ileport of A1I~. Greorge A. Camp, Eighth Minnesota Infantry. hEADQUARTERS EIGHTH MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS, Camp No. 36, August 1, 1864. SiR: I have the honot to report that on the 28th of July last, in olx dience to the order of Lieutenant-Colonel Rogers, I took command C Companies E, I, F, and H, of my regiment, at 6 p. in., at the camp abar doned by the enemy, and advanced to the front, covering Captain Jone: Third Minnesota Battery, and deployed them to the right as skirmist ers, and then advanced up the side of the bluff without opposition nut we arrived near its top, where the enemy attempted to check our advan with a force of from 250 to 300 warriors. But the steady advance an prompt fire of my men soon drove them from their strong position, wit a loss upon their part of some 12 killed and a large number wounde I then occupied the bluff with my command until I received ordei from Brigadier-General Sully to retllrn to camp, which order II obeye reporting to Lieutenant-Colonel Rogers at my place of advance aboi dusk. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. A. CAMP, Major Eighth Afinnesota Voiuutee s. No. 12. Report of Col. Robert N. ]JfcLaren, Second Minnesota Carairy. HEADQUARTERS SECOND MINNESOTA CAVALRY, July 29, 1864. I have the honor most respectfully to report that, in accordauc with Special Orders, No. 62, headquarters Northwestern Indian Exp dition, Canip No. 34, July 29, 1864, I proceeded to the Indian can with four companies of Second Minnesota Cavalry, Major Rice con maudiug, and two companies of Dakota cavalry, Captaiu Miner con mauding; four companies of the Sixth Iowa and three companies Eight Minnesota Infantry, under Major Camp. On arriving at the camp few straggling Indians were seen Inrkin g about the bluft~. I imm diately dismounted and (leployed Company (3-, Second Minnesota Ca~ airy, who skirmished through the timber and remained in a position t protect the~vorking parties. I commenced by disposing of the varion forces 50 as to destroy with the least delay the vast quantities of good left in the timber and ravines adjaceut to the camp. The men gatherc into heaps and burned tons of dried bnfflmlo meat l)acked in buffa~ skim cases, great quantities of dried berries, bufflhlo robes, tanuc buffalo, elk, and antelope skins, household ntensils, such as brass an copper kettles, mess pans, & c., riding saddles, (hay poles for ponies an (logs. Finding that one day was too short a time to make the destructic complete, 1 ordered the men to gather only the lodge poles in hear aud burn them, and then deployed the men and fired the woods every direction; the destructiou was thus complete, and cverywhem was manifest the rapid flight of the ludians, leaving everything, eve their dogs and colts tied to I he pickets. In skirmishing the tim Page 173 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION I~ DAKOTA TERRITORY. 173 dead Indians were found killed by exploding shells. After a thorough examinatiou of the camping-ground, and by judging from the amount of lodge poles burnt, I should judge the camp to have numbered 1,4041) Io(lges. I would reportthat after the work of destruction commenced the Indians carried a white flag on the bluff close to the camp. As I could not interpret the meaning at this particular time, I did not feel calle(l upon to report the fact to you until I had accomplished the object and carried oat Order No. 62. I have the honor to be, most resl)cctfillly, your obedient servant, Th N. McLAiREN, Colonel Second Minnesota Cavalry. Capt. JOHN Ii. PELL, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 18. Reporl 0] Maj. C. Powell ~i4a,us, Independent Datialion Minnesota Cav airy. HEAIDQUARTER8 FORT ABERUROMI31E, August 26, 1864. SIR: About 4 oclock on the afternoon of the 23d instant four mcii on their way up from Georgetown with two teams were attacked by a party of ambushed Sioux indians at Lewiston, twenty-eight miles below here, and 8 of them killed, 2 instantly and the other mortally wounded, so that he died early next morning. Information reached me about 7.30 oclock the same evening of these mnrders. I immediately ordered out txventy men each froni A and 13 companies, with one days rations, lln(ler Captain Mix and Lieutenant Miner, and taking command of the detachment iii person I was under way for the scene of the outrage within thirty minutes from the arrival of the messenger. I proceeded to a 1)Oint within three or four miles of Lewiston and halted to await the coming of daylight. As soon as it was sufficiently light I pushed rapidly forward, and in a few minutes ride reached the half-breed train one mile this side of the point where the attack was made, amid found one of the murdered men lying in his wagon just as he had fallen, by the name of M. Lus~ta, and also the man Dean wh agonies of death, aid in fact, died before we had o was then in the finished burying Lusta. Sending the teams to the fort with Deans body under an escort, I moved rapidly down the road and soon found the body of the other murdered man, named Brisse, lying immediately by the road side, hor- ribly mutilated. The scalp, whiskers, and ears, and a part of the under lip gone, the head cut half off and the left hand severe(l at the wrist. The body was l)erfectly nude. While burying this body I made a thorough reconnaissance of the immediate vicinity, and my Scout Quinn soon discovered the point where the red devils recrossed the river. Preparations were immediately made to cross the river in pursuit. The crossing was accomplished after much hard labor. The trail was fresh and distinct, and I pressed the pursuit with the greatest possible energy. The trail led a little south of west across the plain to the nearest timber on the Cheyenne, some twelve miles distant and then followed the river up a number of miles, when it crossed ata point where it was im- l)ossible for cavalry to cross without a bridge, nearer than the old cross- Pig, some eight miles above. By this time the sun was almost down, the horses very much jaded, and the men out of provisions, and I was compelled by the very force of circumstancescircumstances agains Page 174 [CHAP. LIII. 174 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSlPPI. which no preparations had been made, for at the time of leaving the fort I placed little credence in the reputed murdersto abandon further pursuit, and to return to the fort where the detachment arrived at 12 m. of this day, having in forty hours marched a distance of eighty miles, and with horses that have had not a mouthful of grain for a month, and nothing but grass on the march which they plucked at va rious points where we were compelled to halt. With good horses and two more days provisions I feel satisfied That I could have overtaken the savages and destroyed the whole of them, twenty-one in number. These Indians were all naked excepting a breech clout, as Mr. I)eau informed me before his death. The murdered men all resided in Saint Cloud and leave families to mourn their untimely death. I will give you further details of this bloody outrage by the next mail. This will reach you by a special messenger who leaves here on furlough to-morrow morning. I have put the varioas detachments of this command in the very best possible condition of efficiency, and if attacked by the Indians or can get within striking distance of them will give a good account of themselves. Nothing shall be left undone that energy and vigilance can accomplish. Very respectfully, your obedieiit servant, C. POWELL ADAMS, Major, (Jomdg. Independent Battalion Minnesota Vol. Car. Capt. li. C. OLIN, Assistant Adjutant- General, District of Minnesota. JULY 26, 1864.Attack on Slielbina, iWo. Report of Brig. Gen. Clinton B. Fisk, U. S. Army, commanding District of North Missouri. SAINT JOSEPH, July 26, 1864. COLONEL: I have just received intelligence that the rebels, nearly 500 strong, eiitered Sheibina to-day; tore up the railroad track, burned two traiiis of cars ,and caused much other destruction. I move the First Iowa eastward to-morrow morning from Cameron and ascertain extent of danmage. rf he storm is upou us iii its fury, and every loyal man in this district must spring to arms and pmt this thing down quickly. As nearly as I can judge we have near there 37000 well armed and mounted veteran rebels this side the river. Is there an abundance of arms at Saint Louis ~ CLiNTON 13. FISK, Brigadier- General. Col. 0. I). GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Saint Louis. JULY 2628, 1864.Scout to Searcy and West Point, Ark; Report of Brig. Gen. Christopher C. Andrem6s, U. S. Army. DEvALLS BLUFF, July 28, 18644.30 p. mu. CAPTAIN: Captain Williams, Eleventh Missouri Cavalry, returned this noon from scout to Searcy and West Point. There was no force mica Page 175 Guir. LIII.] SCOUT I~ JOHNSON COUNTY, MO. 175 Searcy. After entering West Point and destroying the machinery of mill there a detachment of his scouts, consisting of two commissioned officers and eighteen mei, while waiting at a house for the main eOflL- inand was sllrl)rised by a party of rebels numbering about sixty, under command of itayborne, who were dressed in Federal unifbrm principally. Our men were ordered l)y their captain Fuoti to fire. Shots were, how- ever, exchanged. One of our mcii was killed; 2 of the enemy were killed. Two commissioned officers and iti men are still missing; three arrived at Brownsville this looming. Captain Williams also destroyed the machinery of a mill at Searcy. From a citizen l)rougilt from Searcy l)y Captaimi Williams I learn that Shelby was at Picketts, half way l)etween Augusta and Jacksonport, last Sunday; his main force was on that (east) side of the river themi. it was reported there was to be a move on Monday, but the citizen is sure his force has not yet crossed to the west side of White River. it would seeni that the only force now directly north of here is a company or two of men doing scoutimig and l)ieket duty from West Point down to Des Arc. Captain Willianis brought in twelve colored recruits, lie thimiks the most of the missing men will yet conic in. C. C. ANJJREWS, Cal)t. C. 11. DYEI~, Brigadier. General. As8istant Adjutant- General. JULY 26:31, 1864.Scout in Johnson County, Mo. Bejport q/ Capt. William B. Ballew, & iventlb Missouri AS~t ate Militia Cavalry. CAMP GROVER, N~ar Warrensburg, Mo., July 31, 18G4. MAJOR: In pursuance to Special Orders, No. ,issued by command- immg officer of the eanip, l)lacing inc in command of scouting l)arty comi- sistimi g of twemity nine enlisted men of Sevemith Cavalry Missouri State Militia, on the 26th instant, I have the honor to report the result as follows: I left eamup micar Warreusburg on the evening of the 26th instant in a southwest direction, which led miie on to what is kmiown as the west prong of Post Oak Creek. I proceeded up that creek to the head of the same. I then turned amid came back several miles, and then wemmt up what is known as the little prong of Post Oak to Chilhowee. I found one camp of the guerrillas just evacuated on the west promig of Post Oak. I suppose they left, hearing our apl)roaeh; they scattered in every direction, one and two together. I followed different trails of themn as long as I could through the brush. Two of the samime squad, I suppose, crossed a prairie east of Chilhowee and emitered the brush oii Clear Fork. We followed these two last-mentioned bushwhaekers into Clear Fork brush amid lost their trail. I then proceeded dowmm Clear Fork, which ran in a northerly direction, to where it emmipties into Blaekwater. Near its mouth I foumid a trail of from eight to hfteeu, 1 su~)pose. This squad seeiued to stay together and was going in an easfward direction. My guide said they were in the (lirectioli for Wal- nut Creek. From thence .1 1)rocecdcd imp I3iackwater to this statiomi. I found sonic flesh sigmi on Blackwatcr; all seemed to be going dow Page 176 176 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. the creek. I thoroughly scoured the region of country through which I passed, not having traveled more than twenty-five miles of my trip in a road; distance traveled, 150 miles in all. I learned, however, from a lady that there had bee~i seen three strange men in her held oii the 29th instant, the day before we passed down the creek. The lady lives abont six miles south of Knobuoster on Clear Fork, but we could not find them or their trail. I have the honor, major, to remani, your obedient servant, WM. B. BALLEW, Capt. Co. K, Seventh Mi8souri State Militia Cay., Comdg. Scout. Maj. T. W. louTS, Seventh Cavalry Missouri State iliilitia, Comm anding (lamp. JULY 2728, 1864.Skirmishes on the Blackwater River (27th), and on Big Creek, Mo. (28th). REPORTS. No. l.Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton, U. S. Army, coiuiuiamling I )istriet of Central Missouri. No. 2.Capt. Melville iT. liosier. Sevelith Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. I. Report of Maj. Gem Alfred Pleasonton, U. S. A rmy, commanding Dis trict of Central M4ssouri. WARRENSBURG, July 80, 1864. MAJOR: A corporal and four men of Company G, Seventh Cavalry Missouri State Militia, while hunting a stray horse on Blackwater on the 28th were attacked by Dick Yeager, with about twenty men; a run - ning fight ensued in which 2 guerrillas were killed, and Yeager severely wounded. No casualties on our side. A. PLEASONTON Major- General, Commanding. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 2. Reports of Capt. Melville U. Foster, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry. HoLDEN, July 29, 1864. CAPTAIN: Corporal ilisey, Company 0-, with four men while hunt- ing stray horse, were attacked day before yesterday evening, on Black- water, by Dick Yeager and twenty men; drove the guerrillas into the brush, after severely wounding Yeager, and made good their escape. Have just returned from Big Creek, after runniiy fight all day yester- day with a squad of Yeagers m.3n; killed 2. Yeagers band is scat- tered into small squads over this country. M. U. FOSTER, Captain, Commanding. Capt. J. II. STEGEII, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 177 CIErAP. Mu.] SCOUT IN CHARITON COUNTY, MO. 177 HOLDEN, Mo., July 31, 1864. Suu: I have the honor to report marches, scouts, & c., of troops under my command for ten days ending July 31, 1864: July 22, having learned that bushwhackers were in the habit of vis- iting the church at Columbus during service, proceeded with Lieuten- ants Pharis and Christian with twenty men of both companies; found 110 rebels, however; returned; traveled twenty miles. July 27, Cor- poral Ijisey, with four men, Company G, while hunting stray horse on Blackwater, eight miles from camp, were attacked by Yeager and twenty men. The corporal and his little squad stood their ground bravely, and drove the rebels to brush, severely wounding Yeager himself; and capturing 1 horse; returned to camp; no one hurt; traveled twenty miles. July 28, sent Sergeant Allen and twenty men, Company C, to iuouth of Panther Creek on Big Creek, with instructions to driv~down; proceeded myself with Lieutenant Marr and twenty meu to Lincoln Ford on Big Creek, to wait till the sergeant drove the bushmen dowi~. The sergeant started about twenty, said to be Yeagers men, early in the morning; drove them easily. They missed inc a short distance. I learned of the affair and found their trail, overtook Compamiy C, who were still after the rebels, pushed themu hard ai 1(1 overtook them near Mrs. Pembertous, and after a smart skirmish killed 2 and wounded 4; lost no owe.~ Captured 3 horses, 2 saddles and bridles, and 1 revolver; one of the horses capture(1 was so hadly wounded as to be unable to travel, and was therefore left in the neighborhood; lost 1 horse shot, and 1 horse and equipments; the men having been dismounted the horses escaped in the charge. I would respectfully ask permission to replace horses lost by those captured; traveled fifty miles. Yeu~y respectfully, your obedient servant, M. U. FOSTER, Licut. J. N. I~ENNOCK, Captain, Commanding. AdJt. Seventh keyt. Car. ilL). State Mu., Warreusbury, Mo. JULY 2730, 1864.Scout in Chariton County, Mo., with skirmishes (30th) on the Ch~riton Road, near Keytesville, and at Union Church. HEPOiRT~4. No. I Brig. Gen. Clinton 13. Fisk, U. S. Army, conimanding i)istrict of North Missouri. No. 2.Capt. Joseph Stanley, Thirty-fifth Infantry, Enrolled Missouri Militia. NO. 1. Report oJ Brig. (len. Clinton B. Fisk, (I. S. Army, commanding District of North Missouri. SAINT JOSEPH, Mo., August 2, 1864. COLONEL: Lieutenant Benecke and forty-four men, of Captain Stan- leys militia company, stationed at Keytesville, Chariton County, at- tacked Holtzclaws marauders in the forks of the Chariton, on Satur- (lay morning last, killing four of them. The fight was a spirited one. Six of the Thornton guerrillas were killed yesterday. CLINTON B. FISK, Col. 0. D. GREENE, Brigadier-General. Assistant Adjutant- (icueral, Saint Louis. 12 Ii IlVOL XLI, PT Page 178 178 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CnAI~. LIII. No. 2. Reports of Capt. Joseph kS1tanley, Thirty-fifth Infantry, Enrolled Missouri Militia. HDQRS. Co. 13, THIRTY-FIFTH REGT. ENROLLED Mo. MILITIA, Keytesrille, Mo., July 30, 18(14. DEAR SIR: There is and has been for several days a band of Con- federate troops in this county east of Chariton River, near 300 strong, under Col. C. D. Holtzclaw. He has recruited many in forks of Chari- ton. I have been scouting several days endeavoring to locate them. While I was laboring to get re-enforcements on 28th instant, CoL Will- iam E. Moberly sent to my support seventy men nnder Captain Braw- ner. Captain Brawner said his men would hght bushwhackers, but he did not know that they would fight Confederate soldiers, and as the bushwhackers had Confederate flag I did not choose to lead such men into battle. B. Owen, first lieutenant of Captain ~ company, said some of his men would aid bushwhackers by giving them all infor- mation they could. Yesterday I received a dispatch from Holtzclaw explaining his course as one not of choice, bnt carrying out instructions from Confederate Government. He directed me to constrain my troops or he would be compelled to put to death Union men and radicals. 2 p. in., just received a dispatch from my first lieutenant, who left here this morning with forty-five men. He engaged seventy-five rebels whilst at dinner, killing 4, capturing 4 pistols, and driving the whole mess from grub to the brush. One of our boys wounded. 2.30 oclock, Captain Brackman arrived with seventy men. He will be in chase soon. It is now we need uniforms. Please forward uni- forms as soon as possible and oblige, Respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH STANLEY, Captain, Commanding Post. P. 5.GENERAL: Price, of Captaimi Bucksaths command, had an interview with Holtzclaw yesterday. Holtzclaw agreed to leave the county in three days if not disturbed. Hope 1 have spoiled the trade. J. STANLEY, Captain. Brig. Gen. C. B. FISK. HDQRS. CO. B, TIIIRTY-FIFTH REST. ENROLLED Mo. MILITiA, Keytesrille, Mo., August 2, 1864. DEAR SIR: On the 30th of July I directed First Lient. Louis Ben- ecke, with forty-tlmree men, to proceed to Union Church, neal Moses Hurts, in the forks of Chariton, to search for guerrillas, which I knew were somewlmere in that vicinity. Lieutenant Ben ecke reports when at the church he discovered trail, which he followed at a brisk gait, and, when nearing Nathaniel Butlers residence, twelve miles east of this, pickets were discovered running in towar(l Butlers house, where there was a band of seventy-five bushwhackers under command of Holtz- claw and Jackson just in the act of takimig breakfast. They were charged upon at once and supplied with Federal pepper. They flew to horse in great haste amid confusion. They were completely routed, but soon formed and charged, but were repulsed with loss. They rallied again and again, but were repulsed at every point. The enenmys loss reported 4 killed and not less than 12 wounded, amongst whom wa Page 179 CHAP. LIII.] AFFAIR NEAR BATON ROUGE, LA. 179 Captain Jackson, severely. One of their horses left dead on the battle- ground. Our loss 1 horse mortally wounded, 1 man slightly. After the battle was over we picked up 4 revolvers and several shotguns and blankets and coats and 1 horse. We then proceeded to Glasgow for re-enforceinents. We then proceeded to search for camp, but in vain. Arrived in quarters at Keytesville Sunday eve, July 31, since which time I have not heard of Holtzclaws or Jacksons men, excepting six or seven who returned to Captain Bucksaths company, which they had left only a few days before fight. They report lloltzclaw conscripted them. I am, general, very respeethully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH STANLEY Brig. Gen. ~. B. FISK, Captain, 6~ommanding Po8t. Commanding District of North Missouri, Saint Joseph, JUlio. JULY 28, 18.64.Skirmish on the Morgans Ferry Road, near Morganza, La. Report of Brig. Gen. Michael K Lawler, U. S. Army. MORc~ANZA, July 29, 1864. (Received 10 a. in.) GENERAL: From sources which I think are reliable I have learned that a movement on this place by the rebels had commenced on the 14th instant, but has since been abandoned, and that the enemy are now moving toward Black River to obtain subsistence. A portion of them have also gone to Arkansas. This information I deem entitled to credit. I sent out an expedition yesterday, under General Ullmann, on the Morgans Ferry road. Met the enemy about 200 strong, had a skir- mish and scattered them, killing ~, capturiiig 2, and wounding others. Lost 2 men killed, a few wounded, among the latter, Colonel Chrysler, rather severely in the neck. Our force pushed on to the Atchafalaya. The enemy had three guns in position on the opposite side, and a camp apparently of 150 cavalry. Could do nothing with our artillery on account of the high ground and sharpshooting. In a day or two I shall organ- ize a force to break up their camp effectually, if l)Ossible. M. K. LAWLER. Major-General REYNOLDS. JULY 29, 1864.Affair at Highland Stockade, near Baton Rouge, La. Report of Brig. (len. William P. Benton, U. S. Army. BATON ROUGE, July 29, 18618.15 p. m. CAPTAIN: Two men of the Fourteenth New York Cavalry, at High- land Stockade,wliile on l)icket this a. In., wereshotand severely wounded by the rebels. There were three men and a corporal at the post that was attacked, two of the men making their escape unhurt with the loss of their horses, arms, and accouterments, the corporal and remaining man being shot. W. P. BENTOIN~ Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. OLIvER MATTHEWS, A8sistant Adjutant- General Page 180 180 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS~MISSISSIPPJ. [CHAP, tilL [Thdorieme Li JULY 30, 1864. iRe~pectfully forwarded to the general conirnariding for information. The Highland Stockade is garrisoned by six couui)anies Fourteenth New York Cavalry, per last report from that district. Inspectors are now making a thorough overhauling of the affairs at Baton Rouge. T. W. SHERMAN, l3rigadier- Ueneral, Commanding. JULY 29, 1864.Skirmishes near Napoleonville, La. No. 1.Brig. Gem Kobert A. Cameron, U. S. Army, conimanifirig District of La Fourche. No. 2.Col. Jlasbrouck Davis, Twelfth illinois Cavalry, commanding Post of Napo- leonville, La. No. 1. Report oj Brig. (len. Ilobert A. (Jameron, b. ~S. Army, command tag Dis trict of La Ifourche. TuInoDnAux, Jaly 30, 1861. (Received 12 iii.) CAPTAIN: Gui pickets l)etween 1~aiiieonrtvillc and Lake Natchez were attacked last night b,y two parties of rebels, one of thirty and one of twenty-six men; they were repulsed, the enemy losing I killed and 3 wounded, 1 hor e killed and 2 captured, and 15 muskets and shot- guits. They are rumored to have in reserve at Grand Bayou a eoii- siderable force with four pieces of artillery. I have ordered Colonel Davis, at Napoleonville, to push them with his whole available force, and to (Irive them across Grand River. I am holding the Sixteenth In- diana Mounted Infantry and a section of artillery ready here if lie needs re-enforcenients. As soon as I hear anything of importance from Colonel Davis I will telegraph. U. A. CAM1M~0N, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. 0. MATTHEWS, Assistant Adjutant- (len eral, Defenses of Ne ~e Orien as. (Copy to Muj. Geo. 13. Drake, assistant adjntaut-general.) [Indorsement.] DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS, July 30, 1864. Respectfully referred to the general commanding l)epartment of the Gulf for information. General Cameron has been telegraphed in reply that his measnres for overtaking the enemy are approved. Whatever force of the enemy he may have in his front there are two objects always to be fulfilled: First, to capture or destroy the enemy; second, to hold on to the Bayou La Fourche. The second comindition will not prevent a cavalry dash to the Grand River if he .j adicionsly disposes his forces. Indeed the two objects to be fulfilled admit of a beautiful combination Page 181 CHAP. 1111.3 SKIRMISHES NEAR NAPOLEONYILLE, LA. 181 which I know from the character of ~eiiera1 Cameron he will not fail to make if the occasion requires it. Not intending to trammel the geu- eral with minute instructions as he is on the spot, I desire that he should always keep these two points in view whilst in command on the La Fourche, and if he ever finds it necessary to relinquish either, it is unnecessary to say it mast be the first. rp W. SHERMAN, Rriyctdier- (Thueral, IIEAI)QITARTERS LA FOURCHE I)ISTRICT,. Thibodeaux, La., July 30, 1864. CAPTATN: Thelosed I have the honor to hand you Colonel Davis re- port of the attack on his pickets last night.* I find on examining the letters captured that they are letters written by the soldiers to their friends while at Camp Brent, on Bayou Boeuf, on the 20th, and not mailed. The most nuportatit language I see in them is this: Our army is now untrdhing slowly toward. Pointe Coup~e. Walkers 4ivision is going tO Morgans Ferry. 1 am, truly, yours, P. A. CAMERON - Brigadier- General q/. T~o lunteers, Commanding 1)istriet. Captain MATTHEWS, A ssistaut A jutant- General, D~fenses qf New Orleans. No. 2. Reports of Col. iHasbrouek Davis, Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, eomm and ing Post of Napoleonvilie, J1a. HEADQUARTERS NAPOLEONYILLE, July 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report an attack [on] my pickets last night. Three days ago I sent Captain Ilowk and Company L, seventy men and two commissioned officers, to picket and patrol the roads from Paincourtville toward Lake Natchez. I yesterday sent thirty men of I Company, under Lieutenant Graves, to increase the force. The inclosed chartt will give you an idea of the position of the force last night. The camp of reserves was at No. 1 on the Spanish road; a picket of six men was at No. 2 on the Spanish road; a picket of four men was at No. 3 on the military road; a picket of four mneit was at No. 4 ~u the military road; a picket of five men was at No. S on the military road. No. 5 is about three miles out from the bayou. At 9 p. m. a patrol of one sergeant and eight men was sent across the plan- tations toward Marcelin Le ~ house, marked No. 6 on the chart. At that house they struck a considerable rebel picket and drove them away after a brisk skirmish, in which the rebels lost I man killed and 2 wounded, 1 horse killed and 2 captured. The patrol also took 15 guns, mostly fowling-pieces. The rebel party was probably Boones battery, which had come into this county to steal horses. The patrol fell back to the pickets on the military road and were not pursued. Simultaneously with the above the pickets at Nos. 4 and 5 were attacked by a party coining across the plantation from a northerly direction. A See next, post. t Ouiitted. as of no present importance Page 182 182 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LXII. few sliots were exchanged, and the rebels retired. We suffered no loss in either affair. Captain Howk immediately moved up with his reserve force, and I dispatched Lieuteuaut Gray, with twenty-five men of Coin- pany , from Napoleonville, making in all a force of 125 men. They moved up briskly beyond l~e Blancs plantation, but could find no far- ther trace of the enemy. From the letter which I send you herewith, taken from captured saddle-bags, and from other information, I con- clude that the first rebel party was thirty men of Boones battery, armed with stolen shotguns, and the second party was twenty-six men of some cavalry regiment, probably the Fourth Lonisiamia. Whether other forces are in reserve is a matter of uncertainty, but I do not believe that there is any considerable force there. You will see from these letters that the battery left Bayou Bocuf after the 20th July, under the impression that the Union forces had left the district. I have just received your order by telegram to move my whole force in that direction and shall move at once. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. DAVIS, Colonel. Commanding Post. Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, Acting Assistant A djntant- General, La Fourche District. JULY 31, 1864. The expedition has returned safely. Both of the parties who attacked my pickets on Friday belonged to Boones battery and were commanded by Lieutenant Picon, formerly of Donaldsonville, and were only after horses [and] plunder. They caine to and crossed Bayou Grand on Friday night and after the affair of the pickets went back kiting across the bayou. The same night, about four or five miles from the bayou, they broke into squads, and leaving the road struck across the swamps to Grand River, which they crossed. They were in more hurry to get away than they were to come. 1 followed their tracks to the point there they broke up. The road this side the bayou is a mere wood track almost imunassable, the mud being often to the horses bellies and the swamp is perfectly impassable to any body of men. As I tbr- mnerly reported to you, there are a few of Journals cavalry at Point Marsigner, behind Plaquemnine, but none between the La Fourche and that place. At the same time there are thieves and jayhawkers about in this parish. The party that went to Gentillys plantation on Natchez Bay [returned] safely without [seeing] an enemy. II. DAVIS, Colonel, Commanding Post. Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. JULY 29AUGUST 2, 1864.Expedition from Warrensburg to Chapel Hill, No., with skirmish (July 30) near Chapel Hill. Report of Lient. Elisha Horn, & renth Missouri S~tate Militia Caralry. CAMP GROVER, Near Warrensbnrg, Mo., August 2, 1864. COLONEL: Pursuant to Special Orders, No. 40, headquarters Camp Grover, July 27, 1864, in command of ninety-three men, I marched on the evening of the 29th of July, 1864, for the northwest part of Johnso Page 183 CHAP. LIII.] SKIRMISH NEAR PINE 13Lfl~F, ARK. 183 Oonnty, near Offets Knob, at which point I arrived at daybreak on the morning of July 30. After feeding and resting my men and horses a short time I moved in the direction of the headwaters of Honey Creek, it being to the northeast, and near Wagon Knob. The conntry between the ioints last mentioned is heavily skirted with brnsh. While pass- ing through this country I dismounted a portion of my command and deployed right and left, and made a thorongh search, aiid found a vacated rebel camp two miles east of the Widow Rennicks the oni y (liscovery of importance in said brush. From Wagon Knob I moved to the northwest in the direction of Chapel Hill. On arriving near the Hill I discovered a band of fifteen or twenty bushwhackers, one mile an(l a half south of that place, in a grove. I deployed my command so as to cover the grove, and then made a charge on their~~ killed 1 man an (I wounded another; captured 2 horses, 3 double-barrel shotguns, 1 single-barrel shotgun, and I common rifle. I ordered the arms to be broken. I scouted the country over for five or six miles south and west of Chapel Hill; found a few scattering rebels; fired a few shots, but to no effect, after which I returned to camp, by way of Ilolden , Mo., August 2, 1864, without the loss of. either man or horse, traveling a distance of 100 mii~.s. ELISHA HORN, First 1& ient. Company K, Seventh M issouri State Mit. Cavalry. Col. JOHN F. PHILIPS, Commandinq Camp. JULY 30, 1864.Skirmish at Hay Station No. 3, near Brownsville, Ark. Report of I~ieut. Col. John W. Stephens, Eleventh Missouri Cavalry. BROWNSVILLE, July 30, 1864. Hay Station No. 3, garrisone(l by my men, was attacked this morn- ing ai)Out 9 oclock, by about 200 rebels. They were, however, repnlsed, with a loss of 1 killed and a number woumided. No casualties on our si(le. except some of the citizens taken prisoners, an(l about 18 or 20 horses stampeded during the fight. They went toward the Bluff. Look out fir your stock grazing on the prairie. JOHN. W. STEPHENS, Lient. Cot. Eleventh Cavalry Mis~onri Volunteers. General ANDREWS, I)era (ls LIla/f. JULY 30, 1864.Skirmish near Pine Bluff, Ark. RJ4~PORTS. No. 1.Lient. .Jarnes E. Teale, Thirteenth Illinpis Cavalry. No. 2.Lient. Ad m W. Thu, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Lient. James E.Teale, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry. PINE BLUFF, ARK., October 17, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 29th day of July, 1864, I was detailed to take charge of an escort of tiwty mcmi from my reg Page 184 184 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSJPPL IOWA?. LU!. ment to rout and repair the telegraph wfre between this plate and Little Rock. r ibund the wfre cut about sixteen mfles from this place and so much of it carried away that we did not hare sufficient wire to repafr the break. I jrnweeded on to the cross-roads, about four miles beyond and twenty miles from this place, where we caniped fir the night. Started oii the next morning jrst bokbre daybreak and went three miles farther to what is called the Half-Way I{ouse. I then returned to the place where the wire was down, iee having picked up wire to repair the break, after which continued on the return, stoJ)ping once or twice to take tip the wire where it was too low. When about ten miles from this l)lace the advance guard, under Sergeant Gibson, (lompany H7 who being unacquainted with his duties, and disregarding the instructions I had given him not to lose sight of the column, got so Sir ahead as to be out of hearing, crossed a bayou and went onto a house some three-quarters of a mile beyond, where he halted, l)laced out two sentinels, and allowed the rest of his men to dismount, hitch their horses, and go for water. Sergeant Gibson was informed by a woman living at the house where he stopped, that the enemy had been seen near there in large numbers. about two hours before, and believed that they were still near. The advance guard had been halted about fifteen or twenty minutes when they were fired upon by the enemy from each end of the lane in which they were halted. I was at that lime about 500 or 600 yards from the bayou. I immediately ordered the men to get their carbines ready and to gallop. When about fifty yards from the bridge where the road crosses the bayou [we] were suddenly fired upon by a large force of the enemy concealed in the brush and from across the bayou. I ordered the men to fire and come on. Only two men crossed the bridge with me; the others broke intothebrushandsaattered. Iattemptedtoreturntotheotherside of the bayou, was cut off and pursued into the woods fora long distance, finally making my way back to this place, and reporting the circum- stances at the headquarters of the regiment and post. Major Behlen- dora; Thirteenth Illinois Ca ,was sent outwithl00men fromhisregi- ment; alsoCaptainsNopis and Brown, Lieutenants Hill, Bailey, Temple, and mysel~ with othersthat I do not remember. MjorBehlendorff went tothe you wherethe attackwas made. Thebodies of SergeantMartin, Company N, and a private of Company I, were found. The body of Sergeant Martin was stripped. There were also 2 wounded and 8 miss- ing7 3 of whom hale since returned. The detachment remained in that vicinity something like two hours,keeping out guards in everydirection. An unoccupied housewas burned near the bayou. I cannot say who set the house on fire, as I did not observe it fill the flames were bunting out of the root I heard no orders given to burn houses, nor any threats made that there would be any burned, neither did I hear any officer encourage the men in any acts of destruction or violence, except against the armed enemy. As far ~ I could observe, Ma~)or Behlendonft used every exertion to preserve order and discipline in his command, and wtisverywat@hftil to d against being suiprised. The men were kept almost constantly inline; mounted or standing to horse. I did not see or heat of any other houses being burned that day. The detachment arrived back at this place about lOp. m. of the same day. I ant, most respectibily, your obedient servant, 3. E. flALE Suesd Lieutasant~, flirteestI. IWM. Lieut. S. Morn (AxnnN, Acting Anietant A4jntant-Geaera Page 185 CHAP. LuLl 1~EOCCUPATION OF BTtOWNSVILLE, mx. 185 No. 2. Report of Lient. A darn W. Hill. Thirteenth Illinois Caralry. HT~QRS. COMPANY M, THIRTEENTH iLLINOIS CAY. VOLS Post f Pine Bluff Ark., October 20, 1864. Sin: hi compliance with your request to give you a written state- ment of my observations in regar(l to the telegraph escort that started from this place July 29, 1864, I begleave to state the following: That in the afternoon of July 29 an escort consisting of forty men, commanded by Lieutenant Teale, of the Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers ,started from this place; that about 8 oclock next (lay (July 30) word was brought to this regiment (I think l)y Lieutenant Teale) that the party was attacked by a large tbrce of tire enemy at the bridge nine or ten miles from here on the telegraph line. A por- tion of this regiment, under coinmanil of Major Behiendorif, imine- diately started out to re-enforce our men. We arrived at the bridge about one hour before sunset. 7~flw enemy had left the vicinity. We found two men dead on tire battle-ground, whom we placed in an am- i)ulauce and started back. Abont half an hour betbre starting Captain Norris, with some ten or fifteen men, was or(iered back by Major Behleudorff, with directions to stop at the house about half a mile this side the bridge (where on our advance was found one of our wounded men of the telegraph escort) and give the inmates of the house five minutes to get out with their most valuable effects and then to set fire to the house. Our column moved forward and when within about 400 yards of the house Major Behiendorff observed, Why is not thrat house burning, as I ordered G?~~ He then moved rapidly forward. I accompanied him, as I was acting as Iris aide-de-camp on that occa- sion. Captain Norris apologized for disobeying orders, stating thrat the wounded man was well cared for and that the family professed to be friends of the Union and its advocates. The major rode into the yard and conversed with the family a few minutes. I did not hear the con- versation, but heard the major observe to the family when leaving that they had better move as soon as possible and go to their southern brethren. A few minutes afterward I, and I think the entire force, observed the house in our rear a few hundred yards on fire. lt created considerable light. I was with the major at the time. He made no observations about the fire, and I supposed the house was set 011 fire l)y the i-ear guard, in obedience to Major Behlendorffs order. I saw no other house burned on that road. 1 have the honor to be, adjutant, your ol)edient servant, A. W. hILL, Lientenant Company M, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry Yols. Lient. S. MONTE CA1IBERN, Acting Assistant A djntant-Gencral. JULY 30, 1864.Reoccupation of Brownsville, Tex., by the Confederate Forces. Report of Capt. James II. Fry, Acting Assistant Adjntant- General, C. ~ Army. HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY FORCES, Fort Brown, A ngnst 4, 1864. By direction of the colonel commanding I have the honor to report that upon his arrival at this place on the 30th ultinro he found Majo Page 186 186 LOUISIANA AND THE THANS-MISSISSIPPI. tCHAP. tilt. Cave in command of a party of citizens in quiet possession of the t,owTu~ ot Brownsville. The scouting party mentione(l ill Colonel Fords last communication as having been sent below has returned. Captain Robinson, of Gid- dings battalion, who was in charge of party, came up with the enemys rear about fifteen miles l)elow Brownsville, and after a vborous attack succeeded in back , ~ 2 of the enemy driving it upon the main body kuhn and capturing 2 prisoners. You will find inclosed documents, marked A, which are copies of original orders picked up in the office lately occupied by General Herron.* Pickets and scouting parties are kept well to the front, an(l every means is used to watch and harass the retiring enemy. Colonel Ford has been sick for several days, and lie is not sufficiently recovered for active duty. lie desires me to say that he will make you a full report of operations so soon as his strength will admit of it. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES H. FRY, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. Capt. W. G. ToBIN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Columbus. JULY 30AUGUST 1, 1864.Scout in Phelps and Manes Counties, Mo. Report of Lient. Charles Adam son, Second Wisconsin Cavalry. IIDQR5. COMPANY A, SEcoND WISCONSIN CAVALRY, I4olla, ]Jfo., August 1, 1864. In accordance with orders received from Col. A. Sigel, commanding Post of Rolla, I started July 30 with a scout of thirty men from the Second Wisconsin Cavalry. I divided my command into three parts, one taking the Vienna road, another the Lanes Prairie road, myself the Dillon road; scouted the by-roads and country thoroughly for several miles. Heard no reports of disturbance by guerrillas. Commi- mand rejoined and camped for the night at Dillon. July 31, divided my men as before; started at daylight, one party taking country between Vienna and Lanes Prairie roads; another the conutry immedi- ately east; ~rmyself taking the Borbeus Bottoms, still farther east. We traveled mostly on by-roads and in the brush. Heard of guerrillas being on the Vienna road and o~ Spring Creek three days before. Camped for the night on the outskirts of the prairie. Arrested one man on suspicion. August 1, starte(i at daylight; (livided my command as before, one party taking the Vienna road, another the Spring Creek, and nmyself the country near the Gasconade River. heard the same reports as before stated. Command rejoined at i)yer~s furm, five miles from Rolla, and reported in to my command at 3 p. in., and. (lelivered my prisoner to provost-marshal. I remain, respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES ADAMSON, Lieutenant Company A, Commanding Scout COMMANDING OFFICER, Post of Rolla. Omitted as unimportant Page 187 CHAP. LULl SKIUMlSIIE~i Ni~AR INF)EPENDEN( E, MO. 187 JULY 31, 1864.Affair at Orange Grove, near Donaldsonville, La. Report of ]IIaj. S. Pierre Remington, Eleventh New York Cavalry. OPPOSITE DONALDSONVILLE, July 31, JSGI. (Received 7 a. in.) The guerrillas attacked the picket station at Orange Grove again last night l)etween 1 and 2 a. in. and were rel)lIlse(l without loss on either side. S. P. REMINGTON, ]Ifajor, Commanding Eleventh New York Cavalry. Maj. GEORGE B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant- (Jeneral. AUGUST 1, 1864.Skirmishes near Independence, Mo. mi~Poi~rns. No. 1.Maj. Gnu. Alfred Pleasonton, U. S. Army, commanding District of Central Missouri. No. 2.Col. James H. Ford, Second Colorado Cavalry. No. 1. Report of ]Iliaj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton, U. S. Army, commanding Dis trict of Central Missouri. WARRENSBURQ August 2, iSGI. Colonel Ford reports that Sergeant Coy, of his command, in charge of a scout from Independence, ran upon two camps of guerrillas in swamps, one of twenty-five, one of forty; killed 1 and wounded 2. Our loss none. A. PLEASONTON, Itlajor- General. Major-General ROSECRANS. No. 2. Report of Col. James H. Ford, Second Colorado Cavalry. iNDEPENDENCE, Mo., August 1, 1864. I sent two scouts out to-day, one west under Lientenailt Parsons, and Sergeant Coy, with his pet lambs, south. Coy ran on two camps, one of twenty-five and one of forty; killed 1, wounded 2; our loss, L Enemy scattered every way; we hear of them in all directions from here. Scout leaves Pleasant Hill to-night; leave here to-morrow morning be- fore daylight. J. H. FORD, Colonel Second Colorado Cavalry. Captain STEGER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 188 188 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI,, ICHAP. till. AUGUST 1, 1864.Scout to Baxter Springs, Kans., with skirmish. Report of (lol. John 1). Allen, AS~eventh Prorisjonal kegiment Enrolled Missouri Militia. HDQRS. SEVENTH PROV. IREGT. ENROLLED Mo. MILITIA Jlliount Vernon, Mo., A ~ignst 1, 18G4. ADJUTANT: In pursuance of or(lers from these headquarters Captain Sutherland, togethei with Captains lioberts and Hitchey, with eighty men ma(Ie a scout in the (lirection of Baxter Springs. In about ten miles of the springs they came upon Captal us Taylor and Marelibanli s, with about thirty men. After a ft~w shots they completely routed the enemy, killing some 5 or 6 and woull(ling several others. After piirsii - ing them some ten or twelve mites south, making no further discovery, they returned without any loss on our p rt. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN P. ALLEN, Col., Comdg. & venth Pror. Reyt. EnroHed Missouri Militia. P. S.Old One-Eyed Davis, of 0-recite County, was among the killed. Lient. W. B. ALLEN, Acting Assistant A (Ijutant-General, ASprin~qfjeid, Mo, AUGUST 13, 1864.Scout on the Independence Road to Gunters Mills, Mo. Report of Capt. Ezra W. Kingsbury, & ?cond Colorado Cavalry. HEADQITARTERS COMPANY 1, Pleasant Hill, Mo., August 4, 1864. SIR: In pursuance of orders dated August 1,1864, headquarters bat- . talion, Pleasant Hill, Mo., I have the honor to report that I left this station at 2 a. m. with a detachment of seventy men, from Companies F, 0-, I, K, and L, arriving at Gunters at 12.30 p. in.; found the guer- rillas in small squads east of the Independence road~ ascertained that Todd and seven men had ordered breakfast at Hacketts, but did not remain to eat it; scouted the brush thoroughly in that vicinity; found fresh trails in every direction; they scattered as soon as pursued. Scouted the country east of the Independence road for seven hours; could not find the enemy. At 4 p. in. struck west; crossed the Blue at the IRaytown crossing; found no trail; recrossed the Blue; went south- west up the Blue; scouted the timber south and west of ~ Mills, south of 0-unters. At 6.30 p. m. sent twenty men on foot into the brush in front of Gunters. They remained in that vicinity until 9 p. in.; could find no signs of the enemy; returned to this station at 1 oclock on the 3d instant. E. W. KINGSBURY, Captain Company T~ ~Second Colorado Cavalry. Maj. J. NELSON SMITH Page 189 CHAP LIII.] SCOUT ON THE SMOKY HILL FORK, KANS. 189 AUGUST 1~-5, 1864.Scout on the Smoky Hill Fork, Kans. Report %~jf Capt. Henry Booth, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry. IzlDQRS. COMPANY L, ELEWENTH KANSAS VOL. CAVALRY, & tlina, Kans., August 5, 1864. Sill: In accordance with Special Field Orders, No. 6 dated head- quarters Department of Kansas, at Fort Earned, July 3l~ 1864, extract III, 1 proceeded with my battalion, consisting of a detachment of cav- alry from Company H, Seventh Iowa, Second Lieutenant Ellsworth in command; a detachment from Company L, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, Second Lieut. William Booth in command; a detachment from the Fourteenth Kansas State Militia, and a detachment from the Fifteenth Kansas State Militia, numbering in all ninety-two men, in a northerly direction. We camped at night on Ash Creek about nine miles from Fort Earned. Angust 1, we broke camp early and proceeded in a northerly direction toward the Smoky Hill. After marching about ten miles we reached Walnut Creek, upon which we camped. It being twenty-five miles from here to the Smoky Hill, I deemed it not prudent to proceed any farther this day, especially as our guides said there was no water on the entire route. While encamped upon Walnut scouts were sent up and dowu the creek a distance of ten or fifteen miles. No Indians were seen, but indications that a large body had been here were apparent, but nothing recent. August 2, started this morning about 6 oclock, throwing out flankers on each side to discover if possible any Indians that might be prowling around, but none were discovered on the entire march. We crossed the Smoky Hill about nine miles above the mouth of Big Creek. We stopped on Smoky lull to graze amid examine the river. No signs were discovered that iii dicated. the presence ot Indians. Learning fromu our guide that Big Creek was a great resort for Indians I determined a to proceed there, (listance of nine miles, to camp for the night. On approaching the creek scouts were sent forward to discover if Indians were present. Here again we found the remains of a camp of a large body of Indiamms; we .judged from 400 to 600. They had apparently left in a hurry, as some of their pack-saddles, the remnains of old tents, some hatchets, & c., were left scattered around the camp. They had evidently had a lot of stock, as the grass in the vicinity was cropped very short. I think from appearances that this eamup had been left but a few days before our arrival. Possibly it might have been deserted while we were at Smoky Hill Crossing, from which it is a distance about sixty miles. This body of Indians had gone in a northerly direction. Having rations for only three days I deemed it miot prudemit to follow this trail. We camped on Big Creek, three miles above its month. August 3, broke camp about 6 oclock and proceeded down the north bammk of Smoky Hill toward the crossing. After leaving this creek we came into large herds of buffalo, which had tramped the country so much that it was impossible to tell a buffalo trail from an Indian trail. We camped to-night on. the Smoky Hill, about sixteen miles from the crossimig. No sign of Indians here. The buffalo had fed the grass so close that nothing was left for our horses. August 4, started this morning at daylight, as our horses were fasting (the last of our corn was fed last night). After marching five or six miles we found good grass and stopped to graze our animals. We reached Smoky Hill Crossing about 12 iii. Here I received Special Field Orders, No. 7, dated headqaarters Department of Kamisas, Cow Creek Station, August 3, 1864, extract III. In accordance with said orde Page 190 190 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. I left Lientenant Ellsworth at this station with his detachment and pro- ceeded with the balauiice toward Sauna, which place we reached Angust 5, 1864, at 6p.m. I think from present indications the Indiaim are npon the Saline, Solomon, and Repnblican Rivers, as the buffalo are plenty npon these streams, and they depend entirely npon them for a living. Undonbtedly they are encamped npon some one of these streams. All of which is respectfully submitted. HENRY BOOTH, Captain Company L, Eleventh Kansas Volunteer Cavalry. Maj. Gen. S. R. CURTIS. AUGUST 15, 1864.Operations in Eastern Arkansas, with skirmish (1st) at Lambs Plantation, near Helena. I+?~EPOI9~TS. No. 1. Brig. Cell. Napoleon B. Buford, U. S. Army, commanding District of Eastern Arkansas. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Joseph 0. Shelby, C. S. Army. ~o. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Napoleon B. Buford, U. S. Army, commanding District of Eastern Arkansas. HEADQUARTERS 1)ISTRlCT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS, IIe~ena, Ark., August 1, 1864. lVlaj. Gem E. R. S. CANBY, L1ommanding Division of West Mississippi: Sn~: Inclosed I send you a copy of my report of this date to General Steele. I have evidence that the enemy murdered in cold blood three wounded colored soldiers who were left on the battle-field on the 26th uiltimo, and that yesterday they murdered two which they found at the plantations unarmed. What steps shall be taken ? I still have Lieu- tenant Casteel and five other bushwliackers in prison whose cases I reported to you in person when you were here. I have in all forty- seven prisoners of war. If permitted a cavalry force I shall retaliate the barbarities and cause restitution to the lessees as far as practicable. I have been unwell for sonic time and have been granted a leave of absence by General Steele, but will not leave while there is an enemy near us unless entirely prostrated by sickness. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, N. 13. WJFORI), J3rigadier- General, Co~~~manding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS, Helena, Ark., August 1, 1864. SIR: rfhis morning at 5 a. m. the enemy under Colonel l)obbin, were at Allen J. Polks place; about 800 mounted men. At S they attacked the lessees at the Lamb place, capturing all the stock and negroes, ol Page 191 CIrAP. LIII.] OPERATIONS IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 191 and young, and the white employ6s. From there they went to J. B. Pillows place, doing the same; crossing at Sandy Ford and following down all the leased plantations a distance of ten miles, capturing, burn- ing, destroying, and robhing of money and effects. They passed out at Mrs. Higgins place, going west. I had a cavalry force of 100 men, who left here at 8 a. m. in pursuit of a party of the plunderers as far as Allen J. Polks, where they met a larger reserve of the enemy than my force, which closed in behind the plundering party and moved west. My force returned to watch the movements of the other parties going iuto the plantations. I moved out with my two infantry regiments, the Sixth Minnesota and the Thirty-fifth Missouri, which on account of sickness only mustered 400 men fit for marching, and with my colored (light) battery of four pieces and with the balance of the cavalry. The marauders, all mounted, were four times as numerous as my cavalry force and could not be overtaken. I have reason to think the whole force of the enemy mounted was three regiments, iDobbins and two of Shelbys, commanded by Colonel Gordon and Colonel . They did not attack either of my two forts on the plantations, but have taken off the people and movables from two-thirds of the places. Colonel Bacon reports an aggregate for duty to-day of only 255 cavalry. I have distinctly seen that we should have a raid, and that I could iiot prevent it with sn small a mounted force. I have received my leave of absence, but shall not avail myself of it while the enemy are in force near me. Between the White and Mississippi Rivers there is at this time a force of 6,000 men. My monthly report will exhibit to you my force, but two regiments are 100-days men, many of them boys from sixteen to eighteen, and incapable of standing a march in this climate. The cavalry will lose 147 men by expiration of enlistment in a few days. I have been hoping that the force at Devalls Bluff would co-operate with me and clean out the enemy between Clarendon and this place. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, N. B. BUFORD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Licut. Col. XV. 1). GREEN, Assistaat Adjutant- General, 1)epartmeftt oj A rk(LHSaS. No.2. Report of Vrig. Gen. Josepk~ 0. ~heiby, C. A. Army. IIEAJ)QUARTERS, & C., August 9, 1861. liii. my last dispatch to you I was blockading White Iliver and had exl)editions operating in the direction of Helena, Meniphis, and the railroad. Of these various movements I wish to inform you, so that ynu will understand everything in regar(l to affairs here. Colonels Dobbiii and Gordon, immediately :mfter their fi~ht of July 28, made a forced march upon the Federal l)lantations near Helena and harried them with a fury greater than a hurricane. They captured 200 mules, 300 negroes, quantities of goods and clothing, and killed 75 mongrel soldiers, negroes, and Yankee schoolmasters, imported to teach the young ideas how to shoot. Colonel McCray moved upon the railroad amid damaged it comisider- ably, but stirred np a complete hornets nest. From Devalls Bluff t Page 192 192 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIJI. Little Rock the road was swarinino with large bodies of infantry and cavalry, and MeCray was forced back as ral)idly as he came. Two days later Colonel Coleman, with 500 ineii, struck the railroad, again tore np the track, burnt some ties, killed 25 Federals aiid captnred 75 more, and fell back, fighting heavily. The next day Coloiiel Jackman, with 500 more men, made another dash at the coveted prize and a~ain tore np a portion of the track; bnt he, too, had to fall back on McCray, who had taken post at a convenient distance to succor his detachments. Jackmau killed 23, wounded 6, and captured 17. Colonel Erwin, who was sent to the plantation above ilVIeml)his, has been very successftil, and Widow and Yankee maid long shall lament his raid. I had not been on White River one hour betbre two gun-boats passed down. My battery was not iii position and I could not open tire on them. For a (lay and night I lay upon the river, but whether they knew of my approach or not I cannot tell but so it wasnothing passed up or down. I intended to wait on them a week or more, but my trusty scouts, whom nothing escapes, brought word that 3,000 Federals had gone by boats to Des Arc, and were coming higher to gain my rear. I marched that night for Augusta, and fbund before reaching there that they had gone up to ~regory~s Landingor at least a portion of them and were likely to get between me and my reserve ordnance. I pushed on rapidly two days and nights, got above the Federals, and marched down without stopping to give theni battle. They retreated hastily, but this expedition raised the blockade of White River, for I could not wait there with a heavy force in my rear and my newly-recruited and unarmed mcii unprotected wholly. Three thousand Federals are menacing me from the direction of Scarcy, but t can whip that number if they will come to inc. My stay here now will be short, imot only on account of the heavy forces concentrating against me, but on account of the destitution of the country and the large number of ineffective men now concentrated. To save the recruits I have gained, to arm theni, drill them, clothe them, and feed them, it is necessary that they be brought immediately to the army; so I shall take steps very soon to bring them through, unless I receive such orders from district head- quarters as shall change my determination before leaving. News from Missouri still continues glorious. If General Price, at the head of 5,000 cavalry, could penetrate the State he could light such a fire of opposition and enthusiasm that 50,000 loyal Missourians would sl)ring to arms. There never was such an opportunity to make a 5uc- cessfiml raid. News from all points is bright with the tidings of victory and success. Hood whipped Sherman badly at Atlanta, and Colonel Mulligan, Gemieral Prices old opponent at Lexington, was killed in tIme Valley of Virginia, where Genem~d Early whipped Hunter, Crook, and Averell. There is not a day bat some of my scouting parties meet and fight the Federals, and I can safely put down their loss since my occu- pation of this country at 10 per day. General Steele has been consid- erably re-enforced by General Canby, one portion of Banks army going to him and the other to Grant. The lientenamit who brings this com- munication will explain to you my true intcntions. Very respectfully, JO. 0. SHELBY, Brigadier- General, Comman ding. Lient. Col. J. F. BELTON, Assistant Adjntant- General Page 193 C~p. LIII.] OPERATIONS IN SOUTHWEST MISSOURI. t93 AUGUST 128, 1864.Operations in Southwest Missouri, with skirmishes at Diamond Grove Prairie (1st), at Rutledge (4th), near Enterprise and on Buffalo Creek (7th). T~IEIPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. John B. Sanborn, U. S. Army, comnian4iiig District of Southwest Missouri. No. 2.Maj. Milton Bnreh, Eighth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 3.Col. Joseph J. Gravely, Eighth Missonri State Militia Cavalry. No. 1. Report oJ Brig. Gen. John B. Setuborn, U. S. Army, commanding District of Southwest Missouri. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, Mo., August 13, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith for the information of the general coininan diiig official COJ)~ of report of Maj. Milton Burch, Eighth iRegiinent Cavalry Missouri State Militia, commanding Keosho, Mo., of a scout made by him with 175 men of the Eighth Cavalry Missonri State Militia and Seventh Provisional Iteglinent Enrolled Missouri Militia into McDonald County, Mo., on the 7th instant. Also copy of his report of a scout made by Lieutenant Hunter, Eighth Missouri State Militia Cavalry into the same section on the 5th instant with a detachment of the Eighth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. Six of the enlisted men missing from Lieuteiiaut Hunters command have come into camp at Keosho. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN B. SANBORN, Maj. ~. D. GREENE, Brigadier- General, commanding. Assistant Adjutant- (Jenerdi, Dept. of the Missouri. A DDE JYDA. Itinerary of the District Southwest Missouri, commanded by Brig. Gen. John B. Sanborn.* August 2.Captain Ituark, Eighth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, killed Lieutenant Goode, of the rebel army, in the vicinity of Diamond Grove Prairie, near Carthage, Mo. August 4.Lieutenant Hunter, Eighth Missouri State Militia Cav- alry, in command of sixty men, same regiment, on a scout in the direc- tion of McDonald County, Mo., encountered the enemy 300 strong near Rutledge; had a sharp skirmish, in which he lost 3 men killed and 1 man wounded; the enemys loss, 3 killed and several wounded. August 7.Major Burch, Eighth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, in command of 175 men, marched from Keoslmo; caine in contact with the enemy near Enterprise; killed 1 of their pickets; were unable to bring the enemy into action. The rebel force, commanded by Major Piercey composed of portions of Picklers and Stand Waties commands. August 10.Colonel Gravely, Eighth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, with 100 men, left Springfield, Mo., to operate against the enemy on the western border of the district hu ward. , t the enemy had retreated south- From monthly return. 13 R RVOL XLI, PT Page 194 194 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. Liii. August 28.Lieut. S. A. M. George, Eighth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, was killed by guerrillas at Osage Springs, Ark. During the month the district has been very little disturbed by rov- ing bands, but the enemy has been operating on the southern and western borders of the district, keeping our forces on the alert. The Forty-sixth Missouri Infantry is being organized. No. 2. Reports of Maj. ]Jiliiltou Burch, Eighth Missouri AS~tate Militia Cavalry. KEOSHO, Mo., August 5, 1861. SIR: For the information of the general commanding I have the honor of reporting to you the operationsof a scout sent out from this post on the evening of the 4th instant. From information I received from sources in which I placed but lit- tle reliance I learned there was a rebel force, numbers not known, en- camped on Cowskin River, in the neighborhood of Rutledge. I made application to Captain Lindsay, commanding at (Iranby, for all the effective force he could spare. I also made application to Captain Ritchey for all the available force he could spare. I received a coin- nmunication from Lieutenant Wear, of Captain Ritcheys company, that the captain was absent, and they were expecting the mustering officer, and consequently could not furnish any men. I received thirty men from Granby from Companies L and M, Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia. I had thirty men detailed from Companies H and L, Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, and ordered Lieutenant Hunter, of Com- pany II, Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, with instructions to proceed in the direction of Rutledge, McDonald County, Mo., to as- certain the facts of the enemy being iii that portion of the country. I ordered him to proceed to Rutledge and proceed cautiously to ascertain the whereabouts of the force reported, and if he found a rebel force as large as reported to proceed with caution amid reconnoiter their posi- tion, and as near as possible their number. He reached a point near Rutledge, nearer than the place reported. He found the enemys pickets and drove them toward their camp, which he found evacuated; he then started slowly on their trail with William Haycock as guide. They had not proceeded but a short distance, and the enemy attacked his rear, when the action commenced with the rear, and the enenmy then opened on both of his flanks, and he themi commenced falling back, and a running fight commenced, which was kept up for four miles, when the enemy fell back, and he then proceeded to f~tll back to this post, with the loss of 3 killed and 9 missing, 1 man wounded severely; but I think the missing will most of them come in. The loss of the enemy as far as known was 3 killed; the number of wounded not known. Their nunmber, as far as my information reaches, is 250 or 300, Pickler, with probably Buck Browns nmen, and their leader, Rector Johnson, formerly a citizen of this place. Since writing this I have received your communication to Col. John D. Allen ordering me to make a scout in the direction the scout herein reported has umade, and complied with the instruction in your communication to Co]. John D. Allen, dated August 4, 1864. I will call out all the available force belonging to the three stations and start back to see them again omi the 7th in- stant, as according to instructions just received froum your head- quarters, A compliance of Special Orders, No. 206, for inspection o Page 195 CaAr. LIII.] OPERATIONS IN SOUTHWEST MISSOURI. 195 horse equipments in possession of the troops at this place, will delay me one day and the horses need one days rest. I have also the honor of informing you regarding th~ death of the notorious guerrilla chief Lieutenant Goode. He was killed on the 2d instant by Capt. Ozias Iluark, Company L, Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia. I started ~ny forage train ont on the 1st instant with twenty monnted men nnder command of Lientenaiit Hunter, Company H, Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, and twenty men on foot, under command of Capt. Ozias Rtiark, Company L, Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, on the Dia- niond Grove Prairie after forage in Goodes favorite range. When the train was loaded it proceeded with the twenty mounted men, Lieutenant Hunter in command, for this post, leaving the infantry concealed in the brush unknown to any person. They then maneuvered around in the vicinity of a spring known as a favorite rcsort of Goode and his l)and and concealed heniselves. They had not remained long in am- bush before Goode with two others came along; but they mistrusted (langer at haiid and one remarked, There is somebody in the thicket ~ but the word was hardly spoken till the sharp report of a revolver xvas heard and Goode rolled from his horse dead. The ball penetrated the left side of the upper lip and ranging upward. You will find herein inclosed the papers found on the person of Lieutenant Goode, with the list of the desperadoes under his command, and all other papers found on his person. The individuals whose names you will find on the list are citi- zens of this country and whose families are yet here. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, MILTON I3U1ICH, Major, Comdg. Battalion Eighth Car. Missouri Statc Militia. ADJUTANT-GENERAL, 1)1ST. OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, ~pringftcld, M~. II1(1O811Ie No. 1.] J. II. Goode, Ilichard Hall, Calaway Johnson, J. W. Scaggs, L. II. Scaggs, T. I-I. Hawkiiis, T. V. Parnell, E. M. Martin, James Ilamusey, W. F. Ray, Johii Harmon, Taylor I3usk irk, Hiram Mayeld, Monroe Hewit. This paper was takeii from Lient. J. II. Goode, and contains a list of his conipany, most of whom live in the southern l)art of Jasper and northern part of Newton Counties. OZIAS RUARK, Captain (lompafty L, Eighth Missonri State Militia Cavalry. [inclosure No. 2.1 SPECIAL ORDERS, hEADQUARTERS PRICES DrVISmoN, No. 23. Camp Bragg, Jannary 28, 186-1. I. Leaves of absemice are granted to the followimig-named cificers for the length of timne set opposite their names, at the expiration of which they will return to duty with their command and rel)Ort their arrival to this office: Lieut. J. It Goode Regimnent, thirty days. , Comnpamy H, Elevemith Missouri By command of Rrigadier-Geiieral Drayton: L. A. MACLEAN, Lient. ~. It. GOODE. Major and Assistant Adjntant- & ~cncral, (Through Colonel Burns, commanding brigade. Page 196 196 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. JAIL [Indorsemeots. I Relieved from duty January 28, 1564. JAMES PHILLIPS, Major, Commanding. Pass the bearer. By order of Brigadier-General Cabell. JOHN KING, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH MJssouIn, Camp Bragg~ January 21, 1864. Pass Lient. J. H. Goode to Camden and back against the evening of January 22, 1864. JAS. PHILLIPS, Major, Commanding. [Indorsement.1 Approved. W. M. MOORE, Major, Commanding Brigade. NEoSHo, Mo., August 9, 1864. SIu: I have the honor of reporting, for the information of the general commanding, of a scout taken down in McDonald County, Mo., in search of the force that engaged Lieutenant Hunter, Company H, Eighth Cav- alry Missouri State IMilitia, on the 5th ii~stant. I started on the 7th instaiit with all the available force in my reach a portion of Captain Ritcheys company from Newtonia, a portion of Captain Rays company from Newtonia, a portion of the commaii d from Granby, and about thirty men from Carthage, Jasper County, Mo., and all the available force stationed at this post, making in all about 175 men. We left this post about 7 oclock iuornimmg of the 7tlm instant and proceeded in the directiomm of Enterprise, McDonald County, Mo. After marching eight miles in that direction I received intima- tion of the enemy having moved his camp eight miles from the place where Lieutenant Hunter found him, havimig moved in a northern direc- tiomi and imearer this post. We arrived at Enterprise about 1 p. in., and our advaimee drove in the enemys pickets, killing 2 and pmirsuing time remainder of pickets and stragglers, about twemity in number, into their camp, and then fell back, reporting what they had discovered. I timen moved up my men, comicealed from the enemy, and themi proceeded with a few men to reconnoiter his position, which I foui~d to be strong and iiumnediately at the mouth of Pattersomis Creek. I timen ordered Capt. John B. Kelso, with a few umen, to proceed in the (lirectioli of the enemys camp ammd try and draw himu omit, which lie di(l not succeed iii doing, although he skirmished with the enemy for mmearly two hours, but could not induce him to leave his position imi the woods. While I with Captain Kelso was reconnoitering my horse was shot from under inc by one of the enemy~s sharpshooters. I then called off Captain Kelso, after ascertaining that the emmemy would not leave his position. I then sent Captain Kelso, with Companies II and L, Eight Page 197 CHAP. 1111.1 OPERATIONS IN SOUTHWEST MISSOURI. 197 Cavalry Missouri State Militia), to pehetrate to the enemys left, while a portion of the cavalry moved on his right unobserved, the remainder being held as reserve and holding horses. The infantry moved can- tionsly down the bed of a dry stream and reached the enemys camp, and found they had evacuated their camp and fell back farther in the brush, which was almost impassable. Then throwing out ten men from Coin- pariy L, Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, as advance guard, with instructions to move slowly and cautiously, we then started on the enemys trail, which led through a heavy timbered bottom in the direc- tion of Buffalo Creek. We had not proceeded more than one mile l)efore the advance discovered an ambuscade of the enemy, bnt the thicket in which the cimemy lay concealed was so dense that the advance did not discover them till they opened on them. I immediately (lismnounted my mnen and deployed my force as skirmnishers amid moved cautiously for- ward in hopes of finding the whole force of the enemy in that vicinity, but after reconnoitering I ascertained that he had moved on slowly aimd cautiously on the trail till the advance reached Buffalo Creek. They moved cautiously and slowly and saw no enemny till they had rode into the stream to water their horses, ~~hen the enemy opelle(l a very heavy fire omm the advance guard, wounding four men severely, one of whcmmm died immediately, and disabling four horses. Having no ambulance with me, we constructed litters and slowly retraced our steps after reconnoitering the position the enemy had occupied, and found him gone again. It was then near sundown, and our horses being greatly fatigued, and so was the men, as the scarcity of water rendered it almnost insupportable, I could not ascertain the actual force of the enemy. From the best information I could gather from the numuber of fires, from the nmnber of beeves killed, & c., I will say that there can- not be less than 225 or 300, but there may be more. As the country is an everlasting jungle of brush and weeds, I was not able to ascertain his numbers, as he did not seeny willimmg to venture an engagemnemmt. The officers and men under my command behaved miobly, obeying every order issued with a promptness which deserves the highest respect. I reached Neosho early imi the morning of the 8th instant with mny wounded men,~ and they soon received that attention frQm the hands of Doctor Wills which every wounded soldier requires. They are doing well amid I hope for their recovery, that they may mete out pun- ishment to all rebels and traitors in arms. 1 am, gemmeral, very respectfally, your obedient servant, MILTON BURCH, Major, Conmdg. Battalion Eighth Gay. Missouri A~tate Militia. P. S.I have to inform you that the enemy is commanded by a Major Piercey, of late date. it is Picklers command, with a portion of Stand Waties, and a portion of notorious bushwhackers with Itusks company. I think they will stay there, as I do not think I have force sufficient to drive them, owing to the duty required for foraging and a guard to guard tIme haymakers, as in the country they occupy it will, in mny judgment, require a larger force ft drive them than I have at my command. If I had 300 more men I could drive or annihilate him, as it will require that additional number to effect his overthrow in hi~ forest fastness. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, MILTON BURCH, Major, Gorndg. Battalion Eighth Car. Missouri & atc Militia. Lient. W. D. HUBBARD, Actg. Asst. Adjt. i2~en., J)ist. of Southwest Missouri, Springfield, Mo Page 198 198 LOUISIANA AND TilE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. (CHAP. till. No. 3. Beport of Col. Joseph J. Gravely, Eighth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. SPRINGFIELD, Mo., August 18, 18G4. GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that having complied with Special Orders, No. 213, headquarters District of Southwest Missouri, I have returned to this post and make the following report: I assumed command of the different detachments of troops ordered by you to Keosho on the morning of the 13th instant and marched to Cowskin Creek. The advance guard saw six men in the evening and killed 1 of them. On the morning of the 14th Captain Kelso killed Lieu- tenant Baxter, a noted bushwhacker, whom we learned from the ladies at the house at which he was killed had brought dispatches from General Stand Watie to the companies iu that vicinity to loin Stand Watie near Fort Smith. On the 14th I marched near Maysvilie, Ark., but did not discover any enemy, but learned from reliable sources that the forces which had been in the vicinity of Cowskin Prairie had gone south, and that there was no rebel force left in that section except a few bush- whackers, who hide in the bluff and caves when any Federal soldiers are near. having become satisfied from the trails of the rebels an(l rebel horses that the information received to the effect that Captains Rusk, RobeYts, and Robinson, rebel officers, who attacked Major Bnrch about the 6th [7th] instant, had left for Stand Watie near Fort Smith, and that there was no probability of overtakinr them, I returned to Neosho and ordered the different (letachments of troops to return to their respective posts. On our return to Neosho the advance guard severely wounded 2 bushwhackers. They returned the fire and slightly wounded 1 man of the Sixth Provisional Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia. I have the honor, general, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH J. GRAVELY, Colonel Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia. [Brig. Gen. JOHN B. SANBOTIN.] - AUGUST 2, 1864.Reconnaissance from Berwick to Pattersonville, La. RIEPOT~TS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Robert A. Cameron, U. S. Army, commanding District of La Foirrehe. No. 2.Acting Master Levi S. Fickctt, U. S. Navy. No. 1. Report oj Brig. Gem. kobert A. Cameron, U. S. Army, commanding Dis trict of La Pourche. THIBODEAUX, August 2, 18G4. Colonel Jones, Ninety-third U. S. Colored Infantry, with his regiment and some cavalry, made a reconnaissance from Berwick to-day up the Teche as far as Pattersonville. They took 1 prisoner, 3 horses, 30 head of cattle, some molasses, and ammunition. They learned that the enemy had crossed the lake toward the La Fourche, but do not state when or where. R. A. CAMERON, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. Maj. GEORGE B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 199 Cii~r. Liii.] RECONNAISSANCE TO PATTERSONYILLE, LA. 199 No. 2. Report of Acting Master Levi S. Pickett, U. S. Navy. U. S. STEAMER GLIDE, Berwick Bay, August 3, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report, viz: At 10 a. m. on the 2d instant I heard firing in the direction of Patter- sonville, and, in obedience to your orders of same date, got under way and proceeded to that place. Wheu about halfway up saw a small squad of the Ninety-third U. S. Colored Ilegiinent. The officers commanding them told me that our troops had met the enemy in Pattersonville, routed them, and captured two prisoners. At 11.45 a. m. exchanged signals with the U. S. steamer Carrabasset, which was lying at the bank in the lower part of the town. I stopped my boat and went on board of her~ saw two ladies there, whom Captain Leonard informed me were sent on board by Colonel Jones, of the Ninety-third. I asked him if he had seen Major-General Canbys order, prohibiting certain persons from visiting inside of our lines. He said he had not, but Colonel Jones told him that he (Jones) would be responsible for them if he (Captain Leonard) would bring them down. I saw abdut two-thirds of the Ninety-third Regiment (and a part of the cavalry regiment who were with them) near the Carrabasset, on the bank. A few of the Ninety- third and a few of the cavalry had proceeded toward Brashear with a drove of about fifty or sixty head of cattle, which they had taken from citizens in Pattersonville; and the remainder of both regiments were ransacking hoases and back yards for such plunder as they could carry. By Captain Leonards orders (after taking on board a colored family whom I brought to Bra shear) I went up as far as the mouth of the Teche; saw about twenty rebel cavalry, which I shelled out of a small piece of woods, and they retreated up the banks of the river. I then steered toward Brashear. On my return I passed several small squads of Colonel Jones regiment at various distances from the main body. There was no officer with them, and they were pillaging in nearly every house on their way. I considered the troops very badly managed, and the officers did not appear to exercise any command over them. I saw several men of the Ninety-third with articles of clothing in their pos- session. At 1.30 p. m. I passed the U. S. steamer Carrabasset lying at the bamik, putting bedding, furniture, & c., on shore again, which had been taken on board by the soldiers without Captain Leonards knowledge. The soldiers burned three or four buildings on their return, one large dwelling-house and one mill. I could not say whether the others were muills or houses. When about three or four miles from the bay, I saw six or seven men of the Ninety-third Regiment on the opposite side of the bayou. I went in to the bank, told them to come on board, and I would take themn to Brashear. They did not come, but crossed over below me. They were from one to two miles in the rear. 1 afterward took themn omi board, nearly beat out fromn the heavy load of plunder which they had about them, and a hot sun overhead. I then kept on down the river City. and at 3 ~. inn. came to amichor off Brashear Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, L. S. FICKETT, Acting Master, Commanding. Acting \Tol. Lient. S. B. WASHEURNE, Commanding Naval Forces at Berwick Bay Page 200 200 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIIL AUGUST 28, 1864.Operations near Holden, Mo., with skirmish (8th) on Norris Creek. Report of Capt. Melville U. Poster, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry. HOLDEN, Mo., August 11, 1864. 1 have the honor to report the marches, scouts, & c., of troops at this statiou to this date: August 4, Corporal McCoy and twenty men of both companies were sent to repair telegraph wire; learned that break was linmediately east of Pleasant Hill, and that troops from that statiou were repairing it; returned; traveled twenty miles. August 5, Captaiu Baker, with thirty men, Company C, went on scout on Big Creek and Crawfords Fork; found small squad of rebels; chased them, killed 1, captured 1 horse and equipments; traveled thirty miles. Same day with fifteen men went myself foraging around on Blackwater, learned upon what I deemed good authority that Dick Veager was then lying wounded north- west of Chapel Hill. Went and informed Major Kelly, commanding that station, and proceeded into the Sni Hills to look for Yeager. Could not find him; returned next day; traveled forty miles, August 6, Cor- 1)oral Skidniore, witi twenty men, Company G, went to Lost Creek; returned; traveled twenty miles. August 8, Lieutenant Combs, with forage train, run into a squad of bushwhackers in Norris Creek; had skirmish; had 1 horse slightly wounded. Very res~)ectfnlly, your obedient servant M. U. FOSTER, Captain, Commanding. Lient. J. N. PENNOCK, Adjt. Seventh Regt. Cay. Mo. State Militia, Warrensburg, Mo. AUGUST 3, 1864.Skirmish near Fayette, Mo. Report of Maj. Reeves Leonard, Ninth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. HDQRS. DETACH. NINTH CAY. MISSOURI STATE MILITIA, Fayette, Mo., August 4, 1864. CAPTAIN: Yesterday morning after a slight skirmish I routed a band of guerrillas near Fayette, and pursued themn nntil dusk, a distance of fifteen miles, capturing horses, arms, clothing, & c. Our forces consisted of detachmnent of the First Iowa Cavalry and Ninth Cavalry Missouri State Militia. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. LEONARD, Major Ninth Cavalry Missouri State Militia. Capt. GEORGE A. HOLLOWAY, Asst. Adjt. (len., Dist. of North Missouri, Saint Joseph, Mo Page 201 CHAP. LIII.] SCOUTS FROM FORT SUMNER, N. MEX. 201 AUGUST 3NOVEMBER 4, 1864.Scouts from Fort Sumner, N. Nex., with skirmish (August 26) at Sacramento Mountains. IRIEPORTS. No. 1.Capt. Henry B. Bristol, Fifth U. S. Infantry. No. 2.Capt. Emil Fritz, First California Cavalry. No. 3.Capt. Samnel A. Gorham, First California Cavalry. No. 4.Capt. Francis McCabe, First New Mexico Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Capt. Henry B. Bristol, Fifth U. S. Infantry. FORT SUMNER, N. MEX., August 19, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor herewith to inclose reports of Indian scouts made by Captains Fritz and Gorham, California Volunteers. I also state for the information of the general commanding that Captain McCabe is now in pursuit of the Indians with about sixty men. From what I can learim he will overtake and punish the savages for their dep- redations lately committed in the vicinity of Hatchs Ranch. I ani, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant II. ft BRISTOL, - Captain, Fifth infantry, Commanding. Capt. BEN. C. CUTLER, U. S. Volunteers, Asst. A~jt. den,, Dept. Hdqrs., Santa F6~ N. Mex. No. 2. Report of Capt. Emil Fritz, First California 6~aralry. FORT SUMNER, N. MEX., August 19, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report for the informna- tion of the commanding officer: I left here on the 3d instant, according to verbal instructions from Capt. H. B. Bristol, commanding Fort Sumner, N. Mex., to intercept an Apache trail in the direction of the Capitan Mountains. On the fourth day I arrived at Fort Stanton late in the evening without see- ing any Indian signs. I remained in Stallton the following day, and at dusk an express arrived with the news that the Indians had (Iriven off the mnles belonging to Mr. Parkers train. I left Fort Stanton time same night by order of the commanding officer, Major Chacoim (please fiII(1 a copy of the or(ler inclosed),. to scout through the White Moun- taiims in order to intercept the Indian trail. I returned on the fourth (lay, having scouted throagh the White Mountains amid crossing all time trails leading to the Sacramnento and Guadalupe Mountains with- out finding any Indian sign. On my return to Stanton I was ordered to send part of mny men to the relief of Mr. Parkers train, and remnain with the rest at the post to guard the Goverunment stock there until the return of my men with the train in distress. As soon as they returned I took the route for this l)ost, where 1 arrived on the morning of the 19th instant without seeing anything worthy of notice. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EMIL FRITZ Captain, First Cavalry Calmfornia Volunteers. Lient. M. MULLINS, Fifth U. S. Infantry, Post A djutant Page 202 202 LOUISIANA AND THE ThANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. No. 3. Report of Capt. Samuel A. Gorham, First California Cavalry. FORT SUMNER, N. MEX., August 4, 18G4. In accordance with an order received from Captain Bristol, Fifth U. S. Infantry, commanding Fort Sumner, N. Mex., and having agreeably to said order reported to Col. Christopher Carson, First New Mexico Cay- airy, for instructions, I proceeded about midnight of the 3d instant from this post in the direction of Fort Union, N. Mex., to look after cer- tain Apache Indians who had a few days previous been committing depredations and running off stock from the ranches in the vicinity of . My command consisted of one commissioned officer Lient. B. F. Fox, First California Cavalry) and thirty enlisted men of Company G, First California Cavalry (my own company). I was furnished with one Mexican guide and one Indian guide. After traveling about twelve miles on the main road which leads to Fort Union I bore off to the right, and a little after daylight crossed the Alamo Gordo, a small stream, at a distance of about twenty-fonr miles from Fort Sunmer. Just before crossing the stream the Mexican guide left us with the understanding that he would return. After crossing the stream I pro- ceeded with my command and the Indian guide in a northerly direction about twenty-four miles, and within four miles of Whitinores Ranch; then changed direction and traveled west about twelve miles and crossed the Rio Pecos, followed the river up, and camped at Giddings Ranch, where we remained two hours for the purpose of resting and feeding our animals and getting something to eat ourselves. We arrived at Giddings Ranch a little after 11 oclock, having traveled over sixty miles. A little after 1 p. m. left Giddings Ranch and recrossed the river on the road back to Fort Sumner. I proceeded on my return as far as the lower main crossing of the Alamo Gordo and about twenty- five miles from the ranch. We camped about 9p. m. Distance traveled this day about eighty-five miles. The Mexican guide failed to return daring the day in accordance with the understanding. AUGUST 5, 1864. Broke camp about 4 a. m. and proceeded up the stream in an easterly direction about ten miles and crossed the Indian trail. Having been informed on yesterday that the stock captured by the Apaches had all been retaken from them, and that the Indians had twenty-four hours the start of me, and no other stock with them except their own animals, which they were riding, I concluded it would not be expedient to pur- sue them, as pursuit would be useless. I therefore returned to the fort, where I arrived about 12 nm., not having seen an lndian during the scout. S. A. GORHAM, Captain, First Cavalry California Vols., L1omdg. Company ~. rLieut. M. MULLINS, Fifth U. S. Infantry, Post Adjutant.] No. 4. Reports of Capt. Francis illicCabe, First New Mexico Cavalry. CAMP NEAR DOG CANON, August 27, 18G4. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that in obedience to verbal orders received from Capt. I-I. B. Bristol, commanding officer at For Page 203 203 CHA?. LIII.) SCOUTS FROM FORT SUMNER, N. MEX. Stanton, N. Miex., I left Suinuer on the 6th instant, with forty-three enlisted men of my company (L), First New Mexico Cavalry, and six Navajo Tndians, as spies and guides, to pursue and chastise a war party of Apaches who had lately committed various murders and rob- beries in the neighborhood of Chaperito. On reporting to Colonel Car- son, acting Jnuian superintendent at Fort Sumner, I was instructed by him to march to Fort Stanton, and after obtaining provisions aiid other supplies at that post to proceed to find the Indian trail, and follow it to the village. The colonel likewise advised me to go to Tularosa, and if possible to employ competent guides and a small company of citizens at that place, and from there proceed to Dog Cafion, where he supposed the Indians would be found with their plmnider. I started accordingly, and on the 11th instant I reached Fort Stanton, where I was advised that the same body of Indians had attacked Mr. Parkers train near Gahlinas Spring and run off all his mules. I could find no guide here, but on the morning of the 12th, as I was ready to start, Lient. H. W. Gilb~rt, First Cavalry New Mexico Volunteers, and eight mcii, who had been sent to pursue the lndians, returned with the information that he had followed their trail until he overtook them at a point on the Sierra Oscura, and that he judged their village was but a short distance from that point. Lieutenant Gilbert stated that he returned for re-enforce- ments to attack the rancheria. I accordingly started that afternoon with Lieutenant Gilbert a~nd his party of eight men, attached to mine. After marching all night I halted at a point thirty-six miles north of the Sierra Blanca Mountains. At 12 oclock on the 13th I left camp and marched until sundown, wlmeii I Ii alted at a rain-water hole about eight miles east of the Ma) i~ais. Here I was informed by one of my Navajo guides that he knew where the Apache village lay, an(1 that by marching all next day he coald reach it. I accordingly marched at daylight amid crossed the Mal Pais, which being a belt of broken and disrupted rocks with no known trail, the passage was exceedingly diffi- cult amid many of mny horses amid mules were badly cut by the sharp prqjectimig rocks. I reached the Qjo del Liano, a spring in the desert between time Sierra Blanca amid Sierra Oscura ranges, at 2 p. iii., amid having watered and unsaddled uiy animals I sent forward the Indian to reconnoiter the Apache village. He returned at dark, stating that it was five or six leagues off. 1 then marched next day to the poimit where Lieutenant Gilbert reported having seen the Apaches, amid after passing through many difficult cafiomis I reached it at 3 p. m. The Imi- dian guide promiounced the trail to l)e eight or ten days old. I started samne evening amid followed it until dark, when I was obliged to halt for the night. At daylight the next muoriming muy Navajo guide informed me that the trail passed over a spur of the Oseura Mountains to the village. We ufarched to this place amid reached it at noon, but found that it had not beemi occupied by Indians recently. I returiied same day and encamped at a hole of water in the rocks, and at daylight next morning resumed tIme search for the trail which was fouiid runiiing in a westerly directioii along the base of the Sierra Oscura. I inarciie(1 all that day and all night, passing a deep caiion in the mountain twenty miles long which opens on the Jornada del Muerte. The night march was conducted in a severe thumider-stormn which lasted several hours. Having halted at daylight, I rested until 12 m. and marched again on the trail, which took a direction south, entering the mountain agaiii. At 6 p. mu. I halted in a fine valley where grass was abundant but n Page 204 204 LOU1SL& NA AND flU flANs-mssissipn. [Oat ~ water for the admaja and next day resumed the mmli at daylight, and at 12 m. found a littie water in holes for the men, but not enough fortheanimals. At Op. m. foundwater and good grass at the Ojo Alamo, in a deep caflon. in the mountains. Here I was joined by Sanchez, the post guide of Fort Stanton, who informed me that he had ml~en my trail for Major Chaoons, who was one days march in rear. I started next morning, taking the guides with me, whom I sent about 500 yards ahead with five men to trail. By this time my Navajo guides stated that the mountains were unknown to them, but that they believed the Indians were Co otero Apaches. I found water this day twice on the trail before 12 o?clock, and after a severe march of forty-five miles I encamped without water within ten miles of a point where the trail entered the desert in the San Andres Mountains. My guide was totally iguorant of the country, and a few of my men proved better trailers than the guide. On the morning of the 22d I started fotthe point wherethe caflon opened on the desert, sending the guide and trailers in advance in search of water. No water was found until we reached the salt lake, called Salina2, toward which my guide led me, assuring me the water was potable. On arriving there I found to my mortification that ft was salt, and had to saddle up and march toward San Nicolas Mountain. I found a hole ofwaternear that point, a~d found the mule and sheep trail running across the desert toward Dog Cation. After a short rest I marched across the desert and next morning arrived at the Water-Tanks, having marched sixt4r miles in twenty-four hours. Half my command and horses were still on the desert when I reached the tanks, and I immediately sent backwater to their relie4 and at noon marched to a stream called Rio Alamo. I found here that most of my horses were broken down (three were aban- donedbymyorder)and several of mymen sicb I rested that day and senttheguidetotheDog Caflontobookforthetrail. Hereturned next morning and informed me that the trail led into the caflon, and that the Indians Were there. I immediately formed my men, mounted and dismounted, and marched to the cation determined to enter it and attack the Indians. I found on entering ~he month that the Indians had entered ft to water their animals, and that they left ft and started for Sacramento River four days before. I detailed Lieu- tenant Gilbert with twenty men to follow the trail, instructing him to use caution and diligence in the pursuit, and marched my broken- down men and horses to a camp near Tularosa to recruit. On reaching Tularosa I called for guides and aparty to take a new direction to the lagnas, where I supposed the Indian village to be located. Mr. Par- ker reached me yesterday,informing me that Major Chacon had arrived, and I started again with sixteen of my men and foutteen citizeusbehind to follow the Indians. On my way to this place I met a messenger, in- formingmethat Lieutenant Gilbert had a fight with the Apaches yester.. day near Rio Milagro, and that the lieutenant was killed at the. first discharge. All the horses were killed and wounded by the Apaches, and the guide and 1 man mortally and S privates of my company severely wounded. Corporal Gallegos, of Company Lj behaved very wefl and brought off the wounded. The fourteen Apaches whom we were pursuing had been joined by a large number of others, who I am informed by the Navajo guide are Coyoteros. I have sent out water andwagonstorelieveandbringinmywounded,an~ I will march in half an hour with the remainder of my men and about twenty citizens to attack the Apaches. Major Chacon and Lientenant Cook will march to-night also Page 205 CHAP. LILT.] SCOUTS FROM FORT SUMNER, N. MEX. 205 Although repulsed, the men of Lieutenant Gilberts party behaved nobly, and he fell gallantly himself at the head of his men. I deeply regret his fall and will avenge it if possible. The Indians are said to be about seventy in number. It is closing dark, and I cannot be more explicit for want of time. liespectftilly, your obedient servant, F. 1~icCABE, Captain, First New ]Vfexico Carairy, Comdg. Detachment. Capt. 13. C. CUTLER, Assistant Adjutant- General, & e. FORT SUMNER, N. iVIEX., Nbventher 4, 18G4. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit, for the iimformation of the gen- eral conimaiidiug, a report of my operations in the field since Augnst 6, 1864, at which date I was detailed to pursue a band of Apache Indians that had murdered several Mexicans in time vicinity of Chaperito, and driven off several thousand sheep amA a few horses and burros, amid lmad a day or two afterward defeated a smuall party of Navajoes near Alamo Gordo,who, under their brave chief Del gadito, made a gallant but unsuc- cessful attempt to recover the plundered stock. My instructions from Col. C. Cars6n, First Cavalry New Mexico Volunteers, acting superin- tendent of Indians at the Navajo Reservation, were to proceed to Fort Stanton, N. Mex., ammd obtain all necessary supplies, and thence to Tula- rosa to hire a competent guide and a few citizens as spies, & c., and from thence to Dog Caflon, at whi elm place I would most likely find the Apa- ches. I left this post on the 6th of August, and reached Fort Stanton- on the 11th, about noon. The remainder of the day was spent in shoe- lug the horses and mules of may command. At Fort Stanton I learned that the band of Apaches I was in ursinmit of had encountered a train belonging to Charles Parker, near Gallinas Mountain, and after a briet fight, in which the wagon-master and one of his hands were wounded, they succeeded in drivimig oft~ more than fifty of his mules, and that Lient. II. W. Gilbert, First Cavalry New Mexico Volunteers, had been sent with a small party in pursuit of them. On the umoriming of the 12th, as I was ready to start to Tularosa, Lieutenant Gilbert arrived with immformnation that he had suddenly over- taken the Indians at a point in the Oscura Mountains, and that the Apache rancheria was near that I)oint, but that his party was not large enough to attack them; he had returned for re-emmforcemmments. As I had the fullest confidence in Colonel Carsons judgmnent and kmmowl- edge of Indian habits I was anxious to carry out his instructions; but as the lieutenants informnation was positive I felt that my proper course under the circumstances was to proceed with himu at once to where he had seen the Apaches. Before leavimmg the post I hired a guide nanmed Flores to accompany mue, but by the timne I was ready to start he was drunk and reftised to go. I confimmed him in the guard-house and started without a guide. Had this man remained sober and faithful to his engagenmemit I have imo doubt, fromn his knowledge of the Apache habits and of the mnountains, but I would lmave overtaken the band before they could reach their hiding places in the Sacramento Mountains; but although he acted in a manner grossly culpable and deserved severe punishment he was released by the commanding officer in a few days afterward and employed by him to follow my trail too late to be of any service Page 206 206 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. On leaving Fort Stanton my entire commai~id, including Lieutenant Gilberts party, numbered fifty-four men mounted. I had also six Navajo warriors on foot to be used as spies, trailers, & c. I set out that afternoon and marched all night, and encamped at sunrise next morning at a small stream north of the Sierra Blanca. Having rested at this camp until 1 p. m. I resumed the march, and fol- lowing an old Indian path, I arrived at a small water-hole at sunset within a few miles of that belt of volcanic rocks, known as the Mal Pais. As the passage of these rocks is impracticable at night I rested until daylight, and next morning marched toward and across it, my animals being much injured by the sharp and rugged rocks while passing, and I reached the Ojo dcl Llano (spring of the hill), a fine spring in the center of a dry and barren desert. From this poiiit I marched at daylight next day in a northerly direction to the point where Lieutenant Gilbert saw the Apaches. I reached the cahon at 12 in., and fouiid on examination that a large number of sheep and several mules had been grazing there some six or eight days before, although a heavy rain had partially obliterated the tracks. I marched same eveiting to a caiiou still farther north, and crossing the mountain ridge next day I visited an old Apache rancheria, which had iiot been inhabited for several months. I returned same day to the east side of the mountain and found the trail made by the Apaches running in a southwest direction along the base of the Sierra Oscura. I pursued said trail until sunset, and found that it elitered a large cafion about twenty miles in extent, which opened on the Jornada (lel Muerte. I marched through this canon same night without a halt in a very severe storm of rain, which injured men and animals, and I encamped at day- light in an opening of the caflon near the jornada, where grass and rainwater were abundant. Here I sent a party of good trailers ahead to ascertain the direction of the trail, who returned at 11 a. m. and informed me that after entering the plain it soon diverged to the left and entered another opening in the mountain. I packed up at 12 m. and followed it over hill and valley until sunset, when 1 encamped at a point where grass was abundant, but no water. A very severe rain- storm set in, which lasted until midnight, amid rendered trailing still more difficult, but I marched, notwithstanding, forty-five miles before sunset, passing three places where the Apaches had rested and built fires. At the last resting-place a ramrod and three butcher knives were found. I encamped at sundown at the Alamno Spring, about fifty umiles from Fort McRae, as I was informed by Sanchez, a Mexican guide from Fort Stanton, who had overtaken the command at this camp. Sanchez had been sent forward by Major Chacon (who was following up umy trail) as a spy, and niistakiag my trail for that of tIme majors comumand, he had traveled on without rest until he overtook me. I attached him to my command, and next mornin~r set out on time tro il. which took a direction west, crossing a very rough ammd rocky country in the center of time Sierra Andres. During this (lays march no water could be found, and at snnset I reached a cahion about ten miles from time sandy desert lying between the Sierra Andres and Sacramento Mountaimis. Owing to time im- perfect kimowledge of my guide I had munch trouble in following the trail this day, and I was obliged to encamp without water at dark, al- though men and animals greatly needed it. The next morning I started at daylight, semiding flankers right and left to find water, and I followed the canon to its mouth, but no water could be found. The guide Sanchez conducted me to the Salinas under the impression that the water wa Page 207 CHAP. LIII.] SCOUTS FROM FORT SUMNER, N. MEX. 207 good, but on my arrival I found it as salty as the water of the Atlantic. He then informed me that water could be foufid at a spring in Sari Nicolas Mountain, eighteen miles west, and I started to march to that spring, but in an hour afterward one of my meu (Jesus Chavez) who had beeu following the trail, hailed me and informed me that he had discovered a hole of rainwater, to which I marched at once and halted, turning the animals loose to water and graze. Owing to the long march without water, my men and animals needed at least twenty-four hours rest, but I determined to push on to San Nicolas Spring, hoping to find the Apaches near that neighborhood. I left camp at ~ p. ii., arid travel- ing west a few miles I came to where the Indians had driven the mules, sheep, & c., across the Las Cruces road and into the desert toward Sac- ramnento Mountains. I pushed on without a moments delay into the desert until darkness concealed the trail, and still traveling all night and crossing the long belt of white sand which runs ]ongitudiiially through the desert I arrived at daylight iiext morning at White Water Tanks, near the Franklin road, with a little more than half of my coin- mand. I found on my arrival that the water in the tanks was iiot suf- ficient for my entire command, animals included, but I Ii ad a small party detailed at once to march back with water to the relief of their conirades whose horses had given out on the desert. In this manner I collected all my command before 10 a. In., except a corporal and three men who had deserted during the night. The crime of these men is, if possible, aggravated by the fact that their comrades were endeavoring to overtake and engage the Apaches at the time of their desertion. On ascertaining that they had deserted I sent my acting first sergeant alone to Las Cruces with a note to the commanding officer, who had three of them arrested omi the third day afterward. 1 left this water at 12 in., same day, and reached Alamo River at G p. in., where I encamped and rested until noon next day, at which time I moved forward to 1)og Caiion, leaving a corporal and some sick men arid horses behind with instructions to go to a grazing camp near Tularosa, N. Mex., and await my return. The unusual severity of the march for the last forty-eight hours added to the toil the men had experienced for several days be- fore, had its effect on several, and many were absolutely barefboted, having worn out their shoes while climbing the rocky passes of the Sierra Oscura. I reached Dog Caflon at lQ oclock next day and deter- mined to enter it, but on reaching the mouth I found that the Apaches had merely watered their stolen flocks and mule herd in the stream and had again taken a direction toward Sacramento River. On exam- ining a temporary camp, where the Mexican guide thought they had slept four nights before, 1 found thirteen beds, and judged that the party numbered fourteen, as one must have been watching the stock. This number corresponded exactly with that of the party which had driven off the sheep from the neighborhood of Chaperito and had sub- sequently taken Parkers mules. Most of my animals being iii no con- dition to pursue the trail farther, and as the Mexican guide judged that the Apaches were retreating toward Guadalupe Mountains, I had little hopes of overtaking them, but I determined to do all that I could under the circumstances before giving up the pursuit. I accordingly selected twenty of the best horses, including that of the guide and Lieutenant Gilbert, whom I sent forward with instructions to follow the trail for four days farther and rejoin me either in the mountains or at Tularosa. With the remainder of my command I marched to Tula- rosa, and having obtained a supply of horseshoes and nails I had my horses shod on the day of my arrival, and procured several pairs o Page 208 208 LOUISIANA AND THE mANS-MISSiSSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. shoes for my men, who were barefooted. Mr. Parker arrived at Tula- rosa same day and informed inc that Major Chacon and Lieutenant Cook had reached Rio Alamo. Lieutenant Cook did not accompany Mr. Parker to Tularosa, as I have since seen stated in Major Chacons journal, published in a Santa F& paper. I left Tularosa with Mr. C. Parker and Mr. Gregory and a number of citizens, intending to take a trail leading to the Sacramento River through the Alamo Cafion, hoping to surprise the Apaches in that direction, but on the road within a few miles of Major Chacons camp I was met by a messenger, who brought me a note from Lieutenant Cook informing me that Lieutenant Gilberts party had been surprised by Apaches on Sacramento Mountains, and that the lieutenant was killed and his party repulsed and driven back. On receiving this informa- tion I galloped to Major Chacons camp, and proposed to make a night march up the Alamo Cafion toward the scene of the fight, in hopes to overtake the Apaches before they would retreat farther into the moun- tains. This proposition was not favorably received by the major, who directed that the commands should move together next morning in the same direction. We started on the next morning at 9 oclock and entered Caflon Alamo, up which we proceeded for about eight miles, and thence ascended a very steep mountain for several miles, halting abQut 3 p. in. at a small stream on the southern side of it. We left this camp at sunset same (lay, and marching until 12 oclock at night encamped amongst a forest of pines and oak, witnout fires. At day- break we moved forward and halted for breakfast after a march of ten or twelve miles, and after two hours delay again set forward, reaching Almagre Spring, at the foot of Sacramento Mountains (tIme scene of the recent action), at ~ p. m. Here we halted and encamped. I advised Lieutenant Cook to furnish a detail for a funeral escort, the remainder coming from my command, and we marched to time top of the mountain, where Lieutenant Gilberts remains were found, neither scalped nor mutilated. A grave was dug and his body was interred with appro- priate military honors. I erected a small slab of soft stone, on which his initials were cut, at the head of his grave. It faces the trail subse- quently made by my party in the advance to Rio Sacramento. From all I can learn respecting the action in which Lieutenant Gilbert fell, his death was instantaneous. He had dismounted his cavalry to lead theirhorses up the long amid steep slope of the mountain, and when nearly arrived at the top he fell, pierced by the bullet of an Indian in anibush. His men received a volley of arrows and musketry simnul- taneously, and were obliged to fall back 100 yards to the shelter of a small grove of cedars. In doing so they had to abandon all their horses but two, and could not recover them afterward. I am glad to be able to report that the wounded (5 in numuber) were brought off the ground. Corporal Ortega (then private, Company L) killed the leader of the Apaches, and Private Sandoval, same company, although mortally wounded, fired several times, and kept his horse in his grasp, the mountain side being too steep to operate monuted. This action took place on the 26th of August, and the party reached the camp on Rio Alamo August 27, 1864, very much fatigued and exhausted. The guide Sanchez and Private Samidoval died before the party reached the Alamo. The Navajo warrior who accompanied the party fought gallantly, and his bold and dauntless bearing in the fight was a theme of conversation for some time afterward. His shirt was perforated with two bullets. Having returned to camp, after time burial of Lientemmant Gilbert, Major Chacomi comicluded that it was impracticable to pursue th Page 209 CHAP. LIII.] SCOUTS FROM FORT SUMNER, N. MEX. 209 Apaches any farther, and gave orders to march back to Fort Stanton. He left camp next day before I did, and as some citizens on the hills above commenced a discharge of fire-arms I sent a messenger to recall him. He returned and joined me at the camp, and we proceeded to Rio Sacramento, where we found a quantity of dried mutton and a young colt that had been abandoned by the Apaches. We also found four sheep alive and saw several (that had died from fatigue) in the stream dead. At this place Major Chacon halted, and I sent forward Captain Gregory (of the citizen party) with six men to push forward and look for fresh signs. Before Mr. Gregorys return the major had moved on a few miles, amid having been told by his guide (Flores) that the Apaches were at least four days marc1~ ahead, he ordered the command to march back to Tularosa. At this time the men, and particularly the animals, of the comniand were munch fatigued, and had we proceeded three days more over a country like that in the neighborhood of Alamo Canon not an animal could have been brought back alive. We reached Tularosa omi the 31st of August, and on the 1st of October Major Cha- con and Lieutenant Cook set out for Fort Stanton. I remnained behind hoping to recruit my animals and emiter the mountains again, hoping to surprise the Indians, whom I sapposed to be less watchful since they saw the command leave the muoumitains. I left camnp on the 3d of Octo- ber and niade a three days scout up the Rio Sefiora de ha Luz, but as my horses and mules were mostly barefooted I had to return to camup. I left Tularosa on the 8th of October and arrived at Fort Staiiton on the 11th, where I remn~ined until the 19th, recruiting my comniand, rest- ing mny amiimnals, amid awaiting orders. On the samne day at noon Lient. F. Cook reported to me with thirty picked muen for duty in the Sacra- mnento Mouimtains. Asst. Surg. L. W. Hayes, Fifth Infantry California Volunteers, was also assigned for duty with my command, and written instructions were received from departmnent headquarters directing that every diligence should be used to hid the Apaches, & c. I left Fort Stanton on the 20th with Lieutenant Cook and mny own company and arrived at Tularosa omi the 23d. here I established a temporary depot, and leaviiig Assistant Surgeon Hayes aiid a few sick behind I muarched up the Sefiora de la Luz to enter the Sacramento in that direction. I reached the head of the Luz on the second day, and pro- ceeding southeast encamped at a valley opening on Rio Penasco on the fourth day. At this place the grass ~as excellent. I started next day and marched down the stream, passing where tIme water disappeared in mts bed, and encamped at a spring imear Rio Felix at 11 p. in. No fresh Indiami sign was discovered during this days mnarch. From this place the command marched to Las Tuses, an old Apache ~ncamp- ment but on arrivimig there it was discovered that the waters of the spring had dried up. No sign of Indians could be found in that iieigh- borhood. I pushed forward in a southwest directiomi until sundown, when I entered the plain east of Sacramemito Moumitains, followiimg the directiomi of Sacramento River. At sunset I reached a point where the coumitry was broken by deep fissures and ravimies. Here I emicamped, and as mio water could be foumid I ordered a sergeant and ten men %r- ward in search of it amid as spies. The party returned next inormihig and reported that a trail some four or five weeks old had been seemin ruiimiimmg in the direction of Guadalupe Mountains. My commamid was now twenty-four hours without water, and I marched to a point on Rio Penasco, which I reached at 2 p. m. same (lay; men amid aninials niuch fatigued. I started next morning, and moving up the stream until 4~ 14 R RVOL XLI, PT Page 210 [CHAP. LILL 210 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. p. m. I reached a point near its source, where I encamped. I may here remark that on halting at the end of each days march I invariably sent out a party of dismounted cavalry with instructions to examine theneighborhood in every direction. In this way I could have beeii informed of the presence of lurking Indians, had any such been in the vicinity of camp. I marched next morning (direction west), and at 2 p. ni. reached a point overlooking the Franklin and Fort Stanton road, and descended about ten miles to a cienega near Canon Alamo. The country traversed during the last ten days was well watered and timbered, except that east of Sacramento Mountains and the region between Cafion Luz and Rio Penasco is a succession of hill and dale, the former covered with muagnifiGent timber, such as pine, oak, ash, & c. A beautiful variety of aspen grew in every valley. The country is well adapted to agriculture and grazing purposes, and produces timber more than sufficient to supply the territory. Wild frRits, such as cherries, plums, and raspberries, were abundant. A species of the red rose bloomed on every hill, and wild flowers blossomed in every direction. Elk amid black-tailed deer are numerous in the mountains, and herds of antelope were seen east of Sacramento. Wild turkeys were seen by hundreds at every camp, and many were killed by the men when they wer~ permitted to shoot. In somne instances panthers were seen, and one specimen of the American lion was seen, but could not be killed. On this scout I caine to the conclusion that the Apaches had left this region and moved to Guadalupe Mountains; but although I desired very much to follow themn, I was unable to do so (if I had not been ordered back) from the fact that I received only ten days provisions from Fort Stanton instead of a months supply, which I required. I reached Tularosa on the 3d of October and seiit Lieutenant Cook to Stanton for provisions, He returned on the 11th with only ten days provisions. I niarched again into the Sacramento Mountains on the 12th of October, penetrating all the valleys between the head of Rio Luz and Sacramento River, following old trails. The face of the country is similar to that described on my last scout and game found still more numerous. Water is abundant in every valley, the numer- ous springs forming in places considerable streams. A very severe snow-storm, comnmuencing on the 18th, and drifting furiously on the 19th of October, covered all the trails amid compelled me to descend to a plateau several hundred fee? lower, about fourteen miles below, where the weather was clear and warm. .1 start~d next day, amid con- tinuing to descend I reached camp at Tularosa October 21, 1864. On reaching camp I received for the first ~time] the orders of the depart- ment comimmander directing me to return to my proper post. The Apaches whomu I pursued so bug were the same party that had driveii off the sheep from Chaperito and Mr. Parkers mules from Gal- linas Spring. They would have been overtaken arid punished before reaching the mountains had I beemi fortunate enough to haveagood guide. The Kavajoes who were with me made excellent trailers, but were unacquainted with the country west of Sierra Oscura. The Apaches are now hidden in Guadalupe Moumutains, or in Las Limpias, where they will doubtless remain umitil necessity compels them to make another raid. A muounted company stationed at Tularosa could be of service in cutting off these savages in that event, as they must pass through one of the gaps or cahions of the Sacramento Ramige opening -on the desert, and could be overtaken and punished by cavalry mounted on fresh horses; whereas cavalry weary with a pursuit of many days, would not be able to hope for much success Page 211 CHAP. LIII.] SKIRMISH AT POINT ISABEL, TEX. 211 The enlisted men of my command cannot be too highly praise(l for the patient endurance with which they sustained the privations, toil, and hardships of a campaign of eighty-eight (lays, in which time they have marched 1,300 miles across barren deserts and over steep and rocky mountains, many of them on foot and miearly barefooted and bleeding from contact with the flinty rocks and the cactus aiid thorns. I am under obligations to First Lient. Franklin Cook, Fifth U. S. Infantry, and Asst. Surg. L. W. Hayes, for their zealous co-operation during a portion of the campaign. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS McCABE, Captain, First Cavalry New Mexico Volunteers. Capt. ROBERT LUSBY Assistant Adjutant- 6Ynerai. AUGUST 4Is; l864.Operations in the vicinity of Brazos Santiago, Tex., with skirmish (9th) at Point Isabel. Report of Col. Henry ill. Day, Ninety-first illinois Injhntry. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FoRcT:s Brazos Santiago, Tex., August 15, 1864. Mxjon: 1 have the honor to submit the following report of affairs at this post from August 4, the date of my last report, up to the pres- ent time: Nothing worthy of note occurred until the 9th of August save occa- sionM skirmishing between our cavalry pickets and those of the enemy. On the 9th a fati~-ue party, consisting of seventy-five men of the Eighty-first Corps dAfrique Engineers, was sent over to Point Isabel, distant about five miles, for the purpose of procuring lumber. At abouit 12 p. m. they were attacked by a force of about 150 cavalry. The fatigue party had been sent armed as a precaution in case of ami attack, and some sharp skirmishing emisued, imi which 2 of the enemy were killed and several wounded, without any loss to our side. Cap- taimi Jordan, Ninety-first Illimmois, who was in coliLmnali(1, seeing that he was outmmumbered and fearing for the safety of the steamer Hale which had transported the fatigue party to the Poimit amid was lying at the wlmart withdrew his mcmi to the boat amid returned to Brazos. The above facts having been reported, also that there were several small boats at the point which, though in poor condition, could be fitted up and would fall into the hands of the emmerny, a detachment of the Ninety-first Illinois and Nineteetith Iowa was semit over for the purpose of routing the rebels and destroying the boats. TIme detachmnemmt was under command of Capt. William W. Shepherd, Ninety-first Illinois, and lauded without difficulty, time emiemy firing a nuniber of shots at so bug a distamice as to be of muo effect. Upon the advance of Captaimi Shepherd the emmemy fled, aimd as there were no mneaims of pursuit the boats were destroyed and detachment returned. I have received information from Mr. Pierce, consul at Matamimoras, to time following effect: The entire force of time enemy, consisting of about 900 cavalry, have left Brownsville, with the exception of about eighty men who are guarding the place. They are under the imme- diate coummand of Ford and are scattered iii small camups over the country between this place and Brownsville. They have no artiller Page 212 [CHAr. LIII. 212 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. and their horses are in poor condition. They are busy laying a plot by which to capture some of the colored troops at this post in order to be revenged for the loss inflicted upon them at Point Isabel. I cannot see how any such plot can be successful, as the colored troops are iio more or hardly as much exposed as the white. There is a force of the enemy which has not yet been in Brownsville~ it consists of about 400 cavalry and is stationed above Laredo on the river. This, together with the force nuder Ford, mentioned above, comprises the entire force of the enemy, as near as I can learn, in this part of the country. Mr. Pierce is of the opinion that Ford rather fears than designs an attack, as his men have a wholesome fear of artillery. I take pleasure in reporting to you that there is a marked improvement in the discipline and general conduct of the First Texas Cavalry, concerning which I advised you in my last report. No more desertions have occurred since then, and I am in hopes that all the disorderly and unreliable men of the command were those who have left. The health of the troops under my command is fair, although the want of fresh vegetables is felt in no small degree. Two-thirds of the men in hospital are afflicted with the scurvy. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. M. DAY, - Colonel, Commanding U. S. Forces, Brazos Santiago, Tex. lVIaj. GEORG-E B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Gulf AUGUST 4-SEPTEMBER 15, 1864.Scout from Fort Union, N. Mex. Report of Capt. Nicholas S. Daris, First California Infantry. SANTA FE, N. MEx., October 30, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that in obedience to orders I left Fort Union August 4, 1864. On the 7th of that month at the breaks of Red River I met three Mexicans, who reported that on the 1st of August, while in camp at Lower Cimarron Springs, a party of Indians (Kiowas and Comanches), ab9nt seventy in number, caine to the camp apparently friendly. They, after being in camp a short time, made a sud- den attack, killing all the Americans with the train, five in number. They gave the Mexicans one yoke of oxen and wagon, telling them, to go back to New Mexico, as they did not wish to kill them; but that they would kill every white man that came on the road. On the 10th of the same month near Lone Mountain met the trains of Messrs. Ziina and Arniizo, who reported that-on the 6th, while camped at the Arroyo de los Plumas (or hole in the rock), six miles west of upper crossing of Cimarron, a party of about thirty Indians run off 135 mules from their trains, none of which were recovered. At the sanme time a large party were seen on a ridge to the north who had a large aniount of stock, which they were driving to the south. On arriving at the Lower Springs on the 18th found the remains of the five murdered men, scattered over the prairie. Had them gathered up and buried. 0mm the 23d arrived at west end of Dry Route, and found in camp some sevemi trains, eighty-four wagons in all; also a company of the First Colorado Cavalry, Captain Hardy in command, who had arrived from Fort Lamed about two hours before me. The wagon-masters reported that they arrived in camp at that place at 1 oclock August 21. About one hour after sixty or sevent Page 213 CHAP. LilT.] AFFAIR AT DOYALS PLANTATION, LA. 213 Indians (Kiowas and Coinanches) attacked the trains, driving off 240 head of oxen and killing a wagon-master by name of Blanchard. Their cattle were driven to the south toward the Canadian and its tribntaries. Received information here that about ten days before the Thdians had attacked a train belonging to George Bryant while camped near upper crossing, driving off nearly all the mules; also that nearly all the public animals from Fort Lamed had been driven off. Saw at Walnut Creek the point where a train had been attacked in July, 10 men killed, 2 boys scalped alive and still survi~ This occurred in full view they of and about one mile distant from a military post, where a company of troops were stationed. I saw at Cow Creek where a train was attacked and 2 mnemi killed. All these depredations were reported to me by men who were present as being committed by Kiowas and Comanches com- bined. On the night of September 15, while in camp on Arkansas River, an Indian boy about fifteen years ot age came in and reported that he was a Ute, who had been taken prisoner by the Comanches and from whom he had escaped. Three nibhts before all the toe nails on his left foot had been torn off and a hole burned thiough his foot. This was evidently done for the purpose of preventing his escape. This boy was brought to Fort Union and returned to his tribe through Colonel Carson. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, NICHOLAS S. DAVIS, Captain, First Infantry California Volunteers. Brig. Gen. JAMEs H. CARLETON, Commanding Department of New Mexico. AUGUST 5, 1864.Skirmish near Remount Camp, Ark. Report of Maj. Lyman G. TViilcox, Third Michigan Carairy. REMOUNT CAMP, ARK., August 5, 18G4. CAPTAIN: I have to report that at about 5 oclock this evening Cap- tain Adamson, of my command, who was in charge of the herd guard of eighty men on duty on the prairie, was attacked by a band of five guerrillas dressed in Federal uniform. The captain, a corporal, and one private had ridden to thP house of a Mr. Spinks and asked for a glass of water, when they were attacked by the guerrillas, who seemed to have been following them. Captain Adainson was severely wounded, the corporal was wounded in the arm, and the private soldier taken prisoner. The guerrillas immediately left in great haste, taking with them time horses and arms of Captain Adamsons party. Your obedient servant, L. G. WILLCOx, Major, Commanding Detachment Third Michigan Caralry. [Capt. C. H. DYER.] AUGUST 5, 1864.Affair at Doyals Plantation, La. T~EPOHTS. No. 1.Brig. Gem Thomas W. Sherman, IJ. S. Army, commanding Defenses of New Orleans. No.2.Brig. Gen Robert A. Cameron, U. S. Aimy, commandinh District of LaPourcho. No. 3Col. Cyrus Ilamlin, Eightieth IJ. S. Colored Troops. No. 4.Maj. S. Pierre Remington, Eleventh New York Cavalry Page 214 [CHAP. LHL 214 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. No. 1. Report of Brig. pen. Thomas W. Sherman, U. S. Army, commanding 1)efemses of New Orleans. HEADQITARTERS 1)EFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS, New Orleans, August 15, 1864. SIR: I ordered some time ago through Colonel Hamlin, commanding District of Bonnet Carr~, a detailed report of the affair at Doyals plan- tation, wherein four conipanies of the Eleventh New York Cavalry were surrounded by a detachment of the enemy and summoned to surrender. All the information I have of the affair is a short telegram stating that Major Remington in cutting his way through the rebels lost some eighty men and his camp equipage, & c. I have been unofficially informed that the Eleventh New York Cavalry has been recently transferred to another command. I therefore inform you as above, hoping that this detailed report will be demanded for the interest of the service. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier- General, Corn man ding. Major DRAKE, - Assistant A~jutant- General, Department of the Gulf No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gen. Robert A. Cameron, U. S. Army, commanding Dis trict of La Fourelie. THJBODEAUX, August 5, 1864. I have just received the following from Donaldsonville. I do not like to send troops over the Mississippi River without your directions: Major Remington, of Eleventh New York Cavalry, with three squads of his com- mand, were surrounded by the enemy at iDoyals plantation, six miles above here on the opposite side of the river, this morning. Colonel Scott, commanding the rebel forces, under flag of truce, demanded an unconditional surrender, giving five minutes to decide. Major Remington refused and cut his way through the enemy. He is now with his force directly opposite this point. I have the First Louisiana Infantry in readiness to send across if required. Have six guns in the fort I bring to bear across the river. Major Remington has a force of from 600 to 700 men. I know nothing of the enemys force. The officer who came in with flag of truce stated that they li~d two brigades of cavalry and a battery. They have artillery, as they used it when our forces cut their way through. Major Remington is now niaking a thorongh reconnaissance. Will telegraph as soon as they return. xv. 0. FISKE, Colonel, Commanding. R. A. CAMERON Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. 0. MATTHEWS, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Indorsement.] Captain MATTHEWS: The general says you can authorize General Cameron to send the First Louisiana across there if he thinks the case requires it. NEWHAL Page 215 CHAP. LIII.J AFFAIR AT DOYALS PLANTATION, LA. 215 THIBODEAUX, August 6, 18646 p. m. (iReceived New Orleans 7 p. m.~ I have just received the following from Colonel Fiske, at Donaldson- ville: Major Sliaw, at Plaquemine, reports that his pickets were attacked this morning about 5 oclock by a force of mounted infantry, supposed to be about 100 strong. The enemys loss was 5 killed and wounded. Our loss 2 killed and 3 prisoners. The enemy retreated toward Indian Village. All quiet on the other side of the river. Colonel Scott immediately retired across the Amite after his attack yesterday morn- ing. His object was to capture our force at Doyals plantation; he had a brigade of cavalry and a battery; the pieces he used were 12-pounders. Major Remingtons loss was 50 captured, with horses and equipments. They were mostly sick who were captured. All quiet at this post. I am, truly, yours, IL A. CAMERON, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. Capt. 0. MATTHEWS, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 3. Reports of Col. Cyrus Hamlin, Eightieth U. S. ~iJolored Troops. BONNET CARR, August 5, 18649.30 p. m. SIR: I have to report that I received a dispatch from Major Reming- ton, Eleventh New York Cavalry, that he was attacked this morning by Colonel Scott, with his brigade of cavalry and one battery, and un- conditional surrender demanded. He cut his way through Colonel Scotts cavalry, which was thrown out in a corn-field, completely en- circling him. Loss small, except camp and garrison equipage, and sick men prisoners. Major Remington had his horse shot under him, and Captain Norris was shot through the shoulder. I am awaiting for a more complete report from Major Remington. Respectfully, CYRUS HAMLIN, Maj. G. B. DRAKE, Colonel, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- General. BONNET CARRI~, August 6, 1864. I have the honor to report all quiet in my front. After attacking us yesterday Scott fell back on the road leading to Bayou M~nchac. The Eleventh New York pursued them to Hamptons Ferry, where they crossed the Amite. The loss is about 80 men taken prisoners, who were not able to mount, being sick. Captain Norris and several men wounded. Scotts force was not over 600 men, with four pieces of artil. lery. I gave orders yesterday morning to Major Remington to send out a scout and to be vigilant, and patrols in roads in rear of the plan- tations. Communication with Baton Rouge was established soon after I reported to you yesterday. CYRUS HAMLIN Colonel, Co mmanding. Major DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 216 216 LOUISIAl~A AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIlt No. 4. Report of Maj. S. Pierre Remington, Eleventh New York Caxairy. JIDQR$. ELEVENTH NEW YORK CAVALRY (ScoTTs 900), Doyals Plantation, La., August , 18G4. LIEUIENANT: I have for the first time since the affair of the 5th in. stant the leisure to enable me to forward you a full report: Col. John S. Scott, commanding rebel forces at Clinton, appeared in the back road of the plantation on which I am located about daylight on the morning of the 5th. Not supposing that he had to exceed 500 or 600 men, I immediately ordered my men to mount and prepared to attack him. I bad 206 men for duty. While organizing the two squad- rons, Colonel Scott marched his men through the coiu-lield and woods and completely surrounded my camp, and opened with two pieces of artillery not before discovered, and at once sent in a flag of truce with a note of which the following is a copy: COMMANDING OFFICER FoRcEs ox DOYALS PLANTATION: To avoid a useless effusion of blood, I hereby demand an unconditional surrender of the stockade and the forces under your command. I have a brigade of cavalry an(l a battery of artillery at my immediate disposal. Your refusal or compliance with This demand must be made within live minutes after reception. Respectfully, J. S. SCOTT, Colonel, Comma~di~~g. I of course replied that the command would not be surrendered; but in order to save the effective part of it, immediate action was neces- sary, for they had four pieces of artillery (three 12-pounders and one 20- pounder) in position. I informed the men that we must cut through their line and charged down the levee road toward the telegraph station. They opened from three guns with shot and shell, but as they had 110 time to get range their shot were not effective. They h~d evidently supposed we would attempt to defend the stockade, and their cavalry, which might have charged our flank, stood like posts, and the force in our immuediate front fell back in confasion, keeping up an ineffective but heavy fire from carbines and shotguns. Our charge was impetuous and spirited, and while we had but 1 officer (Captain Norris) and 2 privates wounded the enemy took off two loads of woumided and buried four men between this and the Amnite. They carried off all our sick men but one, and a larger number than I had at first supposed of well men. The horses and equipments of these men were also lost and three of the teams. I got together as soon as possible about 100 mnore men, and with gun-boat No. 27 came back so soon that they had no time to remnov~ any considerable quantity of stores or camp equipage, nor noth- in gyet discovered of consequence amongst regimental papers. Lieu- tenant Burgess, in charge of the advance of my mnen in pursuit, camne up with them and wounded 4 of their rear guard, but they crossed suc- cessfully the Amite as they came. Nothing was taken fromn any plan- tation except this and Mr. Minors, adjoining. From this about thirty mules were taken, and from Mr. Minors eight horses. Colonel Scott in this affair crossed the Amnite and marched directly for this camp, expecting to capture the detachment under muy command, and evi- dently for no other object, and failing, went directly back. He had not less than 1,500 men with him and reserves posted at the Dutch Store and Civics Ferry. Two-thirds of time well men taken were either slow fellows and always in the wromig place, or men who shirked th Page 217 CHAP. LIII.] AFFAIR AT DOYALS PLANTATION, LA. 217 charge, which it was supposed would be quite desperate. I annex list of prisoners aud wounded and sketch~ of the situation (made by Lieutenant Nicholetts) at the time we cut our way out. In justice to him I take pleasure in stating that the conduct of Capt. John Norris was deserving of all commendation, as was also that of the officers and men who went through with me. Respectfully, your obedient servant, S. P. REMINGTON, Lieut. C. C. HODSDON, i~ajor, Comnniai~ding. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Bonnet Carr~. List of prisoners and missing. Capt. W. F. Raymond, Company A; First Lieut. J. R. Wood, Coin. pany L; Sergt. Maj. F. C. Davis; Hospital Steward Freeman; non-coin- missioned officers and privatessick, 53; not sick 37 Total enlisted, 92. Total of horses taken,130. About fifty of the horses taken were excellent animals. Twenty-five or thirty of them were sick and glandered horses and the balance ponies, many of which had previously been taken from Doyals mcii. [Indorsement.] IIDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, New Orleans, September 3, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General of the Army. So much of the report as relates to a surprise is not commended, but the regiment has subsequently acquitted itself with credit. ED. R. S. CANBY, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH NEW YORK CAVALRY, Doyals Plantation, August 26, 1864 CAPTAIN: In reference to the order requiring me to report the facts concerning my action at I)oyals plantation and the reasons of my being surrounded by the enemy without my knowledge, I have the honor to state: The affair alluded to occurred on the morning of the 5th instant. On the 8th I forwarded full reports to the office of the chief of cavalry, Department of the Gulf, and a copy to Colonel Hamlin, then command- ing the district; which reports were, I am informed, satisfactory to those officers. My camp has always been kept thoroughly picketed, and the approach of a body of cavalry was announced to me by my picket on the new river road in time to allow my men to saddle up and mnouint. This was done with the exception of the men unfit for duty by reason of sickness. The country back of my camp is thickly wooded ,and the immediate surroundings are immense corn-fields. I could not discover that the enemy had artillery nor their exact strength, and intended to attack theni in such a manner as to cover and protect my camp. By moving his men through the woods and corn-fields, Colommel Scott got his men into position, having a regiment on each of the three sides of nmy camp and his battery in position, about the same time that I got my men in line. His men were formed at a distance of from one-half to three-quarters of a mile from me, when I discovered that lie Omitted as unimportant Page 218 218 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. had artillery and that his force so greatly outnumbered mine. 1 imme- diately charged on the line commanded by Colonel Gober and went through. This was done without any hesitation on my part aiid was evidently not anticipated by the enemy, who opened a heavy but ineffective fire, their artillery alone throwing abont thirty shells. They at once threw a column down a plantation roa(l running parallel with and about eighty rods from the one on which I moved, which made it impossible for me to turn back after the charge, and left me no other resource except to get the regiment together as soon as possible and attack them. However, having failed substantially in his object, Colonel Scott started at once for the Amite, crossing Bayou Manchac, near Hamptons Ferry, and the Ainite at Galves- ton Ferry. I had on the morning of the 5th 206 men for duty. Aside from my sick men those lost as prisoners were principally coin- missary and quartermaster sergeants, buglers, saddlers, daily duty men, headquarters clerks, blacksmiths, & c., men who are not accustomed to at once saddle up and mount when anything is reported by the pickets requiring the command to turn out. My camp is located about sixteen to eighteen miles from Galveston Ferry and has good open roads lead- ing to it and to other points on the Amite. My force does not admit of my keeping patrols constantly on these roads, and the4~act of Colonel Scott crossing and getting near my camp without my knowledge does not-seem to me a very remarkable circumstance. He has attempted it twice before, but on each occasion I have had information from my patrols and scouting parties and taken means to prevent it. This time he crossed during the night and succeeded in getting here. Respectfully, S. P. REMINGTON, Capt. WILLIAM H. CLA~~, Major, Commanding Regiment. Assistant Adjutant- General, Baton Rouge. AUGUST 6, 1864.Skirmish at Plaquemine, La. Reports of Brig. Gen. William P. Benton, U. S. Army, commanding District of Baton Rouge.* BATON 1toUo-E, August 6, 1864. There is a lady at the picket-lines, the wife of a rebel captain, with whom she is not on very good terms. She reports that Scott is moving on this place with from 3 000 to 4 00~ men~ that he crossed the Comite River day before yesterday in two columns. I know her personally; her intelligence and means of information are un(loubted. The only question in my mind is as to her loyalty and truthfulness. Shall I send her down to you ~ I will detain her at the pickets till your answer arrives. They have shown themselves on two roads. in that direction this morning and fired on the cavalry vedettes on the Clay Cut road. The officer of the day, Maj. Penn Gaskell, with six men of the guards, drove them back, and a squadron of cavalry fol. lowed them seven miles, capturing one horse. I have no suggestions to make. I give the facts as I got them, for what they are worth. I however believe that Scott had intended to attack Highland stockade, and when he learned that I had withdrawn the garrison that he then moved on the stockade at Doyals plantatioii.. This latter place he See also Cameron to Matthews, 6 p. in., P. 215 Page 219 CHAP. LIII.] SCOUT IN SALINE COUNTY, MO. 219 attacked yesterday morning, the particulars of which I suppose you are aware of. I sent the garrison and two pieces of artillery back this inoriiing to reoccupy the stockade. W. P. BENTON, Brigadier- General, (Jommanding. Capt. OLIVER MATTHEWS, Assistant Adjutant- General. BATON ROUGE, August 6, 1864. The commanding officer at Plaquemine reports that his pickets were attacked this inoriiing by about 100 mounted infantry. They drove in the pickets at first, and about fifty ot them got into town; the pick- ets were re-enforced and drove them from street to street out of town. They then retreated toward the village, carrying their wounded in a wagon. Our loss is 3 killed and wounded, 4 taken prisoners; their loss is supposed to be the same. For the waut of cavalry he was unable to pursue them. I would i ost respectfully request that a battalion of the Fourth Wisconsin, Major Craigue commanding, now stationed at Morgauza, be ordered to report to me so as to enable me to re-enforce this post with sufficient cavalry. I desire this command more partien- larly, for the reason that Major Craigue is acquainted with every road and by-path in the district. W. P. I3ENTON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. 0. MATTHEWS, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Thdorsement.] DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS, August 7, 1864. Respectfully referred to department headquarters. The small detachment of cavalry now at Plaquemine is under orders to join the regiment at Morganza (about twenty-five or thirty men). Sufficient cavalry for picket and scouting purposes is needed there, but nothing more, unless it is required to engage a large force of the enemy outside the works, which would require a much larger force of other arms in proportion. Should the enemy attack Plaquemnine in force its garrison can hold out long enough for large re-enforcemnents to arrive from Morgauza, but until the enemy develops his real plans, I think the shifting of troops any more than absolutely necessary for cur- rent and routine service would be injudicious. I recommend that a company of cavalry be sent there to relieve the small detachment ordered to Morgauza. T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. AUGUST 69, 1864.Scout in Saline County, Mo., with skirmishes (7th) at Arrow Rock. Report of Lient. Col. Bazel F. Lazear, First Missouri State Militia Gay alry. HDQRS. DETACH. FIRST CAY. MISSOURI STATE MILITIA, Marshall, Mo., August 10, 1864. CAPTAIN: Since my report of the 5th instant I have the honor to report, for the information of the major-general commanding, that Page 220 220 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. scouted the county in the direction of Miami, but learning that a force of 400 guerrillas were in Marshall the county was not thoroughly scouted. Upon the receipt of the above we marched to Marshall, arriv- lug there the 6th; found that ten guerrillas had visited the place the 5th, burning the court-house and one other building, plundering some of the inhabitants, and shooting five negroes in town and four a short dis- tance fioin town. If the citizens had remained at home this raid on Marshall would never have been made. 7th, marched to Arrow Rock, scouting the county as well as could be done without dividing the coin- man(l too much no mishes, one t knowing what force we would find. Had two ~kir- xvith a party of fifteen, the other twenty, killing 8 and wounding several, who made their escape iii the brush. Killed 2 horses and captured 4, one of them wounded. Our casualties, none. Gimeof the parties fired several rounds before scattering, but the other only fired two shots. 8th, scouted the county in the vicinity of Arrow Rock thoroughly, but found no guerrillas as they had scattered that morning; a party of twenty camped within eight miles of camp the night of the 7th on the premises of one Marshall Piper, who gave us no notice of the fact, and being a notorious rebel and under bond was shot. The guerrillas shot a negro man the 7th, just before we came upon them. 9th, returned to Marshall. This is certainly the most rebellious coumity I have been in. I have arm~ested several women that I will send in in due time, amid have ar- rested several of the worst rebels that I am holdino- as hostages for the lives of Uniomi men. We have searched but very few houses, but what we have, mie any all have goods that are undoubtedly stolen. You cant pk~k up a letter about any of their houses but you will find treason in them. This county needs rough handling, and as the guer- rillas have threatened what they will do I have warned and notified their friends that I would hold them responsible for the acts of the guerrillas, and will retaliate for any violence done the Union men either in person or property. The Umiion people are very munch dis- couraged, but if I am allowed to carry out the policy I have started out on rebels will not be allowed to stay here if Union muen cant. It is very hard to prove that men willingly feed guerrillas as they all deny it, but they all do so, amid when they allow themu to feed amid camp upon their premises day after day and give no information, but deny that they know anything of them, it is as good evidence of their guilt as I want, and I shall act accordingly. I have endeavored in this report to give a picture of the situation of affairs in this county, but it has to be seeii to be understood. From the best information I can get I do not believe there are 100 guerrillas in this county, and the removal of 100 families to the South would do more good to quiet this county than to hunt guerrillas omie year and leave the families here. I have miot learned the l)articulars of the burning of Fraukfort, butwill soon. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 13. F. LAZEAIR, Licut. Col. First Car., iIIo. State ]ILil., Oorndg. in the Field. Captain STEGER, Assistant Adjutant- general, Warrensburg, Mo Page 221 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION FROM LITTLE ROCK, ARK. 221 AUGUST 616, 1864.Expedition from Little Rock to Little Red River, Ark., with skirmishes at Hickory Plains and Bull Bayou (7th), at Hatchs Ferry (9th), near Augusta (10th), and near Searcy (13th). IREPOLRTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Frederick Steele, U. S. Army, commanding Department of Arkan- sas. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Joseph R. West, U. S. Army, commanding expedition. No. 3.Maj. James F. Dwight, Eleventh Missouri Cavalry, Volunteer Aide-de-Cainp. No. 4.Itinerary of the Third Brigade, Second Division, Seventh Army Corps, com- manded by Col. Washington F. Geiger, Eighth Missouri Cavalry. No. ~.Brig. Gen. Joseph 0. Shelby, C. S. Army. No. 1. Report of ]Jfaj. Gem. Frederick Steele, U. S. Army, commanding Depart ment of Arkansas. LITTLE ROCK, August 14, 1864. GENERAL: The command under Brigadier-General West encountered McCray iiear Searcy, beat them and pursued toward Jacksonport, where it is supposed Shelby was about crossing White River in order to go south. Scouts and deserters report that the rebels in my front are fall- ing back across Saline River. The party sent to bunt the depot at Princeton stampeded the guard, but the leader being wounded failed to burn the rebel supplies. This may be the cause of their withdraw- ing I)art of their force. Dobbin is reported still hovering a~ont Helena. Shelby has supplied his conscripts with arms through smugglers in Memphis. From all accounts it is his intention now to rejoin Price as 80011 as possible. West will make every efWrt to catch him which- ever way he goes. This is the third expedition I have fitted out against Shelby within a few weeks. The excuses given for not catch- ii~ g him are that they could not get supplies and were obliged to return. Brigadier-General Carr had Shelby in his grasp at one time, in the opinion of his officers. The t~Alowing-named troops have been ordered home during this month some on account of expiration of time of service and others on furlough: Secomid Indiana Battery, 100 First Iowa Cavalry, 360; Sixty-first Illinois Infantry (veteran), 220; Sixty-second Illinois, 360; Third Minnesota (six companies), 200; Fifth Kansas Cavalry, 120. Time of service of First Indiana Cavalry will expire next week. Yery respectfully, FREDK. STEELE, Major. General. Maj. Gen. E. R. S. CANnY. No. 2. Reports ~/ Brig. Gen. Joseph R. West, U. S. Army, commanding expe dition. hEADQUARTERS CAVALRY EXPEDITION, Camp Three and a half miles west of White River, Opposite Augusta, August 9, 1864. GENERAL: I have The honor to report that a small affair occurred between the advammee of Colonel Geigers command and Jackmans forces, at Hickory Plains, on the 7th instant. The enemy fell, back, an Page 222 222 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI, [CHAP. LILL but little injury was done him, a few being killed, and as many made prisoners. Picket-firing commenced with Colonel Stuarts command at Stony Point the same day, but all of MeCrays forces have been f~ill- ing back constantly and keeping out of our reach. MeCray himself left Searcy on the afternoon of the 7th instant. His force is reported at 2,000. Rebel authority reported that Shelby was at Augusta and proposed crossing at that point to unite with MeCray on the Grand Glaize road and give us battle. To prevent this I moved to-day to this point, hoping to meet Shelby in the act of crossing the river, but was disappointed. Shelby, with a reported force of 2,000 men, left Augusta on Sunday, the 7th instant, taking the road to Jacksonport. McCray is making the best of his way to join hiiii. I may not succeed in preventing their junction, bmi t kmiow that I am strong enough to whip them united. With the enemy (as Dobbin is reported gone up Crowleys Ridge), who have been annoying your commumimeations, all on the other side of my force, I deem it my duty to pursue until they are captured or dispersed. I shall accordingly continue my movements and march to-morrow for Grand Glaize. The command is doing well. I am, general, your obedient servant, J. R. WEST, Brig. Gen. E. A. CARR, Brigadier- Ceneral, Commanding. Commanding District of Little Rock. P. S.7.30 p. in.: In - securing a ferry-boat this afternoon at a ferry about three uhiles above Augusta, a body of some 300 of the enemy dis- covered themselves. Captain Latimer, Third Michigan Cavalry, very adroitly secured the boat, and learned from a woman on the east side of White River that Shelby was encamped four miles above Augusta. I believe this to be so, and request that you will send immediately one or two good steam-boats to Augusta to enable me to cross the river. I shall keep operating around here until you do this, and propose to develop the enemy to-morrow. Please send me 45,000 pounds of oats. I inclose also a m~inorandum of ammunition, which is much wanted.* HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY EXPEDITION, Scar3y Landing, August 13, 1864. GENERAL: On the 9th instant I closed the dispatch which I for- warded to you by means of the canoe, with this postscript.t On the following day,~Wednesday, the 10th, I pushed over a recon- noitering party at Augusta, which drove the enemys pickets from the town northward. In the afternoon I crossed the Third Michigan Cay- ah~y on the ferry-boat previously referred to, amid a reconnaissance twelve miles north from Augusta discovered no enemy. The next day, the 11th, I crossed the Eighth Missouri by the ferry-boat at Hatchs Ferry, four miles above Augusta, but learmming of the concentration of the enemnynuder Shelby at Village Creek, on the Jacksonport road, I (Icemed it unwise to have my force thus divided while in the immediate vicinity of tIme enemny, and the boats not arriving froni below I could not transport the main body across the river in safety. I therefore recrossed to the west side of the river the Third Michigan and Eighth Missouri on the 12th, and returned to this point yesterday, the 12th. Omitted as ilhimportailt. I Seb]iext, ante Page 223 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION FROM LITTLE ROCK, ARK. 223 Having in view the object it would be to Shelby to get out of this country with the force he has conscripted I am prepared to intercept him should he attempt to get southward from Batesyille. I move this morning to a point fifteen miles up the Little Red in Searcy Valley, where I shall have better advantages in foraging animals and can await the information to be obtained by a scout I have sent in the direction of Jacksonport. If Shelby is quietly remaining in Jacksoiiport I can do him no damage, as the Big Black is an obstacle that I cannot over- come. In the event of his being there I shall employ the detachment in beating up the country for small parties of the enemy and then return to your lines. In order to move with greater facility I send the sick, the prisoners, amid the supply train to Devalls Bluff this morning. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. R. WEST, BrigadieiK General, Commandi~tg. Brig. Gemi. E. A. CARR, Commanding District of Little Rock. HDQR8. CAVALRY DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., October 14, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that in compliance with orders from headquarters District of Little Rock, to proceed with all the available cavalry of the district in pursuit of the enemy, reported to be on Little Red River, and pursue them until they are captured or dis- persed, I left this post on the 6th of August last for the section of country indicated in your orders. The command was divided for con- venience into two provisional brigades. These were commanded, respectively, by Col. Washington F. Geiger, Eighth Missouri Cavalry, and Col. James Stuart, Tenth Illinois Cavalry. The aggregate strength of my command was 3,094. Two sections of the Fifth Ohio Battery and two mountain howitzers comprised the artillery. Verbal instruc- tions from the district commander left me at liberty to employ my force according to my best judgment in case the enemy fell back beyond time Little Red. The First Brigade, in moving fromu Devalls Bluft to unite with the remainder of the command, drove a rebel force of somne 300 men, reported to be Jackmans, out of Hickory Plains on the 7th of August, killing 4 amid taking 7 prisoners, without loss omi our side. Colonel Geiger joined me at Bull Bayou the same evening. The advance of the Second Brigade, the Third Wiscomisin Cavalry, Lientenant-Colommel Calkimis comumanding, exchanged shots with a picket of the eneniy at Bull Bayou. The rebels were evidently falling back and merely watch- ing our movements. Moved to Searcy the 8th of August. Reported by all the inhabitamints that the enemy passed over the road traveled that day in great haste. At Searcy learned that McCray,who commanded the rebel force, was moving night amid day to Jacksonport, to eff~ct a junc- tion with Shelby, who was reported to have returned from the (lirectioll of Helena. August 9, I muarched to White River opposite to Au- gusta, with the intention of crossing at that l)Oilit and movimig upon Shelby at Jacksonport. Sent communication to district commander that evening requesting steam-boats should be sent up from Devalls Bluff to effect the crossing. August 10, sent 1,000 men of Second Bri- gade to Denmark, as a feint that the main body would march to Jack- sonport by the west side of White River. Destroyed a salt-work near Grand Glaize Creek, and took S prisoners, Crossed the Third Mich Page 224 224 LOUISIANA AND~THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHA?. LiIL gan Cavalry at Augusta and occupied the town. August 11, moved the only flat-boat to be founda miserable affair for crossing a force to Hatchs Ferry, four miles above Augusta. Wishing to gaiu time, crossed the Eighth Missouri Cavalry by that means and swimming the horses. Heavy rains, the slow progress of crossing by the flat, and the certainty that artillery and wagons could not be crossed with the means at hand, induced me to guard against any attempted offensive movement by the enemy. Shelbys and MeCrays forces uiiited could bring 4,000 men against me, and I had to guard against their coming down either bank of White River and attacking my fbrce, while en- gaged in crossing. Rumors to that effect reaching me the two regi- ments on the east bank were recrossed to the main command during the night. August 12, 110 steamers arriving from Devalls Bluff, abandoned the idea of co-operation from that quarter and returned to Searcy. Au- gust 13, sent all the sick (the rains were very heavy, and camps last few days in canebrakes) and train to IDevalls Bluff. Sent a small reconnaissance toward Denmark. This party encountered tlme enemny temm miles from Searcy; re-enforced it with Third U. S. Cavalry, nuder Captain Howland, with orders to proceed to Fairview. This was done, the rebels losing 1 man and falling back. Gime mnan of Eighth Missouri Cavalry was wounded. Moved with main force eleven miles up the west bank of the Little Red, amid encamped. Sent a detachment to Hilehers Ferry amid communicated with Captain ilowland at Fairview. August 14, learned that there was no enemy, but a few stragglers, omi the west side of White River. The commuand had now beemi in the field eight days; the only forage obtainable was umuripe corn. The horses had been very scantily fed for mnonths previously, and their condition, particularly that of the artillery animnals, was muot equal to a march exceeding twenty miles per day. It became apparent that it was use- less to attempt to cross White River at Jacksonport. Shelby could successfully contest my crossing at that point or fall back faster than he could be followed. August 15, returned to Bull Bayou en route for Devalls Bluff amid Little Rock. Scattered the commamud by various roads to clear the country of bushwhackers. August 10, reached Little Rock. The results of the expedition have already been detailed. No enemy remaimmed west of White River. The command was h)ushed into the field without proper preparation; the animals were in wretched condi- tion. Officers and men acquitted themselves creditably, but there were irregularities, showimug the necessity of much stricter discipline than was practiced. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. R. WEST, Brigadier- Ceneral, Commanding. Capt. C. H. DYER, Assistant Adjutant- General, District of Little Bock. No. 3. Report of Maj. James F. Dwight, Eleventh Missouri Gavalry, Volunteer Aide-dc- Gamp. Journal of cavalry expedition (regiments and detachments set forth on previous page) setting out from Little Rock, Ark., northward Page 225 CHAP; LIIL] EXPEDITION FROM LITTLE ROCK, ARK. 225 August 6, 1864, under command of Brig. Gen. J. li. West, U. S. Vol- unteers, pursuant to tbe following order: SP CIAL OnDEus, HEADQUAETEJIS Dismiem OF LITTE ROCK, No. 58. Little Rock, Ark., August 4, 1864. Brig., Gen. J. R. West, U. S. Volunteers, will proceed with all the available cay- airy of this district in pursuit of the enemys, reported to be on Little Red River, and will pnrsne them until they are captured or dispersed. By order of Brig. Gen. E. A. Carr: C. H. DYER, Assistant Adjutant-C caere 1. REMARKS. Satarday, August 6, 1864.Left Jluntersville, opposite Little iRock, at 7.30, Secouid Brigade, Colonel Stuart, having moved with train at 6. Road runs down river three or four miles, then turns to the left and north, and crosses railroad to Devalls Bluff in a few rods. Pickets at turning. Passed broken-down wagon at railroadcause, tonguebroken; load transferred. Overtook train two miles and a half south of Bayou Metoe, train stalling badly, owing to the weakness of mules, one wagon unloaded. Pushed on to Bayou Metoe, twelve miles, where found bridge useless, flooring removed. Some buildings of heavy timbers near by with which it might be repaired. Artillery was crossing at rude string piece bridge, three-quarters mile above. Horses were taken out of the artillery, and guns run across by hand. Train same way when it caine up: Bank easy slope, ten feet high. Ford, saddle skirt deep, a few rods above. When the train came up, pushed on with the command, leaving Third Missouri Cavalry as train guard. Road good to Bayou Two Prairies, five miles. Crossed it by ford; deep on left bank. Bridge jnst below might be repaired. Went on to Austin (or Oakland Post- Office), eight miles. Good road most of way. Some swampy tracts; carts passed by daylight. Went, into camp at Austin. Traiiis could not get up, but went into camp five miles below. Steam grist-mill at Austin makes thirty barrels a day. Forty mcmi of Twenty-second Ohio Mounted Infantry joined us by Brownsville road near Austin. Sunday, August 7.Lieutenant-Colonel Calkins, with 250 Third Wis- consin and 50 U. S. Regulars, pushed on at early dawn to Stony Point, eight miles north, with instructions to drive the enemy, if found and not too strong, beyond Stomiy Point. N. B.Found Capt. W. C. Robinson, Company C, Glenns regiment, Third Brigade (rebel), Arkansas, wounded and i)aroled here, from Helena light, in July, 1863; is badly wounded in hip amid will (lie. Train and guard getting up at 11.30 oclock, a~ftcr (lelay by reason of tongue breaking, and teaums weak; muoved on at 12.12. Made Cypress Bottom Bayou at 1.45 oclock; bridge imi. decent order; declivity to the bottom somewhat steep from time south, gradual slope up from the bot- tom northward4 Road numddy i)ilt not bad. Weiit on to Jacksons farmn, seveumniles from Austin, an(l waited half an hour till train closed imp, then to StonyPoint, three-quarters of a mile more, where foumid Lieuten- ant-Colonel Calkins coummand. He had seen no rebels. Pushed on to Bull Bayou, one mile farther, and went into camp. Sonic picket-firing. Just as advance mmeared Bull Bayou the rebels ran and tried to tear up flooring of the bridge, but had not time to do much (lamage. Colonel Geiger, with First Brigade, reported at 6 oclock, having come up fromn Devalls Blmmfr, and went into C~ii1l) on north side bayou. Rei)orts a 15 R RYOL XL1~ PT Page 226 226 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. light with Jackman and 300 or 400 men at Hickory Plaiiis to-day. A few rebels killed and taken prisoners. Major Siielling, with 250 Tenth illinois, joined from Lewisbnrg as we came to camp. A reconnaissance of Third Wisconsiu developed a few rebels, fugacious, and firing on north side bayou. Learned that Jackinan passed north from Hickory Plains, about two miles beyond bridge, this morning, having come out from neighborhood road near Franklins Mill, used by rebels for grind- ing, ou creek four miles south of east from Jacksons road down the bottom Mionday, Aaqw~t 8.Second Briga(le moved at early dawn; First Brigade with train at S oclock. Caney Creek, live miles north of Bull Bayou, dry. Quarles Bridge, over Bayon Des Arc, three iuiles further, in decent order. Third Michigaii held bridge and pushed on direct road toward Searcy; Colonel Stuart with rest of brigade crossed two miles and a half above, and caine dowii on Searcy from west. No rebels in Searcy. Reported by all the inhabitants that the enemy passed through the road traversed to-day in great haste last night, traveling northward. Searcy pretty much deserted; no buildings de- stroyed. From Searcy went up to Little Red River Landing, two miles and a halt Road descends all way, timbered and fields, easily defended from an attack from north. Went into camp on Little Red, on south side~ Stuart came up soon after and crossed the ford, going into camp in open fields beyond. Water very low in the Red; rough rocky bed to streani; banks thirty feet high; even. From September to June this stream is navigable to White River boats, very low during June, July, and August. Road from Searcy, four miles east, leads to Pros- pect Bluffs; good ford. The rebels under MeCray and Jackman all crossed the ford before light this morning, hastening north. From information received from inhabitants they were about 800 strong. They went twelve miles northeast, on the Grand Glaize road, and stopped at Stephens Creek. Shelby is reported to be crossing, or to have crossed, the White at Augusta with intent to join them. Tuesday, August 9.Moved, with Geigers (First) brigade leading, with two 12-pounder howitzers. A detachment Eleventh Missouri Cavalry, under Captain Kauffman, of 120 men, left at daylight to recon- noiter ahead all day, if miot attacked. After crossing the Little Red the road runs northward for one mile and a quarter, then turus east, and passing over a high and good but stony road desceimds a steep (leclivity 100 feet high to the Overflowname given to a creek which bounds on the west the swamps of the Mingo. About six niiles from the landing a road to the left leads toward Grand Glaize, and to the right to Prospect Bluffs, three miles. After leaving the Overflow the road runs through the heavy bottom lands of the Mimigo Swamps eight umiles, to Glaize Creek, all timmibered, with little underbrush; must be bad iii wet weather. The Mingo is not munch of a creek, though bad crossing on account of the deep mmmd; narrow. Stuarts bri~ade remain s at bridge. First emmcamnps at headquarters, two miles ammcl a half below, on road to Augusta. After crossing bridge at Glaize road leads down directly east omi a tongmme of land to a point of land opposite Augusta, seven miles fromu bridge; also turns to left and leads three miles north- east to the White River, then turns down the bank two miles to a ferry called Hatchs, whence it is two niiles to Augusta. Likewise oim this last road aimother to the left, about txvo miles from the bridge, leads to Grand Glaize and Demimark. The whole land below the bridge is cane- bmake, with heavy bottom growth. The road towar~l the point narrow Page 227 CHAP. LuLl EXPEDITION PROM LITTLE ROCK, ARK. 227 with several slouglis with steep bankscorduroy crossingsin bad order. After leaving the Overflow there are very few habitations and clearings. After crossing the Glaize Creek only two habitations, one three miles below the bridge on right-hand side and oizie five miles and a half below on left hand, and on the mu bank (Chambers~). The banks of this tongue of land are low on the south side and bluff on the north side; sand spit opposite Augusta; run about twelve yards wide. De- tachment of Third Michigan, Captain Latimer, seized ferry-boat at Hatchs in the p. In.; got it across undei cover of their rifles, with a tight across the stream with a body of rebels, and after night-fall took it down below Augusta, together with a skiff. Went down and recon- noitered point, but had no means ~f crossing. Saw rebel pickets rush- ing about on our arrival. From a lagoon, about three-quarters of a mile long, on the road to the point, transferred a dug-out down and across the point three miles, and launched it below Augusta. Sent three men therein to Devalls Bluff with dispatches after dark. Wednesday, August 10.Seven oclock moved Third Michigan down to J)oint opposite Augusta. Crossed sergeaiit and seven men on the ferry- boat half a mile below, who came up and drove out few rebel phckets, then in evening brought up boat and crossed whole regiment, with two mountain howitzers of Tenth Illinois Cavalry, and sent ferry-boat up to ferry, two miles above. Third Michigan picketed strongly on road going omit. Strong detachments from Second Brigade went northward toward Grand Glaize and Demminark to develop the enemy in that direc- tion, with instructions to return not later than 10 oclock to-morrow. Colonel Stuart reports destruction of salt-works, three miles and a half southwest from Glaize bridge, last night; 11 kettles, 60 evaporating vats, and 8 prisoners. Capacity about two bushels a day. Only works about here. in Augusta Shelby reported to have gone north with his comuniand, which was encamped four miles off on Sunday. Call- ing in his commands and intending to drive ]VlicCray at Jacksommport, where he has a pontoon bridge across the Big Black, moved back hmeadquarters and First Brigade to the Glaize bridge. Thursday, August 11.Ferry-boat having been taken up to Hatchs the Eighth Missouri crossed there; Ninth Iowa moved down on Ferry road and camped on bank of river one mile above ferry; Eheveuth Missonri and First Nebraska camped at place where the road strikes river. Horses eat corn; mm o forage to be had. Shelby reported con- centrating, to attack on east side of White, and no sign of the boats from Devalls Bluff yet. The Eighth us recrossed and boat sent down to Augusta for th~ Third Michigan to recross on. Very heavy rain storm comunmemmeed at 12 amid lasted all day. The scout from north returned, having been to Denmark and gaining no tidings of tIme enemy save that MeCray had rushed across the river to Jacksommport and joined Shelby there. Friday, August 12.Moved back from river with First Bri9ade. The Thud Michmigan crossed nnoppose(i at Augusta. Joined at Glaize brid ~e and conmniamid took up march for Searcy; reached it at 3 amid weimt iiito camp on south side, with pickets at fbrds above and below. Sent gui(lcs and three men Eighth Missouri through to Gemmeral Steele, with 1IiC5~ sages at evemming. Saturday, August 13.Detachment of fifty men Eighth Missouri Cavalry, Captain McAdoo, sent northward by Denmark road at earls day. Fell in with rebels eight miles out; had a skirmish, and sent back for re-enforcemnents. The Third U. S. Cavalry, ~50 ~uien, wer Page 228 228 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. ~CHAP. LIII. sent to his assistance with nistructions to develop the enemy. Tne supply train and worn-out horses sent back toward Devalls Bluff; with 125 sick and thirty escort. Moved out of camp toward Searcy. The First Brigade went into line of battle, and with skirmishers out between camp and Searcy. Moved at 11 oclock throngh Searcy, on the Sugar Loaf Springs road, eleven and a half miles to Goads, at intersection of this with the old military road from Little Rock to Batesville. Road leaves Searcy Valley on left, winds up and crosses a stony, rough divide with open oak woods. Several l)lantations on the road. The road lies on the rough hill for about five miles. Crossed Panther Creek six miles from Searcy. Camped at Goads Ford; found five wagon loads of old corn near camp. Sent pickets to filchers Ferry, ten miles on the Little Red. Lieutenant Guirado, aide-de-camp, and twelve men sent after the Third United States from the landing at 10 oclock, with instructions to have them return via Hilehers Ferry. Messengers arrived at 6 p. m. from Third United States; had joined the Eighth Missouri and advanced, bnt found no enemy. Sent party to Hilehers Ferry, and thence to Fairview, to communicate with Third United States. AS~un4cIy, August 14.Lay in camp all day. Some picket-firing on the Searcy road, and a body of fifty reported. Sent out a scout who scattered them in direction of Little Red. Surgeon Foote, with escort of Ninth Iowa, reported having come up the White River in steamer Celeste, sent from Devalls Bluff imm response to dispatch sent from Augusta. The boat landed him above the Red River, and he camne through the conmitry till he struck our trail. Reports tumbling into a party last night of five or eight rebels, who fled, firing. Boat arrived up at Friday eve, twenty-five miles below Augusta by the river, which there makes a great bend. A messenger from Captain McAdoo was fired on between lmere and Searcy to-day by two men. Lieutenant Guirado, with escort, camne in at close of day from McAdoo, via fil- chers Ferry. Reports no rebels discovered by that command as far as Fairview. Monday, August 15, 6 ociock.Broke camp at early hour and moved back to Searcy, leaving Eleventh Missouri at Goads, to await comning up of the Third United States from Searcy to Bayou Des Arc, where First Brigade diverged toward hickory Plains, and Second and head- quarters went on and into camp at Bull Bayou. First Brigade was ordered to Devalls Bluff by best road. Taesday, August 16.The general comumandiug and staff; with Twenty-second Ohio Mounted Infantry (forty men), left Bull Bayou at 5 oclock and pushed omi to Brownsville, where took cars for Little Rock. Colonel Stuart, with Second Brigade, wemit on to Bayou Metoe, amid camped; repaired the bridge, and on the 17th marched on to the Rock. The train sent from Searcy with the sick put into Brownsville in distress, owing to the weakness of the mules, and the mnen were transferred to Devalls Bluff by cars. Colonel Geigers commnand arrived safe. From Little Rock to Austin, twenty-five miles; Austin to Searcy Lauding, twenty-six miles amid a half; Searcy Landing to Augusta, twenty-five miles; Augusta to Searcy, twenty-five miles; Searcy Land- ing to Goads, eleven miles amid a half; Goads to Searcy, nine miles; Searcy to Little Rock, fifty miles; total 172 miles. JAMES F. DWIGhT, ]Iiliajor Elereuth Missouri Cavalry, Volunteer Aide-do- Camp Page 229 0mw. LU]] EXPEDITION PROM LITTLE ROOK, ARK. 229 No.4. Itins.y,jQh4 Third. Brigade, Second Dfrision, Seventh Amy Cwps, VoL Washington F. Geiger~ BightS Missouri (Jaeairy. The brigade marched out of camp at 12 m4August 6] to join in a cavalry expedition under Brigadier-General at against the rebel forces in the vicinity of Jacksonport and Batesville, Ark. Marched twenty miles and encamped near Des Arc, Ark. August 7.4t 4.30 p. m. resumed march, and encamped at Bull Creek,. a distance of thirty miles, where the brigade joined . General Wests command. August & Marched twenty miles, to Searcy Landing, on Little Bed River. August 10.Marched back four miles and encamped.. August 11.Marched to White Diver and crossed, and iinmediatel recrossed and encamped. y August 12.Proceeded to Searcy Landing, twenty-five miles, and encamped. August 15.Marched twelve miles into Marcy Valley and encamped. August 14.Took up line of march for Devalls Blufl where the bri- gade arriyed.on the 17th. No.5. Report of Brig. (len. Joseph 0. Shelby,. 0. & Amy. HEwQxtnTns CoNnDnATz Fozous, August 15, 1864. OOLOnL: The days of delusive calm and quietude were rudely broken in upon twenv-four hours after I last tohed you. Five thousand Federals, with ten pieces of artillery (all cavalry), cam6up from Devalls Bluff like a thnderboll and drove in my outlying pickets and scouts right sturdily. They hopedto surprise me and disperse my recruits, besides capturing my pontoon bridge and ordnancs. One long day before they struck my immediate vedettes I had sect all my ineffect- ive men fifteen milestotherear, and watehedandwaitedon the east side of Black River for the denouement. I intended to fight them if they came 10,000 strong, but before they reached my y~oAition they changed their minds. They divided at Searcy, one portion going by Grand Glaise to Augusta, where they crossed White River and burned the mill there, and the other portion halting near Grand Glaise. They remained in Augusta only a short time, but recrossed the river, losing 6 men and 80 horse, and have all gone back to Marcy. They had eigh4r wagons and many ambulances. Their reason for the heavy move I coujeeture to be this: The pressure on the railroad was getting tighter and tighter, and itbecame necessary to relieve it. My hiture movements depend entirely on the orders brought by Ma- orLawrence. Nothing new has transpired since my last letter. The Federals beyond the Mississippi are getting whipped in every fight. The news from Missouri is glorious. This is Geds chosen time for a raid therethatwill shake her from center to circumference. I send you a late paper. I reported that Erwins operations on the MississippiRiver From mocthly return Page 230 230 LOUIS1AN~ AND THE mANS-MISSiSSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. had been successful. So they were 111) to my last coniinunicatiou, bi~it at a subsequent period, with a force of eighty men, he was attacked by 400 Federals and handled pretty severely, losing 10 killed and 20 woiin (led. hoping to receive favorable views from my Missouri application, I am, very truly, yours, ~. SHELBY Brigadier- General, (iomm an ding. Lieut. Col. J. F. BELTON. Assistant Adjutant- General, Cam den, Ark. AUGUST 7, 1864.Skirmish near Huntsville, Mo. Report of Lient. Cot. Alexander F. Denny, Forty-Sixth infantry En rolled Missouri Militia. HDQRS. FORTY-SIXTH REGT. ENROLLED MISSOURI AlL., Huntsrille, Mo., August 8, 1864. GENERAL: I have the pleasure to report that I move(l from this place. on the morning of the 7th with. a small detachment of the Ninth Cav- alry Missouri State Militia, comumanded by Sergeant Fisher, and detachments of Captain Mayos and Lieutenant AcKinseys Volunteer Militia, commanded by Lieutenant Dunn. We came upou the trail of Jim Anderson, the notorious robber and guerrilla, some five miles sonth of this place, about 10 ~ and after pursuing it about two hours lost it. I scoured the brush for miles, amid at 2 p. 111. came oat upon the road from Huntsville to Fay& te, at the residence of Oweu Bagby. Four of our men rode up to the house, when Anderson and his men commenced firing upon them from the house. I ordered the column to dismount and charge theni on foot. The boys came up in fine style, with a deafening yell, whemi Anderson mounted his men and retreated hastily through the rear of the farm, having previously left the gates down. I ordered the men to remount, and with some five or six of the men who had their horses in advance, charged the enemy as he retreated through the fields. We were obstructed by gates arid fences, and the enemy got nuder cover of the woods some 300 yards in advance of us. With the little handful of men in the advance I or(lered. a charge through the thick brush, which was made in gallant style, random shots being fired at us and returned by our men until we reached a long lane. Here the chase became fierce and rapid. We ran upon the rear, coming on two men umounted omi one horse. The horse was shot front un(ler them, and the men scaled the fence and took to the I)astures. George Iltaymmolds, of Captain Mayos company, who was with mime in the advance, having fired his last shot fell back to reload. A short hand-to-hand comiflict with pistols ensued betweemi the robber amid mnyself, when, after the exchange of some four or five shots, George Peak, Company D, Ninth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, came to my relief and ended his existence with a rifle-shot, lie had been wounded in the neck and back. John Kale of Comn ~ireviously , pammyD, Ninth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, pursued the other dismounted mnan on foot through the fields until he had exhausted his last shot, havimig previously ~yommded himn iii the mieck. So soon as the men caine up I ordered themn forward, but Amiderson being so well mounted coul Page 231 CHAP. LIII.] AFFAIR NEAR FORT LYON, COLO. TEE. 231 not be overtaken. The men all conducted themselves well. At the time of the attack we were not fully aware of Andersons strength. There were only ten men at Bagbys, yet their number was reported to us subsequently at thirty men. Result of the skirmish, 1 man killed and 1 mortally wounded; also Jim Anderson reported shot through the nose; 1 horse killed, 1 wounded, and I captured; also 1 gun and 4 or 5 pistols. Money taken from the person of the dead man: $90 in gold, $286 in greenbacks, $4.50 in silver, $16 W. M. 13.; total, $396.50. Our loss, 1 horse. Anderson turned into the brush after a run of three miles and scattered his men. We followed the trail as long as we could when we turned in the direction of Huntsville. We came upon him again at 6 oclock in the brush within three miles of Huntsville. A few shots were fired by our men and an exciting chase of ten minutes fol- lowed, when the enemy was lost in the thick brush. I am, very respectfully. your obedient servant, A. F. DENNY, Lieut. (Jol. Forty-sixth Reyt. Enrolled Missouri Militia. I have semit out men on fresh horses to go in I)llrsnit this morning. GENERAL: I have made rather a long report of a short fight, know- ing that outside a military poimit of view you would feel a personal interest in my operations. Let inc state here, geiieral, that Bill Ander- son has stated that he intended concentrating 200 men in Randolph, and this continuous hanging ~tround indicates to my mind that such are his intentions. A. F. 1). Gen. J. B. BOUc-LAS, (Jommanding Eighth JIiIilitarq L)istriet, Mexico, Mo. AUGUST 7, 1864.Affair near Fort Lyon, Cob. Ter. Report of ]lliaj. Edward TV. WynA-oop, First (Jolorado (Jaralry. IIEADQITARTERS, Port Lyon, Gob. Ter., August 9, 18G4. SIR: I have the honor to rej)ort for information of the colonel com- manding that on the night of the 7th instant at about 10 oclock I received intelligence that a train had been attacked about seven miles from this post by a band of Indians supposed to be Kiowas and Co- who immediately crossed to the south side of the river, and there joining a large party proceeded tip the river. I immediately sent word to Captain Gray, at Camp Wynkoop, to throw his command on the opposite side of the Arkansas River to cut off the retreat of the Indians, should they l)roceed in that direction. In the mneanwhile, with eighty men and one howitzer, I crossed the river at this point for the purpose of proceeding up the other side rapidly in pursuit. My com- muand consisted of detachinemits of Company I), commanded by Captain Soule, and Conipany K, comuniamided by Lieutenant Quinby, and Com- pany G, with howitzer, commanded by Lieutenant Baldwin. While crossing the river I received a dispatch fromn Bents Ramich to the effect that a party of Indians had been there that evei ming, mci udiiig Satamita, war chief of the Kiowas, amid two more of their principal chiefs, that they had but a small party with them in sight, but the supposition was Page 232 232 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. judging from the importance of the chiefs present, that a very large war party was in the immediate neighborhood. The dispatch also stated that the Indians had proceeded down the river, ai~d a few miles below Beiits Ranch they attacked a house occupied by a family named Rood and murdered all the inmates. By a forced march 1 proceeded up in tile direction of T3ents Ranch, seeing no signs of Indians until I reached the house said to have been attacked by the Indians, which was unoc- cul)ied, but which bore evidence of there having been a conflict ai~ attenlpt having been made to fire the house froiu the outside, which had proved unsuccessful. I afterward learned that the house had been gal- lantly defended by four men who had been attacked by fourteen of the red devils, and had finally driven them oft; killing one of them. 1 then l)roceeded as far as Bents Ranch, scouting the conutry, but finding 110 evideilce of there having beell more thait fourteen Indians, and those having apparently rapidly decamped in (lirection of the (linarron, after fruitless search I returned to-day to this post, my men having been ill the saddle for two nights, being entirely exhausted. I am well con- vinced Satanta with 1,000 or more warriors of the Kiowas and Comanches is located over on the Cimnarron or in that vicinity. I have also received informatjon that four white men have been murdered by these same In- dians near the Cimarron Crossing. The available troops that I have ill this garrison will not warrant me ill attacking Satanta at I)resent, not being able to take more than fifty mcii into the field, after leaving what would barely suffice for the absolute protection of the post, lf it is possible I would respectfully recommend that I receive some re-enforce- ments, so that I may take a sufficient command in the field to punish this fiend Satanta and his murdering crew. All of which is respectfully submitted. I have tile honor to remain, with much respect, your obedient servant, B. W. WYNKOOP, Major First Colorado Carairy, Commanding Fort Lyon. Lient. J. S. MAYNARD, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gem., Dist. ~t Cob., Denrer, Cob. Ter. AUGUST 78, 1864.Scout from Independence into La Fayette County, No. Report oJ Capt. Thomas Moses, jr., Second Colorado Carairy. INDEPENDENCE, Mo., August 8, 18G4. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that pursuant to order I marched froni this statiomi at 4 a. m. on the 7th instant, with the following coni- inand, viz: Lieutenant Parsons, Lieutenant Ducey, and 128 men. I proceeded south on the Pleasant Hill road as far as C-renters farm, but could imot discover any fresh signs of the enemy; thence marched east for Round Prairie, and when near Snibar Station met Captain Blair, of the Fourth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, with his command, and as I found that lie had just scoilted through the Round Prairie country, I marched in the directiomi of Greemmton, in La Fayette Coumity. When imear Lick Skillet, we discovered five bushwhackers, at a distance of about one mile from us, when I ordered Lieutenant Ducey to take time advance guard and pursue them, which he (lid for about four miles, but could not overtake them, and returned to the command. Thence I marched to the place of Mr. Harp, living on the line of Jackson and L Page 233 SCOUT TO MULBERRY CREEK, KANS. 233 Fayette Counties, and encamped for the night. Learned from hood author- ity in the neighborhood that Thornton, Quantrill, Todd, Yea.ger, Taylor, Thrailkill, and Anderson were encamped four miles from that place on the 4th instant with from 300 to 500 men, but was unable to ascertain whether they had left or not. They were reported camped on the John Campbell farm. At daylight I marched for that place, but found that they had broken camp and left on the evening of the 5th instant; but, jndging by the appearance of their camp, should not think they had over 200 or 300 mcii. Mrs.. Campbell informed inc that Todd had 150 men; he came there with his command on Thursday morning, the 4th instant, and she thinks left the same evening. They divided up into small parties, and caine in the direction of Blue iRiver and Itaytown. I also ascertained that small parties of from six to ten caine from the itorth, northeast, aiid northwest on the same day, and returned the next morning, and judging from all the information that I could gather think that they met to hold a council of war, with what ulterior object I coul(l not say. Thence I rctiirnc(l to this station, arriving at about 5 oclock this p. in. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, TH. MOSES ,Jn., Captain, ASecond Colorado Cavalry, Commanding Post. Maj. J. NELSON SMITH Contmctn(l inq ftation, Iindependcnce, Mo. AUGUST 811, 1864.Scout from Sahina to Mulberry Creek, Kans. Reports of Capt. iTem y Booth, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, Salina, Angust 7, 18644 p. in. SIR: I have the honor to forward a dispatch just received from Smoky Hill Crossing concerning the stampeding of the horses of Coin- pamiy H, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, stationed at that point. I learn from the dispatch bearer, who was one of the herders, that the Indiamis num- bered from fifteen to seventeen. They caine from toward the Arkansas. River, but might have come from up the Smoky Hill and simply secreted themselves below the ranch to enable them to stampede the stock up the river. The Indians fired upon the herders with arrows mostly; one only fired with a fire-arm. The nnmbcr of horses taken is from forty to forty- five, with five mules belonging to the Kansas Stage Company. After the Iudiaims had driven the stock about a half a mile they appeared to be in no hurry. The soldiers, from the ranch pursne(i them omi foot as far as was amiy use, firing upon them with their carbines, but had accom- plished nothing when the messemiger left. I shall scud a scout up the Saline River to-morrow morning, as I think there is more possibility of finding them on that stream than on the Smoky Hill. I shall go with time scout myself and acquaint myself with the country and gain such knowledge of the whereabouts of the Indians as possible. I would like to have enough men to niake a thorough search of this country, but you are aware, general, that my company is but partially mounted and poorly armed to hunt Indians, having only carbines. I would like to have revolvers or sabers, or both. I have no transportation. It is m Page 234 ~34 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI, [CHAP. LIII. opiuion that the ludjaus are determined to take all the stock Ill this I)art of the country and mount themselves well before lighting much. The people here are alarmed about their stock. They are trying to raise a squad to pursue the Indians up the Smoky while I go lii) Saline River. All of which is respectfully submitted. \Tery respectfully, your obe(l i cut servaut hENRY 1300T1i, Capt. Co. F), Eleventh Kansas Vol. (Jar., Corn 4g. I~ost at ~aiina. Maj. 0-eu. S. it. CURTIS [Inclosure. SMOKY HILL CROS5IN(3~, August 7, 18649 a.rn. SIR: We have had all om horses stampeded this moruiug except two, which the herders rode. They were taken at 7 a. m. while out herding. There were about fifteen Indians in niunber, as near as 1 could judge. The horses were run directly tip the Smoky. W. H. STRUTHERS, #S~ergeant, Compan,q H, & vcntlt Iowa (Java ~ Comndg. Detachment. HEADQUARTERS, Sa lina, August 11, 1864. SIR: 711 have the honor to report the result of a scout made by myself and twenty enlisted meu of my command up the Saline River, a (lis- tauce of thirty-five or forty miles. Sunday evening, August 7, 1864, I received a dispatch from Smoky Hill Crossing stating that the horses of H Company, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, had been stampeded and run off by a party of Indians. The dispatch stated that the stock had been run north. I imnuediately determined to proceed up the Saline River and intercept, if possible the thieving redskins. We started Monday morning with four days rations; having no transportation we could cariy no more. lWre pro- ceeded up the south bank of Salimme River, throwimin g out flankers on each side to discover, if possible, traces of 1)rowling bands of Imhians. We marched this day about twenty-three miles and camped about a mile from the river to keep away from the tinuber, to guard against Indians stampeding our stock. Tuesday morning we continued up the river to the month of Elkhorn Creek, whi elm we crossed and proceeded up the westbank. This creek heads in toward the Smoky Hill and affords a good place for Indians to resort to, as it is surrounded by high hills, is well watered, and ha~s good grass for that country. We followed this creek to its head, scoutin ~ on both sides, but discovered no traces of Indians. We camped on the head of this 4ream Tuesday night. Wed- nesday nuorning we started south and struck the head of Clear Creek, a branch of Smoky Hill, which we examnined thoroughly but discov- ered nothing. We then turned east aimd came upon the headwaters of Mulberry Creek whi cli stream we followed to Salina, where we arrived Thursday evenin~g, August 11, 1864. The heads of the streamus that run into the Saline and Smoky Hill Rivers afford a good place for Indians to rendezvous previous to making a descent upon any point east of them. I dont think there is or has been any Indians on the south side of Saline River within thirty-five miles of this place. I find upon my return that a messenger came into this post on Monday evening (as pe Page 235 CHAP. LIII.j OPERATIONS IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS. 235 report) front the north side of Saline River, with a report that four men had beeu killed by Indians. The facts you will Rud in my report as stated by Sergeant Reynolds, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, who accompanied the scouting party. All of which is respectfully submitted. Very res~)ectfUhly, your obedient servant, HENRY IlOOTIl, Capt. Company L, iEierenth Itansas Vol. (Ia r., (Iomdg. Post. Major-General BLUNT. (Copy to Major-General Curtis.) AUGUST 915, 1864.Operations in Central Arkansas, with skirmishes. I~IEPOT~TS. No. 1.Brig. Geii. Eugene A. Carr, U. S. Army, cOnmmn(lin~ District of Little Rock. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Christopher C. Andrews, U. S. Army, cOrnlnan(lillg S~COn(l l)ivis- ion, Seventh Army Corps. No. 3.Col. -Abraham 11. Ryan, Thir(l Arkansas Cavalry (ITnion). No. 1. Report qf Brig. Gem. Eugene A. Carr, U. kS. Army, commanding District of Little Rock. HEADQUARTERS DiSTRiCT OF LITTLE ROCK, Little Rock, Ark., , 1864. Record of combats, skirmishes, & c., in District of Little Rock, during the fifteen days ending August 15, 1864: August 9.Dispatch received from Colouci Clayton, corn manding Pine Bluff, states that his scouts captured 2 Confederates to-day. August 11.Dispatches received from Colonel Ryan, coinmandin g Lewisbiirg, states Captain Herring, while on au eighteen days scout, Yell County, killed the two Newsoin brothers. August 12.Dispatches receive(I from Colonel Ryan, commanding Lewisburg, states Lieutenant-Colonel Fuller, while on a scout to Clin- ton, Kinderhook, Richwoods, and Wileys Cove, killed 1 and captured 12 of the enemy. Dispatch received from General Andrews, command- ing 1)evalls Bluff, states that a lieutenant and 12 men of the Fifty- fourth Illinois Infantry, belonging to Hay Station, while going after water with wagon, were captured by a superior Three and the lieuten- ant wounded. A party of Eleventh Missouri Cavalry was started out after them, recaptured the lieutenant and men, killing 2 of the enemy and captured 2 horses. August 13.Dispatch received from Col. A. H. Ryan, commanding Lewisburg, says Captain Hinkle has just sent in 10 prisoners captured near Galman [Quitman~1. On the 11th instant Captain Dodds company of independent scouts ran iu a camp Confederates near Saline River amid routed them, killing 6, wounding several, taking 2 prisoners, and capturing 16 horses, with- out sustaining any loss. August 11.t)ispatch received from Colonel Ryan, commanding Lew- isburg, states that Captain Boles returned front scont to Dardanelle Page 236 23~ LOUISIANA AND TIW ThANSMISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIlL Danville, & c.; had two skirmishes with the enemy. Two of his men wounded; killed 3, wounded 4 rebels, and brought in 3 prisonePs. Cap- taiu Blansel, of Scotts company of bushwhackers, ki lied. Respectfully submitted. E. A. CARR, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lient. Col. W. D. GREEN, Asst. AdJt. Gem., Hdqrs. i)ept. of Ark., Little Rock, Ark. No. 2. Report of Brig. Gen. Christopher C. Andrews, U~ S. Army, commanding Second Division, Seventh Army CoNys. DEVALLs BLUFF, August 12, 18648 p. m. Yesterday a lieuteuanL and twelve men of Fifty-fourth Illinois, belomiging to flay Station nearest here, while returning IQ camp with water, having a mule team, were surprised and captured, in the timber about a mile from camp, by a superior number of bushwhackei-s. The lieutenant was wounded. The teamster escaped. A ~)arty of the Elev- euth Missouri Cavalry ~was sent omit, and recaptured the lieutenant and the men, killed 2 of the enemy and captured 2 horses. C. C. ANDREWS, Brigadier- General. Capt. C. H. I)YER. No. 3. Report of Col. Abraham H. Ryan, Third Arkansas Cavalry (liTnion). LEWTSBURG, August 14, 18649 a. in. Captain Boles returned last night from scout to Dardanelle, Dan- ville, and Bluifton; had two skirmishes, 2 of his men wounded. Killed 3, wounded 4, and brought in 3 prisoners. Captain Blansel, bushwhacker, of Scotts company, killed. No enemy in l~erry and Yell Counties except bushwhackers. A. Ii. RYAN, Colonel. Capt. C. H. DYER, Assistant A (ljn taut- General. AUGUST 1012, 1864.Scouts from 1~Iorganza, La., with skirmishes. Report of Brig. Gen. Michael K. Lawier, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Morganza, La., August 14, 1864. CAPT~TN: On the 10th instant, at 9 p. mu., I sent out (letachmnents of cavalry through all the parts of this parish. Lieutenant-Colonel Crebs, Eighty-seventh Illinois Mounted infantry, with 3~O men, marched through the upper part of the parish, and a small regilnent o Page 237 (iBM. LULJ SKIRMISH NEAR SAND OEEEK~ COLO. TEL 287 infantry was went to the La Tenache road, about three miles below Wifliamsport, as a support to the cavalry. Colonel Orebs, in con- sequence of the celerity of his movements and his previous knowl- edge of the country, succeeded in capturing a rebel lieutenant, named Collins and 16 men. They were captured in different detach- ments. He aiso captured 20 horses, about 18 pisto and the same number of Enfleld rifles, saddles, & c. Lieutenant-Colonel Crebs and his party rode eighty miles in twenty-six hours. Our loss was 3 men wounded and 2 horses killed. Lieutenant-Colonel Gurney, Second New YQrk Volunteer Veteran Cavalry, advanced through the lower part of the parish with about 300 cavalry and a small regiment of infantry as a support The infantry halted at the Morgans Ferry road about eight miles from this place. Lieutenant-Colonel Gurney captured 6 men, 12 horses, and 15 small-arms. Major Magoffin, C. S. Army, a nephew of Es-Governor Magoffin, of Kentacky in attempting to escape from our men was mortally ixUured by a fall from his horse. Lieutenant Slack, C. SJ Army, was mortally wounded and has since been reported dead. Our loss was 1 man wounded and 8 captured; also S horses killed. Lieutenant-Colonel Gurneys expedition returned to camp on the 12th instant. Very respectfully, your obedient servan~ K. LAWbEB, Capt S. C. F& rnfrNGToN, Acting Aesietat 141. estQsserai. AVGVBT 11, 166LSklrmlsk mar Bawl Greek, (lob. Tar. flEPORTS. No. LMatJ. Edward W4 Wynkoop, First Colorado Cavalry. Np. tLleut. Joseph 4. Cramw,Plrst Colorado Cavalry. No. tLiout Horace W. Baldwin, Independent Battery Colorado Light ArIjj~ery, commanding detachment First Colorado Cavalry. No. 4.flout. Ira Quinby, First Colorado Cavalry. No; 1. Report of Maj. BdwarJ 17. Wgnkoop, E~rs# (Jelorwlo (kwatrsj. FORT LYON, CoLo. TEn., August 13,1864. Sm: I have the honor to report, for the information of the colonel commanding, that on the 11th instant while my ordnance sergeant, Kenyon, was a few miles north of this post in search of a stray h he was pursued by hfteen Indians, they following him to within Bight ofthecommissarybuilding. Iutenminuteslhadthirtymeninthe addle, and dividing them into two squads started them Immediately in pursuit The detaohmimts were respectively commanded by Lieu- tenants Cramer and Baldwin, co$es of whose reports I inclose. Toward night, after hearing that Lieutenant Cramer was fighting the Indians, and receiving a message from him to the effect that he believed there toboaverylarge bodyin his neighborhood on Sand Creek, I hurriedly dispatehed Lieutenant Quinby with thirty men to re-& iforce Lieutenant C~. In the meanwhile Company E, Captain Gray Page 238 238 LOUISIANA AND THE TRAiNS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. having arrived from Camp Wynkoop, I left them to garrison the post and followed in person with a section of the battery, Lieutenant Hardin, and a small detachment of cavalry, Captain Soale. I was accompanied by Captain Robbins, chief of cavalry. It was very dark when I left tll( post, and I had gone but a few miles when a thunder-shower arose, making it impossible to know with any certainty what direction I was proceeding. I still kept on, and after a march of over six hours suc- ceeded in finding Sand Creek; there halting the command I sent out scouts aimd remained until daybreak. Omi account of having beeim thrown considerably out of my course by the storm, I was unable to find either Lieutenant Cramer or the Whereabonts of the Indians. The Indians are supposed to be Kiowas. There is a probability that they are Arapahoes. At all events, it is my intention to kill all Indiamis I may come across until I receive orders to the contrary from headquar- ters. Just as I was about leaving the post with the above-mentioned commamid two men were driven in by the Imidians who were proceeding up the river. I have received officials intelligence to the effect that thirty memi of Comnpany A, First Cavalry of Colorado, have had a fight with a large body of Indians near the crossimig of the Arkamisas, amid lost all their horses. A few days before that two muen of Comnpany A were murdered while ont alone; two mcii of Company E while at Camp Wyllkoop are supposed also to have been murdered. I desire also to report the fact that the carbiiies with which our regiment is armed are absolutely worthless, it being imnpossible to discharge over two-thirds of them. I am obliged to depend aimnost altogether on the pistol and saber, and you are aware that a large number of the mneu are without pistols. I have no (Ioubt that the post was surrounded by Indians for the purpose of endeavoring to mu off my herds, but 50 far I have entirely baffled them, not having lost a simugle head. I will continue to remain as vigilant as possible. All of which is respectfully submitted. I am, sir, very respe6tfully, your obedient servant, E. W. WYNKOOP, Major First (Jar. ~/ (Job., (low dy. Fort Lyon, Cob. Tar. J~5 MAYNARD, Acty. Asst. Adjt. (Thu., I)ist. ~/ (Job., .i)eu car, Cob. Tar. No. 2. Report oJ Liant. Joseph A. Cr(uner, First Colorado Cavalry. FORT LYON, CoLo. TIER., An~qftst 12, 1864. SIR: In pursuance to Special Orders, No. 169, da ted at these head- quai~ters, Fort Lyon, Cob. Ter., August 11, 1864, I started from this 1)ost at 12 in., 1)roceediug down the rivei a distance of four or five muiles and took a due north course lbr three mniles, and there came in sight of a band of Indians who were from five to six mniles in advance of us, they going in a northeast direction. I immediately gave chase, and after a race of fifteen or twenty mniles I came up with them, fourteen iii num- ber, who immediately turned and charged mny command, and at the same time endeavoring to get to our rear. At the time that the fight commuenced I had but six men; the rest, whose horses had failed, were to our rear, coming up as fast as possibhe~ As soon as thc rest of oa Page 239 CHAP. ilL] SKIRMISH NEAR SAND CREEK, COLO. TER. 239 meit had joined us we adyauce~l, driving them and following them four miles, in which it was a running light, resulting iii wounding four Indians and capturing one pony, with no loss on our side. I here sent back a messenger to report the facts to you, and ask fOP instructions. We were then twenty-five miles from the post; all of our horses given out. After a rest of a few moments we went over on Sand Creek for water, which we found in abumidamice; then followed on for twenty miles farther, but were unable to get nearer than three quarters of a mile of them. Our horses all gave out but three. Went into camp on Sand Creek at an Indian crossing, where from 100 to 15() had crossed but an hour or two before we arrived, their trail leading southeast. At 10 at night there came up a very heavy rain-storm spoiling all our ammuni- tion, thereby obliging us to start for the post, where we arrived a little after sunrise on the 12th, traveling a distance of ninety miles. Allow me here to speak of the men who accompanied me, all of whom, with one exception, behaved with coolness and bravery. I would more l)articularly speak of Sergeant Forbes, Company D; Corporal Yakee, Company B; and Sergeant Reed, of Company L, and recommend them to your notice. Had we had good aims I am satisfied we could have captured the whole band, but our carbines (Starr) were useless, only two out of eleven that could be fired. Respectfully submitted to Major Wynkoop for approval. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. A. CRAIVWJI, ASecond Licatenan t Company U, First Cavalry of Colorado. Maj. E. W. WYNKOOP. iNoi3. Report of Lieut. Horace W. Baldwin, Independent Battery Colorado Light Artillery, commanding detachment First Colorado Cavalry. FORT LYON, CoLo. TER., August 12, 18G4. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that in compliamice with Special Orders, No. 169, dated Fort Lyon, Cob. Ter., August 11, 1864, I crossed time river at this post with a comumand of one nou- comumissioned officer and fifteen privates of K Squadron, First Cavalry of Colorado. I proceeded down the river on the south side until I had satisfied myself that the Indians had not crossed, and believing that I could render more effective service by crossing I crossed the river about twelve miles below this post amid immediately took the trail of the enemny. I followed this trail until about 4 p. in., when I met a messenger from Lieutenant Cramers command, who told me that by ri(iing five miles directly miorth I would find Lieutenant Cramer engage(l with the ludians. I made all haste in the direction named but failed to find Lieutenant Cramer. I continued to travel in this direction until it becanie so dark that I could iiot see an object at 100 feet distamit. I was at this time near the lime bluffs on Sand Creek, but believing that it would not be safe for me to camp with horses iii such condition I marched back ~o the lakes, ten miles from Sand Creek, where I rested my stock about two hours. My miiien being very poorly supplied with clothing, and having no rations, the night being ~old a mid rainy, 1 thought it ~idvisablc for nie to rCturlu to this post an Page 240 240 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPi. [CHAP. Liii. report agaiu for orders. My men were in the saddle about eighteen hours and rode withiu that tune sixty-five miles. I arrived at this post about one hour before daylight August 12, 1864. Respectfully submitted. HORACE W. BALDWIN, Second Licut., Ltd. Batty. Cob. Vol. Arty., (Jomdg. Detachment. Lieut. W. W. I)ENISoN, First Colorado Cavalry, Post Adjutant. No. 4. Report of Licat. ira Quinby, First Colorado Cavalry. FORT LYON, COLO. TEE., August 12, iSGI. SIR: Agreeable to Special Orders, No. 169, dated Fort Lyon, Cob. Ter., August 11, ordering me with twenty men of Company K, First Cavalry of Colorado, to re-enforce Lieutenant Cramer, I left this post at 7.30 p. m. the 11th and proceeded as I suppose(i in the direction he had taken, but owing to the darkness of the night I lost my way, and aftei~ wandering about until nearly midnight I camped until morning, then started in the direction 1 sui)l)osed lie had gone. After traveling about fifteen miles I struck his trail returning to this post, upon which I immediately returned. I did not see any Indians on the trip. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, IRA QUINBY, First Licut., First Cavalry (~f Colorado, Comdg. C1omPpany K. Maj. E. W. WYNKOOP, Commanding Fort Lyon, Cob. Ter. AUGUST 11, 1864.Skirmish at Hartville, Mo. Reports of Brig. Gen. John B. Sauborn, U. S. Army, commanding ills trict of Southwest Missouri. SPRINGFIELD, Mo., August 13, 1861. There was some fighting at Ilartville on Thursday night between the troops stationed at that post and rebel force supposed to be Tracys command, about 200 men; result is yet unknown. The rebel force caine from Texas County. A reconnaissance from Rolla to that county would probably be attended with thvorable results. Colonel Freemans COniinan(I is at Hicknian Mills, on Strawberry, sai(I to consist of 1 500 men, xyell armed and mnonmmted. Shelbys headquarters oim Momiday last were two miles north of Batesville. His conmmand tlmere said to amount to 3,500 mcmi. Colonel IDobbin called on him t~r re-enforeements this (lay, representing that line was hard pressed by our troops between iDe- valls Bluff amid Helena. From the umost reliable immlbvmation I can get, time force of the enemy that can reach my outposts without opposition is as follows: General Shelbys, 3,500; Colominel Freenians, 1,500; Majors Nichols, Brown, Pickler, and Tracy, 700; aggregate, 7,200 [a?]. The in- formation I have concermiimiig IMlarniadukes coummaud is conflicting- as to its position, some meports being that it is imi the rear of General Steeles lines, and sonic that it is in front. All these forces, I think Page 241 CHAT. till.] EXPEDITION TO KENT S LANDING, ARK. 241 except Dobbins and Marmadukes, are likcly to advanec this fall if they can subsist, and this they can do in roasting-ear time. I think that ordinary prudence requires that one more battery should be sta- tioned at Springfield for sixty days, until the last of October. Every- thing is quiet in the district, with the exception of the Hartville affiiir. JOHN B. SANBORN, Maj. ~. B. GREENE, Brigadier- Gefteral, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- (Jeneral. SPRiNGFIELD, Mo., August 20, iRGI. The force on Coxvskiii Prairie proved to be three squadrons of Adairs reginment, of Stand Waties command, added to the bash- whackers. it has been driven from that section with .a loss of 1 officer and 4 men killed and gone to some point in the vicinity of Fort Smith. The force that caine near Hari9ville was Tracys command and was immediately driven back soath, with a loss of 1 killed and 3 woIln(le(l. Bands of from fifteen to thirty-five men (rebels) are nightly passing south in unfrequented paths. Citizens and soldiers pnrsning have captured some horses, but as yet none of the men. They commit no depredations more than to steal a horse now and theit. Nearly all the recruits and poorly armed men of General Shelbys command were at or within one days march of Batesville (north) last Sunday. Shelby failed to re-enforce iDobbin in season to enable him. to hold his position and IDobbin retreated, losing 17 men killed aiid some prisoners uiid horses. Dobbin received some 3,O0() stand of arias across the Mississippi River below Heleiia some two or three weeks since, with wln Ii the recruits in Northern Arkansas are being armed. He also reeeived ammunition. Some of his line officers say that Little Rock is to be taken before any effort is made to advance into Missouri; others thtt lie is to advance anyway and before long. I think his plans and desions will develop within the iiext two or three weeks. The enemys move- ments known here now would seem to indicate aii attack upon Little Rock or our lines of communications to it. Everything is quiet in the district. JOHN B. SANBORN, 1V14 0. D. GREENE, Commanding District, Assistant Adjutant- General, AUGUST 1113, 1864Expedition from Helena to Kents Landing, Ark. Report of Capt. Eli Ramsey, Sixtieth U. S. Coipred Troops. HELENA, ARK., August 14, 156i, SIR: I have the honor to report the progress and result of a scout under my command, composed of fonr commissioned officers and sev- enty-five men of the Sixtieth U. S. Colored Iiifantry and six men from Battery C, Second U. S. Colored Light Artillery. Embarked on board steamer H. A. Homeycrat 5.30 p. m. 11th instant; arrived at Kents Landing at 10.30 p. m. Leaving ten men under charge of a lieutenant to guard the boat, I proceeded with my command to the plantation 16 R RYOL XLI~ PT Page 242 242 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. occupied by a Mr. Miller, at which place I expected to find two desert- ers from Battery C, Second U. S. Colored Light Artillery, but they, having heard us while effecting a Ian diii g, made their escape. Thence we marched to the place of Mr. Nash for the purpose of cap- turing a rebel soldier by the name of Bell. lie having made his escape, and the uight being exceedingly dark and rainy, I allowed the men to rest till daylight, when we marched to Mr. ~ but finding nothing we returned to the boat, having accomplished nothing, save taking four horses. At 4 p. in. 12th instant got under way and went up the river to ilamlins. Sent the guides and oue lieutenant, mounted, to obtain what information they could. They ascertained that there was force of rebels within seven miles, variously estimated from 200 to 309, and that their object in that neighborhood was to co-operate with a force in Mississippi iu crossing over arms and ammu- nition into Arkansas. at the head of Buck Island. On learning this I run up to the island and anchored out in the stream until daylight, when I got under way for Helena, stopping at Mr. Diamonds and Millers, where I succeeded in capturing the two deserters aforemen- tioned. Arrived at Helena 9 p. in. 13th instant, having taken during the expedition 6 horses, 3 mules, and 7 head of cattle. The roads were in very bad condition, and it rained almost continually, and it was impossible, under the circumstances, to accomplish more. ELI RAMSEY, (Japtaut, Nxtictli U. ~. (lolored Jujwt try, Commanding Scout. AUGUST 1149, 1864.Operations in Johnson County, Mo., with skirmish (12th) near Holden. Report of Capt. lie/c i//c U. Fo8ter, Seventh MThuo a;i S/ate Militia Cavalry. HOLDEN, \lo., August 20 1864 I have the honor to make tn-monthly report of marches, scouts, & c., of troops under my command, as follows: August 11, took Lieutenant Main and txventy mcii; went on scout to Walnut Creek; found nothing. Returned on the 13th; traveled fifty miles. Same day Lieutenant Pharis, with fifteen men of Company C, went on foot scout north on Blackwater. Returned on the 13th, having discovered nothing; traveled thirty miles. August 12, Corporal Adams, with ten men Company C-, in charge of forage traimin, encountered Hutchinsons gang, eight in miumber, at Lotspeichs; had lively skirmish; captured 5 gulls. August 16, took Lieutenant Marr and thirty mcii; went to Norris Creek; found nobody; went to Honey Creek; saw three bushwhackers; ran them out of their huts. Returned on the 19th; traveled seventy miles. Same day Captain Baker and Lieutenant Combs, with thirty men, drove Panther and Walnut Creeks; traveled thirty miles. August 17, Lieutenant Pharis, with twenty-five men, was sent in i)llrsuit of the gang that burned the stage. Could not find them. Returned on the 18th; traveled forty miles. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, MELL. U. FOSTER, Captain, Commanding. Licut. J. N. PENNocK, Adjt. 7th Reyt. Cat. ltissoari State 111/., War rensbnrg, Mo Page 243 CRAP. LIII.] SKIRMISH NEAR FORT COTTONWOOD, NEI3R. TEi~. 243 AUGUST 11OCTOBER 28, 1864Operations against Indians in Nebraska Territory, with skirmish (September 20) near Fort Cottonwood. REPORTS. No. 1Brig. Gem Robert 13. Mitchell, U. S. Army, coniinandin~ J)istrict of Ne- braska. No. 2. Ejeut. Thomas Fiaiiagaii, Sixteenth Kansas Cavalry, commanding (letach nient of artillery. No.1. Report of Brig. Gem Robert 11. MItchell, U. AS. Army, commauThig Dis trict of Nebraska. HEADQUARTERS DISTRiCT OF NEBRASKA, Omaha, Nebr. Ter., October 14, 18G4. MAJoR: I have the honor to transmit herewith a JOU1.nal* of the operations of the troops under my command after leaving camp at Chalk Blnft~, on Solomon River, September 8, 1864, until September 24, 1864, at which time active operations ceased. Subsequent to the time of the operations as detailed in the journal inclosed my movements were conducted over a country so well known to the military that I did not deem a journal necessary, and therefore submit the followiim g sYlloP5Is of my movements: I remained at Cottonwood two (lays to recruit the horses and secure the necessary supplies, marching at sun- down, September 17, 1864, up The Platte River, intending if possible to strike a band of J3rule Sioux in the neighborhood of Ash Hollow, pro- ceeding without anything of interest occurring until arriving at the 01(1 Calithrnia Crossing, where I met a small band of Ogalalla Sioux under the guidance of Two Face, who has been our frmen(1 from the first. I gave these Indians protectiomt, sendino- them to Cottonwood. I crossed time river at this point, moving as ra})idly as possible to Ash Hollow, and through that across the North Platte on the Little Blue. We were too late, however, as the Indians had fled northwest through the Sand Hills to the headwaters of the Loup Fork or Niobrara Rivers. Their trails were all l)ointillg that way. I ordered Captain OBrien, with his company amid one howitzer, up the Blue, ami nmoved down the North Platte with the remainder of my command, ~)roceediImg with as munch ra~)idity as practicable with the worn-out condition of my horses to Cedar Bluffs, fimidiup no Indians. Front there I moved toward Cotton- wood, arriving at that post September 24, having marched in the aggre- gate since leaving that post 212 miles, seeing mio hostile Imidjairs save an occasional scout. I was satisfied that farther pmmrsuit for the presemit was useless. I innuediately placed iimy troops at suitable points along the lines of connunnication betxveemr Julesburg aiid the Kansas himie, with orders to patrol in such a muammuer as to thoroughly protect the route amid yet enable them to put their horses in comidition for a ral)id in arch after hostile ludians should opportunity offer. The Pawmiees were ordered home and the rolls containing their accounts sent to your headquarters for action. I returned to these headquarters as soon as I felt satisfied my orders were being carefully carried out. I ant, utajor, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. MITCHELL, Maj. C. S. CHARLOT, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of Kansas. Omitted Page 244 244 LOUISiA~A AND THE mANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII No. 2. Report of Lient. Thoma8 Planayai~, Sixteenth Kansas (larairy, com manding detachment of artillery. FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANS., Norember , 1864. ~JR: In coinphance with your communication of October 31, 1864, I herewith transmit my report of expedition after hostile Indians: I left Fort Leavenworth, Kans., on the 11th of August, 1864, with two pieces of artillery arid thirty-five men for Omaha, Nebr. Ter. At Plattsmouth I was ordered to disembark on account of the low stage of water and proceed by land to Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter. I left Platts- month August 17, traveling on what is called the ridge road, but water is so scarce the animals had to be watered with buckets; wood is also scarce, but grass is good. About forty miles west of Plattsinouth I saw the first indications of alarm amongst the settlers on account of the Indian troubles. 1 met about 200 men, women, and children leav- imig their houses and their all behind them for fear of their hostilities. I advised them to return, but their terror was too great to allow them to do so. I found the houses on the road all deserted and the fences carried away by passing trains. Those people were, in my opinion, very, foolish for leaving, as there was not an Indian to be seemi in that section of the country. If they had stopped, collected together, amid built a fort on sonic stream and placed their families there, there would have been no occasion for their leaving and having their property destroyed. I arrived at Junction Branch, on the Platte River, August 22, 1864. Here the three roads from Plattsinouth jointhe river road, the ridge road, and the lower road. Here I would note ammd recoininemid time lower road as much preferable for traveling to either of the other two. At this point, forty muiles east of Kearny, there is an abumindance of wood and a plentiful supply of good water and grass. August 24, arrived at Fort Kearny, having traveled the distance of 212 miles in seven days. Here I found Major-General Curtis and Brigadier-General Mitchell organizing and making arrangements for an expedition against hostile lndians. I left Fort Kearny September 1 with the commuand for Plumn Creek, thirty-five miles west of Kearny; arrived there at sundowmm that even- ing. The road is level along the Platte Bottom, with good grass and water. About half a mile east of Plum Creek are the graves of elevemi men, murdered by the Indians omi the 8th of August, and the remains of a train they had burned. The number of gnus having been imicreased to five pieces, by one from Saint Joseph, and two at Kearny, two pieces were ordered to report to Captain Gove, commanding General Curtis escort. One piece was ordered to report to Colonel Livingston, commanding First Nebraska Veteran Volumiteer Cavalry, and I was ordered to report to Colonel Summers, commuanding Seventh Iowa Cav- alry, with two pieces an(l a detachment of sixteen men. Septemuber 3, left Plum Creek and marched in a southwest direction about forty miles, and camped on the Republican River. No wood on the line of this days march, but good grass and water when we reached the Repub- lican. Crossed the river next morning; crossing bad in consequence of qnicksands. Saw where a party of Sioux Indians had camped about ten days previous. Scouts were immediately sent out, but failed to discover in what directidn they had gone. We them marched up a cafion for about two miles in length, in some places so narrow that a wagon had scarcely room to go through. The hills around here are barremi of -everything but bufihlo grass, whicl[ is of ~ whitisb, cQ~r Page 245 LIII.] ~KIUMJSH SEAR PORT COTTONWOOD, NEUR. TER. 245 This grass is good for horses, but SO short that considerakic time is required to collect a sufficient suppiy for any considerable number of animals. September 4, we encamped on a creek called Crooked Nose by the Indians; good grass, wood, and water here. Pawnee Indians who accompanied the command as guides and scouts killed some buffalo. As yet we had not discovered any of the hostile Indians. September 5, marched at 7 a. in., having sent out a pioneer party to make crossings for the wagons and artillery. Camped on the Beaver Creek that night, which is a nice stre~m with plenty of wood, water, and grass. While here Maj. I~. H. Hunt was sent out with a detachment of cav- alry and one piece of artillery to look out for Indians. September 6, moved to Prairie IDog Creek; here M aj. H. H. Hunt and his command joined us, having during the previous evening and to-day traveled over 100 miles of the country, but saw no Indians. He found an Indian pony, and saw other signs of them, without discovering them. September 7, reached Solomomis Fork. It is a splendid stream, good wood, grass, and water; from here Captain Wilcox, Seventh Iowa Cav- alry, was sent out with flis company on scout, and here the comman(1 was divided, General Curtis taking the First Nebraska Veteran Volumi- teer Cavalry, one company Nebraska militia, and a detachment of the Eleventh Ohio Cavalry and one company Eleventh Kansas Cavalry; General Mitchell taking the Seventh Iowa Cavalry an(I two pieces of artillery and Indian scouts. September 8, U eneral Curtis marched east, and General Mitchell west, to whose command I was attached. We marched up Solomons Fork about twenty miles; here we encamped waiting the return of Captain Wilcoxs command, which joined ns that evening; he saw no Indians, but saw signs; found the place where a large body of them had encamped but a short timne previous. Cap- tain Wilcox reports to have seen wagon tracks and white mens fiot- prints in the sand. September 9, marched in the directiomi of Medicine Lake, which is about forty miles south of Cottonwood Springs. GIme of the scouts reported this a favoiite place for Indians. September 10, started out at 4 a. in., marched in a northwesterly direction about forty miles, and camped on Prairie IDog Creek, about thirty-six miles above, where the comumnand had previously crossed; good grass, wood, and water. September 11, marched to Beaver Creek, traveling in a north- west directiomi. September 12, encamped on Crooked Nose Creek; saw a few buffalo, did not kill ammy. The horses were miow getting into a poor condition from the necessarily long marches and the want of corn. The want of picket-ropes was greatly against the cavalry, who had none, and was soon apparent on their animals. They took their horses omit to graze for two or three hours in the evenimig after they came into camp from a hard (lays march, then tied them up to a rope stretched from one wagon wheel to another for the night; this was all they got until next evemming. I had lariats for all my horses, and they were all the time in a serviceable condition. September 13, marched to Republican River and camped just below the mouth of Medicine Lake Creek. Captain Murphy, of Seventh Iowa Cavalry, was ordered out fiomn this poimit with his command on scout. September 14, mo ved camup to Medicine Lake Creek. It is a stream about temi yards wide, with about four feet depth; the banks high, rocky, and precipitous; good fish in this river. Laid over here until the 14th, until Captain Murphys comumand joined us, and to give the horses rest. Captain Murphy joined us 14th with his command; saw no Indians on his scout. September 15, started on march very early this mornimig; had marched about ten miles when the scouts came charging back, and rel)orte(i Indians in our front. The general ordered a charge, but as soon as we caine iii sight of the sup Page 246 246 LOUISJANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. till. posed Indians they tlirne(I out to be an independent company of Colo- rado rangers, hunting Indians like ourselves. September 16, camped on Medicine Lake. This is a favorite place for Indians to winter their stock. We saw a great many cottonwood trees that had been cut down by the Indians, the bark of the small limbs being eaten by their ponies when the grass is covered with snow. The lake is small, with high hills around it. The ~tream that runs from the lake runs in a southeast di- rection, until it empties itself into the Republican. There is good wood, grass, and water at the lake, and all alotiig the stream. September 17, marched to Fort Cottonwood, Nebr. Ter.; arrived at that post abont 10 p. m. The country to the back of Cottonwood is barren. Remainc(l here until September 19. Marched at sundown up the river. I was taken sick and did not accompany the colnlnan(l. September 20, remained at Cottonwood sick. A party of eight soldiers was sent out to-day to look for plums for sick in hospital; while on this duty they were surprised by a party of Indians sixty to seventy in number~ four of them were killed, and their bodies found next day mangled in a horrible manner; the remainder made their way back to camp. This occurred about three miles from camp, and the men belonged to the Seventh Iowa. The c.ommanding officer sent out a company in wagons to follow their trail until the next day, but the country became so broken they had to return, unable to proceed; they were unsuccessful. If they had beeii mounted they would certainly have overtaken them. This company found three ponies dead where the soldiers encountere(i the Indians the d y previous, and it is almost certain some of the Indians were killed. General Mitchell returned with his command to Cottonwood Septemnber 26. The artillery was left at Cottonwood; I took charge, and remained with the same; and had the horses all reshod. A great many reports reach us of depredations committed by the Indians. Troops are stationed all along the line from Plum Creek to Julesbnrg, at distances of fifteen miles. apart, chiefly to escort the mail. October 12, redeived orders from Colonel Livingstomm, commanding Sub-District of Nebraska, to turn over the guns amid equipments in my possession to the commnanding officer at Fort Cottonwood, and to report with mny detachment to my company headquarters, Fort Leavenworth, and started at 4 oclock that evening, amid reached Gillmans Raminch, fif- teem miles east of Cottonwood, where we emmeamuped for the night. Oc- tober 13, met the coach about 10 a. m. Were told by the passengers that the Indians attacked them the evening previous about sundown, wounding one soldier and one civiliaim passenger; that afternoon saw an Indian standing on a hill, and in about temi minutes after we first observed him about fifty or sixty Indians caine charging out of the hill toward ns. I imumediately ordered the wagons to halt, brought the umen into line, nineteen in minumber, when the Indiamis, seeing ommr force, halted for about five muinutes, and then charged back to the hills. There were but seven revolvers amongst the whole party, and without other arms we retired to an old stable on the road and quite near to us. Here remained all night ready to defend ourselves if attacked. About 10 oclock that night four soldiers of the First Nebraska Veteran Volun- teer Cavalry came galloping down the road, and reported that the Indians had attacked a detachnment of their company who were in the hills omm scout after Indians, and advised us to keep a strict watch ammd be ready, as there was great danger. The soldiers were omm their way to Plum Creek for re-enforcements. We passed the night without any attack, and omi October 14 reached Plum Creek, and found all the troops ont after the Indians, with one piece of artillery. October 15, reached Fort Kearny and remnaimmed there until the 20th. Here we drew mnmm Page 247 CHAP. LIII.] AFFAIR IN THE SAN ANDRES MOUNTAINS, N. MEX. 247 kets and aiuiinuiitiou sufficient for our protection and defense, and started for Fort Leavenworth on the 20th. Fouiiid all the rauehes on the Little Blue burned, and to the best of my opinion the owners of these ranches are with the Indians. There was plenty of wood and water on my route between Kearny and Fort Leavenwortb. Made the trip in eight days and a half, arriving at the fort on the evening of the 28th of October, 1864. III my judgment the best time and manner to hunt Indians is to start al)ollt the lniddle of May, leave all wagons behind, take mules and pack them; a mule will carry from 250 to 300 ponuds; then they can go over the same ground that the Indians do, get on their trail and follow it up nntil they are caught. In the summer of lSt() four companies of the Fourth [Firsti U. S. Cavalry, commanded by Major Sedgwick, starte(I from Fort Riley, Kans., after Kiowas, but could not overtake the Indi- ans on account of their being encumbered with wa oous so they left their wagons at Fort Lamed awl started with pack-mules. The result was that the Indians were overtaken in twenty-five days on the head- waters of the Smoky Hill iRiver, and gave themu a severe thrashing. As to the utility of artillery my opinion is not favorable. The In- dians fight so scattered and are so seldom found in solid bodies, that artillery cannot be effective. The least possible incumbrance is neces- sary to rapid movements~ and the arrangements whiclm facilitate snch movements will most nearly approach success. Time country through which we passed this summer has a great same- ness. This country has a greater altitude than here, and in the high- lands is comparatively barreim. No grass, wood, or water is to be fbnnd of any consequence, except on the creek bottoms, and back froni there nothing grows but buffalo grass. The land is also very broken, witlm deep ravines leading into the streams; an(l in traveling through the country it is necessary to take one of the ridges to get to the streams. Time expeditioim, although imot emwountering Indians jim numbers, nor accomaplishing any great defeat or startling surprises, is not without its. effect. The expedition itself will show the determination of the Gov- ernment to punish them for thieving and murder. And our movemnents, although rapid, failing to discover them, show how much they were in fear of us, as the country through which we passed was almost cleared of them; they receded as we advanced, and, on the whole, the expedi- tion will have a moral and I trust a lasting influence. I have the honor to be, captain, your obedient servant, THOS. FLANAGAN, 1st heat. Co. M, 16th Kaus. Vol. Car., Corn cig. Detach. 9/ Post A rty. Capt. D. J. CRAIGIE, A ~ i~tdU?t Aljuta at- General, lb-st. 9/ North A7ansas. AUGUST 12. 1864.Affair in the San Andres Monntains, N. Mex. Jlepom t c Capt. I-Jeary A - Greene, First Cabfirnia Infantry. HEADQUARTERS FORT MURAL, District of Fort Craig, N. 2l~Lex., August 18, 1864. SIR: I have the hoimor to inform you that l)nrsualmt to information received front you by special express, dated 11th instant, I mounted one officer and fifteen mcmi a,1i(l proceeded in search of the Indians wlmo had been committing depredations. Other parties sent front this post at the same timne sconred the Jomnada to San 1)iego Crossing. Pro Page 248 248 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISS1PPI. [C1IA~. LUL ceeding with my party I took an easterly direction toward the San Andres Mountains. About thirty-five miles from the post I found the trail of the Indians apparently two days old. Proceeding on this trail 11 overtook the Indians and stock shortly after sundown on the 12th instant. Taking advantage ~f the darkness the Indians made their escape. They had probably seen us coming from a distance. They left in our hands some 5,000 head of sheep, 3 burros, and 1 horse. I saw signs of a number of mules having passed one or two days pre- viously. I returned to this post on the 13th instant. I am informed by the owner of the captured stocl8 that it was captured from him some thirteen days previously. Had timely notice been given I have no doubt but what the mules would have been recovered and the Indians chastised. I am patrolling the road to San Diego Crossing and assure you that Indians with stock cannot pass me unmolested. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. A. GREENE, Captain, Fir4 lufty. CaJiforni~t Vols., Commanding Post Lient. Col. C. E. BENNETT, Eirst Car. Cal. Vois., Corndy. Dist. ~f Port Craig, N. Mex. [Thdorseirient.] - HEADQUARTERS DISTRIcT OF FORT CRAm, August 15, 1864. On the night of the 11th at Paraje I learned of this Indian attack. I immediately sent an order to Major Greene to take his departure with his command in pursuit of the depredators. The express left Paraje at 10 p. iii. Before daylight the next mornilig Major Greene and command were in pursuit of these Indians. As usual with Major Greene he was successful. His promptness and energy entitle him and his command to great praise. Respectfully, C. E. BENNETT, J~ient. Col. First Cavalry Cal{fornia Vols., Commanding. AUGUST 1216, 1864.Scout on the Fort Union road, near Fort Garland, Cob. Ter. Report qf Capt. Charles Kerber First Colorado Cavalry. FORT GARLAND, CoLo. TER., August 22, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that I started fiio~n this post on the 12th instant with four men of my squadron, under the guidance of Thomas Thagan, to intercept a party of guerrillas hunted by Lieutenant Sharp and Marshall hunt. F strilek from here for the head of the Cucharas, amid followed that river down to the Fort Union road, looking for traces, but without result. The first day I traveled sixty-five miles. On the 13th I followed along the Fort Union road to the Apishapa, then struck northeast to Captain Craigs ranch, on the Huerfano; traveled fi)rty-two miles. On the 14th I marched up the Hilerfano to the Fort Union route and found that two guerrillas had been at the ranch of a Frenchman living on the crossing about two hours before I arrived there. Both gilerrillas, one of them a tall man and the other a middle- sized man, had no hats, but bought two hats, pants, boots, & c., also a half of a hog there. They said that they had nothing to eat for the last two days. It was about 3 p. m. when I arrived at the ranch. I had tray Page 249 CHAP. Lull SKIRMISH AT FREDERICKSBURG, MO. 249 eled already thfrty miles. I took up the trace of those men, 1)ut it took Thomas Thagan a long time t~trace these fellows out in the bushes, but at an hour before sunset we got on the prairie; then we galloped for about fifteen miles on their trace across the prairie, but they reached the Cedars before we arrived there, as it was night. I camped fifteen miles above the Union road-crossing of the Cucharas without fire and without unsaddling. On the Thth I started five miles back on my trail to take up the trace of the Texans again, and found that we camped that night about a mile apart. The guerrillas camped under a rock apon a high hill, and then they followed along the rocky reach up the Cucharas. We had to lead our horses most of the time, and the tracing was very difficult amongst those rocks. Once, though, we have been so close to them that we heard them call each other, and we had all our arms ready to shoot when they disappeared again amongst those piiions and rocks. Here Thagan lost their trace altogether. I had to give up the chase for that day because we had had nothing to eat front the time we left Craigs ranch. I struck Colonel Franciscos ranch, where we got coffee and bread. On that evening J found out that two Amner- leans were seen half way between Cucharas and Iluerfano, sailing ftr the mountains in a great hurry. On the 16th I gave Thomas Thagan three men and I took one with me and took up the chase again. We found the trace, but those scoundrels took the highest and most rocky mountains I ever traveled over, and I had to give up the chaise again. On that evening I returne(1 to this post. The following day I started out a fresh party, but with still less success. In those few days I traveled over 220 miles, with two days rations in our saddle-bags, and very bad forage for our horses. If I was not so happy as to catch those scoundrels, so have I, though, the consola- tion that I made them run for their lives. Finally, I must request to be supplied so soon as possible with car- bine ammunition and some few thousand of percussion caps. My requisitions are sent in long ago; but up to this date not filled. I am, captain, very respectfully, your most obedient, CHAIILES KEItBER, Captain, First Gavairy of Colorado. Capt. J. C. ANDERSON, Acting Assistant A~jutant- fil enera 1, Denrer. AUGUST 1216, 1864.Operations in flay and Carroll Counties, Mo., with skirmish (12th) at Fredericksburg. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Clinton B. Fisk, U. S. Army, conimmding District of North Missouri. No. 2.Col. Edwin C. Catherwood, Sixth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 3.Maj. John Grimes, Fifty-first Infantry Enrolled Missouri Militia. No. 4.Lient. Isaac N. Henry, Forty-fourth Missouri Infantry. No. 1. Reports of Brig. Gen. Clinton B. Fisk, U. S. Army, commanding District of North ]Jfissonri. SAINT JOSEPH, Mo., Angnst 13, 1864. Bill Andersons guerrillas, numbering about 100, attacked Captain Colleys company of Ray County Militia at Fredericksburg, IRa Page 250 250 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. County, last night. A desperate conflict ensued, in which several of the guerrillas and Captain Colley and 4 of his men were killed. The Sixth [Missouri] Cavalry Veterans are pursuing Aiiderson, who is rel~orted between Knoxville and Kingston this p. m. I am concentrat- ing force at Hamilton to join in the hunt. CLINTON B. FISK, Briqadier- Geiiera 1. Col. 0. 1). GREENE, A ssistan t A djutan t- (len era 1. - SAINT VTOSEPH, August 23, 1864. I have the honor to report successful expe(litiolls against the guer- rillas of this district. I)etachuients of the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, Ninth Cavalry Missonri State Militia, Third Cavalry Mis- souri State Militia, First Iowa Cavalry Volunteers, and Sixth (.~avalry Missouri State Militia Veterans, aided by militia on duty in the river counties, have during the past week vigorously pursued and fought the guerrillas nuder Perkins, J-Ioltzclaw, Cy. Gordon, Taylor, and other guerrilla chieftains. Thirty-five bushwhackers have been killed. We have lost 2 men killed and 8 wonnded. Our parties have takemi no prisoners, and are still in the chase. CLINTON B FISK, Bi iga(lier- General. Major-General IIOSECRANS, Saint LO~j~. No. 2. Reports of Col. Edwin C. Catherwood, SiXth Missouri State Militia Caralry. LIBERTY, August 13, 1864. Captain Colley with about twenty Ray County Militia was attacked last night at Fredericksburg by Bill Anderson with seventy men. Captain Colley and 4 of his men were killed. I have several squa(ls after them. They will not fight my men if they can possibly get off. My horses are terribly run down. 1 do not wc nt to press horses with- out positive orders. E. C. CATHERWOOD, Colonel, Commanding. General FISK. HEADQUARTERS Tnoo~s IN THE FIELD, Liberty, Mo., August 17, 1864. GENERAL: Since my telegram of the 18th instant nothing of note has transpired. I returned yesterday from a chase after Bill Anderson and his gang. We followed nearly to the Carroll line, and as there were some 200 iRay Connty militia in close pursuit and far ahead of me, and getting farther every hour, I sent dispatch to the commanding offi- cer to pursue them and returned. My stock is entirely worn down, having been on the go ever since we came, and were in very poor con- ihtion when we received them at Saint Louis. This section of the country is entirely free from bushwhackers. 1 have not heard of the presence of one for four days Page 251 CHAP. LTII.1 SKIRMISH AT FREDEIaCKSBURC, MO. ~51 I called in all the citizens of the county and swore them into the serv- ice under General Orders, No. 107, and have sent them to their homes to act as scouts aiid informants. If you (lesire it I can send 100 men into Carroll County to clean it out. They killed quite a nnmber of the Enrolled Missouri Militia in Ray County, but invariably on the ap- proach of any of my men Tould run. I3eing so very much better mounted than I am, they generally escape(l. I am iaformed that Captain Taylor is positively dead. 1 have his horse and equipments. We have also captured some of the horses, arms, and equipments lost by the Colorado men while here. I have positive information that Thrailkill is very dangerously woundedshot in the neck. A Union lady dressed his wound on Fri- day imight last. There are several of them wounded and hidden through tIme county. Some have been taken to Platte. I think Thrailkill is in Platte. I-Ic w~ s taken north and west of here the night mentioned. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant E. C. CATHER4V00D, Brig. (4en. C. B. FISK, (Jolonel, Corn inaiaijnq. Corn rn coi (buy District of N~orth Missouri. No. :3. i .Tahn. Grimes, Fifty Reports 0/ Ma,. ~.... Jirst Infantry Enrolled Missouri Militia, HEADQUARTERS, Richmond, Mo., August ii, 1RG~#. GENERAL: Immediately upon assumino- command I sent Capt. M. T. Real with part of Company B, Fifty-lirst Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia., to take up a position at gleasant View Capt. Patten C olley, with Company E, , Ray County, Mo., and Fifty-first Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, to take up a position at Fredericksburg, in Ray County, instructing them to co-operate with each other and to keep the country bordering upon the line between Ray and Clay thoroughly scoured. On the 12th instant Captain Colley was informed by lmis pickets that a body of bushwhackers were in the vicinity of his camp. He immediately started out in pursuit with a scout of twenty men. About four miles south of Fredericksburg he was drawn into ambush, and after a desperate engagement, lasting thirty minutes his command was overpowered and dispersed. Captain Colley and 4 of his men were killed; the rest of his men arrived in camp the next day. Be- lieving that the enemy would make an effort to pass through the county, I immediately sent a messenger to Lieutenant Baker, at Knox- ville, who had un(ler his command a part of Company B, Fifty-hrst Regiment, and a part of Company C, Fourth Provisional Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, under comnmammd of Lieutenant MeKown, and ordered him to move down the Knoxville road toward Richumond an(l attack the emiemy wherever found, or form a junction with Capt. C. Tmftmn, whom I sent immediately on the morning of the 13th instant with parts of Company C, Fourth Provisional Regiment Enrolled Mis- souri Militia, and Company F, Fifty-first Regiment Enrolled Missonri Militia, under command of Lieutenant Rolston, to a point six miles northwest of Richmond, to follow upon the trail of the enemy, and, if possible, drive them in the direction of Lieutenant Bakers command. The skirmish near Fredericksburg took l)lace at 5 p. mu. on the 12th in- stant. At 10 a. m. the next day the enemy passed six miles northwes Page 252 252 LOUISIANA AND TilE TRANS-MISSLSSWPJ. [CHAP. LIII. of Richinond. At thirty rniiiutes past 10 a. in. they crossed the Knox- ville road nine miles north of Ricinnond, going east, halting but a few minutes at 12 in. northeast of Richmond, and then proceeding in a south- eastern direction; arrived at Moberlys Landing, in Carroll County, at 10 p. n~, traveling forty miles during the day. Captain Tiffin pro- ceeded in pursuit with all possible dispatch and formed a junction with Lieutenant Baker at John Garners, on the Knoxville road, nine miles north of ]ilichmond. 1 have received no official dispatch from Captain Tiffln, but am informed through other sources that he was in five miles of the enemy on the morning of the 14th instant, and in hot pur- suit. The enemy in passing through the county murdered three sol- diersone returning from his home to Richmond, and two bearing a dispatch to Ilicutenant Bakerand one citizen, burnt one house ,stole a number of horses, and committed a number of other depredations. The enemy were under the command of Captain Anderson, and num- bered between 90 arid 100 men. They are reported to have lost 4 men in the skirmish near Fredericksburg. The loss of Captain Colley is much to be deplored; lie was a brave and energetic officer and has contributed greatly both as a citizen and a soldier to the furtherance of the Union cause in our county. When the scout returns I will report the resnit! Yours, respectfully, JOhN GRIMES, Major, Comdg. F~fty-first Reyt. Enrolled Missouri Militia. Brig. Gen. CLINTON B. FISK. IIEADQUAJITERS, Richmond, Mo., August 18, 1864. On the evening of the 16th instant the scout in pursuit of the band of bushiwliackers under the. command of the notorious Anderson, and referred to in ury first report, returned to camp at Richmond. Captain Tiffin, after leaving Moberlys Landing on the morning of the 14th instant, continued the pursuit as rapidly as his jaded horses aiid exhausted men would admit of. The Carroll County militia united their forces with his, swelling his command to about 250 niemi. On Sunday, the 14th instant, about 12 oclock, lie came up with tire enemy on the east side of Wakenda Prairie, where they had taken imp a posi. tion in a dense body of timber and undergrowth. After a desperate engagement, hasting about thirty mninntes, the emmerny were driven froum the ground and continued their retreat to Grand River which they crossed at Rocky Ford. Our loss was 4 killed and 6 wounded. The loss of the enemy was much greater. There is every reason to believe that their leader, Anderson, is either dead or mortally wounded. Yours, respectfully, JOHN GRIMES, JI1i~~jor, Gommanding, cf~e. General C. B. FISK, Commanding, & c. No. 4. Report of f~ieut. Thaac N. henry, Forty fourth Missouri infantry. hAMILTON, Mo., August 14, 1864. IDEAn Sru: I have just returned froimm a scout after a band of guer- rillas in Ray County. You have no doubt had fabulous dispatche Page 253 CHAP. LJIJ.] SKIRMISH AT FRLDERJCKSBURG~ MO. 253 from various persons in regard to said guerrillas, and by persons, too, who have remained at some distant J)ost from them. Now, sir, I was after them, saw their tracks, aud the victims of their butcheries, and therefore I will give you nothing but facts; hence I proceed: On last Friday Capt. P. Colley, of the Ray County Enrolled Missouri Militia, and about tweuty of his men was attacked by 130 guerrillas under Anderson, Chestnut, amid Taylor, at Fredericksburg, iii Ray County, which resulted in the killing of Capt. P. Colley and 4 of his men, and the wouimding of several more. Colley was one of the best captaimis in the Enrolled Missouri Militia of Ray County. The guerrillas lost 6 killed amid several wounded, when Colleys men were overpowered and had to retreat to Richmond for safety, & c. The guerrillas then left Fredericksburg in a northeasterly direction, crossing the State road leading from Hamilton to Richniond, abomit four mniles south of Knox- ville, where they captured two rimihitiamnen, viz, Samuel Forseen amid Daniel Vansant, who were bearing dispatches to Richmond to Copper- head Major Grimes, commanding Ray County Militia. They killed both of these men, cutting Forseens throat fromn ear to ear and then scalped him. They also killed Jamnes Maupin, a citizen niilitiarnan; they shot lmimn imi his wagon. They robbed several citizemis, stole a good many horses in their course, and then struck off in a southeasterly course, crossing East [Fork of] Crooked River at Keals Mills, about two muiles and a half south of Miliville, Ray County, Mo.; thence to Shaws Shop and on in the direction of the Missouri River, at the moutim of the Wa- kenda or Shanghai, town in Carroll Coumity. They passed Shaws Shop on Saturday (yesterday) about 2 p. ma., where Captaimi Tiffin and Lieutenant Baker with a little ox-er 1 00 muemm, were aboimt two hours behind themn; since when I have not heard anything reliable from theum. On Saturday (yesterday) there was a public mneetimmg in Kings- ton to encourage recruiting for the twelve months service. When the report of the above guerrillas was reported Captain Fortune had the greater portion of his company in towmm and with the citizeims present we were able to raise about eiglmty umen. Well, we all got on time march after said guerrillas. I was l)ut in the comnmammd of the advance. I started in pursuit of said guerrillas and marched about eight miles, when, lo! I fonmid 1 had onmly three men besides myself on said scout, Fortune having marched about four miles, when he returned to town (Kingston) and has there remnained ever since. I went ahead with mny three men nutil I ascertained all of the foregoing hicts, & e. Gemieral, would it not be a good idea to issue an order enjoining all officers conimuanding troops when in the pursuit of guerrillas to follow them to the death, and in case an officer stol)ped pursuing themn before catching them dismiss him from the service, and I assure you the guer- rillas would soon be drivemi out of our country. Give me com4imand of 250 good umen amid I will kill mn~re guerrillas thami all the muihitia in four coummties now do. Yours, & c~, I. N. hENRY, Lieutenant. Brig. Gemi. C. B. FISK, Commanding North Ma~8oari, & unt Jo~e1)h, Mo. P. 5.One hundred and thirty guerrillas are all that is north of the Missonri River in Ray and Carroll Counties. GENERAL: What does it mnean, dismissing good Unioim officers an& ~)mmtting in Copperheads~ For instance, remnoving as good a mnan a Page 254 254 LOUISIANA AND TEE TIIANS-MISSISSIPPL (Ow. LIII. CoL A. J. Barr, and putting In his place a damned Copperhead, John Grimes. Tide change displeases every truly loyal man in the contry. Grimes was foreman on the. grand jury that indicted me for killing a guerrilla at Richmond. Do you remember? AUGUST 18-2% 1SSL.Op.ratiuus in La Jay.tt.~ Salin% usA Howard Goutlos, Xt, with skIrmIshes. ICEIPORTS. No. LMetJ. Get Alfred Pleasonton, U. S. Army, commanding District of Central MisaourL No. 2.Lisut. Cal. Dccl F. Lamar, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. tMaj. George W. Kelly~ Fourth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 4.Capt. Earn W. Kingsbury, Second Colorado Cavalry. No. 1. Report. of AtqJ. Gess. AVred Pka.onton, U. S. Army, wmwwdimj Dis trict of Central Minors. H& wquAkTns l)i,sTrnoT OP CENTRAL Missoum, Warrensburg, Mo., August 19,1864. MAson: I have the hoDor to report, for the information of the mtjor- general commanding ti~at on the 13th instant Captain Meredith, com- manding Company ii, First Cavalry Missouri Statu MilitIa, succeeded iii overtaking a gang of bushwhackers in the eastern part of Saline County, killed 1 guerrilla and captured 7 horses. No casualties on. our side. Lieutenant-Colonel Lasear First Cavalry Missouri State Militia, commanding in the field in Same, represents that the pie. of that countyflillyrealise their situation and are determined to nd the county of guerrillas. On the 15th instant a detachment of Company C, Fourth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, under the command of SargL I. E. Wood, by moving through the brush dismounted, surprised and charged a gang of six bushwhackers, wounded 2 of the gang and cap- tured 6 horses. Maj. G. W. Kelly, Fourth Cavalry Missouri State Militia~, commanding at Chapel Hill, reports several bands, numbering from six to twelve, having recently made their appearance south and. east of that station, and that Quantrill, Todd, and Poole, with their respective bands are reported to be some twelve or fifteen miles east of that place. suck measures have been taken as will, I have no doubt, succeed in breaking up and scattering this force, If the report should prove true. I am, very respeotfihly, your obedicnt servant, A. PLEASONTOX, Xiii. 0. I). GREENE, Major-Gciwr4 (Jommaesdfug. Asut. Adjt. Lien., Dept. of the MissourS Saint Louis, Mo. HnDQunTnns DreTmoT oi CTnAL Missouxi, Warrenebur,, Mo., August 89, 1864. Muon: I have the honor to report, for the information otthc miijor- general commanding, that on the 20th instant Lieutenant-Colonel I Page 255 & I~AP. LIII.] OPERATIONS IN LA FAYETTE COUNTY, IxTO. 256 zear, First Cavalry Missouri State Militia, CoI~~mall(Iing iii thc held, snip rised a gang, numbering from forty to sixty guerrillas at the vicinity of Dover, La Fayette County, killed 3 guerrillas and captuied 4 horses, also a small rebel ilag. Maj. henry Suess, chief of c ivalry, commanding steamer Fanny Og(lcn, reports that Thornton Tin ulkill Yeager, Todd, Campbell, and Taylor liehi a consultation iii (aeentou Valley, La Fayette County, a week since, and on his retina front this meeting Taylor was killed by the militia iiear independen( e Major Sness also reports that on the 19th instant a detachment of his coin- mand had a skirmish with a band of gnerrillas south west of Wellington, in which they mortally wounded 2 guerrillas, killed 1 horse, and cap- tured one set of horse equipments. I would further respeetfiully state that the block-house flOW being bnilt at La Mine bridge is being pushed to completion as rapidly as possible. I am, major, very resf)ectfully, your obedient servant, A. PLEASONTON, JLajor- General, Co mman(ling. A~st. Adjt. Gen., Jhjpt. ~t/ the. Mtssoiw~, ~Swiwt Loui~, Mo. HEADQUARTERS l)usruincT Oi CENTRAL MiSSOURI, Wctrrensburg, Mo., August 21, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honiw to repout for the .information of tlte major- general conunanding, that on the 16th inst tnt Capt. Joseph Parke, com- manding at I3oouville, crossed to the north side of the river with his command, Company E, Fomn-tit Ca~ aliv Missouri State Militia, and scouted the country in that vicinity toi txi o days, during which time lie encountered several small bands of ~nerm illas; wounded 1 guer- rilla, and captured 3 horses, 3, (loubh. baucled shotguns, and 3 re- volvers. Omi the 22d instant a detachmcnt of the First Cavalry Mis- s(tnri State Militia, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Lazear eneounteied a small party of guerrillas on Davis~ Creek, La Fayette County; shot 3 from their horses, supposed to be mortally wounded, and captured 3 horses. No casualties on our side in either of the above skirnuishes. I am, niajor, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. PLEASONTON, ill ajar- General, Corn man ding. Maj. 0. 1). (~REENE, A88t. Adjt. Gen., Dept. ~/ the Mhssonri, Saint Lonis, Mo. hEADQUARTERS 1)ISTRICT or CENTRAL MISSOURi, Warrensburg, August 29, 1~G1. MAJOR: II have the honor to report, for the information of the major- general coutmanding, that on the 22d instant a detachment of the First Cavalry Missouri State Militia, surprised a sniall band of guerrillas on the Tabo, La Fayette County, severely wounded I guerrilla and cap. fured 6 horses. Lieutenant-Colonel Lazear reports there are but very few guerrillas at presemit in La Fayette or Saline Counties, and that he has reason to believe that the majority of them have gone south. The notor~~us guerrilla Poole, having boasted that he would neither allow the stage nor telegraph to remain in operation on time Lexington an Page 256 256 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAr. LIII. Warrensburg route, Colonel Lazear has or(lered the arrest of a number of Pooles friends, iliteilding to hold them as hostages for the security of the stage and telegraph line. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. PLEASONTON, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. 0. B. GREENE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mio. No. 2. Reports of Licut. Col. Bezel F. Lazear, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry. HDQRS. SECOND SUB-1)1ST., 1)1ST. OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, In the Field, A agast 16, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major- general commanding, that since my report of the 10th instant I have kept my command continually on the move, scouting the eastern portion of Saline County. There have beeii several parties of guerrillas reported, but upon investigatit)n they turned out to be false, or but very small squads of from two to five men. Captain Meredith, iu command of Company H, First Cavalry Missouri State Militia, on the 13th, struck a trail and followed them to their camp. There were seven in camp. He killed 1 aild captured 7 horses, and also on the same scout found five horses that Todd had left at the time of his raid on Arrow Rock. The county is at this time very quiet. 0ccasiona~lly hear of a horse being stolen. No depredations are being committed upon Union men. The people seem to fully realize their situation, and say they are deter- mined to rid the county of guerrillas. I will commence a general move in the morning, and unless some force prevents it I will make a rapid move as far as the western part of La Fayette County, moving as rapidly as I can to thoroughly scout the northern portion of Saline and La Fayette Counties. It would be well to notify Colonel Ford and Major Kelly of this move. My seumi-weckly reports will hereafter be made on Tuesdays aud Saturdays, and as much oftener a~ I have anything of importance to report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. LAZ EAR, Lieut. Col. First Car. Missouri State Nil., Comdg. ip~ the Field. Capt. J. II. STEGER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Warrensbur.q, Mo, HDQRS. SECOND SUB-1)1ST., 1)1ST. OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, In the Field, August 21, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to rel)ort, for the ihformation of the ma.- jor-general commanding, that since my report of the 16th instaut I have thoroughly scouted Saline County and can report that there are no guerrillas in that county. We only heard of five, and the citizens re- port to us that they have left the county, which I think is true; whether permanently or not I cant tell. I have left Captain Moore, Compan Page 257 ChAP. LIII.] OPERATIONS IN LA FAYETTE COUNTY, MO. 257 F, there to reconnoiter and keep me advised of any appearance of them there. Making a night march from near Miami night beftwe last I dropped in upon them (the guerrillas) in the vicinity of Dover yester- day morning; found quite a number of them in this vicinity, say from forty to sixty. We had two skirmishes, killing 3 and capturing 4 horses. Lieutenant Miller, Company A, returning from Lexington on the 19th, had a skirmish with a party of nine, capturing 4 horses, and we since learn wounded 2, one said to be mortally. We saw a party of twenty-two from Dover just at night, who from what I can learn went west up Tabo. I am having the connty from Dover to Waverly thor- oughly scouted again to-day, and unless they fall back east I will to- morrow morning scout up Tabo, Davis Creek, and along the river, moving west, making Greenton Valley by Wednesday next at farthest. Owing to scarcity of feed aiid water it is a very hard time to scout, having often to go out of our line for feed and water, making delays in our move- ments. There are no persons here that we can rely upon for informa- tioii but negroes. I forw~lrd a small rebel flag which was captured. or dropped rather, by a guerrilla in one of the skirmishes yesterday. Our loss so far none, and health of the command generally good, but a great many horses in bad fix. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. LAZEAR, Lieia. Col. First Cavalry Missouri & ate Militia, Commanding. Capt. J. II. STEGER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Warreusbury, Mo. No. 3. keport of Maj. George W. Kelly, Iiourth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. ll~~ns. DETACH. FOURTH CAY. Mis~ouni STATE MIL., Chapel Hill, La Fayette ~iJounty, Mo., August 17, 18G4. COLONEL: I would respectfully report to you that on the morning of the 15th instant I sent Sergt. I. E. Wood, of Company C, Fourth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, with fifteen privates of same company, on a scout southeast of this station. After scouting the country some ten miles in that direction, struck a trail of six guerrillas, followed them some two miles, and found that they had left the road and taken the brush; dismounted six of his mcii and sent them in the brush on the trail. After following it some half mile or more the six men surprised the six bnshwhackers, charged on them, and succeeded in capturing 6 horses; two of the horses were shot in the skirmish and could not, be brought in. The four horses I send in charge of sergeant. The brush being so thick the guerrillas made their escape, two of them wounded, one in the back and the other in the leg, leaving their hats bchind. The guerrillas are making their appearance east and south of here in small bands, from six to twelve iii a gang; from what I can learn, Quantrill, Todd, Poole, & c., with their bands, are in east of here some twelve or fifteen miles. I have two scouts out now, east and southeast of here. Colonel, I would be glad if you would get the general commanding to send me Capt. Joe Parke, with Company E, Fourth Cavalry Missouri State Militia. 1 have but one commissioned officer here who is suit- 17 R RYOL XLJ~ PT Page 258 258 LOUISIANA AND THE mANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. able to scout. There are several families in this country, busliwliackers wives and daughters, who should be attended to. They give them all the information they want. Very respectfully, ~. ~. KELLY, Major Fourth Cavalry Missouri State Militia. Col. GEORGE II. HALL, Fourth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, Warrensburg, Mo. No. 4. Report of Capt. Ezra W. Kingsbury, Second Colorado Cavalry INDEPENDENCE, Mo., August 18, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with instruc- tions, I left here on the 13th of August at 9.30 a. m. with seventy-five men from Companies C, D, F, I, L, and M, Second Colorado Cavalry, and proceeded northeast on the Lexington road, and struck the Missouri River four miles south of IRichfield; patrolled the river-bank and vicinity for a distance of about five miles above Richfield until near the mouth of Blue River, when, being near night, I proceeded to Youngs farm, about four miles from Blue Mills, where encamped for the night, having traveled about thirty-five miles. While at this place learned that Fletch. Taylor, Thrailkill, and other bushwhackers, had been in that vicinity. On starting next morning at about 3 oclock, scouting the country thoroughly in the vicinity of Six-Mile, learned that Taylor had procured a buggy and started for La Fayette County, being severely wounded. Struck the trail and followed it about fifteen miles until near Bone Hill, when lost it, and after searching some time turned back on Lexington road for La Fayette County. Found numerous signs of small parties of bushwhackers, and finally reached the farm of one Jsh, in La Fayette County, where, by means of passing as bushwhackers, learned from a boy, whom I took and compelled to go with me, that there was a body of about 100 men encamped in Big Bottom, about six miles from that place. I started for that point, but ascertained that Doctors Murphy and Reg n, of Wellington, had amputated Taylors arm the morning before and wishing to secure Murphy started twenty-five men to Wellington to bring him, and proceeded south with the com- mand two miles to Ewings farm, where I found Murphy, who happened to be there: arrested him, and forage being plenty fed the horses. On examining Murphy found that he had reported the facts concerning Taylor to Lexington immediately after the amputation took place, but could learn nothing definite concerning his whereabouts. Before the detail sent to Wellington returned it was nearly night, and thence I moved south to the house of one Fishback, and camped for the night, having released Doctor Murphy. Traveled this day about fifty miles. Next morning started about sunrise and went in a southerly course to the Sni, striking it at the old mill-dam; thence proceeded in a west course to Gardiners farm; struck from thence in the direction of Bone Hill and Judge Grays farm, scouting thoroughly the brush in that vicinity; arrived at the house of one Bord, near the line of Jackson and La Fayette Counties. On examining him at first could get no information from him; said he had uev~r seeu but six bvishwh~c~iers; saw them th Page 259 CHAP. LIIT.I SKIRMISH AT I)RIPPING SPRING, MO. 259 evening before. Knew nothing of the whereabouts of any of them. I then made him go with us, and told him to gnide ns to their camp. At first he denied as before, but finally took us to the camp where Fletch. Taylor had his arm amputated, and had left there very recently, as the signs were fresh and new. Found bandages stained with blood, pillow, & c., but no man. Finding that Bord was only leading us through the brush in order to give the bushwhackers time to escape I gave him a little hanging, which immediately improved his knowledge of the couu~ try. He told me two bushwhackers had becit at his house the evening befor~e to see his daughter, and on onr starting again he led us through the thickest kind of brush to four other camps, one of which had only been vacated that morning, judging by the forage scattered around and other fresh signs; the other three were older, but had been used during the course of the summer. Searched the brush thoroughly, but could find no one. Learned further from Bord that there were plenty of theni in the country in small parties ranging from Big Bottom to Bone Hill. Having obtained what information from Bord I could, re- leased him and struck west for Robinsons, in Jackson County; trailed fifteen to that place and followed the trail to eastern edge of Fire Prai- rie, where I started fifteen in a party and pursued them through the thick brush ten miles in a southerly course, when they scattered and I lost the trail; thence returned northwest, until I struck the eastern edge of Fire Prairie; thence west, and started another party of eight, but at too great a distance to do anything with them. Struck the trail of a large party and followed them four miles to an old bridge across a ravine, where I heard a gun, fired evidently as a signal for them to (lisperse, as the tracks scattered immediately, and I lost them. This vicinity is evidently fujI of small parties of them continually passing back amid forth. After searching the brush I crossed Fire Prairie to the timber on the Blue, and scouted up the river till I reached Spring Branch Crossing; thence returned to this place, arriving here about 6 p. in., traveling that day about sixty-five muiles. E. W. KINGSBURY Captain, Second Colorado Cavalry, Commanding Scout. Maj. J. NELSON SMITH, Comntanding Station, Independence, Mo. AUGUST 15, 1864.Skirmish at Dripping Spring. Mo. Report of Capt. William flebard, Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, Glasgow, Mo., September 1, 1864. GENERAL: 1 have the honor to report that on Monday night, August 15, while in command of a small detachment from the post of this place, wheii encamped for the night near Dripping Spring, Boone County, - Mo., my sentinels were attacked at 11 oclock, 1 mortally wounded, a private named William Keutlin g, Company F, Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, and Private J. H. Hall, Company F, severely. The attack was renewed next morning and continued several hours, with ami over- wheluxing force but without any casualties. On Saturday, the 20th, near Rocheport, I met and attacked a force under the notorious bush- whacker William Anderson, defeating him gallantly arid driving hi Page 260 260 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LILL clear out of sight, and having the good fortune of reporting but 1 ui~Pi wounded, and he is severely; his name is William Marvin, Company E. I bave the honor to be, your most obedient servant, WILLIAM 1-IEBAIiD, Capt., Corn 4g. the Detach. 17th Ills. and Mo. AStatc Militia. Adjutant-General THOMAS, War Department, Washington, 1). C. AUGUST 1521, 1864.Expedition from Paincourtville to Lake Natchez, La., witli skirmish on Grand River. Report of Col. Hasbronek Davis, Twelfth Illinois Cavalry. NAPOLEONvJLLE, Angw~t 21, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to report that hearing rel)orts from different quarters that the rebels were engaged in opening a road from the Grossetete in this direction, I sent out Capt. li. A. I4owk, Company Ii, Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, with twelve picked men from Companies L and I of that regiment, to ascertain if the reports had any foundation. The party left Paincourtville on Monday last at 4 p. In., crossed Grand Bayou; wentthence to Bayou Goula; thence to Plaquemine; thence down the Plaquemine to Indian Village; thence to Grand River and down Grand River to near the head of Lake Natchez; but not being able to cross the swamps and get to Grand Bayou in that direction, Captain Ilowk was obliged to retrace his steps and return the way he went. On Grand River, near the Sorrel, he fell in with twenty-six men of Captain Rateliffs company, under command of the captain, whom lie reported chasing part of them over Grand River, with loss to the enemy of 1 killed and 1 wounded. People in the vicinity state that the company numbers about seventy men, located in that vicinity for bushwhacking. Captain Howk reports the roads in a very bad condition; that there is a tolerably good road direct from Indian Village to the head of Lake Natchez, but no practicable road from the Grand Bayou westerly to the lake, nor any way by which the lake can be reached from Grand Bayou nearer thami by the Bayou Goula route. There is no truth in the rumors that new roads are being o1)ened. The captain returned safely with all his command yesterday after an absence of live days. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. DAVIS, Colonel Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, Commanding Post. Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. [Jiulorsenient.] HEADQUAnTERS DEFENSES OF NEW OHLEANS, New Orleans, La., August 27, 1861. Respectfully forwarded. This seems to be an intricate country, and I am endeavoring to get a good topography of it. it has been thus Thy very little understood. None of the maps I have seen give anything of correct indication of the practicable roads. I would like to obtain the services of a Mr. Ilien, who, I am told, is a good topographical engineer and on duty in the engineer department. T. ~. SHERMAN, llrigadier- General, Commanding Page 261 CHAP. LIII.] OPERATIONS IN SW. MO. AND NW. ARK. 261 AUGUST 1524, 1864.Operations in Southwest Missouri and Northwest- ern Arkansas, with skirmishes at Carroilton, Ark. (15th), on Richiand Creek, Ark. (16th), and at Mud Town, Ark. (24th). I~Efl?ORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gem John I]. Sanborn, U. S. Army, commanding District of South- west Missouri. No. 2.Liciit. Col. Albert W. Bishop,.First Arkansas Cavalry (Union). No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. John B. Sanborn, U. S. Army, commanding District of Southwest Missonr*. SPRINGFIELD, Mo., August /]O, 1864. Lieutenant Halsey and eighteen men of Capt. G. W. Edys company of Arkansas militia attacked Captain Wilsons company of guerrillas, fifty strong, at Carroilton, Ark., on the 15th instant, and killed Captain Wilson and 3 of his men. Our loss, I man mortally wounded. The sul)sistence and ordnance trains for Fayetteville were attacked at Mud Town on the 24th instant by a force of ninety-Pvc guerrillas. Our loss, 2 men mortally wounded, Second Arkansas Cavalry; enemys loss un- known. Captain Hughes, Sixth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, with a portion of First Arkansas Cavalry, attacked Lieutenant Smjth, in command of guerrillas, 125 strong, on IRichland Creek, iii Arkansas, on the 16th ifistant. The enemys loss was 4 killed and 9 wounded and abont 50 horses and horse equipments left at Fayetteville. Our loss, 1 man wonuded. I hear of no arme(l rebels now in the district. JOHN 13. SANI3OT{N, Brigadicr- General, Commanding. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- (icneral. No. 2. Report of Lient. Go!. Albert W. Bishop, First Arkansas Cavalry (Union). FAYETTEVILLE, ARK., August 17, 1864. COLONEL: In accordance with your order of the 15th instant I pro- ceeded at 1 a. m. of the 16th in search of a band of bushwhackers, known as Tuck. Smiths company. My command mOve(1 out promptly, intending to enter tile haunts of this gang eastward of Fayetteville as soon as it would be possible to track them. At daybreak we were on the disputed ground, thirteen miles from this place, and very soon there- after discovering their signs our march was (juickeue(l. The a(lvance guard in particular, under Lieutenant Clark, First Arkansa~ Cavalry, was on the alert, and at 7 a. in. dashed up to the house of Itoyal Will- iams on Richiand Creek in front of which from ten to fifteen saddled horses were tied. Their riders were eating breakfast at the time and were so completely surprised that they abandoned their horses ammd took immediately to the woods in rear of the house, passing through an adjacent corn-field that partially concealed their movements. But pur- suit was active by 1)0th tine advance guard and the main body of ou Page 262 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. forces, and before an escape conid be effected two were killed and the party was scattered in every direction. All their horses and eqnip- nients were taken, and our men returning to the honse finished the breakfast intended for the stampeders. 4~rom Williams the command moved np Richland Creek and a mile distant enconntered another squad, supposed to be commanded by Smith in person. Here a short light took place with a portion of our main force, gallantly led by Major Galloway and Captain, Worthington, First Arkansas Cavalry. For some minutes -the bushwhackers stood firmly, partly concealed on a thickly wooded bluff, but a charge being ordered by the major they broke and fled over the hill. A mile farther on, near Phillips Mill, another portiou of the column, led by Lieutenant Riggs, Sixth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, met a party of seven, which were quickly dispersed with a loss of one killed. We now proceeded up the creek in the direction of Huntsville in search of a convenient place for foraging, looking well meantime to our flanks and rear. Near Green Gibsons, four miles from Phillips Mill, our rear was fired upon by what was afterward ascertained to be the advance gnard of a force following us, when I ordered a pursuit, which was promptly under- taken by the rear guard, commanded by Captain Hughes, Sixth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, aild so vigorously prosecuted that after-an exciting chase of a mile or more nothing could be developed but flying bnshwhackers. Farther pursuit was useless in the condi- tion of our horses and I om-dered a recall. It was now 11 a. m. and neither men nor animals had eaten but little since the night before. I halted at Gibsons, rested, fed, and foraged until p. mu., whin the col- umn moved eastward, the main body of the bnshwhackers being known to be in that direction. Between 2 and 3 p. in., when near Phillips Mill, we met the train of the First Arkansas Cavalry and learned that it had been fired on near one Andy Smiths, and a horse killed. As this oc- curred on ~ur route, I pushed forward rapidly, when about 4 p. m. our advance was again fired upon by a party reported to De advantageously posted on a bluff that commanded the highway. It now seemed that more serious fighting was to be done than any that had yet occurred, and I made dispositions accordingly, detaching a strong party under Major Galloway to attack in rear. But these pests of the hills would not stand, and when the brow of the hill was reached they were no- where to be seen. In this affair Lieutenant Riggs was emit off, and for an hour our apprehensions for his safety were serious. We had no more fighting. The bushwhackers had evidently been surprised, and our movements were such as to prevent a concentration of their forces. At times the bullets rattled like hail through the woods, and if no harm was done our men shot less accurately than usual. Several of the bushwhackers are in fact reported killed, and at one place a wagon is known to have been used to carry off the wounded. We captuied 25 horses and mules. From the best information that I could gather, I do not think Smith can rally exceeding 125 men, and generally I be- lieve his command to be much smaller than this.. IIe changes his camp- ing-ground frequently. His men are fed in small squads at different houses, and his horses forage off the country. As a leader he is active and dangerous, and must be proceeded against with great caution, and though his command has been dispersed, and he has acknowledged himself whipped, his final defeat I am convinced is yet to come. I camped at MeGuires Store and returned this morning. Our loss is 2 woundedi accidentally, and neither seriously Page 263 CHAP. LIII.] SKIRMISH NEAT~ SMOKY HILL CROSSING, ICANS. I am much indebted for the success of the scout to Major Galloway~ Captain Worthington, and Lieutenant Clark, First Arkansas Cavalry, and Captain Bivins, Independent Rangers. I desire also to make espe- cial mention of Captain Hughes and Lieutenant Riggs, Sixth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, both of them officers admirably qualified for the dangerous and difficult warfare of the woods. The men throughout behaved bravely and well. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, yours, A. W. BISHOP, Lieutenant- Colonel First Arkansas Cavalry, Commanding. Col. M. LA RUE HARRISON, First Arkansas Cavalry Volunteers. AUGUST 16, 1864.Skirmish at Columbia, Mo. Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph B. Douglass, iTliissouri State Militia. COLUMBIA, Mo., August 17, 1864. Our troops met Holtzclaw yesterday, ten miles northwest of this place, where a severe skirmish took place. We killed 4 of his coul- mand; wounded many more. Our men then fell back about five miles. lloltzclaw receiving stronger re-enforcements came up and attacked them, but was easily driven off. The rebels are concentrating a large force in this county, and [I] will need all the men you can spare. I have failed to get help from Major Leonard or the Seventeenth Illinois. J. B. DOUGLASS, Brigadier- General. General FISK. AUGUST 16, 1864.Skirmish with Indians near Smoky Hill Crossing, Kans. REPORTS. No. l.Maj. Gen. James G. Blunt, U. S. Army. No. 2.Lient. Jacob Yan Antwerp, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry. No. 1. Beport of Maj. Gen. James U. Blunt, U. S. Army~ HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UPPER ARKANSAS, Fort Biley, Kans., August 18, 1864. MAJOR: I am just in receipt of intelligence from Sauna, that on the 16th instant seven men of Compan~V H, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, en route tG Smoky Hill Crossing, were attacked by a party of Indians estimated from 100 to 300. Four of the party were killed, the other three made their escape and canie into Salina. Messenger with dispatches for Fort Lamed was turned baek~ These dispatches were to direct the com- manding officer at Fort Lamed to concentrate his force as much as possible, and intercept a party of Indians moving south from the Fort Kearny and Denver road; probably it was some of the same party that attacked and killed the men of Company H, Seventh Iowa Cavalry Page 264 264 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MTSSI~SIPPT. (CHAP. LIII. on the 16th instant. I have written several communications to the general since the 10th instant, urging hitit if possible to send me more troops, and horses to mount the few 1 have. I have as yet received no response, and have just learned that the general is absent in Nebraska. Please inform me what I may rely npon in regard to troops and horses. I am entirely powerless to do anything more than to try and hold a few points on the mail route for want of force, and I am informed by Major Fillmore that the term of service of five companies of the First Colo- rado Cavalry, now on duty in this district, will expire by the 7th of September. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. G. BLUNT, Maj. C. S. CHARLOT, MaJor- General. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth. No. 2. Report of Lieut. Jacob Van Antwerp, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry. hEADQUARTERS, Saliu a, August 17, 1864. Sun: Six men left this place yesterday morning belonging to Com- pany II, Seventh Iowa, for Fort Ellsworth. They got to Elm Creek about 4 p. in,, whemi they were attacked by from 100 to 300 Indians, 4 of whom were killed, the other two got away. The messenger sent from here arrived at Woodwards ranch and returned with two men, coming in from the battle-held. I have just sent a detachment of ten men, nnder Lieutenant Booth, up the Republican, which took all the horses fit for duty, but I will send the dispatches through as soon as possible. Lieutenant ilelliwell has not arrived here yet. As soon as he gets here I shall go out with all the available forces, as there is undoubt- edly a large body of Indians between the Smoky Hill and Saline Rivers. Yours, truly, JACOB VAN ANTWERP, First Lieutenant Corn Capt. HENRY BOOTH. , mnanding Post. AUGUST 17, 1864.Capture of the steamer Miller on the Arkansas River near Pine Bluff, Ark. Report of Capt. AS~tephen P. Harrinyton, Fifth Kansas Cavalry. NORTH BANK ARKANSAS RIVER, THiRTY MILES FROM PINE BLUFF, August 18, 18645 a. m. COLONEL: The steamer Annie Jacobs is on a bar at this place. The captain thinks he will get off this morning. The steamer Miller was captured and burned by the rebels about ten miles below here yester- day. I have 100 men and a howitzer and can defend the Jacobs if she needs it. Colonel Clayton learned night before last that there were fiv Page 265 CHAP. LIII.) SCOUT ON THE REPUBLICAN RIVER, RANS. 265 rebel brigades under command of General Cabell camped on Big Creek at the crossing of the Warren and Pine Bluff road, about seventeen miles from Pine Bluff The rebels that burned the Miller were upon the south side of the river. Respectfully, your obedient servant, S. R. HARIIINGTON, Captain, Fifth Kansas Cavalry, and Acting Aide-dc- Camp, die. Lieutenant-Colonel GREEN, Assistant Adjutant- General. AUGUST 18. 1864.Skirmish at Benton, Ark. Report of Capt. Miles Kehoc, First Missouri Cavalry. IIDQR5. DETACHMENT THIRD BRIcfADE, FIRST IDIvISION, Benton, Ark., August 18, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on my arrival at Benton at 4.30 this p. m. I was fired on by a detachment of rebels, numbering about 100, which immediately retreated across the Saline. I succeeded in capturing 1 wounded man, who reported to me that a brigade of cay- aliy who occupied Benton had left two hours previous to my arrival, owing to information they had gained from a woman who had ridden to this place from Little Rock ahead of me, and also he reported to me that the rebel army was all about to move toward Little Rock. I have heard from reliable source that there is a large force to move in the direction of Monticello and Pine Bluff. The prisoner reports to me that there are two brigades of cavalry on the other side of the Saline from here, under command of dolonel Crawford, which were expected to cross the Saline to-morrow. My intention is to cross the Saline on his left flank in the direction of Hot Springs in the morning. I have fallen back two miles from Benton to a good position for the purpose of feeding my horses. Your order will reach me on the road in the direc- tion of Princeton. I shall cross the Saline to-morrow, and if possible ascertain the position of the main force of the eiiemy. I have the honor to remain, very respectfiilly, your obedient servant M. KEIIGE, Capt., Corndg. Detach. Third Brig., First Div., 7th Ar~ny Corps. AUGUST 1924, 1864.Scout on the Republican River, Kans. Report of Licut. William Booth, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, Clay Centre, Kans., August 24, 1864. GENERAL: In accordance with instructions from headquarters Dis- trict of Upper Arkansas, I have the honor to make the following report: In compliance to orders from Captain Booth I marched my (letach- ment to this place. Arriving here I found that Captain Schooley had proceeded with the mitilitia up the Repnblican River. Lieutenant- Colonel Gordon, of the Fifteenth Kansas Militia, with a detachment o Page 266 266 LOUISIANA AND THE mANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. twel ye men from the Fourteenth Kansas Militia~, having arrived,lpro1 ceeded up the river and encamped on Peach Creek, teu miles from this point, this bein~ August 19. August 20, broke camp at dayli~ht, and after marching thirty-five miles camped for the night at Lake Sibley. August 21, moved out again at daylight, marching up the north side of the Republican twenty-five miles until I struck a large trail, which I supposed to be the trail made by the command under Brigadier-General Sherry, of the State milita. Following this about five miles I crossed the river and continued up on the north side of White Rock Creek about six miles, when the trail bearing to the north I crossed the creek and moved up the south side about three miles and camped, marching about forty miles this day. August 22, being in the Indian country, and knowing their habit of making a dash at or near daylight, I had the camp aroused at 3 a. m. Left camp at daylight; marched up the creek about fifteen miles, examining the opposite side (it being very hard to cross) with a spy-glass. I explored the creek up to the Big Bend, where it was said a large body of Indians were encamped with their stock, but found nothing. Striking a southeast course for the Republican, scouting Salt Marsh and its creeks, I arrived at Lake Sibley and camped for the niglmt. August 23, divided the command and sent six mnen, under Lieutenant Pierce (militia), down the south side~ and with my coutmand came to Peach Creek on its north side~ encamped for the night. August 24, arrived at these headquarters about 10 a. mu. with stock very much reduced from want of forage and in bad shape for want of shoeing. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM BOOTH, & eond Lient. Company 19, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry Vols. Maj. Gen. J. G. BLUNT. (Through Lieut. J. E. Tappan, aide-de-camp.) AUGUST 2127, 1864.Expedition in Washington and Benton Counties, Ark., with skirmishes. IREPORTS. No. 1.Col. M. La Rue Harrison, First Arkansas Cavalry (Union). No. 2.Lient. Col. Albert W. Bisliop, First Arkansas Cavalry (IJnion). No. 1. Reports of Col. ill. La Rne Harrison, First Arkansas Cavalry (Union). HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARKANSAS CAVALRY, Fayettville, Ark., Angust 24, 18G4. GENERAL: Captain Hughes, with his detachment, left here as part of a command of 300 men, Lieutenant-Colonel Bishop commanding, on Sunday night, 21st instant, to attack 400 rebel Indians and bush- whackers, under Adair, at Cane Hill, and expecting to return this way before going to Keosho. I learn by letter fromn Lieutenant-Colonel Bishop, in the field, that the rebels fled at his approach, and that no engagenment could be provoked. Lieutenant-Colonel B. therefore marched directly north toward Cowskin Prairie, and I presume will leav Page 267 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION IN ARKANSAS. 267 Captain II. at or near Neosho. On my return to this place I found the rebels in such iiuinbers arid so insolent in this vicinity that I did riot deem it prudent to send Captain H. forward at once. I therefore detained him a few days, dealt a deadly blow to Tuck. Smith and company on the east, and then started the command directly westward. As Cap- tain H.s orders were not limited as regards time, I felt justified in this course, which I hope will meet yonr approval. I desire to express my thanks to you and through you to Captain H. for the service he has rendered. He, as well as Lieutenant Riggs, behaved with great gal- lantry in the action on Richland, and in their intercourse with my com- mand have won the well deserved reputation of brave soldiers and tine gentlemen. I learn from Woodring, operator at Fort Smith, that Gen- eral Thayer at present will not attempt to keep up the telegraph line north. I desire especially that it be kept up between this place and Springfield, and shall use every exertion to accomplish it, though for the past ten days I have done nothing, owing to the great demand on me for men to scout the country east and west. I earnestly request that you will order about 200 cavalry to operate between Sngar Creek and Cross Hollows,both east and west of the telegraph road, and I will render them all the assistance needed in subsistence and ammunition, as well as additional force of troops. If I did not have so much work to do east,- west, and south I would not ask this. I believe one mouths campaign will make them tired of Bentonville, Cross Hollows, and War Eagle. I remain, general, your most obedient servant, M. LA IRUE HAIRIRISOX, Colonel Co Brig. Gen. J. B. SANBORN, , mmanding. Commanding District of Southwest illiissourr. HEADQUARTERS, Payetteville, Ark., August 31, 1864. GENERAL: Inclosed please find copy of Lieutenant-Colonel Bishops report of expedition to Neosho. A blundering clerk pasted the sheets in form of a roll, and as it is too late to rewrite it, I have to cut them apart and do the best I can. Lieutenant George, Eighth Missouri State Militia, was killed by th~ bushwhackers at Osage, near Bentonville, on Monday morning. He was buried here by my command yesterday. Captain Akard has gone on to Fort Smith, having been re-enforced by seventy-five men of my command and the Kansas mail party, thirty strong. The rebels are getting more scarce west of us, but matters are still in statu quo on the east. I intend to commence a new dispen- sation for Cross Hollows and Mud Town in about a week. We are building a fine set of stables and using every precaution to preserve our stock. It is holding its own well. I desire very much to have you visit us as soon as you can make it convenient. Let inc know as soon as you get any intelligence from Washington iii regard to a change of boundaries or any other matters of importance. I inclose a letter* received to-day from the brush, which shows the serpent is wounded by his much hissing. Such letters are received by mne almost daily, altlmough no notice is ever taken of them. It might interest the public if published verbatim et literatum. The disabling of mills causes Not found Page 268 2(18 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. more wiitliing among bushwhackers than any other mode of attack but they threaten to stay and fight me on l)oile(l acorns. If your scouts report any movements of importance on the east of this please inform me. I remain, general, your most obedient servant, M. LA iIUE HARRISON, Colonel, Commanding. Brigadier-General SANBORN, Commanding J)istriet of AS~outhwest Missouri. No. 2. Reports of Lient. Cot. Albert Th Bishop, First Arkansas Cavalry ( Union). KEOSHO, August 27, 18G4. GENERAL: A detachment of the First Arkansas Cavalry aimd Captain Hughes command arrived here this noon. the whole nuder my geueral command. I left Fayetteville on the night of the 21st with 80() men mounted and dismounted, and one howitzer, fully expecting to have a fight somewhere in the vicinity of Cane Hill or Itheas Mills, but the birds had mainly flown. At Cane Hill we ran on a squad of twenty-five or thirty, whom we very quickly dispersed. I soon afterward ascertained that Adair had gone south with his command, and Brown was reported to be temporarily out of the country. The next day I sent my dis- mounted men back to Fayetteville and commenced scouting the country thoroughly to this place. Captain Hughes will give you the particulars. Though we discovered no force of any consequence, there is still munch work to be done in Northwestern Arkansas, an~1 I respectfully request, in behalf of the command at Fayetteville, that Captain Ilughes be sent south again as soon as possible with as much of a commuarid as you can spare for him. He has done us very essential service. I move agaimi to-nmorrow in the direction of Pineville and Bentonville. Hoping that we shall soon be attache(1 to your district, I remain, in haste, ~ours, very sincerely, A. W. BISHOP. Brig. Gen. JOHN B. SANBORN, ~prinyfteld, Mo. FAYETTEVILLE, ARK., August 31, IRGI. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that in accordance with your order of the 19th instant I proceeded with a detachment of 300 men of the First Arkansas Cavalry and Sixth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, amid one mountain howitzer to the vicinity of Cane lull, Ark., to attack and pursue any rebel bands that I might be able to find in the western portion of Washington or Benton Counties. Leaving Fayetteville at 10 I~ m. on the 21st the next morning the command arrived at Cane Hill, where our extreme advance, led by Sergeant Miles, Company H, First Arkansas Cavalry, gallantly charged a party of twenty-five or thirty mnen seen hovering on the outskirts of the town. A stand was attempted, but our men pressed them so closely that they fled in confusion to the bushes. They proved from reliable subsequemit inquiry to he a portio Page 269 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION IN ARKANSAS. 269 of Waties command. Learning that Adair and his company, whom I had expected to meet, had certainly gone south, and that Brown, if in the country at all, was north of me, I moved to Rheas Mills arid camped. Ou the morning of the 23d, deeming his assistance no longer necessary, I ordered Captain Pearson, comm andii g 100 dismonnted men, to return to Fayetteville, Assistant Snrgeon Tefft accompanying him. The orders from headquarters District of Southwest Missonri to Captain Hughes, commanding detachment Sixth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, requiring him to proceed to Neosho, Mo., with such assist- ance as he could obtain from your command, and he being particularly desirous of arriving there in time to enable him to be at Springfield, Mo., to-day, to muster his command for pay, and transact business connected with the enlistment of a number of his men as veterans which could not elsewhere, or at any other time, be disposed of I determined to thoroughly scout the country, proceeding ultimately to Neosho before returning to Fayetteville. With this view I moved westwardly to Ciii- ciiinati, distant tell miles, hearing meantime that Brown also had gone south; thence northeast by north, crossing Korwood Prairie to John Carters farm, on Illinois Creek, in I3enton County, when our advance ran on a party of three bushwiiackers, dispersing them, wounding 1 and capturing 2 horses, a mule and wagon. The same day a flanking party, commanded by Captain King, First Arkansas Cavalry, discimvered the retreat, near David Lovealls, six miles from Carters, on the road to Fayettevihle to Norwood Prairie, of a gang of bushwhackers apparently numbering fromn fifteen to twenty. A frw feeding at tire tinme escaped. Loveall himself, a notoriously bad man, was killed. Eight head of horses and ~3 guns were here captured. That night I camped at Carters, trav- eling fro~r twenty-two to twenty-five miles during the day. On the 24th I moved generally in a northwesterly direction, crossing Lindseys Prairie, thence five miles northeasterly, going into camp on the headwaters of Flint Creek. During this day I kept out as usual a force on either flank, but developed no enemy save an occasional bush- whacker whose speed seemed to be the only good quality he 1)ossessed. Distance traveled, twenty miles during the day. On the 2~th I moved northwardly across Spavinaw Creek, thence in a westerly direction down Honey Creek, camping on the latter immue(Iiately north of the Missouri line amid six miles from the Seneca Nation. I had intended to destroy an important mill omi Spavinaw, but a blunder on the part of my guide, who led the column several miles from its proper course, rendered it inlpracticable for me to do so at that time. This mill, known as Williams, affords sustenance to none but disloyal people, amid should be disabled or destroyed at the earliest feasible muoment. Our nmarch on the 25th was from twenty to twenty-five miles. No enemy of niomnemit was discovered. On the 26th we crossed Cowskin Prairie and river and proceeded thence northeasterly, muovin9- up Buffalo Creek on the Neosho road and going into camp ten miles south of that l)lace. Dis- tance traveled, same substantially as on the 25th; nO enemy discovered. On the 27th we moved to Neosho, arriving at noon. The same day Cap- tain Hughes left with his conimand for Springfield. 28th, I moved with detachment First Arkansas Cavalry and the howitzer toward Fayette- passing through Pineville Mo ville , ., anti camping a mile and a half below that place. Here we ran some bushwhackers into the woods, and captnred 2 horses with their equipments. A llommring mill in this local- ity I burned; none but rebels living in its vicinity. Distance traveled during the day, twenty-three miles. 29th, I moved in the direction o Page 270 270 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSiPPI. [CHAP. LIII. Bentonville, Ark., arriving at that place at 1 p. in., disabling on the route Williams and Walters Mills, on Sugar Creek, the latter a large one, and apparently worked to its frill capacity. Quite a number of rebel women were at this mill as we came up. Passing Bentonville I moved down Lick Creek, a direction, I believe, not often taken, and during the afternoon the command surprised and killed 2 bushwhackers, and a rebel spy and scout. The scout resisted to the last, fighting most bravely. Passes were found on his person from Brigadier-General Maxey, commanding District of Indian Territory, from headquarters Second Brigade, First Division, Army of Texas, and also from other minor commanders. That evening we camped seven miles from Ben- tonville on the waters of Osage Creek. 30th, line uf march was taken up for Browns. Mills, on the Brush Creek fork of Illinois Creek. Dis- abling this mill, I then moved westwardly to Thomasburgs Mill on Barren Fork of Illinois Creek, disabling it also. I now moved directly to Fayetteville, arriving there about 4 p. m. It was my constant object while oat to pass through localities where bushwhackers were reported to range and be harbored, especially Browns command. He, I am satisfied, is not at present in this section of the country, though his return, and perhaps speedy, is not at all improbable. North of the Boston Mountains, and west of this place, there are not in my judgment one-fourth of the rebel enemies of the Government, of whatever name or kind, that infested this portion of the district a month since. Forage, corn particularly, as far west as Spavinaw Ci~eek, is much more abundant than I had supposed. There is scarcely a Union man to be found farming in the western portions of Benton and Washington Conuties, and I would suggest that this forage be secured for our purposes, without any unnecessary delay. The rebels have been roused from their fancied security, and we must work quickly to secure the result of their labor. I captured in all 30 serviceable horses and mules, Captain Hughes being permitted to ap- propriate what was necessary to maintain the efficiency of his command. The mills destroyed or disabled were of very little or no service to Union people. I am much indebted to the officers of the command for any success that may have attended the expedition. A. W. BISHOP, Lieutenant- Colonel First Arkansas Cavalry, Commanding. Col. M. LA IIUE HARRISON. AUGUST 2225, 1864.Scout from Helena to Nount Vernon, Ark. Report of Maj. Fagleton Carmichael, Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY Helena, Ark., August 25, 1864. SIR: I respectfully submit the following report of a scout under my command: We left Helena on the 22d instant on board the steamers Dove and Homeyer; went up Saint Francis River; landed four miles above the mouth of the Anguille River and disembarked. Proceeded from land- ing to Hughes farm; from there to Doctor Wards, by way of Gills thence to Weatherlys, Dayles, and Mrs. Roberts; crossed lower mout Page 271 ChAP. 1111.1 OPERATIONS IN LA FAYETTE COUNTY, MO. 271 of Cow Bayou, on to Mickeys; from there to Linden; from Linden to Madison, passing several places I do not remember the names of; from Madison to Mount Vernoi~, through large settlements, where I heard there was a detachment of rebel cavalry, but found hone; from Mount Vernon to McDaniels, where I remained a part of the night of the 23d; from McDaniels we returned by a differem4 route to the upper mouth of Cow Bayou. I divided my command in passing through most of the settlements where I could, so there was but very little of the country but what we scouted through. The ~nformnation I received in the country was that Briscoes and Coates companies were ordered away on the 20th, but a few had been left behind to get the stragglers together and follow the companies. As to their having been pasturing any number of horses, I do not believe it, for I particulary inquired of both whites and negroes through the country and could learn nothing of them. While they were there they were scattered through the settlements in small squads, conscripting and getting what horses they could. We captured Lieut. J. M. Grigg, Company A, Dobbins regiment; Private Thomas M. Short, samne company, and Luther Drum, a conscript. We arrested W. F. Pruitt N V Gill U J Howard, and P. B. Mickey. We also captured and seized 8 hors~s and 5 mules. The prisoners I turned over to the provost-marshal and the stock I turned over to the district quartermaster. We destroyed a large num- ber of shotguns and rifles and burned McDaniels Mill. I should have gone to Dick Andersons, but could hear of no rebel soldiers in that direction, and it would have detained us nearly a day longer, and could not have reached the boats until the morning of the 25th without over- working our horses. E. CARMICHAEL, Major, Commanding Expedition. Lieut. F. E. SNOW, Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of Eastern Arkansas. [Thdorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS, Helena, August 25, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. Major Carmichael is entitled to much credit for this scout. WM. CROOKS, Colonel Sixth Minnesota Infan4ry, Commanding District. AUGUST 2230, 1864.Operations in La Fayette County, Mo. Report of C~apt. Melville U. Foster, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cay. alry. HOLDEN, Mo., August 81, 1864. I have the honor to report marches, scouts, & c., of my command: August 22, took Lieutenant Pharis and thirty men of both companies and arrested the families of Durrett, Stoner, Cowarden, and Scott, for feeding bushwhackers; returned same day; traveled thirty miles. Au- gust 24, Lieutenants Pharis and Marr, with forty men of both compa- in~s, escorted prisoners to Warrensburg; returned next day; travele Page 272 272 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP LIII. thirty nijies. Same (lay Lieuteiiant Combs, with thirty-five melt, es- corted Paymaster Mears to Chapel Hill; traveled thirty miles. August 26, took thirty-five men of both companies, in obedience to telegram front district headqi~arters; proceeded to Big Creek to co-operate with Captain Queen, from Warrensburg; drove Walnut Creek; jumped three bushwhackers; (Irew blood, but got no one. Angust 27, niet C aptaiu Queen; proceededup Big Creek; drovethe brush on Panther Creek. Was told that a body of Confederates had passed to the westward recently; took the direction. On arriving at the residence of Mr. Tackett was told by him that Palmer, with 140 reernits for the Confederate army, had passed between ilarrisonville and Pleasant Hill, and left his house early the morning of the 26th. Palmer thus being thirty-six hours ahead, and night at hand, rendering it ntterly impossible to follow him till morning, thereby virtually giving him forty-eight hours the start of ns, it was thought useless to follow. We therefore l)roceeded up Big Creek. August 28, proceeded to the mouth of Crawfords Fork of Big Creek, and divided the force, Captain Queen, with one-half, taking one side, while 1, with the balance, took the other side. Near evening, with my squad, ran afoul of a gang of about fifteen bushwhackers within six miles of Chapel Hill; had a nice little chase of about three miles, completely scattering the gang, disumounting one man, capturing one horse, saddle, and bridle. August 29, again separated as before. CaptaiW Queen saw and fired upon two bushwhackers. J flushed a gang of about ten or twelve in a thicket; wounded 2, but escaped in the brush. Captured 4 horses and equipments and 3 guns. Two of the horses were so badly wonnded as to ba unable to travel, and were left; the saddles of such inferior quality that I destroyed theum on the ground. August 30, returned to camp, having traveled 115 miles. Besides this there was a daily patrol of twenty men to and from Pleasant Hill. Very respectfully, M. ~ FOSTER, Captain, Commanding. Licut. J. N. PENNOCK, Adjt. 7th Reyt. Car. Mo. SU(te ]Jfilitia, lVarrt~nsburg, Mo. AUGUST 23, 1864.Affair at Webster, Mo. Report of ]ifaj. James Wilson, Third Missouri State Militia Cavalry. PILOT KNOB, Mo., August 25, 1864. I sent a squad to Cadet Station yesterday morning. Scouts are out coittiiiually scouring Saint Francois and Washiimgton Counties. A band of fifty guerrillas entered Webster and plundered the l)lace on the morn- ing of the 23d, and returned in a southwesterly direction. Scouts have gone in that direction. I have men engaged in completing Fort David- son. The work on the fort on Rock Mountain had been suspended when I came here. If you desire tile work continued please inform me. An engineer, sent here by General Rosecrans to report, & c., reports that fort a nuisance. JAMES WILSON, Major, Counnanding. Brigadier-General EWING Page 273 Ca& r. LIII.] EXPEDITION TO FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. 273 AUGUST 2326, 1864.Scout from Ozark, Mo., to Dubuque Crossing and Sugar Loaf Prairie. Report of Capt. John C. Bailey, Second Arkansas Cavalry (Union). HDQRS. DETACHMENT SECOND ARKANSAS CAVALRY, Near Ozark, Angnst 26, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that a scout of one commis- sioned officer and twenty men which left here on the mornin.g of the 23d instant returned to-day. They scoute(l the country as far south- eastas Dubuque, crossing the river and going ten miles farther down on Sugar Loaf Prairie. They report no force of the enemy moving this direction, and, from the best information conid gain, Shelby was at Batesyille with about 2,500 men, and the general impression is that he has been ordered south across the Arkansas River. His conscripts are deserting him faster than lie can gather them up. One company of sixty-five which was gotten up south of here now number but twelve men, which is no doubt correct, since bushwhackers are quite numerous through a poffion of the country which my scouts pass through. I am keeping a small scout at Forsyth and vicinity and between here and that point all the time. I sent a lieutenant and twenty men to Du- buque and vicinity to-day to be absent five days. I understand Cap- tain Ball is going down into that county; if so, will not that relieve me from scouting there to some extent l If there are not some heavy rains soon will be obliged to move the detachment to where there is water, since it is so scarce here now that have to water most of my stock out of buckets. Am hauling forage teif miles, and getting scarce at that. Some sixteen head of our best horses are unserviceable, lame with the foot evil (a singular disease), and cannot account as to the cause. In sonic cases the hoof comes nearly off, and there appears to be no remedy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. JOHN C. BAILEY, Captain, C~omdg. Detachment Second Arkansas Cavalry. Brig. Gen. J. B. SANBORN, Commanding District of Southwest Missouri, Springfield, Mo. AUGUST 2328, 1864.Expedition from Cassville, Mo., to Fayetteville, Ark., and skirmish (24th) at Gerald Mountain, Ark. Report of Capt. James L. Powell, Second Arkansas Cavalry. CAMP PHELPS, Mo., August 29, 1864. COLONEL: I herewith transmit my report of the command which 1 was placed in charge of by Special Orders, No. 51, headquarters Post of Cassville, Cassville, Mo. I obedience to instructions I proceeded with the train, leaving the Big Spring, near Cassville, on the morning of the 23d of August. I proceeded with caution to Little Sugar Creek, where I encamped with- out molestation. On the morning of the 24th I continued our move on the wire road. I moved forward until in about ten miles of Fayette- yule, at what is called the Gerald Mountain. The rear guard was sud- denly attacked by about twenty-five or thirty rebels, who were concealed 18 R RVOL XLI~ PT Page 274 274 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIIL on our left. At the moment of the attack the rear guard gave way, and the rebels seeing this dashed upon the wagons, firing at teamsters and mules. Being at the head of the column myself as soon as I heard the firing started to the rear, ordering all the infantry to form and protect the advance of the train, while I ordered the cavalry to follow me. I immediately made my way to the place of firing with what men I could hastily call upon. On arriving at the place of action I opened fire on some rebels who were shooting one of my wounded men. As soon as I commenced firing at the enemy they began to fall back. I followed them as far as I thought prudent on account of the train. The enemy drew off up a mountain to the east, whereupon I thonght best to proceed to move on with the train. I proceeded to Fayetteville on the 24th. My loss was 1 man killed; 1 other man shot in four different parts of the body; one or two others slightly grazed with bullets. After remaining at Fayetteville two days I started to Cassyille on the 27th instant, throwing out flankers on each side of the way. I had no further difficulty, and arrived at Cassville the 28th instant. I also lost in the fight 1 Government mule and 3 horses. JAMES L. POWELL, Captain Company F, & cond Arkansas Cavalry. AUGUST 2329, 1864.Expedition to Clinton, La., with skirmishes (25th) at Olive Branch and the Comite River. I~IEPOT~TS. No. l.Maj. Gen. Francis J. Herron, U. S. Army, commanding District of Baton Rouige and Port Hudson. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Elias S. Dennis, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, Nine- teenth Army Corps. No. 3.Col. Benjamin Dornblaser, Forty-sixth Illinois Infantry, commanding First Brigade. No. 4.Itinerary of the Cavalry Division, Nineteenth Army Corps, commanded by Brig. Gen. Albert L. Lee, U. S. Army. No. 5.Maj. Bacon Montgomery, Sixth Missonri Cavalry. No. 6.Capt. William J. Evans, One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Infantry (mounted). No. 1. Report of ]litaj. Gen. Francis J. Herron, U. ~ Army, commanding Dis trict of Baton Rouge and Port Hudson. BATON ROUGE, August 28, 1864. (Received 9.30 a. in.) MAJOR: I returned last evening from Clinton, after driving Scott twenty miles from that place in the direction of Liberty. He made obstinate resistance to both columns for twelve miles from Clinton. Our loss is 6 killed and 23 wounded; among the latter are two of Gen- eral Lees staff officers, Captain McComas and Captain Pierce. The enemys loss is 30 killed, including 1 field officer, and over 100 wounded, including several officers, one of whom, Captain Thompson, is on the road mortally wounded and probably dead ere this. We have also over 20 prisoners, including 1 , Captain Bradford, of Colonel Scotts stalL Genei~al Lee mnet the enemy at Redwood, seventeen miles fro Page 275 EXPEDITION TO CLINTON, LA. 275 this place, and had a sharp fight with them at midnight, driving them to the Comite River, where they used artillery freely, he dislodging them after several hours work, pushing close to Clinton. I left Hud- son with the infantry at 5 oclock on the evening of the 25th. When five miles out a bridge fifty feet long gave way with the advance guard of cavalry on it, precipitating thirty men and horses into a bayou, and badly injuring six men and a number of horses. It required three hours hard labor to rebuild the bridge, and but for tIme unfortunate delay J could have reached Clinton at daylight without resistance, and thus have been completely in rear of the force watching Lee. A battery of four guns that had been at Tunica passed from Jackson to Clinton half an hour before I struck the Clinton road. A movement had been cx- I)ected from Eaton Rouge, but not from Port Hudson, an d they were completely off guard in that direction. We destroyed their corn stored at Clinton and at several points east and north. General Lee followed Scott toward Liberty, but at latest advices Scott had left there and was moving in the direction of Osyka. I also had the Government workshop near Clinton destroyed. We brought ten or twelve bales of cotton and a number of head of cattle, also quite a number of negroes. I am much indebted to Generals Lee and Dennis for the energy dis- played in pushing forward their commands. Will report in detail to-morrow. Respectfully, F. J. HERROX, ]Jiliajor- General, Commanding. Maj. GEORTE B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. NO. 2. Report of Brig. Gen. Elias S. Dennis, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, Nineteenth Army Corps. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, NINETEENTH ARMY CoRPS, iiforganza, La., September 1 1864 CAPTAIN: I have the honor to transmit herewith the following report for the information of time general commanding: Pursuant to his instructions of the 23d of August, 1864, I embarked on steamers with about 3,000 men of my command, and proceeded down the river to Port Hudson, La.; reached that point at 5 a. m. August 24, and at 4 p. mu., in compliance with orders from Major-Gemmeral Herron, I took 1lJ) my line of march for Clinton La and after muarching all night arrived there at 2 p. m. August 25, nieetii~ig with but slight opposition from the enemy on the way. Remained imm camp at Clintomi until 4 p. m. August 26, then started on my returmm to Port Hudson. I met no enemy, but owing to the excessive heat did not reach that point umitil S a. m. August 28. Having to await the arrival of boats, we were de- tained here until 4 p. in., when I l)rOceeded up time river to Morgauza, La., reaching there without accident on time morning of August 29, 1864. Below please find list of casualties. I have the honor to be, captain, veryrespectfully, your obedient servant, ELIAS S. I)ENNIS, J;riga( licr- General, Commanding. Capt. B. WILSON, Assistant Adjutant- General, U. S. Forces, illorganza, La Page 276 276 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. First Brigade: Eleventh Illinois Infantry, 3 men missing; Forty-sixtli Illinois Infantry, 2 men missing; Seventy-sixth Illinois Infantry, 1 man missing; Thirtieth Missouri Infantry, 2 men missing. Second Brigade: Forty-seventh Indiana Infantiy, 1 man missing; Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Infantry, 2 men missing; One hundred and twentieth Ohio Infantry, 2 men missing. Cavalry: Second New York Cavalry, 2 men wonn(led; Fourth U. S. Cavalry, 1 man wounded. Artillery: Twenty-sixth New York Light Artillery, 1 man wounded. No. 3. Report of Col. Benjamin Dorublaser, Forty-sixth Illinois infantry, commanding First Brigade. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG-., SECOND DIV., 19TH ARMY CORPS, ]Jforganza, La., August 29, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that in compliance with orders, this brigade embarked on steamers on the night of the 23d instant and proceeded to Port Hudson, La., where it disembarked. On the even- iug of the 24th instant, at 5 p. in., the column moved out in the direc- tion of Clinton, La., the First Brigade in advance, supplied with five days rations and one ammunition wagon to each regiment. The com- mand marched all night, only resting at intervals to enable the column to close up, and arrived at Clinton at noon of the 25th. Small scouting parties of the enemy only were encountered, who fled at our approach. The troops rested until 4 p. m. of the 2Gth, when the return march was commenced, arriving at Port Hudson on the morning of the 28th, and Morganza on the morning of the 29th. Port Hudson is distant twenty- five miles from here and from Port H udson to Clinton the samne. The march was a very hard one, and the losse~ sustained by the brigade were caused principally by men becoming exhausted by the way aiid being captured by the enemy, wbo followed in our rear. The following are the losses of the brigade: Eleventh Illinois, 3 missing; Forty-sixth Illinois, 2 missing; Seventy-sixth Illinois, 1 mnissim ig; Thirtieth Mis- souri, 2 missing. Respectfully, your obedient servant, B. DORNBLASEII, Colonel, Comm ending Brigade. Capt. W. E KUHN, Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen, AS1eeond Division, 19th Army Corps. No. 4. itinerary of the Cavalry Dirisiou, Nineteenth Army Corps, eo?nmauded by Brig. Gen. Albert L. Lee.* August 11.The division was formed and General Lee announced as its commander in General Orders, No. I, headquarters Department of From monthly return Page 277 CHAP. LIII.] EXPEDITION TO CLINTON, LA. 277 the Gulf Office Chief of Cavalry. The Second Louisiana Cavalry was announced as belonging to First Brigade, but by order of Major-General Canby, commanding Military Division of West Mississippi, that regi- ment was consolidated with First Louisiana Cavalry and the men sent to the latter regiment, at Morgauza, La. The Eleventh New York Cav- alry during the month was stationed at points along the Mississippi River above and below a point opposite IDonaldsonville, La., guarding the country. The division, excepting the Eleventh New York Cavalry, moved out of Baton Rouge upoii Clinton, La., on the 24th, to co-operate with an infantry force from Port Hudson, to strike the rebel forces nuder Colonel Scott. An accident delaying the infantry column, the rebels were not surrounded, as was designed. The cavalry met the enemy, about 1,800 strong, and drove him, after severe skirmishing, seven miles beyond Clinton, capturing 2 officers and 3Smen. August 27.Returned to camp. The cavalry at other times during the month were engaged in picket and scouting duty. No. 5. Report of ]1Iaj. Bacon ]lfontgom.ery, Sixth Missouri Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CAVALRY MISSOURI VOLUNTEERS, Baton Rouge, La., August 28, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the following as the part taken by my command during the late expedition to Clinton, La.: At 2 p. m. August 24 my regiment was in line on the Clinton road in rear of the Second Louisiana Cavalry; passing the picket with fifty men of my regiment I took the advance and soon came upon a squad of the enemy who gradually fell back before [us]; they never returned our fire but raised thewhite flag. I halted the column, not wishiug them to see our force, and advanced with Captain Jenkins a~nd two men and met Captain Brown with three men. I asked for his communication; he said it would be forthcoming in a few minutes. in the meantime I had sent the two men back as messengers to Colonel Fonda. In a few minutes I received the order from you to send the men whom I had captured to the rear. The enemy instantly sprang into their saddles and started oft rapidly, sayin~ they would not be taken, but said they would await me a few hundred yards iu advance. I rode back till I met Colonel Fonda, who told nine to meet him and if he had any commnuni- cation to receive it, if not to give him fifteen minutes to get [out of] our way. He said he wanted no longer time than that and dashed off. When the time was up we started at a gallop and pursued them two miles beyond Redwood bridge, where, finding it impossible to capture them, the heat being so excessive and the main column so far in our rear, I ordered a halt and rested until the remainder of the command closed up. Soon after dark we were again ordered forward. The enemy taking advantage of the darkness of the night and the favorable posi- tion in front, annoyed us frequently by firing on my advance; at one fire they wounded the sergeant who had charge ofthe advance and his horse also. At another time concealing themselves in the thick under- bmush they permitted us to advance within teii or twenty feet of thenin, when they opened a rapid fire on us, killing 3 horses and severely wound Page 278 278 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-M1SSISSJPPJ. [CHAP. LIII. ing 1 man, but their fire was returned with such vigor that they were compelled to abandon their horses, which were tied near the road. Near Comite bridge they fired on us, killing 1 man instantly. Here two com- panies of my regiment were seut to guard the roads in our rear. Soon after we crossed the river, having to swim a few feet. Two miles from the bridge we rested a few minutes, and under orders from the general commanding I assumed command of the advance, consistin gof a detachment of the Fourth Wisconsin in addition to my regiment. We immediately charged them, keeping up a running fight until within one mile of the town, killing and capturing several, the men using their sabers after their carbines and revolvers had been discharged. Here the Fourth Wisconsin having been considerably scattered and very much fatigued, I moved the Sixth in their front, and in conjunction with about 100 of the One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Mounted Infantry on foot, I drove them within and beyond the limits of the town, their rear fleeing in confusion and disorder upon our entrance. On 28th we returned to this place as rear guard of the division, having lost 1 killed and 4 wounded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, BACON MONTGOMEIIY, Major, Commanding Sixth Cavalry Missouri Volunteers. Capt. T. W. HURST, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 6. Report of ~Japt. William J. Evans, One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Infantry (mounted). HDQRS. 118TH RE~T. ILLINOIS MOUNTED INFANTRY, Baton Rouge, La., August 28, 1864. CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders received from headquarters First Brigade this day, I have the honor to submit thc following state- ment with regard to the part taken by the One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Mounted Infantry in the expedition to Clinton, La.: When the regiment was formed on the Clinton road on the 24th instant the One hnndred and eighteenth Illinois was third from the right under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Logan, who remained in command until the colnmn arrived near Cypress Bayou, when lie returned to camp sick, turning the command over to the undersigned, senior captain. After marching to Brushy Bayon, in compliance with orders, I sent Captain Shaw, Company G, forward with 100 men to the support of the advance, who continued with the advance three umiles beyond Iledwood, when he was ordered to dismount forty men and send in advance of the cavalry deployed under command of Lient. E. B. Hamilton, and to report the remainder of his 100 immen to the regi- ment. These forty men continued in the advance until arriving near Olive Branch, where they met the enemy and routed them after a short skirmish, in which Private Thomas B. Mix, Company B, was killed. They also captnred 2 prisoners at this place. This occurred about 2 a. m. on the 25th instant. After crossing Olive Branch I sent forward fifty men, under command of Captains Iloseubrook and IRobinson, t Page 279 CHAP. LIII.] SKIRMISH ON GUNTERS PRAIRIE, IND. TER. 279 relieve Lieutenant Hamilton. They continued on foot skirmishing with the enemy to within half a mile of the Comite River. During this skirmishing Corpi. William P. Rice, Company K, was slightly wounded in the foot, and in accordance with orders I dismounted the remainder of the regiment aiid went forward to their support. I arrived at the river at daybreak, where Ii found the enemy in force, who had partially destroyed the bridge to obstruct our passage. After sharp skirmish- ing until near 9 a. in. the enemy was dislodged. I then ordered the command to mount and effected a crossing by swimming the horses at the bridge. After the command crossed I was ordered by General Lee to report to Major Montgomery, with the regiment, who had com- mand of the advance, keeping up a running light until the enemy made a stand omie mile this side of Clinton, when I was ordered to dis- mount 100 men and advance with them deployed, skirmishing with the enemy, dislodging him, and driving him through the city. While in Clinton the regiment was on provost dnty, where we remained until 9 a. m. the 27th instant, when we took up our line of march, arriving at camp near Baton Rouge at 10.30 p. m. 27th instant. The total casualties are 1 man killed, 1 man slightly wounded, and 3 horses from the extreme heat. I take pleasure in saying both officers and men did their duty well. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, WM. J. EVANS, Captain Company F, Commanding Regiment. Capt. T. W. HURST, Acting A8sistaut Adjutant- General, Fir8t Brigade. AUGUST 24, 1864.Skirmish on Gunters Prairie, md. Ter. Report ~f ]lfc~j. Gen. Samuel B. Maxey, C. S~ Army. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF INDIAN TERRITORY, Fort Towson, C. N., September 3, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to state that I am in receipt of General Waties official report, by which it appears that at daylight on August 24th ultimo he attacked a Federal camp on north side of Arkansas River, on Gunters Prairie, about 350 infantry and about 70 cavalry, with a detachment of his command of about 500. He says: The result of this affair was 14 prisoners, about 20 killed, 150 mules and horses, and the burning of a large quantity of bay. I had several iaeii wounded, 1 killed, and some horses killedshot. The principal object was to burn the hay and cap- ture the stock. He says he did not intend to engage enemy with equal numbers, and that enemy was stronger than he anticipated. Very respectfully, colonel, your obedient servant, S. B. MAXEY, ]lJiajor- General. Col. S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General, & e., Shreveport, La Page 280 280 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. AUGUST 24, 1864.Action at Ashleys and Jones Stations, near Devalls BlufL Ark. REPOHTS. * No. l.Maj. Gen. Frederick Steele, U. S. Army, commanding the Department of Ark- ansas. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Christopher C. Andrews, U. S. Army, commanding Second Divis- ion. No. 3.Col. Washington F. Geiger, Ei~hth Missouri Cavalry, commanding Third Brigade, Cavalry Division. No. 4.Lient. Col. Gilbert Moyers, Third Michigan Cavalry. N.o. 5Brig. Gen. Joseph 0. Shelby, C. S. Army. No. 1. Report of ]lJiaj. Uen. Frederick AS1teele, U. S. Army, commanding the Department of Arkansas. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, Little ROCk, August 26, 1864. GENERAL: On the 24th instant a large rebel force under Shelby made a raid upon the railroad between Devalls Bluff and Brownsville, capturing the guard, destroying the telegraph wire, and tearing up the track. They also burned a large quantity of hay and destroyed the machines for cutting and pressing. Shelbys force is reported 3,000 cavalry and six pieces of artillery. Before sufficient force could be as- seinbled to capture them they were off. Our troops are still in pursuit. Our cavalry made them take to the woods. I have not learned par- ticulars from Devalls Bluff. It is currently reported that the rebels have crossed a large force near Arkansas Post, for the purpose of join- ing Shelby and attacking Devalls Bluff and the railroad. Little Rock was to be attacked at the same time. Colonel Clayton, relying upon the reports of his reconnoitering parties, does not believe that any considerable force has crossed the Arkansas; he thinks that a large cavalry force under Price is now moving upon the south side of. the Saline for the purpose of crossing the Arkansas above here and making a raid into Missouri. Price is reported to rave 15,000 cavalry, includ- ing Marmadukes division. I have been informed by everybody recently from the southdeserters, refugees, & c.that Price has been put in command of the cavalry and John Magruder of the infantry that are to move against me. It is the general opinion that Price expects to go to Missouri, and his troops are said to be jubilant over the prospect. I have ordered the troops at Saint Charles to Devalls Bluff and hope you will send me force enough to enable me to take the field and leave the depots secure. My troops are constantly being discharged by expi- ration of term of service. My instructions are to hold the line of the Arkansas. If my veterans are to be sent to some other department, and my force continues to diminish, I should prefer massing the whole command, taking the field with it, and leaving the safety of the posts to future consideration. Very respectfully, F. STEELE, Major- General. Maj. Gen. E. R. S. CANnY, Commanding Military Division of West Mississippi. See also Jackmans report, p. 671 Page 281 ACTION NEAR DEVALLS BLUFF, ARK. CRAP. LIII.) 281 No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gen. Christopher C. Andrews U S Arm ing Second Division. y, command- HBQRS. SECOND DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Dei,alls Bluff, Ark., August 25, 18611.30 p. m. GENERAL: Yesterday morning I received information from a reliable source that the rebels had finished their pontoons over the Arkansas River above the post and that they were to cross day before yesterday; that their plan was to attack Little Rock, Devalls Bluff and the rail- road simultaneously. I wrote a dispatch containing this information for General Steele, but the telegraph line was down and has been so ever since. At 12.30 oclock yesterday a messenger from Ashleys Station arrived stating that Shelby, with a force of 2,000, with artillery and a traill, had attacked and captnred that post, and that he had come in from the north. Ashleys Station is twelve miles, perhaps fifteen, from here on the railroad. There were about 150 troops there guarding the railroad and haymakers. There was one station beyond and three this side, at each of which were two companies of the Fifty-fourth Illinois Veteran Volunteer Infantry. Subsequent information showed that Col. G. M. Mitchell, coin- manding the Fifty-fourth Illinois, had concentrated six companies at a station two miles this side of Ashleys and was resisting the enemy. I sent out from here the available force of three regiments of cavalry, under Colonel Geiger, numbering about 750, for observation at least, ~and to interpose assistance to Colonel Mitchell if possible. Geiger arrived promptly, but Mitchell had been taken. The cavalry commenced to engage Shelby only a few minutes after Mitchell snrrendered and fought him two hours. The enemy, it is reported, had 2,000 or 3,000 men, and I have reasons to believe that he had forces still back that were not engaged. Our loss was 6 killed and 42 wounded. I think we lost no prisoners. The fight ended by the enemy falling back into the tim- ber toward the north and a little in this direction. Geiger then fell back to prevent the enemy getting between this place and him. Our men did more than hold their own. I have had no communication at all with Little Rock, and do iiot know what has been going on there yester- day and to-day. Of course I know nothing about operations at Pine Bluff. I am apprehensive that the enemy will move up here from the Arkansas River. My forces have lately been taken away to the extent of two regiments to strengthen Pine Bluff and the Fifty-fourth Illi- nois, a veteran regiment, had lately been taken from here to serve as guard for hay contractors. I, therefore, have only about 600 infantry and 1,000 effective cavalry, together with one battery. I started some scouts through to Little Rock an hour ago. I yesterday sent to Saint Charles for a gun-boat, which I soon expect to arrive. In haste, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. C. ANDREWS, Maj. Gen. ~. ~. WASHBURN, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Memphis. P. 5.Three demands were made upon Colonel Mitchell before he surrendered. Our loss in infantry must amount to 450 prisoners Page 282 282 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Derails Bluff August 25, 18642 p. rn. MAJOR: I desire to communicate in a few brief lines the military condition of affairs in this locality as far as they are known to me. I do this becanse there are at present no means open for communication between Little Rock and this place. I learned yesterday morning from a reliable sonrce that the rebels had completed pontoons over the Ar- kansas above the post, and were to cross day before yesterday; that their plan was to attack Little Rock, Devalls Bluff, and the railroad simnltaneonsly. I was unable to commilnicate this intelligence to General Steele on acconnt of the telegraph lines being down. At 12.30 yesterday news by messenger reached me that Shelby had come down from the north with 2,000 men, artillery and a train, and attacked the hay stations, fifteen miles out. Guarding these stations from eight to fifteen miles out were posts of two companies of infantry at each post. The Fifty-fourth Illinois Veteran Volunteer Infantry was on this duty. Colonel Mitchell, commanding, concentrated six companies at one poet and made some resistance. He was finally taken with his force. Our loss in prisoners thus taken must be about 400 or 500. My force here had lately beell weakened to re-enforce Pine Bluff, and I have only 600 infantry, one battery of six pieces, and from 800 to 1,000 cavalry. On learning of this attack, however, I sent out all the available cavalry at hand under Colonel Geiger, commanding Third Brigade. He took with him 750 nien, moved out promptly, and began to engage the enemys skirmishers only a few minutes after Colonel Mitchell had been taken. Geiger had the Eighth Missouri, Ninth Iowa, and about 150 men of the Eleventh Missouri. He engaged the enemy about two hours. The enemy then began to fall back toward the north, and inclining this way, upon which Geiger fell back to prevent his getting between this place and him. Our loss in that fight was 6 killed and 42 wounded. The fight took place npon~ the open prairie and was a gallant affair. I yesterday sent down to Saint Charles and requested that a gun-boat be sent up. I expect it to arrive soon. There are about 1,500 troops at Saint Charles which I wish were here. I am certainly weak, even to hold this place against a serious attack of superior numbers. I ought to be able to move out and whip completely any such force as Shelby has. We are working constantly. I have armed the quarter- masters employ6s. A loyal person took pains to travel in some dis- tance to inform me that Prices movement toward Pine Bluff was a feint ; that he would probably attack Little Rock. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. C. ANDREWS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. C. T. CHRISTENSEN, Assistant Adjutant- General, New Orleans. Have had no communication with Little Rock since day before yesterday. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Devalls Bluff, August 25, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the facts and information I am able to furnish in regard to the attack by General Shelbys forces yesterday on the railroad and haymakers sta- tions, near Ashleys Station Page 283 CHAP. LIII.] ACTION NEAR DEVALLS BLUFF, ARK. 283 I will first remark that the telegraph line was down all day yester- day, and to show the information which I received early yesterday morning, will copy the disp atch which I sent to the telegraph office: IIEADQIJARTERS SEcoNn DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY Coups, Derails Bluff, August 24, 18648 a. m. Capt. C. H. DYER, Little Rock: A Mrs. Jones (loyal), who lives just below confluence of Bayou Metoe and Bayon Two Prairies, overheard conversation day before yesterday, at her home, between two Confederate scouts, to the effect that rebels bad pontoons over the Arkansas above the post and would cross by yesterday; that the plan was to ttack Little Rock, the railroad, and Devalls Bluff at the same time. C. C. ANDREWS, Brigadier-Geucral, Co~nu~auding. NOTE.This was not sent on 24th wires being down; action at hay station. At about 12.30 p. m. a man from the First Nebraska came riding in haste up to my headquarters and reported that Shelby had captured Ashleys Station, where were two companies of Fifty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and a detachment of the First Nebraska; that Shelby came upon the railroad from the north ; that he had about 2,000 men, artillery, and a wagon train; also that he was moving upon the other hay stations in this direction (Ashleys Station is full twelve miles distant from here). Immediately on receipt of this intelligence I directed Col. W. F. Geiger, commanding Third Brigade (cavalry), to pro- ceed with his available force at hand toward Shelby to interpose assist- ance to the infantry if he could, or at any rate to observe the enemy. HEADQUARTERS SECOND Divisiox, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Devalls Bluff, August 24, 1864. Col. W. F. GEIGER, Commanding Third Brigade: COLONEL: You will send a scout of 200 men, with four days rations, in direction of Arkansas Post, to start immediately. The officer in command will report at these headquarters for instructions. By order of Brig. Gen. C. C. Anirews.: W. A. MARTIN, First Lieut., Third Michigan Cavalry, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. Before noon Colonel Geiger was excused from sending this scout till morning, on account of expectation of the regiments being paid. Colonel Geiger was very prompt in moving off, taking with him the Eighth and Eleventh Missouri and the Ninth Iowa Cavalry. About fifteen minutes after the first messenger arrived another of the First Nebraska arrived with intelligence similar to the iirst, and subsequently for an hour. or two enlisted men and citizen employ~s came in every half hour or so, confirming the intelligence. Each one reported the enemys force from 2,000 to 2,500, and altogether superior to the detach- ments guarding the hay contractors. They represented that they had been only a little more than an hour coming in. At about 2 oclock a nuessenger brought me a communication from Col. G. M. Mitchell, com- manding Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry Veteran Volunteers, and the other troops guarding haymakers, of which the following is a copy: JONES AND LANES HAY STATION, August24, 1864. General ANDREWS: I am surrounded by a large number of cavalry from the north of the railroad. Ashleys Station surrendered, aud hay burned. I have concentrated six companies at this station and will fight to the last; send help if possible. The enemy have two pieces of artillery. G. M. MITCHELL, Colonel, Commandiug. P. S.I have heard nothing of. the two companies at the stockade. I rode up to Myers Pass and the fight took place in my absence. MITCHELL Page 284 284 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. Soon after the receipt of this I sent an engine with four platform-ears with instructions to take up the two companies of Twelfth Michigau Vol- uuteer Infantry guarding railroad bridge from eight to ten miles dis- tant from here ~ and proceed on with them as a re-enforcement, or in case that appeared impracticable to bring them in. Lient. E. C. Lither- land, acting aide-dc-camp, volunteered to carry out these instructions. Upon getting out beyond the farthest of these small posts, it appeared that the hay stations were on fire. There was constant firing, and it was not thought prudent by the lieutenant to proceed any farther. Both companies of the Twelfth Michigan were sooii afterward brought in. At this time Colonel Geigers command bad not reached the enemy. Colonel Geigers skirmishers began to engage the enemy about a mile this side of Jones hay station, and he reports that it was only a very few minutes after the firing had ceased at that sta- tion that they commenced. He moved on beyond Jones Station and there learned from a wounded man, as well as from appearances of things there that Colonel Mitchell and the six companies with him had been captured. Although the enemy largely outnumbered Colonel Geigers command, he engaged him for about two hours in a brisk fight. The enemy then began to fall back toward the timber and to the north, moving at the same time in this direction. At this, Geiger began also to fall back this way. Our men are reported to have fought very gal- lantly. Copies of reports of casualties in each regiment are inclosed. The number of killed, wounded, a~id missing is as follows: Eighth Mis- souri Cavalry, killed, 3; wounded, 36; Eleventh Missouri Cavalry, killed, 3; wounded, 7. Total, killed, 6; wounded, 43. C. C. XNDREWS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. C. H. DYER, Little Rock. HDQRS. SECOND. DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Derails Bluff, August 27, 1864. Since my report of the 25th was written I learned that the two companies of the Fifty-fourth Illinois at the stockade were not taken. Lieutenant-Colonel Chapman, of the Fifty-fourth Illinois, was on the train that was bringing the paymaster along that day. As soon as it was known that the enemy was in the vicinity he had the pay- masters box of money put on the engine with instructions to have it burned if the train was captured. The sutler of the First Nebraska escaped from the enemy, -aud I learned that he reports that the pris- oners were taken in a southwest direction, and that any prisoner who fell out or was unable to keep up (and they were marched fast) was shot. I xviii have the sutlers deposition taken as soon as I can have his personal attendance. Two companies of the Twelfth Michigan were sent out yesterday to occupy the posts about eight miles distant from here. I went out there myself on a platform-car. I sent out Lieutenant- Colonel Chapman with a party yesterday to repair the telegraph. I expect it will soon be working. One boat, the Kate Hart, has started to Saint Charles. In haste, very respectfully, & c., C. C. ANDREWS, Brigadier- General. Capt. C. H. DYER, Little Rock. P. S.I received dispatch this morning to .send out Colonel Geiger with his available force. He is ready to move. C. C. A Page 285 CHAP. LIII.] ACTION NEAR DEVALLS BLUFF, ARK. 285 No. 3. Report of Col. Washington F. Geiger, Eighth Missouri Cavalry, cor~i- manding Third Brigade, Cavalry Division. IIDQRS. THIRD BRIG., CAy. Dim, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Brow usrille, Ark., October 14, 1864. In compliance to telegram just received from the major-general com- manding, I have the honor to report that on the 24th day of August, at 1.30 p. in., I received the following communication from Brigadier- General Andrews, commanding forces at Devalls Bluff: HEADQUARTERS SECOND Division, SEVENTH ARMY CoRPs, August 24, 1864. Col. W. F. GEIGER, Commanding Brigade: COLONEL: A messenger who left Ashleys Station an hour and a half ago reports that a column of cavalry, apparently 2,000, were moving upon and had attacked Ash- leys Station. It had a wagon train and was coming from the north. Move out with what force you can take for ohservation at least. Interpose assistance to our forges if you can. C. C. ANDREWS, Brigadier- Gen eral, Comrnandieg. In twenty minutes I was on the march with detachments Eighth Missouri Cavalry, 360, Ninth Iowa, 210, and Eleventh Missouri, 120, and moved as rapidly as the condition of my horses would permit in the direction of Ashleys Station. When within one mile and a half of Jones hay station I heard cannonading which appeared to be at the station, aild I saw heavy columns of smoke arising which I supposed was burning hay. I resumed my march to a rapid trot, threw out my skirmishers, and deployed the Eighth Missouri Cavalry as I marched. When within a quarter of a mile of Jones Station the cannonadillg ceased, and seeing a line of about 2,000 of the enemys cavalry drawn up on the north side of the railroad, I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Step hens to cross the railroad with the Eleventh Missouri and move on the enemys left flank, while the Eighth Missonri attacked him in front, keeping the Niuth Iowa as a reserve. The enemy immediately opened a heavy fire of musketry, which was replie(l to by our carbines. The fighting con- tinned about two hours, during which time my line advanced steadily while that of the enemy retired slowly, but in go6d order. The enemy made two or three attempts to charge my left flank, but were repulsed each time. I had now driven the enemy back into the timber, where I discovered two lines of disniounted men, who appeared to be endeavor- inng to outflank me on the left, and get butween my force and Devalls Bluff. Night coming on, I withdrew my forces, and returned to Devalls Bluff, arriving at 9 p. in., having marched thirty miles and fought two hours after 2 p. m. with horses that had just returned from a hard scout without having feed for two days. My loss in kitled and wounded were: Eighth Missouri Cavalry, killed, 6; wounded ,38; missing, 1. Eleventh Missouri Cavalry, killed, 3; wounded, 5. Both officers and men behaved as soldiers should. Had my horses been in such a condition that I could have charged the enemy I might have punished him more severely. Of Colonel Mitchell I know nothing. The officer in charge of my ~kir- mishers said he saw the enemy hurrying the prisoners toward the timber as he advanced. W. F. GEIGER, Lient. Col. W. D. GREEN, Commanding Brigade. Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of Arkansas Page 286 286 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MJS~ISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. ADDENDA. Itinerary of the Third Brigade, Second Division, Seventh Army Corps, Col. Washington P. Geiger, Eighth Missouri Cavalry, cornmandi~ng.* * * * * * * * August 24.At 1 p. m. the brigade marched toward Ashleys Station, seventeen miles from Devalls Bluff, on the Memphis and Little Rock Railroad, where it was reported the enemy had made his appearance ill force. On arriving near the station our pickets engaged those of, the enemy, where he showed himself in force on the open I)rairie, com- manded by the rebel General Shelby. Line of battle was formed and the action commenced, which lasted for two hours and ten minutes, when our supply of ammunition was exhausted. We then withdrew in good order to Devalls Bluffi The enemy were as anxious to leave as we were. Apparently they withdrew at the same time, leaving their dead unburied. Our loss was not heavy, the enemy losing heavily both in killed and wounded, notwithstanding they outnumbered us three to one. The brigade returned to camp at 10 p. in. of the same date. * * * * * * * No. 4. Reports of Lieut. Col. Gilbert Moyers, Third Michigan Cavalry. BROWNSVILLE, August 24, 1864. Train has returned from Ashleys with Lieutenant Colonel Chapman, Fifty-fourth Illinois, and force. He lost 75 men. A surgeon from that regiment was captured, and since returned. He saw Shelby, who is in command of a force to nn.mber 1,500. Two of our wounded are here. Enemy in possession of road at last accounts. MOYERS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Capt. C. H. DYER, Assistant Adjutant. General. BROWNSVILLE, August 24, 1864. The enemy have captured Ashleys Station and burned it. Force not known. They have artillery; G.. MOYEIRS. Capt. C. H. DYER. No. 5. Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph 0. Shelby, C. S. Army. HDQRS. CONFEDERATE FORCES OF NORTHERN ARKANSAS, August 30, 1864. COLONEL: I report to you with pleasure another severe fight and another substantial victory on the 24th of Angust. I moved with 2,500 *Froiu monthly return Page 287 CHAP. LIII.] ACTION NEAR DEVALLS BLUFF, ARK. 287 men squarely against the railroad leading from Devalls Bluff to Little iRock, knowing that if General Price reached there, as he supposed he would be able to do, I could render him vital and important assistance. I started from the neighborhood of Jacksonport and had to march within twenty-four miles of Little IRock to Austin to cross Big Cypress at the bridge there, which stream was running out bank full and irre- sistible. After a rapid and hard march I gained the prairie, about six miles from Devalls Bluff; and found the Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry strongly posted at Ashleys Station No. 1, in a inixed fortification of logs, dirt, and hay. The surprise was complete. As I debonched from the timber on the green and emerald prairie little squads of Federals were scattered here and there, and a way to the east a dozen or more machines were busily engaged baling hay. My column was well closed np and marching in column of fours, and the white covered wagons with the artillery looked very much like a returning Federal expedition. Very soon, however, their confidence was destroyed, and the rusticat- ing bands dozing away the hot summer hours were fleeing the wrath to come. My forlorn hope of an advange under the brave and intrepid Williams immediately charged the retreating enemy, and a wave of steel over- leaped and swallowed up the fleeing blue coats. The fort was sur- rounded, the artillery opened at point-blank range, and higl~ over the white bursts of the powder-cloud that drifted and floated away before the battle breeze a white flag waved out as a token of surrender. The results of the capture were 150 prisoners, 200 small-arms, besides large quantities of supplies. Station No. 2 was next attacked, captured, and destroyed, and 100 more prisoners added to the first. Station No. ~3 shared the same fate while 50 more prisoners swelled the number. Stations Nos. 4 and 5 were stubborn and defiant, and held on for awhile under a pitiless and splendid artillery fire. Veteran Illinois and Indiana infantry were in these redoubts, and they had a hatred of surrendering, although I had never asked them to do so. Time pressed. Five hours had been spent in this operation and I could not wait. Colonel Shanks, commanding my old brigade, than whom a braver nor a better man set a squadron in the field, was ordered to dismount his men. Colonel Jackman also dismounted a portion of his brigade, and these foruming with Colonel Shanks dashed forward under their intrepid leader at the pas do charge, while a strong body of cavalry were held well in hand for any emergency. The garrison grew uneasy, but over the sea of dark green prairie, over the white puff~ of the bursting bombs, and the rippling shots of the skir- mishers, a long blue line of Federal cavalry and infantry came looming up, and as they grew nearer and nearer out from the doomed forts the garrison rushed with frantic speed for help and hope too late. As the dismounted men reached the ditches and p~ilisades the reserve cavalry, whose steeds had all the long forenoon been chaumping impatient bits, dashed away after them in a long, fierce gallop. Sharp and brief the chase. When within 500 yards of their friends the Federals were over- taken, surrounded, ridden over, and Colonel Mitchell and 450 of his officers and men surrendered unconditionally. They were immediately countermarched and double-quicked to the rear, the bullets of their friends all the while ringing fierce, discordant meter. The situation was now getting dark and tronblesome. A heavy force was coming up rapidly from ~ Bluff and the regiment I had dis- posed under Colonel Hunter, of Jackmamis brigade, and a battalion o Page 288 [CHAP. LIII. 288 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. my old b~~igade, under Major McDaniel, were falling back, painfully but manfully fighting like heroes. From Little Rock another column had just arrived, and these two bodies were uniting with an ugly look, presaging the coming hurricane. I had sant my artillery and ordnance train nuder escort of MeCrays brigade to the rear as soon as the Fed- eral re-enforcemeuts appeared, for I knew my skeleton animals could never take them from the moist and muddy prairie if a swift retreat was necessary, and now I faced theni at an odds of one to five. They formed a line of battle rapidly and came on in splendid style, and I fell back gradually before them, giving shot for shot and bringing off every- thing. Twice they feebly charged with the blare of bugles and the rattle of impatient arms, and twice the old veterans of my command drove them back in confusion and dismay. All day and night they followed me to Austin, whicb was reached by daylight, where I had left Colonel Dobbin, and where I halted for the day after marching forty miles from sun to sun and fighting six hours. At Austin I placed two regiments under command of Col. B. F. Gor- don, a brave and skillful officer, and ordered him to bring up the rear. He held the bridge and banks of the stream, which the Federals after dismounting charged furiously three successive times, and were charged in turn threes times by Col. B. F. Gordon with brilliant dash. This sat- isfied them, and I returned to White River without further molesta- tion. The immediate and tangible fruits of my expedition are 577 prisoners, including 1 field officer and 11 line officers; over 200 Federals killed and wounded; ten miles of railroad track destroyed completelythe ties torn np and burned, the iron heated and bent, telegraph destroyed, bridges and trestle-works ruined 3,000 bales of hay destroyed by fire; 20 hay machines chopped to pieces 5 forts razed to the ground; 500 stand of small-arms distributed to my unarmed men; many fine horses captured; 12 barrels of salt brought off the field and given to a com- mand suffering for it, besides supplying many needy soldiers with blankets, shoes, boots, hats, and clothing. All this was done within six miles of Devalls Bluff, and my detail was tearing up the track while the enemys bullets, fired at the covering regiments, were throw- ing the splinters from the ties in their very faces. My thanks are due to Colonels Shanks, Gordon, Hunter, Jackm an, and Erwin; Major McDaniel, Captains Williams, Langhorne, Adams, McCoy, and Lieutenant-Colonel Blackwell for their eminent and (he- yoted services. In fact, every officer under my command, and the men as a body, deserve great praise for the heroic manner in which they stormed fortifications and met and defeated largely superior numbers of the enemy. My loss in the entire engagement is 173 killed and wounded. Among this number there fell mortally wounded Lieutenant Stone, of Shanks regiment, and Lieutenant Dickey, of Smiths regiment, two as gallant spirits as ever laid down their lives a willing sacrifice for their coun- try beneath the banner of the bars. Col. A. S. Dobbin, left at Austin to cover my rear on account of Big Cypress being swimming, perfornied his duty ably and perfectly. Jo. 0. SHELBY. Lieut. Col. J. F. BELTON, Assistant Adjutant- General, Camdemm, Ark Page 289 CHAr. LIII.] SCOUTS IN JACKSON AND CASS COUNTIES, MO. 289 AUGUST 25, 1864.Skirmishes at Morgans Ferry and on the Atchafalaya River, La. Report of Brig. Gen. Michael K. Lawler, U. #S. Army. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Morgauza, La., August 28, 1864. I would respectfully report for the information of the major-general commanding that Lieutenant-Colonel Gurney, Second New York Cav- alry, with a party of fifty cavalry made a reconnaissance to Morgans Ferry on the 25th instant. He found the enemy encamped on the op- posite side iu some force with fonr pieces of artillery in position; two miles this side the river lie encountered a rebel picket consisting of one lieutenant and six nien; these were pursued to the river, where they took refuge under the bank, under cover of their gulls. Colonel Gur- ney, however, with half his force, very gallantly charged np to the river, and, although exposed to a heavy tire from the enemy~s artillery, sncceeded in capturing and bringing oft the picket withont loss. On the same day Capt. H. F. Yeaton, First Louisiana Cavalry, with 100 men, visited the Atchafalaya by way of the New Texas road, Bayou Latenache, and Robinsons plantation. Oii the road they met a party of four rebels and captured their horses and equipments. The men escaped to the woods. They struck the Atchafalaya at the mouth of Mamie Bayou; captured a Confederate soldier in the act of crossings the river in a smnall boat used as ferry. One company of the enemy are encamped on the opposite side. Captain Yeaton dismounted his men and fired a volley into their camp amid drove them from it in confusion, killing a number of horses. Under cover of the dismounted men Lieu- tenant Emmons and four men of the First Louisiana Cavalry took the boat, crossed over to the camp, destroyed 10 Enfleld rifles, 12 or 15 saddles and equipments, amid threw all movable camp and gar- rison equipage into the river, and. recrossed in safety. The captain re- turned to camp without further adventure of interest. The prisoners, Lieutenant Gilley and six men of the Thirty-fourth and one of the First Texas Reginient, were sent down yesterday. M. K. LAWLER, Brigadier- General. Capt. S. C. FARRINGTON, Staff of Major- General Reynolds. AUGUST 2529, 1864.Scouts in Jackson and Cass Counties, Mo., with skir. mish (26th) near Pleasant Hill REPORTS. No. 1.Col. James H. Ford, Second Colorado Cavalry. No. 2.Sergt. Henry J. Tibbits, Company 1), Second Colorado Cavalry. No.1. Report of Col. James H. Ford, Second Colorado Cavalry. KANSAS CITY, Mo., August 27, 1864. Fourteen foot-scouts, under Corporal Shaw, had a fight with not less than sixty bushwhackers yesterday morning, eight miles east of Pleas- ant Hill, killing 2 and also wounding 2, disabling some horses. No one hurt on our side. J. H. FORD, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. JAMES H. STEGEII, Assistant Adjutant-General. 19 R RYOL XLIV PT I Page 290 290 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPL [CHAP. Liii. No. 2. Report of Sergt. Henry J. Tibbits~ Company D, Second Colorado Cav- alry. INDEPENDENCE, Mo., August 29, 1864. SiR: I have the honor to report my Thot scout: I started from here about 10 oclock on the 25th (lay of August, 1864, with twenty-three men, and proceeded to Captain Wests calni), on Fire Prairie~ distance twelve miles. There I took ten more men, making my force in all thirty-three men, and abont 7 oclock tha same evening I proceeded north from said camp about twelve miles and then camped for the ifight. The next morning I proceeded north about six miles to Six-Mile Creek; thence northeast to the telegraph ro~l, a distance of about six miles, and there I found that the bnshwhackers had pulled the wire down in the road and piled rails on it in such a manner that a person riding fast in the night might hurt himself by running against it. I then struck off in an easterly direction to Fire Prairie Creek, a distance of about seven miles, and there camped for the night. The next morning I proceeded southeast to Judge Grays. There my pick- ets saw three biishwhackers and tired upon them; and 1 also learned the~e that Thornton had crossed the river on Wednesday night with ~bout 150 men and had gone sonth. About seventy-five of them~fed in that vicinity the next morning after crossing the river. And I also learned that there were about 400 of the militia in pursuit of them. Then I proceeded about one utile on Bone Hill and saw eight bush- whackers, but they were some distance oft and 1 did not get a shot at them. I then camped for the night. I saw plenty of signs about there. The next morning I went back to Judge Grays and I learned there that Todd was in the country with about 150 men. I then started south and went across Bone Hill to Robinsons. I saw plenty of signs on my route, and at Robinsons I saw plenty of fresh camps and xvhere there had a large command crossed I3one Hill. I staid there until about 6 p. in., and learned that fifty men had stopped there the night before and fif- teen that morning, and fed. They were said to belong to Thorntons command. 1 then struck west, and after marching about one mile and a half, ~nd about half a mile from the Widow Robinsons, I met eight bushwhackers in the brush and fired upon them, and saw six go off mounted and two loose horses following without riders. I then went to the Widow Robinsons house and learned there that eight bush- whackers had been there that evening and taken supper, and that Todd had been there the day before with twenty-four men and drawn up in line before the house, and after waiting there about one hour two men came from the brush and talked with him some time. Then they dis- banded and went into the brush in squads of about four or five men iii a s(tuad. I also learned that they had been passing there for the last week in small squads and I saw plenty of tracks, and I think that there is a command near there of about 100 or 150 men. I staid there until dark and then struck a southwest course for about four miles and camped for the night. Then this umorning I started about 4.30 oclock for Captain Wests camp, and arrived there about 5 oclock, distance seven miles. I remnained there about an hour and then left the ten men there that I got there and came to Independence with the balance of my com- mand, arriving here at 12.30 p. mu. I saw no signs after leaving th Page 291 CHAP. LIII.] SCOUT IN PLATTE COUNTY, MO. 291 hills on the other side of Fire Prairie. I believe that they are collect- ing together in that vicinity either for the purpose of making a raid or to go south. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY J. TIBBITS, Sergt. Co. D, Second Colorado Cavalry, Corndg. tetachment. Maj. J. NELSON SMITH, Commanding Station. AUGUST 2530, 1864.Scout in Platte County, Mo. Report of Capt. Edward Morris, Sixth Missouri Cavalry. SAINT JOSEPH, Mo., August 31, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of my actions and observations while commanding a scout through Platte County. The party, consisting of one commissioned officer beside myself and forty enlisted men of the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, left Saint Joseph on the 25th instant at 7.30 a. in.; marched a zigzag direction (the general course being south of southeast) to a point on Platte City and Liberty stone road, ten miles from Liberty; thence marched sonth six miles to Barry and Hampton stone road; thence west to Platte City and Park- yule stone road; marched down to Parkville, arriving at 11 p. in. on the 27th. On the 28th marched toward Hampton and Parley through the woods, scouting all out-of-the~way places and guerrilla harbors. Passed between Weston and Platte City, marching on unfrequented roads to New Market. From New Market passed Arnoldsville and Mat- neys Mill. Passed throi~igh The Hackle, over Platte River sPz~ne bridge, and arrived at Saint Joseph last evening at 5 p. in., having marched~ principally by by-roads and paths, 130 miles~ and touched the following. named places: Agency Ford, Arnoldsville, Matney~s Mill, Union Mills, Ridgeley, Riuggold, Jordans Ford, on Smiths Fork of Platte River, Medlings Old Mill, Smithville, Second Creek, Union Church, Todds Creek, Hampton, Parkville, point opposite Atchison, Kans., Parley, Bee Creek bridge, New Market, Taos, Clausers Old Mill, Sparta, Wrights Ford, The Hackle, Easton, and the Platte River bridge, near Saint Joseph. I threw out scouts each day four or five miles on either flank of the marching column, and had them to report to me twice every twenty- four hours. I was fired on near Jordans Ford; also near Walkers, or Hampton. Followed the bushwhackers three times, and had one horse slightly wounded accidentally. Destroyed some thirty or forty guns that were in the houses of rebels, and disarmed all parties not honestly loyal oh our way. Scouts and advanced guards report running after and shoot- ing three rebels. I heard of Cy. Gordon near Platte City, and believe he is still in the country. Chiles has been in the vicinity of Aruoldsville since the 25th, stealing horses. In my opinion nothing can be accom- plished against guerrillas in small parties, unless their harborers and feeders be killed or driven out of the country and a similar system of warfare be practiced against themselves. I would respectfully suggest the idea of organizing fifty partisan rangers for such service in each county where guerrillas harbor and commit depredations. The loyal men of Platte and Buchanan Counties would gladly fill np such organizations, which eonld be handled independently and to more advantage than any regiment of volunteers now in service. Lieutenant Hutchinson, of seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, did good service and was prompt in carry Page 292 292 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CRAP. 1111. ing out my orders. The meu of the squadron acted nobly, and I dare say created a good impression upon the minds of all loyal citizens. Captain Snyder, of Saiut Joseph, and Lieuteuant Koland, of Parkyille, gave me all the assistance asked for, cheerfally sending their best men as guides to my command. Hoping the maneuvers and marches executed may meet the approval of the general commanding, I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, El). MORRIS, Captain, Sixth Missouri Cavalry. Capt. G. A. HOLLOWAY, Assistant Adjutant- General, Dist. of North M~ssouri. AUGUST 2530, 1864.Scout to Crisps Xiii, on Big Creek, Mo., with skir- mish near Rose Hill. Report of C~apt. Oscar B. Queen, Sevent Missouri State Militia Cavalry. IIDQRS. Co. M, SEVENTH CAY. MISSOURI STATE MILITIA, Camp Grover, August 31, 1864. SI-n: In pursuance to Special Orders, No. 82, dated headquarters Seventh Cavalry Missouri State Militia, C amp Grover, August 25, 1864, I proceeded with Lieut. Samuel W. McGuire and fifty men to the vicinity of Big Creek, under the guidance of W. E. Chester, for the purpose of scouting the country thoroughly. I have the honor to report the result of that scout: Proceeding through Post Oak Timber and visiting every place likely to afford refuge for rebels without success I came on to Bear Creek, which I effectually scoured, seeing occasionally a single trail. Through this country there is a citizen guard patrolling, and fre- quently we would strike their trail, several times running on to small squads of them. I will mention here that serious consequences might have resnited from my not having had the challenge signal communi- cated to me, although I applied for it before leaving. Having given this country a thorongh scouring, I proceeded to Panther Creek, where I met the scout from Holden, under Captain Foster, consisting of thirty men. Having joined our commands, we soon fell on the trail of a rebel force, said to number 140 men, under command of a Major or Captain Farmer or Palmer. Coming to where they had breakfasted we found from the people there that they were aiming to get south, leaving word with the old man for all bushwhackers he might see to come ont south and give up bushwhacking. A part of this command is represented as being unarmed and well provided with provisions and good horses. They had passed two days previous, consequently we considered it useless to follow. The command is from Independence. We proceeded to Camp Branch. I here gave Captain Foster a sufficient number of men to equalize our commands, and taking each a side of the creek, made a drive down it to Big Creek, which we thoroughly searched. Passing on to Crawfords Fork of Big Creek, we scouted it as we had done Camp Branch back to Big Creek, which we treated in like manner on as far as Crisps Mill. Within six miles northwest Rose Hill, and in neighborhood of this mill, Foster ran into two small squads from seven to ten men each. He captured 1 very fine gray horse and full rig with U. S. mail sack under saddle, belonging to a notorious bush- whacker named John Reeves. He got two or three old citizen saddles also and left two or three worthless wounded horses belonging to th Page 293 OHAP. LIII.] OPERATIONS ON THE TEXAS PRAIRIE, MO. 293 rebels. I-Ic thinks he may have wounded one or two. Here too I ran on to two but effected nothing beyond expending about forty rounds of ammunition. They would not stop to return firer and out of sight in a few seconds. The country extremely rough and covered with hazel and scrub-oak. We understood here that a Linutenant Lowry and twelve men from rebel army in rebel uniform are in that country or on Blaekwater. What their purpose is no one could or would tell. Lowrys wife lives near Mrs. Fulkerson, near Crisps Mill. I think the order to thoroughly scout the Big Creek country has been fully car- ried out, and too much credit cannot be given to my guide for his industry and ingenuity on the route. He would frequently at night start out dressed in rebel uniform and play off on the sympathizers of that country, getting thereby much information. It was by this we obtained the information about Lieutenant Lowry. My opinion is that thirty-five will cover the number of bnshwhackers scattered in the Big Creek country. The people there have been frightened by the scout to that degree (I mean the rebels) that they are under the impression that the whole country around them is filled with Federals. We went within four miles of Chapel Hill and six of Rose Hill, thoroughly scout- ing the Basin Knob country. The parties we came on were taken totally by surprise, not dreaming of Federals being in the country. My men were without rations two days before coming in, having had their haversacks torn from them by the brush in the chase after the squads mentioned above. I left on August 26, and returned to camp August 30. I am, respectftilly, yonr obedient servant, 0. B. QUEEN, Capt. Company M, Serenth ~iJavairy Missouri State Militia. Col. T. T. CRITTENDEN, Commanding Seventh ~iiavalry Missouri State Miiiitia. AUGUST 2630, l864.Operations on the Texas Prairie, in Jackson County, Mo. Report of Lieut. Col. Bazel F. Lazear, First Missouri State Militia ~Javalry. HDQRS. SECOND SuB-DIST., DIST. o~ CENTRAL MISSOURI, In the Field, August 30, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that since my report of the 27th the troops under my command have scouted the country between the Missouri River and the Snibar and the Texas Prairie country, and report no guerrillas found in that section. There are some six in be- tween the two Davis Creeks and some eight between Lexington and Wellington. On the 25th Lieutenant Groomer, whom II had left with a foot-scout in the Pool Settlement, found one of the horses that was captured from Company F at Arrow Rock tied in the brush. He left a party to watch the horse. Late in the evening a man by the name of Rutherford came to the horse with water and feed, and was shot and killed and the horse wounded. Captain Wyckoff has also returned froni the Tabo country and reports no guerrillas there. I learn there is a small party near Dover. Had no news from Saline County, but suppose all quiet there, or I would have been advised by Captain Moore. The command, except Compaiiy F, will concentrate on the 31st on the Waddle farm, five miles from Lexington, on the Lexington and Greenton road, for muster, for pay, and to receive rations, when the commamk Page 294 294 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [OffAl?. LIII. will be divided, sending Major Mullins and one battalion to Saline County for the purpose of making a thorough scout through the two counties at the same time. As I think there will be no more interrup- tions of mail communication between Lexington and Warrensburg, I forward by mail and will receive my communications from district head- quarters at Lexington. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 13. F. LAZEAI~, Lient. ~Jol. First Cavalry Missouri State Militia, Commanding. Capt. JAMES II. STEGER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dist. of Central Mo., Warrenshury, Mo. AUGUST 2631, 1864Skirmish near Bayou Tensas (26th) and expedition from Goodrichs Landing to Bayou Macon, La. (28th3lst). IREPQT~TS. No. 1.Report of Col. A. Watson Webber, Fifty-first IT. S. Colored Troops. No. 2.Report of Maj. Charles H. Chapin, Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Col. A. Watson Webber, P~fty-ftrst U. S. Colored Troops. HEADQUARTERS POST AND DEFENSES, Goodrichs Landing, La., September 1, 18G4. COLONEL: On the morning of August 26 a party of 200 guerrillas made a raid upon the plantations about this place which are leased by Tibbetts & Co. They killed two scouts after they had surrendered; carried away one white overseer, and a young man by the name of Webster, clerk for the same firm; both the overseer and Mr. Webster were murdered by them as soon as they reached Bayou Tensas. Cavalry was immediately sent in pursuit, but did not overtake them. These highwaymen are commanded by a man named Lee, and although they are guerrillas and commit the most abominable atrocities, they are per- mitted to remain near, and co-operate with the regular rebel forces under General Harrison. He is really responsible for all their acts. As the people on Bayou Macon have many times petitioned Harrison to allow this Lee to remain near them, as their protector, I sent 230 mounted men nuder Maj. C. H. Chapin, Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, to pay them a retaliatory visit. He accomplished all that I desired, and returned to this post yesterday. I forward herewith a copy of his report to me. I hold a certain Doctor Richardson as a hostage for young Webster in accordance with General Orders, No. 4, dated headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, November 5, 1863. In accordance with General Orders, No. 6, headquarters District of Yicksburg, May 12, 1864, I intend to seize all the movable and valuable property of secessionists living on Old River thirty miles above this post. Trusting that my action in this matter meets the approval of the major-general commanding, I have the honor to be, colonel, your very obedient servant, A. WATSON WEBBER, Colonel Fifty-first Regiment U. S. Colored Infantry, Comdg. Lient. Col. II. C. RODGERS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Hdqrs. District of Vicks burg Page 295 ~ThAP. LTTI.J SKIRMISH NEAR BAYOU TENSAS~ LA. 295 A I)DENDA. Itinerary of the Post and Defenses of Goodrichs Landing, La., com- manded by Col. A. Watson Webber, F~fty-ftrst U. S. Colored In- a.ntry.* During the past month various expeditions have been sent from this post into Mississippi and Louisiana; :30 prisoners have been taken. Augnst 2G.Two hundred guerrillas made a raid upon the planta- tions above this post leased by H. B. Tibbetts & Co. They cruelly murdered four white men and several colored people. As the rebel & iti- zeus living immediately beyond Bayou Macon had petitioned the regu- lar rebel military authorities to allow this gang of highwaymen to remain on the Macon as their protectors and raid Yankee lessees, a retaliatory expedition was seiit to that vicinity. The villages of Floyd and Pinhook, guerrilla rendezvous, were destroyed by fire, some prop- e;rty taken by the guerrillas was recaptured, and 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, and 10 soldiers were killed. No. 2. Report of ]iIaj. Charles H. Chapin, Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. HDQRS. FIRST BATTLN., THIRD U. S. COLORED CAVALRY, Goodrichs Landing, La., Angnst Si, 1864. SIR: Pursuant to orders from Colonel Webber I left camp August 28 at dusk; was overtaken by a storm four miles from camp, and encamped at night at the Transylvania plantation. On the morning of the 29th I marched as far as the Blackburn plantation, at the head of Lake Providence. I there found eight pairs of boots, which were distributed among the soldiers that were without boots. At 1 oclock moved on as far as Goffs plantation, on Old River, where 1 captured the horses of two soldiers, who made their escape on foot. Camped again for the night at Mr. Owens, one mile from Gofts. On the morning of the 30th started at daylight for Ashton, from there turned west, crossed Bayou Macon, found a good bridge crossing the Macon six miles west of Ashton. At the first plantation after crossing was a squad of soldiers, seven in number. Six were mounted; the one on foot was killed. Papers found on his showed that he was a Captain Collins of a Louisiana person regiment. I turned down the bayou from that point toward Pinhook, eighteen miles distant. About six miles from I~inhook lived a Mr. Washburn. I found in his house a saddle belonging to one of the plantation scouts, also two of the negroes taken from the Tibbettsplanta- tion; one trunk that was in the house was filled with goods taken from the Wilton place. II gave Mr. Washburn five minutes to remove his goods. I then set fire to the house and every building on the planta- tion. I then started for Mr. Shaws, one md a quarter miles north of Pinhook. Mr. Shaw has been furnished with what goods he wanted by Mr. Charles Golf, a man by the name of Canihan acting as mediator between them. This Mr. Shaw told inc in the presence of Lieutenants Calais and Sherman. I did not burn Shaws place, but at Pinhook I left but one house standing. I lea Pinhook at 2 oclock for Floyd, met several soldiers on the way in small squads; most of them were shot before they could get away. Arriving at Floyd about sundown, I gave From monthly rcturm~ Page 296 293 LQUI8JANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. rcIlAP. tilL theni five niinutes notice to remove goods, tlieii burned about four- fifths of the town. Crossed Bayou Macon again an hour after dark, marched to Joes Bayou and stopped for the night, marching a dis- tance of fifty miles on the 30th with but one feed for the stock. There were ten men killed in all, 1 captain, 8 soldiers, and one man by the name of l3onner, who was engaged in carrying the mail. On the morning of the 31st J moved into camp at Goodrichs Landing, La., after carrying out all orders as nearly as I possibly could. Trusting this may meet with all that was expected of my raid, I remain, yours to command, CHARLES H. CHAPIX, Major Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. Lieutenant KARBERQ Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. AUGUST 2728, 1864.Scout on the Arkansas River, near Pine Bluff, Ark., with skirmishes. Report of Col. Powell Clayton, Fifth Kansas Cavalry. PINE BLUFF, ARK., August 28, 1864. The scout sent down the river went about thirty miles. They skir- mished with the enemy for several miles and found that it would be nnsafe to proceed farther. The officer in command, Captain Wight- man, is confident that the enemy have no means of crossing the Ar- kansas, except by fiats. I will send out another scout upon a different road. I will have them go out toward Brownsville, and then take down the prairie, with instructions to go to Arkansas Post, if possible. T am satisfied that the enemy have not crossed below us in any consid- erable imuniber. POWELL CLAYTON, Colonel (iommand~ Major-General STEELE. mni. AUGUST 27SEPTEMBER 6, 1864.Expeditions from Little Rock and Devalls Bluff to Searcy, Fairview, and Augusta, Ark. f~EPOnTs. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Joseph R. West, U. S. Army, commanding expedition to Searcy, & c. No. 2.---CoL William II. Graves, Twelfth Michigan Infantry, comm. nding First Brigade, Second Division, Seventh Army Corps. No. 1. Report qf Brig. Gen. Joseph P. West, U. S. Army, commanding exped& tion to Searcy, di~c. IIDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISIoN, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS Little Rock. Ark., October 15, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that pursuant to verbal instruc- tions from the department and district commanders, I left this point on the 27th of August with 600 cavalry, to re-enforce a command o Page 297 CflAP. LuLl EXPEDITION Fl~OM LITTLE ROCK, ARK. 297 $00 mcii under Licut. Col. C. S. Clark, Ninth Kansas Cavalry, reported as engaged on the (lay Previous with time enemy at Cypress Bayou, four miles north of Austiii. same day at 110011 found Colonel Clark encamped two miles this side of Austin. He had pursued Shelbys rear guard to Bull Bayou, engaging them there, killing 10 and losing 2 men. Colonel Clark reported to inc that not hearing of any support coining to him and being out of rations lie had fallen back to the point where I found him. Marched to Austin, Colonel Clarks command uniting with mine. Was then joined by two sections of the Fifth Ohio Battery and the Fortieth Iowa Infantry, Colonel Garrett, escorting subsistence train. Issued rations that afternoon; left the train~ infan try, and one section of the battery at Austin; marched with the remain- der same evening to Bull Bayou. Enemy had left there the preceding day. August 28, received communication at 5 a. m. from the district commander that Colonel Geiger, with his cavalry, was en route from Devalls Bluff and that I would be co-operated with by a force to be sent up White River. Marched to Searcy sanme day. August 29, remained at Searcy; was joined by Colonel Geiger at 3 p. m. with 800 cavalry. August 30, train with supplies, escorted by 100 infantry, reached Searcy this afternoon, and advice from district commander that 600 infantry had been sent on the 28th of August up White River to Grand Glaise. Issued rations same day. August 31, sent back train and escort; marched with command to Grand Glaise; a most fatiguing march, thirty-five miles, and roads very bad. Found no steamers; cap- tured 6 prisoners, a rebel quartermaster, and appropriated his black- smith-shop, tools, and shoes. Had sent a party to Augusta Landing to communicate with the boats and tell them where I was. September 1, at 10 a. m. j)arty sent to Augusta Landing returned and reported no boats; satisfied myself that the river was too low for boats to reach Grand Glaise, and from appearances, as four, days had elapsed since they were reported to me by the district commander as having left Devalls Bluff, I concluded that the undertaking to co-operate with me by the river had been abandoned on account of time low stage of water. Moved same day to Fairview; captured two scouts amid learned that all Shelbys force had crossed White River. The miserable condi- tion of the cavalry and artillery horses satisfied me that the enemy could and had marched three miles to my two. Abandoned the idea of a successful pursuit, and concluded to return to Little Rock. Septemn- ber 2, marched by the old military road to Hilehers Ferry, crossed the Little Red, and continued toward Austin. September 3, resumed march. At 7 a. um , within three miles of crossing of Bull Bayou, received a communication from the district commander, to the effect that the force sent up White River on the 28th ultimo had returned, but that another force of 1, ~00 men was to be sent to Grand (liaise. The low stage of the river and the exhausted condition of my animals conviuuced nie that nothing could result from this movement continued to Austin. September 4, left detachments of Eighth Missouri, Tenth Illinois, and Ninth Iowa Cavalry at Austin, to remain there amid observe any return of the enemy. Ordered remainder of the force to march to Little Rock. Moved in person to Brownsville, and received orders from the district commander to return with my whole force, as the rebels were threaten- ing to cross the Arkansas. Notified him of the disposition of my force, which he approved. Returned same day to Little Rock. Upon this expedition, as upon a previous one made earlier in the month, the miserable plight of animals that had at any timue for months back only been partially foraged, amid somnetimes left entirely withou Page 298 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. CHAP. LIII. any rendered any rapid movement an impossibility. The enemy was better mounted and had forty-eight hours start. The longer such pursuit was continued the more hopeless it became. I am, captaill, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. li. WEST, Brigadier- General, Comm an ding. Capt. C. II. DYER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Dist. ~j Little hock. No. 2. Report of Col. William II. Graves, Twelfth Michigan Infantry, corn. manding First Brigade, Second Division, Seventh Army Corps. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SECOND Div., SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Devalls Bluff, Ark., September 8, 18G4. LIEUTENANT: Pursuant to orders received from Brig. Gen. C. C. Andrews, commanding division, I embarked at daylight on the 30th day of August, 1864, with the Twelfth Michigan Infantry and detach- ments of the Fifty-fourth and Sixty-first Illinois Infantry, 22 officers and 515 men all told, on board the steanmer Kate hart, and convoyed by gnu-boat No. 30, Captain Grace commanding, proceeded up White River to effect a junction with Brigadier-General West, commanding a cavalry expedition then in pursuit of the rebel General Shelby, supposed to be in the neighborhood of Jacksonport. Also had rations and ammunition for General Wests command. The river proved to be very low, the boats frequently striking on the bottom and finding great difficulty in getting along at all. During the second day out (August 31) saw several detachments of rebel pickets along the river. Ran on to within nineteen miles by river, six miles by land, of Augusta, when finding the navigation growing more and more difficult, I decided, after consultation with Captain Grace, of the gun-boat, that it would be imprudent to go higher up with the boats. We had passed rebel pick- ets for the last twenty nilles of river, and from information they were of ~ command, who was reported to be in Augusta with a force variously estimated by our informants at from 800 to 1,500 men. Noth- ing could be obtained in reference to the whereabouts of General West. Accordingly I directed our return to Devails Bluff where the expedition arrived in the afternoon of the 2d instant. The only casualty was one man of the Twelfth Michigan Infantry, shot dead accidentally. Shortly after debarking, instructions were received from General Andrews to re-embark at daylight next morning. Lighter draught boats and re-emiforcements were furnished for this second expedition, which con- sisted of detachments of my own and Wards brigade, Smiths division, Seventeenth Corps, in all, numbering 1,000 officers and men, on board three steamers. Left DevalPs Bluff shortly after daylight Saturday, September 3, destination and object same as before. During the fore- noon of the next day at and above Peach Orchard Bluffs saw rebel pickets, who kept along the bank ahead of as, watching our move- ments. About 4 p. m. the advanced boat, the Commercial, was fired into by a party of rebels concealed in the bushes on the left bank of the river. The first volley killed 1 man, wounded myself severely in the knee, and 7 men, 3 of them seriously. Directly after the first fire we were greeted by a volley fromn the opposite bank of the river from a small party of perhaps forty or fifty. The party firing the first volley numbered from 300 to 400 mnen, as was afterward ascertained from Page 299 ~IEAP. LIII.] SKIRMISH NEAR ROCHt~PORT, MO. 299 citizen living near. For a moment there was considerable confusion among my men. They very boon became cool and returned the fire briskly. Iu the meantime the other boats came up and began firing, and the gun-boat opened a brisk fire into the thickets which concealed the enemy, who soon withdrew in haste. The steamer Dove, having on board a detachment of the Ninety-fifth Illinois, about 200 strong, and which had been sent up to join my com- mand, caine up at this point. Thinkin~ there must be greater num- bers of the enemy near by, who would probably attack us, I ordered the boats to land and the troops ashore, but nothii~g more was seen of the enemy that night. It was afterward ascertained that this force x9as a part of Dobbins command, under a Captain Anderson, and that a much larger force was but a short distance back, which would no doubt have attacked us had the first attempt succeeded in throwing us into confusion, as was anticipated. The loss of the enemy could not be ascertained, but I have no doubt equaled or exceeded our own. My loss was that stated above: 1 man on steamer Celeste, mortally wounded and since dead, and 1 man wounded on steamer Nevada. The expedition went no higher up the river that night. Owing to my wound the active command devolved upon Col. L. M. Ward, Four- teenth Wiscousin Infantry, under whose command the troops landed next morning at a point one mile and a half across a bend of the rivSr from Augusta, and advanced on that place. He found about 400 of the enemy in the town, and they fled on the approach of our troops force. Dobbin, with his command, had departed to join Shelby, near Jackson- port, higher up the river. It was fonnd impossible to get the boats farther up the river, owing to the low stage of water. A few miles below I was met by a boat bearing dispatches from General Andrews, ordering my immediate return. The messenger also bore dispatches for General West, and about two miles above Peach Orchard Bluffs I landed him and furnished him a cavalry escort to attempt to find his way across the country to General West. The expedition returned, arriving at iDevalls Bluff without further circunistance in the afternoon of Tuesday, September 6 instant. Respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM II. GRAVES, Col. Twelfth Michigan lnfty., Comdg. Brig, and the Expedition. Lient. W. A. MARTIN, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Uen., Second Div., Seventh Army Corps. AUGUST 28, 1864.Skirmish near Rocheport, Mo. T~EPOI?~TS. No. 1.Report of Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton, U. S. Army, commanding District of Central Missouri. No. 2.Report of Capt. Joseph Parke, Fourth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 3.Report of Lient. William Argo, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton, U. S. Army, commanding Dis trict of Central Missouri. WARRENSBUR& , Mo., A ugust 30, 1864. Captain Parke, at Boonville, reports having crossed the river on the 28th with forty-four men after Iloltzclaw; near Rocheport cam Page 300 300 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CSAP. LHI, UI) with two of Holtzclaws J)eople; wollII(led I and captured both horses. Advanced a mile and was attacke~1 in rear l)y a band number- ing 100 men, commanded by Holtzclaw and Anderson. Captain Parke stated he fought for fifteen minutes and had 7 men killed, 2 wounded, and 3 missing. The men killed are said to have been massacred, fonr being scalped, one hnng and scalped; three had their throats cut; their bodies were afterward recovered and buried at Boonville. From this report Captain Parkes forces were evidently surprised on the march and did not attempt to do any fighting. 1 recommend that Captain Parke be dismissed the service for this affair. A. PLEASONTOK, Mc~jor- General, Commane-hug. Major-General ROSECEANS, Commanding, Saint Louis. No. 2. Renort of Capt. Joseph Parke, Fourth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. BOONVILLE, August 30, 1864. On the morning of the 28th I crossed the river with forty-four men in search of lloltzclaw and his men. When within four miles of Rocheport we came up with two of them, wounding 1 and cap- turing both horses. After advancing about a mile farther we were attacked in the rear by a band of guerrillas numbering about 100, commanded by lloltzclaw and Anderson. We gave them fight, and fought them for fifteen minutes. During the engagement I had 7 men killed dead on the field, 2 wounded, and 3 missing. Two of the latter, I understand, are making their way back to this place. We also have had 6 horses killed and about the same number wounded. We do not know for certain of more than 6 of them being killed and 2 wounded. My men who fell into their hands were most barbarously massacred, four being scalped, one hung and scalped; three had their throats cut. Ma,jor Leonard being near I went to him and got assistance and returned to the battle-field, where we had another small engagement; we drove them back. My men were then brought to this place and buried here to-day in a respectable manner. JOSEPH PARKE, Captain, Commdnding. Major-General PLEASONTON, lYarrensbvrg. No. 3. Report of Lient. William Argo, Sereuth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. SEDALTA, Augwst 30, 1864. Captain Parke was attacked near Rocheport, Boone County, on Sunday last. Lost Lieutenant Dale, 6 men, and 3 missing. The band supposed to contain 200. The dead were brought to Boonville. W. ARGO, Lieutenant. Major-General PLEASONTO Page 301 CHAP. LIII.] ATTACK ON STEAMER WHITE CLOUD. 301 AUGUST 28, 1864.Skirmish in Polk County, No. Report of Brig. Gen. John B. Sanborn, U. S. Army, commanding Dis trict of Southwest Miissouri. SPRINGFIELD, Mo., August 30, 1864. MAJOR: Mr. Worbridge and five boys arrived here last night from Batesville. Last Sunday week he states that Generals Adams, Shelby, and MeCray, and Colonels Freeman, Dobbin, Campbell, Sewals, and one other, were there and on Round Bottom between there and Jack- sonport, and that the arrangement was for the whole force, which he ~stimates at 3,500 armed men and four pieces of artillery, to meet at Powhatan and Smitliville to-morrow with the idea of advancing into Missouri up Black River, and that they stated that Marmaduke was to cross the Arkansas River, west of Little Rock, and advance into this portion of the State with 5,000 men. These men came out to avoid the conscription. The enemys horses are represented to be very poor, and his supplies of all kinds very short. I think the enemy are making movements mentioned, but whether with the view of crossing into this State or as feints to enable him to get safely across the Arkansas I can- not tell. Many of his conscripts have deserted. Some have come in and many are in the White River hills, which, I think, indicates the enemy is about to move south, and I have rumors from Arkansas that he has received such orders. Captain Pace, of the Tenth Missouri (rebel) Cavalry, formerly of Saint Joseph, was attacked on last Sunday, in Polk County, while proceeding north with seven men, by Captain Headlee and fifteen men of the Sixth Provisional Regiment, and Captain Pace and 1 man were killed, 1 wounded in arm and hands,and 1 taken prisoner. All in regular Confederate uniforms. Said they were going north to take part in the election this fall. JOHN B. SANBORK, Brigadier- General, Commanding. M4 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General. AUGUST 29, 1864.Attack on Steamer White Cloud, on the Mississippi River, near Port Hudson, La. Report of Brig. Gen. George L. Andrews, U. S. Army, commanding Port Hudson, La. PORT HuDsoN, LA., August 29, 1864. GENERAL: The steamer White Cloud was fired upon this a. m. by a battery and some riflemen on this side the river near an island below Bayou Sara. Her steampipe is reported cut by a shot which disabled her. She received five shots out of thirteen fired. No one hurt on board. The Choteau was fired upon higher up the river by a battery of eight pieces, two of which were 12-pounders; also by some riflemen. She received five shots; no one hurt; dont think either boat greatly damaged. The gnu-boats 14 and 54 hastened to the scene of action. GEG. L. ANDREWS, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. Brig. 0-en. M. K. LAWLER, ]IJiorgan~a Page 302 302 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [Cahr. LIII. AUGUST 29SEPTEMBER 3, 1864.Expedition up White River from Helena, Ark., with affair (September 3) at Kendals Grist-Mill, Ark. Report of Col. John G. lliudson, & xtieth U. S. Colored Troops. HEADQUARTERS SIXTIETH U. S. COLORED INFANTRY, Helena, Ark., September 4, 18G4. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report, agreeably to instructions from headquarters District of Eastern Arkansas, dated Helena, Ark., August 29, 1864, which placed me in command, upon expedition up White River, and known as the expedition from Helena. This com- mand was composed as follows: Major Carmichael, Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, 125 men; Major Wells, Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, 180 men; Captain Bancroft, Second U. S. Colored Light Artillery, Company E, one section, 45 men; Capt. Eli Ramsey, Sixtieth U. S. Colored Infantry, 150 men; total, 500 men. We embarked on steamers Dove and Hamilton Belle August 29 at 8 p. in. Arrived at mouth White River August 30, 6 a. m. Left mouth White River 8 a. m. and arrived at Maddox Bayou, where this command debarked at 6p. m. August 31. Went in camp for the night one mile back from the river. Thursday, September 1, struck camp at 5 a. in. marched thirty miles and camped at Mr. Browns, on Clarendon and Helena road, at 7 p. m. Friday, September 2, struck camp at 6 a. in. Arrived at Big Creek, ten miles, at 3 p. m, Ferried half the cavalry, all the artillery - and infantry, across in two hours. Left Wallaces Ferry, Big Creek, at 5 p. in., leaving half the cavalry to cross over after we had started with the balance of the command. Went into camp at Lick Creek 6 p. m. Saturday, September 3, struck camp at 6 a. in.; reached Helena 5 p. in., a march of seventeen miles, making in total from Maddox Bayou to Helena by laud fifty-eight miles, making the march in three days. This command was two days butransports from Helena via White River to Maddox Bayou; total number of days Out from Helena, five. We did not find any enemy until we reached Big Creek. Lieutenant Collins, in command of a company of the Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry, was sent to burn Kendals grist-mill on the 3d of September, when his command saw a rebel major who had a rebel escort of a lieutenant and sixteen of the Nineteenth Texas Cavalry, and captured one soldier of the party with two revolvers. The rest crossed on the east side of Big Creek amid took to the c~nebrakes, where they escaped. The 2d of September one com- pany of Dobbins command left Trenton to join Dobbin, who was reported to be near Casa. Captain Swan was ieported to be at Big Creek with a company of conscripts. He is doing picket duty there and gathering up conscripts for the rebel service. We captured 19 horses and 16 mules, and 17 head of beef-cattle. See Lient. William A. E. Tisdales (acting assistant quartermaster for the expedition), report marked A.* Sixty-five buildings were burnt down, including houses, cotton-gins, presses, and Kendals grist-mill. I burnt nothing only known to be rebel buildings and where rebel soldiers were in the habit of quartering. The following is the list of prisoners captured by the command: Charles E. Williams, citi2en; William Guble, citizen; James F. Humphreys, citizen; T. W. Yates, discharged soldier; S. C. MeComas, private Nineteenth Texas Cavalry. Omitted Page 303 CHAP. LIII.] PRICES MISSOURI EXPEDITION. 303 By your directiou I have turned all the mules aiid horses over to Capt. Henry T. Noble, a quartermaster. The beef-cattle I have turned over to Capt. D. P. Allen, actii~g commissary of subsisteuce, and two revolvers captured to ordnance officer. The prisoners I turned over to Maj. J. L. Murphy, provost-marshal. Every command moved off without any trouble; 1)erfect harmony during the whole expedition. JOHN G. HUDSON, Colonel Sixtieth U. S. (Jolore4 Infantry, Comdg. Expedition. Lieut. F. E. SNOW, Acty. Asst. Adjt. 6~en., District of Eastern Arkansas, Helena. AUGUST 29DECEMBER ~, 1864.Prices Missouri Expedition. SIJINI MARY OiB TIlE PiRJNCIPAL EVE~TS. Aug. 29, 1864.Maj. Gen. Sterling Price, C. S. Arm~~, assumes command of the expeditionary foftes at Princeton, Ark. Sept. 19, 1864.Prices column enters Missouri. Affair at Doniphan, Mo. 20, 1864.Skirmish at Ponders Mill, Little Black River, Mo. Surrender of Keytesville, Mo. 22, 1864.Skirmish near Sikeston, Mo. Affair at Patterson, Mo. 23, 1864.Skirmishes near Rocheport, Mo. 24, 1864.Attack on Fayette, Mo. Skirmish at Jackson, Mo. Skirmish at Farmington, Mo. 25, 1864.Skirmish at Farmington, Mo. Affair at Huntsville, Mo. 26, 1864.Skirmishes in Arcadia valley, Shut-in Gap, and Ironton, Mo. 27, 1864.Affair at Centralia, Mo. Skirmishes at Arcadia and Ironton, Mo. Attack on Fort Davidson, Pilot Knob, Mo. Skirmish at Mineral Point, Mo. 28, 1864.Skirmish at Caledonia, Mo. Skirmish near Centra]ia, Mo. 29, ~~64.Affair at Cuba, Mo. 29Oct. 1, 1864.Skirmishes at Leasbnrg or Harrison, Mo. Oct. 1. 1864.Skirmish at Union, Mo. Skirmish at Franklin, Mo. Skirmish near Lake Springs, Mo. 2, 1864.Occupation of Washington, Mo. 3, 1864.AfThir at Millers Station, Mo. Skirmish at flermaun, Mo. 4, 1864.Skirmish near Richwoods, Mo. 6, 1864.Skirmishes on the Osage River, Mo. 7, 1864.Skirmish at Morean Creek, Mo. Skirmish at Jefferson City, Mo. Skirmish at Tylers Mills, BigRiver, Mo. 8, 1864. Skirmish near Jeffers~n City, Mo. 9, 1864.Skirmish at Russellville, Mo. Skirmish at Boonville, Mo. Skirmish at California, Mo. 11, 1864.Skirmish at Brnnswick, Mo Page 304 304 LOUiSIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. Oct. 1112, 1864.Skirmishes near Boonville, Mo. 14, 1864.Skirmish near Glasgow, Mo. 15, 1864.Action at Glasgow, Mo. Affair at Sedali~, Mo. Snrrender of Paris, Mo. 16, 1864.Capture of Ridgely, Mo. 17, 1864.Skirmish near Lexington, Mo. Surrender of Carroilton, Mo. Burning of Sinitliville, Mo. 19, 1864.Action at Lexingtou, Mo. 20, 1864.Skirmish in Benton County, Ark. Skirmish at Dover, Mo. 21, 1564.Action at the Little Blue~~1(). 22, 1864.Action at Indepemlence, Mo. Action at the Big Blue (Byrams Ford, etc), Mo. - Action at State Line, Mo. 23, 1564.Engagement at the Big Blue, Mo. Enga~rement at Westport, Mo. 25, 1864.Engagement at the Marais (les Cygnes, Kans. Engagement on Little Osage River, or Mine Creek, Kans. Engagement at the Marmiton, or battle of Chariot, Mo. - Skirmishes at Mound City an(l Fort Lincoln, Kans. 25 Nov. 4, 1864.Operations about Fayetteville, Ark. 26, 1864.Skirmish near Glasgow, Mo. Skirmish at Albany, Mo. 28, 1864.Engagement at Newtonia, Mo. 29, 1864.Skirmish at Upshaws Farm, Barry County, Mo. Nov. 6, 1864.Skirmish at Cane Hill, Ark. Dec. 2, 1864.Prices command reaches Laynesport, Ark. T?XEIPOIRTS, ETC. No. 1.Maj. Gen. William S. Rosecrans, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Missouri. No. 2.Itinerary of detachment of First and Third Divisions, Sixteenth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Smith, U. S. Army, commanding. No. 3.Col. Phineas Pease, Forty-ninth Illinois Infantry. No. 4.Lient. Col. Andrew W. Rogers, Eighty-first Illinois Infantry. No. 5.Lieut. Col. Jonathan Merriam, One hundred and seventeenth Illinois Infantry. No. 6.Capt. Eli Mattoeks, Fifty-second Indiana Infantry. No. 7.Capt. William J. Campbell, Fourteenth Iowa Infantry. No. 8.Capt. John B. Gandolfo, One hundred and seventy-eighth New York Infantry. No. 9.Col. Edward F. Winslow, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, commanding Cavalry, Sixteenth Army Corps. No. 10.Lieut. Col. Frederick W. Benteen, Tenth Missouri Cavalry, commanding Fourth Brigade, Cavalry Division. No. 11.Maj. Benjamin S. Jones, Third Iowa Cavalry. No. 12.Maj. Abial R. Pierce, Fourth Iowa Cavalry. No. 13.Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton, U. S. Army, commanding Provisional Cavalry Division. No. 14.Surg. Ferdinand V. Dayton, Seeond New Jersey Cavalry, Surgeon in Chief. No. 15.Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown, 1J.~8. Army, commanding District of Central Missouri and First Brigade, Cavalry Division. No. 16.Col. John F. Philips, Seventh issonri State Militia Cavalry, commanding First Brigade,_Cavalry Division. For General Grants reference to these operations, see Vol. XXXIV, Part ~, p. 33 Page 305 CEAr. LIII.] PRICES MISSOURI EXPEDITION. 305 No. 17.Cbl. James McFerran, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 18.Lieut. Col. Bazel F. Lazear, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 19.Maj. Alexander W. Mullins, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 20.Maj. George ~y. Kelly, Fourth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 21.Capt. Oscar B. Queen, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 22.Col. Rudolph Poser, Thirty-fourth Infantry i~nrolled Missouri Militia. No. 23.Capt. Francis Onken, Thirty-fourth Infantry Enrolled Missouri Militia. No. 24.Capt. Charles D. Eitzeu, Thirty-fourth Infantry Enrolled Missouri Militia. No. 25.Capt. John Sullins, Thirty-fourth Infantry Enrolled Missouri Militia. No. 26.Maj. Lewis H. Bontell, Forty-fifth Missouri Infantry. No. 27.Brig. Gen. John McNeil, U. S. Army, commanding District of Rolla and Second Brigade, Cavalry Division. No. 25.Surg. William H. H. Cundiff, Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry, Acting Medical Director. No. 29.Col. John L. Beveridge, Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry. No. 30.Detachment Second Missouri Cavalry. No. 31.Lient. Col. Joseph A. Eppstein, Fifth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 32.Col. Edwin C. Catherwood, Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry. No. 33.Brig. Gen. John B. Sanborn, U. S~ Army, commanJing District of Southwest Missouri and Third Brigade, Cavalry Division. No. 34.Capt. William T. Kittredge, U. S. Army, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 35.CQl. M. La Rue Harrison, First Arkansas Cavalry (Union). No. 36.Col. John E. Phelps, Second Arkansas Cavalry (Union). No. 37.Lieut. Col. Hugh Cameron, Second Arkansas Cavalry (Union). No. 35.Lient. Col. John F. MeMahan, Sixth Cavalry Provisional Enrolled Missouri Militia. No. 39.Maj. William Plumb, Sixth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 40.Maj. William B. Mitchell, Seventh Provisional Enrolled Missouri Militia. No. 41.Col. Joseph J. Gravely, Eighth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 42.Brig. Gen. Clinton B. Fisk, U. S. Aruiy, commanding District of North Missouri. No. 43.Lient. Col. Dennis J. Hynes, Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, Chief of Cavalry, District of North Missouri. No. 44.Capt. George A. Holloway, U. S. Aruiy, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 45.Lieut. Amos J. Harding, Sixth Missouri Cavalry, Aide-de-Carup. No. 46.Brig. Gen. Joseph B. Don~lass, Missouri State Militia. No. 47.Brig. Gen. James Craig, Missouri State Militia. No. 45.Col. Chester Harding, jr., Forty-third Missouri infaniry. No. 49.Lient. Col. Daniel M. Draper, Ninth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 50.Maj. Hiram Hilliard, Sevcnteenth Illinois Cavalry. No. 51.Lient. Col. Thaddens J. Stauher, Forty-second Missouri Infantry. No. 52Lient. Col. Samuel P. Cox, Thirty-third Infantry Enrolled Missouri Militia. No. 53.Lieut. Col. Edward A. Kntzaer, Thirty-ninth Missouri Infantry. No. 54.Maj. George Deagle, Sixty-fifth Infantry Enrolled Missouri Militia. No. 55.Brig. Gen. Thomas Ewing, Jr., U. S. Army, commanding District of Saint Louis. No. 56.Actg. Asst. Surg. Thomas W. Johnson, U. S. Army. No.~ 57.Lient. Col. Hiram M. Hiller, Second Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 58.Capt. Adolph Tacke, Enrolled Missouri Militia. No. 59.Maj. James Wilson, Third Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 60.Maj. Samuel Montgomery, Sixth Missouri Cavalry. No. 61.Lient, Samuel R. Kelley, Third Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 62.Capt. William C. F. Montgomery, Battery H, Second Missouri Light Artil- lery. 20 R RYOL XLI, PT Page 306 3043 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII No. 63.Brig. Gen. Edward. C. Pike, Enrolled Missouri Militia, commanding First Military District. No. 64.Maj. Gem Samuel-ZR. Curtis, U. S. Army, eornmandingl)epartaient of Kansas. No. 65.Maj. Chapman S. Chariot, U. S. Army, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 66.Maj. Samuel S. Curtis, Second Colorado Cavalry, Aide-dc-Camp. No. 67.Maj. Thomas I. McKenny, U. S. Ai-my, Inspector-General. No. 65.Maj. Robert H. Hunt, Fifteenth Kansas Cavalry, Chief of Artillery. No. 69.Licut. George T. Robinson, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, Chief Engineer. No. 70.Maj. Samuel B:Davis, U. S. Army, Medical Director. No. 71.Maj. Theodore J . Weed, U. S. Army, Aide-dc-Camp and Chief Commissary of Musters. No. 72.Col. William F. Cloud, Second Kansas Cavalry, Acting Aide-dc-Camp. No. 73.-Maj. Henry Hopkins, Second Kansas Cavalry.. No. 74.Capt. Merritt H. Insley, U. S. Arniy, Assistant Quartermaster. No. 75.Capt. Edwin I. Meeker, U. S. Army, Chief Signal Officer. No. 76.Lient. Josiah M. Hubbard, Elevcnth Kansas Cavalry, Acting Signal Officer. No. 77.Lieut. Cyrus M. Roberts, Seventy-eighth Ohio Infantry, Acting Aide-dc- Camp. No. 78.Hon. James H. Lane, Volunteer Aide-dc-Camp. No. 79.Hon. Samuel C. Pomeroy, Volunteer Aide-dc-Camp. No. 80.Maj. Gen. James G. Blunt, IT. S. Army, commanding First. l)ivision, Army of the Bofder. 14o. 51.Col. Charles R. Jeunison, Fifteenth Kansas Cavalry, commanding First Brigade. No. 52.Col. Thomas Moonlight, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 53.Col. Charles W. Blair, Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry, commanding Third Bri- gade. No. 54.Col. James H. Ford, SecomlColorado Cavalry, commanding Fourth Brigade. No. 55.Maj. J. Nelson Smith, Second Colorado Cavalry. No. 56.Maj. Gen. George W. Deitzler, Kansas State Militia. No. 87:Brig. Gen. W. H. M. Fishback, commanding Fifth Brigade District, Kansas State Militia. No. 8S.Maj. Gen. Sterling Price, C. S. Arniy. No. 89.Organization of Prices army. No. 90.Itinerary of Prices army, kept by Licut. Col. Lauchlami AMaclean, Assist- ant Adjutant-General. No. 91.Lient. Col. John P. Bull, C. S. Army, Provost-Marshal. No. 92.Brig. Gen. Joseph 0. Shelby, C. S. Armmi~, commanding division. No. 93.Brig. Gen. M. Jeff. Thompson, C. S. Army, commanding Shelbys brigade. No. 94.Col. Sidney D. Jackman, Jackmans Missouri Cavalry, commanding brigade. No. 95.Brig. Gen. John B. Clark, jr., C S. Army, commanding Marmadukes divis- ion. No. 96.Col. Colton Greene, Third Missouri Cavalry, commanding Marniadukes brigade. No. 97.Capt. Benjamin S. Johnson, Third Missouri Cavalry. No. 95.Col. John Q. Burbridge, Fourth Missouri Cavalry. No. 99.Lient. Col. J. F. Davies, Davies Missouri Battalion, commanding Seventh Missouri Cavalry and Davies Battalion. No. 100.Col. Robert ZR. Lawther, Tenth Missouri Cavalry. No. 101.Casualties in Freemans brin ade. No. 102.Col. Charles H. Tyler, C. S. Army, commanding unarmed brigade. No. 103.Record of the Price Court of Inquiry Page 307 PRICES MISSOURI EXPEDITION. CHAP. LIII.] 307 No. 1. Report of Maj. Gen. lVilliam S. Rosecrans, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Missouri. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, December 7, 1864. COLONEL: The commanding general of the military division is already informed by my current official dispatches of the principal incidents of the late campaign against Price in this department, tut it is proper that I should snbmit a more detailed and connected report of the oper- ations for a correct understanding of their extent and the importance of the results. From early in the spring it was known through the lodges of the 0. A. Ks and other rebel sources that Price intended a great invasion of this State, in which he expected the co-operation of that order and of rebels generally, and by which he hoped to obtain important military and political results. In pursuance of these plans the lodges with rebel recruiting officers and agents sent into Missouri clandestinely, or under cover of the amnesty oath for that purpose, began an insurrection in Platte County on the 7th of July last. From that time guerrilla war- fare raged. in the river counties west from Callaway on the north and from Cooper on the south side of the Missouri. This department hav- ing been depleted of troops permission was obtained to raise volunteers to meet the exigencies of our situation, and under it about five complete and as many incomplete regiments of twelve-months volunteer infan- try had been organized previously to the raid. On the 3d of September General Washburn sounded the tocsin by information that the force under Shelby at Batesvile, Ark., was about to be joined by Price for the invasion of our State. The ripening of the corn lent to this addi- tional color of probability, so that on the 6th, Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith pass- ing Cairo with a division of infaiitry on the way to General Sherman I telegraphed General Halleck the state of affairs, requesting orders for this division to halt at that point and wait until we could ascertain the designs of the enemy. The division was halted, and on the 9th General Smith received orders from General Halleck to operate against Price & Co., but deeming it impracticable to penetrate between 100 and 200 miles into Arkansas with a small column of infantry in pursuit of a large mounted force, the exact whereabouts as well as intentions of which were still unknown, he decided to move his com- mand to a point near Saint Louis, whence he could readily move by rail or river and await Prices movements. From that time information accumulated showing the imminence of the raid. On the 23d we received certain information that Price had crossed the Arkansas with two divisions of mounted men, three batteries of artillery, a large wagon train carrying several thousand stand of small-arms, and was at or near Batesville on White River. From this point midway between the Mississippi and the western boundary of the State there are three practicable routes of invasion. One by Pocahontas into southeast Missouri, another by West Plains and lIolla or vicinity north toward Jefferson City, a third by Cassville north either through Springfield and Sedalia or by the Kansas border to the Missouri River. Strong military reasons favored the movements of their main force by the cen- tral route; while a detachment should go by Pocahontas and strip Southeastern Missouri. Under these circumstances my first object was to secure our great depots at Springfield and Rolla, the h~y cu Page 308 308 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CI~Ar. LIII. during the summer, and our train of Government wagons required to maintain the troops in the Springfield district. To do this and as far as possible save the scanty agriculture of the country from devastation it was necessary to hold both Springfield and iRolla. Indeed, to have abandoned these points would have been not only to abandon the loyal j)eople of those districts and their property to destruction but to invite the enemy to destroy our trains while moving them, capture our stores, and beat our troops in detail. Generals Sanborn and McNeil were therefore informed and ordered to place the trains and public property of theif districts nuder the protection of the fortifications at Spring- field and IRolla, to put their forts in the best possible state of defense, using every foot and dismounted cavalry soldier, including citizens and local militia, to the best advantage, and with all their efficient mounted force to watch the enemys motions and report the earliest in- dications of the direction of the coming storm. General Brown was ordered to concentrate all troops from the west of the Central District at Sedalia, to notify the citizen guards, and see that neither they nor their arms were exposed to capture. On the 24th Shelby was reported south of Pilot Knob, moving toward Farmington, with 5,000 men and four pieces of artillery. General Ewing was ordered to concentrate the troops in the southern part of his district at Pilot Knob and Cape Girardeau, and to verify the accuracy of this report, which proved true. On the 26th General A. J. Smith, with two of his brigades, was ordered to a point on the Iron Mountain Railroad as far toward PilotKnob as he deemed compatible with certainty that his position would not be turned, and the enemy get between him and Saint Louis. On the day before Sanborn had orders to move with all his mounted force to Rolla, it having become evident that the enemy would not probably strike west of that point. The safety of Saint Louis was vital to us. I therefore telegraphed Brig. G en. II. E. Paine, commanding in Illinois, who promised me assistance from sonie regiments of returning 100- days volunteers, who, ~though they had already served beyond their time, generously consented to come for the defense of the city. The enrolled militia of Saint Louis, though but skeleton regiments, were called out and the citizens also requested to organize and arm. General Ewing was sent to Pilot Knob, with directions to use his utmost exertions to find out whether any more than Shelbys division was in Southeast Missouri, and to that end to hold Pilot Knob until he was certain. With a soldierly comprehension of the importance of his duties, while reporting the current rumors of the advance of Price with his whole force, he expressed his doubts, and held his position until the 27th, when he austained a terrific assault in Fort Davidson, a small field-work in the valley, surrounded by hills within cannon-range, which he held with about 1,000 men, one-half raw troops, establishing beyond question the presence of all Prices command in that quarter. He glo- riously repulsed, killing and wounding some 1,500 of the enemy, and lost only 28 killed and 56 wounded~ as appears from his report here- with. While Ewings fight was going on Shelby advanced on Potosi, and thence to Big River bridge, threatening General Smiths advance, which withdrew from that point to within safer supporting distance of his main position at IDe Soto. Previous to and pending these events the guerrilla warfare in North ~Iissouri had been raging with redou- bled fury. Rehel agents, amnesty oath-takers, recruits, sympathizers, 0. A. K.s, and traitors of every hue and stripe, had warmed into life at the approach of the great invasion. Womens fingers were busy making clothes for rebel soldiers out of goods plundered by the gue Page 309 CHAP. LIII.J PRICES MISSOURI EXPEISITION. 309 villas; womeiis tongues were busy telling Union neighbors their time was now coming. General Fisk, with all his force, had be en scouring the brush for weeks in the river counties in pursuit of hostile bands, composed largely of recruits from among that class of inhabitants who claim protection, yet decline to perform the full duty of citizens on the ground that they never tuck no sides. A few facts will convey some idea of this warfare carried on by Confederate agents here, while the agents abroad of their bloody and hypocritical despotismMason, Sli- dell, and Mann in Europehave the effrontery to tell the nations of Christendom our Government carries on the war with increasing ferocity regardless of the laws of civilized warfare. These gangs of rebels, whose families had been living in peace among their loyal neigh- bors, committed the most cold-blooded and diabolical murders, such as riding up to a farm-house, asking for water, and, while receiving it, shooting down the gwer, an aged, inoffensive farmer, because he was a radical Union man. In the single Sjib-District of Mexico its coin- manding officer furnished a list of near 100 Union men, who, in the course of six weeks, had been killed, maimed, or run off because they were radical Union men or damned abolitionists. About the 1st of September Andersons gang attacked a railroad train on the North Missouri road, took from it twenty-two unarmed soldiers, many on sick leave, and after robbing placed them in a row and shot them in cold blood. Some of these bodies they scalped, and put others across the track und ran the engine over them. On the 27th this gang, with num- bers swollen to 300 or 400, attacked Ma~jor Johnston with about 120 men of the Thirty-ninth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, raw recruits, and, after stampeding their horses, shot every man, most of them in cold blood. Anderson a few days later was recognized by General Price at Boonville as Confederate captain, and with a verbal admonition to behave him- self ordered by Colonel Maclean, chicf of Prices staff to proceed to North Missouri and destroy the railroads, which orders were found on the miscreant when killed by Lieutenant-Colonel Cox about the 27th of October ultimo. On the 28th, when information of Ewings fight and Prices presence at Pilot Knob came to hand, General Smith, discovering the enemy on his front moving to west and north, in pursuance of his orders to hold the most advanced position compatible with the certaintyof keening be- tween the enemy and Saint Louis, determined to leave De Soto and retire behind the Meramec, a stream which, at from ten to fifteen miles south of Saint Louis, offers considerable obstacle to the passage of a hostile force with wagons and artillery. General Ewing, finding Marmadukes and Pagans rebel divisions before him, and his position commanded by a numerically superior artillery, acting on suggestions made when dis- cussin~ with him the possibilities of the position, on the night of the 27th spiked his heavy gnus, blew up his magazine~- ammunition, and supplies, and with the field battery and remains of his command re- treated through the hills toward the Meramec Valley, hoping to reach ~ But, as will be seen from his reports, the enemy pursued him, harassed his rear on the march, which he directed along a ridge where the enemy could not flank him, and overtook himnear Harrisons Station, where, seizing and extending the temporary defenses constructed by the mili- tia, he displayed such vigor that after harassing him for thirty-six hours and making several attacks, on the approach of a detachment of Sanborns cavalry the rebels left him and he escaped with all his coin- mand to Itolla. The enemys strength and position thus leveloped, m Page 310 310 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. first business was to secure the points he could best strikeSaint Louis, Jefferson City, and Itolla. General Smiths 4,500 infantry and the mounted force we could raise, the Seventh Kansas, just in from Mem- phis, part of the Thirteenth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, under Colonel Catherwood, and the recruits of Merrills Horse, hastily mounted and organized, a total of 1,500 men, were all the force we could place between Saint Louis and an invading army of at least 15 000 mounted men whose advance was within a days march of the city: Meanwhile Brig- adier-General Pike, ably seconded by Generals Wolff and Miller, of the Enrolled Missouri Militia hid First, Second, Third, assembled and armed skeletons of the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Tenth, Eleventh, Thirteenth, and Fifty-second Regiments of Enrolled Militia. The mayor and others, under the direction of the Hon. B. Gratz Brown and Major Ledergerber, organized the citizens exempt from militia duty, who volunteered for the defense of the city, into companies and regiments, numbering by the 30th some 4,000 or 5,000 inei~. The One hundred and thirty-second, One hun- dred and thirty-fourth, One hundred and thirty-eighth, One hundred and fortieth, and One hundred and fbrty-second Illinois (100-days vohinteers) also began to arrive on the 30th, and were all in by October 1 and formed into a brigade, tinder Colonel Wangelimi, for the immediate de- fense of the city, beyond which they did not wish to serve, as all of them were out over time, and many having desirable offers as substitutes. The enemy moving up by Potosi seemed to halt at Riehwoods, about forty miles southwest of Saint Louis, in the hills between Big River and the Meramec, as if ~ouceutrating for an attack on the city. This ap- peared the more possible from the magnitude of his interest in it, and the fact that he did not show much force in the Meramec Valley, even on the 30th. On that day Major-General Smith was ordered to occupy Kirkwood, which commands the Itichwoods road and crossing of the Meramec to Saint Louis, his cavalry to reconnoiter south and west, Colonel Merrill going as far as Franklin. General Fisk, previously ordered to join General Brown with all his available force, reached and reported from Jefferson City to-day. At the close of it news came that a brigade of rebel cavalry had burned the Moselle Bridge and were moving north toward Franklin. General Smith was ordered to send a brigade of infantry to support the cavalry at that point, and on the 1st of Octo- ber Colofiel Wolff, with his brigade, reached Franklin, and after a sharp skirmish drove the enemy from the place, but not until he had burned the depot. The rebels were now apparently at bay with 1,500 cavalry and 4,500 infantry. General Smith was not in condition to attempt offensive movements against a force Qf 15,000 veteran mounted rebels who could reach Saint Louis from any point in the Meramec Valley where he might confront tliem in half the time it would take his infantry to reach it. Our obvious policy under these circumstances was to keep as close as possible to the euemny without risking Saint Louis until General Mow- er5 command should arrive from Arkansas, or at least we be able to join to Smiths our mounted forces at Ilolla. Every hours delay of the enemy in the Meramec Valley brought Mower nearer aiid increased our chances of striking him as it did the security of Jefferson City. On the 2d the enemy was reported massing in the vicinity of Union, on the road either to Jefferson City or Rolla, and General Smith was ordered to Franklin. But as the enemys movements appeared to tend west- ward, on the 3d General Smith was advamiced to Gray~s Summit and General Pike moved to Franklin. Oii the 4th General Smith pushed his cavalry toward the Gasconade, advanced his infantry to Union, fo Page 311 CHAP. LIII.] PuCES MISSOURI EXPEPITION. 311 lowed up by General Pikes militia. On the 5th Prices command took Hermann ,burned the Gasconade bridge, and was crossing that stream at the old State Road Ford. General Smith followed him. General Mower reported his arrival at Girardeau out of supplies, his teams worn down, part of his cavalry dismounted, and many horses unshod. Transports and supply-boats were at once dispatched, and on the 8th and 9th his command reached Saint Louis from whence the infantry was pushed forward by water as rapidly as the low stage of the river would permit to join General Smith. The cavalry under Winslow reshod and started by land from Saint Louis on the 10th toward Jefferson City, which poiitt it reached on the 16th instant, one day in advance of the infantry. On the 6th the eiiemy began crossing the Osage at Castle Rock and one or two other fords under cover of his artillery, opposed by Colonel Philips with the available cavalry at Jefferson City. While thus engaged Generals McNeil and Sanborn reached Jefferson City by a forced march with all the mounted force from Rolla, and uniting with Fisk and Brown gave us a garrison there of 4,100 cavalry and 2,600 infantry, mostly the new and partially organized twelve-months men, with a few citizens and militia. As this force, thongh capable of giving a strong battle behind intrenchments, was not very formidable to act offensively against a veteran force like that of the enemy, it was decided by General Fisk, the other three generals concurring, to oppose a moderate resistance to the enemys advance across the Morean, a small stream with muddy banks and bad bottom, four or five miles east of the city, and then to retire and receive his attack at the defensive line, which with industry and good judgment had been prepared by the entire laboring force, civil and military, at Jefferson City. The enemy burned the Osage bridge and crossed the river on the 6th. On the 7th he advanced on the city, crossed the Morean after sharp lighting, and developed a line of battle three or four miles long, east, south, and west of the place. But after reconnoitering its apparently formidable intrenchments, warned by his Pilot Knob experien~e in storming earth-works, he declined attacking, and passing his train in rear moved around, massing on the west, and filially retiring. On the 8th General Pleasouton, on his arrival at Jefferson, under orders to assume command, dispatched General Sanborn with all the available cavalry, 4,100 men, to follow and harass the enemy until General Smiths command could come up. General Smith was informed of the rebel failure at Jefferson and directed to move by the most expe- ditious route to that place, where Mowers infantry were to join and the cavalry overtake him. He was to send all his cavalry, under Colonel Catherwood, in advance to report to Pleasonton, who, on its arrival, was to join ~ and assume direction of the Provisional Cavalry Division thus formed. General Pike, with his militia, was charged witli the control of the country and the defenses of our line of commu- nicationfrom Saint Louis to Jefferson City. Sanborn ollowedthe rebels, attacked their rear guard at Versailles, where it was uncertain what course they would take, found they were going north toward Boon- ville, followed and drove them into line of battle near that place, an(l when he found himself nearly enveloped by their entire army, fell back out of their reach to meet Catherwoods command and his provisions, which both arrived at California on the 14th. The enemy taking advantage of this crossed the La Mine at Scotts and Dug Fords arid moved north toward Arrow Rock. Sanborn immediately followed this movement by Georgetown bridge, keeping between the Pacific Railroad and the line of the enemys march, and holding the line of the Black Page 312 312 LOUISIANA ANI) THE TRANS-MJSSISSLPPI. [CHAP. LIII. water, a western tributary of the La Mine, while Price, crossing a part of Shelbys command at Arrow Rock on the Boon yule ferry-boat to the north side of the river, advanced on Glasgow, which he captur& d after a seven-hours fight with a part of Colonel Hardings regiment, Forty-third Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and small detachments of the Ninth Missouri State Militia and Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry. On the 17th our cavalry, following his westward movement, keeping south of without pressing him, until Generals Smiths and Mowers troops could be bronght up, kept the line of the Blackwater, and on the 17th reported themselves out of supplies and the enemy between Marshall and Waverly. On the 17th Mowers infantry, except two small regiments, arrived at Jefferson City and went at once by rail to La Mine bridge to join General Smith, who, passing Jefferson by land on the 14th, had followed the cavalry movement to that point, taking charge of the sup- plies which, in consequence of the destruction of the bridge by the rebels, conid go byrail no farther. Winslows cavalry, marching, reached Jefferson, the advance twenty miles beyond at California, on the 16th, and was ordered to join General Pleasonton without delay. On the 18th General Smith was ordered to move to lJunksburg near the cay- airy headquarters, taking five days rations and leaving minimum gar- risonsto guard and handle stores at Sedalia and La Mine bridge. Tile 19th found this movement accomplished, tile cavalry with its center near Cooks Store, its right behind the I3lackwater toward Marshall, and its left near Kirkpatricks Mills toward Warrensburg. The enemy apparently hesitated in the vicinity of Marshall as if uncertain whether to go west or double ou his tracks between Sedalia amid Jefferson, but our cavalry advanced, receding a few miles to meet supplies and con- centrate on the 17th and 18th, seemed to decide his movements toward Lexington, where General Curtis telegraphed me on the 19th the head of his column had arrived, General Blunt, after a sharp skirmish, re- tiring toward Ind~pendence and destroying the bridges in his rear. I informed General Curtis of ~ur position; that our troops reported Price near Waverly; advised that Blunt cileck his advance at Wellington, and as soon as we were snre his main force was moving on Lexington we would endeavor by a forced march to strike him in the flank. To ascertain Prices real intemitions General Pleasonton was directed to make a strong reconnaissance toward Waverly. The results of this reached me on the morning of the 20th, amid Pleasonton was directed at once t0 push the center of his cavalry to Lexington, and General Smith, with his infantry, to support the movement. At 7 p. in. Pleasonton reported the enemy had left Lexington, going west, and McNeil amid Sanborn entering the town. October 21 our cavalry advance followed the enemy to Fire Creek Prairie, Browns and Winslows brigades reaching Lexington at 2 p. m. and the infantry at 9 p. in. of the same day. General Curtis also reported a tight with the enemys entire force at the Little Blue froni 10 a. in. to 2 p. mu., and that to pre- vent being flanked he should retire to the Big Blue, where his militia and artillery were in strong position. Supposing the enemy could not cross the Big Blue in the face of Curtis, I dispatched General Pleason- ton my belief that he would move south, and that while McNemls bri- gade should harass his rear, he, with the other three brigades, should move toward Lone Jack, near which would be General Smiths infantry, now marching from Lexington to Chapel hill. At 10 p. m. a dispatch from Pleasonton informed me of the receipt of these conditional orders, and that the enemy ~n full force was moving far to the west, followed by his cavaJry. October22 Pleasontons cavalry reached the Little Blue a Page 313 Ca& r. LIII.] PRICES MISSOURI EXPEDITION. 313 it) a. im; found the bridge destroyed; a temporary one was constructed, the enemys skirmishers driven, the command crossed, when the enemy opened with artillery, and was steadily driven toward Independence, which place was taken by a brilliant cavalry charge, in which Cather- woods regiment captured two guns complete. Near a hundred prisoners fell into our hands, and our troops pushed the enemys rear guard all night. At 8 p. m. Pleasonton reports all my brigades have been en- gaged; the enemy have left 40 killed and many sick and wounded in my hands. Heard nothing from Curtis. If Smith can come up in case we get a fight it will be well. Have sent McNeils brigade to Little Santa F~. Price is reported intrenched this side of the Big Blue. Fighting still going on with an obstinate rear guard. Let Smith come to thIs place. Reluctantly General Smith was dispatched to move to Independence, as requested, tIme messenger reaching him at Chapel Hill as he was putting his column in motion to march there in response to a direct message from General Pleasonton advising him of the posture of affairs. On the morning of the 23d Pleasonton began to move on the enemy. At the crossing of the Big Blue, where the fight opened at 7 a. m. and contipued until 1 p. in., when Shelby, who had been fighting GQneral Curtis command, finding Marmaduke and Pagan were giving away, turned on Tieasonton and for a moment shook Sanborns brigade, but by the skillful use of Thurbers battery, throwing double-shotted grape and canister, and the galkuit charging of our troops, they were routed and fled southward, pushed by Generals Pleasonton and Curtis that night beyond Little Santa F& General Smiths command arriving at Independence at 5 p. m. was ordered to move that night by a forced march to Hickman Mills, hoping it would strike time enemy in flank while passing that point. Had he been ordered and marched for that point instead of Independence the day before General Smith would have arrived in time to strike the enemys compact column and train with 9,000 infantry and five batferies. But it was too late. He did not reach the Mills until long after not only the enemys but our own column had passed there. News from the cavalry fronts during the night showed that nothing remained but to push the enemy with our cavalry, allowing the infantry to follow as best it could to act as sup- port mu case of possible reverse to us or re-enforcements which were con- stantly reported on their way to meet the enemy. On the 24th, with the Kansas troops in advance, we pursued the enemy until within fifteen miles of the Trading Post, when, at General Curtis request, General Pleasontons command took the lead and at the end of a sixty-miles march overtook the rebels about midnight, at the Marais des Cygnes; began skirnushing, and on the 25th, at 4 a. in., opened upon their bivouac with artillery, creating the greatest consternation, following it up by an attack which drove them promptly from the field, leaving in our hands horses, mules, wagons, arms, and some prisoners. Our troops followed them in a running fight until 2 p. in., when they came up with them at the Little Osage Crossing in position, with eight pieces of artillery on their line of battle. With the instinct of a true cavalry general, Pleas- onton immediately ordered an attack by Benteens and Philips brigades, which by a magnificent charge coumpletely routed them, capturing 8 guns, 2 stand of colors, Major-General Marmaduke, Brigadier-General Cabell, 5 colonels, mammy other officers, and near 1,000 prisoners, besides wagons, small-arms, & c. ~ brigade, which was one mile and a half behind, and the Kansas troops still farther iii the rear, did not arrive in time to take part in this battle, but Sauborns brigade le Page 314 314 LOUISIANA AND THE THANS-MISSISSIPPJ. [CHAP. LIII. in the pursuit of the routed enemy, overtook them at a small stream a few miles beyond the battle-ground, charged them in the timber, drove them across it into the open prairie, where they formed in order of battle three lines deep. But such was the enthusiasm of the men of this brigade when they reached the edge of the wood and saw this triple line they charged it without orders, knocked it in pieces, and chased the fugitives until night closed the pursuit, and the enemy fled under cover of the darkness toward the Arkansas border. Besides the wagons captured dnring this day at the Marais des Cygnes, on the way to and at the Little Osage, the enemy had destroyed many,.inclnd- ing ammunition-wagons, and for twenty-five or thirty miles beyond the Osage battle-field their route was strewn with debris of burning wagons and other property. Pleasontons cavalry had now been in motion almost day and night for six days, dftring which it had marched at least 204 miles and fought four battles. It was pretty well exhausted and broken down and went into Fort Scott that night for food and a little rest. He reported to me the results of his days work, that the enemy was going at his ut- most and his own troops were so broken down it would be impossible without fresh horses to strike the enemy another great blow this side of the Arkansas, and recommended that Generals Sanborn an(1 McNeil follow, to support Curtis troops in pnrsuit so long as there was any prospect of damaging the enemy, and then return to Spring- field and IRolla. On the receipt of the news of the enemys rout Gem eral Smith, whose command was out of provisions, was directed to move to Harrisonville and thence get supI)lies from Warrenshurg, where 100 wagons were waiting with provisions for our command, sending 30,000 rations to the cavalry. Further reports of the enemys condition sat- isfied nine there would be no use of breaking down any more of our horses since General Curtis, whose cavalry horses were fresher than ours, supported by Sanborn and McNeil on their way down the State line, would be more than ample to deal with any resistance Prices com- mand would offer this side of the Arkansas. Orders were accordingly given and General Pleasonton returned with Philips brigade, the can- non, and part of the prisoners to Warrensburg. The Kansas troops and Benteens brigade pursued the enemys flying columns, a part of whom made their last stand at Newtonia, Mo., where General Blunt overtook and attacked them on the 28th but was being worsted when Sanborn, havii~g marched 102 miles in thirty- six hours, arrived in time to save the day. The enemy fled and made no further stand this side of the Arkansas. In a country destitute of food for man and beast, five times defeated, pursued 400 or 500 miles, with the loss of nearly all their artillery, ammunition, and baggage, train, demoralization and destitution, and want of supplies would drive the rebels across the Arkansas for supplies at the risk of falling into the hands of Thayers forces or Steeles cavalry, and if allowed would almost disintegrate and disband them on the way thither. General Curtis thought pushing them was best, and accordingly followed, although he did not again over- take them. At his urgent instance, against my own judgment as well as that of Generals Sanborn and McNeil, I pushed their two brigades down to the Arkansas border, whence Sanborn sent art advance to Fort Smith, reaching there on the morning of the 8th [November], to notify General Thayer of the enemys desperate condition and the direction he had taken from Cane Hill toward the Indian Nation, between Fort Smith and Fort Gibson. Meanwhile at Shermans request, followed by orders from time General-imChief?, I directed Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith t Page 315 OHAP. LIII.J PRICES MISSOURI EXPEDITION. 315 move his command by the most expeditious ronte to the Mississippi, in the vicinity of Saint Louis, there to embark and proceed to Nashville and report to Ma~j. Gen. George H. Thomas. On the 3d of November 1 returned to Saint Louis to be there during the election, and on the receipt of the news of the enemy having crossed the Arkansas directed the cavalry to repair to their respective districts and Winslows cavalry to move by the best route and join General Thomas at Nashville. In entering into details I have aimed to give the general comman(liIlg a sort of military photograph of our daily condition and movements as well for his critical judgment as for history, omitting events of what- ever magnitude not having a bearing on our movements and most of the minor ones which did enter into their determination. I trust that the precautions taken in advance of Prices movements, the preparations before we knew where he was coming, the measures taken to sec~ire our most important points and occupy him until we could concentrate the forces to strike him with a certainty of success outweighing any damage he could meanwhile do us, the energy and activity in con- centration, vigor in pursuit, and fiery gallantry of our troops in battle, will receive the approbation of the general commanding the military division. It will appear from these details and accompanying reports that our dismounted cavalry, infantry, and militia nobly pertbrmed their duty, watching, marching, and fighting whenever and wherever opportunity offered, that by their aid in holding our depots and supporting our mounted force we have saved all our important posts and most of the country from pillage, except a belt of some twenty miles wide along the route of the invasion, and with less than 7,000 effective cavalry have pursued, overtaken, beaten in several engagements, and finally route(l an invading cavalry, variously estimated at from 15,000 to 26,000 m en, re-enforced by 6,000 armed recruits from Missouri, taken from them 10 pieces of artillery, 2 stand of colors, 1,958 prisoners of war, a large number of horses, mules, wagoiis, and small-arms, compelled them to destroy most of their remaining wagons, train, and plunder, blasted all the political schemes of the rebels and traitors who concerted with Price to revolutionize Missouri, destroy Kansas, and turn the State and presidential election, against the Union cause, and by our triumphin the late elections have given to gallant and suffering Mis- souri the fairest prospect she has ever yet seen of future freedom, peace, and prosperity, all the fruits of a campaign of forty-eight days, in which most of our victorious troops had never before seen a great cavalry battle. Rarely during this or any other war has cavalry dis- played more persevering energy in pursuit, more impetuous courage and gallantry in attacking, regardless of superior nuitibers, or had its efforts crowned with greater fruits of success. While paying a just tribute of thanks to all the officers and soldiers of the cavalry, artillery, infantry, militia, and citizen guards who served during the raid, for their prompt and cheerful obedience to all orders, whether to labor, march, or fight, I must refer to the accompanying reports of their coin- unanders for special mention of individual gallantry. Major-General Pleasonton deserves the thanks of the country for the able manner in which he handled and fought the cavalry, and for the brilliant and fruit- ful victories he won over triple his own force. I hope he may receive promotion in the regular army. Maj. Gen. A; J. Smith deserves thanks for promptitude, energy, and perseverance in all his movements, and for the good judgment displayed in his campaign. Nor must [ omit a tribute of admiration to those brave and true soldiers who, unde Page 316 316 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. Mower, followed Price trout Arkansas, marching 300 miles iii cigi iteen days, and after going by boat from Cape Girardeau to Jefferson City, again resumed the march after him, making another march of 462 miles before they embarked for Nashville to take part in the not doubtful con- test before that city for the mastery of Middle Tennessee. The district commanders all deserve my thanks for prompt and cordial co-operation in the measures precautionary and preparatory for the rai(l. General Ewing deserves special mention for military judgment, courage, and gallantry, in holding Pilot Knob till he had certainty of the enemys force, as well as for the manner in which he withdrew his troops to IRolla. General McNeil for promptitude and energy in putting Itolla in a state of defense, and for moving with all force to Jefferson City in time to snecor it. General Fisk for the prompt and cheerful discharge of very trying administrative duties, and for the energy and good sense in preparing the defenses of Jefferson City, as in the subsequent repair of La Mine bridge. General Brown displayed energy and good sense in preparing the city for a good defense, and General Sanborn for vigilance, euergy, and soldierly judgment while commanding the cavalry advance between Jefferson City and Dnnksburg, as well as throughout the campaign. Col. J. V. Du Bois, aide-de-camp, chief of staff; Captain Henry, assist- ant quartermaster of General Steeles staff, volunteer staff quartermas- ter in the field; Capt. G. Scull, chief commissary; Surg. P. V. Schenek, medical director in the field; Captain Hoeleke, acting aide-de-camp, en- gineer; Major Fischer, Fifth Missouri State Militia, on engineer duty; Capt. J. F. Bennett, assistant adjutant-general, and my personal aides, Maj. F. S. Bond, aide-de-camp, and Capt. 11. 5. Thoms, aide-dc-camp, Captain Hills, Tenth Kansas, acting provost-marshal, accompanied me (luring the campaign, and were zealous and indefatigable in the dis- charge of their respective duties. Major Mc Dermott, First Iowa Cav- alry, who, with his battalion of First Iowa Cavalry, did such good service in North Missouri and behaved very gallantly in the pursuit of the rebels from Jefferson City to Boonville, commanded the escort from Sedalia, and deserves honorable mention. Brig. Gen. J. B. Gray, adjutant-general of Missouri, and Brigadier-General Pike, of the En- rolled, are entitled to public thanks for their valuable and indefatigable services in connection with the Enrolled Militia. Col. T. J. Haines, commissary of subsistence, to whom all the armies West, as well as the country, owe a debt of gratitude for invaluable services not likely to be overpaid, displayed his usual promptitude and foresight in providing for the wants of our troops and depots. Col. William Myers, chief quartermaster, in supplying animals, fitting up trains, and providing for the wants of our troops, exhibited his characteristic care and skill. I must also mention the voluntary services of those tried veterans, Colonel Wangelin, late of the Twelfth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and Colonel Laiboldt, who did all in their power to aid in the defense of Saint Louis. Senator B. Gratz Brown and Mayor Thomas, seconded by the efforts of many patriotic citizens of all classes, did much to pre- pare for the defense of the city, and deserve my thanks. I should be glad to call the genei~als attention to many militia officers, such as Gen- eral Craig, whose able management in the northwest, in the absence of General Fisk, Colonel Gale, who so promptly organized his militia regiment (Fifty-fourth Enrolled Missouri Militia) at Franklin, and many others scattered over the State, who rendered great service to the coun- try. But as the chief motive of these officers and the men of their com- mands was their countrys good the consciousness of duty manfully per- formed must be their chief reward, until the day comes when our chi Page 317 ChAr. LIII.] PRICES MISSOURI EXPEDITION. 317 dren, pointing to them as to others who have borne arms in this great national struggle, shall say, There go some of the men who helped to save our nation. The accompanying reports show onr total losses in this campaign were 164 killed, of whom 116 were murdered at Centralia, 336 wounded, 171 prisoners, of whom many, if not all, are illegally parolled, 681 hors de combat, besides which there were several small sqnads of prisoners illegally captured and parolled in Southeast Missouri, and the troops at Glasgow whose surrender was, I think, justifiable and possibly lawful. W. S. IROSECIRAKS, ]lliajor- General. Lieutenant-Colonel CHRISTENSEN, A. A. G., JIfil. Div. of West Mi.s~sissippi, New Orleans, La. A DDE NDA. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSouRI, No. 216. AS~aint Louis, Mo., December 2, 1864. I. The conduct of the militia under Actg. Lient. Col. S. P. Cox and Major Grimes in pursuing Bill Andersons band of bushwhackers, kill- ing Anderson and dispersing his band, as reported by Brig. Gen. James Craig, Enrolled Missouri Militia, displays so much spirit, energy, and braver~* on the part of citizens, giving their services and risking their lives for the public good without fee or reward, as to call for the special thanks of the major-general commanding the department. II. In consideration of their gratuitous services, and as a reward for their gallantry, it is therefore ordered that the property taken by these citizens from the robbers be distributed under the direction of Brigadier- General Craig, as follows: The horse ridden by Bill Anderson and the watches and arms taken will be given to the several officers of the command, to be retained as honorable trophies. The money capture(l will be given in just propor- tioiis to the wounded of the command and to the families of such as were killed in the affair. III. Brigadier-General Craig will furnish these headquarters with a certified list of all property disposed of nn(ler this order, reporting the manner of its distribution and the nanies and rank of the officers and soldiers who have received it. By command of Major-General Rosecrans: FRANK ENO, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENEFAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, No. 220. Saint Louis, ]lIo., December 8, 1864. I. The reports of the commanders of troops in the late campaign against Price, delayed till now by the necessities of the case, furnish a record so brilliant of arduous service and gallant fighting, that the commanding general deems it a duty to express to the officers and men of his command his admiration of their behavior, and to congratulate them and their fellow-citizens on the result. II. Vague rumors and threats of an invasion of Missouri by Price had been in circulation for months among rebels, bushwhackers, and About the 21st of September these rumors ripened into certainty by the information that Price, crossing the Arkansas with two divi~mon Page 318 318 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAI. LIII. of cavalry and three batteries of artillery, had joined Shelby near Bates- yule, sixty miles ~outh of the line of our State, and would invade us with from 15,000 to 20,000 veteran mounted men. We had then about 6,500 mounted men for field duty in the depart- ment, scattered over a country 400 miles long and 300 broad, which, with the partially-organized new infantry reglinents and our dismounted men, constituted the entire force to cover our great depots at Saint Louis, Jefferson City, Saint Joseph, Macon, Springfield, Itolla, and Pilot Knob, guard our railroad bridges against this invasion and protect, as far as possible, the lives and property of our citizens from the guerrillas who swarmed over the whole country bordering on the Missouri River. Fortunately, Maj. Gen. A. J. Smiths troops, passing Cairo toward Nash- ville, at the urgent solicitation of the general commanding, were ordered to halt and oppose Price, thus giving us 4,500 veteran infantry. III. Unable to concentrate until the point was determined where the enemy would strike, without surrendering all the remaining portion of the State, you could only make preliminary preparations and await the coming storm, while the Enrolled Missouri Militia, which had never yet failed to respond to the call of patriotism, prepared to defend their homes against the invader and his traitor friends in our midst. IV. When Springfield appeared safe from the blow, General Sanborn moved- with all his available cavalry to re-enforce Rolla, where General McNeil was preparing to secure our depots and great supply trains, while Ewing and his band of heroes, the young Forty-seventh Missouri Infantry, detachments of the First, Second, and Third Missouri State Militia, the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, and Battery II, Second Missouri Light Artillery, by their grand defense of Pilot Knob, September 27, proved the presence of the enemys entire force in Southeast Missouri, gave him the first staggering blow, and allowed time for the Enrolled Missouri Militia and citizens of Saint Louis to prepare for its defense, theu covered only by General Smiths infantry and three regiments of cavalry, thrown as far as jiwacticable toward the enemy. V. The zeal and energy of the citizens, aided by the timely arrival of the One hundred and thirty-second, One hundred and thirty-fourth, One hundred and thirty-sixth, One hundred and thirty-ninth, One hundred and fortieth, and One hundred and forty-second Illinois iRegi- m ents (100 days volunteers), who generously and promptly came to our assistance, soon put us at ease about the safety of Saint Louis, and struck the second blow to the invasion. The gallant First, Second, Third, Fourth, Tenth, Eleventh, Thirteenth, Eightieth, and Eighty-fifth Regiments of Enrolled Missouri Militia, and the National Guard of Saint Louis, under Generals Pike, Wolff, and Miller, organized to support General Smiths infantry, and roll the rebel tide westward. General Brown concentrated at Jefferson City the troops of the Central District, and re-enforced by General Fisk, with all available troops north of the Missouri, prepared for the defense of the capital of the State, the citizens of which vied with the military in their enthu- siastic exertions to bring the great invasion to naught. The enemy, after waiting at IRichwoods for a day or two and threat- ening Saint Louis, started for the State capital, accompanied by Tom Reynolds, Trusten Polk, and other Missouri traitors, to inaugurate another bogus election. McNeil and Sanborn, moving with all their available cavalry, by forced marches reached the point of danger a few miles in advance of him, and uniting with Fisk and Brown saved Jef- fersomi City, and struck the third blow to the hopes of the invaders and traitors, who had boasted they would plant themselves there and hoki the State Page 319 CHAP. LIII.] PRICES MISSOURI EXPEDITION. 319 VI. On the 8th of October, when General Pleasonton assumed com- mand at Jefferson City, he sent Sanborn with all his mounted force, 4100 strong, to follow the rebel track and harass them until all our remaining cavalry conld join you, and the infantry snpports come up. You drove the enemys rear guard upon their main force in line of bat- tle near Boonville, and bearded them in position with a force of only 5,500 men. Pursuing their retreat westward, and keeping them between you and the Missonri Itiver, withont an opportunity to double on their track, yon waited the arrival of Winslows command, 1,500 strong, which followed the enemy from Arkansas, and when, on the 19th, it joined, forming the Provisional Cavalry Division of 6,500 men, exclusive of escort guards, under General Picasonton, you moved on the foe for bat- tle and victory, overtook and gave th~in the first sweet taste of your sabers on the 22d, at Independence, where you routed Fagan and captured two of his guns. 0mm the 23d you forced the passage of the Big Blue, fought them from 7 in the morning until 1 p. m. Their advance quitting Curtis then fell upon you, when by the combined use of Thurbers double-shotted canister and the saber you routed their main force, and by dark had thrown them beyond Little Santa F~. On the 24th, at midnight, after umarching some sixty miles, with lit- tle water, except the rain on yonr backs, and less food for men or horses, you again overtook theum at the Marais des Cygnes, began skir- mishimig, and at 4 a. in. on the 25th, opening with artillery, routed them with }oss; capturing mules, horses, & c. Thence, in a running fight, you i)ursued them to the Little Osage Crossing, where two advanced bri- gades, under Benteen and Philips, charged two rebel divisions, routed them, captured eight pieces of artillery, and near 1,000 prisoners, includ- ing Generals Marimmaduke and Cabell. Sanborns brigade again led in pursuit, overtook theum amid miiade two more brillant charges, driving everything be fore it, across the Marmitoim, whence the enemy fled, under cover of night, toward the Arkansas. After thus marching 204 miles 111 six days and beating the eitemny, his flying columns were pursued toward the Arkansas by the Kansas troops and Beuteens brigade, while Sanborn, following, marched 104 miles in thirty-six hours, and on the 28th reached Newtommia, where the enemy made his last stand, in time to turn the tide of battle which was going against General Blunt, again routing the enemy, amid giving the final blow to the greatest cavalry raid of the war. VII. The substantial results of this brilliant series of operations are that while our mntautmy atid dismounted men nobly performed their share of the woik by fighting at Pilot Knob and Glasgow, holding the (lepots and impom taut l)oiiits, and backing your hazards, the enemy, entering the State with ~ mounted force of veteran troops, variously estima~ted at ft omn 1) 000 to 26,000, and eighteen pieces of artillery, with vast expectatiomis of revolutionizing the State, destroying Kamisas, amid operating on the Presidential election, after having added to his force 6,000 Missourians, whnh Gemmeral Marmaduke told General Pleasonton were armed and organized into a division, has been defeated in all his schemes, his mischief conflumed to the narrow belt of country over which he passed, and routed by you in four engagements, he has lost ten l)ieces of artillery, a large number of small-arms, nearly all his trains and plunder, and, besides his killed, wounded, and deserters, 1,958 pris9ners, which we have now iii possession, and the latest reports con- firm time statement that when the enemys forces recrossed the Arkan- sas, demoralization, desertion, amid losses had mieduced their strength to less than 5,000, but partially armed and mounted, with three pieces o Page 320 320 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII. artillery, and their horses in the most wretched condition. All this has been accomplished by less than 7,000 cavalry, most of whom never before saw a great battle, and yonr entire loss in killed, wonnded, and missing is only 346 officers and men. The records of this war furnish no more brilliant and decisive resnlts. VIII. To Major-General Pleasonton and the officers and soldiers of the Provisional Cavalry Divi~ion, by whom this work was wronght, the general commanding tenders his thanks for their gallantry and effi- ciency in the campaign, and congratulates them on having acqnired the tine spirit of cavalry service. He also returns his thanks to the district commanders, to the officers and soldiers of onr infantry and artillery, and the Enrolled Militia, and to Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith and his command for the zeal and energy with which they performed all the dnties devolving npon them in the cam- paign which bmonght to nanght Prices formidable raid and defeated the schemes of the rebels and traitors in Missonri and elsewhere against the State and the Nation. IX. A department order will announce the regiments entitled, and the names of the engagements they are to inscribe on their banners; By command of Major-General Rosecrans: FRANK ENO, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 2. Itinerary of detachment of First and Third Dirisions, Si~rteenth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Smith, U. S. Army, commanding.* FIRST I)JVlSION~ COMMANDED BY COL. JOSEPH J. WOODS, TWELFTH IOWA VOLUNTEERS. During the past month this division has been actively engaged as a iortion of the army ~)nrsning the rebel General Price throngh Missonri. Marching has been almost continnons and very hard, making as high as thirty-three miles per day. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, COMMANDED BY COL. LUCIUS F. hUBBARD, FIFTH MINNESOTA INFANTRY. October 1.The command left its bi