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OFFICIAL ARMY RECORDS
1863-1
FORT PILLOW, January 1, 1863.
GENERAL: On the 27th ultimo, I received orders to destroy public property and remove the
detachment to Fort Pillow. On the 28th this was accomplished. I was much disappointed, and
feared you would be also; but the order was peremptory from General Davies, and General Fisk
informed me that General Davies had authority from you.
The detachment is now here. As far as I can see, we are of no use here. There is no artillery
here, and the works are much extended. With a few pieces the place might be held against a large
force. As it is, an attack from a largely superior force would be fatal. I know, of course, nothing
of the policy that sent me here in such haste. I do know, however, that my regiment is divided,
and that I would be pleased to have it united.
When at New Madrid and Cape Girardeau, I felt that we were in the same neighborhood;
now we are certainly not neighbors, and are embarrassed by being in two departments. It is not
my place to suggest either the when or the where, but only my wish, that, if consistent with the
public welfare, it would be remembered as a kindness could we again be brought together.
Your most obedient servant,
JOHN SCOTT,
Colonel Thirty-second Iowa Infantry.
Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS,
Saint Louis, Mo.
HOLLY SPRINGS, MISS, January 8, 1863.
Brig. Gen. J. B. McPHERSON, Holly Springs, Miss.:
As soon as all public stores, sick, &c., are removed from Holly Springs fall back with the
troops now occupying the place to the vicinity of La Grange, Grand Junction, or Davis' Mill.
When you arrive there, examine the railroad to the east and ascertain the practicability of
supplying troops to Pocahontas by rail and teams. If practicable, and you think it advisable,
Denver's division may be moved to that place.
The Twenty-fifth Iowa and Ninetieth Illinois, now doing railroad duty, will be added to
General Denver's division, giving him twelve regiments. By taking two regiments from the old
brigade a new one can be formed.
U.S. GRANT,
Major-General.
HDQRS. 1ST. BRIG., 8TH DIV., 16TH ARMY CORPS,
DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,
Corinth, Miss., January 20, 1863.
CAPTAIN: In accordance with orders from division headquarters I have the honor to submit
the following report of the part taken by that portion of my command recently detached from the
division while under General Sullivan's orders:
After 9 o'clock on the evening of December 18, when encamped near Oxford, Miss., I
received orders to proceed immediately with the infantry of my command by rail to Jackson,
Tenn., there to report to Brigadier-General Sullivan. About midnight the Thirty-ninth Ohio,
Colonel Noyes, left Oxford, and at 3 o'clock the following morning the Twenty-seventh Ohio,
Lieutenant-Colonel Spaulding, followed. Leaving
instructions for Colonel Sprague to follow as
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soon as cars could be obtained for the transportation of his own regiment and the Forty-third
Ohio, I started for Jackson on the train conveying the Twenty-seventh Regiment.
I did not reach Jackson until nearly 4 p.m. of the 19th. Immediately on our arrival Colonel
Spaulding was ordered by General Sullivan to report with his regiment to Colonel Lawler to the
front, and I learned from General Sullivan that Colonel Noyes had been sent with his regiment in
another direction to report to General Brayman. I afterward learned that the Sixty-third and
Forty-third Regiments, upon reaching Bolivar, had been ordered by General Grant to remain
there for the defense of that place.
The following morning a General Order from General Sullivan announced that my command
would consist of the Twenty-seventh and Thirty-ninth Regiments of Ohio Infantry, and would
form the rear of the column. As soon as I could find the regiments I marched in the direction of
Lexington, overtaking the main column about 10 miles east of Jackson. While halting here
cannonading was heard in the direction of Humboldt. After an hour's halt we continued the
march until about 19 miles distant from Jackson, where we bivouacked for the night.
The next morning at 6 o'clock we returned over the same road, my command, which was in
advance, reaching Jackson between 1 and 2 p.m.
On the 27th we went by cars to Trenton, where the Sixty-third Ohio rejoined us. I reported, in
accordance with General Sullivan's order, to General Haynie, but General Sullivan arrived the
same evening and assumed command.
About 5 a.m., December 28, we marched toward Huntingdon and bivouacked near Shady
Grove. The next morning, marching through McLemoresville, we reached Huntingdon about 4
p.m.
On the 31st I marched at 5 a.m. on the road toward Lexington, leaving behind seven
companies on guard duty, which General Sullivan said would march when he was ready to start,
and would form a rear guard. Between 10 and 11 a.m., while my column was halting near
Clarksburg, Generals Sullivan and Haynie, with their respective staffs and a small escort of
cavalry, overtook us. General Sullivan ordered me to halt for an hour or an hour and a half till
the rear guard could rejoin me, and then passed on toward Clarksburg. Within ten minutes
afterward an orderly rode back at a gallop, saying that the enemy’s cavalry had got between my
command and Generals Sullivan and Haynie, and that these officers with their escort had ridden
on through Clarksburg followed by the enemy.
I moved forward, on a double-quick, instantly, and upon reaching Clarksburg learned from
an officer of the Thirty-ninth Iowa (who had been accidentally left on picket duty where Colonel
Dunham's column had bivouacked the previous night) that the enemy's force consisted of about
50 cavalry. This officer's post was to the east of Clarksburg. The enemy had approached from the
west and took the road leading south, passing before this officer had an opportunity to fire on
them. I learned also that Generals Sullivan and Haynie left the road directly after passing
Clarksburg, taking an easterly direction. The enemy upon reaching the same point probably saw
my advance, as they filed out of the road rapidly through the wood to the west.
After a halt of about ten minutes, learning nothing more, we continued our march. Soon the
sound of artillery in our front advised us that Colonel Dunham's brigade was engaging the
enemy, and we began to march in earnest. The firing was first heard to the right of the point
where the road from McLemoresville crosses that leading from Huntingdon to Lexington; in half
an hour it was directly in our front; half an hour later it was all to the left of the crossing, thereby
rendering it certain that the enemy, who approached from McLemoresville, was rapidly driving
Colonel Dunham's brigade before him. Very soon thereafter the rattle of musketry was distinct,
and thinking the hour a critical one for the small force, who were evidently fighting against odds,
I urged my men to their utmost speed. When within about 2
miles of Parker's house an orderly
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galloped to the head of the column, saying, "General Sullivan, who is coming up with the rear
guard about 3 miles behind, orders you to halt until he comes up." I directed Captain Dustan,
assistant adjutant-general of this brigade, to ride back to the general as fast as possible, to explain
the situation, and to ask that the order to halt be countermanded. Immediately after Captain
Dustan started upon this errand one of my orderlies, who had been sent to the front to
communicate with Colonel Dunham, returned. He was unable to get through, as the enemy's
position was between us and that of Colonel Dunham's brigade. From near Parker's house, where
they were in force, the enemy had fired on him. When I learned this I felt assured that General
Sullivan would, if present and in possession of the facts, countermand his order to halt, and I
therefore directed that the men instead of halting should move forward as rapidly as possible.
When the head of our column was within about 200 yards of the hill which commanded a
view of the enemy's position, and where our column was deployed, General Sullivan overtook
me. The Twenty-seventh and Sixty-third Regiments were at once formed on the left and the
Thirty-ninth Regiment on the right of the road, when we advanced upon the rear of the enemy's
artillery, which was feebly supported and abandoned (with but little fighting on his part) when
we approached. Our artillery took a position on the left (east) of the road, and directly after
opening fire two pieces followed the infantry until they occupied ground side by side with the
rebel guns, while the other piece was moved to the west side of the road, where it was effectively
used upon the rebels who were escaping by breaking to the front and right of our lines.
Some hundreds of the enemy, who had dismounted and had been fighting as infantry, had left
their horses in the orchard and yard near Parker's house. These horses were the first trophies
which fell into our hands, and more than 300 of their riders thus rendered unable to get away
surrendered themselves as prisoners. A small train of wagons which the enemy had gained
possession of was captured in the road a short distance south of Parker's house, and one, at least,
of the guns belonging to Colonel Dunham's command was retaken from the enemy in this road.
The dead bodies of our artillerists lying close to this gun attested the fidelity and bravery with
which the men of the Seventh Wisconsin Battery stood at their posts until their last round of
ammunition was expended.
Among the prisoners who surrendered were several officers of prominence. Lieutenant-
Colonel Cox, of Cox's battalion, and Major Strange (Forrest's adjutant-general), who, together
with the captain commanding Forrest's body guard, were unhorsed by a volley from the Twentyseventh
Ohio when riding off the field with their general, and Colonel Black, who afterward
escaped in citizens' clothes, with several others whose names I have forgotten.
Before referring to our subsequent march I deem it a duty I owe to the officers and men of
my command (who had marched 7 miles within an hour and a half to reach the field, and who
after this exertion rushed forward with such enthusiasm as to produce a panic in the enemy's
ranks) to claim for them the honor of capturing what was taken from the enemy at Parker's
Cross-Roads, and also of recapturing prisoners, artillery, baggage wagons, and animals which
before their arrival on the field had fallen into the hands of the enemy. When we reached the
field the enemy who, from the best evidence I could obtain, were about double the number of
Colonel Dunham's force, were in front and on both flanks of that brigade. A flag of truce, which
had not returned to General Forrest when our guns opened, had, as Colonel Dunham informed
me, demanded an unconditional surrender. Firing had ceased for some fifteen minutes prior to
our arrival, nor did the command of Colonel Dunham fire a shot at the enemy as he moved past
their flanks to their rear.
About two hours after the enemy had precipitately fled General Sullivan informed me that he
was returning and was advancing upon our left and front. By the general's direction I formed
two regiments obliquely across the road leading east from
Parker's house and sent two
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companies (deployed as skirmishers) about 400 yards to the front of this line, where they
remained until daylight of the following morning.
January 1 we marched through Lexington, bivouacking about 1 mile east of that place.
The next morning Generals Sullivan and Haynie, with the brigade of Colonel Dunham,
marched toward Jackson while my command, together with a brigade which came up from
Jackson under Colonel Lawler, marched toward the Tennessee River, I having received orders to
report with my command to that officer. When 5 or 6 miles east of Lexington we met several
men who had escaped from the enemy after roaching the river. From them we learned definitely
that Forrest's command (prisoners and stragglers excepted) had already crossed the river. Taking
these men to Colonel Lawler I respectfully requested that the infantry, worn-out and half starved
as it was and without shelter, be spared so long and trying a march, and suggested that the
reconnaissance be made by the cavalry ; but Colonel Lawler informed me that he had no
discretion in the matter. He had no doubt of the correctness of these statements, he said, but the
entire force must march. That day we proceeded to within 8 or 9 miles of Clifton.
On the 3d my brigade was ordered to move toward Clifton. I was instructed to use my own
judgment as to the movement, to ascertain for myself whether the enemy had all crossed the
river, and, if I found such to be the fact, to return. Upon reaching a point where the road to the
furnace leaves that leading to Clifton I ordered two regiments and my artillery to halt. After
examining the river near the furnace, which was done by a squad of cavalry, and learning that the
last of the enemy had crossed on the night of the 1st, I sent the cavalry in advance on the Clifton
road, and directed Lieutenant-Colonel Spaulding, with the Twenty-seventh Ohio Infantry, to
follow. Directly after, however, Colonel Lawler came up and ordered my entire command to
advance. Upon reaching the river and learning that the road to Clifton ran along the stream for 2
miles, and fearing that the enemy would use his artillery from the opposite bank, I ordered all but
the cavalry and one regiment to halt here. But Colonel Lawler, who I was not then aware had
marched with the column, upon coming up countermanded the order. We found a small picket on
the road (of perhaps 15 men), who, after exchanging shots with our cavalry, rapidly retired,
crossed the river in a small flat-boat, swimming their horses. As soon as our cavalry appeared
opposite the town the enemy began to shell them from batteries on the bluff. No damage was
done, however. Soon after, the enemy placed some rifled guns on the bank farther up the stream
and opened fire on the light field battery which was attached to my command. No harm resulted,
however. The battery, which I thought too light to reply effectively, and the regiments which
were marching with it were rapidly moved back from the river out of range. A wagon loaded
with ammunition was twice struck and so disabled that we were compelled to abandon it. The
animals and ammunition, however, we brought away.
A flag of truce, accompanied by two rebel officers, crossed the river for the purpose, as
Colonel Woodward said, of making arrangements for an exchange of prisoners. They were not
permitted to pass our outposts and probably did not gain much information.
An irregular fire of musketry was kept up for an hour or two with the enemy during the
afternoon, by order of Colonel Lawler, but I did not learn of anything resulting, excepting a
wound received by Colonel Lawler's assistant adjutant-general, who was hit in the leg.
The march of this day was more severe on the men of my command than any I have
witnessed. The road was horrible, and the rain, which fell steadily, made it still more so.
On the 5th we marched toward Bethel, reaching that place on the 7th. The next day we
marched for Corinth, arriving on the afternoon of the 9th. Here, for the first time in twenty-two
days, we found shelter, full rations for the men, and shoes for at least 150, who had thatched
barefooted for 50 miles.
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The accompanying reports of commanding officers give a detailed account of the movements
of their respective regiments.
I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN W. FULLER,
Colonel Twenty-seventh Ohio Infantry, Commanding.
Capt. GEORGE E. SPENCER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS SIXTY-THIRD OHIO INFANTRY,
Corinth, Miss., January 19, 1863.
COLONEL: In pursuance of your order received this day requiring a report of the part taken
by my command in the recent campaign in Tennessee, I have the honor to state that the Sixtythird
and the Forty-third Ohio Regiments left Oxford, Miss., by cars on December 19, 1862, for
Jackson, Tenn. On arrival the same evening at Bolivar, Tenn., I received an order by telegraph
from Major-General Grant to disembark the two regiments at that place and make the best
disposition in my power to defend the railroad and public stores at and near Bolivar. General
Brayman, the commander of the post, being absent, and finding myself the senior officer, I
assumed command and at once made such disposition as I thought necessary to hold the place,
which was then threatened by cavalry and mounted infantry under Van Dorn and Jackson. For
this purpose I used the cotton found deposited there. The enemy, however, made no further
demonstrations than slight skirmishing with our pickets and vedettes.
On the evening of the 23d General Brayman returned with four pieces of artillery, and still
later Colonel Lee arrived with a large force of cavalry, and the next day easily drove the enemy
from that part of the country.
On December 27 General Brayman ordered me to proceed with the Sixty-third Ohio
Regiment to Jackson and report to Brigadier-General Sullivan. On arriving there by railroad I
was ordered to proceed to Trenton, Tenn., where we arrived the same evening, and were again
brigaded with the Twenty-seventh and Thirty-ninth Ohio Regiments under your command.
December 28 marched to Shady Grove, 16 miles.
December 29 marched to Huntingdon (county seat of Carroll County), distance 16 miles.
On December 31 marched in the direction of Lexington, Tenn. We started at daylight. About
10 o'clock a.m. cannonading was heard in front. Our march now became rapid, as it was
supposed the Second Brigade had intercepted and engaged the enemy. About 12 m. musketry
was plainly heard, and our pace was still increased so that the double-quick was taken at times.
At 1.30 p.m. we arrived at Parker's Cross-Roads, 16 miles from our starting point in the
morning. It was at this point that the Second Brigade, under Colonel Durham (consisting of the
Fiftieth Indiana, Thirty-ninth Iowa, One hundred and twenty-second Illinois, two companies of
the Eighteenth Illinois, and three guns of the Seventh Wisconsin Battery), had engaged the
enemy under General Forrest. Firing had ceased for nearly half an hour before we reached the
scene of the engagement. Emerging from the woods into large open fields the enemy were
discovered by us. Under your orders I formed my regiment in line of battle at double-quick on
the left, or easterly, side of the road and advanced at the same gait for about 200 yards, when I
received an order to move by the right flank to the right, or west, side of the road. I again moved
forward in line of battle at double-quick for a short distance and was then ordered back to the
east side of the road and to advance in line of battle on the enemy, which was done as rapidly as
possible. The ground was soft and miry, but notwithstanding this and the long and rapid march
made by my command the men responded with hearty cheers, and at a double-quick rushed
forward to engage the enemy, who seemed to be
panic-stricken, They fled in the utmost
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confusion and so rapidly that we could get but a few telling shots at them. In their rout they
passed along the front and near the Second Brigade, but no fire was opened upon them by the
Second Brigade. I have not learned the cause. If the enemy had been vigorously attacked by them
a much larger number of prisoners would, in my opinion, have been taken. As it was, a large
number of the enemy passed along unharmed to our left. I then changed front to the left and
advanced some 500 or 600 yards, taking possession of a brass 8-pounder gun from which the
enemy had fled. From this point Company B, under Lieut. Charles J. McGinnis (Capt. Charles E.
Brown acting as major), and Company A, under Capt. Frank T. Gilmore, were sent to the front as
skirmishers. The latter captured a second brass 8-pounder, and farther on a caisson and some
horses which the enemy were endeavoring to take from the field. After a slight skirmish they
concluded to save themselves and leave the caisson. Captain Gilmore took possession of it,
which with the guns mentioned was brought in and delivered over to you. The enemy being
mounted were soon entirely beyond our reach (except about 300 prisoners captured) and were
safely on the road to cross the Tennessee River. Next morning we were ordered to march in
pursuit and reached a point about 2 miles south of Lexington, where we bivouacked.
On January 2 we marched to a point near Bath Springs, and again bivouacked. That night a
very heavy rain visited us, and all were thoroughly soaked.
On the morning of January 3 we again commenced the pursuit of the flying horsemen, but
scores of witnesses told us the enemy had safely crossed the river; but to see for ourselves we
marched on, under orders, to a point on the river opposite Clifton, exchanged a few shots with
the enemy across the river, and marched back again.
This day's march (18 miles) was one of the hardest I have ever witnessed. The rains had
made the roads deep with mud, in which were hidden bowlders, making the footing so uncertain
that men could be seen every moment falling on their faces in the mud and water. We arrived at
Bath Springs on our return the same evening.
On the morning of the 5th our march for Bethel was commenced. We made 16 miles and
bivouacked.
Next morning (the 6th) resumed march, making 16 miles, and bivouacked near Robinson's
Mill.
On the 7th we again marched 17 miles and bivouacked at Bethel.
On the 8th marched for Corinth, through Purdy, making about 16 miles, and on the 9th
arrived at Corinth, and encamped about 1 mile south of the town, where I presume it is proper to
state our campaign in Tennessee ended.
It is proper to state that from the time we left Oxford, on December 19, until January 9, we
were without a particle of camp equipage or baggage, and from the time we left Trenton,
December 28, our only subsistence was such as could be gathered along the road, which was a
very scanty supply of corn-meal and meat, and these had to be prepared without cooking utensils
and a part of the time without salt.
The hardships, privations, exposures, and fatigues of the campaign told fearfully on the
officers and men of my command, but good order and discipline were preserved through the
efficiency of company officers and the high soldierly qualities of the men.
Lieut. J. S. Antrim was taken prisoner December 31 by the enemy, while acting as regimental
quartermaster and foraging for the regiment.
Private James Orr, Company C, was missing on the evening of January 3, and has not since
been heard from.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN W. SPRAGUE,
Colonel.
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Col. J. W. FULLER,
Commanding Brigade.
HEADQUARTERS 122D ILLINOIS INFANTRY REGIMENT,
Saulsbury, Tenn., August 25, 1863.
COLONEL: In compliance with the request contained in your circular letter of August 20,
1863, from Memphis, Tenn., I submit as a response thereto, by way of certified statement, the
following report of the part taken by the One hundred and twenty-second Illinois Volunteer
Infantry in the little battle of Parker's Cross-Roads, east of Jackson, Tenn., and 10 miles north of
Lexington, Henderson County, Tenn., on the 31st day of December, 1862. I have perhaps
indulged in more particularity of statement than is consistent with the plan you have adopted,
even contemplated, or the subject of the statement deserves, but have, though hurriedly done,
endeavored to do so with reasonable clearness:
On the night of the 27th of December, 1862, at 11.30 o'clock, nine companies of the regiment
under my command (One hundred and twenty-second), numbering 527 men, including officers
and men, with the Fiftieth Indiana, Colonel Dunham; Thirty-ninth Iowa, Colonel Cummings, and
Seventh Tennessee Infantry, Colonel Rogers, and three pieces of artillery of Seventh Wisconsin
Battery, with 50 men from Eighteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry (mounted), numbering in all
1,800 men, constituting what was called the Third Brigade, and commanded by Col. Cyrus
Dunham, Fiftieth Indiana, moved from Trenton. Next day the Ohio brigade, Colonel Fuller
commanding, with the remainder of the Seventh Wisconsin Battery, followed us, it numbering
near 2,000 men.
We marched to Huntingdon, Carroll County, where we arrived on the evening of the 29th of
December, 1862. We marched with the brigade from Huntingdon at noon on the 30th and
reached Clarksburg on the night of the same day. Here the advance of our brigade had a slight
skirmish with the flankers of Forrest's forces, he (Forrest) having gone from a point north of
Huntingdon via McLemoresville to the south and then the west, toward Parker's, on the
Huntingdon and Lexington road, during the night of the 29th and the day of the 30th, and was
then with his main force 6 miles west of us.
On the morning of the 31st day of December we moved forward about sunrise at quick-time
south toward Lexington, Henderson County, for about 6 miles, to Parker's Cross-Roads, where
the advance of our brigade met the advance of the rebels and skirmishing immediately began, the
rebels being driven back into the woods west of the Lexington road, on the road leading from
McLemoresville to Clarksville, on the Tennessee River--Clarksville, a small crossing merely.
The mounted infantry of the Eighteenth Illinois were sent forward through the woods and
drew the fire of the rebel artillery, they then using six pieces. At this time the Ohio brigade had
not started from Huntingdon, about 12 miles distant. The three regiments--the Seventh
Tennessee, having about 300 men, remained at Huntingdon--were moved forward to Parker's
house, at the cross-roads, and thence west in front of the rebels. The enemy's guns were masked
and in position, commanding the road. One of our guns was put in position and fired at random,
we then not being able to see the enemy. To that shot the rebels responded with several pieces, at
once dismounting our gun. At this point it was determined to form our line a half mile to the
southeast, in a wood facing the west and north, with an open field between us and the enemy.
The movement was executed without casualty. The wagons were placed in our rear, and the two
remaining guns with our brigade placed in position, my regiment occupying the center of the line
and supporting the guns, which then had less than 20 rounds of ammunition; the Fiftieth Indiana
on the right, well advanced and deployed as skirmishers; Thirty-ninth Iowa on my left and in
line. At this time the rebels, over 6,000 strong, advanced
against our position in two columns; the
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smaller one, about 2,000 strong, advanced toward our front; they being mounted were thrown
into confusion by our shells, without suffering much punishment, and were then driven by our
skirmishers on to their main force, which was advancing across the field on our right flank, and
had so far advanced as to flank us, compelling us to change our front to the north, so that our
next line was along the north side of the wood, pasture, or field in which we were, facing the
north and the open field. By this time our artillery was out of ammunition and the guns were
soon from loss of horses rendered useless and were run into a ravine and temporarily abandoned.
The change of front was made under a severe fire of small-arms, from which 15 or 20 men of
my regiment (One hundred and twenty-second Illinois) were wounded, among them the captain
of Company A. Pending this move on our part the rebels had obtained a ridge in the field in our
new front, in shape of an arc of a great circle, behind the crest of which they had placed ten
pieces of artillery at distances varying from 300 to 600 yards, and as we came into line, facing
the north and in front of the rebels' guns, they opened upon us most furiously with grape,
canister, shell, and solid shot.
This artillery was supported by over 2,000 dismounted infantry, their whole force having
been mounted.
Our guns were of no service to us at this time, our ammunition being all gone. The One
hundred and twenty-second Illinois was then advanced close up to the north fence and
commenced to return the rebels' compliments. This lasted one hour and fifteen minutes, the
rebels all the time firing their artillery with great rapidity and considerable accuracy; also
keeping up a heavy fire from their infantry supports. During this time the One hundred and
twenty-second Illinois---that is, the companies present---held their places and responded rapidly
and with accuracy, considering the character of guns they had, and yet have--altered Harper's
Ferry muskets.
In the mean time about six companies of the Thirty-ninth Iowa had been moved away,
leaving our left exposed and enabling the enemy to concentrate their fire on our front, and
leaving it in the power of the rebels to flank us on the left and get into our rear in a hollow
running nearly parallel to our line and covered from their own artillery, and within 150 yards of
the rear of our line. At this moment I was struck just below the right knee, severing the artery,
and soon so reducing me that I was unable to take any active part in the fray. Then I directed my
lieutenant-colonel to give attention to the enemy in our rear, as they had opened upon us from
that direction, while he was tying a compress upon my leg to stop the loss of blood. He
immediately about-faced the regiment, fixed bayonets, and charged the enemy, three times our
number, and put them to utter, hopeless flight. This move threw the whole rebel force into
confusion on that side, and those who were north of us, in what had been our front, supposing
themselves cut off, fled, leaving several pieces of their artillery, from which the horses had been
shot during the hour and fifteen minutes' fight preceding the charge. At the end of the bayonet
charge, which was made under the direction and control of Lieutenant-Colonel Drish of my
regiment, the One hundred and twenty-second Illinois found itself in possession of several
hundred prisoners, and at this time the Fiftieth Indiana, which had occupied a position somewhat
retired in the last line and at an angle of twenty-five degrees to our line, making the extreme right
considerably retired, now being faced about, also pressed the rebels, the Indianians' line serving
to flank the enemy (and I may say here the Indianians did well), and the portion of the Thirtyninth
Iowa, having just a moment previously occupied a position far to our rear and left, also
closed up and pressed upon the opposite flank of the rebels, making the rout of Forrest's men
complete.
Forrest was unable to rally his men again, and was in full retreat when the Second Brigade
came in sight, the appearance of which greatly added to
the celerity of the rebels' flight and
9
afforded our gallant Ohio friends no opportunity to participate in the rout of a force we could
have destroyed had the Second Brigade arrived in time, which they would have done but for the
genius for tardiness exhibited by General Sullivan, who moved and traveled with and controlled
the movements of the Ohioans, and was in command of the expedition from Jackson, whence the
movement was made.
The rebels left a large number of killed and wounded on the field, a large quantity of smallarms,
a great many horses, Colonel Dunham says 7 pieces of his artillery, and above 500
prisoners.
My regiment lost 1 commissioned officer killed, Lieutenant Bristow, of Company H; 2
wounded, the colonel, and Capt. William B. Dugger, Company A; and 70 men killed and
wounded, 16 of whom were killed dead on the field and 8 or 10 stragglers were taken prisoners.
The officers present were the colonel, lieutenant-colonel, all the captains except of Company I
and Company G, Captain Sawyer and Captain Cowen; all of the lieutenants except those of
Company I and Second Lieutenant Halderman, Company A, First Lieutenant McKnight,
Company H, and First Lieutenant Holt, of Company D, who were absent by proper authority.
None of my officers present failed to do their whole duty. This was the first battle the
regiment was ever in. The men behaved like old soldiers, and after the first fire their shots told
and were very effective. The fight commenced about 9 a.m. and lasted, including the time
occupied in maneuvering after the first firing, till about 3 p.m., when firing entirely ceased.
Colonel Dunham commanded the brigade and is a gallant soldier. His regiment was on our right
while in line and was engaged some time before my regiment was, it having fought for a time, as
skirmishers. While my regiment was in line it fired between 20 and 30 rounds. The regiment
reached its quarters on the return after the battle at Trenton, Tenn., at midnight on the 5th of
January, 1863.
The regiment was at a skirmish at Town Creek in the last of April, 1863, but suffered no loss.
I was not present.
I have the honor to be, colonel, your obedient servant,
JOHN I. RINAKER,
Col. One hundred and twenty-second Illinois Infty. Regt.
I certify on honor the foregoing written papers contain a true and correct statement of the
facts as they transpired at the times and places therein mentioned, according to my best
recollection and belief.
JOHN I. RINAKER,
Col. One hundred and twenty-second Illinois Infty. Regt.
Col. A. L. CHETLAIN,
President of Board, &c.
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIVISION,
RIGHT WING, THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
January 3, 1863.
MAJOR: I have the honor to report the operations of my division from our base on the
Yazoo:
My command debarked at Johnson's plantation on the afternoon of December 26. Pursuant
to instructions Blair's brigade moved forward on the Johnson road, drove in the enemy's pickets,
and bivouacked for the night about 2 miles from the landing.
On the morning of the 27th Blair's brigade was detached and I embarked with the other two
brigades, with orders to land above the mouth of the Chickasaw Bayou and advance between
Chickasaw Bayou and Thompson's Lake. While we were cutting
the roads through the timber to
10
the levee Admiral Porter called for troops to cross the river and disperse about 400 sharpshooters
that were concealed on the west side of the river and impeding the progress of the gunboats
toward Haines' Bluff. I sent the Seventeenth Missouri Infantry.
After having accomplished the work they returned and I proceeded with the whole command,
directed by the negro guide whom the general sent to conduct me, to the bluffs. Our progress was
considerably retarded by the timber felled across the levee, on either side of which the ground
was impracticable for artillery. We soon came to deep water on the right side of the levee, which
turned out to be Thompson's Lake instead of Chickasaw Bayou. About sunset General Hovey,
whose brigade was on the advance, came upon an outpost of the enemy. After a short
engagement the enemy retired. It was now dark and we bivouacked for the night without campfires.
The march had scarcely been resumed early next morning when our skirmishers became
engaged with the enemy's sharpshooters, concealed in rifle-pits behind the levee. At this point
the levee turned to the left and continued in a curve for about 800 yards, the Chickasaw Creek on
our right and a timbered marsh on the left. The pioneers were sent forward to clear some
obstructions on the levee, covered by Landgraeber's battery. They were immediately fired upon
by a battery of the enemy established on the bluff about 800 yards distant, our skirmishers being
at the same time hotly engaged with the enemy's sharpshooters. Both the battery and the pioneers
were subjected to a murderous fire and the pioneers either killed or wounded, as also were some
men of the battery. The axle of one of the pieces was broken; still Captain Landgraeber, nothing
daunted in his exposed position, continued to reply to the heavier guns of the enemy. At the same
time Colonel Hassendeubel, of the Seventeenth Missouri, was trying to drive the sharpshooters
from the rifle-pits to clear the way for our advance. General Hovey exposed himself with our
advance in reconnoitering the enemy's position, which was so well chosen that it soon became
apparent that we could neither dislodge them nor force our way along the levee without a
frightful destruction of life and a probability that no considerable portion could reach the
opposite end untouched.
The First Iowa Battery, Captain Griffiths, was brought forward and also opened upon the
enemy's battery. After a severe cannonading from our two batteries the enemy deserted theirs. It
was then discovered that there was another battery to our left which enfiladed the farther end of
the causeway and had a cross-fire on the end toward us. Tim first battery had a cross-fire on the
farther end of the causeway. These batteries were supported by sharpshooters in rifle pits.
At 4 p.m. I received the general's orders to send him a regiment of infantry if I could not
reach the bluffs and follow with the rest with dispatch. My command was occupied all night in
re-embarking for Johnson's farm and getting supplies.
Early on the morning of the 29th I moved forward with Thayer's brigade, leaving orders for
Hovey to come up as soon as possible. At the white house I met General Morgan, who told me
that he was building a bridge across the bayou, which would occupy two hours; that within
thirty minutes thereafter he would have possession of the heights, to a moral certainty.
I received orders from the general commanding to halt the brigade, and, subsequently, to
render General Morgan any assistance that he might ask for. General Morgan finally told me that
he was going to storm the heights without waiting for the brigade to be completed. He requested
me to support the storming party with what force I had. On being informed that Thayer's brigade
was at hand and that Hovey's would soon be up, he gave some orders to Thayer in regard to the
route which his brigade should take and sent a guide to lead him. After Thayer had passed with
the Fourth Iowa Infantry, Colonel Williamson, General Morgan asked me how many troops I
had. I told him Thayer's brigade; one of his regiments, however, the Twenty-sixth Iowa, was
detached to cut a road, but that I did not know whether
any of Hovey's had arrived or not. He
11
then asked me to turn part of the troops a little farther to the right. I therefore directed Col.
Charles H. Abbott, of the Thirtieth Iowa Infantry, a little to the right, supposing the object of this
was to facilitate the crossing of the troops over the bayou by preventing them from all huddling
into the same place. At the time I did not know that there was any dry crossing and I presume
General Morgan was not aware of the fact. The troops that I directed to the right it seems did not
get across the bayou, but General Thayer went gallantly on with the Fourth Iowa, and, instead of
being a support to the storming party, was soon in the advance, and entered the enemy's second
line of rifle-pits nearly as soon as any. I gave no orders on the field that day except at the
suggestion of General Morgan, save that I followed up the movement, encouraging the men
while they were advancing and endeavoring to check them when they fell back.
General Hovey's brigade did not get up to the front in time to take part in the assault, but was
up very soon after it was over and took position to the left of the bayou, which had been
occupied by Blair's brigade previous to the assault, awaiting orders to storm the enemy's
position, which his whole command, I am told, was anxious to do.
Although Blair was detached from my command, it would perhaps not be improper for me to
report in regard to the part taken by his brigade in the assault. Two of his regiments, Manter's
and Schadt's, Thirty-second and Thirtieth Missouri, were detached to support Morgan's batteries.
His line was formed in the woods between Thompson's Lake and Chickasaw Bayou, a short
distance behind the bayou that connects these two. Between his line and this bayou was an
entanglement formed by cutting down small cotton trees, leaving the trees en-twined among the
stumps. The bed of the bayou was about 100 yards wide, quicksand, and about 15 feet wide
water 3 feet deep. The bank on the opposite side was steep and obstructed by abatis, crowned by
a line of rifle-pits. On the slope above this was still another line of rifle-pits, and above this on
the plateau was the county road, the earth being thrown on the lower side, forming a parapet
which covered batteries and sharpshooters. Batteries were also placed on the heights to the right
and left, which enfiladed the rifle-pits and the road.
General Blair led his brigade with intrepidity in the face of all these obstacles; leaving his
horse floundering in the quicksands of the bayou, and passing over the two lines of rifle-pits,
nearly reached the foot of the parapet. Here he turned and saw the storming party from the center
of General Morgan's division coming over the first line of rifle-pits. His troops fell fast around
him, and among others was Lieut. Col. P. Dister, of the Fifty-eighth Ohio, whose gallantry had
been conspicuous. Col. T. C. Fletcher, of the Thirty-first Missouri, was wounded and fell into the
hands of the enemy. Major Jaensch, of the Thirty-first Missouri, was killed. Lieutenant-Colonel
Simpson, of the same regiment, was wounded. Colonel Cavender, of the Twenty-ninth Missouri,
and Lieutenant-Colonel Gorgas, of the Thirteenth Illinois, are also mentioned for conspicuous
daring in the assault. Col. J. B. Wyman, of the Thirteenth Illinois Infantry, was killed the day
before while bravely leading his men against the enemy.
Perhaps it would not be inappropriate for me to remark that I saw a part of the assaulting
party turn their flank to the enemy in front of the second line of rifle-pits and move off to the left
behind the bank over which Blair's brigade had passed, and there remain until our troops
commenced retreating.
For further particulars I refer you to the subordinate reports. I will also inclose herewith a list
of casualties.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRED'K STEELE,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Fourth Division.
Maj. J. H. HAMMOND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
12
P. S.--I should have mentioned that the officers of my staff--First Lieuts. G. O. Sokalski, W.
D. Green, and C. T. Scammon--were on the field and rendered efficient services.
HDQRS. 3D DIV., RIGHT WING, 13TH ARMY CORPS,
Steamer Empress, January 3, 1863.
SIR: On the 1st instant, while pressed by many arduous duties, I was requested to report to
the commanding general the operations of my division during the affair of the 27th, the action of
the 28th, and the battle of the 29th ultimo. I had not received the reports of subordinate
commanders nor had I time to review the report I had the honor to submit. Herewith I have the
honor to forward those reports, connected with which I will submit a few remarks.
Brigadier-General Blair speaks of having discovered while on his retreat from the enemy's
works a broad and easy road running from the left of my position to the enemy's lines. The road
is neither broad nor easy, and was advanced over by De Courcy when leading his brigade to the
charge. The road General Blair speaks of is the one running from Lake's Landing and
intersecting with the Vicksburg road on the Chickasaw Bluffs. Its existence was known to me on
the 28th ultimo, but it was left open intentionally by the enemy, and was commanded by a direct
and cross-fire from batteries and rifle-pits. The withdrawal of his brigade from the assault by
Colonel De Courcy was justified by the failure of the corps of A. J. Smith and the command of
Colonel Lindsey to advance simultaneously to the assault. Both had the same difficulties to
encounter--impassable bayous.
The enemy's line of battle was concave, and De Courcy advanced against his center; hence
he sustained a concentric fire; and the withdrawal of Steele from the front of the enemy's right,
on the 28th ultimo, enabled the enemy on the following day to concentrate his right upon his
center.
I regret to find from the report of Brigadier-General Thayer some one regiment skulked. This
I did not observe, nor is it mentioned by General Blair, though his were the troops which
occupied that portion of the field. As far as my observation extended the troops bore themselves
nobly; but the Sixteenth Ohio Infantry was peerless on the field, as it ever has been in the camp
or on the march. Lieutenant-Colonel Kershner, commanding, was wounded and taken prisoner.
He is an officer of rare merit and deserves to command a brigade. Lieutenant-Colonel Dister,
commanding the Fifty-eighth Ohio, was killed within the enemy's works, and Lieutenant-Colonel
Monroe, Twenty-second Kentucky, was struck down at the head of his regiment.
I again express my profound acknowledgments to Brigadier-Generals Blair and Thayer, and
Colonels De Courcy, Lindsey, and Sheldon, brigade commanders; also to, Maj. M. C. Garber,
assistant quartermaster; Capt. S. S. Lyon, acting topographical engineer; Lieutenant Burdick,
acting ordnance officer; Lieutenant Hutchins, acting commissary of subsistence; Lieuts. H. G.
Fisher and Smith, of the Signal Corps; Lieut. E. D. Saunders, my acting assistant adjutantgeneral,
and Lieutenants English and Montgomery, acting aides-de-camp, for the efficient
services rendered me. Nor can I close this report without speaking in terms of high praise of the
meritorious and gallant services of Captains Foster and Lanphere. Their batteries silenced several
of the enemy's works and throughout the operations rendered good service. My sincere
acknowledgments are also due to Captain Griffiths, commanding First Iowa Battery, and Captain
Hoffmann, commanding Fourth Ohio Battery.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE W. MORGAN,
Brigadier-General of Volunteers.
Maj. J. H. HAMMOND,
Chief of Staff
13
HDQRS. 30TH IOWA INFTY., 3D BRIG., 4th DIV., 13TH A. C.,
Arkansas Post, Ark. January 12, 1863.
GENERAL: Agreeably to your order of the 9th inst. I have the honor to submit my report of
the part my regiment took in the action of the 28th and 29th of December, 1862, at Haines' Bluff,
near Vicksburg, Miss.:
On the morning of the 28th ultimo, by your order, I moved my regiment forward toward the
point of attack and took position immediately in the rear of the Fourth Iowa Infantry, supporting
the battery in our front, where we remained until about 4 o'clock p.m., when we were by your
order remanded to the river, with orders to embark on transport Stephen Decatur and drop down
to Johnson's plantation.
On the morning of the 29th ultimo we were ordered to disembark and by you placed in
position in rear of the Fourth Iowa Infantry, with orders to keep close up and follow them. When
we had advanced to within range of the enemy's guns and they, having discovered our position
commenced shelling us we were ordered by your aide, Captain Richardson, to lie down and
make ourselves as secure as possible under the levee, the Fourth Iowa Infantry being in a like
position in our front on the opposite side of the levee, in which position we remained until
ordered by your aide-de-camp to fix bayonets and advance, following the Fourth Iowa Infantry,
which had got 10 or 12 rods in advance.
I immediately put my regiment under a double-quick, and had advanced but a few rods when
I was met by Brigadier-General Steele, who checked us and ordered me to leave My horse, cross
the next bayou in any way we could get across, and take my regiment to the right into the woods
and deploy as skirmishers. I put my regiment again under a double-quick and advanced to the
extreme right of the Fourth Division. I then advanced my regiment in line of battle to within a
few rods of the fallen timber, in which was heavy firing of musketry. I then ordered them to lie
down; ordered the right and left flanking companies forward as skirmishers into the fallen
timber. They went in and soon reported that the Thirteenth U.S. Infantry already occupied the
ground and were engaged with the enemy, who were posted in rifle-pits. I then ordered those
companies back to their position in the regiment. The Third [First?] Wisconsin Battery,
immediately upon our right, was supported by a part of the Thirteenth U.S. Infantry, while the
skirmishers of the Thirteenth Infantry on our front were unsupported. I sent my orderly to
General Steele for further orders, who returned with orders to remain where we were. While my
orderly was absent to see General Steele a captain, representing himself as the aide-de-camp of
General Smith, came to us and inquired what regiment we were and told me the position of my
regiment was all right, lying upon the ground in front of the enemy. We had 3 men severely and
1 slightly wounded.
We remained under fire from about noon until 4 o'clock p.m., when we were ordered to
return. I accordingly marched My regiment near the position occupied by General Steele and
reported to him and then to you, who came up soon after. I was ordered by you into camp to the
rear.
With sentiments of high regard, I remain, general, your most obedient servant,
CHARLES H. ABBOTT,
Colonel Thirtieth Iowa Infantry.
Brig. Gen. JOHN M. THAYER,
3d Brig. 4th Div., 13th A. C.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Steamer Tigress, Mississippi River, January 20, 1863.
14
I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the forces of which, in
pursuance of the order of Major-General Grant commanding Department of the Tennessee, I
assumed command on the 4th instant, at Milliken's Bend, La., resulting in the reduction of Fort
Hindman, more generally known as Post Arkansas:
These forces, styled by me for convenience and propriety of description the Army of the
Mississippi, consisted of parts of two corps d'armee, viz, the Thirteenth, my own, and the
Fifteenth, Major-General Sherman's. Desiring to give my undivided attention to matters affecting
the general command, I immediately assigned Brig. Gen. George W. Morgan, a tried and
meritorious officer, to the command of the Thirteenth Corps d'Armee, in which he was the senior
division commander.
The Fifteenth Corps, temporarily constituted by me the right wing, was composed of the
following troops:
First Division--Brig. Gen. F. Steele commanding.
First Brigade---Brig. Gen. Frank P. Blair commanding.
The Thirteenth Illinois, Twenty-ninth Missouri, Thirty-first Missouri, Thirty-second
Missouri, Fifty-eighth Ohio, and Thirtieth Missouri.
Second Brigade--Brig. Gen. C. E. Hovey commanding.
The Seventeenth Missouri, Twenty-fifth Iowa, Third Missouri, Seventy-sixth Ohio, Thirtyfirst
Iowa, and Twelfth Missouri.
Third Brigade---Brig. Gen. John M. Thayer commanding.
The Fourth Iowa, Thirty-fourth Iowa, Thirtieth Iowa, Twenty-sixth Iowa, and Ninth Iowa
infantry.
Artillery--The First Iowa, Captain Griffiths; Fourth Ohio, Captain Hoffmann, and First
Missouri Horse Artillery.
Cavalry--The Third Illinois and Company --, Fifteenth Illinois.
Second Division--Brig. Gen. D. Stuart commanding.
First Brigade---Col. G. A. Smith commanding.
The Eighth Missouri, Sixth Missouri, One hundred and thirteenth Illinois, One hundred and
sixteenth Illinois, and Thirteenth United States.
Second Brigade-Col. T. Kilby Smith commanding.
The Fifty-fifth Illinois, One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois, Fifty-fourth Ohio, Eightythird
Indiana, and Fifty-seventh Ohio Infantry.
Artillery--Companies A and B, First Illinois Light Artillery, and Eighth Ohio Battery.
Cavalry--Two companies of Thielemann's Illinois Battalion and Company C, Tenth
Missouri.
The Thirteenth Corps, forming the left wing, was composed of the following forces:
First Division--Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith commanding.
First Brigade---Brig. Gen. S. G. Burbridge commanding.
The Sixtieth Indiana, Sixteenth Indiana, Twenty-third Wisconsin, Eighty-third Ohio, Sixtyseventh
Indiana, and Ninety-sixth Ohio.
Second Brigade--Col. W. J. Landram commanding.
The Nineteenth Kentucky, Seventy-seventh Illinois, Forty-eighth Ohio, Ninety-seventh
Illinois, One hundred and eighth Illinois, One hundred and thirty-first Illinois, and Eighty-ninth
Indiana Infantry.
Artillery--The Seventeenth Ohio Battery, Captain Blount, and Illinois Mercantile Battery,
Captain Cooley.
Cavalry--Company--, Fourth Indiana.
Second Division--Brig. Gen. P. J. Osterhaus commanding.
15
First Brigade--Col. L. A. Sheldon commanding.
The Sixty-ninth Indiana, One hundred and eighteenth Illinois, and One hundred and twentieth
Ohio.
Second Brigade-Col. D. W. Lindsey commanding.
The Third Kentucky, Forty-ninth Indiana, and One hundred and fourteenth Ohio.
Third Brigade---Col. J. F. De Courcy commanding.
The Sixteenth Ohio, Twenty-second Kentucky, Forty-second Ohio, and Fifty-fourth Indiana
Infantry.
Artillery--The First Wisconsin, Captain Foster, and Seventh Michigan, Captain Lanphere.
Having, as already mentioned, assumed command of these forces on the 4th instant after they
had retired from the neighborhood of Vicksburg, I sailed with them the same day in execution of
a purpose, the importance of which I had suggested to General Gorman at Helena, December 30,
on my way down the river. That purpose was the reduction of Fort Hindman, which had been
laboriously and skillfully enlarged and strengthened since the commencement of the rebellion,
which formed the key to Little Rock, the capital of the State of Arkansas, and the extensive and
valuable country drained by the Arkansas River, and from which hostile detachments were
constantly sent forth to obstruct the navigation of the Mississippi River and thereby our
communications.
A government transport, the Blue Wing, laden with valuable military stores, only a few days
before fell prey to one of these detachments, and ammunition taken from her was used against us
in the engagement of which I am giving an account. Without turning my arms in this direction
my forces must have continued comparatively idle at Milliken's Bend until you should have
altered your plan for the reduction of Vicksburg or recalled them.
Landing at intervals to supply my transports with fuel cut from the forest, or already cut and
found upon the bank, the army safely arrived at the mouth of the White River on the 8th instant.
Henceforth its operations were controlled by and but fulfilled the following instructions
previously communicated by me to army corps commanders:
1st. Having arrived at the mouth of the White River, the commanders of army corps of the
Army of the Mississippi will lose no time in moving their commands upon their transports up
that river to the cut-off, and through it into and up the Arkansas River to a suitable point on the
left bank of the river near and below Post Arkansas, for disembarkation.
2d. The army will move from the mouth of the White River in the following order: The
Fifteenth Corps, Major-General Sherman commanding, forming the right wing, right in front,
first, and the Thirteenth Corps, Brigadier-General Morgan commanding, forming the left wing in
the same order, next.
3d. Arrived at the proposed point for debarkation the two corps will immediately disembark,
being careful to preserve their distinction and to protect their landing by skirmishers and
advanced detachments, and rapidly march as follows: The Fifteenth Corps, Major-General
Sherman commanding, by the rear of the Post until the right of the corps has reached the river
above the Post, being careful to guard against the surprise of rear attack, and to keep his
command clear of the range of our gunboats' fire. The Thirteenth Corps, Brigadier-General
Morgan commanding, will follow the Fifteenth and form on its left.
4th. Each corps should extend its lines so as to complete the investment of the enemy's
works; and if, in order to do so, the left wing has to move so far to the right as to leave too great
a space between its left and the river, the same will be secured by a detachment of infantry and
artillery from the Thirteenth Corps, posted in a commanding position for that purpose.
5th. Notwithstanding what precedes, the commander of the Thirteenth Corps will debark two
regiments of infantry, one company of cavalry, and three
pieces of artillery at a suitable point on
16
the right bank of the river and near and below the Post, under instructions to ascend the right
bank, beyond the reach of the enemy's guns on the opposite shore to a point on the river above
the Post giving control of the river.
6th. Skirmishers should in all instances precede the movements herein ordered. Cavalry
detachments should be sent out in different directions to reconnoiter the country. Reserves
should be kept to the rear of the investing lines ready to be moved to any point in case the enemy
should venture to make a sortie; and to every battery of light artillery a company of infantry
should be detailed, for the purpose of protecting it and assisting its advance.
7th. Having completed the investment according to the plan indicated the energy will be
equally cut off from re-enforcements and escape, and must, together with his works and all his
munitions, become a capture to our arms.
Ascending to Notrib's farm, 3 miles from the fort, by way of White River, the cut-off, and the
Arkansas, my object was to deceive the enemy to the latest moment as to my destination and the
point upon which the suspended blow would Call; and I have reason to believe that I succeeded
in so doing until I had approached within 30 miles of the fort.
Landing on the left bank of the river, at Notrib's farm, at 5 p.m. on the 9th, the work of
disembarking was busily continued until noon next day, when it was completed.
In the mean time, accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Schwartz, of my staff, by 8 a.m. on
the 10th instant, I had reconnoitered the river road and a portion of the levee extending at right
angles from it, within 1 miles of the fort, and discovered that the enemy was abandoning a line
of rifle-pits, about half a mile above the levee, under stress of the fire of one of the gunboats.
Communicating with General Sherman, I suggested to him the eligibility of the river road, from
which he might diverge at or near the levee, in making a detour for the purpose of investing the
upper side of the fort. His column was put in motion at 11 a.m., but diverging below that point
the head of it, consisting of General Hovey's brigade of General Steele's division, after meeting
and dispersing a strong picket of the enemy, soon encountered a swamp, about one-fourth of a
mile wide. Passing this swamp with much difficulty the brigade rested upon an open space called
Little Prairie.
Riding up to the point where the brigade had entered the swamp and witnessing its
embarrassment, I sent Colonel Stewart, of my staff and chief of cavalry, with my escort, to the
left and front to ascertain whether the embrasures, now discovered in that portion of the levee
farthest from the river, were occupied by cannon, and to verify the practicability of the river
road. He soon reported that there was no cannon in the embrasures; that the levee had been held
the night before as a line of defense by infantry., which had retired upon the fort; that he had
discovered one braes piece beyond the next line of defense limbered up for removal, and that the
river road was not only practicable but good.
Accordingly I directed General Sherman to move the Second Division of his corps,
commanded by General Stuart, by that road, which was rapidly and successfully done. After the
rear of General Steele's division, consisting of General Blair's brigade, had crossed the swamp,
Major Hammond, assistant adjutant-general of General Sherman's corps, brought information
from him that he had learned from a farmer that the upper side of the fort could not be gained by
any practicable route on that side of the swamp short, of 7 miles in length, and without crossing a
bayou on a narrow bridge.
I immediately crossed the swamp; informed myself of the situation by personal interrogation
of the farmer and by personal observation. Seeing at once that for General Steele's division to go
forward on a line so extended and remote from the enemy’s works would be virtually to retire it
from the pending fight, to separate it by a wide and miry swamp from the rest of my command,
to expose it to rear attack by any hostile re-enforcement
that might be approaching, to weaken
17
my assaulting columns on the left and center and the cover afforded by them to my transports,
and to leave it no other way to rejoin the advanced forces except by crossing the bayou on a
narrow bridge, in the power of the enemy to destroy or obstruct by three, I instantly decided that
the division ought to return, and so ordered.
Recrossing the swamp with me, General Sherman, in pursuance of my instructions, hastened
up the river to General Stuart's division of his corps, the head of which he found resting within
half a mile of the ford I also hastened to the same spot, and finding General Morgan already
there learned that his corps, guided by a member of my staff, was advancing in the same
direction, and within a few minutes the head of General A. J. Smith's division appeared to the
right and rear of General Stuart's.
Indicating to General Morgan the ground I wished his corps to occupy, I ordered General
Sherman to move General Stuart;s division to the right, and General Steele's, when it should
come up, still farther to the right--across a bayou on the upper side of the enemy's works--to the
river, in order to let in General Smith's and General Osterhaus' divisions of General Morgan's
corps, on the left and next to the river, so as to complete the investment of the enemy, according
to my original plan.
Dispatching Colonel Stewart, chief of cavalry, with my escort, to explore the ground to the
bayou on the right, I hastened back and requested Rear-Admiral Porter, commanding the
Mississippi Squadron, to advance the gunboats and open fire on the enemy's works for the
purpose of diverting his attention while the land forces should gain the positions assigned to
them. Promptly complying, the admiral advanced his boats and opened a terrific cannonade upon
the fort, which was continued an hour or more and until after night-fall.
At 10 p.m. Colonel Stewart, chief of cavalry, rejoined me and reported that he had pushed his
reconnaissance westerly quite to the enemy's cantonment of log huts and even beyond to the
bayou, and that there was nothing in the way of an advance to that point, or, so far as he could
judge, beyond. He also brought with him about 100 prisoners, whom, still lingering about the
cantonment, he had captured. As General Sherman had not yet advanced to the bayou I hastened
Colonel Stewart back to communicate the information he had brought and with an order to
General Sherman to lose no time in gaining the bayou. Meanwhile General Steele's division had
recrossed the swamp, except a detachment of it left under General Sherman's order to make a
feint in the direction of the bridge mentioned.
During the night General Osterhaus bivouacked his division near the landing in a position
commanding the neighboring approaches across the swamp and covering our transports against
possible attack from the opposite side of the river.
On the night of the 9th Colonel Lindsey's brigade had disembarked 9 miles below Notrib's
farm, at Fletcher's Landing, on the right bank of the river, in pursuance of General Morgan's
order, and marching across a bight of the river had taken position and planted a battery on the
bank above the fort, equally cutting off the escape or re-enforcement of the enemy by water. This
was accomplished early on the 10th instant and formed an important part of my original plan, for
the prompt and skillful execution of which I accord Colonel Lindsey great credit.
Passing a cold night without fires and tents, our chilled but faithful men were greeted by a
bright and genial sun on the morning of the 11th.
By 10.30 a.m. the two corps were in position and were ready to commence the attack.
General Steele's division formed the extreme right of the line of battle, reaching near the bayou.
General Stuart's and A. J. Smith's divisions were formed on its left. One brigade of General
Osterhaus' division, Colonel Sheldon commanding, formed the extreme left of the line, resting
upon the river, in full view of the fort. Another brigade of the same division, Colonel De Courcy
commanding, was held in reserve near the transports, while
the remaining brigade of the same
18
division, Colonel Lindsey commanding, was disposed on the opposite side of the river, as
already explained. Company A, First Regiment Illinois Light Artillery, Captain Wood
commanding, was posted to the left of General Stuart's division, on the road leading into the
post. Company B, of the same regiment, Captain Barrett commanding, was posted in the center
of the same division; the Fourth Ohio Battery, Captain Hoffmann commanding, in the interval
between Generals Stuart's and Steele's divisions, and the First Iowa Battery, Captain Griffiths
commanding, between Thayer's and Hovey's brigades, of General Steele's division. The First
Missouri Horse Artillery, Captain Landgraeber commanding, was in reserve with General Blair's
brigade, and the Eighth Ohio Battery was posted in the rear of the center of the general line.
Three pieces of the Seventeenth Ohio Battery, Captain Blount commanding, were advanced to an
intrenched position in front of Colonel Landram's brigade of General Smith's division, and were
supported by the Ninety-sixth Ohio. A section of 20-pounder Parrott guns, Lieutenant Webster
commanding, was posted by General Osterhaus near the river bank, within 800 yards of the fort,
concealed by fallen trees from the view of the enemy, while two sections of the Illinois
Mercantile Battery were masked and held by the same officer in reserve. The Seventh Michigan
Battery, Captain Lanphere commanding, remained with Colonel De Courcy. Two 20-pounder
Parrotts, of the First Wisconsin Battery, Captain Foster commanding, and a section of the Illinois
Mercantile Battery, under Lieutenant Wilson, were with Colonel Lindsey. The cavalry were
disposed in the rear, under orders to force stragglers to return to their ranks.
Such was the disposition of the forces under my command on the eve of the battle of the
Arkansas. On the other hand, the position of the enemy, naturally strong, was one of his own
choosing.
Post Arkansas, a small village, the capital of Arkansas County, is situated on elevated
ground, above the reach of floods, and defining for some miles the left bank of the river. It was
settled by the French in 1685; is 50 miles above the mouth of the river, 117 miles below Little
Rock, and is surrounded by a fruitful country, abounding in cattle, corn, and cotton.
Fort Hindman, a square, full-bastioned fort, was erected within this village, upon the bank of
the river, at the head of a bend resembling a horseshoe. The exterior sides of the fort, between
the salient angles, were each 300 feet in length; the faces of the bastions two-sevenths of an
exterior side and the perpendiculars one-eighth. The parapet was 18 feet wide on the top, the
ditch 20 feet wide on the ground level, and 8 feet deep, with a slope of 4 feet base. A banquette
for infantry was constructed around the interior slope of the parapet; also three platforms for
artillery in each bastion and one in the curtain facing north. On the southern face of the
northeastern bastion was a casemate 18 by 15 feet wide and 7 feet high in the clear, the walls of
which were constructed of three thicknesses of oak timber 16 inches square, and so the roof with
an additional revetment of iron bars. One of the shorter sides of the casemate was inserted in the
parapet and was pierced by an embrasure 3 feet 8 inches on the inside and 4 feet 6 inches on the
outside, the entrance being in the opposite wall. This casemate contained a 9-inch columbiad. A
similar casemate was constructed in the curtain facing the river, containing an 8-inch columbiad,
and still another 9 inch columbiad was mounted in the salient angle of the southeastern bastion
on a center-pintle barbette carriage. All of these guns commanded the river below the fort.
Beside these there were four 3-inch Parrott guns and four 6-pounder iron smooth-bore guns
mounted on field carriages on the platforms in the fort which also contained a well-stored
magazine, several frame buildings, and a well. The entrance to the fort, secured by a traverse,
was on its northwestern side, and from the salient angle of the northwestern bastion extended a
broken line of rifle-pits westerly for 720 yards toward the bayou, intersected by wooden
traverses. Along the line of rifle-pits six field pieces
were mounted, of which three were rifled.
19
Although the neighboring bridge across the bayou had been partially destroyed, yet the latter
was passable at several points. Below the fort, occur the rifle-pits and levee before mentioned.
The levee exposed a convex line to our advance; was pierced for ten guns and lined on the inside
by rifle-pits. The second line of rifle-pits, with intervals left for six guns, extended across the
high land from the river to the swamp, its near approach being obstructed by an abatis of fallen
timber; and still nearer the fort was a deep ravine entering the river at right angles and extending
inland in different arms in front of the left of our line. In front of the center of the line was an
open field. This strip of high land afforded the only available approach from our landing to the
enemy's defenses; and above the second line of rifle-pits expanded into a dry plateau extending
to the swamp on the east and northeast and to the bayou and river on the west and south. This
plateau, crossed by the Brownsville and Little Rock road, embraced the enemy's cantonment, his
principal defenses, and the field of action of this day, which covered a space of about 1,000 yards
square.
Having placed in battery, at the request of Admiral Porter, two 20 pounder Parrotts, as
already explained, for the purpose of dismounting the gun in the lower casemate, which had
seriously annoyed the gunboats on the previous evening, and all my forces being ready for
action, I sent word to the admiral accordingly, and notified him that as soon as he had opened
fire I would advance to the attack of the enemy's works; and at 12 m. repeated the same
communication.
At 1 p.m. the gunboats opened fire, immediately followed by the fire of artillery along the
right wing of my line, and soon after by the fire of artillery along the left wing. At the expiration
of thirty minutes the infantry were to advance to the charge, and when our men were heard
shouting, the gunboats, in order to avoid inflicting injury upon them, were to cease firing.
By 1.30 o'clock Hovey's and Thayer's brigades and Giles A. Smith's and T. K. Smith's
brigades, of General Shermans' corps, had crossed in double-quick time a narrow space of
cleared ground in their front and gained position in a belt of woods extending irregularly by
some 300 yards quite to the enemy's riflepits. Checked here for a time by a sudden and severe
fire of musketry and artillery from cover of the enemy's works, they boldly resumed and
continued their' advance, supported by Blair's brigade as a reserve until they had approached
within short musket-range of the enemy's lines and found shelter in some ravines lined by
underbrush and fallen timber.
In executing this movement General Hovey was wounded by a fragment of a shell, but
continued upon the field in the gallant discharge of duty; General Thayer lost his horse, which
was shot under him, and Cols. G. A. Smith and T. K. Smith led their commands in a manner
challenging the commendation of their superior officers; Wood's and Barrett's batteries also
performed valuable service. Hoffmann's battery was advanced within 200 yards of the enemy's
intrenchments and poured in a rapid and effective fire from three successive positions. It was
now 3 p.m.
The artillery of General Morgan's corps having opened fire about 1 o'clock, as already
mentioned, kept it up with telling effect for some time. Lieutenant Webster's 20 pounder Parrotts
on the river bank completely enfiladed the two faces of the northeastern bastion, some of their
shots penetrating the embrasure of the casemate and contributing, with others from the gunboats,
to silence the gun inside of it, also the lighter gun in the northern curtain and the gun en barbette
in the southeastern bastion, which appealed to be above the elevation of the gun boats' fire.
These results are not only recounted by General Osterhaus as important in themselves, but as
bearing honorable testimony to the skill and efficiency of Lieutenant Webster. Blount's three 10-
pounder Parrotts continued to pour a well-directed fire into the enemy's lines until General A. J.
Smith's division had passed to the front and neared the
enemy's works. It was probably the fire of
20
these guns that exploded a caisson within the enemy's intrenchments, killing several men and all
its horses.
When the enemy and his works had been visibly damaged by the fire of artillery General A.
J. Smith deployed nine regiments of Burbridge's and Landram's brigades, supported by three
regiments in reserve, and steadily moving forward, drove the enemy's advance toward the open
ground in front, of the right of his defenses. Seeking shelter behind a cluster of cabins, Colonel
Guppey, with the Twenty-third Wisconsin, was ordered to charge and dislodge him, which he
promptly did, forcing him to flee to his intrenchments; after which the same regiments, led by
their tried and gallant brigade commanders, under the personal direction of General Smith,
continued their advance until they had approached within 200 yards of the fort, when General
Smith sent back word that he could almost shake hands with the enemy.
Meanwhile Colonel Sheldon, under General Osterhaus' opportune direction, had ordered up
Cooley's battery within 200 yards of the right of the enemy's defenses, and deployed the One
hundred and eighteenth Illinois on its right, and massed the One hundred and twentieth Ohio on
its left, holding the Sixty-ninth Indiana in reserve. Both infantry and artillery replied to the
galling fire of the enemy until the rifle-pits of the latter in front were nearly cleared. Seizing the
opportunity the One hundred and twentieth Ohio dashed forward to carry the east face of the fort,
and only failed because superadded to the fosse there was an impassable ravine in their way.
Colonel De Courcy's brigades which with General Blair's had borne the brunt of the repulse
near Vicksburg, was left near the transports to protect them and to guard the approach across the
swamp by which General Steele had countermarched, and remained there until about 3 o'clock,
when it was ordered up. Having re-enforce General Sherman, at his request, at 3.15 o'clock, by
sending the Twenty-third Wisconsin, Nineteenth Kentucky, and Ninety-seventh Illinois from
General Smith's division, to take position farther to the right, and the engagement,
notwithstanding the guns of the fort had been silenced by the combined fire of my artillery and
the gunboats, being sharp and general on both sides, I ordered an assault.
Burbridge's brigade, with the two regiments of Landram's which had been sent to its right,
and the One hundred and twentieth Ohio, of Colonel Sheldon's brigade, bearing the brunt, dashed
forward under a deadly fire quite to the enemy's intrenchments; the Sixteenth Indiana, Lieut. Col.
John M. Orr, with the Eighty-third Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel Baldwin, of Burbridge's brigade,
and the One hundred and twentieth Ohio, Col. D. French, of Colonel Sheldon's brigade being the
first to enter the fort. Presenting himself at the entrance of the fort General Burbridge was halted
by the guard, who denied that they had surrendered until he called their attention to the white
flag and ordered them to ground arms. Immediately after, meeting General Churchill,
commandant of the post, and Colonel Dunnington, of the rebel navy, commanding the fort, he
referred the former to me, from whom I received the formal surrender of the post, its armament,
garrison, and all its stores.
Farther to the enemy's left his intrenchments were stormed by General Sherman's command,
who immediately ordered General Steele, whose zeal and daring added to his previous renown,
to push forward one of his brigades along to the bayou and cut off the enemy's escape in that
direction.
Colonel Lindsey, as soon as a gunboat had passed above the fort, hastened with his brigade
down the opposite shore and opened an oblique fire from Foster's two 20 and Lieutenant
Wilson's two 10 pounder Parrotts into the enemy's line of rifle-pits, carrying away his battle-flag
and killing a number of his men. Eager to do still more, he embarked the Third Kentucky on
board of one of the gunboats to cross the river to the fort; but before it got over the enemy had
surrendered.
21
Thus, at 4.30 o'clock, after three and a half hours' hard fighting, our forces entered and took
possession of all the enemy's defenses.
To General Morgan I assigned the command of the fort, who, as a token of the conspicuous
merit of General Smith throughout the action, assigned it to that officer. To General Sherman I
gave in charge all the other defenses and the prisoners outside the fort who, in like manner,
honored General Stuart by giving them into his charge.
Seven stand of colors were captured, including the garrison flag, which was captured by
Captain Ennis, one of General Smith's aides-de-camp. General Burbridge planted the American
flag upon the fort, which had been placed in his hands, as a tribute to his gallantry, by General
Smith for that purpose. Besides these, 5,000 prisoners; 17 pieces of cannon, large and small; 10
gun carriages and 11 limbers; 3,000 stand of small-arms, exclusive of many lost or destroyed;
130 swords; 50 Colt's pistols; 40 cans of powder; 1,650 rounds of shot, shell, and canister for 10
and 20 pounder Parrott guns; 375 shells, grape-stands, and canister; 46,000 rounds of
ammunition for small-arms; 563 animals, together with a considerable quantity of
quartermaster's and commissary stores, fell into our hands. Of these captures, seven pieces of
cannon had been destroyed by the fire of our artillery and the gun-boats, besides 170 wagons and
a large portion of the stores, which were destroyed for want of means to bring them away.
Our loss in killed was 129; in wounded, 831; missing, 17; in all, killed, wounded, and
missing, 977; while that of the enemy, notwithstanding the protection afforded by his defenses,
proportionately to his numbers was much larger.
The prisoners of war I forwarded to the commissioner for the exchange of prisoners at Saint
Louis; and utterly destroying all of the enemy's defenses, together with all buildings used by him
for military purposes, I re-embarked my command and sailed for Milliken's Bend on the 17th
instant in obedience to Major-General Grant's order.
Noticing the conduct of the officers and men who took part in the battle of the Arkansas, I
must refer to the reports of corps, division, brigade, and regimental commanders for particular
mention of those who specially signalized their merit; but in doing so I cannot forbear, in justice,
to add my tribute to the general zeal and capability of the former and valor and constancy of the
latter.
General Sherman exhibited his usual activity and enterprise; General Morgan proved his
tactical skill and strategic talent, while Generals Steele, Smith, Osterhaus, and Stuart, and the
several brigade commanders displayed the fitting qualities of brave and successful officers.
The members of my staff present--Colonel Stewart, chief of cavalry; Lieutenant-Colonel
Schwartz, inspector-general; Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap, assistant quartermaster; Major
McMillan, medical director; Major Ramsay, Captain Freeman, and Lieutenants Jones, Caldwell,
and Jayne, aides-de-camp--all rendered valuable assistance. Lieutenant Caldwell, who ascended
into the top of a lofty tree, in full view of the enemy and within range of his fire, and gave me
momentary information of the operations both of our land and naval forces and of the enemy,
particularly challenges my commendation and thanks.
To Colonel Parsons, assistant quartermaster and master of transports, I also offer my
acknowledgments, not only for the successful discharge of arduous duty in his department, but
for important services as volunteer aide in bearing orders in the face of danger on the field; and
to Major Williams, surgeon of the Second Illinois Light Artillery, I am also indebted for
professional usefulness.
The maps and drawings herewith submitted will illustrate the disposition of the land forces,
the position of the gunboats, the defenses of the enemy, the field of operations, and the
surrounding country.
22
While mourning the loss of the dead and sympathizing with the bereavement of their kindred
and friends and the suffering of the wounded, we should offer our heartfelt gratitude to Almighty
God for the complete success vouchsafed to our arms in so just a cause.
JOHN A. McCLERNAND,
Major-General, Commanding.
Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the Tennessee.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Post Arkansas, Ark., January 13, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to report the operations of this corps during the recent events which
resulted in the capture of the Arkansas Post with its entire garrison and its materiel of war:
The fleet of gunboats under Admiral Porter and transports carrying the two corps composing
this army, having rendezvoused in the Mississippi River at the mouth of White River, on the
morning of the 9th instant entered White River, gunboats leading, followed by General
McClernand in person, my corps, and then General Morgan's. Our route was up White River to
the cut-off, through it to the Arkansas, and up that river to the Arkansas Post; whole distance
estimated at 50 miles.
It was about dark when the advance of the fleet reached the place of debarkation, about 3
miles below the point of attack, and darkness set in, so that it was impracticable to place the
boats at suitable points for landing. During the night it rained hard, but cleared away at 4 a.m.
when I proceeded to arrange the boats of my corps and begin the work of disembarkation. This
was not advanced far enough to put the troops in motion till 11 a.m., when General Steele's
division led off, followed by General Stuart's.
My orders were to make a circuit to the right so as to approach the Post from the north and
west, reaching the Arkansas River if possible at a point above the Post. Acting on the best
information we could obtain, and guided by negroes, the head of General Steele's column entered
the woods back of Notrib's farm, which soon became a deep, ugly swamp, but wading through it
for about 2 miles in an easterly direction the head of the column reached a field and cabin on
hard ground. There, upon questioning closely the occupants of the cabin and some prisoners who
gave themselves up, we ascertained that in crossing the swamp we were on the south side of a
bayou which in a northeasterly direction extended to Bayou La Cruz, a tributary of the White
River, and that to reach the Little Prairie, behind the Arkansas Post, we would have to march a
circuit of 7 miles, although in an air-line the distance did not exceed 2.
Satisfied that this route would not fulfill the conditions of General McClernand's plan of
attack I sent my chief of staff, Major Hammond, back to him to explain the state of facts and the
conclusion to which I had arrived.
Having also learned that the enemy had abandoned his first line of rifle-pits on the river bank
about a mile above our landing, I had previously ordered General Stuart to march his division
directly by that route, following the bank of the river. General McClernand soon overtook us
and, confirming my conclusion, ordered me to countermarch Steele's division and hasten to lead
Stuart's. Sending orders immediately to General Steele, who was some distance in advance, to
make a feint on that road with his cavalry and one regiment of infantry and with the balance of
his division retrace his steps, I rode back and over took Stuart's column, which had reached
within half a mile of the Post. I hastily made an examination of' the grounds and directed Captain
Pitzman, of the Topographical Engineers, to make a reconnaissance to the right, while l gave
orders to dispose of the troops coming from the rear.
Night closed in before these preparations
23
were complete and the troops, already in position, bivouacked without fires through that bitter
cold night.
The moon rose about I a.m., when I rode forward and examined the position of the enemy as
well as possible and gave General Stuart some general instructions about throwing up an
epaulement to a battery of field guns. General Steele’s division was at the time passing to his
position on the right, so that when day broke Steele was on the extreme right and Stuart next to
him; Morgan's corps was on the left, resting on the river. We could hear the enemy all night busy
at work chopping and felling trees, and became convinced he was resolved on a determined
resistance. His position was: His right in a strong earth fort, with four bastion fronts, inclosing a
space of about 100 yards square, and a line of hastily-constructed rifle-pits or parapet extending
across a neck of level ground to a bayou west and north of this fort; the length of this line was
about three-quarters of a mile. In the fort were mounted three heavy iron guns, two in embrasure
and one en barbette, with four small rifled 3-inch guns and four smoothbore 6-pounders
distributed at the salients and flanks. Along the rifle-pits were also six other field pieces--12-
pounder howitzers and 3-inch rifled guns.
Late in the evening of the 10th Admiral Porter's fleet made a furious attack upon the fort,
continuing the cannonading till after it was dark: but although I had pushed one brigade of
Stuart's division, commanded by Col. Giles A. Smith, close up to the enemy's line, our forces
were not then in position to make an assault.
Early the next morning, however, I moved all my corps into an easy position for assault,
looking south across ground encumbered by fallen trees and covered with low bushes. The
enemy could be seen moving back and forth along his lines, occasionally noticing our presence
by some ill-directed shots, which did us little harm and accustomed our men to the Sound of
rifled cannon.
By l0 a.m. I reported to General McClernand in person that I was all ready for the assault,
and only waited the simultaneous movement of the gunboats. They were to silence the fort and
save us from the enfilading fire of its artillery along the only possible line of attack. About 12.30
I received notice from General McClernand that the gunboats were in motion.
The four 20 pounder rifled guns, under command of Lieutenants Hart and Putnam, were then
in position to my left in the thick woods and brush and their men had been cutting the trees away
to open a field of fire, but as Burbridge's brigade of Morgan's corps occupied ground to their
front, these guns could not be used during the engagement. Wood's battery, Company A,
Chicago Light Artillery, was posted on the road which led directly into the post; Barrett's battery,
Company B, First Illinois Artillery, was in the open space in the interval between Stuart's and
Steele's divisions, and General Steele had two of his batteries disposed in his front.
My orders were that as soon as the gunboats opened their fire all our batteries in position
should commence firing, and continue until I ordered "Cease firing," when after three minutes'
cessation the infantry columns of Steele and Stuart were to assault the enemy's line of rifle-pits
and defenses.
The gunboats opened about 1 p.m., and our field batteries at once commenced firing,
directing their shots at the enemy's guns, his line of defenses, and more especially enfilading the
road which led directly into the fort, and which road separated General Morgan's line of attack
from mine. I could not see the gunboats, and had to judge of their progress by the sound of their
fire. This was at first slow and steady, but rapidly approached the fort and enveloped it with a
complete hailstorm of shot and shell. Our field batteries continued their fire rapidly for about
fifteen minutes; the enemy not replying, I ordered the firing to cease and the infantry columns to
advance to the assault. The line of skirmishers had been withdrawn and the infantry sprang
forward with a cheer. About 100 yards of clear space was
to our immediate front, and then a belt
24
of ground about 300 yards wide separated us from the enemy's parapet. This belt of ground was
slightly cut up by gullies and depressions and covered with standing trees and brush, with a good
deal of fallen timber and tree tops. Into this the attacking columns dashed rapidly, and there
encountered the fire of the enemy's artillery and infantry, well directed from their perfect cover,
which checked the speed of our advance, which afterward became more cautious and prudent.
By 3 p.m. our lines were within 100 yard of the enemy's trenches, outflanking him on our
right and completely enveloping his position. The gunboats could be seen close up to the fort,
and I saw the admiral's flag directly under it. All artillery fire from the fort had ceased, and only
occasionally could be seen a few of the enemy's infantry firing from its parapets; but the
strongest resistance continued in our immediate front, where the enemy's infantry was massed,
comparatively safe from the gunboats, whose fire was properly directed well to the front lest it
should reach our men, whose colors they could plainly distinguish. A brisk fire of musketry was
kept up along our whole front, with an occasional discharge of artillery through the intervals of
the infantry lines, until about 4 p.m., when reports reached me at the same instant that the white
flag had been shown all along the enemy's lines. I myself saw a large, conspicuous white flag
displayed at the point where the main road intersected the parapet, and sent, forward my aide,
Captain Dayton, to communicate with the commander.
Sending orders as fast as possible along the line to the right to cease firing, I followed
Captain Dayton and found the place surrendered. Colonel and Acting Brigadier Garland
commanded at the point where 1 entered the lines. I immediately sent orders to General Steele to
push one of his brigades along the bayou to his extreme right, to prevent escape in that direction,
and dispatched every mounted man near me, under charge of my aide, Captain Taylor, in the
same direction, to secure all squads of men who had attempted, or might attempt, to escape. I
soon however became convinced that the surrender was perfect and in good faith, and that we
had gained the enemy's position, with his fort, guns, men, and all the materiel of war.
The enemy resisted well and manfully to our trout, but his resistance was idle after the
reduction of the fort, in the face of our greatly superior numbers. Of course immediately on the
display of the white flag our lines and columns poured into the works with cheers and halloing. I
halted Steele's division at the lines and gave orders to General Stuart to secure the prisoners in
our front. These embraced the brigades of Garland and Deshler, with a battery of artillery, some
cavalry, and detachments. Their arms were stacked and the prisoners marched to the landing
back of the Post. Night overtook us in that position.
The 12th instant was mostly consumed in collecting captured property, of which Capt. J.
Condit Smith was ordered to take charge, and in enrolling and embarking the prisoners.. This
was done under direction of Major Sanger, my inspector-general, who has been named by
General McClernand to conduct them to Cairo. Major Sanger reports to me that he has put on
board the steamboats designated for the purpose 4,791 prisoners of war, which number embraces
all who were in the cantonments, fort, and along the lines of the rifle-pits. Among the captured
property I was rejoiced to find the ammunition shipped for me from Memphis for Vicksburg,
which had been captured by the enemy on the Blue Wing.
With reference to the conduct of my troops I am fully satisfied. There was far less straggling
than I have noticed in former battles and engagements.
Col. Giles A. Smith, who commanded a brigade of Stuart's division, manifested all the
qualities of a good soldier, and without hesitation 1 recommend him for promotion as a
brigadier-general, the command of which he already exercises. Col. T. Kilby Smith commanded
the other brigade of the division, and did it bravely and well, and deserves special notice.
I must leave to General Stuart to notice the conduct of others in his division, and for General
Steele to make mention of the conduct of his troops, with
which he is better acquainted than I
25
am, they having recently been assigned to my command. Generals Steele and Stuart commanded
the two divisions of my corps. They led them in person, gave direction to their troops, provided
for all their wants, and left me the comparatively easy task of watching their movements, which
were all skillful and correct.
I now inclose the reports of General Steele's brigadiers (Blair, Thayer, and Hovey). The
former (Blair) having borne the brunt of our unsuccessful assault at Vicksburg was properly held
in reserve on this occasion and suffered but little loss.
Only a small part of Thayer's brigade could come forward to the first line on account of the
narrow front allowed by the character of the ground, but these suffered a heavy loss, as will be
seen by the general's report. He in person was much exposed, lost his horse in battle, and did his
appropriate part.
General Hovey had, on the day of battle, the lead of Steele's division, charged with attacking
and turning the enemy's left. Here was doubtless the most stubborn fighting. It was held by
Deshler's brigade and a section of well-handled 10-pounder Parrott rifles. General Hovey's
description leaves me nothing to add, except that the difficulties were increased by the blind
character of the ground, every foot of which he had to study as he advanced under a galling fire.
The dark cypress swamp on his right completely covered the movements of the enemy in that
direction, while the low bushes to his front concealed from him every obstacle, till developed by
a close discharge of the enemy's musketry from his well-concealed rifle-pits.
General Hovey was wounded in his arm by a shell, but continued and still continues to
command his brigade; and the loss in his brigade was the heaviest in my corps, as will be seen by
his list of killed and wounded herewith.
I most cordially indorse his favorable mention of the Seventy-sixth Ohio, Colonel Woods;
the Third Missouri, Colonel Shepard; the Seventeenth Missouri, Colonel Hassendeubel, and
Colonel Stone of the Twenty-fifth Iowa. I myself witnessed, and on the spot bore willing and
open testimony to, the compact ranks and handsome soldierly bearing of the two first-named
regiments, of Colonels Woods and Shepard, and have no hesitation in saying that officers who
thus, by their personal labor and close attention, have made good regiments should be advanced
to higher command.
At the same time I must call attention to General Hovey's report as to the behavior of the
major of the Twenty-fifth Iowa, whose name is not given. I trust he will forthwith be ordered to
quit this army, and not be allowed another hour to taint it with his presence. Our young and
inexperienced soldiers have a right and must have brave and confident leaders.
It will be observed our loss is small compared with the great results of the victory. Indeed, I
must attribute our success to the display of an adequate force on the true lines of attack, rather
than to the actual fighting. When we entered the lines of the enemy, although all their artillery
horses lay dead in their traces by the side of their shattered carriages, I saw but few of the
enemy's dead, not over 40; but subsequently burial parties detailed to inter the dead reported as
many as 100. Their wounded, however, were more numerous, and still remain in their hospitals.
Still, their aggregate loss in killed and wounded cannot exceed ours.
I also append to this a well-prepared sketch of Arkansas Post, made by Captain Jenney, of
my staff; the memoranda of the effects of the bombardment are very interesting. Also a
topographical sketch of the country over which we passed from the Notrib farm to and
embracing the nameless bayou west of the Post. This sketch, made by Captain Pitzmann is very
accurate for the time allowed in making the survey, and illustrates the correctness of our
movements over ground then absolutely unknown to us.
As usual my staff performed their various duties cheerfully and well and all escaped without
loss, save Captain McCoy, who had shot under him a
favorite horse.
26
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.
Lieut. Col. A. SCHWARTZ,
Assistant Adjutant-General to General McClernand.
P.S.--
JANUARY 15, 1863---8 a.m.
Reports of General Stuart and of Cols. Giles A. Smith and T. Kilby Smith, commanding his
two brigades, are this moment received and inclosed herewith, completing my report.
W. T. S.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIRST DIV., 15TH ARMY CORPS,
On board steamer Continental, January 13, 1863.
CAPTAIN: Pursuant to orders from General Steele the Second Brigade debarked on the
morning of the 10th instant at Notrib's plantation, about 1 mile below Arkansas Post, and
marched in a northwesterly course, with the view of passing to the rear of the fort and gaining
the river above.
The brigade consists of the Seventeenth, Twelfth, and Third Regiments of Missouri Infantry;
the Twenty-fifth and Thirty-first Regiments of Iowa Infantry: the Seventy-sixth Regiment of
Ohio Infantry, and the First Missouri Horse Artillery.
Having proceeded half a mile, to near the woods, the enemy's pickets were discovered in
force, and Captain Landgraeber was ordered forward and dispersed them with a few shell from
his howitzers. Bearing to the right and following an old wood road the brigade soon reached an
apparently impassable bayou, but a crossing was at last effected and the route pursued for several
miles. Small squads of the enemy's cavalry hovered in our advance, and several were captured.
About 2 o'clock the column was ordered to return to the landing, where it arrived just before
dark and bivouacked for the night. Hardly had the camp-fires been lighted when orders were
received to move immediately by another route and by a night march to our original destination.
Over marshy ground thickly covered with wood, without a guide, and with the only direction "to
take a northwesterly course," we set out. Fortunately the North Star was in full view, and by its
aid we were enabled to reach the point indicated after a fatiguing march of more than eight
hours. It was after 2 o'clock in the morning when we reached the deserted camp of the enemy.
At daybreak General Steele and staff came up and ordered the brigade to form parallel with
the bayou, on which its right then rested, move toward the river, and complete the investment of
the enemy's works. Having moved scarcely more than half a mile we met the enemy in force,
their works being in full view. The brigade halted, and skirmishers from the Seventeenth
Missouri were sent forward to feel for the enemy. They soon became hotly engaged, and the
Third Missouri was ordered forward to their support.
Here a brave man, Captain Greene, of the Third Missouri, together with two color-bearers,
were instantly killed by the bursting of a shell, and a large number wounded. The enemy having
now been unmasked and their position, partially at least, ascertained, a halt was ordered, and
nothing further was done until the final dispositions for reducing the post were made.
I had forgotten to state that the Twelfth Missouri was left behind at the landing as a guard for
the transports, and that Captain Landgraeber's battery, finding it impossible to follow the brigade
in its night march through the swamps and woods, was also left behind.
This brigade occupied the extreme right, and was disposed for the assault as follows: The
Seventeenth Missouri, under Colonel Hassendeubel, were deployed as skirmishers in the
advance, and were also instructed to watch the right bank
of the bayou, to guard against, or at
27
least to give notice of, a flank attack. Colonel Shepard, of the Third Missouri, followed him,
supported by the Thirty-first Iowa, under Colonel Smyth. Next, to the left, and in continuation of
the line of battle was the Seventy-sixth Ohio, under Colonel Woods, supported by the Twentyfifth
Iowa, under Colonel Stone.
At a given signal Colonel Hassendeubel advanced with his skirmishers through the woods
along the bayou and became hotly engaged. He was attacked on the flank much more violently
than was anticipated, and was compelled to divert his whole regiment from its original course to
repel this assault, leaving Colonel Shepard in the advance on the original line. The Seventy-sixth
Ohio, under Colonel Woods, moved off on the double-quick in gallant style, closely followed by
the Twenty-fifth Iowa. This column, moving over open ground and in advance of all others, drew
the concentrated fire of the enemy's artillery and rifle-pits; but on they moved, nor stopped until
within easy rifle-range of the enemy's works. Colonel Woods' sharpshooters immediately
silenced two of the enemy's Parrott guns, and not another shot was fired from them during the
action. I wish to call especial attention to the good conduct of this regiment. Though leading the
advance, exposed to a concentrated and galling fire, and holding, as I believe, during the entire
action, a position considerably in advance of any other regiment, not a man fell out of the ranks;
there was no confusion--very man did his duty. By silencing the Parrott guns in front, the
advance of the brigade next on the left, Colonel Smyth's, was rendered comparatively safe.
The complications on my extreme right, where the rebels had stationed their cavalry to fire
from across the bayou on our rear, and two regiments of infantry to fire on our flank, early
attracted my attention. Here I ordered a charge on the enemy's works by the Third Missouri,
under Colonel Shepard, supported by the Thirty-first Iowa, commanded by Colonel Smyth. They
moved forward vigorously, and for a time I confidently expected they would enter the works, but
the galling cross-fire of infantry and artillery bearing (directly in their front and flanks, and
coming from a quarter unexpected and therefore not guarded by Colonel Hassendeubel's
sharpshooters, checked the charge and at length compelled Colonels Shepard and Smyth to
resume their original line of battle. Colonel Hassendeubel with his regiment of sharpshooters
continued to do excellent service until his ammunition was exhausted. They were then ordered to
the rear to resupply themselves. Finding the enemy had massed a strong force to protect this the
weakest part of their works, I brought forward two 12-pounder howitzers, with a view of shelling
back the enemy beyond rifle-range. Two shots only had been fired when the fort surrendered.
I have already spoken of the gallant conduct of the Seventy-sixth Ohio and its colonel, of the
Third Missouri and its colonel, who captured two stand of rebel colors, and of the good service
done by the Seventeenth Missouri, under Colonel Hassendeubel, and I will now add that Colonel
Stone, of the Twenty-fifth Iowa, and the majority of his regiment acted like veterans; but the
cowardly conduct of his major in leaving the field in the face of the enemy, thereby giving
countenance to straggling and skulking, cannot be too severely censured. The Thirty-first Iowa
lost much of its effectiveness through lack of discipline. This and the Twenty-fifth Iowa are new
regiments.
I should not do full justice did I close this report without making honorable mention of my
staff officers, Capt. F. M. Crandal Lieuts. J. E. Bryant and F. H. Wilson, and Sergt. Sidney O.
Morgan.
Inclosed are lists of casualties in the several regiments.
I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. E. HOVEY,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Second Brigade,
First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps.
Capt. J. W. PADDOCK,
28
A. A. G., First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps.
HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIFTH IOWA INFANTRY,
Camp at Arkansas Post, Ark., January 12, 1863.
GENERAL: In obedience to your orders, yesterday I formed my regiment in rear of the
Seventy-sixth Ohio, Colonel Woods, and followed that regiment in the charge on the enemy's
fortifications, and was the second regiment in their works.
As reported to you this morning, my casualties were 9 killed, 45 wounded, and 7 missing.
The fire was very terrific and galling, especially in our position, exposed as we were to an
enfilade fire from the enemy's 6-pounders, charged with grape and canister.
As soon as the rebels had surrendered I had the roll called, and found some 65 men not
accounted for. These I am much afraid shirked and went to the rear, but eventually returned to
the field, but did not rejoin the regiment till after the engagement. With this exception the men
acted gallantly, maintaining the position in rear of the Seventy-sixth Ohio during the entire fight
and bivouacking in the enemy's fortifications.
Very respectfully, general,
GEO. A. STONE,
Colonel, Commanding.
Brig. Gen. CHARLES E. HOVEY.
JANUARY 12, 1863.
CAPTAIN: My command disembarked from transports on the morning of the 10th. At dark,
according to orders from General Steele, I moved around through an almost impassable swamp
to a position o,! the right and above the fort, which we reached at 5 o'clock on the morning of the
11th. It was found impossible to get the wagons and artillery through in the night and I was
compelled to leave them.
About noon my infantry moved forward into line of battle, the right, resting on General
Hovey's left. About this time my battery, the First Iowa, which had got through the swamp with
great difficulty, came up and was placed in position on the right of my brigade. The action soon
became general, the lines advancing. Owing to the thick underbrush and the want of space for a
front of the brigade, I at first advanced in column of regiments, deploying them into line as fast
as we could get a front. The Twenty-sixth Iowa, Colonel Smith, being on the left, gained an
advanced position and did good execution. This regiment had 2 commissioned officers and 16
men killed, and 99 wounded, including Colonel Smith, who had to leave the field. The Thirtieth
Iowa, Lieutenant-Colonel Terrence (Colonel Abbott being sick), also occupied an advanced
position and was warmly engaged, supported by the Thirty-fourth Iowa, Colonel Clark. The
Fourth and Ninth Iowa, together with the Thirteenth Illinois and another regiment of General
Blair's brigade, were held as a reserve, though exposed to the enemy's fire.
The infantry and the battery fought well. Having my horse killed early in the engagement I
requested General Vandever, who arrived two days previous and took temporary command of his
old regiment, the Ninth Iowa, to assist me, and I am pleased to make my acknowledgments to
him for very valuable services. His conduct was gallant and soldierly throughout the action, and
he was constantly exposed to danger. I have also to acknowledge the efficient aid rendered me
by the members of my staff, Capt. Allen Blacker, assistant adjutant general; Capt. Lyman
Richardson, Lieuts. William S. Whitten and Albert T. Higbee.
Lists of killed and wounded have been forwarded.
I am, very respectfully, yours,
JOHN M. THAYER,
29
Brigadier-General, Commanding Third Brigade,
First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps.
Capt. J. W. PADDOCK,
Assistant Adjutant-General, First Division.
HEADQUARTERS THIRTIETH IOWA INFANTRY,
Post Arkansas, Ark., January 13, 1863.
COLONEL: Agreeably to order I have the honor to report to you the part the regiment, while
acting under my command, took in the late battle of January 11, 1863:
After disengaging my troops of everything in the way of luggage which might be disposed
of, by order of General Thayer I gave direction to follow close up by the right flank the first
battalion, Third Brigade, Fifteenth Army Corps; to form line of battle on its left, at a designated
point if practicable, and, if not, to form line of battle in its rear, and advance as it advanced and
halt as it halted, and in every move to act in conjunction with it. But after striking the doublequick
I very soon found it impossible to form either on its left or rear, and 1 halted my command
and allowed the first battalion to file by. This being done, I instantly formed line of battle and
moved forward through the timber, over logs and brush, as best I could, until within 150 or 175
yards of the enemy's breastworks, forming his extreme left, when I came to an open space of
ground. Here I halted, giving instructions to fire, lie down and load, and fire lying down, which
they did for the space of about three hours, during which time they did but little more than
silence and keep silent some small artillery pieces planted by the enemy at that part of the
breastworks, together with the musketry in the hands of the enemy in the rifle-pits. During said
time no change of position was made save one, when by a flank movement I shifted farther to the
right. This secured me a more strong hold of the enemy's left. Here we remained until the order
was given all along the lines to cease firing, as the enemy had hoisted a white flag. After firing
ceased on the right the enemy rose up in great numbers from their rifle pits full view. I was about
moving my command forward, when, to my great astonishment and mortification, two of my
best line officers were wounded by the enemy, viz, Capt. Uley Burk, Company I, in hand, and
Lieutenant Alexander, of same company, in left arm (neither of which is considered dangerous),
and was thus engaged when General Thayer in person directed my color-guard to advance and
plant our colors upon the enemy's works, which was promptly done. At the same time General
Thayer gave orders for the regiment to come inside the breastworks and prevent straggling
parties retreating by their left, rear. Soon after, the entire regiment was detailed to conduct the
prisoners up to and inside of the fortifications, where General Sherman had them taken up to his
headquarters. This latter duty proved more arduous than it should have been but for the tardiness
of the regiments detailed by order of the general commanding to be placed under Colonel Grier,
of the Seventy-seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteers, who had orders to take charge of the
prisoners for the night. It was after midnight before the regiment was relieved. There is nothing
further which I deem my duty to mention save that both officers and men generally acted well
for new troops. I might mention with great propriety to you a few striking instances of cool and
commendable courage displayed by some of my men, they having fallen under my immediate
notice during the action; but I forbear mentioning and save one, and that is the case of James M.
Smith, private of Company C, a single young man, not yet arrived at his majority, who has been
doing the duties of adjutant for some time past, owing to the indisposition of the adjutant. I have
been familiarly conversant with him for the last two months, and find him to be a young man of
irreproachable moral character and one altogether deserving of public confidence. His conduct
on the battle-field in the late engagement was such as to
secure implicit confidence in his
30
courage and ability, and to justify the belief that he is entirely capable of filling a more important
position than he now does.
Hoping this will meet with your approval, I remain, colonel, your obedient servant,
W. M. G. TERRENCE,
Lieutenant-Colonel Thirtieth Iowa Volunteers.
Col. CHARLES H. ABBOT
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., December 10, 1863.
COLONEL: I have the honor to submit a general summary of military operations in this
department since the 24th of May, 1863, when I assumed this command.
At that time active operations against the organized force of the enemy in Arkansas had been
suspended until the opening of the Mississippi should give us a new base and a new line of
operations, by which it would be practicable to operate in the interior of Arkansas. There was no
immediate employment for the troops of this department except the ordinary police duties in
Missouri, Kansas, and among the Indian tribes in the Western Territories.
The effective troops in the department at that time consisted of 14,248 infantry, 15,509
cavalry, and thirteen batteries of artillery, distributed as follows, viz: The Army of the Frontier
distributed along the southern border of Missouri and Kansas, and in the Indian Territory as far
south as Fort Gibson, 5,011 infantry, 3,826 cavalry, and four batteries of artillery. Troops doing
police duty in Missouri, 5,657 infantry, 9,200 cavalry, and six batteries. In Kansas, 3,506
infantry, 1,343 cavalry, and two batteries. In Nebraska, 392 cavalry. In Colorado, 74 infantry,
748 cavalry, and one battery.
In addition to the above, the Governor of Missouri had commenced the organization of nine
regiments of militia, styled "provisional regiments," intended for continuous active service. A
portion of this militia had been in active service for a considerable length of time, but not under
the orders of the department commander, and not acting in concert with the United States troops.
At my suggestion, the Governor placed these nine regiments under my command; whereupon the
War Department gave me authority to supply them with everything necessary to their efficiency,
and they became a real addition to the effective force in the department, making my entire force
36,816 men effective.
With a view to the commencement of active operations as soon as practicable, I reorganized
the Army of the Frontier, uniting all the cavalry and adding to it, forming a division of cavalry
6,000 strong, with a proper proportion of artillery, under Brig. Gen. J. W. Davidson, and forming
the infantry into a single division, with three batteries, under Maj. Gen. F. J. Herron, intending to
send the infantry and artillery by water to a new base on the river, and let the cavalry march
overland, as soon as General Grant's operations should enable me to commence an aggressive
movement.
This reorganization had but commenced, when, on the 2d day of June, I received a dispatch
from the General-in-Chief, directing me to send all the force I could spare to the aid of General
Grant at Vicksburg. Accordingly I immediately dispatched eight regiments of infantry and three
batteries, under Major-General Herron, and subsequently sent in the same direction three more
regiments of infantry, in all 8,000 men Also to enable Brig. Gen.[A.] Asboth, commanding at
Columbus, to meet an expected attack, I sent him from New Madrid, on the 30th of July, 1,300
men, and to Major-General Rosecrans, commanding Department of the Cumberland, a regimentof
cavalry and two regiments of infantry, 2,400 men, making a total of forces transferred from
my department of 11,700 men and three batteries.
31
This great reduction of the force before considered necessary for defensive purposes, left me
very weak in Missouri and Kansas, and, occurring at the season favorable for guerrilla
operations, exposed these States to the depredations of guerrillas, from which they continued to
suffer more or less until the success of my main force in Arkansas, and that of the detachments
operating in Missouri and Kansas, rendered it impossible for them to longer exist in these States.
The capture of Vicksburg and Port Hudson by the forces under Generals Grant and Banks on
the 4th and 8th of July, respectively, opened the way for active operations in Arkansas, and
enabled General Grant to return to me the troops I had sent him. I inclose herewith copies of
correspondence with General Grant on that subject, which, together with orders from the General
in-Chief, resulted in his sending (including the force already at Helena) a force of about 8,000
infantry and five batteries, to form, with troops to be sent from Missouri, an expedition against
the enemy in Arkansas. At my request, Maj. Gen. Frederick Steele was sent to command this
force. At the same time I sent the cavalry division, under Brigadier-General Davidson, with
orders to move south, through the eastern part of Arkansas, and effect a junction with the force at
Helena. Copy of instructions to General Davidson is inclosed herewith, marked A; also copy of
instructions for General Steele, marked B.
General Davidson reached Wittsburg, on the Saint Francis River, on the 28th day of July,
without encountering any considerable force of the enemy, and opened communication with
General [L. F.] Ross, then commanding at Helena, General Steele not having arrived at that time.
On the 10th day of August, General Steele had completed the organization of his forces, and
commenced his advance, via Clarendon, on White River; thence up that river to Devall's Bluff,
where he established his base of operations. Considerable time was consumed here in fortifying,
establishing depot for supplies, hospital for the sick, who had become frightfully numerous, and
in making other necessary preparations for a further advance. These preparations were completed
on the 1st day of September.
The enemy, under Sterling Price, occupied an intrenched position 3 miles east of Little Rock,
covered by cavalry outposts at Bayou Mete and Ashley's Mills. His force was estimated at about
16,000 men, with thirty-eight pieces of artillery. General Steele's effective force was about
13,000 men, with fifty-three pieces of artillery.
Steele advanced, with the main body of his infantry, against the enemy's position, while the
cavalry, under Davidson, crossed the Arkansas River 7 miles below Little Rock, encountering
the rebel cavalry, under Marmaduke, defeated him after a sharp engagement, and marched upon
the town. Price, finding his position turned, hastily abandoned his intrenchments, retreated across
the river, destroying his bridges, and escaped from the town before the arrival of our cavalry.
Davidson's division entered Little Rock at dark in the evening of the 10th of September.
The enemy retired toward Arkadelphia, pursued the next day about 20 miles by a
considerable force of cavalry and artillery, under command of Col. Lewis Merrill, U.S.
Volunteers, but with no very important results.
For the details of these operations, resulting in the capture of Little Rock, and subsequent
pursuit of the enemy, I respectfully refer to reports heretofore forwarded.
Since the capture of Little Rock, the time has been chiefly employed in perfecting
communications, including repair of the railroad to Devall's Bluff, the fortification of Little
Rock, and the occupation of points necessary to the security of the Arkansas River as a line of
defense, and in preparation for an advance to Red River as soon as General Banks' operations
should justify. The cavalry of General Steele's command has been actively employed during the
time against the enemy's cavalry, and with considerable success in the capture of prisoners, arms,
and other property.
32
On the 25th day of October. Marmaduke, with about 2,500 cavalry and twelve pieces of
artillery, attacked a force of about 800 cavalry of the Fifth Kansas and the First Indiana Cavalry,
and nine pieces of artillery, under Colonel [P.] Clayton, of the Fifth Kansas Cavalry, at Pine
Bluff. The fight was sharp, lasted five hours, and resulted in a decisive victory to our troops.
Some cavalry, sent from Little Rock and Camden, under Lieutenant-Colonel [H. O.]
Caldwell, Third Iowa Cavalry, pursued the rebel cavalry to Arkadelphia, captured that place,
with a number of prisoners and some property. Colonel Clayton's and Lieutenant-Colonel
Caldwell's reports were forwarded on the 19th instant.
On the 9th of June, I made a division of the former District of Kansas, the one embracing the
northern portion of Kansas and the border counties of Missouri, the other the southern portion of
Kansas, the Indian Territory, and Western Arkansas. Major-General [J. G.] Blunt was placed in
command of the latter district, and Brigadier-General [Thomas] Ewing, [jr.,] of the former, with
his headquarters at Kansas City, as near as possible to the center of the disturbed portion of his
district.
The troops placed under General Ewing's command were selected with reference to their
fitness for that special service, as far as practicable at that time. On the 11th day of June, General
Blunt assumed command at Fort Gibson, Ind. T., at that time occupied by a small force, mostly
Indians, under command of Col. William A. Phillips. All troops had been withdrawn from
Western Arkansas some time before. On the 20th of July, General Blunt reported that he was
threatened by a force about 15,000 strong, under Cabell and [D. H.] Cooper, and asked for reenforcements.
His force at that time amounted to about 3,000 men, of whom about one-half were
Indians. I sent him about 1,500 men from Southwest Missouri, under Colonel [W. F.] Cloud, of
the Second Kansas Cavalry, which force reached Fort Gibson on the 22d of August. General
Blunt crossed the Arkansas River to attack the enemy, but they retreated without a general
engagement. On the 1st of September, Colonel Cloud's brigade came up with the enemy's rear,
about 16 miles southeast of Fort Smith, and, after a short skirmish, routed them, with a loss of 8
killed and wounded on our side and 20 to 30 on that of the enemy, and capturing 40 prisoners.
General Blunt, with the First Arkansas Infantry, occupied Fort Smith on the same day
without opposition--ten days before the capture of Little Rock. Since that time we have held,
without difficulty, the line of the Arkansas River, and our cavalry have operated as far south as
Arkadelphia.
The border of Kansas and Missouri has been the scene of the most revolting hostilities during
the past two years. The summer just ended has been no exception to this rule. A band of outlaws,
numbering sometimes as high as 500 men, have infested the thickly wooded fastnesses in the
western counties of Missouri, from which to prey upon the unarmed people. These brigands were
aided in every way, whether willingly or unwillingly, by the large majority of the inhabitants of
those counties, making it impossible, with any reasonable force, to drive them out or capture
them.
On the 19th of August, the brigands secretly assembled to the number of about 300, near the
border of Kansas, marched rapidly upon the town of Lawrence, and attacked it at dawn of day,
when the people were least prepared for defense. No resistance whatever was offered. The town
was robbed and burned, and the unarmed people murdered in the most fiendish manner. Probably
no act of the war has been so barbarous in its whole details as this. I refer you to the report of
Brigadier-General Ewing, forwarded to Washington on the 4th of September, for full details of
the operations of his troops in pursuit of the murderers. The excitement among the people of
Kansas, resulting from the massacre at Lawrence, was necessarily intense. For a time it
threatened a serious difficulty, from the desire of a large portion of the people to enter Missouri
to avenge the crime that had been perpetrated upon one of
their fairest towns. Wiser counsels,
33
however, prevailed, and the excitement passed off without further trouble. To guard against the
probability of the recurrence of such a calamity, I recommended to His Excellency the Governor
of Kansas to adopt the system which had been established in Missouri a year before, of
organizing and arming all the militia of the State, thus placing every town, at least, in condition
to defend itself from any guerrilla attack This suggestion was as promptly adopted, and the State
soon made secure.
For some time previous to the Lawrence massacre, the necessity of adopting some measures
more vigorous than any before adopted to rid the border counties of the brigands who had so
long infested them had been discussed, and I had directed General Ewing to remove the families
of all guerrillas and all those who were known to aid them, and also the slaves of all disloyal
persons living in those counties, it having been shown satisfactorily that a main object of the
guerrilla bands was to protect their disloyal friends in the possession of their slaves, and that they
were encouraged and supported for this purpose. After the massacre at Lawrence, General Ewing
deemed this measure not adequate, and ordered a total depopulation of the district which was
then the chief haunt of the guerrillas. After a protracted visit to the border, and as full an
examination of the case as I could make, I modified General Ewing's order so far as to preserve,
as far as possible, all property in the depopulated district, and approved the order. The measure,
though very severe, seemed necessary at the time, and I believe the result has proved the wisdom
of it. The guerrillas soon found it impossible to live where before they had roamed almost at will.
Large numbers of them were killed, and the remainder driven beyond the Arkansas River. Since
the rebels have all been driven out, I have directed that all the loyal people of those counties be
permitted to return to their homes, and that they be armed and organized into companies. I
believe there will be no difficulty hereafter in preserving peace in that district. In the retreat of
the enemy from Little Rock and Fort Smith, several small bands of guerrillas were left in the
northern part of Arkansas, and two or three still remained in Missouri.
About the last of September, a detachment of rebel cavalry, from 600 to 800 strong, under
command of Shelby, left Prices army, near Arkadelphia, in Arkansas, moved north, and crossed
the Arkansas River a short distance below Fort Smith. After Crossing, Shelby moved rapidly
toward Huntsville, which place he reached September 30, and moved thence via Bentonville,
Ark., cutting the telegraph line as he passed; thence through Pineville to Neosho, Mo., where he
attacked and captured two companies of Missouri militia.
Shelby was joined in Arkansas by Brooks and other guerrilla leaders, and in Missouri by
Quantrill, Jackman, and others, with all the guerrillas in Western Missouri. These increased his
force to about 2,000 men. Passing rapidly through Greenfield and Warsaw, he succeeded in
destroying the La Mine Bridge, on the Pacific Railroad, and reached the town of Boonville, on
the Missouri River. Up to this time he succeeded in entirely eluding the troops sent to intercept
him, and passed north of them. At Boonville he was overtaken by Brig. Gen. E. B. Brown, with
about 1,500 men, and pursued to Marshall, skirmishing continually. At Marshall, Shelby made a
stand, and a sharp fight ensued, lasting five hours, and resulting in a total defeat of the rebels.
They scattered in all directions and fled toward Arkansas, hotly pursued by General Brown's
troops. Subsequently, the chase was taken up by Colonel Weer, then by General Ewing, and
finally by General McNeil who continued the pursuit until the remnant of Shelby's force had
crossed the Arkansas River. The pursuit was attended with numerous skirmishes, always
favorable to our troops, and resulted in a loss to the enemy of more than half his force, two
pieces of artillery (all he had), all his ammunition, baggage, and plunder.
Quantrill, Jackman, and other guerrilla leaders, who have been the curse of Missouri and
Kansas during the past two years, were driven out with Shelby, or about the same time, leaving
behind them a state of peace and security to which the
people have long been strangers.
34
I respectfully refer to accompanying reports for details of these operations. They exhibit a
degree of energy and endurance on the part of our troops worthy of all commendation.
Military operations in the Territories of Nebraska and Colorado have not been of special
importance. The Indians in those Territories, although occasionally manifesting a hostile
disposition, have thus far remained quiet, and the troops on the frontier have proven amply
sufficient to protect the people and important public interests. Several of the tribes have recently
manifested an unusual hostile feeling, and have given evidence of a combination for war upon
the white settlers. Timely measures have been instituted to prevent actual hostilities, if possible,
and to meet them with an adequate force, if necessary.
Of the numerous skirmishes and engagements within the last five months, twenty-eight have
been reported, showing a loss on our side of 159 killed, 311 wounded, and 200 prisoners; and on
that of the enemy 643 killed, 697 wounded, and 856 prisoners. To the enemy's loss must also be
added the large number of desertions, consequent upon his defeat.
Measures have been taken to secure prompt and accurate reports hereafter of all engagements
and skirmishes, and in future reports details will be given more explicitly. The total effective
force now in the department is about 36,800 men, including troops returned to me by General
Grant, re-enforcements received from Major-General Pope's department, and new organizations
of white and colored troops recruited since the 31st of May. It does not exceed that of the 24th of
May, when the honor of the command was conferred upon me. Yet it has repossessed, and now
securely holds, over 60,000 square miles more of territory.
I have not deemed it necessary in this report to refer to matters not of a purely military
character. The perplexing subjects, of a semi-political character, which are inseparably connected
with this command, have been the subject of correspondence from time to time with the Generalin-
Chief and the War Department, and the Government is fully informed of all that has
transpired.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-General.
Col. E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.
HEADQUARTERS POST OF COLUMBUS,
Columbus, Ky., September 1, 1863.
COLONEL: A Military Commission, of which Brig. Gen. W. K. Strong was president, was
convened in Saint Louis in February last, by order of Major-General Halleck, to investigate as to
the evacuation of New Madrid and destruction of property there and at Island No. 10.
Grave charges were preferred against me, as commanding officer, for the evacuation of New
Madrid, under alleged "pretended orders," and I was in arrest for two months. On the finding of
that Commission, I was ordered to duty by General Curtis, but the finding was not made public,
nor has been to this time, to my knowledge.
Feeling that my arrest was an outrage, and that the Commission fully justified my action, I
deem myself entitled to a copy of the finding. I have applied for it heretofore in vain.
I respectfully ask that the major-general commanding the department will secure me a copy
of the finding of said Commission.
Your most obedient servant,
JOHN SCOTT,
Colonel Thirty-second Iowa Infantry, Commanding Post.
Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS,
35
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SPRINGFIELD, MO., January 8, 1863--11.50 p.m.
GENERAL: The firing at this post has just ceased. The attack was made at 10.10 this
morning. The fight lasted thirteen hours, under the command of General Marmaduke, C. S.
Army, with 5,000 picked mounted infantry and two pieces rifled field artillery, drawn by ten
horses each.
The expedition was fitted in this manner on the Arkansas River for the special service of the
capture of Springfield, with its forts and large depots of stores. They moved with great rapidity,
marching the last 50 miles in twenty-four hours, skirmishing with my scouting parties almost the
entire distance. He moved right up, and immediately commenced the fight by cannonading the
town without having given a moment's time to move the sick and the helpless women and
children. Our artillery consisted of two old iron 12-pounder howitzers: one iron 6-pounder gun
(rudely mounted, one of them on old wagon wheels and without the ordinary equipments for
artillery, hand-spikes and wedges having to take the place of elevating screws), and two 6-
pounder brass guns at Fort No. 1. The balance of our force consisted of the following-named
commands and detachments of commands: Third Missouri State Militia Cavalry, commanded by
Col. W. King (453); Fourth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, commanded by Col. George H. Hall
(289); Eighteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Lieut. Col. Thomas Z. Cook (378);
Second Battalion Fourteenth Missouri State Militia, Cavalry, commanded by Lieut. Col. John
Pound (223); Seventy-fourth Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, commanded by Capt. Green B.
Phillips 48 convalescents, organized by Dr. S. H. Melcher, and stragglers commanded by Col. B.
Crabb and Captain McAfee (447). Total force, 2,099.
General, these troops acted like heroes. I am too weak from the loss of blood to dictate more.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. B. BROWN,
Brigadier-General.
Maj. Gen. SAMUEL G CURTIS,
Commanding Department of the Missouri.
I will add to the general's dispatch that he was treacherously shot from a secesh residence,
while leading a charge of his body guard when the day seemed to be lost.
JAS. H. STEGER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SAINT LOUIS, Mo.,
February 26, 1863---11 a.m.
Commission met pursuant to adjournment. Present, all the members. The proceedings of
yesterday were then read by the recorder.
The Commission, after mature deliberation, find the following facts: That on the 28th day of
December, A.D. 1862, six iron siege guns were spiked at New Madrid, Mo.; six gun carriages
and platforms were burned, and a quantity of ammunition destroyed. The loss to the
Government, aside from the loss of the ammunition, the value of which is not ascertained, was
about $350 or $450. A set of barracks were on the same day burned at New Madrid, but this was
purely the result of an accident. No other Government property was destroyed.
The ordnance and ordnance stores above mentioned were destroyed by men of the garrison of
New Madrid, under command of Col. John Scott, of the Thirty-second Regiment Iowa Volunteer
Infantry, commanding post. This was done by virtue of an order which Colonel Scott received
from Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Davies, commanding District of
Columbus; and although Colonel
36
Scott was not under the direct command of Brigadier-General Davies, he did right, under the
circumstances in obeying Brigadier-General Davies' order, and not only did his duty, but is
honorably acquitted of all blame.
Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Davies, U.S. Volunteers, commanding at that time the District of
Columbus, gave Col. John Scott the order, and is responsible for it. The post at Columbus, he
had good reason to suppose, was in imminent danger of capture by the rebel forces, and he acted
the part of a prudent and faithful officer in crippling the armament at New Madrid, Mo., and
removing the United States troops from that place to Fort Pillow. He is not only free from
culpability, but is honorably acquitted of all blame.
Neither Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Davies, U.S. Volunteers, nor Col. John Scott, Thirty-second
Regiment of Iowa Volunteers, should be dismissed the service of the United States.
There being no further business to transact, the Special Commission adjourned sine die.
WM. K. STRONG,
Brigadier-General U.S. Volunteers, President.
ALBERT G. BRACKETT,
Colonel Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Recorder.
Findings approved.
SAML. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
SPRINGFIELD, MO., January 8, 1863--11.50 p.m.
GENERAL: The firing at this post has just ceased. The attack was made at 10.10 this
morning. The fight lasted thirteen hours, under the command of General Marmaduke, C. S.
Army, with 5,000 picked mounted infantry and two pieces rifled field artillery, drawn by ten
horses each.
The expedition was fitted in this manner on the Arkansas River for the special service of the
capture of Springfield, with its forts and large depots of stores. They moved with great rapidity,
marching the last 50 miles in twenty-four hours, skirmishing with my scouting parties almost the
entire distance. He moved right up, and immediately commenced the fight by cannonading the
town without having given a moment's time to move the sick and the helpless women and
children. Our artillery consisted of two old iron 12-pounder howitzers: one iron 6-pounder gun
(rudely mounted, one of them on old wagon wheels and without the ordinary equipments for
artillery, hand-spikes and wedges having to take the place of elevating screws), and two 6-
pounder brass guns at Fort No. 1. The balance of our force consisted of the following-named
commands and detachments of commands: Third Missouri State Militia Cavalry, commanded by
Col. W. King (453); Fourth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, commanded by Col. George H. Hall
(289); Eighteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Lieut. Col. Thomas Z. Cook (378);
Second Battalion Fourteenth Missouri State Militia, Cavalry, commanded by Lieut. Col. John
Pound (223); Seventy-fourth Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, commanded by Capt. Green B.
Phillips 48 convalescents, organized by Dr. S. H. Melcher, and stragglers commanded by Col. B.
Crabb and Captain McAfee (447). Total force, 2,099.
General, these troops acted like heroes. I am too weak from the loss of blood to dictate more.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. B. BROWN,
Brigadier-General.
Maj. Gen. SAMUEL G CURTIS,
Commanding Department of the Missouri.
37
I will add to the general's dispatch that he was treacherously shot from a secesh residence,
while leading a charge of his body guard when the day seemed to be lost.
JAS. H. STEGER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. FOURTH DIST., ENROLLED MISSOURI MILITIA,
Springfield, January 11, 1863.
COLONEL : I have the honor to submit the following report:
On the evening of the 7th instant, Brig. Gen. E. B. Brown, commanding Southwestern
District of Missouri, received intelligence from a scouting party, composed of detachments of the
Fourteenth Missouri State Militia and Seventy-third Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, under
command of Captain [M.] Burch, that a large force of the enemy, said to be 6,000 strong, under
command of General Marmaduke, were moving on Lawrence's Mill, Taney County, from
Dubuque, Ark., with the intention of attacking this place, to capture the depot of arms and stores,
and to destroy all communication with the Army of the Frontier and Saint Louis.
Immediately orders were dispatched by me to Colonel [J. W.] Johnson, Twenty-sixth
Regiment; Colonel [Henry] Shoppard, Seventy-second Regiment; Colonel [Marcus] Boyd,
Seventy-fourth Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, to call in all their furloughed men and
concentrate them immediately at this post; also to detached companies in Dade and Lawrence
Counties.
In the course of the night information was received confirming the report of the enemy's
advance. At daylight on the 8th, the troops stationed at Ozark arrived, reporting the enemy had
arrived and burned their post, and by 10 a.m. our pickets were attacked, and he appeared on the
edge of the prairie southeast of town.
The enemy at once planted his battery and commenced firing upon the town and Fort No. 4,
commanding the approach from the south, while the cavalry, consisting of detachments of the
Third, Fourth, and Fourteenth Missouri State Militia, were formed on the left of the fort, and
charged on the enemy's right.
General Brown formed his line of battle, with detachments of cavalry on the left, southeast of
town, a detachment of the Eighteenth Iowa Infantry on their right, Fort No. 4, mounting two
guns, garrisoned with Company C, Colonel Boyd's Seventy-fourth Regiment Enrolled Missouri
Militia, Captain [G. B.] Phillips, and convalescent soldiers, commanded by Lieutenant [J.]
Hoffman, of the First Missouri Artillery, connected with the Army of the Frontier, and a brick
college, inclosed on three sides with palisades, used for a military prison, being the center;
Colonel Sheppard’s regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia Infantry to the right of the college,
flanked on his right by detachments of car-airy, with Fort No. 1 about one half mile to the rear,
being the extreme right, which was garrisoned by the Eighteenth Iowa and citizens.
The skirmishing with cavalry on our left, with artillery firing, continued with but trifling loss
until 2 p.m., when the enemy extended his left, and advanced his right and whole line toward
Fort No. 4. After some sharp fighting, he was repulsed from the fort, but succeeded in capturing
one piece of artillery, which, in charge of a small detachment of the Eighteenth Iowa, was
advanced too far to the front, the horses being killed and the men compelled to retire with heavy
loss. Upon the repulse from Fort No. 4, the enemy combined his attack upon our right wing,
composed of Colonel Sheppard's regiment, when the hardest and most decisive fighting of the
day took place. This regiment maintained its ground for more than an hour against
overwhelming numbers of the enemy's whole infantry, assisted by three pieces of artillery. The
two guns from Fort No. 4 played upon the enemy during the latter part of the time with
considerable effect.
38
Colonel Sheppard was compelled to fall back in the direction of Fort No. 1, taking advantage
of the scattered houses to continue the fight as they retired After falling back some 300 yards,
they were rallied, and made a spirited charge upon the enemy, driving them back south of the
Fayetteville road, being assisted on their left by a detachment of Iowa troops, under Col. B.
Crabb.
The enemy succeeded in gaining possession of the college building, a strong position,
enabling their sharpshooters to check our farther advance until night closed the contest.
Late in the day, Maj. A. C. Graves, of my staff, brigade commissary, who was acting as aidede-
camp, was mortally wounded, shot by a musket ball in left breast; Lieut. D. J. McCrosky,
Company A, Seventy second Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, killed; Maj. John Hornbeak
wounded in arm; Lieut. W. F. Lane, Company E, Seventy-second Regiment, leg broken;
Sergeants Burling and Campbell killed, and Sergeant Rainey mortally wounded.
Annexed in hand is a statement of killed, wounded, and missing of my command.
I take pleasure in reporting the valuable aid afforded me by members of my staff on the field,
Majors Sheppard, Bishop, Graves, and Clarke; also volunteer aide, Lieutenant Matthews, of
Eighth Missouri Cavalry Volunteers.
I am proud to report the bravery of my command, being raw troops, who have been greatly
maligned by enemies of the Union and some politicians of the State, and can assure the
Commander-in-Chief of their readiness to defend the Constitution and support the Government
of the United States and this State, not only with words, but by the sacrifice of their lives, as they
have so abundantly proved by their conduct on the now still more memorable day--the 8th of
January.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. B. HOLLAND,
Brig. Gen., Comdg. Fourth Dist., Enrolled Missouri Militia.
Col. WILLIAM D. WOOD,
Acting Adjutant-General, Missouri.
HEADQUARTERS SOUTHWESTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI,
Springfield, Mo., January 10, 1863.
GENERAL: Owing to the illness of General Brown, and by his request, I have the honor to
submit the following report of an engagement at this place, on the 8th instant, between the
Federal forces, commanded by Brigadier-General Brown, and a rebel force, under the command
of General Marmaduke:
On Wednesday, the 7th instant, about 3 p.m., General Brown received the first information
that the enemy, estimated from 4,000 to 6,000 strong, had forced our troops to abandon
Lawrence's Mill; that they had burned the mill and block-house there, and were rapidly
approaching this place by the way of Ozark.
Not having a force sufficient at that place to contend with the enemy, they were ordered to
fall back on this place, with instructions to destroy what Government property they could not
carry with them, which order was promptly executed.
The enemy entered Ozark a few minutes after our forces had evacuated it. They destroyed the
block-house, and then continued their march on this place. Messengers were dispatched to the
various stations around Springfield to send in re-enforcements, and the Enrolled Missouri Militia
was ordered into service.
The night of the 7th was spent in making preparations to meet the enemy. Under the
supervision of Lieutenant [J.] Hoffman, of Backof's First Missouri Light Artillery, two 12-
pounder iron howitzers and one 6-pounder piece were
mounted on wheels, as temporary
39
carriages, taken to the blacksmith shop, repaired, and rolled into the fort, No. 4, by daylight of
the 8th instant.
Dr. S. H. Melcher mustered some 300 convalescents from the various hospitals, who were
armed and equipped; also near 100 soldiers, who had recently been discharged from the same,
under command of Captain McAfee, were armed, and many loyal citizens turned out willingly,
and were armed, to fight in the defense of their homes.
At an early hour on the morning of the 8th, about 200 or 300 of the Enrolled Missouri Militia
reported for duty. Scouting parties were sent to the south and southeast, for the purpose of
ascertaining the whereabouts of the enemy and report their movements. At 10 a.m. of the 8th, the
scouts and pickets on the south of the town were fired upon, and driven in by the advance of the
enemy. They were soon discovered, some 2 or 3 miles off, formed in line of battle, and
advancing slowly across the prairie from the direction of Ozark. About one-half of their
command was dismounted, acted as infantry, supporting a battery of some three pieces of
artillery (one piece rifled), which formed their center, while their right and left wings were
formed of heavy bodies of cavalry.
In this manner, with skirmishers and sharpshooters thrown forward, they advanced steadily
and slowly, occasionally halting and firing shot from their rifled piece, apparently trying the
range and feeling their way. The cavalry, under the command of Colonel [W.] King, Third
Missouri State Militia, and Colonel [G. H.] Hall, Fourth Missouri State Militia, were ordered
forward to meet the advancing foe. By order, several houses were burned south of the fort, to
prevent the enemy from occupying them, and that the artillerymen and riflemen in the fort could
have an unobstructed view of their approach. As the enemy continued to advance, the firing
became more frequent. Our artillery opened fire upon them as soon as they came within range of
our guns. Our cavalry gradually retired within supporting distance of the fort. The artillery and
riflemen in the fort drove back the enemy's sharpshooters. The firing gradually increased until
about 1 p.m., when the forces on both sides were fiercely engaged.
Colonel King was ordered to charge with his regiment the enemy's right. He drove them
back, when they turned their artillery and sharpshooters upon him. At this time Colonel Hall,
with the Fourth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, by order, moved forward and engaged their
center, fighting with coolness and bravery, entitling them to high honor.
The cavalry being exposed in the open field to the fire of the enemy's artillery and infantry,
and fearful they would be cut to pieces, they were ordered to retire under protection of the fort,
which order was executed promptly and in good order, bringing with them their wounded. The
enemy threw forward a regiment of cavalry on our left, which was promptly checked by the
Second Battalion Fourteenth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, under command of Lieutenant-
Colonel Pound. Meantime the enemy were busy with their artillery throwing shot and shell at the
fort and into the houses occupied by our troops. Our artillery, before mentioned, under command
of Lieutenant Hoffman, and one field piece, under command of Captain Landis, Eighteenth Iowa
Infantry, were driving back the enemy's center; but the firing from the guns inside the fort,
though well aimed, was not sufficiently rapid, owing to their being manned by volunteers, with
only 5 artillery soldiers at the three pieces.
The enemy about 2 p.m. massed their forces and advanced on our center and right. Captain
[J. A.] Landis, with his piece of artillery, was ordered to advance to the front and right of the fort,
which order he promptly executed. He was supported by parts of three companies of the
Eighteenth Iowa, under their respective commanders, Captains [W. R.] Blue, [J.] Van Meter, and
[W.] Stonaker. This piece of artillery, owing to some mistake in the delivery of the order, was
placed in a very exposed position. The enemy, perceiving this, made a desperate charge upon it
with overwhelming numbers, killing the horses and driving
back the support; captured it after a
40
hard and bloody contest. Captains Blue and Van Meter fell, mortally wounded, and Captain
Landis and many of their brave comrades fell, severely wounded, while some were killed.
It was now between 2 and 3 p.m. The enemy had captured one piece of artillery; at the same
time had taken possession of an unfinished stockade fort that had been used as a prison, and were
pressing hard on our center and right. The "Quinine Brigade," which was placed under my
command, and which up to this time was stationed in various brick buildings in and around the
center of town, was ordered to move to the front and attack the enemy. I had the honor to lead
them in person, assisted by Lieutenants JaRhid Root, of the Nineteenth Iowa; [S. A.] Wilson,
Eighteenth Iowa, [W. F.] Bodenhammer, Twenty-fourth Missouri Volunteers.
We advanced to the front and west of the fort, and took a position behind a fence and about
50 to 75 yards from the rebels, who were likewise posted behind fences and in and around a
house to our front. After fighting for nearly one hour, the enemy gave way and fled precipitately
from this part of the field.
In the mean time they were making strong efforts to turn our right, and, after being driven
from our center, threw their main force forward for that purpose, when they were met by the
Seventy-second Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, under the command of Colonel Sheppard;
the "Quinine Brigade," under the command of' Lieutenants Root, Wilson, and Bodenhammer and
Captain [C. B.] McAfee, who repulsed them. There were also engaged at this time the Third and
Fourth Missouri State Militia Cavalry and the Second Battalion Fourteenth Missouri State
Militia, and five companies of the Eighteenth Iowa, two of which had recently come to our
support, under the command of Captain [W. H.] Evans. The enemy had gained possession of
several houses, and were pouring into our ranks volley after volley of musketry while they were
endeavoring to dislodge them. The cause became desperate; the enemy were pressing hard upon
our brave men, and they were yielding before the overwhelming numbers brought against them,
when General Brown and staff rode forward to encourage them, when he was treacherously shot
from a house by some hidden foe, and fell from his horse. He immediately remounted, but was
unable to remain in his saddle, and was carried off the field.
This was about 4 p.m., when I received all order from the general to take command, which I
immediately complied with. The fighting at this time was hard. It was one continual roar of
musketry and artillery. The enemy had advanced to a point beyond the range of the small-arms
of the fort; but the artillery continued to pour a heavy fire of shot and shell into their midst,
which would cause them to falter, but they would again and again rally. The stockade fort, which
they had previously taken possession of, gave them great protection, and in and around which
they would mass their forces, and from which they would make their charges. They would drive
our men, and then in turn be driven back.
A little after 5 o'clock they made the most desperate effort that they had made during the day
to drive back our forces by throwing their whole force upon our center and right wing, but
mainly upon the center. A part of the Seventy-second Enrolled Missouri Militia, Fourth Missouri
State Militia Cavalry (dismounted), the Second Battalion Fourteenth Missouri State Militia
Cavalry (dismounted), part of five companies of the Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, and the "Quinine
Brigade," amounting, in all, to about 800 men, had to oppose the major part of the rebel army,
amounting to three or four times their own number; but our troops met them promptly, and
fought them most gallantly for nearly one-half hour, when a part of our lines began to give back.
At this critical time, an officer commanding a company in the Second Battalion Fourteenth
Missouri State Militia, ordered his men to horse (as I was afterward informed, and the whole
battalion came running in great confusion to the rear, and took to home. I tried in vain to rally
them; they seemed panic-stricken. This caused a partial giving way among the other troops. I had
no difficulty in rallying them, and they went again into
the fight.
41
It was now near dark, and the enemy were making an additional demonstration on our left.
By this time Lieutenant-Colonel Pound, commanding, had succeeded in reforming the Second
Battalion Fourteenth Missouri State Militia. I ordered him to advance on the enemy's right,
which order he promptly executed. The enemy fired but a few rounds, and again retired, leaving
us in full possession of this part of the field.
Five additional companies of the Eighteenth Iowa, under the command of Lieut. Col. Thomas
Z. Cook, came to the rescue, whooping and cheering, which gave fresh courage to our brave
men, who immediately drove the enemy before them and back into the stockade fort. Colonel
Cook's troops arrived too late to take an active l)art in the engagement. Darkness coming on, the
firing gradually ceased, after which all was quiet, save an occasional firing from the artillery.
The enemy, under cover of the darkness, withdrew from the field, carrying away part of their
dead and wounded. I expected them to renew the attack on the following morning.
On the morning of the 9th, they appeared in full force to the east, and about 1 mile from
town. Preparations were made to receive them. A cavalry force was sent forward to engage them
and check their advance; but they declined another engagement and retired in haste. We did not
have a sufficient force to pursue them. We did not have at any one time during the day more than
900 to 1,000 men engaged. The enemy had some 4,000 men, under the command of General
Marmaduke, [Colonels] Shelby, Gordon, Gilkey, Elliott, MacDonald, and others, with three
pieces of artillery, who came with the full expectation of an easy conquest. They had invited
their friends in the country to come and bring their wagons, promising them all the booty they
could carry; but, thanks to a kind Providence, brave hearts, and strong arms, they were most
signally defeated in their designs of plunder.
The Seventy-second Regiment, Enrolled Missouri Militia, under the command of Col. Henry
Sheppard, fought well and faithfully during the entire contest. Companies A, C, F, G, and H, of
the Eighteenth Iowa, numbering 156 men, fought as Iowa boys know how to tight. Their heavy
loss and bloody record is proof of their valor. The "Quinine Brigade," made up of men from
Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and other States, fought like heroes, Spartans, and veterans, as their
respective commanders report. All the troops, with but few exceptions, did their duty.
I cannot forbear to say that to the vigilance of General Brown, his promptness in preparing to
meet the enemy, and to his coolness, courage, and personal supervision of the troops in battle,
while under his command, we are in a great measure indebted for our success. He has by his
conduct endeared himself to those under his command.
Lieut. Richard Root, Company K, Nineteenth Iowa, who arrived during the fight; Lieut. S. A.
Wilson, Company I, Eighteenth Iowa; Captain McAfee and Lieutenant Bodenhammer, who were
in command of the "Quinine Brigade ;" Capt. W. H. Evans, of Company F, Eighteenth Iowa; Dr.
Whitney, of the Fourth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, who took a gun and fought and the Rev.
Mr. Wynes, post chaplain, who, in the face of the enemy, assisted in removing the wounded from
the battle-field, deserve great praise for their gallant conduct during the engagement.
I am under many obligations, to Major Steger and Lieutenants Campion and Blodgett,
members of General Brown's staff, for the efficient service they rendered me. There are many
other officers and men deserving of honorable mention.
We lost 14 killed, 144 wounded, and 4 missing, making a total of killed, wounded, and
missing of 162. The enemy's loss cannot be definitely ascertained. Their own estimates of their
losses range from 200 to 300 killed and wounded. Among their slain is a major.
We captured several prisoners, and among them are 2 commissioned officers. We buried a
part of their dead, and have some 60 to 80 of their wounded to take care of.
I send herewith attached a detailed report of the killed, &c.
I have the honor to remain, your most obedient servant,
42
B. CRABB,
Colonel, Commanding.
Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS,
Commanding Department of the Missouri.
HEADQUARTERS,
Houston, Mo., January 12, 1863.--5 a.m.
My force of 1,000 men attacked Marmaduke's column, 1,500 strong, 7 miles west of
Hartville, toward Springfield (2 a.m., January 11) The enemy were repulsed, and retreated upon
Hartville, where the rebels were re-enforced by Porter, Burbridge, and Greene, 3,500 strong,
with five pieces of artillery. They had a most obstinate fight, until sunset, when our force fell
back toward Lebanon in perfect order. Our losses are heavy, but the enemy's much greater.
Captain [G. D.] Bradway, of Company E, Third Missouri Cavalry, is the only officer reported
killed. I move toward Hartville at 6 o'clock this morning, with 500 men and two pieces of
artillery, although barely able to keep my saddle. The infantry in wagons. Our artillery, under
Lieutenant [William] Waidschmidt, did fine execution, while the enemy's was badly served, and
did us but little damage. Colonel Merrill, of the Twenty-first Iowa, was wounded. I can give no
further particulars of casualties.
FITZ HENRY WARREN,
Brigadier-General.
Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS,
Saint Louis, Mo.
HEADQUARTERS,
Houston, Mo., January 14, 1863.
The battle at Hartville is developed into a brilliant victory. Lieutenant-Colonel [C. W]
Dunlap, with a portion of the Twenty-first Iowa, held the field two hours after the enemy
retreated, and Lieutenant [F.] Dale, of same regiment, with 17 men, bivouacked on the fightingground,
and received the flags of truce in the morning. [J. C.] Porter is reported dead of his
wounds. Colonels Hinkle [?] and [G. W.] Thompson. Major [George R.] Kirtley, Captain [C. M.]
Turpin, and 2 lieutenants are killed, and Captain [L. J.] Crocker and 2 other captains wounded.
We captured 2 surgeons, 1 lieutenant, and 38 privates. Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap and
Lieutenant [J. H.] Alexander, of the Twenty-first Iowa, are wounded, in addition to those already
reported. Colonel [S.] Merrill and command are within l0 miles of camp. The whole force will be
concentrated to-day.
General Marmaduke sends this message by a citizen prisoner: "Tell General Warren his men
fought like tigers "--a generous tribute to as brave soldiers as ever bore muskets.
FITZ HENRY WARREN,
Brigadier-General.
Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS,
Saint Louis, Mo.
HEADQUARTERS,
Houston, Mo., January 16, 1863.
COLONEL: I have the honor to report the operations of my force against the combined
troops of General Marmaduke and [Colonel] MacDonald and Colonel Porter.
Immediately on the receipt of a copy of the telegram from Brigadier-General Brown,
commanding at Springfield, January 9, informing Major-General Curtis of the advance of a
column of 6,000 rebels toward Springfield, I ordered
Colonel [S.] Merrill, of the Twenty-first
43
Iowa, senior officer, to move with 700 men--infantry, cavalry, and one section of artillery--by a
forced march to Springfield, to report to the commanding officer there. My own health
incapacitated me from the fatigue of the expedition. For greater speed and progress, I sent with
them a heavy transportation train for use of the infantry.
They reached Hartville at 6 a m. Saturday, and learned that Porter's column had passed
through, taking the Marshfield road. Here Colonel Merrill was re-enforced by 180 men of the
Third Iowa and Third Missouri Cavalry, under command of Captain [T. G.] Black, Third
Missouri Cavalry, sent by me to overtake and join them. The command pushed on some miles
toward Springfield, and halted for supper and rest on Wood's Fork.
No indications of the enemy were observed until reveille was sounded at 2 o'clock Sunday
morning, when our scouts reported the advance of a heavy column in the direction of
Springfield. Our position was a most unfavorable one, being an open space on the margin of the
river, with high swells of ground, covered with timber and brush, surrounding. The command
was thrown into line of battle, and skirmishers sent out to dispute the advance.
Brisk firing was kept up for an hour, during which Captain [G. D.] Bradway, Company E,
Third Missouri Cavalry, was killed, when the enemy fell back in a southerly direction. This was
a most favorable movement for us. Had they made a stand with their combined forces, they
would have completely enveloped the command and cut them to pieces.
Sending out a pursuing force of cavalry, Colonel [S.] Merrill resumed his march on the
Hartville road, and soon discovered that the rebel force was swinging round and moving on
Hartville by the old Springfield road. The cavalry were promptly ordered to a trot and the
artillery thrown to the front, while the infantry came up on double-quick in gallant style. Colonel
Merrill's dispositions were made with great judgment and coolness. The artillery took position on
a favorable elevation west of the court-house the Ninety-ninth Illinois formed the right, flanked
on the left by the Twenty-first Iowa, both in a cover of low brush, while the left, composed of
detachments of the Third Iowa and Third Missouri Cavalry, dismounted, extended in an
attenuated line on the Lebanon road, also screened by a sparse undergrowth.
Our artillery opened fire at 11 o'clock. The position of their troops was, 1,000 thrown out 3
miles on the Houston road; 1,000 held the lower approach from Springfield; 1,000 rested on the
Gasconade, south of town, covered by a high bluff, while 2,500 to 3,000 were in the open field in
front of our lines, and occupying the court-house and the dwellings of the town. Their artillery
(five pieces) was in battery on a high bluff east of town, and to occupy it they used a road cut out
by my order for the same purpose during my former occupancy of Hartville. The officers in
command were General Marmaduke and [Colonel] MacDonald, and Colonels Porter,
Thompson, Burbridge, Shelby, Hinkle [?], Jeffers, and Campbell.
The battle opened after the fire of artillery by a charge of Jeffers' cavalry, 700 strong, on our
whole line. The infantry, lying flat, held themselves with great coolness until the line was in easy
range, when they fired with great accuracy and threw the whole force into utter confusion.
From this time until 4.30 o'clock the firing was incessant; but smaller bodies of men were
brought out, and although at times both flank and the center were heavily pressed, no large
columns were moved up Our men held their cover and did fine execution, while the artillery
shelled the enemy from the court and other houses.
At this time, 3 p.m., had we had a reserve of 500 men we could have broken their line and
compelled their retreat in disorder; but every man was required to hold our only avenue of
retreat, the Lebanon road, where our communication was constantly threatened. The enemy
commenced falling back, as I am informed by Lieutenant [J. D.] Brown, Third Iowa Cavalry
(taken prisoner while reconnoitering at Wood's Fork during the first fight), at 3 o'clock, and the
retreat became general at twilight.
44
In the mean time, our artillery ammunition being nearly spent, Colonel Merrill, ignorant of
their movement, ordered the detachments to fall back on the Lebanon road, which they did in
perfect order with their whole transportation, losing not even a musket or a cartridge-box.
Our loss, as by statement appended herewith, is 7 killed, 64 wounded, 5 prisoners, and 2
missing. Theirs is larger in men and officers. From subsequent details, I am satisfied it will
exceed 300 in killed and wounded, besides 2 lieutenants and 27 privates prisoners. Among the
killed, whose bodies were recognized at Hartville, are Brig. Gen. [Colonel] Emmett MacDonald,
Colonels Thompson and Hinkle [?], Major Kirtley, Captain Turpin, and two lieutenants (names
not known), Colonel Porter, mortally wounded (since dead), Captain Crocker, well known in
Western Missouri, and two other captains severely wounded. One piece of their artillery was
dismounted and abandoned. They retreated toward Houston, but on Monday changed their
direction and moved rapidly south to the North Fork of White River, at the mouth of Indian
Creek, where they paroled and released Lieutenant Brown and other prisoners.
General Marmaduke several times on the march expressed his wonder at the bravery of our
troops, repeating, "Why, lieutenant, your boys fought like devils!" I cannot sufficiently express
my admiration of their conduct. The Twenty-first Iowa and Ninety-ninth Illinois were never
before under fire, yet not a single man or officer flinched. Nothing could have been finer than
their steadiness and discipline. The Third Iowa and Third Missouri Cavalry are equally cool and
determined, but they have before seen dangerous service. Where all were so brave, I am
embarrassed to distribute commendation. To Colonel Merrill, in command of the force, I am
under high obligations for his prudent firmness and good disposition. Lieutenant-Colonel
Dunlap, Twenty-first Iowa, was conspicuous, much exposed, and wounded. He is worthy of high
praise. Lieutenant-Colonel [L.] Parke, commanding Ninety-ninth Illinois, and Major [E. A.]
Crandall, of the same corps, won honor and did their whole duty. Major [G.] Duffield,
commanding the cavalry force, is also to be mentioned in warm terms; but Captain [T. G.] Black,
in command of the Third Missouri Cavalry, made himself a most enviable reputation. Thirteen
shot-holes in his coat sufficiently indicate where he was -in the hottest of the fire. I respectfully
commend him to your attention and that of Governor Gamble, for one of the vacant field
commissions in his regiment, which he has so nobly earned. I should be unjust did I omit to
name Captain [J. A.] Lennon, of the same regiment, who, at the head of his company, held a
most exposed post, and had several narrow escapes from sharpshooters concealed in the brush.
But the artillery saved the battle. Lieutenant [W.] Waldschmidt's gunnery was superb and his
coolness astonishing. The enemy's Parrott gun got his range, and fired with great precision,
compelling him to change the position of his pieces constantly.
A courier reached Houston, giving me the information of the engagement at 3 o'clock
Monday morning. I at once moved with 500 men to Hartville, supposing the enemy still in force.
Arriving within 7 miles at 4 p.m., my reconnoitering parties brought me intelligence that they
were retreating in the direction of Houston. Sending back a courier with orders to Lieutenant-
Colonel Caldwell, in command, to hold the place until I could re-enforce him, I countermarched
in all haste, through mud and rain, and reached Houston that evening, finding all quiet.
Colonel Merrill's force rejoined me Thursday, and I am now once more concentrated.
Hoping that our conduct will meet the approbation of the general commanding, I am, colonel,
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FITZ HENRY WARREN,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Col. No P. CHIPMAN,
Chief of Staff, Saint Louis, Mo.
45
LEBANON, MO., January 22, 1863.
GENERAL: In obedience to your order of to-day, I send you a full report of the battle of
Hartville, on the 11th instant:
With 800 men and two pieces of artillery, under Colonel Merrill, we left Houston Friday
noon to re-enforce Springfield.
Sunday morning about 4 o'clock we encountered the rebel army, under General Marmaduke,
9 miles beyond Hartville, on the Springfield road. A brisk fire of artillery and some skirmishing
among the cavalry ensued, and continued until about 8 o'clock, when the enemy withdrew, and,
as we soon learned, took a circuitous route toward Hartville. Our forces immediately started for
the same point. We took 30 or 40 prisoners in this engagement, from whom we learned that
Marmaduke had with him something over 5,000 men, having been joined by Porter and Greene
since his attack on Springfield.
Both armies arrived at Hartville at the same time (a little before 11 a.m.), and took positions
on opposite sides of the town. Our line formed the arc of' a circle, close to the place, on the brow
of a row of hills, sheltered by underbrush and small trees. The Twenty-first Iowa Infantry
occupied the center, and Ninety-ninth Illinois the right, and dismounted Third Iowa Cavalry and
Third Missouri Cavalry the left. Our artillery, Lieutenant Waidschmidt commanding, opened on
the enemy immediately with shell. When he had fired a few rounds, the rebels commenced
replying briskly. In a few moments their cavalry dismounted and charged upon us along our
whole line, but, receiving repeated and heavy volleys from our forces, they gave way and fled to
the other side of the town, leaving many dead and wounded behind them. Fresh troops came to
their aid, and they again charged upon us in force, and were each time handsomely repulsed with
great loss on their part. In one instance they charged upon our artillery, in heavy force, with
mounted cavalry, but were driven back in confusion by the cross-fire of the Ninety-ninth Illinois
and Twenty-first Iowa Infantry. Charges were repeatedly made, and as often repulsed, and a
heavy and destructive fire of artillery and musketry maintained until about the middle of the
afternoon, our troops having manifestly the best of the fight.
Finding that the town was full of rebel sharpshooters, who were very annoying to us, I sent a
request to Colonel Merrill to have the artillery turned upon them. Not being able to find him, I
ordered Lieutenant Waidschmidt to shell the town, and clear the court-house and other places of
rebels. He immediately turned his pieces upon the town with good effect, but, after firing a few
shots, retired from his position. About the same time firing ceased on both my right and left, and,
supposing that a strategic movement was going on, I increased the force of my fire, in order to
attract the attention of the rebels while the other commands changed their positions. In about half
an hour, not hearing anything from our troops, I sent men out to look for them, who soon
returned and reported that our forces had all left the field. In what direction they had gone I could
not ascertain.
Finding myself deserted and without orders (I had received no orders and seen no
commanding officer since I got into position in the forenoon), I determined to hold my position,
at least until dark, in order to conceal from the enemy the absence of most of our forces and keep
him ignorant of my own weakness. I had only 250 men of the Twenty-first Iowa. I threw squads
of men to the right and left, with orders to maintain rapid firing. After this they charged upon our
front three times, in one instance coming up in four ranks, and were every time repulsed, thrice at
the point of the bayonet. A continued running fire was carried on between the charges.
Half an hour before sundown, much to our satisfaction, the enemy commenced falling back
and retreating over the opposite hills in a southerly direction. They were so near that we could
distinctly hear the orders of their officers and see every movement. They began to move off
rapidly; seeing which I increased my fire, in order, as
much as possible, to hurry their retreat. By
46
sundown their whole army was in full retreat, and their rear guard followed, leaving us in full
possession of the field. Paroled prisoners report that Marmaduke did not halt a moment from this
time until noon of the next day, and then only for a few moments.
My men all acted finely, and were cool and active when they learned that they were left alone
in front of a rebel horde of 5,000 men. I remained on the field about three-quarters of an hour,
and gathered up what things we could. It was a cold night, and my men had been forty hours
with but a few moments' sleep and nothing to eat. Our rations, blankets, and overcoats were with
the train, and I sent in pursuit of it, supposing we should find it a few miles from the place. My
horse was shot in the early part of the fight, and no horse was left with us by which I could send
out a messenger to ascertain the whereabouts of the train.
I found our train and the forces next morning encamped on the Lebanon road. The colonel
commanding having gone on with most of the cavalry the night before, I took command of the
brigade, and put it in motion for Lebanon, the nearest point then to us.
The rebels sent in a flag of truce the next morning, with a party to take care of their wounded
and bury their dead, the number of which I think will amount to 200 killed, among whom are
Colonel Emmett MacDonald, Colonel Porter, and other important officers, and about 300
wounded.
The number of our killed and wounded is comparatively small, owing to our sheltered
position and the height of the enemy's fire.
Our troops all behaved nobly, and did fine execution while they were left on the field, and
were surprised at being withdrawn.
The battle of Hartville began about 10.45 a.m. and lasted until nearly sundown. The firing
was continuous and rapid on both sides during the whole time. The last half of the battle was
fought by the Twenty-first Iowa alone, and resulted in a signal victory to our arms and in driving
Marmaduke with thinned ranks back into Arkansas.
Having with pleasure obeyed your orders to report the particulars of this battle, I remain,
general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. W. DULAP,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Twenty-.first Iowa Volunteers.
Major-General CURTIS.
HDQRS. DIST. OF EAST. ARK.,
Helena, Ark., January 3, 1863.
GENERAL: On January 1, the Texas Rangers, with 25 or 30 men, about sunrise made a dash
upon my pickets again, where 26 men and 1 commissioned officer were on duty, and, without
the least resistance or the firing of a gun, disgracefully surrendered and were taken off. They
belonged to the Twenty-eighth Iowa, a new regiment, but a short time in the service. The officer
must be disgracefully dismissed from the service, and I trust you will order that the men, when
they return under parole, as they probably will in a few days, shall be ordered on duty again and
put in the front of the first fight, and if ever captured again let them be hung, as they deserve.
There are strong suspicions that they surrendered to be paroled, that they might get home. They
were all sitting down and lying around, shamefully neglecting their duty.
About four days previous to this they attacked our cavalry pickets from an ambuscade in the
dense woods; killed 2 and wounded 16. These belonged to the Sixth Missouri Cavalry, and
behaved handsomely. None were captured. I am still occupying Friar's Point with the Twentyninth
Wisconsin Regiment, 100 cavalry, and two pieces of artillery.
General Sherman's troops, on the way down the Mississippi, wantonly burned much
property, The general arrested the guilty parties, had
them tried promptly, and seven of them
47
shot. I am not advised to what regiment or command they belonged. This is the first execution
for plundering, marauding, or burning property that has occurred in our army during the war. I
regret to say that this army has acquired an unenviable reputation for plundering, robbing, and
burning property. The discipline is improving. When I took command it seemed to me the most
undisciplined mob I ever came in contact with. The materiel is splendid, but the political
demagogues among the line officers are enough to damn the best army on God's footstool. I
found colonels giving leaves of absence, men and officers slipping off home on boats, and all
manner of breaches of discipline and order. I have had thorough inspections of infantry, artillery,
and cavalry, commissary and quartermaster's departments, transportation, and all public
property. I have had drills and reviews of every arm of the service. If I had thirty days' pretty
weather, I would set up this army in as fine style as need be.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. A. GORMAN,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Major-General CURTIS,
Commanding Department of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo.
NEW MADRID, Mo., January 3, 1863.
GENERAL: I occupied this post with my regiment yesterday. We found the guns spiked, gun
carriages burned, and magazine blown up, filling the works with debris. The defenses proper are
but little injured. No opposition was made to my landing, the few guerrillas in the place
scattering to the country. From the best intelligence I hear, there is no large body of the enemy
within 30 miles, but several bands of from 100 to 250, which, united, would make considerable
force. I would suggest, general, that we need a company or two of cavalry to scour the country
and pick up information, capture chiefs of guerrilla bands, &c. We also need a battery of light
artillery. If it is a possible thing, I would like to have them furnished immediately.
I am, general, your obedient servant,
D. H. HUGHES,
Colonel Commanding Thirty-eighth Iowa Infantry.
Brigadier-General FISK
HEADQUARTERS FIRST IOWA CAVALRY,
Camp at Carrollton, Ark., January 13, 1863.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with instructions received from
you, I left at Huntsville, Ark., on the morning of the 9th instant, at 8 o'clock, with a detachment
of the First Regiment Iowa Cavalry, numbering 300 officers and men, and proceeded toward
Kingston, Ark., where I arrived at 2 p.m. of said day, when I received important information of
the movements of the enemy, which I immediately conveyed to you by dispatch.
The guides who accompanied me not being acquainted with the region of country beyond
Kingston, where your instructions required that I should go, I procured new guides at the abovenamed
place, and proceeded on the road 4 miles beyond Kingston. It being 4 p.m., and learning
that the road before me were a winding one, through wild mountains, utterly devoid of
habitations, I bivouacked for the night, and threw out on all the roads in the vicinity strong
guards.
Early in the evening the picket guard on the eastern road captured 3 men and 14 head of
horses and mules, owned by an individual called Parson Rodgers, who confessed to me that he
was engaged in buying horses and mules and selling them to the army of the so-called
Confederate States, this being the third lot he had
purchased.
48
During the night Capt. J. D. Jenks and Corporal Ramsey, of Company D, First Iowa Cavalry,
having in charge 3 prisoners, captured while on picket, and being on their way to camp with
them, were halted on the road by some unknown person or persons, who demanded that they
surrender, which was promptly refused; whereupon the party was fired upon, without injury,
however, to any one, and the fire instantly returned by Captain Jenks, killing 1 man, whose name
was ascertained to be Allen Bernham. Captain Jenks and Corporal Ramsey succeeded in reach
big camp safely with 2 of the 3 prisoners, l of the prisoners escaping during the encounter.
At 4 o'clock on the following morning I had the column in motion, and by daylight reached
the salpeter works on Buffalo River, 14 miles from Kingston, where I completely surprised the
small force there employed, and captured 17 out of 20; the lieutenant in charge and 2 men being
engaged at work in the timber a short distance from the buildings, succeeded in making good
their escape.
The buildings, fourteen in number, very extensive, entirely new and of good workmanship,
together with two steam-engines, three boilers, seven large iron kettles, weighing, according to
the bill for the same, found on the premises, 800 pounds each, besides half a ton of saltpeter, a
large fire-proof iron safe (Hall's patent), three Concord wagons, two carts, and all the
appurtenances of a first-class establishment of this character, were completely destroyed by fire
and otherwise.
After remaining at this place about six hours, I moved my command to a point 4 miles below,
on Buffalo River, and sent a detachment of 100 men, under the command of Captains [Alexander
G.] McQueen and [David C.] Dinsmore, of the First Iowa Cavalry, to destroy an establishment of
similar character. The working party, having a lookout posted on an elevated point on the
mountains, escaped, but the detachment took possession of the works, which consisted of several
frame buildings, entirely new, with four large iron kettles, in full operation, all of which were
destroyed.
In the mean time I captured, in the valley and mountains skirting the Buffalo River, some 20
prisoners, all notorious outlaws, and a like number of horses.
Having been entirely successful in accomplishing all that was assigned to me, without
casualty to any of my command, I started on my return, and recrossed the mountains in the nighttime,
arriving in camp, at Carrollton, Ark., on the evening of January 12, delivering my
prisoners, to the number of 39, and 39 horses and mules, to Lieutenant-Colonel [Elias B.]
Baldwin, of the Eighth Missouri Cavalry, provost-marshal of the Third Division, Army of the
Frontier.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. W. CALDWELL,
Major First Iowa Cavalry
Brig. Gen. F. J. HERRON,
Commanding. Third Division, Army of the Frontier.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH KANSAS REGIMENT,
Camp Vandever, March 13, 1863.
COLONEL: In accordance with Special Orders, No. 60, brigade headquarters, and
subsequent orders from Brigadier-General [B. M.] Prentiss, I proceeded with my command,
composed of 50 infantry (Twenty-fourth Indiana Volunteers), 25 cavalry (Third Iowa
Volunteers), and one section of the Second Ohio Battery (6-pounders), on board the steamer
Hamilton Belle, up the Saint Francis River, starting on Friday, March 5, at 9 a.m. Nothing of
interest occurred until we arrived at Madison, a small country town situated at a point where the
Memphis and Little Rock Railroad crosses the Saint Francis
River. We arrived at this point a
49
little after daylight, and, from the nature of the river, we were entirely concealed from
observation from the town until we arrived within a few hundred yards of it. Here we completely
surprised a rebel force of about 75 strong, who fled in great confusion as the boat touched the
landing, leaving behind everything except the clothing they had upon their persons. My infantry
and cavalry landed with the greatest possible celerity, and pursued them in every direction,
capturing and bringing to the boat 27 of their number. Of course, everything they left behind fell
into our hands, consisting of arms, horses, horse equipments, blankets, &c.
Having instructions from General Prentiss to capture, if possible, the steamer Miller, which
was said to be somewhere in Little River near its mouth, I therefore continued up the Saint
Francis until I came to the mouth of that river; thence up the same for about 25 miles, when I
reached the Miller, which, to my disappointment, I found in a sunken condition. The point where
the Miller lay was about 250 miles from Helena, and believing that before I could return the
rebels would probably collect all available troops together at some favorable point to dispute my
passage, I seized, at different points and from different persons, sixty-four bales of cotton, out of
which I had constructed very efficient breastworks, not only for the protection of the men, but for
the protection of the boat in case they should bring artillery to bear upon us.
Upon my return, I captured, near the mouth of Little River, 3 men engaged in contraband
trade. I found in their possession 13 barrels of salt, 2 barrels of flour, 80 ounces of quinine, and a
large amount of percussion-caps. At Wittsburg I captured 15 hogsheads of sugar, and received
information that the enemy had collected in considerable force at Madison, and had blockaded
the river. Arriving within about 2 miles of Madison, I discovered a loss of cotton placed upon a
conspicuous point on a high, sloping bank. Believing it to be a trap, I ordered the artillerymen to
drop a few shells into the thick underbrush a short distance back of the cotton bales. I soon
discovered, farther up on the slope, a large number of saddled horses, which convinced me that
my suspicions were well founded.
I continued the shelling process, and, coming within nearer range, I swept the underbrush
with canister. I then landed as rapidly as possible my entire force, leaving about one-half on the
river bank by the boat as a reserve. The balance deployed as skirmishers and soon came upon the
enemy, who had been previously scattered by our artillery. A running fight ensued, which
resulted in the enemy retreating to the hills, leaving 4 of their dead upon the field.
In this skirmish Lieutenant [William C.] Niblack, of the Third Iowa Cavalry, received a
severe buck-shot wound in the left breast while gallantly leading his cavalry. No other one on
our side sustained any injury.
After securing the cotton used as a bait and some horses captured upon the field, I proceeded
to Madison, where I found the river blockaded by means of a chain drawn between the piers of
the railroad bridge. I landed above the bridge and sent out skirmishers to reconnoiter and cover
the operations of a working party sent to remove the blockade. A little skirmishing' ensued, and
we captured 1 prisoner. My working party soon reported a safe passage through the blockade. I
called in my skirmishers and without much difficulty cleared the bridge, which was no sooner
accomplished than a heavy volley saluted us from a cane-break on the right, where the enemy
were posted behind log breastworks. After about 25 rounds from our field pieces, the enemy
retreated in great confusion, and we experienced no further interruption between that point and
Helena, where we arrived on the morning of the 12th, it being the seventh day out.
I cannot but speak in the highest terms of the manner in which the officers and men of the
different detachments conducted themselves throughout. It was truly gratifying and well worthy
of imitation.
We captured in all 46 prisoners, 10 of whom I paroled on account of being short of
subsistence. The balance I have turned over to the
provost-marshal general.
50
The following is a list of captured property (contraband) and property seized for military
purposes:
Cotton bales. 4
Sugar hogsheads. 15
Salt barrels. 13
Flour 2
Bacon pounds. 500
Horses 23
Mules 3
Quinine ounces. 80
Shot-guns, rifles, &c., about 30
Percussion-caps 500
Sixty bales of cotton seized for military purposes, claimants of which were permitted to
return with the expedition to represent their claims.
Having nothing further to report, I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
POWELL CLAYTON,
Colonel, Commanding
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS,
Helena, Ark., March 11, 1863.
GENERAL: On the morning of the 6th instant I dispatched Major [Samuel] Walker, of the
Fifth Kansas Cavalry, with about 500 men of different regiments, in search of a camp of rebels
said to be between Big and Lick Creeks, and he reports to me that he arrived at Lick Creek on
the 8th instant, and after hunting in vain for an enemy, he sent Major Winslow to one crossing of
Big Creek and went himself to the other, at both of which he encountered small parties of rebels,
killing 1, taking I prisoner, and destroying their ferry-boats. One man of the Fourth Iowa Cavalry
was shot from his horse while on picket, and Lieutenant [Joseph] McCarty and Sergeant Orcutt,