TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 48 (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, 1896 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 C& e4(. I7j~~ jL~ L{5~ THE GIFT OF ~& 1~a~A rRAGJLE DOLS P4U Title Page Page R001 0 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE 0 FFICIAL IIRECOIIRDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. DANIEL S. LAMONT, Secretary of War, BY MAJ. GEQEGE W. DAVIS, U. S. ARMY, MR. LESLIE J. PERRY, CIVILIAN EXPERT, Mu. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY, CIVILIAN EXPERT, Board of Publication. SERIES IVOLUME XLVIIIIN TWO PARTS. PART IREPORTS, CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1896. Page R002 1 Page R003 PREFACE. The work of preparing the records of the war for public use was 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 collect missing records. Under the provisions of joint resolution No. 91, of 1866, Hon. Peter H. Watson was appointed to supervise the preparation and formulate a plan for the publicatioii of the records, but he did no work and drew no pay under this appointment, which expired July 27, 1868, by limi- tation of the resolution. This resolution also repealed. 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, , tele- grams, and general orders, not heretofore copied or printed, and prop- erly arranged in chronological order. Appropriations have been made from time to time for continuing such preparation. Under this act the preliminary work was resumed by General Townsend, who tirst out- lined the plan on which the records are printed, though it appears that originally he contemplated publishing to the world only the more important military reports. Subsequently, under meager appropriations, it was prosecuted in a somewhat desultory manner by various subordinates of the War De- partment until December 14, 1877, when the Secretary of War, per- ceiving 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 -ivas de- termined that the volumes should include not only the battle reports, but also all official documents that can be obtained by the compiler, and that appear to be of any historical value. Colonel Scott system- Page R004 Iv PREFACE. atized the work and the plan and presented the records 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, etc., not embraced in the reports proper will follow (first Union and next Confederate) in chronological 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 authorities were concerned) to State or political prisoners. The third series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, 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 several State authorities. 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 excludin~, the correspondence between the Union and Confederate 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 coin- pilation of the Official Records (Union and Confederate) of the War of the Rebellion, so far as the same may be ready for publication, during the fiscal year; and that of said number 7,000 copies shall be for the use of the House of Representatives, 2,000 copies for the use of the Senate, and 1,000 copies for the use of the Executive Departments. Under this act Colonel Scott proceeded to publish the first five volumes of the records.* *All subsequent volumes have been distributed under tho act approved August 7, 1882, which provides that: The volumes of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion shall be dis- tributed as follows: One thousand copies to the Executive Departments, as now provided by law. One thousand copies for distribution by the Secretary of War among officers of the Army and contributors to the work. Eight thousand three hundred copies shall be sent by the Secretary of War to such libraries, organiza- tions, and individuals as may be designated by the Senators, Representatives, aad 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 Dole- gates shafl 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. added 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 volumes; conse- quently his name as compiler was retained in all the books np 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 Lieut. Col. II. M. Lazelle, U. S. Army, to duty as the snccessor of Colonel Scott. lie had con- tinued 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, judgf-advo- cate, U. S. Army, as the military member, and Leslie J. Perry, of Kan- sas, and Josepli W. Kirkley, of Maryland, as the civilian expert mem- bers of said board. The board assumed direction of the publication at the commencement of the fiscal year 1889, its first work beginning with Serial No. 36 of Vol. XXIV. July 1, 1895, by direction of the Secretary of War, Maj. George W. Davis, Eleventh infantry, U. S. Army, relieved Maj. George B. Davis, U. S. Army, as the military member and president of the Board of Publication. Each volume includes a copious and accurate index, and for the fur- ther 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 con- temporaneous 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 occasionally to add a foot-note of explanation. GEG. W. DAVIS, ]JfaJor 11th Infty., U. AS. A., LESLIE J. PERRY, Civilian Expert, JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY, Civilian Expert, Board of Publication. Approved: DANIEL S. LAMONT, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., JliEarch 26, 1896. 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 desiguate 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. lie shall also inform distributees at whose instance the volumes are sent Page R006 Table of Contents Page R007 t~ONTENT8. OIIAPTER LX. Page. Operatione in Louisiana and the Trans-Mississippi States and Territories~ January 1June 30, 1865 - - 1145 Page R008 Special Index Page R009 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLITME 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. Thesecession of Alabamaand Mississhpi. January 4-20, 1861 326330 CHAPTER IV. Operationsiu Florida. January 6-Angust .31. 1861 331473 CHAPTER V. Page. The secession of North Carolina. Janu ary 9May 20, 1861 474488 CHAPTER VI. The secession of Louisiana. January 10- February 19, 1861 489501 CHAPTER VII. Operations in Texas and New Mexico. February 1June 11, 1861 502636 CHAPTER VIII. Operations in Arkansas, the Indian Terri- tory, and Missouri. Fehruary7May 9, 1861 637691 VOLUME II. CHAPTER IX. Page. Operations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. April 16-July 31, 1863. 1-1012 VOLUME III. CHAPTER X. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. May 10November 39, 1861. 1749 VOLUME IV. CHAPTER XI. Page. CHAPTER XIII. Page. Operations iii Texas, New Mexico, and Operations in North Carolina and South- Arizona. June 11 1861February 1,1862. 1174 easteruVirginia. August 1, 1861Jane- CHAPTER XII. ary 11, 1862 566721 Operations in Kentucky and Tennessee. July 1November 19, 1861 175565 VOLUME V. CHAPTER XIV. Page. Operations luMaryland, Nortisern Virginia, and WestVirginia. Augustl,1861Marcb 17,1862. 1-1106 VOLUME VI. CHAPTER XV. Operations on the coast. of South Caro- lina, Georgia, aud Middle and East Florida. August 21, 1861April 11,1862. Page. CHAPTER XVI. Page. Operations in West Florida, Southern Al- abama, Southern Missis ippi, and Lou 1435 isiana. September 1, 1861May 12, 1862. 436894 VOLUME VII. CHAPTER XVII. Page. Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. November 19, 1861March 4, 1862 1946 I Page R010 X CONTENTS OF PRECEDJN~ VOLUMES. VOLUME VIII. CHAPTER XVIII. I~agR Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. Nov. 19,1861April 10, 1862.. 1834 VOLUME IX. CHAPTER XIS. Page. CHAPTtR XXI. Page. Operations in Southeastern Virginia. Jan- Operations in Texas, New Mexico, and nary 11March 17, 1862 171 Arizona. February 1-September 20, CHAPTER XX 1862 481-736 Operations in North Carolina. January 11August 20, 1862... 72480 VOLIJME XIN TWO PAIffII~S. CHAPTER XXII. Operations in Kentucky Tennessee, North Mississippi, North Alabama, and SouthWest Virginia. March 4June 10, 1862. Page. Part IReports 1927 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1642 VOLUME XIIN THREE PARIS. CHAPTER XXII1. The Peninsular Campaign, Virginia. March 17September 2, 1862. Page. Part 1Reports, March 17June 24 1-1077 Part IlReports, June 25-September 2 1994 Part IllCorrespondence, etc 1691 VOLUME XIIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIV. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. March 17September 2, 1862. Page. Part IReports, March 17-June 21 1-818 Part lIReports, June 26September 2 1-820 Part IllCorrespondence, etc 1966 VOLUME XIII. CHAPTER XXV. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the Northwest. April 10-November 20, 1862 1-981 VOLUME XIV. CHAPTER XXVI. Page. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. April 12, 1862June 11, 1861 11025 VOLUME XV. CHAPTER XXVII. Page. Operations in WestFlorida, Southern Alabama, Southern Mississippi (embracing all operations agalost Vick sburg, May 18July 27, 1862), and Louisiana, May 12, 1862May 14, 1863; and operation8 in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. September 20, 1862-May 14, 1863 1113 Page R011 CONTENTS OP PRECEDING VOLUMES. XI VOLUME XVJJN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXVIII. Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. June 10October 31, 1862. Page. Part IReports - 1-1168 Part IlCorrespondence, etc - 11017 VOLUME XVIJJN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXIX. Operations in West Tennessee and Northern Mississippi. June 10, 1862January 20, 1863. Page. Ps~rt IReports 1807 Part IlCorrespondence, etc ~. 1-916 VOLUME XVJH. CHAPTER XXX. Page. Operations in North Carolina and Southeastern Virginia. August 20, 1862-June 3, 1863 11104 VOLUME XIXJN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXI. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. September 3-Novem. her 14, 1862. Page. Part IReports, September 3-20 11108 Part lIReports, September 20November 14; Correspondence, etc., September 3-Novem ber 14 1739 VOLUME XXJN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXII. Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. No. vember 1, l862-January 20, 1861. Page. Part IReports 1997 Part lICorrespondence, etc 1-516 VOLUME XXI. CHAPTER XXXIII. Page. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. November 15, 1862January 25, 1863 11152 VGLUME XXIJJN TWO PARTS. CflAPTER XXXIV. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the North west. November 20, 1862December 31, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-926 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1116 Page R012 XII CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME XXIIIJN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXV. Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. Jan uary 21August 10, 1861. Page. Part 1Reports 1-858 Part 11Correspondence etc 1986 VOLUME XXLVIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVI. Operations in Mississippi and West Teunessee, including those in Arkansas and Louisiana connected with the Siege of Vicksburg. January 20August 10, 1861. Page. Part IReports, January 20-May 15, including the General Reports for whole period. January 20August 11) 1-787 Part 11Reports, May 16-August 10 1699 Part 111Correspondence, etc 1-1070 VOLUME XXVIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVII. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Marylaud, and Pennsylvania. January 26-June 3, 1861. Page. Part 1Reports 11123 Part IlCorrespondence etc 1862 VOLUME XXVJJN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVIII. Operations in West Florida, Southern Alabama, Southeru Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Ndw Mexico. May 14December 11, 1861. Page. Part IReports, Union Correspondence, etc 1920 Part 11Confederate Correspondence, etc 1581 VOLUME XXVJIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXXIX. Operations in North Carolina, Virgiuia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Department of the East. June 3August 3, 1861. Page. Part 1Reports 11059 Part IlReports 11005 Part 111Correspondence, etc l-.1092 VOLUME XXVIIIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XL. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia, and in Middle and East Florida. June 12 December 11, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1755 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1609 VOLUME XXJXIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XLI. Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. August 4De. cember 31, 1861 Page. Part IReports 11018 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 193 Page R013 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. XLII VOLUME XXXIN FOUR PARTS. CHAPTER XLII. Operations in Kentucky. Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Alabama, and North Georgia. August liOctober 19, 1863. Page. Part I-Reports 11071 Part 11Reports 1-821 Part IllUnion Correspondence, etc 1-1017 Part IVUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1768 VOLUME XXXIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XLIII. Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Alabama, and North Geor,,ia. October 20December 31, 1863. Page. Part IReports and Union Correspondence 1-852 Part lIReports 1-782 Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-893 VOLUME XXXIIlN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XLIV. Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and North Georgia. January 1April 30, 1864. Page. Part 1Reports 1703 Part lIUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc i- 833 Part IIIUion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1879 VOLUME XXXIII. CHAPTER XLV. Page. Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, XX est Virginia, Maryland, aiid Pennsylvania. Jan uary 1April 30, 1864 11335 VOLUME XXXJVIN FOUR PARTS. CHAPTER XLVI. Operations in Louisiana and the Trans-Mississippi States and Territories. January 1June 30, 3864. Page. Part IReports 11058 Part IlUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-1107 Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-835 Part IVUnion and Coiifederate Correspondence, etc 1-701 VOLUME XXXVJN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XLVII. Operations in South Carolina and Florida, and on the Georgia Coast. January 3-November 13, 1864. Page. Part IReports, Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1646 Part lIUnion and ConfederatL Correspondence, etc Page R014 XIV CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME XXXVIJN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XLVIII. Operations in Southeastern Virginia and North Carolina. May 1-June 12, 1864. Page. P~irt IReports 1-1101 Part IlReports, Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-1027 Part 111Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-903 VOLUME XXXVIJIN 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 1770 Part 11Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1606 VOLUME XXXVIJIIN FIVE PARTS. CHAPTER L. The Atlanta, Ga., Campaign. May 1-Septemher 8, 1864. Page. Part 1Reports 1936 Part lIReports 1-930 Part 111Reports 1-1008 Part IVUnion and Confederate Correspondence etc 1807 Part VUnion nud Confederate Correspondence etc 11031 VOLUME XXXJXIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER LI. Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and North Georgia ithe Atlanta Campaign excepted). May i-November 13, 1861. Page. Part IReports 1908 Part 11Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1889 Part 111Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1918 VOLUME XLIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER LII. Operations in Southeastern Virginia and North Carolina. June 13-July 31, 1864. Page~ Part IReports 1823 Part lI-Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-717 Part 111.Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1823 VOLUME XLIIN FOUR PARTS. CHAPTER LIII. Operations in Louisiana and the Trans-Mississippi States and Territories. July 1December 31, 1864. Page. Part IReports 11006 Part IlUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 11099 Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-1015 Part IYUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1114 Page R015 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. XV VOLUME XLIIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER LIV. Operations in Southeastern Virginia and North Carolina. August 1December 31, 1864. Page. Part I--Reports 11029 Part liUnion and Confederate Correspondence ...- 11311 iar~ IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence 1-1370 VOLUME XLJHIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER LV. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. August 4-December 31, 1864. Page. Part IReports, Union and Confederate Correspondence, eto 11032 Part lIUnion an(l Confedernte Correspondence, etc .... . 1951 VOLUME XLIV. CHAPTER LVI, Page, Operations in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. November 14December 31, 1864 1-1013 VOLUME XLVIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER LVII. Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and North Georgia. November 14, 1864January 23, 1865. Page Part IReports, Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-1262 Part IlUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1806 VOLUME XLVIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER LVIII, Operations in Northern and Southeastern Virginia, North Carolina January 1-31), West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. January 1-June 30, 1865. Page. Part IReports 1-1326 Part IlUnion and Confederate Correspondence 1-1318 S Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence 1-1396 VOLUME XLVIIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER LIX. Operations in North Carolina (from February 1), South Carolina, Southern Georgia, and East Florida. January 1-June 30, 1865. Page. Part IReports 11135 Part IlUnion and Confederate Correspondence 1-1462 cart IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence 1-87 Page R016 C.4 CD CD C4 Sunday. Monday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Tuesday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Wednesday. ~ ~ ~ ~ Thursday. ~ Friday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Saturday. 0 CD CD C) CD C) Sunday. ~ ~C~t)Q~. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Monday. T ~ c~~.-~4~--1. ~ ~ ~ uesday. ~ Wednesday. ~ ~ ~ ~ Thursday. 1 0 Friday. 1 0 ~ 0) ~ t~.) ~ 0) ~ 0 ~) IN) IN) ~ ~ IN) ~ 0 C~) 0) Saturday Additions and Corrections Page A001 TIlE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS oF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. AI)DITIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO SERIES I VOLUME XLVIII. (To be inserted in. the volume. For explanation. see G-en.eral In.dex volume, Serial iNo. 130, paRe XXVIJI.) PUBLISHEl) UNDER THE 1)IRECTION OF The Hon. ELIHU ROOT, Secretary of War, BY BRIG. GEN. FRED C. AINSWORTII, CHIEF OF THE R1~coRD ANP PENSION OFFICE, WAR DEPARTMENT, ANI) MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY. Mr. JOHN ~. MOODEY, Indexer. WASH I N (I TON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1902 Page A002 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. TEXT. PART ~. Pages 6, s~. March 31April i, [865.Operations about Aquia Fria, N. Mex., for Aquia read Agua. Page 176. Third line, top, insert [Vinsons] after Vincenls. Page 1009. Foot-note, for p. 977 read p. 997. Page 1218. Ninth line, top, for Normans read Moorman s. Page 1474. Insert Moormans (George) Cavalry. See Mississz 5pi Troops, Confed- era/c. Page 1475. Erase Normans (James M.) Gavaliy. See Mississzppi Troops, Confed- erale, 4Ik Regimenl. Page 1479. Seventh line, bottom, for Bailie F F Vinson read Bailie P. L. Vinson. Page 1589. Insert * after Missouri Troops (Union), and add foot-note * Tke eleven regimen/s of Provisional Enrolled Mililia, organized under Ike aulkorily of Ike Governor of Missouri, da/ed February j, 1863, were designa/ed Ike isl, 3d, 3d, c/c., lo Ike u/k. All olker organizalions (excepl companies), kerein indexed as Provisional Enrolled ililililia, skould be Enrolled Missouri Mililia, Ike reference being /0 companies of Ike several regimenls. of Enrolled Missouri Mi/i/ia, organized under Ike provisions of General Orders, No. 107, Depar/menl of Ike Missouri, da/ed June 28, 1864, and prin/ed in Series I, Volume ~ ParI IV, p. 581. PART 2. Page 1300. Erase General Orders, No. 48. NoTEPrinted on page 1312, under its proper date. INDEX. Insert all words and figures in ilalics and strike out all in [brackets]. An asterisk (*) following a correction indicates that Additions and Corrections to the text should he consulted. References are to parts of volume. Part. Abbott, John. Reports of operations ahout Agua [Aqula] Fria, etc Agua [Aqula] Fria, N. Mex Amsden, Frederick J Anthony, Benjamin [ ] Arkansas Troops (C.). Cavalry--Regiments: MeGeltees [McGhees] Arkansas Troops (U.). Artillery, T,ightnatteries: 1st, 871 [Regiments: 1st, 871] Ashcraft, Granville [ ] Averell [Averill], William W Barkrnan [Brakman], James [Bartlett, Angus. Correspondence with Grenville M. Dodge, 66i] Bartlett, Solon A. C. (~orrespondence soil/i G. M. Dodge, 66i Bennett, John W., 6oz [Bennett, Captain, 601]. Blackwater Creek [River], Mo Bocaparle, Charles L. N., 300, 1319 Bonaparle, Charles L. N., 1253, 1258 2 2, Part. nouton, Edward [General] 2 nradford,James [ ] i Brown, Oscar M. Reports of operations about Agna [Aquia] Fria, etc Bnhlan [nuhlow], A 2 Burgess. John D lEan/icy [Cantler], John 2 Carcabassel, U. S. S., i~6, i~7; Gunhflat No. 49, [il8, 147] Carra/3a.sse/, C. S. S., 768, Gunhoat No. 49, [768] 2 Chouteau, henry, Steamer C7ollie, Ale andec 6~ co., 1919 [Alexander, Collie & Co., 1319~ Colonel 5/ell [Still], S/earner [C. S. S.] Cotton, C S. S. [Steamer], 93, 2/0 2 Denicke, Erns/ [Ernest] A . i 2 Dodge, Grenville M. Correspondence with Bartlett, Solon A. C. [Angus] Evans, F. P. [Evins, Major] 2 Evans, John, 6~, 101 [Cummings, Alexander, 65, ioi] 2 Page A003 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Part. Fountain, Albertj [I.] 2 Gaylord, George L. [S.] Glide, U. S. S., ~8, io8, z~3, 250, Gunboat No. 43, [~8, io8, 153, 250] Guerrin, C. G. [ ] 1,2 Gunboat No. 41. See U. S. S. Nyanza [4~] ... Gunboat No. 43. See U. S. S. Glide [~8, io8, 153, 250] Gunboat No. 49. See U. S. S. Garrabasset [146, 147] Gunboat No. 49. See U. S. S. Garrabasset [768.] 2 Gwin, William M 2 Hall, William A 2 Harbison [harrison], J. Pringle 2 Heiston, Thornton B. [ ] 2 Hollopeter, Jehu [John] I, 2 Holtzclaw, C. I). [ ] 1,2 Howard, Richard A Hunnicuti, M. P. [Hunicutt, ] Huntley [Huntly], Judson J I. C. Landis, Steamer, 69 King, Wi/burn [William] H I, 2 Krebs, Alfred L 2 Louisiana, Governor of (C.). Correspondence with [Lincoln, Abraham, 1064] Louisiana, Governor of( U.). Correspondence with A braham Lincoln, zo6~ Luxtouf. M., 184 McDermett, Edward J., zsz8, iss6, 1227 [Mc- Dermott, Lieutenant, 1218, 1226, 1227].. Mary T., Steamer. See G. S. Go/ton ~ 240] 2 Mississippi Troops (C.). CavalryBattalions: Moormans, j~j5* CavalryRegiments: [4th, 1218]* Missouri Troops (C.). InfantryRegiments: s6th [(Mitchells)] 2 Missouri Troops (U.). See Text, Additions and Corrections, p.1589 3 Part. Murphy, Peter [Patrick] U N. W. Thomas, Steamer, 394 Nyanza, U. 5. 5., 49; Gunboat No 41, [4~]... OKeeffe, Joseph [0.] 2 Pelton, Patton [ ] Perea, Fraucisco [Francis] 2 Perkins, W.M. [ ] Petty, Joseph B. [Captain] 2 Powell, [W. L.] I/amsay,]ames U. [Ramsey, ] Reynolds, W.J. [T.] 2 Robinson, John H., 515; Robinson, John, [sis] Robinson, Samuel A [Ross, Lewis S. For correspondence, etc., see Indian Affairs, Congressional Com mittee] 2 Ross, Lewis W. For correspondence, etc., see Indian Affairs, Congressional Gommittee 2 Savory, W. B. [Savony], Steamer Slocum, John D., 1044; Slocum, Henry W., Mentioned, [1o44] Smith, Joseph, jr 2 Stearns, De Witte [Stearnes, De Witt] Stedman [Steadman], W 2 Ste/i [Still], Colonel, Steamer [C. S. S.] Stingaree [Stingray], Schooner 2 Stonewall, C. S. S. [U. S. S.] Swaim [Swain], George M 2 Thome [Thorne], William II Tibbits, henry J. fTorrespondeuce with James H. Ford, 819 . ... Mentioned, 798 Tibbitts, [Correspondence with James H. Ford, 819. Mentioned, 798] Vest, George U. [D.]. Correspondence with Charles S. [G.] Mitchell Vinson, Baum P. L. [F.] Wall, Charles L., i8o [io8] 2 Wishard, John M. [Robert W.] Page A004 a Page 1 CHAPTER LX. OPERATIONS IN LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS MISSISSIPPI STATES AND TERRITORIES. * JANUARY 1-JUNE 30, 1865. PAI{T I. SJJM MARY OF TIlE PiRJNCIPAL 1EV ENIPS. Jan. 1, 1865.Skirmish at Bentonville, Ark. 127, lS65.Operations in Arkansas, including actions at Dardanelle (14th), Iveys Ford (17th), and skirmish at Boggs Mills (24th). 27, 1865.Scout in Shannon County, Mo. 210, 1865.Scout from Fort Wingate to Sierra del Datil, N. Men. 416, l565.Expedition from Bloomfield to Poplar Bluff, Mo., and vicinity. 427, l565.Expedition from Brownsville to Augusta, Ark. 6, 1865.Skirmish at Huntsville, Ark. 7, 1865.Skirmish in Johnson County, Ark. Skirmishes with Indians at Valley Station arid Julesburg, Cob. Ter. 79, 1865.Expedition from Pine Bluff Ark., an(l skirmish (9th). 711, l865.Scout from Fort Ellsworth, Kans. 8, 1865.Skirmish near Iveys Ford, Ark. Action at Dove Creek, Concho River, Tex. 911, l865.Skirmishes in Texas County, Mo. 10, 1865.Skirmish near Glasgow, Mo. 11, 1865.Skirmish near Lexington, Mo. 1113, l865.Expeditions from Helena, Ark., to Harberts Plantation, Miss. 1121, l865.Scont from Fort Wingate to Sierra del Datil and vicinity, N. Mex. 12, 1865.Affair near Sugar Loaf Prairie, Ark. 1215, lS6S.Expedition from Morganza, La., with skirmishes. Scout from Camp Grover to Texas Prairie, Mo. 1217, l865.Scout from Warrensburg to Miami, Mo. 1429, lS6S.Operations on the Overland Stage Road between Jnlesbnrg and Denver, Cob. Ter., and skirmishes with Indians at Godfreys Ranch (14th), at Morrisons or American Ranch, at Wisconsin Ranch, and near Valley Station (15th), at Gittrells Ranch (25th), at Moores Ranch (26th), at Lillian Springs Ranch (27th), and near Valley Station (28th). Including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Indian Territory, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Texas, and the Department of the Northwest, embrac- ing Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Of some of the minor conflicts noted in this Summary no circumstantial reports are on file. 1 R RYOL XLVI1I~ PT Page 2 2 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. Jan. 15, 1865.Skirmish in Madison County, Ark. 1517, 1865.Expedition from New Orleans to Mandeville, La. 1518, 1865.~xpec1itions from Pine Bluff, Ark. 1521, 1865.Scout from Fort Lamed to Pawnee Fork, Walnut Creek, and Smoky Hill River, Kans 16718, 1865.Expedition from Brashear City to Whisky Bayou, La. 1622, 1865.Operations about Waynesville, Mo., including skirmish near MeCourtneys Mills, on Big Piney. 18, 1865.Skirmish at Clarksville, Ark. 1819, 1865.Expedition from Napoleonville to Grand River, La. 1822, 1865.Scout from Warrensburg to the Snibar hills, Mo. 1920, 1865.Scout from Donaldsouville, La. 1922, 1865.Expedition from Memphis, Tenn., to Marion, Ark., with skirmishes (20th and 21st) at and near Marion. 20, 1865.The Territory of Arizona reannexed to the I)epartment of the Pacific. Skirmish at Point of Rocks or Nine-Mile Ridge, Kans. Skirmish near Fort Lard, Kans. 2122, 1865.Expedition from Brashear City to Bayou Sorrel, La. 22, 1865.Skirmish on the Benton Road, near Little Rock, Ark. 22Feb. 4, 1865.Expedition from Little Rock to Mount Elba., Ark., with skirmish at Saline River. 23, 1865.Skirmish at Thompsons Plantation, La,. 24, 1865.Skirmish near Bayou Goula, La. Skirmish at Fayetteville, Ark. 24Feb. 22, 1865.Expedition from Cape Girardean, Mo., to Eleven Points River, Ark. 2631, 1865.Scout from Pine Bluff toward Camden and Monticello, Ark., with skirmish es. 26Feb. 4, 1865.Expedition from Plaquemine to The Park, La., with skir- mishi (February 4) at The Park. 26Feb. 11, 1865.Expedition from Memphis, Tenn., into Southeastern Arkansas and Northeastern Louisiana. 27, 1865.Expedition from Fort Pinney to Kimballs Plantation, Ark. 28Feb. 9, 1865.Operations on the Upper Arkansas, with skirmish (Feb- ruary 1) at Fort Zarah, Kans. 29Feb. 7, 1865.Scouts from Bayou Goula to Grand River, La., with skir- mish (January 30) at Riebland Plantation. 30, 1865.The Department of Kansas merged into the Department of the Missouri. The Military Division of the Missouri created, including the Departments of the Missouri and the Northwest. Maj. Gen. John Pope, U. S. Army, assigned to the command of the Military I1)ivision of the Missouri. Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis. U. S. Army, transferred to the com- mand of the Department of the Northwest. Skirmish in La Fayette County, Mo. 3031, 1865.Expedition from Thibodeaux to Lake Verret and Bayou Planton, La., with skirmish (30th) near Lake Verret. 31, 1865.Expedition from Morganza to New Roads, La. Skirmish near Oxford, Kans. 31Feb. 1, 1865.Expedition from Fort Pike to Bayou Bonfouca, La., with skirmish (January 31). Feb. 1, 1865.Maj. Gen. J. Bankhead Magruder, C. S. Army, assumes command of the District of Arkansas Page 3 CHAP. LX.] SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 3 Feb. 15, 1865.Scout from Warrensburg to Wagon Knob, Big Grove, Greenton, and Texas Prairie, Mo. Scout from Warrensburg to Tabo Creek, Dover, Oaklin Church, and Davis Creek, Mo. 218, 1865.Operations against Indians on the North Platte River in Colorado and Nebraska Territories. 38, 1865.Scouts in La Fayette County, Mo. Scout from Fort Lamed to South Foik of Pawnee Creek and Buckners Branch, Kans. 4, 1865.Maj. Gen. John Pope, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Mili- tary Division of the Missouri. 68, 1865.Operations in Ozark County, Mo. 710, 1865.Scouts from Morganza to Fansse River and Grossetete Bayou, La. 8, 1865. Maj. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, U. S. Army, assumes command of territory formerly comprised in the Department of Kansas. 89, 1865.Expedition on the Arkansas River, near Little Rock, Ark. 8.43, 1865.Scout from Helena to Madison, Ark., with skirmish (12th) near Madison. 9, 1865.General Robert E. Lee, C. S. Army, assumes command of the Coii- federate Armies. The Northern Division of Louisiana formed, to consist of the Dis- tricts of Baton Rouge and Port Hudson, and the Post of Mor- gauza, and Maj. Gen. Francis J. Herron, U. S. Army, assigned to its command. The Defenses of New Orleans changed to the Southern Division of Louisiana, with Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Sherman, U. S. Army, in command. 919, 1865.Scout from Pine Bluff to Devalls Bluff, Ark., with skirmish. 10, 1865.The Department of Mississippi declared to embrace so much of the State of Mississippi as was occupied by the troops of the Division of West Mississippi, on the river. All troops in the Departments of Kentucky and the Cumberland declared subject to the orders of Major-General Thomas except the posts on the east bank of the Mississippi River, which were subject to Major-General Caubys orders in movements for pro- tecting the navigation of that river. The Department of the Gnlf declared to embrace the States of Louisiana and Texas. Skirmish at Kittredges Sugar House, near Napoleonville, La. Scout from Friars Point, Miss., and skirmish. 1011, 1865.Expedition from Brashear City to Lake Verret, La. 1013, 1865.Expedition from Thibodeaux to Lake Verret, La. 11, 1865.Skirmish at Clear Creek, Ark. Skirmish near Pine Bluff, Ark. 12, 1865.Skirmish near Columbia, Mo. Skirmish at Macon, Mo. Skirmish near Lewisburg, Ark. 1220, 1865.Operations about Forts Riley and Lard, K~ns. 13, 1865.Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis, U. 8. Army, assumes command of the Department of the Northwest. Skirmish in Mississippi County, Mo. 14, 1865.Maj. Gen. Francis J. Herron, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Northern Division of Louisiana. 1418, 1865.Expeditions from Donaldsonvilleto Grand Bayou and Bayou Goula, La., with skirmish (15th) at Martins Lane Page 4 4 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CaM. LX. Feb. 15, 1865.Brig. Gen. Moshy M. Parsons, C. S. Army, assigned to temporary command of the District of Arkansas. 1618, 1865.Qperations about Bennetts Bayou and Tolberts Mill, Ark. 1620, 1865.Scout in Ozark County, Mo., and Marion County, Ark. 1621, 1865.Scout from Fort Lamed, Kans. 17, 1865.The Territory of Utah and that part of Nebraska Territory lying west of the twenty-seventh degree of longitude added to the Department of the Missouri. Skirmish in Washington County, Ark. 1718, 1865.Scout from Pine Bluff Ark., to the Arkansas River, with skirmish (17th) near Bayou Meto, Ark. 1722, 1865.Expedition from Plaquemine to The Park, La. 18, 1865.The Thirteenth and Sixteenth Army Corps constituted; the former from the Reserve Corps, Military Division of West Mis- sissippi, the latter froma the troops arriving from the Army of the Cumberland. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, U. S. Army, assigned to command of the Thirteenth Army Corps. Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Smith, U. S. Army, assigned to command the Sixteenth Army Corps. 1922, 1865.Expedition from Helena, Ark., to Friars Point, Miss. 20, 1865.Skirmish at Center Creek, Mo. 21, 1865.Brig. Gen. Douglas H. Cooper, C. S. Army, assigned to command of the District of the Indian Territory. 2122, 1865.Scout from Pine Bluff to Douglas Plantation, Ark., and skirmish (22d). 22, 1865.Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Smith, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Sixteenth Army Corps. Brig. Gen. John McNeil, U. S. Army, assigned to command of the District of Central Missouri. 2224, 1865.Scout from Pine Bluff to Bayou Meto, Ark., and skirmishes a~ Mrs. Voches (23d) and Bayou Meto (24th). 23Mar. 2, 1865.Scouts from Salem and Licking, Mo., to Spring River Mills, Ark., with skirmishes. 24, 1865.Affair at Switzlers Mill, Mo. Scout from Helena to Clarkes Store, Ark. 2628, 1865.Expedition from Pine Bluff to MeMilleys Farm, Ark., with skir- mish (27th) at MeMilleys Farm. 27, 1865.Skirmish near Sturgeon, Mo. Brig. Gen. Edmund J. Davis, U. S. Army, assumes temporary com- mand of U. S. Forces at Morgauza, La. Brig. Gen. John M. Thaver, U. S. Army, assigned to command of Post of Saint Charles, Ark. Brig. Gen. John McNeil, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Dis- trict of Central Missouri. Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Sumith, U. S. Army, assumes command of the District of Vicksburg, Miss. Mar. 1, 1865.Brig. Gen. Benjamin H. Grierson, U. S. Army, assigned to command the cavalry of the Military Division of West Mississippi. Brig. Gen. Douglas H. Cooper, C. S. Army, assumes command of the District of the Indian Territory and superintendency of Indian Affairs. 112, 1865.Expedition from Baton Rouge to Jackson and Clinton, La. 2,1865.Brig. Germ. Benjamin H. Grierson, U. S. Army, assumes command of the cavalry forces in the Military Division of WestMississippi Page 5 CHAP. LX.] SIJMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 5 Mar. 3, 1865.Brig. Gen. Thomas J. McKean, U. S. Army, assumes command of the District of Morganza, La. 37, 1865.Expeditions from Bloomfield into Dunklin County, Mo., with skirmishes (3d and 7th) near Bloomfield and (4th) in Dunklin County. 4, 1865.Maj. Gen. Cadwallader C. Washburn, U. S. Army, assumes com- mand of the District of West Tennessee. Affair near Pine Bluff, Ark. 512, 1865.Scouts from Waynesvil]e to Hutton Valley, Rolla, and Lebanon, Mo. 6, 1865.Maj. Gen. Alexander McD. McCook, U. S. Army, assigned to com- mand of the District of Eastern Arkansas. 7, 1865.Maj. Gen. Sterling Price, C. S. Army, assigned to command of the Missouri Division of Infantry, and Brig. Gen. Mosby M. Parsons, C. S. Army, to the command of Parsons Missouri Brigade. Skirmish with Indians eighty miles west of Fort Lamed, Kans. 715, 1865.Scout from Glasgow to the Perche Hills, Mo. 725, l865.Operations about Licking, Mo. 8, lS6S.Headquarters Deparlment of Mississippi transferred from Vicks- burg, Miss., to Memphis, Teun. Maj. Gen. Sterling Price, C. S. Army, assumes command of the Missouri Division of Infantry. Skirmish at Poison Creek, Idaho Ter. Col. Edwin C. Catherwood, Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry, assumes command of the District of Rolla, Mo. 9, 1865.Maj. Gen. Alexander McD. McCook, U. S. Army, assumes com- mand of the District of Eastern Arkansas. 915, 1865.Scout from Cape Girardean into Bollinger, Wayne, and Stoddard Counties, Mo. Scout from Fort Lamed to Crooked Creek, Rans. 1013, 1865.Scout from Little Rock to Clear Lake, Ark., with skirmish (11th) at Clear Lake. 11, 1865.Affair near the Little Blue River, Mo. Skirmish at Washington, Ark. Brig. Geu. Edmund J. Davis, U. S. Army, assigned to command of the District of Baton Rouge, La. 12, 1865.Brig. Gen. Mosby M. Parsons, C. S. Army, assigned to command of the Missouri Division of Infantry, vice Maj. Gen. Sterling Price, C. S. Army, relieved. Affair near Lone Jack, Mo. Skirmish at Morgauza Bend, La. 1223, 1865.Scout from Lewisburg into Yell and Searcy Counties, Ark. 13, 1865 .Col. John Morrill, Sixty-fourth Illinois Infantry, assigned to com- mand of the District of Rolla, Mo. 1521, 1865.Scout from Fort Sumner, N. Mex. 17, 1865.Col. Johu Morrill, Sixty-fourth Illinois Infantry, assumes com- mand of the District of Rolla, Mo. 1720, 1865.Expeditiou from Pine Bluff to Bass Plantation, Ark. 18, 1865.Brig. Gen. Joseph L. Brent, C. S. Army, assumes command of the Cavalry Forces, Front Lines, District of West Louisiana. Skirmish at the Amite River, La. Col. John G. Fonda, One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Infantry, assigned to temporary command of the District of Baton Rouge, La. 1830, 1865.Expedition from Fort Gibson to Little River and Hillabee, md. Ter Page 6 6 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. Mar. 1923, 1865.Scout from Warrensburg to Columbus, Mo., with skirmish near Greenton. 20, 1865.$kirmish at Talbofs Ferry, Ark. 2022, l865.Expedition from Brashear City to Bayou Pigeon, La., with skir- mish (21st) at Bayou Teche, La. Scout from Lexington, Mo. 21, 1865.The Department of Arkansas and the Indian Territory trans- ferred from the Military Division of West Mississippi to the Military Division of the Missouri. 2123, 1865.Scout from Pine Bluff to Monticello, Ark. 2223, l865.Operations about Stephensons Mill, Mo. 23, 1865.Brig. Gen. Michael K. Lawler, U. S. Army, assigned to command of the District of Baton Rouge, La. 2324, 1865.Scout from Donaldsonville to Bayou Goula, La. 24, 1865.Scout from Bayou Bmuf to Bayou Chemise, La. Affair near Rolla, Mo. 2527, 1865.Expedition from Brashear City to Indian Bend, La. 2528, 1865.Expedition from Brashear City to near Oystcr Bayou, La. 2629, 1865.Expedition from Bonnet Carrd to Amite River, La. 27, 1865.Brig. Gen. Elkanah Greer, C. S. Army, assigned to command Of the Reserve Corps in State of Texas, vice Brig. Gen. Jerome B~ Robertson, relieved, and assigned to command of a brigade. 28, 1865.Skirmish at Bull Creek, Christian County, Mo. The District of the Plains formed, to consist of the Districts of Utah, Colorado, and Nebraska, and Brig. Gen. Patrick E. Con- nor, U. S. Army, assigned to its command. Brig. Gen. Robert B. Mitchell, U. S. Army, relieved from com- mand of the District of Nebraska, and assigned to the com- mand of the District of North Kansas. 2830, 1865.Expedition from Fort Pike, La., to Bay Saint Louis, Miss. 29, 1865.Col. William H. Dickey, Eighty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops, assumes command of the U. S. Forces at Morgauza, La. Skirmish in Southwest Missouri. 29Apr. 2, 1865.Scout from Waynesville, Mo. 30, 1865.Brig. Gen. Patrick E. Connor, U. S. Army, assumes command of the District of the Plains. 30Apr. 2, 1865.Expeditions from Baton Rouge to Clinton and the Comite River, La. 31, 1865.Maj. Gen. J. Bankhead Magruder, C. S. Army, assigned to com- mand of the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, vice Maj. Gen. John G. Walker, C. S. Army, relieved. 31Apr. 1, 1865.Operations about Aquia Fria, N. Mex. Apr. 1, 1865.Affair near Fort Garland, Cob. Ter. 14, 1865.Scout from Pine Bluff to Bayou Bartholomew, Ark. 130, 1865.Scouts from Licking, Mo. 1May 27, l865.Operations against Indians west of Fort Luramie, Dak. Ter., with skirmish (May 20) at Deer Creek Station. 2,1865.Skirmish near Van Buren, Ark. Skirmish near Hickory Station, Ark. 25,1865.Expedition from The Hermitage to the French Settlement La. 210, 1865.Expeditions from Thibodeaux, Bayou Bmuf, and Brashear City to Lake Verret, Grand Bayou, and The Park, La., with skirmish (4th) at Grand Bayou, La. 3,1865.Pursuit of bushwhackers near Farmington, Mo Page 7 CHAP. LX.] SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 7 Apr. 4, 1865.Maj. Gen. J. Bankhead Magruder, C. S. Army, assumes commaud of the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. 7, 1865.Brig. Gen. George D. Wagner, U. S. Army, assigned to command of the Saint Louis District. 8, 1865.Brig. Gen. George D. Wagner, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Saint Louis District. 810, 1865.Pursuit of guerrillas in Northeast Missouri. 11, 1865.Skirmish at Saint Charles, Ark. Brig. Gen. Robert B. Mitchell, U. 8. Army, assumes command of the District of North Kansas. 1213, 1865.Expedition from Port Hndson to Jackson, La. Scout from Tallahassa Mission, md. Ter. 1216, 1865.Scout from Dakota City, Nebr. Ter. 1225, 1865.Scout from Fort Stanton, N. Mex. 15, 1865.Skirmish at McKenzies Creek, near Patterson, Mo. 17, 1865.Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Davies, U. S. Army, assigned to command the District of Wisconsin. 19, 1865.The Districts of Arkansas and West Louisiana consolidated to form the District of Arkansas and West Louisiana, and Lieut. Gen. Simon B. Buckner, C. S. Army, assigned to its command. 1923, 1865.Expedition from Memphis, Tenn., to Brownsville, Miss. 1925, 1865.Expedition from Terre Bonne to Peltons Plantation and Grand Caillon, La. 19May 27, 1865.Negotiations for the surrender of the Confederate forces in the Trans-Mississippi Department, commanded by~ General B. Kirby Smith, C. S. Army. 20, 1865.Bvt. Brig. Gen. Gny V. Henry, Fortieth Massachusetts Infantr~~ assumes command of the South Sub-District of the Plains. 2122, 1865.Expedition from Donaldsonville to Bayou Gonla, La. 2127, 1865.Scout from Rolla toward Thomasville, Mo., with skirmish at Spring Valley (23d). 22, 1865.Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks, U. S. Army, resumes command of the Department of the Gulf. Skirmish near Liun Creek, Mo. Skirmish near the mouth of the Big Gravois, Mo. 2223, 1865.Scout from Deer Creek to Sage Creek, Dak. Ter., and skirmish with Indians (22d) on Sage Creek. 2227, 1865.Scout from Dakota City, Nebr. Ter., to Middle Bow River. 23, 1865.Affair near Fort Zarah, Kans. Skirmish on Snake Creek, Ark. 24, 1865.Skirmish near Boggy Depot, md. Ter. Skirmish near Miami, Mo. Destruction of the Confederate steamer Webb. Col. Chester Harding, jr., Forty-third Missouri Infantry, assumes command of the District of Central Missouri. 25, 1865.Scout from Pine Bluff to Rodgers Plantation, Ark., with skirmish at Rodgers Plantation. Skirmish at Linn Creek, Mo. 26, 1865.Affair near Fort Rice, Dak. Ter. 2629, 1865.Scout from Little Rock to the Saline River, Ark. 27, 1865.Loss of the steamer Sultana in the Mississippi River, near Mem- phis, Tenn. Affair near James Creek, Mo. Col. William H. Dickey, Eighty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops, assumes command of them District of Morganza Page 8 8 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. Apr. 28-May 13, 1865.Scout from Fort Cummings, N. Mex. 29June 11, 1565.Expedition from Saint Louis, Mo., to receive the surren. der of Brig. Gen. M. Jeff. Thompson, C. S. Army. 30May 12, 1865.Operations in the vicinity of Brashear City, La., with skirmishes (3d) at Chacahoula, La., (4th) at Bayou Black, (9th) at Bayou Goula, and (11th) at Browns Plantation, La. May 1, 1865.Maj. Gen. Gouverneur K. Warren, U. S. Army, assigned to com- mand the Department of Mississippi, relieving Maj. Gen. Napo- leon J. T. Dana, U. S. Army. 1-9, 1865.Scout from Ojo de Anaya, N. Mex. 2,1865.Affair on the Blue Earth River, Minn. 3, 1865.Skirmishes on the Missouri River near Boonville, Mo. Affair near Pleasant lull, Mo. 36, l865.Operations about Fort Adams, Miss. 321, 1865.Expedition from Port Laramie to Wind River, Dak. Ter. 4, 1865.Skirmish at the Star House, near Lexington, Mo. 46, 1865.Scout from Pine Bluff to Nobles Farm, Ark. 5, 1865.Attack on wagon train near Mullahias Station, Nebr. Ter. Skirmish in the Perche Hills, Mo. CoL Charles Everett, Second Louisiana Infantry, assigned to com- mand of the District of Bonnet Carr6, La. 6li, l865.Seout from Little Rock to Bayou Meto and Little Bayou, Ark. 7, 1865.Col. Simon Jones, Ninety-third U. S. Colored Troops, assumes com- mand of the Carrollton District, La. 8,1865.Skirmish near Readsville, Mo. 810, 1865.Scout in Saline, La Fayette, and Cooper Counties, Mo. 820, l865.Scout from Plum Creek to Midway Station, Nebr. Ter. 8-22, 1865.Expedition from Spring Hill, Ala~., to Baton Rouge, La. 1019, l865.Scout from Fort Sumner, N. Mex. 1114, l865.Expedition from Brazos Santiago, Tex., with skirmishes (12th and 13th) at Palmetto Ranch and (13th) at Whites Ranch. 1214, lS65.Scout from Cottonwood, Nebr. Ter. 13, 1865.Skirmish with Indians at Dan Smiths Ranch, near Julesburg, Cob. Ter. Brig. Gen. John M. Thayer, U. S. Army, assigned to command of the District of Eastern Arkansas. 14, 1865.Skirmish on the Little Piney, Mo. Maj. (ben. Gouverneur K. Warren, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Department of Mississippi. 1416, 1865.Expedition from Brashear City to Ratliffs Plantation, La. 1517, l865.Scout from Pine Bluff to Johnsons Farm, Ark., with skirmish (16th) on the Monticello Road. 17, 1865.The Military Division of West Mississippi abolished, and the Department of the Gulf constituted from the States of Louisi- ana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and the District of Key West and the Toriugas. Maj. Gen. Edward R. S. Canby, U. S. Army, assigned to command, and Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks, U. S. Army, relieved from command of the Department 6f the Gulf. Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan, U. S. Army, assigned to general command west of the Mississippi River and south of the Arkansa~ River. See report of Capt. Thomas J. Weatherwax, p. 261 Page 9 CHAP. LX.] SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 9 May 18, 1865.Skirmish with Indians near Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter. Skirmish with Indians on the Coteau, Minn. Twenty-fifth Army Corps ordered to be held in readiness for transportation to Texas. 1820, 1865.Scout from Lebanon to Warsaw, Mo. 1827, 1865.Expedition against Indians in Dakota Territory. 1920, 1865.Scout from Sweetwater Bridge to Whisky Gap, Dak. Ter. 1922, 1865.Scout from Kingsville, Mo. 1926, 1865.Scout from Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter. 19-June 2, 1865.Scout from Fort Kearny to the Little Blue River, Nebr. Ter. 20, 1865.Skirmish on the Blackwater, near Longwood, Mo. Affair near Pawnee Rock, Kans. Skirmishes on Deer Creek, Dak. Ter. 2022, l865.Operations about Three Crossings Station, Dak. Ter. Scout from Camp Plumb, Dak. Ter. 22, 1865.Skirmish at Valley Mines, Mo. 23, 1865.Scout from Thibodeaux to Lake Verret, La. Skirmish near Waynesville, Mo. 2326, l865.Scout from Warren.sburg, Mo., to mouth of Coal Camp Creek. 2327, l865.Scout from Pine Bluff to Monticello, Ark., with skirmish (24th) at Monticello. 24, 1865.Skirmish near Rocheport, Mo. Bvt. Brig. Gen. George Spalding, Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, assigned to command of District of North Missouri, vice Fisk. Scout from Napoleonville to Bayou Saint Vincent, La. 25-27, 1865.Expedition from Bayou Emuf ro Bayou De Large, La., with affair (27th) at Bayou De Large. 26, 1865.General E. Kirby Smith, C. S. Army, surrenders troops in Trans- Mississippi Department to M~j. Gen. Edward R. S. Canby, U. S. Army. 2627, 1865.Scout and skirmishes in Carroll and Ray Counties, Mo. Scout from Plum Creek, Nebr. Ter. 26June 9, l865.Operations against Indians on the Overland Stage Road on the Platte and Sweetwater Rivers, with skirmishes (May 27) at Saint Marys Station, (May 26, 28, and June 1) at Sweetwater Station, (June 3) at Platte Bridge, Dak. Ter., and (June 8) at Sage Creek, Cob. Ter. 27, 1865.Maj. Gen. Peter J. Osterhaus, U. S. Army, assigned to command the Department of Mississippi, relieving Maj. Gen. Gouverneur K. Warren, U. S. Army. Skirmish in Chariton County, Mo. Skirmish at Switzlers Mill, Chariton County, Mo. 28, 1865 .Bvt. Brig. Gen. George Spalding, Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, assumes command of the District of North Missouri. 29, 1865.Territory in the Trans-Mississippi south of the Arkansas River designated the Military Division of the Southwest, by Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan, U. S. Army. Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Military Division of the Southwest. 29, 1865.The District of East Louisiana formed, to consist of the Districts of Baton Rouge and Port I-Iudsou and the Post of Clinton, and Brig. Gen. Michael K. Lawler, U. S. Army, assigned to its com- mand Page 10 10 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. May 29, 1865Nov. 14, 1866.Operations in Texas and on the Rio Grande. 1865.Operations in Johnson County, Mo. June 2, 1865.~Operations about Fort Rice, Dak. Ter. 3, 1865.Maj. Gen. Edward R. S. Canby, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Department of the Gulf. Skirmish with Indians at Dry Creek, Dak. Ter. 410, 1865.Operations against Indians near Fort Collins, Cole. Ter. 5, 1865.Bvt. Maj. Gen. Benjamin II. Grierson, U. S. Army, assigned to the command of the Cavalry Forces, Department of the Gulf. 814, 1865.Attack by Indians on the Overland Stage Road in Kansas and Colorado, with skirmishes (8th and 12th) at Fort Dodge, Kans.; (9th) at Chavis Creek, near Cow Creek Station, Kans.; (12th) near Cow Creek Station, Plum Butte, and Pawnee Rock, Kans. 9, 1865.Maj. Gen. Peter J. Osterhaus, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Department of Mississippi. 10, 1865.Col. John D. Allen, Fifteenth Missouri Cavalry, assumes command of the District of Southwest Missouri. 12July 5, 1865.Expedition to the Platte and Niobrara Rivers. 1317, 1865.Scout from Camp Nichols, N. Mex., with action (14th) on the Santa F6 Road. 14, 1865.Action with Indians at Horse Creek, Dak. Ter. Col. Carroll H. Potter, Sixth U. S. Volunteer Infantry, assumes command of the South Sub-District of the Plains. 1522, 1865.Scout from Fort Sumner to the Oscura Mountains, N. Mex. 17, 1565.Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, U. S. Army, assumes command of all troops within the State of Texas. Skirmish on Dead Mans Fork, Dak. Ter. 1719, 1865.Expedition from Denver, Cole. Ter., to Fort Halleck, I)ak. Ter. 19, 1865.Brig. Gen. Thomas J. MeKean, U. S. Army, assigned to command of the District of Southwest Missouri. 20, 1865.Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Military Division of the Tennessee. Brig. Gen. James A. Williamson, U. S. Army, assigned to the com- mand of the District of Saint Louis. 20Oct. 7, 1865.The Powder River Indian Expedition. 21, 1865.Brig. Gen. James C. Veatch, U. S. Army, assigned to command of forces in West Louisiana. 22, 1865.Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smith, U. S. Army, relieved from command of the District of Vicksburg, Miss. 23, 1865.Brig. Gen. Thomas J. McKean, U. S. Army, assumes command of the District of Southwest Missouri. 24, 1865.The Department of Mississippi created, embracing the State of Mississippi, and Maj. Gen. Henry W. Slocum, U. S. Army, assigned to its command. 2430, 1865.Operations about Rock Creek Station and Seven Mile Creek, Dak. Ter. 25, 1865.Bvt. Brig. Gen. Chester harding, jr., Forty-third Missouri Infan- try, relinquishes command of the District of Central Missouri. 26, 1865.The Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, ordered from Louis- ville, Ky., to Little Rock, Ark. 26, 1865.Bvt. Brig. Gen. John L. Beveridge, Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, assumes command of the District of Central Missouri. Brig. Gen. John Newton, U. S. Army, assigned to command the District of Florida Page 11 CHAP. LX.] OPERATIONS IN ARKANSAS. 11 June 2629, 1865.The Fourth Army Corps arrives at New Orleans, en route to Texas. 27, 1565.Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman assigned to the Military Division of the Mississippi (reorganized); Maj. Gen. Philip 11. Sheridan, to the Military Divisioa of the Gulf; Maj. Gen. John Pope, to the Department of the Missouri; Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Reynolds, to the Department of Arkansas; Maj. Gen. Edward R. S. Canby, to the Department of Louisiana and Texas; Maj. Gen. Henry XV. Slocum, to the Department of Mississippi; and Maj. Gen. John G. Foster, to the Department of Florida. Col. Frederick W. Moore, Eighty-third Ohio Infantry, assigned to command the post of Galveston, Tex., in addition to the Third Brigade, Second Division, Thirteenth Army Corps. 28, 1865.The District of Kansas formed from the Districts of North and South Kansas, and Brig. Gen. Robert B. Mitchell assigned to its command. Col. David Moore, Fifty-first Missouri Infantry, nssigned to com- mand First Sub-District of Saint Louis, vice Col. Joseph Wey- demeycr, Forty-first Missouri Infantry, relieved. 29, 1865.Skirmish with Indians near Fort Dodge, Kans. 30, 1865.Skirmish with Indians at Rock Creek, Dak. Ter. JANUARY 127, 1865.Operations in Arkansas, including actions at Dar danelle (14th), Iveys Ford (17th), and skirmish at Boggs Mills (24th). IREPOI~TS, E~TC. No. 1.Col. Abraham H. Ryan, Third Arkansas Cavalry (Union). No. 2.Col. Thomas M. Bowen, Tliirtee nth Kansas Infantry, commanding U. S. transports, of operations January 1724. No. 3.Maj. Gen. John B. Magruder, C. S. Army, commanding District of Arkansas, of operations January 1724. No. 1. Report of (Jol. Abraham if. Ryan, Third Arkansas Garairy (Union). HEADQUARTERS POST LEWISBU1~G-, Lcwisburg, Ark., January 27, 1865. About the 1st day of January scouts reported a force of the enemy at iDardanelle and Beattys Mill, near Petit Jean Creek. Scouting parties were sent to Galla Rock and Norristown to prevent the enemy from crossing to north side of river. On the 10th instant the enemy were reported as moving on Perryville, evidently for the purpose of crosskig the Fourche la Fave at that place, en route south, or to iriove oiito the river bank at some point between Lewisbnrg and Little Rock, for the purpose of capturing transports with supplies on the way to Fort Smith. To prevent either movement being successful, I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Steele, Eleventh U. S. Colored, with 150 men of his regiment, and detachment of Third Arkansas Cavalry, Captain Gibbons commanding, to Perryville. The cavalry arrived at that place on the morning of the 11th, and ascertained that the enemy were encamped within a few miles of that place, and that they could no Page 12 12 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. reach Perryville on account of high water, Fourche la Pave bottom being overflowed. Lieutenant-Colonel Steeles command returned to Lewisburg on the evening of the 11th. On the night of the 12th instant I ordered Lieutenant Wylie, Third Arkansas Cavalry, to pro- ceed with fifty dismounted men of the Third Arkansas Cavalry, and fifty infantry of the Eleventh U. S. Colored, on steamer Alamo, to land on west side of Petit Jean Creek; if the landing be effected safely, to send steamer, with flat-boats, to north side of river, to cross detachment of Third Arkansas Cavalry. The landing was effected safely, and cavalry crossed on morning of 13th. Same evening Major Jenks. First Iowa Cavalry, commanding detachment of dismounted meu of Cavalry Division. Seventh Army Corps, namely, 276 men, reported for duty. They arrived on steamers Ad. Hines and Lotns. I ordered the major to proceed with steamers and his command np river till arriving at the Alamo, where he would learn from Lieutenant Wylie if it was safe for the steamers to proceed; if so, to disembark his command at Korristown, the steamers to push on to Fort Smith. At 10 p. m. the steamers Annie Jacobs and Chippewa arrived, with one section of the Second Kansas Battery,* Lieutenant Phillips commanding. I seut them forward immediately, with orders to report to Major Jenks, near Galla Rock. I had calculated that Lieutenant-Colonel Steeles move- ment toward Perryville would keep the enemy in that vicinity for a short time, and that before they wonld learn of his withdrawal and of the subsequent move np the river sufficient time would be gained to enable the boats to pass Dardanelle in safety. At the same time I felt assured the enemy would move onto the river at or above Dardanelle as soon as they learned of the boats passing Lewisburg, and unless checked at or near Dardanelle would overtake the boats before they could reach Spadra. The arrival of the section of artillery decided me in ordering Major Jenks to occupy Dardanelle with his command. He did so, landing his forces at 10 oclock the morning of the 14th instant, the last of the fleet passing there at 12 m. At 2 oclock same date the enemy, 1,500 strong, and one piece of artillery, under the command of Colonels Brooks, Stirman, and Newton, attacked the place. Major Jenks placed his men in the stockade, and after four hours hard fight- ing the enemy withdrew, completely whipped. Our loss during the engagement was 1 killed, 15 wounded, and 2 missing. Enemys loss, 1 commissioned officer killed, and about 80 men killed and wounded. Major Jenks speaks in the highest terms of the officers and men under his command, all doing gallant service. The artillery, under the direc- tionof Lieutenant Phillips and Lieutenant Campbell, Third U.S. Cavalry (acting adjutant), being skillfully handled, firing 164 rounds. Expect- ing the attack to be renewed next morning, Major Jenks called for re-enforcements and supply of ammunition. I immediately ordered Major INI ason, with sixty men, Third Arkansas Cavalry, with supply of ammunition, to report to Major Jenks as soon as practicable; also Lieutenant-Colonel Steele, with 100 men, of the Eleventh U. S. Colored Infantry, in wagons, to follow as rapidly as possible; and, placing every- thing at Lewisburg in proper position, proceeded to Dardanelle, arriv- ing there the same day. The enemy did not renew the attack, but proceeded up the south side of the river after the boats; but they were too late, the boats being beyond their reach. On the morning of the 15th instant Lieutenant-Colonel Cooper, with Fortieth Iowa Infantry and one section of Fifth Ohio Battery, arrived on steamer * Manned by Company B, Second Kansas Cavalry Page 13 CHAP. LX.] OPERATIONS IN ARKANSAS. 13 from Little IRock and reported for duty, and were immediately set to work throwing up intrencliments. On the 15th scouts reported the enemy as re-enforced and approaching in four directions to attack on the morning of the 16th instant. Every preparation was made for their reception. On their arriving within twelve miles of our lines they retraced their steps, crossing the Petit Jean near Danville, moving in a southerly direction. On the 19th dispatches received from Colonel Judson, commanding U. S. forces at Clarksville, reporting the attack by the enemy on steamers near Iveys Ford, and capture and destruction of the steamer Chippewa, and remainder of fleet in perilous position, on the morning of the 20th instant, at 4 oclock, sent Captain hamilton, with sixty men of the Third Arkansas Cavalry, to go through to the boats, render what assistance he could, and, if possible, bring any or all of them down. To cover this move I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Cooper, with Fortieth Iowa Infantry and one piece of artillery, to Chickalah; at same time sent force of fifty infantry to follow Captain Hamilton twelve miles and return. The movement was entirely successful, Colonel Cooper breaking up their rendezvous near Chickalali and destroying 1,200 bushels of wheat stored there for the use of the enemy. Captain Hamilton returned on the evening of the 21st instant, having met near the boats Colonel Williams brigade of colored troops on way from Fort Smith to Little Rock. On the night of the 24th Newtons regiment returiied to Boggs Mills (twelve miles from Dardanelle) to grind flour and leave before sunrise. At midnight sent Lieutenant-Colonel Steele, with Eleventh U. S. Colored Infantry and detachment Third Arkansas Cavalry, who succeeded in surprising the command, capturing the flour, his papers, 18 horses, and 20 stand of arms. I remained at Dardanelle to cover the passage of Colonel Williams brigade and train, and evacuated the place on the morning of the 27th instant. Major Jenks, commanding forces during the engagement of the 14th instant, is entitled to every praise for gallant conduct and the admira- ble manner in which he handled his troops on that occasion, and for prompt and faithful discharge of duty on all occasions. Captain Giesler, Third Wisconsin Cavalry, Captain Hamilton and Lieutenant Wylie, Third Arkansas Cavalry, and Lieutenant Campbell, Third U. S. Cavalry, are entitled to special mention as brave and efficient officers. Respectfully, your obedient servant, A. II. RYAN, Colonel Third Arkansas Cavalry, Commanding. Maj. JoHN LEVERING Asst. Adjt. 4~en., Dept. of Arkansas and Seventh Army Corps. A DDBNDA. Medals of Honor awarded for distinguished services under Resolution of Con qress, No. 43, approved Jnly 12, 1862, and section 6 of Act of Congress approved Jllarch 3, 1863. Name. Rank and organization. Date. Awarded for 1865. Ellis, William First sergeant Company K, Jan. 14 Gallantry in action at Dardanelle, Third Wisconsin Cavalry. Ark. Lohnas, Francis W --- - Private, Company H, First May 12 Gallantry in defending Government NebraskaVeteran Cavalry, property against Indians at Gil- mans Ranch, Nebr. Ter Page 14 14 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. No. 2. Report of Got. flQhom4s uT. Bowen, Thirteenth Kansas Infantry, com manding U. S. transports, of operations January 1724. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., January 21, 1865. MAJOR: On the 17th instant steamers Lotus, Chippewa, Ad. Hines, and Annie Jacobs left Van Buren, Ark., each having on board a small scout under the command of a line officer. On board of each steamer were a large nnmber of fefugees, also qnite a number of officers. On the Annie Jacobs, particularly, passengers and soldiers numbered about 500, en route for different localities via this place. The Chip- pewa had the advance, the Annie Jacobs was next, the Lotus followed, and the Ad. Hines brought up the rear. At about 4 p. m. on the 17th instant (Iveys Ford. eighteen miles above Clarksville) the Chippewa was discovered about one mile in advance, lying at the south shore of the Arkansas, and a few moments later I was requested to examine her through a field glass, when I immediately discovered that she was on fire in her center on the main deck. I became at once satisfied of the presence of the en~my. Being the ranking officer on board, I at once assumed the direction of affairs, giving the pilot orders to put on all steam and go on, but the order had scarcely been given before the enemy opened on us with artillery. I ordered the pilot to round to and proceed up the river. By the time the direction of the boat had been changed we were opposite the first rebel gun. There being but little steam up, and it being impossible to get the boat out of the range of the guns in any reasonable time I directed the boat to be landed on the north shore, which was accomplished under the most galling fire of the enemy, having received fifteen shot and shell, which destroyed the heaters before we landed and three after we reached the shore. In addition to the fire from the artillery a continuous fire from small- arms was poured into us from the commencement of the action. One shell burst in the front cabin, one immediately under the boiler, one at the right front of the pilot house, and two in the hold. The most indescribable confusion prevailed on board among the passengers, especially the female portion, and I ordered the landing of the boat, because it was impossible to get her out of range of the artillery, and had we been any considerable distance from the shore we would have floated into the hands of the enemy owing to the damage done to the machinery by the artillery, and for the further reason that I hoped to save the two boats which were behind. The Lotus, however, was so near that before we could warn her of the danger she was within range of the artillery, and she also landed on the north side of the river; when, fearin.g an attack from that side of the river, I proceeded up the beach with two men, and collected the disembarked soldiers of the Lotus, and marched them to the line formned on the bank by those who had disembarked from the Jacobs. Having restored order and made every possible preparation for the protectiomi of the boats, I at once started a messenger up the river-bank with a dispatch to General Thayer and orders for the Ad. Hines not to approach, telling briefly of the danger, and sent to Clarksville for re-enforcements. I also ordered a forage train, which happened to be within a few miles, with aii escort of over 100 men, to move to us at once; which order was promptly obeyed by Capt. Thomas Stevenson, of the Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry, com- manding Page 15 CHAP. LX.] OPERATIONS IN ARKANSAS. 15 The arrival of the train after dark was mistaken by the enemy for a battery from Clarksville, and no donbt had something to do with their withdrawal before. daylight on the morning of the 18th instant. In addition to the shells already mentioned, the Jacobs received two solid shots through her pilot house, one back of the ladies cabin, and sev- eral through her hold The Lotus received two through her pilot honse. Early on the morning of the 18th instant, a re-enforcement of 350 men ;nd two howitzers arrived from Col. William R. Jndsons com- inand at Clarksville, and the steamer Ad. Hines, having failed to receive my dispatch, also arrived. The dispatch, however, was received by General Thayer. From the released crew of the Chippewa I learned that the enemy was 1,500 strong, with from two to four pieces of artil- lery, whereupon I sent the steamers Ad. Hines and Lotus back to Fort Smith, with a request to General Thayer that he would send the col- ored brigade, with which, in additioii to our own forces, I proposed to cross the river and rout the enemy before attempting to move the boats down, on the receipt of which he promptly started the brigade down the south side of the river, under command of Colonel Williams, Seventy-ninth U. S. Colored [Infantry], on the morning of the 19th instant, and the brigade arrived opposite ns on the afternoon of the 20th. On the morning of the 21st Colonel Williams moved his com- mand down the river to Pattersons Bluff and on the afternoon of the same day the steamers Hines and Lotus arrived from Fort Smith, upon which we embarked, and proceeded down to Spadra or Clarksville Landing, leaving the steamer Annie Jacobs with her bow on dry land, having failed in all our efforts to get her afloat, notwithstanding the continued exertions of Captain Gear, assisted by a detail of all the soldiers he could use during the whole time we remained. A guard was left with the Jacobs of 200 men and one howitzer of Colonel Jud- sons command, with orders to have the machinery repaired and every- thing put in order for moving, which I was informed by the engineer could be done in a very few days. On the 22d Colonel Williams moved farther down the river, and we moved with the boats to Darda- nelle without receiving a shot from the enemy. At Dardanelle we learned from Colonel Ryan, Third Arkansas Cavalry, that there was no enemy between that place and this. We therefore left ~Dardanelle at daylight on the morning of the 23d and arrived here on the morning of the 24th without further trouble. I recommend an investigution of the facts in relation to the surrender of the steamer Chippewa, as I failed to ascertain any good reason why she could not have been saved, and I am told she was surrendered before a shot struck her. About the time the fire of the enemy was turned from tIme Jacobs to the Lotus the baggage of the passengers of the former wa~ ransacked and a great deal of money and other property stolen. The matter is being investigated, under direction of Colonel Judson, by Lieutenant-Colonel Waugh, provost-marshal at Clarksville. I cannot in justice close this report without mentioning the gallant conduct throughout of Col. Charles W. Adams, of the Twelfth Regiment Kansas Volunteers, and Lieut. Col. Owen A. Bassett, Second Regiment Kansas Volunteers, commanding, both of whom gave me their full and faithful co-operation in all my efforts to save the boats, and displayed in an eminent degree the qualifications of coolness and courage so essential to success. The same can be justly said of every subordinate officer present, and I regret that I have not their names. Prominent among the latter was Capt. C. 0. Judson, Sixth Kansas Cavalry, who was not deterred from doing his duty by either danger or fatigue. A more faithful and gallant officer does not wear a sword in the department. Lieut. J. S. Lane Page 16 16 LOUISIANA AND TILE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. Sixth Kansas Cavalry, fearlessly exposed his life on the shore to pre- vent a barge laden with Government property from falling into the hands .of the enemy. Lieutenant Ross, of the Fortieth Iowa Jnfantry[? j, in charge of the guards on the Jacobs, won the respect of all by his gallant bearing. Sergt. A. E. Lovell, Company II, Second Kansas Cavalry, and Citizen Troatman accompanied me np the river-bank, under a severe fire from the enemy, to aid me in getting the soldiers who were leaving the Lotus to join the command from the Jacobs. The chaplain of the First Arkansas Infantry, IRev. Francis Springer, and Chaplain Raudall, of the Fifty-fourth U. S. Colored, gave their full attention to the wounded, and Citizen 0. 5. Dillon acted the part of fireman at the imminent peril of his life. I have received no reports to enable me to state our loss, but have directed each detachment to report direct. Quite a number were killed. Especial attention is called to Capt. William E. Gear and Pilot Gibson Morrison, both of the steamer Annie Jacobs. These officers remained at the wheel in the pilot house until the vessel was safely landed and promptly executed every order I gave. A less tenacious determination would surely have resulted in the loss of the boats and the capture of all on board. Captain Jaques, of the Lotus, in person attended to the rudder of his boat, and landed her in safety above the Jacobs. Private Vincent B. Osborn, of the Second Kansas Cavalry, had his thigh bone shattered whilst making the cable of the Jacobs fast on shore. His leg was sub- sequently amputated and his life is lost. And last, but not least, Maj. S. B. Hunt, surgeon-in-chief of the l)istrict of the Frontier, was wherever he was needed, in danger and out of danger, attending to the wounded. Nothing that I can say can add to his well-acquired reputation. I am, major, very respectfully, & c., THOS. M. BOWEK, Colonel Thirteenth Infantry Kansas Volunteers. Maj. JOHN LEYERINQ Assistant Adjutant- ~i1eneral, Department of Arkansas. No. 3. Order of ilfLaj. Gen. John B. Magruder, C. S. Army, commanding Dis- trict of Arkansas, of operations January 1417. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS, No. 18. 5 Washington, January 25, 1865. The major-general commanding takes pleasure in announcing to the army that Colonel Brooks, commanding Brooks brigade, composed of Brooks men proper, Newtons regiment, and Stirmans battalion, after a long and difficult march to the Arkansas River, attacked a heavier force of the enemy near Dardanelle, drove him into his works, killing 8, wounding 19, and capturing 2; loss on our side, 1 killed and 15 wounded. Colonel Brooks, hearing of the approach of steamers from above, by a forced march, with 400 men, reached the proper point at sunrise on the 16th instant. Having placed a piece of artillery and his men in ambush, at 1 oclock on the 17th, he permitted the leading boat to come well in range, when he opened upon her with his infantry and this piece. She was raked from stem to stern and soon surrendered. She proved to be the New Chippewa. The prisoners consist of 1 officer and 29 men of the Fiftieth Indiana and 40 negroes; also the cap- tain, crew, and a large number of refugee families from Fort Smith. After removing everything valuable the boat was fired. The steame Page 17 CHAP. LX.] 17 SCOUT IN SHANNON COUNTY, MO. Annie Jacobs next hove in sight. She was immediately attacked, and the fire was returned by the troops on board. She attempted to destroy our artillerists; our artillery, however, soon disabled her, and she grounded upon an island. Here many men [were] drowned in attempt- ing to make their escape to the opposite bank. During the engagement with the Jacobs the Lotus came down. The troops on board were driven into the water and she to the north bauk of the river, where most of them escaped, the iron axle of one piece of artillery having broken. Finding the boats too distant for an effective fire of musketry, Colonel Brooks returned to his camps, taking with him 82 prisoners and the refngee families captured. Federal casualties, 27 killed and wounded, besides those who were drowned; our own loss, 1 killed and 15 wounded. A large quantity of the enemys stores were destroyed. Colonels Newton and Stirman aud Lieutenant Lockhart are spoken of in high terms by Colonel Brooks in his report of their operations. Infor- mation has also been received from Maj. Gen. M. A. Parsons that Captain Webb, who was ordered to destroy the enemys mills at Pine Bluff and to rid the country of graybacks, has succeededcapturing one company, thirty-seven strong, a number of horses, arms, & c. The commanding general takes great pleasure in returiiing his thanks to both officers and men of the several commands for their gallant con- duct on this occasion. By command of Maj. Gen. J. B. Magruder: EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant- ~enerai. JANUARY 27, 1865.Scout in Shannon County, Mo. Reports of Capt. Levi B. Why bark, Fifth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT FIFTH CAVALRY, Salem, Mo., January 8, 1865. CAPTAIN: I returned yesterday evening from a scout in Shannon County, Mo. I left here Monday with forty-five men of Companies C, D,M, Fifth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. I had information that there was a camp of some eighty bnshwhackers on Jacks Fork, which was false; they camped in small squads, from five to fifteen in a squad. I scouted out Jacks Fork Hills and found their camp; were but two men in camp. We killed one and got both of their horses. On Birch I~rairie we found another squad. There we killed another. I then divided my men in three squads, and scouted the whole county and the head of Jacks Fork. I came across a squad of eight or ten; we fired on them. They returned fire and wounded one of my men severely, but I think he will recover. There we killed 4 and wounded 2, who made their escape. We captured 6 horses and rig. I captured in all 9 horses and killed 6 bushwhackers. II found several camps in those hills. I destroyed them and burned several harbbring places. We found several pens of corn omit in those hills, five miles from any farm. I think that county is sconted out more thoroughly than it ever was since the war. I was down as far as eight miles of Thomasville. Freeman has disbanded his men till spring, and they are scattered all over the whole country in small squads. Texas County is full. There have been several squads of eight and ten [who] went up in the neigh- borhood of Itolla, Mo., a few days ago. These fellows come in and rob the 2 R RYOL XLYIIl, PT Page 18 18 LOUISIANA ANT) THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. IX. citizens of all their horses and bedclothing and meat, & c. While I was gone down in Shannon County they were in this county, and robbed several families of everything they haddid not leave them anything in the world, clothing or anything to eat. I will send Captain Benz with a squad of men into Texas County to-morrow morning to rout those fellows that are in that vicinity. There is no large force this side of Batesville. If there was a scout of 200 or 300 men sent dowii on Spring River and in Arkansas it would pay, as there is where they take all their stolen property. Some of those fellows have moved their families back to Texas and Dent and Shannon Counties. There is plenty of corn in Shannon and down in that country to feed a scout of 300 or 400 men by camping in different places, and this county will be visited by those fellows as long as they are allowed to remain in that country. I will endeavor to keep them out of this county as well as I can. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, LEVI E. WHYBAItK, Captain, Commanding Post Detachment. Capt. C. G. LAURANT, Assistant Adjutant- General, Rolla District, Rolla, Mo. HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT FIFTH CAVALRY MISSOURI STATE MILITIA, Salem, Mo., January 9, 1865. SIR: I returned from six days scout down in Shannon County. That whole country is full of rebels, scouting in small squads, as Freeman has disbanded his whole army until spring. Now they are engaged in stealing and robbing the whole country. I routed several camps of them. We had little skirmishes with them several times. We killed 6 men and captured 9 horses. I had 1 man wounded, of Company C, but not badly. I will send Captain Benz this morning into Texas County, as there are a great many in that vicinity. While I was gone they caine in near Salem, and robbed several families of everything they had. There is no large force this side of Batesyille. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, L. E. WHYBARK, Captain, Commanding Detachment. Licut. Col. J. A. EPPSTEIN, Commanding Fifth Cavalry Missouri State Militia. JANUARY 210, 1865.Scout from Fort Wingate to Sierra del Datil, N. J.~ex. Report of Lieut. Josc M. Sanches, First New Mexico Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, Port Wingate, N Mew Ja Capt. B. C. CUTLER, .~ nuar~i 19, 1865. Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of New Mexico: SIR: I have the honor to inclose herewith report of First Lient. Josd M. Sanches, First Cavalry New Mexico Volunteers, dated January 15, 1865. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. W. EATON, Major, First Cavalry New Mexico Volunteers, Commanding Post Page 19 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION FROM BLOOMFIELD, MO. 19 [Inclosure.] FORT WINGATE, K. MEX., January 15, 1865. SIR: For the information of the major in command of the post I have the honor to report that, in pursuance of the instructions received on the 2d instant from these headquarters, I followed the trail of the Indians who during the night previous had stolen a number of sheep from people residing near this post, which trail I was ordered to fol- low and to do all in my power to recover the stolen sheep, and if possible to inflict severe punishment on the savages. After having gone six miles to the south of this post, I discovered the trail, and followed it by forced marches for four days as far as the Sierra del Datil. It was impossible for me to pursue the Indians any farther, owing to a severe snow-storm and to the impassableness of the mountains. I encamped there two days and sent eight of the men under in y com- mand to reconnoiter the other side of the range, with orders to try to find the trail, which I had lost the day before, and to watch for smoke or other signs of Indians. On their return they informed me that they had not been able to discover anything. Seeing that it was impossible for me to overtake the Indians, I thought it best to return slowly, allow- ing my animals to graze on the way. I did so, and on my return march had plenty of grass, water, and wood. My men suffered somewhat owing to the scantiness of their rations. We lived on boiled wheat for three days. This was all we had to suffer during the expedition. I am, sir, with respect, your obedient servant, J. M. SANCHES, First Lient., First New Mexico Cavalry, Commanding Detachment. Second Lieut. JOHN G. DRENNAN, First Cavalry New Mexico Volunteers, Post Adjutant. JMiUARY 416, 1865.Expedition from Bloomfield to Poplar Bluff, Mo., and vicinity. Reports of Lieut. William Rinne, iS1eeond Missouri Light Artillery. BLOOMFJELD, Mo., January 14, 1865. I arrived here at 1 oclock to-day with the command. Had to swim the Saint Francis River. Captain Cochran did not join me at Poplar Bluff, as you directed, but afterward formed j unction with me in Cher- okee. We killed 19 guerrillas and took 5 prisoners. Lost our ambu- lance and wagon in the swamp between Current and Black Rivers. Have about fifty contraband horses and mules. It is impossible to remain here longer than one night; our stock cannot be foraged. I will march fur the Cape to-morrow unless you direct otherwise. I had 1 man killed out of my command, and Captain Cochran had 1 wounded. WILLIAM RINNE, Lieutenant, Commanding. Col. J. B. ROGERS, Cape tiirardeau. CAPE GIRARDEAu, Mo., January 18, 1865. SIR: The command sent out under Major Robbins, consisting of detachments of Companies A, 1, and M, Second Cavalry Missouri Page 20 20 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. State Militia, numbering forty-five men, twenty-five men of the Second Missouri Artillery, and twenty men of the Seventy-ninth Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, was turned over to me January 4, 1865, at l3loomfield, Mo., by Major Pobbins, as you directed, and I proceeded to Poplar Bluff, as ordered. Captain Cochran did not join nie there as you directed in your instructions to me, the distance he had to march being too great for the short time given him to march it in. I waited for him thirty-six hours and then marched without him for Cherokee Bay. Finding the swamps impassable for teams, I left my team and ambulance at Poplar Bluff with a guard to protect them till Captain Cochran could come up, when he could move by another route into the head of Cherokee Bay and by a better road, and bring the teams, if he desired to do so, and where I could join him. The command I took with me numbered seventy men. I crossed the swamp between Cane Creek and Current River and then divided my small force into two parties. I directed one party to strike the bay near the lower end at the rebel Colonel Reves, while with the other party I struck it at the upper end, directing the party I sent in the lower end of the bay to join me at Pattersons, on the bay. By these directions I succeeded in surprising the rebels, killing 19, wounding 3 severely, and capturing 5. I had 1 man killed,and no other casualty to any of the men of my command during the expedition. Among the rebels killed were 3 offi- cersLieutenant Copeland, Lieutenant Sooter, and Lieutenant Moore. The two latter belonged to the notorious Captain Bowles company. The killed and prisoners all belonged to Reves command. We found no considerable force together. They were scattered over the country in small bands from five to ten, not expecting a Federal force so near at hand. Captain Cochran joined me on the bay, bringing up my team and ambulance. I reported to him for orders, when he instructed me, after having done all that I could in the bay, to return with my cout- mand to the Cape by the same route in which I had entered the bay, while he would take a different route, this being necessary, as forage could not be procured for the whole command at any one place. In crossing from ~he bay to Poplar Bluff I lost my wagon and ambulance, drowned two mules and five horses. It was impossible to get the wagon or ambulance out of the swamp. Cane Creek was very high~ overflowing its banks and covering the whole face of the country for eight miles with water from two to three feet deep, through which the command had to march and break their road through ice from one and a half to two inches thick. Our next trouble was in crossing the Sain~ Francis River, which we had to swim but which was effected without loss or accident. From there to the Cape we had an uninterrupted march, where I arrived with the command on the 16th instant, having marched about 300 miles through swamps, ice, and water. The command suffered much from cold by often being compelled to swim their horses and to assist them when mired out of the mud and water. The result of the expedition was 19 rebels killed, 3 severely wounded, and 5 captured; 50 horses and mules were captured, 35 of which have been turned over to the provost~marshal at Cape Girardeau, Mo.; 5 head drowned in the swamp, 4 head claimed by citizens and given up, and 6 head stolen from the corral at Bloomufield Mo. With much respect, I am, colonel, your obedient servant, WILLIAM RINKE, First Lieutenant, Second Missouri Artillery, Corndg. Detachment. Col. J. B. ROGERS Page 21 CHAP, LX.] EXPEDITION FROM BROWNSVILLE, ARK. 21 JANUARY 427, 1865.Expedition from flrownsville to Augusta, Ark. Report of Cot. Washington F. Geiger, Eighth Missouri Cavalry, command ing expedition. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIOADE, CAVALRY DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS Brownsville, Ark., January 29, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the general commanding, that, in obedience to orders received from Brig. Gen. E. A. Carr, U. S. Volunteers, at the time of their issue commanding the District of Little Rock, dated December29, 1864, I started from Browns- ville on Wednesday, the 4th instant, with a force composed of detach- ments of the Eighth and Eleventh Missouri and Ninth Iowa Cavalry; in all 1,050 elfecUve men. The command commenced moving at 8 a. m. on the Brownsville and Austin road; reached Austin at 1.30 p. in., when a short halt was made. The days march was continued on the Searcy road to a point about four miles from the former place, where I camped for the night, halting at 4 p. m. The whole dis- tance traveled was fourteen miles and a half. The roads were gen- erally in good condition, no difficulty being had in crossing wagons, except in the wood near the outer edge of the prairie near Brownsville. The weather was pleasant. The next morning I commenced moving at 7.30 oclock, at which time it commenced raining, and continued to rain without cessation all day. The route traveled was rough and toward the latter part of the days march exceedingly bad, the roads being entirely covered with water to the depth of from six to eighteen inches, with bogs and miry ground. Owing to the fact that the bridge over Bull Bayou on the main road was destroyed I was obliged to make a detour to the right of about three miles and to cross the bayou at a point by Davis house, which was reached at 12 in. Much difficulty was experienced in crossing on account of the steep bank, muddy in high stage of water, and roughness of the bridge. The command reached Quarles Bridge at 3 p. in., near which point the Searcy road was left, and a road leading iu an east-southeasterly direction was taken and followed till 5 p. in., when the command encamped for the night on Gooderidges plantation. Owing to the unprecedented state of the roads the train could not be brought through to camp, but was forced to remain at Watkins, four miles from Gooderidges. It rained and snowed incessantly all day and night, and the roads were in an almost lml)assable conditionentirely so, in fact, for the train. The distance traveled was seventeen miles. On the 6th of January, the third day out, the train, owing to the almost impassable state of the roads, was sent back to Searcy, and thence to West Point, at which point I arrived safely on the morning of the 7th instant. My advance left camp for West Point at 8 a in., where it arrived at 10 a. in., at which hour also the steamer Ella, which had been sent to ferry the command across the Red River, arrived. The main column reached West Point at 3.30 p. in., having left Gooderidges at 12 in. The distance from this point to West Point is six miles and a half. The road was entirely submerged and the ground low, boggy, and swampy. Immediately on my arrival I made arrangements to cross the command the next day, which was successfully accomplished by 2 p. in. of the 8th instant. I then moved up the river road to Hitchers place, two miles and a half from West Point, where I encamped for the night. The road was in good order and the weather excellent. On the 9th instant the march was resume Page 22 22 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CnA~. LX. at 7.30 a. m. I moved north to a point seven miles from West Point, and northeast, and to the right of Prospect Bluff; by Princes house, where the road was in an easterly direction, leading to a point on White River three miles from and north of Hatchers Ferry. Following the road, we marched six miles and a half and camped in the woods. The entire ronte from Princes to camp was an almost impassable swamp, the water in three or fonr places being so deep as to force the command to swim their horses. After a vast deal of trouble the camping place was reached at 3 p. m. It rained constantly all day and during the night, rendering the march exceedingly difficult and fatiguing. Resuming the march the next day, the 10th instant, we reached a point two miles from Hatchers Ferry, on the west bank of White River. at 3 p. in., when we encamped for the night, marching nearly the entire distance, nine miles, in water from six inches to four feet deep, at times swimming our horses, and through a low, miry, swampy country, in a very severe snow-storm, accompanied by a cold north wind, and enduring and surmounting hardships and difficulties caused by the inclemency of the weather an(l the almost impassable condition of the surrounding counLry and its roads rarely experienced by troops in any country. The next day, the 11th instant, the steamers Ella and Belle Peoria being in readiness, I crossed the command to the east side of White River, landing at a point two miles north of Augusta. The town was occupied at 12 in., the command encamping in the grove adjoining the town, on Houghs place. The order to consume forage~~ and gather ~ we carried out to the letter during the entire time the command remained at Augusta. Small bodies of troops were daily sent out in every direction, and succeeded in capturing a large number of beeves and bringing in or consuming great quantities of forage. We remained at Augusta from the 11th to the 24th instant, on whichday, at 8.30 a. in., in obedience to orders received at Brownsville [fromi the general commanding on the evening of the 22d instant, I commenced moving south to a point opposite Nigger Hill, nineteen miles south of Augusta, where I intended to cross the column in order to avoid the trouble and delay of crossing both the White and Red Rivers. I sent the train from Angusta to iNigger Hill by boat, knowii~g that it would be well-nigh impossible to cross it over Bayou Cache, eight miles from Augusta, on account of the high stage of water, which was so deep that it could only be crossed by swimming horses. Having seen the column safely across this bayou, the march was resnmed, most of the way on the levee, until the point opposite Kigger Hill was reached at 6 p. m. Failing to communicate with the steamer Ella, which left Augusta in the morning, I camped on the river-bank, and commenced crossing the command the next morning, the 25th instant, which was successfully finished at 9 a. m. on the 26th instant. Leaving Nigger Hill at that time, I moved the commuand in a northwesterly direction till the south bank of Red River was reached, where the levee road was followed for seven miles to West Point, which place was reached at 1.30 p. m. Moving on, I camped for the night on Burrows plantation, five miles and a half from West Point and four from Searcy. The next day the march was resumed at 8 a. in., and the command, with the exception of the train and its guard, safely reached Browns- ville, via Searcy, Stony Point, and Austin, at 11.45 p. in., having marched forty-seven miles in one day. The train and its guard encamped near Cypress Bayou, and the next day came into Browns- ville at 1 p. m. No form of the enemy was seen or heard of except two or three small bodies on Crowleys Ridge and below Clarendon. W Page 23 CHAP. LX.] SKIRMISH AT VALLEY STATION, COLO. TEE. 23 captured 7 prisoners, one of them a lieutenant, all of whom we sent to Devalls Bluff by boat. We also captured 407 head of cattle, 330 of which number were, sent by boat to Devalls Bluff; and the balance cou- sumed or brought into Brownsville. We also capture(l and brought in horses and mules. The conduct of the officers and men of the corn- mmd was, with some exceptions, generally good. To the officers of my staff, Capt. F. F. Burlock, Fourth Arkansas Cav- alry, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lient. J. J. See, Eighth Missouri Cavalry, acting aide-de-camp; Lieut. M. Santee, Eleveiith Missouri Cav- alry, acting assistant quartermaster, and Lient. T. B. Horn, Eighth Missonri Cavalry, acting commissary of subsistence, I am greatly indebted for the zeal and ability with which they discharged their respective duties at all times during the scout, which in every respect was the most fatiguing and harassing one I ever made. I have the honor, lieutenant, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. F. 0-EIGEII, Colonel Eighth Missouri Cwvalry, (Jomdg. Third Brigade, Cavalry Division, Seventh Army Corps. Lient. W. A. MARTIN, Aetg. Asst. Adjt. (len., Cava try Division, Seventh Army Corps. JANUARY 7, 1866.Skirmishes with Indians at Valley Station and Jules burg, Cob. Ter. I~1vPORTS. No. l.Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis, U. S. Army, commanding Department of Kansas. No. 2Col. Thomas Moonlight, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, commanding District of Colorado. No. 1. Report of Maj. (len. Samuel B. Curtis, U S. Army, commanding Depart ment of Kansas. FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANS., January 9, 18656.10 p. m. A large Indian force, estimated from 500 to 1,500, attacked stages on Platte route on the 7th, and a severe fight ensued; Colonel Summers and Major OBrien in command. Indians finally repulsed. Our loss, 15; enemy, 30, including chief commanding. S. R. CUliTIS, Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. Chief of Staff. No. 2. Report of Cot. Thomas Moonlight, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, commanding District of Colorado. DENVER, January 7, 1865. Indians attacked train at Valley Station; burned. Killed some 12 men. Attacked train at Julesburg. Were driven off. Two kille Page 24 24 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. each side. Operators have left stations since. Unless troops are hur- ried out from Kearny, Lyon, or some point, people must starve. Immense excitement. I have no body to re-enforce with. T. MOONLIGHT, Colonel. Major-General CURTIS, Fort Leavenworth, Kans. JANUARY 79, 1866.Expedition from Pine Bluff, Ark, and skirmish (9th). Report of Capt. John IL Toppass, Seventh ]Vliissouri Cavalry. CAMP SEVENTH CAVALRY MISSOURI VOLUNTEERS, Pine Bluff, Ark., January 11, 1865. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to transmit the following report, viz: On the evening of the 7th instant I received orders from post head- quarters to take charge of 150 men, consisting of 50 men of the Thir- teenth Illinois Cavalry, under Lieutenant Kennedy, and 100 men of the Seventh Missouri Cavalry, with Lieutenants Williams, Sanders, arid Slingerland, and proceed in an easterly direction in search of a force of rebels reported to have a considerable quantity of stock collected some twenty-five miles from this place. We marched at 7 p. in., found the roads very bad, and halted at 12 oclock and fed our horses after I marched about fifteen miles, obtaining forage from Doctor Jones ,~for which I receipted. We resumed the march at daylight on the morning of the 8th, and crossed Bayou Wabbaseca on a bridge, but before getting to the bridge we captured a rebel by the name of Colvin Jenkins, who is either a rebel soldier or a member of Vaugines guerrilla band. I ascertained that the stock (which was principally mules) had been moved across the Arkansas IRiver, and there had also been a Fed- eral scout from Brownsville in that vicinity a few days previous, which had scattered the rebel Major Watkins command in every direction. Finding that I could accomplish nothing by going farther, I recrossed the bayou, crossing the men and equipments on a raft, swimming the horses. We camped for the night at the plantation of Mrs. Lindsay, where we obtained forage, for which I receipted. We marched at 8 oclock on the morning of the 9th, taking the direct road for Pine Bluft and whemi within twelve miles of this place I detached Lient. J. W. Sanders, with twenty-three men, besides fourteen men of the militia with Summerville, to make a detour to left of the road. When I had marched about three miles and crossed Plum Bayou at the bridge near Mrs. Davidsons, I heard firing in the directiomi that Lieutenant Sanders had taken. I halted the command, and sent Lieutenant Slingerland back with thirty men to ascertain the cause of the firing. I waited an honr, and hearimig no more firing came on into camp, where I arrived at 3 p. in., without any other incident worthy of note. Lieutenant Sanders arrived in camp about an hour later, and made the following report: After being detached from your command on the morning of the 9th I proceeded about two miles, wheu I fell in with a party of bushwhackers (of Vaugines com- mand) at house of Mrs. Milans. 1 attacked them and drove them back about forty rods to where Vaugine and his principal force was, at which place they made a charge on my lines, but we succeeded in repulsing them and driving them back about one-quarter of a mile, when he was re-enforced by eighteen or twenty me Page 25 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM FORT ELLSWORTH, KANS. 25 and made another stand, but was driven again and chased about one mile. The loss on the side of the enemy was 4 killed on the ground and 4 wounded, also 8 horses killed or wounded so as to render them unfit for service. Our loss was 1 man wounded severely, 1 horse captured, and 1 shot. Curtis, the wounded man, belonged to Company C, Seventh Cavalry Missouri Yolunteers, and was left at the house of Mrs. Milans. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. TOPPA 88, Captain, Seventh Cavalry Missouri Volunteers, Commanding Scout. Lient. S. M. CAMBERN Acting Assistan! Adjutant- General, Post Pine Bluff, Ark. JANUARY 711, 1865.Scout from Fort Ellsworth, Kans. Report of AS~ergt. David C. Nettleton, Second Colorado Cavalry. FORT LARNED, KANS., January 12, 1865. SIR: In pursuance of orders received froni district headquarters, organizing an independent scout of twelve men under my command, I proceeded from Fort Ellsworth on the 7th of January; traveled west up the Smoky Hill twelve miles and turned northeast toward the Saline; passed Buffalo Creek, a small stream with wood and water; three miles farther on came to the Saline two miles above the mouth of Hill Creek, and camped for the night. January 8, traveled due west up the Saline, passing through a very rough country, with few streams running into the Saline. Camped for the night at the mouth of quite a large stream running into the Saline from the south, name not known; water very salty. Jannary 9, left the Saline and traveled southwest; came to Big Creek in twenty-four miles, and to the Smoky Hill four miles south of Big Creek; camped for the night on the Smoky Hill, between sixty and sixty.five miles above Fort Ellsworth and twelve miles above the mouth of Big Creek. January 10, traveled a little east of south, and crossed Walnut Creek twenty-two miles from the Smoky Hill; camped on a dry branch of Walnut Creek six miles south. January II, traveled a little east of south and came to the military road at Pawnee Rock, fifteen miles northeast of Fort Lamed; country along the Saline very rough and broken, but nearer the Smoky Hill it is quite level. But little timber along the Saline, consisting of scattering trees along the bank. Big Creek is well skirted with timber, is six or eight feet wide and six inches deepa favorite camping place for Indians; but few trees along the Smoky Hill where we traveled. Distance from the Smoky Hill to the Saline, fifteen miles above Ells- worth, twelve miles; from the Smoky Hill to the Saline, sixty miles above Ellsworth, eighteen miles; in outh of Big Creek nearly due north of Fort Lamed, distant fifty or fifty-five miles. Not the least sign of Indians seen on the trip; buffalo tolerably plenty and very tame, show- ing that they have not been hunted by the Indians. Our scout extended imp the Saline and Smoky Hill sixty miles west of Ellsworth, and it is hardly possible there are camps east of the circuit taken. Yours, respectfully, D. C. NETTLETON, Sergeant, Commanding Scout. Col. JAMES H. Fo1~,n Page 26 26 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. JANUARY 8, 1865.Action at Dove Creek, Concho River, Tex. Reports of Brig. Gen. J. D. ]lilicAdoo, Texas State Troops. ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, Austin, Tex., March 4, 1865. Lient. Col. T. M. JACK, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I have the honor to inclose herewith, for tile information of the major-general commanding, copy of letter from Brig. Gen. J. D. McAdoo, commanding Second and Third Frontier Districts, Texas State Troops. He has been under orders froiu his Excellency Governor Murrah, investi- gating the conduct of the officers and men engaged in the recent fight with Kansas Indians ou the Concho. He makes some statements rela- tive to Captain Fosset, commanding detachment of Confederate troops in that expedition, which will doubtless possess interest for General Walker. The court of inquiry will probably make further developments, of which the major-general commanding shall be duly advised. I have the honor to be, sir, yours, respectfully, W. C. WALSH, Acting Adjutant and Inspector General. [Inclosure.] IIDQRS. 2n AND 3D FRONTIER DISTS., TEXAS STATE TROOPS Gatesviile, February 20, 1865. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to verbal instructions from His Excellency the Governor, I came to this place several days ago for the purpose of investigating the facts relating to the battle of Dove Creek on the 8th of last month. I have devoted myself assiduously to the task, by full and thorough conference with offi- cers and men who were with the expedition nuder Captain Totten, ot the State forces, and Captain Fosset, of the Confederate forces and who actively participated in the battle. The substantial facts, as I have gathered them, are about as follows: About the day of last, Captain Gilleutin, of the Second Frontier District, who was out with a scout beyond the settlements, reported to Major Eraths headquar- ters that he had discovered a large Indian trail crossing the Brazos River and going in a southwest course. He asked for large re-en- forcements, whereupon Major Erath ordered Captain Totten, the senior captain of the Second District, to proceed as soon as possible, with about men, to re enforce Captain Gillentin and follow the trail. He did so, striking the trail about where the Indians had crossed the Brazos River. The trail was a large one, and separated into two trails. Captain Totten took the one running nearest to the settlements. It continued in a southwesterly direction, diverging from the settlements and pointing to the headwaters of the Concho. The other trail (said to be the larger) bore in a more westerly direction still farther from the settlements. The trail followed, from its general appearance, the num- ber of wigwams at the camping places, & c., showed that the party of Indians numbered several hundred. The evidences seemed abundant to all with whom I have conversed that they were civilized Indians, and there was nothing discovered that led to the belief that they were unfriendly, further than the simple fact that they were Indians travel- ing upon the soil of Texas without any notice being given to the civil or military authorities of the country of their presence in the country or of their intentions. The distances from their respectivecamps showe Page 27 CHAP. LX.] ACTION AT DOVE CREEK, TEX. 27 moderate travel, and at some of the camps they had remained several days. flere they left signs of dressing great numbers of buffalo and deer skins, and piec~s of broken tableware, cups aud saucers, plates, & c., scraps of calico, and other goods were found about the camps. At one place a newly made grave was found. The body was exhumed. It was that of a child two or three years old, well and tastefully dressed. The grave was dug with a spade, and a vault made similar to graves prepared by the whites, with a board at the head. Captain Fosset, of the old Frontier iRegitnent, was in advance of Captain Totten on the trail. On the night of the 7th of January Captain Totten received information by express from Captain Fosset that he (Fosset) was within a few miles of the Indian encampment, and urging him to join him before daylight next morning. Totten was some thirty-five miles in the rear. He pressed forward, joining Fosset early in the day on the 8th. Fosset and his mcii were in the saddle within three miles of the Indian camp when Totten arrived. The two commands halted but a few minutes, during which a brief conversation was had between the two commanders, after which, without any council of war, without ai~y distribution of orders, without any formation of a line of battle, without any preparation, without any inspection of the camp, without any com- munication with the Indians or inquiry as to what tribe or party they belonged to, without any knowledge of their strength or position, the command ~ was given, and a pell-mell charge was made for three miles. Captain Fosset, with the Confederate forces, charged toward the right of the encampment, and Totten, with the State forces, charged the left and center. Owing to the roughness of the route and the dis- tance to the camp, the nien were strung out for probably a mile or more, those having the best horses dashing into the camp first an(l others as they came up. The attack was a surprise. The Indians were generally in their wig- wams. No fire was made by the Indians until after they were fired upon and some of them killed. They showed no disposition to fight. The women were screaming about the camp, some of them in plain English declaring they were friendly. After the first few guns were fired by our men the Indians fell back into the ravines and brush in rear of the camp and opened a fire upon our men with the most deadly effect. In a very few minutes about fifteen of Tottens men (four of them officers) were killed and about as many wounded. The Indians were completely sheltered amid Totten ordered his men to fall back. A scattering fire was kept up until late in the evening, when our forces retired, bringing off their wounded and leaving their dead on tIme field. A very heavy snow fell that night, and the command moved very slowly back toward the settlements. What part was taken by Captain Fosset, after the separation of the commands when the charge was ordered, is unknown to me, except by rumor, as I have seen no one who was with him in the charge. I cannot learn that he attacked the camp at all. He seems to have had a fight, a sort of running fight, over the Indianis horses, which were in a valley above the camp when the charge was made, for he lost some five men killed and a number wounded. He also, it is reported, lost nearly all the horses which he had taken from the Indiansrecaptured. Some days after the battle Captain Totten, with a squad of meti, returned to ascertain the move- ments of the Indians and to bury the dead. He found the camp aban- doned by the Indians, evidently in haste, immediately after the battle. They had not buried their own dead, and our men lay as they had fallen on the fieldnone of them scalped. Captain Totten reports that the Page 28 28 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. left immense quantities of their baggage and property, including several hundred axes, spades, and other implements of husbandry, and immense numbers of buffalo and deer skins. The Indians had gone west. Cap- tain Totten followed the trail until it entered the plains, a distance only of a few miles Lieutenant Mulkey, of Fossets command, who was with Fosset in the expedition but with Totten in the charge, is of the opinion that the Indians pushed their way probably to the Pecos or possi- bly into Mexico. lie does not think it possible for them to have gone northwardly, their horses being extremely poor and the country being entirely destitute of grass. Lieutenant Mulkey is an old Judian guide, of Indian descent, born and raised in the Cherokee Kation, and is well acquainted with Indian character and habits. He believes the Indians to be chiefly Kickapoos, with some admixture of other tribes. From their general outfit and movements he does not believe they were unfriendly, and he informs me that he so told Captain Fosset, sug- gesting to hun that they ought to be communicated with before being attacked. Captain Fosset declined to communicate with them, saying that he recognized no friendly Indians on the Texas frontier. I met with many rumors before my arrival here that flags of trnce raised by the Indians had becn disregarded and their bearers shot down in cold blood. I have met no one who saw any flags of truce, but it is currently reported, as on good authority, that an Indian went out from the encamp- ment with two children to Captain Fosset where he and his command had taken some of the Indian horses and unai~med, with his hands raised, told Captain Fosset that they were friendly Indians, and that if he would see their principal chief all things would be made satisfac- tory. Fosset tol(l the Indian he recognized no friendly Indians in Texas. The Indian then told him he was his prisoner. Fossets reply was, We take no prisoners here, and thereupon ordered him shot, which was doi~e. He also, it is said, ordered the children shot, but the men interposed and they were taken as prisoners, though they subsequently made their escape in the retreat. This Indian who was shot by Fossets order is said to have been a Pottawatomie, and to have had a pass signed W. M. lioss, agent of the ~ authorizing the hearer to hunt until February 4, 1865. He showed his pass to Fosset before he was shot. In the partial investigation I have been able to make of the affair I have deemed it due to the public service to order a court of inquiry in regard to the conduct of the officers and men engaged in the battle. The court will meet at Lampasas Springs on the 15th of March next. It would be proper for me to state that although the general public opinion is, among those who were in the expedition and others acquainted with the facts, the Indians were friendly, or at least were on no hostile errand, yet, in connection with rumors which have some time been rife that Kansas jayhawkers, with Indian allies, were expected on this frontier this spring, it is supposed by some that these Indians may have been a l)ioneer or spy expedition preparatory to the spring operations. I am informed by Major Erath that Brig. Geii. H. B. McCulloch, commanding Confederate forces on the Northern Sub- District of Texas, as well as Brigadier-General Throckmorton, com manding First Frontier District, Texas State Troops, anticipates raids upon this frontier, as above indicated, from information in his posses- sion deemed reliable. My own opinion is, from the route these Indians were traveling, their having their families and apparently their entire property with them, that they were a muoving party, probably going to Mexico to escape the turmoil of the present war. They were outsid Page 29 CHAP. LX.] ACTION AT DOVE CREEK, TEX. 29 of our settlements and still diverging in their course from them. There were no evidences showing that any parties were being sent in the direction of the settlements, and indeed nothing about their move- ments to excite suspicion except the fact of their presence in the conntry unexplained. And I consider the attack upon them without a parley as extremely unfortunate, if not culpable. I shall keep scouts out to watch for their reappearance upon this line, and to ascertain, if possible, where they have gone. If they should be found, I shall endeavor to open communication with them, learn their true character, and if they are found to be friendly or disposed to be so, take the nec- essary steps in the premises. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. MCADOO, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Col. JOHN BURKE, Adjutant and Inspector General, Austin. BURNET, TEX., February 28, 1865. COLONEL: Since my communication of the 20th instant, in reference to the late battle with the Indians on Dove Creek, I have seen Captain Mullins, of Coleman County, who had been sent out with about 100 men from the Second Frontier District to ascertain, if possible, the course the Indians had taken and their whereabouts. He went as far as the head of the South Concho, but, the horses becoming entirely broken down and starved, he was forced to return without making any discov- eries. The winter has been so severe in that elevated mountain country that the grass is entirely destroyed. Captain Mullins believes, from a statement made to him by a man by the name of Tankersley, living on the Concho, some fifteen miles from the battle-field, that the Indians had returned to the northward. The trail, I am satisfied, however, had not been followed sufficiently far to indicate the direction they had taken; and I, in the absence of authentic information, should rely more upon the opinion of Lieutenant Mulkey, that they had gone in the direction of Mexico. On my arrival here this afternoon 1 received a letter from Maj. John Henry Brown, commanding Third Frontier I)istrict, dated Fredericksburg, February 21, in which he says young Hester, of Mason, who is vouched for as trustworthy, has arrived here from Eagle Pass. He states that he saw and conversed with those Concho Kickapoos in Piedras Negras. The Indians repeated their friendly intentions; said that when our men appeared they sent a woman with a child out with a white flag; that our men killed the woman and compelled them to fight; that their total loss was 11 killed and 7 wounded. The Indians expressed the opinion to Hester that the men who attacked them were lawless men, desirous of plunder, and not authorized by the Government, & c. They were buying some sup- plies, and said they were going fartherinto Mexico. Though I do not know young Hester, I am free to say that, from all the information I have been able to gather in reference to these Indians, I regard his story as very probably true. I think the Indians were originally going to Mexico, and that they actually did go there after the fight. What shall be done ~ These Indians ought to be communicated with. If they are what they represent themselves to be, would it not be well for a commissioner to be sent to Mexico to hunt them up and confer with them ~ Though these Indians may not believe the attack mad Page 30 30 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. upon them was authorized by Government, yet, if unexplained by Gov- ernment, and no effort is made to explain to them the position of the Government, it is greatly to be feared that they will return to avenge their losses in the attack. The Thte of this frontier may in a great measure depend upon an amicable treaty with them. I am now en route for my headquarters at Fredericksburg. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient sci vant J. I). MoADOG, Brig. Gen., Corndg. 2d and 3d Frontier Dists., Texas /tate Troops. Col. JOHN BURKE, Adjutant and Inspector General, Austin. JANUARY 911, 1865.Skirmishes in Texas County, Mo. Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown, U. ~. Army, eommanding District of Rolla. JIOLLA, Mo., January 16, 18654.40 p. m. I have the honor to report that Capt. William Monks, Sixteenth Mis- souri Cavalry, had several skirmishes with Yeates band of guerrillas in Texas County on the 9th, 10th, and 11th instant, in which he killed 9 and wounded 1. The wonuded guerrilla escaped. Captain Monks men must be good marksmen, as it is seldom so large a propor- tion of hits prove fatal. E. B. BROWN, Maj. ~. ~. BARNES, Brigadier.General, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- General. JANUARY 10, 1865.Skirmish near Glasgow, Mo. REPOI~TS. No. 1.Capt. Thomas B. Reed, Ninth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 2.Capt. Alexander Denny, Forty-sixth Infantry Enrolled Missouri Militia. No. 3.Lieut. Thomas Gannon, Ninth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Capt. Thomas B. Reed, Ninth Missouri & ate Militia Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, Glasgow, Mo., January 17, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to inclose official reports of Captain Denny and Lieutenant Gannon of their recent scout after Jackson and his band. The killing of Forte Campbell, near Fayette, the arrest of Mrs. Fanny Duff, her exposition and the arrest and rigid examination of other parties more or less in sympathy with Xackson and his band, in connection with a thorough scouring of the country by small squads in search of the wounded brigand, caused his hasty removal and a timely report of that removal. The killing of his escort and the excit- ing chase that ensued are fully shown by accompanying reports. Page 31 CHAP. LX.] SKIRMISH NEAR GLASGOW, MO. 31 would respectfully ask you to approve the distribution of the captured revolvers and money, made by Lieutenant Ganuon among those engaged in the chase after Robinson and Jackson. It may be reason- ably hoped the earth is forever rid of this monster and this recogni- tion of their services would seem to be an appropriate reward. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. B. REED, Capt., Comdg. Sub-Dist. Howard, Randolph, and Chariton Counties. Capt. G. A. HOLLOWAY, Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of North Missouri, Macon, Mo. No. 2. Report of Capt. Alexander Denny, Forty-sixth Infantry Enrolled Mis souri Militia. HEADQUARTERS, Roanoke, January 14, 18G5. I beg leave to submit to your honor the following report of a recent scout after the notorious Jackson and band, which resulted in the ~i1l- ing of Gray Brown and John Robinson, of said band, Jackson alone escaping to tell the tale, though hatless and bootless and badly wounded. At midnight on Monday night, the 9th instant, I received information that two of Jacksons men were seen at 9 p. m. same night, iii Chariton County, three miles north of Switzlers Mill. From the information received I had reason to believe they were making for Persia [Perche] or Boons Lick Hills. Determined to head them oft~ if possible, I gath- ered ten men and hastened to the junction of the plank and Keytesville roads. From this point I sent a dispatch to Captain Reed, Ninth Mis- souri State Militia, at Glasgow, instructing him to send out on the road leading to Hazes Bridge, on East Fork of Chaiiton, to act in concert with myself, after which I took the Keytesville road. In less than a mile from the plank road I caine upon Jackson and two of his men at the crossing of the creek near William Eddings, six miles east of Glas- gow. It being cloudy and in the timber, I got withiu thirty yards of the enemy before I discovered them. After hailing him several times without any response, I dismounted my men and opened a brisk fire, which drove the enemy from the creek, firing back as they retreated. Jacksons horse was killed from under him. A little farther on Gray Brown fell from his ho~se, mortally wounded. Jackson here mounted Browns horse, and he and Robinson made their escape into the woods and hills. I concluded to remain there until daylight and take the trail. Sent a second dispatch to Captain Reed informing him of what had taken place and my intentions. At daylight I was promptly joined by Lieutenant Gannon and some twenty men of Captain Reeds command, when the hounds took the trail, which was difficult to follow, in conse- quence of the scarcity of snow, especially after the trail struck the Fayette and Glasgow road. Consequently the men were scattered and divided into different squads, all eager for the chase. At 1 oclock Lieutenant Scarf, of my company, and Lieutenant Gannon, with some eight or ten men belonging to mine and Captain Reeds command, all of whom deserve great credit, came upon Jackson and Robinson at the house of one Johnson, some ten miles of Glasgow, in the Boons Lic Page 32 32 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. Hills. Pushed them so close that Jackson left his boots. Here a run- fling light kept up until they reached the brush, where Robinson was killed and his horse captured. Jacksou was hotly pursued until night set in, when Lieutenant Gannon sent a dispatch to Fayette, which was promptly responded to by Lieutenant Williams with a squad of men, who took the trail next morning at daylight, but with what success I have not learned. We captured from the enemy 2 horses, 2 saddles and rigging, 1 sleigh and harness, 1 fine gold watch, 7 revolvers, hats, blankets, and many other things of less value; also, $75 or $80 in greenbacks. I feel that much credit is due Captain Reed and Lieuten- ant Gannon and the men under his command for their prompt action; also, Lieutenant Scarf and the men of my commandin fact, all did their duty nobly, for which both officers and men have my sincere thanks. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALEXANDER DENNY, Capt. Company F, 46th Bnrolle~ Missouri Militia, Comdg. Post. No. 3. Report of Lient. Thomas Gannon, Ninth Missouri iS1tate Militia Cavalry. GLASGOW, Mo., January 12, 1865. SIn: I have the honor to report the result of a scout sent out by you from these headquarters at 5 a. in. on the 10th instant. I proceeded, as directed, to the house of William Eddings, about six miles north of this place, where I met Capt. A. Denny, Company F, Forty-sixth Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, with about ten men of his com- pany. He stated that he had a fight with bushwhackers, three or four in number; that he killed one of them, Gray Brown and that the bushwhackers had one wounded man with them, as they had a horse and sleigh, by which they hauled him, and that during the firing the man got out and the horse turned around and ran back in the direction from which lie came. At daylight I ordered Lieutenant Lehman, Com- pany H, Ninth Cavalry Missouri Militia, to proceed with fifteen men and get the horse and sleigh and any articles that might be therewith, and to send them to headquarters, Glasgow, Mo., and then to proceed in a northwesterly direction in pursuit of the bushwhackers. I pro- ceeded myself; with fifteen men of Company G, Ninth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, and Captain Denny and squad. We followed the track with difficulty for about a mile, when we lost it. I then divided the detach- ment into small squads and moved in an easterly direction. I came upon the track again leading into a road. I had then with me Lieuten- ant Scarf Forty-sixth Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, with three of his men, and four men of Company G, Ninth Cavalry Missouri State Militia. I hurried in a gallop and came in sight of the bush- whackers (two) at 12 m. They were running from a house. I gave chase and came upon them while one of them was throwing down the fence. I had then but one man (Lieutenant Scarf) with me. The others horses being nearly given out, could not keep up with us. We exchanged about eight shots. When five of my men came up I ordered a charge by them. The one dismounted (Robinson) could not recover hishorse,andranintothewoodsonfoot. Ipursuedthemaboutamil Page 33 CHAP. LX.] SKIRMISH NEAR LEXINGTON, MO. 33 through a brushy woods and came upon them while crossing a ravine. I shot one of them (Robinson) dead, and pursued the other (Jackson) until night, when 1 could not keel) his track. I camped and sent a dispatch to Fayette for a squad of men, which arrived about 11 p. in., Lieutenant Williams, Company A, Niiith Cavalry Missouri State Militia, in command. The following morning at daylight I started them on the track, myself and squad returning to this post. Jackson is severely wounded. I got a statement from two persons that the blood was running down his left leg and that he could not use his right foot in the stirrnp. He was barefooted and bareheaded. I found on the body of Robinson as follows: Belt and 6 revolvers, 4 portemon- naics, containing in all $72.25; 2 pocketknives, 1 pocket compass, 1 gold pen and silver holder, and the likenesses of two yonng ladies. I also got the hat and boots of Jackson, all of which effects I equally divided among the few enlisted men that were with me during the chase. Their names are as follows: Sergeant Rice, Privates Hayden and Shepherd, Company G, Ninth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, and two privates Company F, Forty-sixth Enrolled Missouri Militia. I am, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, THOS. GAiNNON, 1st Lieut. Company U, 9th Cay. Missouri State Militia, Comdg. Scout. Capt. THOMAS B. REED, Commanding Sub-District. JANUARY 11, 1865.Skirmish near Lexington, Mo. I~EPO RTS. No. 1Col. John F. Philips, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry, commanding District of Central Missouri. No. 2.Capt. William Meredith, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Col. John P. Philips, Seventh Missouri Shite Militia Cavalry, commanding District of Central Missouri. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, Warreusbury, January 12, 1865. A squad of bushwackers made their appearance near Lexington yesterday. Command at Lexington whipped them and drove them west. Another band is reported in river bottom below Waverly. I have my available cavalry already in these localities and they are hunting them diligently. Have ordered one more squadron to Lexing- ton, and shall make La Fayette and Saline too hot for those bands and those who feed and succor them. JNO. F. PHILIPS, Colonel, Commanding District. Major-General DODGE Commanding Depa~rtment of the Missouri, Saint Louis. 3 R RYOL XLVIII, PT Page 34 34 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. LCHAP. LX. No. 2. Report of Capt. William Meredith, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry. LEXINGTON, January 12, 18G5. Yesterday guerrillas made their appearance at Lawyer Greens, on south edge of town, fired into the honse, and left, going south on Greenton road. Lieutenant Williams, with fifteen men, went in pursuit. Came up with them five miles from town. Guerrillas charged on advance, but were repulsed. Fell back stubbornly, and would form and fight at every suitable place; run as soon as our boys would charge on them. A running fight was kept up for one mile. Our boys ran out of ammunition and returned to camp. The enemy were going in direction of Greenton. There were fifteen in the squad that we had the fight~ with. Another squad on the old Independence road. I hear of them iu small squads in different directions. Quantrill reported with 100 men in bottom below Waverly. No casualties on our side. WM. MEREDITH, Colonel PHILIPs, Captain, Commanding, die. Commanding. JANUARY 1113, 1865.Expeditions from Helena, Ark., to Harberts Plan tation, Miss. Reports of Capt. Eli Ramsey, Sixtieth U. S. Colored Troops. HDQRS. COMPANY C, SIXTIETH U. S. COLORED INFANTRY, January 14, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to orders received from the general commanding, on the 11th day of January, 1865, I embarked at S p. in., on the steamer Dove, with two commis- sioned officers and fifty men of Company C, Sixtieth U. S. Colored Infantry; also one lieutenant and twelve men of the Eighty-seventh Illinois Mounted Infantry, under my command; proceeded up the Mississippi River, landing on the Mississippi shore about fifteen miles above Helena, between MeKeals and Harberts plantations. We put ashore our infantry, the boat anchoring ofi with instructions to the lieutenant commanding mounted infantry to move up to Harberts in one hour. I marched the infantry around out into the country about four miles. Came up in the rear of Harberts place, surrounding it, to capture Willis Harbert, a deserter (colored). Hearing the dogs bark near where we passed at a plantation below he mounted his horse and left one-half hour before we came up. I then assembled the forces and proceeded to the river-bank, the boat having arrived in due time. We stationed our pickets and bivouacked on the bank for the night. In the meantime the mounted men came ashore and accompanied me to Mr. Owens~ residence, some six miles distant, in search of Government horses said to be in his possession. They were not at his house. Ordered him to ~ee that they were brought in the next day. Returned to the boat about 4 a. m. 12th January, 1865. The men suffered from cold considerably during the night, although they had fires. As soon as morning dawned I made a detail to go to the barns on the Harbert place to load and haul in corn, using an ox team and wagon on the place for that purpose. Hauled till about 1 p. in., and got in about 200 bushels of corn in the shuck. About 12.30 p. m. Mr. Owens came in Page 35 SCOUT FROM FORT WINGATE, N. MEX. CHAP. LX.J 35 in company with Mr. Bostick. The four United States Government horses I ordered came in soon after. Learned that one Stone had been in the neighborhoQd of Austin selling ammunition, but was not there now. Having accomplished all that was in my power to do in carrying out my instructions, I moved up above the wreck of the steamer Diligent and had some plank, the reniains of an old cotton boat, put on board. Then, re-embarking my troops, returned to Helena, arriving here about 3 p. m. 12th January, 1865. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ELI RAMSEY, Captain, AS~ixtieth U. ~. Colored Infantry, Commanding Expedition. Capt. T. C. MEATYARD, Assistant Adjutant- General, District of Eastern Arkansas. HDQRS. COMPANY C, SIXTIETH U. S. COLORED INFANTRY, Helena, Ark., January 14, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to orders received from the general commanding, I embarked with one commis- sioned officer and forty men of Company C, Sixtieth U. S. Colored Infantry, and one commissioned officer and twenty men of the Eighty- seventh Illinois Mounted Infantry, under my command, at 9 p. m. 12th January, 1865, on board steamer Dove; proceeded up the -Mis. sissippi River, landing on the Mississippi shore about two miles below Harberts plantation, landing the mounted infantry and dashed up to the Harbert place, surrounding it, to try and capture oiie Willis Harbert, colored deserter. Found him out in a corncrib, about one mile from the place, asleep, with a horse saddled outside, ready for him to escape if in danger of capture. Returning to the landing at Har- berts, the boat had arrived. Stationed my pickets, the troops remaining on board during the night. At daylight the infantry were ordered on shore, and two army wagons and teams which I took up, and they commenced hauling in the corn on the place. During the day two white families and one colored, refugees, desiring to come within the lines of the Union army, came aboard; all of their effects were brought in and the cotton they had raised during the season. About 500 bush- els of corn were got in during the day, of which 200 bushels belonged to a Mr. Bond, one of the refugees brought down. I believe him to be a loyal man. We re-embarked our troops at nightfall and returned to Helena. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ELI RAMSEY, Captain, Sixtieth U. S. Colored Infantry, Commanding Expedition. Capt. T. C. MEATYARD, Assistant Adjutant- General, District of Eastern Arkansas. JANUARY 1121, 1865.Scout from Fort Wingate to Sierra del Datil and vicinity, N. Mex. Report of Capt. Nicholas Hodt, First New Mexico Cavalry. FORT WINO-ATE, K. MEX., January 22, 1865. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report for the information of the major commanding post, that in compliance with Special Orders, No Page 36 36 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. 7, dated headquarters Fort Wingate, N. Mex., January 10, 1865, I left this post on the 11th of the same mouth with Second Lieut. George C. Strong, First Cavalry New Mexico Volunteers, four non-commissioned officers, thirty-six privates, and a citizen guide, and proceeded in the direction of the Rito Quemado, Rio del Mangos, and Sierra del IDatil, for the purpose of ascertaining, if po~sible, whether any parties of Indians had passed those places toward the Rio Grande del Norte. On the fourth day out I camped within six or seven miles of Rito Quemado, and at 2 oclock in the morning of the next day semit a party forward to see if there was any signs of Indians at that place. At daylight I followed on with the remainder of the command, and arrived at Rito Quemado about 8 a. m. The party in advance had come onto the tracks of four horses at this place, which looked to be about six days old, and going in an easterly direction toward the Sierra del IDatil. I did not follow this trail, as I wished to go to the Rio del Mangos, which lay farther south. Camped in a cailon for the night, about four miles from Rito Quemado. Next day went to Rio del Mangos. At this place there was no indication whatever of any one having lately passed. Next morning started for Sierra del Datil, traveling in a northeast direction. At about 3 p. m. came upon the trail of four horses going in the direction of Rito Quemado. This trail was fresh, not looking to be over one day old, and probably the same party (on their return), whose trail I had crossed two days before at Rito Quemado. For fear they might be spies sent forward, and that a larger party might be coming, I determined to take their trail and fol- low it back, which I did, traveling most of the night. The next morn- ing I came to where they had been encamped. Here I became satisfied that this was the only party, or if there were more they had no stock, for in several places I found rat-holes, which they had dug into and where their fire had been, indicated that they were living upon that animal. which would not be the case if they were returning with stock. I thou~ht it would be useless to follow this trail any farther, and would return to the post. Taking a northeast course, I crossed the Sierra del Datil, passing La Cebolletta and arrived at the post on the 21st instant, having been absent eleven days and traveled, as near as I can calculate, 181 miles. I am satisfied that no parties of Indians, except those mentioned before, have passed either way. I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant, NICHOLAS HODT, Captain, First Cavalry New Mexico Volunteers. Lieut. J. G. DRENNAN, First Cavalry New Mexico Volunteers and Post Adjutant. [Indorsement.] FEBRUARY 3, 1865. Respectfully forwarded for the information of the department com- mander. It appears that no large party of Navajoes went to the river between Rito Quemado or Rio del Mangos and this post. If any did go they imist have passed south of Sierra del Mangos. E. W. EATON, Major, First Cavalry New Mexico Volunteers, Commanding Post Page 37 CHAP. LX.] AFFAIR NEAR SUGAR LOAF PRAIRIE, ARK. 37 JANUARY 12, 1865.Affair near Sugar Loaf Prairie, Ark. I~EPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. John B. Sanborn, U. S. Army, commanding District of Southwest Missouri. No. 2.Capt. William L. Fenex, Seventy-thir4 Infantry Enrolled Missouri Militia. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. John B. Sanborn, U. S. Army, Commanding Dis trict of Southwest Missouri. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, Mo., January 16, 186510.30 a. m. Captain Fenex, with a detachment of Enrolled Missouri Militia from Forsyth, captured Alfred Cooks entire band, fourteen in all, near Sugar Loaf Prairie, in Arkansas, on the 12th instant. All were driven into a cave and there smoked out. Cook and his two lieutenants were killed in the affair. These three have been most brutal and bloody men. JOHN B. SANBOIRN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Major-General DODGE, Commanding Department of the Missouri. No. 2. Report of Capt. William Ii. Fenex, Seventy-third Infantry Enrolled Missouri Militia. SPRINGFIELD, Mo., January 17, 1865. I would respectfully report to you that on the 8th instant I started a scout of twenty-five men, nnder the command of Lieutenant Kissel, to look after old Snavles [Schuables] whereabouts and, if possible, to capture or exterminate Alfred Cook and his band, that had so long been a terror to the loyal people of Taney, Christian, and Stone Coun- ties. After reaching the Sugar Loaf Mountains, about thirty miles south of Forsyth, Lieutenant Kissel there learmied, through strategy, that Cook, with his baud, was in a cave some two miles from his house, when he immediately determined to press Cooks son, a small boy, to pilot him to the cave, which he did, and found Cook and thirteen others with him. After surrounding the cave he demanded an unconditional surrender of all in the cave, which was refused. He then gave them four hours to consult, with the promise that all that surrendered in that time should be carried to Springfield and there be turned over to the proper authorities to be dealt with according to law, He made this proposition as the last hope of salvation for them. At the expira- tion of the time allowed nine of the party surrendered, leaving in the cave some five others [with] Alfred Cook, their leader, which explains the reason that Cook and Ed. Brown were not brought to Springfield. The lieutenant and his brave boys continued the siege until the next morning, when Cook and his party succeeded in getting their Southern rights. All praise to the lieutenant and his brave boys. Respectfully, yours, WM. L. FENEX, Captain Company M, Seventy-third Enrolled Missouri Militia. Brigadier-General SANBORN Page 38 38 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. JANUARY 1216, 1866.Expedition from Morganza, La., with skirmishes. R~ort of Col. Morgan H. Chrysler, Second New York Veterait Cavalry. llnQus. SECOND VETERAN CAY. NEW YORK VOLS., Morganza, La., January 17, 1865. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with instructions from headquarters U. S. Forces, my command, consisting of a detachment of my regiment, left camp on the morning of the 12th instant in four detachments. The first down Bayou Fordoche, under Lient. (Jol. A. L. Gurney; the second on Lower River and False River roads, under Major Fassett; the third on Poydras College road, under Major Cameron, and the fourth on Poydras road, commanded by myself. The second, third, and fourth concentrated at Poydras Col- lege same day, and were joined by first detachment at junction of Bayous Grossetete and Maringonin at ip. m. 14th instant, when I again divided the command into three detachments, one of them flanking Bayou Maringouin to the right one mile and a half, coming up in the rear of Barrows plantation; the other two detachments on each bank of Bayou Grossetete to Rosedale and below, I holding the point at Governor Johnsons plantation, the junction of Bayous Grosse- tete and Maringonin. 1 found the roads upon all bayous in good order, but bridges all swept away by high water and the swamps all fall. No force can now cross at Atchafalaya at any point between Red River and Plaquemine to come to the Mississippi River on account of the water. There is no heavy force on the opposite bank of the Atchaf- alaya, but detachments and squads of men stationed at every impor- tant point up to Alexandria. I found no accumulations of corn except that raised upon plantations. The different detachments of my com- mand encountered the pickets of the enemy at New Roads, on False River; at Morgans Ferry road, on Fordoche; at Livonia, on For- doche; and at Erwins and Rosedale, on Grossetete. The force on False River and vicinity, commanded, respectively, by Major Pryne, Cap- tain Miller, and Lieutenant Williams, is an irregular force, living upon the people, mounted on fleet horses, who mn away at the first approach of danger. They are the men who in the night steal up and fire upon our advanced posts. Of this force 1 was killed and 2 wounded. This Major Pryne is endeavoring to raise a battalion, and pretends to have orders to commence conscripting on the 22d instant, He has now about fifty men. The force upon the Fordoche scout ~between that, new Texas, and old river roads, commanded by Lieutenant Collins, and consists of about twenty men. The force upon the Maringonin, State, and Lyons Ferry roads, commanded by Cap- tain Ratlift consists of one company of Second Louisiana Cavalry, and numbers about sixty men. This is the legitimate courier-line between the Mississippi River and the Atchafalaya, and a very icli- able one. The Rosedale force, commanded by Lieutenant Stilwell, about fifteen men, who figure rbetween] West Baton Rouge and the Grossetete, are mostly engaged in contraband trade. Their reserve is the canebrake. I left camp on the 12th instant and returned on the evening of the 15th, during which time the command marched about 100 miles. The result of the expedition is 9 prisoners of war, horses and equipments, 1 prisoner paroled on account of being sick, 21 horses, 67 mules, 1 new ambulance and harness, a large quantity of water- proof percussion caps, powder, and a rebel mail.. Casualties none. Scarcely any property was taken except that found~ in the woods. A Page 39 CniP. LX.] ScOuT~ ~[O TEXAS P1IAIRIF~, MO. an incident I would mention that I ran upon Mr. MeCullum and McFarland, who reside at the first plantation below our pickets on the river road, near the junction of the State and Fordoche roads, in company with twd Confederate soldiers. They were all armed, and Were endeavoring to force a colored man down to the Atchafa1aya~ where they were going to sell him to be taken to Texas~ floth th~ soldiers were captured, but the citizens escaped to the woods. Oft the night of the 14th some of Prynes men attempted a little strategy in order to surprise and capture two men on outpost. They placed a white sheet over a horse, and then led him along up to the pickets, one man on each sicje. The disguised horse not looking so much like a cow as they imagined it would, the picket fired upon them, killing one instantly. The other escaped. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JIAeut. ~. A. Colonel, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. JANUARY 1215, 1865.Scout from. Camp Grover to Texas Prairie, ~o. Report of Capt. Milton- Burns, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry. llm~ns. CoMPANY 1, FIRST MISSOURI STATE MILITIA CAY., Camp Grover, January 16, 1865. Sin: By your direction I left Camp Grover at 2 a. m. on the 12th instant, with ninety-two men of the First and Seventh Missouri State Militia and Lieutenants Berry and Phillips, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry, and one wagon and team, with ammunition for Captain Meredith, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry. I arrived at Lexington at 11 oclock same day, fed and rested there until 2 oclock same day, then started in direction of Greenton, and after traveling three miles in that direction I divided my command and sent one-half the force, under Lieutenant Berry, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry, in the direc- tion of Wellington, with orders to scout the brush thoroughly as far west as Wellington, and report to me at Greenton the following evening. I with the other portion of the command scouted the brush northwest and south of Greenton thoroughly. I came upon two guerrillas near the guerrilla Riders house. They made their escape by taking to the brush. Met two others iii the road near Tuckers Mill. They made their escape similarly. The morning of the 14th I divided my com- mand into four detachments and scoured the brush thoroughly from Greenton to Texas Prairie and to Chapel Hill. Saw three guerrillas near the Snibar Post-Office. Struck the trail of eight guerrillas and followed them into the brush south of Texas Prairie to a house where Cliftons and Watsons wives live. There they scattered and took to the brush in the Sni Hills. Found two horses at said house, one U. S. horse and one mare.. Mare supposed to be contraband. Brought them into camp with me on the 15th. On this day turned them over to the proper authorities. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, MILTON BUlIRIS, Captain Company I, First Cavalry Missouri State Militia. Col. JAMES MOFERRAN, Commanding First Missouri State Militia Cavalry Page 40 40 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. JANUARY 1217, 1865.Scout from Warrensburg to Miami, Mo. Report of Capt~ George ii. Ham bun, Seventh Mis8ouri State Militia Cavalry. IIDQRS. COMPANY 1, SEVENTH CAY. Mo. STATE MILITIA, Camp Grover, near llTarrensburg, ]lJio., January 17, 1865. #JOLONEL: I have the honor to report to you that, in obedience to orders received from you the 12th instant, I marched in abont ten miles south oe Dover, Mo., and there camped for the night. On the morning of the 13th I broke camp early and traveled in the direction of Dover. Came within five miles of the above-named town, hearing of no bush- whackers. I then marched in the direction of Waverly, Mo., scouring the country thoroughly as I marched, leaving Waverly about one mile to my left, hearing of n~ disturbance as I marched. I then marched to Grand Pass Church and camped five miles east of said church. On the morning of the 14th instant I resumed my march down the Mis- souri River, scouring the large bend of the river completely, finding everything quiet on down to Miami, where I learned several robberies had been committed by one Captain Burnsides and gang of outlaws in disguise at night. I left Miami just before nightfall and marched two miles camped for the night. On the morning of the 15th I again moved out early in the direction of Waverly, on the bluffs, scouring the country as we marched, until within about four miles of Waverly, where I camped for the night. On the morning of 16th I went into Waverly and searched completely the town for bushwhakers, but found none. I then moved out in the directien of the German Settle- ment, leaving said settlement about five miles to my left. Camped on Davis Creek. On the 17th instant I marched direct for Warrensburg, Mo. In all my travels I saw no bushwhackers, nor heard of any. Colonel, I am, very respectfully, yours, & c., GEO. T. HAMBLIN, Captain Company I, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry. [Col. JOHN F. PHILIPS, Commanding District of Central Missouri:] JANUARY 1429, 1865.Operations on the Overland Stage Road between Julesburg and Denver, Cob. Ter., and skirmishes with Indians at Godfreys Ranch (14th), at Morrisons or American Ranch, at Wisconsin Ranch, and near Valley Station (15th), at Gittrells Ranch (25th), at Moores Ranch (26th), at Lillian Springs Ranch (27th), and near Valley Station (28th). TUCPORTS. No. 1.Col. Robert R. Livingston, First Nebraska Cavalry. No. 2.Lieut. Judson J. Kennedy, First Colorado Cavalry. No. 3.Lieut Albert Walter, Second Colorado Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Col. Robert R. Livingston, First Nebraska Cavalry. FORT RANKIN, February 5, 1865.. I have the honor to report the following Indian atrocities on road to Denver since January 14, 1865, as nearly as I can learn~ them Page 41 CHAP. LX.] OPERATIONS ON THE OVERLAND STAGE ROAD. 41 together with casualties on either side: Beaver Creek stage station, eighty-two miles west, burned about the 14th. At Uodfreys ranch, seventy miles west, four men fought large force about the 14th, and succeeded in driving them off. At Morrisons, or the American Ranch, sixty-eight miles west, Indians attacked, captured, and burned the ranch about the 14th [15th]. A passing train found three Indians aud seven white bodies iii the ruins partly burned. Mr. Morrison, his wife, and child are missing. At Wisconsin Ranch, fifty-six miles west, a few ranchmen fought large force on the 15th and retreated to Valley Sta- tion, killing three Indians, after which ranch was burned. Near Valley Station, fifty-three miles west, on 26th [28th], Indians burned Govern- ment hayiQO tons. Twenty soldiers went out to drive them off; were surrounded and forced to retreat. In conflict 13 Indians were killed. No soldiers hurt; 3 Government horses wounded. At Charles Moores, or Washington Ranch, fifty miles west, several men fought large force of Indians on 26th, but succeeded in driving them off. At Lillian Springs Ranch, thirty-three miles west, three men fought 500 men on 27th, kill- ing 3 Indians; men escaped, after which ranch was burned. Antelope stage station, fifteen miles, Buffalo Springs Ranch, eightee~i miles, ilar- lows ranch, twenty-two miles, and Spring Hill stage station, twenty- seven miles west of here, were burned on the 28th. At Gittrells ranch, eight miles west, fifteen ranchmen fought 500 on the 25th, killing seven and wounding several others. Ranchmen escaped to this post in evening, after which Indians burned the ranch and captured a train of twenty-two wagons loaded with Government stores and private freight. Bnlers ranch, two miles east, and Julesburg stage station, one mile east, burned on 28th. Just after the battle near Valley Station a train of eleven wagons and two coaches, with thirty passengers, mails, & c., left Lillian Springs, going west. Indians came down road in large force shortly after and attacked the ranch. Neither coaches nor train has been heard from sincetelegraphic communication being interrupted. All cattle between Julesburg and Wisconsin Ranch 1 5 driven off between the 24th and 29th. , , 00 head, were Respectfully, R. R. LIVINGSTON Colonel, Commanding. Capt. JOHN PRATT, Assistant Adjutant- Ceneral. No. 2. Reports of Lieut. Jrdson J. Kennedy, First Colorado Cavalry. VALLEY STATION, January 16, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival, with my command, at this station Sunday noon, without anything requiring immediate record on the route. I had oxily just unsaddled when the scene changed, and I discovered my rear guard and some citizens trains being attacked by a considerable body of Indians, and also the American and Wiscomisin Ranches all ablaze (distances respectively nineteen and five miles). The station and outbuildings being merely shells and unprotected, I ordered them fortified by some Government corn and adobes that were near by, and took twelve men in pursuit of the Indians and to save the family at the Wisconsin Ranch, if possible, and succeeded in getting them to camp that evening. The attack, as near as I can learn, wa Page 42 42 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISsI$~IppI. [CHAP. LX made by from 300 to 400 Indians, covering a scope of about twenty miles on the river. There were 8 whites, including Mrs. Morrison and two children killed and 15 Indians. All of the inmates of the American Ranch were killed, and 1 man killed and 1 wounded on the north side of the river. The Indians seem very bold, and some 200 of them camped on the river last night. Their signal fires could be seen in all directions. I sent ten men down the Platte last evening, but have sent for them this morning. Several of my men are sick this morning. The indica- tions are that they have the measles. The wounded men twelve niiles below are not able to be moved and need a surgeon very much, as also one that I have here in camp. I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant, J. J. KENNEDY, Second Lient., Pir8t Colorado Cavalry, Commanding Company C. ACTC~ ASST. ADJT. GuN., DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Denver, Cob. Ter. VALLEY STATION, January 17, 1865. SIR: My rear guard was attacked, about one mile from Valley Sta- tion, on Sunday noon, the 15th instant, just as my command was going into camp, by the Indians. An attack was made on the Wisconsin and American Ranches about the same time. Destroyed stock and killed the inmates of the American Ranch. I went out with part of my com- mand to protect the family at the Wisconsiu Ranch, and succeeded, after dark, iu getting them to camp. The Indians camped on the river Sunday night, killing all the cattle they could find. Monday morning about 300 of them drove ten men, that were sent to save some property, up the river. I went out with twenty-five men soon after, but they had all left the river. Their camp-fires could be seemi in the vicinity of Buf- falo Springs, about ten miles distant, last night. The wounded men twelve miles below are not able to be moved and need surgical atten- tion very mnch. Several of my men are sick with the measles. J. J. KENNEDY. ACTING ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Denver. VALLEY STATION, January ~9, 18659 p. m. Six hundred and fifty head of cattle driven off and all Government hay burned yesterday by Indians. I sent out eighteen men, who fol- lowed them fifteen miles, and had a fight with a large party for three hours. Killed 10 Indians and 7 ponies; I had 3 horses wounded. I started in pursuit with twenty of my men and twenty of Lieutenant Walters men last evening and caine upon their camp, about 300 strong, at daylight this morning, which we attacked and routed with a loss of 20 Indians killed and several ponies. Succeeded in recapturing~ some 400 head of cattle. Three of Lieutenant Walters men slightly wounded. Some 200 of the red devils followed us twenty miles back. The impressiomi is that all the ranches and stations between here and Julesburg will be destroyed, and all communication cut off, nnless there are more troops sent on the road. Indians seen on all sides and large fires below, supposed to be ranches and stations. Lieutenant Walter leaves with his company in the morning. J. J. KENNEDY Lieutenant, Commanding. Colonel MOONLIGHT Page 43 Cn~r. LX.] OPERATIONS ON THE OVERLAND STAGE ROAD. 43 No. 3. Report of Lient. Albert Walter, Second Colorado Cavalry.* JUNCTION, CoLo. TEn., February 1, 1865. Sin: I have the honor of addressing the colonel commanding dis- trict a report of my march from Denver to Julesburg and from there back to the Junction: The detachment started from Denver the 14th of January, in com- pliance with Special Orders, No. 8, extract 7, headquarters Denver, Cob. Ter., January 9, 1865, having an advance guard, rear guard, and flankers in proportion to the strength of my command. The 18th of January, in the forenoon, about eight miles south of the Junction, my scouts discovered a party of ten Indians. My scouts gave them chase, but the Indians ran away with great speed. On the morning of the 19th, at Morrisons ranch, four miles of the Junction, between 2 and 3 oclock, my pickets fired at the approaching Indians. In less than three minutes my command had their horses saddled, bridled, and com- pletely under arms, formed a line of skirmishers (as the moon was rising) in front of the camp, advancing carefully in search of the Indians, having my reserve at the proper distance, but the Indians dis- appeared as fast as they came. The following night we camped near Godfreys ranch, thirty-three miles east of the Junction. The same game was repeated by the Indians, but the same result. After that I was not molested by them at night. I arrived safe with the train the 22d day of January at Julesburg. The 23d I received a telegram dated January 21, 1865, from headquarters, Denver, Cob. Ter., to escort an ox traiu to Living Spring. I left Julesburg the 24th of January to comply with said telegram, and proceeded to Gilletts ranch, nine miles west of Julesburg, where I found the owner of the train. ~Iis cattle were captured two days before by the Indians. Immediately after my arrival I sent a party after them with one gui(le, with orders to return before dark in camp and not to stray away from each other. Five returned with the guide, bringing twenty-two head of stock with them; three of my men were missing. Early in the morning of the following day I sent out another party, with two guides, in search of the three missing. After a careful search during that day returned without them. The names of the missing men are Peter Brine, Frank. Thomp- son, and Ed. Kelso. The owner of the train could not start from there. The 26th of January 1 marched to Silver Springs. During that day the Indians were in sight on both sides of the river and in my rear, keeping a respectful distance. The 27th I reached Valley Sta- tion. The following day I left Valley Station. After twelve miles marching I was overtaken by an expressman of Lieutenant Kennedy~s, command, with the news that he was fighting with 200 Indians and wanted assistance. I turned my command about and in one hour and forty minutes I arrived at Valley Station, finding that the fight had ceased, the Indians having taken 500 to 600 head of cattle with them. I detailed twenty of my men and Lieutenant Kennedy with the same number of his command. Started at 3 p. m. in pursuit of the Indians in direct northerly direction. At 10 oclock at night we came in sight of some stock. We concluded to remain at that place during the night. At daybreak we continued our march. At sunrise we discovered the Indians moving out of their camp, over 100 in number. The Indians * Lieutenant Walter belonged to the First Colorado Cavalry, but was probably in command of a detachment of the Second Page 44 44 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. (CHAP. LX. having noticed our approach, after a few minutes interval the fight commenced. The skirmish was kept up two hours, my command kill- ing 9 Indians, and the Indians injured 3 of my men slightly. None of my horses killed or wounded. I recaptured with my command 200 head of cattle. The men strictly obeyed my orders and commands during the fight. The most of the fighting was done on foot. After I reached the level ground the Indians retired back to their bluffs, looking very dis- tressfully after us. We arrived at Valley Station in the evening of the 29th. The 3Oth I started for Godfreys ranch, twenty miles from Val- ley Station. The Indians were more numerous in sight that day than ever before, moving up the river. Arriving at Godfreys ranch, I noticed that evening the smoke of the ranches set on fire beyond Val- ley Station, and between Valley Station and Godfreys ranch. The 31st of January I marched for the Junction, escorting three families in my wagons, including Godfreys, to this place. The Indians during that day followed my command close in my rear, and scattered, ten miles from the Junction, into the bluffs. At 4p. m. I arrived at the Junction; my horses are in very bad condition; I find it necessary to inform the colonel commanding district, [and] to state the following facts: Recruit Matheson I was obliged to leave at the hospital in Julesburg for being entirely unfit for the service. He expressed himself as not having been inspected by the military surgeon in Denver. J. F. Wisely, post sur- geon at Julesburg, declares that said Recruit Matheson was not fit for service before he enlisted. The horseshoes of the horses under my command are different weight and sizes on single horses. In conse- quence half of the horses are lame. The percussion caps of the Starr carbines are most worthless; but one out of four will explode. The detachment stationed at the Junction before I relieved them, accord- ing to the statement of Citizen Ashcraft, had no guard out during two nights in succession. Upon my arrival at this place the detachment did not act soldier-like. I am scouting the country. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servaiit, ALBERT WALTER, A~eeond Lient., & eond Cavalry of Colorado, Comdg. Detachment. Col. T. MOONLIOHT, Commanding District. JANUARY 1617, l865.Expedition from New Orleans to Mandeville, La. Report of Capt. Abner Powell, Eleventh Wisconsin Infantry. OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL, Algiers, January 18, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report in detail of the late expedition to Mandeville, La., being furnished with the necessary orders and instructions from Major-General llurlbut: Embarked on board the schooner Cazador at New Basin, New Orleans, with 2 sergeants, 1 corporal, and 11 privates selected for the expedition from the Fifty-sixth Ohio Veteran Volunteers, and 2 privates from Com- pany F, First New Orleans Volunteers, 3 special officers, 2 boatmen, and 1 citizen of Algiers as a guide, numbering in all 21 men who took part in the expedition. Sailed from New Basin on the afternoon of Sunday, January 15. Arrived at north shore of Lake Pontchartrain during the same night, but owing to unfavorable weather, and not bein Page 45 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION TO MANDEVILLE, LA. 45 acquainted with the coast, were unable to land. During the whole of Monday, January 16, we beat about the north shore of the lake, over- hauled the schooner. James Stockton at Pass Manchac, examined her papers and found them correct. In the evening passed near the town of Mandeville, headed direct for New Orleans. Sailed in this direc- tion until some time after nightfall, when tacked about and ran up to wharf at Mandeville, dropping anchor about 1 oclock at night. But one man was visible on the wharf, whom we easily decoyed on board, and by threats induced to consent to pilot us to the office of Lieutenant Robinson. Leaving a small guard in charge of the schooner, I pro- ceeded with the remainder of my force to Lieutenant Robinsons quar- ters. First stationing my men so as to command every place of egress from the house, 1 opened the front door, and in company with special officers walked in, and striking a light, discovered Lieut. Winslow Rob- inson, commandant of the Lake Shore District; Capt. W. E. Ligon, assistant commissary of subsistence of General lodges staff; Bvt. Second Lieut. G. W. White, First Louisiana Cavalry, C. S. Army, and Judge Bethune, of Georgia, all of whom surrendered at once, and I proceeded to take possession of all contraband articles about the prem- ises, consisting of one large telescope glass and a quantity of letters, papers, and books appertaining to Lieutenant Robinson as commander of Lake Shore District. The object of the expedition being accom- plished, I returned with the prisoners and property on board the schooner, having been absent from the wharf not to exceed thirty min- utes. Immediately set sail for iNew Orleans, bringing with us the mulatto man whom we had used as a guide, and leaving the town wrapt in as profound quietude as we had entered it, not seeing an individual save those brought away. Arrived at New Orleans about 6 oclock on Tuesday morning, January 17; turned over the prisoners to Lieutenant- Colonel Wood, provost-marshal-general military division, and the papers and property to Major-General llurlbnt. Every man engaged in the expedition performed his duty so well that to particularize would be impracticable. Owing to the small capacity of the vessel, the men were necessarily crowded into very small space, and cramped, uncomfort- able positions, and during the time we were sailing near the coast on the 16th, to prevent discovery, all the soldiers had to remain below deck in the most painful situations, yet no murmur or word of discon- tent was uttered by a man on board. Each individual man deserves much credit for the manner and promptness in which his duty was performed. I have the honor to be, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. POWELL, Cart., 11th Wisconsin Vet. Vol. lufty., and Provost-Marshal. Maj. D. J. BENNER, Chief of Staff, Department of the Gulf. ADDENDA. IIDQRS. MILITARY DIvIsION OF WEST Mississippi, New Orleans, La., January 22, 1865. Capt. A. POWELL, Eleventh Wis. Vet. Vol. lufty., Provost-Marshal, Algiers, La.: (Through headquarters Department of the Gulf.) CAPTAIN: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to acknowledge the receipt, through headquarters Department of the Gulf, of the report of the expedition which left this city for the tow Page 46 46 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. of Mandeville, on Lake Ponchartrain on , er your command, and which resulted , the 15th instant und the capture of three noted rebel officers and Judge Bethune, of Georgia. The admirable skill, courage, and promptness which marked this gallant little affair merits the highest commendatioii, and I am charged with the pleasant duty of conveying the approbation and thanks of the commanding general to yourself, as well as to the little band who accompanied you, and who, by their good conduct and patient endurance, aided materially in secur- ing the successful results of the expedition. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. T. CHRISTENSEN, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- 6~eneral. JANUARY 1518, 1865.Expeditions from Pine Bluff, Ark. Report of Lient. Charles H. Temple, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry. IIDQRs. COMPANY M, THIRTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Pine Bluff, Ark., January 19, 1865. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that on Sunday, the 15th instant, in compliance with your orders and instructions, with thirty men under my charge. I made a march on the Little Rock road, as an escort to the telegraph repairer, for the purpose of repairing the lines which had been cut. Advanced about twelve miles, where we found the wires down, a considerable portion of which we succeeded in repairing, when one of the climbers of the repairer broke, and being unable to accomplish any further repairs, I undertook to track out the depredators. Moved south five miles until we came to the house of Mr. Rodgers, where I found him and a Doctor Norris (formerly a sur- geon in the Confederate Army); also a considerable portion of tele- graph wire, about the quantity missing at the point where the wire was cut on the road, together with a Harpers Ferry musket and a quantity of ammunition, after Mr. Rodgers having denied there being any arms upon the premises. I took these two persons (Mr. Rodgers and Doctor Norris) in custody and returned to this post by way of Mr. Woods, one mile east of Mr. Rodgers place, where I learned that the wire had been cut by two men named Benjamin Riggs and John Jones. Monday, January 16, being again detailed for the same as the previous day, I left this post with thirty men at 8.15 a. m. and marched to the point where the telegraph wires were ent, which were then repaired by Mr. Lawler, the telegraph operator; after which, in accordance with instructions, I advanced in a southerly direction to the house of Mr. Woods, whom I took prisoner. From this point I changed my line of march in a westerly direction until I reached the Hot Springs road, which I followed westward for two miles, and then took a southerly direction one mile to the house of Doctor Ursury. Was informed by the gentlemans wife that he had gone on a visit to some neighbors, which report I doubted, and then moved forward a quarter of a mile, when I countermarched back to the house of Doctor Ursury, and this time found it deserted. Shortly afterward my attention was attracted to a woman running in the direction of the house, and from the direc- tion she came from I discovered a body of about twenty-five men deploying into line. I immediately ordered my men forward and gav Page 47 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM FORT LARNED, KANS. 47 the command ~charge,~~ but before 1 got within carbine range the enemy broke in confusion, leaving some horses and equipments; but, my men failing to keep up with me and the enemy scattering in so many direc- tions, I found it impossible to overtake them, and so abandoned the chase. From what I could learn this force consisted of fragments of Webbs, Kidds, and Wilsons commands. I was informed by one of my men, who saw and knew him, that Doctor Ursury was among the number; his wife also cried out to us not to kill him. I then traveled a settlement road, nearly due south, to Mr. (leans, about five miles, where we encamped for the night, nothing further of note occurring this day. Tuesday, January 17, moved westward to Mr.Rodens place, where we came to the Little Rock and Warren road, which we traveled four miles to Mr. Cleggs, whom I took prisoner. After moving on this road two miles farther we traveled a settlement road running south, and marched about twenty miles to White Oak Bluff on Saline River. Moved five miles below, south, on this road to Mr. Hamiltons, where we encamped for the night. Here I learned that Mr. Ingrahain and Mr. Roden had been run away by graybacks. Nothing further occurred this day. Wednesday, January 18, moved north from Ham- iltons three miles, where we struck the Camden road, on which we moved east seven miles to Hudsons, where we found five guns secreted; this after the occupant of the house, Mrs. Hudson, denying there being any arms upon the premises. Two of the guns were found at the cot- ton gin of Mrs. Hudson, where I found a Mr. Alexander engaged in ginning cotton. There was enough cotton there to make some fifteen bales. Eleven bales were already packed. I took Mr. Alexander in custody, and then returned to Pine Bluff; arriving here at4p. m. with. out any accident having happened to my command. I am, lieutenant, your obedient servant, CHARLES H. TEMPLE, Second Lieutenant Company Mi, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry. First Lieut. S. MONTE CAMBERN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. 3ANUARY 1521, 1865.Scout from Fort Lamed to Pawnee Fork, Wal- nut Creek, and Smoky Hill River, Kans. Report of Sergt. David C. Nettleton, Second Colorado Cavalry, com- manding scout. FORT LARNED, January 22, 1865. SIR: The following journal of a scout sent by your orders to ascer- tain whether any Indians were camped on Pawnee Fork, Walnut Creek, or the Smoky Hill, to the west and northwest of this place, is respect- fully submitted. January 15, scout, consisting of thirteen men, started at 7.30 a. in.; traveled up Pawnee Forkcreek forks twenty-five miles west of Fort Lamed; traveled two miles up the North Fork and camped; timber plenty on both forks for camping purposes; buffalo plenty; traveled twenty-seven miles. January 16, traveled up the North Branch of Pawnee Fork till noon; left it at the last large clump of timber amid came to Walnut Creek in sixteen miles, northwest; creek forks three miles above camp; timber plenty; traveled twenty-seven miles Jan Page 48 48 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. uary 17, traveled up the North Fork of Walnut Creek; turned to the right p. m. and camped on a small creek running into the Smoky Hill; buffalo suddenly disappeared to-d~aya pretty strong sign that we are in the vicinity of Indians; traveled thirty-five miles. January 18, traveled northeast down the creek and came to the Smoky Hill in ten miles; river dry in places; passed a high cedar bluff on the south side of the river eight miles below, the only camping place for Indians in this vicinity. Colonel Sumners old trail crosses the river just below the cedar bluff; camped on the river ten miles below the bluff; no tim- ber to-day except at the cedar bluffs and a few scattering trees on small creeks; traveled twenty-eight miles. January 19, traveled down on north side of the river; came to level country p. in.; camped on a small creek called by the Indians Bluff Creek; plenty of timber on the creek; a great deal of camping has been done here by the Indians; three lodges, made of hay and brush, near the mouth of the creek were probably occupied by a war party of Indians twenty or thirty strong, about a month ago; traveled thirty-five miles. January 20, traveled down the river on the south side nine niiles, and finding that we could not well reach Fort Ellsworth ,we turned due south and reached Walnut Creek in eighteen miles; traveled twenty-seven miles. January 21, traveled south and got to Fort Lamed iii about twenty-eight miles. There had been a party of Indians on the head of Walnut Creek about sixweeks ago, probably a small war party. The Indians who were camped at the mouth of Bluff Creek were probably there for the purpose of com- mitting depredations on the road. They evidently had no ponies and probably made their excursions on foot. The Sioux, I am informed, go to war in this manner. The cedar bluff where Colonel Sumner crossed the river is 140 or 150 miles above Fort Elisworth and 90 or 100 miles from Fort Lamed. We were about fifteen miles west of the cedar bluff making 150 or 160 miles above Fort Ellsworth. Curtis, the Indian trader, corroborates the above distances. The country up Pawnee Fork is level, affording a good road for a command with transportation. The country on the upper Smoky Hill in the vicinity of the cedar bluff is very broken and would prove very difficult for wagons. The streams bear evident signs of high rises, but do not stay up long at one time. It is my opinion that the depredations committed by Indians are done principally by war parties of from 20 to 150 warriors, and that the main camps are far to the west or northwest. Accompanying you will find a map showing the route taken on this and previous scout.* Yours, respectfully, D. C. NETTLETON, Sergeant, Second Colorado Cavalry, Commanding Scouts. Col. JAMES II. FORD. JANUARY 1618, 1865.Expedition from Brashear City to Whisky Bayou, La, Report of Capt. Luther fT. Park, Eleventh Wisconsin Infantry. CAMP ELEVENTH IIEGT. WIS. VETERAN VOL. INFTY., Brashear Uity, La., January 19, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to orders received, I embarked, with 100 men from the Eleventh Wisconsin Veteran Vol * Omitted Page 49 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION FROM BRASHEAR CITY, LA. 49 unteer Infantry, on board of gun-boat 41 and the steamer Carrie, sup- plied with five days rations and eighty rounds of ammunition, on the night of the 15th, at 8 oclock. At 1 a. m. on the 16th we left Brashear City, La., and proceeded up Bayou Teche into Grand Lake, arriving at Constitution Bayou at 10.15 a. m. From Constitution Bayou to Round Lake and from Round Lake to Bayou LEmbarras, arriving at Cap- tain Kings plantation, of the C. S. Army, at 2 p. in. I landed my troops here and found about 700 pounds of sugar. I loaded this on the steamer Carrie. At this point I captured Capt. ID. E. Grove, of Groves battery, and Privates Robert Wilson and Charles Harris, of Groves battery. At 3.20 p. m. I embarked all my troops and proceeded up the bayou. At 5 p. m. I anchored in the stream. At 6.15 a. m. on the 17th we got under way and proceeded up Bayou LEmbarras into Little Devil Bayou, arriving at Grand River at 8 a. m. I then steamed down Grand River to Harts house. I here landed and found that Hart had run to the swamps. At this place I found 600 cigars and 11 pairs ol misses gaiters belonging to a man by the name of Gallahan, which I brought to Brashear City and turned over to post quartermaster, as per receipts inclosed. I then proceeded down to Lees plantation, arriving at 9.30 a. in., and took the said Lee a prisoner. I captured at this point about 1,300 pounds of sugar, which I turned in, as per receipts inclosed. At the house 1 found 1 large rifle and 2 pistols, and. about 8 pounds of powder, all of which I destroyed. I then returned to Offutts Mill, landed and took on about 10,000 feet of lumber, which I turned over, as per receipts. At 11.30 a. m. I steamed up Grand River to Whisky Bayou, arriving at the head of Whisky Bayou at 1.30 p. in. At this point I lowered away three boats, loaded with armed men, and sent them up a bayou about two miles, to a place where there had been a steam-boat hid. At 3.30 p. m. they arrived back at the boats. We then headed down to Lake Mangoula and anchored for the night at 5 p. m. On the morning of the 18th, at 6.30, I started down Bayou Chene. At the plantation of Captain Olivier I took eleven refugees on board; at the mouth of Bayou Sorrel I took on board seven more, making a total of eighteen. I then steamed down through Bayou Chene into Lake Chico; from Lake Chico out through Chico Pass into Fausse Pointe Lake; then down through Grand Lake to Brashear City, where I arrived at 6 p. m. on January 18, 1865. At Kings plantation I took on board two negroes. I also picked up a negro in Bayou Sorrel, who had a pass from Captain King, of the C. S. Army; brought him to Brashear City. The prison- ers I turned over to the provost-marshal at Brashear City. Inclosed are receipts for property taken while on expedition on Grand River. I heard of several parties of Confederate soldiers. Respectfully, your obedient servant, LUTHER T. PARK, Capt. Company A, Eleventh Wisconsin Infty., Comdg. Expedition. Col. C. L. HARRIS, Commanding Post, Brashear City, La. The above letter was forwarded to Captain Speed, assistant adjutant- general, Defenses of New Orleans, with receipts from Captain Upham, commissary of subsistence, U. S. Volunteers, for 2,000 pounds of sugar and a receipt from Lieutenant Mayers, acting assistant quartermaster at Brashear City, for 600 cigars, 11 pairs of misses gaiters, and 10,000 feet of lumber inclosed. 4 R RYOL XLVIII, PT Page 50 50 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [Cxir. LX. JANUARY 1622, 1865.Operations about Waynesville, Mo., including skirmish near MeCourtneys Mills, on Big Piney. Report of Capt. Richard Murphy, Fifth Missouri & ate Militia Cavalry, commanding Post of Waynesville. HEADQUARTERS POST OF WAYNESYILLE, Waynesvilie, January 23, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following as my report of scouts, marches, & c., for the week ending January 22, 1865: January 18, Sergeant Hickman, Company II, Fifth Missouri State Militia, returned with the train from iRolla, having traveled sixty miles. January 19, Lieutenant Bates returned from scout reported last week. He came upon a camp of three guerrillas a short distance above McCourtneys Mills, on Big Piney, two of whom, after some sharp firing, he killed, leaving the third, as he suppdsed, mortally wounded. I have learned since that he is not mortally wounded, but is likely to recover, and I have sent out a squad to bring him in to this post. The names of the men killed were MeCoartucy and Anthony, and of the one wounded, Bradford, and not Stephens, as reported by telegraph. Upon reliable information of another camp of guefrillas in the vicinity of Spillmans Mill, on Big Piuey, I sent Lieutenant Bates immediately upon his return oim a scout to that place. The scout was composed of twelve mcii. They have not yet returned. January 20, Sergeant Clawsou returned from scout up iRoubideaux. He traveled 100 miles; met with no success. Upon information of gaerrillas near iRocktown, I sent a scout of a sergeant and ten men to that vicinity, who have not yet returned. January 21, Capt. James Quinn with ten [men] started to IRolla as escort to Waynesville train. Not yet returned. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, RICHARD MURPHY, Captain, Commanding Post. Capt. C. G. LAURATqT, Assistant Adjutant- General, Rolia, Mo. JANUARY 1819, 1865.Expedition from Napoleonville to Grand River, La. ]~EPOT~TS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Robert A. Cameron, U. S. Army, commanding District of La Fourche. No. 2.Col. Willard Sayles, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. No. 3.Capt. Oria A. Avery, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Robert A. Cameron, U. ~. Army, commanding Dis trict of La Fourche. DISTRICT OF LA FOURCHE, Thibodeaux, La., January 25, 1865. Inclosed I hand you the report of an expedition made from Napo- leonville iii pursuit of some Confederates known to be loitering and recruiting in the neighborhood of Grand River. They were not found Page 51 CHAP LX.] EXPEDITION FROM NAPOLEONVILLE, LA. 51 but I have from other sources what I believe to be correct information that they and others were in the neighborhood, and had a picket at Grand Bayou when, our forces arrived there. The picket immediately notified the whole country and they escaped. The horses of the regi- inent (the Third Rhode Island Cavalry) are in such bad condition as to make them almost, ~if not quite, unserviceable for the kind of country we have to operate in. The killing of Lieutenant Clapp was very unfortunate, indeed, but I cannot see that his men were to blame. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, li. A. CAMERON, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding District. Capt. FREDERIC SPEED, Assistant Adjutant- General, Defenses of New Orleans. No. 2. Report of Cot. Willard Sayles, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, Post Napoleonville, La., January 20, 1865. CAPTAIN: Jn obedience to your order dated 16th January, 1865, and telegram of January 17, 1865, I sent Capt. 0. A. Avery, of this regiment, with about ninety men to Bayou Pierre Pass, and on arriving there and searching the house indicated nothing could be seen or heard of the parties they were in search of~ The expedition resulted in the loss of twenty horses, three of which were drowned crossing the bayou and the remainder were used up. The death of First Lieut. A. Clapp was occasioned by the following circumstances: He, with a party of four men, surrounded a house, and Lieutenant Clapp gave the cor- poral in charge of the party orders that if any one attempted to run out of the honse after he entered to halt them twice, and if they did not halt to fire upon them. He entered the house, and while inside some one shot at a dog outside (supposed to be one of the guides), and Lieutenant Clapp rushed out of the house to see what the firing was, and it being very dark and the guard, not able to distinguish, halted him three times, and as he did not halt the guard fired, resulting in the death of the lieutenant. No blame can be attached to the guard, as he simply obeyed orders, and there is no doubt that from the clamor aud noise made by the dogs that the lieutenant did not hear the order to halt. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, W. SAYLES, Colonel Third Rhode Island Cavalry, Commanding Post. Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant-General, La Fourehe District. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS LA FOURCHE DISTRICT, Thibodeaux, La., January 21, 1865. Respectfully returned. You will cause the officer who was in command of the expedition to make out a full report of all the incidents counected with his scout. He will also make a statement as to how his horses were used up an Page 52 52 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CRAP. LX. what disposition was made of them. This report you will forward to these headquarters at the earliest possible date, with copies of all orders and instructions directing the expedition. By command~ of Brigadier-General Cameron: B. B. CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 3. Report of Capt. Orin A. Av6-y, Third Rhode Island Gavairy. CAMP OF THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, Post Napoleonville, La., January 20, 1865. ADJUTANT: I have the honor respectfully to report that, in obedience to orders from the colonel commanding, at 2 a. m. on the 18th instant, with Companies B, I, and K, Third Rhode Island Cavalry, I proceeded from camp up the bayou as far as Fords plantation. I then sent Lieu- tenant Clapp with fifteen men, turning to the left, going to a point on Grande Bayou where the draw bridge was recently burned, to stop all communication from Madam Labarrds to Bayou Corn. I took the remainder of the command and proceeded up the bayou as far as Mar- tins Lane, to the left; dowu Martins Lane to Grande Bayou, arriving at Madam Labarrds at 6 a. m. It was with the utmost difficulty that I was enabled to reach that point in consequence of the roads, which were almost impassable. I got all of the command sat~ly across the bayou at 8.30 a. in., but under great difficulty, the bayou was so much obstructed with driftwood and snags. I joined Lieutenant Clapp about three miles down on the opposite side of the bayou, and pro- ceeded from there to Bayou Corn, arriving there at 11 oclock. I had the command across Bayou Corn at 3 p. in., but was obliged to send back a considerable distance for sugar coolers with which to cross the bayou. From there I proceeded to Bayou Pierre Pass, arriving there at 6 p. m. I formed my command in line of battle, and took Lieutenant Clapp and twelve men, crossing Bayou Pierre Pass a little after 6, leav- ing the remainder of the force under command of Captain Pomroy. I was obliged to cross the bayou a second time in order to reach the point that I wished. From there I sent Lieutenant Clapp with four men to the house of Pierre Herbert, where Victorine Trahan and one other Confederate soldier were supposed to be stopping. Lieutenant Clapp ordered the house to be surrounded, instructing the guard to challenge any person seen running from the house, and if the challenges were unanswered to fire. The lieutenant and the guide were running around a point of the house when the guard challenged him. Receiving no response, he challenged a second time. Still getting no answer, he fired, the ball striking Lieutenant Clapp in the forehead killing him instantly. Owing to the darkness that prevailed it was impossible to discern faces or forms at any distance, and the shooting of Lieutenant Clapp was purely accidental. When I instructed Lieutenant Clapp to surround Pierre Herberts I proceeded myself, with four men, to another house, where a brother of Pierre Herbert resided, but discovered noth- ing whatever. On returning I met Lieutenant Clapps party, who had left the body of the lieutenant under cover of some shrubbery while they came to report to me. I procured a conveyance and returned for the body, which I brought with me, and crossed to Bayou Corn, an Page 53 CHAP. LX.1 SCOUT FROM WARRENSBURG, MO. 53 arrived at Bayou Corn about 1 oclock on the morning of the 19th instant. I discovered nothing whatever of any enemy, and was told that there had been nothing seen in that viciiiity for some time, except an enrolling party, which were there four or five days since. I had the command safely across Bayou Corn at about 5 oclock. I lost three horses by drowning. They were so completely exhausted that after swimming across the bayou they were utterly unable to come out of the water from sheer weakness, and having no means at my disposal to get them out, I was compelled to abandon them. Of the remainder of the horses there are about twenty rendered unfit for service, being completely worn out in crossing and recrossing so many bayous. I proceeded from Bayou Corn to Grande Bayou and commenced crossing immediately. We were all across about 9 oclock, and arrived in camp at 112 m. on the 19th. I succeeded, with great difficulty, in bringing the worn-out horses in with me. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, OiRIN A. AVERY, Gaptain, Third Rhode Island Cavalry, Commanding Expedition. First Lieut. JAMEs MAGILL, Acting Adjutant Third Rhode Island Cavalry and Post. JANUARY 1822, 1865.Scout from Warrensburg~ to the Snibar Hills, Mo. Report of Lient. Daniel Shumate, First Jlliissouri State Militia 6lavalry. HDQRS. COMPANY I, FIRST Mo. STATE MILITIA CAY., lYarrensburg, Mo., January 23, 1865. COLONEL: I have the honor to report to you that, in compliance with Specmal Orders, No. 14, dated headquarters post Warrensburg, Mo., January 18, 1865, I marched from Camp Grover on the 18th instant with forty men of the First and Seventh Cavalry Missouri State Militia. I camped on the headwaters of Blackwater, twenty miles northwest of this place. On the morning of the 19th we resumed the march by the way of Chapel Hill. We there entered the Sni- bar Hills, in La Fayette County, Mo. I there divided my command, placing Lieutenant I)aly in command of the detachment of Seventh Cavalry Missouri State Militia. We scouted through the Snibar Ilills, visited a number of families who generally report having seen small bands of marauders roving through the country who occasionally call on them for something to eat. The people say that they are forced to cook br theum. From thence we passed to Greenton Valley and camped. On the morning of the 20th we scouted through the valley in the direction of Greenton. Lieutenant Daly with his command went to Greenton. I continued west of Greenton and went within five miles of Wellington. We there turned back and went by the way of Greenton and camped in that vicinity. On the morning of the 21st we started in the direction of the Snibar Hills. We scouted through the timber of the valley; also through the Snibar Hills. We camped two miles north of Chapel Hill. We saw five guerrillas and consider- able of sign. There are families in that part of the country who come under the purview of my order, but owing to the scarcity of horse Page 54 54 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSJppI [CHAP. LX. and wagons and the inclemency of the weather I failed to bring them to these headquarters. On the morning of the 22d we started for this post. We arrived at camp late in the evening. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANIEL SHUMATE, Second Lient. (Jo. I, 1st Car. Mo. State Miiiitia,. Comdg. Detachment. [Col. JAMES MOFERRAN.] JANUARY 1920, 1865.Scout from ]3onaldsonville, La. Report of Lieut. Col. Charles H. Parkhurst, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. IIDQRS. DETACHMENT THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY Camp, Donaldsonville, La., January 20, 1865. I have the honor to make the following report of a scout which left this post last night under my command, in pursuit of Captain Will- iams band of guerrillas: Ileft the post about 7 p. m. with fifty men from my detachment and four lieutenants, three from said detachment. Near Trasimond Lan- drys plantation we discovered a building, used as a school-house, on fire, and when my advance guard reached the place they received some half a dozen shots from the guerrillas, who immediately took to the field and woods, and, owing to the extreme darkness, it was impossible to follow them with any prospect of capturing them. Ithen proceeded up the river as far as Dominiques Store and divided the command by sending one-half by a cut-off to the rear of Thompsons plantation, where I have been informed that Williams had been that day. I moved with the balance of the command up the river road to the front of the same plantation. We saw nothing of the party on either route. I then advanced up the road as far as Mrs. Adams plantation, arriving there at midnight and encamped for the night. Immediately after mounting in the morning I received information that a portion of the party were on a cut-off~ on the plantation next below, and ordered Lieutenants Cross and Riley, with twenty-five men, to start in pursuit. The guer- rillas, however, had too much the start, and with that and the great superiority of their horses, made their escape into the swamp as closely pursued as the condition of our horses would permit. We did not get within range of them. Upon the return of Lieutenant Cross the com- mand moved down the river road, and when near Sigurs plantation saw Captain Williams and some twelve or fourteen men of the party making their way in rear of the negro cabins to a cutoff. Pursuit was at once ordered, and Lieutenant Cross, Lieutenant Vance, and Lieu- tenant Riley, with twenty-five men, followed upon the rear, but owing to the inefficiency of their horses the capture of Williams party was impossible. The command then returned to camp. I beg leave in con- clusion to say that, in my opinion, it is useless to attempt to capture this or any other of these moving bands of mounted men by my detach- ment nutil it is better mounted. If we had to-day been properly mounted we should have easily captured the entire party. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES H. PARKHURST, Lient. C~ol. Third Rhode Island Cavalry, Commanding Detachment. Lient. L. R. HALL, Post Adjutant Page 55 CH~. LX.] EXPEDITION TO MARION, ARK. 55 JA~IUARY 1922, 1865.Expedition from Memphis, Tenn., to Marion, Ark., with skirmishes (20th and 21st) at and near Marion. IREPORTS. No. 1.Col. Herman Lieb, Fifth U~ S. Colored Heavy Artillery, Assistaiit Inspector- GeneraL No. 2.Lieut. Col. Otto Funke, Eleventh Illinois Cavalry No. 1. Report of Gol. Herman Lieb, Fifth U. S. Colored Heavy Artillery, Assist ant Inspector- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF MISSISSIPPI, ASSISTANT INSPECTOR.GENERALS OFFICE, Memphis, Tenn., January 22, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to submit for your consideration the following report: On the afternoon of the 19th instant, when preparations had already been made to cross into Arkansas with 450 cavalry and 200 infantry, a scout reported that all of Colonel Lyles and Shelbys men had left and gone to Mississippi County; that but Iteves band was below, and in rear of Merriweathers farm, about eight miles from the city, and that General Dobbin and staff were on the plantation of Mrs. , nine miles west of Marion amid thirteen of Mound City, with but a small escort. The scout had spoken with him that day (the 19th); consequently the infantry detachment was countermanded. Embarking I found that, contrary to the statement of Captain Van Yliet, one of the boats would contain but 110 horses, making a force of 310 on both. I sent the IRaine, in charge of Captain Moore, Seventh Indiana Cavalry, with 200 men, after the IReves party, while myself and Colonel Funke took the Belle Peoria and landed at Mound City at 4 a. m. April 20. Proceeded toward Marion. Whemi within one mile of the town the advance was halted, but dashing forward captured the two vedettes. One-quarter of a mile farther met the cavalry outpost, the advance dashing on to them, wounding 1 mortally and 1 slightly in arm, who, with 1 other, was captured, with 7 horses. The balance made their escape. Marching forward, the enemy making but little resistance to our advance except light skirmishing, it was resolved to repciain till day- break. The main force was drawn up in a field to the left of the road; the right was protected by the bayou and a gully to the front. Out- posts were thrown to the front on both roads. In the meantime we received positive information that Colonel Lyles was distant but a few miles with part of his old command, from 200 to 250 men, and the detachments of Missouri troops of 150, making in all 400 men. At day. break the houses were searched and Mr. Grider, a notorious smuggler, was captured. He attempted to wrest the pistol out of the hands of the guard. Having been overpowered he attempted to bribe them by giving them various sums of money. On searching him I found in his possession an order to proceed to the counties of Crittenden, Jackson, and Mississippi, all opposite Memphis, to procure such quartermasters stores as he could obtain, signed Major-General Hindman. Having received the above information and expecting that Captain Moores detachment would strike the military road one mile west of Marion, I concluded to withdraw one mile to Mr. Cross plantation. Soon the enemy followed, keeping UI) sharp firing, but not pressing us in the least Page 56 56 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. We remained until 11 oclock, when we commenced to retire to the river. The enemy presented himself in small squads to our right, and, fearing some flanking movement, we moved back to the fork of the Mound City and Hopefield road. Soon the enemy seemed to become bolder, drawing up in line 600 yards to our front (toward Marion). I directed Colonel Funke to embark his korses gradually, and using the men as infantry, skirmishing was kept up until the arrival of Captain Moore, with his detachment, by the Hopefleld road. Captain Moore suc- ceeded in capturing iReves pickets, but did not succeed in surprising their camp, which had just been evacuated. He captured 1 lieutenant and 6 men on picket duty. Captain Moore arrived at Mound City at 5 p. m. The heavy fog on the river prevented the pilot from bringing the boats to Memphis last evening and both boats arrived at Memphis at 7 a. in. to-day. The captures are as follows: One lieutenant of Shelbys command, 11 men of Shelbys and Lyles commands, 20 horses, and 4 mules. Loss, 1 man dangerously wounded. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. LIEB, Colonel and Asst. Insy. Gen., Department of Mississippi. Capt. F. W. Fox, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of Mississippi. No. 2. Report of Jieut. Cot. Otto Eunice, Eleventh Illinois Gavalry. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIc~ADE, CAVALRY DIVISION, Memphis, Tenn., January 23, 1865. SIR: The details from different regiments (400 men in all) reported to me by your order on the night of the 20th [19th]. According to instruc- tions I reported to Colonel Lieb, assistant inspector-general, for orders. The colonel told me that two boats would be ready on the levee inside of Fort Pickering at 8p.m. and that my command had to be divided, one detachment going up and the other down the river. I ordered the Seventh Indiana and the Second Wisconsin (200) on board the steanier John IRaine, but the other boat, Belle Peoria, could only carry 110 horses, and as there was no other transportation to be had I sent ninety men back to camp. Colonel Lieb told me that he had information that about fifty or sixty rebels were in the vicinity of Merriweathers place, about eight miles down the river, and that I should send the largest part of my command there, as there was only General Dobbin with staft and a small escort reported to be above, after whom I concluded to go with the balance of my command. The senior officer of the two detachments on board the steamer John IRaine was Captain Moore, of the Seventh Indiana. I furnished him with a guide, and instructed him to leave with his command at 3 oclock in the morning, in order to be there at daybreak, to disembark three miles below Merriweathers place, and try to get in rear of said rebel camp, and, if possible, to capture it. Should he ascertain that there was a rebel force in the country, to strike the Mound City and Marion road about six miles from the river, but if he did not hear of any to strike the same road close to the river. At moonrise (2 a. in.) I started from the landing, accompanied by Colonel Lieb, up the river; at Mound City I disembarked the men and at Page 57 O~AP. LX.I SKIRMISH NEAR FORT LARNED, KANS. 57 oclock started from the river toward Marion. The guides which Col- onel Lieb had furnished reported to me that the day before Lyles and IDobbins command had left that part of the country, and that no troops were in that part of the country except General Dobbin with staff and a small escort, who stayed at a certain house about thirteen miles from the river. I had to rely on those guides entirely, as none of my men nor I had ever beeu in that part of the country. We marched only about four miles when my advance ran against the rebel pickets. The two vedettes were captured, and from the reserve 1 was killed, 2 wounded, and 2 more taken prisoners; 7 horses were also captured there. The balance of the men got away on account of the darkness. At a trot I moved my men forward into Marion across a bridge over a deep ditch. About half of the men got across when the bridge broke down. The roads forked in town, and-I sent about twenty-five men on each of those roads, who were soon engaged in a lively skirmish. In the mean time I learned from prisoners and negroes that Lyles com- mand, about 400 strong, was on the other side of the town in camp, and as soon as the bridge was repaired I withdrew my men, except a small picket on each of those roads, across the bridge, formed them in line, and concluded to await daylight. At 7 oclock I fell back one mile, where I fed my horses. I waited there until 11 oclock, and as by that time I had not received any information about Captain Moores com- mand I concluded to fall back slowly toward the river, expecting to meet him there. We had continual skirmishing with the enemy, and they kept following us up toward the river. One-half a mile from the river I halted and waited until 3 oclock, when I put the horses on board of the boat. At 4 oclock Captain Moore came in with his detachment and reported that he had found several small detachments of the enemy, had several skirmishes, killed 1, wounded 1, and took 1 lieutenant and 7 men prisoners; also captured 8 horses and 3 mules. One of his men was wounded. Captain Moore, not learning of any body of troops being there, joined me by the nearest route, but the distance being farther than was represented was the reason of his delay in not joining me sooner. We embarked in our boats, but on account of the heavy fog did not arrive here until yesterday morning. The result of the expedi- tion was 2 men killed, 3 wounded, and 1 lieutenant and 12 men taken pris- oners; also 20 horses and 6 mules captured. The prisoners were turned over to the provost-marshal, and the horses and mules were distributed to the following regiments, viz: Seventh Indiana, 8 horses and 2 mules; Eleventh Illinois, 9 horses and 2 mules; Fonrth Illinois, 3 horses and 1 mule, and Second Wisconsin 1 mule. I a1m, very respectfully, your obedient servant, OTTO FUNKE, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Expedition. Col. E. D. OSBAND, Commanding Cavalry Division, Department of Mississippi. JANUARY 20, 1865.Skirmish near Fort Lamed, Kans. Report of Maj. Edward W. Wynkoop, First Colorado Cavalry. FORT LYON, CoLo. TER., February 4, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the colonel commanding, that the coach from the east arrived here on the 1s Page 58 58 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. CHAP. LX. instant, bringing news to the effect that the sutler trains destined for Fort Lyon, which left Fort Lamed on the 17th day of January, 1865, with an escort qf twenty-five men First Veteran Cavalry of Colorado and six men of the Second Colorado Cavalry, were attacked by a party of Indians when three days this side of Fort Lamed. Our loss was 1 man killed and 2 wounded, viz: Private Fields. Second Colorado Cav- alry, killed; Robert F. Cole, Company A, First Veteran Cava[ry of Colo- rado, severely wounded; Private iDonihue, Second Colorado Cavalry, severely wounded. The Indians lost 3 killed and 3 wounded. They were supposed to be Cheyennes and Arapahoes, and numbered about forty-five. The train returned to Fort Lamed. I inclose a rough sketch* of the defenses I am throwing up at this post. The nature of the ground requires the peculiar construction represented in the draft. I will continue to keep the colonel commanding advised of any movements of importance in this vicinity as frequently as possible. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. W. WYNKOOP, Major First Veteran Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding Post. Lient. IRA I. TABER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, District of Colorado. JANUARY 2122, 1866.Expedition from Brashear City to Bayou Sorrel, La. Report of Lient. Richard Caddeli, Eleventh Wisconsin Infantry. BRASHEAR CITY, LA., January 22, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report, in obedience to orders, I embarked on gun-boat 43 at 3.30 p. in. on the 21st instant, with twenty men of Company ID, Eleventh Infantry Wisconsin Veteran Volunteers, and proceeded to the mouth of Bayou Groesbeck, on Bayou Long; there disembarked in small boats and went up tbe bayou about three-quar- ters of a mile; landed and divided my men in squads and made a thorough search of the land on both sides of the bayou for a distance of one mile, when I came to a small bayou which connects with Bayou Groesbeck. About sixty yards up this bayou I found a small palmetto tent, which evidently had been occupied by two men. In it was a small anchor for sinking torpedoes, which I sunk in the bayou. But failing to discover the torpedoes, I embarked my command and went up to Bayou Millian Point, where I disembarked with four men and pro- ceeded to the house of William IDuvafl, a private of Company B, Twenty-sixth Louisiana, whom I captured. I then proceeded to the mouth of Bayou Sorrel, where I disembarked and secreted six men, with instructions to stop boats coming down Bayou Long and going up Bayou Sorrel. From here I went to Mr. ileberts, leaving four men there to guard that point, and from thence to Masons, and searched the premises for John Spence. Failing to find him I returned to He- berts, called in the guard which I had left there, and went back to the mouth of Bayou Sorrel. The men whom I had there secreted had cap- tured Sergt. James Malcon and Private John S. Hebert, of Company B, Twenty-sixth Louisiana, during my absence. I again embarked and went down the bayou to the mouth of Bayou Groesbeck. Here I secreted nine men, and proceeded with the remainder to the east side * Omitted Page 59 CHAP. LX.] SKIRMISH NEAR LITTLE ROCK, ARK. 59 of Bayou Long, opposite to the mouth of Bayou Groesbeck; disem- barked and established a picket. About two hours after I had posted the pickets 1 discovered a boat coming down the bayou with one inaii in it, which I brought to, and the occupant proved to be Second Lieut. C. Penisson, Company B, Twenty-sixth Louisiana Infantry, whom I took prisoner. Here I remained until sunrise on the 22d, when I embarked and return to Millian Point, where I disembarked and awaited the return of the gun-boat from Belle River, she having gone there to anchor. The boat arrived at 8 a. in., when I embarked and returned to Brashear City, arriving at 2 p. m. The prisoners I turned over to Lient. S. E. Shepard, provost-marshal, Brashear City, La. Respectfully, your obedient servant, RICHARD CADDELL, Second Lient. Company D, Eleventh Wisconsin Vet. Vol. Infty. Capt. R. E. JACKSON, Post Adjutant. [Indorsemeut.] HEADQUARTERS POST, Brashear City, January 22, 1865. Respectfully forwarded. Learning that a few rebel soldiers were in Bayou Long in charge of a torpedo and their whereabouts, I sent Lieutenant Caddell and twenty men of the Eleventh Wisconsin Infantry up in the gun-boat 43 to cap- ture them. For particulars of the expedition I refer you to his report C. L. HARRIS, Colonel, Commanding. JANUARY 22, 1865.Skirmish on the Benton Road, near Little Rock, Ark. Report of Capt. William Hawley, Third U. S. Cavalry. CAMP THIRD U. S. CAVALRY, Little Rock, Ark~, January 23, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report, as field officer of the day, Second Brigade, Cavalry Division, Seventh Army Corps, that I visited the picket on the Benton road at 4 p. in. yesterday upon information received that the patrol on that road had been fired into within a mile and a half of the picket-post. Upon my arrival I found that the patrol, consisting of fifteen men and an officer, had been ambuscaded while on their return trip by a force of about twenty-five or thirty of the enemy. The enemy allowed the patrol to pass ou until it arrived directly oppo- site their line, when they opened a flanking fire upon it, wounding 3 men, 1 of whom they captured. There are also 3 men missing, making a total of 6 men. I remained at the picket-post until 3 oclock this morning, and finding everything quiet I proceeded to visit the pickets at the Big and Little Maumelle, Fort Smith, and upper-river roads, and found everything correct. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. HAWLEY, Captain, Third U. S. Cavalry, Field Officer of the Day. Lieutenant LYMAN, Acting Asdistant Adjutant- General Page 60 60 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. [First indorsement.] HpQR5. SECOND BRH~ADE, CAVALRY DIVISION, Little Rock, January 23, 1865. Respectfully forwarded, and recommend that the patrol be discon- tinued. The enemy are invited by it to collect iii force and waylay our small parties. It has been my misfortune to lose from my command within three years more than 100 meii while on daily patrol duty. The roads in this country are such that the enemy have every advantage. Respectfully, & c., CYRUS BUSSEY, Brigadier- General, Gommanding. [Second indorsernent.] IIDQRs. CAVALRY DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, January 23, 1865. Respectfully forwarded. In my opinion a patrol toward Benton should consist of twenty-five to fifty men. The cavalry force here at present is not adequate to fur- nish that number daily. J. R WEST Brigadier-General , Commanding. JANUARY 22FEBRUARy 4, 1865.Expedition from Little Rock to Mount Elba, Ark., with skirmish at Saline River. Report of Surg. George R. Weeks, U. S. Army. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., February 5, 1865. SIR: In obedience to your orders I reported to Brig. (len. E. A. Carr, commanding expedition to Mount Elba, on the 22d of January, 1865, and was assigned as surgeon-in-chief. The command was com- posed of the First Iowa Cavalry, First Missouri Cavalry, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, Thirty-third Iowa Infantry, Forty-third Illinois Infantry, Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry, Fiftieth Indiana Infantry, One hundred and twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry, One hundred and sixth Illinois Infantry, Twenty-fifth Ohio Battery, one section First Arkansas Battery (colored), and pontoon corps. We left Little Rock January 22 at 11 a. m. and arrived at Mount Elba January , at 1 p. in. Infantry halted here; pontoon was put down; cavalry crossed over the Saline River at 5p.m.; advanced on the Camden road twenty- five miles and back to Mount Elba on the next day. On the 29th we commenced our march for Little Rock, where we arrived at 3 p. m. February 4, 1865. The health of the troops was remarkably good during the march; but very few were in the ambulances at any time. One man was killed in a skirmish at Saline River, the only casualty that occurred during the time we were out. (See accompanying report.*) The medical officers all did their duty faithfully and efficiently. I heard of no complaints whatever. I wish to call your attention par- ticularly to Lieutenant Cory, commanding ambulance corps, First Division. He is a good officer, and managed his department very * Not found Page 61 Ciur. LX.] SKIRMISH NEAR BAYOU GOULA, LA. 61 efficiently, so much so that not a single complaint was made about transportation. I forward herewith reports of the commands while absent, with the exception of those that went from Pine Bluff, who were ordered to make them to the senior surgeon at that post. Respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. R. WEEKS, AS~urgeofl, U. ~3. Volunteers, in~ Charge of Expedition. Surg. ,J. IL SMITH, U. S. Army, Medical Director, Department of Arkansas. JANUARY 23, 1865.Skirmish at Thompsons Plantation, La. Report of Licut. Col. Charles H. Parkhurst, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. IIDQRS. DETACHMENT THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, Donaldsonviile, La., January 23, 18G5. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to make the following report of the attack made by Williams guerrilla party upon the couriers coming from Plaquemine to-day: When they arrived near the Sigur plantation a party of some sixteen came out from the cut-off between the advance and the main body of the couriers and started in pursuit of the advance couriers. Sergeant McTwiggan, in charge of the couriers, ordered the men to advance. They hesitated for a time, but at last, after a vigorous application of the saber by the sergeant, his men followed him, but too late to come up with the party until they reached Thompsons lower plantation, where a skirmish took place, and the rebels were driven back down the cut- off. The sergeant then withdrew his men back to the road and was there again attacked by another party of nearly the same number, and followed as far as Narcisse Landrys plantation, continually skirmish- ing. George A. Walbridge, of Company H, was seriouslywounded and left at Thompsons plantation. After leaving Thompsons plantation the horses of five of the men became exhausted and four of the men were captured. I regret to say that the conduct of the men at first is deserving of the most severe condemnation, but they afterward did as well as they could, according to the statement of the sergeant in com- mand. I can only repeat what I have before said in reference to the inefficiency of the horses of this command. It has caused the capture of four men to-day, which would not have happened had the men been properly mounted. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES H. PARKIIURST, Lieutenant- Colonel. Commanding. Lieut. LEONIDAS R. HALL, Post Adjutant. JANUARY 24, 1865.Skirmish near Bayou Goula, La. IREPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Robert A. Cameron, U. S. Army, commanding La Fourche Dis- trict. No. 2.Lieut. Col. Charles H. Parkhurst, Third Rhode Island Cavalry Page 62 62 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. L& . No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Robert A. Cameron, U. S. Army, commanding La Fourche District. HEADQUARTERS LA FOURCHE DISTRICT, Thibodeaux, La., January 25, 1865. A party of cavalry, thirteen in number, belonging to the Third Rhode Island Cavalry, at Donaldsonville, Colonel Fiske just telegraphs me, undertook to return from Plaquemine yesterday. He sent a lieutenant and twenty men up to Bayou Goula to meet them and escort them through. Before the lieutenant and his party arrived at Bayou Goula they were attacked by a party of twenty-four rebels. Two of our men were wounded at the first fire; the remainder of the thirteen surrendered withont firing a gun. The lieutenant and his party arriving, he pur- sued the rebels a few miles, but recaptured nothing. This command constantly complain that they cannot capture these guerrillas, because they, the Third Rhode Island, are so badly mounted, yet the rebels manage to get away with prisoners mounted on the same kind of horses. Colonel Fiske will forward a written report, which will be sent forward as soon as it arrives. R. A. CAMERON, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding District. Capt. FREDERIC SPEED, Assistant Adjutant- General, Defenses of New Orleans. No. 2. Report of Licut. Col. Charles II. Parkhurst, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. HDQRS. DETACHMENT THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, Donaldsonville, La., January 25, 1865. I have the honor to make the following report of the capture of the couriers from Plaquemine yesterday: Sergeant Dodge, in charge of the couriers, was attacked yesterday about a mile above Bayou Goula by Captain Williams, whose party consisted of twenty-four; twelve in front and twelve in rear. Sergeant Dodge disgracefully surrendered his entire command. Bernard McDou- ough, Company C, was shot through the arm, and was paroled and is now in hospital. The whole loss was twelve men, horses and equip- ments. I have ordered Sergeant Dodge to be reduced to the ranks. Your obedient servant, CHARLES H. PARKHURST, Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. L. R. HALL, Post Adjutant. JANUARY 24FEBRUARY 22, 1866.Expedition from Cape Girardeau, No., to Eleven Points River, Ark. Reports of Col. John B. Rogers, Second Missouri State Militia Cavalry. CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., February 27, 1865. MAJOR: 1 have the honor to report that on the 24th ultimo I left this place, pursuant to instructions from the general commanding, wit Page 63 CHAP. LX.) EXPEDITION FROM CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. 63 a detachment from this sub-district numbering 300 men and a section of the Second Missouri Light Artillery. J proceeded as far as the Indian Ford, on the Saint Francis River, where I was joined by a detachment from the Third Sub-District, numbering 200 men, nnder command of Captain McClanahan, Second Cavalry Missouri State Militia. I then proceeded with the whole force into Arkansas, intending to proceed as far as Jacksonport and attack the forces said to be near that place under the rebel general McRae. About the night of the 26th of January it commenced raining heavily, rendering the roads nearly impassable and filling the streams so as to cause much incon- venience in crossing them. When I reached Current River, on the northern line of Arkansas, I found it impossible to ford it, and no ferries at that point and none to be heard of on the river at any point near there. I immediately sent out parties and succeeded in finding a small fiat-boat some twenty-three miles down the river near its junc- tion with Black River, but a large extent of swamp was between the command and the boat found, which swamps it was necessary to cross; and the rain continuing, the swamps were full, and it was deemed impracticable to move my train through them. I therefore left the train under a strong guard and marched with the balance of the com- mand, carrying five days rations, wading for miles through water from one to three feet deep. After a very laborious march I reached the boat, and found it capable of crossing but eight men and their horses at a time. After crossing, another swamp very difficult to cross stretched for miles on the other side of Current River on the road toward Pocahontas. I however proceeded to that place, where I received reliable information that McRae had been driven from near Jacksonport by a force sent from Devalls Bluff for that purpose, and that there was no enemy in force north of the Arkansas River on that line and no enemy that would stand to fight, but small bands of guer- rillas were prowling through the country, who fled at our approach. I therefore divided my command, ordering the detachment from Pilot Knob to return to that post by way of Doniphan, thoroughly scouring the country, for the purpose of exterminating, as far as possible, the guer- rillas, while with the balance of the troops I pushed on as far as the vicinity of Eleven Points River, some ten miles below Pocahontas. We found the country almost entirely destitute of forage. We killed several guerrillas in that vicinity. Being unable to hear of any force of the enemy, and finding it nearly impossible to subsist either men or horses, I returned to Cherokee Bay, thoroughly scouting the country in pursuit of the guerrilla bands of Reves and Bowles. We suc- ceeded in killing several of them and capturing many horses and mules stolen by them from Missouri and several U. S. horses and mules. Finding that I could do no further good in that country without a permanent occupation of the country, I returned to this post, reach- ing this place late on the evening of the 22d instant. Nineteen guer- rillas were killed, and I captured and turned over 77 head of horses, 26 mules, 21 head of cattle, and 1 jack. I found that country infested by small bands of guerrillas, who will not stand to fight, but subsist by plundering the inhabitants, and the swamps and canebrakes of that region afford them secure shelter, rendering it extremely difficult to find and destroy them. I think a post at either Doniphan or Pocahontas would soon effectually dispose of them. I find the sentiment of the people of Northern Arkansas friendly to the United States Govern- mentmnuch more so than in Missouriand I think it but needs foster- ing and Protection to revive their affection for the old flag. The oppre Page 64 64 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. sion and wrong suffered by them from the usurped authority imposed on them serves but to render their remembrance of the olden time the more to be valued by them. I think a local force could be raised there, loyal and true, ~suffi ciently strong to guard themselves, if arms were furnished them and an opportunity given them to organize. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, J. B. ROGERS, Maj. II. HANNAIIS, Colonel, Commanding Expedition. Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Mo. CAPE GIRAIRDEAU, Mo., February 27, 1865. MAJOR: I have the honor to make the following additional report, onmitted in my report of this date, and herewith inclosed: While in Northern Arkansas and Southern Missouri large numbers of Union refugees immediately prepared to avail themselves of the opportunity thus presented of escaping from the despotism and dan- gers oppressing them. They were nearly all of the better class of citi- zens, many of them wealthy farmers, but they owned that if they remained longer there they would almost certainly be conscripted into the rebel army, or, resisting that, be killed. They stated that to attempt to escape, excepting nuder l)rotectiou of our forces, would be certain deatha statement, incredible as it may seem, I found to be only too true, as one of them, moving a little too quick, and being in advance only about four miles, was shot. There were about thirty families, and I could not abandon them to their fate. I did move slowly, and so arranged my force as to protect them and their teams and household goods and what little stock they had along with them, occa- sionally taking teams of oxen for one day to assist their jaded teams (with the consent of the owners), all of which were returned to the owners. I obtained and gave some of the more destitute meal to sub- sist upon, paying for same from my own money, and at other times obtaining it from wealthy rebel citizens. It was a case of stern neces- sity. It was starvation or food for women and children. It delayed my return a few days, but humanity demanded the delay. I could not abandon them; they had already suffered incredible hardships. They will not become a charge upon the Government, but will all be able to earn a livelihood. Although this may not have been strictly military, I confidently rely upon the well-known charity and kind feelings of the commanding general toward these unfortunate victims of this accursed rebellion to justify me in thus acting toward them. I am, major, very respectfully, J. B. ROGERS, Maj. H. HANNAUS, Colonel, Commanding Expedition. Aetg. Asst. Adjt. & ~en., District of Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Mo. JANUARY 2631, 1865.Scout from Pine Bluff toward Camden and Mon ticello, Ark, with skirmishes. Report of Brig. Uen. Eugene A. Carr, U. S. Army. PINE BLUFF, January 31, 18651.45 p. m. I left here with my command on the 26th instant. My detachment of cavalry sent to scout along the Saline killed one and captured severa Page 65 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION FROM PLAQUEMINE, LA. 65 rebels on the way, and arrived at Mount Elba on the 26th and ran into a squad of rebels, of whom it killed and captured several, losing one man killed. I arrived at Mount Elba on the 27th. It took three hours and ten minutes to lay down a bridge of seven boats, but I got the cav- alry several miles beyond the Saline that night. The next day they went about twenty-eight miles from Mount Elba toward Camden and within about twenty miles of Camden, the distance being greater than I was at first informed and the Moro very hard to cross. They ran into a party of about seventy rebels, commanded by Major Hunter, and scat- tered them, killing two and capturing several. The rebels had no idea of their approach. I also sent scouts nearly to Monticello and toward Cam- den. My scouts captured altogether 34 prisoners, being Confederates in arms and on furlough, and bnshwhackers; 1 captain and 2 lieutenants. We killed 3, and lost 1 killed and 2 soldiers and a guide wounded. I do not think there is any force at Monticello except a recruiting party. There seems to be a small force at Long View, below Warren, guard- ing a bridge. News from Camden confirmatory of previous reports. Captain Anderson, Eighteenth Illinois, commanding pontoon battalion, is incompetent and inefficient, and I recommend that he be dropped from the service. He was slow in traveling and slow in laying the bridge. His men left Little Rock unprovided with shoes, and he did nothing at Pine Bluff to provide them or to exchange their bread, which was damaged. The troops behaved very well. Some vacant houses were burned along t he road, and I have not as yet been able to find out the perpetrators. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. A. CARR, Brigadier- General, Commanding Expedition. Maj. JOHN LEVERING, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department of Arkansas, Little Rock, Ark. JANUARY 26FEBRUARY 4, 1865.Expedition from Plaquemine to The Park, La., with skirmish (February 4) at The Park. Reports of Capt. L. Frederick Rice, Thirty-first Massachusetts Infantry. HEADQUARTERS POST PLAQUEMINE, Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, Plaquemine, La., January 30, 1865. Assistant Adjutant-General, La Fourche District: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to transmit herewith the report of L. Frederick Rice, Thirty-first Massachusetts Volunteers, commanding the expedition sent out from this post by order of Brigadier-General Sherman, commanding Defenses of New Orleans. His command is still in the vicinity of The Park and keeps up a daily communication with this post. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. G. SHAW, Major, Eleventh U. ~. Colored Heavy .A rtillery, Commanding Post. [Inclostire.] THE PARK, January 29, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of my proceed- ings since leaving Plaquemine in a more comprehensive form than I have heretofore been able to do: 5 R HVOL XLVIII, PT Page 66 66 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. In accordance with your orders I sent the major portion of my com- pany, under Lieutenant Barber, to Indian Village, leaving Plaquemine soon after noon ~fanuary 26. His report of his doings previous to my own arrival at Indian Village was sent to you yesterday. Remaining in Plaquemine until the morning of the 27th, I left there with fifteen men and seized ships at Mr. Kleinpeters and Madam Bantys. I had them taken down to the mouth of the Bayou Jacob, where, leaving the horses and the remainder of the men, I went up the bayou about two miles, but without success. I found the bayou blocked with trees, and concluded it useless to go farther; I how ever found and destroyed four skiffs. At a house I found two double-barrel shotguns and a Remington pis- tol. The occupant of the house, a young man, gave his name as Joseph Langlois; said that the pistol had been left there a few days before by a Confederate soldier, deserter. As I knew that one such had come within our lines within a short time, and as the young man told a very plausible and connected story regarding his antecedents, I concluded to leave him and take the arms. The guns being very much out of repair and rusted badly, I threw them into the bayou as being of no value to the provost-marshal and uselessly loading the horses. Having accomplished this, I returned to my horses and con- tinued on toward Indian Village, where I arrived between 3 and 4 p. m. You will therefore see that it was my party that your scout reported as near the Devils Elbow. Stopping at Indian Village long enough to hear what he had been about, as soon as it was dark we proceeded, dismounted, to The Park, where, after a careful search, I threw out pickets and quartered my men for the night. The next morning I found two skiffs, and crossed Bayou Plaquemine with a dozen men. I searched the swamps from here to about halfway to the village. I found by the tracks that the rebels had gone toward Grossetete by two paths, one deep in the swamp and not approaching Bayou Plaquemine till over a mile above here, and the other skirting the bayou all the way. The tracks showed that not more than five or six men had traveled the latter path, while the former gave signs of over twenty. This path was very bad to follow. It required us to wade over knee-deep for many hundred feet. In the afternoon Lieu- tenant Barber, by my orders, with twenty men, crossed at the village and proceeded up the Grossetete road about a mile, finding where the rebels had re-entered the road from the swamp, but seeing no one. I ascertained yesterday how Williams crossed Grand River. Having crossed lower Grand some distance from The Park, he reached upper Grand near where Bayou Plaquemine comes into it. Here he found the flat by which the party of men and young ladies came from Grand Cotean, who, reached Plaquemine on the afternoon of the 26th between 6 and 7 in the morning, and the fiat-boat had been there but a short time. He crossed his men in this fiat, making his horses swim. This morning I again crossed the bayou with a small party and com- inenced where I left off yesterday; continued up as far as Lieutenant Barber went. The rebels, after waiting at the bank of the bayou, as I mentioned before, again struck back into the swamp, which they did not leave till some distance above the village. I saw both ends of this path, but after following it in nearly waist-deep I concluded not to follow it all the way. This afternoon I sent Lieutenant Barber, with twenty mounted men, down as far as the second Le Blanc, about four miles this side of Roan. He found that Williams passed through the Bayou Goula road and crossed lower Grand near Hydes, this side of Toffies. This is all the information I have been able to collect. Th Page 67 CHAP. LX.) EXPEDITION FROM PLAQUEMINE, LA. 67 water is rising in the swamps and very cold, so it seems as though none but a desperate man would attempt to pass. Williams horses and men are badly used up, so I think nothing need be apprehended from him for a forfnight at least. When I came down the day after Brown and his men came from Grossetete I was told that they crossed at Leonards, and that he had a new flat-boat concealed in the willows. I found thefi at to-day, bnt he denies any knowledge of it. I there- fore send him to you. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, L. FREDERICK MOE, Captain, Thirty-first lliliassachusetts Volunteers. Lient. C. H. BARNEY, Post Adjutant, Pta quemine. HEADQUARTERS POST OF PLAQUEMINE, Capt. FREDERIC SPEED, Pta quemine, La., February 5, 1865. Assistant Adjutant- General, Defenses of New Orleans: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to inclose herewith the official report of Capt. L. Frederick Rice, commanding the mounted expedition sent out from this post, concerning the skirmish on the morning of yesterday at The Park. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. G. SHAW, Major, Eleventh U. S. Colored Heavy Artillery, Coindg. Post. [Inclosure.] THE PARK, February 4, 18651 p. m. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the occur- rences of the past night more in detail than I could do this morning. Somewhere near midnight the vedette posted below my position here, nearly opposite the junction of Bayou Plaquemine with Grand River, heard a party approaching through the water that covers the road still farther down. Hastily alarming the camp, we were enabled to make the proper disposition for their reception before the rebels opened fire. The vedette fired four shots as he fell back, and the rebels advanced, with loud yells, which had but the effect of disclosing the extent of their deployed line which the darkness and fog would not permit us to see. I at first took a small squad to the lower extremity of the build- ings of Madam Sellier, but being warned by the splashing of the water that the rebels were sending a portion of their force around between me and the swamp, with the probable intention of striking my flank or rear, I fell back a short distance to the fence just below the saw-mill, where I took a position which I retained during the entire affair. The rebels advanced to the fences next below me, and tearing them down passed through, at the same time opening fire. Waitiimg for an opportunity, I commenced and for perhaps half an hour the work was quite brisk. During this time one of my men, Michael Ilagerty, was killed and one of the rebels wounded and captured. Soon after re-enforcements arrived from Indian Village, and almost immediately the rebels commenced retreating. I am happy to state that not a single instance of misconduct among my men was observed by me; while at the same time it was the timely arrival of Lieutenant Bond, with a small mounted squad, soon followed by Lieutenant Barber, with all the forc Page 68 68 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSWPJ. [CHAP. LX. that could be spared from the village, that probably prevented our being ultimately surrounded and possibly defeated. As soon as the retreat of the rebels be~ame apparent I sent forward a line of skirmishers to find whether the silence was a feint to draw us out, but could find no one. About daylight two men, Z. Parker, of Kings company, and Edwin Estene, of Whitakers company, were discovered badly wounded in Mr. Hamiltons lioase, where they had been left by the rebels on their retreat. The latter died about noon, and the former is unlikely to survive the night Soon after daylight five men of Kings company Savage, Bronette, Neff, Wood, and Gillette, representing themselves to be Northern men and deserters, came in and gave themselves up. Their statement is confirmed by the wounded Parker. Soon after noon Lieutenant Lewis arrived, and I sent him down as far as Toffies. He learned that the rebels had retreated to lulls plantation, eight or nine miles below here, and were in a saw-mill on the opposite side of the river. He also ascertained that at least two of those who escaped were wounded. Not apprehending a repetition at present of last nights amusement, I have ordered Lieutenant Lewis back to Plaquemnine. Should anything further occur I will notit~ you forthwith. The rebels came from Bayou Pigeon with the intention of re-enforcing Whitaker on Bayou La Fourche, but being unable to resist the attraction of the apparently tempting bait we offered, they came up here. The officers drank freely on the way up, and one of their first cries was, No quar- ter. The means of transportation used were a fiat carrying forty men, five skiffs, and three pirogues. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. FREDK RICE, Captain, Thirty-first Massachusetts Volunteers. Lient. C. HENRY BARNEY, Post Adjutant, Plaquemine, La. JANUARY 26FEBRUARY 11, 1865.Expedition from l~[emphis, Tenn., into Southeastern Arkansas and Northeastern Louisiana. Report of Col. IJmbury 1). Osband, Third U. ~. Colored Cavalry, com manding expedition. HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, DEPT. OF MISSISSIPPI, Memphis, Tenn., February 25, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to forward the following report of the late cavalry expedition into Arkansas and Louisiana under my com- mand. The expedition consisted of detachments of the following brigades and regiments: First Brigade, Col. J. P. C. Shanks: Seventh Indiana Cavalry. 155; Fifth Illinois Cavalry, 349; First Mississippi Cavalry, 57; total, 561. Second Brigade, Lieutenant-Colonel Dox: Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, 260; Eleventh New York Cavalry, 340; total, 600. Third Brigade, Lient. Col. Otto Funke: Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, 340; Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, 450; Second Wisconsin Cavalry, 400; Fourth Illinois Cavalry, 270; total, 1,460; making a total of 2,621 men. At 5 p. m. on the evening of the 26th of January, 1865, the troops were embarked on the transports John lame, Autocrat, Laurel Hill, Fanny Ogden, Sallie List, Carrie Jacobs, Virginia Barton, Tycoon, Illinois, Ida May, Star Page 69 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION FROM MEMPHIS, TENN. 39 light, Belle of Peoria, Maria Penning, and Landes. By 10 p. in., the embarkation being completed, the fleet started for Gaines Landing, Ark. Nothing of interest occurred during the trip. On the morning of the 28th we arrived at Eunice, a point six miles above Gaines Landing, at 4.30 a. m. Owing to the darkness a collision occurred between the steamers Landes and Ida May, by whicli the latter was considerably damaged. The troops being disembarked, I immediately or(iered the steamers John Raine, Autocrat, Illinois, Laurel Hill and Maria Penning to proceed to Gaines Landing, there to await further orders from me; and fn order to save all unnecessary expense Ii relieved the smaller boats and ordered them to report to the quartermasters under whose charge they had been previously. At 8 a. in. we took np the line of march for Bayou Mason and arrived at the ferry at 1 p. in., the advance guard capturing a few pickets that had been stationed at the ferry for the purpose of preventing any cotton being brought to the Mississippi River unless properly permitted by the Cotton Bureau. Ctunmenced ferrying the command across the bayou, which was com- pleted at 2 a. in. on the morning of the 29th. At this point I left one squadron of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry to guard the ferry, also thinking that probably they might be able to pick up any small scout- ing parties that would approach the bayou. January 29, marched at 8 a. in. down the western bank of the bayou to Masons Lake, where we struck off in a southwesterly direction toward Bayou Bartholomew, the road running through an almost impassable swamp for a distance of twelve miles. Reached Bayou Bartholomew at Judge Belzers about 2 p. in. Finding a considerable quantity of corn at this plantation, I directed the rear brigade to procure and take with them forage for night and morning, and then follow the command to the next planta- tion, about four miles down the bayou. This last four miles of road was of even a worse character than the preceding twelve, and several pack-mules became so completely exhausted from fatigue and frequent miring dowim that they had to be abandoned. January 30, marched at 8 a. in. down the bayou to Holloways Ferry, a distance of twenty-five miles, nothing of interest occurring except the capture of some prison- ers by the advance guard and horses and mules by flanking parties sent out for that purpose. Also burned a large steam grist-mill which was in the employ of the Confederate Government. A t Holloways Ferry I sent a detachment of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry across the bayou. At the distance of a mile and a half from the ferry they found a supply depot, which contained, besides a considerable amount of commissary stores, about 100 stand of arms and a large amount of ammunition. These, with the building, were destroyed. January 31, marched at 6 a. in. Hearing that the C. S. transport Jim Barkmnan was loading corn for the use of the troops at Camden at a point ten miles down the bayou called I~oplar Bluff II immediately sent a de- tachment of the Fifth Illinois Cavalry, at a rapid gait, to intercept and capture her, which was successfully performed, together with her crew and some 10 or 15 other prisoners, who were picked up in the vicinity. I placed a commissioned officer and twenty-five men on board the steam-boat amid ordered them to proceed down the bayou to Turners wood-yard, where I intended encamping for the night, instructing the officer to take in tow all the ferry-boats he might find. At Poplar Bluff I ordered to be burned a distillery and grist-mill, together with a large lot of cotton and corns which I was informed was the property of the Confederate Government Page 70 70 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI [CHAP. LX. February 1, marched at 6 a. in.; proceeded along the bayou to Knoxs Ferry; here left the bayou and took the Bastrop road; directed the officer in charge of the steamer to await me at Point Pleasant, a landing about two miles from the town of Bastrop. From the best information I could obtain I was led to believe that Colonel McNeill had a force of some 800 men at Oak Ridge, and judging that the heavy rains had rendered the country below Oak Ridge toward Bzcuf River impassable, and that consequently if pushed he would endeavor to go toward Monroe, I determined on sending the Third Brigade to Oak Ridge, at the same time pushing the First and Second Brigades through Bastrop, La., to a point called Great Mills, where the Oak Ridge and Monroe road crossed Beuf Bayou, hoping by this disposition of my forces to either capture his command or at least force a fight. I also directed Colonel Shanks to send a portion of the force under his com- mand to Monroe. February 2, remained at Bastrop, La., all day with the Fourth Illinois Cavalry and detachments of the three brigades left in charge of the pack train. Foraging details brought in a large nrtm- ber of horses, mules, and negroes. At 3 p. m. Colonel Funke arrived, and reported that on reaching Oak Ridge he found that McNeills force had been greatly exaggerated, it amounting only to some sixty men, poorly armed, who, hearing of his approach, fled amid scattered about in the swamps. He succeeded in taking several prisoners and capturing some very good horses and mules. February 3, detached two squad- roiis of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, with orders to proceed to Prairie Mer Rouge (which I was informed was the finest agricultural portion of that section of country) and burn all large quantities of forage, cotton, & c., that he might find; also to bring in all serviceable animals and negroes, and to rejoin the command at Hamburg, coming up the west side of Bayou Bartholomew from Knoxs Ferry for that purpose. Moved the command two miles below Point Pleasant and commenced ferrying across the bayou, using the steam-boat for that purpose. In the interim Colonel Shanks returned and reported that he had gone, as directed, to Grants Mills; found no enemy; had also sent a detach- ment into Monroe; found the place nearly deserted, all Govermuent property having been moved by Harrison across the Washita River. Completed the crossing of the command by 2 a. in. morning of the 4th. As soon a.s this was effected I burned the steam-boat and sunk her hull in a narrow part of the channel. February 4, marched at 6 a. m. in a northeasterly direction toward Hamburg, Ark. Marched twenty-eight miles and went into camp near Louisiana State line. From this point I sent a small detachment of the Second Wisconsin Cavalry, with orders to proceed north along the bayou, gather up all the stock they could find, and to rejoin me at Gasters Ferry. Feb. mary 5, marched at 0 a. m. Owimig to the continuous heavy rain the country was completely flooded, and the character of the soil was such that after a few horses had passed over the road it became a perfect quicksand, while on each side of the road the land was so spouty that it affordedi no footing whatever, the animals immediately miring down. Notwithstanding this I reached Hamburg with the advanced brigade. The other two brigades experienced considerable difficulty, as it became necessary for them to bridge several small streams that had been forded by the advanced brigade. They also lost several animals and some material, andwere unable to reach Hamburg till the 6th. This was the most severe weather we experienced during the trip, being not only wet but also intensely cold. Several contrabands perished from cold and exposure in their wet condition. February 6, the detachment of the Fourth Illinois sent to Prairie Mer Rouge rejoined the command Page 71 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION FROM MEMPhIS, TENN. 71 and reported having burned about 200,000 bushels of corn, some cot- ton, and brought in several horses, mules, and negroes. They also captured a few prisoners. February 7, marched at 5 a. in., and after experiencing difficulty, on account of all the small creeks and slouglis being very full, reached Collins Mill with a part of the Third Brigade at 7 p. m. February 8, remained at Collins all day in order to give the rear brigade an opportunity of closing up, as it had been considerably delayed by bridging streams and the wretched condition of the roads. February 9, marched at 6 a. in, through the town of shanghai to Bayou Bartholomew; crossed the bayou at Taylors Ferry and went into camp at Jiughesplantation with a part of the First Brigade, the provost guard, and the prisoners at 3p. m. February 10, marched at 6 a. m. Crossed Bayou Mason at 11 a. in., and reached Gaines Landing at 2 p. m. February 11, embarked the Fourth Illinois Cavalry (who had acted as provost guard during the expedition) with the prisoners captured on board the steamer Laurel Hill and the Fifth Illinois Cavalry in steamer Autocrat. As soon as these boats had returned to Gaines Lauding with coal for the remainder of the fleet, I embarked the command and returned to Memphis. Taking into consideration the exceedingly adverse circumstances under which the expedition was made, the losses, both in men and material, are singularly light. The following is a report of these losses: Men, 1 killed, 2 captured, and 7 left sick, unable to ride; total number lost, 10. Horses, 203; mules, 49; horse equipments (sets), 20; pack-saddles, 6; carbines, 30; pistols, 38; picket ropes, 1. Oar captnres of stock foot up as follows: Horses of superior quality turned over to regiments, 182; horses of superior quality turned over to division quartermaster, 94; mules (serviceable) turned over to regi. inents and division quartermaster, 358, showing a net gain of stock of 73 horses and 309 mules. We also brought in 440 negroes, of whom 200 went into the service. The remainder were principally women and children. During the expedition 44 prisoners were captured and a large number of deserters and refugees brought in. We also destroyed at various points large amounts of cotton, corn, and meat; also burned several mills, distilleries, and store-houses, which were in the use of the Confederate Government. I submit herewith extract from [report of j Col. J. P. C. Shanks, commanding First Brigade, in reference to First Lient. Charles H. Hare, Company I, Seventh Indiana Cavalry: On the evening of January 29, 1865, when in camp at Quindley, on Bayou Barthol- omew, Private Hendrickson, of Company I, Seventh Indiana Cavalry, presented him, Limit. Charles H. Hare, with a $20 gold piece, with the remark that he, Private Hendrickson, made him, Lieutenant Hare, a present of it; and further, that on the evening of the 31st January, 1865, in camp at Furness, said Private Hendrickson delivered to Lieutenant Hare twenty pieces of gold coin of the value of $20 each, asking Lieutenant Hare to keep it for him. Lieutenant Hare states that when camp was called the following morning he returned the twenty pieces of gold to Private Hendrickson, and that Private Hendrickson left camp that morning before the column moved, and was that day captured (I have since learned, killed). Lieutenant Hare further states that he knew at the time he accepted the present of one piece of gold, and when he received on deposit the twenty pieces, that they had been gotten by Private Hendrickson on the expedition, and had been wrongfully obtained by him. Lieutenant Sloan, Company E, Seventh Indiana Cavalry, reports to me that be saw Lieutenant Hare in possession of twenty-one pieces of gold ($20 each) four days after Private Hendrickson was lost; and since his return from the expedition Lieutenant Hare has told Major Carpenter that he had the money after Hendrickson~ s capture, but that it was now lost. He has kept it so concealed as to be beyond recovery. I ask that First Lient. Charles H. Hare, Company I, Seventh Indiana Cavalry, be dismissed the service dishonorably and without pay, with an accom- panying order, that the order of dismissal be read in all the cavalry camps of the division. I heartily approve and indorse the recommendation of the brigade commander, considering that the interests of the service imperativel Page 72 72 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [ChAP. LX. demand that an example should be made of any commissioned officer who so far degrades himself and the position he occupies as to counte- nance, in any manner whatever, pillaging or marauding. This expedition had for its object the destruction of Harrisons command. As will be seen from the intercepted dispatch from him, herewith inclosed,it could not reach him without crossing the Washita River, at this point from one-half to three-quarters of a mile in width, and no boats of any kind in the vicinity to effect a crossing with. Desertions, furloughs to favor- ites, & c., have already placed Harrisons command hors de combat. He cannot raise in his whole brigade 500 properly mounted and equipped cavalry, and the only regiments he had that were worth anything were taken from his command and sent beyond Red River. The corn being burnt by us, and the horses and mules most thoroughly hunted up and taken possession of~ he canuot possibly this season or during the next year subsist anything more than a scouting party on this side of the Washita River. A force of 1100 men located anywhere on the west bank of the Mississippi River can scout the country to the Washita with safety, and would be amply sufficient to protect the whole country. What may be true of the country opposite Natchez and from there to Trinity I cannot speak of with any degree of certainty. A force could operate from Natchez now to the Tensas River even better than in the country through which we passed. In and around Bastrop every white resident has from ten to fifty bales of cotton, which constitutes his entire property. If the Government would send steam-boats to Washita City, properly convoyed by gun-boats, 5,000 bales of cotton could be obtained from this class of persons, nearly all of whom desire to leave the country with their families and become loyal citizens of the United States. It is but justice to the officers and men composing the expedition to say that the hardships of the trip were the most severe ever encountered by cavalry in this country. Anything less than their high discipline and determination would have failed to bring the expe- dition to a successful termination. To brigade commanders, and through them to every officer and soldier in the division, I desire to return my thanks for their indomitable energy and perseverance, as well as their soldierly conduct. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. B. OSBAND, Colonel Third U. S. Golored Gavairy, Commanding. Capt. F. W. Fox, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of Mississippi. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS HARRISONS BRIGADE Monroe Feb Col. A. J. MOKEILL, , mary 1, 1865. Commanding Fourth Louisiana Cavalry: COLONEL: We have just received news from Capt. John C. MeKowen corroborating your statement. He reports that the enemy were sixteen miles above Bastrop at 12 oclock to-day. If this should be true, and you are cut off, collect your forces and follow them in their rear, annoy- ing them as much as possible. We will concentrate at Columbia, and if they occupy Monroe you must use your own good judgment in getting to us. Jam, colonel,very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. V. GREEN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 73 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION TO KIMBALL S PLANTATION, ARK. 73 JANUARY 27, 1866.Expedition from Fort Pinney to Kimballs Plantation, Ark. Rep~rt of Capt. Benjamin Thomas, Sixty-third U. S. Colored Infantry, provost-marshal, District of Eastern Arkansas. OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL, DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS, Port Pinney, Ark., January 28, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report to you that, in accordance with an order dated Helena, January 25, 1865, and signed by the general commanding, I prepared an expedition to capture Stewart and I)ustin, deserters and smugglers. Captain Ferguson, of the gun-boat No. 28, furnished boats sufficient to carry nearly fifty persons. During the day 1 obtained a colored guide from Friars Point by sending one of my men with him into the weeds and exchanging clothing, and in his dis- guise no one knew him. I also, by pretending to find an old acquaint- amice on the hill, got a man who lived at Mrs. Kimballs house and pressed him in as a guide. His name is Charles Phayer. Captain Ferguson kindly consented to land his boat at the fort, and placed my men on the boat unobserved by any one on the other side of the river. At 2 a. in. of the 27th I manned the boats with my men and went down the river opposite to the old town cut-off, and landed and divided into two parties, one commanded by myself amid the other by Captain Parks, of the Sixty-ninth U. S. Colored Troops. We left a guard of six men and a corporal with the boats. I was to go in the rear of the house and he in front. At the early dawn we charged up to the house on the double-quick. No alarm was given before we were all around the house. Leaving the men in position, Captain Parks, six men, and myself entered the house to search it for men. We found Dustins boots, socks,coat, & c., and 1 was well satisfied he was in or near the house. I asked Mrs. Kimball to tell us where he was, so as to save her house from being burned or goods much injured by thorough search, as we were sure to get him. She said he had never been there but once, and that was oii last Monday week. I found his revolver under Mrs. Kimballs pillow. I ordered the floor to be torn up, and found him under the floor with his Henry rifle. I ordered the men to fire under the house and set the house on fire in three places. He left his hiding place and came out, without arms, at the other end of the house from where he was in the first place, and throwing up his arms exclaimed, Oh, my God; oh, Captain Thomas, save me. Two men were wounded by Dustin or by careless shooting by my men, and I had not time to investigate which. The wounds were not severe. When Dustin was captured his guard said as he passed Mrs. Kim- ball he handed her a small roll. He confessed he gave her something over $500. Dustin also claimed he gave the Irishman $300 to buy goods on the hill. I found $187 on his person and took it. The prop- erty and money captured was as follows: Money with me and property in charge of Captain Parks at Fort Pinney, viz: money from Irishman, $187; Mrs. Kimball and claimed by Dustin, $530; Confederate money abont (Mrs. Kimballs), $100; goods in a bag, handkerchiefs, & c.; 1 Henry rifle and revolver of Dustins; 1 worthless shotgun. The man Charles Phayer and Mrs. Kimball were no doubt engaged together with the deserters in the smuggling business. We brought the boat away. Captain Ferguson brought his boat down after the officers and men and landed them at the fort, and he brought Mrs. Kimball to the general Page 74 74 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. With many thanks for the kindness of Captain Ferguson, I have the honor to be, captain, your most obedient servant, B. THOMAS, Captain, Commanding Fort Psnney. Capt. T. C. MEATYARD, Assistant Adjntant-(~eneral. JANUARY 28FEBRUARY 9, 1865.Operations on the Upper Arkansas, with skirmish (February 1) at Fort Zarah, Kans. REPORTS. No. 1..Col. James H. Ford, Second Colorado Cavalry, commanding I)istrict of the Upper Arkansas. No. 2.Capt. William H. Greene, Secon4 Colorado Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Cot. James H. Ford, Second Colorado Cavalry, commanding District of the Upper Arkansas. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE UPPER ARKANSAS, Fort Riley, Kans., February 9, 18G5. MAJOR: I have the honor to state, for the information of the general commanding, that since my last communication of January 28 up to the present date all is qniet throughout the district. No large par- ties of Indans have been discovered by our scouts along the line of the Arkansas River, and with the exception of an attack upon a fatigue party chopping wood one mile from Fort Zarah no casualties have occurred. Upoii the morning of the 1st of February a fatigue party of eight men, chopping wood on the Arkansas one mile from Fort Zarah, were fired upon by Indians; one man mortally wounded. Lieutenant Coy, with Company C, Second Cavalry of Colorado, immediately started in pursuit. The m~orning being extremely foggy, enabling the Indians to advance under its cover, also concealed their retreat. All that the party sent in pursuit were able to discover was a few moccasin tracks on the sand-bar in the river. On the 6th of February a report was received at these headquarters from Jesse H. Leavenworth, Indian agent, now at Council Grove, that Company D, Sixteenth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, at that place, were in a state of partial mutiny, having shot the lieutenant of their company, mortally wounding him, and had itnot been for ten men of Company D, Second Cavalry of Colorado, would have carried into effect their threat of burniiig the town. Immediately upon receipt of this Lieutenant Wise, Company D, Second Cavalry of Colo- rado, with the available men of his company, proceeded to Council Grove (acting under instructions from these Jieadquarters) to investigate the affair, arrest all the guilty parties, and send them to Fort Riley, Kans., for trial. The report having implicated the captain of the company, he was directed to arrest him, and the whole company if necessary. Owing to the messenger not being sent in time the company had left the Grove some six hours before the lieutenant arrived (acting under orders from the commanding officer District of South Kansas), and, having passed out of the limits of this district Lieutenant Wise deemed farthe Page 75 CH~. LX.] OPERATIONS ON THE UPPER ARKANSAS, KANS. 75 pursuit unnecessary. Upon investigation the following facts were ascer- tained: That Company D, Sixteenth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, Cap- tain Kendall commanding, acting under orders from the commanding officer District of North Kansas, pursuant to instructions from depart- ment headquarters, were ordered to Council Grove Kans., in the District of the Upper Arkansas, to report to Maj. Gen. Jam~s 0-. Blunt, commanding District of South Kansas; arrived there on the of Jan- uary, 1865; left there on the 5th of February, 1865, for Humboldt, Kans. On the night previous to their departure eight of the enlisted men tired upon the lieuteiiant, severely wounding him. He drew his revolver and drove them offi He was carried into the hotel. The men shortly after returned to complete their work, but were pre- vented by a few soldiers of Company D, Second Cavalry of Colorado, stationed at that place for the protection of Government property stored there. Finding these men determined to protect this officer they withdrew, returning again, however, with more men, declaring that they were going to kill him if they found him, and that they would search the town, burn the hotel, and threatening the lives of the citi- zens, but that they would finish the job. It appears that the captain was cognizant of this and even present at tJme time the lieutenant was shot, making no effort to control his men. I inclose Lieutenant Wises report.* Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. H. FORD, Colonel, Commanding District. By J. E. TAPPAN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. (In absence of colonel commanding.) Maj. C. S. CHARLOT, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth. No. 2. Report of Capt. William fi. Greene, Second Colorado Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, Fort Zarah, February 1, 1865. Sin: I have the honor to report that this morning, while eight men of my command were on fatigue duty cutting wood about three- quarters of a mile from this post on the Arkansas River, a party of Indians stole upon them and fired upon them, mortally wounding one private, S. M. Dutton, of Company C, Second Colorado Cavalry. The morning was very foggy, it being impossible to distinguish objects dis- tinctly more than 100 yards. I immediately sent Lieutenant Coy, with thirty men, in pnrsuit of the Indians. He was out for several hours, but could find no trace of them, except a few moccasin tracks on the sand-bar in the river. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. GREENE, Captain, Second Colorado Cavalry, Commanding -Post. Lient. J. E. TAPPAN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. * Omitted Page 76 76 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. JANUARY 29FEBRUARY 7, 1865.Scouts from Bayou Goula to Grand River, La., with skirmish (January 30) at Richland Plantation. Report of Col. Willard iSayles, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. IIEADQUARTERS EXPEDITION, Bayou Goula, Febr~a~ry 10, 18G5. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the expe- dition under my command, which reached this place January 27, 18(55, and found on my arrival a detachment of the Eightieth U. S. Colored Infantry, under command of Maj. William A. Hatch: On the evening of the same day a scouting party was sent out, under the command of Major Hatch, who thoroughly explored the country for seven miles back and returned without discovering the enemy. On the 29th nltimno I sent out a cavalry force to the rear of a bruh~ south of Thompsons back plantation and east of Mr. Itandolphs plantation. Here a guerrilla camp was discovered amid broken up, and a house, the haunt of these men, and 200 bushels of corn were burned. This was rendered necessary from the fact that the camp was so far in the swamp that the corn could riot be brought out without great labor. Then the party mGved south from Tlichland plantation, driving a party of twenty or more guerrillas, comumnanded by one Brown, a Confederate captain, to another camp on a small plantation owned by Alexander Ambreaux. Here they disappeared in the swamp, where it was entirely imnpractica- ble to follow them. Our party then retired two miles, to the Itichiand plantation, posted pickets, and encamped. During the night the guer- rilla~s attempted to break through our pickets, were fired upon, and retreated with one man severely wounded. On the following morning a small infantry force was sent to their assistance, when the guerrillas were again driven into the swamps and scattered in every direction. The infantry pursued some of the stragglers to the rear of Mrs. E. J. Randolphs back plantation, but were unsuccessful in overtaking them. Our whole force then returned to camp at this place, successful only in breaking up the guerrilla haunts and destroying their camps. Imme- diately after their return two companies of cavalry were sent out, one to the said swamp and the other to Mrs. Randolphs back planta- tion, for the purpose of intercepting and cutting off any of their band lurking about there. After remaining two days they were ordered into camp. February 2, a company of cavalry was sent out, proceeding from Andrew Mills plantation, on Bayou La Butte, for the purpose of exam- ining the roads and scouting for the enemy in the direction of Grand River. This road is crossed by fifteen small bayous, which were very high in consequence of the overflowing of Grand River, and there being no bridges they swam five of them, filled with logs and cypress roots. It required the greatest care amid labor on the part of both officers and men to cross them without drowning or disabling the horses. They were, however, effected with the loss of only one horse. Upon reach- ing the river they learned that Captain Brown had made the river a day or two before by the way of Lake Long. As the water was break- ing through the levee in many places and sweeping across the road, we were unable to proceed farther down the river. The force then moved toward Indiami Village and encamped near there, and the next morning started for camp, reaching here abotit 3 p. m. From that time till the 5th instant, in consequence of incessant rains and the impracticable roads, we remained in camp to rest both men and horses. Febrnary 5, I received a dispatch from Major Shaw, commanding at Plaquemine, containing the information that Captain Rice, Thirty-firs Page 77 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION TO LAKE VERRET, LA. 77 Massachusetts Mounted Infantry, had been attacked at The Park early this morning by a rebel force of 500. I immediately took three coinpa- nies of cavalry and started for his relief. Having passed two miles beyond Plaqucinine Ii met a returning force of the Thirty- first Massa- chusetts, who reported that the rebels had been driven across Grand River. I then returned with my companies to this place. Lieutenant Miles, of the engineer corps, accompanied all these expeditions, and with his knowledge of the country was of great assistance iii carrying out the object of the expedition. He has been so faithful in all of his duties that praise is a poor recompense for his valuable services. Feb- ruary 7, Lieutenant Miles, with a cavalry escort, proceeded toward Grand River and completed his survey. He has received all the assist- ance I could give him, both from cavalry and infantry. The parties sent out in these expeditions have been instructed to seize all arms in the possession of persons without proper permits, which will be turned over in obedience to your orders. Every search and seizure has been made under the charge of a commissioned officer, with instructions to carefully and faithfully perform their duties. In the execution of your orders the country between Doualdsonville and Plaquemine has been cleared of the enemy and their haunts broken up. I would respect- fully suggest that the easiest and most practicable mode of observing the general avenues of approach from the Grossetete country to the La Fourche, and checking the passage of the enemy, would be to estab-- lish a post at Bayou Goula, composed principally of cavalry. This post would be easily defended, and by care and watchfulness could warn and protect the La Fourche country. With reference to your instructions that no plunder or license be permitted, the utmost care and vigilance has been exercised, and every effort has been made, on the part of both officers and men, to fully carry out the object of the expedition. Where either officers or men have failed in their duty, punishment has been speedy. If there are any of the enemy remaining we have been unable to discover them. We have been obliged to take some private prop- erty, but only in cases of extreme necessity, and orders were issued at the outset from these headquarters that no property [should be taken] without authority from the same. In the several scouts that have been made and in swimming bayous the men lost the larger portion of their rations, and I was compelled, in order to subsist my men, to take some beeves. One cow belonging to Mr. Sneed and six yearlings belonging to Mrs. Randolph comprises all taken under my orders for the use of my command. Owing to the scarcity of wood some six cords were taken from Colonel Butlers plantation, for which proper certificates have been given. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. SAYLES, Colonel Third Rhode Island Cavalry, Commanding Expedition. Capt. FREDERIC SPEED, Assistant Adjutant- General. JANUARY 3031, 1866.Expedition from Thibodeaux to Lake Verret and Bayou Planton, La., with skirmish (30th) near Lake Verret. IREPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Robert A. Cameron, U. S. Army, commanding District of La Fourche. No. 2.Capt. Thomas W. Sayles, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. No. 3.Capt. John H. Alexander, First Louisiana Cavalry Page 78 78 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. No. 1. Report oJ Brig. Gen. Robert A. Cameron, U. ~. Army, commanding Dis- trict of La Fourche. LA FOURCHE DISTRICT, Thibodeaux, La., February 4, 1865. On the 29th ultimo I heard of a party of guerrillas in the neighbor- hood of Labadieville and this side of Napoleonville stealing horses. Finding telegraphic communication was interrupted with Napoleon- yule, I sent Company K, First Louisiana Cavalry, after them from this place. They tracked a few of them to Lake Verret, where they escaped in a small boat, exchanging shots as they went, one man of our party being wonnded; the damage to them unknown A full report from Cap- tain Alexander, commanding the expedition, has been sent you. On the 30th ultimo Major Davis, commanding at Napoleonville, heard of their main force. (See telegram, marked A, inclosed.) I telegraphed him to pursue them. (See telegram, marked B.) A full history of what then transpired please find in the inclosed telegrams, reports, let- ters, and orders in their order from A to I, inclosed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. A. CAMERON, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding District. Capt. FREDERIC SPEED, Assistant Adjutant- General, Defenses of New Orleans, La. [Indorsement.] DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS, February 7, 1865. Respectfully forwarded to department headquarters. T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. P. S.I have given orders for pickets to be established beyond Kapo- leonville upon a road practicable for horses, and over which Major Davis says these guerrillas succeeded in getting between Napoleonville and Thibodeaux. This road, which is from two to four miles from La Fourche Bayou, not having been guarded as it should have been, is the cause of the whole affair at Labadieville. It is a road of which I was not uiitil yester(lay aware, and which was not reported after the reconnaissances made last summer with the view of getting a correct topography of the country. T. W. S. [Inolosure A.] Capt. B. B. CAMP]3t~LL, NAPOLEONVILLE, LA., January 80, 1865. Assistant Adjutant- General: We had an engagement to-day with the Confederates between here and Lake Verret, commencing about 10 a. m. and lasting about an hour. Confederate force reported upward of sixty. Will have more particulars soon. GEORGE R. DAVIS, Major, Commanding Post Page 79 CHAr. LX.] EXPEDITION TO LAKE VERRET, LA. 79 [Inelosure B.] THIBODEAUX, LA., danuary 30, 1865. Major DAvis, Napoleonville: Pursue the guerrillas. Chase them out if possible. You can have re-enforcernents from this place if necessary. By command of Brig. Gen. H. A. Cameron: B. B. CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure C.] KAPOLEONVILLE, January 30, 1865. Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant-General: I will start immediately with about sixty men, leaving a competent officer in command here with about 125 dismounted men and twenty- five mounted to protect this place, including the infantry. G. H. DAVIS, ]Iiliajor, Commanding Post. [Inclosure D.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD HHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, January 31, 1865. Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant- General, District of La Fourche: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, pursuant to instructions received by telegram, I scouted the country on the east side of Lake Verret and to the brul6, on the Texas road, last night, and found no guerrillas. The only report that I was able to obtain was that there was a fight there yesterday for some time, and it was reported that quite a number were engaged. I started some upon my way back near Foleys plantation. They passed through Beasleys plantation. After pursuing them some distance, it being very dark, I returned to this post. Early this morning I sent out a few mounted men on the Canal road and some to Paincourtville, with orders to proceed as far as Grand Bayou and then through the brul~, this side of Grand Bayou and the lake to the Canal road. I hear that some twenty-two were on the plantation of Doctor Ford, on Bayou La Fourche, this a. in., and that the men sent out by me are only a few miles behind them. They have in their party of guerrillas the horses belonging to Messrs. Cox and Foley, some ten or twelve in number, and seven or eight mules belong- ing to Doctor Ford. I have the honor to be, captain, your obedient servant, GEO. H. DAVIS, Major, Commanding Regiment and Post. [Inelosuro E.] KAPOLEONVILLE, LA., January 31, 1865. Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant-General: Captain Sayles has just returned, and reports the guerrilla party to be commanded by Whitaker. Followed him to and beyond Bayou Grand; could not overtake him. Our horses are too inferior to move rapidly. GEG. H. DAVIS, Major, Gommanding Post Page 80 80 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. [Juclosure F.] HEADQUARTERS POST, Napoleonville La Pc Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, , ., bruary 1, 18G5. Assistant Adjutant- General, La Pourche District: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that upon the 31st ultimo Cap- tain Sayles, in command of forty men, went upon a scout for Whitakers gang, pursuant to instructions from me. He went the most direct route to Grand Bayou and with all possible dispatch. He found upon arriv- Pig there that they had crossed about one hour previous. He had no instructions to cross Grand Bayou, and did not. He returned to this post and reported, and I immediately telegraphed you regarding the same. In consideration that the horses he had with him (they were the best at this post) had been upon a scout to Lake Verret, in the vicinity of Bayou Saint Vincent, the previous day, and had also been upon a scout to Lake Verret the previous night (not returning until between 3 and 4 oclock in the morning), and not very good even in the best shape, and that the gang he was pursuing were mounted upon good and fresh horses, many of them of the best stock the country affords, it was not thought that a further pursuit would lessen the distance between the two parties. When he left in the morning I was quite confident that he would intercept them at or near Grand Bayou in case they attempted to cross, and I accordingly gave him orders to proceed to the bayou only, and I then believed that Whitaker would be found in the bruld this side. 1 would further state that I feel as deeply mortified at the escape of these thieves as any one possibly can, and endeavored to do all that my instructions and position as commander of the post demanded with that which I had to do with. From the time this party made its appearance upon Bayou La Fourche, I have had small scouting parties out in every direction. 1 have been myself and have sent my best officers. On the 30th ultimo Captain Bicknell with a small force was sent in one direction and Captain Sayles in another. The evening of the same day I went myself to Lake Verret. Up to this time they (the gang) had not crossed the Canal road with their plunder. I remained upon that road nearly all night, my men being at different places. When I was returning some of them said they saw one or two mounted men. They went for them and went into the woods and found nothing. I returned to camp, and early in the a. m. sent out Captain Sayles. He carried out the instructions given him, and of course is free from censure. My scouts and scouting parties have been sent out secretly. Had I gone with the captain to Grand Bayou I should have crossed and made further pursuit. My command has not been idle, although it has not accomplished that which was expected. I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant, GEG. IR DAVIS, JYlajor, Third Rhode Island Cavalry, Comdg. Post Napoleonville. [Juclosure G.] Maj. GEORGE R. DAVIS, THIB6DEATJX, LA., February 1, 1865. Commanding, Napoleonville: The general commanding directs me to say that your report of the scout toward Grand Bayou in pursuit of Whitakers gang isveryunsatis- factory. It is rather strange and much to be regretted that you shouk Page 81 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION TO LAKE VERRET, LA. 81 allow this gang of thieves to come almost within sight of your camp, steal quite a number of horses and mules from the plantations above and below you, and.then allow them to escape with their plunder, your force following them only to Grand Bayon. They should have been pursued to Grand River, where, if closely followed, they would have been compelled to abandon their stolen stock. You will forward a report of your last days proceedings. By command of Brig. Gen. R. A. Cameron: B. B. CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure H.] FEBRUARY 2, 1865. Major DAVIS, Napoleonville: The general commanding desires a written report from Captain Sayles of his expedition toward Grand Bayou in pursuit of the guer- rillas, together with a copy of all orders and instructions given him in reference ta said expedition. B. B. CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Tuclosure I.] HEADQUARTERS LA FOURCHE.~ DISTRICT, Major DAVIS, Thibodeaux, La., February 4, 1865. Third Rhode Island Cavalry, Commanding Post Napoleonville: Captain Sayles report of his scout to Grand Bayou came to hand direct without indorsement from you. It would be sent back, calling attention to paragraph 451, Revised Army Regulations, were it not that too much time has been already taken up amid the reports required from the general commanding the district too long delayed in waiting for this report. From this report it would seem that you allowed Captain Sayles to start out on this important scout without any written instrue- tions, and verbally ordering him no farther than Grand Bayou. He should have had written instructions, and should have been ordered to proceed as far as Grand River, where he would, without doubt, have retaken all the stock and stolen property, and a portion, if not all, of the force he was purSuimig, as it would have been impossible for them to have succeeded in crossing Grand River in time to avoid capture, having only about an hour the advantage of the pursuing party at Grand Bayou. He should also have had orders to take a sufficient sup- ply of rations and ammunition to have enabled him to make the expe- dition. Grand River is~ considered our line, and if the force stationed at Kapolconville fail in clearing the country in the vicinity of that place, lying between Bayou La Fourche and Grand River, of these roving bands of guerrillas, they fail in the o1~ject for which they are stationed at that point. The peace and quiet of the people, the protection of their lives and property, and the safety of the levees depend very much upon the vigilance and watchfulness of the commander and force sta- tioned at Napoleonville. By command of Brigadier-General Cameron: B. B. CAMPBELL, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. 6 R RVOL XLVIII, PT Page 82 82 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. rcHAP. LX. No. 2. Report of Capt. Thomas W. Sayles, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. HDQRS. COMPANY II, THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, Napoleonvilie, La., February 8, 1865. CAPTAIN: Pursuant to instructions, I have the honor to make the following report cf my scout to Grand Bayou on the 31st of January, 1865: I left this place on the morning of the 31st of January, in command of about forty men, pursuant to instructions from Major Davis, to cap- ture a party of guerrillas that are supposed to be in the brul6, this side of Grand Bayou. I took the most direct way to Grand Bayou to cut them off in case they attempted to cross. I went upon the gallop until within about one mile and a half of Grand Bayou, when it became so muddy that I could not possibly go faster than a walk, and even at that pace some of the horses got stuck in the mud and had not the strength to get out, and consequently had to be left behind. Upon arriving at the bayou I heard they had crossed three-quarters of an hour before, and were making off as fast as possible. Having no instructions to cross Grand Bayou, and knowing they had so much start at that place, and that it would take some time for me to cross (the only means by swim- ming), I scouted around in the vicinity; found a mule that they had left behind (which has since been returned to Doctor Ford, from whom it was taken), and then returned through the brul6 to see if any were still lurking behind. I came to camp and reported to Major Davis. I am, captain, your most obedient servant, THOMAS W. SAYLES, Captain Company .11, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. Capt. B. B. CAMPIIELL, Assistant Adjutant- General, La Fourehe District. My orders were verbal, communicated to me by Major Davis in person, and are as follows: To take what men I wanted and be sure and get the best horses; proceed to Grand Bayou with all possible dispatch, and make an effort to capture some guerrillas, which he thought would be found lurking in the brul6 this side of the bayou; intercept them at Grand Bayou if they attempted to cross. Respectfully, THOMAS W. SAYLES, - Captain, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. No. 3. - Report of Capt. John Iii. Alexander, F Louisiana Cavalry. HDQRS. COMPANY K,- FIRST LOUISIANA CAVALRY Thibodeaux, La., February 1,~ 1865. CAPTAIN: In obedience to orders, I have the honor to respectfully submit the following as a report of the movements of my command while out in search of guerrillas: On Sunday night I proceeded to Labadieville, where I was informed the rebels had gone to Lake Verret and would be found near Bayou Planton. I then marched to within one mile of the lake, and halted until daylight. I then moved down to the lake. When within a short distance of the Shell Bank we were discovered by their picket, an Page 83 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION TO LAKE VERRET, LA. 83 before wt~ could reach them they embarked in a sail fishing boat, stay- ing long enough to fire a volley at our advance guard (wounding Ser- geant Pelletier and one horse). Bayou Planton being between us, pursuit was not practicable. When they left the Shell Bank they made for the upper end of the lake. After searching for their boats on the edge of the lake, and satisfying myself that none were left, I came back to the Brufo Labadie and went to the Lake or Bayou Coopee Caries, but found nothing but signs of where they had been the night before. I then came back nearer Labadieville and halted until yester- day morning, when I again started for the lake, crossing the direct road. When near Foleys plantation I was informed they were immedi- ately in front of us on Bayou Blne. When we got in rear of the planta- tion we could not trace them any place, but found where they were preparing a lauding place at the mouth of Bayou Blue. Being unable to find where they had gone, and ii ot being supplied with rations suffi- cient to justify another days delay, I returned, crossing the roads leading to the points I had previously visited. I am satisfied that they have not yet taken the horses away, and do not think they can if the Canal road to the lake is guarded. I would have gone to the lake by that route if I could have been satisfied that they had gone that way. Their number I should judge to be about thirty. They halted on Hymels plantation and fed themselves and horses, I was informed by the negroes, on Saturday night. The casualties of the expe- dition were as follows: Orderly Sergt. Emile Pelletier wounded in right arm, and one horse wounded in the neck. I have the honor to be, captain, your obedient servant, JNO. II. ALEXANI)ER, Captain, Commanding Company K, First Louisiana Cavalry. Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant- General La Fourche District. [First iiidorsenient.J HEADQUARTERS LA FOUROHE DISTRICT, Thibodeaux, La., February 1, 1865. Itespectfully forwarded. Th A. CAMERON, brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding District. [Second iiidorseinent.] DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS, February 3, 1865. This report is in its general tenor unsatisfactory. It appears that a raid had bceu made on Labadieville by a mounted force of the enemy. This force must have arrived from some landing place on the lower por- tion of Lake Verret, or else it must have come by the xvay of Napoleon- yule, which can hardly be presumed, inasmuch as there is a mounted force at that place to guard tIme passage. The number of roads on which this mounted force could operate are so few in number and of so short an extent, together with the fact that the horses had, in order to escape, to be embarked at no point on the lake above the canal (see topography of the country), and therefore within certain well-defiumed limits (see again the topography of the country), that the failure to capture at least the horses is inexcusable. I desire to do no one immj us- tice, but to me tIme whole timing is unsatisfactory. Respectfully forwarded to headouarters Department of the Gulf. T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier. General, Commanding Page 84 84 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. JANUARY 31, 1865.Expedition from Morganza to New Roads, La. Report of Col. Morgan fi. Chrysler, Second New York Veteran Cavalry. IIDQRS. SECOND NEW YORK VETERAN CAVALRY, ]iiliorganza, La., January 31, 1865. SIR: I beg leave to submit the following report of the recent scout: In compliance with orders from headquarters U. S. Forces at this post, I marched my command at 2 a. m. as follows: Two squads, under command of Major Fassett, to New Roads by the lower river and the cut-off; three squadrons, in command of Major Vaii Voast, to Waterloo, with orders to send one squadron, under Captain Sanford, up False River to the dyke opposite New Roads. I followed one hoar after with one squadron to hold all the cut-off roads from the river road leadiiig to False River. Sabers were ordered to be left behind, and all arrived as ordered at the different posts before daylight. The rain was falling in torrents. As the gray morning was creeping through the mist the alarm was sounded upon each door, The Yankees are coming. At Waterloo the trap was empty, as a gun-boat lay within a few yards of the town. At New Roads 5 were in and 5 were taken, and 3 horses and equipments, and 5 revolvers. They tried baud to escape. Some burrowed themselves under the houses previously prepared. The captain came very near escaping. He lay under a house covered with a gray blanket, and then covered with dirt amid samid. One of the boys looked under, cocked his carbine, and said, Come out; its no use trying to hide. Come out or Ill scud a blue pill through you, when the captain raised up his head and politely but earnestly remarked, Dont shoot. I send you the names and rank, and the prisoners under guard: Capt. G. H. Miller, Fifth Loui- siana Cavalry; First Lieutenant Bondm an, Fifth Louisiana Cavalry; Charles Mouram, Scotts cavalry; Alphonse Mouram, Wests battal- ion; B. Sanchez, Second Louisiana Cavalry; one of Ratliffs scouts. They are all active and intelligent men. The officers were Major Primes main support, and their loss to him will be great. Prime, the redoubtable major of the Fifth Louisiana Cavalry, had left the day before for Grossetete. All returned to camp at 1 p. in., being out eleven hours. Casualties none. Lieutenant Collins and eighteen men visited West Baton Rouge, and returned to the up river and Williams- port on the 25th. Ratliff is on his old ground on Mariiugouin Bayou, with four picket-posts on the Fordoche. Stilwell is at Rosedale and Prime on False River. Hoping to present you Major Prime in a short time, I remain, your obedient servant, M. H. CHRYSLER, Colonel. Lieut. 0. A. RICE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. JANUARY 31, 1865.Skirmish near Oxford, Kans. Report of Lieut. William F. Goble, Fifth Kansas Cavalry, Assistant Provost-Marshal. OLATHE, KANS., .February 1, 1865. Two houses were burned in Aubrey last night. Doctor Bells house was one burning yesterday morning. That Vaughn had his gan Page 85 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION TO BAYOU BONFOUCA, LA. 85 together I concluded something was up. Before night I started, with eighteen men, toward Oxford. When about half way I discovered Aubrey bnrning and struck for the nearest point on the direct Aubrey and Oxford road, surmising that they would go frpm the former to the latter place. Just after striking the road, two miles south of Oxford, I ran into the whole gang. We were on the high prairie. They were nine in number. Knowing that nothing else could be done, I gave the command to fire and charge, which was done. They charged into the timber and remained there, and we returned. They were about fifty yards distant when we fired. Do not know that arty of them were hurt. W. F. GOBLE, Lieutenant and Assistant Provost-Marshal. Ma. H. H. HEATH, Provost-Marsh al- General, Fort Leavenworth, Kans. JANUARY 31FEBRUARY 1, 1865.Expedition from Fort Pike to Bayou Bonfouca, La., with skirmish (January 31). Report of Lient. Michael Gallagher, & venty;fourth U. & Colored Troops. FORT PIKE, LA., February 1, 18G5. Sin: I have the honor to report to headquarters Fort Pike, La., pursuant to Special Orders, No. 12, dated January 31, 1865, t~he resnlts of an expedition to Bayou Bonfouca, and following: Tuesday, January 31, 1865, sent on board the sloop llosetta with one sergeant, one corporal, thirteen privates, fifteen in number, to Bayou Bonfouca. Started from Fort Pike, La., at 3 p. mu. en route for the above place. Arrived there at 5 p. in., having a very good breeze until I reached tlme bayou, when I discovered a sailing craft in the bayou. Having a reverse wind, I had to haul in my sails on the sloop Rosetta and pole her np the bayou to withiu 250 yards of Bayou Vincent, Mrs. Coopers being my destination, which lay on the Bayou Vincent. The sailing craft, which was the schooner Perseverance, was loaded with wood bound to New Orleans, La., Mr. Raymond Terence, master and owner of the above-named vessel. She lay at anchor about fifty yards from Bayou Vincent, when I ran my sioop Rosetta into the left bank of Bayou Bonfouca for the purpose of getting a yawl-boat to tow me up the Bayou Vincent, when a party of guerrillas, nine in number, rushed to the right bank of the bayou and demanded the sioop Rosetta to come across to them, or otherwise they would fire into mne. Previous to this time I had taken the precaution to put my men in the cabin of the sloop. I then cautioned my men to be ready and keep cool, when the guerrmllas opened fire on the boat. They did not give me time to come across to them when they discovered the U. S. uniform on the two sailors and myself (all the other nien were below). I then called the men on deck and gave the command, fire. After firing two rounds they took to the swamp. The schooner Perseverance immediately got nnder way with all her sails set, and coming toward my sloop, I thought discretiomm was the best part of valor. I dropped down to the mouth of Bonfonca Bayou, not km~owing but what there might be more men on board of her and intending to run me down. I ordered my men ashore at the old lighthouse, where they could have a good range on the schooner and at the same time a good cover for themselves Page 86 86 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. When she came in hailing distance I ordered her to come to anchor or I would fire into her. She immediately came to. I went on board and found that the guerrillas had been omi board and robbed the crew of all their iuone~ and clothes then they demanded of the captain $1,000, or they would burn his schooner. The captain not having the money convenient could not give them the money. If I had not just been in time the schooner would have been burned. I went iii pursuit of them, but lost track of them entirely, but was informed that they had gone to Bayou La Coinbe. I sent a colored man by name of St. John to Mrs. Coopers to ascertain if they had damaged any of her property. He returned at 3 a. m. February 1,1865, and stated that they had been there, but did not disturb anything, but took a man by the name of Johnson who was in her employ. She was well protected by armed citizens from Pearl River. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, MICHAEL GALLAGIJElI, First Lient., 74th U. S. Colored Infantry, (Jomdg. Company A. Lieut. Col. A. G. HALL, Commanding Fort Pike, La. FEBRUARY 15, 1865.Scout from Warrensburg to Wagon Knob, Big Grove, Greenton, and Texas Prairie, Mo. Report of 6~apt. Milton Burns, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry. HDQRS. FIRST MISSOURI STATE MILITIA CAVALRY, Warrensburg, Mo., February 6, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report to you that, in compliance with proper orders, I started from Camp Grover on the morning of the 1st of February, 18(35, with thirty-eight men, for five days scout. I moved in the direction of Colunubus, aiid near that place I divided my force and sent eighteen men, under command of Lieutenant Phillips, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry, to the vicinity of Itenick Mills, to camp in that vicinity, and on the 2d to meet inc near Wagon Knob. I, with twenty men, moved in the direction of Wagon Knob and camped on the head of James Branch. On the 2d instant I met Lieutenant Phillips near Wagon Knob. I there divided the force as before and sent Lieutenant Phillips to scout in the vicinity of Buck Knob, and to meet me at a certain point south of Wagon Knob. I went through the head of Big Grove and passed on to near the head of Tabo Creek and camped. On the morning of the 3d instant I divided my force again and sent eight men with Sergeant Kelly, Company L, First Mis- sonri State Militia Cavalry, to scout through the head of the Big Grove and meet me near the Wagon Knob. I, with ten men, moved in the direction of Greenton and Tuckers Mill. Near that place I visited the house of the bushwhacker Rider, and found his family to consist of his wife Alice and six children; one boy ten years old, one boy nine years old, one boy seven years old, one girl six years old~ one girl four years old, and one girl two years old. I went from there to Texas Prairie and visited the family of Welch. He and two sons are in the brash. I found his wife Mary and four children; one boy twelve years old, one girl ten years old, one boy seven years old, and one boy five years old. I then started in the (hirection of Chapel Hill and soon found a trail of two guerrillas. I followed them until late in the evening, and came up with them at one Widow Cobbs, in the south edge of Texas Prairie. They were jnst about ready to leave when I came in sight. 1 charge Page 87 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM WARRENSBURG, MO. 87 on tbem~ My animal being faster than those of my men, I alone was able to get in easy range of them. I wounded one of them. They saved themselves by reaching some scattering brush, and the dusk of the evening prevented us from getting both of them. I camped that night iu that viciiiity, and next morning passed Buck Knob and joined Lieutenant Phillips and Sergeant Kelly south of Wagon Knob. Being satisfied that there were more bushwhackers in the direction of Tuckers Mill, I moved my whole force under cover of the Wagon Knob and concealed my hoi~es and left a guard with them. I divided my men into three partiesnine men with myself, nine men with Lieutenant Phillips, and eight men with Sergeant Kelly, Company L, First Missouri State Militia Cavalryand moved in the direction of Tuckers Mill, myself in the center, Lieutenant Phillips on my right, and Kelly on my left. After proceeding some two miles I came upon a trail of six bushwhackers, and followed them about three miles in the thick brush and completely surprised them, and fired a volley into them at a (listance of about forty paces while they were standing in a close circle around a small fire. What damage was done them I am unable to state, but am satisfied that several of them were wounded. I cap- tured all of their horses and equipments, six in number, and two Sharps carbines. The brush being very thick I was unable to follow them after they were dismounted. I camped that night, the 4th, near Wagon Knob, and on the 5th returned to camp with all of my captured property. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, MILTON BUI~RIS, Captain Company I, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry. Capt. A. R. CONKLIN Acting Assistant A djutant- General, Warrensburg, Mo. FEBRUARY 15, 1865.Scout from Warrensburg to Tabo Creek, Dover, Oaklin Church, and Davis Creek, Mo. Report of Cdpt. George T. Hamblin, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry. ThQIn~. COMPANY I, SEVENTH CAY. Mo. STATE MILITIA, Camp Grover, near Warrensburg, Mo., February 5, 1865. COLONEL: In obedience to Special Orders, No. , headquarters of Dis{rict of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Mo., I have the honor to report: On the 1st day of February, 1805, I left Warreusburg, Mo., in charge of Lieutenant Cram and forty-eight enlisted nien of the Seventh Cav- alry Missouri State Militia, and proceeded on the Lexington road as far as Mound Prairie Church. Thence I proceeded in a northeast direc- tion to Tabo Creek, distaut eight muiles from Mound Prairie Church, where I camped for the night. On the muorning of the 2d I moved down the creek, having out skirmishers. I scouted the brush thoroughly for the enemy. I had gone but a short distance when my advance came upon three guerrillas, whereupon the guerrillas and my advance exchanged several shots. I moved rapidly forward and gave chase after the retreating guerrillas. I, with eight of my men, pur. sued them some eight miles, whereupon I gave up the chase and - returned to where I first started the guerrillas and found that the command had moved to other localities. I then proceeded in the dire Page 88 88 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI [CHAP. LX. tion of Dover, where T found the command. Jt being late in the day II camped for the night. Distance traveled on the second day, twenty- five miles. Ga the morning of the 3d I received information that some four or five guerrillas had been seen lurking around in the neighbor- hood of the Widow Jays farm, some four miles east of Dover, on the Waverly road. I moved on the morning of the 3d in search of the above-reported guerrillas. After arriving at the place I made a thor- ough search for them, but was unsuccessful. I then proceeded to the house of Mrs. Jay, where I found one Savage revolver and a small lot of ammunition. I then moved with the command to Tabo Creek. I then proceeded up the creek some five miles above Dover, scouting the brush thoroughly in search of the enemy. It being late in the day, I stopped to feed. Not long after the command had stopped an acci- dent happened to one of the enlisted men of my command, causing me to camp for the night. Distance traveled on third day, twenty miles. On the morning of the 4th 1 moved up on the west side of Tabo some nine miles, scouting the brush thoroughly iii search of the enemy. Thence I moved across the creek in an easterly direction some eight or ten miles in the vicinity of the Oaklin Church. It being late in the day, 1 camped for the night in the vicinity of Oaklin Church. Dis- tance traveled on the fourth day, twenty-five miles. On the morning of the 5th 1 moved with the command in a southwest direction to Davis Creek, scouting the brush thoroughly for the enemy. I then moved with the command in the direction of Warrensburg, Mo., by way of Kirkpatricks Mill, arriving at Camp Grover, near Warrensburg, Mo., on the evening of the 5th of February, 1865. Distance traveled, thirty miles on the 5th. Your mosi obedient servant, GEORGE T. HAMBLIN. Capt. Company I, 7th Car. ATh. State Militia, (Jomdg. Corn any. Col, J. F. PHILIPS, Commanding District of ~Jentral Missoitri. PE~BRUARY 218, 1865.Operations against Indians on the North Platte River, in Colorado and Nebraska Territories. SUM MAiWY 015 TflIIE PRINFCIPAL iEV7E NTS. Feb. 2, 1865.Attack on tbe Overland Stage Station at .Julesburg, Cob. Ter. 46, 1865.Action at Mud Springs, Nebr. Ter. 89, 1865.Action on the North Platte River, near Rush Creek, Nebr. Ter. iREP0}~TS. No. 1.Col. Robert R. Livingston, First Nebraska Cavalry, commanding Eastern Sub-District of Nebraska. No. 2Lient. Cob. William 0. Collins, Eleventh Obio Cavalry, commanding West- ern Sub-District of Nebraska. No. 1. Report of Col. Robert P. Liring8ton, First Nebraska Cavalry, command ing Eastern Snb-D~strict of Nebraska. HDQRS. EASTERN SUB-DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA, Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter., Fcbrnary 18, 1865. SIR: I have time honor to report that, in obedience to verbal instruc. tions received from the general commanding district, I moved from thi Page 89 CHAP. LX.] OPERATIONS ON THE NORTH PLATTE RIVER. 89 post to Fort IRankin, Cob. Ter., on the 30th nltimo, arriving at the latter post on the night of the 3d instant, about 4 a. in., hurriedly taking with me sucl~ troops as were available for the march from the varions posts of this sub-district, a mounting in all to 300 men, all of whom had but lately retnrned from the expedition under Bug. Gen. B. B. Mitchell toward the Republican River. I marched the whole distance, 210 miles, in four days. On my arrival at the post of Alkali, ou the afternoon of the 2d instant, I ascertained that Capt. N. J. OBrien and Lieutenant Ware, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, had left there the morning of the 1st instant for Julesbnrg, Cob. Ter.; that Indians had been reported in force about the post of Fort liankin, and that Lieutenant Brewer, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, fearing Captain OBrien might be attacked, had sent thirty mcii and one mountain howitzer to Beauvais Station to meet and escort the captain to his post. Captain OBrien had been detained behind his command at OFallons and Alkali by business connected with transferring one mountain howitzer to each of these posts, by order of General Mitchell. While the troops sent to escort Captain OBrien to his post were absent therefrom, leav- ing the garrison at Fort Itankin only fifteen strong, I discovered a large column of smoke in the direction. of Julesburg from Alkali and immediately thereafter received telegram from Fort IRankin stating Indians had attacked and were burning the Jnlesburg stage station. I immediately ordered the troops to prepare for an early start, and marched day and iiight until I arrived at Julesbnrg, where I learned that three bodies of Indians, none of which were less than 600 strong, had appeared around the fort the morning of the 2d instant. Their attack on the stage station was evidently a ruse to obtaiu possession of the fort. Just out of howitzer range on the west amid north were stationed bodies of lndians, while the third body destroyed the stage station; their iutention evidently being to induce the weakened gar- rison of Fort iRankin to attempt a defense of the station, thereby leav- ing the fort an easy prey. Lientemmant Brewer wisely determnined to hold his post and could give no protection to the statiomi, which was consumed in a most tantalizing manner, each building being consumed separately, the Indians firing one and then waiting to see the effect; then another, and so on till all were consumed. Captain OBrien amid the escort sent to mneet him came in sight too late to do anything toward saving the buildings. Upon his approach the Indians slowly withdrew and allowed hini to enter the fort. As soon as daylight broke, after my arrival at Fort IRankin, I dispatched scouts to the west, where the Indians were reported to be encamped. The scouts returned, reporting that they found an encampment of about 300 war- riors apparently evacuated the previous day. I then sent detachment out toward Valley Statiomi and Pole Creek Crossing to repair telegraph lines and scout the country. They returned next (lay, stating that twelve miles of line on the Denver road and thirty-three miles on~the Laramie road were utterly destroyed. The command on the Laramie road also reported an extraordinarily large Indian trail one mile in width to have crossed that road about twenty-five miles west of Fort IRankin about two days since; whiJe the (~omInand on the Denver road reported that they had found an encampment on the north side of the South Platte, twenty-three miles west of Fort IRankin, which had apparently been abandoned two or three days only, and estimated to contain 800 lodges, some of which were of the largest size known to be used by Indians. Anticipating that these Indians might swing around to the east after crossing North Platte, I advised you by tel Page 90 90 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. graph that I considered it unadvisable to follow them with my small force, fearing that the road east of Fort Rankin might be infested by them during the advance of my command should I pursue them. On reflection, deem~d it not impracticable to obtain additional forces from Laramie and increase my command to a numerical strength sufficient to punish the Indians if met; and learning froiu the scouts out that the enemy was evidently passing round to the north of Laramie, I applied to district headqnarters for permission to send au express to Fort Lara- mie with orders to have the troops of that post co-operate with me in a combined movement against these Indians, intending to extend the pnrsnit as far as Horse Creek if necessary, where it was supposed by those best informed in Indian habits that the enemy would move to. In answer to my request, the general conunanding district informed me his instructions were such as prevented him from granting my request, and directing me to repair the telegraph line. After some further cor- respondence by telegraph on the subject of repairing telegraph lines I set to work with my whole energy to replace the broken portions of the lines, which were found to be most effectually destroyed; the poles being cut close to the ground and carried off, while the wire was twisted and entangled in the most inextricable manner, a large portion of it being carried away. I sent to Cottonwood for poles, whence I obtained 315 on the 10th instant at 4 a. in., Captain Kuhl, First Nebraska Cav- alry, having by superhuman exertion procured poles and wagons, and forwarded them under orders to march day and night. At 8 a. in., 10th instant, I started out the poles on both lines, the repairing party on the Denver line consisting of 100 men and two pieces of artillery, under command of Capt. E. B. Murphy, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, the artillery being commanded by Lient. Eugene F. Ware, Scveiith Iowa Cavalry. The command on the Laramie line consisted of Capt. John Wilcox, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, and 100 men and one piece of artillery, whom I had sent out twenty-four hours previously to dig holes for poles on that line, and Captain Weatherwax, First Nebraska Cavalry, and 100 men with one piece of artillery accompanying poles. All the wire I had. obtained up to this time was insufficient to fill the gap on the Laramie line, and I directed a party to proceed to Mud Springs, seventy miles west of Fort iRankin, on Laramie road, to tele- graph for the necessary wire to be sent from there, with instructions to march it day and night to the brokemi line. On the 11th instant I was informed by my troops on Laramnie road that Lieutenant-Colonel Col- lins, Eleventh Ohio Cavalry, commanding Western Sub-District of Nebraska, had fought the Indians 0mm 4th instant at Mud Springs; had skirmished with them until the 9th instant, when he left them at mouth of Rush or Willow Creek. The families and plunder had evidently crossed the North Platte at mouth of Rush Creek, where the ice was carefully sanded to enable cattle to cross, and the warriors or fighting parties of Indian force were loitering behind to defend theni and check pursuit. I confess that I then regretted deeply that I had not moved my whole force in that direction, as I had at first desired, for I felt that, in connection with Colonel Collins troops, we could have punished these Indians severely and probably retaken a good portion of the stock and property they had carried off. I, however, confined myself to the task assigned me, and, by dividing each repairing party into a day and night corps, succeeded in completing the circuit on the Denver line on the 12th instant, and on Laramnie line on 17th instant. The heavy wind-storm of the 16th instant injured the line at tIme crossing of South Platte, which was repaired and communication opened with Californi Page 91 CHAP. LX.] OPERATIONS ON THE NORTH PLATTE RIVER. 91 on 18th instant. I cannot speak in too high terms of praise of the conduct of the officers and men of my command. To Captain Murphy, Seventh Iowa; Captain Wilcox, Seventh Iowa; and Captain Weather- wax, First Nebraskh Cavalry, I am greatly indebted for their ceaseless efforts to carry out my instructions, instilling every officer and man of their commands with zeal to repair the injuries done to the telegraph with utmost dispatch. Having accomplished the work assigned me, 1 directed the troops to return to their respective posts and put them- selves in readiness for the field immediately. Ii beg respectfully to call the attention of the general commanding district to my monthly report of military operations in this sub-district. and the fact that every prediction therein contained has been verified. My frequent requests for additional troops, I am aware, have been seconded strongly by him but for some reason unknown to me a perfect silence is the only response I have received in reply to urgent demands for more troops. I see but one method of protecting this road through my sub-district, which is applicable to all other portions of the road, and unless adopted I fear that additional trouble with the Indians will follow. I would establish posts every twenty-five miles along the road, with garrisons of 100 men each. At each post the Overland Stage Company should have a stage station. Halfway between these posts that company should have stage stations and permanent guards of twenty-five meii, and ope commissioned officer should be stationed at these for protec- tion of property and furnishing relays of mounted escorts to the coaches, which escorts should accompany the stages from post to post each way. By this means the transit of the mails and passengers would be insured; but I feel satisfied that no assurance of safety can be given otherwise. I would also earnestly beg that steps be taken at once to establish a telegraph office at every military post. The importance of this is too apparent to need comment, for where a large force of the enemy threatens any one post under present distribution of telegraph offices no re-enforcements can be obtained except from those posts where tele- graph offices are already established, numbering now only five in a distance of 210 miles, and separated from fifty to sixty miles apart. The attention of the general commanding is earnestly entreated to this improvement in the defense of this road. This Indian war has been steadily increasing in magnitude since its commencement, and I have no doubt a concentration of hostile Indians will take place next spring on some of the branches of Big Cheyenne River, having a system of raiding operations in view along the full extent of the line from Missouri River to the Rocky Mountains. Last spring, though superior in extent to the anticipated operations of the coming season, the Indians succeeded in distracting plans of pursuit by simultaneous attacks hundreds of miles apart, and I look for a repe- tition of that plan for the reason that it was then successful. I think it altogether probable that the road east of Fort Kearny will be attacked in the spring, and we should make timely provisions for defense at once, by establishing new posts and giving that portion of the line protection. To this end I would recommend posts at Wood River, Center, Grand Island, and another halfway from Grand Island to Columbus; one at Columbus, for the protection of the road to Omaha; and on the road to Atchison Iwould recommend posts at Sand Hill Station, Mud Creek, Pawnee Ranch, Little Blue Station, and Big Sandy Station. These additional posts would call for an add Page 92 92 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. tional forceat least 500 men to the present aggregate of this sub dis- trict. This would give us a defensive system of protection to transit of material over the great Platte route; but, to make the route more secure, offensiv~ operations on a large scale should be vigorously car- ried on agaiust these hostile Indians, and the war should be so con- ducted as to compel every warrior to defend his own wigwam iiistead of leaving it in security while engaged iu plundering and murdering our citizens on these Indian raids. Varions cor~jectures have been made as to the present locality of these hostile Indians. My scouts and Colonel Collins, who were on the trail, believe them to have gone toward L~Eau~qui~cour~, or Niobrara River, ultimately to reach the Mauvaise Terre country; but that is only conjecture, and I am of the opinion that the way to find them, encumbered as they are with plunder and cattle, they cannot travel with.rapidity, and I have no doubt, unless their proverbial cunning misleads us, they will be easily found, inasmuch as they seem defiant and made no exertions to keep out of Colonel Col- lins way, but, ou the other hand, confidently charged his command at Rush Creek. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON, Colonel First Regiment Nebraska Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, Commanding Eastern Sub-District of Nebraska. Capt. JOHN PRATT, Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebr. Ter: No. 2. Report of Lieut. Cot. William 0. Collins, Eleventh Ohio Cavalry, com manding IPestern Sub-District of Nebraska. HEADQUAlITERS WESTERN SUB-DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA, Fort Laramie, Nebr. Icr., February 15, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that about 4 oclock on the evening of Saturday, the 4th instant, I was informed by telegraph that Mud Springs, a telegraph station 105 miles east of Fort Laramie, was attacked by Indians. There were at Mud Springs Station at that time nine soldiers and five citizens, one of the latter connected with the telegraph company and the others herding stock in the vicinity for Messrs. Creighton and Hoel. I immediately ordered Lieutenant Ells- worth, commanding Company II, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, then at Camp Mitchell, a post fifty miles east of Fort Laramie and fifty-five miles west of Mud Springs, to proceed without delay, with all the men lie could spare, to the relief of Mud Springs Station; to travel all night, and if possible reach there by morning. He obeyed the order promptly, and was at Mud Springs by daylight the morning of the 5th, with thirty-six men, making the distance in twelve hours without stopping. In the meantime I left Fort Laramie about 7 p. m. on the 4th instant, with about 120 men, consisting of detachments of different companies of the Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry and part of Company D, Seventh Iowa Cavalry Volunteers, being all that could be mounted and spared from Fort Laramie. My comm and traveled all night and reached Camp Mitchell during the forenoon of the 5th instant. The night was severely cold and several men were so munch frozen as to be unable to proceed any farther. After a short rest I took twenty Page 93 CHAP. IX.] OPERATIONS ON THE NORTH PLATTE RIVER. 93 five men and went rapidly forward, reaching Mud Springs about 2 oclock the morning of the 6th instant. The balance of the command followed under Captain Fonts, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, and reached Mud Springs about 8 oclock the same morning, having made 105 miles iii thirty-six hours, including stoppages. The small party with me made the same distance in seventeen hours, actual travel, and thirty hours, including the delay at Camp Mitchell. I found that the Indians had been in great numbers on Pole Creek on the 3d instant; that on the 4th they began to appear about Mud Springs, attacked the station, stole the stock there, consisting of about 15 ponies and horses belong- Pig to citizens, 1 mule an(l 3 horses belonging to the Government also the cattle herd of Messrs. Creighton and 1-Joel, which was on l4ankins Creek about four miles distant; that on the morning of the 5th, soon after the arrival of Lieutenant Ellsworth, they had appeared around Mud Springs in large numbers, seemed surprised at the increase of men at the station, and after a little firing their attack ceased, but many continued in sight on the hills all day. At daylight on the morning of the 6th instant they began to come over the bluffis from all direc- tions, and about the time of the arrival of the main body they coin- menced a desultory firing and made efforts to cut off some of the party coming in. It was evident that they had come to take the post amid expected to do so. The men and stock were fatigued by night travel, all chilled and many frUst-bitten. The station is also utterly indefensi- ble, being surrounded by hills and knolls full of gullies, enabling the Indians to ambush and creep upon us at points where they could not be reached by a cavalry charge. Shortly after our main body got in they attacked us in force amid with great boldness. The suddenness of the attack, the condition of the men, and the character of the ground iiiterfered with proper discipline and system oii our part, and the fight- ing at first was rather miscellaneous. We found it necessary to imitate the indians, get under banks and ci-eep up to favorable positions, watch for an Indians head, shoot the moment it was shown, and pop down at the flash of his gun. The men got quite handy at this game and soon made any ground occupied by the Indians too hot for them. It was common to see a soldier and an Indian playing bo-peep in this manner for half an hour at a time. At one time there were some 200 Imidians behind a hill and in its ravines, where they could -come within seventy- five yards of the buildings at the station. From this point arrows caine in showers, the Indians shooting them keeping entirely out of sight. The arrows were apparently discharged at an angle of about forty-five degrees, making a curve and descending upon us at about the sanie angle. Mammy horses and mules and some men were wounded in this muanner. It became evident that this point must be cleared, and arrangements were made for two parties to charge, one on foot to drive them out, the other on horseback to head them off, when the Indians, fimiding half a dozen rifles leveled at each head that was shown, aban- doned this position. We immediately took possession of it, dug a ride- pit on the highest point, and had no more trouble from that quarter. After about four hours fighting, we began to press them back in all directions and soon drove them off. About 2 oclock their fire slackened amid they withdrew into the hills but many continued in sight on the bluffs until dark. In this days fight we had seven wounded, three of them seriously, and some horses and mules killed. The loss of the Indians must have been at least thirty in this engagement. Most of the officers and men estimate it t Page 94 94 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISS1SSIPPI. (CHAP. LX. be much greater. It is impossible, however, to be certain, as their dead and wounded are immediately carried off; indeed, it is common for the warrior to be fastened to his horse so that his body will be brought off in case of accident. The number of warriors engaged was from 500 to 1,000, the latter probably nearer the mark. They were armed with rifles, revolvers, bows and arrows. Many were mounted on American horses and there were white men or Mexicans among them. They had plenty of ammunition. Minie-balls were common, and they were bold and brave. They generally shot too high, else we should have suffered much more. Early in the engagememit I telegraphed to Maj. Thomas L. Mackey, commanding at Fort Laramie, to send (town a field piece, it appearing difficult to dislodge the Indians from their sheltered positions without one. Directly afterward the line was cut. About 3 oclock I sent a strong party to repair it. The break was found about a mile west and mended. Soon afterward it wa~ cut again. At dark another party was sent out and found two poles cut down and the wire gone for four poles at or near the same place. By taking wire from the line east it was repaired, so that we were able to keep up communication with Fort Laramie. During the night we for- tified and prepared to take the offensive. In the morning no Indians were in sight. Leaving Captain Fonts in command of the station, we reconnoitered in force ready to meet them and found the whole country covered with trails. They seemed to concentrate and tend generally toward the springs on Itush Creek about temm muiles distant, and we sat- isfied ourselves that their main camp was there. Before daylight of the morni~gof the8th, Lie II. Brown, Eleventh Ohio Yolunteer Cavalry, arrived with a howitzer, having come from Fort Laramnie in thirty-four hours imicluding stoppages. On the morning of the 8th an expedition was organized for pursuit, Captain Fonts being left in command of the station. The country is very broken and in Indian fighting an attempt to surprise is always probable. The camp was fonnd where we expected, at Rush Creek Springs. It was deserted, but there were evidences that it had been recently and hastily left; that they had been there about three days and were in great mmnmbers. The camp covered several miles. Over 100 beef-cattle had been slaughtered in it. Empty oyster, meat, and frnit cans were plenty. Flour sacks, a quantity of codfish, and indications of the spoils of ranches and trains were scattered everywhere. Quantities of meat cut up for use and skins pegged down for drying and tanning were left upon the ground. Pressing forward on the now fresh trails, imm four or five miles we reached the valley of the Platte, near the mouth of Rush Creek. When within a mile of the river we came imi sight of the Indians on the other side scattered over the plains between the bluffs and the river, grazing their horses. There were no tepees or lodges, no travois or lodge poles, no women, children, or dogs in sight. They had all gone for- ward into the bluffs which at this point are about five miles north of the river, leaving the warriors only behind. The lodge trails were very broad and fresh, apparently made that morning and the evening before. It was now clear we had underestimated the numbers against us. With a field-glass they could be distinctly seen and examined. There were at least 2,000 warriors in sight. It was evident that all the hostile Indians that had been committing depredations and holding the country along the South Platte were concentrated here. The river was about half a mile wide and frozen over. While we were looking for a cross Page 95 CHAP. LX.] OPERATIONS ON THE NORTH PLATTE RIVER. 95 Pig they saved us the trouble by commencing to swarm down to the river-banks and come over on the ice, not opposite, but one or two miles above and below us. We had barely time to corral our train before they were upon us on every side. The position chosen was the best we could get, but there were many little sand ridges and hollows under cover of which they could approach us. A very great change had come over the men since the morning of the fight at Mud Springs. They were rested and free from excitement, had confidence in their officers, obeyed orders, and went to work with a will. Sharpshooters were pushed out, and the hillocks commanding the camp occupied, and rifle-pits dug upon them. The Indians of the plains are the best skir- mishers in the world. In rapi(lity of movement, sudden wheeling and hanging over steep and difficult ground, no trained cavalry can equal them. Hunting the buffalo is the best possible school. We were not strong enough to charge or scatter. It was necessary to be prudent, au(1 at first take the defensive. They dashed up very boldly, but soon fell back from our bullets, and resorted to their old game of skulking and sharpshooting. At this game they were well met by our men. At one point we were greatly annoyed by a party of ten or fifteen behind a little knoll about 400 yards distant, and it became evident they must be dislodged. A detail was made of sixteen mounted meim, part from the detachment of Company D, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, and part from a detachment of the First Battalion, E leventli Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. The party was placed in command of Lieutenant Patton, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and he was ordered to charge at full speed, revolvers in hand, to clear out the Indians behind the hillock, and, having done so, wheel and return imnmediately. It was admirably done; the skulkers were routed and fled. In the meantime there were from 130 to 200 Indians on the rising ground beyond the contested hill- ock, which was about midway between us and them. When they saw the charge they swarmed down to save their men, and our party had a short hand-to-hand fight with their advance and then wheeled and returned as ordered. In this charge we lost two men, Private John A. Harris, Company ID, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, who fell in the fight, and Private William H.. Hartshorn, Company C, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, a veteran, who was on a very spirited horse, and either his own ardor or inability to control his horse, or both, led him forward into the thickest of the Indians, and we saw him mm more alive. Many Indians were killed and wounded in this charge. They fell immediately back before our fire as the charging party returned. A small party immediately went out and brought in the body of Harris. The Indians had no tinme to scalp him or take his arms or clothing, and they were brought in with him. The body of Hartshorn was found next morning about one mile from our camp, horribly mutilated, with ninety-seven arrows sticking in it. It is not unlikely that some chief of note was killed by him, or some one else 1mm the charge, and that each one of his relations amid friends put an arrow in him and left it, as it is somnetimnes their custom. Both bodies were brought to Fort Laramie for burial. I desire especially to call attention to the conduct of Lieutenant Pat- ton and his little body of men. The charge was a very gallant one, and the desired objects were fully accomplished. Toward night we could not bring the Indians in reach of our fire. They retired behind the hills and were returning across the Platte until dark, when very few seemed to be on the south side of the river. About sundown an incident worthy of notice occurred. Private Miller, Company C, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, had shot a Page 96 96 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. Indian, and he lay on the ice in plain sight about half a mile distant. Our eneuuie~ retreating and night coming on, horses and mules were ordered to be watered a few at a time, not in the river, but at the creek, which was the nearer. A party going by mistake toward the Platte, where the dead Indian lay, a cry was raised and the Indians on both sides came fiockiiig to the point, evidently supposing that we were after the body. Recall was sounded, our men came back, and the Indians retired, but in the morning the body was gone. The Indians never permit their killed to fall into the hands of their enemies if it is possible to prevent it. We camped on the battle-ground and continued to prepare and occupy favorable positions during the night and morn- ing. About sunrise on the 9th they began to come over above and below, until some 400 mounted warriors were counted, without any apparent diminution of the number left on the north side of the river. They found us ready, skirmished about for awhile exchanged a few shots, aiid theii began to recross and put off rapidly? for the bluffs. At noon very few were to be seen. They were evidently hurrying away into the sand hills to overtake their families that had gone on the day before. A few scouts could be seen on the other side of the river, left to watch us, and when we moved up the river we saw them, eight in number, crossing to our deserted camp like wolves, to pick up some- thing as a trophy or to dig up or scalp any dead they might find. Farther pursuit would have been injudicious and useless. With their numbers they could at any time compel our small party to corral and fight. We could drive them off and follow again with the same result, but could not afford to give them the least advantage. In following them to LEau-qui-court we should be in the sand hills, when they would have had greatly the advantage in ground and where our stock could not subsist. In each engagement the Indians fired everything around them that would burn. We continued to see the smoke of their fires as they went north for at least fifty miles. We broke camp about 2 oclock, moved up the Platte about fifteen miles, where the command was divided, part under Lieutenant Brown, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, going on to Camp Mitchell and Fort Laranmie, which had been left with insufficient garrisons, and the remainder returning to Mud Springs with me. On the morning of the 10th I took about seventy- five men and proceeded to Pole Creek, to open communication with Julesburg. At Pole Creek we met Captain Wilcox, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, with his command, repairing the line. On the 11th we started to return to Fort laramie. Made Pumpkin Creek, ten miles west of Mud Springs, that night. On the 12th made Camp Mitchell, forty-five miles, and on the 14th reached Fort Laramie, fifty miles. We found the Pole Creek Station burned, and between that point and Mud Springs the poles were gone for ten miles and a halt consecutively. East of I~ole Creek Sta- tion they were reported gone for a still greater distance. The Indians had evidently good teachers and did their work well. They have got over their superstitions idea that it is bad medicine to touch the tele- graph. Of the conduct of the officers and men connected with the expedition I cannot speak too highly. In extreme cold weather, in the dead of winter, the niain body mnarched nearly 400 miles in ten days, much of the time by night, without tents or shelter, camped on the ground, often without fire, on short rations and forage, and met and repulsed in every engagement a brave and cunning foe, numbering at least ten, probably fifteen, to one. Their patience and endurance, thei Page 97 CHAP. LX.] OPERATIONS ON THE NORTH PLATTE RIYER. 97 cheerfulness anti courage, their readiness to obey, and promptness and skill to execute could not be surpassed. The expedition was organized into four squadrons, the first composed of a detachment from Company D, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, officered by Captain Pouts and Lieutenant Haywood; the second, of a detachment from Company I, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, officered by Captain Apt, Lieutenants Harlan and Moloney; the third, of a detachment from Company H, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant Ellsworth; the fourth, of a detachment composed of men from Companies A, 13, C , and D, of the First Battalion, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, officered by Lieuten- ants Patton and Herrimaim; and the howitzer in charge of Lieutenant Brown, commanding a sqnad of men, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavali y, sufficient to man the piece. Assistant Surgeon Zeigler, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, accompanied the expedition. Captains Glenn, regi- mental commissary, and Reeves, assistant district inspector, both of the Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, were also with it as volunteers with- out command, being anxious to take part in an Indian fight, in which they were fully gratified. Lieutenant Harlan acted as quartermaster and commissary, and Lieutenants Herriman and Moloney as adjutants, the first at the comnmencememmt of the expeditioii and the last at its close. All did their duty well and I do not feel at liberty to particular- ize, except in the case of Lieutenant Patton and his party. Their charge was a very brilliant affair; challenged and received universal praise. Mr. Martin Ilogan, telegraph operator, was employed as guide and did valuable service. The howitzer, under command of Lieutenant Brown, was admirably served, but did not prove as useful as was expected owing to time defective character of the ammunition, many of the shells failing to burst at all and some bursting at the muzzle of the gun. I append the report of Lieutenant Brown upon the subject, and ask that proper steps be taken to condemn such of our ammunition as is worthless or doubtful and that better be furnished to time troops st a- tioned in the mountains. Much of the howitzer ammunition at Fort Laramie has been in the magazine for eight or ten years. All supplies for this service should be of the best quality, as they are forwarded but once in the year and mistakes cannot be seasonably corrected. The casualties attending the expedition were much fewer than could have been anticipated. It arises from the fact that the Tndiaims, when near us, fired too Imigh, not understandhmg their new arms and ammunition, and that our men obey d orders, fought systematically, and manifested great prudence and adroitness in imitating the Indian cunniimg. Mov- ing and fighting in the Indian country is a distinct branch of the serv- ice that few understaiid and that can only be learned by actual service. In the engagement at Mud Springs 3 men were wounded seriously and 4 slightly. In the battle at the mouth of Rush Creek 2 men were killed, 9 wounded. In addition to this, 10 men were seriously frost- bitten in our night marches, making a total of 28 killed amid disabled. The total loss of the Immdians in all time engagements is variously esti- mated from 100 to 150. I append the report of Asst. Snrg. A. F. Zeig- ler, and as to casualties also his supplemental report, detailing the brutalities inflicted upon time body of Private W. H. Hartshorn, Com- pany C. It is well to know the character of time enemy we have to deal with. This party of Indians has rarely been equaled in size. It is usually difficult for large numbers to remain long together for lack of subsistence, but in this case their stolen stock and plundered stores furnished theni abundant supplies. The party was made up of all the 7 R HVOL XLYJIJ~ PT Page 98 98 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. Cheyennes, Ogalallas, and Brul6 Sioux south of the Platte, together with probably a few Kiowas, A rapahoes, and perhaps some straggling Apaches and Cojuanches. It numbered froiu 800 to 1,000 lodges and from 2,000 to 3,000 warriors. The last-named bands are most likely on and south of the Arkansas River for the winter, but many come up to depredate on the main and South Platte when grass comes. The party we met has no doubt gone north to the Powder River country, to joiu the hostile Indians there, and may be expected to continue their dep- redations along the North Platte till severely punished. Their proba- ble route from where we left them will be through the sand hills to LEan-qni-court, then across the heads of White River avid the South Fork of Cheyenne to Powder River. Small parties may remain, but the main body will go there to secure their families and recruit their stock until spring. They are well armed and mounted; have many rifled muskets and plenty of ammni~ition, including minie cartridges with ounce balls; are full of venom and bent on revenge for the loss of their people south. So soon as they reach the Indians north they will excite and perhaps compel them to become hostile. The posts on the Platte, especially Deer Creek and Platte Bridge, which are within 100 miles of Powder River, will be in immediate danger. More troops should be sent out here immediately to hold the posts in the sub-district, and when spring opens important expeditions should be organized to pene- trate the center of their country. Having been nearly three years in this service and being about to leave it; I venture to add a word as to the policy to be pursued. I beg to repeat the suggestions which I have heretofore made, that the per- manent cure for the hostilities of time northern Indians is to go into the heart of their buffalo country and build and hold forts till the trouble is over. A hasty expedition, however successful, is only a temporary lesson, whereas the presence of troops in force in the country where the Indians are compelled to live avid subsist would soon oblige them to sue for peace and accept such terms as the Government may think proper to impose. The Black Hills, Big 1-loin Mountain, Yellowstone country, are all rich in minerals, but this wealth cannot be made available while hostile bands of Indians are roaming over the country. If these Indians could be induced to remove north toward the main Missouri and remain there, it would open up an immense region for mining and agriculture which cannot be now reached. They would be in a fine buffalo country, and out of the way of collisions with the whites, which are always liable to occur if they are near together. It would also separate them from the southern ludians, and prevent the plotting and combining which now exists between them. There are two points I would respectfully indicate as suitable locations for the posts spoken of, one about the bead of time Little Missouri of the Mandans near the Three Buttes, and the other at some proper place on Powder River. An expedition starting from the Missouri near Fort Pierre and following the old traders trail west of the forks of the Cheyenne, theimce to the head of the Little Missouri of the Mandans, thence to Powder River, would be joined at some proper post by another from Fort Laramie, and if in sufficient force it could hardly fail to accomplish its object. I am, captain, your very obedient servant, WM. 0. COLLINS, Lient. Got. Elereuth Ohio Vol. (Jay., Gomdg. Western iS~ub-District. Capt. JOHN PRATT, Assistant Adjutant- General, District of Nebraska Page 99 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM FORT LARNED, KANS. 99 FEBRUARY 38, 1865.Scouts in La Fayette County, Mo. keport of Col. Johis F. Philips, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry, commanding District of Central Missouri. WARRENSBURG-, February 8, 186510.20 a. in. Have had heavy scouts through La Fayette County for five days. They killed bushwhacker N. B. Mitchell and wounded 4 or ~ others; captured 8 of their horses, equipments, and 2 Sharps carbines and I revolver. They scoured the country thoroughly and broke up two important guerrilla haunts. Families who harbored bushmen were dis- covered. A special report will be made in their case. JNO. F. PHILIPS, Major-General DODGE. Colonel, Commanding District. FEBRUARY 38, 1865.Scout from Fort Lamed to South Fork of Pawnee Creek and Buckners Branch, Kans. Report of Sergt. David C. Nettleton, Second Colorado Cavalry. FORT LARNED, February 18, 1865. SIR: In obedience to instructions received to scout in the direction of the Cimarron, I proceeded on the 3d of February, crossed the Arkansas I~iver near the mouth of Coon Creek, twelve miles south of this post. Struck the trail of a party of about twelve Indians immediately on crossing the river. The Indians were traveling up the river, and had to all appearances passed about twenty-four hours ahead of us. We followed their trail on the 4th, and passed where they had camped about noon. On the 5th we crossed back to the north side of the river, and on the 6th traveled west a distance of about thirty-five miles. Struck the South Fork of Pawnee. On the 7th we traveled down the South Fork; passed the mouth of the middle branch, called Buckners Branch, and camped at the junction with the North Fork. On the 8th we traveled down Pawnee Fork, and reached Fort Lamed in twenty-five miles. The crossing of the river is very bad. In crossing back on the 8th we were obliged to cut the ice across the river, and several of the men had to wade the river and lead the animals. We followed the trail of the Indians fifty miles southwest of this post, where we crossed the river, and struck the South Fork of Pawnee fifty miles above this post. No signs of Indians on Pawnee. The party of Indians were undoubtedly the same who fired upon our men at Fort Zarah; had been watching the fort from the sand hills on the opposite side of the river. They made no effort to conceal their trail; camped in the sand hills and turned their ponies loose to graze. Mulberry Creek runs into the Arkansas fifty or sixty miles above this post. Thirty miles south of the mouth of Mulberry is Crooked Creek, with pleiity of timber and water. It is my opinion that the Indians turned up Mulberry and crossed over to Crooked Creek. or continued on south to the Cimarron. I would call your attention to the fact that all recent depredations have the appearance of being committed by Kiowas and Comanehes. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. C. NETTLETON, Sergeant, Commanding Independent Scouts. Lient. J. E. TArPAN, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of Upper Arkansas Page 100 100 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. IFEBRUARY 6-8, 1865.Operations in Ozark County, Mo. Report of Capt. Moses 19. Alsup, Forty-sixth Missouri Infantry. CAMP BAKER, Douglas County, ]Ifo., February 12, 1865. GENERAL: I have the honor to state to you, general, that on the morning of the 6th 1 started a detachment consisting of twenty-three men under command of Lieutenant Alsup. On the night of the 7th he camped at the residence of James Martin, in Ozark County, Mo. On the 7th he fell in with two of Tracys and one of Elliotts guerrillas, who were immediately placed hors de combat. We found in their pos- session one Savage revolver, one single-barrel shotgun. They all had bountiful supplies of subsistence, which we effectually destroyed. Our pickets were fired on the same night, but with no effect. On our return on the 8th we were fired on from the brush by one man. Owing to that region being infested by straggling bands of guerrillas I shall start another scout immediately. Lieutenant Alsup reports finding the remains of three citizens of Ozark County, captured in November by guerrillas aiid supposed to have been murdered by them. Their names were James Martin, sr., John Alleorn, and John Coil, all good loyal men arid too old for the service. I have the honor to subscribe myself, very respectfully, yours, MOSES L. ALSUP, Capt., Comdg. Company H, Forty-sixth Regt. Missouri Infty. Vols. Brig. Gen. J. B. SANBORN, Commanding District of Southwest Missouri. FEBRUARY 710, 1865.Scouts from Morganza to Fausse River and Grossetete Bayou, La. IRIEPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Daniel Ullmann, U. S. Army. No. 2.Gel. Morgan H. Chrysler, Seeon4 New York Veteran Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Daniel Ulimaun, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, iViorgauza, La., February 12, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to transmit, for the information of the major-general commanding, a report of a scout made by my order by detachments of the Second New York Veteran Cavalry. Learuin~ on the 8th instant that the enemy was exhibiting unusual activity in the direction of Fausse River and Grossetete Bayou, 1 directed Colonel Chrysler, commanding Second New York Veteran Cavalry, to send out detachments to reconnoiter on the several roads. You will find the general result in his report. I have since been informed that the enemy was punished more than we at first supposed, quite a number being wounded and one certainly dead. Captain Ratliff has been seriously injured by a fall from his horse in escaping. Some small re-enforcements have lately crossed the AtchafaLaya, which have sprea Page 101 CHAP. LX.] SCOUTS FROM MORGANZA, LA. 101 themselves in squads over the parish; having, it is said, been ordered to make a general conscription. The inhabitants are very much alarmed and appeal to me for protection. I have sent out detachments again to-day. I learn to day from parties on whom I can rely, and who saw them, that on the night of the 8th twenty paroled prisoners from Hoods army crossed the Mississippi at Tunica Bend on their road to Texas. Persons who have just come down the Red River report that the rebels have raised the guns from the sunken gun-boats. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANIEL ULLMANN, Capt. ~ ~. STONE, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- General, New Orleans. No. 2. Report of Col. Morgan H. Chrysler, Second New York Veteran Cavalry. HDQRs. SECOND VETERAN CAVALRY NEW YORK VoLs., ]Iforganza, La., February 10, 1865. LIEUTENANT: In accordance with instructions from headonarters U. S. Forces to scout the parish, I beg respectfully to report that on the night of the 7th instant I sent one battalion down the lower river road to the cut-off ai;d through to New Roads and up the False River to Madam Palenges, but did not succeed in overtaking the party, who had conscripted thirty men from False River Island, mostly Arcadians, and taken them over to Grossetete Bayou. My information led me to think that the conscripting party came from Bayou Sara, and in con- sequence I sent a battalion to Bayou George, the party sent out on the night of the 7th having returned to camp at daylight on the morning of the 9th. Subsequently I learned that the party conscripting came from across the Atchafalaya, when I at once sent one battalion out the Fordoche to Grossetete, under command of Captain Sanford. He found all their forces concentrated at the head of Maringonin, probably ordered there to protect the conscripting party which was headed by Captain Barrow, who is raising a compaiiy for the Fifth Louisiana Cavalry. A sharp little fight occurred here, and the enemy were driven to the cane. On the evening of the same day the Third Battalion, under Major Van Voast, was sent to support Captain Sanford, and the whole country was scouted and the enemy driven to the swamps. From prisoners I learn that there were within two miles Captain Ratliffs company, thirty of Jamets company, Captain Williams, Lieutenant Stilwells, and Captain Barrows party, in all about 180 men. The whole command returned to camp this evening, having marched about seventy-five miles. They attempted to ambush us at every point where the cane coucealed them on the opposite side of the bayou. I have lost in this affair 5 men captured, 1 wounded; 2 horses killed and 3 wounded. We have captured 2 Confederate prisoners of war, 1 mortally wounded, 2 slightly. As you will see by this report, we are second best. The reason of losing the five men by Captain Sanford was in consequence of the breaking of a bridge after the five men had crossed on a charge. Two of their horses were shot and the column could not follow. O Page 102 102 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPpI. [CHAP. LX. seeing this, twenty-five men of the eiiemy cut them off and they could not be recovered. Our wounded man was brought to camp. He is seriously, though not dangerously, wounded. The wounded rebel was brought part of the way. He was evidently dying and was left on the road. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. H. CHRYSLER, Colonel, Commanding. Lient. 0. A. RICE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FEBRUARY 8, 1865.Skirmish near Sturgeon, Mo.* Report of Lieut. Luther T. Hayman, Ninth Missouri State Miilitia Cavalry. STURGEON, Mo., [February] 8, 186510 p. m. I came upon Jackson and party j tist before dark. Did not succeei in killing any. Think 2 are severely wounded, but made their escape in the darkness. Captured 5 horses, several guns, pistols, & c. Have 2 of my men wounded. Will take their trail at daylight in the morning. They are going in the direction of the Perche. L. T. HAYMAN, Lieutenant, & c. Lieutenant CLARKE. FEBRUARY 89, 1865.Expedition on the Arkansas River, near Little Rock, Ark. Report of Col. James ill. Williams, Seventy-ninth U. S. Colored Troops, commanding Second Brigade, First Division, Seventh Army Corps. HDQR5. SECOND BRIG., FIRST DIV., 7TH ARMY CoRps, Little Rock, February 9, 1865. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that Lieutenant-Colonel Gustaf- son, who went down the river on steamer Davenport last night, has returned and reports that he proceeded down the river ten miles, and, landing on the north bank, went in pursuit of the guerrilla party reported to be in that vicinity. He was unable to overtake the rebel force, which had retired down the river at 9 p. in. without molesting our outposts and doing no damage, excel)t to rob a few families and car- rying off some negroes, men, women, and children; number not known. He also reports that Colonel Whipple will be in soon, and that the rebel force was eighty strong. Very respectfully, & c., J. M. WILLIAMS, Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade. Maj. G. W. BURCHARD, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. First Div., Seventh Army Corps. Erroneous, see p. 128 Page 103 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM HELENA TO MADISON, ARK. 103 FEBRUARY 813, 1865.Scout from helena to Madison, Ark., with skirmish (12th) near Madison. REPOJ~TS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Napoleon B. Buford, U. S. Army, commanding District of Eastern Arkansas. No. 2.Lient. Col. John M. Crebs, Eighty-seventh Illinois Infantry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Napoleon B. Buford, U. S. Army, commanding District of Eastern Arkansas. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS, Helena, Ark., February 15, 1865. SIR: For the information of General Reynolds I have the honor to report that on the 8th instant I sent a scout of 175 men~ under the corn- maiid of Lieutenant-Colonel Crebs, of the Eighty-seventh Illinois Mounted Infantry, which proceeded in a northwesterly direction, to Moro, then crossing Bayou De View into the settlement called the Colony, where at Vaughns he found I)obbins headquarters, but the troops dispersed. He destroyed between 2,000 and 3,000 bushels of corn which had been collected there. He also subsisted his men upon the bacon found there, and it being impossible to bring it off, he destroyed bobbins headquarters transportation. In the Colony he made captures of several soldiers. He marched thence to Madison, on the Saint Francis River, where I had sent two armed boats to meet him and convey his troops back to this place, meeting on the march squads of the enemy with whom he skirmished, killing 2 and wounding several others, with the loss of 1 man, whose horse being killed was taken prisoner. The colnlnand all returned to this place on the night of the 13th instant, having with them 20 prisoners of war and 18 horses and mules captured, having marched about 300 miles, swim- ming Caney Creek, Bayou be View, Second Creek, and LAnguille River. I make the following extract from Lieutenant-Colonel Crebs report: ~ From information received from citizens and soldiers captured, I feel authorized to say that the chief object of Lyles and Dobbin, who are personally at this time between Madison and Memphis, is to collect the rebel tax on cotton pass- ing to Memphis, on obtaining which it is forwarded to the city at once as cotton belonging to citizens, and from the proceeds of such sales supplies for the enemy such as arms, ammunition, and clothingare clandestinely brought through the lines for the use of the command, it being the intention in this way to procure an outfit for the command for the spring campaign. As one evidence of this will state that a Colt army revolver, captured in the skirmish on Sunday near Madison, was before that day nnused, and the man upon whom it was captured admits he obtained it but a few days before from Memphis. * From which it will be seen that Memphis supplies the rebels of the District of Eastern Arkansas, and thus induces the large number of their disorganized troops to infest the country between White and the Mississippi Rivers. N. B. BUFORD, Brigadier. General, Commanding. Maj. JOHN LEVERING, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 104 104 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. No. 2. Report of Lieut. Col. John ]Lf. Crebs, Eighty-seventh Illinois Infantry. IIDQRS. EIGHTY-SEVENTH REGT. ILLINOIS VET. VOL. JNFTY., Helena, Ark., February 14, 1865. GENERAL: In obedience to your orders to me, dated February 7, I started at 8 a. m. on the 8th instant, with 175 men, ou a scout to the interior. My route led me through La Grange, Moro, Cotton Plant, and above that through the lower part of what is called the Col- ony, terminating in that direction at Alexander Millers, nearly east, and distant about ten miles from Augusta. From this point I re-crossed Bayou De View, taking a general course east or southeast to Madison, on the Saint Francis River, where I found transports awaiting, we embarking upon which I returned to camp, reaching here at 2 oclock last night. Distance traveled, including scouts from the line of march, about 300 miles. We found the roads next to impassable from mud and water. The streams on the line of march were numerous and from recent rains greatly swollen, rendering the crossings difficult and dangerous; four of which, namely, Caney Creek, Bayou De View, Second Creek, and LAnguille River, I had to swim, and one, the bayou, twice. In addition to places above named, oftun for miles together we found water in the swamps from knee-deep to the skirts of the saddles, and, the weather being cold, the men, from being continually wet, suffered greatly. We found the country gen- erally infested with roving soldiers from the commands of Dobbin, Lyles, McGhee, Raibon, and perhaps others. Jackman, with a small body of Missourians, had also been through there a short time since. but their present whereabouts I could not learn. I feel warranted in saying that there are as many as 1,500 or 2,000 mcii on the east and west side of the Saint Francis Ri ver, south or southeast of a line run- ning from Memphis to Augusta, on the White River, but entirely dis- organized, scattered through the country, and living off the citizens. They have couriers and signals, by means of which the approach of an enemy is rapidly telegraphed, and if the force is small they will collect and resist; if large, they hide at once in swamps and thickets impenetra- ble except to those thoroughly acquainted with the country. At a place ten miles from Cotton Plant and eight miles from Alexander Millers, at Vaughns, we found the headquarters of Dobbin; captured a num- ber of papers, none however of value; found his headquarters trans- portation, which I destroyed, and between 2,000 and 3,000 bushels of corn, which I burned, and also a small amount of meat, which I appro- priated for the use of the command, being at the time withou~ rations, except bread. Approaching Madison, we had a severe skirmish with the enemy, in which we killed 2 and captured 1, dispersing the balance in all directions. Had the misfortune to lose one man captured in the m~l6e. His horse being shot, he was hurried off in the thicket and could not be found. From information received from citizens and soldiers captured I feel authorized to say that the chief object of Lyles and IDobbmn, who are personally at this time between Madison and Mein- phis, is to collect the rebel tax on cotton passing to Memphis, on obtaining which it is forwarded to the city at once as cotton belonging to citizens, and from the proceeds of such sales supplies for the army such as arms, ammunition, and clothingare clandestinely brought through the lines for the use of the command, it being the intention in this way to procure an outfit for the command for the spring cam Page 105 CuAY. LX.] SCOUT FROM PINE BLUFF, ARK. 105 paign. As one evidence of this will state that a Colt army revolver, captured in the skirmish on Sunday near Madison, was before that day unused, and the man upon whom it was captured admits he obtained it but a few days l5efore from Memphis. I resJ)ectfully request that Private llutson A. Keith, of Company I, who captured it in a hand-to- hand fight, and for his general good conduct, having in the last six months in the same way captured two other prisoners and killed in hon- orable fight a lieutenant in the rebel service, as a mark of coinmeuda- tion, may be permitted to retain the same as private property. As the result of our expedition, in addition to destroying the property above enumerated, we captured 1 surgeon of the Tenth Arkansas Regiment Mounted Infantry, 1 deserter from our army, and 18 enlisted men; also 18 mules and horses, which have been turned over to the post quarter- master. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN M. CIREBS Lieutenant- Colonel Comman [Brig. Gen. N. B. BUFORD, ding & out. Commanding District of Eastern Arkansas.] FEBRUARY 919, 1865.Scout from Pine Bluff to Devalls Bluff, Ark., with skirmish. Report of Capt. John Iii. Norris, Thirteenth illinois Cavalry. HDQRS. COMPANY M, THIRTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Pine Bluff, Ark., February 20, 1865. LIEUTENANT: In obedience to orders I proceeded, on the 9th instant, with seventy-five men of our regiineiit (Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry), to Devalls Bluff with the unserviceable horses at this post. Arrived there Sunday, 12th instant, at 4 p. in. By the permission and advice of Captain Howe, acting assistant adjutant-general at Devalls Bluff I remained there Monday and Tuesday to rest my horses and get some of them shod that greatly needed it. Started back Wednesday morn- ing and, being ordered to bring in beef-cattle, and knowing I could get none on time road I went out on, I concluded to cross Bayou Meto lower down, in order to find cattle, which caused my return to be delayed two days longer. I arrived yesterday evening with sixty head of beef-cattle, which I turned into the Government corral on the other side of the river. My advance guard ran into a squad of Captain Ralstons guerrillas as I went along, ammd killed their lieutenant, Samuel Robertson, and wounded several more. Upon my return I encountered Lightfoots, Husbands, and Tibbittss men under Vaugine, and had several skirmishes with them, killing two and wounding some (number not known). I procured a guide at Devalls Bluff, named George J. Connell, wimo was recommended to be a strong Union man and who knew the country perfectly well. He rendered me very valuable services indeed. I was informed by citizens that the steam-boat Superior landed at Doctor Prices, a few miles above the mouth of Bayou Meto, on Wednesday a. in., and commenced trad- imig groceries and merchandise generally for cotton. I saw large amounts of salt, shoes, & c., and powder, lead, shot, and caps which seemed to have just been purchased and which the citizens said the Page 106 106 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. purchased off the steam-boat Superior. T first encountered Vaugine about seveu miles this side of Bayou Meto. He was going on down with three of our men (prisoners) whom he had captured from our pickets. I cha~ed them about six miles and until I saw they would not fight me. They hung around us, shooting occasionally at my advance then the rear, then the flanks, for at least twenty-five miles; and, bein~ mounted on good horses, they could always escape when pursued. Encumbered as I was with cattle, I could not capture any of them. I found several guns of different patterns, all except two of which I destroyed, because of the great inconvenience of carrying them into camp; also all the ammunition I found 1 destroyed. I captured some horses and mules, which I turu over to the quartermaster. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. NORRIS, Captain, Commanding Detachment. Lient. S. MONTE CAMBERN, A eting Assistant Adjutant- General. FEBRUARY 10, 1865.Skirmish at Kittredges Sugar House, near Napoleon ville, La. Report of ]Jfaj. George R. Davis, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, Post Napoleonville, La., February 11, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that my picket was fired into by a party of twelve men at 2 a. in. February 10, 1865. They immedi- ately gave notice of the same. They fell back slowly to near the road leading from Canal to near Kittredges Sugar House, where twelve or fourteen men fired into them from behind a fence, capturing the outer vedette and shot his horse. I immediately re-enforced the picket and started a lieutenant and ten men after them to attack them if he came up with their force and to track them if possible. I then mounted about fifty men and started at 4 a. in. out on the road leading to Bruh~ Saint Vincent to head them off. I found they had not passed that way, neither had the picket that was posted near the road in rear of Kitt- redges Sugar House heard of them. I then took the road leading in rear of the plantations, passed down in rear of l3easleys pike to Pughs; found they had been there and had gone down the Canal road. I passed down to the Canal road, and my advance was fired into just below the saw-mill. I hurried on, and dispatched some dismounted men into the swamps after those who had fired on the advance. I then moved down to the lake, where I found a man attempting to cross. I opened fire on him, and after firing about twenty shots at him he turned about and came in. At this time another boat with three men and a woman left the point on the left-hand side. They were too far off to be brought to. I went down on the shore of the lake to the left and sent another force upon the right of the road (dismounted). I found nothing. It was through a swamp all the way. After knocking all the boats to pieces I withdrew my forces from the lake, leaving a few dismounted men to watch. I then made a thorough search through all the swamps and hid- ing places in the vicinity; went down to the lake on the right-hand side of the road (indicated on the map by a dotted line). I then came back Page 107 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM FkIARS POINT, MISS. 107 sent down to the lake and found no further appearance of the enemy; returned as far as the Texas road (leading to the left); dismounted my men; took one-half and went to Little Texas about dark, and returned to the horses on the Canal road and then returned to camp, arriving about 9 p. m. I found no indications of the party that I was pursuing after they left Pughs. I do not believe they had crossed the lake. I scouted through all the swamps, mounted and dismounted, and have done my utmost to find them without effect. I re-enforced the picket in rear of Kittredges Sngar House as soon as I returned, tG prevent them getting away. They are lying in the swamps somewhere aronnd this place. I have heard nothing of the two companies sent by you from Thibodeaux, and if they come mounted to Little Texas and then through the Canal road they will be obliged to move very slow. It is almost impossible to pass mounted on this road. It is deep mud all the way, besides four bayous or ponds, which on an. average are three feet deep. I have sent down the Canal road this morning to see if anything further of the enemy is known. Those people that live below the church toward the lake are in my opinion a set of scoun- drels. I believe they knew where they were. I could get no informa. tion whatever from them. I send you this morning the prisoner I captnred; with him 1 Colts revolver, 1 double-barrel shotgun loaded with buck and ball, a small quantity of cartridges, 1 hand howitzer about eighteen inches long. I have the honor to remain, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. II. DAVIS, i1Th~jor, Third Rhode island Cavalry, Commanding Post. Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, La Fourche District. FEBRUARY 10, 1865.Scout from Friars Point, Miss., and skirmish. Report of Capt. James F. Willis, Eighty-seventh Illinois Infantry, com manding scout. IIDQRS. COMPANY C, 87TH ILLINoIS MOUNTED INFANTRY, Helena, Ark., February 11, 1865. SIR: I would respectfully submit the following report of the scout of yesterday, 10th instant, of which I was in command: Left Friars Point at daylight. Captured rebel at Mr. Georges, five miles from point; learned that two rebels had spent the night at Comacks; took eight men and went to capture them, while the command remained on the road. I sent two men in rear of the house while I approached in front. Just as I opened the gate, only a few yards from the house, they ran out and opened a sharp fire upon us. I dashed through the gate and gained the rear of the house, then called for my men to rush with me intq the house, when I found there were but two able men with me; one of them dismounted, the others horse badly wounded. Thinking I was outnumbered, I dismounted, and ordered my dismounted man to ride my horse and bring the command instantly. I ordered a negro, who displayed great bravery, to fire the house. Just then Comnack ran out and said they had escaped. I then saw them crossing the field at full speed. As soon as I could get the men I pu Page 108 108 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. sued until all hope of capture was lost. On my return to Comacks I then for the first time discovered my loss, and that Stanley was one who had escaped. My loss was 1 private killed, 2 privates severely wounded, and 1 sergeant flesh wonnd in arm, 4 horses shot-two so badly they conld not travel. Learning the character of Stanley, that he had just rode up and ordered breakfast, I left the house standing, having my men to care for, prisoners and citizens to guard, and knowing that Stanley had escaped and wonld convey news to any who might be at Shufords- ville; and having learned Stanleys stopping place, I deemed it proper to return with what information I had, with the hope that I would be sent back immediately to complete the work for which I was sent. Doctor Robin son was present and assisted in caring for the wounded, Doctor R. and Coinack were brought in. We captnred 3 prisoners Roland, Comack, and Lawler. Comack is private Forty-fourth Mis- sissippi Infantry; Lawler is private Twenty-third Mississippi Infantry; Roland claims to belong to Sixth Texas Cavalry, but was on duty with Stanley. Brought in 4 mules and wagon from I)ickerson, 2 rebel horses, and Doctor R.s horses; also feather bed and clothing for the use of the wounded. The property will be turned over to the proper officers. The wounded are doing well. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~ E. WILLIS, Captain Company 0, Eighty-seventh illinois Mounted Infantry. The ball cut out of one of the wounded men fits the rifle we found empty in Comacks house. Coinack claims the rifle, and said it had not been shot. Respectfully, J. E. WILLIS, Captain. Lieutenant.Coloneh HILL. FEBRUARY 1011, 1865.Expedition from Brashear City to Lake Ver ret, La. Report of Capt. John Lynes, Ninety-third U. S. Colored Infantry. CAMP NINETY-THIRD U. S. COLORED INFANTRY, Brashear City, La., February 12, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that on Friday, February 10, 1865, iu accordance with orders from Col. C. L. Harris, commanding post, I went on board the gun-boat 43 with fifty men of the Ninety-third Col- ored Infantry and forty-one men of the Eleventh Wisconsin Veteran Volunteer Infantry. Leaving the wharf about 3 p. in., we proceeded ~ Bayou Long and Bayou Magaselle to Lake Verret for the purpose of cutting off and capturing a party of rebels that were driven out trom the direction of Texas Bruh~, and whom it was supposed would endeavor to make their escape by way of Lake Verret. Ou reaching the lake, which we did about 8 oclock iu fhe evening, we came to anchor just out of sight of the point where it was supposed the rebels would embark. Myself and the commandant of the gun-boat then ran np the lake far enough to ascertain that no boats were moving upon it, and also that there was no road along the shore by which they might approach to discover us. We lay at anchor until nearly daylight, the Page 109 CHAP. LX.l EXPEDITION FROM TIIIBODEAUX, LA. 109 ran up the lake and landed at the mouth of a canal, along which the road runs from Lake Verret to Napoleonville. Here the water was shallow near the bank, and we were forced to land the troops in small boats. I landed with about ten men and a lieutenant as quickly as possible, and leaving orders for the rest to land and follow immediately, marched rapidly toward a saw-mill located about one mile from the lake, with the intention of arresting all the men in the vicinity, to prevent them from giving notice of our approach; but on reaching the mill I was told that our cavalry had been there the day before, and also to the lake. I had discovered upon landing and examining the road that a small squad of cavalry had been to the lake and returned, but think- ing it might have been the rebels, and the men at the mill deceivingns, I sent orders to Captain ONeil to halt his men, hoping by concealing our force to draw them out. I then proceeded about three-quarters of a mile farther to where the road branches oft~ toward Texas. Here I became fully satisfied that our cavalry had been there the day before and had returned. Thinking there had been some misunderstanding with regard to time and that there was no possibility of effecting the object of the expedition, I returned to the lake and re- embarked at 8.40 a. m. While the troops were on shore the commandant of the gun- boat searched for b( ats, but could discover none. We left the lake about 9.15 a. in., and proceeded to Brashear. At the saw-mill before mentioned quite a number of men were actively engaged in sawing lum- ber, and as none had accumulated about the mill, and none seemed to have been used in the vicinity, it appeared very probable that it was sawed for the use of rebels in building boats or for other purposes. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN LYNES, Capt., Corndg. Company II, Ninety-third U. ~. Colored Infantry. Capt. 14. E. JACKSON, Post Adjutant. FEBRUARY 1013, 1865.Expedition from Thibodeaux to Lake Verret, La. Report of Capt. John IT. A lexander, First Louisiana Cavalry. HDQRS. COMPANY K, FIRST LOUISIANA CAVALRY, Thibodeaux, La., February 13, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to respectfully submit the following as a report of the marches of Company K, First Louisiana Cavalry, and Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry, on reconnaissance to Lake Verret: At 3 p. in. on the 10th I marched from here with eighty-four men, on Labadieville road through Bruld Landry, or Little Texas, to within five miles of Lake Verret. The roads were so bad 1 stopped at Bonds- nms plantation. Lieutenant Pomponean, with six men, dismounted, went to the lake at a point between Coup6e Lannes and Shell IBank, but was unable to discover anything. He was told that at 7 p. in. on the 10th instant a party of several boats moved down Lake Verret and into Lake John (supposed to be rebels). At daylight I started for the lake, crossed several swamps (in one of which one horse of Sixteenth Indiana was killed on a snag), and finally dismounted and wemit to the lake, no signs of any rebels having been there. Opposite the Shell Bank there was a gun-boat lying and seven small boats running fro Page 110 110 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. either shore to the gun-boat. The boat carried no colors, and would not answer our salutes nor pay our colors any attention at all but moved to this side of the lake between Bayou Blue and Bayou PlaAton, and commenced disembarking, for what purpose I could not tell. I watched the boat at different points all day, and was unable to tell whether it was in the possession of rebels or not. I left the Shell Bank at 10 a. in., and retraced my steps to Brul6 Texas, taking the road to Bayou Blue. We had to wade over two miles in water from six inches to three feet deep, reaching the lake at 5 p. in., but found noth- ing but one small skiff (which we destroyed), and the steam-boat. After leaving the lake I had the trestle-work destroyed on Bayou Blue. The road leading from Texas to the canal being impassable, I marched back to Kittredges plantation and halted to rest and feed until daylight the 12th instant, wheim 1 again started for Kapoleonville, where I arrived at 10a.m. and reported for orders,which I received at 7 p. m. I started at 8 p. m. from Napoleonville, and arrived here at 2 a. in. this the 13th instant. During the entire march I did not see or hear of a rebel, and I think they left before we started from here. It is almost impossible to move a command through the woods at present, mounted. I have the honor, captain, to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. H. ALEXANDER. Captain Company K, First Louisiana Cavalry. Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant- General, La Fourche District. FEBRUARY 12, 1865.Skirmish near Columbia, l~o. Report of Capt. Henry N. Cook, Ninth Missouri State ]lliilitia Cavalry. ROUHEPORT, February 12, 1865. LIEUTENANT: About 1.30 oclock this morning, with eighteen men, I attacked Jim Carters camp. We killed three men and crippled all the rest. I think they had ten Arkansas men in camp. We got all their horses, clothing, and a number of pistols. The camp was within six or seven miles of Columbia, due north. In accomplishing this I regret to say that Sergt. Thomas J. Hem, of my company, was killed the first shot that was fired. Private Tuder was severely wounded. We walked a mile with our boots off and completely surprised them. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, H. N. COOK, Captain 61ornpany F, Ninth Cavalry Missouri State Militia. Lieutenant CLARKE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. The names of the killed are Jim Carter, William Cavanangh, Tomp- kins Robinson. ADDENDA. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Capt. H. N. COOK, Macon, Mo., February 14, 1865. Company F, Ninth Cay. Mo. State Militia, Rocheport, Mo.: CAPTAIN: The general commanding directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your report of the 12th instant of the fight with Carters band, & c. He extends to yourself and the brave boys of Company Page 111 CHAP. LX.] OPERATIONS ABOUT FORT RILEY, KANS: 111 his hearty congratulations on your complete success, and desires to commend the sagacity and earnestness which characterized this whole affair. It has added another to the already well-won laurels of the Ninth Cavalry. In the loss of Sergeant Hem the whole command will sympathize with your company and with his afflicted father, who thus has lost the best blooi of his household. Allow me, in conclusion, to thank you for the vigor you have so unceasingly shown during the whole period of your stay at Ilocheport, and that your management of matters meets with approval at these headquarters. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. T. CLAJIKE, Lieutenant, Aide-de- Camp and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FEBRUARY 12, 1865.Skirmish near Lewisburg, Ark. Report of Cot. Abraham H. Ryan, Third Arkansas Cavalry (Union). LEWISBURO-, February 13, 1865. Colonel Witt, with from 60 to 100 men, from direction of Quitman, last night attacked Capt. Jeff. Williams, the noted scout, at his resi- dence twenty miles north of this place, killing him. Witt went in direction of Dover. Yesterday rebels were reported in force at iDan- ville. If so, Witts niove may be in conjunction, to enable one of the parties to cross the river. I have sent Captain Carr with seventy men to trail Witt down and prevent any crossing from south side of river. A. H. RYAN, Colonel. Maj. JoHN LEVERING, Assistant Adjutant- General, Little Rock. FEBRUARY 1220, 1865.Operations about Forts Riley and Lamed, Kans. Report of Henry D. Janes. FORT LARNED, KANS., February 20, 1865. SIR: Pursuant to instructions, dated headquarters District Upper Arkansas, February 12, 1865, I have the honor to make the following report of scouts, & c., for the past ten days: In accordance with the above instructions, I left Fort Riley the 12th instant en route for this post, where I arrived the 18th (nothing of im- portance transpired while on the route), and found everything in a very satisfactory condition, the country north and west and southwest being as thoroughly scouted as practicable with the force employed, the Inde- pendent Scouts only being on that duty. There has been only occa- sionally an Indian or a small band seen in this vicinity, and these I should judge to be only scouts or spies watching the roads. One was seen but a short distance south a few days since by one of the men. Upon this being reported to the commanding officer he sent out a party of twenty men, who struck a trail of what they judged to be a band of twenty-five, moving west and north. Sergeant Nettleton, with th Page 112 112 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. Independent Scouts, has been sent west and north to the IRepublican, thence to Fort Ellsworth, to return by Fort Zarah. He will doubtless return to this post within the next ten days, when I will forward a full report of his s~out.* Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Lient. J. B. TAPPAN, II. 1). JANES. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Fort Riley, Kans. FEBRUARY 13, 1865.Skjrmish in Mississippi County, Mo. Report of Capt. James IF. Edwards, Second Missouri State Militia Cavalry. NEW MADRID, Mo., February 16, 1865. I left here Monday morning, with ten men, in pursuit of a band of busliwackers I heard of the night before going into Mississippi County. I rati onto eight of them Monday ilght. Killed 2 and captured 6, with their arms, & e. They were from Claikes command up here on a steal- ing expedition alone, Could hear of no others in the country. JAS. W EDWARDS, Captain Company B, Second Missouri State Militia, Comdg~Post. Brigadier-General EWING. FEBRUARY 1418, 1865.Expeditions from Donaldsonville to Grand Bayou and Bayou Goula, La., with skirmish (15th) at Martins Lane. ]RiEPOT~Ts. No. 1.Col. Willard Sayles, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. No. 2.Capt. James I?. S. Cox, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry. No. 1. Report of Col. Willard Sayles, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, Post Napoleonville, La., February 22, 1865. CAPTAIN: On the night of the 15th instant, learning that a party of rebels had crossed Grand Bayou on the road leading to Doctor Martins plantation, I immediately took about eighty men, composed of cavalry and thirty infantry and started for them. I had previously telegraphed Colonel Fiske of the fact, for the purpose of meeting them in one or the other of the two directions. Marching as rapidly as possible, reached Doctor Martins plantation about 12 oclock. Sending the adju- tant in advance with a small detachment, to learn if possible the whereabouts of the enemy, I halted the column and awaited his return. He met a part of Captain Coxs detachment, who informed him that he had met them and driven them back across the bayou, capturing 1 man ~ See February 16-21, l565.Scont from Fort Lamed, Kans. Report of Sergt. David C. Nettleton, Second Colorado Cavalry, p. 117 Page 113 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITIONS FROM DONALDSONYILLE, LA. 113 and 7 horses. I made inquiries at the different plantations, and could learn no more of the enemy. I then returned to camp. Having ver- bally informed the general commanding the day succeeding this expe- dition at Thibodeaux of what had been done, and supposing that the detachment from iDonaldsonville, who alone had succeeded in meeting them, had made a full report of the raid and its con~equences, I did not deem a written statement necessary. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLARD SAYLES, Colonel Third Rhode Island Cavalry, Gorndg. Regiment and Post. Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant- 6~eneral, La Fourche District. No. 2. Reports of Capt. James B. S. (Jox, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry. HDQRS. DETACHMENT 16TH INDIANA MOUNTED INFANTRY, Donaldsonville, La., February 15, 1865. I have the honor to report that, in compliance with instructions of Colonel Viske, I took F and K Companies, fifty-five men, of my detach. ment, down the Bayou La Fourche road. Met a party of rebels in Doctor Martins lane. Pursued them till they scattered in the swamp, with the following results: Our loss, 1 horse (leg broken by shot). Rebel loss, 7 horses, 2 shotguns,. and 1 prisoner. Captain Macklin, Company K, rendered valuable aid. Respectfully, your obedient servant, J.R.S. COX, Lieut. L. R. HALL, Captain, Commanding Detachment. Post Adjutant. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS POST o~ DONALDSONYILLE, Approved and respectft~lly forwarded. February 15, 1865. This party of guerrillas were under command of Captain Whitting- ton, Second Louisiana (rebel) Cavalry. One of the prisoners captured reports that this force came from Attakapas. They crossed Grand River at Bay Natchez. The prisoner states that there were 100 in the party that cros~d the bay, and fifty in the party that came to the Doc- tor Martin place last night, but from the best information I can get I dont think there were more than half of that number. W. 0. FISKE, Colonel First Louisiana Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Post, [Second indorsement.j HEADQUARTERS LA FOURCHE DISTRICT Thibodeaux, La., February 17, 1865. Respectfully returned for completion. This report is entirely too meager and wanting in details. By command of Brigadier-General Cameron: B. B. CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant- t~i5eneral. 8 R RYOL XLYIII~ PT Page 114 11.4 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. [Third indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS POST OF DONALDSONVILLE, February 18, 1865. Respectfully transmitted with reference to indorsement of General Cameron. By command of Col. W. 0. Fiske: LEONIDAS It. HALL, Post Adjutant. IIDQRS. DETACHMENT 16TH INDIANA MOUNTED INFANTRY, Donaldsonviile, La., February 18, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that at a personal interview with Colonel Fiske on the evening of February 14, I received verbal instruc- tions from him to proceed immediately on a scout to Doctor Martins plantation, as he had received a telegram reporting a rebel force in that vicinity. At 10 p. m. I started with F and K Companies of this detach- ment, numbering fifty-five men. At the mouth of Doctor Martins lane we discovered a party of rebels. Gave chase for about four miles till they scattered in the swamps and our horses were belly deep in the water. Four horses were hitched in lane near the bayou, concealed by bushes. We captured 7 horses and equipments, 2 shotguns, and 1 prisoner. Our loss was 1 horse (leg broken by shot.) Returning toward the bayou we encountered a person who alleged lie was a citizen, whom I arrested. The information gleaned amounted to this: Captain Whit- tington, Captain Dunn, and Lieutenant Fox, with 100 men, crossed Bay Natchez February 12; were encamped at Bay Pierre Pass; that fifty men were present with Captain Whittington in the lane that night. I do not believe there were a third of that number. We caretbily searched the houses and sugar mills in that vicinity and found nothing. On returning from the swamps the adjutant of the Third Rhode Island Cavalry reported Colonel Sayles and three companies of that regiment half a mile below on t ary 15. , he bayou road. Reached camp at 4 a. m. Febru Very respectfully, J. It. S. COX, Lient. L. II. HALL, Captain, Commanding Detachment. Post Adjutant. HDQRS. DETACHMENT 16TH INDIANA MOUNTED Th~FANTRY Donaldsonville, La., February 18, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to special orders from post headquarters, Donaldsonville, La., to proceed to Bayou Goula for the purpose of scouting in that vicinity, with F and K Com- panies, and detachment of B Company, numbering seventy men total, I started at 4 p. m. February 17 up the river road. Upon reaching the lane at Saggles front plantation I halted and rested one hour feeding a squadron at a time. Citizens informed me that King, Willi~tms, and Brown were back of Bayou Goula with 150 men. I did not credit it, however. Proceeding through the lane three miles to Richlands plan- tation, found nothing. Thence through the swamps, where my com- mand occupied one hour in crossing one mud hole, to Thompson Page 115 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITIONS FROM DONALDSONVILLE, LA. 115 plantation, where I had been informed that Captain Brown and seven men were secreted. Surrounded and searched the house, capturing one prisoner, arms,, and horse. Thence we marched to llartmans plan- tation, where found no sign of rebels. Learning that the roads through the swamps to the Bayou Goula road were impassable, I retraced my steps, coming out to the river road through Randolphs plantation. Entered Bayou Goula at a gallop. I threw a chain of sentinels around the town and searched for rebels, but found none. We then proceeded five miles down the Bayou Goula road to Ventress plantation. Captain Brown and seven men had been there at sunset. Returning through Bayou Goula to Randolphs plantation, we fed and rested. Returned to camp about 4 p. m. February 18, having traveled an estimated dis- tance of sixty miles. From the best information I learn that King was not in that vicinity. Browns command is small, numbering about twenty, but effective. Williams command numbers about thirty. The prisoner captured gave his name as Sm art, private, Captain Browns company, Seventeenth Arkansas. Au old negro informed us that the prisoners name was Joseph Green, and rank lieutenant. He was one of the squad that obtained whisky from the Ben Franklin while lying lately at Reeds plantation. I am greatly indebted to First Lieutenant Bahncke, First Louisiana Volunteer Infantry, and to Captain Mackim, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry, for aid and information in regard to the country. I regret to add that the family of Mr. Thompson claim to have lost, on the night of the 17th, the following articles: One silver cake basket, 1 silver waiter, 1 fine gold watch, 3 blankets, 1 papier- mach6 cigar stand, 2 guns, 1~ dozen large silver spoons, 1 dozen silver teaspoons, 1 dozen silver forks, 1 pack playing cards, napkins, and tablecloths. I gave orders that nothing should be molested about the premises, placed a guard in the room where most of these articles lay on the sideboard, and cleared the room as quickly as possible. I have found the pack of playing cards and one blanket. The other two were Government blankets, and were taken by my orders. One of the guns was broken; the other is in possession of Colonel Fiske. Of the other articles, if in possession of my mcii, I have not been able to ascer- tain their whereabouts after a most thorough search. Very respectfully, J.R.S. COX, Captain, Commanding Detachment. Lient. L. R. HALL, Post Adjutant. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS POST OF DONALDSONVILLE, Approved and respectfully forwarded. February 19, 1865. I am having a thorough examination made to ascertain the guilty parties in the robbery of Mr. Thompsons house, and shall take every method to have, them brought to punishment. I think no blame can be attached to Captain Cox, as he took every means to prevent it. Expecting to find quite a number of the enemy in the house, he was in charge of the men outside, and knew nothing of the robbery until the next morning. W. 0. FISKE, Colonel First Louisiana Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Post Page 116 116 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. [Second indorsernent.] HEADQUARTERS LA FOURCHE DISTRICT, Thibodeaux, La., February 21, 1865. Respectfully forwarded for the information of General Sherman. it A. CAMERON, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding District. FEBRUARY 1618, 1865.Operations about Bennetts Bayou and Tolberts Mill, Ark. Report of Lient. William N. Alsup, Forty-sixth Missouri Infantry. HDQRS. COMPANY H, 46~ REGT. MISSOURI VOLUNTEERS, Ozark County, Mo., February 16 [18 ?], 1865. GENERAL: I have to report that on the 16th of February, 1865, I, with forty-eight men of my commaud, proceeded to Bennetts Bayou, Fulton County, Ark. From there to Tolberts Mill, on Bennetts River, where we found one guerrilla or bushwhacker, whom we suc- ceeded in killing, and being satisfied that the mill was a resort for rebels and guerrillas, I ordered it burned. I also succeeded in killing one other guerrilla near the same place. I then returned from there to Douglas County, thoroughly scouting the country through which we passed, and arrived at camp or quarters on the 18th without the loss of anything. Very respectfully, WM. N. ALSUP, First Lieut. Company H, Forty-sixth Missouri Volunteer Infantry. Brig. Gen. J. B. SANBORN. FEBRUARY 1620, 1865.Scout in Ozark County, Mo., and Marion County, Ark. Report of Capt. James H. Sallee, Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry. IIDQRS. COMPANY B, SIXTEENTH MISSOURI CAVALRY, Lebanon, Mo., February 22, 1865. CAPTAIN: I beg leave to submit to you the following facts connected with a scout made by, me with a detachment of Company B, Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry Volunteers, in obedience to the order of Lient. Col. John F. MeMahan: 1 left this place on the morning of the 16th instaut, with fifteen days rations, and proceeded to Little North Fork, in Ozark County, Mo. Here I met with four citizens of Douglas County, Mo., viz, Isham Lamar, Johnson Lamar, William Lamar, and George Lamar, who reported to me that they had been to White River, near the Widow Magness~, and had found some rebels in a cave and wanted assistance to catch them. I immediately started in search of the cave, the Lamars accompanying me as guides. On arriving at the cave I found three bushwhackcrs Page 117 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM FORT LARNED, KANS. 117 viz, Williams and Riddle, one unknown, who on our approach started to run, but Williams was killed and the others wounded, who made their escape in the bluffs and brush. After this affair I prepared to move on down the river and did so, bnt the Lamars would bot go any farther, and on the day following they were seen driving twelve head of cattle np the Little North Fork through a Union settlement. I mention this, as I am reliably informed that these men are in the habit of driving off stock from that connty and converting it to their own nse. After leaving the cave I went down the river crossed at the month of the Little North Fork at Mr. Vochans. I learned that there were four rebels np the river four miles, and also three miles down the river there were four others. On agreement with Captain Piland, Forty-sixth Missouri Infantry, I took a few men and went up the river, and he took some and went down the river. On arriving at the house where they were reported to be I found two rebels, whom we killed. Captain Piland found two and killed them. I then heard there were eight rebels on the head of Musicks Creek, in Marion County, Ark., near Pine Mountain. I proceeded to the place, but found no one there except women and children. I found six rifled guns. The rebels have lately built a grist-mill here and I think it is a good place to catch a bushwhacker almost any time. This was the 18th instant. I then started back, came to White River, at the mouth of Big Creek, but could not cross, and had to go down to the mouth of the Little North Fork, where I crossed, and proceeded to this place, arriving on the 20th instant. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES II. SALLEE, Captain Company B, Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry Volunteers. Capt. WILLIAM T. KITTREDGE, Assistant Adjutant- General, District of Southwest Missouri. FEBRUARY 1621, 1865.Scout from Fort Lamed, Kans. Report of Sergt. David C. Nettleton, Second Colorado Cavalry. FORT Z~nAn, KANS., February 21, 1865. Sin: I havejust returned from a scout of six days duration. Started from Fort Lamed on the 16th. Scouted up the North Fork of Pawnee; thence northwest to Walnut Creek; np the South Fork of Walnut Creek to a large body of timber about 120 miles above Fort Zarah; thence down Walnut Creek to this point. No Indians in the country. All signs of war parties from two to four months old. Will proceed to Fort Lamed to~morrow, and be governed by orders received heretofore or any awaiting me at that l)lace. Very respectfnlly, your obedient servant, D. C. NETTLETON, Sergeant, Commanding Independent Scouts. Lient. J. E. TAPPAN, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of Upper Arkansas Page 118 118 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. (CHAP. Lx. FEBRUARY 1718, 1865.Scout from Pine Bluff, Ark., to the Arkansas River, with skirmish (17th) near Bayou Meto, Ark. Report of Capt. John H. Norris, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Pine Blu~ Ark., April 19, 1865. CAPTAIN: In obedience to your orders of this date I have the honor to submit the following report: That on or about the 17th of February, 1865, I commanded a scout of about seventy-five men and one officer, to wit, Lient. Z. P. Curlee, of our regiment, and camped the night before a short distance the other side of Bayou Meto, a~bout fifty miles below this place and about five miles from the Arkansas River. Early on the morning of the 17th I commenced crossing the bayou. It was quite full, a bout fifty yards wide, and the horses had tobe swum over. As soon as one platoon of men and horses were over I ordered Lieutenant Curlee to take the platoon and search the country around for the enemy for a distance of two miles out and return by noon, directing him to search well on each side the main road to a swamp on the right and lake on the left, which extended out over one mile and a half and if he should find an enemy to fight him, and if too strong to send me word and fall back himself. The lieutenant returned in due time, bringing one Thomas Farrelly with him, and reported to me that he had found armed men at and around the residence of this man Farrelly; that he had bad a slight engagement, or rather a running skirmish, and had killed 1 man and captured 1. That upon searching the house of Farrelly he had found arms and considerable ammunition, also ammunition secreted upon the person of Farrelly. He said there was a rebel bushwhacker lived there by the name of ilagler, who fonght them until they killed him; and believing as he did that Farrellys house was a harbor for bush- whackers and unauthorized bands, he deemed it his .duty to burn the house. He said he was careful to have everything removed to a safe place, as he supposed, before firing the house; and that whilst removing the plunder out of the house the prisoner made his escape. I observed the men closely as soon as they returned, and discovered no sign of any I)lunder of any kind in their possession or about them. I rode along privately with Farrelly for over a mile, and in answer to my interroga- tories whether the boys had taken anything away, or had pillaged the house previous to setting fire to it, he said they had not. He said he had but $50 in greenbacks and some Confederate money (I disremem- ber how much), and brought no accusation against any one for taking any plunder. I heard nothing of any gold or any more money. I inquired of Farrelly if he had ever taken the oath of allegiance. He answered, Ko; it has never been required of me. I know nothing of the burning of any other building, or anything else save the dwelling house. I inquired of him about corn. He said he raised very little last year, and that it was nearly all gone. I inquired about the cotton crop. He said lie had raised fourteen bales last year, and had sold nine bales and delivered them yesterday to the steam-boat Superior for dry- goods, groceries, ammunition, and medicines that Curlee found at his house. I heard nothing of the killing of the mare or any other stock. This man ilagler who lived at Farrellys was a notorious rebel bush- whacker, and operated with a gang commanded by one Ralston, wh Page 119 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION FROM PLAQUEMINE, LA. 119 lived several miles higher up the bayou. Farrelly said he did not know it was any harm to keep ilagler and family there for pay, and that ilagler paid him well for it. Very repeetfully, your obedient servant, ~ ~. NORRIS, Captain, Thirteenth illinois Cavalry, Commanding Scout. Capt. S. MONTE CAIIWBERN, Assistant Adjutant- General. FEBRUARY 1722, 1865.Expedition from Plaquemine to The Park, La. REPOHTS. No. l.Maj. Richard G. Shaw, Eleventh U. S. Colored Heavy Artillery. No. 2.Maj. Edmund C. Burt, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. No. 1. Report of ]Ifaj. Richard U. Shaw, Eleventh U. S. Colored fleavy Artillery. HEADQUARTERS POST OF PLiQUEMINE, Plaquemine, La., February 23, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to forward herewith the report of Maj. E. C. Burt, commanding the expedition sent to The Park and vicinity, in pursuance of telegraphic instructions received from your head- quarters February 17. I examined personally the parties arrested by Major Burt; released Messrs. Irwin aud Charleville, and sent the remainder under guard to the provost-marshal-general at New Orleans. Since the report of Major Burt was written I have again sent a party of the Independent Scouts up Grossetete. They learned that all the enemys force in that vicinity were concentrating at Alexandria, except Ratliffs and Kings commands, the latter of which refused to go. They surprised and captured a rebel outpost consisting of three men, securing their arms and horses. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, RICHARD G. SHAW, Major, Eleventh U. S. Colored Heavy Artillery, Commanding Post. Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant- General, La Fourche District. No. 2. Report Qf Maj. Edmund C. Burt, Third Rhode Tsland Cavalry. HDQRS. I)ETACHMENT THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, Plaquemine, February 22, 1865. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that, pursuant to verbal instructions from Maj. H. G. Shaw, I left Plaquenilne late in the afternoon of the 17th instant with fifty-seven men and one officer of my own detach- ment, anda company of Independent Scouts numbering two officers and thirty-four men, dismounted, and proceeded to The Park, reaching there about 8 oclock that evening. Finding no suitable camping-ground for my command at that point, I established a strong picket and returne Page 120 120 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. to Indian Village. I saw no traces of guerrillas, but one of my men learned from a citizen that five of them came through the swamp from the direction of the river that morning and crossed the bayou about half way between The Park and Indian Village, swimming their horses. On the 18th my pickets at The Park stopped a small fiat-boat which came down Grand River, and took from it Felix Bellocq, wife and child (he claiming to be a ConP~derate agent), Mrs. Monier, Mrs. Clement, and Mrs. P. Thrahan , o~vnerof theboat, with three negro men. They had a large amount of baggage, and on the person of ~Felix Bellocq was found considerable mail matter, while on the person of Mrs. Monier were found a number of private papers, including several very impor- tant ones belonging to Mr. Bellocq. The same day my pickets at the month of Bayou Grossetete arrested a Mr. Isaac Irwin and Mr. P. 0. Charleville, with two negro men, who came down Bayou Grossetete, and as 1 found on them some rather suspicious papers, I forwarded them, together with the first-named party, to headquarters post of Plaquemine. On the 19th I sent a lieutenant and seven men of the sconts down Grand River in a boat, with instructions to go as far as possible and return that night. After going about two miles below The Park, the boat leaking badly, they landed and proceeded on foot going with the utmost difficulty about five miles below The Park, and beyond that they report the country impassable, being completely flooded, the levee on Grand River being broken in many places. I also sent a small party of the scouts up Bayou Grossetete some eight or ten miles, but with no results. On the 21st a deserter from Kings heavy artillery came in and gave himself up to our pickets at The Park. He reports that all of the rebel companies that have been in the habit of making raids into La Fourche District have been ordered to Alexan- dria, and most of them have gone. He does not know of any guerrillas being this side of Grand River below Plaquenmine at this time. I have had the company of scouts scouring the country in small squads in all directions around The Park and Indian Village, and from them have learned that the swamps in all directions are utterly impassable for any number of men. As I was suffering somewhat from an attack of fever and chills, I came into Plaquemine yesterday for medical treatment, which accounts for my being here. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. ~. BURT, Major, Commanding Detachment Third Rhode Island Carairy. Licut. C. H. BARNEY, Post Adjutant. FEBRUARY 1922, l865.Expedition from Helena, Ark., to Friars Point, Miss. Report of Col. Charles Bentzoni, Fifty-sixth U. ~. Colored Troops. HDQRS. FIFTY-SiXTh U. S. COLORED INFANTRY Helena, Ark., February 22, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with verbal instructions received from the brigadier-general commanding, 11 officers and 270 men of the Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, a detachment of mounted infantry, under command of Captain Anderson, and one piece of artillery, under command of Lieutenant Chappel, embarked o Page 121 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM PINE BLUFF, ARK. 121 the steamer Curlew at 1 a. m. February 19, 1865. This command landed at Friars Point, Miss., at 4 a. m. same date; the cavalry proceeded in the direction of Shufordsville, and the infantry covered Friars Point by a picket-line. Doctor 1~illow was captured at Landfords place and sent to Helena. No armed force was found in the town. The cavalry command returned to Friars Point about 4 p. in. same day, after having captured about thirteen troopers, with their horses and equipments. Captain Anderson immediately re-embarked for Helena, after leaving one officer and twenty troopers at Friars Point. On the 19th, 20th, and 21st a scouting party of two companies and a small detachment of cav- alry, the whole under command of Maj. H. A. Wells went out in the direction of Shufordsville and Moon Lake respectively. They brought in 32 colored men, women, and children, 21 mules, and 1 horse. Most of this property, as well as the slaves, belonged to Mr. Irvine, who has, by his own statement, four brothers in the rebel service. Only two men of the lot of slaves were found to be fit for soldiers; the rest, 4 men, 10 women, and 16 children, were transferred to the care of the command- lug officer at Fort Pinney, as I had no subsistence for them. Five colored men, 3 women, and 2 children came within the lines for protec- tion on the 21st. The men wish to enlist in the regiment, and the women and children will be turned over to the superintendent of freed- men at Helena. The trading boats Anna and Freestone landed at Friars Point, under written authority from His Excellency the Pres- ident of the United States, for the purpose of receiving cotton, & c. At 3 p. m. on the 21st Lieutenant Murray reporte(l to me with the steamer Curlew, and hai~ded me a letter of instructions from the com- manding general, in obedience to which I embarked my command as soon as the scouting party had returned. The embarkation was com- pleted at 5.30 p. in., but on account of high winds the boat had to lie at her landing until daylight of the 22d. W. A. Alcorn, a private of the rebel cavalry, surrendered himself as a prisoner of war, and gave information where his brother, 11. J. Alcorn, also a private in the rebel service, could be captured, which capture was effected by Lieutenant Spring, commanding the cavalry detachment. Lieutenant Spring has been directed to turn over the prisoners, with one horse, saddle and bridle, and two revolvers, to the provost marshal at Helena. The command arrived at Helena.at 9.30 a. m. on the 22d instant. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. BENTZONI, Col. Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, Commanding Expedition. Capt. T. C. MEATYARD, Assistant Adjutant- General. FEBRUARY 2122, 1865.Scout from Pine Bluff to Douglas Plantation, Ark., and skirmish (22d). Report of Capt. Gurusey W. Davis, Thirteenth illinois Cavalry. CAMP THIRTEENTH CAVALRY ILLiNOIS VOLUNTEERS, Pine Bluff, Ark., February 23, 1865. SIR: I have to report my return from scout. On the morning of the 21st, pursuant to orders, I proceeded with fifty m~u down the rive Page 122 122 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. on the south side as far as Douglas plantation, where we arrived at 10 oclock at night, the rain falling in perfect torrents. Camped nnder an old cotton sh.ed. Saw no force on the way down, but after passing the Smith place found plenty of tracks of horses going up; should judge to the number of fifty or sixty. After having camped I received at Douglas the information that a force under a Colonel Clark was in below, and that they were expected up the river for the purpose of burning cotton and arresting deserters. A negro at Donglas told me that they were only three miles below; the truth of the statement, however~ I do not pretend to vouch for. Upon learning the same I doubled my picket force and intended to move out so soon as the rain ceased. At 1 oclock, or thereabouts, my pickets on two sides were charged upon at the same moment and driven in, and in an instant a volley was poured into the men under the shed where they were hud- dled together to keep out of the rain. This fire was promptly returned, checking their charge, and forcing them back. The enemy rallied and made a second charge, forcing my men back from their horses. I imme- diately brought my men up again, with-orders to retake the shed and save their horses; which was done, driving the enemy over the levee and holding them there until all the horses were brought out into line. The enemy in the meantime sounded recall and appeared to have moved off between the levee and the river. I then ordered all niy men to mount, except one platoon, which II took and went ja search of casu- alties. I found 4 men wounded, 2 severely. I carried the wounded to the house (Mr. Dougla& ), where I had every assurance that they should be cared for as well as .circumstances would admit. Upon counting I found that three or four men were missing. I think that none were killed, unless they were shot down on the picket-post. However, it being so very dark and raining, I might have overlooked them. Sev- eral horses were shot dead and two or three wounded. After making the best arrangement I could for the wounded men, and not knowing the design of the enemy, I concluded not to remain longer and moved out, taking a back route to avoid being ambushed. We succeeded in reaching a cotton gin where we remained until it became sufficiently light to travel, when we took the road leading across Choctaw Bayou and between that and Bayou Bartholomew to Pine Bluff, wh erewe arrived at 8 oclock last night. The country is full of small parties of rebels. We met and gave chase to three that we ascertained to be Captain Burt and two other officers of General Shelbys staff. At Doctor Jacksons twenty-five had fed and just left in the direction of this place. We followed them about two miles, when they left the road and took to the woods. I could find no cattle worth driving. There being so much water on the ground and bushes I did not go into the cane, the only place where cattle can be found at this season. I regret the loss of my men, and for the wounded ask that something be done. Idid not go to see whether any of the enemy were left dead or wounded, but am inclined to [think] that some were. Their number was,I think, fully equal to my own, judging from their firing. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, (1. W. DAVIS, Captain, Thirteenth Cavalry Illinois Volunteers, Comdg. & out. Lieut. S. MONTE CMWBERN, Acting Assistant A djntant- General Page 123 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM PINE BLUFF, ARK. 123 FEBRUARY 2224, 1865.Scout from Pine Bluff to Bayou Meto, Ark., and skirmishes at Mrs. Voches (23d) and Bayou Meto (24th). Report of Capt. George W. Suesberry, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, eom~ manding scout. IIDQRS. COMPANY L, THIRTEENTH ILLINOIS CAY. VoLS., Pine Bluff, Ark., February 26, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to orders received, dated headquarters U. S. Forces at Pine Bluff, Ark., February 22, 1865, I took command of a force of eighty men and proceeded to the north side of the Arkansas River for the purpose of making a scont, bnt was unable to get all the men across the river. I left fifteen on this side. I proceeded to the picket at William SculFs, where I arrived at day- light, and took the force stationed there with me, which augmented my force to ninety men. I then marched to Walkers farm, where we arrived at 10 a. m. on the 23d, and captured one of Captain Hicks men. We then moved to Henry Youngs farm, where. we arrived at 12 in., and captured two men of tbe same command. We then moved to Mrs. Yoches farm, where we arrived at 4 p. in., and had a fight with Captain Husbands command. Lieut. IN. E. Orton, Company F, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, made a gallant charge with his platoon, completely routing the enemy, captnring 3 prisoners and severely wounding 1 man. Captain Husband is also reported killed. We then moved to General Williams plantation~ where we captured Lieutenant Richardson, of Hicks company, and a private of Vaugines band. We then encamped for the night. I ordered the horses to be fed from General Williams forage and my men to be furnished with sup- per and breakfast, for which I gave receipts. On the morningof the 24th we marched for Bayou Meto, where we arrived about 9 a in., and had sharp skirmish with Major Watkins. After the skirmish had lasted a few minutes Lieutenant Temple, Company M, Thirteenth Illinois Cav- alry, made a gallant charge with his platoon, leading the charge in per- son some fifty yards in advance of his men, completely routing the enemy, who fled in all directions. Lieutenant Temple ordered each of his men to pick his man and capture him, saying that he would bring in the major, and nobly did he keep his word. After running the major about three miles and a half he captured him in BayouMeto, where the water was swimming deep. In this action the enemy lost in captured Major Watkins and six men. If there were any killed or wounded I did not see them. I wish to state here that Lieutenant Curlee, although not engaged, behaved himself in a soldierly manner, being always at his post and ready to go in if required. Also the behavior of the gray- back was all that could be desired. We then turned about and started for Pine Bluff, where we arrived at 9 p. in. on the 24th. On our way back we captured Lieutenant Grestol, of Major Watkins command. The results of the expedition may be briefly summed up as follows: We marched over 100 miles, fought the enemy twice, defeating him both times; captured 13 prisoners, among whom were 3 officers, without the loss of a man or horse. I have the honor to be, your mostobedient servant, G. W. SUESBEIRItY, Capt. Company L, 13th ill. Cay. Vols., in Command of Scout. Brig. Gen. POWELL CLAYTON, Commanding U. S. Forces, Pine Bluff Page 124 124 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIppI. [CHAP. LX. FEBRUARY 23MARCH 2, 1865.Scouts from Salem and Licking, Mo., to Spring River Mills, Ark., with skirmishes. R]~PORTs. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown, U. S. Army, commanding District of Rolla. No. 2.Col. Edwin C. Catherwood, Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry. No. 3.Capt. William Monks, Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown, U. S. Army, commanding Dis trict of Bolla. ROLLA, March 2, 1865. I respectfully report that a scout of fifty men of the Fifth Missouri State Militia from Salem, with about the same number of the Sixteenth Volunteer Cavalry from Licking, has just rcturned from the Arkansas border. Reports having killed 15 guerrillas, captured 12 horses, 3 mules, and a number of small-arms. Freeman is reported to be near Batesville with 100 men. It is rumored that there will be a concentra- tiou of the guerrillas about the 15th of March. B. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commandinq. Maj. J. W. BARNES, Assistant Adjutant- General, Saint Louis. No. 2. Report of Col. Edwin C. Catherwood, Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, Licking, Texas County, Mo., March 1, 1865. GENERAL: The scouts under Captain Monks, Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry Volunteers, and Captain Benz, Fifth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, have returned. They formed a junctioii at Thomasville aimd proceeded to Spring River Mills, Ark., where it was reported Freeman was reorganizing his command. Freemans command is scattered as currently reported) to meet the 15th of March. Freeman, with about 100 ~~en,is said to be at Batesville, Ark. The scout came. upon several small squads of guerrillas, killed 15, captured 12 horses and 3 fine mules, 300 pounds of cotton, and some small-arms. I will have the horses and mulcs branded and issued to Monks command as they need them. The country around here is particularly quiet. I inclose you papers * found on the bodies of guerrillas, showing how they obtain supplies. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. C. CATHERWOOD, Colonel Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry Volunteers. Brig. Gen. B. B. BROWN, Commanding District of Rolla. No. 3. Report of Capt. William Monks,. Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry. LICKING, TEXAS COUNTY, Mo., March 3, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to your order of February 22, 1865,1 moved camp and marched sixteen miles, camping * Omitted Page 125 CHAP. LX.] AFFAIR AT SWITZLERS MILL, MO. 125 at Wilbern 0-ilmores. Early on the 23d I divided the command, send- ing Captain Benz, of the Fifth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, through Spring and Birch galleys, with orders to form a junction at Wallaces, nine miles northwest of Thomasville. Moved with my command and marched twenty-five miles to Goldsberrys, on the headwaters of Jacks Fork. Moved on the 24th, and, on reaching Wallaces, attacked a band of guerrillas, killing one and wounding another very severely. Con- tinued pursuit, routed and killed three, breaking up their camps, and scattering them in every direction. Continued pursuit, and near Thoin- asville was attacked by a force commanded by Dick Kitchen, charging them. After a brisk engagcment, routed them in all directions, sup- posing severa?1 to be wounded. Several of my mcii had their clothes cut by balls, but escaped without any wounds. Marched twenty miles, camping at Colonel Olds, near Thomasville. After camping, sent out a scout west, routing several and killing one, and breaking up their camps. Captain Benz caine up and camped with us, reporting that he had routed several bands, killing two. Moved on the 25th, sending Cap- tain Benz in the direction of Fredericks Fork of Eleven Points River, with orders to form a junction at Spring River Mills, in Arkansas. Moved with my command in the direction of Warm Fork of Spring River, attacking a band of guerrillas nine miles north of Spring River, killing five and routing several. Marched twenty-five miles, camping at Spring River Mills. Captain Benz came up and reported that he had routed and scattered a band of guerrillas on Fredericks Fork, killing one, supposing others to be wounded. On the night of the 25th they continued firing for upward of an hour from a bluff at a distance of 300 yards, but could not dislodge them on account of the riVer and bluff being between us. Moved on the 26th; marched to Fredericks Fork, sixteen miles. While marching attacked Freemans command of thirty men, charging and routing them, killing two, and encamped at night at Couchs, on Fredericks Fork of Eleven Points River. Moved on the 27th. Routed several, killing one. Marched sixteen miles, camp- ing at Thomasville. Moved on the 28th; marched nineteen miles and camped on Turkey Oak. After camping sent out a scout; broke upa camp of guerrillas commanded by Captain Copeland. Moved on the 1st day of March, marching to Spring Valley, a distance of sixteen miles. Marched on the 2d, reaching camp at Licking, marching thirty miles. Distance marched, 183 miles. Property captured, 15 horses, 3 mules, one-half bale of cotton, wagon, and harness. Absent from camp nine days. Respectfully submitted. WILLIAM MONKS, Capt., Comdg. Company K, AS1ixteenth Missouri Cavalry Vols. Colonel CATHERWOOD. FEBRUARY 24, 1865.Affair at Switzlers Mill, Mo. J~eport of Col. Edward A. Kutzner, Thirty-ninth Missouri Infantry. GLASGOW, February 24, 1865. Jackson, with seven men, killed a man by the name of Poe at Switz- lers Mill and hung two negroes, besides robbing another citizen. I have sent plenty of men to scour the country. This Dccurred this day at 12 oclock. ED. A. KUTZNER, Colonel. Brigadier-General FISK Page 126 126 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. FEBRUARY 24, 1865.Scout from Helena to Clarkes Store, Ark. Report of Capt. John N. Wasson, Eighty-seventh illinois Infantry. HELENA, ARK., February 25, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the recent scout to Clarkes Store Ark.: Under orders from the general commanding the district, I embarked on the steamer Curlew at daylight on the 24th instant, with fifty men of the Eighty-seventh Illinois Mounted Infantry. Captain Ramsey, of the Sixtieth U. S. Colored Infantry, who was instructed to co-operate with me, was already aboard with fifty men of his command. We pro- ceeded to Berrys Landing, at the foot of Ship Island, an~f disembarked the horses without difficulty. Captain Ramsey remained in charge of the boat, to follow in two hours, whilst, in command of the mounted force, I proceeded up the river by land. On reaching Rodgers planta- tion, two miles below Clarkes, in order to cut off every means of escape, I divided my force, leaving Lieutenant Shelton in command of twenty men, with instructions to remain an honr at Rodgers and then move forward on the direct road. I took the remaining thirty men, marched by a circuftous route through the swamps, by reason of the recent rains almost impassable, and gained the roads leading into Saint Francis County and up the river just in time to bag the soldiers and citizens who were fleeing from Lieutenant Shelton. None escaped. I delivered six prisoners to the provost-marshal last night, and have in my possession two horses, two saddles and bridles, which I will turn in to the proper authorities. One horse was killed. The other prison- ers in the disguise of citizens were with their friends trading, without horses and unarmed. I was largely indebted for my success to the very correct information furnished by the guides, Messrs. Fisher and Bogy, in regard to the roads. On the 23d instant there had been two trading boats, the Lady Pike and May Duke, at the landing exchang- ing supplies for cotton. One man had permits for goods to the amount of $1,600. The shore was lined with salt and flour barrels, & c. I carefully examined these supplies, but found nothing of a contraband nature. The permits were in proper form and the goods agreed in kind and quality with the invoices. The papers were all approved by Major-General Dana and countersigned by Captain Bryson, of the Navy. A Mr. Hews, one of the owners of the May Duke, had remained to finish up the business. The boats seemed to have been in a great hurry, as the cotton had been taken on board and the stores piled upon the shore, to be taken away at leisure by the purchasers, who ,asthe captures verified, were in one case out of every four bona fide rebel soldiers. Unable to detect any fraud in the papers or anything con- traband in the goods, and having been instructed by the general to interfere in no way with authorized and legal cotton trading, my duty was at an end and I embarked my men upon the steamer, whichhad just arrived, and returned to Helena. But I cannot forbear to express a regret at what seems to me to be a suicidal policy, of furnishing aid and comfort to the enemy by feeding and clothing them. By authoriz- ing such trade the Government appears to me to be guilty of treason against itself Such, of course, is not the intention, but such is the result. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. K. WASSON, Captain, Eighty-seventh Illinois Mounted lufty., Comdg. & out. Capt. T. C. MEATYARD, Assistant Adjutant- aeneral, District of Eastern Arkansas Page 127 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION FROM PINE BLUFF, ARK. 127 FEBRUARY 2628, 1865.Expedition from Pine Bluff to McMilleys Farm, Ark., with skirmish (27th) at McXilleys Farm. I~EPORTS. No. 1-Col. James M. True, Sixty-seeon4 Illinois Infantry. No. 2.Capt. George W. Suesberry, Tliirteenth Illinois Cavalry No. 1. Report of Cot. James ill. True, Sixty-seGond Illinois Infantry. Pu~E BLUFF, ARK., March 1, 1865. A scout, commanded by Captain Suesberry, Thirteenth Illinois Cav- alry, attacked Captain Mayberys guerrilla band about twenty-five miles from this place on north side the river. Killed 8 and captured 3. JAMES M. TRUE, Colonel Sixty-second Illinois infantry, Commanding. Maj. JOHN LEVERING Assistant Adjutant. General. No. 2. Report of Capt. George IF. Suesberry, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry. IIDQRS. COMPANY L, THIRTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Pine Bluff, Ark., March 1, 1865. SIR: In obedience to orders I received on the 26th day of February, 1865, I assumed command of a detail of sixty men of the Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, and proceeded to the north side of the Arkansas River for the purpose of making a scout. I landed the last boat-load of my command across the river at 10 oclock at night of the 26th, and then started for the McMilley farm, which was my destination. Marched all night; arrived at Wabbaseca Bayou at daylight, when I found the bridge dut of repair, which repaired, and crossed the bayou. Resumed the march and arrived at my destination at 8 p. m. on the 27th. There I found Captain Maybery, of the Confederate Army, with fifty men. I had a sharp skirmish with them (the enemy), which lasted about thirty minutes. Killed 8 of Captain Mayberys command and took 2 prisoners. Captured 3 mules and 2 horses. Completely routed the enemy and burned their camps, all without getting any of my men hurt. Lost 3 horses. After routing the enemy I, with my command, took dinner on the ground formerly occupied by the enemy, and fed our horsed off their forage, & c. Rested my command about two hours, then resumed march for Pine Bluff. Marched back to Mrs. Pattons farm; there camped for the night. Mrs. Patton furnished 130 pounds of bacon, also forage for our horses, for which I gave receipts. On the 28th resumed march. Arrived at Pine Bluff at 10 a. m. after a brief stretch of two days and nights. Scout arrived without the loss of a man. I am, sir, your most obedient servant, GEG. W. SUESBERRY, Captain Company L, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, Comdg. Scout. First Lient. S. MONTE CAMBERN, Acting A ssistant Adjutant- General Page 128 128 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. FEBRUARY 27, 1865.Skirmish near Sturgeon, Mo. Report of Lieu(. Luther T. Ilayman, Ninth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. STURGEON, February 27, 1865. I came upon Jackson and party just before dark. Did not succeed in killing any; think two are severely wounded, but made their escape in the darkness. Captured five horses and several guns, pistols, & c. Two of my men wounded. Will take their trail at daylight in the morning. They are going in the direction of Perche Hills. L. T. HAYMAN, Lieutenant, d.~e. Lieutenant CLARKE. MARCH 112, 1865.Expedition from Baton Rouge to Jackson and Cliii- ton, La. Report of lJiJiaj. Gen. Francis J. ilierron, U. S. Army, commanding North ern Division of Louisiana. HEADQUARTERS NORTHERN DIvlSIoN OF LOUISIANA, Baton Rouge, La., JAil arch 14, 1865. GENERAL: The cavalry returned on the morning of the 12th instant, having been out just twelve days, and during the very worst weather we have had this season. All the bridges had been swept away, and it was necessary to rebuild those over Whites Rayon, Redwood, and the Comite, and, indeed, the road for almost the entire distance from Redwood to the Comite had to be repaired. Had there been no delay or change in the movement above, this column could readily have gone to Liberty and the railroad, but as it is the movement undoubtedly had the desired effect. General Bailey made his headquarters at the Comite, and sent portions of his force into Jackson and Clinton twice. Scotts force was under orders to join Forrest at some point on the Mobile railroad, but was kept back by lodge, and is still at the cov- ered bridge near Liberty. The impression exists among persons from outside that in a very short time the entire country from here to Yicks- burg will be completely abandoned. by the rebels, awl it is noticeable just at this time that there is a strong disposition on the part of ahuost every one outside our lines to get on good terms with the Federal authorities. While on this expedition General Bailey was unfortunate in losing seven Government teams, they being captured by a portion of lodges command. It seems they were after forage, and had gone farther than ordered, when surrounded by a body of rebels, but Gen- eral Bailey coming up with re-enforcenments the wagons were destroyed and the teams carried off. General Baileys report has not yet been received, but will soon be forwarded, and will explain this matter more fully. I propose sending two regiments as far as the Comite in a few days to stir them up again. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. J. HERRON, Major- Ueneral, Commanding. Maj. Gemi. S. A. HURLEUT, New Orleans Page 129 CHAP. LX.] AFFAIR NEAR PINE BLUFF, ARK. 129 MARCH 37, 1865.Expeditions from Bloomfield into Dunklin County, Mo., with skirmishes (3d and 7th) near Bloomfield and (4th) in Dunklin County. Reports of Lieut. Col. Hiram M. Hitler, Second Missouri State Militia Cavalry. BLOOMFIELD, Mo., March 4, 1865. I sent Captain Campbell, of the Fiftieth Missouri Infantry, with fifty men of the Seventh Kansas and Second Missouri State Militia, into Dunklin County yesterday. They caine upon a company of rebels twenty-five miles below here this morning and killed six of them, includ- ing Captain Howard, the leader of the band. Captain Campbell had two men wounded. The report is that Colonel Clark is below with 75 or 100 men. Campbell is still out, and 1 will send him some more men immediately. H. M. HILLER, Lieutenant- Colonel. General EWING. BLOOMFIELD, Mo., March 9, 1865. I will send a force to watch for Hilderbrand at the Indian Ford. My men ran into Captain Howards guerrillas last Friday and killed the captain and eight men. They came upon Bolins gang Tuesday and killed two and wounded several. H. M. HILLER, Lieutenant-Colonel. Colonel BEVERIDGE, Pilot Knob, Mo. MARCH 4, 1865.Affair near Pine Bluff, Ark. Report of Capt. John H. Norris, Thirteenth illinois Cavalry. HDQR5. COMPANY M, THIRTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Pine Bluff, Ark., March 5, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that, according to orders, I proceeded with thirty men of our regiment (Thirteenth illinois Cavalry) yester- day to repair the telegraph. Left Pine Bluff at noon. Hindered and turned out of my way three miles by high water. After the line was found in running order by the repairer, I started in a southwest direc- tion with a hope of coming in contact with some guerrilla band or rebel scont (being heretofore credibly informed of three hannts and places of rendezvous). About sunset I caine upon the trail of the enemy near Doctor Ursurys; could get no definite information from Ursurys family; they represented them to be about fifty strong. I started upon their trail, and the ground being quite soft I was enabled to follow by occasionally dismounting to examine which way they went when the road forked. Abont 9 oclock my advance vedette perceived a light some distance ahead. I halted the column and sent two men ahead to reconnoiter; they reported the enemy encamped in and around some houses about a quarter of a mile ahead. I instantly moved forward with fourteen men dismounted, intending to draw their fire and retreat to my horses (which were to follow at a respectable distance in rear), 9 R UVOL XLVIII, PT Page 130 130 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX mount, and charge with revolver and saber. Drawing near I deployed my fourteen dismounted mcii as skirmishers and moved up within forty yards of their camps, fired two volleys with carbine, which so completely surprised them, and threw them into such consternation, that I imme~ diately ordered a charge, which order was readily and gallantly obeyed, completely routing them from their camps and also from all the houses in which they had taken shelter. They were panic-stricken and fled in every direction. I found the command to consist of Captain Kidd, Lieutenant Dixon, Lieutenant Emillie, and twenty-four men. I only know of five being killed; dont know how many wounded. Cap- tured 2 prisoners, 14 horses and 5 mules, 10 stand of arms, 3 U. S. cavalry saddles, and 2 U. S. cavalry curb bridles. Not one of my men hurt, though I was closely grazed myself in two or three places. I l~ad necessarily to travel a circuitous route on my return,because I knew nothing of the country or the roads. I started back immediately. Arrived this morning at 7 oclock, having traveled not less than fifty- five miles. Not being able to convey the arms in I destroyed them all, except three which are returned to post headquarters. The horses and mules are turned over to the quartermaster, the saddles and bridles are at regimental headquarters. Inasmuch as the citizens in the country adjacent the road are using the telegraph wire for various purposes, I would respectfully suggest that summary punishment be inflicted wherever any of the wire is found. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. II. NORRIS, Captain Company M, Thirteenth illinois Cavalry, Comdg. Scout. Lient. S. MONTE CAMBERN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Pine Bluff, Ark. MARCH 512, 1865.Scouts from Waynesville to Hutton Valley, Rolla, and Lebanon, Mo. Report of Maj. John B. Kaiser, Fifth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS POST OF WAYNESYILLE, Wayneseille, Mo., March 13, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following as my report of scouts, marches, & c., required by General Orders, No. 25, headquarters District of Rolla, series of 1863, for the week ending March 12 1865~ March 5, upon reliable information being received at this post con- ewning a band of guerrillas that were iim this vicinity, I sent Sergt. S. B. Louis with six enlisted men in pursuit of them. Andrew Lawson, a citizen of Waynesville, was captured by those guerrillas some eight miles north of this place, and was taken fromn thence as far south as Ilouston, Mo., and was shot by them. The sergeant while in pursuit of themn found the body of Lawson at that place. The sergeant pursued them as far south as Hutton Valley, having met with no success, return- ing on the 10th instant, having marched 150 miles. March 5, some guer- rillas were reported as being in another direction. I sent Sergt. David Asten with five enlisted men in pursuit of them. The sergeant returned on the 6th instant, having met with no success, marching thirty miles. March 6, Capt. James Quinn and escort returned from Rolla, Mo., having marched sixty-four miles. March 9, Sergt. John V. Baldwin and squad returned from scout. Met with no success, having marched 100 miles. March 10, Sergt. J. II. flees with eight enlisted men started a Page 131 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM GLASGOW, MO. 131 escort with Government train to Lebanon, Mo., returning on the 12th instant, having marched sixty miles. March 11, Licut. U. Bates with eight enlisted men.was sent to Rolla, Mo., to escort Waynesville post train to this, returning on the 12th itistant, having marched sixty-four miles. A stage escort of six nien is furnished daily from this post to the ( alifornia House, who travel fifteeii miles. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. KAISER, Major, Commanding Post. Capt. J. H. STEGER, Assistant Adjntant- General, Rolla, Mo. MARCH 7, 1865.Skirmish with Indians eighty miles west of Fort Lamed, Kans. Report qf Bvt. Brig. Gen. James II. Ford, Second Colorado Cavalry, commanding District of Upper Arkansas. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UPPER ARKANSAS, Fort Riley, March 19, 1865. GENERAL: Your telegrams of 18th just received. Indians attacked a train eighty miles west of Fort Lamed ou the night of the 7th, but were driven off. Second U. S. Infantry has arrived and been stationed as follows: One company here, one at Saline, one at Ellsworth, two at Zarah, and thr.ee at Lamed. Will immediately establish post at or near old Fort Atkinson. I will need at least 250 more horses to mount my cavalry. Requisitions for horses for my regiment have been sent mu. Captain Boyd is at Leavenworth and will attemid to it. We need pack-saddles. I start for Lamed in the morning. Shall go through in one day. All cavalry will be concentrated at Lamed immediately, except enough to keep up courier-line. Lieutenant Baldwin, artillery officer, has been ordered in. I wish you would send me a good artillery tactician in his l)lace. I need one immediately. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. IL FORD, Colonel and Brevet Brigadier- General, Commanding District. Major-General DODGE, Commanding Department of the Missouri. MARCH 715, 1865.Scout from Glasgow to the Perche Hills, Mo. Report of Capt. John D. Meredith, Thirty-ninth Missouri Infantry. Lient. J. II. WAITE, GLASGOW, March 26, 1865. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General District of North Missouri: LIEUTENANT: I herewith transmit you report of a scout made by me in the Perche Hills. I have since made another scout in the same locality, a report of which I will forward you in a few days. Respectfully, yours, & c., J. D. MEREDITH, Captain Company D, Thirty-ninth Missouri Yolunteers Page 132 132 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CuAr. LX. [Inclosure.] GLASGOW HOWARD COUNTY Mo March 24, 1865. , ., ILIEUTENANT: In compliance with telegraphic orders from Brig. Gen. C. B. Fisk, commanding District of North Missouri, I have the honor to send you the following report: SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS SUB-DISTRICT OF HOWARD, No. 16. Glasgow, Mo., March 7, 1865. Captain Meredith, Company D, Thirty-ninth Regiment Missouri Volunteers, with twenty men, will, in accordance with telegraphic dispatch from Brigadier-General Fisk, proceed forthwith to hunt down the notorious guerrilla Jim Jackson and his nefarious band, and all other bushwhackers. Will be particular to have good order and discipline observed by his command, returning as soon as pursuit proves fruit- less. By order of: ED. A. KUTZNER, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. JOHN D. MEREDITH, Company D, Thirty-ninth Regiment Missouri Volunteer8. In obedience to the above order, with Lieutenant Self and twenty men of my company and two citizens as guides, I started on the morn- ing of the 7th instant in search of guerrillas, moving in the direction of what is known as the Perche Hills, in Howard and Boone Counties. After scouting the country for two days without gaining any informa- tion of importance, I sent Lieutenant Self with several men to the house of Mr. Lewis Barnes, the only loyal man I could learn of in that part of the country, to ask him to accompany ns as guide. The men whom I had with me for that purpose I found did not know the country thoroughly. The lieutenant found Mr. Barnes at home, too unwell to go with us, but willing to do all he could. He gave him the names of parties in the neighborhood most likely to harbor guerrillas, and conc3- quently most likely to be cognizant of their haunts and hiding places. In order to gain the desired information, I ordered Lieutenant Self and four men to disguise themselves as bushwhackers visit the houses indicated, receive any aid voluntarily offered, and learn if possible the camp (if any) of the bona fide guerrillas, I with the remainder of the command stopping in camp to give the lieutenant time to perform his mission. After waiting two or three hours I followed the lieutenant until, coming to the house of Anthony Drane, I stopped to feed and make inquiries. After asking about feed I asked Mr. iDrane if he had seen or heard of any troops being in the neighborhood. He answered no. Had he seen or heard of any bushwhackers ~ No. Had he seen any strange men passing about ~ No. I then told him I thought I had seen tracks leading to the house, but the ground was frozen and I could not tell positively. He said, There have been no men here, and I have not seen any passing. At this time one of my men came and whispered to me that Lieutenant Self was outside the house and wished to see me. I went out, and the lieutenant told me he had stopped with his squad at the house in the Inorning; that he had asked Mr. Drane if he knew of any Federals being about, and was answered, no. The lieutenant then asked him if he knew where any of the boys were, as he wished to get with them. Mr. Drane told him he did not, but that he himself was a Southern man from the ground up, and that he wanted the lieutenant and his men to come in and get dinner. The lieutenant told him he was afraid to stop for it, but if he had any eggs his (Selfs) men would like to have a few. Mr. IDrane told him he should liave them, and going into the house soon had a large numbe Page 133 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM GLASGOW, MO. 133 of eggs cooked and brought to the boys. He (Drane) then asked Lieutenant Self if he could do anything more for him. Self told him that one of his me~ needed a l)air of socks, and if he (Drane) could give huin a pair he (Self) would be obliged to him. Drane went in the honse and got a pair of socks and gave them to Lieuteuant Self, remarking as he did so that he wIshed they were betPr (they had been worn and washed), as when he gave he liked to give the best. Lieu- tenant Self then took his leave, Mr. Drane telling him the best roads to travel to avoid Federal scouts, should any be out. After my conversation with Lieutenai~t Self I re-entered the house, and in the presence of several of my men questioned Mr. Drane closely. He persisted in saying he had seen or heard of no oue. I ordered my men to mount, and detailed a corporal and two men to set fire to the premises, which was done. Lieutenant Self and his men (still in dis- guise) had visited several other houses in the neighborhood, the resi- dents of which professed to be Southern men. They did not seem so particularly anxious to assist, but told Lientenaiit Self he might rest assured they never would report on him. I let it be known that I had burned Mr. Anthony Dranes house aud why I did it; that I considered parties who would willingly harbor bushwhackers (or men supposed to be such) equally guilty with outlaws themselves, and that they must either take every opportunity of reporting them to the proper authori- ties or leave the country. If they did not, I would, as far as in my power, treat them with the same severity I would a guerrilla. This was in the eastern part of Howard County. From this point I moved down on to Perche Creek, scouting the brush on the creek and its tributaries, but without success, as I could get no information from any of the citizens as to bushwhackers, roads, localities, or anything else, and I became satisfied that a large majority of the citizens of this region would harbor guerrillas. After camping at night I sent a sergeant with twelve men to the residence of Joseph Graves, in Boone County, to feed. On his return the sergeant told me lie thought Mr. Graves was a bad man, and that he had expressed himself in the most disloyal manner. On start- lug in the morning, wishing a guide to a place known as Dripping Spring Meeting-House, I sent a corporal to bring Graves along to pilot us to said place. After they had overtaken tIme column (which they did after we had moved a short distance) Lieutenant Self had a con- versation with Graves, in which he (Graves) told the lieutenant that he bad always been aSouthern man, and that he had had no cause to change his principles. The lieutenant asked Graves if he had seen any bushwhackers lately. fle answered that he had not. Lieutenant Self then asked him if he would have reported on theni if he had. Graves answered, No, as it might. get him into trouble. Lieutenant Self then asked him the question, Would you feed guerrillas and not report them to the authorities o?~) Graves answered, I would not report on anybody. I asked Graves a number of questious and received the same answers. The conversation took place in the pres- ence of the lieutenant, myself, and several others who were riding with the advance. I had one or two other men, whom I had arrested for uttering disloyal sentiments, with me at the time. They plainly and boldly said they had been Southern men at the beginning of the war, and were so yet; that they had had no reason to change their prin- ciples. I told them such men could not live in that country; that they must leave either the State or go to some military post and remain. If they did not, they must take the consequences. Graves I retained, and after more conversation with him ordered his execution. I consid- ered him a quiet, determined, and dangerous man; a man of som Page 134 134 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MTSSISSlpPI. [CHAP. LX. influence and one who could and would do more harm by his acquies- cence and aid (unarmed though he was) thau if he were iu the brush ivith his revolveys belted around him. Desperate diseases require desperate remedies, and the disease is getting desperate when the number of guerrillas is rapidly increasing iu a country, and a large proportion of the citizens are ready and willing to harbor and aid them. The killing of a few such men will do more good than anything else for a country like the Perche and I3lackfoot Hills, for it will deter others. Where guerrillas cannot be fed without being reported they cannot remain. We were in sight of the bushwhackers several times, and I did my best to come up with them, chasing them for two days, but found it impossible to come up with them, as the citizens would almost invariably put me upon the wrong trail. There is but one Union family iu the Blackfoot Hills, and this is the family of a Federal soldier (named Schwabe, I think). This family told me the guerrillas were harbored in the neighborhood; that they had seen them several times within a few days ri(ling about, accompanied by three or four young women. After scouting about for a day or two I concluded to divide my squad, and did so, sending Lieutenant Self with ten men and one of the guides up the east side of Perche Creek to meet me at a given point at the expiration of two days. With the other ten men and one guide I started up the west side of Perche, but after going some distance, hearing of some bushwhackers (through negroes), 1 divided my men again, taking four men with me and sending the remainder to scout the Franklin Hills. About this time, receiving information from a most reliable citizen that a sister of Bill Hines was staying at a house in the neighborhood, and that I would probably find Hines and his brother (both notorious bushwhackers) about there, 1 started in search of them. On arriving at the house mentioned the family denied to me that Miss limes had been there, but finally admitted it, and I, knowing that the Hines had been at the house a number of times to visit her, I burned the house and ordered the owner (Mrs. ) to either leave the State or go to a military post to live. Here I got on the trail of two men, whom from description I thought to be Lewis Hoard and Younger Grubbs (bushwhackers), and followed it to Brick Chapel Meeting-House, but not being able to find Hoard and Grubbs, and losing all trace of them, I started on my return to Perche Creek. In the vicinity of the Brick Chapel a family resided who had a son in the brush (I have forgotten the name, as I have lost my memo- randa). They had harbored and fed him for months. My informants here were negroes, but 1 questioned them closely, and was perfectly satisfied of the truth of their statements. I had a conversation with the lady of the house, and she expressed herself in the most disloyal manner. I burned the house as it was a harboring place for guerrillas. Lieutenant Self found no guerrillas, nor did he destroy any property on his route, but reported to me that he saw a squad of the Ninth Mis- souri State Militia (a lieutenant and seventeen mcii), who were reporting themselves to the citizens as a portion of the Thirty-ninth Missouri, from Glasgow, under command of Lieutenant Johnson. The other squad of my command burned the residence of Bas. Maxwell, and ordered him to leave that part of the country. Maxwell is notoriously one of the worst men in the country. Doctor Holman, surgeon of the Thirty-ninth Regiment Missouri Volunteers, sometime ago gave me his name and a statement of his deeds and doings, all proving him a dan- gerous man. The squad who burned his house, however, did it on information received at the time in the neighborhood. With the three squads we scouted the country thoroughly, but it raining and the road Page 135 CHAP. LX.] OPERATIONS ABOUT LICKING, MO. 135 becoming almost impassable, I decided on returning to camp, which I did, arriving at Glasgow on the 15th instant. Though the order head- ing this report is the only written one I received, my verbal instructions from Colonel Kutziier were not to stop at county or district lines and to treat aiders and abettors with the same severity I would armed bush- whackers. On my return the colonel told me I need not make any report to him, and he therefore does not know what I did. I maintained good order and discipline in my command. Respectfully submitted. Your obedient servant, JOHN D. MEREDITH, Captain Company D, Thirty-ninth Infantry Missouri Volunteers. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Macon, ]Jfo., March 31, 1865. Respectfully forwarded to Major-General Dodge, commanding De- partment of the Missouri, for his information. Captain Meredith will be continued in arrest while I wait justine- tions from department headquarters. The captain, I believe, makes a truthful statement. I have made diligent inquiry of the best citizens of Boone County, and learn that the parties burned out were notorious for harboring bushwhackers, and one or two of the destroyed dwell- ings were simply of the lowest class of bawdyhouses, and where the guerrillas did congregate most. No order for the destruction of prop- erty or the killing of an unarmed citizen ever emanated from my head- quarters. I have no doubt, however, that there are 100 families in Boone and Howard Counties who ought to emigrate or die. It seems to be a difficult matter to remove them. There is hardly a bushwhack feeder or harborer in the district that caunot,if ordered away, procure certificates from Union men that he has been a faithfnl, honest citizen. Men who occupy high positions of honor and trust will, for a fee, undertake the salvation of the devil himself. In the spring and sum- mer of 1864 one Truman, a detective, was sent into my district by General Rosecrans, with orders to do as Captain Meredith has done. Truman killed several citizens, burned houses, and sequestered much property. He was arrested, imprisoned, tried by military commission, found guilty of murder, arson, and larceny, and sentenced to be hung. He is now at large. Most of the witnesses and informants against Truman have been murdered and burned out by parties as yet unknown. CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier- General. MARCH 725, 1865.Operations about Licking, Mo. Ileport of Capt. William Monks, Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS POST OF LICKING, Licking, Texas County, ]iilio., March 25, 1865. SIR: I have the hommor to report the following scouts for the month of March, 1865: March 7, Sergeant Mustion with twenty men left camp; was absent five days; killed 1 man, captured 2 horses; marched 120 miles; returned March 12, 1865. March 14, Sergeant Walker with twenty- two men left camp; was absent six days; killed 1 man; marched 16 Page 136 136 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. miles; returned to camp 20th March. Corporal Maroney with ten men left camp; was absent three days; marched eighty-fonr miles; returned March 17. March 15, Corpl. W. F. Geaslin with six men left camp; was absent three days; killed 1 man, captured 5 horses and 1 mule; marched seventy-five miles; returned March 18. March 16, Corporal King with eight men left camp; was absent two days; killed 1 man. Bushwhackers killed 2 U. S. horses and 1 of Captain Samples horses. Marched forty-six miles. March 18, Sergeant Craddock with seven men left camp; was gone two days; killed 1 man, captured 2 horses; marched fifty-seven miles; returned March 20. March 22, Sergeant Walker with twelve men left camp; was absent two days; wounded 2 men, captured 3 horses; marched eighty-three miles; returned March 24. Lieutenant Hazard with twenty-three men left camp; still out; March 23, Corporal Sullivan with eight men left camp; still out. Total miles marched, 625. Total men killed, 5. Total horses killed 2 States, 1 private horse. Total horses captured, 12. Total United mules cap- tured, 1. Respectfully submitted. WILLIAM MONKS, Captain, Commanding Company K, Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry. Colonel MORRILL, Commanding District of Rolla, Rolla, Mo. MARCH 915, 1865.Scout from Cape Girardeau into Bollinger, Wayne, and Stoddard Counties, Mo. Report of Lieut. Cot. Hiram M. Ililler, Second Missouri State Militia Cavalry. CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., March 15, 1865. Lieut. Robert Davis, Company F, Second Cavalry Missouri State Militia, with twenty men, returned last miight from a scout of seven days in Bollinger, Wayne, and Stoddard Counties, He reports killing Lieu- tenant Reed, of Howards guerrilla company, and 5 men, and capturing 2 horses, with no casualty on his side. H. M. HuLLER, Maj. H. HANNAHS, Lieutenant- Colonel. Acty. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Saint Louis District, Saint Louis, Mo. MARCH 915, lBGS.Scout from Fort Lamed to Crooked Creek, Kans. Report of Lient. Richard lIT. Jenkins, Second Colorado Cavalry. FORT LARNED, KANS M Lient. J. E. TAPPAN, .~ arch 15, 1865. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Fort Riley, Kans.: SIR: In reporting this scout we have deemed it expedient to trans- mit a copy of our journal as giving a more complete re~ord of the past eight days work than could otherwise be given you. We have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servants, R. W. JENKINS, First Licut., Second Colorado Cavalry, Commanding Scout. H. D. JANES, Scout, d~c Page 137 IJHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM FORT LARNED, KANS. 137 [Inclosure.] Copy of the journal of general scout. Thursday, March~ 9, 1865, left Fort Lamed, Kans., pursuant to ver- bal instructions from the colonel commanding district, with sixty-seven men, in company with the stage escort, at 2 p. m. Traveled over a roll- ing prairie to Coon Creek, twelve miles, where we arrived at 5 p. m. Found good water and plenty of buffalo grass, but very little wood. Friday, 10th, broke camp on Coon Creek at 7 a. m. A steady drive up the Arkansas bottom for eight hours brings us to camp No. 2; dis- tance traveled, thirty miles. At 12 m. we struck a burnt district, which we are still in. No grass to be found except on an occasional island; fuel plenty. Saturday, 11th, left camp this a. m. at 5 oclock. At 8 a. m. we reached the point where the road leaves the bottom and where we determined to cross the river. At this point we bid farewell to the stage escort, and packing what corn and rations we could (leaving the balance on the ground until our return) we crossed the Arkansas, landing safe on the south bank at 11 a. m. Immediately pulling out in a southwest course, we struck, about thl?ee miles from the crossing, a wagon and lodge-pole trail which led us to Mulberry Creek. Follow- ing up that stream for nine miles we made camp No. 3 at 3 p. m. Found plenty of wood, but no grass, and water only in pools. Saw to-day the first fresh Indian sign, and about sundown the pickets reported the approach of two Indians; but they, discovering our where- abouts, did not come within reaching distance. Sunday, 12th, left camp at 8 a in., and following up Mulberry a mile aud a half we struck the wagon and lodge-pole trail which in two hours carried us on to a high ridge which we thought to be the divide between Mulberry and Crooked Creeks, and which is almost entirely destitute of wood, grass, and water (a little of the latter to be found in pools). At 2 p. in., thinking the trail was taking us too far to the west, we left it and struck directly south. At 4 p. m. we came in sight of a stream, supposed to be Crooked Creek. In following down the divide to one of its branches we struck a fresh lodge-pole trail supposed to have been made by the band (after- ward reported to be fifteen strong) that discovered us last night. At about 12 m. to-day we discovered a heavy column of smoke directly south of us, supposed to be on the head of the headwaters of one of the branch~s of Crooked Creek. The smoke was visible the balance of the day. Went into camp about 5 p. in. on a small branch. Found plenty of wood, water, and grass. About 7 p. in. we discovered a fire a short distance below us. Upon examination there proved to have been about 100 camp-fires, some of which were still burning. We also found a trail of about forty lodges coming from the direction of the headwaters of Mulberry Creek, crossing this branch at this point a few hours previous to our arrival, and running due east. Monday, 13th, left camp at 8 a. in., and following this branch, which runs due south, we, at 12 in., struck Crooked Creek. Following down that stream (which runs south of east) until 2 p. in., when, discovering an Indian (supposed to be on picket) to the north, we changed our course toward that point. As we proceeded the Indians became very plenty in every direction and all making toward a body of timber in our front. About 4 oclock one of the Indians came to us, giving up his arms and reported himself an Arapahoe, of Little Ravens band. That chief he said, had been killed. He led us to their village, consisting of twenty- four lodges, which was deserted (apparently in great haste) and sig- naled his chief to come to us from the bluffs, where we could see a good many warriors and almost any amount of squaws and papooses Page 138 138 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MJSSISSIppI. [CHAP. LX. The chief after some hesitatioii, came to us, and shaking hands, invited us to the village, doubtless for a talk. But we thought best to move on up the creek and let the talk go for the present. Proceeding up this branch (whose course is dne south) about a mile we found another village of eighteen lodges, also deserted. Marching about a mile far- ther np the creek we went into camp about 7 oclock with plenty of wood, water, and grass. We learned from our captive and his chief that the Comanches, numbering from 1,000 to 1,500 warriors, were encamped on the Cimarron about twenty miles distant from this vil- lage, and that the Apaches and Kiowas, numbering from 500 to 800, were encamped on Crooked Creek about six miles below this point. This report we believed, from the fact of seeing, soon after leaving our course down the creek, a heavy column of smoke arise from the timber on that stream at a point we had aimed to strike. Judging from this information, and from the increasing signs of large bodies of Indians in our immediate vicinity, we thought it would not be advisable to destroy the villages that we passed through. To-day we have crossed innumerable fresh trails of from 50 to 200 ponies running in all direc- tions. After resting for three hours we, at 10 p. in., again broke camp and traveled a due north course and arrived at our old camp on Mul- berry Creek (camp No. 3) at 5 oclock, where we rested until 10 a. in., when we again pulled out, following the wagon and lodge-pole trail oat to the Arkansas River, which it struck about 200 yards from our deposit of corn. Crossing the river at 1 p. m. we stopped two hours to feed, and then moved down to camp No. 2, where we arrived at 8 p. m. Wednesday, 15th, left camp at 7 a. m. and reached Fort Lamed at 3 p. m. and reported to Captaiu Moses, commanding post. IR. W. JENKINS, Lieutenant, Second Colorado Cavalry, Commanding Scout. MARCH 1013, 1865.Scout from Little Rock to Clear Lake, Ark., with skirmish (11th) at Clear Lake. Lejport of Col. James JIf. True, Sixty-second Illinois Infantry. PINE BLIJFF, ]Iiliarch 13, 18G5. Seven men of the Third Wisconsin Cavalry have just come in who state that they left Little Rock on Friday last, with Captain (iziesler, on a scout. That they were surprised and scattered on Saturday near Clear Lake by a force of rebels numbering near 200, and that a large portion of this party was killed or captured. These men will be sent to Little Rock by first boat. JAMES M. TRUE, Colonel Sixty-second Illinois Veteran Infantry, Commanding. Lient. Col. JOHN LEVERING, Assistant Adjutant- General, Little Rock. MARCH 11, 1865.Affair near the Little Blue River, Mo. Report of ~Jol. Chester Harding, Jr., Forty-third Missouri infantry, com manding Fourth Sub-District, Central District of Missouri. IIDQRS. FOURTh SUB-DIST., CENTRAL DIST. OF MISSOURI, Kansas (ity, ]l1 arch 15, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to state, for the information of the general com- manding the district, that on Saturday last, the 11th instant, I place Page 139 CHAP. LX.) SCOUT FROM LEWISBUEG~ ARK. 139 one of my men upon the Warrensburg stage as driver and placed three more inside, for the purpose of catching the two or three bushwhackers who have recently been robbing passengers. The stage was attacked by five men about three miles below the Little Blue. My men gave them battle and drove them off, killing one, mortally wounding another, and killing a third. The remaining two got re-enforcemeuts and again attacked the stage with fifteen men. The driver endeavored to escape with the stage, but was overtaken and robbed, and one horse was taken from the team; the other men and a passenger took to the brush and made good their escape to In(lependence. The command- ing officer, Maj. B. K. Davis, at Judependeiice, has no cavalry, but he pressed twenty-eight horses, mounted men upon them, and pursued the bushwhackers. At the same time I ordered a company of infantry to be stationed at the crossing of the Little Blue, andapartyof cavalry, dismounted, to be stationed at Lees Summit on the prairie half way from Independence to Pleasant Hill. I also directed Major Mullins, commanding at Pleasant Hill, and requested the command- ing officer at Lexington to send out monuted scouts. The result of these operations has been to show that the bushwhackers scattered near the line of the railroad. My men are still scouting, but have come across none of the guerrilla party. I have re-established the escort for the stage, but cannot keep it up for more than a day or two, for my cavalry is all about to be mustered out. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHESTER HARDING, Ju., Colonel, Commanding & tb-District. Capt. C. G. LAURANT, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Cen~rctl District of Missouri. MARCH 12, 1865.Affair near Lone Jack, Mo. Report of ]JiIiaj. Alexander W. ]Jliullins, First Missouri AS~t ate Militi~x Cavalry. PLEASANT HILL, Mo., March 13, 18G5. My foot scout has just retnrued. Had a fight last night two miles east of Lone Jack with two bushwhackers. The latter escaped, though one of them went off evidently wounded. My men captured two revolvers from them. My mneu had privately surrounded a house, and these bushwhackers afterward came to it, when the fight occurred. A. W. MULLINS, M(~or. Colonel HARDiNG, Kansas City. MARCH 1223, 1865.Scout from Lewisburg into Yell and Searcy Coun- ties, Ark. Report of Col. Abraham H. Ryan, Third Arkansas Cavalry (Union). LEWISBURG, March 23, 18657.30 p. m. Lieutenant Boles, Third Arkansas, returned this p. m. from twelve days scout in Yell County. Coffee is expected daily in that section t Page 140 140 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. come from Centre Point, with 300 men, to take away wneat from Fourche Ia Fave Bottom. Boles killed a few rebels near l)anville. Sergeant Arnold returned from scout to Searcy County, killed 2 rebels, had 1 man wounded. Rebels are getting quite numerous in vicinity of Dover and Illinois Bayou. I think they are expecting to re-enforce McRa& and iDobbin east of White River, or the latter to come throngh Dover en route south. If the former, it will be to annoy your railroad communications. Respectfully, A. H. RYAN, Colonel. Lieut. Col. JOHN LEVERING, Assistant Adjutant- General, Little Pock. MARCH 1~21, 1865.Scout from Fort Sumner, N. Mex. Report of Lieut. James C. Edgar, First New Mexico Cavalry. FORT SUMNER, N. MEX., March 22, 1865. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major commanding, that, pursuant to Special Orders, No. 33 ,dated headquarters Fort Sumner, N. Mex., March 14, 1865, 1 left this post on the morning of the 15th instant with one non-commissioned officer and four privates, for the purpose of ascertaining the truth or falsity of certain reports received at this post in regard to depredations committed by Indians from this reservation and to bring to this place all Navajo or Apache Indians that I might meet with. On the 15th, 16th, and 17th instant I examined the country lying between this post and Mr. Hamiltons ranch on the Rio Conchas. I found no sign of Indians, and from all the information I could get from persons of whom I made inquiries, I judge there have been no Indians in that section of country for some mouths past. At Mr. Hamiltons ranch I made strict inquiries in regard to Indians being on the Rio Turpentino, and whether they had been killing stock, as was reported here, but froni all I could hear on this matter I am led to believe that the reports made by parties in Las Vegas in reference to the Navajoes stealing and kill. ing sheep and cattle are without the least foundation. These reports were first started by p~eons, who, it is quite likely, first sold the sheep and then, to save themselves, like many other men in this Territory of a little higher standing, but of the same species, laid it to the account of the unfortunate INavajoes. About the time these sheep are said b have been stolen, a party of Navajoes who were out on pass for the pur- pose of hunting, brought into this post and turned over to Brigadier- General Crocker, then in command, 500 sheep, which were lost in a snow-storm and found by the Indians some thirty-five miles above here. Information to the effect that the sheep were here and that the owner could get them was sent to the ranches above here. The owner came down and the sheep were given to him. Now, it does not look quite consistent that, at the very time these sheep were brought down, a part of the same Indians were stealing stock from the same herds that the sheep mentioned were lost from. I left Hamiltons ranch on the morn- ing of the 18th instant and proceeded to Anton Chico. I made inquiries of herders whom I passed on the road, if they were troubled by th Page 141 CHAP. LX.1 EXPEDITION FROM PINE BLUFF, ARK. 141 Navajoes or Apaches, and they all informed me that there had been no Indians there for several months. At the town of Anton Chico I was told the same. On the 19th 1 came to Mr. J. N. Giddings ranch, on the Pecos. On my arrival there it was reported to me that the Navajoes, to the nnmber of twenty-five or thirty, were encamped on the river some ten miles above, and that they had beeii stealing and killing cattle belonging to farmers on the river. As it was near night when I arrived at Mr. Giddings I did not go np that evening; but on the morning of the 20th I took one non-commissioned officer and two men and made a thorough examination of the conntry for fifteen miles np the river. I conld find no sign of Indians, nor could I find any one that could either show me where the Indians had been or to whom the stock that they had killed belonged. I am of the opinion that a large share, if not all, of the reports in regard to the Indians killing stock originate in this way. No one can show any proof that the reports are true, but at the same time they credit and circulate them about the country. On the night of the 20th I encamped at the Alamo Gordo, and on the 21st returned to this post, meeting no Indians on my entire trip. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. EDGAR, First Lieutenant, First New Mexico Cavalry. Licut. CHARLES T. JENNINGS, First California Cay. Vols. and Post Adjt., Fort Sumner, N. ]Jiex. MARCH 1720, 1865.Expedition from Pine Bluff to Bass Plantation, Ark. Report of Capt. Gurusey W. Davis, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry. CAMP THIRTEENTH CAVALRY ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS, Pine Bluff, Ark., March 21, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report the safe return of the scout of 100 men which left Pine Bluff on the 17th, and of which I had command. I crossed to the north side of the Arkansas River on the morning of the 17th; proceeded by way of Doctor Jones and Colonel Withers plan. tations to Five Forks Bayou; crossed Five Forks and passed through about five miles of horrible swamp road, and reached Hulls back plan- tation just at daTk. Made a halt of about an hour, and until it became quite dark,when I proceeded to Creed Taylors plantation, where I learned that Vaugine was at home on Doctor Bass place, about three. quarters of a mile distant, and where, if possible, I intended to sur- prise and capture him. Upon receiving such information I immediately proceeded with the column to within a short distaiice of the house in which Vaugine was; dismounted fifteen of my men, leaving the remain- der at a halt, and went forward to surround the house, when, just as we were getting over the fence around the dooryard, one of my bugles that was with the rear guard sounded (the rear guard having got lost from the column in the darkness of the night) and spoiled my plan. Vaugine, at the sound of the bugle, sprang from his bed and made his escape. His wife informed me that he had no intimation of our approach until the bugle sounded, and that we would undoubtedly have captured her husband, together with a soldier of his by the name of Smith that was at the same house and escaped with Vaugin Page 142 142 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. After finding my bird had flown I proceeded, by Walkers or the Asliby plantation, to Benjamin Richardsons and camped at 1 a. m. March 18, My rear guard did not come up with me again, but made the best of their way back to Pine Bluff, undoubtedly on double-quick time. From Richardsons I went through by Swan Lake arid struck the river at Lewis. Proceeded down the river to General Williams and camped for the night, Vaugine playing around us at a respectful and sath dis- tance, showing himself at certain points, I suppose more for annoyance than for any purpose of attack. On the morning of the 119th commenced gathering up cattle. Found them generally very poor. As far as possible I avoided taking much cows and work oxen belonging to citizens living on their own Planta- tions. Camped on the night of the 19th at Lewis Boggs. On 20th reached Pine Bluff with about ninety head of cattlevery poor beef but the best to be had at this season. Crossed the river on steamer Argosy. Returned to camp at 5 p. m. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servaiit (1. W. DAVIS, Captain, Thirteenth Cavalry Illinois Volunteers, Comdg. Scout. Capt. Guy S. ALEXANDER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. Of the within ninety head of cattle at least twenty head are entirely unfit for beef. G. W. D. MARCH 1830, 1865.Expedition from Fort Gibson to Little River and Hillabee, md. Ter. T~iEPOT~Ts. No. 1.Capt. Maxwell Phillips, Third Indian Home Guard (Kansas) Infantry. No. 2.Charles 0. Davis, Chief of Scouts. No. 1. Report of Capt. Maxwell Phillips, Third Indian Home Guard (Kansas) Infantry. FORT GIBSON, C. N., March 30, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in obedieiice to orders from the commanding officer Third Brigade, Third Division, Seventh Army Corps, on the 18th day of March, 1865, I took command of a detachment consisting of foUr companies of the First Indian Regiment and two companies of the Third Indian Regiment, in all 324 macn, and proceeded southwest in the direction of We-wo-ka. At Deep Fork, fifty miles from Fort Gibson, I found the stream too much swollen by recent rains to be fordable. A mounted scout of the enemy was on the oppo- site bank when I reached it. They immediately retreated. I ordered four mounted scouts to swim over and scout the country in front, and proceeded to construct a raft to cross my command on. Three of the scouts ordered over crossed, and found that the enemy had consisted of fifteen or, twenty men, and that they had retreated and scattered. Henry Parris (scout) behaved in a cowardly manner, refusing to cross when ordered to, and did not cross till after I had crossed with a po Page 143 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION FROM FORT GIBSON, IND. TER. 143 tioii of my infantry. I crossed my command over Deep Fork partly on a raft, partly on driftwood, and partly by swimming, and continuing in a southwesterly direction, crossed North Fork, which I found quiet low, and arrived at We-wo-ka, eighty-five miles southwest of Fort Gib- son, on the 24th instant. From We-wo-ka I sent scouts to Little River Town, twenty-five miles southwest, and to ilillabee, twenty miles east, and to Canadian River, twenty miles southeast. The scouts returned and reported no enemy, but the evidence that parties had been into both Little River and Hillabee about a week previous, and that they had driven large herds of cattle in a southwesterly direction. The scouts from Little River reported that the iron bridge across Little River was broken down, and that the greater portion of the wrought- iron rods and bars were taken away. Finding no enemy, I returned and reached Fort Gibson on the 30th instant. I found considerable quantities of cattle on the route, especially between Deep Fork and North Fork. There are no citizens now living in that part of the coun- try. I was unable to find any grain. The mounted scouts nuder Mr. Davis were altogether unacquainted with that country. With the par- ties sent to Little River and Hillabee I mounted Indians on transpor. tation mules for guides. My transportation consisted of fifteen pack- mules. I find pack-mules considerably superior to wagons for a com- mand without artillery marching through. that country, as they can pass over mountain roads and narrow passes impassable for wagons, and travel faster. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. PHILLIPS, Captain, Third Indian Regiment, Commanding Detachment. COMDG. OFFICER 3D BRIG., 3D DIV., 7TH ARMY CoRps. No. 2. Report of Charles 0. Davis, Chief of Scouts. FORT GIBSON, C. N., March 31, 1865. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report to you: On the 19th instant I was ordered by Lieutenant-Colonel Dole, com- manding Third Brigade, Third Division, Seventh Army Corps, to take six men and report to Captain Phillips in command of a detachment of troops that went southwest as far as We- wo-ka. I started with J. II. Greene, John McDonald, J05. Pugh, and Jeff Davis, citizen scouts; Charles Hicks and Henry Parris, detailed soldiers. On the 20th 1 overtook Captain Phillips command about twenty-five miles west from this point. I reported to the captain and he ordered me to proceed to the Council Ground and drive some beef-cattle to that point for the command, which I did. We there restcd a short time until the com- mand moved up. The captain then ordered me to take my men and go south as far as Hillabee, on the South Canadian. He also sent an Indian pilot with me. I camped that night within three miles of the command. On the 21st I attempted to cross the Deep Fork of the North Fork of the Canadian, but found it impossible, it being very high. I turned up the said stream and met the command at the ford. I reported to the captain. He said he was glad that we did not cross. He sent one of my men back to Fort Gibson that night. We made a raft of logs tied together with ropes, but failed in crossing. The next morn Page 144 144 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. ing the captain ordered me to send four of my men with their horses across the river. They hesitated sonic time, as they considered it very dangerous. They agreed for one of the Indians to take their horses and cross. The captain tried, but could not get any man to attempt in crossing. He then gave peremptory orders that the river had to be crossed. My men made several desperate efforts to cross, but failed. Again they tried two ponies, loose and clear of incumbrance. They suc- ceeded in getting them across. I then hired a negro to take another horse across, which he did. The captain then dashed precipitately into the river and with the support of a puncheon he crossed. Jos. Pugh fol- lowed and overtook him before he crossed; J. II. Greene and Jeff. Davis crossed also; Jos. Pugh recrossed. Greene and Davis ~vent with the captain out some five or six miles south and returned the same night. On the same evening Mit-ka-hut-ka, chief of the Creek Indians, con- structed a i-aft made of logs tied together with ropes. The next morn- ing we swam onr horses, including pack-mules, & c. We then crossed ourselves and transportation on the raft. The captain then ordered inc to take three of my men and proceed to the North Fork of the Canadian. I did so and camped three miles from the command in front. On the 24th I reported to Captain Phillips. He ordered inc to take my men and proceed to We-wo-ka and there await the arrival of the command, which I did. The next mnoi~ning the captain ordered me to take two of my men, with an Indian guide, and proceed to Little Itiver Town and report to him the same night. He also ordered me to send three of my men, with a negro guide, to Hillabee and report to him the same night, which they did. On the 26th he told inc that I had to drive a herd of cattle to Fort Gibson, and that I might get them where I thought best. I told him that I would camp that night eight miles west of the Coun- cil Ground, on Grove Creek. He promised to send a lieutenant, with twelve or thirteen men, to assist mc in driving cattle. If he sent them they never reported to mc. The next night I camped on a tributary of Cane Creek. On the following morning one of my men was unable for duty and another one had a broken-down horse. I took three men and gathered about 110 head of average beef-cattle and started with them. In the evening two of Captain Phillips teamsters left the command about two miles and came to me, and drove in about thirty head of cattle to my herd that was near by on the prairie. I soon met the captain with about seventy head of cattle. We lotted them all that night at the Mcintosh place. The captain said that we would camp the com- mand about one mile and a half from there, but would next morning send back his mounted men to assist me in driving the cattle to the Arkan- sas River, which lie failed to do. I waited until about 9 oclock before I started. I then started the cattle and (irove theni aromlud a prairie divide in order to avoid brush thickets. I intersected the main Texas road, it only being about half a mile down to Rabbit Ford, our usual place of crossing with cattle. On arriving there I found the river miot fordable. We herded the cattle and rested our horses. 1 then drove the herd to the Nevins pen, on the bank of the river, without the loss of one. I there tried to lot them. They stampeded oui sight of quite a number of indians on foot, and scattered all over the bottom. I suc- ceeded in collecting and turning them, and they then stampeded and scattered the second time. I pursued them and brought the most of them back the third time. By this time the Indians were crowding every path and corner where they thought they might chance to get a beef. They then commenced firing; the cattle then scattered in every direction. I then gave them up as lost. The captain came u Page 145 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM WARRENSBURG, MO. 145 in the meantime and ordered me very rashly to regather that herd. I told him that it was utterly impossible. He said it had to be done. My men being very tired and their horses extremely jaded, they refused to go, but finally I started with the three men who helped me drive the herd at first, a two more of my men that crossed the river, and lotted between sixty and seventy head at the Nevins pen, about one mile south of the Arkansas Itiver. I certify upon honor that the above statement is correct. CHAJItLES 0. I)AYIS, Lient. Col. F. W. SCHAURTE, Chief of Scouts. Comdg. Third Brigade, Third Division, Seventh Army Corps. MARCH 1923, 1865.Scout from Warrensburg to Columbus, Mo., with skirmish near Greenton. Report of Lieut. Rush C. Learning, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry. CAMP GROVER, March 24, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that in compliance with Special Orders, No. 3, dated headquarters post, Warrensburg, Mo., March 19, 1865, 1 left Camp Grover with a scout of thirty men, moving north on Lexington and Warrensbnrg road to Davis Creek; thence west, scout- ing the country well to the head of Davis, at which place we found signs of bushwhackers having fed in the woods near a Mr. Hamlets, whose son is in the brush and was seen in that immediate neighborhood the night before by a Union man. Said Hamlet had on his farm five shod horses in good condition, also one double-barreled shotgun, loaded, which was used (he affirmed) in shooting wild geese. I brought in this gun and took from him one horse to replace a U. S. horse that had become very lame. Hamlet said he had not seen his son for many weeks and had forbid his coming to his honse or having anything to do with the family. From the headwaters of Davis Creek I continued west across a small prairie by the way of Hopewell, striking the timber south of Chapel Hill, scouting through it; thence north (leaving Chapel Hill on the west) up Greenton Valley, and while in the timber some six miles south of Greenton, near Hooks farm, I came upon five bush- whackers. We immediately fired on them, ran them out of the timber across an old field, where they returned the fire, crossed the road, and entered the thick brush. The ground here being very miry I dismounted a part of the command, sent them after the bushwhackers afoot, and taking seven of the best mounted men, I moved around the north point of the woods to cut off~ their retreat into the Snibar Hills. Before reaching their regular crossing-place I saw them enter the timber north. Followed them some five or six miles, but found it impossible to catch them, as their horses were fresh and ours partly ridden down before we came onto them. After the dismounted men had returned to their horses five more bushwha~kers came up the road the first l)assed on. The sergeant in command of the squad I had left at Hooks farm started immediately in pursuit, ran them into the woods south of the farm, but could not get a shot at them. I then moved up the valley to the town of Greenton, where I was expecting to meet a scout from 10 R HVOL XLVIII, PT Page 146 0 146 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. Lexingtom iNot meeting the scout, I marched northeast of Greenton, thence west (leaving Wellington on the right about four miles) to Thorps Ford, on the Sni, continuing west to Butlers Mill, on the Big Sni, with the expectation of crossing here into Jackson County, where J supposed the guerrillas would go after being driven from Greentou Valley, but this stream was so swollen by the recent rains I could not cross. I then moved southeast, scouting up a branch of the Sni thence through the timber east of Mr. Fickles farm, south of Mr. Armstrongs, to Columbus, returning to camp the evening of the 23d instant. I found the citizens not inclined.to give information to Federals as to guerrillas, frrage, or best routes of travel. Until they were aware we had run l)ilshwhackers out of the country they would persist in saying they bad not seen or heard of any guerrillas in that part of the country for weeks and months. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, RUSH G. LEAMING, First Lient. Company F, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cay. Maj. M. C. IIENSLEE, Commanding Seventh Missonri State Militia Cavalry. IYIARCH 2022, 1865.Expedition from Brashear City to Bayou Pigeon, La., with skirmish (21st) at Bayou Teche, La. Report of Col. Simon Jones, Ninety-third U. S. Colored Infantry. BRASHEAR CITY, LA., March 22, 1865. SIR: In accordance with general instructions, I wish to submit to the general commanding the following report of an expedition which has just returned from Grand Lake and Bayou Pigeon: On the afternoon of the 20th instant a note was received at these headquarters from Captain Leonard, commanding naval fleet at this post, asking for a detail of men to go on board the boat No. 49, and up into Grand Lake for the purpose of complying with a request from Gen- eral Cameron in bringing within the lines the family of Mr. Williams, a Government employ6 at this post. By command of Lieutenant-Col- onel Atkins, then commanding post, a detail of forty men, in charge of a lieutenant from the Ninety-third U. S. Colored Infantry, was made, embarking at 7 oclock ou the night of the 20th. From the report made by the officer commanding the detachment I can collate but this: The boat landed at Indian Bend, eight miles above Franklin, and the detach- ment of infantry marched across to Bayou Teche, distant one mile, see- ing but four or five mounted and armed men, however. While at Bayou Teche a party of from twenty-five to thirty of the enemy rode down to the bayou on its southern bank, and dismounting, fired a number of - shots at my detachment. They then made some movements toward crossing in small skiffs and sugar troughs, but were prevented by the fire of my men. The detachment remained near an hour and a half on shore and then returned to the boat. They gained little or no infor- mation in regard to the strength of the enemy in that vicinity, but were informed that it was expected that a fiat-boat would that night cross Grand Lake from Pigeon Bayou loaded with horses captured or stolen from the La Fourche country. Upon receiving this information Captain Leonard, of the gun-boat, determined to lay in wait for the Page 147 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM LEXINGTON, MO. 147 at the mouth of Big Bayou Pigeon and send a messenger to the gun- boat Glide, then still at Brashear, to come up and guard in like man- ner the mouth of Little Bayou Pigeon. On leaving Indian BendI must here, however, state that the detachment from my command, being short of rations for this unexpected extension of absence, killed and took & n board sheep not exceeding ten or twelve in number, thought to be necessary to subsistence. The gun-boat No. 49, containing my detachment, lay at the mouth of Big Bayou Pigeon during the night, but without discovering any intention to cross the horses. Indeed, the nature of the night (a steady gale blowing until morning) would doubt- less have prevented the execution of such a project had it been con- templated. The next morning, the 22d instant, she explored the bayou for a distance of eight miles, the yawl, containing the commander of the gun-boat and Lieutenant Griffin and ten men of my regiment, going four or five miles farther up, discovering nothing. They then returned to this post, leaving the Glide at Little Bayou Pigeon await- ing further developments in regard to the horses, and arrived at the landing at 7.30 this evening. The family of Mr. Williams, for peculiar and domestic reasons, could not be induced to come with him. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SIMON JONES, Colonel Ninety-third U. S. Colored Infantry, Commanding Post. Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 2022, 1865.Scout from Lexington, Mo. Report of Lient. Daniel S/inmate, First JJiissouri State lliilitia Carairy. LEXJN~TON, Mo., March 24, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report to you: In compliance with your instructions, on the muorning of the 20th instant I marched from this post in command of eighteen men of my company. I took the Georgetown road as far as the Tabo Church, twelve miles east of this post. I there found a trail of six bushwhack- ers going west. I took the trail and followed it as far as Joel Ewings. Night came on and I camped. During the night a heavy rain fell and put out the trail. I took the directiomi, however, and soon came to the Widow Demastus, and there found that five guerrillas had just left there, going west. A young-looking woman, said to be the widow of the guerrilla Wilhite, who was killed a year ago, made a great effort to make me believe that the party that had just left there had gone east. The mud was very deep, however, and it was very plain that they had all gone west, the same way that they came in. I took the track, and in half a mile I met five other guerrillas going east. I was within about 300 yards of them when I saw them. They discovered me at the same time. It was something over a mile to the timber; nothing in the way but two fences and deep mud. A desperate race for life or death ensued. They got to the timber 75 or 100 yards ahead of us. There were several shots fired, and I thought we wounded one man. They then separated and we followed three of them five or six hours. They kept in the bush only a short distance ahead of us. W Page 148 148 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. ran our horses down and were compelled to give up the chase. We rested our horses and moved out to a suitable place to camp. On the 22d I scouted tije country south of Wellington, and became satisfied that the guerrillas had gone into the Snibar Hills, and owing to the ja(led condition of our horses I thought it altogether impracticable to follow them, and consequently I came in one day sooner than 1 was ordered. Arriving in Lexington late in the evening of the 19th from a hard march, that being the day you were ordered to start me on this scout, and meeting with the guerrillas at the point I did, rendered it impracticable for me to make the connection with the troops from War- rensburg as instructed by you. I would earnestly recommend the ban- ishment of the Widow Demastus, with her family, the Widow Wilhite included. She makes that her home. She lives half a mile west of the Columbus road, four miles north of Chatam Ewings, near Mr. Powells, who lives on the Columbus road. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANIEL SHUMATE, Second Lieut. Company I, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry. Capt. WILLIAM MEREDITH, Commanding Post. MARCH 2123, 1865.Scout from Pine Bluff to Monticello, Ark. ]E& EPOIRTS. No. 1.Col. James M. True, Sixty-secon4 Illinois Infantry. No. 2.Capt. John H. Norris, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Col. James Jill True, Sixty-second illinois Infantry. PINE BLUFF, ARK., March 25, 1865. I have the honor to report that I sent out a scout of 110 men from the Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, under Captain Norris, on last Tuesday evening, with instructions to go as far as Monticello, for the purpose of breaking up some conscripting and bushwhacking parties that were in that section of country. They returned on Thursday evening, having gone to that place, and report killing 2 of the enemy and bringing in 12 prisoners, destroying 19 musketoons, 7 Richmond muskets, 4 En field rifles, 11 double-barrel shotguns, 17 rides, 15 pounds of powder, and quite a quantity of fixed ammunition, some buckshot and rifle-balls; also a small rebel mail, though nothing of importance. They also brought in 11 horses and 6 mules captured from the enemy. One man missing from the scout while on patrol, supposed to be captured. I am, sir, very respectfully, JAMES M. TRUE, Colonel Sixty-second Illinois Veteran Infantry, Commanding. Lient. Col. JOHN LEVERINQ Assistant Adjutant- General, Little Rock, Ark Page 149 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM PINE BLUFF, ARIC. 149 No. 2. Report of Capt. John H. Norris, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry. HDQRS. COMPANY M, THIRTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Pine Bluff, Ark., March 24, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of a scout under my command: In obedience to orders, I left this post with 112 men and two officers at 4 p. in. Monday [Tuesday], 21st instant, and marched through Cornersyille, by way of upper Monticello road; thence on the direct road to within nine miles of Monticello. There I made a detour to the right and came into Monticello on the Warren road, arriving there at 6.30 a. in. Tuesday [Wednesday], 22d instant. Having my column previously divided into three divisions, instantly upon arriving in sight I sent one. division, under Lieutenant Ken- nedy, guided by Mr. Boatner, around town to the right, another, under Lieutenant Orton, guided by Mr. Milt6n, to the left, ordering them to leave two or more pickets at each suitable place to guard the town, which was done in a very few minutes. With remainder of the men I entered the town. There were but few Confederate soldiers there that morning, and but few shots were fired. Though they had been expecting a scout there for a week, and kept the Pine Bluff roads guarded or picketed, and the soldiers gen erally go out of town of a night, yet they were completely surprised and ran in all direc- tions, and unfortunately some few made their escape. There is a band of men down there called the Old Mans Company, composed of men exempt from conscription. Their chief duty is to return deserters, enforce the conscript laws, and furnish, in any manner they can, mili- tary information for the enemy. Some of them who had not left town I brought in. Immediately upon entering the town I proceeded to search the houses for the enemy, sealed papers, arms, or ammunition. This search was conducted by the two lieutenants and resulted in the finding of 19 musketoons and yagers, 6 Richmond muskets, 3 Enfield rifles, 9 double-barrel shotguns, 7 rifles, 2 cans of powder, and a large quantity of fixed ammunition, lead, buckshot, and rifle-balls; also a small rebel mail, which is herewith sent to post headquarters. Having accomplished all I could in Monticello, and being credibly informed that a battalion of Magruders cavalry were expected there hourly since Sunday, I was afraid it might be transcending my orders to go on to Long View. I therefore concluded to return, and on my way back to search for Captain Owen and Captain Kidd, who I learned were oper- ating through the country toward Bayou Bartholomew. I moved out, about 10 a. in., through neighborhood roads to the residence of Lieu- tenant Carpenter, rebel army, ten miles. Halted, fed, got breakfast, and rested until 3 p. m. As I was just beginning to prepare to move on, I was attacked by fifty or sixty of Shelbys men, under Captain Pat- terson. They did not come very near, however, until our carbines con- vinced them of the impropriety and impracticability of such a rash act, and after rallying once and, making a very feeble attempt to flank me to the left, they ran off promiscuously to the woods. I then moved slowly and cautiously to Mr. Helms, about six miles from Bayou Bartholomew, and eighteen miles below Busbys Bridge; camped there for the night. Moved at sunrise yesterday morning, 23d instant, on the neighborhood roads coming into the lower Monticello at Willsons, twenty miles from this post, and from there directly back to camp, arriving about 6 p. in. yesterday, having marched 140 miles, killing 2 and capturing 11 of th Page 150 150 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. enemy; capturing 19 musketoons and yagers, 7 Richmond muskets, 4 Enfield rifles, 11 double-barrel shotguns, 17 rifles, 15 POUndS powder, a qnantity of fixed ammunition (mostly for musketoons and shotguns); also a small quaiitity of lead, buckshot, and rifle-balls, and a small rebel mail; also 11 horses and 6 mules. I ordered the arms broken and ainmu- nition destroyed, for want of transportation. The horses and mules are tnrned over to the regimental quartermaster Thirteenth Illinois Cav- alry; the prisoners to the provost-marshal. One of the prisoners, named John B. Manion, voluntarily surrendered himself; and desired to be taken to Pine Bluff~ under guard. He caii and is willing to give much valuable information, and to conduct a party where valuable prisoners and papers may be captured, and being violently opposed to being exchanged or serving with the rebel army any more, I greatly desire that he may be examined by the general and released from con- fineinent. One of my men ventured too far out when patrolling (I sup- pose) at Monticello and I fear was captured, for he could not be found when I assembled the men to leave. His name is Benjamin F. flancock, private, Company 1. ~ o other casualty. Mr. Milton proved valuable as a guide, having a good knowledge of the country and all the neigh- borhood roads. Mr. Terrels horse gave out at Cornersville and he went no farther. Captain Youngs, formerly Fifth Kansas Cavalry, rendered me great service by his skill and experience in managing my advance guard. But I cannot express the obligations I feel under to Mr. James W. Boatner, the other guide. He certainly deserves great credit for his energy, sagacity, skill, and prudence; an~ from his almost perfect knowledge of the country and people (knowing every family and every pathway), his services are really invaluable as a guide. Hoping I may be allowed the privilege of further efforts, I am, captain, your obedient servant, J. II. NORRIS, Capt. Guy ~. ALEXANDER, Captain, Commanding Scout. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Pine Bluff, Ark. MARCH 2223, 1865.Operations about Stephensons Mill, Mo. Report of (apt. Walter D. Hubbard, Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS POST OP SALETVI Salem, Mo., March 24, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to r~eport that the stockade or fort built at Stephensons Mill, sixteen miles southwest of this post, on Current River, was burned on the 22d instant, by three bushwhackers, who, after making general threats of death and destruction against any per- son who shonld report them, and ordering the miller to have a quantity of meal ground for 250 rebels by 12 oclock yesterday, proceeded west- ward from the mill and have not since been heard oE I received this report on the night of the 22d, and started Lieutenant Thornton with twenty men early yesterday morning to make a scout to the mill, and thence some distance down Current River, with a view of ascertain- ing where these bushwhackers came from and whether any bands may be expected in from that direction. I have not heard from the lieu- tenant, and am satisfied that there were but three bushwhackers in that section. There have been no troops stationed at the mill for about three weeks past, as I understand. Captain Jones, commanding one o Page 151 CHAr. LX.] SCOUT FROM BAYOU WEUF, LA. 151 the citizen guard companies of this county in a neighborhood south- west of this 1)ost, reports that a scouting party sent out by hhn has just returned and report things quiet and nO sign of bushwhackers in his section. Inclosed find John P. Grahams communication reporting the burning of the stockade or fort. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. 1). HUBBARD, Captain, Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry Vols., Commanding Post. Capt. J. H. STEGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inciosure.] MARCH 15 [22], 18435. Capt. W. D. HUBBARD, Commanding Post, Salem, Mo.: CAPTAIN: There were three bushwhackers came to N. Stephensons Mill at 12 oclock and burned the fort and gave orJers to have meal enough for 250 men by to-morrow at just 12 oclock. One of the men we knew. We know they are bushwhackers, and when they left they went west. There is a chance for murder behind. I told them I would report, and they said if I did they would kill me. This report is true. Yours, JOHN P. GRAHAM. MARCH 2324, 1865.Scout from Donaldsonville to Bayou Goula, La. Report of Capt. James F. Macklin, Sixteenth Indiana Moitnted Infantry. HDQRS. COMPANY K, 16TH INDIANA MOUNTED INFTY., - Donaldsonville, La., March 24, 1865. In obedience to verbal orders from Colonel Fiske, received on the evening of the 23d instant, I proceeded with Company K, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry, to Bayou Goula, at which place I arrived at midnight. In searching the town I found two rebel soldiers con- cealed in the houses. After placing a gnard over the captured rebels I proceeded to Madam Randolphs plantation, situated about seven miles from the river. I arrived there at daybreak and surrounded the mills and other houses. Captain Brown and two of his men were there, but escaped, having been warned of my approach by some means. I captured on this plantation Captain Browns and one other horse, and two carbines, abandoned by the enemy in the hurry of their flight. After searching the place I started on my return and arrived here about 4 oclock this evening. In submitting this report I subscribe myself, your obedient servant, J. E. MACKLIN, Captain Company K, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry. Lieut. L. R. HALL, Post Adjutant. MARCH 24, 1865.Scout from Bayou Ewuf to Bayou Chemise, La. Report of Lient. Numa A. Pomponean, First Louisiana Cavalry. BAYOU BEUF, LA., March 25, 18& 5. lu pursuance to orders received from yon, I have the honor to report that yesterday morning I started from camp with six men for the pu Page 152 152 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. pose of scouting through the swamps iu search of rebels, or in order to discover, if possible, their number or whereabouts. II visited the house of Pierre iDiegl~, a man whose loyalty has been suspected for a long time. Seeing that his boat was not moored in its accustomed place, I asked him where it was. He replied, without hesitation, My sou has it fishing. Scarcely crediting this statement, I left him iu charge of the men. After having waited about two hours for his sons return I went into his back yard. Here I found the uniform of two men of my company hidden under some old lumber, said meu having deserted from my company the night before last. I asked Diegle to whom the clothing belonged. He said he did not know, but that he had found it near the water and had hidden it himself Now, the point at which this man lives (at the mouth of Bayou Chemise) is the only point of ingress the rebels across the lake have for this section of country. All the men who go into the Confederacy must pass his place, and the doubts concerning his loyalty are founded on the suspicion that he materially assists deserters and smugglers across the lake. Again, had his son been fishing with the boat it would have been almost impossible for him (the sun) to have been beyond the range of my eye- sight. Lastly, colonel, I can say, setting aside my personal dislike for the man, I firmly believe that his son was, at his instigation, taking the two deserters over the lake at the time I visited his house. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servaut, NUMA A. POMPONEAU, Second Lieutenant Company K, First Louisiana Cavalry. Lieut. Col. JOHN L. RICE, Commanding Troops, Bayou Bwuf. ]~[ARCH 24, 1865.Affair near Rolla, No. Report of Seryt. John Y. Baldwin, Fifth ]Ifissouri State Militia Cavalry. WAYNESYILLE, Mo., March 26, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report to you: I was ordered, by Special Orders, No. 52, with six enlisted men to escort Government train to Rolla, Mo., on the 23d day of this month. On my way to return, about seven miles west of Itolla on the Springfield road, I, with two of the escort, went into the house of the Widow Yowell to get a drink of water, while the other four sat down on the side of the road. Immediately an officer and a sergeant and three privates, dressed in Federal uniform, made their appearance with their revolvers cocked, at the place where the four of my men were sitting, and demanded their surrender. The men were taken by surprise and surrendered, when the leader of the gang made the inquiry whether there were more of them. The answer was that three of theni were in the house, when three charged upon the house and asked me to surrender. I leveled my gun at him and told him that was the way that I would surrender. I fired and shot him off his horse. The balance of the gang, shooting in through the window after seeing their comrade killed, took refuge, and put to run, when I and the two with me put after them as hard as we could run, as we were on foot, to recapture our comrades, who were also on foot. Again I took aim at one of the gang and pierced him through, when the balance of the bushwhackers commenced shooting at th Page 153 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION FROM BRASHEAR CITY, LA. 153 prisoners, three of the prisoners running toward me and one in the direction of Rolla, who has not been heard from since. Two of my men were wounded, and taken to Rolla. Their names are George Hoff- man and John C. Odle. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN Y. BALDWIN, Sergeant, Company B, Fifth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. Maj. J. B. KAISER, Commanding, Waynesville, Mo. MARCH 2527, 1865.Expedition from Brashear City to Indian Bend, La. Report of Col. Simon Jones, Ninety-third U. S. Colored Troops. HEADQUARTERS POST, Brashear, La., March 27, 1865. Sin: I bave the honor to submit, for the information of the geiieral commanding, the following report of an expedition undertaken in accordance with orders from these headquarters of date March 25, 1865, for the purpose of destroying or capturing a barge said to have been used by the enemy for the purpose of transporting a number of horses over Grand Lake and into their lines: This expedition consisted of a detachment of thirty men from the Ninety-third Regiment U. S. Colored Infantry, under command of Lient. W. H. Johns, of that regiment. The troops embarked on gun-boat No. 43 at 7 p. in. on the 25th instant, and immediately proceeded by way of Grand Lake to Indian Bend, arriving at that point by daylight of the 27th. At 7 a. in. the infantry disembarked and marching one- quarter of a mile to a small bayou, discovered and seized the barge, which was taken alongside the gnn-boat, and by her brought safely to this post, to which the expedition returned at 2.30 p. in. on the 27th. I have the assurance of the lieutenant in command that no injury was done to any personal property by the expedition. None of the enemy were encountered and no new information obtained. No harm was sus- tained by any member of the expedition. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SIMON JONES, Colonel Ninety-third U. S. Colored Infantry, Commanding Post. Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant- General, La Fourche District. MARCH 2528, 1865.Expedition from Brashear City to near Oyster Bayou, La. Report of Col. Simoa Jones, Ninety-third U. S. Colored Troops. HEADQUARTERS POST, Brashear City, La., March 29, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of an expedition, undertaken in accordance with orders from these headqua Page 154 154 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. ICHAP. LX. ters, for the purpose of taking possession of a large oyster-boat which lay stranded on the beach at a point six miles west of Oyster Bayou, on the Gulf coast: The expedition consisted oi a detachment of forty men of the Ninety- third U. S. Colored Infantry, inder command of Lient. W. Y. Crosthwait, of the same regiment. It embarked on the steamer Cornie at 7 p. in. of the 25th instar~t, and proceeding down the Atchafalaya River, reached the point of destination without incident worthy of notice. Here, after three hours hard labor, the boat was gotten in tow, it having lain at a distance of 105 yards from the waters edge. The object of the expe- dition having been accomplished, it returned to this post, bringing the boat aforementioned, and arriving at 12 m. of the 28th. No signs of the enemy were seen and no information obtained of his forces or inten- tions. No casualties occurred to any member of the expedition. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SIMON JONES, Colonel Ninety-third U. S. Colored infantry, Comnmauidiny Post. Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of La Fourche, Thibodeaux, La. MARCH 2629, 1865.Expedition from Bonnet Carre to Ainite River, La. Report of Maj. Edward Byrne, Eighteenth New York Cavalry. MILITARY STATION, GAINNIES LANDING, Bonnet Carr6, La., March 31, 1365. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to instruc- tions received by telegraph from General Sherman, I started in pursuit of the party of rebels that captured Captain Darling, the provost- marshal of this parish. The captain was captured about the hour of 10 oclock on the night of the 25th of March, 1865, and no information reached this post until about 2 oclock the next morning. I then started a party in pursuit, under Lieutenant IDe Croy, who, on reaching the house of the captain, was told by Mrs. Darling that the rebels had taken the captain across the river. I then sent another party, under Lieutenant Darker, across the river in skiffs, who returned the same afternoon, having searched the country for fifteen miles around, and who discovered that the captain had been taken in a boat through the swamps in the direction of Lake Maurepas. Before the party returned the order of General Sherman was received by telegraph, ordering farther pursuit. I then started with forty men, at 11 oclock on the night of the 26th, and reached College Point at 10 oclock the next morning. Heard that a few guerrillas had been there on the Friday previous, but had left by the Blind River for the Amite River, but heard from some negroes that they might be caught at the Orange Grove road, leading to the Bayou Conway and New River. This road is three miles from IDonaldsonville, and was reached at 10 oclock. A party sent to scour the swamps in that direction could not move on the road, owing to the great quantity of water in the swamps. I then started for Donaldsonville, intending to stri~ke the Amnite River by wny of IDoyals plantation. Reached Donaldsonville at 8 oclock, and there met Lieutenant Brown, of the Third Rhode Island Cavalry, who had just returned from the pursuit, having learned that the rebels had crossed the ~Amite River at a place called Gun Pommet, over thirt Page 155 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION TO BAY SAINT LOUIS, MO. 155 miles from Donaldsonville. He also learned from a scout that another small party had crossed the Amite River by way of Bayou Timite. Both parties had crQssed on the morning of the 26th, and that further pursuit was useless, as they had gone in the direction of Clinton. A scout named Frelding, residing at Donaldsonville, heard that Doyals and Botic~ guerrillas were at the French Settlement on the 24th of March conscripting and collecting deserters from the rebel army. I telegraphed to General Sherman from Donaldsonville, asking if I should cross the Amite River, and did not receive any answer, but sent a (lis- patch to the commander of the Third Rhode Island Cavalry stating that farther pursuit was too late, and that my command should not cross the Amite River. I then returned, reaching Bonnet Carrd at 6 oclock on the evening of the 29th. Mrs. Darling stated so positively that the captain had been taken across the river, I think some of the party must be captured, but the search on the west side of the river occupied the time that should have been given to quick pursuit, and the guerrillas gained ten hours start. Several citizens have been arrested and identified as being with the guerrillas on the night they captnre(l the captain, and it is supposed their idea was to avoid the draft by capturing the provost-marshal and his papers. The guerrillas were under the command of Captain Bringier, or Botic. His head- quarters are at Clinton, and Captain Doyal and he are conscripting for the rebel army. 11 have heard that both these captains belong to the regular army of the Confederacy. They were joined by a party of citi- zeus, and the plot must have been covered with great secrecy and care. The telegraph wire was torn down between New Orleans and this post, and must have been done by these citizens concerned in this plot. The total distance marched was about ninety-four miles, and on my return I pressed some plantation wagons to carry my men, who were very much fatigued by the first days march. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD BYRNE, ]Jfi~jor, Eighteenth [New Yorkl Cavalry, Commanding. Lient. P. J. MALONEY, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Southern Division of Louisiana. [Inclorsement.] HEADQUARTERS SOUTHERN DIVISION OF LOUISIANA, April 4, 1865. Respectfully forwarded to department headquarters. The prisoners sent down by Colonel Byrne will be duly examined, though with not much prospect of getting at the threads of the plot in carryin g off Captain Darling. The energy this cavalry regiment has displayed on foot is highly creditable. T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. MARCH 2830, 1865.Expedition from Fort Pike, La., to Bay Saint Louis, Miss. Report of Lieut. Col. Alfred C. Hall, Seventy-fourth U. S. Colored Troops. HEADQUARTERS, Fort Pike, La., March 31, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with your tele- gram of March 27, 1865, received March 28, I started for Bay Sain Page 156 15(3 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. Louis on the sloop Itosetta immediately, but was obliged to put back into The iRigolets and wait until the next day, March 29. Starting again, I reached the bay at 11 p. m. on Thursday, and found that Captain Monet, of Forrests cavalry, left the bay on Wednesday morn- ing. He was at home on leave of absence, afl(l on no official business, although he \vatched our transports closely. I brought from l3ay Saint Louis two deserters from the rebel army. If the boat could have reached the bay the first time starting they would have taken this Captain Monet, but the wind was so high it was impossible to sail to the bay in any boat now at this post. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFRED G. HALL, Lieut. Cot. Seventy-fourth U. S. Colored Infantry, Comdg. Post. Lient. P. J. MALONEY, Actg. Asst. Adjt. ~i1en., Southern Division of Louisiana. MARCH 29APRIL 2, 1865.Scout from Waynesville, Mo. Report of Maj. James M. Turley, Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry. WAYNESVILLE, Mo., April 2, 1865. CAPTAIN: In compliance with instructions from the colonel com- manding District of Itolla, I submit the following as a report of a scout under my command: I left IRolla, Mo., ou the 29th of March, 1865, with sixty men, and marched fifteen miles; camped at Jacksons Mills. Owing to a freshet the march was not resumed until the 31st of March. 1 then scouted the hills and hollows of the country thoroughly, but nothing was seen, killed, or captured. Camped at Coppages Mill, on Spring Creek. April 1, I moved to Big Piney, found it impassable, and marched over the hills to Waymans Mill and went into camp. The roads were almost impassable, on account of quicksand. April 2, I moved for Waynesville, swam Big Piney, and arrived here at 2 p. m, having seen nothing but quicksand amid water on my way. Captain Murphy returned from a scout in the neighborhood of Houston. States there have been several bushwhackers in that section during the past two weeks. I relieved Captain Mans, of the Fifth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, and am now in command of the post. There was a bush- whacker shot to-day near town by some of Captain Murphys recruits. His name I did not learn. Nothing farther of importance has occurred to-day. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES M. TLTRLEY, Major, Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry, Corndg. Post, Waynesville, Mo. Capt. J. H. STEGER, Assistant Adjutant- General, District of Rolia, Rolla, Mo Page 157 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITIONS FROM BATON ROUGE, LA. 157 MARCH 30APRIL 2, 1865.Expeditions from Baton Rouge to Clinton and the Comite River, La. IR~EPOI~TS. No. 1.Col. John G. Fonda, One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Infantry (mounted), commanding Cavalry Brigade. No. 2.Lient. Col. Thomas Logan, One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Infantry (mounted). No. 1. Report of Cot. John G. Fonda, One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Infantry (rnou~ted), commanding Cavalry Brigade. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIGADE, Baton Rouge, La., April 3, 1865. MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report: In compliance with orders, I left Baton Rouge at 9 a. m. March 30 with 300 men of the First Texas Cavalry and Sixth Missouri Cavalry, and moved in the direction of Port Hudson, at which place I arrived at 4 p. m. the same day, and went into camp about one mile and a half from the fort near the Jackson road. I started from Baton Rouge with one days rations and drew at Port Hudson sufficient for one day and a half; being unable to draw rations in time at Baton Rouge I drew at Port Hudson. On the afternoon of March 31 I moved in the direction of Jackson, La., but by an obscure road, falling into the main road seven miles from Jackson. From this point I pushed on and reached Jackson about 5 p. m. No notice of my coming had reached the town. Two prisoners and two horses were captured. At sundown I left the town by the Clinton road. After following the main road some distance I left it, and in order to conceal my movements moved by an obscure way, falling into the main road again near Clinton. My advance entered Clinton at 11 oclock. It was a complete surprise. W~e captured all the men on picket, seven in number. I remained in Clinton about one hour, and made as tlioro~igh a search for prisoners as I deemed prudent. My men were becoming scattered, and I feared that should I remain longer it would be difficult to get them together again. One squadron did get separated from the (olulnil amid returned to Baton Rouge. I left Clinton by the Greensburg road and camped three miles from the town. Some time after my pickets were posted a negro attempted to pass through the line and wa~ shot. At daylight I allowed my men to unsaddle, feed, and groom their horses, and cook their breakfasts. While at this place a Major Clark was captured by the pickets. An orderly that was with him fired at and wounded the man on post. I left this camp soon after sunrise and returned to Clinton. Passing through the town I took the Baton Rouge road, but afterward left it and fell into the Greenville Springs road, and arrived at Roberts Ford, on the Comite, at 7p.m. April 1. Sunday morning, April 2,1 crossed my command by swimming the horses and passing the equip- ments over in a small boat, and arrived at Baton Rouge at noon. ~he results of the expedition are the capture of 11 prisoners, 3 of whom are officers, and about 20 animals. No force was encountered, and from the best information obtained the rebel force under Powers and Griffith has fallen back to Whitestown, where they have three guns and the stock captured from General Bailey. I think there is no good reason why this rebel force should be allowed to hold a position so nea Page 158 158 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. us. During my absence Lieutenant- Colonel Logan was left in com- mand of the cavalry, with orders to move out on the different roads and attract attention from my columns. For the result of his move- ments I respectfully call attention to a copy of his report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN G. FONDA, Major DES ANGES, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 2. Report of Lieut. Got. Thomas Logan, One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Infantry (mounted). HEADQUARTERS 118TH ILLINOIS MOUNTED INFANTRY, Baton Rouge, La., April 8, 1865. CAPTAIN: In compliance with the verbal instructions of the coloiiel commanding the Cavalry Brigade, I left camp at 12 m. Oil the 30th ultimo with fifty-four men of the Sixth Missouri Cavalry, under Lieutenant Slicer, and eighty-one men of the One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Mounted Infantry, commanded by Captaius Brown and Robinson, and proceededonthe Greenville Springs road to Comite River; I then turned down Comite River, and near the crossing of the Bentons Ferry road I captured a Confederate soldier by the name of Lively. At the same time I captured a boy fifteen or sixteen years old, dressed in the Confederate uniform. He claimed to be a citizen, and from his youthful appearance I thought he was not a soldier and released hint. On the Bentons Ferry road I met some negroes with goods and inquired of them where they bought them. They answered, of Doctor Laycock. In a short time I met an old lady and a boy with some goods, and they reported that they had bought their goods of Doctor Laycock also. I soon met two men in a light spring wagon with sugar, coffee, and salt. They said they had purchased theirs of Doctor Laycock. These men said they were from Saint Helena Parish. I ordered Corporal Price of the One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Mounted Infantry, and six men to bring these men and goods to Baton Rouge and turn them over to the provost-marshal, and to stop on the way and arrest Doctor Laycock and bring him also. Doctor Laycock resisted arrest and fired seriously wounding James E. Morrison, Company C, One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Mounted Infantry. Doctor Laycock was arrested, in execution of my order, and brought to town the next morning. I proceeded to the Clay Cut road, where I camped till morning. At 7 a. m. I started from camp. Sent Captain Robinson with his company by the Highland road to Baton Rouge, and Lieutenant Slicer, Sixth Missouri, by the Greenville Springs and Clinton roads. I went with Captain Browns company on the Duffs Ferry road. I had traveled but a mile or two when the advance brought me the boy that I had released the day~ before. It appeared that he had followed my command eight or ten miles and was watching my movements. I ordered him brought to camp as a prisoner. Near the Amite River I captured a Confederate soldier, and besides the horse I captured with him I captured a gray horse, under the following circumstances: Two Confederate soldiers had slept in the woods about forty rods from the road, and were takin Page 159 CHAP. LX.] OPERATIONS ABOUT AQUJA FRIA, N. MEX. 159 breakfast at the house of Mrs. Sirnms, where I surprised and captured one of them. The gray horse was in the woods, where these nien had slept, and from his looks I was confident he was a cavalry horse. It was reported that he had once been owned by the soldier I had captured, and traded to Mrs. , and had been used in the army by young Sirnms, a Confederate soldier. Captain Robinson captured a man said to be a soldier. The parties all arrived at camp by 2 p. m. On the 1st instant I left camp again with the same command at 6 a. in.; traveled on the Clinton road until within four miles of Clinton, where I learned that Colonel Fonda had been at Clinton and left at sunrise, taking the Greensburg road. I then changed my direction, crossed the Comite River, and traveled in the direction of Greenville Springs; camped foni miles northwest of the Springs at 7.30 p. in., having marched dur- ing the day forty-five miles. There was a picket at Redwood, Olive Branch, and Comite River, but I did not capture any of them. Moved at 5 a. in. next morning on the Baton Rouge road; crossed the Coinite River at Roberts Ferry; arrived in camp at 1.30 p. m. April 2, 1865. 1 am, very respectfnlLy, your obedient servant, THOS. LOGAN, Lieutenant- Colonel, Comdg. 118th Illinois Mounted Infantry. Capt. C. ROIIRBOUGH, Actg. Asst. Adjt. (len., (Jar. Brig., Northern Div. of Louisiana. MARCH 31APRIL 1, 1865.Operations about Aquia Fria, N. Mex. I~EPOI?TI2S~ No. 1.Col. Oscar M. Brown, First California Cavalry, of operations March 31. No. 2.Lient. John Abbott, First California Cavalry, of operations April 1. No. 1. Report ~f Col. Oscar M. Brown, First California Cavalry, of operations March 31. HEADQUARTERS, Fort Marcy, N. Mex., April 2, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to verbal instructions from the department commander, I proceeded on Friday, March 31, to Aqua Fria to learn by actual observation if any Indians had crossed the creek near that point within a day or two, as currently reported. Before reaching the house of Juan Estaban Carrillo, situated on the north side of the creek, a trail was pointed out to me, some 400 or 500 yards south of the village, leading in the direction of the house of Mr. Carrillo, and which was stated to be the one referred to. After close examination for some distance I found that there were but two large tracks and three small ones distinctly visible, but neither appeared to be Indians as the toes, instead of turning inward as the toes of Indians invariably do, were either straight or slightly turned out, and the moccasin or sandal tracks were different from those usually made by Indians. From thence I proceeded to the point of the creek, where the trail crossed some 200 or 300 yayds below the house of Mr. Carrillo, who accompanied inc to the spot, and said that eleven Indians had crossed there the night of the 29th. Dismounting, I proceeded to examine th Page 160 160 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. track, which I found to be similar to many of those made by the chil- dren and others from Mr. Carrillos house. The parties making them evidently proceeded slowly and carelessly, observing no l)artidular order or caution. On inquiry I learned that there were cattle herded some distance from that point and in the direction iu which the trail pro- ceeded. On my return I examined along the road and in the vicinity of Aqua Fria and fonnd tracks exactly similar going either way. I also saw boys with sandals or bottoms of rawhide to their shoes which lna(le identical impressions in the sand with those pointed out as Indians, from all of which I became satisfied that no Indians had passed Aqua Fria recently. But to set the matter at rest I dispatched Lient. John Abbott, regimental adjutant First California Cavalry, agreeably to the direction of the general commanding, with five men and three days rations, to take np the trail and follow it nntil the question could be definitely settled, as will be seen by the accompanying order and the report of Lieutenant Abbott, which I have the honor to submit. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, OSCAI~ M. BIIOWN, Colonel First Cavalry California Volunteers, Commanding. Capt. BENJAMIN C. CUTLER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., U. S. Vols., Dept. of N. Mex., Santa Fe, N ]ITex. No. 2. Report of Lieut. John Abbott, First California Cavalry, of operations April 1. HEADQUARTERS, Port Marcy. N. iViex., April 2, 1865. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to Special Orders, No. 27, from these headquarters, dated March 31, 1865 (a copy of which is inclosed), I proceeded on the morning of the 1st instant, with a detachment of five men from the First California Cavalry, to Aqua Fria. At that place, near the house of Juan Estaban Carrillo, I found the trail (or more correctly) the tracks which were supposed to have been made by either Navajoes or Pueblo Indians. I followed these tracks directly across the creek and found that the supposed Indians had almost immediately taken and followed the road, as the tracks were plainly to be seen in the road and on each side of it for a distance of about two miles. I also found that the tracks or footprints proceeding toward the town were about as numerous as those going from it. After following as above the traces of the supposed Indians for about two miles the marks became fewer and fainter in and near the road till I came to a small arroyo. Here they were again plainly visible, going in each direction, up and down. Separating my party, with directions to follow the tracks till they found where the Indians had left the arroyo and crossed into the valley, I proceeded with one of the men to examine the ground beyond for the purpose of finding any traces which the Indians might have made after leaving the arroyo. I could find on the ground beyond (which was very hard) no traces what- ever of where the party had left it. Judging from the general direction of the tracks going from the town that the party making them had made for the cafion in the low range of hills directly west from Aqua Fri Page 161 CHAP. IX.] AFFAIR NEAR FORT GARLAND, COLO. TER. 161 and about southwest from Santa P6, I crossed the plain or valley, and sending two men up the smaller calion proceeded up the larger one with the rest. W~ went through these calions till the two parties met, and no traces whatever having been found in either, although the ground was very soft and wet, 1 felt convinced that no Indians had passed through. Retracing my steps ag~iin to the plain, I separated the men for a distance of about two miles. I tried once more to find the tracks which I had lost sight of at the arroyo. After riding across the plain toward the town for about three miles we found a large number of cattle grazing, and neac them one of the men found the footprints. Calling my men together we rode on, following and trac- ing the tracks plainly till we came to the road which we had followed going out there. After following them a short distance I fouiid that part of the tracks led off from th~ road. Sending one of the men to follow these footprints, I proceeded with the rest to ascertain at what point the supposed Indians had entered the town. I followed the track across the creek into some fields, about three-quarters of a mile to the left of the road opposite the house of the man Juan Estaban Carrillo, and there found that the footprints led off directly toward his house. At almost the same moment the man whom I sent to follow the footprints where they had left the road, came riding toward me and reported that he had traced them directly to that house, and from there into the field where I then was. The footprints from the house into the fields were all in the same direction; from the field across the creek and across the valley they were about equally divided, going and coming. Among the foot tracks were those of either women or children, and at the house I found two boys whose feet were about the size of the footprints. All of the tracks both going and coming were about alike. In some of them (the smaller ones) they were pre- cisely so. Feeling satisfied that I had traced the trail (as the man Carrillo called it) to its source, and that no party of hostile Indians would separate so widely and leave such evident marks of their passage, nor having passed through the town return to it again and go directly to one of the principal houses without being seen or leav- ing some evidence of their presence, I concluded that the fears of the party giving the information of the presence of hostile Indians had converted his own footprints into those of red men. I therefore returned with my men to this post. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN ABBOTT, & eond Lieutenant and Aetg. Adjt. First California Cavalry. Col. OSCAR M. BROWN, First California Cavalry Volunteers, Commanding Post. APRIL 1, 1865.Affair near Fort Garland, Cob. Ter. Report of Capt. Charles Kerber, First Colorado Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, Fort Garland, Cob. Ter., April 2, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that yesterday morning a party of five Ute Indians attacked a Mexican ranch, & c., fifteen miles northwest from here and killed one Mexican and some beeves. The few Mexicans 11 R RVOL XLVIII, PT Page 162 162 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. there fought bravely and killed three of the Utes. They brought three horses and riles as trophies and the corpse of the deceased i\lexicau to La Culebra last night. To-day the fact was reported to me. I sent, immediately, soldiers to protect the Mexicans up the San Luis Valley in driving their stock near to the settlements. Those Indians belong to Major Fleads or Heads tribe,* who is at present in Colorado City. I notify him also by this messenger. I was always a friend to the Ute Indians, and am well known to them, and I am very sorry that these depredations happened, but if they go on in this way they will find me a hard fellow to deal with. The two counties of Costilla and Conejos have assisted me in fortifying this post, and I do not doubt that with their assistance I can handle the Ute tribe of this country. I am too long in this conutry to believe the large numbers of warriors which Indian hgents are in the habit of publishing. Again I must request yon to order Lieutenant Walter to join his company. Inclosed please find requisition for ordnance stores and for horses, which I beg to be filled without delay. I do not care if the horses are poor or not, so long as they are young. Good care will soon make them all right. I will write for further instructions from the general commanding before I declare regular war against the Utes. They may give up the depre- dators to me or civil authorities so soon as Major Flead (or Head) returns. Most respectfully, I am, sir, your very obedient servant, CHARLES KERBER, Captain, Battalion First Colorado Cavalry, Commanding Post. Lient. IRA I. TABER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-6~eneral, Denver, Cob. Ter. APRIL 14, 1865.Scout from Pine Bluff to Bayou Bartholomew, Ark. Report of Capt. John H. Norris, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry. HDQRS. COMPANY M, THIRTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Pine Bluff, Ark., April 5, 18G5. CAPTAIN: In obedience to orders, I left this post with seventy-five mnen and two officers on Saturday, 1st instant, at 11 a. in., to scont down Bayou Bartholomew and drive in all the beef-cattle I could find. I pro- ceeded out on the lower Monticello road twenty-three miles, took the Napoleon road, and marched twelve miles farther to A llisons farm, and camped at 11 oclock at night. Sunday morning, 2d instant, proceeded to Green Monnt on same road, scouting the country well on eack side of the main road from one to five miles. There I took the Auburn road and crossed Bayou Bartholomew at Browns Ferry, and started back to Pine Bluff and commenced gathering up cattle. Camped at Prices, near Bayou Bartholomew, on Sunday night, and at Doctor Stewarts on Monday Thglmt, and arrived at this post Tuesday 5 p. m. with 91 head of beef-cattle. 18 prisollers, and 10 head of horses and mules, and a few fire arms. Seized and destroyed twenty-one guns, consisting of double-barrel shotguns, musketoons, rifles, and yagers; also a lot of ammunition. I marched about 125 miles going and coming. Two of the prisoners, who were rebel soldiers, voluntarily surrendered them- Reference is to Lafayette Head, Indian Agent Page 163 CHAP. LX.] SCOUTS FROM LICKING, MO. 163 selves. Two claim to be citizens and one was detailed to farm. These five are anxious to take the oath of allegiance. One sergeant had his horse shot when making a little charge. No other casualties. I report 1 rebel lieutenant killed and 1 private. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. iNOIRHIS, Captain Company M, Thirteenth illinois Cavalry, Comdg. Scout. P. S.I entirely omitted to mention the fact that I captured a very large rebel mail and also the courier. The mail is herewith sent to headquarters. J. II. N. Capt. Guy S. ALEXANDER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. APRIL 130, 1865.Scouts from Licking, Mo. I~eport of Capt. Willia Monks, Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS POST OF LICKING, Jieking, Texas County, JIb., April 28, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that I moved from canip on the 20th of April, 1865. On marching sixteen miles I struck a trail of about fifty men moving in northwest direction. Followed them to Piney Fork of the Gasconade River. It being swimming I had to change my direction. Moved and encamped ou Hog Creek, after marching thirty miles. Moved early the next morning up Big Piney for the purpose of effecting a crossing. Struck the left-hand fork of Piney at Widow Selfs. Routed and killed a bushwhacker uiaint~d Thompson Tucker. Struck the trail of six others. On trailing them two miles through the woods, cameupon them grazing their horses, charging them and killing the notorious leader of the band, by the name of A. W. howell. Pur- sued and fired a great many shots on the others. From the best infor- mation that can be had, killed one other, by the name of Mose Shu- make; pursued another one; caused him to dismount and resort to the thicket, making his way into the creek and sunk himself under the water, hiding his head under a drift; lay concealed until I marched out, supposing him to be drowned. Afterward heard how he made his escape. All of them were dressed in full suit of Federal uniform. A great many shots were fired by them at quite short range. One of them discharged a shot at myself not more than ten steps, but luckily missed me. My men all escaped uninjured. Encamped at Skyles. Moved next morning, striking the trail of a band commanded by Thomas Yeates, but was unable to overtake them. Found two rebel camps. Was out six days chasing those men in every direction. After march- ing and countermarching about 250 miles returned to camp. I have the honor also to report the following scouts for the month ending April, 1865: April 1, Sergeant Walker with twenty-four men left camp; marched 200 miles; killed 5 bushwhackers and captured 3 horses; returned to camp April 6, 1865. April 2, Sergeant Mustion with seven men left camp; marched ninety miles; retnrned to camp April 5, 1865. Sergeant Mustion, April 7, with ten men started from camp; was gone three days; marched forty miles; returned April 10. April 10, Se Page 164 164 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. geant Craddock with eight men left camp; was gone two days; marched forty-five miles; returned April 12, 1865. Total miles marched, 6253 men killed, 8; horses captured, 3. Respectfully submitted. I have the honor, sir, to be, your obedient servant, WILLIAM MONKS, Capt. Company K, Sixteenth Missouri Car. Vols., Comdg. Post. Col. JOHN MORRILL, Commanding District of Rolla, Rolla, Mo. APRIL 1MAY 27, 1865.Operations against Indians west of Fort Laramie, Dak. Ter., with skirmish (May 20) at Deer Creek Station. HI~POT~TS. No. 1-Capt. George F. Price, Second California Cavalry, Acting Assistant Adjutant. General. No. 2.Lient. Paul P. Grim, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Capt. George F. Price, Second Cabfornia Cavalry, Acting Assist ant Adjutant- General. JULESBURG, CoLo. TER., May 22, 1865. On 20th 200 Indians attacked detachment at Deer Creek Station and were repulsed, with a loss on their part of seven killed and several wounded. They succeeded in driving away with them twenty-two horses which were on herd. Colonel Plumb gave them chase with thirty men, but could not ford the river. Succeeded in killing one and wounding several. Indians came from north side of Platte and have gone off north- east. One soldier killed. Moonlight says troops displayed great deter- mination. A white man, supposed to be Bill Comstock, formerly of Fort Laramie, seemed to have command of Indians. Captain l3rowu was at Rock Spring on 11th instant. Everything all right. Telegraphed you on 18th to Saint Louis, and on 20th to Atchison. GEO. F. PRICE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. Brig. Gen. P. B. CONNOR. (Care of Colonel Livingston, Kearny.) No. 2. Report of Lient. Paul P. Grim, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry. CAMP MOONLIGHT, On La Prelle, Daic. Ter., June 9, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 1st of April Company K marched from Mud Springs to Platt e Bridge, under comlnan(I of Capt. J. M. Allen. On the 25th instant met escort of Sergeant Schonh off and five men escorting train to Deer Creek Station, Dak. Ter. On the 27th instant a scont of eleven men, nuder command of Second Lieutenant Grim, on foot, south and east of Platte Bridge, Dak. Ter.; no enem Page 165 CHAP. LX.] SKIRMISH NEAR VAN BUREN, ARK. 165 discovered. On the 28th instant an escort for the surgeon from Platte Bridge to Sweetwater Bridge, Dak. Ter., under command of Sergeant Stuart, with ten men. On the 5th of May mail party to and from iDeer Creek Station, five men, under command of Corporal Eminons. On the 8th of May scouting northwest of Platte Bridge with regiment under CoLT. Moonlight, with forty-nine men under command of Second Lieut. Paul Grim; made no discoveries. On the 20th of May Corpl. D. Scliwankee with ten men in pursuit of Indians, and in action with Indians in the vicinity of Deer Creek Station, under command of Lieu- tenant-Colonel Plnmb. On the 23d of May Second Lieutenant Grim with eleven men in pursuit of a party of Indians that had stolen a lot of mules from a train in charge of Captain Lybe, of Third U. S. Vol- unteer Infantry. On the 23d day of May scouting to lower Platte Bridge. On the 26th of May Captain Allen with twelve men to re-enforce escort with regimental supply train. On the 27th of May Sergeant ilankamner with six men to re-enforce escort with regimental supply train. Moved camp during the months of April and May. PAUL P. GRIM, Second Lieutenant, Commanding Company. Lient. Col. P. B. PLUMB, Eleventh Kansas Volunteer Cavalry. APRIL 2, 1865.Skirmish near Van Buren, Ark. Report of Brig. Gen. Gyms Bussey, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division, Seventh Army Corps. HDQRS. THIRD DIVISIoN, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Fort Smith, Ark., A 6, 18G5. I have the honor to report that on the night of the 2d instant twenty rebels came within two miles of Van Buren and robbed several citizens. As soon as the facts were reported to me I ordered Sergt. II. II. Jones, First Arkansas Cavalry, and seven mounted men (all the horses I had not on duty) to pursue the enemy. They came up with them several miles from town, and after a spirited engagement, routed the party, killed 2 men, captured 9 horses and equipments, without loss on our side. Papers on the bodies show them to be from Fulton, Tex., en route to Missouri. Numerous parties are passing through the country, and some have come in to carry on their guerrilla warfare. I need some cavalry very much, and believe I could drive the guerrillas all out of the country with 200 or 300 mounted men. My scouts have returned from lied River and report the enemy actively conscripting in all the counties south of here. They are concentrating at Washington and Shreveport, and were shoeing horses and preparing for active oper- ations, but in what direction could not be ascertained. A deserter from Texas canine in last night. He reports the enemy moving toward Gal- veston. They have been much scattered to obtain supplies. The peo- l)le are much discouraged, but the leaders want to carry on the war and are conscripting all able to bear arms between sixteen and sixty-five. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CYRUS BUSSEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Col. JOHN LEVERING, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of Arkansas Page 166 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. 166 APRIL 2, 1865.Skirmish near Hickory Station, Ark. Report of Capt. Richard C. Custard, On~e hundred and twelfth U. S. Colored Troops. CAMP 112TH U. S. COLORED INFANTRY, Little Rock, Ark., April 3, ISGJ. COLONEL: I have the honor to report the following, which occurred yesterday on the Little Rock and Devalls Bluff Railroad: I was on the morning train from the Bluff, in charge of the train guard, comprising nineteen men of the One hnndred and twelfth U. S. Colored Infantry. When the train had arrived to within abont fonr miles of Hickory Station it was thrown from the track, with the excep- tion of the passenger car. Upon examination it was fonnd that the spikes had been drawn from some eight or nine rails, two of which had been removed from the track. 1 immediately formed the guard to meet an attack which I had reason to expect, which had hardly been accom- plished when the enemy, numbering twenty-six men, under command of one M. F. Maybery, made his appearance about one mile distant and advanced rapidly npon the train. When he had arrived within about 400 yards the train guard opened fire, which checked the enemy, causing him to scatter and retire. He did not renew the attack, but hung abont at a safe distance until near 12 in., when he retired by small squads in different directions. No casualties occurred on onr side. One of the enemy appeared to have been wounded, as two men were seen to assist him to sit on his horse as they rode offi One horse was seen to fall, but got up again and hobbled off. During the m~h~e most of the citizen passengers started off on the prairie, but came back when ordered, except some fonr or five, who went away. Two of these afterward returned, having been relieved by the enemy of their per- sonal effects, even to their clothing. One of the men who returned brought back the inclosed demand from Maybery for the surrender of the train and guard, to which I did not deign a reply. One of the passengers, Fred. Taylor, private, Twelfth Michigan Infantry, a dis- patch messenger from General Sha1er~s headquarters, ran off aini secreted himself in the grass on the prairie, throwing away his saber. After the affair was over he returned to the train and recovered his saber and dispatches. After considerable labor the locomotive and cars were got upon the track uninjured and came through safely to Little Rock. Respectfully, your obedient servant, R. C. CUSTARD, Captain, One hundred and twe~fth U. S. Colored Infantry. Col. JohN LEVERING-, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of Arkansas. [Inolosure.] IN THE FIELD, April 2, 1865. THE COMMANDER OF THE CARS: SIR: I demand you to surrender the troops or guards on the cars, and they will be treated as prisoners of war. If you dont surrender I will show you no qnarter. I have men enough to take you. M. F. AIAYBERY, Captain, Corn manding Detachment Page 167 CHAP. LM EXPEDITION FROM THE HERMITAGE, LA. 161 APRIL 25, 1865.Expedition from The Hermitage to the French Settle ment, La. T~EPOT~TS. No. 1.Col. James J. Byrne, Eighteenth New York Cavalry, commanding District of Bonnet Carr6. No. 2.Lieiit. Col. Charles H. Parkhurst, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. No. 3.Maj. Edmund C. Burt, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Col. James J. Byrne, Eighteenth New York Cavalry, com manding District of Bonnet Carr~. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT BONNET CARRI~, Bonnet Carr6, La., A 7, 1865. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to respectfully transmit the report of Major Burt, Third Rhode Island Cavalry, who was sent by Lieutenant- Colonel Parkhurst, in obedience to instructions from me, to the French Settlement, for the purpose of capturing a party of guerrillas or scouts, who made that place their headquarters. So far I have been unable to capture the officer or leaders of this party. The troops in the district are now so disposed that it is almost impossible for any raiding party that attempts to come within the lines to escape, all bayous and canals being strongly picketed and in direct communication with this post. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES J. BYRNE, Colonel, Commanding District. Lieut. P. J. MALONEY, Acting Assistant Adjittant-General. No. 2. Report of Lient. Col. Charles II. Parkhurst, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. OPPOSITE DONALDSONVILLE, April 5, 1865. (Received 12 in.) My scouting parties returned at 4 this a. in., having crossed Amite and visited French Settlement. Nothing was seen of Captain Baptiste, nor has any such person been even heard of in that vicinity. Two men were captured, Thomas Brignac, private in Captain Poch6s scouts, who was of the party that took Captain Darling, and the other Paul Lamber, con scripted by Captain Poch6. Fuller report will be sent by mail. C. H. PARKHURST, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Third Rhode Island Cavalry. Lient. P. J. MALONEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 3. Report of Maj. Edmund C. Burt, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. HDQRS. DETACHMENT THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, April 6, 1865. COLONEL: I respectfully report that, in obedience to your orders, I left camp at The Hermitage at midnight, April 2, with thirty men and reached the Amite River at noon, April 3, and made several ineffectnal attempts to cross. Finding it utterly impossible to cross the Amite a Page 168 168 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISS1SSJPpI. [CHAP. LX. that point, I moved to Seviques Ferry in order to cross the river and reach the French Settlement by a different route. On arriving at the ferry I halted to rest my command. I had been there but a few minutes when Captain Benjamin came up with forty men and a small fiat-boat, capable of crossing two horses at a time, which he had taken a short distance above that point. I crossed the river with Captain Benjamin and forty men, leaving Captain Ellis with thirty men to guard the fi~rry. Arriving on the other side at 11 p. m. April 3, from that point I marched by the only practicable route about twenty-five miles to the French Settlement, where two prisoners were captured. I could not hear of any such man as Captain Baptiste, but a Capt. F. P. Poch6 ,who professes to be a conscripting officer, makes his headquarters at that place, and bad not to exceed five men, and one of the prisoners said he had but two. Captain Poch6 could not be found, and one of the pris- oners told me that he left for some place below the settlement just before we came into the place. I had my horses well fed at the settle- ment and started on my return about 1 p. in. April 4; crossed the Amite River near the month of Collycil Creek by means of a small fiat-boat, which I brought out of the bay for that purpose. I found that part of my command left to guard Seviques Ferry about 6 p. m. Rested a short time, and started on my return; reached the headquarters at 3 a. m. April 5. The names of the prisoners are Thomas Brignac, of Captain Poch& s scouts, and Paul Lamber, conscripted by Poch6, who have been sent to the provost-marshal at Donaldsville, La., to be for- warded to the commissary-general of prisoners. Captains Doyal, Gon- zales, and Babien, and Lieutenant Mahoney have gone to Clinton. The inclosed papers were taken from Thomas Brignac. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. C. BURT, Major, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. Lient. Col. CHARLES H. PARKHURST, Comdg. Detachment Third Rhode Island Cay., Hermitage, La. APRIL 210, 1865.Expeditions from Thibodeaux, Bayou Boeuf, and Bra- shear City to Lake Verret, Grand Bayou~ and The Park, La., with skirmish (4th) at Grand Bayou, La. HEPOHTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Robert A. Cameron, U. 5. Army, commanding District of La Fourche. No. 2.Maj. George R. Davis, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. No. 3.Col. J. Hale Sypher, Eleventh U. S. Colored Heavy Artillery. No. 4.Lient. William D. MeGuire, Tenth U. S. Colored Heavy Artillery. No. 5.Maj. James M. Hildreth, Sixteenth Indiana Monnted Infantry. No. 6.Lient. Col. John L. Rice, Seventy-fifth U. S. Colored Troops. No. 7.Capt. Elias F. Stall, Ninety-third U. S. Colored Troops. No. 1. Reports of Brig. Gen. Robert A. Cameron, U. S. Army, commanding District of La Pourche. HEADQUARTERS LA FOURCHE DISTRICT Thibodeaux, April 4, 1865. (Received 4 p. in.) On the evening of the 2d I received information from one of my con- fidential scouts that Whitaker with 100 m~n had crossed Grand Lak Page 169 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION TO GRAND BAYOU, LA. 169 and was on a raid for some point in this district. I could not tell where he would strike, but I determined to look for him and to close all his avenues of retreat. I sent a gun-boat aud seventy-five infantry to the head of Little Bayou Pigeon, which started last evening, and should arrive by noon to-day, which would cut off his retreat from the Pigeon, Grand River, and Cross Bayou. I sent 100 men iu the small boats, which I have beeu preparing for such an event, from Bayou Bo~nf throngh Grass Lake, Lake Verret, Bay Natchez, and Grand River, to look for bim there, and to commnnicate with the gun-boat if Whit- aker was not found. They started this morning. I sent 100 men from iDonaldsonville, by the way of Grand Bayou, at the crossing between Doctor Fords and Jauntes place on Bay Natchez, with instructions to leave their horses at Grand Bayou under guard if they could not cross them, and go on foot to Bay Natchez, and if possible to learn of Whit- aker, and to communicate with the small boat expedition. They started yesterday. I ordered the cavalry at Plaquemine (fifty-two strong) -to The Park to cut off any retreat that way. They started at 10 oclock this morning. Colonel Fiske telegraphs me that Whitaker reached McCalls plantation, three miles above Donaldsonvifle, early this morn- ing with fifty men, and left with about fifty stolen mules and horses. He started all the mounted men he had left him in pursuit, only an hour behind. As Whitaker will undonbtedly retreat down the west side of Grand Bayou, I have sent fifty men to Grand Bayou from Napoleonville to re-enforce the - detachment which took that road, and to communicate the whereabouts of Whitaker. A deserter from Whit- aker informs Colonel Fiske that Whitaker came by the way of Grand Lake, Bayou Pigeon, and Grand River, leaving his boats in Bayou Pierre Pass, which empties into the head of Lake \Terret. Colonel Sypher has just sent 100 infamitry to The Park to support the cavalry there. I will give you information as fast as I receive it. Yours, R. A. CAMERON, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding District. Lieutenant MALONEY, Acting Assistant Adjutaut- General, New Orleans. THIBODEAUX, April 4, 1865. (Received 4.25 p. in.) Colonel Fiske telegraphs me that a courier from the detachment sent in pursuit of Whitaker has arrived, who reports that our party came up with Whitakers rear gnard just as he was crossing Grand Bayou and recaptured ten mules. He reports heavy firing about a mile and a half to the front. It is believed to proceed from our force sent out yesterday, with whom Whitaker is engaged. Colonel Fiske has sent orders to his pursuing party to follow as long as possible. Yours, R. A. CAMERON, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding District. Lieutenant MALONEY Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, New Orleans Page 170 170 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. THIBODEAUX, April 5, 1865. (Received 12.10 p. iii.) The party sent in pursuit of Whitaker yesteiday from Donaldson- yule have returned. Colonel Fiske reports that Whitaker ran iuto our party which had started the day previous, under command of Major lluldreth, Sixteenth Indiana. Major lluldreth recaptured all the mules and horses and a number of prisoners. The remainder threw away their arms and scattered into the swamps in every direction. It is said, though not yet official, that Whitaker was so hard pressed that he threw away his clothing and swam a. bayou to escape, and that one of our men holds his uniform as a trophy. Major ilhidreth also captured one of the larger boats which Whitaker came in with in Bayou Corn. I anticipate that my other detachments will catch some of the stragglers. Very happily, yours, II. A. CAMERON, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding District. Lieutenant MALONEY, A ctg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., AS1outhern Division of Louisiana. THIBODEAUX, April 5, 1865. (Received 8.05 p. in.) Major llildreth has returned to Donaldsonville, bringing 8 prisoners, 60 mules, a quantity of arms, & c. The overseer of the McCall planta- tion claims all the mules. I have directed Colonel Fiske to return the mules to their legal owners on satisfactory proof of ownership. If this course is not approved by General Sherman, please let me know imme- diately, that I may countermand it. Truly, yours, li. A. CAMERON, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding District. Lieutenant MALONEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, New Orleans. No. 2. Reports of Maj. George B. Davis. Third Rhode Island Cavalry. BARRACKS THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, Near Napoleonville, La., April 5, 1865. LIEUTENANT: Pursuant to instructions from post headquarters, dated April 4, 1865, I proceeded with two officers and about fifty men to Grand Bayou. Leaving Napoleonville at 2 p. in.. I arrived at Grand Bayou at 4.30 p. in., at which place I found a detachment of the Six- teenth Indiana Mounted Infantry guarding horses, mules, and prison- ers. 1 learned that Whitaker had been attacked and the mules recap- tured, and some eight or ten men captured, and that our main force was over the bayou. I then re-enforced the pickets at C-rand Bayou with one-half of my command, and proceeded with the remainder (dis- iriounted) to Bayou Corn and crossed, at which place I found Major IUildreth returning with his command. He stated thaX Whit~keifs Page 171 OHAP. L)~.] EXPEDITION TO GRAND BAYOU, LA. 171 force had [sic] ; that they swam the bayou, tlirowin g away their guns and clothing; that he had been through to Gentils Landing, and had fonnd that they had escaped from him, and that there were only two boats found, which had been destroyed. Believing the duty assigned to this detachment had been performed, I returned to Grand Bayou, where the Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry had been re-en- forced by another company from I)onaldsonville. After finding both horses and mneu 1 returned to this post. The Sixteenth Judiana Mounted Infantry remained at the Grand Bayou with the prisoners and mules, and were to return early this morning, requiring no further assistance. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. R DAVIS, Major, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. Lient. E. K. THoiWPsoN, Adjutant Third Rhode Island Cavalry. CAMP THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, Post Napoleonville, La., April 11, 18G5. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report: Pursuant to instructions received from headquarters post Napoleon. yule, La., on the 6th instant I assumed command of 114 mounted men of the Third Rhode Island Cavalry. Nt 5 a. in. April 7, 1865, I marched to within three miles and a half of Grand Bayon, at which point I dis- mounted forty-two men and ordered Captain Bushee to proceed with the remainder of the command and the horses of the dismounted men to Fords Crossing, on Grand Bayon, with instructions to make such disposition of his force as would avoid surprise and disaster, and await there for further orders. I instructed Captain Sayles, on arriving at Fords Crossing, to dismount twenty men of his company (leaving his horses and extra men with Captain Bushee) and proceed across Grand Bayou, thence to Bayou Corn and cross, and to make such disposition of his command as would prevent any person escaping from Bruh~ Creux by the Painconrtville and Jauntes roads, or by the woods on the Bayou Corn side. I proceeded with the dismounted men to Grand Bayou via [what is] known as Muddy Way to Grand Bayou ; crossed about one mile below the mouth of Bayou Corn, thence through the swamp across Bayou Creux to the brnh~. I then searched every house, barn, shed, and known lurking place in that vicinity, and finding no indication of Whitakers gang I proceeded to Bayou Corn, where I found Captain Sayles with his command. 1 then proceeded to Janutes plantation, crossing Bayou Pierre Pass, and encamped for the night. I sent small detachments into different localities in that vicinity to lay concealed and watch the roads, paths, and bayous, with instructions to bring in every man they saw. At daylight on the following day I instructed Captain Scott to proceed with his company to Bay Natchez and watch the bay and communicate with Lieutenant-Colonel Rice if possible. lie retnrned at noon and reported that on arriving at the bay he posted a picket upon one of the trees in such position that he could see about two miles down and one mile up the bay. He then marched about 1,000 yards up and down the bay, and could see noth- ing of the expedition that left Bayou Bo~uf and therefore returned. I then semit forward six men, with orders to proceed to Bayou Pierre Pass, two on the right, two on the left, and two in a pirogue in the bayou. I then marched the whole command to the bay except a smal Page 172 172 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. picket-post, which I left at Jauiites. All the lurking places on the route were searched thoroughly. I encamped at the bay for the night. At 8.3() p. m. I cxossed a small detachment and sent them forward to Gross plantation, near Bell iRiver. I also sent a small force down the bay. They returned reporting everything quiet and not a man to be seen. Small detachments were extended from the bay to Jauntes, in rear of this brul6, to lay concealed and watch during the night. At daylight on the following morning I returned to Jauntes plantation and endeavored to pass through to the Jim Anderson place on Bay Natchez, but could not on account of the water and mud in the swamp, being six or seven feet deep. I then proceeded to Bayou Corn and sent out small detachments in every direction, and encamped at this bayou for the night. At daylight on the 10th instant I sent a detachment in pirogues and flats, under command of Captain Sayles, up Bayou Corn, He returned about 12 in., stating that he proceeded up Bayou Corn about one mile, then to the left up Bayou Pecan, and searched all the houses; he then returned into Bayou Corn and pro- ceeded up that some four or five miles. The people upon Bayou Pecan stated that that was the main thoroughfare of Whitaker and Brown; that this bayou runs into Bayou Corn from Bay Natchez. I then returned to Grand Bayou, mounted the command, and proceeded to this post, arriving in the evening. I took one horse from old man Whita- kers place in Bruh~ Creux, which was stolen from Mr. Jones, of this place, some time since; also one at Blanchards, on Bayou Pierre Pass, and one at iDearbons, across Bayou Pierre Pass, both stolen two weeks ago from Nicholas Pentards, of Paincourtville. The horses have been returned to their rightful owners. I found at a blacksmith shop at Jauntes quite a quantity of old gunlocks, pieces of old guns, lead, bullet molds, & c., which I removed. I would state, in conclusion, that I have made every effort in my power to catch some of this gang. I had a good and faithful guide; I visited many places at which no Yan- kees had been seen since the war [commenced]; passed through deep swamps and up bayous; have had my men lay concealed watching their main thoroughfares, and have used every effort to conceal my position an(l force, and have imot found one of Whitakers men in that section of the district. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. Th DAVIS, Major, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. Lient. E. K. TTIOMPSON, Adjutant Third Rhode Island Cavalry. No. 3. Report of Col. J. Hale Sypher, Eleventh U. S. Colored Heavy Artillery. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Plaquernine, La., April 24, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to instructions from headquarters La Fourche District, La., I sent all the available cavalry at this post, Captain Avery, one commissioned officer and fifty- two enlisted men of Third Rhode Island Cavalry, to The Park on the 4th of April, 1865, with eight days rations and sixty rounds of ammu- nition. The force performed picket duty between ludian Village an Page 173 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION TO GRAND BAYOU, LA. 173 The Park, on Bayou Plaquemine, six days without seeing an enemy, arid on the 9th instant they returned to this post, by orders of Briga- dier-General Cameron, having sustained no loss or committed any depredations. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. SYPHEII, Colonel Eleventh U. S. Colored Heavy Artillery, Comdg. Post. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL LA FouRCHE DISTRICT, Thibodeaux, La. No. 4. Report of Lient. William D. ]IlieGuire, Tenth U. S. Colored Heavy Artil lery. BRASHEAR CITY, LA., April 8, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, [pursuant to] instructions from headquarters post Brashear, La., I proceeded to the mouth of Bayou Long with fifty men from Company G, Tenth U. S. Colored Heavy Artillery, at 6 p. m. April 6, 1865, arriving at that place at 8 oclock the same evening. I landed about one-quarter of a mile from its mouth and distributed my men along the right bank of the bayou, in five posts, leaving fifteen men ou board the Comic, where ~ e lay coiicealed until6a. in., April 8, 1865, at which time we returned to this post, as I had been previously instructed. No enemy appeared and no casualties or accidents occurred during the entire expedition. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. MoGUIRE, Second Lient. Company U, Tenth U. & Colored Heavy Artillery. Capt. T. J. WHITEMAN, Acting Post Adjutant, Brashear ,.La. No. 5. Report of Maj. James M. Hildreth, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry. HDQRS. DETACH. SIXTEENTH INDIANA MOUNTED INFTY., Donaldsonville, La., April 5, 1865. SIR: In obedience to orders from headquarters U. S. Forces, dated Donaldsonville, La., April 3, 1865, I proceeded with a detachment of 1100 men of my command toward Lake Natchez. I reached Doctor Fords plantation on Grand Bayou at 4 p. in. of 3d instant, and proceeded down the bayou about two miles and nearly one mile below where Bayou Corn empties into Grand Bayou. I found it to be difficult in crossing horses at this place, so concluded I would encamp for the night and cross seventy-five men (dismounted) in the morning. I seized a boat from three citizens who were passing up the bayou and detained the citizens. At 6 a. in. of the 4th of April I commenced crossing ~~my command, leaving a guard of one commissioned officer and twenty-five men with the horses of the command. I immediately took up my line of march through the swamp to Whitakers plantation, a distance o Page 174 174 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. three miles. We were compelled to wade through water from oue to three feet deep for a distance of about two miles. On arriving at Whitakers I fQund Captaiu Brown and four men on picket. My advance opened fire npon them, but they escaped through the swamps. The owner of this plantation, Whitaker (the hither of the rebel captaiu of that name), assured me there were no rebels near him. I told him that four of them had just run ont of his stable, but he persisted in asserting he knew nothing of their having been there, an assertion I could not credit under the circumstances themi existing. I inqnired if he knew of the whereabouts of his son, Capt. William Whitaker. He assured me he did not. I then moved on about a mile. The advance met a force of the enemy concealed behind bushes. We opened fire on them. The rebels seemed prepared to make a stand, and my men charged them with a yell, drove them back in great confusion, wound- Pig 1 and capturing 4. We pursued them and captured 4 more while attempting to cross a bayou, name unknown. I learned that the enemy was under the leadership of Captain Whitaker. They escaped by swimming a bayou or coulee running from Bayou Corn to Bayou. Pierre Pass. Prisoners reported that the enemy threw most of their clothing and arms into the bayou. The men of my command picked up clothing that must have been worn by nearly twenty men, and considerable was seen floating on the water. I next proceeded to the ferry of Bayou Pierre Pass arid ascertained the enemy had not escaped that route, and. snpposed, from information received from negroes and citizens, that they had retreated to the right of Jauntes. We then returned to Bayou Corn and crossed over between fifty and sixty mules and one horse, captured from Whitaker, together with the eight prisoners, and left them with the guard protecting the horses of the command, on this side of Grand Bayou. I then started back to Jauntes with seventy men and found seven rebels at Bayou Corn. Fired on them; two of them returned the fire. They then all fled to the woods, leaving one musket. After leaving a gi~ard with the boats at Bayou Corn I moved to Bayou Pierre Pass, from where Captain Macklin with his company (K) crossed the bayou and went to Jauntes house, but could obtain no information relative to the movements of the enemy. On my return I met Major Davis, of the Third IRhode Island Cavalry, with fifty men, and Lieutenants Ellis and Bahncke, with about thirty men of Sixteenth Indiana Mounted lufantry, at Bayou Corn. We remained at Bayou Corn a short time and then the whole command returned to Grand Bayou; effected a crossing; encamped for the night, as the men were worn down with fatigue and required rest. I brought the boat found in Bayou Corn into Grand Bayou; used it for crossing time command, after which destroyed it. On the morning of the 5th I started to return to camp, satisfied that everything had bcen accomplished that could be under the circumstances, and arrived at this place with the prisoners, horses, and mules captured from Whitakers command. I neglected to state that the rebel was wounded severely and left at the house of a citizen at Bayou Corn. Hoping that this report will meet your approval, I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. HILDRETII Major ,%vteenth in~dian~ Mounted Infantry. Licut. L. H. HALL, Post Adjutant Page 175 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION TO GRAND BAYOU, LA. 175 No. 6. Report of Lieut. Ccd. John L. Rice, Seventy-fifth U. S. Colored Troops. BAYOU ThIEUF STATION, A 8, 18G5. SIR: I have the honor to report that I moved from this station at 2 a. m. omi the 4th instant with 100 men, 50 front the Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry, 25 from the First Louisiana Cavalry, and 25 from the Seventy-fifth U. S. Colored Infantry, in twenty-two small boats. I moved via Lake Palourde, La Fourche Pass, Grass Lake, Four Mile Bayou, and Lake Verret. From the foot of Lake Verret I sent Lieu- tenant Steel, Sixteenth Indiana, with fifty men, to follow up the west- ern shore, while I proceeded up the eastern shore with the remainder of the commanQ appointing Bayou Pierre Pass a rendezvous to be reached by both parties at sunset. Large numbers of floating craft were destroyed on both routes. At the mouth of Bayou Saint Vincent I heard a rumor that Whitaker was on Bayou La Fourche on a thiev- ing expedition. I could learn nothing definite as to his force or his whereabonts. To get more information I moved up the bayou two miles, but as this was taking me too far away from the appointed ren- dezvous, I turned into a small bayou to the left and passed round into Grand Bayou. Here Ii learned positively that Whitaker crossed Bay Natchez with his gang two days before, and went across the country to Bayou La Fourche. I made haste to join Lieutenant Steel at Bayou Pierre Pass, designing to move with the whole command up Grand Bayou as far as the road from Juantes Landing, secrete my boats, and march on Whitakers rear. On reaching Bayou Pierme Pass, however, 1 found the Indiana men were completely exhausted with rowing, owing to their inexperience. It was 8 p. in., and the men had rowed continuously for eighteen hours. I decided to reumain at Bayou Pierre Pass till the next morning. Early on the morning of the 5th I learned that our cavalry from Donaldsonville had had an engagement with Whitaker on Bayou Corn, and had dispersed his whole gang on the afternoon of the 4th. This decided me to change my course, which I did at once, entering Little Bayou Natchez, which leads into Bay Nat- chez, and making all haste to reach Juantes Landing before Whitaker, whom I believed to be retreating in that direction. On coming within two miles of Buruleys Landing, the point at which I expected to enter Bay Natchez, I found the bayou so narrow that the oars could not be worked. From this point I sent Lieutenant Steel with fifty men to sur- round Buruleys house and capture everybody omi the premises. I had previously learned that cotton speculators, smugglers, mail carriers, Confederate quartermasters, & c., were wont to congregate at this house. Lieutenant Steel captured 1 lieutenant, 3 privates (Confetler- ates), 1 cotton speculator, 1 smuggler, and the proprietor (Mr. Buruley), besides a package of mail matter and a box of contraband goods. In the meantime with the rest of the command I pushed and dragged the boats about a mile farther, when the bayou ceased altogether. I then impressed Buruleys plantation teams and negroes and drew the boats across to Bay Natchez. As soon as the boats were afloat again I l)nshed rapidly for Juantes Landing. Arriving there I found no traces of Whitaker. I then made for Andersons Landing, three miles above. I found lie had landed there, but had returned, taken his boats, and was off to parts unknown. I then hurried on up Grand River, thinking he might be on that stream, and be caught b& 4ween me and the gun- boat at Bayou Pigeon. After proceeding about two miles I capture Page 176 176 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. his colored servant, who had left him during the affair on Bayou Corn. From this man I learned that Whitaker took with him oil this expedi- tion forty-five picked men from his own, from Vincents, Murphys, and Williams companies; that in the engagement with our cavalry they were badly scattered, and were making their way through the bayous as best they could. Soon after I took four of Whitakers men, one of them badly wounded, on their way to Bayou Pigeon in a pirogne. Their story was substantially the same as that of the negro, but I could not learn from any source what route Whitaker had taken with the ineu who remained with him. When within six miles of Bayou Pigeon I came upon a drift of logs which choked up the stream so that it was seemingly impassable. However, after an hours hard labor I got three boats through. Placing the prisoners in these I started for the gun- boat, leaving Lieutenant Steel in command below the drift, with instructions to lie quietly in the woods and take up other stragglers who might come along. I reached the gun-boat safely at midnight and transferred the prisoners to her. The commanding officer had no infor- mation for me. On the return from the gait-boat Private Oscar Close, Company K, First Louisiana Cavalry, was lost in some unaccountable manner. He was in a small boat, with Whitakers negro to row for him. The boat disappeared very suddenly; could not have been gone more than ten minutes before it was missed, and yet a rigid search failed to discover it, such was the intense darkness. It is my belief that Close fell asleep and the negro killed him or carried him off into some small bayou. iDuring the night one more prisoner was taken. I started at daylight on the 6th and returned to Bay Natchez. Here I learned positively that Whitaker had gone up Lake Natchez into Choc- taw Bayou, on his way to Grossetete. As he had twenty-four hours start of me I deemed it useless to pursue and started on my return. I tried three different outlets of Bay Xatchez before I found one sufficiently clear of drift to admit of a passage. I reached Iveys place on Bell River at sunset, and bivouacked for the night. Started again early on the morning of the 7th and proceeded by way of Bell River, Bayou Long, Bayou Milhomme, and Lake Palourde to Bayou Bzeuf, reaching this station at 4 p. m. I destroyed two large fiats and sixty-five smaller water craft on the lakes and bayous through which I passed, besides replacing a number of my own boats which became unservice- able during the trip. The men were kept well in hand, and every effort made by officers to prevent pillaging or other disorder. I believe these efforts were uniformly successful. I will explain my reasons for arrest- ing the three citizens at Burnleys. W. C. Lawes is a cotton speculator from New Orleans. He had a pass signed by Major-General llurlbut; had been at Burnley~s a month, along with Lieutenant Carver, Second Lcuisiana Cavalry (Confederate), and several other Confederate officers, who were receiving large qnantities of goods from Napoleonville via the Portage and Bayou Pierre Pass. Lawes has been a Confederate officer. He says he is a loyal man; then he will tell who carries qui- nine from Kapoleonville to the Confederacy by way of Buruleys. Arsene Simoneaud is charged with smuggling contraband goods by his neighbors and by his wife. H. Buruley harbors the whole gang; grinds corn for Whitaker; had in his house a large mail, of which very many letters were written from within our lines, and he must know who furnishes so many goods to Confederate officers, who come to his house to receive them. My paramount object in arresting these three men was to secure my own safety while in that region. The box of goods seized contains 28 ounces quinine, 7 ounces morphue sulphas, Page 177 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION TO GRAND BAYOU, LA. 177 pairs horsemens spurs, 8 pairs flannel drawers, 3 knit flannel shirts, 3 colored flannel shirts, 1 piece brown shirting, 4 pieces blue shirting, 1 piece cali& o, 6 dozen spools thread, 3 boxes steel pens, 5 pocket diaries, all of which I seud marked to you to-morrow by U. S. military railroad. Jam, sir, very respectfully, your obedieut servant JNO. L: RICE, Lieutenant- Colonel Seventy-fifth U. S. Colored Infantry. Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 7. Report of Capt. Elias F. Stall, Ninety-third U. S. Colored Troops. BRASHEAR CITY, LA., A 7, 1865. SIR: In obedience to orders, I have the following to report in relation to the late expedition: I went aboard the U. S. steamer Glide with seventy-five men on the evening of the 3d instant, and hum ediately proceeded to the river and lakes and came to anchor at 2 oclock the next morning oft the mouth of Little Pigeon Bayou. At daylight on the 4th we entered the bayou, and after some difficulty with logs and driftwood, which in some places completely closed np the channel, we reached its head about noon that day. I went ashore at once with a few men, arId was iifqrmed that Whitaker with seventy-five men had passed down the river a few days before, and was followed the next day by a lieutenant with eight- een men. They camped a short time at Judge Bakers plantatiQn and then moved on, they said to capture horses and mules in the La Fourche District. On the 5th I heard that Whitaker had left five horses at Bakers plantation some time before, and thinking it to be my duty to secure the animals, I marched with fifty men for that place, three miles. On arriving at the first plantation I learned that Whit- aker had staid at Bakers the night before and had gone into the woods that morning with seventy~five men. Thinking there might be some truth in the report, 1 proceeded with caution through the woodsy which were very dense, but conld see no signs of the enemy. I was afterward told that he had not been there. Acting Ensign Cole also went along with the men in a cutter, but saw nothing near the river. There were five horses and a mule and McClellan sad- dle found on the place. They were left there by Whitakers men so I was informed by the negroes. A white man that lived there said that lie bought the saddle of a soldier. The horses, mules, and saddle were brought away, and it was my intention to have turned them over to the post quartermaster, but Captain Leonard would not permit them to be brought ashore. Colonel Rice arrived about 10 p. m. on the 5th with 11 prisonersi lieuteiiant, 7 privates, and 3 citizenswho were turned over to the coiumander of the boat. Colonel Rice reported Whitakers gang badly used up. They were whipped near Napoleon- ville, and lost 8 or 10 men killed and wounded (prisoners), and after- ward by Colonel Rice, who captured the prisoners we brought down. He desired the boat to remain in the head of the bayou until 1 oclock the next day (6th), when if he sent no word, to go down to the mouth of Big Pigeon Bayou and remain till 12 oclock to-day. We were unable to get through Little Pigeon before morning. We then anchored 12 iL RYOL XLVI, PT Page 178 178 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. off the ipouth of Big Pigeon Bayou, as directed, until 12.30 to-day, when we returned to this place, where we have arrived without acci- dent. Mr. Whitaker was very kind to us; he gave us forage for the horses, and two beef-cattle. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ELIAS F. STALL, Captain, Ninety-third U. S. Colored Infantry. Capt. T. J. WHITEMAN, Post Adjutant. APRIL 3, 1865.Pursuit of Bushwhackers near Farmington, No. Report of Capt. John Noyes, Seventh Kansas Cavalry. IIDQES. COMPANY B, SEVENTH KANSAS CAVALRY. Parmington, Mo., April 4, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report the following information: Yesterday about 9 oclock a report was brought to me by citizens that Hulderbrand and his gang, numbering eight men in all, were at Hereds place, near Big River Mills, at daylight and took breakfast. On receiving this report I immediately sent out two details, one under Sergeant Hood, the other under Sergeant Cable, to intercept them. Sergeant Hood proceeded on the Potosi road about four miles, when he struck their trail on the Iron road. They were evidently making their way toward bents Station, Iron Mountain Railroad, but hearing of my men being in pursuit changed their course and struck south. Sergeant flood followed the trail as best he could, now and then getting off the track as they traveled no plain roads, but took through thick woods and by-paths. They had about fourteen led horses, according to citi- zens reports. About two miles from this place they ran in and took out an old black man, and killed him about seven miles from town. They crossed the Pilot Knob plank road about five miles from here, and took six horses from teams on the road. My two details united about noon and followed the trail as far as Burnhams Mills, on the Blairs- ville road. The horses being so fatigued, having traveled some forty miles, Sergeant Hood thought it advisable not to pursue farther. I afterwaid learned that they passed on the west side of the Saint Francis River and probably about seven miles east of Pilot Knob, so on through what is called Flat Woods. I sent information by Captain Sanders yesterday to you, that you might telegraph to Fredricktown, I have the honor to be, yours, respectfully, JOHN NOYES, Captain, Seventh Kansas Cavalry, Commanding Company B. Lieutenant-Colonel HILLYER, Commanding Third Sub-District, Pilot Knob, Mo. APRIL 810, 1865.Pursuit of Guerrillas in Northeast Missouri. Report of Col. Alexander P. Denny, Missouri Militia. HEADQUARTERS SUB-DISTRICT OF HOWARD, (ilasgow, Mo., April 16, 1865. GENERAL: Lient. James McKinsey with seven men started from this place on the 8th instant in pursuit of Capt. Bob Rucker, Capt. Ji Page 179 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION FROM PORT HUDSON, LA. 179 Matlock, and James ilucker, three noted guerrillas of this county. He pursued them until the 10th, when he came up with them, crossing the Mississippi at Alexandria, in the northeast corner of the State. A steam-boat happened to be at the landing at the time with steam up, which was pressed into service, by which the lieutenant was enabled to place some men on the illinois shore before Ilucker and his companions had made good their landing from the ferry-boat. The three guerrillas were captured and brought back to Maceu City, where they were turned over to the provost-marshal. The energy and activity displayed by the lieutenant and the mcii under his command entitle them to special com- mendation. The lieutenant desires that the names of the soldiers who accompanied him may be given you, viz, Corpl. Simpson Piper, Charles S. Day, Matthias Turner, J. M. M. Goodwin, William Wisdom, W. R. Mills, and Samuel L. Davis. He also desires to make memition of the names of the following parties who joined him iu pursuit after he reached the town of Newark, in Knox County, viz, Downing, William Clifton, Sam. Rash, J. H. Burch, and A. N. Anderson. He took from the prisoners some $263 in money. He expended for transporta- tion and other purposes about $117. The remainder was turned over to Major De Bolt. I would respectfully ask that this money, together with the watch taken, may be turmied over to Lieutenant McKinsey and the men who accompanied him on the expedition. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. F. DENNY, Colonel, ihiissouri Militia. General C. B. FISK, Commanding District of North Missouri, ililiaeon, Jib. APRIL 1213, 1865.Expedition from Port Hudson to Jackson, La. Report of Brig. Gen. Cyrus Ham lin, U. S. Ar my, commanding District of Port Hudson. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF PORT HUDSON, Port Hudson, La., April 13, 1865. I have the honor to report that last night, having received informa- tion from Jackson, I sent Licut. Col. N. C. Mitchell, commanding Fourth U. S. Colored Cavalry, at midnight to that place. My adjutant-general, Captain Getchell, and my aide, Lieutenant Wing, accompanied him. They entered Jackson at daylight and succeeded in capturing Captain Bannon, Thirteenth Louisiana Infantry; Lient. J. C. Lemon, Four- teenth Louisiana Infantry, and two privates. I have directed them tobe sent to Baton Rouge. A mail was also captured, but of mio importance. Within the last three days a small force has visited two plantations in this vicinity (Mr. Aburgers and Miss Londons), taking four negroes and some mules. Captain Bannon informs me that such things are done contrary to his orders. The men taken from Miss London were recaptured by Lieutenant-Colonel Mitchell this morning on his return; also one man and one mule belonging to Mr. Aburger. I have learned the names of some of these men in these raiding parties, the parents of whom live between here and Jackson, and if they continue in such con- duct I shall take mules, & c., from them and make restitution for the property stolen. I believe there is an organized bamid to steal mules near our lines, for the purpose of selling them to citizens in the vicinit Page 180 180 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. of Clinton. The expedition returned this forenoon about 10 oclock, the only casualty being one enlisted man wounded. The rear guard had a slight skkmish in leaving Jackson with some of Colonel Griffiths force, which is supposed to be near Jackson. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CYRUS HAMLIN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. Capt. WILLIAM H. CLAPP,~ Assistant Adjutant- General, Northern Division of Louisiana. APRIL 1213, 1865.Scout from Tallahassa Mission, md. Ter. Report cf Lieut. Francis J. Fox, First Indian Home Guard (Kansas) Infantry. HEADQUARTERS, Taliahassa Mission, C. N., April 13, 1865. I have the honor to report that a scout of eight men, four iliounted and four on foot, that I dispatched by Choska, west of here in the direction of Concharty. returned late last night in a great hurry amid very much scared. The sergeant of the scout reports as follows: That he passed through Choskatown and told his footmen to keep omi whilst he went ahead with his horsemen to look out for an emiemy and gather some beef-cattle, which he performed; and having about fifteen head of cattle on the road, a bout five miles this side of Concharty (twenty-five miles to Concharty from here), on his return to meet his footmen, when all of a sudden nine well-mounted armed men dashed up after them, but stopped, dismounted, and fired a volley at long range; then mounted and charged, when the sergeant and his men thought pru- dence the best part of valor and charged also, but with their ponies tamis toward the foe, abandoning the beef-cattle~ and arriving here minus a pony, which broke down on The retreat. The supposition is that the enemy are cattle thieves, and appeared to be white men. All well at the Mission. The Arkansas is reported very deep and impass- able. I received rations amid clothing all right, which had to be ferried over in small quantities in canoes at old Marshalls place. Then we pressed wagons and hauled them up to the Mission, about six miles. I hope it is true that Richmond is ours. I remain, sir, your most obedient arid humble s~rvent, F. J. FOX, First Lieutenant, dic. Col. WILLIAM A. PHILLIPS, Commanding Third Brigade. APRIL 1216, 1865.Scout from Dakota City, Nebr. Ter. Report of Capt. Zaremba Jackson, First Battalion Nebraska Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS POST DAKOTA, Dakota City, Nebr. Ter., April 17, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that, hearing of depredatmons being committed np on the South Fork of Iowa Creek, I started with a detach- inent of twenty men from headquarters this post on the 12th instant t Page 181 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM FORT STANTON, N. MEX. 181 scout for the Indians committing the depredations. Proceeded west up Elk Creek; thence across the hills to the West Fork of Badger Creek; thence up that streajn to its head, and thence taki~g a westerly direc- tion across the hills to the South Fork of Iowa Creek; thence up to the. Cha~lk Branch; thence up that stream about ten miles, where we came on the indians. I sent a detachment a circuitous route above the encampment to cut off the escape of the depredators in that direction, and then, by moving simultaneously on them froni both front and rear, succeeded in making them prisoners. Moved them to a place where they could be easily guarded. Placed guards to prevent their escape and crossed over to the South Fork. Proceeded farth~r up that stream and its branches in search of another party, whom I learned from the captives were in that vicinity seven or eight days before. After search- ing for two days, and not being able to find the Indians, although find- ing two places where they had been in camp, I returned to Chalk Branch, took my captives, and brought them to headquarters of this post, where I have them prisoners. I dispatched a messenger to the agency to which the Indians belong, notifying the agent of the arrest, and said to him that, as they were not hostile Indians, upon his promise to see that proper restitution and reparation was made to the parties aggrieved I would deliver the Indians to him. I have.just received his answer that he would do so, and to-morrow morning I shall send them to him under guard as prisoners. It may be proper to add that this post comprises the district of country that is settled along the Missouri River and between the Omaha Indian Reserve and the Running Water River, and that the Omaha Agency is twenty-eight miles south from headquarters this post. The captured Indians were Omahas, and the agent informs me that the other party of ten lodges, of which I was in pursuit, has not yet returned to the agency. I shall to-morrow take a supply of rations and start again in search of them. Our rations being exhausted was the cause of our return from the trip of the 16th. All of which is respectfully submitted through headquarters Eastern Sub-District of Nebraska. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Z. JACKSON, Capt., First Batt. Nebraska Vet. Cay., Comdg. Post of Dakota. ASST. AI~JT. GEN. OF BRJ~ADIER-GENERAL CONNOR Commanding District of the Plains, benver, Cob. APRIL 1225, 1865.Scout from Fort Stanton, N. Mex. Report of Lieut. Charles ill. flubbell, First New Mexico Carairy. HEADQuARTERS, Fort Stanton, N. Alex., April 26, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to Special Orders, No. 12, I left this post on the evening of the 12th of April, 1865, with eight men of Company II and seven men of Company A, First Cavalry New Mexico Volunteers, with fifteen days rations, in pursuit of some Indians that had stolen stock from the ranch of C. Christopher & Co., situated on the junction of the Carrizo and Ruidoso Creeks. I traveled the same evening nine miles and camped. Apri Page 182 182 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS~MIG~SIsS1pp1. [CHAP. LX. 13, I raised camp at daylight and marched to the said ranch, where I learned that the Indians had stolen four head of horses and four head of cattle. Two head of cattle were found the same day by Mr. Chris- topher, the Indians having abandoned them. I immediately followed the trail of the Indians. Five miles from the ranch I discovered an ox that the Indians had abandoned. One mile farther I discovered the fourth ox, killed by the Indians and about one-fourth of the beet taken. I marched that day in all about twenty-three miles, when I camped. The Indians, I discovered, were four in number, all mounted. April 14, raised camp at daylight, marched twenty-two miles, and camped. April 15, raised camp at daylight, marched about twenty-three miles, and camped at a hole of muddy water containing about ten gallons. This days march was in the direction of the Guadalupe Mountains, over a dry, rocky country. Both men and animals very much given out on account of the extreme heat. April 16, raised camp at daylight, marched about twenty-four miles, and camped at a tank of water con- taming about forty gallons, situated in a deep, rocky cai~on. About 12 m. on the same day I discovered that the Indians had separated, each taking a different direction. I followed the ti-ail of one until dark, the trail continuing in the direction of the Guadalupe Mountains. This days march was very fatiguing on the men, for the country was so rocky that the mens shoes were nearly worn out, having barely leather enough left in their shoes to keep the rocks from cutting their feet. April 17, busy all day hunting for the trail of the Indians, which was impossible to find. Owing to the extreme rocky country, which extended for several miles on all sides, my men were not able to dis- cover the track of an Indian anywhere. April 18, supposing that the Indians had turned off in the direction of Dog Caijon, I raised camp at daylight and marched about eighteen miles in that direction, when I camped, not being able to go any farther on account of the condition of the mens shoes. April 19, raised camp at daylight, marched in a due west course about twenty-two miles, and camped. I was not able to follow any trails on account of their having been obliterated and grown over with weeds and grass, not having been traveled by the lndians for a considerable time. April 20, raised camp at daylight and marched twenty-three miles. I found that I had left Dog Cafion to my right. I camped that night at the foot of the mountains in front of San Augustine Spring. April 21, raised camp at daylight and marchedi along the foot of the mountains to the mouth of Dog Caf~on, where camped; distance traveled, about twenty miles. iNo trails discovered~ at the mouth of this cafion. April 22, raised camp at daylight audi marched to the Tularosa, where 1 camped. April 23, remained in camiiv all day on account of the bad state of the mens shoes, many of their~ feet having been pierced by prickly pears; also to give them time t~ repair their shoes. April 24, raised camp at daylight, marched about twenty-one miles, and camped at the head of the Tularosa. April 25,, raised camp at daylight and arrived at this post at 4 p. in. During the last five days of the campaign I was obliged to place some of the men on mules, they were so much given out. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES M. HUBBELL,, First Lient., First Gay. New Mexico Vols., Comdg. Gompany IF. Capt. WILLIAM BRADY, First Cavalry New Mexico Volunteers, Commanding Post Page 183 CHAP LX.] SKIRMISH NEAR PATTERSON, MO. 183 APRIL 15, 1865.Skirmish at McKenzies Creek, near Patterson, Mo. ThEPOT~TS. No. 1.Byt. Brig. Gen. John L. Beveridge, Seventeenth illinois Cavalry. No. 2.Capt. James Smith, Seventh Kansas Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Bvt. Brig. (Jen. John L. Beveridge, Seventeenth Illinois Cav alry. FREDERICKTOWN, Mo., April 20, 1865. Captain Smith, at Patterson, reports that Lieutenant Crane, Seventh Kansas, with twenty men and Captain Leeper as guide, on the 15th instant surprised a camp of guerrillas on McKenzies Creek, killing 4 and capturing 6 horses. Some of the prominent citizens of Frederick- town are desirous of organizing a company of mounted militia for self- protection. I would recommend such authority to be given. One battalion of Seventeenth illinois are en route for the Cape; the balance of regiment will be as soon as they get in from the outposts. To relieve them I was compelled to call in the companies of Seventh Kansas at Farmington and Fredericktown. I shall leave one officer aiid seven- teen men of Seventeenth Illinois here for a few days until some other disposition can be made. It is important that the infantry should be hastened to the Knob, aiid the commissions for officers of mounted militia be hurried up. I shall proceed to the Cape to-day. JOHN L. BEVEHIDGE, Brevet Brigadser- General. Maj. II. HANNAIIS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- Generalb No. 2. Report of Capt. James Smith, Seventh Kansas Cavalry. PATTERSON, Mo., April 18, 1865. On the 15th instant, scouts reporting fifteen guerrillas on McKenzies Creek, I immediately (lispatched a scouting party of twenty men under Lieutenant Crane in pursuit, who surprised them in their camp, killing 4, and capturing 6 horses, together with a quantity of articles taken from the citizens, which have been returned to the proper owners. The serv- ices of Captain Leeper added greatly to the success. JAMES SMITH, Captain, tJommandin~. Col. F. M. MALONE, Pilot Knob, Mo. Page 184 184 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. APRIL 1923, 1865.Expedition from Memphis, Tenn., to Brownsville, Miss. Report of Bvt. Brig. Gen. Embury D. Osband, Third U. ~. Colored Cav- alry, commanding Cavalry Division, District of West Tennessee. IIDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, DIST. OF WEST TENNESSEE, Memphis, Tenn., April 23, 1865. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to Special Orders, No. 102, from your headquarters, I proceeded as follows: By steamer John Itaine and bargesFourth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, 250 men, Major Search; Third 15. S. Colored Cavalry, 250 men, Lieu- tenant-Colonel Cook. By steamers Sallie List, Dove, and Pocahoutas Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, 200 meii, Major Davis. Disein- barking the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry at liandolph, Lieutenant. Colonel Cook proceeded via Covingtou to Brownsville Lauding, cap- turing one Wilcox, alias J. M. Luxton, who was in command of seven others, whom lie was unable to capture. lie could not reach the Browns- ville Lauding, the country being flooded. Lieutenant-Colonel Funke, in command of the troops sent up ilatchie River, proceeded up the ilatchie River, but the boats being unwieldy, pilots not acquainted with the river, made but little progress, and in order to reach Browns- ville Landing to co-operate with the Fourth Illinois Cavalry he diseu-m- barked at Van Burens Landing, umarching from there to Brownsville, arriving there on the 21st. The Fourth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, Major Search, disembarked at Fulton, which place was reached oii the 19th at 2 p. m. At 3 tx in. the command moved to Brownsville, reach- ing that place at daylight on the 20th, capturing at that place nine pris- oners (as per inclosed roll of prisoners of war*) and Col. B. J. Lea, Capt. E. J. Martin (Dommissary of subsistence), and Licut. S. M. Russell. The Fourth and Eleventh Illinois returned to Fulton in the afternoon of the 22d and embarked. The Sylph and Annie E, with Dove, Poca- hontas, and Salhie List, arrived at mouth of ilatchie River at about the same time. Arriving at Randolph, Wilcox, alias Luxton, was tried by drumhead court-martial (inclosed please find proceediugs*), and at 6.30 was, by my order, hum by the neck until he was dead, and left hang- ing as a warning to his brethren in crime. The command arrived at Memphis with total loss of one man, accidentally wounded and left. Eight horses died from buffalo gnats, and gained on the expedition twelve horses. People of the country were extremely friendly, and those in the vicinity of Brownsville can hereafter, in my opinion, take care of themselves. I am under obligations to the commanding officers of gun-boats 57 and 58 for valuable assistance. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. D. OSBAND, Brevet Brigadier- General, Commanding Cavalry Division. Maj. W. II. MORGAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. * Omitted Page 185 CHAP. LXI EXPEDITION FROM TERRE BONNE, LA. 185 APRIL 1925, 1865.Expedition from Terre Bonne to Peltons Plantation and Grand Caillon, La. Report of Capt. Joseph A. Rhodes, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. IIDQRs. COMPKNY M, THIRD 1~HODE ISLAND CAVALRY, Terre Bonne, La., April 29, 18G5. SIR: I have the honor to report that, pursuant to instructions from headquarters post Terre Bonne, dated April 19, 1865, whereby I was to proceed, with a portion of my command to P , low ilouina, La., for the purpose of eltons plantation be protecting a schooner laden with molasses to go from said plantation to New Orleans, I left Terre Boune with twenty-four men and two non-commissioned officers April 19, 1865, at 5 p. in., and arrived in Honina at 9.30 p. in., where we encamped for the night. April 20, left ionma at 9 a. in. and arrived at Peltons plantation at 3 p. in., seventeen miles below Houmna, where we found the schooner waiting for fair wind, the wind being ahead, and hence we were obliged to encamp at Peltomis for the night. Next morning, the wind being favorable, everything was got in readiness for the trip. Taking fifteen men and leaving the balance in charge of the horses nntil our return, we embarked on the schooner at 10.30 (April 21) and proceeded down Grand Caillou toward the Gulf, a distance of seven- teen miles, where, owing to the darkness, we were obliged to anchor for the night. April 22, got the vessel under way at sunrise amid con- tinued our run down the bayou. We arrived at the mouth of Grand Caillon at 9 a. in. and went outside with the schooner, seeing her safely over the bar, some six miles at sea. No rebels, or any signs of them, were seen during the entire course. At 10 a. in. we left the schooner in a small sail-boat, which was tal~en from Mr. Peltons plantation for the purpose of conveying us back again. The wind being ahead, we were compelled to beat the boat back into the bayou. After hard pull- ing and towing the boat with a rope from the bank, we made some seventeen miles, and went into camp on the bayou at the house of an old Frenchman, where we were refreshed with supper and a good nights rest. April 23, at 9 a. m. we resumed our course for Peltons planta- tion, which we finally reached after six hours hard pulling against wind and tide. Mr. Pelton was glad to see us on our return, and served up a good dinner to both officers and men. Possessing a plenty with which to accommodate both men and horses, he insisted on our remaining with him all night, and the men being very tired I cheer- fully accepted his proposition. April 24, at 9 a. in. left Peltons planta- tion for Houmna, where we arrived at 3 p. in., and went into camp for the night. April 25, resumed our march at 9 a. in., and arrived in Terre Bonne at 1 p. mu., not having seen or heard anything of the enemy during our entire march. Amid here I would add a word relative to Mr. Pelton. Too much cannot be said in his praise for the bountiful hos- pitality extended to myself and command during our late visit to his plantation. The men did not take sufficient rations with them to last the entire march, because on the day we started our ration period expired, and consequently there was not enough on hand; therefore we were dependent upon Mr. Peltons bounty, which I am was heartily rendered. , happy to say, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. RHODES, Captain, Comd~q. Company M, Third Rhode Island Cavalr~j. bent. C. S. COOPER, Post Adjutant Page 186 186 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. APRIL 19MAY 27, 1865.Negotiations for the surrender of the Confed- erate forces in the Trans-Mississippi Department commanded by General B. Kirby Smith, C. S. Army. I~EPORTS. No. l.Maj. Gen. John Pope, U. S. Army, c6mmanding Military Division of the Missouri. No. 2.Lieut. Col. John T. Sprague, Eleventh U. S. Infantry, Chief of Staff. No. 1. Report of ]ifaj. Gen. John Pope, U. S. Army, commanding Milita, y Division of the Missouri. IIEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISIoN OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, April 20, 18G5. Lent. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commander-in- Chief of U. S. Forces, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit inclosed a copy of my letter to General E. Kirby Smith, offering the terms accorded by you to General It. E. Lee; also a copy of my letter of instructions to Colonel Sprague. Colonel Sprague left yesterday for mouth of lied River. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant. JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 1.1 HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 19, 1865. Lient. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Comdg. Confederate Forces, Trans-Mississippi Department: GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit inclosed for your informa- tion, by the hands of Col. John T. Sprague, U. S. Army, the chief of my staff; certified copies* of a correspondence between Licut. Gen. U. S. Grant, General-in-Chief of the Armies of the United States, and Gen- eral It. E. Lee, General-in-Chief of the Confederate Armies, leading to the capitulation of the latter with the Army of Northern Virginia. Official communications received to-day inform me that negotiations leading to the same result are iii progress between Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, commanding U. S. forces in North Carolina, and General J. E. Johnston, commanding Confederate forces in the same section of country. Authentic, though not official, information has also reached here of the surrender of Mobile, with its garrison, to Major-General Canby, U. S. Army. In view of these results, accomplished and in progress of speedy accomplishment, I am authorized by the General-in- Chief of the Armies of the United States to offer to yourself and the army under your command the same terms accorded to and accepted by General It. E. Lee. It seems not improper for me to invite your attention to the fact that a large part of the great armies of the United States are now available for operations in the Trans-Mississippi Department; that they are sufficiently strong to render effective resist- ance impossible, and that, by prolonging a comitest, now manifestly hopeless for any of the purposes for which it was inaugurated, you will be made responsible for unnecessary bloodshed and for the devastation Not found as inclosures, but see Vol. XLVI, Part 111, pp. 619, 641, 664666 Page 187 OnAP. tX.~ NEGOTIATIONS FOR SURRENbEI~. 187 and suffering which must follow the movement of large armies into Texas and extensive military operations in that State. By accepting the terms propose4~1 you will preserve Western Louisiana and Texas from the devastation and misery which have beeii the lot of nearly every Southern State east of the Mississippi, and you will aid in restoring peace to this distracted country. The duty of an officer is performed and his honor maintained when he has prolonged resistance until all hope of success has been lost. Any further continuance of hostilities simply leads to the certainty of inflicting upon a people incapable of successful resistance all the horrors of violent subjugation. Wisdom and humanity alike require that this contest, under the circumstances, be brought to an end without further suffering or shedding of blood. I am unwilling that it should be charged upon the military authorities of this military division that they omitted a single effort to restore peace without further bloodshed. In all good faith and earnestness, therefore, I proffer you the terms accepted by your General-in-Chief and beg to express the hope that you will accept them and spare the necessity of further hostile operations. Colonel Sprague is empowered to make all necessary arrangements in perfecting the object of his mission. I am , genera], very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISIoN OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 19, 1865. Lieut. Col. J. T. SPRAGUE: COLONEL: You will please proceed with the least practicable delay to the most accessible point of the enemys lines along the Red River and deliver into the hands of General Kirby Smith the inclosed letter.* In any conversation you may have with him or others in authority it must be carefully borne in mind that the arrangement proposed in the letter referred to is purely military and in no manner relates to civilians or civil affairs. It may be well for you to suggest, in any conference on the subject, though only in the way of suggestion and without com- mitting the Government to any future policy, that the terms now offered to the rebel army under Kirby Smith or others in Western Louisiana and Texas are much more favorable than they are at all likely to have acceded to them if, by prolonging useless hostilities or maintaining a hostile position, they force the United States to concentrate large forces and complete preparations necessary for a decisive campaign into Texas. These preparations completed and the campaign opened, terms will be directed [dictatedj after the violent occupation and con- sequent devastation of Texas, and they will be such terms as the changed circumstances render desirable, probably very different from the terms now offered. In case Kirby Smith, or any of his officers, whilst accepting these terms for those nuder their command, prefer to withdraw themselves to Mexico or any other foreign country without being subject to the parole, you will not oppose any considerable objec- tion. It is possible that the rebel army in Southeru Arkansas and Louisiana may prefer to break up its organization, the officers and sol- diers dispersing and returning to their homes without surrendering or giving paroles, leaving their arms and the public property (artillery, * See next, ante Page 188 188 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. munitions of war, & c.), to be taken possession of by the U. S. author- ities. Of course such a result, though very desirable, should not be made the subject. of any written agreement or official understanding. it is also possible that they may propose to march off iu an organized body, more or less strong, with all the iuaterial of war they can trans- port, into Mexico, and thus practically abandon their hostile position to the United States and their attempt to cover Louisiana and Texas. In all these cases it is indispensable that you do not iii any manner commit the United States Government to any policy. The only written agree- ment you can properly make or that you are empowered to make is substantially that concluded by the General-in-Chief with General II. E. Lee iii ~Tirginia. It will be safe for you, in case any of the propositions herein specified are advanced, to say simply that if it becomes manifest soon to the military authorities of this military division that the rebel armies [under] the general command of Kirby Smith have dispersed and that the posts of Texas are no longer in possession of a military force in hostility to the General Government, it is your opinion that only sufficient force will be sent to garrison important points in the States of Texas and Louisiana, and that these forces will no doubt be selected from the best disciplined troops, who will not molest private property or interfere with citizens except so far as directed to do so by the authorities in Washington. It might be well to allude to the assas- sination of the President and the deep feeling it has created throughout the United States, which feeling will undoubtedly be heavily visited upon those who continue to resist the authority of the United States, to whom the mass of people in the North attribute, however remotely, the atrocious deed. I only make these remarks as suggestions, which are to be used carefully and judiciously, if used at all, and only in the way of conversation which does not commit the authorities to any state- ment or the expression of any belief or intention based thereon. If the enemy accept the offer contained in my letter to General Kirby Smith you will make immediate arrangements to take the paroles of all concerned. In all respects you are charged with completing the arrangements j)roposed. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. No.2. Report of Lient. Col. John T. Sprague, Eleventh U. S. Infantry, Chief of StajJl SAINT LouIs, Mo., May 27, 1865. GENERAL: In compliance with your instructions of April 20 [19], I proceeded to the mouth of Red River and sent a messenger to General E. Kirby Smith, commanding the Trans-Mississippi Department, with a private note expressing my desire to see him upon important public business. In reply, lie dispatched a steamer to the mouth of Red River with two officers of his staff. They reported to me that they had come for the purpose of receiving any dispatches I might have for General Smith. I declined delivering them, as I wished to see Gen- eral Smith myself, as I had much to say beyond the contents of my dispatches. After consultation they concluded to conduct me to Gen- eral Smiths headquarters, at Shreveport, La. Upon reaching there Page 189 CHAP. LX.] NEGOTIATIONS FOE SURRENDER. 189 placed in the hands of General Smith a copy of the correspondence between Lieutenant-General Grant and General IR. E. Lee, command- ing the Confederate forces in the field in the vicinity of Richmond, Va. His answer I have the honor to inclose herewith. My conversations were frequent and very full with General Smith, as well as with many other officers of rank in that service, in relation to the demand made; but the prevailing opinion was that more liberal terms should be granted to the Army of the Trans-Mississippi Department than those accepted by General Lee. The inclosed copies of papers obtained by me during my repeated conversations with the military and civil authorities of the Trans-Mississippi Department give more fully the character of my interview with them than any detailed statement I can make in this communication. At all times I declined entertaining their various propositions, which they deemed so necessary in viudica- tion of their honor, in securing to the Trans-Mississippi Department peace and prosperity. I did not accede to the proposition that His Excellency Governor Allen, of Louisiana, should accompany me to your headquarters, thence to Washington City. I did not feel at liberty to give a safeguard to the governor of a rebel State. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN T. SPRAGUE, Lieutenant-Colonel, U. S. Army, and Chief of Staff. Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE, Commanding, ctx., Saint Louis, hub. [Thelosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSJSSJPPJ DEPARTMENT, Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE, Shreveport, La., May 9, 1865. ~Jommanding Military Division of the Missouri, Saint Louis: GENERAL: Your communication of the 19th ultimo by the hands of Col. John T. Sprague, U. S. Army, was received last evening. Your propositions for the surrender of the troops under my command are not such that my sense of duty and honor will permit me to accept. I regret that your communication should have been accompanied with a threat, or that you should have supposed that personal considerations would have influenced me in the discharge of my duties. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, (Jeneral. [Inelosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., May 9, 1865. Their Excellencies HENRY W. ALLEN, Governor of Louisiana; PEN BLETON MIJRRAH Governor of Texas H. Governor of ; FLANAGIN, Arkansas, and THOMAS C. REYNOLDS, Governor of Missouri: GENTLEMEN: The surrender of General Lee, and the perilous situa- tion of the armies in North Carolina and Alabama, seem to preclude the probability of successful resistance in the States east of the Missis- sippi. The army under my command yet remains strong, fresh, and i~rell equipped. The disparity of numbers, though great, between it and our enemies may be counterbalanced by valor and skill. Under these circumstances it is my purpose to defend your soil ~mnd the civil and political rights of our people to the utmost extent of our resources Page 190 190 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHkP. LX. and to try and maintain untarnished the reputation which our soldiers have so nobly won in many fields. In order, however, to accomplish this great object it will require the perfect concord of the civil and mili- tary authorities, the application of all our energies, and the united and devoted support of the people. The Trans-Mississippi Department is so separated from the States on the eastern side of [the] Mississippi that communication is suspended. Since the evacuation of Richmond, the seat of government of the Confederate States has not been fixed, and it may be transferi~d to the western side of the Mississippi. It is impossible to confer with the President so as to meet the exigencies of the times, and questions of grave political importance beyond any mili- tary authority may arise and require prompt decision. Intending to uphold the authority of the Confederate Government by arms to the utmost, I yet feel that I should carefully avoid any appearance of usurp- ing functions not intrusted to my discretion. Under these circumstances I esteem it my duty to consult you, in the absence of the President, as the chief magistrates of the States within the department, touching such important matters as are not embraced in my powers as command- ing general and as may conduce to the common defense and welfare. I have therefore requested you to assemble in conference, when I will furnish any information in my power which may be useful in your delib- erations; and without proffering suggestions, ask you to indicate such policy as you may deem necessary to maintain with honor and success the sacred cause in which we are engaged. I have the honor to remain, gentlemen, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, & ~eneral. [inclosure No. 3.1 MARSHALL, TEX., May 13, 18G5. We advise General E. Kirby Smith, commanding the Trans-Missis- sippi Department, to accept the following terms, in order that peace may be restored to the country: First. On or about the ~ day of that the commanding general will disband his armies in this department; officers and men to return immediately to their former homes, or such as they may select, within the now existing lines of the Confederate States, or the United States, and there to remain as good citizemis, freed from all dis- abilities, and restored to all the rights of citizenship; the U. S. troops and authorities not to advance within the Confederate lines till after that day. Second. Guarantees to be given that no officer, non-commissioned officer, private, or citizen shall be prosecuted in any courts for offenses committed against the United States during this war. Third. That permission be granted to all persons (officers, civil and military), soldiers, and citizens to leave this department within days, through its ports or boundaries, with their arms and efiects, unmolested, and go to any place, state, or country beyond the limits of the United States. Fourth. That the present State governments in this department, now in arms against the U. S. authority, be recognized until conventions can be called with the view of finally settling any aimd all conflicts between the people of the respective Sta~es. Fifth. That on or before the day of all military authority shall be suriendered to the several States, and that each State shall lieep and retain number of men to act as a guard to preserv Page 191 CHAP, LX.] NEGOTIATIONS FOR SURRENDER. 191 good order and to protect the lives and the property of the people; that a safeguard, to extend for days, be granted to the officers of state and otliers.to leave the country, in case they should wish to do so. The above terms will be acceptable to the people of Louisiana. IIENRY W. ALLEN, Governor of Louisiana. A surrender upon the above terms will be acceptable. H. FLAXAGIN, Governor of Arkansas. [Inclosure No. 4.] MARSHALL, TEX., ]Jifay 13, 1865. His Excellency HENRY W. ALLEN, Governor of Louisiana: SIR: With a view to making a complete pacification of the Trans- Mississippi Department we request you to visit the U. S. authorities. You are fully possessed of the views of each of us in writing, and we confide iii your patriotism and ability. Trusting to your judgment, we will sustain your engagements in the premises. We are, sir, very respectfully, yours, H. FLANAGIX, Governor of Arkansas. THOS. C. REYNOLDS, Governor of Missouri. I concur in the above. GUY M. BRYAN, Agent State of Texas, fc. [Inclosure No. 5.] Memorandum for the Marshall conference. MARSHALL, TEX., May 10, 1865. The position of the Missourians both in the army and in civil life iu this department is this: The people and authorities of the territory held by the Confederacy should decide whether they will continue the war. If it is to be continued, we will stand by them faithfully to the last. Should the war be discontinued, we desire time and facilities and supplies to leave the country with our personal property. THOS. C. REY-NOLDS, Governor of Missouri. [Inclosure No. 6.] HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT, Shreveport, La., May 15, 1865. Col. J. T. SPRAGUE, U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have had the honor to return my official reply to the demand of Major-General Pope, under instructions from Lieutenant- General Grant, for the surrender of this Department. An unofficial conversation ensued between us, in which I frankly admitted the force of recent events in the States east of the Mississippi, and you expressed a warm and benevolent desire to avoid further effusion of blood and the infliction of useless suffering upon the people. I had before your arrival convened the governors of the States composing my depart- inent for the purpose of consulting with them in reference to public affairs and questions more properly belonging to the civil than th Page 192 192 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. military authorities. Having expressed a desire to ascertain the result before your departure, you were iuvited to remain. Since that time I have conferred fully with the governors of the States of Louisiaiia, Arkansas, and Missouri. The Governor of Texas, being ill, was repre- sented by one of his staff officers. The governors so assembled have, after consideration, presented certain measures which they deem nec- essary to the public ordcr and the proper security of their people, and which, if accepted, would authorize me to relinquish further resistance. Governor Allen of Louisiana, with whoni you had conferences before the meeting, is fully iuformed of the views entertained by himself and the governors of the other States. Believing it to be the most expedi- tions, way to arrive at a definite nuderstanding as to the course to be pursued, it is desired that he should accompany you for the purpose of presenting to the proper authorities the terms for their consideration. In the event that the terms proposed by the governors should be accepted by the authorities of the United States I.shall deem it my duty to support those views. It is expected, in the event of the proposi- tions conveyed by Governor Allen being considered by the authorities of the United States, that aggressive movements against this depart- ment should be suspended. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH. NoTE.The application of Governor Allen to accompany me to Washington I did not see fit to comply with. JOHN T. SPRAGUE Lieutenant- Colonel, U. S. Army, and Chief of Staff. [Inclosure No. 7.] Memorandum for Colonel Sprague. The terms proposed by General Pope, considering that my army was menaced only from a distance, that it is large and well supplied and in an extensive country full of resources, were not such as a soldier could honorably accept. An officer can honorably surrender his command when he has resisted to the utmost of his power and no hopes rest upon his further efforts. It caiinot be said that the duty imposed upon me has been fulfilled to the extent required by the laws of honorable warfare. To have conceded the terms demanded would, therefore, have dishonored the commander who submitted to them. It is not contended that the Trans-Mississippi Department can without assistance accom- plish its independence against the whole power of the United States. It is conceded that its people, its army, and its commander desire to avoid the unnecessary effusion of blood and the attendant devastation of the country. It must also be conceded, on the other hand, that they desire to maintain their honor, without which life would lose its attrac- tions. As the commander of the military forces, I cannot accept terms which will purchase a certain degree of immunity from devastation at the expense of the honor of its army. While we do not expect to win unaided the independence of the country, it must be conceded that the army can be beaten and the country overrun only after great and expensive preparations by the United States, affording opportunities for the development of political complications which it is the interest of the United States to avoid. If then,it be an object on the one hand to avoid the devastation of our country, it is equally an object on the part of the United States to bring about the complete pacification of the country and the restoration of their authority without cost t Page 193 CHAP. LX.] NEGOTIATIONS FOR SURRENDER. 193 themselves aud without incurring the risk of political complications. It is thought that a proper course on the part of the United States would accomplish this result. An army which is well appointed and supplied, not imnn~diatcly threatened, and with its communications open, cannot afford to surrender as prisoners of war. They niust first be placed in such a position that their capture is a necessity. The demand to surrender, nuder present circnmstances, is not deemed reasonable, and it is not in accordance with the laws which custom has made binding amongst nations and military men. The effect of such a demand is to leave an impression that there is a wish on the part of the victorious Government not to pacify the country and lead to a restoration of former relations, but to humiliate a people who have contended gallantly in behalf of principles which they believe to be right. It is thought that correct views of statesmanship would induce propositions on the part of the United States which, while it saved the honor of the Confederate Army, would also lead to the speedy pacifica- tion of the Trans-Mississippi Department. It is the determination of the military anthoritie~ not to submit to ignominious terms; it is their wish also to hasten the pacification of the country by every means con- sistent with their honor. The following propositions are of a character so reasonable under the circumstances that it is difficult to conceive of any objection being urged to them: First. The U. S. authorities to grant immunity from prosecution for past acts to all officers and soldiers and citizens in the Trans-Missis- sippi Department Second. On the granting of this immunity all military resistance to the United Si~ates Government to cease. Third. The Confederate Army to be disbanded and its officers and soldiers be permitted to return to their homes, transportation to be furnished them as far as practicable. Fourth. Such officers and soldiers as choose will be permitted, with. out molestation, to leave the country, with or without their arms, in a reasonable time. Fifth. The same permission to be granted to citizens. Many examples of history teach that the more generous the terms proposed by a victorious enemy the greater is the certainty of a speedy and lasting pacification, and that the imposition of harsh terms leads invariably to subsequent disturbances. The propositions above men- tioned contain terms which the Trans-Mississippi Department can rightly claim and the United States Government can justly concede. E. KIRBY SMITH. A DDENDA HOUSTON, TEX., May 30, 1865. Col. JOHN T. SPRAA~UE, U. S. Army: COLONEL: When I gave you, at Shreveport, a memorandum which I hoped might be the basis of negotiations with the United States Gov- ernment, I commanded an army of over 50,000 men and a department rich in resources. I am now without either. The army in Texas dis- banded before my arrival here. From one extremity of the department to the other the troops, with unexampled unanimity of action, have dis- solved all military organization, seized the public property, and scat- For correspondence between Maj. Gen. E. R. S. Canby, U. S. Army, and General E. Kirby Smith, C. S. Army, relative to the surrender of the Confederate forces in the Trans-Mississippi Department, see Part II. 13 R RYOL XLVIII, PT Page 194 194 LOUiSIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. tered to their homes. Abandoned and mortified, left without either men or material, I feel powerless to do good for my country and humil- iated by the act~ of a people I was striving to benefit. The depart- ment is now open to occupation by your Government. The citizen and soldier alike, weary of war, are ready to accept the authority and yield obedience to the laws of the United States. A conciliatory policy, dictated by wisdom and administered with patient moderation, will insure peace and secure quiet. An opposite course will rekindle the flames of civil war with a fierceness and intensity unknown even in this sad and unfortunate struggle. I myself shall go abroad until the future policy of the United States Government toward the South is announced, and will return to my family only when I can do so with security to my life and person. Thanking you for your kindness to my wife, I remain, colonel, your friend, E. KIRBY SMiTH. P. S.Since writing the above I have information that the Missouri and a portion of the Arkansas troops still retaiu their organization. E.K.S. APRIL 2122, 1865.Expedition from Donaldsonville to Bayou Goula, La. Report of Maj. James M. Hildreth, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry. HDQRS. DETACH. SIXTEENTh INDIANA MOUNTED JNFTY. Donaldsonville, La., April 22, 1865. SIR: In compliance with instructions received, at ii a. in. 21st instant I proceeded, with Companies B and K of my command, on a scout toward Bayou Goula for the purpose of capturing or destroying a small guerrilla band under Captain Brown. I had proceeded about ten miles when my advance guard discovered three of the enemy, who turned and fled when fired upon, after returning the fire. After chasing them about three miles we captured one of them at the Andrews plantation. Pursued the other two about farther, when they left the river road and took to the swamps, leaving their horses, which fell into our hands. I then proceeded to Bayou Goula, arriving about dark. Found none of the guerrilla band in the place. I then sent Lieutenant Wes- ton with Company B back to Madam Randolphs lane to scour that neighborhood. With Company K I then proceeded to Mr. Ventress; captured two men of ~ command at his house. From Ventress I went to Madam Randolphs back plantation; searched the place thor- oughly, but found nothing. I then went through a dense canebrake, which was almost impassable, to Richard Thompsons plantation. After searching the place and finding no enemy I returned to the river road by way of Madam Randolphs home plantation. In the meantime one of the prisoners was lost in the woods. In my opinion he will not be seen again in the vicinity of Bayou Goula. We captured on the trip 5 horses, 1 of which had to be left on the road, as he was so much run down that he was unable to travel; also captured 1 Burnside carbine and 3 revolvers. Arrived at camp at 12 m. to-day. Very respeetfimily, your obedient servant, J. M. HILDRETH, Lieut. L. R. HALL, Major Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Im~fantry. Post Adjutant Page 195 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM ROLLA, MO. 195 APRIL 2127, 1865.Scout from Rolla toward Thomasvile, Mo., with skirmish at Spring Valley (23d). R~EPOIRTS. No. 1.Co]. John Morrill, Sixty-fourth Illinois Infantry, commanding District of Roila. No. 2.Capt. Frederick W. Becker, Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Col. John Morn it, Sixty-fourth Illinois Infantry, commanding District of Bolla. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF ROLLA, Rolla, Mo., April 28, 1865. MAJOR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major- general commanding, that Captain Beckers company (M), Thirteenth Regiment Cavalry Missouri Veteran Volunteers, which I sent on a scout on the 21st instant toward Thomasyille, Mo., returned last night. Captain Becker reports that a band of guerrillas attacked his company at Spring Valley, thirty miles south of Licking. He pursued them, and in a running fight killed eight guerrillas. No casualties on our side. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN MOIRRILL, Colonel Sixty-fourth illinois Infantry Volunteers, Commanding. Maj. J. W. BARNES, Asst. Adjt. Uen., Department of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo. No. 2. Report of Capt. Frederick W. Becker, Thirteenth Missouri Canalry. CAMP THIRTEENTH MISsoURI CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS, liolla, Mo., April 27, 1865. LIEUTENANT: In obedience to instructions from the colonel coIn- manding district, I have the honor to make the following report: On the morning of the 21st instant I left camp with my company, with five days rations f6r men; marched to Licking, Mo.; arrived there on the 22d instant. On the morning of the 23d I left with sixty-four men and marched south thirty miles and encamped in Spring Valley. About midnight a party of bushwhackers attemped to get in my camp, but were observed by the guards and fired upon. I sent a party on foot in the direction in which they fled and succeeded in killing two of the party. On the morning of the 24th instant I tracked the same party, I supposed, and followed them to Current River. There they separated. I captured two men, who were equipped and claimed to belong to the Confederate Army, Captain Orchards company. They tried to escape and were killed by my men in the attempt. Encamped on Current River. On the 25th I marched in the direction of Thomas- ville some twenty miles. Finding that my horses were getting bare- footed, and not being prepared to reshoe them, I returned to Current River. Killed 3 men that day; they were running from me; were mounted; 2 of their horses were killed, 1 captured; encamped on Sink Page 196 196 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSJppi. [CHAP. LX. ing Creek. On the 26th instant I sent a sergeant and ten men in the advance toward Black River. Two guerrillas ran from a house; one escaped and the other was killed. Some of my horses were getting lame, so I marched in direction of Rolla by the way of Meramec River. Arrived at Rolla on the evening of the 27th instant. I captured 5 horses and saddles, but was unable to bring 4, 2 being killed and 2 broke loose; 1 I have in my possession. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. W. BECKER, Captain Company M, Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry. Lieut. H. W. WEETH, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, District of Rolla. APRIL 22, 1865.Skirmish near Linn Creek, Mo. T~EPOT~TS. No. 1.Col. John Morrill, Sixty-fonrth Illinois Infantry, commanding District of Rolla. No. 2.Maj. James M. Turley, Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Col. John Morrill, Sixty-fourth Illinois Infantry, command ing District of 1?olla. HEADQUARTERS, Rolla, April 23, 1865. A scouting party just returned from Linn Creek to Waynesville reports the rebels attacked the militia near that place yesterday. Killed over seven of the men, wounded the captain, and stampeded the rest. There are about 200 rebels, in five parties, all going north. Ninety crossed the Osage last night below Linn Creek. I am making every effort to strike them. We need horses badly. JOHN MORRiLL, Colonel. Major-General DODGE. No. 2. Report of Maj. James M. Turley, Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry. HEiDQUARTERS POST OF WAYNESYILLE, Waynesville, Mo., April 23, 1865. One of~ my scouts just returned from Linn Creek. The rebels attacked the militia near that place yesterday; killed seven of the men, wounded the captain, and stampeded the rest. I have Captain Moore and Lieutenant Kelley out in that direction with scouts. I have not got enough men mounted to do the scouting that is necessary at this post. There are about 200 of the rebels, in four or five squads, all going north. Ninety crossed the Osage last night below Linn Creek. J. M. TURLEY, Col. JOHN MORRILL, Major, Commanding. Commanding District of Rolla Page 197 CHAP. LX.] SKIRMISH NEAR BIG GRAVOIS, MO. 197 APRIL 22, 1865.Skirmish near the mouth of the Big Gravois, Mo. REPOHTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. John B. Sanborn, U. S. Army, commanding District of Southwest Missouri. No. 2.Maj. John Small, Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry. No.1. Report of Brig. Gem. John B. Sanborn, U. S. Army, commanding Dis trict of Southwest Missouri. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MIsSouRi, Springfield, Mo., April 23, 1865. Major Small, commanding detachment of the Sixteenth Cavalry Volunteers, came up with a party of fifty guerrillas near the Osage, opposite the mouth of the Big Gravois, and ki lied ten of them, iiiclud- ing Captains IRountree and Martin. J have not received any further particulars of the fight yet. JOHN B. SANBOIRN, Brigadier. General, Commanding. Major BARNES, Assistant Adjutant- General, Saint Louis. No. 2. Report of Maj. John Small, Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, Lebanon, Mo., April 25, 1865. CAPTAIN: I started from this place on the [20th instant] after a band of rebels reported to be in eight miles of this place. They were reported to number 100, robbing houses and taking horses. I started with detachments of Companies II, B, 1, and L, numbering in all about twenty-five men, with two commissioned officers, Captain Sallee, of Com- pany B, and R. D. Mayes, of Company L, all of the Sixteenth Cavalry MissYuri Volunteers. I started at 9 p. Lu. We traveled about eight miles before we struck their trail, and followed their trail all that night over very rough ground. They traveled in most all directions. The waters being up made it very difficult to gain much on them. We had to swim the Wet Glass. Near the mouth it was about fifty yards wide, and the banks being steep we were some time in getting across. We were in hearing when Captain Bollinger, from Linn Creek, attackedthem, and we could not get to him for the high waters. The rebels held the gxound, killing Captain Jeffery and three soldiers, one discharged from Woods Battalion, Sixth Cavalry Missouri Volunteers, and the other two of Captain Bollingers company. Captain Bollinger was wounded in the shoulder. Captain Bollinger had twenty-four men; Captain Jef- fery had six or eight citizens with him. The rebels did not tarry long after the fight. We traveled until about 10 oclock that night, when it got so dark and the hills so rough I was compelled to stop for the night. On the morning of the 22d we came on the rebels a little before sunrisethey were crossing the Osage Riverjust as the skiff left th Page 198 198 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. shore. The most of them had crossed. Then the firing commenced, which lasted some thirty minutes. They returned the fire for some time, but soon fQund out that they had different men to fight to what they had been fighting the day before. They had all the advantage of me. They took shelter under the banks of the river~ and we charged them. A part of my men dismounted and went down the banks to rake up their old acquaintance. I saw twelve or fifteen afoot, and we had them hemmed so that they had no chance but to take the water or be killed, and that quick; there were two of them stripped off their clothes and one of them made it across the river. He was the only man that made it across that I saw. The river was very full and the current swift and cold. The number killed was 6 on the bank and 4 in the skiff. The skiff had six in it when it started; two of them got out of it on the shore and made their escape, and it floated off with four dead rebels and a load of saddles and blankets. I captured fifteen horses amid some revolvers, though the most of them I think threw them in the river. In looking along the bank of the river Captain Chitwood found two rebels hidden under the water by the side of a log. One of the men who was with him fired and killed one. The other was Cap- tain Martin. He stated if the whole command had him on the same side that they would have sold oat to us in a different way. He stated there would be two more squads along in a few days, and also that Prices army was breaking up into small bands of from 50 to 100, and that when we ran across them they would sell out to us very dear. They were crossing the Osage at Mining Post, about eight miles below Liun Creek. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN SMALL, Major, Commanding Post at Lebanon, Mo. Capt. W. T. KITTREDGE, Springfield, ]Ifo. APRIL 2223, 1865.Scout from Deer Creek to Sage Creek, Dak. Ter., and skirmish with Indians (22d) on Sage Creek. Report of ]liJiaj. Nathaniel A. Adams, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry. DEER CREEK, DAK. TER., April 24, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with instructions from Lieutenant-Colonel Baumer, commanding sub-district, I started north from this station at about 2 p. m. April 22, with thirt~.five men, to overtake, if possible, a party of Indians who have been committing depredations on La Prelle Creek, and who are supposed to have gone north. I went into camp on Sage Creek, about twenty miles from this station~at sundown,not having crossed their trail up to that time. oclock in the night we were attacked by a large party of Cheyenne and Sioux Indians, numbering from 50 to 100 warriors, well armed with guns and revolvers, but repulsed them after a brisk fight of a few minutes, with out loss to ourselves, owing, doubtless, to the Indians being on higher ground, causing most of their shots to pass over us. I think the Indians suffered considerable loss, but cannot tell how great, as they removed all their killed and wounded as soon as they fell. During the fight a part of our horses stampeded, five o Page 199 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM DAKOTA CITY, NEBR. TER. 199 which we conl(l iiot again find. Deeming it not prudent to remain where my position was so well known, I moved camp a short distance, after collecting what horses I could find, and sending to this station for re-euforcements, which reached me early in the morning on the 23d, when I pursued the Indians with fifty mounted men until further pur- suit was useless, as the indians had scattered into small squads going north, northwest, and northeast, and east, when I returned to this sta- tion, having traveled between eighty and ninety miles. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. A. ADAMS, Major, Comdg. Second Battalion, Eleventh Kansas 17o1. Cavalry. Lient. Col. P. B. PLUMB, Commanding Eleventh Kansas Volunteer Cavalry. APRIL 2227, 1865.Scout from Dakota City, Nebr. Ter., to Middle Bow River. Report of Capt. Zaremba Jackson, First Battalion JATebraska Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS POST DAKOTA, Dakota City, Nebr. Ter., April 27, 1865. SIR:I have the honor to report that,in accordance with intentions as reported in my last, I went out on scout with a detachment of twenty-four men from headquarters this post, and having ordered Lient. J. M. Nosler, commanding Post Jackson, to meet me with fifteen men of his command on the headwaters of the East Bow River, I pro- ceeded westerly up Elk Creek, thence southwest around the head of the South Fork of Iowa Creek; formed the junction with Lieutenant Nosler on the third day at the point designated. Proceeded thence west across the hills to the Wakapana Bow; thence np that stream about fifteen miles; thence west across the hills to Rocky Branch; thence down that stream ten miles; thence west along a fresh Indian trail to the West or Middle Bow River, where we captured the Indians (abont thirty Omahas). They told of a party of Poucas about fifteen miles farther up the West Bow, which I also sent np and captured. I brought them to Post Jackson, where I had a talk with the Poncas, and having told them that this country was given me to protect, I should not allow any Indians to be roaming, camping, nor trapping in it, but should endeavor to keep them all, both hostile and friendly Indians, out of this country, as the settlers, in the present excited, unsettled state of affairs among the Indians, were afraid of them all and did not want any of them around the settlements. I then sent the Poncas toward their reserve. Having some charges against the Gina- has, I brought them as prisoners to headquarters this post (Dakota) and sent them to their agency under a strong guard, with a copy of the accusations against them. Upon arriving within the limits of their reserve the Indians claimed that they were on their own lands, and we had nothing further to do with them, and as they did not want to meet their agent as prisoners, refused to go; but a spirited application of halter, strap, and boot toes caused them to resume their march, and they were delivered to Col. R. W. Furnas, U. S. military agent. While ont on the scout the weather was very cold and stormy, first rain, then snow fell to three inches depth, and the wind was very severe. Not Page 200 200 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIppJ, [CHAP. LX. withstanding all these we continued our search, traveled a wild country without roads, built our bridges, cut down hills, and worked our way as we encountered obstructions. Was out six days and traveled about 200 miles, exclusive of guarding the Indians to the Omaha Agency. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Z. JACKSON, Captain, First Battalion Nebraska T~et. Car., Comdg. Post. A DDE ND A. OMAHA AGENCY Capt. Z. JACKSON, April 27, 1865. Commanding Post Dakota: SIR: I hereby acknowledge the receipt, at the hands of Sergeant McNatt, party of Omahas you arrested and sent down. Rest assured that I will do my duty in regard to the matter and endeavor to secure for the injured parties a just remuneration. Will you inform the injured parties, iDonalan and Ryan, to send in their bills for damages claimed l Have them fix the sum at th~ actual value of property lost and destroyed, and I will endeavor to have it allowed as soon as pos- sible. Very respectfully, yours, & c., H. NV. FURNAS, U. S. Indian Agent. APRIL 23, 1865.Affair near Fort Zarali, Kans. Reports of Lieut. Richard W. Jenkins, Second Colorado Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, Fort Zarah, Kans., April 23, 1865. Bvt. Brig. Geii. JAMES H. FORD, Fort Lamed, Kans.: GENERAL: The inclosed dispatch just received from Lieutenant Jew kins, who left here yesterday noon with twenty-five men to escort Kitchens train to Cow Creek. I instructed the lieutenant to abandon thestrain at Cow Creek and bring the coach, which would be due there about the time he arrived, to this post. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. PRITCHARD, ]Jliajor, Second Colorado 6avairy, Com4nanding Post. [Inclosure.] FIvE MILES BELOW BULWARK BUTTES, April 23, 1865. SIR: I send by messenger to inform you that the train under my charge was attacked about daybreak this morning. Five Mexicans are missing; four of them have been found killed and scalped. The men that are killed were driving the cang yarde, or herd, just behind the train. No one saw the Indians, or heard of it, until two Mexicans came up that went to sleep on herd last night and were left behind this morning. They found two men lying by the side of the road and reported it. The train was in advance of me, having left about 1 oclock this morning, contrary to positive orders not to start until after daylight. I have the train all together now, and shall keep it so unti Page 201 CHAP. LX.] SKIRMISH ON SNAKE CREEK, ARK. 201 I get to Cow Creek. I saw one Indian to the north of me about one hour ago. The herders have just come in and report seeing two In- dians south of us. I write this on my knee; I dont know whether you can read it. I am, sir, your obedient servant, R. W. JENKINS, First Lieutenant, Second Colorado Cavalry. Maj. J. L. PRITCHARD. FORT ZARAH, KANS., April 24, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to make the following rel)ort for the informa- tion of the major commanding the post: Pursuant to instructions received from him April 22, 1865, I left here with twenty-five enlisted men at 1 p. m. of that day to escort a train to Cow Creek, on the Santa F~ road. I marched seven miles and found the train encamped, and also went into camp near them for the night, and gave orders to the wagon-master of train not to move until daylight of the 23d ApPI. I prepared for the march at sunrise, and then found that the train had moved between 1 and 2 a. m. Proceeding immedi- ately down the road about nine miles, I found the loose stock belonging to the train near the road and the herdsmen (four Mexicans) killed and scalped. I soon learned from the men with the train that they had started about 1 a in., driving the loose stock iii advance. The men in charge of the stock stopped near the Plum Buttes and built a fire; about daylight the wagons passed them. Soon after a party of Indians, supposed to be some fourteen or fifteen in number, dashed upon them and killed and scalped the four herdsmen. No one belonging to the traiu saw the transaction, and no one of the herders escaped alive to tell the tale. Having buried the murdered Mexicans, I went on and escorted the train to Cow Creek. April 24, 1865: I left Cow Creek this morning at 9 a. in. with the mail stage, and escorting it to this post, we arrived at Fort Zarah at 1.30 p. m. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. W. JENKINS, First Lieut. Company 1, Second Colorado Cay., Comdg. Escort. APRIL 23, 1865.Skirmish on Snake Creek, Ark. Report of Col. William A. Phillips, Third Indian ilome Guard (Kansas) Infantry. HDQRS. THIRD BRIe-., THIRD DIV., SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Fort Gibson, C. N., April 25, 1865. SIR: The first rebel scout, consisting of eighteen men, trying to push through to Benton County, Ark., with a rebel mail, was met by a scouting party from this place on Snake Creek, fifty-eight miles west- southwest, on the 23d instant. A company of infantry was some miles behind them. The scouts killed three rebels, left dead on the field; they suppose they wounded several others. The rebel mail was cap- tured, and the fragments of the party driven back again. The rebels left Boggy Depot on the 16th. One citizen scout was shot above the knee, not dangerously. Grand River has beeim very high; is still high, though falling. Verdigris is also up. As the only way of crossing Arkansas River at present is high up, I am watching my right han Page 202 202 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI [CHAP. LX. closely. In addition to the troops and scouts already out there, I sent off two other companies, under Captain Anderson, last night. I have instructed them to watch the river as far as the Cimarron. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. A. PHILLIPS, BrigadierGeneral BUSSEY, Colonel, Commanding. Commanding Third Division, Seventh A rmy Corps. APRIL 24, 1865.Skirmish near Boggy Depot, md. Ter. Report of Brig. Gen. Cyrus Bussey, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division, Seventh Army Corps. HDQRS. THIRD DIVISIoN, SEVENTH ARMY Cones, Fort Smith, April 27, 1865. (Received 11.15 a. m. 28th.) Twenty rebels going north from Boggy Depot were attacked by my scouts fifty miles south three days since and three rebels killed and a small mail captured. The letters all speak of a combined movement of the rebel army to Missouri, to start about the 1st of May33,000 infantry and 7,000 cavalry under Kirby Smith, Price, Parsons, Shelby, and company; at the same time a large force of wild Indians were to move into Kansas from Fort Arbuckle. An order was read to the rebel troops at Boggy announcing that General Lee had assumed command of all the Confederate forces, and that there was no hope of peace, except to fight for it. The letters were written by soldiers, and the reports are mere camp rumors. A letter from a rebel paymaster states that Stand Watie is coming up to cross the Arkansas River as soon as grass will subsist their horses, and that their horses would arrive at Boggy from forage camps in Texas by the 25th instant. They had no news of the capture of Richmond or Lees army. I have scouts in that direction. I expect a considerable force will soon be up this way, but have no idea the rebel army will try to go to Missouri. In my opinion the line of the Arkausas should be strengthened by the addition of more troops, if they can be had. Respectfully, & c., CYRUS BUSSEY, Maj. 0-en. JOHN POPE, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Commanding Military Division of the Missouri. APRIL 24, l865.Skirmish near Miami, Mo. Report of Col. Chester Harding, Jr., Forty-third Missouri Infantry, com manding District of Central Missouri. WARRENSEURe~, April 26, 18659.30 p. m. Captain Felker, Company A, Forty-eighth Wisconsin, report& that on the 24th instant he had a skirmish with thirteen bushwhackers, killing seven of them and capturing afl their horses and horse equip- ments. Captain Felkers company was one sent to Miami. CHESTER HARDING, JR., Major BARNES, Colonel, d~c. Assistant Adjutant- General Page 203 Ciw. LX.] DESTRUCTION OF THE STEAMER WEBB. 203 APRIL 24, 1865.Destruction of the Confederate Steamer Webb IREPORTS. No. 1.Acting Rear-Admiral Henry K. Thatcher, U. S. Navy. No. 2.Allan Pinkerton. No. 3.Lient. Jonathan H. Carter, C. S. Navy. No. 1. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Henry K. Thatcher, U. S. Navy. NAVAL HEADQUARTERS, [April 24, 1865.] I have the pleasure of informing you that the ram Webb, when about twenty-five miles below here, at a place called McCalls Point, on the left bank of the river, [was] chased by the ilollyhock and headed off by the Richmond. She had 250 bales of cotton and a qnantity of tur- pentine and rosin, and was commanded by C. W. Read, formerly of the U. S. Navy. All escaped to the brush except two, now prisoners of war on board the Lackawanna. She had three guns, and was trying to run the blockade. Further particulars will be obtained from the prisoners. A few men of the infantry would soon take every man. Forty-five were on board, all told. They ran her up high and dry. At 4.30 she blew up. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, H. K. THATCHER, Acting Rear-Admiral. P. 5.She had three guns and was strnck twice by our guns in pass- ing the city. Meeting the Richmond alone cansed her destruction. Maj. (len. E. R. S. CANBY. No. 2. Report of Allan Pinkerton. IIDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARShAL GENERAL, New Orleans, April 25, 1865. COLONEL: On the 24th instant the rebel rain Webb passed New Orleans nuder rebel colors and was pursued by the U. S. gun-boat ilol- lyhock. About twenty-five miles below the city, having come in sight of the U. S. gun-boat Richmond, the Webb was set on fire by her officers and then ran ashore on the left bank of the Mississippi. The officers and crew then abandoned her, endeavoring to make their escape, fifteemi of whom afterward surrendered to the U. S. authorities as prisoners of war and were brought under guard to your office. I have the honor to report that three of the fifteen, being apparently the most intelligent, viz, George Price, pilot; John C. Osborne, paymas- ters steward, and J. C. Hines, hospital steward, were, at your request, examined by me, and stated that the rebel ram Webb left Shreveport. La., on the 7th instant, going down the Red River, her destination not being known to any of the crew, all information on this point being carefully withheld from the men. About fifteen days before the depar- ture of the Webb from Shreveport, where she had been lying in port for the last two years, her officers were changed, her crew only remain Page 204 204 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. ing. At that time Lient.. Commander C. W. Read, with Lieutenant Wall and Past Midshipman Scott, took command of the Webb, none of the old officers remaining. On the arrival of the Webb at Alexan- dria she loaded with cotton and took on a large supply of fuel, about 200 cords of wood, mostly pine knots. While at Alexandria they first heard of the assassination of President Lincoln, but none of the crew being allowed to go ashore or cominnnicate with the citizens they had no means of learning how that intelligence was received by the people, nor could they learn the strength of the Confederate forces and forti- fications there. iNo passengers got on at Alexandria, nor were there any passengers on her at any time. Between Shreveport and Alexan- dria there are two Confederate gun-boats, the Missouri and Merite, the former of which is clad with T-iron rails, with an armament of six guns; the latter is a common steam-boat, walled up with thick timber. There are also about fifteen transports on Red River in the Confederate Gov- ernment service, and one, the Twilight, on the Ouachita River. On Sunday, 23d instant, at 4.30 a. in. the Webb left Alexandria and came down the Red River about fifteen miles, where she stopped and took on board the pilot, George Price, who says that he belonged to Captain Whites steam-boat battalion, stationed at Marksville, La., and had received aii order to join the Webb at Alexandria, and on his way to Alexandria he met the Webb coming down. He signalled to her and she landed and took him on board. That his services had been engaged with a view to take the Webb through Atcliafalaya Bayou into Berwicks Bay and from thence into the Gulf, as he was acquainted with these waters, but when he came on board the Webb aiid ascer- tained that she drew over ten feet of water he informed the officers that the route was impracticable; and the Webb theii kept on (low LI the Red River, with her cargo of cotton arranged for defense against attack, her armament being two 12-pounder howitzers aft and one 4-inch rifle forward and a torpedo projecting from the bow supported by a long pole. In her magazine were three boxes of shells and three 100-pound kegs of powder. Sixty-eight rations were issued to officers and men. Before entering the Mississippi, about three miles from the mouth of Red River, a flatboat laden with cotton was captured by the Webb, and a small boat with officers and men from a U. S. gun-boat, being near by, made their escape np a bayou. The flat-boat and men on it were held by the Webb until dark, when they were turned adrift. This was done in order to prevent the men from crossing over by land and giving information to the U. S. gun-boats. At 8.30 p. m. the Webb, carrying the usual signal lights used by Federal boats, entered the Mississippi, passing the U. S. gun-boats stationed at the mouth of the Red River, and when nearly out of range a shell was fired at the Webb, which exploded about 400 yards from her, and she thus passed all the U. S. gun-boats, not having been hailed or molested by any of them. About every ten or fifteen miles the Webb sent a party ashore to cut the telegraph wires, and at one time some men from a woodpile approached them, when the officer in command presented a musket and frightened them away. At another time, near the month of Red River, when an attenipt was made to cat the wires, a party of colored soldiers who happened to be near prevented the design. About ten miles above the fortifications of New Orleans the Webb hoisted the U. S. flag at half-mast and raised steam to the highest pressure, so that she was running twenty-five miles an hour while pass- ing the city, which was about 12 in. (24th instant). The true character of the Webb having been made known to the U. S. gun-boats, severa Page 205 CHAP. LX.] DESTRUCTION OF THE STEAMER WEBB. 205 shots were fired after her, three of which struck her, the first entering her bow about a foot above water, deranging the fixtures by which the tor- pedo was attached, to the bows, swinging it around and under the Webb, thereby endangering the safety of the boat, so that she was stopped and the torpedo cut loose. This did not occupy more than two or three minutes. The second shot passed the chimney, severing one of the chains by which it was supported, and wounding a man slightly by a flying link of the severed chain. The third shot struck a bale of cot- ton and did little or no damage. As soon as the first shot was fired at the Webb the U. S. flag was lowered and the rebel flag raised, by order of Captain Read. The Webb was then followed by a TJ. S. gun- boat. It was the intention of the officers of the Webb to wait until dark before attempting to pass Forts Jackson and Saint Philip, and it was decided by them that they would turn back and capture the pursuing gun-boat, which would occupy their time until dark, but unexpectedly coming in sight of the U. S. sloop of war Richmond the order was given to turn the boat up the river, and after some deliberation the Webb was set on fire by the officers and crew and ran ashore. As soon as she was ashore the Richmond and the pursuing gun-boat commenced firing on her. After the officers and crew had got safely to the shore Captain Read advised them to separate, as they would be thus less liable to cap- ture, and, acting upon this suggestion, the aforesaid George Price, J. C. Hines, and John C. Osborne, together with twelve others, endeavored to make their escape through the country, but finding it difficult to wade the Louisiana swamps, became disgusted with the enterprise and concluded to surrender themselves prisoners of war to the U. S. authorities. Lieutenant-Commanding Read is about twenty- five years of age, five feet seven inches high, sandy complexion, slim build, light hair, sandy whiskers, and no mustache. Lieutenant Wall is about twenty-five years of age, five feet seven inches high, light complexion, brown hair, and clean shaved. Smith, Marsh, and Lewis were engineers; Price and Lewis were pilots; Blanc was master. The first names of those parties was not remembered. J. C. Hines ,the hospital steward, states that in one of the Confederate hospitals at Shreveport, where he was stationed, there were 200 patients, and that sickness prevailed to a considerable extent in the Confederate army. The statements of the aforesaid three prisoners harmonized upon all the material points, and they further stated that the sentiment of the people, as far as they had observed, in regard to the rebellion was divided, some looking upon the Southern Confederacy as a failure and others expressing a wish to continue the war. All of which is respectfully submitted by your obedient servant, ALLAN PINKERTOI~1. Lient. Col. W. II. WooD, Provost-Marshal- General, Mit. Div. of West Miss., New Orleans. No. 3. Report of Lieut. Jonathan H. Garter, C. S. Navy. C. S. STEAMER MISSOURI, Alexandria, La., April 28, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to state that the C. S. steamer Webb, com- manded by Lient. C. W. Read, left this place at 4 a. m. on the 23 Page 206 206 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. instant for the purpose of proceeding to sea via New Orleans. J have since learned that she succeeded in passing New Orleans, but twenty- four miles below, that place she met the U. S. steamer Richmond. The Richmond fired a broadside into the Webb, when Lieutenant Read ran the latter into the left bank, set her on fire, and succeeded in escaping with all of his officers and crew, except two of the latter, who were cap- tured by the enemy. The vessel was a total loss. No further informa. tion has reached me. The Missouri is still at this place, but as the military authorities manifest a disposition to abandon lower Red River I shall be compelled, perhaps, to move up the river. It is my present intention to select some point above where the river is narrow aud where the Missouri will be much more formidable than she is at this place. The surrender of General Lee has produced much demoraliza- tion in this department, but I am gratified to state that it is limited to those who are not in the army. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. CARTER, Lieutenant, Commanding Naval Defenses, Western Louisiana. Hon. S. R. MALLORY, AS1ecretary of the Navy. ADDENDA. C. S. STEAMER WEBB Hon. ~. R. MALLORY, Alexandria, Red River, April 22, 1865. & cretary of the Navy: SIR: In pursuance of the instructions given me by you, I have reported, together with the officers ordered with me, to Lieut. Com- manding Jonathan Carter for duty on this vessel. Accordingly, I took command of this ship, relieving Lient. Commanding J. L. Phillips on the 31st ultimo. On assuming command I found the vessel totally unprepared for the service upon which I was ordered to take her, with- out a single gun on board, little or no crew, no fuel, and no small-arms save a few cutlasses, and as the vessel was some eight miles below Shreveport on her way here I was obliged to return to the first-named place, where I expected to obtain all my wants from General Kirby Smith, commanding this department. I was not deceived in my hopes of General Smiths assistance, that general immediately issuing orders for every facility to be given me toward the fitting out of the vessel. From him I procured one 30-pounder Parrott, for a bow l)ivot, and two small iron 12-pounders that may serve me in bringing to vessels, & c. Carpenters were obtained and hastened in their work, as the rapid fall of this river made me apprehensive of serious impediment to the future execution of my instructions. On returning down the river I filled up every available place in the ship with wood, not finding more than one days coal, which, together with the wood, will give me fuel for about five days. I have likewise taken on board 190 bales of cotton, which serves as a very efficient shield to the machinery, backed as it is by twelve inches of pine bulkheads entirely surrounding the engine room. The great amount of wood I have been obliged to stow with the cot- ton causes an average draft of nine and a half feet, about two feet more than when light. This increase in depth immerses the buckets on the wheels so much as to enforce the necessity of lifting much weight in the passage of the buckets from the water up, thus impeding the progress of the vessel a little, which could be gotten over had Page 207 CHAP. LX.] DESTRUCTION OF THE STEAMER WEBB. 207 the time to shift the buckets a few inches farther up the wheel arms. Accompanying is a roll of the officers and men now on board.* I regret the necessity, of leaving without Lieutenants Roby and McDer- mett and Assistant Paymaster Yasser, who have not yet reported, though long since ordered. I have but two engineers understanding the machinery of the vessel, and two young third assistants whom I cannot trust alone in the engine room for some time as yet. The two former will, therefore, be obliged to remain on watch whilst going out and whilst the double engines are unconnected, it not being advisable to work them connected when there exists a probability for rapid maneuvering. When going through Mobile I applied to Flag Officer Farrand for two engineers, there then being several on no important duty; but that officer showed so little disposition to grant my request that I was obliged to proceed without them, notwithstanding that Mr. Frick, chief engineer of the station, informed me that those for whom I had applied could easily be spared. Thus apprised of my condition, you will be enabled to better account for any accident that may result from the step I propose taking to-night, starting from this point down, so as to reach the mouth of the Red in time to commence the down- ward passage of the Mississippi to-morrow about 8 p. m. Off the mouth of the Red lie the Tennessee, Manhattan (monitor), and Lafay- ette, iron-cla(ls, and one boiler-iron plated guii-boat, the Gazelle. The distance from the mouth of the Red to the mouth of the Mississippi is about 300 miles, and at regular distances in most of this length there are one or two of the enemys gun-boats. To be the first to notify these of my approach is my chief aim; toward effecting this I have arranged with General Thomas to cut the wires as far down as Placque- mine by 8 p. m. to-niorrow. I shall myself cut the wires below that l)lace, and shall take every precaution to prevent the forts (Jackson and Saint Philip) from being informed of my movements, as these formidable fortifications will have to be passed in daylight. As I will have to stake everything upon speed and time, I will not attack any vessel in the passage unless I perceive a possibility of her arresting my progress. In this event I am prepared with five torpedoes (100 pounds), one of which I hold shipped on its pole on the bow. The cipher key to my future communications with you has been placed in the hands of Lient. Commanding Jonathan Carter, who will forward the same. I must acknowledge the readiness with which Lieutenant Commanding Carter has answered to my applications for assistance. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, ~ ~. READ, Lieutenant, Commanding. Captain Carter bad in view some time since the movement which I now propose to make. He had the torpedoes completed, and the lumber to make the necessary bulkheads was being sawed. These preparations were of great assistance to me. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, C. NY. READ, Lieutenant, Commanding. [Indorsement.] Forwarded by your obedient servant. J. II. CARTER, Lieutenant, Commanding Naval District, Western Louisiana. ~ ominal roll, omitted1 shows 17 officers and 51 men Page 208 208 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. APRIL 25, 1865.Scout from Pine Bluff to Rodgers Plantation, Ark., with skirmish at Rodgers Plantation. Report of Capt. Samuel W. Mallory, Sixty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops, Provost-Marshal. PINE BLUFF, ARK., April 27, 1865. CAPTAIN: In compliance with your request of this date, I ha vethe honor to make the following report: On the 25th instant I started with Lieutenant Kennedy and twenty- six men of the Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry. Arrived at John Taylors plantation about 11 a. in., where I met Lieutenant Ferris and Captain Young, who informed me that Lieutenant Dixon, with seven men (rebels), had gone up Bayou Bartholomew. Here Captain Young joined me, when I proceeded directly to Busbys Bridge, and found the party had an hour the start of me. I crossed as soomi as possible and proceeded to the Widow Davis, where I learned that no party had passed there. I then struck across the country to one Rodgers, where I overtook Lieu- tenant Dixon with his party, when a slight skirmish ensued, resulting in the capture of two Confederates and seriously wounding another; took two horses from the enemy and recovered two negroes and two horses captured bythe enemy in the morning of the same day. Returned with prisoners to Busbys Bridge and recrossed; took down the bayou; caine out on the main road at McGhees, where I learned that Captain Kidd with sixteen men had passed about two hours previous. Also learned that Lieutenant Dixon and three men had passed about au hour previous. Knowing that they had enough the start to cross the bayou at Bushys before 1 could get there, I deemed it inadvisable to follow them, and returned to Pine Bluff. The two prisoners captured admit- ted to Captain Young and Lieutenant Kennedy that they were desert- ers from the rebel army. I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of Captain Young, Lieutenant Kennedy, and the men comprising the expedition, and the creditable manner in which they all performed their duty. Mr. Monk has since informed me that the party took about $100 in greenbacks from him, and threatened to hang him, and got a rope for that purpose, because he would not give them more. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. W. MALLORY, Capt., iSupt., and Provost-Marshal Freedmen, Pine Bluff, Ark. Capt. S. MONTE CAMBERN, Assistant Adjutant- General, Post Pine Bluff, Ark. APRIL 26, 1865.Affair near Fort Rice, flak. Ter. Report of Col. Charles A. B. Dimon, First U. S. Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS POST COMMANDANT Fort Rice, Dak. Ter., April 29, 1865. Since my last communication of April 18, 1865, I have learned that the Indians who ma(le the attack and killed two of my men were Chey- ennes or Platte River Indians. On the 26th instant a party of some 300 Indians attacked our mounted infantry, who were herding thei Page 209 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT TO THE SALINE RIVER, ARK. 209 horses about a mile from the post. The herders numbered some seven men, all told. Immediately on seeing the Indians they picketed their horses on a hill and stood ready for the attack. The Indians made several impetuous charges, but were each time repulsed, our men using their rifles at long range and pistols when at close quarters. Their loss was eight killed and wounded, while on our side the casualties were but one man wounded, Private Watson, Company E, First U. S. Volunteer Infantry, severely, in breast. Two horses and two mules captured. Simultaneously with the above a party of Indians attacked our loggers in the woods, but were repulsed with a loss of three of their number. Toward night a party appeared on the hills in sight of the fort. A few shells thrown among them soon made them disappear. As soon as dark- ness set in I dispatched two companies of infantry in different direc- tions, to act as scouts, in order to try and ambuscade them, and after ~taying out all night they returned to the post unsuccessful. As soon as Captain Morelands company of cavalry arrives from above I hojje to be able to assume the offensive. I cannot speak too highly in praise of that small band of soldiers who so signally repulsed such a large body of Indians. They were within sight of the post while the several charges were made, and directly under my own eye. They appeared cool, calm, and collected, determined not to give an inch of ground. They carried out implicitly my orders and instructions to them in regard to Indian fighting. Judging from their boldness I am led to believe that a large body of Indians are encamped near this post. I think they have learned a lesson, for since the 26th instant only a few Indians have been seen, at long distances and away from reach of my guns. Capt. N. B. Greer, commanding Post Fort Union, arrived at this post on the 23d instant on leave of absence, based on surgeons certificate of scurvy. He reports all quiet above. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. A. Th DIMON, Colonel First U. S. Volunteer infantry, Commanding Post. Maj. DE WITT C. CRAM, Actin~q Assistant Adjutant- General, District of Iowa. APRIL 2629, 1865.Scout from Little Rock to the Saline River, Ark. Report of Maj. Harris S. Greeno, Fourth Arkansas Cavalry (Union). CAMP FOURTH ARKANSAS CAVALRY, Little Rock, Ark., April 29, 18G5. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that I have just returned from a scout to the Saline River, having left camp on the 26th instant at 7 a. in., in pursuance of orders from post headquarters. My com- mand consisted of 120 of the Fourth Arkansas Cavalry and forty men of Captain Millers company of independent scouts. I marched to Benton, and from that place scouted the country thoroughly down Saline River twenty-five miles near Jenkins Ferry. Near Steels Mill, on the Saline River, we killed one man by the name of Dick Crossen, said to be a captain of a bushwhacking company and a very bad man. He had upon his person a pass from Major-General Fagan to go in charge of a scouting party to the Arkansas River and return. We also wounded two other men, one, by tIme name of Barnes, so severely 14 K KVOL XLVIII, PT Page 210 210 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIppT. [CHAP. LX. I was compelled to leave him. The other wounded man escaped, and I was unable to learn his name. I could hear of no parties of the enemy on this side of fhe Saline River. I am well satisfied there was no force of any kind in the country through which I passed. I should have crossed the Saline River and made a vigorous search for Craw- fords command had it not been for the fact that the river was nearly past fording and prospects fur for a heavy rise, in which case I could not have recrossed for several days; in fact, the river was rising at the time I was there. It affords me much pleasure to be able to report the fact that T sustained no loss, either of men or horses. My horses all came back in good condition, though I found forage very scarce. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, H. S. GREENO, Licut. A. ~. KENDRIcK, ]Ifajor, Fourth Arkansas Cavalry. ~Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Post Little Rock. APRIL 27, 1865.Loss of the Steamer Sultana in the Mississippi River, near Memphis, Tenn. HIEPOHTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Napoleon J. T. Dana, U. S. Army, commanding Department of Mississippi. No. 2.Maj. Gen. Cadwallader C. Washbnrn, U. S. Army, commanding District of West Tennessee. No. 3.Byt. Brig. Gen, William Hoffman, U. S. Army, Commissary-General of Pris- oners. No. 4.Brig. Gen. Joseph Bolt, Jndge-Advocate-General U. S. Army. No. 5.Actg. Ensign James H. Berry, U. S. Navy. No. 1. Report of ]JiEaj. Gen. Napoleon J. T. Dana, U. ~. Army, commanding Department of Mississippi. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT o~ MISSISSiPPi, Vicksburg, May 8, 1865. In compliance with your verbal request this morning, I have the honor to report as follows regarding the shipment of paroled Federal prisoners from here: The commissary of musters of this department, Capt. George A. Will- iams, First U. S. Infantry, was, by my order, in the latter part of March, placed in charge of the duties pertaining to an assistant commissioner of exchange, with a view to transaction of business with the rebel agents then in charge of Federal prisoners of war who were arriving under flag of truce. The rebel commissioners having positively declined to turn over any prisoners till they received an equivalent, Captain Williams was sent first to Mobile and then to Cairo, to commnumiicate with Major-General Canby, Lieutenant-General Grant, and Brigadier- General Hoffman. During his absence Capt. Frederic Speed, assist- ant adjutant gw~neral of this department, at his own suggestion, was assigned by me to the performance of Captain Williams duties, and took entire charge of the receiving of prisoners from the rebel agent Page 211 CHAP. LX.] LOSS OF THE STEAMER SULTANA. 211 and of sending them to the parole camps at the North. During Cap- tain Williams absence at the North orders were received through me by the rebel officials from Colonel Ould, rebel commissioner, by which they were induced to parole the prisoners, and I then ordered Captain Speed to prepare their rolls as rapidly as possible and send them North as rapidly as the rolls could be prepared, calculating, as near as cir- cumstances would permit, about 1,000 at a load for the regular pack- ets as they passed. The first load which was sent North was expected to be about 800, as that was about the number for which rolls were con)pleted when the Henry Ames was expected. She was delayed, however, and by the time she was ready to leave the rolls were ready for upward of 1,300, and she carried them off. I had taken great interest in expediting the departure of these brave fellows to their homes, and I went down to see this load start. The next load was by the steam-boat Olive Branch, which arrived so soon after the depart- ure of the Ames that rolls for only about 700 were ready for her. After she left Captain Speed came to me in considerable indignation and asked for authority to place Captain Kerns, the quartermaster of transportation at this post, in arrest. He stated that he had ordered all boats to be reported to him immediately on arrival, and to await orders; that this boat had arrived in the middle of the night and had not been reported to him till 8 oclock next morning; and that she had been unnecessarily detained after being loaded; and that he had been informed that this delay was made because she did not belong to the line which had the Government contract, and that the contract line had offered a pecuniary consideration per capita for the men to be kept for their boats; and the intention was to detain the Olive Branch till one of the contract line came along to take the load from her. I directed him not to arrest Captain Kerns till he was satisfied, upon proper investigation, that the reports he had heard were well founded. The next boat was the Sultana, and she arrived so soon after the departure of the Olive Branch that Captain Speed reported to me that rolls for only about 300 men could be prepared, and that therefore none would go by her, but they would wait for the next boat. Captain Williams had arrived from the North in the night. Soon after making his first report Captain Speed came to my office and reported that he had consulted with Captain Williams, and had decided to ship all the balance of prisoners on the Sultana, as Captain Williams had advised that they be counted and checked as they went on board and he would prepare the rolls afterward. I expressed satis- faction at this, and asked how many there would be, and he replied about 1,300not to exceed 1,400; that the exact number could not be stated owing to discrepancies in the rebel rolls. About the middle of the day Captain Williams came and reported that the captain of the Sultana said he would leave in an hour or two, and that a large pro- portion of the men were still out at the parole camp and he did not believe that proper exertions were being made to get them off and that he had been informed that a pecuniary consideration had been offered per capita for the detention of the men and shipment of them on the Qther line and that he thought Captain Speed was practicing delay purposely for the detention of the men till the Sultana should leave and a boat of the other line arrive. I then informed Captain Williams of what Captain Speed had previously reported regarding Captain Kerns and his clerks, and stated that I thought he had the rumor wrong. He promised to investigate it, and afterward reported to me that he was entirely mistaken in regard to Captain Speed. I also ordered a tel Page 212 212 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP~ LX. gram to be sent to Captain Speed informing him that the boat would leave in au hour or two, and inquiring if any more men would go by her. After dark Captain Speed reported that all the men were in from camp. Up to this momeht I considered that he had 1)erformed his difficult task with great satisfaction and efficiency. The next morning on visiting my office I inquired of Captain Speed whether the boat had left and was informed she had. I then inquired as to the exact number of men she had taken, and was astonished to hear that there were 1,900. Hav- ing never seen the boat, I inquired as to her capacity and as to the com- fort of the men, and was assured by both Captain Speed and Captain Williams that the load was not large for the boat; that the men were comfortable and not overcrowded, and that there were very few boats which had so much room for troops as the Sultana. I had first intrusted the whole exchange business to Captain Williams, but he having left, Captain Speed was placed in charge of it in addition to his other duties by my orders. He assumed and managed it, as I thought, with ability. and I never had any report or complaint further than is stated above prior to the deplorable calamity to the boat, and was not informed of any other circumstances in the details of the whole matter. I am, very respectfully, & c., N. J. T. DANA, Brig. Gen. W. HOFFMAN, U. S. Army, Major-General. Commissary- General of Prisoners. [First indorsement.] VICKSBURG, MIss., May 7 [8], 1865. Will General Dana please state what officer or officers he considers responsible for the shipment of the paroled troops within referred to, and for the proper character of the transportation l Very respectfully, W. HOFFMAN, Commissary- General of Prisoners. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF MISSISSIPPI, Vicks burg, May 8, 1865. Respectfully returned to Brigadier-General Hoffman. Captain Speed was intrusted with the transfer and shipment of the prisoners, and assumed full and active management and control of it, and I therefore considered him fully responsible therefor. The quar- termasters department was ordered to provide the transportation, and I consider Captain Kerns, quartermaster in charge of transportation, responsible for the character of it. N.J. T. DANA, iJiajor- General. INo. 2. Report of Maj. Gen. Cadwaliader C. Washburn, U. ~. Army, command ing District of West Tennessee. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Memphis, Tenn., May 23, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of the testimony taken in regard to the destruction of the ill-fated steamer Sultana; als Page 213 CHAP. LX.] LOSS OF THE STEAMER SULTANA. 213 the report of the commission appointed to investigate the matter.* This commission had been organized by me before your order was received. It appears from the testimony and report, as you will observe, that the explosion was occasioned by the want of water in the boilers. It is also showu that the boilers were defective and known to be so, and that the vessel was detained thirty-three hours at Vicksbnrg for the purpose of repairing them, and that they were imperfectly repaired. The quartermasters department at Yicksburg is censured in the report of the commission for not having remonstrated with greater earnest- ness against the placing of so many men on one boat when there were other boats present and anxious to take a portion of the soldiers on the same terms. I think this censure is not deserved. It is plain that Colonel Hatch, chief quartermaster of the department, and Captain Kerns, master of transportation, said all that was necessary for them to say, to have a portion of the troops placed upon the steamer Pauline Carroll, and that they interested themselves to such an extent as to draw upon themselves the accusation of receiving bribes from parties interested in the boat, of which there is no proof. The business was taken out of their hands of shipping these troops as it had been in pre- vious instances by the assistant adjutant-general of the department, whose orders must be presumed to have been by order of the command- ing general, and not to be resisted by the quartermaster. There appears to have been a general suspicion on both sides that bribery was being used. Each party was accusing the other, but there is no proof to sustain such accusations or suspicions. All the parties belonging to the boat who were ~I1 any wise responsible for the disaster lost their lives at the time of the explosion or have since died. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. C. WASHBURN, Major- General. Hon. Be M. STANTON Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. No. 3. Report of Bvt. Brig. Gen. William Ho~nan, U. S. Army, Commissary- General of Prisoners. OFFICE OF THE COMMISSARY-GENERAL OF PRISONERS, Washington, D. C., May 19, 1865. Sin: Pursn ant to your instructions of the 30th ultimo, I proceeded direct to Memphis, Tenit., and Vicksburg, Miss., to inquire into the cir- cumstances of the destruction of the steamer Sultana in the Mississippi River near Memphis on the 24th [27th] ultimo, by which calamity a large number of paroled prisoners, who had embarked on her at Vicksburg, lost their lives, and I have the honor to submit the fbllowing report of the result of my investigations:. At Memphis I learned that a court of inquiry had been ordered by Major- General Washburn, commanding District of West Tennessee, to investigate the facts and circumstances of the burning of the Sultana, The proceedings and report of the commission were referred, by order of the Secretary of War, to the commaiiding general Department of Mississippi, July 29, 1865, an4 never received back. Another copy ~as forwarded to the War Department by the Commissary-General of Prisoners. See Hoffmans report, p. 217 Page 214 214 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIppI. [ChAP. LX. and at Vicksburg I learned that a commission had been ordered by Major-General Dana, commanding Department of Mississippi, to make a similar investigation. The court and the commission were about closing their proceedings when I arrived at Yicksburg, and finding upon a perusal of their records that all the testimony taken would be useful to me in forming an opinion as to the merits of the case, I determined to avail myself of a copy of them, which I was permitted to do through the courtesy of the generals by whom the investigations were made. In addition to the above I obtained such further testimony that was within my reach as I thought necessary to a full understanding of the matter. Upon a careful consideration of all the facts as presented in the testimony herewith submitted, I am of the opinion that the ship- ment of so large a number of troops (1,866) on one boat was, under the circumstances, unnecessary, unjustifiable, and a great outrage on the troops. A proper order was issued by the general commanding tbe department for the embarkation of the paroled prisoners, and there were four officers of his staff~ who were responsible that this order was properly carried out, viz, Col. It. B. Hatch, captain in the quarter- masters department, chief quartermaster; Capt. Frederic Speed, assistant adjutant-general, U. S. Volunteers, adjutant-general Depart ment of Mississippi; Capt. George A. Williams, First U. S. Infantry, commissary of musters and in charge of paroled prisoners, and Capt. W. F. Kerns, assistant quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers, and master of transportation. If there was anything deficient or unsuitable in the character of the transportation furnished, one or more of these officers should be held accountable for the neglect. The testimony shows that it was well understood by the four officers named that the troops in question were to embark in the Sultana. She was provided by the master of transportation, with the approval of the chief quartermaster, upon the order of General Dana, though not upon a formal requisition, and Captain Speed and Captain Williams were to superintend the embarkation. Nothing was known positively as to the number of men that were to go on board, but it was the impression that there would be from 1,200 to 1,500; nor was any inspection of the boat made by either of the officers above named to determine her cal)acity or her condition. Neither one of them knew whether she had proper apparatus for cooking for so many men or other necessary conveniences required for troops on transports. The troops were sent to the steamer from the camp in three parties, as is shown by the testimony of Mr. Butler, superintendent of military railroads at Vicksbur~, though Cap- tain Speed and Captain Williams knew only of the first and third parties. The second party consisted of between 300 and 400 men. As the men were being embarked Captain Kerns seems to have been satis- fied that too many were going on one boat, and he so reported to Col- onel Hatch, who agreed with him in this belief but failed to interfere himself, as it was his duty to do, or to make any report of the matter to General Dana, because, as he states, he had had a day or two before some difficulty with Captain Speed about the shipment of troops. There were two other steamers at the landing during the day, both of which would have taken a part of the men, and there was therefore no necessity for crowding them all on one boat. It only required an order from Colonel Hatch or a representation of the facts to the commanding general. Both Captain Speed and Captain Williams acted under the impres- sion that there were only about 1,400 men to be forwarded, and having also a conviction that bribery had been attempted to induce the ship Page 215 CHAP. LX.] LOSS OF THE STEAMER SULTANA. 215 ment of part of the men on the Pauline Carroll, they, during the (lay, resisted the proposition to divide the command between the two boats, in the belief that in doing so they resisted an attempt at fraud. It was not until the troops were all on board that they became aware of the fearful load that was on the boat, and then they seemed to think it too late to make any change, but neither of them made any inspection of the boat to see whether there was room enough for every man to lie down. The testimony shows, and by a calculation of the area of the three decks, I am satisfied that there was scant sleeping room for all the men when every part of the boat, from the roof of the texas to the main deck, was fully occupied. At night it was impossible to move about, and it was only with much difficulty that it could be done during the daytime. The cooking was done either by hot water taken from the boilers or at a small stove on the afterpart of the main deck, and owing to the limited nature of this arrangement, the difficulty of get- ting about the boat, and the want of camp kettles or mess pans, the cooking could not be very general. Before the troops embarked there were on the boat about sixty horses and mules and some hogs, 100 or more. The great weight on the upper deck made it necessary to set up stanchions in many places, in spite of which the deck perceptibly sagged. The impression seems to have been entertained that the paroled troops, having been so long suffering together in rebel prisons, were particularly anxious to go home together in the same boat, but there is no foundation for this belief. The men were exceedingly anxious to return to their homes and were willing to put up with many inconveniences, but they felt that they were treated with unkindness and harshness when they were crowded together in great discomfort on one boat when another equally good was lying alongside willing to take them. From the foregoing I am of opinion that the four officers above- named are responsible for the embarkation of so large a number of tmoops on an unsuitable vessel, Colonel Hatch and Captain Speed being the most censurable. It was their duty especially to see that the serv- ice was properly performed. Captain Williams was assisting Captain Speed and seems to have felt that there was no special responsibility resting on him, but there was a manifest propriety in his knowing the number embarked, and if there was a deficiency of transportation he should have reported it. Captain Kerns made no inspection of the steamer to see that she was properly fitted up, but he did report her to Colonel Hatch, and also to General Smith, as being insufficient for so many troops, and his report should have been noticed. He made no report of the repairing of the boilers, which he seems to have beeii~ aware was going forward, and which it has not yet been decided pos- itively was not the cause of the disaster. Lient. W. II. Tilliughast, Sixty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, was the only other officer connected with this service, but he had no directing control. It is shown by his own testimony that a bribe was proffered to him to induce him to use his influence in having some of the troops shipped on the Pauline Carroll, which he showed a willingness to acceptat least he did not reject itand which he failed to report until after the loss of the Sul- tana. The testimony of the four officers above referred to is very con- tradictory, and I have formed my opinion from the general tenor of the testimony and the circumstances of the embarkation. Brig. Gen. M. L. Smith, U. S. Volunteers, had command of the District of Vicksburg at the time, but he had nothing officially to do with the shipment of the troops; yet as it was officially reported to him by Captain Kern Page 216 216 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIppI. [CHAP. LX. that too many men were being put in the Sultana, it was proper that he should have satisfied himself from good authority whether there was sufficient grounds for the report, and if he found it so he should have interfered to hate the evil remedied. Had he done so the lives of many men would have been saved. In reference to the immediate cause of the calamity, the testimony which I have been able to collect does not enable me to form a positive opinion. The testimony of the two engineers of the Sultana and of the inspector at Saint Louis establishes that her boilers were in good condition on her leaving that port for New Orleans, and apparently continued so until her arrival within ten hours run of Yicksburg, when a leak occurred in one of her boilers. On the arrival of the boat at Yicksburg this leak was repaired by a competent boiler maker, and was pronounced by him a good job, though he qualifies the character of the work by saying that to have been thorough and permanent the two sheets adjoining the leak should have been taken out, and that in its then condition it was iiot perfect. The first engineer, Mr. Wait- ringer, testifies that after leaving Vicksbnrg he watched the repaired part of the boiler, which was near the front end, just over the fire bars, carefully, and it did not at any time show the least sign of giving way. When he was relieved from charge of the engine by the second engi- neer the boilers were full of water and in good condition, and on their return to Memphis the second engineer, Mr. Clemmans, who, being on watch at the time of the explosion, was fatally scalded, told him before he died that the boilers were all right and full of water. I was told by another engineer at Ciiicinnati that he had said the same thing to another person on landing at Memphis, but this other person was not within my reach. There is nothing to show that there was any careen- ing of the boat at the time of the disaster, or that she was running fast; on the contrary, it is shown that she was running evenly and not fast. A piece of boiler was obtained from the wreck, by order of Gen- eral Washburn, which I examined. It seemed to have been broken from the bottom of the boiler the breadth of a sheet and toni tapering to near the top of the boiler, tearing the iron like paper, at times through the rivet holes and then through the middle of the sheet. The lower or wider end seems to have been exposed to the fire without the protection of water, and if so, this doubtless was the cause of the explosion. But this piece of iron may have been exposed to the fire of the burning vessel after the explosion, in which case somne other cause must be found to account for it. The testimony of some of the most experienced engineei s on the Western rivers is given, to throw some light on the matter, bat until the boilers can all be examined no reliable conjecture can be made to account for the explosion. Thus far nothing has been discovered to show that the disaster was attributable to the iniperfect patching. It is the coinnion opinion among engineers that an explosion of steam boilers is impossible when they have the proper quantity of water in them, but the boilers may burst from an over- pressure of steam when they are full of water, o~ving to some defective part of the iron, in which case theve is generally no other harm done than giving way of the defective part and the consequent escape of steam. One engineer, who is sai(l to be the most reliable on the river, says that even in such a case the great power of the steam, having once found a yielding place, tears everything before it, producing the effect of an explosion, and his view seems to be reasonable. What is usually understood as the explosion of a boiler is caused by the sudden development of an intense steam by the water coming in contact wit Page 217 CHAP. LX.] LOSS OF THE STEAMER SULTANA. 217 red-hot iron, which produces an effect like the firing of gunpowder in a mine, and the destruction of the boilers and the boat that carries them is the conseqii~ence. The reports and testimony show that there were 1,866 troops on board the boat, including 33 paroled officers, 1 officer who had resigned, and the captain in charge of the guard. Of these, 765, including 16 officers, were saved, and 1,101, including 19 officers, were lost. There were 70 cabin passengers and 85 crew on board, of whom some 12 to 18 were saved, giving a loss of 137, making the total loss 1,238. I have the honor to submit herewith the following papers in support of the foregoing opinions, viz: Testimony taken before the court of inquiry ordered by Major-General Washburn, marked A ;* testimony taken before the commission ordered by Major-General Dana, marked B ;* testimony taken by myself, including testimony of Capt. James M. MeCown, Sixth Kentucky Cavalry, taken before Colonel Badean, of General Grants staff marked C ; * and the report of Major-General Dana, commanding Department of Mississippi, marked D.t I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. HOFFMAN, Bvt. Brig. Gen., U. jS~. Army, Commissary- General of Prisoners. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington, D. (1. No. 4. Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph flolt, Judge-Advocate-General, U. S. Army. BUREAU OF MILITARY JUSTICE, June 21, 1866. The following report in the case of Capt. Frederic Speed, assistant adjutant-general, U. S. Volunteers, is respectfully submitted: Captain Speed was tried at Yicksburg, Miss., the trial commehcing January 9, 1866, and terminating June 5, under the following charge: Neglect of duty, to the prejudice of good order and military disci- pline. Specification 1 alleges, in substance, that accused being charged by Major-General Dana, commanding Department of Missis- sippi, with the duty of receiving certain officers and men in the mili- tary service of the United States, paroled as prisoners of war~~ by the Confederate authorities, and also being charged with the duty of super- intending the transfer of said paroled prisoners from Four-Mile Bridge, near Yicksburg, to Jefferson Barracks, Mo., did neglect to avail himself of the services of Capt. B. B. ilatch, assistant quartermaster, chief quar- termaster of Department of Mississippi, and Capt. W. F. Kerns, assistant quartermaster, in charge of water transportation at Vicksburg, in pro- curing the necessary and safe transportation for the said paroled prison- ers up the Mississippi River, but did himself assume to discharge the duties properly belonging to the aforesaid officers of the quartermasters department by deciding and directing that a large detachment of said paroled prisoners, about 1,886 in number, should be transported north- ward in one steamer, the Sultana, against the advice and remonstrances of the aforesaid ~ thus greatly overloading the said steamer, Omitted. ISee p.210. The general court-martial for the trial of Captain Speeff was convened by para- graph II, Special Orders, No. 89, Department of Mississippi, November 1, 1865 Page 218 218 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. which on her trip up the river exploded, whereupon about 1,100 men lost their lives who would not have so lost their lives but for the mis- conduct of the accused. This at Yicksburg on or about the 23d, 24th, 25th, 26th, and 27th of April, 1865. Specification 2 alleges in sub- stance that the accused did assume unwarrantable authority in directing the arrangements for the transportation of certain paroled prisoners, and did without authority load and cause to be loaded a large number, to wit, 1,886, paroled prisoners on one boat, the steamer Sultana, being largely in excess of the number she could safely carry, and when at the same time other and better conditioned boats were at the post of Yicksburg, ready and anxious to take a portion of said prisoners, the accused well knowing the same. And Captain Speed, against the remonstrances of Captain Ferns, assistant quartermaster, against crowding so many men on one boat, did with criminal neglect and carelessness cause the whole number, to wit, 1,886 prisoners, to be placed on the said steamer; and afterward from the effects of which large load of paroled prisoners, the boilers of the Sultana exploded, whereby about 1,100 of said prisoners lost their lives. The court con- victed the accused under the specifications and charge, striking out the words and clauses indicated above in red ink,* and sentenced him to be dismissed the service. Major-General Wood, commanding the department, approves the proceedings, findings, and sentence, and forwards the record to the Secretary of War for final action. It is the opinion of this bureau, after a careful study of the record that Captain Speed took no such part in the transportation of the prisoners in question as should render him amenable to punishment; that his connection with the events which preceded the disaster to the Sultana was a wholly subordinate one; and that the facts developed in the evidence point out with dis- tinctness other officers, whose indifference to the comfort of those placed temporarily in their charge resulted in, though without causing, the death of over 1,100 of their number. Au examination of the find- ings of the court, contrasted with the specifications as originally laid, will show, indeed, that this was in fact the opinion of the officers who composed it. The gist of the first specification is that accused neg- lected his duty iu that he failed to avail himself of the services of Captain Hatch, chief quartermaster, and Captain Kerns, assistant quartermaster, in procuring safe transportation for the paroled prison- ers, and did assume upon himself to discharge the duties properly belonging to them; and that against their advice and remonstrances he insisted on placing all the men on the Sultana. The court find that accused did not fail to avail himself of the services of Captain Hatch, who was at the head of the quartermasters department at Yicksburg, but only of the services of Captain Kerns, who held a very subordinate position nuder Captain Hatch; while the evidence shows that the Sultana was selected by Captain Hatch, and that Captain Kerns only advised against placing the paroled men aboard of her in the evening of the day she sailed, when he saw the crowded conditioii of the men, and when it was impossible under the circumstances to divide them into two detachments. It is further shown by considerable testimony that Captain Williams, chief mustering officer on General Danas staff, and commissioner of exchange, was present when the men were put on the Sultana, counted them as they went aboard, declared them to be comfortable, and insisted, in a conversation with Captain Kerns, that none should go on any other boat. * Here printed in italics Page 219 CHAP. LX.) LOSS OF THE STEAMER SULTANA. 219 The gist of the charge being that accused assumed undue authority and neglected to consult the officers of the quartermasters depart- ment, and the court finding that accused did in fact consult Captain Hatch, the officer who possessed exclusive authority in the premises, the accusation of neglect of duty, as laid in the first specification, man- ifestly fails to be sustained. The second specification substantially avers that accused, without authority, overloaded the Sultana, against Captain Kerns remonstrances, and that his criminal neglect occasioned the explosion of the ve~sel. The court, in strict accordance with the proofs, find that accused acted with authority; that Captain Kerns did not remonstrate with him, and that the explosion was not the result of the overloading of the steamer. What ground remains for visiting Captain ~3peed with a dishonorable and lifelong punishment, in view of the light in which the court regard his acts, is difficult to discover. The evidence shows that accused was appointed verbally by General I)ana to act as commissioner of exchange during the temporary absence of Captain Williams; that Captain Williams returned the day before the men were sent to Vicksburg to go North, and that he imme- diately resumed the duties of his office. It is shown that Captain Kerns advised with Captain Williams against so many men going on one vessel, and that the latter insisted, very angrily, that they shduld all go by the Sultana- and it is further shown, by abundant evidence, that the boat, though overcrowded, was not overloaded; that in ship- nients of truops by steamer no attention was ever paid, throughout the war, to the legal carrying capacity of the ship; that the Sultana ran smoothly on the trip; and finally that the explosion was owing, not to the excess in the number of men she was conveying, but to the fact that since her last official survey, made ten days previous, and at which she was I)ronounced to be staunch, & c., her boilers had been burned, through the probable carelessness of her engineer, and had been repaired imper- fectly with a patch of thinner iron. Terrible as was the disaster to the Sultana, there is no evidence that it was caused by the overcrowding of her decks, and it is therefore difficult to say upon whom the responsibility for the loss of 1,100 lives should really rest. The engineer testifies that he considered the boil- cis well and sufficiently repaired, but his criminality in risking the lives of so many men, knowing, as he did, the condition of his boat, was great and without palliation. Whoever should be regarded as meriting punishment for his connection with the event, it is believed that it is not Captain Speed. The selection of the Sultana is shown to have been made by Captain Hatch, the chief quartermaster, not by the accused. Captain Speed is shown to have been in frequent consalta- tion with Captain Hatch, who, moreover, is proved to have previously promised a full load to the captain of the Sultana, and to have sent the latter to Captain Speed in reference to the matter. Captain Williams is shown to have taken almost the entire direction of affairseon his rcturn from the North, and to have insisted that the prisoners should not be divided; and Captain Speed, the accused, is proven to have believed the control of the arrangements to be so completely taken out of his hands that he went to the Sultana while the men were going on board only through an accident, and performed no services while there, convinced that his duties had ended when he brought the prisoners from Four-Mile Bridge to Yicksbnrg, and that to the commissioner of exchange, Captain Williams, and the officers of the quartermasters department belonged the additional duty of shipping them to the North Page 220 220 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANSMISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. It would be easy, though it would extend this report to too great a length, to introduce in full the testimony on which, in all these points, the judgment of -this bureau is founded. It is believed to be unneces- sary, however, inasmuch as the court have, by its findings, so emascu- lated the allegations of the charge as to absolve the accused of all responsibility for the catastrophe. Their findings under the specifica- tions are believed to be fully warranted by the evidence, in the face of which they could scarcely have arrived at any different conclusions. How, then, however, they could proceed to inflict upon the accused a punishment so terrible for offenses of which they virtually find him not guilty, this bureau fails to understand. It is recommended that the sentence beAisapproved and that Captain Speed be publicly exonerated from the charges which have been made against his character as an offi- cer. It is not the design of this report to cast censure upon the con- duct of Captain Williams. He is shown to have been absent at the North until the day before the steamer Sultana sailed with her living freight, and cannot, therefore, be held responsible for arrangeineuts made before his return. His l)ersistence in conhnil)g the entire detach- inent of paroled men to the Sultana is believed to be accounted for partly by his knowledge that the agents of other vessels were attempt- ing to obtain their share of patronage by bribery, which, for a short time, he believed Captain Speed to have yielded to, though he soon after publicly admitted his mistake; partly also by a confusion which is shown to have existed in his mind as to the number of those who were to be sent North; and in part by the extreme difficulty of effecting a division at so late a period. That Captain Hatch felt a consciousness of some responsibilityfor the disaster is believed to be shown bythe fact that though three times subpienaed to give his testimony at the trial, and though the trial was prolonged three months that his presence might be secured, he refused to obey the summons; and that, notwithstanding every effort was made to compel his presence, the Secretary of War being finally appealed to to order his arrest as guilty of contempt, it was found necessary to finish the trial Without his evidence.* J. HOLT, SECRETARY OF WAR. Jud.qe-Advocate. 4~eneral. No. 5. Report ~f Acty. Ensign) James H. Berry, U. ~. Nary. U. S. IRON-CLAD ESSEX, Memphis, Team., April 27, 1865. Sw: I was aroused from my sleep this morning l)y a call from Mr. Earnshaw, who informed me that the steamer Snitaima had blown up and was burning at a short distance up the i-iver, and that the river was covered with drowning men. I ordered all the boats manned, which was done immediately, and f went in the cutter, which boat was the first ready, and we went out to the middle of the river. The morn- ing was very dark, it being about one hour before daylight, and the weather overcast, and the shrieks of the wounded and drowning men was the only guide we had. The first man we picked up was chilled and so benumnbed that he couldnt help himself; and the secommd one died a shoit time after lie was taken omi board. We soon dmifted dowmi ~ Captain Speed was honorably mustered out of service September 1, 156 Page 221 CHAP. LX.] LOSS OF THE STEAMER SULTANA. 221 to Fort Pickering, when the sentry on the shore fired at us, and we were obliged to come to while the poor fellows near us were crying out and imploring ns for Gods sake to save them; that they couldnt hold oat much longer. We pulled a short distance toward the shore and hailed the sentry, who ordered me to come on shore, and who, it seems, had not hailed me before, or if he had his hail had been drowned by the groans of the men drowning in the water. I asked the sentry why he had fired at rue, and he said that he had obeyed his orders. I told the sentry what had happened, and that I was picking up drown- ing men. The sentry did not give me any answer, and we went out again to the middle of the river, where we fell in with the gig laying near a lot of drift which was covered with men drowning, who were so benumbed that my boats crews were obliged to handle them as if they were dead men. Before we had taken in half of them another shot was fired from the fort, and came whistling over our heads, and I saw that they were determined to make me come ashore. It was not day- light, and though our two boats and a steam-boats yawl, which caine out to lend us a hand, made a large mark to shoot at, I would not leave the poor fellows in the water to attend the sentry on shore. When the day began to dawn the cries of the sufferers ceased, and all who had not been rescned had gone down, and I, fearing that I might be fired at again, went to the shore, and when I saw the sentry he had again raised his musket, and I called out to him not to shoot, and at the same time told the sentry, who was a negro, that if there was an officer there I wished to see him. A man came down and told me that he was an officer. I asked him why I had been fired at. He said that his orders were to fire on all skiffs. I told him that these boats were not skiffs; that they were a man-of-wars gig and cutter, and again reminded him of what had happened, and of the drowning men whose cries he could not help hearing, and for the sake of hnmanity why could he not execute his orders with some discretion in a time like this. He said that he had as much humanity as any one, and in firing at me he had only obeyed orders. I saw a number of skiffs and other boats laying hauled up out of the water, and from appearances no one had made any atteml)t to launch them, and I reminded him that that did not look much like humanity. No one at the fort offered to do any- thing for the suffering men in our boats except the watchman of the coal barges, who, with the assistance of some of my men, built a fire on the shore, and I left a few of the rescued men by it, who wished to reniain, and the others I had put on board vessels near by, where they were well cared for. I then crossed the river, and after looking care- fully around I returned on board, having taken out of the water sixty men and one lady. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES II. BERRY, Acting Ensign and Executive Officer. Actg. Vol. Lient. JOHN C. PARKER, Commanding U. ~3. Iron-clad Essex. [First indorsement.] Respectfully forwarded to Maj. Gen. C. C. Washburn for his consid- eration. JOHN C. PARKER, Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding Essex Page 222 222 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. [Second indorsement.] Respectfully forwarded to Colonel Kappuer for his remarks. He will report the name of the officer who is represented to have acted so disgracefully. C. C. WASHBURN, Major- General. [Third indorsernent.] HEADQUARTFRS FORT PICKERING, Memphis, Tenn., May 1, 1865. Respectfully returned, and attention invited to the inclosed state- ments of Capt. L. Methudy, acting assistant adjutant-general; Senior Surg. II. H. Hood, Capt. D. C. Mooney, Third U. S. Colored Artillery (Heavy), field officer of the day, Lient. D. P. Yates, Third U. S. Colored Artillery (Heavy), and Capt. George II. Stevens. * Lient. D. P. Yates, the officer who conversed with Acting Ensign Berry, denies the correctness of the ensigns statement, and from my personal knowledge I can say that the rescued were as well cared for as possible, the injured receiving medical attendance, and all whisky, coffee, meat, and bread, and that the ensigns statement to the contrary is a misrepresentation. Nearly 100 men were landed on five or six different places along the shore in the fort, and the reason why not more than two or three skiffs from the fort were out is that there are no more here. I. C-. KAPPNER, Cot. 3d U. ~. Colored Arty.(ffeavy), Gomdg. Port and Troops Attached. [Inclosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS FORT PICKERING, Memphis, Tenn., April 29, 1865. Col. I. C-. KAPPNER, Commanding Port Pickering: COLONEL: I have the honor to make the following statement: At about 4 a. m. on the 27th instant it was reported to me by one of the orderlies that a number of boats and skiffs were going down the river with persons in them who had lanterns. Lieutenant Copeland, aide.de-camp, went down to the river immediately. I was stopped on my way down by two sailors, who made me acquainted with the unfortunate event, and asked me to send whisky to the landing for those of the people who had been or were being rescued. I had no whisky to distribute, but gave orders that a sufficient amount of hot coffee be made immediately, which order was cheerfully executed by the orderlies (who are negroes) and then went on down to the river. I met Lieutenant Wilson, of Company A, Third U. S. Colored Artillery (Heavy), who informed me that his men, who are quartered on the levee, were out and were attending to those who were rescued by the eiiiploy6s of the quartermasters department under Mr. Hare. Lientenatit Wil- son asked me whether I could get any whisky for the men, and I advised him to get coffee made for them, as I did not think it could be got at short notice. He told inc that coffee was then being made at his barracks. Upon arriving at the levee (which was not later than ten to twelve minutes after I received the first notice) I found Lieutenant * Captain Stevens statement not found Page 223 CHM~. LX.] LOSS OF THE STEAMER SULTANA. 223 Yates and a large nuniber of the Company A, Third U. S. Colored Artillery (Heavy), also all river guards stationed iu the neighborhood, rendering all the assistance they possibly could in providing temporary shelter for those who were suffering from being scalded and bruised more than others, building fires, giving blankets, & c. The field officer of the day(Capt. ID. C. Mooney) informed me that he or somebody else (I cannot distinctly remember) had sent for whisky. I theii sent for the senior surgeon of the fort, not knowing that he had been notified by the field officer of the day, who soon made his appearance and per- formed the duties of his office. He sent to the city for ambulances to remove the rescued, and after seeing that I could do no more for the suffering, 1 retired. Lieutenant Copeland, your aide-de-camp, has worked in conjunction with others to the best of his abilities in admin- istering help to the rescued; in fact, every officer and soldier (the latter were negroes) did the best they could for the suffering men after they were saved, as there are but a few small boats in the fort which were in use. To the above I certify on honor as being true, and would fur- ther state that besides mine abundant testimony can be easily procured to prove that at least that part of the letter of Actg. Ensign James II. Berry and executive officer iron-clad Essex wherein he relates that he saw a number of skiffs and other boats lying hauled up out of the water, & c., and no one at the fort offered to do anything for the suffer- ing men in our boats except the watchman at the coal barges, is devoid of truth. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. METHUDY, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure Xo. 2.] HDQRS. FORT PICKERING-, OFFICE SENIOR SURGEON, Capt. L. METHUDY, Jlffemphis, Tenn., April 29, 1SGJ. A eting Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 27th instant I was called from my bed at about 5 oclock by a messenger informing me that a large number of half drowned men were on the river bank in the fort requiring medical assistance. This was the first intimation that I had of the result of the blowing up of the steamer Sultana. Itepairing as quickly as possible to the river I found there many of the victims of the explosion. Captaiu Methudy, acting assist- ant adjutant-general, on the staff of Col. I. 0-. Kappner, was there before me, and was giving such directions to the men of the garrisoii then present ~s he thought might conduce to the comfort of the rescued men. Many of them were seriously injured by scalding and contusions, and all were shivering with cold, being still in their wet clothing; but large fires were blazing and stimulants administered. Having no clothing for these men in the fort, and many of them needing treat- ment in the hospital, I immediately returned to my office amid wrote a note to Surgeon Irwin, U. S. Army, and superintendent generai hos- pitals, stating the facts and requesting him to send ambulances and blankets. in a very short time these arrived. In the meantime, learn- ing that a large number of the unfortunate men were in the hospital of the Third U. S. Colored Artillery (Heavy), at the upper end of the fort, I went there and found twenty-five of them, many occupying th Page 224 224 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIppi. [CHAP .~ LX. beds of my patients, who willingly gave them up to their greater need. Acting Assistant Surgeon Tindall and the hospital steward, Mr. Thomas Whitten, were busy dressing wounds. All here were sup- plied with coffee and other stimulants. A message from Captain Stev- ens, Third U. S. Colored Artillery (Heavy), informed me that several men were in his battery (M) who needed help. I went there, but found that he had procured an ambulance and sent them to the Adams Hospital. Returning to the river at the time of the arrival of the ambulance train from the city, I found there Col. I. G. Kappuer, Major Williams, Lieutenants Copeland, Atlee, Helm, Newman, Wyckoff, XViL- son, and Yates. There were others, but these I remember distinctly, being brought directly in contact with them. The teams of the quarter- masters, Helm and Atlee, were on the ground, bat were not needed, except the two ambulance teams. Lieutenant Wyckoff, provost-mar- shal of the fort, supplied many of these men with breakfast. All officers present were busy in rendering snch assistance as was in their power. Seven men remained in the fort at 9 a. in. These I sent in ambulances to the office of Superintendent Irwin, surgeon, U. S. Army. In conclusion permit me to say that, so far as my observation went, all persons connected with this garrison, from the colonel commanding down to the rank and file, were deeply interested in the pitiable con- dition of these unfortunate men, and that all, to the best of their ability, did their whole duly in ministering to their wants. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant H. H. HOOD, Surgeon, Third U. S. Colored Arty. (fleavy), and Senior Surgeon. [Inclosure No. 3.] FORT PICKERiNG, Memphis, Tenn., April 30, 1365. Capt. L. METHUDY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 27th instant I was officer of the day and made my rounds between 3 and 4 oclock in the morning. As I was going toward Battery A I met a guard, who told me that a steam-boat had blown up and some of the passengers were floating down and were being picked up. I immedi- ately went to Battery A, found some five or six soldiers from the wreck. These men had dry blankets furnished them and were walking around to keep warm while fire was being built. Lieutenants Yates and Wilson had coffee made and given them, and those that were burned taken into quarters and their parts that were burned dressed and flour put on. I then went to Quartermaster Helm and had him send some whisky down for them. The quartermasters employ~s, under Mr. flare, did good service in rescuing the soldiers, who were well taken care of and everything furnished them that could be had to make theni coin- fortable. All that were rescued near the upper part of the fort were taken to the hospital immediately, where dry clothes and beds were given them. I saw all that were rescued in the fort, and I must say they were exceedingly well taken care of; officers and men were mak- ing every exertion to make them comfortable. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. C. MOONEY, Captain, Third U. S. Colored Artillery (Heavy) Page 225 CHAP. LX.] LOSS OF THE STEAMER SULTANA. 225 [Inclosure No. 4.] FORT PICKERING, Memphis, Teun., April 29. 18G5. Capt. L. METHUDY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Fort Pickering: CAPTAIN: In compliance with instructions received, I have the honor to make the following statement regardiiig a memorial of acting ensign and executive officer of the U. S. iroit-clad Essex, who makes allega- tions in his document which are in violation of truth, as by numerous officers and men stationed in the fort can easily be proved: Early in the morning of the 27th instant a shot was fired by one of the sentries on shore. 1 immediately went out to ascertain the cause of it, which was apparent in a moment. All the men (some thirty or forty), Lieutenant Wilson, and myself rendered instantly such assist- ance as we could for the poor sufferers. After two or three small boats had delivered rescued men, and a good fire, under my orders, had been built, Captain Methudy, acting assistant adjutant-general, suggested that coffee be furnished them, saying that he had ordered some made at the headquarters. I immediately ordered coffee made, then gave them all the whisky and blankets happening to be on hand, and three or four of the most suffering had been carried into the barracks and covered warmly, and the remainder had likewise been provided with blankets and clothing to make all comfortable; then a boat neared us and one of the persons in it spoke to me in a manner which approached more to slang than to the remarks set forth in the document referred to above. Some of the men (negroes) to whom he also addressed him- self said it would be well to put his sufferers (one or two, I believe) ashore that they might be better cared for, but for some reason or other he took no notice of the suggestion. Where he built or caused to be built any fires is not known to me; certainly it was not done on that part of the levee, where a large number of the rescued were landed. After making (under in structions from Surgeon Hood and the officer of the day, Captain Mooney) the men who had been landed quite com- fortable, I went up the shore a short distance, where I met Colonel Kappner, Surgeon Hood, another surgeon, and Lieutenant Copeland, aide- de- camp, who informed me that all the sufferers were doing well. 1 have to state that our sentinels are instructed to bring to all small boats passing up or down the river, by discharging their pieces, and on the morning in question not a cap was snapped after the sad accident was known; also, that I did not make such a reply as stated by Acting Ensign Berry. The discourteous language by that officer in regard to an officer of the U.S. Army and to U.S. soldiers, if even colored, in his memorial, also the fact that he so fully explains the leading part taken by him in rescuing the suffering, are not for me to pass judg- ment upon; but I owe it to the officers and men of the garrison of Fort Pickering who were present and used their honest efforts to render all assistance in their power to state that the document forwarded by Acting Ensign Berry is in no way in accordance with facts. I beg respectfully to inclose a list of names of men who were landed In front of my quarters, many of whom thanked me for what we had done for them when they were being taken away in the ambulances. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANIEL P. YATES, First Lient., Gomdg. Company A, Third U. ~. Colored Artillery. 15 R RYOL XLVIII, PT Page 226 226 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. [Sub-inclosure.] Second Lieut. J. N. Shaffer, Company F, One hundred and fifteenth Ohio Infantry; First Sergt. C. W. Mills, Company K, Tenth Indiana Cavalry; Sergt. William Duke, Company D, Seventy-second Ohio Infantry; Sergt. L. B. Brooks, Company C, Second Michigan Cavalry; Corpl. William H. Peacock, Company G, Ninth Indiana Cavalry; Pri- vate S. W. Wescott, Company B, McLaughlins Squadron Ohio Cav- alry; Private James Moore, Compaiiy A, One hundred and seventy- fifth Ohio Infantry; Private Joseph Nolen, Company H, Fonrth Ohio Cavalry; Private James B. Wood, Company C, Third Tennessee Cav- alry; Private II. T. Hall, Company C, Second Kentucky Cavalry. APRIL 27, 1865.Affair near James Creek, Mo. Report of Cot. John D. Allen, Fifteenth Missouri Cavalry. HDQRS. FIFTEENTH REGIMENT CAVALRY MISSOURI VOLS., ]Iiliount Vernon, ]JJio., April 29, 18G5. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the success of a scont made by Lient. J. P. Boyd, Company C, with thirteen men, on the 27th instant. On the night of the 26th two bushwhackers made their appearance on Center Creek and robbed Parson Oliver. The lieutenant started in pursuit at 9 oclock next morning and trailed them some four miles west of James Creek. In the thick brush he found them. Killed both of them and recovered all the stolen property, together with their camp and garrison equipage. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN D. ALLEN, Capt. WILLIAM T. KITTREDGE, Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Assistant Adjutant- General, Springfield, Mo. APRIL 28MAY 13, 1865.Scout from Fort Cummings, N. Mex. Report of Capt. George A. Burkett, First California Infantry. HEADQUARTERS, Fort Cummings, N. Mex., May 20, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to instructions received from you in a letter from Aqua Blanca, dated April 28, 1865, stating that the Indians at Pinos Altos were hostile and had or would attack that place, I left this post with thirty men of Company G, First Veteran Infantry California Volunteers, at 4 p. in., and arrived at your camp at the Hot Spring at 11p.m. same day, having traveled a distance of twenty-five miles. Left camp at 2 a. m. 29th, and arrived at Pinos Altos at 3 a. m. on the 30th. I had seen no Indians np to that time. I learned from Mr. Granjean, who resides at that place, that no Indians had been seen since the afternoon of the 28th, when they made an attack on theherd with theloss of one Indian killed. I left PinosAltos onthenight of the 1st of May; found the Indian trail six miles to the west of Pinos Altos; followed the trail to the San Vincent ranch; camped till the night ofthe2d; left at 7 p. m. The trail after leaving the ranch went in the direction of Mangus Colorados Ranch, toward the Gila River. After following it about four miles and a half it became so dim that I had t Page 227 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION FROM SAINT LOUIS, MO. 227 camp for the remainder of the night. I found water in a ravine near the camp. The next morning at daylight the guide found the trail. It turned off in the direction of the Burro Mountains. I went across to the left side of the Burros and followed an old Indian trail; camped in a cafion. Left camp on the 4th at 7 p. in. At 1 a. m. of the 5th arrived at the east side of Whitlocks Caiion; here I camped till morn- ing, when I took twenty men and passed through the cafion. I found the trail going straight for the Sierra Bonito. I followed it for two hours and found that fifteen Indians (men) had left the main trail and gone in the direction of Barneys Station. I became satisfied that the women and children had gone to Fort Goodwin, confirming the opinion I had expressed to you at the Hot Spring in relation to their journey to Fort Goodwin. Thinking it useless to go farther, I turned back aud arrived at Pinos Altos on the 7th, and carried out your instructions in relation to the arrest of (Jarlos Moreno. On the 10th, I sent out Ser- geant Barton with fifteen men and gave him instructions to proceed to the headwaters of the Rio Mimbres and ascertain if there were any Indians in that direction. The sergeant made the trip, but saw no sign of Indians. He arrived at this post on the 14th. I left Pinos Altos on the 10th, and arrived at this post on the 13th, having been out fifteen days. The Indians sent their women and children away the same day you left your camp at Pinos Altos, so that the Indians had four days the start of me. Had they not gone to Fort Goodwin I think I could have caught them. I am, sir, veryrespectfully,yourobedientservant, GEG. A. BURKETT, Captain, First Veteran Infty. California Vols., Commanding. Lient. (Jo]. N. H. DAVIS, Assistant Inspector- General, U. S. Army, Santa P6, N. Mew. MAY 22, 1865. Pursuant to instructions received from you on the 13th instant, I dispatched a sergeant and four men on the 17th to Pinos Altos to arrest the men mentioned. The sergeant returned on the 21st, bring- ing them with him. Their names are Panacho Cario and Ferinomo Contreras. G.A.B. APRIL 29JUNE 11, 1865.Expedition from Saint Louis, No., to receive the surrender of Brig. Gen. N. Jefr Thompson, C. S. Army. TWPORTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Missouri. No. 2.Lient. Col. Charles W. Davis, Fifty-first Jilinois Infantry, Assistant Provost- Marshal-General. No. 1. Report of iliaj. Gen. Grenrille M. Dodge, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the ]Jiliissouri. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., June 24, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with tele- graphic instructions received from Major-General Pope, of date Apri Page 228 228 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. 29, 1865, I dispatched Lient. Col. C. W. Davis, Fifty-first Illinois Infan- try, assistant provost-marshal-general on my staff; and Capt. J. F. Bennett, assistant adjutant-general, on duty at these headquarters, to Chalk Bluff, on the Arkansas border, to demaiid the surrender of Brig. Gen. M. Jeff. Thompson and all the Confederate forces subject to his orders. These officers proceeded under letter of instruction, marked A, bearing my letter to General Thompson, marked B, herewith inclosed. After some correspondence, as shown in the report of Lieutenant-Col- onel Davis (herewith inclosed, marked C),* General Thompson surren- dered, and in accordance with agreement thereto made Lieutenant- Colonel Davis, Captain Bennett, and Captain Ford proceeded May 20, 1865, on steam-boat to Wittsburg and Jacksonport, where the command of Genera] Thompson was paroled, consisting of 636 officers and 6,818 enlisted men, as shown in the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Davis (herewith inclosed, marked D I). General Thompsons command being in the Department of Arkansas, I immediately, upon receipt of informa- tion of its surrender, notified General Reynolds of the fact by tele- graph, and sent the following dispatches to Major-Generals Pope and Reynolds, requesting that the latter (General Reynolds) send staff officers to accompany mine to Wittsburg and Jacksonport, viz: SAINT Louis, Mo., May 15, 1865. Major-General REYNOLDS, Little Bock, Ark.: The arrangement made provides that the command shall be paroled by me. My officers will leave here on the 20th on a boat and go to Wittsburg, on Saint Francis River. I should like to have you send some staff officers to accompany them, as it is in your department, and no donbt it would have a good effect to have you repre- sented there. Please answer where your staff officers will meet mine, so I can instruct them. G. M. DODGE, Major-General. SAINT Louis, Mo., May 18, 1865. Major-General POPE, Headquarters Military Division of the Missouri: I hear nothing from my telegram to General Reynolds. I rec~uested him to send one or two staff officers to meet mine at some point to go with them to parole General Thompsons troops. I think he should have some staff officers there, so as to have a full understanding of the matter. Had you not better direct him to send theml He may think that I ala going outside of my duties in going into his depart- ment and receiving the surrender of Thompson. Our arrangements are all made here on the 20th. If his staff officers will report at Memphis we will call there for them. G.M. DODGE, Major-General. General Reynolds sent two staff officers, who joined mine at Devalls Bluff on their way to Jacksonport from Wittsburg. The paroles, rolls of prisoners, & c., were boxed up and forwarded by express to Wash- ington, D. C., addressed to Brigadier-General Townsend, Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army. I inclose herewith paroles of a portion of General Thompsons command taken by Colonel Morrills direction in Missouri, marked E. ~ In addition to these, large numbers of Kirby Smiths men scattered through this State have been paroled at differ- ent points, and have universally taken the oath of allegiance. All the bands of bushwhaekers in the State have surrendered at the different posts of Lexington, Cassville, Fort Scott, Bloomfield, & c., so that I can now report that peace and quiet reigns in Missouri. Lieutenant-Colonel *Seep. 230. tSee p. 237. Omitted Page 229 CBii~. LX.] EXPEDITION FROM SAINT LOUIS, MO. 229 Davis, Captain Bennett, and Captain Ford performed the cielicate and responsible duties with which they were charged to my entire satisfac- tion and with credit to themselves. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. M. DODGE, Major- General. Capt. JOSEPH MoC. BELL, Assistant Adjutant- General, Military Division of the Missouri. [Inclosure A.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 29, 1865. Lieutenant-Colonel DAvIS, Assistant Provost-Marshal- General: COLONEL: You will proceed to North Arkansas, via Cape Girardean, and deliver the accompanying letter to Brig. Gen. M. JefL Thompson, and await his answer. Should he accept the terms offered you will make arrangements for carrying theni out, paroling his command, & c. Brevet Brigadier-General Beveridge will give you all the aid you may desire and respond to any call you may make upon him. You are to understand that no other terms can be granted him, and refrain from expressing any opinion contrary to the spirit of the terms designated. This being purely a military matter, civil matters will not be treated or talked of, we having no authority whatever in those matters. Should General Thompson surrender it is probable you may need transporta- tion for any war material he may have. In making out the paroles make them the same as made by General Grant. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. M. DODGE, Major- General, Gommanding. (Same to Capt. J. F. Bennett, assistant adjutant-general.) [Inclosure B.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 29, 1865. Brig. Gen. M. JEFF. THOMPSON, Commanding District of North Arkansas: GENERAL: 1 inclose herewith official copies of dispatches received from the Secretary of War announcing the surrender of all the armies of the Confederate Government east of the Chattahoochee River; also the official report of the surrender of Mobile. The U. S. forces have also captured Selma, Columbus, Montgomery, Macon, & c. The terms granted by Lieutenant-General Grant to General Lee will be given the forces under your command. By accepting these terms you will put an end to the farther destruction of life and property in North Arkansas. To continue the struggle longer must be evident to you is useless. Should you not accept these terms, being inside of the U. S. Army, and the authorities whom you claim to be serving having no longer an existence dejure or defacto, they will immediately be declared outlaws, and no terms thereafter granted them. Lieutenant-Colonel Davis, my staff officer, will hand you this and await your answer. Should you accept, the arrangements for carrying out the terms designated will be immediately made by him, he having full authority to carry out the arrangements herein specified. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. M. DODGE, Major- General. Commanding Page 230 230 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. No. 2. Reports of lijeut. Got. Charles W. Davis, Fifty-first Illinois Infantry, Assistant Provost-Marshal- General. SAINT Louis, Mo., May 15, 1865. GENERAL: In accordance with instructions from you of the 29th ultimo, I left Saint Louis in company with Capt. J. F. Bennett, assist- ant adjutant-general, on the 30th ultimo, to proceed to North Arkansas to endeavor to find Brig. Gen. M. Jeff. Thompson and deliver to him your letter. We reached Cape Girardeau that night, and the next day made arrangements with Brevet Brigadier-General Beveridge for cross- ing the country into Arkansas. He furnished us with 200 men of the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry as an escort, under command of Lieut. Col. D. J. ilynes. Leaving Cape Girardeau on the morning of the 2d instant, we were three days in reaching Chalk Bluff, on the Saint Francis River. On the 5th instant we were engaged in building the raft on the saint Francis River, in foraging the country, and in trying to get some definite information in regard to the whereabouts of General Thompson. It was difficult to ascertain anything positive about him, all of our informants saying that he had not been in that vicinity for a long time, and giving us as rumors that he had gone south to meet a flag of truce. We learned that he called Harrisburg his headquarters. Learning that it would be difficult to subsist my escort on the Arkansas side of the Saint Francis River, I thought best to remain at Chalk Bluff and endeavor to get General Thompson, if he could be found, to come to me. On the 5th instant I wrote a letter (inclosed, marked A, is a copy) to General Thompson by a citizen of Arkansas. Fearing that this might not reach him, o ii the 6th instant I wrote another (inclosed, marked B, is a copy), which Captain Bennett, accompanied by an escort of sixty men, started with. General Thomp- son received my first letter on the 7th instant2 to which he replied as per inclosed, C. The same day Captain Bennett met with General Thompson and made arrangements to have him accompany him on his return to Chalk Bluff. Captain Bennett will give you a report of his trip, as well as other items he has gained. On the 9th instant Captain Bennett returned to Chalk Bluff, Genera] Thompson and four of his officers coming with him. I delivered your letter to the general, and we had several long conversations with him, the result of which was the paper from him marked D, and my reply, of which inclosed, marked E, is a copy. General Thompson seemed to have great doubts about his right to surrender a district and a force that were not surrounded or in danger of imme(liate capture, and before doing so he wished to consult with his two brigade commanders, and upon his agreeing to remain with us I gave him forty-eight hours to communicate with them. On the 10th instant I received from General Thompson the two inclosed letters, marked F and G, to which I replied as per inclosed copies, marked H and I. On the morning of time 11th instant I received the letter marked K, to which I replied as per inclosed copy, marked L. The forty eight hours given General Thompson having expired at Sp. m. on the 11th instant, he announced his decision to surrender all his forces in the communicatioim marked M, which I acknowledged as per inclosed copy, marked N. He then wrote the accompanying letter [marked 0] to you formally surrendering all the forces under his command. We selected Wittsbnrg and Jacksonport as the places for receiving and paroling his officers and men, because we believed them the only avail Page 231 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION FROM SAINT LOUIS, MO. 231 able points that he could collect his command, on account of the high stage of water and the destitute condition of the country, and so late a date as the 5thprox~mo at Jacksonport, because General Thompson satis- fied us that he could not get word to his forces west of the White River and assemble them before that time. General Thompson said that he should surrender at least 5,000 men. It may be more or less, and I am unable to give an opinion which. These men will come in without a morsel to eat, and I would therefore recommend that 50,000 ration sbe sent to the points designated to feed them while being l)aroled and while they are returning to their homes. We impressed upon General Thompson as well as we could the importance of his men giving up all the arms and property taken from the enemy if they wished not to be troubled hereafter. General Thompson assured ns that he would do all he could in the matter, and as an earnest of his good intention fur- nished us with a copy of the order that he should issue to his command. inclosed please find a copy, marked P. In conclusion, I desire to say that Brevet Brigadier-General Beveridge gave us all the assistance we desired; that the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry behaved as well as any troops could behave, and that Lieutenant-Colonel Tiedemaun has our thanks for constructing the raft on the Saint Francis River. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. W. DAVIS, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Provost- JIliarshal- General. Maj. Gen. G. M. DODGE, Commanding Department of the Missouri. [Inclosure A.] CHALK BLUFF, ARK., May 5, 1865. Brig. Gen. M. JEFF. THOMPSON, Commanding District of Northeast Arkansas: GENERAL: I am here as a staff officer of Major-General Dodge, com- inanding Department of the Missouri, under a flag of truce, as the bearer of a letter from Major- General Dodge to yourself. My instruc- tions are to deliver it to you in person, and as quickly as possible. I have the honor, therefore, to request that you will meet me as near this point as you can. My mission is purely of a peaceful nature. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. W. DAVIS, Lieutenant- Colonel. The original, of which this is a copy, was sent to Brig. Gen. M. Jeff. Thompson by the hand of Mr. Little, a citizen of Arkansas. [Inclosure B.] CHALK BLUFF, ARK., Saint Francis River, May 6, 1865. Brig. Gen. M. JEFF. THOMPSON, Commanding Army of Northeast Arkansas: GENERAL: I am here by command of Major-General Dodge, com- manding Department of the Missouri, as the bearer of a letter from him to yourself. This letter I am directed to deliver to you personally. I am here under flag of truce, and wish to meet you in the same man- ner as soon as possible. This will be handed to you by Capt. J. F. Bennett, who is also an officer on the staff of Major-General Dodge. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. W. DAVIS, Lieutenant- Colonel Page 232 232 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [ChAP. LX. [Inclosure C.] HEADQUARTERS NORTH SUB-DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS, Harrisburg, Ark., May 7, 18652 a. m. Lient. Col. C. W. DAVIS, U. S. Army, Bearer of Flag of Truce, (ihalk Bluff, Ark.: COLONEL: Your favor dated the 5th instant, informing me that you are the bearer of dispatches from General Dodge to me under flag of truce, is this moment received. I will proceed up the ridge to muet you as you request, and will be at Gainesville by Monday, the 8th, at noon. Please come to Gainesville and await my arrival there; but should I reach that point before you I will proceed up the ridge until I meet you on the route between Gainesville and Chalk Bluff. I have the honor to be, yours, most respectfully, N. JEFF. THOMPSON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Juclosure ID.] CHALK BLUFF, iliay 9, 18654 p. m. Lient. Col. C. W. DAVIS, U. S. Army, Present: COLONEL: Having read the communication from General Dodge, of which you have been the bearer under flag of truce, as king a surrender of the forces under my command upon the terms granted to General Robert E. Lee by General Grant, I must ask a few questions before I can give a definite answer, viz: First. Should I order the men to assent- ble to surrender at specified times and places, will your army then have to pass over our country or simply move to the points designated to receive and parole the officers and men? Secoud. Will the families of those who prefer to leave after being paroled be banished? Third. Do you understand the parole given to General Lees meu to cover their private personal property at home or uot? I mean, maythe private soldiersretain the horses that belong to them personally, and will their private personal property at home be left to them? Fourth. After answering these questions, how long a time will you give me for a defi- nite answer to General Dodges proposition? I have the honor to be, yours, respectfully, M. JEFF. THOMPSON, Brigadier- General, Commanding North ASub-District of Arkansas. [Inciosure E.] CHALK BLUFF, SAINT FRANCIS RIVER, Mo., Tuesday, May 9, 18655 p. m. Brig. Gen. M. JEFF. THOMPSON, C. S. Army: GENERAL: In answer to yours of this day I would say: First. Our army will not necessarily move over the country, but simply to the points designated to receive and parole the officers and men. Second. No families will be banished so long as they conduct themselves prop- erly and conform to the laws of the United States. Third. I believe General Grant permitted General Lees men to retain all private per- sonal property except arms and ammunition. Fourth. I will allow you forty-eight hours for a definite answer to General Dodges proposition. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. W.DAY1S, Colonel Page 233 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION FROM SAINT LOUIS, MO. 233 tlnclosure F.] LIDDLES, NEAR CHALK BLUFF, ARK., Wednesday, May 10, 18656 a. m. Lieut. Col. C. W. DAvIS, U. S. Army, Commissioner from General Dodge, U~ S. Army, Chalk Bluff, Mo.: COLONEL: Please send me a draft of the parole that you propose to give the officers and men, should I determine to accept the proposal of General Dodge and surrender the forces under my command. I have never seen those given General Lee and men. Yours, most respectfully, M. JEFF. THOMPSON, Brigadier- General, Commanding North Sub-District ~f Arkansas. [Inclosure G.] LIDDLES, NEAR CHALK BLUFF, ARK., Wednesday, May 10, 18657 a. m. Lient. Col. C. W. DAVIS, [I. S. Army, Commissioner from Major- General Dodge, Comdg. Department of the Missouri, Chalk Bluff, Mo.: COLONEL: I desire that we should agree upon the status of the civil officers of the counties in this sub-district before I give my answers to the summons of General Dodge. I propose that all civil officers of the counties, such as sheriffs, magistrates, clerks, & c., shall perform their functions to repress lawlessness, punish crimes, & c., until the civil authorities shall settle their status. Yours, most respectfully, M. JEFF. THOMPSON, Brig. Gen., C. S. Army, Comdg. North Sub-District of Arkansas. [Inclosure H.] CHALK BLUFF Mo ~l Brig. Gen. M. JEFF. THOMPSON, , ., flay 10, 1865. Commanding North Sub-District of Arkansas: GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose herewith copies of parole given by officers and men of General Lees army. Each man receives a certificate showing that he has been properly surrendered for his own safety. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. W. DAVIS,. Lieutenant- Colonel. [Sub-inclosure No. 1.] APPOMATTOX COURT-HOUSE, VA., April 9, 1865. We, the undersigned, prisoners of war, belonging to the Army of Northern Virginia, having been this day surrendered by General Robert E. Lee, C. S. Army, commanding said army, to Lient. Gen. U. S. Grant, commanding Armies of the United States, do hereby give our solemn parole of honor that we will not hereafter serve in the Armies of the Confederate States, or in any military capacity whatever against the United States of America, or render aid to the enemies of the latter, until properly exchanged iii such a manner as shall be mutually approved by the respective authorities Page 234 234 LOUJSIANA AND TUE TRANS-MISSISSIppI. (CHAP. LX. [Sub-inclosure No. 2.] APPOMATTOX COURT-HOUSE, VA., April 9, 1865. General H. E. LEE, Commanding C. S. Army: GENERAL: In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of the 8th instant, I propose to receive the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia on the following terms, to wit: Rolls of all the officers and men to be made in duplicate, one copy to be given to an officer designated by me, the other to be retained by such officer or officers as you may designate. The officers to give their individual paroles not to take up arms against the Government of the United States until properly exchanged, and each company or regimental com- mander to sign a like parole for the men of their commands. The arms, artillery, and public property to be parked and stacked and turned over to the officers appointed by me to receive them. This will not embrace the side arms of the officers, nor their private horses or baggage. This done, each officer and man will be allowed to return to his home and not to be disturbed by the U. S. authorities so long as they observe their paroles and the laws in force where they may reside. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. [Inclosure I] CHALK BLUFF, Mo., May 10, 1865. Brig. Gen. M. JEFF. THOMPSON, Commanding North Sub-District of Arkansas: GENERAL: In reply to yours of this date, just received, I have the honor to state that I have not come here to treat with or about civil officers. My mission here is purely of a military nature, and I shall confine myself strictly to it. I presume you are familiar with the con- ditions of the surrender of General Lees army. Such terms, and none others, are now offered to yourself and the forces under your command. Major-General Reynolds, U. S. Army, commanding the Department of Arkansas, will doubtless conduct the affairs of his department with a view to the greatest good of the people therein. Very respectf~ully, your obedient servant, C. W. DAVIS, Lieutenant- Colonel. [Inclosure K.] LIDDLEs, NEAR CHALK BLUFF, ARK., Thursday, May 11, 18658 a. m. Lient. Col. C. W. DAVIS, U. S. Army, Commissioner from General Dodge, Chalk Bluff: COLONEL: Can you inform me whether the officers and men~who were surrendered by General Robert E. Lee were permitted to pass to within the Confederate lines or not ~ My reason for making this inqniry is that many of those that I am called upon to surrender will prefer to go to Texas or Louisiana to remaining in neighborhoods where private animosities will keep the community in a tumult after the military authorities are withdrawn. Some will desire to take their families. Others think that their families will be safe if they absen Page 235 LIlA?. LX.3 EXPEDITION FROM SAINT LOUIS, MO. 235 themselves after being paroled. This is a very important matter to many on the border of Missouri and Arkansas, and you will, therefore, please let me know-your understanding of the case. Yours, most respectfully, M. JEFF. THOMPSON, Brigadier- General, Commanding North Sub-District of Arkansas. [Inelosure L.] CHALK BLUFF, Mo., May 11, 1865. Brig. Gen. M. JEFF. THOMPSON, Commanding North Sub-District of Arkansas: GENERAL: In answer to yours of this date, just received I have the honor to give you below such a part of the conditions given General Lee by General Grant as your letter refers to: This done, each officer and man will be allowed to return to their homes, not to be disturbed by the U. S. authorities so long as they observe their paroles and the laws in force where they may reside. Very respectfully, your obedIent servant, W. DAVIS, Lieutenant- Colonel. [Inclosure MI.] HEADQUARTERS NORTH SUB-DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS, Chalk Bluff, Ark., Thursday, May 11, 18655 p. m. Lient. Col. C. W. DAVIS, U. S. Ar my, Commissioner from General Dodge, & e., Chalk Bluff, Mio.: COLONEL: The time given me by yourself to decide upon an answer to the summons to surrender the C. S. troops under my command in this sub-district, which you as commissioner from General G. M. Dodge, U.S. Army, have brought to me,having expired this moment, I must answer that upon the promise you have made me that the U. S. forces will not necessarily move over the country, & c., I have determined to accept the terms offered, and will and hereby do surrender the forceps under my command upon the terms granted to General Robert E. Lee and the Army of iNorthern Virginia. I request that you will meet me at Wittsburg on the 25th instant and at Jacksonport on the 5th day of June to receive and parole the officers and men of the C. S. Army now serving or being in the Northern Sub-District of Arkansas. I have the honor to be, yours, most respectfully, M. JEFF. THOMPSON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Inclosure NJ CHALK BLUFF, Mo., May 10 [11], 1865. Brig. Gen. M. JEFF. THOMPSON, Commanding North Sub-District of Arkansas: GENERAL: I have received yours of this date announcing the sur- render of the forces under your command to Major-General Dodge, commanding Department of the Missouri, upon the terms granted by Lient. Gen. U. S. Grant to General Robert E. Lee. I agree with you in selecting Wittsburg, on the Saint Francis River, May 25, and Jack- sonport, on the White River, June 5, as the times and places to meet the officer selected by Major-General Dodge to receive and parole the officers and men of your command. Very resJ)ectfully, your obedient servant, C. W. DAVIS. Lieutenant- Colonel Page 236 236 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. [Inclosure 0.] HEADQUARTERS NORTH SUB-DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS, Chalk Bluff, Ark., Thursday, May 11, 18655.30 p. m. Maj. Gem G. M. DODGE, U. S. Army, Commanding Department of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo.: GENERAL: Your communication of the 29th ultimo by Lieut. Col. C. W. 1)avis, U. S. Army, under flag of truce, reached me on the 9th instant. Upon the promise of Colonel Davis that the U. S. armies will not necessarily move over the country, & c., aud subsist upon it unless compelled thereto by the movements of the Confederate troops, I have concluded to accept the terms you offer and surrender the C. S. troops in this sub-district, and have agreed with Colonel Davis upon Wittsburg and Jacksonport as rendezvous at which the men are to be assembled on the 25th instant and 5th proximo to be paroled. Pardon me, general, for differing with you in regard to the Government of the Confederate States. I think it still exists de jure and de facto, and though dark clouds now obscure our prospects, yet I have every faith in our ultimate success, and am only induced to surrender now to spare the people of this already desolated country the horrors of an invasion in their present condition. I have the honor to be, yours, most respectfully M. JEFF. THOMPSON Brigadier. General, Commanding. [Inclosure P.] Copy of an order which Brig. Gen. M. Jeff. Thompson proposes to issue to his command: GENERAL ORDERS, No.. Having been summoned to surrender by the commanding officer of the U. S. troops in this district, and threatened with an overwhelming force that would necessarily destroy this already impoverished portion of the country if they should move through it, I have taken into consid. eration the utter destitution of our people north of the Arkansas, and upon the express condition that armies of the United States will not necessarily march over the land unless compelled thereto by the move- ments of the Confederate forces, II have agreed to accept the terms granted to General Robert E. Lee for the Army of Northern Virginia, and to surrender the Confederate forces now in the Northern Sub- District of Arkansas. Therefore, C. S. troops east of Cache River and of White River, south of the mouth of Cache, are ordered to assemble at Wittsbnrg on the 25th day of May that they may be paroled, and the troops west of Cache River and White River, below the mouth of Cache, will assemble at Jacksonport on the 5th day of June that they may be l)aroled. Where it is practicable the commiianding officers will march their men to these rendezvous. Where it is not practicable they will come in such squads, or individually, as the subsistence on their route will .instify. All l)ubhic property, such as arms and accouter- ments, ammunition, transportation, horses, & c., in possession of the officers or troops must be brought to these rendezvous to be turned over to the U. S. authorities. But the private property of all, not captured from the enemy, and the side arms of the officers will be retained by the owners. A strict compliance with this requirement will be expected, as we must act in good faith if we expect good faith. It is expected that those who desire to accept these terms will be prompt in their attendance at the appointed rendezvous, and those who do no Page 237 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION FROM SAINT LOUIS, MO. 237 so desire will be gone out of the sub-district before these times, as the alleviation of the suffering of the women and children will be frus- trated by those remaining who are not paroled.* HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, & tint Louis, June 20, 1865. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the expedition which left here on the 20th of May for North Arkansas to parole the command of Brig. C ~n. M. Jeff. Thompson returned this day. At Wittsburg the number oi persons paroled were officers, 193; enlisted men, 1,964. At Jacksonport we paroled of officers, 443; enlisted men, 4,854. In all, of officers, 636; enlisted men, 6,818; making an aggregate of 7,454. The total number of organizations was 157, as per inclosed list.I We received but very few armsa little less than 500 in all. The officers, without eXce})tion, declared that their men returned from the Price raid through Missouri with but few arms. This may be true to a great extent, but I am satisfied that many left at home whatever guns or pistols they had been able to keep. There is no doubt that many others destroyed their guns rather than bring them in. There are a few more guns (some 213) in the possession of Col. 0. P. Lyles, Twenty-third Ai-kansas Infantry, about thirty miles from Memphis, that could not be brought in on account of high water. They are new guns, have never been issued to troops, but have been stored in an arsenal in the center of a swamp. Brevet Major-General Smith, at Memphis, will send for them as soon as the ground is dry enough for transportation, and then ship them to you. General Thompson had no transportation, except 300 or 400 dugout canoes, and no public animals or property of any other description, except *4,821 C. S. money, which I received and gave receipts for. Most of the men that we paroled were without food, and I issued to them about 28,000 rations. They seemed highly pleased at the surrender, and said that all they wanted now was to be allowed to live at home. At Devahls Bluff, Major Bainbridge and Captain Melds, staff officers of Major-General Reynolds, joined us and proceeded with us to Jacksonport, and rendered very much assistance. These gentlemen endeavored to meet our party at Memphis and accom- pany us to Wittsburg, but having had some wrong information about the time we should be there failed. Major-General Washburn, at Memphis, Brigadier.General Thayer, at Helena, and Brigadier-General Shaler, at iDevalls Bluff, offered us all the assistance they could give. At Memphis we met a staff officer and a Saint Francis River pilot, who had been sent by General Thompson to show us the way up flue Saint Francis River. General Thompson met us in the most friendly man- ner, and acted very honorably. The only person that presented him- self that we declined to parole was Col. Tim. Reves, Fifteenth Missouri Cavalry. He is the officer that ordered the shooting of Major Wilson and six of his men in the fall of 1864, after they had surrendered. I desire to add that every one connected with the expedition took pride in doing the best they could. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. W. DAVIS, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Provost-Marshal- General. Maj. Gen. G. M. DODGE, Commanding Department of the Missouri. For full text of this order, see General Orders, No. 5, May 11, Part II. Omitted Page 238 238 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. ADDENDA. Parole of Brig. Gen. 1111. Jeff. Thompson, C. S. Army. I, the nndersi~ned, prisoner of war, belonging to the army of the Northern Sub-District of Arkansas, having been, on the 11th day of May, 1865, surrendered by Brig. Gen. M. Jeff. Thompson, commanding said army, to Maj. (len. G. M. Dodge, commanding the Department of the Missouri, do hereby give my solemn parole of honor that I will not hereafter serve in the armies of the so-called Confederate States, or in any capacity whatever against the United States of America, cr render aid to the enemies of the latter until properly exchanged in 0a~h man- ner as shall be mutually approved by the respective authorities. M. JEFF. THOMPSON, Brigadier- General, Missouri State Guard, Commanding C. S. Troops, Northern Sub-District of Arkansas. Done at Jacksonport, Ark., this 5th day of June, 1865. [Indorsement.] The within-named officer will not be disturbed by U. S. authorities as long as he observes his parole and the laws in force where he may reside. C. W. DAVIS, Lieut. Col., Asst. Prov. Afar. Gen., Dept. of the Missouri. APRIL 30MAY 12, 1865.Operations in the vicinity of Brashear City, La., with skirmishes (3d) at Chacahoula, La., (4th) at Bayou Black, (9th) at Bayou Goula, and (11th) at Browns Plantation, La. I~EIPOHTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Robert A. Cameron, U. S. Army, commanding District of La Fourche. No. 2.Col. Willard Sayles, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. No. 3.Maj. Edmund C. Burt, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. No. 4.Lieut. Elisha W. Cross, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. No. 5.Lient. William Wilson, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. No. 6.Capt. Thomas W. Sayles, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. No. 7.Lient. Charles W. Turner, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. No. S.Maj. James M. Hildreth, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry. No. 9.Limit. Cyrus Crawford, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry. No. 10.Lieut. William A. Ingold, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry. No. 11.Lient. James Steel, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry. No. 12.Capt. James B. Mackim, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted lufantry. No. 13.Lieut. Col. John L. Rice, Seventy-fifth U. S. Colored Troops. No. 14.Licut. Lewis R. Titus, Seventy-fifth U. S. Colored Troops. No. 15.Capt. Eben F. Barker, Seventy-fifth U. S. Colored Troops. No. 16.Capt. John R. Wallace, Ninety.third U. S. Colored Troops. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Robert A. Cameron, U. S. Army, commanding Districr of La Pourche. HEADQUARTERS LA FOURCHE DISTRICT Brashear, May 6, 1865. I have the honor to hand you this Saturday the weekly reports of expeditions from the posts of this command except from Terre Bonne, or Bayou Bucuf Station, which left in small boats and has not ye Page 239 CHAP. LX.) OPERATIONS ABOUT BRASHEAR CITY, LA. 239 returned up to 4 p. m. One of the expeditions from Donaldsonville resulted in the capture of three of Browns men. Two of these guer- rillas were recent deserters from the Navy. I have asked Colonel Fiske to have the Navy take them and try them for desertion to the enemy. The water has so overflowed the country and Grand Bayou and Bayou Corn as to make it impossible for us to reach Grand River from the La Fourche. (See Major lluldreths report.*) The citizen, Guedry, captured on the gun-boat expedition from this place, was brought in on account of his being aectised of being the means of hav- ing Lieutenant Masicot, formerly provost-marshal of Plaquemine, cap- tured by the rebels. I think Lieutenant Masicot is in New Orleans, and would be glad to learn as soon as possible if he wishes to prefer charges against Guedry. The other three are Confederate soldiers. I am, very respectfully, yours, iR. A. CAMERON, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding District. Maj. WICKHAM HOFFMAN, Assistant Adjutant- General, AS~outhern Division of Louisiana. No. 2. Report of Cot. Willard Sayles, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY Post Hapoleonville, La., May 8, 1865. CAPTAIN: In pursuance of orders received from your headquarters, I sent out yesterday, the 7th instant, a scout under the command of Captain Sayles and Lieutenant Wilson, who proceeded to the vicinity of Lake Verret and Bayou Saint Vincent in search of guerrillas and jayhawkers. They report that the country in that vicinity is com- pletely overflowedso much so that all of the families living in the vicinity of Lake Verret and Bayou Saint Vincent have moved toward the Bayou La Fourche, and that it would be utterly impossible for any of the enemy to get to this neighborhood without being captured. Inclosed please find the reports of Captain Sayles and Lieutenant Wilsons reconnaissance.I I am, captain, very respectfully, WILLARD SAYLES, Col. Third Rhode island Cay., Comdg. Regiment and Post. Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant-General, La l7ourche District. No. 3. Reports of Maj. Edmund C. Burt, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. HDQRS. DETACHMENT THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, Pta quemine, La., May 1, 1865. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that, pursuant to orders from post headquarters, I started at 3.30 this p. m. with twenty-five * See p. 244. t See pp. 244, 243, respectively Page 240 240 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. men and one officer on a scout to The Park and vicinity. I reached Indian Village about 5.30, but did not take my command quite into the village, owing tQ the road being overflowed and the bridge afloat. I succeeded in getting through myself, and went a short distance below the village toward The Park, but found the road, as I expected, over- flowed and nearly impassable, and I did not think the object of the scout important enough to pay for the danger and fatigue of pressing miiy command through to The Park. About 1,000 yards below the turn at Indian Village the water has overflowed the levee, causing a break through which the water rushes with great force, and I learned that there are several other breaks in the levee between that point and The Park. The whole country below Indian Village is submerged, and for half the distance between that point and Plaquemine I noticed that the back part of all the fields were covered with water, in some places com- ing nearly up to the road. I could neither see nor hear of any guer- rillas, and while the present high stage of the water lasts there is but little probability of their venturing into that vicinity at all. The only pos- sible way for them to travel would be by water, and tile itiducemnents for them to land are truly very small. I have nothing whatever to report in the way of casualties or captured property. I reached this post on my return about 7 this p. in. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. U. BURT, ]Iiliajor, Third Rhode island Cavalry, Commanding. First Lieut. J. C. WHITING, Jr., Adjutant, Post of Plaquemine. IIDQR8. DETACHM]~ NT THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY Pta quemine, May 8, 1865. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that, pursuant to instruc- tions from post headquarters, I left the post with one officer alid twenty- four men about 2.30 this p. m. on a scout to Bayou Goula, which point I reached about 6.30 p. m. Pursuant to instructions I watched the coast closely for boats, and the following is a correct statement of the number found, with names of owners, localities, & c.: One small flat- bottom boat, capable of carrying three or four men, owned by colored man, David, on Madam Lawes plantation. Mr. John Itoney, living next above Mr. V. Roths plantation, owns an old leaky skiff, which, if in good repair, would carry ten men. At Mr. V. Roths place there is a strong, neatly constructed raft rigged for four oars and capable of transporting six or eight men across the river at one load. Colored man, Francis, living on Mr. L. Bushs plantation, keeps a small skiff in good repair, which will hold about four or five men. Benjamin Hall, living second house above Mr. Whaleys place, keeps a skiff capable of carrying two or three persons. Mr. A. Getto, first house below Mr. Halls, keeps a skiff which can carry five or six persons. Both skiffs are tied to the same stake. Colonel Butler, near Bayou (loula, has two skiffs owned by his colored hands, the largest of which will carry eight persons with ease. Colonel Butler informed me that he had a permit from Captain Wells, of the Kavy, to keep this boat. The other boat is some smaller, and for it he has no permit. The first-named boat is claimed by a colored boy, Manuel, and the second by Carter Miles (col- ored). I went so far into the village of Bayou Goula that I could see the coast to a point below the village, but saw no more boats, nor coul Page 241 CHAP. LX.] OPERATIONS ABOUT BRASHEAR CITY, LA. 241 hear of any others being kept. But there are parties living on the opl)osite side of the river from Bayou Goula and Colonel Butlers place who are in the habit of crossing to this side and back with passen- gers, and stealing everything that comes in their way, particularly horses, which they made swim the river, leading them from a skiff. Colonel Butler informed me that these parties had stolen the last horses he had to ride. What I learned to-day of these plunderings only confirms numerous reports which I have heard many times before from that locality. Having carried out my instructions, I returned, passing through Butlers cut-off, and reaching this post about 8.30 this p. m. While in Bayou Goula I learned that ~ix of Browns party were in the village about noon, remaining but a few moments. This Captain Brown is the only known guerrilla chief that has infested the vicinity of Bayou Gonla for a long time, and his force varied from five to ten men, the last being the largest number I have heard of his having for a long time. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. C. BURT, Major, Third Rhode Island Carairy, Commanding. Lient. J. C. WHITING, Jr., Adjutant, Post of Plaquemine. HDQRs. DETACHMENT THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, Plaquemine, May 10, 18G5. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that on the 9th instatit at 1 ~. in. I left Plaquemine with seventeen men on a scout through Bayou Goula to Donaldsonville. Reached Bayou Goula about 3 p. in., and hearing that some of Browns men were on the road below, I proceeded more leisurely, partly to rest my horses for a dash and partly through fear that the party, if small, might be passed without being seen, as small parties will sometimes keep out of sight unless looked after very sharply. About half a mile or more above the house of Dr. J. P. R. Stone two or three of Browns men were seen in the road and my advance dashed after them, and in a few seconds I heard rapid firing. Dashing round a sharp bend in the levee, I came in fill view of the action and found some ten or a dozen of the guerrillas in the yard of Mr. W. H. Gilbert, some of whom were firing at my advance, two or three of whom were halted and fighting at the gateway, while two of them were dashing down the road in pursnit of one of the rebels, who had been unable to join his party in the yard. As I stated before, when I came in sight a few of Browns men were making a sharp, almost hand- to-hand fight with my advance, while the rest of them were making good time toward a gate at the back of the yard (which, by the way, is a pretty good-sized field, the house setting back some distance from the road). I was seen about as soon as I saw them, and instantly the whole party made themselves scarce, closely followed by my advance, but as they passed out of the yard into a lane the rear guard turned and checked my men, the advance momentarily giving the rest of their party some little start; then taking to their heels they succeeded in getting through a gate about 100 yards down the lane, which swung to and fastened, and as the time required to open this gate had given them quite a start, I did not allow my men to follow them (simply firing aftei them), as all previous experience has taught me the folly of attempting to run them (lown when they have 100 or 200 yards the start oii a straight 16 R RYOL XLYIII~ PT Page 242 242 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. road for the swamps, for they have bat a short distance to go before they can gain the cover of the swamp, and when that is done the game is up, for a small party can scatter, and the longer we hunted for them the less would be our chaiices of getting them. When I came in sight of the fight I had about 300 or 400 yards to go before I could get into the yard, where the light first commenced, and I reached the advance just as they reached the last-mentioned gate, where I stopped my men. The man before spoken of as being chased down the road by two of my men was captured, with his horse and carbine. I took him through to IDonaldsonville and delivered him to Colonel Fiske. He gave his name as C. B. Calander, of Company B, Rathiffs battalion. (This company is commanded by the famous Captain Williams.) Said that he, with five or six others, joined Browns command about one week since, He called himself a private, but the negroes who know him say he was au officer. He certainly was a very intelligent man. And here I will state that Captain Brown has been re-enforced lately, and his party probably numbers about twenty men. I have this from other parties besides the prisoner. I reached Donaldsonville about 7 p. in., and started on my return about 6 oclock this morning. On my way back I had two little races after small squads of Browns men, and the second time my advance guard (six men), maddened by their former ill luck, foolishly dashed after them till they gained the swamp. They had in this case about 700 or 800 yards the start, and my horses were much jaded with the long march. Still, toward the last of the race they gained fast on the rascals, and could they have had another half mile of open country they would have caught them. Being in haste to reach this post myself, I left my party in charge of a sergeant after I had brought them through the - village of Bayou 0-oula, and rode on alone, reaching here at ip. m. My men caine in about one hoar after. In the first days fight I had one horse shot, and the second days racing exhausted two more so that I was obliged to leave them behind, but shall probably recover them. On my return a negro told me that Brown was badly wounded in the shoulder, but I place but little reliance in the story. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. C. BURT Major, Third Rhode Island Cavalry, Cornmaniling. Lient. J. C. WHITIN& , Jr., Adjutant, Post of Piaquernine. No. 4. Report of Lient. Elisha W. Cross, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. IIDQRS. COMPANY C, THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, Terre Bonne, La~., 3/Lay 6, 1865. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of the scout from this station to Chacahoula Station: I started with a detail of twelve men and proceeded down the road leading to Chacahoula Station. When I arrived at Mr. Shafers plait- tation I learned that six Confederates, dressed in citizens clothes, and having with them two colored soldiers, prisoners, had taken a cross- road through the woods which leads to Bayou Black. I immediately started with intentions of following them through these woods to Bayou Black, but when I arrived at that place where the road strikes off t Page 243 CHAP. LX.] OPERATIONS ABOUT BRASHEAR CITY, LA. 243 Bayou Black I learned that a lieutenant with a squad of colored sol- diers from Chacahoula Station had been there before me and followed them down this road, and had just returned a few minutes before I arrived there, on his way to Chacahoula Station. Therefore I did not think it advisable for me to scout any farther on that road. I was informed by the citizens near by that one of the prisoners had escaped, and thought it the best to return to camp, where I arrived at about 7.30 p. m. I am, lienten ant, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. W. CROSS, First Lieutenant Company C, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. First Lient. CHARLES S. COOPER, Post Adjutant, Terre Bonne, La. No. 5. Reports of Lieut. William Wilson, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. IIDQRS. COMPANY E, THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, Post Najpoleonville, La., May 1, 1865. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of a scout that left here under my command May 1, 1865: I marched on both sides of Bayou Saiiit Vincent about eight miles toward the lake, which was as far as I could go, as the country is entirely overflowed, and I do not think that there are any rebels this side of the lake. There is no place for them to secrete themselves, and if they did do so it is almost certain they would be captured, for the citizens have to leave their homes in small boats and come up to Mr. McCartys plantation for safety. Yours, most respectfully, WILLIAM WILSON, Second Lieutenant Company II, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. Lieut. E. K. THOMPSON, Post Adjutant. HEADQUARTERS THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, Post Napoleonville, La., May 7, 1865. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of a scout that left here under my command May 7, 1865: I marched down both sides of the Bayou Saint Vincent as far as I could go toward the lake. The citizens have to leave their homes in small boats and come to Mr. Jones plantation for safety. The country is entirely overflowed with water, and it is rising every day. I do not think that there are any rebels this side of the lake. If they should come over to this side it is almost certaiu they would be captured. Citizens would give information immediately. Yours, most respectfully, WILLIAM WILSON, Second Lieut., Comdg. Company F, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. First Licut. E. K. THOMPSON, Post Adjutant Page 244 244 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. No. 6. Report of Capt. Thomas W. Sayles, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. HDQRs. COMPANY H, THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, Napoleonville, La., May 7, 1865. LIEUTENANT: In pursuance of written instructions this (lay received from headquarters post Napoleonville, I have the honor to respectfully submit the following report: At 1 p. m. I took twenty-five men and proceeded down the Canal road to Lake Verret, making a careful examination on both sides of the canal, and also inquiries, but learned of no Confederates being or having been in the vicinity for some time. Having carried out my instructions, I returned to Napoleonville. I have the honor to be, sir, yours, respectfully, THOMAS W. SAYLES, Captain Company II, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. Lieut. E. K. THOMPSON, Adjutant Third Rhode Island Cavalry. No. 7. Report of Lieut. Charles W. Turner, Third 1~hode Island Cavalry. HDQRS. COMPANY L, THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, Napoleonville, La., May 1, 1865. SIR: 1 have the honor to report that, in obedience to instructions from post headquarters, I have to day with twenty-five men scouted the Canal road to Lake Verret, and can learn (from examination and inquiry) of no jayhawkers or guerrillas being in that neighborhood. For two miles this side of thelake the country is flooded. Numbers of the inhabitants have been obliged to vacate their houses in consequence. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. W. TURNER, First Lieutenant, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. Lieut. E. K.. THOMPSON, Post Adjutant. No. 8. Reports of Maj. James M. Ilildreth, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry. HDQRS. SIXTEENTH INDIANA MOUNTED INFANTRY, Donaldsonville, La., May 4, 1865. SIR: In obedience to orders from headquarters U. S. Forces, dated Donaldsonville, La., May 2, 1865, I proceeded on the morning of the 3d instant with 100 men of my command for the purpose of scouring the country between Grand Bayou and Bay Natchez, going by the way of Doctor Martins lane to the crossing of Grand Bayou at Madam La- barres plantation. Had considerable difficulty in reaching the bayou on account of high water and the bridges across nearly all the coulec Page 245 CHAP. LX.] OPERATIONS ABOUT BUASHEAR CITY, LA. 245 and (litches being afloat. On reaching Madam Labarres plantation, was informed by citizens living in the vicinity that it was impossible to proceed to Bayou Corn by that route except by boats. I then came back about three miles and took a road running across the country to Doctor Fords lane,but found the road covered with water a distance of two miles from the bayou. On riding in with the advance guard about half a mile I found the water to be trom two to four feet deep, and that the citizens had moved out, and judging, from what I know of the road, that it would be impossible to reach Grand Bayou without swimming at least half a mile. Not being emitirely satisfied in regard to the route from Madam Labarres to Bayou Corn, I returned to that place, leav- ing the command about half a mile from the bayou to avoid crossing floating bridges. I proceeded with a squad of men to the bayou, crossed over, and found it impracticable to go to Bayou Corn except by boats, as all the bridges on the road have floated off, and those on the plantation roads are floating. I here saw a man moving his hogs from the vicinity of Bayou Corn. He caine through the field in a boat. I was told by him that Bayou Corn was much higher than Grand Bayou. Being convinced of the impracticability of proceeding beyond Grand Bayou, either mounted or on foot, during the present stage o~ high water, I returned to camp, arriving about 9 oclock last night. Saw no enemy during the day, nor could hear of any being in that country since Whitakers raid on McCalls plantation. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. HILDRETH, Major Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry. Lieut. L. H. HALL, Post Adjutant. HDQRS. DETACH. SIXTEENTH INDIANA MOUNTED JNFTY., Donaldsonviile, La., May 12, 1865. SIR: In compliance with instructions from the colonel commanding, I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 11th instant at sunrise I proceeded with forty men of my command on a scout toward Bayou Goula. On arriving at the Andrews plantation, now occupied by Madam Shief, I found a horse tied in the dooryard which evidently belonged to one of Browns party. I searched the house, but did not find the men. I then started up the river road amid met a party of six men of Browns comnmand and charged them. After firing one round they turned and fled by way of Reeds lane. I chased them some three miles, when they left the road and took to the woods. After following their trail about half a mile I found their horses tied in a dense cane- brake. Brought the horses away, having captured one of the party on the road; the balance escaped by hiding in the woods. I then returned to the river road and muet more of Browns party, who turned and ran by the way of the Richland road. After pursuing them rapidly to Comos plantation captured one of them; the other two took to the woods after leaving their horses, which fell into our hands. After returning again, to the river road I sent Lieutenant Slade with fifteen men through the plantation roads to the rear of Bayou Goula, while Lieutenant Hawkins with ten mcmi made a dash into the town, but found no enemy in the place. I then went as far as Ventress, and could not hear of any of Browns party being in that vicinity during the day. The country beyond Ventress is almost entirely overflowe Page 246 246 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. with water. Being satisfied that I could do nothing more on the trip, I returned to camp with 2 prisoners and 10 horses captured during the day, arriving at camp about midnight. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. HILDRETH, Lient. L. li. HALL, Major Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry. Post Adjutant. No. 9. Report of Lieut. Cyrus Crawford, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry. HDQRS. COMPANY A, 16TH INDIANA MOUNTED INFANTRY Thibodeaux, La., May 4, 18G5. SIR: In compliance with orders dated U. S. Forces, Thibodeaux, La., May 1, 1865, I have the honor of submitting the following report: I took au escort of fifty iueu of this command, and on the 2d instant made a reconnaissance through Labadievifle in the directiou of Brul~s Texas [and] Landry and Lake Verret. I advanced on the road leading directly from Labadieville to the lake a distance of ten miles wheu I found it utterly impossible to go farther, the entire country been sub- merged in water. I then retraced my steps to Labadieville; then ceup the Bayou La Fourche to the Brul6 Texas road, which road I took aud advanced to Brul6 Texas, a distance of eight miles from the bayou, where I was agaiii compelled to stop on account of water, having traveled two miles through water, which in many places was barely fordable. After resting a short time I returned to within one mile of Bayou La Fourche and went into camp, where I remained until 2 oclock on the morning of the 3d instant, when I broke camp and started for the residence of Lieutenant Boudreaux, C. S. Army, who I understood was prowling through the neighborhood seven miles south of Labadie- ville. I surrounded the premises of his mother and searched them without finding him. I was informed by the colored l)eopIe of that vicinity that he was in the habit of visiting the home of his mother almost every week for the purpose (they said) of conscripting and seiz- ing prisoners. Having satisfied myself that he was not about, I returned to camp. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CYRUS CRAWFORD, Pirst Lient. Co. D, Comdg. Co. A, lGth Indiana Mounted lufty. Lient. FRED. H. CUTLER, Post Adjutant. No. 10. Report of Lient. William A. Ingold, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry. HDQR5. COMPANY C, 16TH INDIANA ~OUNTED INFANTRY, flhibodeaux, La., Miay 10, 1865. LIEUTENANT: In compliance to orders from post headquarters, I was detailed to take charge of a detachment of men from the Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry Regiment, the 9th instant, to make a reco Page 247 CHAP. LX.] OPERATIONS ABOUT BRASHEAR CITY, LA. 241 naissance thorough and beyond Labadieville, via Brul6s Texas and Landry to the Shell Bank on Lake Yerret, of which I have the honor to make the following report: I arrived at Labadieville about dark the 9th instant, and found it was useless to undertake to go to Lake Verret that night, from what I could learn of high water; and then, to pass the evening as lively as practi- cable under the circumstances, I concluded to take the command and go back of Labadievifle some two or three miles to an old sugar mill toward Mrs. ~ to see if Lieutenant Bondreaux or any other of the Confederate army could be found. After arriving at the sugar mill I sent two detachments in search, one to Lieutenant Boudreauxs sisters and one to his mothers. The one started to his mothers had to return without reaching the desired place on account of high water the one to the sisters could find no trace of any Confederates and returned. I then went into camp for the night. Xe~t morning after feeding we took up the line of march to Lake Verret, but on our arrival at Pughs Texanna plantation, with the exception of a few acres, I found it inundated with water, the bridges floating, which made them impass- able with horses, and not hearing of any Confederates that I could get at mounted, and having no yawls by which to convey troops through that section of the country, I abandoned the expedition and returned to camp this p. m. at 3 oclock. Respectfully submitted. Your obedient servant, XV. A. INGOLD, First Lieut., Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infty., Comdg. Co. C. Lieut. FRED. II. CUTLER, Post Adjutant. No. 11. Feport of Lient. James Steel, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry. IIDQES. COMPANY G, 16TH INDIANA MOUNTED INFANTRY, Thibodeaux, La., May 9, 1865. SIR: In compliance with orders from post headquarters, dated Thibo. deaux, La., May 5, 1865, 1 have the honor of submitting the following rel)ort: I took an escort of forty men and continued the pursuit of Lienten. ant Boudreaiiix in the vicinity of Chacahoula Station, Houma, and Bayou De Large. Leaving this place on the evening of the 5th instant, I proceeded to Chacahonla by way of Terre Bonne, arriving there at 3 a. m. the 6th instant, where I went into camp, after having learned that Lieutenant Boudreaux had not been seen in that neighborhood for twelve hours previous to my arrival. I learned here that he went in the direction of Bayou De Large, and on the morning of the 6th instant moved by way of ilouma, in the direction of Bayou Dc Large, where I understood from what I considered good authority that there was to be a wedding and ball that evening, at which place Lieutenant Bondreaux, if in the neighborhood, would most likely be found. While on the way, however, I learned of the whereabouts of a. social gathering on Bayou Black, seven miles above ilonma, at the residence of one Bodin. To this place I sent a sergeant and ten men, with instructions to allow no one to leave until I returned from Bayou De Large, where I had first been informed that Lieutenant Boudreaux and his gang of thieves would be most likely to rendezvous. After having made the prope Page 248 248 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. disposal of the men in my command I proceeded at once to the resi- dence of Madam Bondreaux, on Bayou De Large, where I found the dancing party. Ii quietly surrounded the house and proceeded to examine the papers of those present, to see who and by what authority they were there. To all interrogatories concerning Lieutenant Bow dreaux I could get no information, every one present denying any knowl- edge of his whereabouts, protesting that he had not been there or in the neighborhood for months. After having satisfied myself that neither he nor his party were there, at least while I was there, I could not do otherwise than return,which 1 did without unnecessary delay. Having returned to Bayou Black, I proceeded with the entire command to the residence of Bodin, where I had stationed a sergeant and ten men the night previous for the purpose of guarding the premises, and awaiting my return from Bayou De Large. Immediately upon my arrival I proceeded to carefully examine the papers of all present. Finding no one there without proper authority or in any way suiting the description of the man I was in quest of, I allowed them to dis- perse and go to their respective homes. Not being able to attain the object in view, having failed to elicit any information of his where- abouts, I returned to camp by way of Houma, arriving here on the 7th instant. During the expedition I was assisted by Lieut. Cyrus Craw- ford, who proved an efficient officer; who,.having been engaged on a previous expedition against Lieutenant Boudreaux, possessed much invaluable information concerning Lientenan Boudreaux and his gang. It is with pride that I state that the men in my command in every particular proved subordinate and performed well their part. Trusting this report, although somewhat meager, may prove satis- factory, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES STEEL, First Lieut. Company c~, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry. Lient. FRED. H. CUTLER, Post Adjutant. No. 12. 1?eport of Capt. James F. Macidin, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry. CAMP SIXTEENTH INDIANA MOUNTED INFANTRY, Donaldsonville, La., May 1, 1865. In obedience to verbal orders received from Colonel Fiskti, I proceeded with Companies K and H, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry, on the 30th day of April on a scout to Bayou Goula, for the purpose of destroy- ing the band of guerrillas commanded by Captain Brown. I met a por- tion of this band on Reeds plantation, about fifteen miles from this point, and pursued them eight miles, capturing 3 men, 3 horses, 1 shot- gun, and 2 carbines. After scouring the country completely and learn- ing nothing of the whereabouts of Captain Brown and the remainder of his band, I returned to camp, arriving here about 4 oclock this inornin g. Very respectfully submitted. Your obedient servant, JAMES E. MACKLIK, Captain Company K, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry. Lient. L. Ii. HALL, Post Adjutant Page 249 CHAP. LX.] OPERATIONS ABOUT BRASHEAR CITY LA. 249 No. 13. Report of Lieut. Col. John 19. Rice, Seventy-fifth U. S. Colored Troops. BAYOU BEUF STATION, May 13, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that I left this station on the morn- ing of the 10th instant with fifty men and one officer of the Seventy-fifth U. S. Colored Infantry in small boats, for the pnrpose of scouting the lakes and bayous north of Lake Palourde. 1 went out of Lake Palourde via La Fotirche Pass; thence through Grass Lake and Four-Mile Bayou to the foot of Lake Verret; thence np Bayou Maxile to Bell River; thence down Bayou Long to Bayou Sorrel, and up the latter into Duck Lake; thence via Little Bayou Long to Old River, and up the latter to Mnggahs Mill, and returned via Old River, Bell River, Bayou Long, Bayou Milhomme, and Lake Palourde. I arrived back here this p. in., having traveled not less than 125 miles. I saw none of the enemy and heard of none, except the scout Ned Smith. I saw no land from the time of leaving Lake Palourde until I returned. The people, without exception, have moved away or are preparing to move. Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, JNO. L. RICE, Lieutenant- Colonel Seventy-fifth U. S. Colored Infantry. Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant- (~eneral. No. 14. Report of Lient. Lewis R. Titus, Seventy-fifth U. S. Colored Troops. CHACAHOULA STATION, U. S. MILITARY RAILROAD, May 7, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that I left Tigerville, La., on Thurs- day evening, the 4th instant, at 5 p. in., with twenty-two men. I marched rapidly nntil 3 a. in., and rested two hours. Started again, and after an hours marching I heard that Boudreaux and party were in the swamps, and that they were going thirty miles below ilouma to a Mrs. Bufords house on Little Kio. I marched until 2 oclock the 5th instant, and losing all trace of them, and my men being very much fatigued, I thought it folly to continue the pursuit, so I retraced my steps and arrived here at 11 p. m. on the evening of the 5th. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, LEWIS R. TITUS, Second Lieut. Company A, Seventy-fifth U. S. Colored Infantry. First Lient. CHARLES S. COOPER, Adjutant Seventy-fifth U. S. Colored Infantry. INo. 15. Report of Capt. Eben F. Barker, Seventy-fifth U. S. Colored Troops. BAYOU BEUF STATION, LA., May 7, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that I left this station on the evening of the 4th instant, in pursuance of orders froni headquarters Distric Page 250 250 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. of La Fourche, with Second Lieutenant Pomponean and twelve men of Company K, First Louisiana Cavalry, and fifteen men from the Sev- enty-fifth U. S. Colored Infantry, to proceed to Bayou Ch~ne for the purpose of looking for a strange boat containing five or six strange persons, who were reported to be moving about there in a suspicious manner, and also to watch the entrance of Bayou Black for the rebel Lieutenant Boudreaux and any other suspicious-looking persons going or coming from there. On oaring through a small cut-off just above the entrance of the Black we discovered a large skiff having six men in it, who on being ordered to halt, did not reply, but turned to the shore and attempted to enter the swamp. We opened fire on them at once. On reaching the skiff I found it empty and several shot holes through it. It being dark, it would have been useless to pursue them into the swamp. I proceeded at once to the houses on that side of the bayou for some distance, and brought off all the men and boats that might be used as a means of escape, taking them to the mouth of the Black. Passed the iiight there. On the morning of the 5th instant I went to the place of that affair. Near there I learned from an Indian that he had a wounded man at his camp. On reaching there I was very sorry to find that we had fired on innocent colored men, who are employed by Mr. Henderson on Bayou Black. I have heard since that another man is wounded and one missing. Soon after returning to the Black the strange boat made its appearance, having in it a sergeant, four men, and a prisoner. They had a pass from the provost-marshal at Brashear City. We next went down the Bayou Ch~ne nearly to Chirsy Point, when we returned near Mr. Napoleon Beals. We remained till morning. Early on the 6th we came back to the mouth of the Black, where we staid until to-day. I found no suspicious per- sons there. Mr. Charles Escudier acted as guide. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EBE~ F. BARKER, Captain Company B, Seventy-fifth U. S. Colored Infantry. Lient. C. S. COOPER, Seventy-fifth U. S. Colored Infantry, Post Adjutant. No. 16. Report of Capt. John R. Wallace, Ninety-third U. S. Colored Troop~. CAMP NINETY-THIRD U. S. COLORED INFANTRY, Brashear City, La., May 6, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of an expedition to Butte-a-la-Rose, in obedience to verbal orders from Col. Simon Jones, commanding post at Brashear City, La.: I left Brashear City on the evening of May 3 in command of two companies of the Ninety-third U. S. Colored Infantry, one on board the steam-boat Cornie, the other on board the gun-boat No. 43, com- manded by Capt. L. S. Fickett. We arrived at Buttelt-la-Rose on the 4th of May at about 12 in., and found it abandoned, but everything indicated that it was recently occupied by about ten men, as papers found there showed, and in command of Gilbeon. We remained there about two hours, and destroyed everything that would serve as a shelter for rebels. Two muskets were captured there. We next pro. ceeded to Offutts Mill for the purpose of taking in lumber. We tied u Page 251 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM 050 DE ANAYA, N. MEX. 251 the boats there and commenced loading the Cornie with lumber. While there we were informed by Mr. Decker that Lawrence Lee, a rebel soldier, lived but a few miles below, when we manned a small boat and proceeded there at once, and succeeded in capturing him, also Teodile Guedry, citizen of Saint Martins Parish, when we returned to the boats and laid up during the night. Jn the morning, about 11, as soon as the Comic was loaded, we started for Brashear City. During the day the gun-boat took on board 5,000 shingles. Arriving at Bayou Chi~ne, tied up for the night. Mr. Decker again informed us that about a mile below Captain Crosser, of the C. S. Army, resided, to which place we immediately started with a small boat. Did not find the captain at home, but captured 2 rebel soldiers belonging to Com- pany A, Seventh Louisiana Cavalry, Captain Murphys company; also 1 musket and several double-barrel shotguns. Total captured, 4 prisoners and 8 guns. The latter are in my possession, subject to your orders. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. R WALLACE, Capt. Company F, 93d U. S. Colored Infty., Comdg. Expedition. Licut. J. IR. FYFFE, Actg. Asst. Adit. Gen., District of La Pourehe. MAY 19, 1865.Scout from Ojo de Anaya, N. Mex. Report of Lient. James J. Billings, First California Cavalry. FORT CRAIG, N. MEX., May 10, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the colonel commanding this post, that I left this post on the 27th ultimo, under the command of Lient. L. F. Samburn, in pursuance of Special Orders, No. 93, dated headquarters, Fort Craig, N. Mex., April 27, 1865. In pursuance of Special Orders, No. 95, dated headquarters, Fort Craig, N. Mex., April 30, 18f35, 1 left the spring Ojo de Anaya at about 12 m. on the 1st instant, taking twenty men and ten days rations, and took a northeast course and marched about twenty-five miles and camped in the range of mountains east of this post, where 1 found plenty of wood and water and good grass. May 2, the guide told me it was about thirty miles to the next water. I left camp about noon, the guide tak- ing a northeast course for about fifteen miles, and then changed the course to southeast. He kept that course till nearly sunset, when we came to a large open plain and the White Mountains in sight on the opposite side. I concluded it was best for me to cross the plain that night, so that I would not be seen by Indians if there were any in the vicinity, the guide telling me that he could go so as to find the water the next morning. About 11 p. m. we came to a low range of black lava rock and found it impossible to cross it, and camped for the miight without water. Distance, about fifty miles. May 3, left camp at (laylight, the guide saying it was about five miles to water, taking a northeast course for about three hours to the place where the guide expected to find water. On arriving at the place we found no water there, and then the guide told me he had lost his course by my travel- ing the night before. No one knew where to find water; men and animals beginning to suffer for water. I could see snow on the inoun- taina to our right; I sent the guide and four men with all the canteen Page 252 252 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIppJ. [CHAP. LX. in that direction, telling them if they found water to fill the canteens and come back and meet the command, I stopping behind to get the men as nigh the. snow as I could. I was getting them along very well until about noon, when the animals began to give out. I then started with all the men and animals that could travel for the snow on the mountains. As fast as a horse gave out I left the man and horse behind. About 4 p. m. we caine to the foothills, only four men with me. The guide and the four men I sent ahead, for I could see their trail often. About 5 p. m. I came up where three of the men were with all the ani- mals given out, and one man had gone on foot to get to the snow. He had not been gone but a short time when he returned with the can- teens filled with water, saying that he had found water about a mile ahead. I gave the animals a little water out of the canteens. I arrived at the water at 5.30 with three horses and filled all the canteens and started them back with the guide, and as fast as a man came into camp his canteen was filled and sent back. By that means I got all the men and animals into camp about 7 p. m. Distance, about thirty-five miles. May 4, 1 sent the guide out to find the water he was looking for the day before. He was gone about three hours, and came back and reported that he had found water in about fourteen miles to the southwest. May 5, left camp about 7 a. in., taking a southwest course, crossing over a point of the mountains, and found a large stream of water running west. I followed down the stream about ten miles and camped. Distance, about twenty-five miles. I found no sign of Indians. May 6, left camp at daylight and took a westerly course and arrived at the camp I left on the 2d instant about 5 p. m. Distance, about forty miles. May 7, I laid over this day to rest the animals. May 8, left camp at 7 a. m. and arrived at the spring Ojo de Anaya about 4 p. m. May 9, left camp at 7 a. m. and arrived at the river at 1 p. in., when I found that I could not cross my animals. I went into camp about one mile below the post, on the opposite side of the river. Very respectfully, your obedient ~ervant, JAMES J. BILLINGS Lieutenant Lient. R. HuDsoN, , First California Cavalry. Post Adjutant. MAY 2, 1865.Affair on the Blue Earth River, Miun. Report of Brig. Gen. Henry H. Sibley, U. S. Army, commanding District of Minnesota. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA, Saint Paul, Minn., May 4, 18G5. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that a party of hostile Sioux Indians massacred a family of whites, consisting of four or five grown persons, and wounded a child, at a point near the Blue Earth River, in the county of that name, in this State, ou the 2d instant. They were being hotly pursued at the last accounts, and as they were withii the line of outposts it is to be hoped the party will not be permitted to escape, my orders to sub-commanders prohibiting the taking of any prisoners. A half breed deserter from Bracketts Battalion, known to have accompanied the war party from the neighborhood of the British line, has been apprehended by the citizens. I have demanded his delivery to the military authorities, avid if his identity is establishe Page 253 CHAP. LX.] SKIRMISHES NEAR BOONYILLE, MO. 253 I shall try him by military commission for a violation of the Jaws of war rather than by court-martial for desertion. I have reliable intelli- gence of several bands being upon the war path to the Minnesota and Iowa frontier, and I am making every possible arrangement to give them a warm reception. One party of forty, nuder the lead of Black Legs,~~ a notorious ruffian, is among the number. I applied for irifor- niation to department headquarters some time since whether or not the line of small posts in the District of Iowa, south from Spirit Lake, would be established this year as formerly. It is of great importance that the line should be maintained, both for the security of the Iowa frontier as a continuation of the defenses of the Minnesota border, which otherwise can be turned on the south by raiding parties. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. II. SIBLEY, Brigadier- General. Maj. Gen. S. IR. CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Northwest, Milwaukee, Wis. IWAY 3, 1865.Skirmishes on the Missouri River, near Boonville, Mo. IMrPOT~TS. No. 1.Col. Chester Harding, Jr., Forty-third Missouri Infantry; commanding Dis- trict of Central Missouri. No. 2.Capt. Arthur A. Putnam, Fiftieth Wisconsin Infantry. No. 1. Report of Col. Chester Harding, jr., Forty-third Missouri Iin~fantry, commanding District of Central Missouri. WARRENSBURG, May 6, 18651.20 p. m. On the 3d instant Captain Arnold, of the Fiftieth Wisconsin I Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry], attacked a party of bushwhackers attempting to cross the Missouri River, about fifteen miles below Boon- ville. He killed 3 and wounded 2; captured all their horses, & c., 9 in number. Guerrillas are beginning to turn their forces west and to go through Jackson County once more. I have taken the necessary pre- cautions. CHESTER HARDiNG, Jn., Colonel, & c. Maj. J. W. BARNES, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 2. Report at Capt. Arthur A. Putnam, Fiftieth Wisconsin Infantry. HEADQUARTERS, Post of Boonville, Mo., May 3, 1865. COLONEL: I have the honor 2~o report an engagement with nine men of Captain Weavers company omi a large island sixteen miles down the river. Learning that a body of guerrillas intended to cross the rive Page 254 254 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. at that, point, I started in pursuit with seventeen men of Captain Thi- lers company and a citizen, who had given the information, as a guide. By hard riding ~ve reached the island a few minutes after they had crossed. I arrested a man named Turner, who assisted them to cross. Leaving a part of the men to guard our horses, I crossed over with nine men and came upon the rebels after traveling about two miles, and attacked them. Making but little resistance, they took to the bush, leaving nine horses and saddles in our possession, which we secured. 1 continued to pursue them till dark before we came upon them again. It being so dark they made their escape after exchanging a few shots. iNot having a sufficient number of men to secure them in the heavy underbrush, I discontinued the pursuit and returned to Boonville. One of the horses, w liich had been taken from our guide, 1 turned over to him, but neglected to take a receipt. He had described the horse before we captured them. I found in Captain Weavers saddle-bag the inclosed order* froiii General Rains, of the rebel army, authorizing him to raise troops to operate on the Missouri border. What disposi- tion shall II make of the prisoner? Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. A. PUTNAM, Col. C. HARDING, Captain, Commanding Post. Commanding District of Central Missouri. MAY 3, 1865.Affair near Pleasant Hill, Mo. Report of Lient. Benjamin P. Johnson, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS COMPANY B, CAVALRY DETACHMENT, FIRST MISSOURI STATE MILITIA CAVALRY Pleasant Hill, Mo., May 7, 1865. SIR I have the honor to report to you that our neighborhood was visited on Thursday night last by a band of guerrillas, ten in number. Of the number three were known to be Sy Porter, B ill Reynolds, and Dave Pool. They killed a citizen by the name of Richard Conner, and a discharged soldier whose name was John G. Harper. I with ten men followed their trail to the Snibar Hills, but failed to overtake them. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BEN. F. JOHNSON, Lieutenant, Commanding Station, Pleasant Hill, Mo. Col. CHESTER HARDING, Jr., Commanding District of Central Missouri. MAY 36, 1865.Operations about Fort Adams, Miss. Report of Bvt. Brig. Gen. Jihnbury D. Osband, Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY EXPEDITION, Fort Adams, Miss., May 6, 1865. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that in pursuaiice of orders I arrived at this point on the morning of the 3d instant; disembarked Not found Page 255 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION TO WIND RIVER, DAK. TEE. 255 the command, and in the afternoon of that day sent a scouting party down to Tunica Bend. Found nothing in that direction. On the 4th instant I sent a party throngh Woodville to Jones plantation, where I was informed some torpedoes were concealed. The officer in command on his return reported that the torpedoes had been removed, and that he had learned they were being broken up and the powder was being sold to the citizens. Yesterday evening I embarked three squadrons, and landed them at Bayou Sara about 10 p. in., with orders to scout from Bayou Sara to Woodville and thence to this point. From the gun-boat officers at Bayou Sara I learned that Scotts brigade of Con- federate cavalry, acting as escort to Jeff. Davis, are expected to cross the river between here and Bayou Sara in a few days; also that a force of 3,000 of our troops will be transferred from Morganza to Bayou Sara either to-day or to-morrow. The steamer Magnet brought information to the gunboat Chillicothe (lying off the point) that Davis, with a small cavalry escort, had crossed the river at Quitman, a short distance above iNatchez, on Sunday night last, but I do not credit this report. Official communication has been received at Woodville of the surrender of General Dick Taylors army to General Canby, and I think that the majority of the scattering forces in this vicinity will come in and sur- render at this point. I shall continue to operate between Fort Adams and Bayou Sara till I receive further orders from you. I have the honor to remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. D. OSBAND. Brigadier-General DAVIDSON, Commanding District of Natchez. MAY 321, 1865.Expedition from Fort Laramie to Wind River, flak. Ter. Report of Cot. Thomas Moonlight, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, command- ing Northern sub-District of the Plains. UDQIRS. NORTHERN SUB-DISTRICT OF THE PLAINS, Fort Jiaramie, Dak. Ter., June 6, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit for the information of the general commanding, the following as my report of an expedition lately made as far west as Wind River: I left here on the 3d of May with about seventy-five men of the Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry and Seventh Iowa Cavalry, under command of Captain Wilcox, of the latter regiment, for Platte Bridge. At the same time I sent Captain Krumme, of time First Nebraska Vet- eran Cavalry, with about sixty men of that regiment by way of Laramie Peak, to scout the country thorosiighly and meet me at Platte Bridge, which he did, seeing no signs of Indians. Receiving what was consid- ered reliable information that there were about 300 Cheyenne lodges over near Wind River, I concentrated about 500 cavalry400 of the Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, uimder Lieutenant-Colonel Plumb, and the balance under Captain Wilcox. We marched at sundown on the 8th with seven days rations on horse and three on pack-mules, taken out of teams for that purpose, each officer and soldier having only one wool blanket, one gum blanket, and an overcoat. It snowed for two day Page 256 256 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. and nights, covering up the grass so that the horses were nearly fam- ished. The command suffered terribly with cold, as there was no wood, having to rely upon a scanty supply of sagebrush. My marches were all made during the night, as the moon was favorable, and the better to beguile the Indians. The Cheyenne trail was struck on the morning of the 12th, but had every sign o~ being old. This was on Lake Fork, tributary of Wind River. Scouts were immediately scattered all over the country and brought back positive informatioii that the Indians, after making a circuit toward Sweetwater Mountains, turned due north and crossed Beaver Creek Pass road toward Powder River. One scout went as far as Wind River and reported that the Indians had merely passed by with their lodges in the direction we were then encamped, but without halting. The village had evidently come down from Powder River Mountains with the intention of finding a suitable encampment somewhere in our vicinity, but finding the grass and game scarce were compelled to go back again. I had not rations to carry me any farther away from the bridge, aS I had marched four days at the rate of thirty-five miles each day. Nearly one-half of niy horses were given out, for the grass was not sufficient to keep them in heart. I have never traveled a country where there was less for the aiiimals to subsist on, and 01(1 Mr. Brilger, of mountain fame, who accompanied me as a guide, assured me that although the country in that section was usually barren, yet in all his experience he had never seen it as it was then. On the evening of the 12th I started Captain Wilcox back to Platte Bridge with his command and broken-down horses of the Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, keeping close to the iiorth side of the Sweetwater Mountains, for the purpose of picking up any straggling war party, and with the balance of the command 1 made for Sweetwater bridge, by the south side of the mountains, sending a large scout by the head of Popoagie River toward Three Crossings. No Indians were seen or even other than old trails. I arrived at Platte Bridge on the 17th and returned here on the 21st, having traveled a distance of 450 miles. The Indian scouts must have kept watch of us, for no sooner had we returned to the line than their war parties were harassing the stations at all points. It is no manner of use to attempt doing anything unless an expedition is started, striking Powder River about 100 miles north of where I was; that is, north of here and west, where a large and strong fort should be built and a supply of iations kept on hand to replenish the pack-saddles from time to time. A campaign must be made with pack-mules to transport supplies. From Powder River the villages could be struck. The war parties now harassing us would draw in to defend villages, and thus a fight of some magnitude might be gotten, as they are keen for a tussle, believing they can clean us out, and there is some semblance of exense for this belief from their recent successes. I l)refer they shonld feel that way, at least until they con- centrate for action. The Cheyennes, and Sioux who are with them, will number about 4,000 fighting men. No time is to be lost in making campaign, but horses are in a woeful condition, having had no corn for a month. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. MOONLIGHT, Colonel Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, Commandinq. Capt. GEORGE F. PRICE, Acty. Asst. Adjt. (Jen., District of the Plains, Julesburg Page 257 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM PINE BLUFF, ARK. 257 MAY 4, 18~5,Skirmish at the Star House, near Lexington, Mo, Report of Maj. Berryman K. Davis, Forty-third Missouri Infantry. LEXINGTON, Allay 4, 1865. Captain Arno]d, who left Warrensburg this morning with escort of ten men, was attacked to-day the other side of the Star 1-louse, two miles out, by between twenty and thirty biishwhackers. They were lying near the road and waited for the escort going from here to War- rensburg to pass oat of bearing. After it met Captain Arnold they attacked him. They lost oiie man and brought in one severely wonimded. The captain returited the tire and was pursued one mile. A messenger having arrived before the captain, I had already starte(l Captaiim 13cr- nard on the track. B. K. l)AVIS. Major. Colonel HARDING. MAY 46, 1865.Scout from Pine Bluff to Nobles Farm, Ark. Report of Capt. George W. Suesberry, Thirteenth illinois Cavalry. HDQRS. COMPANY L, THIRTEENTH ILLINOIS CAy. YOLS., Pine Bluff, Ark., May 6, 1865. SIR: In obedience to orders I received at post headquarters on the 4th instant, I with other officers proceeded to make a scout. Capt. Ed. Brown started from this place at 3 a. in. with fifty men, with orders to proceed to the south side of Bayou Bartholomew to guard the cross- ings of the same; amid I with fifty men at 6 oclock on the same day proceeded down the north side of the above-named bayou, with the expectation of capturing Captaiu Kidd and his lawless band of rob- bers; and when I reached Harris farm some tn 10 a in., I found that Kidd and his had ~elve miles from here at band left for Monticello on the morning previous. I still continued the march down the bayou. I reached Mr. Derrisaws at 3 p. m. I captured George Wyatt. He claimed to be a private soldier in the Secomid Arkansas Cavalry. I marched on and formed a junction with Captain Brown at daylight oim the 5th at John Rodgers, some eighteen miles south of this place. I there fed my horses and men and rested about two hours, after which I swam my horses to the south side of the bayou amid marched down the bayou to Wyatts farm, and there captured one Clay Haynes, and he also claimed to be a member of the Second Arkamisas Cavalry. Marched on and came to Nobles farm at 3 J). in., and there captured Lieutenant Noble. I then consulted the officers and turned for Pine Bluff. I had at the time 3 prisoners and 5 horses, 6 guns, and 1 army revolver. The prisoners and arms I turned over to the provost-marshal on my arrival at this place on the 6th instant. The horses I turned over to the post quartermaster on the same day. I (lid not hear of any force this side of the Saline River except Kidd and his band. 1 did not lose a man or horse. I am, captain, your most obedient servant, 0-. W. SUESBERRY, Capt. Company L, Thirteenth IUino~ Q~r~ Yels,, Qqntdg~ ~$eout. ~apt~ S~ MONTE CAMUBRN, Assistant AdJntant~ Q~crcml, 17 R 1~~~~YOI4 XLYIIIm PT Page 258 258 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. MAY 5,1865.Skirmish in the Perche Hills, No. Report of Maj. Reeves Leonard, Ninth Missouri State Militia Cavalry. STURGEON, May 5, 18G5. A scout from this post under Sergeant Tate, of Company C, had a skirniisl~ with a band of guerrillas this ~iorning in Perelie Hills. Killed 1, wounded 2, captured several 1iors~s, arms, & e. A compaiiy of Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry had a skirmish this morning. I have heard nothing yet. it. LEONARD, Major, Ninth Cavalry Missouri State Militia. Lientenant TIDSWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. NAY 6Il, 1865.Scot~t from Little Rock to Bayou Meto and Little Bayou, Ark. IREIPOIRI S. No. 1.Licut. Col. Richard G. Ward, Seventy-ninth U. S. Colored iroops. No. 2.Maj. Gurusey W. Davis,Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Lieut. Col. Richard G. Ward, Seventy-ninth U. S. Colored Troops. HDQRS. SEVENTY-NINTH IREGT. U. S. COLORED TROOPS, Little Rock, Art., May 12, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the expedition which left Little Rock on the steafrier Rose Hambleton May 6,1865: In accordance with orders from Major-General Salomon, I embarked at 7 p. m. with 250 men of the Seventy-ninth U. S. Colored Infantry, and seventy-five mcii of the Fourth Arkansas Cavalry. I arrived at Pine Bluff on the morning of the 7th, an(l agreeable to instractions I reported to Brigadier-General Clayton for the purpose of procuring guides, & c. The general informed me that no considerable body of the enemy was on the south bank of the river, and that he was about to send a cavalry scout down the north bank; and ii~ not contrary with your orders or instructions, he would like for me to land my force near the mouth of Bayou Meto and act in conjunction with his forces from above. I accordingly dropped down to Doctor Prices plantation, which is on an island formed by the waters of Big and Little Bayons, and scouted the island thoroughly, but found nothnig but a few Gov- ernment mules, the enemy having been driven from that place by higlL water. As soon as I obtained perfect information as to their character I ordered no guerrillas to be taken. Ascertaining froln good authority that they were above the mouth of Little Bayou, I moved to that point and made several scouts at different points where it was practicable to move infantry. I found their outposts at General Williams plantation, and ascertained from a citizen that the enemy belonged to a Texas reg- iment. I moved rapidly up the river, sometimes by boat, in order to ~YQid th~ difficult swamps~ (hi the ~)t1t 1 met Major Pay~s, of th Page 259 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM LITTLE ROCK, ARK. 259 Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, in command of the scout from Pine Bluff, awl from him [ ascertained that he had just arrange(1 to receive the suireiider of Yangii~e, Maybery, and Husband, with their men, and that the most of them were in his camp, the rest having been permitted to go to their comrades for the purpose of bringing them in. Being out of rations, and considering the main ol~ject of the expe(lition gained, I returned to this post, stopping at Pine Bluff long enough to notify General Clayton of the result of the expedition and to obtain rations. I landed at this place on the moining of the 11th, haviiig been absent four days and five nights. I instracted Lieutenant [)emby to move the cavalry up by land from Pine Bluff, as General Clayton wished to send a nnmber of })risoners l)y boat to this post, and the boat being already badly crowded. The mules and horses captured were turned over to the proper autholties upon arrival at this place. I have the honor,sir, to remain, your very obedient servant, IL G. WARD, Lieut. Col. Seventy-ninth Regiment U. S. Colored Troops. Licut. A. S. KENDRICK, Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Div., Seventh Army Corps. No. 2. Report of Maj. Gurnsey W. Davis, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry. PINE BLUFF, ARK., May 11, 1865. SIR: Pursuant to orders, I left Pine Bluff on the 7th, taking the north side of the Arkansas River. Proceeded to the Lightfoot fVtrin. Camped for the night, ca~)turing one prisoiier. 8th, went in search of Yangine. My advanced guard discovered him on the opposite side of Plum Bayou. Fired upon him, but he escaped and fled to the cane. Dismounted a few men and crossed the bayou (this is swimming to a horse); discovered Vaugine making signs for a truce; admitted him. He expresse(l a desire to surrender, and stated that Captain Maybery wished to do the same, and that if I would wait OIL him he would send for Maybery. I did so. Maybery caine and expressed the same desire, and I)rolnised to meet me at Colonel Easts on the evening of the 10th with all their men, for the purpose of surremider, which they failed to do. Proceeded down the river as far as Lewis Landimig. Learned there that Captain Husband and his command wished to sur- render and give up the contest. Mr. Lewis proceeded to Ilusbatids comn- inand amid brought the same to me. Husband and his men seeme(I very anxious to give up, and only asked that they be allowed their horses and side arms for self-protection against jayhawkers and robbers. I could accept no conditional surrender. The party accompanied me in for confenence with higher authority. I believe Captain husband ammd his men to have been honorable Comm federate soldiers, and ask for them your kind consideration. I hav~~ the honor to be, very respectfully, your obediemmt servant) 0. W. DAViS, ]Iliajor, Thirteenth illinois Cavalry, Commanding Scout. Capt. S. MONTE CAI~IBERN, Assistant A~jnlant- Ueneral Page 260 260 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. MAY 8. 1865.Skirmish near Readsville, Mo. Report of Capt. & tmuel W. Hopkins, Warren County, Missouri, Militia. HEADQUARTERS, Warreuton, Mo., May 11, 1865. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on Monday, the 8th instant, Corporal Gentry, with five men of my company, while on a scout in the western I)art of Montgomery County, and hearing of a few bushwhackers taking breakfast at a house near Readsville. Callaway County, and while on his way, fell in with twelve bushwhackers, who passed themselves as Fulton Militia, being dressed in Federal uniform. The two squads rode along together near three miles, wheim they ordered them to halt amid demanded them to surrender, and commenced firing simultaneously, killiiig 2 soldiers, wounding 2, and capturing 1. One man made his escape unhurt. There were two citizens, old soldiers, with my men, both supposed to be killed. The bushwhackers themi took the prisoner and started a northeast course, telling the prisoner if he would pilot them to the Troy road, near Florence, they would spare his life. On the way the bushwhackers asked many questions concerniug the disposal of troops in this and other counties, stating that there would he a large numliber of bushiwbackers in Missouri this summer. On arriving at the Troy road, near Florence, six of the bushwhackers took the prisoner, Tabourn Ford, out to shoot him. He dodged the first shot, aud made his escape, severely wounded. None of the bush- whackers have as yet been caught. My men are after them. I am, general, with respect, your obedient servant, S. W. HOPKINS, C~aptain, Comndg. Warren County Volunteers, Missouri Militia. Brig. Gen. C. B. FISK, Commanding District of North Missouri. MAY 810, 1865.Scout in Saline, La Fayette, and Cooper Counties, Mo. Report of Capt. James D. Fads, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS STATION, Marshall, Mo., May 10, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that I have had my entire available force scouting in Saline, La Fayette, and Cooper Counties. I was in the saddle three days in command iii person. On the morning of the 8th instant I struck their trail east of Brownsville, and followed them down to Naptons Bridge. There nineteen of the rascals crossed. We followed them till about 4 p. mu., when about three mniles east of Jonesburg, Mo., we dispersed them, but foumid no picked horses or stolen goods. I divided my men after them, some of them going toward the mouth of the La Mine River, others of the guerrillas making toward Saline City. My men are still after them. I am of the opinion that the largest number of the rebels went south of Boonville and will strike the Missouri River about Jollys Bottom. I shall give them no rest in this county while horseflesh is able to move amid men to ride. I like- wise lye the inf~utry ir~oving to the best ~lvantage. My e~valr Page 261 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT TO MIDWAY STATION, NEBR TEU. 2(31 have marched sixteen miles each day; that is, made an average for each man sixteen miles. There are but few bushwhackers in this county. I am, captain, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, JAMI~S I). EADS, Capt. Company 711, 1st Car. Missouri State Militia, Comdg. Station. Capt. C. G. LAURANT, Asst. A~jt. (len., Dist. of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Mo. MAY 820, 1865.Scout from Plum Creek to Midway Station, Nebr. Ter. Report of Capt. Thomas J. Weatherwax, First Nebraska Cavalry. linQus. COMPANY G, FIRST NEBRASKA VET. VOL. CAY., Plum Creek, May 22, 1865. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with verbal instructions from General Connor, commanding District of the Plains, I left this garrison in command of fifty-eight enlisted men, mounted, thoroughly armed and equipped, with twenty-one days I ations, in pursuit of the band of Indians who made the attack upon the train near MullahIas Station on the 5th instant. Leaving on the 8th instant at 4 p. in., marched with my command and bivouacked at Frenchs old ranch, ten miles west from this post. On the following morning I found it not only impracticable but impossible to ford the Platte River at that point. Left orders with my command to prepare for an early start and speedy march. I proceeded to make examination farther up the river, and meeting with the.saine success as first. When iiear Mullahias I was informed that a party of indians had made a descent npon the stock at that station. Believing it to be the saute band ordered to pursue, I immediately dispatched a messenger with instructions for the command to hastily prepare three days rations. I then took trail of Indians; traveled due south across Plum Creek to a point on Mud Creek; passed.down that stream to within ten miles of its mouth. My advance guard pressed the Indiamis (ten in all) so closely they took to the cafions. It now being dark we lost the trail, and were compelled in consequence to close further chase for the day. On 10th, at early dawn, I moved rapidly down Mud Creek to its mouth. Finding no trail or signs, I halted for some two hours for the purpose of grazing my animals and sending out a reconnoitering party to ascer- taimi sign of Indians. Making no further discoveries I then returned and encamped for the night upon my old camp of the 9th. On 11th, at 7 a. in. I nioved in a northwest course betwcen the Mud and Plum Creeks, arriving at Midway Station at 5 p. in. I)uring this days march found the grass short and poor; no water during the day. Many of my ponies, being in weak condition, gave out and broke down from fatigue, want of water, & c., and were with much difficulty brought into camp. After a rest of two hours at Midway I moved east to Mul- lahlas; encamped. 12th, this morning with Pat. Mullahia and several other citizens, old residents of this valley who are conversant with the crossings of the Platte together with my command, I made several attempts to cross, getting at one time about three-quarters of the way over; was forced back and found it a matter of utter impossibility to effect a crossing. At 4 p. In., upon receiving a telegram from colonel commanding East Sub-District, to the effect that Indians had attacke Page 262 2(2 LOUISIKNA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIppI. [CHAP. LX. our men at Daii. Smiths, with instructions to ])roceed at once, I imme- diately started for the scene of attack. Upon arrivii~g at Midway I was there informed by Captain Ivory that he had just returned from iDan. Smiths, and that the Indians had driven off the stock across the river. Being at a late hour, I concluded to remain and attempt another crossing at that point, in conjunction with Captain Ivory, on the fol- lowing a. m. 13th, after procuring two ox wagons, placing false bottoms in the beds, loading ammunition, saddles, & c., then proceeded to the river, selecting four of my best men and horses, who proceeded in the stream about midway, when two horses floundered and unhorsed the riders; were compelled to put back to shore. After making several other ineffectual attempts were forced to give up the idea of crossing, and returned to camp a.n(1 marched to Dai~. Smiths, with a view of cross- ing on the following morning. On 14th a detail of my command was stripped of their clothing and the largest and best ponies selected for another effort to cross. One man of the party, by almost superhuman effort, arrived on the opposite lank; returning, reported it iiripossible to get ammunition over withont damaging to such an extent as to render it useless. The smaller and weaker portion of my ponies could by no means cross. 15th, this day, with my command, I remained on the river bank, the stream not receding. 16th, remaining in camp as day before; sending out, however, reconnoitering parties to ascertain signs or whereabouts of Indians. 17th, at 8 a. in., I moved with my command east to MullahIas Station, arriving at I ~ in.; encamped. 18th, remaining in camp with greater portion of my command, sending out parties to scout and scour the country around, though finding no signs of Indians. 19th, 1 took twenty-five men and moved south, then west, and again east, traversing the country thoroughly between Plum Creek and Midway, and for miles around. Finding no signs or indica- tions of Indians, returned to camp at (lark same evening. 20th, early this morning I received telegraphic dispatch from the colonel command- ing East Sub-District to return to the garrison at Plum Creek, which I did, arriving about 12 in., traveling altogether about 200 miles. Not being able to take a sufficiency of forage, the grass short, my animals fared badly, and many gave out and broke down. They are, however, entirely unfit for service of this kind. 1 herewith inclose a diagram* of the country passed over. I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS J. WEATHERWAX, Lieut. ~. A. LEWIS, Captain, Commandimmg Detachment. Acting Assistant Adjutant- Gen~erai, Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter. MAY 822, 1865.Expedition from Spring Hill, Ala., to Baton Rouge, La. Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph Bailey, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division of Cavalry, Military Division of West Missis- sippi. IIDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SEcoND Div. OF CAVALRY, MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST Mississippj, Baton Rouge, La., May 24, 1865. I respectfully submit the following report: On the 8th day of May, 1865, having previously assembled my coin- mand at Spring Hill, Ala., I mnove(1 with the same for Baton Rouge, La. Omitted Page 263 OIIAP. LX.] EXPEDITION TO BATON I~OUGE, LA. 263 My command was comprised as follows: Third Michigan Cavalry, Major Nuoemu coinmandiii~ Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, Licuten ant-Colonel Tliornburgh comm an.ding; Tenth Illinois Cavalry (detachment), Major Willis commanding, First Compiny Pontoniers (detachment), Lient. A. N. Conrad commanding. The supply train consisted of 100 wagons, transfcrvcd to my acting assistant quartermaster a few days before in most miserable condition. The animals were old, broken down, and generally unshod. On the 6th of May most of the teamsters trans- ferred with the train deserted, consequently a detachment of the Fourth Wisconsiu Cavalry, from the camp of distribution in Mobile, was directed to report to inc for the purpose of supplying, so fir as practicable, their places. Strict orders were given (copies of which accoml)any) to l)revent pillaging or annoying in any way the people in the country through which we were to l)ass, and it was announced as my iutemitiou to secure by conciliation and kindness the good will of the people for amid toward the representatives of the Federal Government. May 8, left Spring Hill; marched tliirteemi miles. May 9, marched six- teen miles; laid a iontoon bridge across I)og River, and pioneers bridged Rocky Creek. May 10, at Chickasaw River, which was bridged w~ti~ pontoons; corduroyed the road for nearly a mile; marched sixteen miles. May 11, crossed Leaf River on pontoons at Roberts Ferry; river 250 fret wide; marched eleven miles. May 12, marched eighteeu miles; pontooned one creek. May 13, at Enon Post-Office; marched nineteen miles. May 14, 1)olmtooned Black Creek; marched twenty-two miles. May 15, marched to Pearl River, passing through Columbia to Atkinsons Ferry, a distance of twenty- seven miles; laid a pontoon bridge 850 feet long across the Pearl. May 16, marched fifteen miles. May 17, marched seventeen miles, pontooning MeQees Creek and the Bogue Chitto River, passing through Tylerville. May 18, marched twenty-oime miles, pontooniimg the l3alia Chitto River amid crossing the Tammgipahoa River; passed throngh Osyka, Miss. May 19, marched eighteen miles; forded the Tickfimw River. May 20, marched twenty- five miles. May 21, marched twenty-five miles; l)ontooImed the Amnite River and forded the Comnite River. May 22, marched nine miles; arrived in Baton Rou~e Total distance marched, 272 miles. in ~)assing through the portions of the States of Alabama, Missis- sippi, and Louisiana in which my route lay I saw nothing to indicate that a single Confederate soldier remained in arms. The expression among the 1)eople, and strongest with the paroled soldiers, was nnan- imonsly that of pleasure that the war is over, and that they were to be perniitted to resunie the occupations of peace. At Enon, Miss., I was notified by many of the residents of the presence in that vicinity of a party of bushwhackers who designed ambushing my advance. I made stremmuons but ineffectual attempts to capture them. One of them shot and mortally wounded a soldier of the Third Michigan Cavalry who was stationed as a safeguard over a house on the road to Enon, which is tIme ommly casualty I have to report. I made every effort to prevent unlawful and unnecessary seizures. No grain amid but few cattle were taken previous to my arrival at Pearm River. After crossing I had to depend npomm the conatry for both, for which proper receipts were always given. The wagon-train animals were in such poor condition when I started many of them had to be left on the road. These were gemierally exclmamiged, in the proportion of two to one, for better animals whenever amicable arrangemnemmts of that kind could be made. I was much annoyed by negroes leaving their homes, taking animals with them, and attaching themselves to umy cominan(l. All mules or horses found with the column imnproperly belonging there have invariably bee Page 264 264 LOUISiANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ~CHAP. LX. returned whenever claimants appeared; but I apprehend that there are those who have lost such animals who will find them only with the crowd which I \yould not permit with me, but most likely followed me in. The condition of the command after the completion of the march was excellent. The cavalry horses and animals of the pontoon train were in better condition generally than when the command started. They, with all other animals, were supplied throughout with all the grain they could eat. The wagon trains, having been supplied with old and broken-down animals, lost in any on the march, but those that caine through are better fitted for a campaign to.day than they were three weeks ago. I have to speak very highly of the general conduct of all the troops of my command during the entire march, and to thank the officers of the different regiments, almost without ~xception, for their nniform assistance and for their attention to duty. The pontoon train which accompanied me with its detachment of pontoniers is one of the very best organizations I have ever met in service. I cannot commend Lieutenant Conrad, its commanding officer, too highly for his energy and very strict attention. The pontoon bridge was a most valuable auxiliary, and could not have been dispensed with. The pioneer corps, composed of detachments from each regiment, and all under the com- mand of Lient. Col. J. M. Thornburgh, Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, labored most assiduously, and is deserving of especial credit for the great amount of work done on the route, and for the thoroughness with which it was done. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient serv- ant, J. BAILEY, Brig. Gen., Comdg. Second Brigade, Second Division of Cavalry, Military Division of West Mississippi. Maj. Gen. P. J. OSTERIIAIJS, Chief of. Staff, Military Division of West Mississippi. MAY 1019, 1865.Scout from Fort Sumner, N. Nex. Report of Capt. Emil Fritz, First California Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, Fort Sumner, N. Alex., May 19, 1865. Capt. BEN. C. CUTLER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of New Mexico, Santa F6, N. ]Iiiiex.: CAPTAIN: Inclosed please find the report of Captain Fritz, who returned to this post to-day. The Indians mentioned as being on the Rio Salado will be sent for on the 21st instant. I would respectfully suggest that a party of troops be ordered to bring in those said to be in the mountains east of Albuquerque. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. MOCLEAVE, Major, First Calm~hrnia Cavalry, Commanding. [Inclosure.] FORT SUMNER, N. MEX., May 19, 1865. LIEUTENANT: II have the honor to report that I left this post on May 10, 1865, per Special Orders, No. 57, dated headqnarters Fort Sumner, N. Mex., May 9, 1865, and proceeded in the direction of Fort Basconi to Rio de las Conchas amid Chaperita, and from there down the Pecos back to Fort Sumner, where I arrived this morning. On m Page 265 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION FROM BRAZOS SANTIAGO, TEX. 265 first days march ~ met three Navajo Indians going to the Bosque, returnin~ from hunting on the Liano Estacado. These Indians told me that all the Indians (Navajoes) out hunting now on the Llano were returning to the Bosque and would all be in iu two days. They also told me they had seen Comanche signs some twenty miles from the Estacado, but only tracks of a few. On my arrival at Fort Bascom on the 12th instant I found eleven Navajoes there, who said they had been hunting and would return to Fort Sumner on to-morrow. I requested Major Bergmann, commanding Fort Bascoin, to confine theinif they did not start for their homes next day, and all others that may come near his post without passes from the commanding officer at Fort Sumner. I then proceeded up the Canadian to the junction of the Coucha and followed up the latter stream. Saw a great many herds, but no com- plaints were made by any one, although Navajoes had been seen daily up to four or five days before my arrival. Some twelve or thirteen were up near the Cero Corazon hunting at this time, but I could not find them. I told some of the herders to tell them from me to return at once to the Bosque, and last night they overtook me and showed me a pass they had permitting them to be absent on the 0-allinas, near Hatchs Ranch. I met one William Booth, mnajor-domo for Mr. Hayes, of Las Vegas, who told me that on May 11 he killed a Navajo Indian who was driving off three head of cattle. The Indians wounded him first with a rifle-bullet in the hand. There were four in all, but the others ran off. I then started for the Rio Pecos, and near Gallegos Ranch I ibund several Navajoes, three men and ten women, whom I brought home. Last night at Alamo Gordo a Navajo chief came to inc and told me that on the Rio Salado, about fifty miles from here, there were a great many Navajoes who only were waiting for rain in order to go to Caliomi de Chelly, and that they had asked him to go with them, and also that a woman came to his camp froum mountains this side of Albuquerque (I suppose Sierra Pedernal), who said there were three rancherios in those mountains waiting for the Indians on the Salado and for raimi in order to return to their own country. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EMIL FRITZ, Captain, First California Cavalry. First Licut. B. TAYLOR, Jr., Fifth U. S. Infantry, Post Adjutant. MAY 1114, 1865.Expedition from Brazos Santiago, Tex., with skirmishes (12th and 13th) at Palmetto Ranch and (13th) at Whites Ranch. J~EPOHTS. No. 1.Col. Theodore H. Barrett, Sixty-second U. S. Colored Troops. No. 2.Lieut. Col. David Branson, Sixty-second U. S. Colored Troops. No. 1. Report of Col. Theodore Iii. Barrett, Sixty-second U. S. Colored Troops. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST Div., 25TH ARMY CORPS, Camp near Brownsville, Tex., August 10, 18G5. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the action at Palmetto Ranch, Tex., May 13, 1865, the last engagement of the war: On the evening of May 11, 1865, an expedition consisting of 250 men of the Sixty-second U. S. Colored Infantry, properly officered, and fift Page 266 266 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. men and two officers of the Second Texas Cavalry (not yet mounted), the whole under Lieutenant-Colonel Branson, of the Sixty-second 15. 5. Colored Infantry, was sent by me, then commanding U. S. forces at Brazos Santiago, Tex., from the island onto the mainland. Crossing the Boca Chica, which owing to a severe storm was effected with diffi- culty, the force marched nearly all night, and after a short rest, early next mormng attacked a strong outpost of the rebels at Palmetto I~anch, Tex., on the banks of the Rio (irande. The enemy was driven in confusion from his position, his camp, camp equipage, and stores fhlling into our hands. Some horses and cattle were also captured and a number of prisoners taken. Destroying such stores as could not be transported, Lieutenant-Colonel Branson returned to the vicinity of Whites Ranch, and took up his position for the night. On the morn- ing of the 13th about 200 men of the Thirty-fourth Indiana Veteran Volunteer Infantry, under Lientenan t-Colonel Morrison, joined Lieu- tenant-Colonel Branson. Assuming command in person of the forces thus united, I at once ordered an advance to be again made in the direction of Palmetto Ranch, which, upon the retirement of Lieutenant- Colonel i3ranson, had been reoccupied by the rebels. The enemys cavalry were soon enconmitered. Driving them before us, we reached the ranch by 7 or 8 a. in., and again compelled the rebels to abandon it. Such stores as had escaped destruction the day previous were nOw destroyed, and the buildings which the enemy had turned into bar- racks were burned, ii order that they might no longer furnish hini convenient shelter. A detachment was here sent back to Brazos San- tiago with our wounded and the prisoners and captures of the day pre- vious. The remainder of the force was ordered to advance. Nearly the entire foremmoon [May 13] was spent in skirmishing. The enemy, though taking advam itage of every fhvorable position, was everywhere easily driven back. Early in the afternoon a sharp engagement took place, ~vhich, being in the chaparral, was attended with comparatively little loss to us. In this engagement our forces charged the enemy, compelled him to abandon his cover, and, pursuing him, drove him across aim open prairie i)eyond the rising ground completely out of sight. The enemy having been driveim several miles since daylight, and our men needing rest, it was mmot deenmed prudent to advance farthmer. Therefore, relimmquislm- ing the pursuit, we returned to a hill about a mile from Palmetto Ramich, where the Thirty-fourtlm Indiana had already taken its position. About 4 p. inn. the rebels, n ow largely re-enforced, again reappeared in our front, opening fire upon us with both artillery and small-arms. At the samne time a heavy body of cavalry and a section of a battery, under cover of the thick chaparral on our right, had already succeeded in flanking us with the evident intention of gaining our rear. With the Rio Grande omm otir left, a superior force of the enemy in front, and his flanking force on our right, our situation was at this time extremely critical. Having no artillery to O~~O5C the enemys six .12-pounder field pieces, our position became untenable. We therefore fell back, fighting. This movemnent, always difficult, was doubly so at this time, having to be performued umider a heavy fire from both front and flank. Forty-eight men of the Thirty-fourth Immdiana Veteran Volunteer Infantry, under Captaimi Templer, put out as skirmishers to cover their regiment, were, while stubbornly resisting the enemimy, cut oft and captured by the ene- mys cavalry. TIme Sixty-second U. S. Colored Infantry being ordered to cover our forces while falling back, over half of that regiment were deployed as skirmishers, the remainder acting as their support. Thi Page 267 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION FROM BRAZOS SAKTIAGO, TEX. 267 skirmish line was nearly three-quarters of a mile in length and, reach- ing from the river bank, was so extended as to protect both our front and right flank. Every attempt of the enemys cavalry to break this line was repulsed with loss to him, and the & ntire regiment fell back with precision and in perfect order, under circumstances that would have tested the discipline of the best troops. Seizing upon every advan- tageous position, the enemys fire was returncd deliberately and with (4lect. The fighting continued three hours. The last volley of the war, it is believed, was fired by the Sixty-second U. S. Colored Infantry about sunset of the 13th of May, 1865, between Whites Ranch and the Boca Chica, Tex. Our entire loss in killed, wounded, and caj)turc(1 was 4 officers and 111 men. In several instances our men were fired upon from the Mexican side of the Rio Grande. Upon our occupation of Brownsville a few days later it was reported, upon what appeared to be good authority, that during the engagementa body of Imperial cavalry crossed the Rio Graiide from Matainoras to Brownsville, doubtless with aview of aiding the rebels. Reports in detail of this action were for- warded to department headquarters at New Orleans shortly after the engagement took place. As these reports may never have reached the Adjutant-Generals Office, the foregoing statement of the last actual conflict between hostile forces in the great rebellion is respectfully sub- mitted. I am, general, with high respect, your most obedient servant, TTIEODORI~ 11. BARRETT, Colonel Sixty-second U. S. Colored Infantry. l3vt. Maj. Gen. L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General U. S. Army. No. 2 Report of Lieut. Col. David Branson, Sixty-second U. S. Colored Troops. HDQRS. SIXTY-SECOND REGT. U. S. COLORED INFANTRY, Brazos Santiago, Tex., May 18, 1SGJ. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following detailed report of the operations of the troops under my command on the 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th of this month: On the morning of the 11th, in pursuance of instructions from Col. T. H. Barrett, commanding post, I reported at 4 a. in. at your head- quarters at the landing with 250 men, properly officered, ready to cross to Point Isabel. A storm coining, and steamer intended to be used for ferry breaking her machinery, I returned, as ordered, to c amp, and pre- pared to cross at Boca Chica, with 100 rounds of ammunition and seven days rations (afterward five days only, by Colonel Barretts verbal order). Owing to a severe storm the crossing was with great difficulty effected by 9.30 p. in., with 250 of the Sixty-secoud U. S. Colored Infantry, and 50 men of Second Texas Cavalry, not mounted, under First Lieutenant Hancock and Second Lieutenant James. Two six-mule teams were taken to haul surplus rations, ammunition, & c. At 2 a. in. - of the 12th, after making a long circuitous march, we surrounded Whites l~anch, where we expected to capture a rebel outpost of sixty-five men, horses, and cattle, but they had been gone a day or two. Owing to the exhausted condition of the men I could not reach Palmetto Ranch before daylight to surprise it, and therefore hid my command in Page 268 2438 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. thicket and among weeds on the banks of the Rio Grande one mile and a half above Whites Ranch, where we remained undiscovereduntil 8.30 a. in., when persons on the Mexican shore seeing n~ started to give the alarm to the rebels. At the same time soldiers of the Imperial Mexican Army were marching up that bank of the river. ~J immediately started for Palmetto Ranch, skirmishing most of the way with the enemys cavalry, and drove them, at noon, from their camp, which had been occnpied by abont 190 men and horses, capturing 3 prisoners, 2 horses, and 4 beef-cattle, and their ten days rations, jnst issned. Halted on the hill at Palmetto Ranch to rest and feed men and animals. While there at 3 p. m~ a considerable force of the enemy appeared, and the position being indefensible, I fell back to Whites Ranch for the night, skirmishing some on the way, and had one man of Second Texas Cavalry wounded. At the latter place sent a message to CoL T. H. Barrett, commanding post Brazos Santiago, who joined me at daybreak of the 13th with 200 men of the Thirty-fourth Indiana Volun- teer Infantry. I at once started forward by Colonel Barretts order, and skirmishing soon commenced; continued all the morning. A halt was made at Palmetto Ranch and the remaining supplies of the enemy that had escaped the flames the day before were now burned. Moving two miles forward a sharp fight took place in the thicket on the river bank; one man severely wounded therein. Afterward, by Colonel Barretts order, fell back one mile and a half to a bluff oii the river, about twelve miles from Boca Chica, to get din- ner and rest for the night. Here at 4 p. m. a large force of the enemys cavalry was observed endeavoring to gain our rear. I was ordered with the regiment to form line obliquely to the rear, faced toward them. As soon as formed, and while awaiting expected cavalry charge, the enemy from a hill up the river (one mile and a half farther on) opened with artillery, doing no damage and creating no panic in my command, when I moved off, as ordered by Colonel Ba 140 men for skirmishers, under rrett, in retreat, furnishing Captains Miller and Coffin and Lieu- tenants Foster and Mead. They kept the enemy at a respectful dis- tance at all times and did their duty in the best possible manner. Some temporary confusion was created by a portion of the Thirty- fourth Indiana breaking through my regiin~nt at double-qnick while I was marching in quick time, but order was immediately restored. The retreat was conducted by the right flank, for the reason that the near- est body of the enemy, 250 strong, with two pieces of artillery, were evi- dently trying to gain our rear and a favorable opportunity to charge, which was each time prevented by halting my command and coming to a front, thus facing him with the river at our backs. The force engaged with our skirmishers np the river was not immediately feared by the battalion, being so much farther distant and their fire, both of artillery and cavalry, very inaccurate. Owfng to this same flanking force of the enemy, our skirmish line could not be relieved without exposing the men and our colors to capture while rallying. Our losses of ordnance, seven Enfield rifles and accouterments, of camp and gar- rison eqnipage light. Casualties, two men missing, supposed to be in the hands of the enemy.* The men did their duty nobly. Lieutenant Kantrener, my acting adjutant, was especially gallant, assisting in every part of the field. Captain Dubois and Lieutenants Stewart and Franzman stuck to their places and kept theirmen in order under very trying circumstances. First Sergeants Shipley, Company E, and Brown, Company D, proved themselves, as far as field duty is neces * Nominal list of casualties (here omitted) shows five men wounded Page 269 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM COTTTONWOOD, NEBR. TER. 269 sary, fit to command companies. We reached Boca Chica at 8 p. m. and crossed at 4 a. m. of the 14th, having at the time four men miss- ing, two of whom afterward escaped from the enemy. The entire oper- ation demonstrated the fact that the negro soldiers can march; also that this regiment can keep order in the ranks and be depended upon under trying circumstances. Great skill in skirmishing was exhibited by Captain Miller and Lieutenant Foster and the men under their com- mand. The Texas cavalry, not yet mounted, officers and men, while under my command, behaved splendidly. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID BJ3~ANSON, Lieutenant- Colonel, Comdg. Sixty-second U. S. Colored Infty. Lieat. I. B. RUSH, Acty. Asst. Adjt. Gen., U. S. Forces. llrazos Santiago, Tex. MAY 1214, 1865.Scout from Cottonwood, Nebr. Ter. Report of Licut. Jliartin B. Cutler, First Battalion Nebraska Cavalry. POST CoTToNwooD, NEBE. TEE .,Jliay 18, 18G5. LIEUTENANT: I have time honor to make the following report: I was sent with twenty-three mounted [men] (eighteen of my company and five of Company C, Third U. S. Volunteer Infantry) east as far as Smiths Ranch as escort to Surgeon Willey, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, to attend wounded soldiers at Smiths Ranch and to render what assist- ance I could to Capt. C. F. Porter. Left Cottonwood at 3 p. m. May 12, 1865, expecting to return same evening or following morning. When - arriving at Gilmans Station, fifteen miles east of this post, I found that Capt. C. F. Porter was after Indians who had shot two men at Smiths Ranch, and also had driven off some of Smiths stock, and that he was crossing Platte River two miles above Smiths Ranch in pursuit of said Indians. I borrowed two pounds of bacon each for my men, going with the ambulance to within about two miles of Smiths Ranch. The surgeon thinking he would not need the escort for that short dis- tance, and as he could have an escort on return trip to post Cotton- wood, 1 started to join Captain Porter, who was at the time going omit of the river on the north side. Finding the l)lace he had gone into the river, I halted abont teu minutes, had the men secure their arms and ammunition, and started to cross the river about 6.30 p. in. At place of crossing the river is about one mile wide and from two to six feet deep, without any islands till within a short distance of the north bank of the river. Succeeded in getting nineteen men and eighteen horses over the river by dark (including Lieutenant Sheffield, Seventh Iowa Cav- alry, who went as a volunteer, and myself). Lost one horse in river and sent back three horses after finding that they could not make the cross- ing. Some of the horses were not able to carry their riders but a short distance, the men having to swim or wade by the side of their horses a good share of the way, thereby losing their ammunition. One of the horses that did get over had given ont. Left him and rider and the man who lost his horse in the river, with orders to returu to Smiths Ranch in the morning. On examninatioim I foumul nearly all the ammunition destroyed by wa4er, Wiving left only tifteeiit rot.inds to the ~nan, and only eightee Page 270 270 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. men, including Lieutenant Sheffield and myself, able to go on. Captain Porter had been gone about two hours in a north direction, as I learned from one of his men left on the bank of the river to inform me of his course. I left ihe river just after dark, marching in a northerly direc- tion for the distance of about four miles to the bluffs where Captain Porter was last seen, but could not follow his trail in the night. Thinking that Captain Porter would travel ten or twelve miles, being two hours in advance, and wishing to be in his vicinity in the morning, I marched my command about fifteen miles, camping about 11 oclock. At daylight in the morning I scattered the men in all directions to find the trail. Found it at 7 a. in., May 13, about five miles west of camp. I followed the trail as fast as possible for about four hours, having marched about twenty or twenty-five miles, most of the time in a canon running from northwest to southeast, leaving it three times, going up on the bluffs for a mile or so and then returning. Arriving on the high prairie at the head of this caTion the trail could no longer be seen, they having scattered out without leaving any sign to follow them by. I then separated the men at intervals of 100 yards amid con- tinued on for about five miles. Could not discover the trail. When about twenty miles from the Platte River one of the men of Company C, Third U. S. Volunteers, was taken sick. I was forced to send a man back with him to the river, thereby reducing our number to six- teen nmen. Concluding thatCaptainPorterhad lost the trail at the same place and had returned by some other route, and knowing that I was about forty miles froni Platte River, the men being without water since the night and also short of ammunition, I could not take the advance, and if Captain Porter had returned and not knowing the distance to Wood River, as we had been going in a northwest direction, I thommght best to return, which I did. Arrived at Platte River Pm the night. Crossed next morning. Found Captain Weatherwax with fifty men on south side, near Smiths Ranch. Said he would cross that day. I arrived at Gilinans Ranch at noon and at post Cottonwood at 6 p. m; May 14, 1865. Same evening heard that Captain Porter had returned. I am, lieutenant, yours, very respectfully, MARTIN B. CUTLER, First Lient. Company 0, First Battalion Nebraska Vet. Cay. Licut. EUGENE S. SHEFFIELD, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, Post Adjutant. NAY 13, 1865.Skirmish with Indians at Dan Smiths Ranch, near Jules burg, Cob. Ter. Report of Capt. George F. Price, Second Cabfornia Cavalry, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. JULESBURG, May 13, 18655.30 p. m. Twenty or thirty Indians attempted to run off stock this morning at Dan Smiths. rrroops fonght timem all morning. Also attacked Captain Porters post wagon five miles below Gilmans, wounding two meii. Three Indians killed. Major OBrien has sent all mounted men he has to assist Captain Porter. Respectfully, GEG. F. PRICE, Acting Assista~t Adjutant.General, Brigadier-General CONNoR Page 271 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION FROM BRASHEAR CITY, LA. 271 MAY 14, 1865.Skirmish on the Little Piney, Mo. Report of Col. John Morrill, Sixty-fourth Illinois Infantry, commanding District of Rolla. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF IIOLLA, Rolla, Mo., May 19, 1865. Captain Murphy, with detaclimeiit of Texas and Pulaski County militia, attacked a I)arty of guerrillas on headwaters of Little Piney, killing 3 and wounding 1. On the 14th instant a detachment of ten men of the same company, under a sergeatit, attacked a party of thirty-five guerrillas near the same place, killing 2 and wounding 4. The guerrillas fled toward liartyille. With such leaders as Captain Mnrphy the militia will do good service. JOHN MORHILL, Maj. J. W. BARNES, Colonel, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- (Jencral. Saint Louis. MAY 1416, 1865.Expedition from Brashear City to Ratliffs Planta tion, La. 1~eport of Licut. Charles H. Potter, Eleventh U. S. Colored Heavy Artillery. BRASHEAR, May 16, 1865. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report a tour of duty as officer in command of flag-of truce boat, steamer Cornie, as per order dated, viz: HEADQUARTERS U. S. FolicEs, Brashear, May 14, 1865. CoMDG. OFFICER BATTN. ELEVENTH U. S. COLORED HEAVY ARTY.: SIR: Yon will furnish a detail of fifteen meu, under the charge of Lient. Charles H. Potter, to report on board the steamer Comb immedately. The men will be fully equipped and armed with forty rounds of ammunition in their cartridge-boxes, and one days rations in tbeir baversacks. Lientenant Potter will receive furtber iustrnctious on board the Cornie. By command of Lient. Col. R. F. Atkins, Ninety-eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, commanding Post: W. H. STILLMAN, Lieutenant and Post Adjutant. Pursuari t to the above order I embarked with the above detail speci- fled at 5.15 p. in. May 14, 1865, and proceeded to the plantation of Mr. John Bertram Blanco, situated on Sand Bayou, about three miles from Brashear City, where we found the estate submerged, about four feet of water in the shallowest places. Being obliged to cut away the raft- ers of the cattle shed in order to place sufficient gang planks for the cattle to come on board the steamer. we were detained some time at this plantation, where we received on board about twenty-five head of cattle, twenty hogs and shoats; also the family of Mr. Blanco, consist- ing of Mr. John Bertram Blanco, wife, and three children; total, five. Then we received at Mr. Yalgrand Verrets two beef-cattle, which we lauded at Brashear Monday night, May 15, at 2 a. in., and crossed the river to Berwick, where we landed stock belonging to Blanco; thence rook hitti ~iw1 family to Velrights place, about a mile below Ber~ici~ Page 272 272 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. Allow me to represent that in Sand Bayou, where we took on board Bertram Blaiico and Verret, that the sweep of current was so powerful as to carry the steamer among the woods on the starboard quarter, doing some damage t6 the boat, fortunately extricated by the superior man- agement of Captain Conklin also among the intricate labyrinths of Bayou Penchant, where we had removed Madam Rathftl I cannot omit my commendation of his superior judgment. Thence we proceeded at 3 a. m. to Bears plantation, where we took on board four cords of wood and left immediately for Mr. Ratliffs, where we received on board steamer thirty-five head of cattle, ten head of sheep, two head of hogs; also Mrs. Lydia Ratliff, N. C. Bigler (daughter of Mrs. Ratliff), Miss Julia Ann Ratlift (daughter of Mrs. liatliff), Mr. N. C. Bigler, and Mr. Frank Beadle. Took on board two cows belonging to Beadle from Bayou Ch& ne. From there we came down Bayou Ch~ne to Bayou Penchant, and passed through the most intricate swamp and bayou I have ever seen, for over twenty-five miles, where we arrived at 8 oclock May 14, 1865, at a poimit about forty feet above the rise of water at that time. This is the only land I have seen for a distance of nearly fifty miles below Berwick. Shew Island, about half a mile from where we landed Mrs. Ratliff, is in Penchant Lake, but not where we could reach with the steamer, and is considerably higher than any land in that precinct. At Madam Rat- lifts we were obliged to leave sixty gums of bees drowned, or so infuriated as to be unapproachable. Beals plantation, on Bayou Ch~ne, is inundated. Forty head of cattle we could not move. Mr. F. Beadle had ten head of cattle mind many others we could not receive, that must evidently suffer, if not perish. The rise of water while we lay at Madam Ratliffs yesterday was nearly four inches in about four or five hours. Be kind enough to allow me to represeimt that there are no quarters on board steamer for any officer commanding any expedition; also that there is no flag of truce belonging to said boat. I have the honor to remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES H. POTTER, 1st Lieut. Co. B, 11th U. S. Colored Heavy Arty., Corndg. Expedition. Lient. W. H. STJLLMAN, Post Adjutant. MAY 1517, 1865.Scout from Pine Bluff to Johnsons Farm, Ark., with skirmish (16th) on the Monticello Road. Report of Capt. John H. Norris, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry. HDQRS. COMPANY M, THIRTEENTH ILLINOiS CAVALRY, Pine Bluff, Ark., May 17, 1865. CAPTAIN: In obedience to orders I proceeded on Monday, 15th instant, with thirty men to the Johnson farm. Lay there until 1 a. in. 16th instant, amid proceeded with Captain Mallory on by-paths and neighborhood roads around by Prices, Strongs, and ~ Found no enemy at either place. Harris was not at home. His wife said Captain Kidd had taken himn off twelve days ago, and she had not heard from him since. We proceeded from there to the upper Monti- .cello road, and found fresh horse tracks coming toward Pine Bluff. I ~oou learned it was I4eut~nant DiXon, of Captain IiAdd~i eonipauy, wit Page 273 CHAP. LX.) SKIRMISH NEAR FORT KEARNY, NEBR. TER. 273 eight or ten men. I pushed forward to Busbys Bridge, and hearing from citizens whom 1 met that Kidd with twenty men was moving toward Pine Bluff late Monday afternoon, I resolved (at the suggestion of Captain Mallory) to wait there a few hours, hoping to meet with liini or Dixon. Placed one platoon under Sergeant I)ay, of Company Mi, about 300 yards this side of the house, and proceeded with the remain- der below the crossing; secreted the horses and awaited his arrival. In about one hour he came with ten or twelve men, crossed the bayou, and perceiving us moving in his rear, lie started in a gallop up the road, and ran in gunshot of Sergeant Days platoon. Perceiving them, he halted only long enough to fire one volley, and wheeled to his left into the brush, and plunging through a dense thicket and morass succeeded in reaching the bayou and crossing, although the fire was vigorously returned by my men, and the whole party headed off from passing up Or dowii the bayou. We captured one prP oner and several official orders and documents belonging to Captain Kidd, including his corn- pany roll, all of which were brought in yesterday by Captain Mallory. I do not know that any were wounded. The party was not so large in the afternoon as the forenoon. I came back as far as McGees, three miles, hoping to meet with Dixon, but not meeting with him I turned through the hack country down the bayou, hoping to meet with each of them. I pushed omi four miles below Busbys Bridge to Rodgers~ (one of Kidds favorite haunts), but Dixon had not been there, and Kidd with a few men only had passed in a great hurry about two hours before I arrived. I moved from there on the other side of the bayou up to Busbys Bridge again, and, hoping to intercept Dixon or some straggling party, I camped there for time night. Nothing occurred. I arrived in camp at noon to-day. My opinion is that Kidd and Dixon will unite and operate somewhere in the bottom below here for a short time, or will fall back about Braucliville, between here and Monticello. I am well satisfied that there is a small force at I-Iamburg and Lacey, and if a scout of 100 or 150 men should be sent down there and prop- erly managed a great many would lay dowil their arms and the remainder would be easily capture(l. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. II. NORRIS, Captain Company Mi, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, Comdg. Scout. Capt. S. MONTE CAMBERN, - Assistant Adjutaimt- General. KAY 18, 1865.Skirmish with Indians near Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter. Report of Lient. William IL Bartlett, Third U. S. Volunteers. POST COTTONWOOD, NEBR. Tuu., ]IiEay 22, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that I have received information by letter from Jefferson Fields, late fifth sergeant of this company, to the effect that on the 10th instant he left Fort Leavenworth, Kans., in charge of a detachment of men for Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter.; an ~ on the 18th instant was attacked by Indians and lost 2 men killed and 6 wounded, he being one of the latter, having received an arrow through his left shoulder. Among the killed ~vas Private William J. Mers, of 18 R RVOL XLVIII, PT Page 274 274 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. this company, and among the wounded, beside the above mentioned, was Private Rinaldo Hedges, also of this company. One of the wounded men was scalped. The wounded are at Fort Kearny. Fields further states that before leaving Fort Leavenworth he made applica- tion for arms, but none were fnrnished him. In my opinion, the officer who ordered him away from Fort Leavenworth, unarmed as lie was, to make a march of nearly 300 miles throngh a country known for the most part to be infested by a savage and barbarous enemy, and unac- companied by any armed force whatever, coimnitted a grievous error, and should be held to account for so flagrant a breach of humanity, not to say neglect of duty; an(l I beg leave to call the attention of the commanding officer of the regiment to the facts in the case, and respect- fully request that he take the matter in hand and adopt such measures as will tend to attach the blame where it belongs, so that the guilty as well as the innocent may share in the sufferings caused by some unworthy official dignitarys mismanagement. It is too bad to have men thus massacred and not institute an inquiry into the primary cause thereof and have the guilty ones punished. Hoping that action will be takeu in the matter, I am, very respect- fully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM II. BARTLETT, First Lient., Third Regt. U. S. Volunteers, Comdg. Company C. Lient. J. L. CROWLEY, Adjutant 3d 1?egt. U. S. Vols., Julesburg, Cob. Ter. [First hidorsernent.] HDQRS. THIRD REGIMENT U. S. VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Julesburg, Cob. Ter., May 24, 1865. Respectfully forwarded to headquarters District of the Plains, for the consideration of the brigadier-general commanding. C. Ii. MCNALLY, Colonel, Commanding Regiment. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE PLAINS, Julesburg, Cob. Ter., May 27, 1865. Respectfully referred to Col. R. R. Livingston, commanding East Sub-District of the Plains, who will cause an immediate and searching investigatiou of withiu alleged circumstance and return papers to this office. By command of Brigadier-General Connor: GEG. F. PRICE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. [Third indorsement. I HEADQUARTERS EAST SUB-DISTRICT OF THE PLAINS, Fort Kecirny, Nebr. Ter., May 29, 1865. Respectfully returned, with the information that an investigation has been had, and the report forwarded to headquarters District of the Plains on the 27th instant. R. R. LIVINGSTON, Colonel First Nebraska Veteran Cavalry, Comdg. Sub-District Page 275 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM LEBANON TO WARSAW, MO. 275 MAY 18, 1865.Skirmish with Indians on the Cotean, Minn. Report of Brig. Gen: Henry H. Sibley, U. S. Army, commanding District of Minnesota. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA, DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST, Saint Paul, ]liliinn., May 28, 1865. MAJOR: I am happy to be able to report that on the 18th instant a party of five of my Indian scouts, headed by Charles Crawford, a mixed blood, discovered and immediately attacked a war party of eight Sioux who were coming down toward the settlements, and after a long and exciting pursuit of more than twetity-five miles three of the hostile Indians were killed and the remainder only escaped by abandoning their food, clothing, and other effects. The party was headed by Black Legs, a notorious ruffian (whose brother was killed last year by our troops south of the IRidgely), whose arrival on the frontier I have been anticipating for some weeks, having received notice of his intention to revenge the death of his relative. The enconnter above narrated took place at the head of the Cotean, twenty miles above Wadsworth. A few more experiences of the same kind will cool the courage of the raiders. I am much pleased with the zeal and fidelity exhibited by these Sisseton Sioux scouts. Lieutenant-Colonel Adams, commanding Third Sub-District, writes from Fort Abercrombie, 23d instant, that information had been sent him from the Upper Cheyenne River by Mr. Wilkie, an intelligent half-breed, formerly a member of the Territorial Legislature of Minnesota, that there are more war parties leaving the grand rendezvous near Devils Lake for our border than at any time since the commencement of the war. He says more or less pass down every day. It is to be regretted that the fountain of time evil cannot be reached by a competent force, and I hope General Sullys colummi will be directed thither. There was a report in the city yesterday that six families of whites had been butchered by the Chippewas on the water of the Upper Saint Croix, but I have no report from the officer stationed in command of a detachment at Chengwatona, near which it was stated the occurrence took place, and I am therefore not inclined to credit the rumor, although, as I have already reported, there would not be matter of surprise if an outbreak should take place in that quarter at any time. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. II. SIBLEY, Maj. C. S. CHARLOT, Brigadier.Generai, Commanding. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Northwest, Milwaukee, Wis. MAY 1820, 1865.Scout from Lebanon to Warsaw, Mo. Report of Licut. Stephen L. Wiles, Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry. LEBANON, May 24, 1865. Personally appeared before me Lient. Stephen L. Wiles, Company H, Sixteenth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, who states that he was under command of Capt. Morgan Kelly, Company I, Sixteenth Missouri VoL m~mteer Cavalry, on a scout after the rebels which passed near Lebanon Page 276 276 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSiPPI. [CHAP. LX. The scout started from Lebanon, Mo., in pursuit of said rebel band on the 18th instant; marched until 9 or 10 p. in., traveling some thirty- five miles. Ascertained from citizens the rebels had passed there about one hour before sunset. Captain Kelly then camped for the night. Started on march the next morning half an hour or ami hour after sun- rise, traveling very hard until about 10 a in., when Captain Kelly received information that Major Cosgrove and the rebels were fighting. Captain Henderson [sic] a charge about three miles, where we caught two men, who informed Captain Kelly that Cosgrove had not been fighting. The rebels had just passed through the prairie about three miles ahead of our scout when Captain Kelly halted and rested the horses about three-quarters of an hour, during which time fifteen or twenty citizens caine to the scout. Captain Kelly then folloxved on about four or five miles, when he came to a little store where the rebels stopped about half an hour. Captain Kelly halted about half an hour, changing horses. Citizens stated the rebels were one hour and a quarter ahead. Captain Kelly lnarche(l about one mile and a half and fed the horses, stopping about one hour; then Captain Kelly marched to the Pomme de Terre bridge, where the captain had informa- tion that the rebels would cross. He arrived at the bridge about 12 p. in., leaving about thirty men, whose horses had given out before he reached time bridge. Guarded the bridge until daylight the iiext morn- ing, when he started for Warsaw. On arriving there Captaiim Kelly learned the rebels had been there late the evening before. Failing to cross, they started in direction of the bridge. Captain then received information from citizens that the rebels had crossed the Pomme de Terre one mile above the bridge about one hour before daylight, march- ing in direction of Quincy. The rebels were themi about nine miles and four hours ahead. The most of the scout were unable to keep up the pursuit farther. The captain then turned the scout and marched thence to Lebanon. STEPHEN L. WILES, Lieutenant, Sixteenth Cavalry Missouri Yolu~mteers. Brigadier-General SANBOImN. Sworn and subscribed to before inc this 24th day of May, 1865. JOHN R. FOSTER, Assistant Provost-Marshal. NAY 1827, 1865.Expedition against Indians in Dakota Territory. Report of Col. Thomas Moonlight, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS NORTH Sun-DISTRIcT OF THE PLAINS, Fort Laramie, Dak. Ter., May 27, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the capture of Two Face and Black Foot, Sioux chiefs of the Ogalalla tribe, along with their band, and of the execution of the two chiefs: About the 18th instant some Indians were discovered on the north side of the Platte near the Indian village, encamped ten miles east of Laramie. Mr. Elston, in charge of Indian village, took a party of Indian soldiers and captured what was fomind to be Two Face, having a wldte woman prisoner (Mrs. Eubauks) and her little daughter, whom h Page 277 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT TO WHISKY GAP, DAK. TER. 277 had purchased from the Cheyennes. During the same evening and next morning early the other indians who were with Two Face, and who had fled on approach of Elstons party, were also captured and all lodged in guard-house here. Mrs. Eubanks gave information of whereabouts of Black Foot and the village, and a party of Indian soldiers started to bring them in, dead or alive. The village was found about 100 miles northeast of here, on Snake Fork, and compelled to surrender without being able to make any tight. Black Foot and his companions were J)laced in the guard-house with the others, making six men in conflne~ ment. Both of the chiefs openly boasted that they had killed white men and that they would do it again if let loose, so I concluded to tie them up by the neck with a trace chain, suspended from a beam of wood, and leave them there without any foothold. The property cap- tured was as follows: Six U. S. mules, 3 U. S. horses, 5 mules not branded, but I believe claimed by some l)arty down the river; 15 ponies in miserable condition, which I left in charge of Mr. Elston for the use of the Indian soldiers in scouting. The other animals were turned in to the acting assistant quartermaster, to be taken up on his return. On the person of Two Face was found $220 in greenbacks, which I gave to Mrs. Enbanks; also $50 taken from another of the band. This lady was captured by the Cheycunes on Little Blue last fall, where her husband was killed along with several others. She was treated in a beastly manner by the Cheyennes, and purchased from them during the winter by Two Face and Black Foot, who compelled her to toil and labor as their squaw, resorting in some instances to lashes. She was in a wretched condition when she was brought in, having been dragged across the Platte with a rope. She was almost naked, and told some horrible tales of the barbarity and cruelty of the Indians. I am, captain, respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS MOONLIGHT, Colonel Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, Commanding. Capt. GEORGE F. PRICE, Aetg. Asst. Adjt. (len., District of the Plains, Julesb urg, Cob. MAY 1920, 1865.Scout from Sweetwater Bridge to Whisky Gap, Dak. Ter. Report of Capt. James E. Greer, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry. hEADQUARTERS STATION, Sweetwater Bridge, Dak. Ter., ]Jfay 23, 18G5. SIR: I have the honor to report that, pursuant to order from these headquarters, a scout of fifteen men under command of Lieut. James J. Clancy, upon a report by hunters of the presence of Indians in the vicinity of Whisky Gap of the Medicine Bow Mountains, started from this station at noon on the 19th instant in pursuit. Scout passed through the gap, thence to the southeast; struck the enemys trail run- ning directly southward. No Indians were seen and no other sign than their trail. The lieutenant commanding thinks these were a party out for the double purpose of hunting and stealing and estimates their number at fifteen. The hunting party above mentioned came in con- tact with and fired upon them, but being on foot did miot seek further fight. The Indians, however, moved off without paying them a pass Page 278 278 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANs-MISSrSSIPPI. rCHAP. LX~ ing notice more than changing their direction of march. They were well mounted and carried shields. One of the party was taken to be a white man. Distance traveled by the scouting party, sixty-six mi1es~ Returned on the evening of the 20th instant. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. E. GREER, Captain, Commanding Station. Lieut. I. I. TABER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. MAY 1922, 1865.Scout from Kingsville, Mo. Report of Lient. Morris S. Rice, Fifty -first Wisconsin Ji~fantrw. MEMORANDA, Started from Kingsville at 9 p. in. of the 19th instant; marched in a northeasterly direction about two miles; crossed two small belts of timber, respectively one and one mile and a half from camp; reached the old distillery and turned due north; crossed anothcr belt of timber about one-quarter of a mile wide, some thick brush with small timber running about east and west; came out on a small prairie and turned about northwest, and traveled two or two [miles] and a half, then struck Little Blackwater Bottoms, traveled about one and a half or two miles in it in a northwest course, then changed to north and ~vent about the same distance. Bottoms [had] some large timber with very thick growth of underbrush. At 12 in. camped until daylight in the woods. No sign of the enemy yet. [May] 20, started at daylight and passed a cross-road. Before we had gone more than one-quarter of a mile turned due west; moved up a little ways and got breakfast; moved on at sun- rise, still going west. In about half a mile caine out on a small prairie, crossed over into Blackwater woods. again traveling a little north of west for about two miles, then followed the creek up nearly north for three miles, then moved due west one mile. Are now in the knobs; timuber pretty heavy, with less underbrush. Passed by Howes Quarry. Stopped about 9 a. m. on the road running north and south, over which a large body of cavalry had passed but a short time before, going north. Are now about seven miles from Kingsville, a little west of north. 11 a in., moved due north half a mile to an old log school-house. Country very hilly, with good deal of timber. Stopped here at forks of the Lexington road until almost dark, then moved forward on the Lexington road one mile amid a half to Mrs. Ellis house. Learned that Jimn Smith was here at dark last night with four men; think he stayed all night. Met a scouting party of the Fifty-second [Wisconsin]. They moved up the Blackwater woods on the trail of Smith and others. [May] 21, started out this morning in a westerly direction; struck the trail of three men mounted; followed them through the woods of Big Creek about ten miles, when they struck across the prairie and I could not follow any farther. Timber of the woods light, with very thick brush. Struck due south two miles and struck the Shawnee trail; moved then some east of south for about three miles into the woods again; crossed over Big Creek just before dark and secreted my men ~mt Haunts house; moved to camp at 3 a. m. of 22d di and a half and. nearly south. stant four [mniles Page 279 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM FORT KEARNY, NEBR. TEE. 279 fIndorse~nent.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTY-FIRST WISCONSIN VOLUNTEERS, KingsviUe, May 23, 1865. The foregoing memoranda were handed to me by Lieutenant Rice, of Company C of this regiment, who commanded a scouting party from Companies C and D, consisting of twenty enlisted men and the lieu- tenant commanding. The lieutenant is now absent on another scout. JOHN B. YLIET, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Regiment. MAY 1926, 1865.Scout from Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter. Report of Capt. Edwin R. Nash, Omaha Scouts. FORT KEAiRNY, NEBR. TEn., May 28, 1865. Sin: On the 19th day of May, 1865, I was [ordered] by Col. H. IR. Livingston, commanding East Sub-District of the Plains, to proceed, with every available man of my company, south of Fort Kearny to the Blue River, and instructed, in case 1 found no trail of Indians north of that river, to cross it and proceed to the Republican River and search until I succeeded in finding a trail, and in case I did to follow it and kill and capture every Indian I could find. In obedience to these instruc- tions I mounted every man I could and left Fort Kearny on the even- ing of the 19th with forty-nine men, and, striking in a due sonthern direction, marched all night and struck the Blue River at the head- waters at daylight the next morning. I camped there two hours, and marched to the Republican River, reaching it about 6 oclock on the evening of the 20th; camn ped until 3 oclock in the morning of the 21st, and marched in a due southern direction all day, and went into camp on a high bluff for the night. Had no water, and none near us for some miles. Started at 4 oclock in the morning of the 22d, amid taking a southeast course, went all day without finding a single trail. I camped on the evening of the 22d on a small creek called by the Indians Sleep- ing Water. While in camp I sent ont some of my men to look around this creek, and while out they discovered fresh signs of Indians going in a northeast direction, the signs twenty-four hours old. I started before daylight the following morning (23d) and followed the trail, and discovered the Indians ahead of us, about 3 p. m. As soon as they discovered us they prepared for battle, and as soon as I camne within range I charged them with my squadron, when they tied precipitately, leaving all their camp equipage and provisions, & c., and after pursuing themn four miles I got sufficiently near them to discover they were Paw- umees. I stopped them and, halting my men, I ordered the Pawnees, who now were near me, to go back to their camp and carry themr provisions, & c., with them and accompany me back. They did so. One of the Pawnees went aside from the rest of the party and one of my men, thinking he was trying to escape, fired at the Pawnee, but did not hit him, but struck and killed his pony. I now formed my men as guards and escorted the Pawnees as far as Buftklo Station (the next station below Pawnee Station) and there left them camped on a small creek near the road. They assured me that they were going to their agency near Columbus, Nebr. Ter., and after leaving them I proceeded mime- diately for Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter., where I arrived at 10.30 oclock o Page 280 280 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. the 26th. There were 355 Pawnees. The Pawnees had four American horses,large, serviceable farm horses (no marKs), and five mules (two large bay, tails shaved). The other three I cannot accurately describe. The Pawnees seemed anxious to sell the two bay mules, saying they had recently found them. I saw no marks on them. One party told me they had been out five days, and the others told me that they had been out nine days, all on a buffalo hunt. They had an immense amount of buffalo meat, which was still fresh, and I saw several fresh skeletons of buffalo while on the march. All of which I respectfully submit. I have the honor to be, lieutenant, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, EDWIN II. NASH, Captain Company A, Omaha Scouts. Lient. SAMUEL A. LEWIS, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., East Sub-District ~f the Plains, Port Kearny, Nebr. Ter. [Indorsernent.] HEADQUARTERS EAST SUB-DISTRICT OF THE PLAINS, Port Kearny, May 26, 1865. Respectfully forwarded to headquarters District of the Plains for the information of the geim era] commanding. Evidence proves conclusively that the mules mentioned within were part of the team accompauying detachment Third U. S. Volunteers, attacked by Indians on the Little Blue, 18th instant. The four horses agree in number with the four reported being run offtwo from Buffalo and two from Pawnee Stationwhile the entire absence of any trail from the west along the Republican or Little Blue, and tIme presence of the Pawnees on the road at the time of the attack, fixes the atrocious murder of our men on the Pawnees. Had Cheyennes or Sioux per- petrated this deed their trail would have been found by the detach- ment under Captain Nash, as they would have necessarily come from the west or south. Such, however, is not the case. The trail found, and the only one found, was a Pawnee trail, as stated within. I have telegraphed headquarters for instructions. F. R. LIVINGSTON, Colonel First Nebraska Cavalry Veteran Vols., Comdg. Sub-District. MAY 19JUNE 2, 1865.Scout from Fort Kearny to the Little Blue River, Nebr. Ter. Report of Capt. Lee P. Gillette, First Nebraska Cavalry. POST FORT KEARNY, NEBR. TER., June 2, 1865. LIEUTENANT: Ijzi obedience to instructions received from headquar- ters East Sub-District of the Plains, I marched from this post on the 19th of May, 1865, at 9 p. m. with aim officer and fifty enlisted men of the First Nebraska Veteran Cavalry to the scene of the late Indian depre- datiomi on the Little Blue. I arrived at Elm Creek, ii ear which station the attack was made, at daylight on the morning of the 20th, having marched thirty-four miles. From this station I sent Lieutenant Leland and ten enlisted men of my command to follow the trail made by th Page 281 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM FORT KEARNY, NE~R. TER. 281 Indians who attacked the wagon transporting soldiers on the lSUi instant, with instructions that if he found a fresh trail to iiotify me at once by a courier, otherwise to report to me at Pawnee Ranch, ten miles below Elm Creek, scouting both sides of the Little Blue in search of signs. At 10 a. m. I left Elmu Creek and marched to Pawnee Ranch, where I went into camp. On my march 11 discovered a lodge-pole trail running north, which evidently had been made several days previous. Lieutenant Leland reported shortly after my arrival, and said the trail (Tossing the Little Blue was very small, and almost eutirely disappeared on its south bank, and in his opinion would not warrant following. At 4 a. in. May 21 1 left Pawnee Ranch in a southerly direction, leaving wagons and guard of ten men to go by the road to Little Blue Station. I scouted Liberty, Ox Bow, and Elk Creeks and the country adjacent without finding any Indian signs. Arrived at Little Blue Station at 4 p. in., having marched about forty-five miles during the day. The night of the 21st I received orders from headquarters East Sub-District of the Plains to station four mounted men at each stage station froni Fort Kearny to Big Sandy, inclusive. Four meu started for each station the morning of the 22d, which reduced my command to ten enlisted men, with which I was ordered to proceed to Big Sandy and escort Hon. Schuyler Colfax and other gentlemen of the Senate to Fort Kearny. While obeying this last order I discovered a trail crossing at Oak Grove. I arrived at Big Sandy at 3 p. in. May 23. At about ~ p. m. same day the overland coach arrived, having aboard General Connor, commanding District of the Plains, and the gentlemen above mentioned. General Connor directed that as the horses of my command had marched rapidly, and were fatigued, I remaimi at Big Sandy until such time as the horses were sufficiently rested, when I should proceed in search of trails made by Indians, and to ascertain, if possible, to what tribe they belong, and if necessary to go to the Pawnee Reserva- tion. On the morning of the 24th instant I left Big Sandy for Little Blue Station, which place I reached at 6 p. m. same day. At Oak Grove, five miles east of Little Blue Station, I examined the trail here- tofore mentioned. It crossed the Little Blue, leading south, where a large body of Indians had crossed and encamped for at least one night. This was afterward found to be the trail made by the Pawnees while on their way to their hunting ground. The morning of the 25th I heard that the Pawnees had recrossed the main road at or near Buffhlo Stage Station, twelve umiles west, and that they had in their possession a number of mules and American horses. I started in pursuit with the intention of overtaking them, but Mr. Metcalf, to whom I sent a com- munication to report to me at Buffalo to act as guide and interpreter, not having arrived, I pushed on to Pawnee Ranch, leaving the trail to the east about ten miles. At daylight on the 26th instant I left Mr. Metcalfs (Pawnee) Ranch in a northeast direction and struck the trail about fifteen miles north of the Atchison road. This trail I followed nntil 8 p. in., crossing both forks of the Big Sandy, Turkey, amid Beaver Creeks, when I rested and grazed my horses for about two hours. I a -aiim started on the trail and marched to the South Fork of Big Blue, where I went into camp for the night, having marched this day about sixty miles. At daylight on the 27th instant I was again on the march, and arrived on the south bank of Platte River (the old Pawnee Yillage) at 12 m. Rested my horses, crossed the river, and reached the Pawnee Agency at 6 p. m. 1 expected to overtake the Pawnees before they crossed Platte River. If I had found them before they arrived at th Page 282 282 LOUISIANA AND THE TRAN~-MJSSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. reservation I could have better satisfied myself as to whether or not they had been engaged in the late depredations. I called upon Mr. B. F. Luslibaugh, agent for the Pawnees, and told him my business. He gave me assistance in the search. I found one U. S. mule, said to have been in their possession four years, and four mules branded with 5 on the jaw; also heard of one horse which the Paxvnees had sent away from their village. This horse Agent Lnshbaugh directed them to bring to him. Inclosed, marked A, fiudhis letter* in regard to said horse. Inclosed you will also find the sworn statements of soldiers who were with the detachment from Fort Leavenworth when it was attacked. From the evidence adduced and my own observations I can find noth- ing that directly implicates the Pawiiees. The evidence against them is this: At the time the depredations were committed they were at or near Oak Grove, about thirty-five miles east of Elm Creek; also, that but one trail can be found which cannot be clearly traced to their camp. This trail spoken of was bearing in a northerly direction, and was not followed up by any of my command. It is the opinion of many of the settlers on Little Elne that the Pawnees are the guilty party. The whole distance marched by my command was about 400 miles. While at Elm Creek I sent out for and had brought in the Government wagon and harness, which were in charge of the sergeant who was in com- mand of the detachment at the time it was attacked by the Indians, and forwarded the property to the acting assistant quartermaster at Fort Kearny, Kebr. Ter. The grass is good in all the conutry through which I passed, and timber in sufficient quantities to supply troops and others passing through the country. In Big Sandy, Turkey, and Beaver Creeks there is water in abundance. The forks of Big Sandy and Little Blue are generally dry. I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant, LEE P. GILLETTE, Captain, First Nebraska Veteran Cavalry, Comdg. Detachment. Lient. S. A. LEWIS, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., East Sub-District of the Plains. [Inclosure No. 1.] Statement of Jefferson Fields, sergeant, Company C, Third U. S. Volun teers. I, Jefferson Fields, sergeant, Company C, Third U. S. Volunteers, being duly sworn, do state that on the 18th day of May, 1865, while en route from Fort Leavenworth, Kans., to Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter., that I was in charge of a detachment of fourteen unarmed men belonging to Third U. S. Volunteers and First Nebraska Veteran Volunteer Cav- alry, and when about two miles east of Elm Creek Stage Station I was attacked by a body of Indians numberimig about twelve or fifteen men. They were dressed in some kind of short jackets, I think they were buckskin, and they had short buckskin leggings. They wore some kind of a skullcap, and I could not say whether they had short or long hair. The arrows they had were Sioux and Cheyenne; that is, those used on us were, but I am of the opinion that they were Pawnees, as they were so anxious that we should keep some of the Sioux arrows. They followed us about one-quarter of a mile, and then motioned at us Omitted Page 283 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM FORT KEARNY, NEBR. TER. 283 and told us to go, and then returned to the wagon and commenced plundering. They left the wagon standing in the road and cut to pieces all the harness, and drove off the mules, six in number. his JEFFERSON x FIELDS, mark. Sergeant, Company C, Third U. S. Volunteers. Sworn aimd subscribed to before me this 31st day of May, 1865. L. B. CAMPBELL, First Lieutenant, Third U. S. Volunteers, and Post Adjutant. [Inclosure No. 2.] Statement of Washington Fulton, teamster in Government employ. I, Washington Fulton, teamster in the em~)lOy1flent of the Government, being duly sworn, do s4y that I was driving a Government team of six muu]es en route from Fort Leavenxvorth, Kans., to Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter., transporting unarmed soldiers sent from hospitals and guard- house at Fort Leavenworth, and that about two miles east of Elm Creek Stage Station, Nebr. Ter., the soldiers who were with me were attacked by a body of Indians, numbering fifteen or twemity, about 2 p. m. on the 18th day of May, 1865, and 2 of the soldiers killed and 6 wounded, including myself One soldier of the Third U. S.Volunteers, after being struck twice with a U. S. saber which they (the Indians) had in their possession, was knocked down and scalped by an Indian, they knowing him to be alive. After he was scalped the Indians kicked him twice. Two or three Indians were dressed in old Govern- mnent pantaloons, others in buckskin leggings. The Indian who had charge of the party attacking us wore buckskin leggings. His hair was long and had some kind of fur attached to his back hair. He was the only Indian who had long hair; he also had a revolver. Two of the attacking party had short hair roached on top of their heads. These two said they were friendly Sioux, but were as outrageous as any in their attack on us. I was about ten rods from the man who was scalped. Cannot say how all the Indians were dressed, nor give any particular description of them, but can identify one of them if I see him. One of them, the Indian who scalped the soldier, had a large scar over his eye; whether right or left eye I cannot say. WASHINGTON FULTON. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 31st day of May, 1865. L. B. CAMPBELL, Lieutenant and Post Adjutant. [Inclosure No. 3.] Statement of Alfred Shirley, private, Company A, First Nebraska Vet eran Volunteer Cavalry. I, Alfred Shirley, private, Company A, First Nebraska Veteran Vol- unteer Cavalry, having beeii duly sworn, do state that so far as my knowledge the statement of Washington Fulton is true. his ALFRED x SHIRLEY. mark. Sworn and subscribed to before me this 31st day of May, 1865. L. B. CAMPBELL, Lieutenant and Post Adjutant Page 284 284 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. [Inclosure No. 4.] Statement of Peter J. Flynn, private, Company A, Third U. S. Volun teers. I, Peter J. Flynn, private, Company A, Third.U. S. Volunteers, hav- ing been duly sworn, do state that on the 18th day of May, 1865, while en route from Fort Leavenworth, Kans., to Fort Kearny, Xebr. Ter., that I being one among a party of soldiers who were attacked by a body of indians about two miles east of Elm Creek Station, Nebr. Ter., I was wounded in the face and back; also 2 of our men were cruelly inur- dered and 6 (including myself) wounded: Among the wounded was one John W. Twyman, Company H, Third U. S. Volunteers, who was scalped. The Indians captured me, and the chief or one in charge, seemed very friendly toward me, and said that he was a Cheyenne chief. My opinion is they are Pawnees for this reason, when he released me and told me to go, and gave me an arrow, four crackers, and a canteen, and seemed very anxious to impress np9n my mind that he was a Chey- enne chief. I think there was about twenty-live or thirty of the Indians. I could not say how they were dressed, except the chief, who was dressed iii black velvet pants, with two rows of brass buttons down the outer scams. He also wore fancy bead work moccasins and fancy bead- work cap, with a light-colored blanket thrown carelessly over him. His hair was cut short, so much so that I could not tell its color. PETER J. FLYXN. Sworn and subscribed to at Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter., before me this 5th day of June, 1865. LEE P. GILLETTE, Captain, First Nebraska Veteran Cavalry. [Inclosuro No. 5.] Statement of John TV. Twyman, private, Company IT, Third U. S. Volun teers. I, John W. Twyman, private, Company H, Third U. S. Volunteers, having been duly sworn, do state that while en route from Fort Leav- enworth, Kans., to Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter., on the 18th of May, 1865, when about two miles east of Elm Creek Station, Nebr. Ter.,Iwas, among others, attacked by a party of Indians, numbering some fifteen or twenty, and 2 of our men killed and 6 (including myself) wounded. I was attacked by one of them with a U. S. saber, who struck me three times, knocking me down. Then he returned to the party and another of them came to me and scalped me; then he hit me with his saber and left. They were dressed in buckskin clothing, so far as I could see, except the chief, or the one in charge, who was dressed in some kind of a light robe or blanket thrown over his shoulders. Two of them wore Iheir hair short on both sides of their heads and roached up on top of their heads. I could not say how the rest of them wore their hair. My opinion is they were Pawnees, for the reason that they were so anxious to impress upon us they were Cheyennes. I think they did it iii revenge for something, as they spoke of the whites breaking a treaty with them. JOHN W. TWYMAX. Sworn and subscribed to at Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter., before me this 5th day of June 1865. LEE P. GILLETTE, Captain, First Nebraska Veteran Cavalry Page 285 CHAP. LX.] SKIRMISH NEAR LONGWOOD, MO. 285 MAY 20, 1865.Skirmish on the Blackwater, near Longwood, Mo. Report of Capt. fi.. C. Donohue, Pettis County Volunteer Missouri Militia. HEADQUARTERS STATION, Longwood, Mo., May 22, 1865. SIR: I have had my headquarters at this place since I left Sedalia, Mo., May 5, 1865, and I have scouted all through the Blackwater and Hess Creek country almost daily since I have been at this place, and I found nothing until last Saturday. Second Lieut. B. L. Porter and twenty men of my company went on a scout west of this place some ten miles, and came upon the trail of some mounted men and traced them on frito the woods near Blaekwater. He then dismounted his command and took it upon foot and ran npon three bushwhackers, dismounted, in the brush. The .bushwhaekers, npon hearing his approach, brokethrough the brush and made their escape, leaving behind their horses and equipments, which fell into our hands. Those are the only bushwhack- ers I have found or heard of positively, and I would respectfully request permission of you to station my company at Dresden, Mo., at present, as it is a more convenient place for troops on account of forage, rations, & c., than this place, and I believe that my company could effect more to be stationed at Dresden, Mo., and scout this portion of country than to be stationed here as the bushwhackers make that, or near that point, their place to cross the Pacific Railroad to and fro from the river coun- ties to the southwest part of the State. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, H. C. DONOHUE, Captain, Pettis County Volunteer Missouri Militia. Col. JOHN G. CLARK, Corndg. 1st Sub-Dist., Central Dist. of Mo., Jefferson City, Mo. [First in(lorsement.] HDQRS. 1ST SUB-DISTRICT, CENTRAL DIST. OF MISSOURI, Jefferson City, Mo., May 26, 1865. Respectfully referred to Col. Chester Harding, Jr., commanding Cen- tral District of Missouri, who will judge of the propriety of granting the within request without reference to my opinion, as I have at pres- ent no po~itive means of information. However, permit me to state that I have been informed that Longwood was near the trails of bush- whackers from Cooper to La Fayette County. JOHN C-. CLARK, Colonel Fiftieth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Comdg. First AS~ub-District, Central District of Missouri. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, Warreusbury, Mo., May 30, 1865. Respectfully returned to Col. J. C-. Clark, commanding First Sub- District. The company may move to Dresden, but Captain Donohue must not allow his men to be idle or to straggle. By order of Col. C. Harding, Jr.: C. C-. LAURANT, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 286 286 LOUISIANA AND THE TRAINS-MISSISSIPPI. (CHAP. LX. NAY 20, 1865.Affair near Pawnee Rock, Kans. Report of Capt. Benjamiit Reisdorph, Second U. S. Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS, Fort Zarah, Kans., May 20, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to state that this morning about 8 oclock, near Pawnee Rock, a party of Indians attacked two men coming from Fort Lamed to this post, killing one man of the Second Colorado Cavalry by the name of Kuhn. The other made his escape. I have sent Lieutenant Ehie with a party of men in pursuit. I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 13. Captain, Second U. S. Volunteers, Commanding Post. Lient. ROBERT S. ROE, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dist. of Upper Arkansas, in the Field. NAY 20, 1865.Skirmishes on Deer Creek, flak. Ter. Report of Lient. William B. Godfrey, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry. CAMP ON DEER CREEK, DAK. TER., May 21, 1865. SIR: In accordance with instructions, I have the honor to make the following report: On the 20th instant myself with three men were attacked by twenty- five Indians three miles ab6ve our camp, on l)eer Creek, Dak. Ter. After a brisk fight of two hours I succeeded in repulsing the Indians, killing 2 and, as near as I could ascertain, wounding 4. Simultaneous with the attack upon myself Sergeant Smythe, Company L, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, with six men, was attacked in camp by fifty Indians. After two hours and a half fighting the Indians abaudGued the attack, with the loss of 3 killed and 5 wounded, 2 horses wounded and 1 killed. Our loss consisting of 5 horses, 3 of which were unserviceable, that the Indians succeeded in capturing in the camp. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. GODFREY, Second Lieutenant Company D, Eleventh Kansas Vol. Car. Maj. N. A. ADAMS, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry Volunteers. NAY 2022, l865.Operations about Three Crossings Station, flak. Ter. Report of Capt. James E. Greer, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS STATION, Sweetwater Bridge, Dak. Ter., May 23, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 20th instant, at 11 a. in., I received a telegram from the operator at Three Crossings Station reporting that the Indians, in strong force, had invested, and that they were at that moment firing on the station, and that the garrison was very short of ammunition and could miot hold out long. Ten minutes after the receipt of this report the line went down. At 12 oclock in.~ wid Page 287 CHAP. LX.] SKIRMISH AT VALLEY MINES, MO. 287 Licut. S. Bodwell and eighty-five men, I started for the scene of action, forty miles distant. At Split Rock I found the telegraph lii4e down, fifty feet gone. Reached Three Crossings at 8 p. in. and found that the Indians had done no injury further than stealing one horse from the station. They withdrew and crossed the Sweetwater River at 4 p. m. and immediately left the vicinity. My command rested till daylight the 21st, when with twenty men I crossed the river and followed the trail fifteen miles across an extensive plain, satisfying myself from their movementsfirst, by their withdrawing from the station at so early an hour and apparent hurried manner, as reported by the garrison, and their having not camped the ensuing nightthat they had information of my pursnit. I saw none, but estimate them at 200. Their trail went directly toward Wind River, where I think they now are and where their families may be found. I arrived in return at this statioii on the 22d instant at 8 p. m. Whole distance traveled, 110 miles. Respectfully, your obedient servan ti, JAS. E. GREER, Captain, Commanding & ation. Lient. I. I. TABER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. MAY 2022, 1865.Scout from Camp Plumb, Dak. Ter. Report of Lient. Jacob Van Antwerp, Elcventh Kansas Cavalry. CAMP PLUMB, Mun CREEK, DAK. TEn., May 22, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to make the following rej)ort of a scout made in pursuance of verbal orders from Col. P. B. Plumb: I started with a detachment of twenty-four men from Second Bat- talion, Eleventh Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, on the evening of the 20th of May, 1865, moving in a southeast direction to the Red Buttes, on iDeer Creek thence east to Box Elder Calion, thence north to the North Platte River, at which place I saw a party of about 100 Indians upon the opposite bank of the river. The water being too high to ford I could avail nothing attacking the party, so I returned to these head- quarters May 22, having marched a distance of over eighty miles. I saw nothing of Indians or Indian signs near Red Buttes or Box Elder Calion. All of which is respectfully submitted. JACOB VAN ANTWERP, First Lieutenant Company L, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry. Maj. N. A. ADAMS, Commanding & cond Battalion, Eleventh Kansas Cay. Vols. MAY 22, 1865.Skirmish at Valley Mines, Mo. Report of 6~apt. Henry Bailey, Fifty-first Wisconsin Infantry. IDE SoTo, Mo., ]liliay 22, 1865. This morning at 7.30 oclock Sam llilderbrand and four men were attacked at Valley Mines, while robbing a store, by the U. S. troops sta- tioned at Big River Mills, and one man killed by our troops, a large, black-haired man, said to live when at home south of Farmington; als Page 288 288 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. llulderbrand is supposed to be wounded in the leg, as he had great dif- ficulty in getting on his horse. They are supposed to have started south. II. BAILEY, Captain, Commanding Post. Maj. L. H. UTT. MAY 23, 1865.Scout from Thibodeaux to Lake Verret, La. Report of Lieut. John Simms, Sixteenth Jiadiana ]Jiliounted Infantry. CAMP SIXTEENTH IN DIANA MOUNTED INFANTRY, Thibodeaux, La., May 24, 1865. Siu: In obedience to instructions from post headquarters, I was detailed to take charge of a scout to Lake Verret by way of Brul6 Texas. I left Thibodeaux about 3 p. in.; passed through Labadieville and arrived at Emiles plantation, three miles beyond, at dark, and could proceed no farther on account of the l)lantations being overflowed with water. I returned with my command, arriving at camp at midnight. [cry respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN SIMMS, First Lient. company F, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Ii~fantry. Lieut. FRED. H. CUTLER, Post Adjutant, Thibodeaux, La. MAY 23, 1865.Skirmish near Waynesville, Mo. Report of Capt. Calvin S. Moore, Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS POST WAYNESVILLE, Waynesville, Mo., May 25, 1865. COLONEL: Lieutenant Bates, just in from a scout, reports that on the evening of the 23d he came upon Dick Watsons band of bush whackers (twelve in number) some ten miles northwest of here; that he killed 2 of the bushwhackers and captured 3 of their horses. The lieutenant had none of his men killed or wounded. I have a scout out now in that direction. I keep a scout of ten or fifteen men out all the time. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. S. MOORE, Col. JOHN MORRILL, Captain, Commanding Post. Commanding District of Rolla, Rolla, Mo. MAY 2326, 1865.Scout frGm Warrensburg, Mo., to mouth of Coal Camp Creek. Report of Lieut. Cot. Joseph J. Gravely, Fourteenth Missouri Cavalry. WARRENSBURG, Mo., May 26, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report for the information of the colonel commanding: I proceeded, in compliance with your instructions, on the 23d instant in direction of IDuroe, via Belmont and. Warsaw, scouting the countr Page 289 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM PINE BLUFF, ARK. 289 thoroughly along to the Osage, and down the Osage to the mouth of Coal Camp Creek, and ascertained that there were no rebels in that section of the country north of the Osage. The band that crossed the railroad near Knobnoster on the 22d instant were all that I could obtaiu any reliable information of. At Warsaw and other points I learned that the ab& ve-named band committed horrid outrages, murdering some ten or twelve discharged soldiers and citizens in Hickory and Benton Counties. Not hearing reliable reports of other bands of guerrillas, I returned to camp at this place this p. m. at 5 oclock. Men and horses in good condition. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. J. GRAVELY, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Expedition.. Captain LAUEANT, Assistant Adjutant- General, Central District of Missouri. MAY 2327, 1865.Scout from Pine Bluff to Monticello, Ark., with skirmish (24th) at Monticello. Report of Capt. John II. Norris, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry. HIJQR5. COMPANY M THIRTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Pine Bluff, Ark., May 27, 1865. Sin: In obedience to orders, I left this post in command of sixty men of our regiment (Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry) on Tuesday morning, the 23d instant, on a scout to capture Captain Kidd and any other rebel soldiers or forces I might chance to run on. I divided my force outside the chain guard, and sent one-half, under Lieutenant Orton, on the War- reu road, and the other half under Lieutenant Drummoud, on the upper Monticello road, and met together at Harpers plantation, thirty miles from this post, and camped that night. The next day I scoured the country completely and as thoroughly as possible from Harpers to Monticello, twenty-three miles, entering Monticello about sunset. Had a slight skirmish there, and after running all the rebel forces out of town I established my camp and sent word to Captain Burks, the rebel commander, that I was going to remain there until they surrendered or until every corndodger and pound of meat was eaten and every ear of corn was properly disposed of to U. S. cavalry horses. The next morning before sunrise the rebels began to send in flags of truce, and by 2 p. m. the whole rebel force in that country agreed to surrender upon the same terms Lee surrendered to Grant. I brought all in to-day, including 14 commissioned officers and 70 enlisted men. I seized 3 horses as the property that Captain Kidd obtained from those rebel soldiers belonging to Wests battery who came in and surrendered on Sunday last. 1 learned then that the brigadier-general commanding had ordered me to cease hostilities toward Captain Kidd, and then, as Monticello was but a few miles out of my way, I determined to go by there. On my return from there I met with Captain Kidd, and he sur- rendered on the same terms. On my return from Monticello I met with several citizens who had been up to Pine Bluff with cotton and to purchase goods. They solicited an escort from my forces, and believ- ing that a small party of jayhawkers who infested the country around 19 R RYOL XLVIII, PT Page 290 290 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSTSSIPpI. (Ca& i. LX. Monticello might be captured, T sent Lieutenant Drummoid and fifteen men back with orders to protect them and arrest, if possible, any un- authorized bands they could find. Lieutenant Drummond has not yet returned. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. II. NORRIS, Captain, Commanding Scout. Lieutenant WORTHINGTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. NAY 24, 1865.Skirinisli near Rocheport, Iwo. Report of Capt. Warren W. ilarris, Howard County Company Volunteer Missouri Militia. HEADQUARTERS, Post Fayette, May 25, 1865. I have the honor to report to you that Sergt. Robert Digges, with a detachment of my company, had a fight with eleven bushwhackers, supposed to be under Jim Anderson, yesterday morning at 7.30 oclock. The bushwhackers were at the house of Elias Thompson, in this county, about six miles from Rocheport. We killed 4 bushwhackers and captured 4 horses and eqnipments, several pistols, overcoats, & c. Sergeant Digges is satisfied that there were several wounded who escaped. Our loss was Private Ben. Reeves, severely wounded in the shoulder; we also had two horses killed. The names of the bush. whackers killed, as obtained from a rebel deserter just from Prices army, are Theodore Cassell, of Jackson County; Kelly, of Saint Louis (right arm off); John Chapmavi, of Clay, and Thomas Maupin, of Callaway. The last named has the forefinger off his right hand. I inclose you two letters* taken off the body of Cassell. Sergeant Digges was on the trail of Jim Jackson the evening before. He started it in Boone County, and was following it up when he heard of Andersons gang. We heard of Jackson yesterday at 10 a in., with six other men near Boonsborongh, in this county, going west. One citizen reports that Rider was along, and another reports that he recognized a man by the name of Finley with them. Finley was bushwhacking in this county last summer. I regret very much that there could not be a scout sent up after these last-mentioned bushwhackers. All my nien who had serviceable horses were out, either with Sergeant Digges, with myself, who went out as SOOli as the fight was reported to me by a citi- zen, or with Lieutenant Davis, who had started from here the night before with foity men, under orders from Colonel Denny to proceed to Brunswick. I have been informed that Captain Meredith, with his command and a detachment of the Ninth Missouri State Militia, under Lieutenant Thompsoim, are out in the Boons Lick country after Jackson. Lieutenant Davis returned this evening from Brunswick. I hope that it will not be deemed necessary again to have my men ordered so far from home, especially when I have my hands full in my own county. The affair of yesterday is the third fight that my men have had with the bushwhackers. The first two came off in Boone County. Lieu- tenant Davis had a fight with Jim Jackson at the house of the Widow Cornelius, in Boone County, a week or ten days [ago]. Only his Oinittcd Page 291 Ca& r. LX.] SCOUT FROM NAPOLEONVILLE, LA. 291 advance guard of seven men were engaged. The rebels fougut desper- ately, but ran off before the main body of our men came np. No casualties on either side. Lieutenant Davis was on the trail of four or six men who had crossed the Missouri River at the mouth of the La Mine when he came across the trail of Jackson. Jackson had five men with him. ii do not think, general, that there are any bushwhackers who stay habitually in this county. Jim Jackson and his gang make their home in Blackfoot, in Boone, and make a raid occasionally into this county. I believe that Holtzclaw is with Jackson. In every in stance, except the last of yesterday, where we have got after bush. whackers we have followed them into or came across them in Boone. The gang we fought yesterday had just arrived in this county the day before. I hope the warm welcome they received will admonish them to stay away. I am, general, your most obedient servant, WARREN W. HARRIS, Comdg. Howard County Company Volunteer Missouri Militia, Organized under General Orders, No. 3. P. 5.I have just received information from a reliable source that another dead bushwhacker has been found near the place where the fight took place yesterday, making five killed, and also a dead horse. Yours, & c., W. W. H. Brig. Gen. I. V. PRATT, Comdg. First District, Missouri Militia, Macon, Mo. MAY 24, 1865.Scout from Napoleonville to Bayou Saint Vincent, La. I~EPORTS. No. 1.Capt. Thomas W. Sayles, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. No. 2.Capt. Andrew T. Bushee, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Capt. Thomas W. Sayles, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. HDQRS. COMPANY H, THIRD ,RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, Napoleonville, La., May 25, 1865. LIEUTENANT: In accordance with orders received from headquarters post Napoleonville on the night of the 24th instant, I have the honor to respectfully submit the following report: With a party of twenty-five men I proceeded to Bayou Saint Vincent and there divided my force, sending a part on one side of the bayou under a sergeant, audwith the remainder I took the other side and pro- ceeded as far as we could go with the horses, making a careful exami- nation by the way, but not seeing or learning of any rebels being in that vicinity. Having carried out my instructions I returned to camp. I have the honor to remain, sir, yours, respectfully, THOS. W. SAYLES, Lieut. E. K. THoxtps& , Captain Company H. Adjutant Third Rhode Island Cavalry Page 292 292 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. No. 2. Report of Capt. Andrew T. Bushee, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. IIDQRS. COMPANY D, THIRD RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, Napoleonville, La., ]Jfay 25, 165. LiEUTENANT: I respectfully report that in compliance with orders received from headquarters Third Rhode Island Cavalry, May 24, 1865, I moved with twenty-five men on the Canal road four miles and a half. The water prevented my proceeding farther. I dismounted my men, examined the country, discovered no trace of the enemy, mounted, and returned to camp. Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, A. T. BUSHEE, Captain, Commanding Company D, Third Rhode Island Cavalry. Lieut. E. K. THOMPSON, Adjutant Third Rhode Island Cavalry. MAY 2527, 1865.Expedition from Bayou Bamf to Bayou De Large, La., with affair (27th) at Bayou De Large. Report of Lieut. Numa A. Pomponean, First Louisiana 6avalry. BAYOU BEuF, LA., May 29, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following as a report of an expedition under my command, in obedience to instructions from your headquarters, May 25, 1865: On the 25th I started with three enlisted men of Company K, First Louisiana Cavalry, and reported to Colonel Fuller, at Terre Bonne, on the morning of the 26th, who furnished me transportation to ilouma, where I arrived at 10 a. in., and immediately proceeded to Negro Point with ten men of Captain Rhodes company, Third Rhode Island Cav- alry. After searching Negro Point and vicinity I was informed that the men for whom I was searching had been driven away by Lient. Omar Boudreaux, and were of C. S. Army; and learning of [his pres- ence in] this vicinity 1 started in pursuit of him on the morning of the 27th. I surprised him in his camp on Bayou De Large, back of J. Terrions plantation. I found him and eleven men, who fled as soon as they discovered me. I got all of their arms, camp and garrison equi- page. They made their escape, not having time to get their clothes on. I left Lieutenant Boudreaux in a condition unable to move or be moved alive, and I do not think he will give us any more trouble, although he was breathing when I left. I also wounded Sergt. Oscar Hymel, but he escaped in the marsh. Captured one of his men. The arms cap- tured consisted of 7 muskets, 8 shotguns, 4 revolvers; ammunition, 12 pounds powder, 40 pounds shot and lead; also 8 blankets and 6 quilts. Prisoner and arms I turned in to provost-marshal at Honina. I also received information that Captain flare with thirty or forty men is encamped between Bayou La Carp and Bayou William, about fifteen miles from where Lieutenant Boudreaux was encamped on Bayou De Large. Being unable to discover the whereabouts of the men for whom I was sent, I abandoned the expedition and returned to this place. I have the honor, captain, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, NUMA A. POMPONEAU, Second Lieutenant Company K First Louisiana Cavalry. Capt. B. B. CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant- General, La Fourehe District Page 293 CHAP. LX.] SCOUT FROM PLUM CREEK, NEhR. TER. 29~ MAY 2627, 1865.Scout and skirmishes in Carroll and Ray Counties, Mo. Report of l2ieut. David ILL Freeman, Missouri Militia. HEADQUARTERS, GarroUton, Mo., May 27, 1865. DEAR SIR: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 26th instant I started with a detachment of my men after the guerrilla Capt. A. Clement and eight men. After a chase of twenty miles I came np with them and immediately offered hattie. With twelve of my best men I dismounted at a distance of a quarter of a mile; came down on a double-quick till within a few hundred yards, when they broke to the brush. I mounted, gave chase, came to the brush, dis- mounted, took the track in the brush some three miles, came on them with eight men, gave battle, and whipped them bad. Kept up the chase some fonr miles through bush and briar. Had a sharp fight in Crooked River timber. Followed the trail all day and rode all night, a distance of fifty miles, without rest, from Carroliton to the west part of Ray County, all the time without a road, most of the way in the thick brush. Whipped the guerrillas three times, killed or wounded three, captured a horse and prize, the captains hat, and many other things. Lost noth- ing; none of my men hurt; had no accidents to happen. My boys fight like veterans, making fun of the enemy all the time. They fight better than my expectations were. Now, general, if you want Jim Anderson captured, send me and thirty of my men and I will bring him in soon,for my men say they can track thebushmen like a dog will a deer. They are anxious to get the job of catching Jim and gang. I wish you would give me the job. I will follow him day and night till Igethim. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID M. FREEMAN, First Lieutenant, Commanding Scout. General I. V. PRATT, Macon City, Mo. MAY 2627, 1865.Scout from Plum Creek, ~ebr. Ter. Report of Lient. Morgan A. Hance, First Nebraska Cavalry. HDQRS. COMPANY G, FIRST NEBRASKA VET. VOL. CAY., Plum Creek, Nebr. Ter., May 29, 1865. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that, in obedience toinstruc. tions received from headquarters post Plum Creek, dated May 26, 1865, I left this garrison at 10 p. m. with fourteen enlisted men thoroughly armed and equipped, with an amount of rations they could carry, arriv- ing at Mullahlas Station at 2 a. m. of the 27th, there awaiting day- break, when I returned to a point five miles east and took trail of the Indians, moving south for about six miles. At this point they appeared scattered. The tracks became so dim that I found it impossible to fol- low their trail. Upon diligent search I found they had retraced their steps in the direction of Platte River, which stream they had crossed at a point five miles and a half east of MullahIas Station. As near as I could ascertain, the Indian band numbered about thirteen. As I could not discern cattle tracks either upon the march or entrance into the river, I am strongly impressed that they did not cross with th Page 294 294 LOUiSIANA AND FilE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. cattle. The number of cattle driven off was nine head. A party of soldiers fonnd three head in the bluffs south of Mnllahlas. Finding it impracticable to cross the river in consequence of the recent rise, I proceeded directly toward Plnm Creek, arriving in garrison at 6p.m. of the 27th, after traveling fifty miles. iRespectfuily, your obedient servant, M. A. HAKOB, First Lieut., First Nebraska Veteran T~ol. (Jay., Comdg. & out. Lient. JOHN S. SEATON, Post Adjutant, Plum Creek, Nebr. Ter. MAY 26JUNE 9, 1866.Operations against Indians on the Overland Stage Road on the Platte and Sweetwater Rivers, with skirmishes (May 27) at Saint Marys Station, (May 26, 28, and June 1) at Sweetwater Station, (June 3) at Platte Bridge, Dak. Ter., and (June 8) at Sage Creek, Cob. Ter. HEPOIRTS. No. 1Lient. Henry C. Bretney, Eleventh Ohio Cavalry. No. 2.Lieut. James A. Brown, Eleventh Ohio Cavalry. No. 3.First Sergt. Samuel B. White, Eleventh Ohio Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Lient. Henry C. Bretney, Eleventh Ohio Cavalry. PLATTE BRIDGE, PAK. TEE., June , 1865. Sm: I have the honor to report that on May 26 three Indians made first attempt to take herd at Sweetwater Station, but were repulsed by garrison, the Indians having 1 killed and wounded, 1 pony crippled, without any loss to our side. On Sunday, May 28, they made another attempt at herd in force estimated at twenty-five or thirty, and suc- ceeded in getting 4 horses and 2 mules. Stampede was owing to the two mules, which were very wild and led the horses off Indians lost one wounded. On Thursday, June 1, they made an attempt on remainder of herd, but were repulsed; and on same day cut the tele- graph wire about 1,000 yards from quarters, east, carrying off about 100 yards wire. On the 27th of May about 150 Indians attacked Saint Marys Station, and in short time succeeded in setting fire to buildings. The garrison, consisting of five men, retreated to an old well outside of quarters, where they remained until the night of the 28th, when they escaped to South Pass. The operator, Private Chavil St. Clair, took precaution enough to secure a relay sounder and a coil of fine wire, and was thus enabled to communicate with Fort Bridger. Garrison lost everything but their firearms and the clothes on their backs. Their horse equipments burnt. There were but two horses at the station; one of these the Indians got, and the other was shot to prevent its falling into their hands. Indians cut out about 400 yards of wire and burned the poles. When Indians left they moved to the south, passing up the valley of Sage Creek. The garrison did as well as it could under the circumstances, and when Indians came within proper distance fired on them briskly. Several Indians~ are known to have been wounded. None of the garrison injured. II. C. BItETNEY, First Lient., Comdg. Company U, Eleventh Ohio Vol. Cay. Col. T. MOONLIGHT, Commanding North Sub-District of the Plains, Dak. Ter Page 295 CHAP. LX.) OPERATIONS ON TIlE OVERLAND STAGE ROAD. 295 No. 2. Report of Lient. James A. Brown, Eleventh Ohio Cavalry. FORT HALLECK, DAK. TER., June 14, 1865. SIR: In compliance with Special Orders, No. 7, dated headquarters Fort ilalleck, IJak. Ter., Julie 2, 1865, I left this post with a command of thirty-one men of Company K, Eleventh Ohio Folunteer Cavalry, for the purpose of reopening the mail route between this place and Fort Bridger, Utah Ter. I arrived at the crossing of the North Platte River the same evening and camped for the night. Next morning we crossed and started westward, accompanied by Captain Lewis, of Gen- eral Connors staff, and Mr. iR. I. Spots~ood, division agent on the Overland Stage Line. I found Sage Creek Station deserted. Four miles beyond I found two dead emigrants lying near the road, one of them being scalped. The next two stations, Pine Grove and Bridgers Pass, I also fonnd deserted. At the fourth station, Sulphur Spring, I found the stock tenders and drivers from the above-named stations concentrated with the stock belonging to Sage Creek and Pine Grove Stations. I also learned that the stock at Bridgers Pass Station had been driven off by the Indians. Having ascertained that the depre- dations extended no farther west, I remained at Sulphur Spring Sta- tion until 4 p. m. next day, then detaching three men I sent them to Waskie (next station west), and leaving five men for the protection of Sulphur Spring Station, I started for this post, accompanied by Messrs. Spotswood and Stewart, division agents on the Overland Stage Line, two coaches and stock for the line caniping that night at Bridgers Pass Station. Next morning I left, leaving a corporal and four men at the station; from thence to Pine Grove Station, leaving five men there; came on to the Sage Creek Station, left a corporal and four men there; from thence to the North Platte Crossing and camped for the night. Having succeeded in establishing a tn-weekly mail between the North Platte and Sulphur Spring Station, I came to this post with the bal- ance of my command. At daylight the morning of the 8th instant the detachment at Sage Creek Station was attacked by about 100 Indians. After one hours severe fighting they were compelled to evacnate, in consequence of a deficieiicy in ammunition. The men were all well monnted and accompanied by two citizens, names nnknown. The moment they left the station they were completely surrounded. There ensued a desperate fight; the detachment retreated toward Pine Grove Station. The Indians followed them for eight miles, killing George Bodine and Perry Stewart, wounding and capturing Orlando Ducket, wounding Corpl. W. H. Caldwell and Private William Wilson, all of Company K, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. The two citizens were also missing. Corporal Caldwell and Private -Wilson escaped to Pine Grove Station. They and the detachment then retreated to Sulphur Spring Station, taking the detachment at Bridgers Pass with them. Next morning they started back, commanded by Sergeant McFaddin, who was up the road on escort duty with ten men of Company K, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. They found the bodies of Perry Stewart and George Bodine lying in the road horribly mutilated, the latter scalped. They also found one citizen. The other citizen and Private IDucket, of Company K, could not be found. My opinion is they were burned in Sage Creek Station, which was found burnt by the command on their return. Ten of the men have returned to this post; the balance are doing all they can to keep open the road Page 296 296 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. but the force is inadequate to cope with the number of Indians now committing depredations on the Overland Stage Line between the North Platte Crossing and Sulphur Spring Station. I am, sir; very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. BROWN, First Lieut. Comnany K, Eleventh Ohio Vol. (lay., (Jomdg. Detach. Capt. J. L. IIUMFREYILLE, Eleventh Ohio Vol. Cay., Comdg. Fort Ilalleck, Daic. Ter. 0 No.3. Report of First Sergt. Samuel B. White, Eleventh Ohio Cavalry. PLATTE BRIDGE, flAK. TER., June 13, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that on June 3 six Indians appeared on bank of Platte River opposite quarters, whose object appeared to be to draw men from this post. As soon as the alarm was giveu I dis- patched a messenger to Lieutenant-Colonel Plumb, of the Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, and ordered men to fire on Indians, which resulted in two of their horses being crippled. These shots were fired from 12-pounder mountain howitzer, which drove Indians over bluffs. On Colonel Plumbs arrival I sent corporal and ten men to bluiTh on north side of Platte to watch movements of Indians until the command of Colonel Plumb arrived. Also one sergeant and ten men afoot in their rear to prevent their being cut off by superior forces. The mounted men saw one Indian going toward telegraph line, with the intention of cutting it. They pursued him and crippled his horse. About 2 oclock Colonel Plumbs detachment arrived. I then sent the mounted squad of corporal and ten men with him to pursue Indians. They returned about 8.3~ oclock and reported one man of this command killed, whose body was recovered and brought in to the post. Lieutenant Bretney and ten mounted men were absent, having staited for Saint Marys May 31. He returned to this post June 5, 1865. Very respectfully, S. B. WHITE, First Sergeant, Commanding Post. Col. T. MOONLIGHT, ~Jomdg. North Sub-District of the Plains, Fort Laramie, Dak. Ter. MAY 27, 1866.Skirmish in Chariton County, Mo. Report of Col. Alexander F. Denny, Sixty-second Missouri Militia. GLASGOW, J y 28, 1865. Captain Denny reports that the Keytesville Missouri Militia, Captain Dolman, had a skirmish with Jackson in Chariton County yesterday. Killed Jacksons horse from under hini. Jackson and his men escaped. Captain Denny is on the lookout for them. Brigadier-General PRATT. A. F. DENNY, Colonel Page 297 CHAP. LX.] OPERATIONS IN TEXAS. 297 MAY 27, 1865.Skirmish at Switzlers Mill, Chariton County, Mo. Report of Cot. Alexander P. Denny, Sixty-second ]Jfissouri illiilitia. GLASGOW, ]Jfay 28, 1865. Lieutenant Wright, of Captain Dennys company of iRoanoke Mis- souri Militia, had a skirmish with some of iRiders guerrillas yesterday morning at 3 oclock, at Switzlers Mill, in Chariton County. He had them surrounded and forced a part of them into the mill pond, one of whom, Notes, of Charitou County, was drowned; one other supposed to be wounded. In the darkness the rest escaped. The lieutenant captured one horse and several pistols. No loss on onr side. A. F. DENNY, Colonel. Brigadier-General PRATT. MAY 29, 1865NOVEMBER 14, 1866.Operations in Texas and on the Ri~ Grande. Report of ]iliaj. Gem. Philip H. Sheridan, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Neu Orleans, La., November 14, 186G. GENERAL: In compliance with letter of instructions, dated October 4, 1866, I have the honor to make the following report of operations within the limits of my command since the 29th of May, 1865: On 17th of May, 1805, I was relieved from command of the Middle Military Division and assigned to the command of all the territory west of the Mississippi and south of the Arkansas Rivers, with directions to report to Lieutenant-General Grant for instructions. This territory embraced at that time within its limits the only organized rebel army left in the Confederacy, which was under the command of the rebel General B. Kirby Smith, with headquarters at Shreveport, or vicinity, in the State of Louisiana. My instructions from the lieutenant-general were to operate against this command, to break it up or destroy it. For this purpose I was authorized to draw from Maj. Gen. J. J. Rey- nolds, commanding Department of Arkansas, 12,000 men, and from Maj. Gen. E. R. S. Canby, commanding the Military Division of West Mis- sissippi, 25,000 men; together with the Fourth and Twenty-fifth Army Corps and a column of from 8,000 to 9,000 cavalry to be collected from Louisiana, West Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. The aggregate strength of this force was about 80,000 men. On the 29th of May I assumed control of this new command, designat- ing it the Military Division of the Southwest, with headquarters at New Orleans, La.; and, at about the same time, received intelligence of the surrender of E. Kirby Smith, through commissioners sent from him to Major-General Canby. This surrender was made, but bore upon its face double dealing on the part of the rebel commander, or his agents, as the Texas troops had declined to surrender, and had disbanded to their homes, destroying magazines and carrying with them arms and ammunition from the different arsenals. General Smith proceeded to Galveston, and from thence escaped to Mexico, in violation of the agree- ment he had bound himself to observe. This conduct on his part may have arisen from the fact that it could not be concealed that his real object in offering to surrender was to get security for the Arkansas Page 298 298 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. Louisiana, and Missouri troops to return to their homes, knowing full well that the Texas troops did not intend to surrender, and that most of them had already gone to their homes; that while they were destroying theif arsenals and carrying home with them their arms, it was their constant boast that they were not coftquered and that they would renew the fight at some future day. Previous to the surrender, and in anticipation of the successful escape of Jefferson Davis, and his probable arrival in the Trans-Mississippi Department, it had been contemplated to organize a column of 15,000 Confederates at Marshall, Tex., for the invasion of Mexico. This scheme failed, perhaps from the capture of Mr. Davis; but while the main scheme of sending the 15,000 men to Mexico failed, numerous bands, squads, and parties, numbering perhaps 3,000 or 4,000 men, crossed the Rio Grande into Mexico. In view of this and the troubles of our sister Republic, and taking into consideration the fact that all our military projects during the war against Texas had been failures, and that on this account the Union people there had come to look upon the Govern- ~nent as weak, it was determined to throw a large force into that State and along the Rio Grande border. The accomplishment of this purpose was accompanied with great labor from various causes, but it was suc- cessfully achieved. Among the first difficulties were the inadequacy of the depot at this place for the requirements of the service to be accomplished, the absence of all mercantile marine, and the worthless character of most of the transportation held by the quartermasters department here for the pur- pose of crossing the Gulf or entering the ports of Texas, the destruc- tion of all the wharves at the ports in Texas with the exception of Gal- veston, by the Confederates~ and the long line of communications to the points occupied in the interior, over which supplies had to be sent; and last, but not least, the great reluctance of the troops, officers and men, to continue for a longer period in the service, they claiming that they had fulfilled their contract with the Government, and that it was but just they should be mustered out. The movement of the Thirteenth Corps had been ordered before I reached New Orleans. One divisioii of it, under Maj. Gen. F. J. ilerron, proceeded to occupy the line of the Red River in Louisiana, and Marshall and Jefferson in Northeastern Texas; one division, under Maj. Gen. F. Steele, was under orders for the Rio Grande line; the third division, under Maj. Gen. J. A. Mower, was ordered to Galveston, from thence to occupy the line of railroad from Galveston to Brenham, while Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, who was in command of the corps, was assigned to general command in Texas. While these movements of the Thirteenth Corps were in progress I was rapidly collecting at Alexandria, La., a column of cavalry, about 4,500 strong, to be commanded by Maj. Gen. G. A. Custer, and another column at Shreveport, La., about 5,000 strong, to be commanded by Maj. Gen. Wesley Merritt. These cavalry columns were collected from different points in the States before mentioned, and were transferred up Red River by steam-boats, under great difficulties from the low stage of the water; were organized into divisions, equipped, supplied, and prepared to march for their respective points of destination, Merritts division to march, via Marshall, to San Antonio, and Custers division, via llempstead, to Austin, Tex.; the columns marching nearly parallel to each other and something like 100 miles apart. These columns took with them a small pontoon train to cross streams on the hue of march, and for the additional object of being able to cross the Rio Grande, should the Government elect to send troops in that direction. Whil Page 299 CHAP. LX.] OPERATIONS TN TEXAS. 299 the movements of the Thirteenth Corps and cavalry were going on, the Twenty-fifth Corps was embarked at City Point, Va., for the coast of Texas, to -occupy the points of Indianola, Corpus Christi, Brazos Santiago, and the line of the IRio Grande, hiost of the corps, however, being sent to the Rio Grande line. Great trouble was expe- rienced in the landing of the troops of this corps, in consequence of the bad harbors in Texas, the great draft of the vessels employed as transports, and the absence of suitable lighters to convey the troops across the bars. While the foregoing operations were in progress the Fourth Army Corps, numbering about 10,000 men, with all its field transportation, arrived in New Orleans, having been ordered to report to me for service in Texas, and was transported as rapidly as possible to Indianola, from thence to Victoria, and ordered to occupy the line from that point to San Antonio. The troops on the line from Galveston to Austin were supplied with comparative easer as the bar at Galveston offered no very difficult obsta- cle; the wharves, although in bad condition, still sufficed; the railroad from llempstead to Brenham was in condition to transfer our necessary supplies, and from Brenham to Austin there was a passable wagon road. The landing of the troops at Indianola was difficult on account of the dangerous bar, which had to be lightered over from the transports, and in consequence of the destruction of the wharves the lightering hadto be, in most cases, to the shore in small boats. Then, when the troops were landed, there was no water for a distance of eighteen miles, and they had to be hurried over this distance as soon as landed, and from thence to Victoria, where timber arid water could be obtained in abundance. Victoria is distant from Indianola about thirty-five or forty miles. After these difficulties had been overcome it was found that the country between Indianola and Victoria was not passable for wagons in the winter, and the railroad from Lavaca to Victoria had to be repaired at much labor and some expense, else the troops would have had to come back to their supplies at Lavaca and Indianola, where there was no water. I therefore ordered the railroad repaired and after it was in running order sold it to the company, covering the cost of repairs. The wharf at Indianola had also to be built entire, and when completed sold to cover the expenses incurred. But on account of these obstacles, and especially the difficulty of crossing the outer bar, which is about twenty miles from the landing, some of the transports had to return to New Orleans or the mouth of the Mississippi River for water for the troops and coal for the transports. At Brazos Santiago the wharf had been destroyed, and many of the same difficulties occurred here, and some of the transports had also to return to New Orleans and the mouth of the Mississippi River for sup- plies of coal and water. The troops on this line xs~ere extended np the Rio Grande as far as Laredo, and on this line much the largei number of troops were placed. A wharf had to be built at Brazos, and at first the troops up the Rio Grande were supplied by small steamers, which we had sent to that river, but the difficulties of entrance at the mouth of the Rio Grande made this line of supply very dangerous and precarious for the supply of the troops, as sometimes a transport could not cross the bar at the mouth of the river for nine or ten days. I therefore ordered the building of a railroad from Brazos to Whites Ranch, on the Rio Grande Rivera distance of eleven milesand this gave security to the supply of the troops. This railroad was afterward sold at about $40,000 over the actnal expense of construction. All these difficulties in the move- ment of troops were overcome, and in a short period of time Page 300 300 LOUISIANA AND tHE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [~Ar. ix. The effect of this large movement of troops on the destiny of Impe- rialism in Mexico has not been fully appreciated by our people. It is, however, well kn.own that while we were struggling for a republican existence against organized rebellion, and when nearly all the heads of the governments in Europe (except Russia) wished, and did believe, that republicanism was not a success, the Emperor of the French undertook the bold expedition to subvert the Republic of Mexico. There was no territorial question to be settled, and history will not excuse the attempted annihilation of a nation on the plea of non-pay- ment of a million or two of debts due. There was no good excuse for this attempted violation of rights, and the history of imperialism in Mexico is only the history of the buccaneer Morgan on a more extended scale, who at one time captured and held Panama, on the isthmus, until he (could hold it no longer. So that, when this movement of our troops to Texas and the Rio Grande took place, we found the line of that river and all Northern Mexico in the hands of Imperialism, a government whicli collected no taxes, had no system of government, and supported its partisans, soldiers, and civiliaiis by levying contributions on the poor inhabitants. But the appearance of our troops and the knowl- (edge that friends were on the border went like electricity to the homes arid hearts of the Mexican people. The rebels who had escaped from our country received no sympathy, and in less than a year this hardy people, without money, without arias and munitions of war, and without supplies, have recaptured Matamoras, Camargo, Presidio de Rio Grande, Lampazos, Monterey, Saltillo, Monclova, Durango, Chi- iiuahua, and in fact hold nearly all of the country, putting the invaders (on the defensive, and confining them to the Valley of Mexico, with a fair prospect of their speedy extermination. I have felt much interest in this event, because I have always believed that the occupation of Mexico was a part of the rebellion; and believing that the contest in our own country was for the vindication of republicanism, I did not think that that vindication would be complete until Maximilian was compelled to leave. The course taken by nearly every newspaper in the lately rebellious States was sympathy for Maximilian, and the sentiment of a large por. tion of the population was likewise; and so determined was this ou the part of thousands of adventurers that the Cordova emigration scheme was gotten up, and had, I think, for its object the formation of .a Maximilian-American party, composed of Confederates entertaining antipathy toward our Government. Many of these, having no means, would have drifted into the army of Maximilian. I had to take strong grounds against this emigration, and finally broke it up by refusing to permit emigrants to embark from the sea-ports within the limits of my command. The effect of the presence of our troops in Texas and on the Rio Grande, as alluded to heretofore, on the destiny of imperi- alism, was great. It had not a friend among the officers or men from the highest to the lowest grade, and the effect was depressing in the ~extreme, so much so, that I am inclined to believe that had a demand J~een made for the withdrawal of the Imperial troops, on the ground that the invasion of Mexico was a part of the rebellion, it would have been granted and the miseries of that country for the last year avoided. While the Imperial troops held the line of the Rio Grande the strictest neutrality was preserved. Since they were driven away the same honorable neutrality has been preserved toward the Liberal Government Page 301 CHAP. LX.] OPERATIONS IN TEXAS. 301 The number of troops sent to Texas was about 52,000. Shortly after they had arrived and become somewhat settled, orders came for the muster out of about .47,000 of this force, and the muster out was car- ried on gradually and iu accordance with our ability to bring them back, so that the movement may be considered as equal to a continu- ous movement of over 90,000 men over the most difficult line of oper- ations which we have in the country. I make these remarks because I was under the impression at one time that the Quartermaster-General did not fully understand the magnitude of the movement, or the natural obstacles in the way of its accomplishment, and we had to struggle for six months without funds, on the plea that the Brazos Railroad was constructed without authority, and the public service made to suffer a punishment by this denial of funds. I believe the Quarter- master-General was influenced in this act by the representations of incompetent inspectors sent out to make reports. The condition of civil affairs in Texas was anomalous, singular, and unsatisfactory. I found the provisional governor, backed bya small portion of the population, had for his standard of loyalty, Abhorrence for the rebellion and glory in its defeat; while his successor, as actual governor, had for his standard of loyalty, Pride in rebellion; that it was a righteous but lost cause, being overpowered by the Federal ~ Both of these representatives of the civil law, entertaining opposite standards for the loyalty of their subjects, I was required to support, and did it to the best of my ability, but it has been embarrassing in the extreme. Governor Hamilton, the provisional governor, was clamorous for more troops, and in several communications to me asserted that the civil law could not be carried out; that freedmen would be killed and Union men driven from the State without military support, which I gave whenever it was possible. Governor Throckmorton, the present governor, wants all the troops moved from the settled portions of the State, asserting that the civil law was all right; that justice would be done to freedineii, Union men, and our soldiers, in the courts. But justice is not done. To give you an instance of this, two soldiers were shot at Brenham, Tex., about two months ago. They were unarmed, and offered no provocation. The grand jury could find no bill against their would-be assassins, but found a bill against Brevet Major Smith, Sev- enteenth Infantry, for burglary, because he broke into the house of some citizens in his attempt to arrest these men. My own opinion is that the trial of a white man for the murder of a freedman in Texas would be a farce, and in making this statement I make it because truth compels me, and for no other reason. During the last six months Indian depredations have taken place on the remote frontier. Their extent is not defined as yet, but they are not very alarming, and I think that the governor has, to some extent, been influenced by exaggerated reports, gotten up in some instances by fron- tier people to get a market for their produce, and in other instances by army contractors to make money. I have ordered two regiments of cavalry to the frontier and placed a regiment of infantry at Austin, to be moved if necessary. It is strange that over a white man killed by Indians on an extensive frontier the greatest excitement will take place, but over the killing of many freedmen in the settlements nothing is done. I cannot help but see this, and I cannot help but tell it to my superiors, no matter how unpleasant it may be to the authorities of Texas. I will establish the frontier posts in Texas in the early spring. It was not done heretofore on account of having no available regular troops, and to hayc attempted it with volunteer troops, desirous o Page 302 302 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. returning to their homes, would have involved an expense which I did not like to put upon the Government. In Louisiana there was about as much if not more anomaly in civil affairs than in Texas. Our depot was in New Orleans which from its geographical position, became the main depot of the GUlf Stat~s, and in fact the whole South- west. This place had necessarily been the headquarters of superior commanders, and, as many of them appeared to have more ability in civil than in military affairs, they left the results of that ability to be settled by myself and the subordinate officers of my command; ques- tions and claims, semi-military and semi-civil, of every possible phase, and so numerous and complicated that, after a fair examination, I think that it will require one officer and ten clerks for over twelve months to brief and systematize what is yet left. The settlement of such of those claims as have already come up has been a dead weight upon the legitimate military duties of my command. Then there was the accumu- lation at this place of material of war of every possible character, from ocean steam~ships down to pickaxes and spades, the disposition of which gave great labor, but, by keeping steadily to work, and by the good judgment of subordinate commanders and staff officers of the different bureaus, this depot is now reduced to the present wants of the service. At the time of my arrival at New Orleans, as before alluded to, the civil affairs were much mixed up. Governor J. Madison Wells was legitimately holding the position of governor, but a new election was to occur in the summer or fall; and although, from the antecedents of the governor, who supported the Federal authority, I had reason to expect good judgment, still, either on account of the approaching elec- tion, in which he was a candidate for re-election, or be cause lie thought it best, he was filling a number of vacancies in offices throughout the State by returned Confederates. I did not know this, as it was none of my business, until I learned it by the constant appeals made to me by men who were turned out to give place to newcomers whom they did not think deserving, and I only speak of it now because it led, afterward, to bitterness and shedding of blood, in which the military were to some extent iuvolved. The governor was re-elected and the legislature met, but it was found that the governor had one will and the legislature had another; each hated the other, and trouble was sure to come. Not only was the legislature in antagonism with the governor, but all, or nearly all, the subordinate civil authorities in the State were against him. Many of these he had himself appointed, if they still held over after the election. Then the governor commenced making appeals to the military authorities to support him; and when it was proper and legitimate, to serve the ends of justice, such support was given, but when it was to satisfy pai4isan or political purposes, it was refused, and the military assumed the position that politics was out- side of the profession, and that it could not be called on legitimately to serve the interests of either side. This bitter political feeling finally culminated in the massacre of the 30th of July, 1866. I have thought that had I been in the city this slaughter might have been avoided, but I did not exl)ect it to occur, and I was led to this belief by a conversation, which I had, about the 1st of June last, with Judge Durell, who was the president of the Louisiana convention of 186{, and who told me that he would decline to call it together. He asked if it could have mili- tary support. I said it could not; that I would not allow the military to be used for party purposes, but that if the parties in the State came into collision it would be my duty to maintain the peace of the country Page 303 CnAP. LX.J OPERATIONS IN JOHNSON COUNTY, MO. 303 as I had believed for some time past that the safety of life and property did not rest with the civil authorities when there was any great dis- turbing cause. no political issues involving the military authori- In Floridathere were ties, although much annoyance occasionally came from arrests of officers and soldiers for acts alleged to have be en committed during the rebel- lion. The people of Florida appeared to realize the fact that it would not make much difference to them what party was in power, and that their best interest was to take off their coats and go to work to repair the disaster of the rebellion. On the 27th of June, 1865, the tempo- rary Military Division of the Southwest was abolished by the creation of the Military Division of the Gulf:, which included the Departments of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, atid Florida. These departments were, respectively, commanded by Major-Generals Wright, Canby, Slocum, and Foster. On October 7, 1865, the Department of Missis- sippi was transferred to the Military Division of the Tennessee. Ou May 22, 1866, Major-General Canby, having been ordered to Washing- ton, was succeeded by Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. Baird in the command of the Department of Louisiana. iii am, general, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. II. SHERIDAN, Major- General, U. S. Army. Bvt. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. RAWLIN5, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C. MAY , 1865.Operations in Johnson County, Mo. Report of Lieut. William B. Chester, Johnson County Missouri Militia. CAMP GROVER, NEAR WARRENSBURG, Mo., May 8, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to orders from the colonel commanding this district, I assumed command of an escort from this place to Lexington. At that place I was joined by Captain Arnold and five men, making my total force twenty-seven men. On my return I took the Columbus road until I reached the farm of the Widow Butler, sixteen miles north of Columbus. I then moved to the r.ight in the direction of the head of Davis Creek. After reaching the timber I caine to the farm of Philip Varner, where I found the guerrilla band of Jesse Hamlet. They were getting dinner; some were writing letters. I immediately ordered my men to charge. They fully obeyed my orders. The result was two rebels killed, named Stephensou and Herr. Hamlet was wounded, but made his escape. Stephenson was killed by Private William H. Brown, of the Johnson County Volunteer Militia~ Herr was killed by Privates Reed, Mausehund, and Adams, of Captain Arnolds company. Near the house in the woods we caught a son of Varners and intended to bring him to this place. When near the farm of a W. White he jumped from his horse and ran into the brush. The guard fired on him, bnt what the result was I do not know. I am confident he was a member of the band, as we found a shotgun, a musket barrel, and a French navy revolver that he said belonged to him. I ordered the citizens of the county to bury the dead bushwhack Page 304 304 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. ers, which was done near Maxwells blacksmith shop, ten miles north of Columbns. When near the latter place I stopped at the farm of Mrs. Renick to rest, and while there a band of over thirty rebels rode up to the honse. As soon as they discovered ns they broke to run. Their commander tried to rally them, but in vain. We mounted and pursued them. Their course was down Blackwater. They kept in the brnsh and scattered several times. Near the farm of Mr. Harrison I came in sight of them. After a sharp run of about a mile and a half I got in reach of them. I ordered my men to use their carbines at long range and save their revolvers for close quarters. In the lane of the farm belonging to the Widow Williams, six miles north of this post and in sight of town, the rebel commander tried to form his force to give ns fight. When they had got their lines half formed I ordered a charge. My men charged them with a shont, when the rebels ran and commenced cutting their plunder loose from their saddles. I pressed them on a run for about four miles. I followed on within about three miles of Kirkpatricks Mill. My men and horses were so exhansted I did not think it worth while to pursue them farther, and returned to camp. I captured seven head of horses. I left them in the country. I will get them soon. Also a lot of dry goods, the amount I do not know. I turned them over to the provost-marshal of the district. I cannot close my report without mentioning the disloyalty of the citi- zens of the country through which I passed. They would not give any information in regard to bushwhackers; deny any being in the country. I am thankful- to Captain Arnold for the assistance he gave me. Although not in command he gave me all the assistance in his power. Some of the men with me acted very badly on the last day. Instead of keeping their places in ranks when I was charging the rebels, in violation of my positive orders they dismounted to gather up the plun- der the rebels were abandoning on the road, but their number was few. Soldiers who will do so are a disgrace to the uniform they wear. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. E. CHESTER, First Lient., Corndg. Johnson County Militia, Comdg. & out. Capt. C. G. LAURANT, Assistant Adjutant- General, District of Central Missouri. JUNE 2, 1865.Operations about Fort Rice, flak. Ter. Report of Col. Charles A. 1?. Dimon, First U. S. Volunteer Infantry. HEADQUARTERS POST COMMANDANT, Fort Rice, Dak. Ter., June 2, 1865. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I communicated with you last on the 26th of May, 1865. I regret to announce that First Lieut. B. S. Wilson, superintendent of buildings, died this day at 12 in., from the effects of arrow wounds received on the 26th ultimo. Hostile Indians made their appearance this a. m. at 7 oclock at five different points, encircling the fort. I advanced my infantry and occupied the bluffs in rear and right and left of fort, the Indians falling back as I advanced. I sent out all my mounted infantry with about sixty mounted warriors of Two Bears and Bear Ribs bands, with a mountain howitzer, an Page 305 k4 CHAP. LX.] SKIRMISH AT DRY CREEK, DAK. TER. 305 pursued them nearly to what is called Crystal Palace Bluff. They made but oue standout of musket rauge. A few shells thrown among them scattered them, they leaving robes and throwing clothing off iu all directions. At one time a volley from an ambuscade they had formed came very near proving disastrous to our party; their aim beiug too high they did not do any damage. They shouted to the friendly ludians with us that they were from Young Mans Butte, aud in a few days a large party would arrive to attack the fort; that they did iiot want to fight them (the friendly Indians) and advised them to join them (the hostile Indians). As every ravine aiid knoll for two miles con- tained squads of hostile Indians, I am unable to judge of their exact number. Fortunately we have good grazing and feeding near the post, and I shall keep everything compact and guard against surprise. Major Wilkinson, the Indian agent, passed up on the steamer Lilly Martin with annuity goods br the Blackfeet and Assinaboines. lie coincides with my opinion that the military authorities are the best judges as to whom aiid at what time it is best to distribute annuity goods; that all agents should be under the control of the military authorities. My stock has become very much reduced this winter and I was unable to send either wagons or ammunition to Fort Sully by land at the time it was requested, therefore I sent it on boats. The ammunition I have now started by land (eight wagons), my stock hay. ing picked up. It takes all of my cattle and mules at post. Captain Fisks brother has turned me over a 12-pounder mountain howitzer. By your direction Captain Pope ordered me to send him all of the ammunition for that caliber gun. I have kept some four boxes and would respectfully request that I may receive some shell and canister by next boat. I trust, general, that Two Bear and band may receive some of the aniiuity goods that I hear of being distributed at Fort Sully. He has been a true and faithfrd Indian and been of much serv- ice to me this winter. I have employed his and Bear Ribs band as sol- diers and issued them one ration per day, which I trust will meet with your approval. Asking pardon for addressing you direct, l)ut trusting that the expla- nation in my last letter will be received I respectfully, , remain, yours, truly and C. A. li. DIMOK, Colonel First U. S. Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Post. Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. SULLY, Commanding District of Iowa. JUNE 3, 1865.Skirmish with Indians at Dry Creek, Dak. Ter. Report of Lieut. Cot. Preston B. Plumb, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH KANSAS CAVALRY, Camp Dodge, near Platte Bridge, Dak., June 4, 18G5. SIR: I have the honor to report that on Saturday, the 3d instant, about 3 p. in., a party of ten Indians dashed down to the river-bank opposite and fired upon Platte Bridge Station. The garrison returned the fire, wounding a pony; the Indians then fell back. Learning of 20 R RVOL XLVIII, PT Page 306 306 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. this by messenger from the station, I took ten men of Company B, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, and leaving word for twenty more of Com- panies A and F to follow speedily as possible, proceeded to the station, and taking with me from there ten of Company G, Eleventh Ohio Cav- alry, I started in pursuit. A hard chase of five miles brought me up within shooting distance of the Indians, and a running fight ensued, which resulted in 1 Indian pony being killed and 2 Indians wounded. Over one-half of the detachment had fallen behind on account of their horses not being able to keep up, and the Indians made an effort to turn the scale by suddenly wheeling about and charging upon us, but failing to induce a corresponding movement on our part they scattered and ran off at a rate of speed that showed that their previously comparatively lagging gait had some nlterior purpose in view. This purpose was quite apparent immediately after, as a party of about sixty Indians caine charging down the bottom of Dry Creek half a mile to our left, with the apparent purpose of getting between us and the station and cutting off the stragglers. But at this time the detachment of Companies A and F appeared in sight, and the Indians wheeled about, and we pursued as rapidly as possible, a small portion of the party being able to keep within shooting distance of their rear guard for a mile or two. Some six or seven of A and F companies and one of Company 0-, Eleventh Ohio, pursued a party to the right and considerably in advance and were ambushed by about thirty Indians, front and rear, and being somewhat scattered and having exhausted the charges of their revolvers in the long chase were unable to hold their ground until assistance could come up, and two privates, William T. Bonwell, Company F, Eleventh Kansas, and Stahlnecker, Company 0-, Eleventh Ohio Cavalry, were killed. The former was scalped; the latter was saved from mutilation by the bravery of Private Martin, of Com- pany A, who threw himself into a ravine close by and drove the Indians off with his carbine. These men would probably have escaped if their horses had not been shot and fallen with them, Private BonwelPs fall- ing on him, binding him firmly to the earth. This advance party had shot an Indian, killing him, and part of them were catching the Indians horse when they dashed upon them, making a complete surprise. After this the Indians went off more rapidly than ever and I recalled the men and ceased pursuit. The men all behaved with their usual bravery. The Indians were mostly armed with firearms, some having both rifles and revolvers. They were well mounted, and had besides about twenty extra ponies. The consequences of lack of corn for our animals were painfully apparent after the first two miles of the chase. They cannot compete with the Indian horses even for that distance on rough ground. One Indian is known to have been killed and from 4 to 6 wounded severely. The bodies of our meu who were killed were brought to camp and buried to-day with military honors. The affair was the first experi- ence of the kind most of the men ever had and was of value to them. It will also serve to show the Indians that they may expect to fight often as an occasion is presented. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. B. PLUMB, Lieutenant- Colonel Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, Comdg. Regiment. Lient. I. I. TABER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Fort Laramie Page 307 (~Ar. LX.] OPERATIONS NEAR FORT COLLINS, COLO. TER. 307 JUNE 410, 1865.Operations against Indians near Fort Collins, Cob. Ter. Report of Capt. Luther Wilson, First Colorado Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, Fort Collins, (Job. Ter., June 10, 1865. Sm: I have the honor to make the following report regarding all scouts and movements of troops belonging to this command for the week ending June 10, 1865: Word came last Tuesday from Willow Spring Station that a band of Indians had visited that place. After compelling the stock tender to give up what provisions he had, they left without committing any further depredations, leaving word that they would return. I imme- diately mounted twenty-five men of my command and proceeded up the road in the direction of the above place. A heavy storm came up sooi~ after starting, making the roads almost impassable. After a tedious march of thirty-seven miles I reached Virginia Dale, where I learned the Indians had gone into the mountains, and were a few wandering, begging Utes. Thinking it useless to follow them, as the rain had washed out all traces of the trail, I sent word forward to Sergeant Linnell, commanding detachment at Big Laraniie, to detail five men to guard Willow Spring Station, then returned to this post. On the 8th instant sent Corporal Baker with six men on scout toward Laramie, with instructions to keep a sharp lookout for marauding Indians and all trails leading in this direction. Corporal Baker \vill probably return in about three days. A party of horse stealing Indians came in above on this creek night before last, taking some twenty head of ponies and horses from some of the French and half-breeds. I received word too late to send in pursuit, but an Indian runner has gone over to Fort Laramie with word to look out for them on the North Platte. I am in constant communication with Captain Huinfreville, commanding Fort Halleck, and Sergeant Linnell, at Big Larainie, who will let me know at once how matters are up the road. I will keep on the alert and render speedy assistance when required. I do not deem it neces- sary to furnish escort to the mail at present, as it will take too many from the command, and I wish to keep as many here as possible to perfect them in drill, more especially iu the skirmishing. If anything transpires of a serious nature I will notify headquarters at once. Hoping my action in the above will mect with your approval, I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant, LUTHER WILSON Capt. Company D, Vet. Batt. First Colorado Car., Comdg. Post. Lient. J. S. GRAHAM, Acting Assistant Adjutant- 6~eneral, South Sub-District of the Plains, Denver, Cobo.Ter. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS SOUTH SUB-DISTRICT OF THE PLAINS Denver9 Cob. Ter.1 June 14, 1865. Respectfully forwarded to the general commanding for information. Captain W ilson has been ordered not to keep his men in a body, but to distribute them so as to protect the mail route. C. H. POTTER, Colonel Sixth U. S. Volunteers, Commanding Page 308 308 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. JUNE 814, 1865.Attack by Indians on the Overland Stage Road in Kan- sas and Colorado, with skirmishes (8th and 12th) at Fort Dodge, Kans., (9th) at Chavis Creek near Cow Creek Station, Kans,, (12th) near Cow Creek Sta- tion, Plum Butte, and Pawnee Rock, Kans. REIPORTS. No. l.Bvt. Brig. Gen. James H. Ford, Second Colorado Cavalry, commanding Dis- trict of Upper Arkansas. No. 2.Maj. William F. Armstrong, Second U. S. Volunteer Infantry. No. 3.Lient. Richard W. Jenkins, Second Colorado Cavalry. No. 4.Capt. Elisha Hammer, Seventh Iowa Cavalry. No. 5.Capt. Theodore Conkey, Third Wisconsin Cavalry. No. 1. Reports of Bvt. Brig. Gem. James IL Ford, Second Colorado Cavalry, commanding District of Upper Arkansas. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UPPER ARKANSAS, Fort Riley, Kans., June 12, 1865. Capt. JOHN WILLANS, Asst. Adjt. Gem., Dept. of the Missouri, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to transmit herewith for the informa- tion of the general commanding, copies of reports of depredations com- mitted by the Indians on the Santa F6 road; also a copy of letter to General Carleton, reports and letters referred to in telegram of this date. The officer at Cow Creek Station has been placed in arrest and the matter will be thoroughly investigated. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. H. FOHD, Brevet Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UPPER ARKANSAS, Fort Riley, Kans, June 12, 1865. On the 8th instant a party of Indians dashed in among the herd near Fort Dodge and succeeded in getting off with twenty-one head of Gov- eminent stock. They had on U. S. blue overcoats, so that the herders paid but little attention to them until they commenced yelling and firing. Major Armstrong, commanding Fort Dodge, sent an officer with a small mounted party in pursuit to ascertain their number and where camped. On the 9th instant Indians attacked four trains (twelve wagons each) en route to Fort Union with Government and private goods, and cap- tured 1 train of mules and 1 train of cattle, at a point about two miles and a half east of Chavis Creek, and succeeded in getting off with both trains. Lieutenant Jenkins with sixty men started from Cow Creek iii pursuit as far as the Arkansas River, but could not cross without swimming his stock, thereby damaging his ammunition, and so abandoned the chase. The number of animals taken was 101 mules, 3 horses,and 75 head of cattle. But 1 man was killed. Mr. Morrison, of New Mexico (late major First New Mexico Cavalry), returned to Fort Bascom, N. Mex., after being absent, by permission of General Carleton, on a trading expedition to the Comanche and Kiowa Indians without accomplishing anything. He went as far as Watchingan; from thence [sent] two men to find the Indians. They found a war party of Coma Page 309 CHAP. LKJ ATTACK ON THE OVERLAND STAGE ROAD. 309 ches, and returned in about eight days, after beir~g robbed of everything they had. These Indians told them that they and the Kiowas and twelve other nations had made a~treaty with the Texans to attack Forts Lamed and Bascom, and then make a raid on the plains and so into New Mexico. Major Morrison says he met other parties of traders who had been robbed by the Indians, and to whom the same stories were told. The Texans were to leave about 1st of June. Major Morrison had iu view also the release of some American women captured by the Coman- ches, but they had been delivered up to the Texans. My predictions are surely coming true. In ten days we will have a large party to contend with. The Fifteenth Kansas Cavalry should be pushed up; also one company with four howitzers. I have forwarded reports of Majors Morrison and Armstrong and Lieutenant Jenkins by mail to day. Colo- nel Leavenworth starts south to-day. He has already sent out his run- ners. They will meet him at the mouth of the Little Arkansas as soou as they find the Indians. Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry arrived aud starts west to-morrow. Shall put the Fifteenth [Kansas] forward as soon as it arrives. Have sent two companies up to Salt Marshes. Shall move these companies to Cimarron Crossing immediately JAS. H. FORD Brevet Brigadier- ~ereral. Major-General DODGE Commanding Department of the Missouri. FORT RILEY, June 14, 1865. (Received 8.30 p. mu. 15th.) The coach going west from Cow Creek Station, escorted by six men and commanded by Lieatenant Jenkins, Second Colorado Cavalry, was attacked by about 100 Indians a short distance from the station. The meu fought them until assistance reached them from the station. They drove the Indans to the river, killing and wounding fifteen Indians. Same day a train was attacked by about same number of Indians near Plum Butte, which was being escorted to Fort Zarah, but the escort completely routed the Indians. Our loss, two wounded. On same day near Pawnee Rock, Shrewsburys train with corn from Leavenworth was attacked by about 110 Indians; were routed, with a loss of two of our men, who were killed, scalped, and otherwise mutilated. Two mes- sengers for Fort Dodge were driveu back to this post on the evening of the 10th, having been attacked by a party of Indians. I have for- warded reports of the above by mail. JAS. II. FORD, Brevet Brigadier- General. Major.General DODGE. FORT RILEY, June 14, 1865. (Received 8.30 p. mu. 15th.) Since last report the post of Fort Dodge was attacked by about 400 Indians during a heavy fog. Loss small. The Fifteenth Kansas ought to hurry up; no report of them yet. I want another regiment of cav- alry. The attack was simultaneous along the whole of my line of the Arkansas during the night of the 11th. JAS. H. FORD, Brevet Brigadier- General. Major-General DODO-E Page 310 310 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. (CHAP. t~. ADDEYDA.* FORT BASCoM, iJilay 10, 1865. Brig. Gen. JAMES II. CARLETON, Santa PJ, N. ]IThx.: GENERAL: I deem it my duty to report to you the result of an expe- dition in conformity with a permit obtained from you for the purpose of effecting the release of some American women and children held in captivity by the Comanche and Kiowa Indians, and therefore have the honor to inform you as follows: I started from this post on or about the 18th of March last down the river, and after a very tedious and troublesome journey I got as far as the so-called Watchingan, judging it to be about 100 miles down the Adobe Fort. Until then I did not meet or see any Indians, nor did I know their whereabouts. I then sent two trustworthy men out for the purpose of finding out, if possible, the whereabouts of ludians, and gave them nine days to return to me to the camp. They came back to me on the eighth day, and did not find any rancheria of Indians, but came across a war party of thirty-eight Comanche Indians, who robbed theni of their pistols, saddles, and other things they carried along, and the men only escaped with their lives. The Indians told these men that they and the Kiowas and twelve more nations have formed a treaty of peace with the Texans; that they received ammunition, clothing, and articles of subsistence from the Texans; that they (the Indians) must aid them in an expedition against New Mexico, to start on the next rise of the new moon, which will be about the latter part of this month or the 1st day of June next. They say further that they will attack Fort Bascom and Fort Lamed for the purpose of destroying the two forts entirely, and then enter New Mexico to carry off cattle, sheep, and herders. All these Indians are together in Texas, on the other side of the mountains, called by the Mexicans iDe los Sierra Jumanes, and, in fact, show all signs of hostility against the Americans and the people of the Territory. Shortly after the above-mentioned two men came back to my camp another party of Mexicans who had obtained a permit also for going out to the Indians, and who had been in advance of me, retu rued and caine to my camp, the Indians having stripped them of most everything they had, took all their effects, and only spared their lives, and told them the same thing as they told to the aforesaid two men of mine, telling them also if they would go on to reach the Indians they would not come back alive, but all be killed by them. The men are residents of Pojuaque, near Sante F6. Their names I do not recollect, and were ten in number. I caine furthermore across a Kiowa Indian and woman, and this Kiowa being with me for several days. in my camp, and told me the same thing, what I already stated, corroborating altogether the statement made to me by my men, and by the others who were robbed and joined me as aforesaid. They are very much aggrieved by the attack having been made against them by Colonel Carson, and seek revenge, and being, as they say, backed by the Texans, will make a good thing out of this summer. They say that they will not leave a sign of Fort Bascom, but are deter- mined to destroy it. I must further state that the women held in cap- tivity were turned over to the Texans, and are now free. Seeing that I was now in danger of losing my life and the lives of my men, without having a chance to gain anything, 1 determined to return, which I effected, arriving here on yesterday afternoon, being on the trip from home now two months, and consider myself in good luck coming back See letter of transmittal June 12, p. 308 Page 311 CHAP. LX.] ATTACK ON THF OVERLAND STAGE ROAD. 311 alive and not to lose anything I took out to trade. When I first heard the statement that they intended mischief against the Territory, and particularly against this post, I did not much credit the report; but since I cailhiot help believe the statement, as the reports from the Comanches and Kiowas co-operate, and all state the same thing, and, in fact, I have seen plenty of proof of their hostility and bad intentions~ and must freely admit to you that, according to my judgment, Fort Bascom is in a precarious and perilous condition, owing to the small amount of troops stationed at this post. Two more expeditions of ]XIex- icans going out also, I met about fifty or sixty miles from this post, and have returned back with me without effecting anything. They are citizens from La Cueva and Mora, and are glad of having escaped the danger in losing everything and their lives. I shall start from here to-day, and hope to arrive home in eight or ten days. I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. MORRISON. No. 2. Revorts of ]Iliaj. William P. Armstrong, Second U. S. Volunteer Infantry. hEADQUARTERS, Port Dodge, Kans., June 9, 18G5. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report: On the 8th day of June, 1865, at 3 p. in., a party of Indians, fifteen or twenty in number, made a dash on the herd of stock at this post while the stock was grazing, not more than half a mile from camp. The ludians came through a ravine that runs through the hills. They were dressed in U. S. uniform, or at least they had blue overcoats, army style. They came down toward the river on a slow gallop, and rode to the river, watered their horses. Their horses were not the pony, but large horses. Then they rode down to the stock. The herdsmen said they were watching them, but did not once suspect that they were Indians in our uniform, so they did not look as sharp as they could if they had not had our uniform on. The Indians rode in among the stock and then commenced yelling and shooting at the horses, which convinced the herdsmen that they were Indians, when they immediately took after the herd and Indians. They (the herds- men) made a dash through the herd and succeeded in turning about ten in number. These horses were brought into camp and saddled and mounted by cavalry and infantry, who continued the.chase until dark, and they finally succeeded in recapturing some fifteen or twenty more horses and mules. Everything was done that could be done by me to save the stock. Our cavalry force was small, all the horses being out grazing. We might have kept eight or ten ready all the time in case of an emergency, but we have no forage whatever at this post and we are compelled to let the stock run out to graze. The Indians finally succeeded in driving off twenty-one head of stock out of fifty-five or sixty that they started with. I have sent Captain Molony with a party of cavalry on a scout to follow the trail and to ascertain, if pos- sible, the number of Indians and where they are encamped, of which I will report on his return of his success. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant W. F. AIIMSTIIONG ]JiEajor, Commanding Post. Lient. J. E. TAPPAN, Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of Upper Arkansas Page 312 312 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIppI. [CHAP. LX. HEADQUARTERS, Fort Dodge, Kans., June 12, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report: On Monday morning, June 12, 1865, the Indians, between 300 and 400, made an attack on this post, in which they succeeded in capturing all the horses arid mules at the post except eight horses. We had 3 men wounded and 2 captured or killed whose bodies have not been found. There was a very heavy fog in the early part of the morning, under cover of which the Indians hid themselves in the ravines close to camp and waited there until the fog cleared up; and before the pick- ets could give the alarm the Indians were between them and camp. It is supposed that the Indians crossed the river some eight miles below camp from the south side. At the time they made the attack on the camp some 200 showed themselves on the south side of the river. They drove the herd of horses and mules some three miles up the river and crossed, then moved in the direction of Mulberry Creek. I would respectfully request that there be sent to this post two pieces of artil- lery. The force for duty is very small, and we are liable to be attacked by superior numbers any night. Having no mounted men or transpor- tation at present here, and rations rather short, I think the post is in rather a dangerous situation. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. F. ARMSTRONG, Lient. J. E. TAPPAN, Major, Commanding Post. Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of Upper Arkansas No. 3. Reports of Lieut. Richard W. Jenkins, Second Colorado Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS STATION Cow Creek, Kans., June 10, 1865. SIR: At 11.55 oclock yesterday I received the following: Two MILES AND A HALF EAST OF CHAYIS CREEK, KANS., June 9, 186511 z. m. COMMARDING OFFICER Cow CREEK, KANS.: We have been att~cked by Indians and lost one train of mules and one train of cattle. There were not more than fifty or Sixty Indians in sight. We are badly in want of cairalry to pursue them. Can you not send us some this evening, and oblige, MANY PROPRIETORS. June 9, 12.03 p. m. I started with sixty men; arrived at the scene 1.55 p. m. I followed their trail, by the tracks and cattle that they had wounded and left, to the Arkansas River, about sixteen or eighteen miles south of west. I could not cross the river without swimming my stock about ten rods. By so doing I would have had my ammunition damaged; consequently had to abandon the chase. There was an escort of eight or ten men of Company K, Second U. S. Volunteers, with the trains. They not being well supplied with ammunition, did not fire more than two rounds each. The indians captured 101 head of mules, 3 head of horses, 75 head of cattle. We found about forty head of the latter on the prairie, about half of them being killed or badly wounded Page 313 CHAP. LX.] ATTACK ON THE OVERLAND STAGE ROAD. 313 There was one man killed within 100 yards of the camp. The trains were four in number, twelve wagons each, and were bound for Forts Lyon and Union, loaded with Government and citizens stores. Respectfully, your obedient servant, II. W. JENKINS, First Lient. Company I, Second Colorado Cay., Comdg. Station. Lieut. J. E. TAPPAN, Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dist. of Upper Arkansas, Fort Riley, Kans. HEADQUARTERS STATION, Cow Creek, Kans., June 12, 1865. SIR: In compliance with Special Orders, No. 31, dated June 11, 1865, headquarters station, Cow Creek, Kans., I started in company with coach for Fort Zarah, Kans. Almost four miles from this station, while traveling in a coach furnished for the use of the escort, I was attacked by a party of Indians, numbering more than 100, rushing in all sides. I had but six available men, but they made a bold stand, and in almost ten minutes we succeeded in driving them farther from us. I then retreated back toward a train which stood almost one mile from where the attack commenced. We killed 1 Indian, 1 pony, and wounded 3 more ponies severely. - I do not think that such an act of heroism has ever been displayed by six soldiers, who were surrounded by about 100 savages, charging, arrows and lances darting from every side, and only two men slightly wounded in their heads by lances. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, li. W. JENKINS, First Lieutenant Company I, Second Colorado Cavalry. Capt. ELISHA HAMMER, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, Company G, Commanding Station. No. 4. Reports of Capt. Elisha Hammer, Seventh Iowa Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS STATION, Cow Creek, Kans., June 12, 1865. I have the honor to report that Lient. II. W. Jenkins, Company I, Second Colorado Cavalry, left this station as escort for the U. S. mail coach to Fort Zarah, Kans at 11 a in. with six men, three of Company I,Se cond Colorado Cavalry, and three of Company 0-, Seventh Iowa Cavalry. Three or four miles from this station they were attacked by at least 100 Indians. The lieutenant and the men stood their ground and fought the Indians nobly. The Indians charged up within ten feet. They wounded with lances two men in the head slightly (Privates Cutting and Platt, of Company 0-, Seventh Iowa Cavalry). They are doing well. They killed 1 Indian, 1 pony, and wounded 3 more ponies on the ground. I saw the coach returning with all the speed that the mules seemed to possess. I being satisfied that they were attacked (I went on top of the house at this place and saw that there was a large body of Indians moving in a circle) I took flfty.flve men, twenty-six of Company I, Second Colorado Cavalry, and twenty-nine men of Com- pany 0-, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, and went to their relief immediately Page 314 314 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [~HA?. t~ Lieutenant Jenkins took command of Company I, Second Colorado Cavalry. The Indians moved in a southwest direction; they had some two miles the a~1vance; we pursued them to the Arkansas River, the last two miles at full speed to the bank of said river, and came close enough to empty eight ~,addles, a portion of the Indians floating down the river, killing and wounding at least fifteen Indians. We killed or wounded three Indians on the south bank with carbines from the north side. Drove theni from the river and stationed twenty men on the bank of the river with carbines to protect my men in crossing. Lieu- tenant Jenkins led the way across the river, followed by thirty-five men. After they had crossed over I joined them, leaving twenty men at the crossing in charge of Sergeant Bown, of Company I, Second Colorado Cavalry, to await our return. We crossed without much difficulty by swimming a portion of the way; went south some three miles; found that we could not overtake them in any reasonable distance; returnedto this station with my command. Lieutenant Jenkins and men under my coin- mand did nobly, and were ready and willing to do everything that was possible for them to do. Inclosed you will find copy of Lieutenant Jenkins report.* I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ELISHA HAMMER, Captain. Company U, AS~eventh Iowa Cacairy, Comdg. AS1tation. Lieut. J. E. TAPPAN, Aety. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dist. of Upper Arkansas, Fort Riley, Kans. HEADQUARTERS STATION, Cow Creek, Kans., June 12, 18657 p. m. Sergt. M. P. Doud, Company G, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, with twenty men, just returned from escorting train to Fort Zarah, Kans., reports that he met Sergeant Cronk, Company I, Second Colorado Cavalry, and nineteen men escorting trains to Fort Zarah, at the Plum Buttes; he says that his train has been attacked by at least 100 Indians and Ser- geant Cronk drove them from the train. One of his men (Patrick Sullivan) was separated and supposed to have been killed. No loss of stock or men, except the above mentioned. Sergeant Doud saw some thirty Indians and drove them across the Arkansas River withont loss. The above transpired about the same time that Lieutenant Jenkins was attacked. Respectfully, your obedient servant ELISHA HAMMER, Captain Company U, Serenth Iowa Cavdlry, Comdg. Station. Lient. J. E. TAPPAN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Fort Riley, Kans. No. 5. Reports of Capt. Theodore Conkey, Third Wisconsin Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS POST, Fort Lamed, Kans., June 11, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that two messengers from Fort Dodge left this post last evenimig at 6 oclock, awl after proceeding See next, ante Page 315 CHAP. LX.] ATTACK ON THE OVERLAND STAGE ROAD. 315 twelve miles on their way they discovered eleven Indians approaching them at great speed from the direction of the Arkansas River. After waiting long enongh to satisfy themselves by observation that they were not only Jndian~, but were trying to cut off their retreat to this post, the messengers turned back, pursued by the Indians to within fonr or five miles of this garrison. The duties incidental to this post render it impossible to send out scouting parties, as the troops stationed here for duty are constantly employed in and around the post. A large amount of stock is concentrated here, and it takes all of our available strength to take that care of it that the exigencies surrounding us obvi- ously demand. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, TIIEO. CONKEY, Captain, Commanding Post. Lieut. J. E. TAPPAN, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dist. of Upper Arkansas, Fort Riley, Kans. HEADQUARTERS POST, Port Lard, Kans., June 12, 1865. Siu: I have the honor to report that messengers arrived at this post yesterday from Lieutenant Ilennion, Second Colorado Cavalry, in com- mand of escort of twenty men to Shrewsbury & Co.s mule train of corn from Leavenworth, informing niie that he was in corral near Pawnee Rock, sixteen miles east of this place, and engaged with upward of 100 Indians who had made an attack upon the train. In two hours and forty minutes after the messengers left Lieutenant ilennion I arrived at the train with 150 mounted men, and found that Lieutenant ilennion had dispersed the Indians without loss of any of his escort or animals, but had not sufficient force to pursue them. An ox train of eleven wagons loaded with commissary stores for Fort Union was on the lower road eight miles lower down the river than where the attack was made on Lieutenant ilennion, and without an escort. When the Indians left they went in the direction of this train. I immediately dispatched Captain Walker, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, with about seventy-five men to the relief of this train, which was reported corralled when last seen by some of Lieutenant Reunions party. Upon Captain Walkers arrival he found the train and stock all safe, with the exception of one wagon, which was nearly half a mile in the rear when the Indians were first discovered, and not having time to -close up, the driver was com- pelled to abandon his team and make his escape as best he could to the corral. The only casualty was one man wounded in the arm. The ludians sacked the wagon, which was loaded with desiccated potatoes, vinegar, and pepper. Killed two of the oxen before leaving the wagon and drove four across the river. The Indians showed themselves to Captain Walker upon the bluff three-quarters of a mile distant, upon the opposite side of the river, which is unusually high and cannot be forded and only crossed by swimmin g. Two messengers, Corporal Hicks and Private iluestis, Company K, Second Colorado Cavalry, arrived at this post on the evening of the 10th instant from Fort.Zarah with dispatches from district headquar- ters, and left at 9 a. m. on the morning of the 11th (yesterday) with return dispatches. On my way out to the relief of Lieutenant Reunion, iluestis body was found lying near the road four miles this side of Ash Creek, scalped, stripped, and otherwise mutilated. Near th Page 316 316 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. LOHAP. t~. crossing of Ash Creek Corporal Hicks body was found in the road, stripped, his head, feet, and hands entirely severed, and his body mutilated in a. most shocking and barbarous manner. It appears that the Indians laid in wait, concealed in the bed of the creek, and suc- ceeded in killing Corporal Hicks immediately, and Huestis, more for- tunate for the moment, made his escape and tied for the post, but was overtaken and killed after a chase of fonr miles. lie is said to have been mounted on one of the fleetest horses in the regiment, and was an expert rider. Two messengers for Fort Dodge on the evening of the 10th were driven back by a party of eleven Indians, as will be seen by my report of yesterday, a copy of which I forward; also tn-monthly report for June 10, the originals having been lost by messengers. The number of troops reported at this post is too meager to protect the stock, do the garrison duty, and leave any for raiding purposes. The great amount of stock collected in the immediate neighborhood by the accumulation of trains outward bound awaiting escort keeps the grass short, which compels the cavalry to herd their stock a long distance from the post, making it both inconvenient and insecure, and which requires all the spare troops to protect. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THEO. COYKEY, Lieut. J. E. TAPPAN, Captain, Commanding Post. Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Uen., Dist. of Upper Arkansas, Fort Riley, Kans. JUNE 12JULY 5,1865.Expedition to tlie Platte and Niobrara Rivers. Report of Col. Robert R. Livingston, First Nebraska Cavalry, corn mandiny liast iS~ub-Distriet of the Plains. HEADQUARTERS EAST SUE-DISmIcT OF THE PLAINS, Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter., July 5, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of my proceedings at the Pawnee Indian Village and the expedition from that point toward the Niobrara River: Circumstantial evidence tending to fasten suspicion upon the Paxvnee Indians as the perpetrators of the attack on a party of unarmed sol- diers of the Third Regiment U. S. Volunteers, en route from Fort Leavenworth to this post on the 18th of May last, the general com- nianding district directed me to proceed to their village, and if satisfied of their guilt demand the guilty parties, and in event of a reftisal to render them up I was instructed to arrest five of the principal chiefs and bring them safely to Fort Kearny. Believing that the troops accompanying me to Pawnee Village could be used to advantage in sconting the country between the Platte and Niobrara Rivers, I applied to your headquarters for permission to conduct an expedition through that country, which was promptly acceded to, and in consequence I directed the commanding officer at Fort Kearny to send 150 mounted men due north from his post, to meet me on the north bank of the North Fork of Loup River, while with 100 more men I moved up the North Fork of Loup River from Pawnee Village to join them. In obedience to this programme I sent a force of seventy-five mounted men, under com~ mand of Lieut. John P. Murphy, First Nebraska Veteran Voluntee Page 317 CHAP. LX.1 EXPEDITION TO PLATTE AND NIOBRARA RIVERS. 317 Cavalry, from post Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter., on the 12th ultimo, to meet me at Columbus, to which place I proceeded by stage, arriving there the 17th ultimo. On piy arrival there I found that Lieutenant Murphy could not cross the Platte River, owing to its swollen condition and the danger of any attempt to swim it in its then rapid and turbulent state. Determined to proceed, I directed on the 19th ultimo that the best swimmers should ride their horses, and that those who could not swim should seize the tails of their animals and, driving them in, permit the horses to tow them across the deepest channels. The ammunition was crossed in a little skiff hauled by hand from Columbus. In this manner I succeeded in crossing the command without accident. One man was drowned in the early part of the day by attempting to ride over the river at a point nearly one mile distant from that selected for the cross- ing. On the 20th I proceeded to Pawnee Indian Agency, distant from Columbus twenty-two miles in a northwesterly course, up the north bank of the Loup River, where I arrived on the 20th of June, and pro- ceeded at once to investigate the alleged complicity of the Pawnee Indians in the massacre on Little Blue River, which occurred on the 18th of May last. I had brought with me the survivors of the party attacked, together with the teamster who drove their wagon, in the expectation that they would be able to identify any guilty parties or any of the mules stolen from the wagon. Mr. B. F. Lushbaugh, U. S. agent of the Pawnee Indians, afforded me every facility in the prosecution of this duty. The chiefs and prin- cipal men of the tribe met me in council and were loud in their protesta- tions of innocence. They offered to adopt any coarse I might suggest to them, and gave every assurance of most friendly feelings toward their white frends. I caused the whole tribe to be paraded, and, in com- pany with the men who had been attacked in the affair on the Little Blue on the 18th of May last, proceeded to leisurely examine every man of the Pawnee Nation. The party I depended on to identify the guilty Indians were specially cautioned to make a patient and careful exami- nation of every Indian, and the result was that after every one of them had been thoroughly examined no one of them was recognized, although m~uiy of the soldiers who were in the affair of the 18th of May on Little Blue River repeatedly asserted they would recognize some of the Indians who attacked them under any circumstances. The stock of the tribe having been examined, no portion of it was recognized as belong- ing to the wagon accompanying the detachment of troops from Fort Leavenworth who were attacked. I am satisfied from the frank, open manner in which the chiefs met me and their cheerful alacrity to carry out any suggestions of mine tending to discover -the culprits I was in search of that the Pawnees are guiltless of any participation in the murder of the men on Little Blue River 18th of May last. Having con- vinced myself of this I ordered Capt. Z. Jackson to detail Lieutenant Nosler and fhirty-six mounted men to report to Lieutenant Murphy, First Nebraska Veteran Cavalry, and proceed with me toward the Niobrara. Leaving Pawnee Village at 9 a. m. the 21st of June I marched up the Loup River, intending to join Captain David, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, and his command at a point due north of Fort Kearny. Following the valley of the North Fork of Loup River I joined Captain David on the evening of the 23d of June, about 7p.m., atapointindi- cated on the accompanying map,* a little west of a line passing through Fort Kearny. The following day I organized the combined force into two battalions of 120 men each, placing the first under command of *Not found Page 318 318 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. Capt. Lee P. Gillette, First Nebraska Cavalry, and the second under command of Capt. James B. David, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, and at once proceeded in a~uortherly direction, intending to strike Cedar or Calamus River that night. In this, however, I was disappointed, fin ding the country for twelve miles north one interminable mass of intricate hills and deep, waterworn gullies or cai~ons, many of them being 200 feet deep, and compelling me to vary my course from due north to every point of the compass to effect a passage over them. On arriving at the northern edge of those cafions, which I named Elk Caiions, from the great numbers of that animal seen in them, I was deterred from proceeding farther by seeing before me an interminable stretch of high sand-hill pe ks to the north, separated from the Elk Calions by a small valley about three miles in width. Carefully exam- ining the distant sand hills with a powerful field glass, and being satis- fied from the lateness of the hour that I could not possibly reach water that day if I continued on, I countermarched the column back about eight miles to a slough we had passed, arriving there at 7 p. in., when we camped for the night. Early next morning we started forward toward Cedar River, reaching the southern line of the sand hills seen the evening before about 9 a. in., and traversing through them with great difficulty we came out upon another valley to the north of them at 12 in., reaching Cedar River at 1 p. in., which we found to be a mere creek at thi~ point and utterly destitute of timber, save now and then a little isolated clump of willow switches. Turning up the south bank of the stream and marching westward we were repeatedly compelled to enter the sand hills to pass around elbows of Cedar River running bluff against the precipitous hills. At 3 p. m. we struck an Indian trail running south, about one mouth old, which is indicated on the map. Following this trail until 4.30 p. m. we came to a point where the Indians had camped on the north bank of the river, and ascertained their number to have been about sixty or less. Here we camped, our stock being much exhausted in marching through soft sand in the hills during the forepart of the day. Early next morning we moved up the north bank of the river on the trail, intending to follow it to the village from which it started. The road along this side of Cedar River was very good and level. We reached the head of the stream at 12 in., having marched twenty-ei~ht miles that morning. There we found the trail coming in from the north, and smoke was thought to be seen to the northwest, but so indistinctly as to leave the matter doubtful. To the north and west the sand hills appeared to be less frequent, appar- ently jutting out of the level plain as isolated peaks, presenting no formidable obstacle to progress. Thinking it possible to reach the Nio- brara River that night, I pushed to the northward at once, and reached the headwaters of one of the tributaries of the Niobrara about 7 p. in., having had a very fair road. While arranging camp smoke was observed a little north of west and distant about eighteen or twenty miles, as nearly as could be judged. Almost immediately after the appearance of this smoke other columns to the number of three were observed beyond it and to the northward. We all felt sanguine that we were now in the vicinity of hostile Indians. Sending a party out to examine the direction of the trail we had followed, they returned about dark reporting that no further trace of the trail could be found, the ground being so hard as to prevent any impression. A terrific hail and thunder storm raged during part of this night, rendering the pres- ence of every man with his horse necessary to prevent a stampede. At 3.30 a. m. the following morning I pushed straight for the point where th Page 319 CHAP. LX.] EXPEDITION TO PLATTE AND NIOBRARA RIVERS. 319 smoke had been seen the previous evening, and having made all neces- sary preparation for encountering a large force of Indians, felt sure of an engagement. At~ 1 p. m. the smoke was reached and proved to be burning prairie. My scouts had already circled completely around the fire in hopes of finding some trail leading in or out of it, but in vain. The country was thoroughly searched for several miles around, but no late traces of any Indians could be seen, although the scouts employed on this duty were Indians and halfbreeds of my command, thoroughly conversant with Indian warfare and their signs. In coming to this fire we had reached Long Pine Creek of Niobrara River, and finding no evidences of Indians having been on it very lately Iconcluded to strike south among the waters of the Loup, being at this time fully 80 miles west and 130 miles north of Fort Kearny, iNebr. Ter. Moving in a southerly direction the following day, we camped near the prongs at the head of the North Fork of Loup River, where a little to the west of ns there had been a large village of about 300 fires not longer thau one month ago. From this camp I sent scouts up and down the river on either side and to the southeast between the North and Middle Forks of the Lonp. All of these scouts reported Indian signs one month and more old, that to the northwest reporting a village 200 or 300 lodges about one month ago, trail of villages going north; in fact all the scouts agreed as to age of trails and the general direction being north and northwest. The smaller number of lodges and signs found in different localities were evidently made by detached parties from the main village near the head of North Fork of Loup. Two days having been occupied in scouting the caiions, creeks, and rivers about this neighborhood, and every sign indicating that a general exodus of In- dians from the country I was in had occnrred about a month since, I started south, reaching the Middle Fork of Loup on the 30th of June. There I again divided my force, sending Captain Davids command across the country to the South Fork with instructions to send one squadron of his command under Lient. John Talbot across to Wood River and direct him to scout down that stream, while he followed the South Fork from the point where he struck it to his camp, while I with Captain Gillettes command moved down the Middle Fork, scouting both sides of that stream, and following up every caiion opening into the valley of the river. All these commands found old signs and none fresher than one month since. Occasionally camping-grounds were found where Indians had ensconsed themselves in small parties, in no case stronger than fifteen lodges; but all these signs were old, and throughout the entire march no fresh indications of the presence of Indians were found. The entire command, except that portion belonging to Captain Davids garrison on South Loup, reached Fort Kearny on the 4th instant, having marched 530 miles over a country traversed in all directions by deep cafions. The topography of the country can be easily seen on the accompanying map. The hills and valleys run in a southeasterly course; all the hills aie cut by deep cailons. The minor streams are sluggish, with very high, deep banks and miry bottoms. The sand hills are very intricate, and wagon wheels bury in them up to the hub. The river valleys are generally good for road purposes, especially the Middle Fork, but swamps frequently extend clear back from the river banks to the adjacent bluffs, by which all these rivers are bounded in a lateral direction. The rivers themselves are fordable, but there are frequently portions of the bottom so intricated with quicksand as to render the crossing very precarious, causing stock t Page 320 320 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. flounder and sink, throwing off men and damaging ammunition. So thoroughly has that portion of the country between the 98th and 100th meridians lying between Platte and Niobrara Rivers been examined that I am satisfied no Indians are now in it, and in fact they could not exist, for gan~3 is too scarce, only one stray buffalo bull being found on the march. The similarity of movement north on the part of the occu- pants of the late Indian camps, both as to time and direction, are indicative of some grand movement, ordered by authority recognized among the hostile tribes, and I give it as my opinion that the Indians who were lately on the forks of the Loup, Cedar, and Niobrara Rivers are now on that section of country between White and Big Cheyenne Rivers not very distant from the 103d meridian. One thing is certain, there is not sufficient game in the country I traversed to support any large parties of Indians, and their migration northwestwardly may have been compelled by this fact, but the simultaneous character of the movement points to a concerted and ordered march in a certain direction. Summer is the only season in which troops can traverse the country marched through, except on the forks of the Loup, where tim- ber is sufficiently abundant to supply large bodies of troops. North of North Fork, and until the Niobrara is reached, there is absolutely no timber, and no water except that of the Cedar, willow switches and buffalo chips being the only fuel obtainable for cooking purposes. I have the honor to be ca servant, , ptain, very respectfully, your obedient R. R. LIVINGSTON, Colonel First Regiment Nebraska Vet. Cay., Coindg. Expedition. Capt. GEORC-E F. PRICE, Acty. Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of the Plains, Fort Laramie. JUNE 1317, 1865.Scout from Camp Nichols, N. Mex., with action (14th) on the Santa Fe Road. Report of Capt. Thomas A. Stombs, First California Cavalry. CAMP NICHOLS, N. MEx., June 18, 18G5. SIR: In obedience to Special Orders, No. 3, dated headquarters Camp Nichols, N. Mex., June 12, 1865, Company F, First Cavalry California Volunteers, took up the line of march at 7.30 on the.morning of the 13th, with a command of forty-nine enlisted men as escort to a train of seventy ox teams, owned by Semon Baca, and others, all of Las Vegas, N. Mex., en route for the States. The company traveled during the day to the crossing of the Cimarron, a distance of some thirty-three miles from Camp Nichols, having overtaken the train (which had left Camp Nichols the day previous) about one hour before making camp, which we did about 6 p. m. On the morning of the 14th myself and a corpora] of L Company, First Cavalry New Mexico Volunteers searched the entire train for deserted soldiers from Company L, First Cavalry New Mexico Volunteers, and Company II, First New Mexico Infantry, supposed to have been with the train, but could find no one with it; so, after breakfast, I caused the corporal and four enlisted men of his com- pany, in obedience to instructions, to return to Camp Nichols, N. Mex. Broke camp at 6 oclock on the morning of the 14th; traveled on until 11,30 oclock and made camp for the purpose of grazing the stock an Page 321 CHAP. IX.] SCOUT FROM CAMP NICHOLS, N. MEX. 321 taking our dinners. So far we had not seen the least sign of Indians. Still I caused all my horses to be side lined, and posted a strong guard around them. At about 2 oclock we heard an unusual noise, which on investigation proved to be a body of mounted Indians (Comanches and Kiowas), some forty or fifty strong, who charged into the herd of cattle belonging to the advance portion of the train. They lanced one Mexican herder, killing him instantly, and wounded another with an arrow. My men immediately fell in nuder arms and commenced firing on them, which prevented them from advancing on our herd. After about fifty shots had been fired they commenced making a hasty retreat off in the same direction from which they came, having succeeded in getting off with one loose mule and three ponies belonging to the train. My men saddled immediately, commenced giving chase, some thirty of whom pursued them about six miles. The remainder of the company (after having been peremptorily ordered), with the first sergeant, remained at the camp with the forces belonging to the train. Drove in all the stock in the corral formed by the wagons, preparing for a strong defense. To the best of my judgment we killed or severely wounded some five or more of the Indians in the chase, as we compelled them to take that number up on front on their horses. They also were compelled to abandon the mule they had started with; but before they abandoned it they ran him through with a lance, after which we shot it. My com- pany did not sustain ammy injury in any form. We remained at this camp until next morning without molestation. The proprietors of the train requested me to go through with them to Fort Lamed, but in obedience to orders could not proceed with them more than five days, when I would have been compelled to return; so they proposed to turn back and apply at Camp Nichols for an escort to go through to Fort Lamed if I would go back with them, which I promised to do. So, on the morning of the 15th, at 8 oclock, we took up the line of march back to Camp ~ichols. Camped that night at the crossing of the Cimarron, 4.30 p. m. About 6.30 some twenty-five Indians made their appearance some two miles and a half distant, but soon disappeared. Since then we saw no more Indians. On the morning of the 16th we broke camp at 7.30 oclock, traveling all day, with flankers out in skirmish line, but saw no Indians. Saw a trail, about half way between Cold Springs and Cimarron Crossing, of some fifty pony tracks, a few cattle tracks, with some two or three moccasin tracks, apparently having been made the day before. Made camp at Cold Springs at 4 oclock on the evening of the 16th. Broke camp on the morning of the 17th at g oclock; arrived at Camp Nichols about 3.30 oclock. It is my opinion that had it not been that we were with them they would all have been killed, stock run off and wagons destroyed. Such is the opinion of the proprietors themselves. So far as I traveled I found grass in abundance, and especially on the Ciniarron; water plenty. All along the road deep holes in the arroyos were full of water from the recent rains that have fallen in this quarter. I most respectfully submit the above report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS A. STOMBS, Captain Company F, First Cavalry California Volunteers. Col. C. CARSON, First New Mexico Cavalry Volunteers. 21 R RYOL XLVIII, PT Page 322 322 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. JUNE 14, 1865.Action witli Indians at Horse Creek, flak. Ter. Peport.of Capt. John Wilcox, Seventh Iowa Cavalry. IIDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH IOWA CAVALRY, In Field, near Julesbury, Cob. Ter., June 21, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that in compliance with special orders from Major Mackey, commanding post Fort Laramie, Capt. W. D. Fouts, SeVenth Iowa Cavalry, in command of his company (I)) and small detachments of Companies A and B of the same regiineiit, in all 4 commissioned officeis and 135 enlisted i~en, left Fort Laramie on the 11th day of June, 1865, en route to Julesburg, in charge of 185 lodges of Sioux Indians, uninbering in aggregate from 1,500 to 2,000 persons. Among them was an organized company, nniformed by GoVernment, and under command of Charles Elston, who had for some time been intrusted with the supervision of the entire Indian encampments near Fort Laramie, and to whom was intrusted ten days rations of subsistence for 700 of the Indians in charge of Captaiii Fonts on the march to Julesbnrg. The Indians were all well armed with bows and arrows, and most of them with firearms also. They were ostensibly friendly, and expressed themselves as being pleased with their removal. Kotliing of interest transpired during the first three days of the march, except signal smokes by Indians north of the Platte by day an~l reputed conferences by night between them and the Indians in charge of Captain Fonts. On the afternoon of the 13th Captain Fonts and command encamped for the night on the east bank of Horse Creek and the Indians pitched their tepees on the west. Late in the evening they had a dog feast, and 382 warriors sat in secret council. On the morning of the 14th reveille was sounded at 3 a. m. and the order of march announced to be at 5. At sunrise I was ordered by Captain Fonts to proceed with the advance guard (Companies A and B, detachments) two miles on the route of march, then halt and wait till the wagon train closed up and the Indians closed up on rear of the wagons, then to move forward in column of march. Just as the wagons were closing up I heard the rapid report of fire-arms to the rear. Believing it to be a revolt and attack by the Indians, and knowing the great disparity in numbers against us, as well as the fact that the family of Captain Fonts, the family of Lieu- tenant Triggs, and Mis. Eubanks and child (late rescued Indian cap- tives), being with us, I determined to prepare for defensive warfare, and had the wagons corralled in the best possible shape, the teams unhitched and put inside the corral and securely fastened, and the men in line outside ready for action (it would not do to leave the train unprotected). In this condition I awaited orders from Captain Fonts. A messenger comin~ up shortly after reported that Captain Fonts had gone across the creek to hurry up the Indians, and was shot and killed by them, and that the Indians were then fighting among themselves. I immediately dispatched a messenger on the fleetest horse to commu- nicate with Fort Mitchell and the telegraph office eighteen miles dis- tant. The messenger was closely pursued by Indimns. The rear guard (Company D) coming up, I demanded of Lieutenant Haywood why he did not stand and fight the Indians instead of retreat. He replied that his men had no ammunition, and that the captain (Fonts) had refused to have cartridges issued to the men of his com- pany; that he (Lieutenant Haywood) had urged the issuing of cartridges the night before and that the captain said they would not be needed. Page 323 CHAP. LX.] ACTION AT HORSE CREEK, DAK. TER. 323 ordered the filling of the cartridge-boxes immediately, and ordered Lieutenant Smith, in command of Lieutenant Triggs and sixty-five men, to keep in line outside the corral, dig rifle-pits defensible against all approaches, and to hold the corral, while I with Lieutenant Haywood and seventy men mounted on the best horses (the horses were all very poor from hard service without forage; but few were really serviceable, and many men were altogether dismonuted) repaired with all possible dis- patch to the scene of action. Passing the late Indian encampment we saw the body of Captain Fonts, dead, stripped, and mutilated. The Indians had fled two or three miles to the Platte. The squaws and papooses were swimming the river on ponies, while the warriors were mounted, circling and maneuvering in hostile ari~ay. Supposing thaf a part of them were really friendly, and would join ns in snbdning the rest, I charged on in pursnit of the criminal fugitives. Passing a few squaws and papooses I ordered my men not to kill or harm them; they returned. When within 600 yards of the enemy I halted my com- inand in line and sent the interpreter (Elston) to the front to signal and tell all who were our friends to return, and they should not be harmed, but protected. But all were hostile, and with hideous yells charged upon us. I dismounted my men and deployed a line of skir- mishers to the front with long-ranged arms (Galleger carbines, mean- est arm in service) to receive them. When within 300 yards the Indians opened the fire upon us. lVIy men answered them promptly with a vol- ley that repulsed them temporarily in front, but more than 100 were dashing by each flank and closing in the rear, while from the hills to our left they were rapidly bearing down upon us by scores and hundreds. Seeing that we were assailed by more than 500 warriors equally armed and better mounted than my little squad, and fearing that to stand, be surrounded, and cut off from our ammunition and defenses would involve the entire command in indiscriminate slaughter and massacre as well as the burning of the train and capture of the animals, I deter- mined to act npon the principle that prudence is the better part of valor. liemounting my men I fell back to onr defenses by desperate skirmishing to rear and flanks, the enemys tlaiikers being all the while in our advance endeavoring to close in front till within gunshot of our rifle-pits, when a volley sent them howling to the rear. In fidling back a few only (I cannot give their names) of my command acted badly. Most of them behaved nobly, and a few with unsurpassed bravery. In the action nearly all the ammunition in the cartridge-boxes was used up; some entirely so. After replenishing the cartridge-boxes with a new supply of ammu- nition and finding that the Indians were not disposed to attack the emitire command behind defenses, I went out with Lieutenant Smith and fifty men (all I could mount on serviceable horses) to feel the enemy and if possible detain hint till we could be re-enforced. After going three miles we saw the Indians in vastly superior numbers forming in front and coming over the hills to the left, evidently intending to entrap and overwhelm us away from the corral and rifle-pits. Not being strong enough to whip themn in open field, we again retired, taking witlm us our killed and mutilated on the battle-field. Captain Shuman, Eleventh Ohio Cavalry, arriving promptly with re-enforcements from Fort Mitchell, at about 9 oclock, I mounted every available horse and mule in my command and went for them again with sanguine hopes, but unfortunately the re-enforcements were a little too late. Their families baying got across the Platte, we had the mor- tification of seeing the warriors follow and from the opposite hill Page 324 324 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LX. tauntingly beckon us to followan impossibility in the face of a superior enemy at the swimming stage of the river. In their flight they (lropped and abandoned all their lodges and loose plunder, which I ordered burned and destroyed. From discoveries on the timbered islands the Indians had evidently been strongly re-enforced by warriors from the opposite side of the river. Their loss in killed was not less than 20 or 30, most of whom they threw into the river, as dead bodies were seen float- ing in the river beloxv where they crossed. After repairing the telegraph line, broken by the Indiaiis (luring the action, and interring our (lead, (except Captain Fonts, whoni we afterward interred at Fort Mitchell) we took up our line of march and arrived at Fort Mitchell a little after night-fall. Our loss in action was 4 kilLed and 4 wounded, viz: Capt. W. D. Fonts, Privates Edwaid MeMahon, Richard Groger, Company 1), Seventh Iowa Cavalry, and Private Philip Alder, Company B, killed; Privates Samuel Kersey and Lewis Tuttle, Company B, Privates James II. May and Johim W. Trout, Company D, wounded. Throughout the action all the officers under my command behaved with credit to themselves and to the service. Receiving a dispatch from Colonel Moonlight to cross the river and join him in pursuit of the Indians, I attempted the crossing on the 15th, but the river being wi(Ie and coursed with alternate channels that swam and bars of quicksand that mired, 1 abandoned the crossing as impracticable, by nnaninious consent of all the officers in consultation, we having lost two horses and one mule by miring and drowning, and two men hurt by the floundering of animals and dragged to shore nearly drowned, in attenmptiiig to cross. Indian ponies are trained amid accustoimmed to cross in every stage. All Indians, great or small, can swim; one-third of white men cannot. Receiving General Connors dispatch on the 16th to report with my command at Juhesburg immediately, I have the hoimor to report his order obeyed. Very truly and respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN WILCOX, Capt. Company B, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, Comdg. Detach. Capt. GEOm~E F. PRICE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, District of the Plains. JUNE 1622, 1866.Scout from Fort Sumner to the Oscura Mountains, N. Mex. Report of ]JIaj. Emil Fritz, First California Cavalry. FORT CRAIQ N. MEX., June 25, 18G5. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that I left Fort Sumner on the 15th instant, per special order from Major McCleave, commanding Fort Sumner, with Capt. B. F. Fox and forty-five enlisted men of the First California Cavalry, in pursuit of Navajo Indians reported to have escaped from the reservation. I took the direct route to Fort Stanton; saw but one small trail leading south; some fifteen or eighteen horses, about fourteen miles from Sumner. At Fort Stanton I drew ten days rations and started for the Oscura Mountains as per agreement with Major MeCleave. I left the Ojo Milagro June 2{) at 6 a. in.; crossed the Malpais, and in the afternoon at the tanks at the foot of the Oscur Page 325 CHAP. LX.] SKIRMISH ON DEAD MANS FORK, DAK. TER. 325 found an Iiidian trail. The Indians had used up all the water. I fol- lowed them up the mountain and found a great many more tracks coining in. About 5 p. m. I came up with the rancheria. Captured 4 horses, 1 mule, and 1 burro, and 1 child about three years old. The Indians all made their escape, their camp being in a very rough calion. I destroyed everything in the village; broke up some twenty-five bows and a great many arrows. The only water I could find was some the Indians had in camp, gathered from rocks amid a small spring. Not being able to procure water for my horses, 1 started for the Rio Grande at 1 a. in. and arrived at San Pedro at 11.30 a. m. June 21. 1 had to leave both men and horses, given out for want of water, but got them all in the afternoon by sending them water from San Pedro. Some forty or fifty mounted indians started in the direction of San Andres. The Indians evidently suffered from the want of water, as they dug holes in every ravine, but without success. In my opinion, it is impossible for a large number to cross lower (lown $man the Oscura Mountains, as the whole country is dried up and no grass on the I)raiiie. On arriving at Sari Pedro my horses had traveled nearly 100 miles without water. On the 22(1 I encamped imear La Mesa and reported to Colonel Rigg, who has ordered me to proceed to La Joya and Abo Pass to-morrow morning. A Navajo boy, of the Cebolleta tribe, with me tells me that most of the Indians of the village I destroyed belong to Delgaditos Largos tribe. There were from tweimty to twenty-two camp-fires, and there must have been about eighty or ninety Indians at this camp. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EMIL FRITZ, JUlajor First California Cavalry. Capt. B. C. CUTLER, Asst. Adjt. Gert., Dept. of New Mexico, Santa P6, N. Mex. JUNE 17, 1865.Skirmish on Dead Mans Fork, flak. Ter. Report of Cot. Thomas Moonlight, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, command ing Northern Sub-District of the Plains. HDQRS. NORTHERN SUB-DISTRICT OF THE PLAINS, Port Laramie, Daic. Ter., June 21, 18G5. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following as my report of the exl)edition against the Indians who rebelled agaimist Captain Fonts while en route from this post to Julesburg on the 14th instant: On the afternoon of the 14th instant I received a dispatch from Camp Mitchell, informing me that the Indians had mnutinied against the authority of Captain Fonts, comumanding; had killed the captain and some of his men, and that the co